I’ll Hold Your Hand And Promise You A Lifetime - Chapter 12

Chapter: Going On A Spring Outing Hand

After Yue Xi let go of her worries, her face lit up with sunshine. Yi Luo also swept away the confusion of the past few days. Though the two of them didn’t talk much along the way, the atmosphere remained warm and harmonious.

Over the next few days, both of them felt a subtle change in the other’s behavior. Yue Xi noticed that Yi Luo had become more attached and agreeable to her. But Yi Luo felt that Yuexi had become harder to read—sometimes Yue Xi would take the initiative to chat and even joke around with her deskmate, but there was always a certain distance in that friendliness. The special attention Yue Xi used to give her alone seemed to be gone. For instance, Yue Xi still treated Yi Luo kindly, but she now treated Lu Man, Liu Le, and the others equally well, and she wasn’t as indifferent toward other classmates as before. Yi Luo was genuinely happy that Yue Xi was expanding her social circle, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but feel a little sad that she no longer seemed to hold a special place in Yue Xi’s eyes.

Spring came early in the south, and this year was no exception. The trees on campus had begun to bud again, the weather improved day by day, birds chirped noisily as if trying to join the fun, and all kinds of flowers bloomed in full splendor. Faced with such a charming scene, no one could stay unmoved. Naturally, the students—cooped up in classrooms all day—wanted to go out and enjoy the spring, climb mountains, and walk through fields. One by one, they petitioned the homeroom teacher for a spring outing. Unable to withstand the students’ pleading and sweet talk, the teacher finally agreed, even inviting another class’s homeroom teacher to join, saying it would help foster bonds between the students. Soon, thanks to the efficient planning of the class committees, all the details and rules of the outing were finalized. When the announcement was made, both classes erupted with joy.

The outing was set for Friday. Students would gather at the school track at 8:30 a.m., then walk to the river to take a ferry to the other side, to a place called Yinsha Bar for a spring hike. Students could bring their own kites and entertainment, and lunch would be self-packed. In the afternoon, they would return to the city and perform volunteer work by picking up trash along Linjiang Road. Dinner would be covered by class funds and held at Hongyue Open-Air Restaurant in the city center.

This arrangement was extremely well-received. After the enthusiastic promotion by Class 5 students, other first-year classes were green with envy and demanded their own outings. Some classes got their wish; others had to sit bitterly in classrooms, watching the lucky classes celebrate.

Yue Xi, naturally excited, shared the good news with Zhou Yaxuan. Zhou Yaxuan was incredibly jealous and wanted to go too, but upon realizing she wasn’t from their class, she knew she couldn’t just tag along. Even if their homeroom teacher agreed, it would still be awkward to explain. In the end, she just asked Yuexi to take lots of pictures and show her later.

“Yuexi, Senior,” Yi Luo called out just as Yue Xi was chatting with Zhou Yaxuan in the hallway. Yi Luo had seen them happily talking through the window and had come out. “What are you two chatting about?”

“Your class’s spring outing,” Zhou Yaxuan replied with a smile.

“Senior wants to go too,” Yue Xi said, voicing Zhou Yaxuan’s unspoken wish.

“Well… that’s not up to me. But if Senior can get leave, you’re welcome to join our class outing,” Yi Luo offered.

“Haha, I was just saying that out of envy. You guys are so lucky, getting to go out and have fun,” Zhou Yaxuan said, surprised that Yi Luo had taken her words seriously.

“Senior asked me to take lots of photos for her,” Yue Xi added.

“Oh, I see. We’ll be sure to take plenty,” Yi Luo said, feeling a bit stifled watching Yue Xi laugh and chat so comfortably with Zhou Yaxuan. After speaking, she wrapped her arm around Yue Xi’s.

“Alright, it’s settled then,” Zhou Yaxuan said, noticing Yi Luo’s subtle move. She brushed her hair aside casually and added, “It’s getting late. I have to get back—our next teacher is doing roll call and will ask questions. I need to review.”

“Okay, goodbye, Senior,” Yue Xi waved.

Yi Luo waved too but said nothing.

“Why did you come out?” Yue Xi asked curiously. “You never used to come out when I was chatting with classmates.”

“Hmph, this place isn’t yours. Why can’t I come out?” Yi Luo flung her arm away.

“What’s wrong with you? Aren’t we all supposed to be happy about the spring outing?” Yue Xi still didn’t get it.

“Yes, I’m happy. Happy my ass,” Yi Luo snapped, then stormed back into the classroom.

“Ugh…” Yue Xi scratched her head. “What’s her problem? I didn’t even do anything.” She decided not to fuss over Yi Luo’s little tantrum and planned to ask her later after school while discussing the outing. Then, Yue Xi leaned on the corridor railing, humming as she enjoyed the breeze and scenery.

“Yiluo! Yiluo… slow down! There are cars!” Yue Xi shouted as she pushed her bike and jogged. She had just left the parking area when she saw Yi Luo already heading toward the school gate, walking fast without even looking back. So she hurried to catch up.

