The Double

Jiang Li didn’t know when she had finished singing, all she felt was Jih Heng holding her, without making a single move. She wanted to look up at him, but Jih Heng’s voice came from above her head, saying, "Don’t move, stay just like this."

For some reason, at that moment, Jiang Li seemed to catch a glimpse of unusual emotions in him, emotions that belonged to a Jih Heng she didn’t know—vulnerable, lost, and helpless.

So she stayed still, quiet, and unmoving.

The autumn sunlight wasn’t as intense as summer’s, it was gentle and tinged with gold, and it gradually warmed them both. She really should have pushed Jih Heng away, for if a servant saw them, and should there be any gossip, it would inevitably cause trouble. Yet, she did nothing.

When she needed help, Jih Heng had helped her. Even if this help might disrupt his plans, he hadn’t quibbled. If she were now stingy with a hug, it would be somewhat ungrateful, and besides, his embrace wasn’t as cold as she had imagined, Jiang Li found it quite comforting.

A long time passed, so long that Jih Heng had fallen asleep before Jiang Li, who felt tired from maintaining the same position, and then Jih Heng let go of his arms.

He gazed at Jiang Li, a smile forming on his lips as he said, "Ah Li is really cute."

It sounded like sincere praise, not teasing or flirting, so Jiang Li didn’t feel shy but rather asked with some concern, "What’s wrong? Did something happen?"