With a final, loving squeeze, Yuanfeng lowered her carefully to the ground, holding her hands for a moment longer than necessary.
The moment her feet touched the ground, she immediately stepped close and latched onto his hand, weaving her small fingers through his long ones.
Yuanfeng opened the passenger door of the ancient sedan. The interior, though clean thanks to Huaijin's meticulous efforts, was clearly threadbare. The springs in the passenger seat protested loudly as she clambered in.
Yuanfeng closed the door, walked around, and got into the driver's seat. He placed a hand over hers on the center console before he even touched the ignition.
"You did well, sweetheart. I saw the clips the producer sent. You were brilliant. Truly." He leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
The genuine, heartfelt praise always meant more than any TV accolade.
He turned the key.
