I’ll Hold Your Hand And Promise You A Lifetime - Chapter 33

She took a few deep breaths, calmed herself down, and focused on her book. But after just a few minutes, the tall boy leaned over to her like he’d discovered a new continent, his tone fawning and eager, “Boss, you’re all recovered?”

Yue Xi looked up at him, exasperated. “Yes, I’m fine. And I’m not your boss.”

“I heard you took down a senior?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Come on, the whole grade’s talking about it. You’re the boss for sure. Only a real boss could put a senior in their place like that!”

Yue Xi sighed. All she wanted was to keep her life simple and low-key, but people kept dragging her into things. She shot a cold glance at the boy before turning her attention back to her book.

“Boss, come on, just tell me how you handled that senior girl—Zhou something, right? She doesn’t even dare act cocky anymore.”

“Deng Jun, what are you doing?” Lu Man suddenly appeared at the back of the class and scolded him the moment she saw his slouchy attitude. She found it annoying how he couldn’t take a hint—Yue Xi clearly didn’t want to talk, and he still kept pestering her.

“Just chatting.” Deng Jun leaned back in his chair with a bored expression.

“Can’t you see she’s studying?” Lu Man said firmly, arms akimbo.

“What’s it to you?” Deng Jun shot her a glare. “Class rep, you’re being way too nosy. It’s break time.”

“I don’t care about you. It’s just that I don’t want you bothering someone who’s actually trying to study.” Lu Man said self-righteously—she was just doing her duty.

“You—” Deng Jun clenched his fists. He might not care about studying, but he didn’t need someone rubbing his bad grades in his face.

Yue Xi closed her book and turned to look at him, curious to see what he would do next.

Under her serious gaze, Deng Jun changed his tone. “Mind your own business. What are you looking at? Acting so high and mighty, just because you’re the—” His words were drowned out by the bell.

Yue Xi already knew what he was about to say and just stared at him quietly, her eyes devoid of emotion.

Deng Jun felt a chill under her gaze and muttered something under his breath, retreating awkwardly.

Yue Xi turned back to her book and, sensing Yi Luo’s concerned gaze, looked up and gave her a small smile to reassure her before Yi Luo turned back to her own seat.

After class, Yi Luo dragged Yue Xi out from her pile of books to buy bubble tea.

“What stream are you picking?” Yi Luo asked.

“Liberal arts. Science just scrambles my brain,” Yue Xi said while chewing a tapioca pearl. “What about you?”

“Liberal arts,” Yi Luo answered sweetly. She’d already guessed Yue Xi would pick the same.

“Then I better work harder,” Yue Xi pouted. “Your grades are way too good. I can’t keep up.”

Yi Luo bit her lip and gave Yue Xi a light tap on the back of the head. This person always downplayed herself in front of Yi Luo, hiding all her brilliance just to stay modest and tied to her.

“Ow!” Yue Xi rubbed her head and pouted. “That was harsh.”

“Did it really hurt?” Yi Luo raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. This girl was getting better at pretending—might as well become an actress at this rate.

“Mmhm.” Yue Xi nodded and leaned in. “One kiss and I’ll be fine.”

Yi Luo pushed her away, her cheeks flushing. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m not,” Yue Xi said, still leaning in and even pointing to her cheek. When Yi Luo blushed and froze, Yue Xi cleared her throat. “Well, if the mountain won’t come to me, I’ll go to the mountain.” She quickly pecked Yi Luo on the cheek and then innocently held her hand.

Yi Luo let her hold it. Her heart felt so light it might float away.

In the weeks that followed, Yue Xi threw herself into studying. Seeing that her injuries had mostly healed and her life was back on track, Ning Ran gave her several reminders to take care of herself before leaving to talk with Sarah’s parents.

After Ning Ran left, Yue Xi stayed home alone, living like a model student—going to class on time, coming straight home, studying at night, taking short breaks, then going to bed right on schedule. Ning Ran would video call her every evening, not wanting Yue Xi to feel lonely just because she wasn’t around. During those calls, it was always Ning Ran and Sarah fighting for screen time, laughing and playing on the other side of the world. Yue Xi couldn’t help but smile watching them.

