"Hurry... swear on the shooting stars! They say it really works!"
Han Chanjuan pointed at the shooting stars overhead, her excited voice a little breathless.
The fireworks had faded, leaving only a few clusters of sparks trailing light as they fell through the night sky. They really did look just like shooting stars.
Her insistence left He An no choice but to raise his hand helplessly, hold up three fingers, and say, "With high heaven above and the deep earth as witness, I, He An, swear that I will never harm Han Chanjuan or her family. If I break this oath, may heaven strike-"
Before he could finish, a small, warm hand covered his lips.
"I don't want you saying... anything that would hurt you... I believe you..."
Joy and worry mingled in Han Chanjuan's eyes, and she could not help interrupting him.
Touched, He An caught her slender hand. Her palm was warm and silky, soft as though it had no bones, and his heart stirred.
They sat facing one another beneath the gentle lamplight and lovely night sky. Even the air seemed to grow tender and enchanting, while little flames of affection quietly rose in their hearts...
With her hand held in his, Han Chanjuan felt her cheeks grow hot, but her heart was sweet with happiness. Like a chick pecking at grain, she planted a swift kiss on He An's cheek...
Beneath the stars, the silhouettes of a young man and woman slowly drew together, gradually overlapping...
At some point, the moon emerged from the clouds. As though unwilling to disturb this bashful scene, it blushed and hid behind them again.
Han Chanjuan rested quietly against He An's shoulder. Neither spoke, their hearts in perfect accord. At this moment, silence spoke louder than words.
If she could,