"You're smiling…?" Ningyan whispered, stunned.
Meishan let out a quiet breath, shoulders relaxing for the first time.
"I've been worried." His voice was gentle. Honest. "The crystal is harsh. Relentless. I couldn't do anything to help you, no matter how much I tried."
His gaze softened further. "But if he can…"
Ningyan froze.
"You're… not angry?" he asked carefully. "That I'm… married to someone else?"
Meishan tilted his head. "Does it change anything?"
His hand lifted and rested against Ningyan's cheek carefully. "Does it change how you feel… about me?"
Ningyan's breath caught. "No!"
He cupped Meishan's face with both hands, his eyes wide, his heart racing wildly in his chest.
"Nothing changes. Nothing." His voice trembled. But it didn't break. "No one... no one could ever change how I feel about you."
His grip tightened slightly, like he was afraid Meishan might disappear if he let go. "I mean it. I pinky promise."
