Su Tang handed the shoe pattern to Lin Jianqiu, her gaze sincere. "Sister Qiu'er, don't overcomplicate things. If you care about him, show it. If you want to be closer to him, reach out."
"Brother Chang isn't made of wood. He can feel your affection."
Lin Jianqiu clutched the shoe pattern tightly. Su Tang's words were like a key, slowly prying open the hard shell around her heart.
Behind them, the courtyard gate creaked shut.
Just moments ago, Lu Xiao had been sitting ramrod straight, the very picture of a steady and reliable man.
Now, it was as if all his bones had been removed. His shoulders instantly slumped.
He tossed aside the dirt- and rust-caked hoe, letting it fall to the ground with a thud.
The man stretched out his arms like a large dog that had finally seen its owner come home, looking both clingy and wronged.
In one motion, he scooped Su Tang, who was still sitting on a small stool beside him sorting green beans, into his arms.
