Russell's unanticipated soft confession beside Cui Que's ear immediately left her choking.
She had not expected that Russell would say "I love you" in such a calm, composed manner, as if he were stating an undeniable truth, in this kind of setting.
In the "farewell letter" Russell had sent to her before, there were only words like "I like you."
Later, at their first kiss, Russell expressed his love only in a very subtle way—by reciting that ancient love poem.
Since then, they had confirmed their love for each other. The relationship, which had been somewhat ambiguous, suddenly became clear, like a layered cocktail that had been set aside for a while, gradually blending together. They became more intimate in their gestures until they crossed that line... The two, already passionate and full of desire, let go of everything, and in a moment, became intensely affectionate and entwined.
It was like warm liquor spiced with syrup, chocolate, coffee, and cinnamon.
