Her fingers gently caressed his cheek, a gesture so affectionate that Shen Chi felt unexpectedly cherished.
In the past, when she touched him, he would resist. Five years after his return, her initiative had lessened considerably—most of the time, it was he who took the initiative.
He thought that if he hadn't been more proactive after five years, she might have left him long ago…
He wasn't naturally proactive, but for her, he had become very proactive.
Latter on, he reflected that if two people loved each other, there was no need to be overly precise about such things.
He loved her and thus, no matter what she asked of him, he was willing.
Her soft, boneless hands stroked his face, inexplicably quickening the beat of his heart.
He swallowed, his deep gaze fixed on her.
"I often wonder, if... five years ago, I hadn't survived, what would you be like now?"
Her tone was serious as she stroked his face, tracing the contours of his features with her fingers.