The Gifts in the Box

Song Ling remembered how Gu Dai had blushed, wanting to put the amulet around his neck after explaining its significance. He had thought she was deliberately trying to curry favor with him, and his gaze became increasingly disdainful and mocking.

Beneath his gaze, Gu Dai struggled to maintain her smile and began, "Honey—"

Before she could finish, he cut her off, his voice icy, "I don't need useless things like this."

After that, he snatched the amulet from Gu Dai's hand, threw it on the ground, and even stomped on it twice for good measure.

The light in Gu Dai's eyes dimmed, her smile forced as she muttered something about going to cook and quickly turned to leave.

Though she moved fast, Song Ling still caught the glimmer of tears in her eyes and the hurried, almost frantic pace of her exit.

Thinking back, his headache intensified, haunted by the memory of Gu Dai's trembling shoulders as she wept.