Song Baiyan looked up at her after hearing her.
"Wait a moment." Tang Li, with her backpack on, turned around so her back faced the couch, and took out a leather bracelet from a small pouch, hesitating for a few seconds before turning back around.
"I originally made one with colored thread, but it was too thin. When I saw the leather strings in Diannan, I bought some."
As she spoke, she handed over the leather bracelet.
The black leather wristband, with its tight and interwoven design, was rugged rather than delicate, making it obvious it was designed for men.
The ends of the bracelet featured a pure silver buckle design.
Tang Li said, "There are also jewelry shops run by ethnic minorities in Diannan. After I finished weaving the bracelet, I went there to have this buckle attached."
Afraid that the craftsmanship of the bracelet might be rejected, Tang Li added, "I’ve been busy with filming lately, but once the movie is complete, I plan to weave another one. As for this one, consider it a practice run."
After finishing her explanation, she tried to take the bracelet back to put away.
However, Song Baiyan didn’t let her take it, inspecting the bracelet and saying, "Compared to other beginners, you’ve done a very good job. I didn’t realize you had a talent for this."
With that, his gaze returned to her.
Meeting the generous look in Song Baiyan’s eyes, Tang Li suddenly didn’t know what to say. She no longer insisted on taking the bracelet back, and even felt a flutter of joy from his praise. Then, unable to restrain herself, she asked, "Do you want to try it on?"
After asking, she specifically explained, "This bracelet needs to be wrapped around twice."
Song Baiyan smiled, "This kind of buckle is actually not as convenient as an adjustable elastic one."
"I’ll help you." Tang Li took the bracelet, squatted beside Song Baiyan’s legs, and wrapped the leather bracelet around his left wrist, which he usually wore a watch on.
His hands were much larger than hers, and not as soft as a girl’s fingers.
Tang Li couldn’t help but recall the time at the shooting range when Song Baiyan had lifted her up. His hands had barely any fat, with prominent knuckles, yet they appeared strong and capable.
Once the bracelet was wrapped around, it happened to sandwich the red string in the middle.
Tang Li secured the buckle, "There, done!"
She looked up and found Song Baiyan silently watching her.
The sound of fireworks exploding came from outside the floor-to-ceiling window.
The quietness of the apartment contrasted sharply with the liveliness of the night outside. Tang Li’s hands, resting on her knees, involuntarily curled up. Even with Song Baiyan’s gentle gaze, she still felt her ears reddening, as if a weight was pressing on her chest making it hard to breathe.
Various images flashed through her mind like a slideshow.
Tang Li’s mind momentarily short-circuited.
When she came back to her senses, her right hand was on the edge of the couch, her upper body straightened, very close to Song Baiyan, his prominent nose and thin lips seemingly just below her eyelids.
The constant sound of firecrackers came from her surroundings.
Realizing what she was doing, Tang Li’s heartbeat became erratic, her face felt hot, but her body didn’t want to move away. She was immersed in a mix of conflicting thoughts.
Then, she heard a sigh.
Song Baiyan took her hand that rested on the couch, leaning forward, his nose brushing against hers as the scent of tobacco mixed with tea approached. Though faint, it was like a tsunami invading her territory. Tang Li instinctively held her breath, her gaze meandering until she was gently kissed.
His lips were soft against hers, and her arm was pulled to rest on his shoulder.
Song Baiyan’s right hand already encircled her back, drawing her closer to himself.