After a long silence, the two seemed to slowly awaken from their deep thoughts. Ji Boda gently loosened his embrace and gazed tenderly at Liu Ruyan, his eyes full of concern.
"Ru Yan, it's been a long time since the banquet started tonight, and you haven't eaten anything. Let me ask the servants to prepare something for you," Ji Boda said softly, concern threading his voice.
Liu Ruyan shook her head gently, a slightly weary smile appearing on her face. "No, it's late. Don't disturb the people in the kitchen. I'm not in the mood to eat anyway. Bo Da, stay with me a little longer."
At the sight of her reddened ears, Ji Boda's heart softened, and he gently stroked her hand. He felt that Liu Ruyan seemed especially vulnerable today. Although she had appeared perfectly composed in front of everyone earlier, her inner sensitivity and fragility were hard to hide from someone who paid as much attention to her as he did.
His gaze happened to sweep over the desk, where he saw several large characters written on a sheet of paper: "Now that I have seen my gentleman, how could I not rejoice?"
Having seen the one she loved, how could her heart not fill with joy?
The brushstrokes were graceful and flowing, filled with a young woman's tender affection.
Something stirred in Ji Boda's heart. He understood what the words meant. They expressed a young woman's anticipation of seeing her beloved, the deep joy and expectation in her heart.
Gentleman? Ito Makoto's bearing and sickly appearance clearly didn't fit that description. Besides, if she wanted to see Ito Makoto, she could see him anytime at the Liu Residence. There was no need to write it down. So this was clearly written for me, Ji Boda.
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