Zhao Jing had originally intended to use his own handkerchief to wipe the moisture from her lips.
But in the end, he leaned in himself and gently lapped the moisture away.
Outside the window, the watchman's clapper sounded for the second watch. A man's voice called out, "Close your doors and windows! Guard against fire and thieves!"
His calls echoed, growing louder as he approached and then fading as he walked away.
At last, the voice faded into silence. Zhao Jing tidied everything up and climbed back into bed.
Chen Wanqing was sleeping facing inward, but he forcefully rolled her over to face him.
She was annoyed, but more than that, she was too flustered to face him. She was also afraid, timidly so, that he would start all over again.
The way Jing had been just now, like a starving wolf, had frightened her.
Chen Wanqing feigned anger. "It's so late! Are you going to let me get any sleep?"
