...The scene before his eyes went blank.
Zhang Xiu was spat out by the bubble.
He did not get up, letting himself lie collapsed on the ground, curled up and trembling.
As a child, he had been scared witless and wanted only to get to his feet quickly. When he returned and faced his father, what he received was not comfort, but a reprimand:
"You disgrace! I should throw you into a military academy! Don't come back until you've learned to take on ten men at once!"
All of that had happened a very, very long time ago.
So long ago that, unless he deliberately thought about it, he would forget, not even knowing where to direct his anger.
At that thought, Zhang Xiu stopped trembling. He braced both hands against the cold ground, then slowly stood, lifting his bowed head.
His expression was indifferent, his eyes holding a different kind of resolve.
But I will never let it go. I will become...a hero.
Soon, Zhang Xiu had composed himself and quietly awaited Yaoshi's return.
Asland had already left the shop, but people were still lining up, including that Pepeshi.
When he turned to look, the Pepeshi even waved awkwardly at him, his face plastered with a strained smile.
Clear, unhurried footsteps sounded behind him. Zhang Xiu blinked, and upon realizing Yaoshi had emerged, a gentle smile appeared on his face as well.
Then he saw that compassionate face.
She had clearly entered "anger," yet now Yaoshi's face was filled with pity and compassion.
A smile touched her lips, her eyes lowered, as though she were a mother gazing at her peacefully sleeping child.
The sight of Yaoshi reminded Zhang Xiu of the grandeur she had possessed when they first met.
What had she seen?
"Husband?" Yaoshi looked up