Ming Qitian paused, then nodded.
The girl immediately stepped forward and opened her arms, gently throwing herself into the woman's embrace.
Once her face was hidden, her emotions began pouring out unchecked. The girl's sobs grew more pronounced. "Sister Ming, do you think I've become someone like you?"
"Yes," Ming Qitian said softly. "You're 'jade' now."
But the girl could no longer hold back her tears and broke into sobs. "But... but I've let Pei Ye down so badly."
"He was so determined to bring us onto the same path. He kept encouraging me, never wavering, no matter what difficulties we faced. He tried so hard to be with me, but when I decided we should part..."
The girl wept. "...He only nodded."
Ming Qitian stood quietly, gently patting the girl's back.
Chapter 325: Letting Feelings Go
Willow-Watching Tower.
The sun was already somewhat high, but thin mist still curled around the lakeside woods. The Martial Competition had ended long ago, and the crowds on the long street had completely dispersed. It was morning, and there were few people in the tower either.
The four of them set up a small table on the Wind-Facing Platform: Pei Ye, Yang Yan, Zhang Junxue, and Zhang Dingyun.
"Fang Jidao values beauty over friendship, plain and simple. The moment Lay Buddhist Qi left, he wouldn't stay another quarter of an hour," Zhang Dingyun said. "You three are the fine ones: skilled, with bright futures, and loyal friends besides."
Upon hearing that Pei Ye was leaving, the plump young man had immediately arranged a farewell feast. Unfortunately, Yang Yan and Zhang Junxue were both sealed gourds, and Pei Ye seemed to have sealed his mouth with mud today too. Even after all his exclamations, the atmosphere remained quiet and subdued.
In the end, Yang