During this time, Yu Xiaohua’s attitude toward Yi Luo remained cold, but she still took care of her daughter just as meticulously as before. Yi Luo studied harder than ever and helped out with chores every chance she got, like she was trying to make up for something. Yu Xiaohua noticed the change. Her daughter was more grounded and driven now. In the past, Yi Luo studied for the sake of pleasing her parents. But now, she was finally living the life she wanted. Although Yu Xiaohua still hadn’t come around completely, she didn’t want to be the one who caused her daughter pain. So, she decided to leave it all to time.

Final exams arrived quickly. The classrooms were cleared and turned into exam rooms, and the whole school took on that pre-vacation air. Students felt both anticipation and nervousness. They wanted the exams to be over so they could enjoy the summer break but also feared the exams would be too difficult and their grades disappointing. Most were stuck in a web of anxiety—except Yi Luo. Her grades were excellent, and her only concern was staying at the top and surpassing her past self.

“You’ve got this!” Yue Xi walked Yi Luo to her exam room. Yi Luo turned and gave her a dazzling smile.

“Mm.” Yue Xi nodded and adjusted her bag strap. “I’m heading to mine. Let’s go home together after?”

“Okay.” Yi Luo stepped inside, set down her bag, then suddenly remembered something. She took out a small item and ran back out. “Yue Xi!”

“Yeah?” Yue Xi turned around just in time.

“For you. A lucky charm.” Yi Luo handed her a pen, placing it softly into her hand.

“Heh.” Yue Xi held it tightly, still warm from Yi Luo’s touch, not knowing what to say.

“Go on now.” Yi Luo nudged her and smiled. “Silly girl.” Then she returned to her exam room.

Yue Xi felt like she was wrapped in a gentle spring breeze. Her steps were light as she walked to her own exam room.

“Master!” Lu Man popped out from the crowd pouring out of the exam rooms, rushing up to Yue Xi.

“Little Manzi~” Yue Xi drawled. “What brings you to me, dear disciple?”

“Reporting to Master—I want to know when you and Mistress are going to treat us to dinner,” Lu Man said seriously.

The word “Mistress” made Yue Xi laugh. “After the exams tomorrow, I’ll treat everyone. You can pick the place.”

“Got it~” Lu Man grinned slyly. “Anything?”

“Anything~ don’t be shy.” Yue Xi waved grandly and spotted Yi Luo standing in the hallway.

“You’re amazing, Master! I’ll go tell the others!” Lu Man saw Yi Luo too and beamed at them, happy for their relationship.

“Alright, go talk it over with them.” Yue Xi had already reached Yi Luo and naturally took her hand.

“Farewell!” Lu Man gave them a mock bow and ran ahead to find Liu Le and Ji Yi to plan the dinner.

“Why is she running so fast?” Yi Luo leaned against Yue Xi and laughed as she watched Lu Man’s retreating figure.

“Probably rushing to tell Liu Le and Ji Yi about dinner.” Yue Xi shrugged. “I made the decision on my own this time. I’ll check with you next time.”

“What for? Do we really need to draw lines like that?” Yi Luo asked.

“You’re right.” Yue Xi raised her brows smugly. “You’re mine.”

“Says who~” Yi Luo teased, “You already signed a contract. You’re mine.”

“What?” Yue Xi couldn’t recall anything like that. “You serious?”

Yi Luo ignored her and kept walking.

“Yi Luo~” Yue Xi’s voice turned soft and cottony like a fluffy cloud.

“Think for yourself.” Yi Luo kept her face straight, but her heart was melting from Yue Xi’s pleading voice.

Yue Xi racked her brain as they walked. If she really forgot something so important, she was in big trouble. She bit her lip in anxiety.

Seeing Yue Xi panicking like a cat on a hot tin roof, Yi Luo couldn’t hold back anymore and burst out laughing.

“You’re messing with me?” Yue Xi was stunned. She never thought sweet, angelic Yi Luo would pull something like this—she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Yep. Got a problem?” Yi Luo said smugly, grinning from ear to ear, knowing full well Yue Xi couldn’t do anything about it.

“No problem at all.” Yue Xi knew she’d be completely wrapped around Yi Luo’s finger for the rest of her life—and she didn’t mind one bit. “I’m happy to be yours.” She pulled Yi Luo into an embrace. “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”

Yi Luo didn’t respond, but her eyes were filled with warmth and laughter.