“What do you want?” Yi Luo snapped, still not slowing down.

Yue Xi got on her bike and slowly followed behind. “Nothing, I’m your bodyguard.”

“Hmph, I don’t need a bodyguard. You’re so scrawny—one punch and you’d be down.”

“Look at this! Solid muscle!” Yue Xi said in a gentle tone.

“Who wants to look? I’m not in the mood.”

“Who pissed you off? Tell me, I’ll go teach them a lesson!” Yue Xi smirked with a mischievous tilt of her lips.

“You!” Yi Luo thought to herself, You idiot.

“Ah.” Yue Xi was in a good mood. It was rare to see Yi Luo genuinely mad at her, so she decided to coax her a bit. “I was wrong, I accept punishment. My Lady, your servant awaits your command.”

“Fine! I want BBQ from Dongsan Road.”

“No problem! Hop on!” Yue Xi stopped and patted the back seat.

“Hmph.” Yi Luo reluctantly got on and wrapped her arms around Yue Xi’s waist.

“Miss Yi Luo, my waist isn’t that slim. You can loosen your grip a bit,” Yue Xi reminded kindly.

Yi Luo didn’t reply but loosened her hold a little.

“Whew.” Yue Xi let out a big sigh. “Thank you, my lady.” Then she pedaled off toward their destination.

Yi Luo sat sideways on the back seat, took one hand off, and texted her mom that she’d be home late. Then she hugged Yue Xi tightly again, leaning her head on her back.

Early the next morning, Yuexi packed her bag and camera, called Yi Luo (who answered after two rings), and waited downstairs.

Yi Luo saw her phone buzz, slung on her backpack, grabbed her kite, and headed out.

When they met, the two exchanged a smile, held hands, and walked to school.

After roll call at the school field, the homeroom teacher gave a wave, and over a hundred students happily streamed out of the gates.

Yue Xi and Liu Le, both teammates and close friends, quickly fell into step, chatting and joking. Yi Luo’s backpack was light—Yue Xi had already taken her water bottle and snacks and stuffed them into her own pack. It looked full but was just filled with chips and cookies. Lu Man and Ji Yi each held one of Yiluo’s arms, and the three girls giggled about who-knows-what.

They arrived smoothly at Yinsha Bar and set up camp on a relatively clean and flat patch. They even planted the Class 5 flag. After a safety briefing from the teacher, students scattered in small groups across the riverside.

Naturally, Yue Xi stayed with Yi Luo and the others. She dropped her bag at the base and roamed with her camera, snapping away. Yi Luo and Lu Man flew a kite on the grass. Liu Le and Ji Yi, too lazy to move, lay down on newspapers and relaxed. Yue Xi caught their peaceful expressions on camera. When Liu Le heard the shutter click and realized she was being photographed, she demanded Yue Xi delete the photo. Yuexi refused, and the two began playfully bickering.

Yi Luo, acting as the judge, proposed that if the photo was truly bad, Yue Xi could delete it; if it looked fine, she should keep it and send it to Liu Le later. Both agreed. When Yue Xi showed the photo, everyone thought it looked great—Liu Le was smiling serenely with her eyes closed. Taken from above at a distance, the composition was flattering despite her chubbiness. It looked very natural.

Now everyone wanted their photo taken. Yue Xi, who originally planned to photograph the scenery and group activities, found herself busier than ever. But she didn’t mind—she loved taking pictures, and it made her happy to see everyone enjoying themselves.

At lunch, Yi Luo flipped through the photos Yue Xi had taken and, feeling tempted, grabbed the camera and started taking pictures of Yue Xi from various angles. Yue Xi laughed, pulled her close, and said, “What’s the point of just me? Let’s take one together.” She flipped the screen, and the two started snapping selfies in different poses.

Lu Man joined in too, and Yue Xi suggested more group photos.

In the afternoon, everyone worked hard picking up trash during the volunteer activity. Yue Xi kept sneaking around taking candid photos of Yi Luo, her face glowing with joy.

“You’ve gone crazy?” Liu Le huffed, rolling up her sleeves. “Remember to send me the photos later!”

“No problem!” Yue Xi beamed.

“Doesn’t your face hurt from smiling?”

“Huh? Not at all.” Yue Xi kept grinning.

“Lunatic,” muttered Liu Le, her back aching.

“Take a break,” Yue Xi said, taking the garbage bag and chopsticks from her hand and continuing to pick up trash herself.

The group, tired but cheerful, filled half the open-air restaurant. The tables and food had been reserved in advance, so the owner had started cooking an hour early. The students, though famished, didn’t rush the food, showing impressive manners. The homeroom teacher walked around checking on them all. Not a single student was drinking, and everyone got home safely. It was one of the most worry-free groups the teacher had ever taught. He just hoped they all had a bright future ahead.

After everyone was about 70–80% full, someone took the lead, and the class raised their glasses of tea in a toast to the teacher. The teacher was deeply moved.

After dinner, the students left in small groups. Yue Xi, Yi Luo, and a few classmates who lived nearby shared a cab home.

The day ended perfectly.