The sudden embrace made Gan Baobao's body stiffen instantly.
But the embrace was so warm and strong, filled with a reassuring presence.
All the grievances she had been suppressing these past few days erupted at that moment. She could no longer hold back. Burying her face against Lin Xuan's solid chest, she let out a soft sob.
One of Lin Xuan's arms circled her slender waist, while his other hand gently patted her back, as if soothing a child who had been wronged.
For Gan Baobao, even this degree of physical contact was more than enough to leave her defenseless.
After all, they had shared even more intimate contact these past few days.
Her chest had pressed against his back, and her hands had caressed every inch of his muscles. Her thighs and arms had even supported his feet.
By comparison, this simple embrace seemed... pure and gentle.
Through the thin fabric, she could clearly feel the warmth of his chest and the steady beat of his heart. That familiar, masculine scent enveloped her completely.
For some reason, it made her feel utterly safe, as if she had found a harbor she could rely on.
"All right, all right. Why are you crying?" Lin Xuan's voice sounded above her head, a hint of helpless affection in it. "You just couldn't learn it. What's the big deal? You're not the brightest, so it's only natural you couldn't learn it."
He had only meant to make a joke and lighten the mood.
But when Gan Baobao heard him say she wasn't the brightest, she felt even worse.
She thought he had laid bare her stupidity, and the mix of shame and hurt made her cry harder.
She lifted her small fists and weakly pounded his chest. Her blows were so soft that