I’ll Hold Your Hand And Promise You A Lifetime - Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Resting Happily

At noon, Ning Ran strolled into the hospital room with flair, holding a thermal food container in one hand and wrapping the other around Sarah. Seeing Yi Luo exchanging frequent glances with Yue Xi, who was smiling mischievously on the hospital bed, Ning Ran’s eyes lit up. These two kids had finally made real progress.

“Sarah, let’s just drop the food and go. I’m sure they have a lot to talk about.”

“I agree. Stop staring—your eyeballs are about to fall out.” Sarah had noticed too but held back her laughter.

“Hey, sis, Yi Luo and I have something to say.” Yue Xi sat up, took Yi Luo’s hand, interlacing their fingers. She glanced at Yi Luo and smiled. “Yi Luo and I are together now.”

Yi Luo just looked at Yue Xi, smiling sweetly as she held her hand and bit her lip in silence.

“Good, good!” Ning Ran nodded, now more composed. “That’s great. Xiao Luo, we’re on your side, remember that. If Yue Xi ever makes you unhappy, just tell me—I’ll smack her.”

“Yue Xi would never,” Yi Luo said, smiling as she clung to Yue Xi’s arm.

“Wow, you two are already united on the same front? What did Yue Xi tell you that made you trust her so easily?” Sarah teased, resting on Ning Ran’s shoulder.

“I don’t need to say anything. I’ve always shown it through actions.” Yue Xi pulled Yi Luo close and kissed her forehead gently.

Ning Ran covered her eyes with a sly smile. “Aiyo… drowning in honey now. Let’s eat. I’m starving.”

All afternoon, Yue Xi stayed with Yi Luo. They read books and chatted.

“Here, I wrote something in your notebook,” Yue Xi said, handing it over.

“What did you write?” Yi Luo asked curiously.

“Read it at home—now you have something to do tonight.”

“Alright. I should get going. My mom’s back today.”

“Okay. Say hi to her for me.”

“Will do. I’m off now.”

“Mm, focus in class.”

“You nag too much.” Yi Luo had already reached the door but ran back to plant a kiss on Yue Xi’s cheek. “Bye.”

Yue Xi touched her cheek, smiling as she watched Yi Luo’s retreating figure.

These days, Yue Xi had been living joyfully and contentedly, completely sweeping away her past gloom. She was no longer the cold, distant Yue Xi. She even chatted idly with the doctors and nurses during her recovery walks—so much so that everyone in the hospital knew she was a pleasant, easygoing student. She wrote about her feelings and shared them with Yi Luo. She listened intently as Yi Luo helped her catch up on lessons, so her studies didn’t fall behind. She joked around with Ning Ran, laughing like a wild child in the room. She even acted spoiled with Sarah, making Ning Ran jealous since she’d never received that kind of treatment.

Ning Ran was happy to see Yue Xi finally open up and reconnect with the world. But she still worried—loving too deeply often meant getting hurt. All she could do was remind Yue Xi at the right moments. After dealing with the people who’d hurt her, she was relieved. The old man hadn’t emailed in a while, so things seemed calm.

Sarah’s leave was almost up, but she stuck close to Ning Ran every day, also caring for Yue Xi. She had already decided to quit her job and move here. She and Ning Ran were planning to open a small shop in CH City and live a quiet life together.

Yi Luo visited Yue Xi every day. The two shared their daily journal entries—even though they saw each other often, everything had changed. Every afternoon after school, Yi Luo would bring her books and notes. If Yue Xi didn’t understand something, Yi Luo would patiently explain.

Mrs. Yu Xiaohua had been observing Yi Luo closely and noticed her daughter had changed. She radiated a glow that made her even more striking. She planned to have a proper talk with Yi Luo once her husband returned from a business trip.

Liu Le and Lu Man, after hearing from Yi Luo that Yue Xi had woken up, had already visited the hospital. The room was filled with laughter and joy.

After school, a few of them decided to visit together.

“Yi Luo, I feel like there’s something different about you~” Liu Le said, rubbing his chin like a scheming detective.

“I’m with Yue Xi now,” Yi Luo replied calmly, with a happy glow.

“Together?” Lu Man’s jaw dropped.

Liu Le quickly shut Lu Man’s mouth but gaped himself. “For real?”

“What would I lie to you about?”

“But, but, but…”

“Oh my god, Lu Mandala, you’re killing me with suspense. Let me ask instead.” Liu Le shoved Lu Man aside. “When did it happen?”

“A few days ago—the day after Yue Xi woke up.”

“Wow, you’ve been keeping it under wraps! And not a word to us?” Liu Le pouted.

“I didn’t mean to keep it secret. If you’d asked, I’d have told you.”

“Hehe, fair enough,” Liu Le laughed. “Were you worried we wouldn’t accept it?”

“A little… but either way, I’d still be with Yue Xi.”

“You’ve got guts…” Liu Le chuckled. “I get it. Yue Xi treats you incredibly well—anyone can see that.”

“Exactly. Where else are you going to find someone like Yue Xi—she plays basketball, she’s pretty, and she’s got a sweet personality.” Lu Man had finally found her words.

“Right? If I were you, I’d pick Yue Xi too. No offense to Lin Yu, he’s my bro and all, but you and him just didn’t click the way you and Yue Xi do.”

