Leaving by Formation! Beginnings and Endings!

Before long, Li Bufan returned to his room. He pushed open the door. Candlelight flickered within, and a faint scent of sandalwood filled the air.

His footsteps paused slightly, for he saw Zhao Jingyao sitting by the table, chin propped in both hands, seemingly lost in thought.

Hearing the door open, she hurriedly rose to her feet. A steaming bath barrel stood on the floor, mist curling from it and carrying a faint medicinal fragrance. It had clearly been prepared only moments ago.

Zhao Jingyao pointed at the bath barrel still giving off waves of heat and said softly, "Brother Li, you must have exhausted yourself these days, haven't you? Have a proper wash and get some rest." Her voice was quiet, touched with gentleness and concern. Her gaze rested on Li Bufan, her eyes full of expectation.

Li Bufan looked at the bath barrel, then at Zhao Jingyao. After a moment of silence, he said, "Miss Jingyao, these matters can simply be left to the stewards. You are the esteemed young lady of the Zhao Family. For you to do this for me... Bufan cannot accept it."

Zhao Jingyao lowered her head, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes. Her voice was slightly choked. "Brother Li, I know. If it hadn't been for you, whether the Zhao Family could still exist now would be uncertain, let alone becoming an imperial merchant. I know you're leaving tomorrow. I... I want to..."

As she spoke, her voice grew softer and softer. Her cheeks flushed, as though she had something she wished to say but could not bring herself to voice.

She bit her lip, lifted her head, and looked at Li Bufan, her eyes brimming with tenderness.

Li Bufan sighed inwardly. He was not made of wood; naturally, he could