"And she doesn't care," Bai Qing said sharply. "She'll never care. Look at the way she talks to him. Cold. Dismissive. She's poison."
Li Mian looked down. "I… I don't want to hurt him."
"You won't," Bai Qing said, voice softer now.
"You'll save him. Make him forget her. Let him see that someone else loves him—someone who's always been there."
Li Mian was silent for a moment. Then, slowly, she nodded.
"…Okay."
Bai Qing handed her a small folded cloth. "Use this if he starts getting too dizzy. Wipe his forehead. Be gentle. He'll come around."
Li Mian walked over to Long Yifan, who was now leaning against a wall near the exit, his breathing ragged.
She reached out and touched his arm carefully.
"Captain… are you alright?"
He looked at her, barely focusing. "Li Mian…?"
"You need to rest," she said quietly. "Come with me. I'll take care of you."
"I… I don't feel…" His legs buckled slightly.
She caught his arm, supporting him as best she could. "It's okay. Just lean on me."
