She’s the School Beauty Side Character in a BL Novel - Chapter 008

008:

Seeing Shen Xi’s aggressive stance, Xi Ning sighed inwardly before turning back to Gu Xiaobai. “That’s Shen Xi, the brother I grew up with. He’s at that rebellious high school age. Please forgive any rudeness.”

Gu Xiaobai’s gaze remained unreadable as he studied the fuming boy outside. “Let’s get out. I’d like to meet him properly.”

When Xi Ning opened the door, Shen Xi’s icy glare made her tug his T-shirt hem warningly. “Don’t make a scene.”

Shen Xi responded with a cold laugh, his usually bright eyes now dark with barely contained fury.

Gu Xiaobai approached, extending his hand courteously. “Hello, I’m Gu. Pleasure to meet you.”

Shen Xi yanked Xi Ning behind him, ignoring the offered hand. “Who are you? Why bring her back so late?”

Retracting his hand calmly, Gu Xiaobai glanced at Xi Ning’s subtle head shake before replying, “We’re at the same university. Your sister wasn’t feeling well tonight, she should rest now.”

“Save your concern,” Shen Xi sneered. “She’s my family, I’ll take care of her. Thanks for the ride. Now leave.”

Choosing not to engage, Gu Xiaobai watched as Shen Xi practically dragged Xi Ning inside, that possessive grip stirring unexpected displeasure.

“Shen Xi…” he murmured, brow furrowing slightly.

—

Inside, Xi Ning finally wrenched free. “Stop causing trouble!”

Shen Xi’s scathing gaze raked over her outfit, fueling his anger. “Look at you! Prancing around at night dressed like this, have you no shame? Is this the example you set?”

Xi Ning laughed mirthlessly. “Why should I have shame? Or set examples? I tolerated your outburst outside to avoid embarrassment, but who are you to control who I see? Not even your parents interfere!”

Under the foyer lights, her post-wine glow and furious vibrance only heightened her beauty—that exposed skin, that radiant dress all for another man.

Shen Xi’s chest heaved. She’d been drinking with him. Staying out so late. What else had they done? The possibilities tormented him.

Why couldn’t she see? After all these years, couldn’t she tell she was the only one who mattered?

His throat constricted painfully as he stood there—lips pressed tight, eyes red-rimmed, stubbornly holding her gaze, silently demanding comfort.

Xi Ning exhaled internally. Truce.

Without another word, she headed upstairs.

Fortunately, the house was empty—Meng Kaiyun away on business, Shen Lin still out, servants wisely absent.

—

Fresh from her shower, Xi Ning found Shen Xi waiting outside her room.

The despair in his eyes when he looked up softened her resolve.

Sitting on her bed, she towel-dried her hair in silence.

Shen Xi approached, his handsome features drooping. “Do you like him?” he mumbled, always the first to yield after their clashes.

Remembering Meng Kaiyun’s request and her own complicated fondness for this boy who alone understood her true self, she chose her words carefully.

“We’re not like that. I was angry because you embarrassed me tonight. Must you interrogate every male friend I have? Don’t I deserve that freedom?”

She gentled her tone. “You’re growing up, Xiao Xi. Your world is bigger than just me. Your mother expects so much from you.”

He sat beside her suddenly, wrapping his arms around her waist, pressing his face against her damp hair.

Xi Ning froze.

“I have grown up,” came his muffled voice against her shoulder. “Since I was ten, I’ve known what I want… Please stop seeing me as your brother.”