Xi Jiu looked at the sachet, emotion named 'joy' bursting forth in his chest.
In the face of gunfire, his countenance never changed; but now, even his breath became somewhat unsteady.
He reached out stiffly, as if receiving the Imperial Jade Seal, taking the small sachet with utmost care and caution.
Waves of medicinal fragrance wafted from the sachet, gently and persistently invading Xi Jiu's sense of smell.
"Thank you," his voice deep and husky from the surge of emotions.
Xi Jiu gazed deeply at Ruan Qi, the turbulent heat surging beneath the cold depth of his dark pupils.
He struggled to restrain the impulse to embrace her, trying to keep his tone as gentle as possible.
"I really like it," he hesitated for a moment, then reached out with a somewhat stiff gesture to pat her head lightly, "I truly like it."
The little girl's pretty face beamed with a big smile, her carefully prepared little gift having won his approval.