Comfort
The carriage ride was quiet. Hou Jingshu didn’t speak the entire time. She just leaned into Wu Jian’s side as though seeking comfort, and he returned her embrace. He was glad she didn’t feel like talking. There was a lot on his mind as well.
No words were spoken even after reaching the academy. Several people whispered when they walked by, but none of them spoke. Even Ding Hong, who saw them as they walked through the Outer Courtyard, was tactful enough to realize something had happened and didn’t say anything.
They reached Hou Jingshu’s building, unlocked her front door, and entered. After removing their shoes, they made their way into the living room.
“I’ll make us some tea,” Hou Jingshu said as she slowly unwound the headdress she had been wearing, allowing her long locks to spill out.
“Okay. I’ll just… sit down then.”