The hand on her shoulder finally moved away, and the touch of air on the fabric brought a slight chill. Her heart, too, momentarily felt empty. But she quickly composed herself, dismissing the faint unease.
Mu Shuoqian leaned against the balcony, his tall figure silhouetted against it. The wind blew in through the narrow crack of the open window, dispersing the smoke from his cigarette. He squinted his eyes, shadows of faint dark circles beneath them betraying a night of sleeplessness.
"Stomachache? Is it serious?" Gu Qili's gaze naturally fell on his stomach, forgetting that such concern was superfluous between them.
Mu Shuoqian continued to smoke, indifferent, his gaze cold as he looked at her. Her cheeks were slightly swollen.
Without waiting for his answer, Gu Qili's lip corner lifted in self-mockery. From what stance should she concern herself with him? As contractual friends? Why bother. Beyond that, they weren't even truly 'acquainted'.