“What’s with you two?” Yi Luo gave them both a strange look. “You’re the weird ones.”

“No way! Absolutely not!” Liu Le raised his hands in surrender, grinning. “Didn’t we say before—whoever falls in love first treats everyone to dinner?”

“Yes! And we said no one goes home sober!” Lu Man added eagerly. “You haven’t told Ji Yi yet?”

“Not yet. We’ll do a group dinner after Yue Xi’s discharged.”

“We…” Liu Le and Lu Man swooned together. “So much joy!”

“Enough with the teasing. Say that stuff in front of Yue Xi if you dare.”

“No, no! I haven’t even officially become her disciple. I must keep my image pristine!” Lu Man waved her hands frantically.

“Fine, you’re spared—for now.” Yi Luo playfully raised her fist.

“Yi Luo, don’t make that face in front of Yue Xi—it’s just… too…” Liu Le covered his eyes.

“Xiao Le~”

“I didn’t say anything, hahaha!” Liu Le darted forward laughing.

“Yi Luo?” A girl popped up out of nowhere behind them.

“You looking for me?” Yi Luo didn’t recognize her.

“Yeah, I’m Zeng Yuan Yuan from Class 2, Grade 11. I often play basketball with Yue Xi. Can I come see her with you?”

“Same class as Zhou Yaxuan?” Lu Man asked warily.

“Yeah. I wanted to talk to Yue Xi. There were some misunderstandings…”

“Why should we trust you?” Liu Le asked, already aware of the whole situation from Ning Ran.

“I—I know Zhou Yaxuan was the one who hurt Yue Xi. I overheard them talking in the school building. I just want to explain myself.”

“I’ll ask Yue Xi. If she’s okay with it, you can come.” Yi Luo noticed Yuan Yuan’s eyes were clear—nothing like Zhou Yaxuan’s murky aura. “Come on, Yue Xi says she’s fine seeing you.”

“Hehe, thank you. Just call me Yuan Zi.” Yuan Yuan smiled.

“No problem.”

“Let’s go—Yue Xi’s waiting.” Liu Le patted her shoulder.

“Yue Xi, I came to see you,” Yuan Zi said sheepishly.

“Whoa, haven’t seen you in days and you’ve gotten rounder,” Yue Xi teased, smiling.

“You’re not mad at me?” Yuan Zi’s big eyes got even rounder.

“Why would I be? You weren’t the one who hurt me. Besides, you didn’t know the truth back then.”

“We’re still friends?”

“Of course! Unless you don’t want to play ball with me anymore?”

“I do! No one’s played with me these days—I’ve gotten lazy and gained weight,” Yuan Zi said, pinching her belly.

“Haha, once I’m better, we’ll hit the court.”

“Count me in! How could you forget me, dear Yue Xi?” Liu Le said dramatically, sidling up.

“I tried to forget you, but your broad figure has burned itself into my brain. It’s cruel, really.” Yue Xi leaned her head on Yi Luo’s shoulder.

“Yue Xi! You’re asking for it!” Liu Le grabbed a pillow.

“Not so fast! If you want to hit my future master, you’ll have to go through me!” Lu Man raised her backpack as a shield.

“Liu Le! Picking on an injured girl? You heartless beast! I might forgive you, but Yi Luo won’t!” Yue Xi hugged Yi Luo from behind, grinning like a fool.

“You bullies! Yuan Zi, help me out here!” Liu Le cried, now ally-less.

“No, no, I’m neutral! Totally neutral!” Yuan Zi raised both hands.

“Hmph! Then I’m eating your snacks and drinking your milk!” Liu Le pouted and flopped into a chair.

“Don’t be shy—come eat.” Yi Luo pulled out candies, cookies, and chocolates she’d brought for Yue Xi.

“Thanks.” Lu Man giggled as she accepted them.

“Oh, okay.” Yuan Zi was still confused about why Liu Le and Lu Man were cackling like hyenas.

“Ignore the crazy duo. Here.” Yue Xi handed Yuan Zi a drink.

“Hehe, thanks.” Yuan Zi nodded with a grin.

Liu Le and Lu Man made a ruckus in the room, quickly making friends with Yuan Zi, who joined in with enthusiasm. Yue Xi and Yi Luo sat together on the bed, chatting softly while playing games.

Liu Le nudged Lu Man and gestured toward the couple. “We’re leaving—you two take your time.”

“Yeah, we’re just the background characters. Future Master won’t even look at us.”

“Future Master?” Yue Xi handed her phone to Yi Luo.

“Mm. You’re my idol—I want to be your disciple,” Lu Man said solemnly.

“But I don’t know anything…”

“You know tons! I just want you to be my master—even if you never teach me a thing.”

“Then what kind of master am I?”

“Just teach me basketball, Master!” Lu Man bounced with excitement.

“Why do I feel like you’re Sun Wukong and Yue Xi’s Tang Monk?” Liu Le blurted out.

“Haha!” Yuan Zi burst out laughing.

“Dear benefactor, I am a humble monk from the Tang Dynasty on a journey to retrieve sacred scriptures from the West~ This unruly disciple of mine… please forgive her, kind and chubby donor. Amitabha~” Yue Xi draped Yi Luo’s coat over her head and pressed her hands together, mimicking Tang Monk with exaggerated slowness.

“Hahaha…” The entire room erupted in laughter.