Lansheng stayed by Shi Aiqiao's bedside all night, his hand never leaving her abdomen.
Shi Aiqiao initially did not want to sleep, but it was too late, and she could not hold on.
Only after she fell asleep did Lansheng withdraw his hand, cover her with the quilt, and quietly stepped out of the bedroom, slowly closing the door behind him.
Once he left her room, he heaved a heavy sigh of relief.
The softness of her skin still lingered on his palm.
He clenched his hand, returned to his own room, took out a pack of cigarettes that had not yet been opened from the cabinet, went to the balcony, and lit one.
He did not like smoking, only lighting one up when the pressure inside him became unbearable.
Smoking the cigarette, it irritated his throat at first, but soon enough he got used to it.
He was fully aware of the small gestures Shi Aiqiao made these past few nights, waiting for her each night torn between anticipation and fear.