Huojin paused for a second, then glanced down at her. "Yeah, I know. I am not oblivious to people's feelings."
"...Then you should also know that you scared me today."
"I know. I am really sorry you felt awful today. And I am fine. But I would never want you to feel like this again. That's why…"
He turned to her, looking straight into her eyes. "It's for the best if you look for your partner in someone else."
She stiffened.
"I am a cop, Beiye. You just saw one glimpse today, but this is the life I live everyday. Which is why I am not really looking to date anyone because I don't want to give such a life to my partner of living with constant fear and dread every moment."
She said nothing.
