Guilty Conscience

Guan Lei heard Shen Xi's voice, his mind drifting to what he had done. Guilt surged like an all-consuming tide, and he could only respond lamely, "I... I fell."

Guan Lei could see the wound he had inflicted from his vantage point on the ground. His heart beat wildly as he avoided looking at Shen Xi altogether.

It... It was a mistake.

Bleary eyes blinked, gaining clarity in the dimly lit library. Shen Xi wanted to help Guan Lei and tried to get up, but her legs were numb, having sat in that awkward position for so long. She nearly ended up on the floor beside Guan Lei.

Had it not been for Guan Lei's quick reflexes, pushing the chairs scattered around him away and spreading his arms wide to break her fall, Shen Xi would have collapsed.

At that moment, Guan Lei finally understood what it meant to hold something dear against his bosom.

Shen Xi was grateful for Guan Lei's timely save. She might have hurt herself if he had not caught her.