I’ll Hold Your Hand And Promise You A Lifetime - Chapter 8

Chapter 8: When The Joy Is In Progress

After a good night’s sleep, Yue Xi got up and began dressing herself. She picked out a few clothes and kept checking herself in the mirror, but something always seemed off. So, she went to knock on Ning Ran’s door. Yue Xi stood there for two minutes, debating whether to come back later, when Ning Ran opened the door, still half-asleep. Knowing Sarah was probably still sleeping, Yue Xi didn’t say anything. She just held up the clothes in her hand. Ning Ran glanced at them, poked Yue Xi’s plaid shirt with her finger, pointed at her jeans, then went back to bed to cuddle Sarah again.

When Yue Xi was fully dressed and ready to head out to get her hair done, Sarah finally floated out of the bedroom and crooked her finger at Yue Xi. “Come here. Why didn’t your sister give you the clothes I bought for you?”

“You bought me clothes?” Yue Xi asked in surprise.

“Of course. You’re my little sister too.” Sarah dashed back into the bedroom, dragged out a large suitcase, and pulled out a brand-new striped shirt, a black leather jacket with studs, a pair of black ankle boots, and some accessories. “What your sister picked for you is way too plain.”

Still touched by Sarah’s earlier words, Yue Xi nodded silently. Sarah, understanding what she was thinking, pulled her into a hug. “From now on, I’ll take care of you and Ning Ran.”

Yue Xi rested her head on Sarah’s shoulder. “Okay,” she murmured. “I’m going to change now.”

Sarah gently stroked her face. “No need to change the jeans,” she said, then poked Yue Xi’s cheek. “So soft… youth really is something.”

Once Yue Xi was changed again, Ning Ran was finally fully awake. “Girl, this outfit is too good. You look amazing.”

Sarah smugly wrapped her arm around Ning Ran’s neck and gave her a kiss. “Of course, just look at who picked it! Tonight we’ll have your little Yi Luo completely mesmerized. Let her see just how charming our Yue Xi can be!”

Yue Xi rolled her eyes and slipped on her shoes. “I’m heading out.”

“Where to?” Ning Ran asked, motherly as ever.

“To get my hair done,” Yue Xi replied, pointing at her messy hair and grabbing the keys off the table on her way out.

By noon, most of the guests had arrived. They were mostly Ning Ran’s old classmates—people Yue Xi had met before. Those she hadn’t met were either their partners or soon-to-be spouses. She greeted everyone warmly. Sarah had only invited one person—her closest friend Tiffany, who didn’t disappoint. She showed up with her whole family, saying they planned to tour Country C. Sarah had just called her parents to let them know—since this wasn’t an official wedding, she didn’t ask them to come. Ning Ran agreed it was fine.

After spending a while getting ready, Ning Ran and Sarah finally appeared in front of the crowd, leaving everyone stunned by Sarah’s beauty. Her cream-colored backless gown perfectly hugged her figure. Her brown hair fell loosely on her shoulders, and her already mesmerizing mixed-race features were enhanced with flawless makeup. A silver necklace hung a sparkling diamond pendant just above her chest. The men admired Ning Ran for landing someone like her; the women envied Sarah’s elegance. Ning Ran wore a checkered suit over a white shirt, clean and stylish. The two made a stunning pair.

As they made rounds greeting the guests, Ning Ran’s male classmates went wild, especially her close friend Zhang Yo Ngan. Face flushed and voice loud, he ran over shouting, “When did you land such a gorgeous woman?! Why didn’t you tell me?!”

Ning Ran glanced at his dying-of-envy expression and scoffed, “I knew you’d react like this. That’s exactly why I didn’t say anything.”

“You—!” Zhang Yo Ngan huffed. “You’d better introduce me to someone like her in the future!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ning Ran said, annoyed, thinking, I should’ve made Sarah wear something more low-key… That bare back of hers is now public property. She quickly wrapped her arm around Sarah’s waist, both to show ownership and block others’ gazes.

The restaurant was lively, almost noisy. Everyone was old classmates, so the vibe was even more unrestrained. Ning Ran warned them there was an event in the evening, so they shouldn’t drink too much now or they’d ruin the fun later.

No one paid much attention to eating. Ning Ran got dragged off for cards and chatting, while Sarah, ever the good wife, stuck closely by her side.

