Liu Ruyan thought of her parents—back when her mother was pregnant, her father had set aside his official duties to stay by her side every day. Even when criticized by his colleagues, he never wavered.
Growing up with such devoted parents as her example, Liu Ruyan had always hoped to marry a man who would love her wholeheartedly. Alas, not every man was as steadfast as her father...
With a deep sigh, Liu Ruyan closed her eyes bitterly. "The old can never compare to the new."
Xue Mei watched silently for a while, swatting a mosquito that had landed on her arm, then asked again, "Mistress, shall we rest now?"
A tear rolled down Liu Ruyan's cheek. "The night is deep, and the dew heavy—sleep eludes me. Xue Mei, light another lamp. I wish to read awhile longer."
Xue Mei replied numbly, "...As you wish."
When would these torturous nights of forced overtime ever end?
...
