Then it disappeared.
A shadow settled in her eyes.
"So they survived."
Dong Fang immediately took a step forward.
His muscles tightened.
Years of friendship and trust had transformed into resentment so intense that it felt physically painful.
Had Kiara not moved first, he might have rushed forward without thinking.
A firm hand landed on his shoulder.
The pressure wasn't painful.
Yet it carried enough weight to stop him completely.
Dong Fang turned.
Kiara was looking at him.
Her smile had vanished.
"This is not the right time to act."
The words were simple.
Yet they carried undeniable authority.
Dong Fang clenched his fists.
Every instinct urged him forward.
Every emotion demanded action.
But eventually he lowered his head.
He did not move.
Beside him, Zi Ling remained silent.
Her expression hurt even more than Dong Fang's anger.
She simply stared at Ai Qing.
The girl she had once considered a friend.
The girl she had trusted.