Yue Xi adored Tiffany’s daughter, Lily. Her big round eyes sparkled mischievously, and her chubby little cheeks were irresistibly cute. Yue Xi kept her in her arms, chatting with Tiffany and Tony about food, sightseeing spots, and local fun. Tiffany’s family looked ready to hop in a car and start their vacation immediately.

As the time neared dinner, Yue Xi reminded Ning Ran that it was almost time to move. The crowd finally settled down a bit. Once the dishes were served, they finally began to eat properly.

When most people were almost finished, Yue Xi pulled out her phone and called her group of friends, telling them to head to the bar in thirty minutes.

The group slowly trickled into the bar, which had already been decorated per Ning Ran’s instructions. The DJ was ready and waiting. The first track was a mellow dance tune, setting the mood perfectly.

Yue Xi stood in the bar looking around for Yi Luo and the others. She was just about to call when Ning Ran handed her a mic. “Sing a song for us, sis. Celebrate a little.”

“Ugh.” Yue Xi knew she couldn’t escape. Every time there was something worth celebrating, Ning Ran would ask her to sing. Resigned, she walked up to the DJ and told him her song choice.

“Hi everyone, I’m dedicating this song to my two sisters,” Yue Xi said into the mic.

Everyone settled into their seats as the lovely melody began, and Yue Xi’s soft, magnetic voice filled the room:

Do you hear me
I’m talking to you
Across the water, across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I’m trying…

The entire room was captivated. Yue Xi’s gentle voice, emotional delivery, and soulful expression burned into Yi Luo’s mind. The Yue Xi under the spotlight—soft, warm, serious, just like when she read, or when she played basketball, or the way she always looked after her. All of those moments fused into the dazzling Yue Xi in front of her now.

Then Yue Xi saw her Yi Luo standing silently by the bar entrance in a black dress, her bright, clear eyes locked on her. Yue Xi smiled, eyes only for Yi Luo. This song was for her—everything Yue Xi couldn’t say was in the lyrics.

I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again…

When she finished, Yue Xi softly said, “Thank you.” Everyone was still lost in the performance. The DJ skillfully shifted the atmosphere again.

Yue Xi stepped down and walked straight toward Yi Luo. Only when she got close did Yi Luo snap out of her daze. Was Yue Xi… confessing just now? That same Yue Xi who’d spoiled her since childhood like a big sister?

“You’re here,” Yue Xi said, looking around. “Where’s everyone else?”

“Haha, Yue Xi, didn’t know you could sing that well!” Liu Le shouted from a corner.

“Yeah, that was awesome,” Lu Man chimed in, nodding along with Lin Yu.

“Hehe, thanks,” Yue Xi scratched her head. “Come on, let’s play a game.” She noticed Yi Luo still standing frozen and gently took her hand. “What’s wrong?”

“You sang really well,” Yi Luo said, as if still shaken.

“Stop flattering me. Come, let’s get something to eat,” Yue Xi nudged her toward the dessert table. “What do you want? I’ll get it.”

“I’m not hungry. Let’s just go play,” Yi Luo tried to remove Yue Xi’s arm from her shoulder but hesitated.

“Okay,” Yue Xi beamed, seemingly unaware of the change in Yi Luo’s demeanor.

They joined the group. Yue Xi chatted cheerfully, fully immersed in the fun. Yi Luo sat quietly, eyes fixed on her. Tonight’s Yue Xi was impossible to ignore. And that song—Yi Luo’s heart was in chaos. She’d always thought Yue Xi was just teasing, but… was that song really for her?

She liked Yue Xi, but not like Ning Ran and Sarah liked each other, right? They were just best friends… weren’t they? Or maybe she was overthinking it—maybe the song was meant for everyone.

While Yi Luo struggled with her thoughts, Lin Yu noticed her frowning.

The night deepened, and the music softened. As the last song began, the DJ encouraged everyone to invite their date for one final dance. Both Yue Xi and Lin Yu extended their hands to Yi Luo.

After a long hesitation, she placed her hand in Yue Xi’s.

They swayed gently to the music as the lights dimmed. Around them, couples embraced. Yi Luo had never felt her heart beat so fast. Yue Xi held her close and leaned in to whisper something—but Yi Luo mistook it for a kiss and panicked, shoving her away.

Seeing Yue Xi’s hurt expression, Yi Luo’s heart ached. “I’m a bit tired… I’ll leave with Lu Man.”

Then she grabbed Lu Man and walked out.

Yue Xi sighed and ran after her. I was too hasty, she thought. Yi Luo likes me, depends on me, but… she’s moved, not in love.