Li Wei had never wanted to meddle in other people's business.
But Qin Lan's fragility and sorrow now lingered around her like something tangible, making it impossible for her to ignore.
She wanted to try comforting her, but did not know where to begin.
Her gaze fell once more on the letter atop the short cabinet, which had only its opening written. After thinking for a moment, Li Wei tentatively spoke.
"Who... is it written to?"
Unexpectedly, such an ordinary question was the last straw that broke the camel's back.
Qin Lan abruptly covered her face and curled into herself, her shoulders shuddering violently as she let out sobs suppressed to the utmost limit.
Li Wei was at a loss.
After hesitating for a moment, she got up, moved over to sit beside Qin Lan, and gently patted her trembling back.
Without saying a word, she simply stayed with her in silence.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment.
Perhaps ten minutes. Perhaps twenty.
Li Wei did not urge her on or grow impatient.
Amid Qin Lan's intermittent sobs, the restless heart that had been agitated because she could not farm any essence instead gradually quieted and grew peaceful.
Perhaps the unrestrained crying had allowed the pain in her heart to find release.
Through Li Wei's perception, the darkness in Qin Lan's emotions had eased somewhat.
Her sobs gradually stopped.
Qin Lan slowly lowered her hands and turned her pair of reddened eyes toward Li Wei. She looked a little embarrassed.
"S-sorry, Captain Jiang... for letting you see me like this..."
Li Wei warmly shook her head. "You can just call me Jiang Xue."
Her voice seemed to possess a peculiar soothing power. Combined with the faint, pure fragrance of white lotus about her, it made Qin Lan inexplicably