The night was deep and still. Moonlight spilled across the earth like water, as if draping the entire world in a silver veil. Xiangliu and Leng Qingqiu walked quietly along a country path, their figures in perfect harmony under the moonlight. They arrived before a dilapidated thatched cottage, and Xiangliu gently pushed the door open, leading Leng Qingqiu inside.
Xiangliu escorted Leng Qingqiu to the threshold of her room. His gaze fell upon her beautiful face, a surge of complex emotions rising within him. He knew he could not linger any longer, yet he could not resist the impulse in his heart. Finally, unable to hold back, he reached out and gently stroked Leng Qingqiu’s cheek, feeling the softness and warmth of her skin.
Xiangliu’s eyes were filled with deep affection. He gazed into Leng Qingqiu’s eyes, as if trying to look deep into her soul to see her innermost thoughts. Leng Qingqiu, however, lowered her head slightly, avoiding his gaze. Xiangliu sighed helplessly; he knew he had to leave.
Chapter 25