As the smoke from the firecrackers faded away, Han Zhi helped Su Zhen back to the bedside. By now, she was yawning again, while Xiǎohēi, with the firecrackers finally over, had curled back up beside the charcoal brazier to resume its sleep.
Seeing how sleep made Su Zhen's eyelids too heavy to lift—a sight that touched his heart and seemed adorable to him—Han Zhi coaxed her softly, "Banniang, hurry and lie down. You've stayed up so long today, so get some proper rest."
With that, he slipped off Su Zhen's embroidered shoes, smoothed out her slightly rumpled clothes, and gently supported her as she slid into the soft quilt.
Chapter 120