Sweet Kiss - Chapter 10

Liu Ping froze for a moment.

Even Qi Jinyang, who was standing next to him, was surprised by Bai Tingzhou’s words. He stood still, eyes wide, looking at Bai Tingzhou in disbelief.

The group behind Liu Ping was also stunned.

Night had fallen, and the atmosphere in the alley was getting heavier.

They knew Bai Tingzhou might be arrogant—but they didn’t expect him to be this arrogant.

“Damn, is he asking to die?”

As soon as Bai Tingzhou finished speaking, the boys behind Liu Ping started swearing.

One of them, who had a hot temper, rushed over and tried to punch him. But his wrist was suddenly caught by someone.

A second later, pain shot through his arm like his bones had shattered. He staggered backward several steps before barely standing still. Clutching his wrist, he cried out in pain.

He tried to run, but found that his wrist was tightly held by a young man—Bai Tingzhou—whose grip was so strong he couldn’t break free.

Bai Tingzhou looked at him with cold eyes. “Who were you saying wants to die?”

The others immediately surrounded him.

Qi Jinyang didn’t stay idle either. He threw down his school bag, rolled his neck, and casually whistled. “Time to get started.”

Liu Ping was furious and ready to fight, but when he saw Bai Tingzhou’s eyes—dark and cold—he hesitated. When Bai Tingzhou looked at Liu Ping’s gang members, a flash of disgust appeared in his eyes.

Bai Tingzhou stared straight at Liu Ping through the crowd. Liu Ping felt chills down his spine and instinctively stepped back. But it was too late—his guys had already rushed forward. He had no way to run now.

The others saw that Bai Tingzhou wasn’t reacting and tried to take him by surprise. At a signal, they all rushed in with fists raised.

But Bai Tingzhou didn’t even look at them. He grabbed a metal rod nearby and swung it at them.

The metal rod was heavy. When it hit, it not only broke the skin—it made bl00d seep from the wounds.

The gang was stunned. They froze in place, too shocked to move.

They had never seen someone fight like this.

Metal rods weren’t a joke. One hit could be deadly.

Usually, when they talked about fighting, they only used fists. But weapons? That was unheard of.

When Bai Tingzhou attacked, he held back a little. He only made one of them bleed from a scrape on the leg.

After all, he had no real grudge against Liu Ping’s followers. He just wanted to teach Liu Ping a lesson.

Killing someone was not something a good citizen should do.

Qi Jinyang finished dealing with the thugs and walked over. He squatted down, helped them put their clothes back on, patted their cheeks with a smile, and said, “Who were you calling a pretty boy just now? Say it again.”

His smile was charming, even a little wicked—but it made their skin crawl with fear.

The others quickly begged, “We’re sorry! Please forgive us!”

Bai Tingzhou ignored them. He walked straight toward Liu Ping. Liu Ping swallowed hard and stepped back again.

Bai Tingzhou stopped in front of him and said coldly, “Didn’t I tell you to bring everyone? Why is it just you?” His hands were still stained with someone else’s bl00d.

Liu Ping stared at the metal rod in his hand, his pupils shrinking. “K-Killing someone is illegal.”

Bai Tingzhou smirked. “Of course I know. I won’t kill you.” He dropped the rod, grabbed Liu Ping by the hair, and dragged him to a barrel full of dirty water.

Liu Ping cried out in pain, begging as he was pulled over.

Without mercy, Bai Tingzhou pushed his head into the water.

“Help! Help!” Liu Ping shouted, but the water quickly filled his nose and eyes. He couldn’t breathe, and he started choking.

He really thought Bai Tingzhou was going to kill him.

Bai Tingzhou’s grip got tighter.

Standing beside him, Bai Tingzhou said coldly, “She was out in the cold wind for so long. You’ll stay in the water for just as long, alright?” His tone sounded like a question—but it was full of icy authority.

Liu Ping finally realized who Bai Tingzhou was avenging.

He wished he could go back in time and slap his old self.

He made pleading gestures with his hands and tried to push Bai Tingzhou away.

Bai Tingzhou stared down at him without a trace of sympathy.

After a while, he finally pulled Liu Ping out of the water. Liu Ping gasped for air, coughing and trembling.

He didn’t dare move again, didn’t even dare speak. He knew—one wrong word, and Bai Tingzhou would act on his threats.

Bai Tingzhou looked at Liu Ping’s red, soaked face with disgust. Then he tossed him aside. “Get lost.”

His voice was quiet, but it rang loud in Liu Ping’s ears.

Liu Ping, as if granted a pardon, nodded quickly and ran off with his gang, disappearing down the alley.

Bai Tingzhou turned to look at Qi Jinyang, who was picking up his school bag and dusting it off like it was a treasure.

Qi Jinyang looked up and raised an eyebrow. “You’re really ruthless.”

Bai Tingzhou didn’t reply. He stared at his stained hands, his face full of disgust. “It’s the best way to make sure he never bothers Li Yansui again.”

Those guys were always skipping school, playing pool, going to bars, and hitting on girls. Unless someone beat some sense into them, they would never learn.

Qi Jinyang nodded. “So, what will you do next?” He handed over Bai Tingzhou’s bag.

Bai Tingzhou took the bag and frowned at his hands. “I’ll think about it tomorrow.”

With that, the two of them left the alley.

They stopped by a public restroom. Bai Tingzhou bought disposable hand soap and started washing his hands like crazy. He scrubbed them so hard it looked like he might peel his skin.

Qi Jinyang, sipping the cola Bai Tingzhou bought him, watched and laughed. “Dude, your obsession with cleanliness is insane.”

He looked at the half-used soap. “Seriously, that’s enough! Your skin’s going to fall off.”

Bai Tingzhou gave him a side glance and only stopped after he felt clean.

When they came back out, the busy street had quieted down. Most people were gone. A few food stalls were closing, and only a few tables still had people chatting and drinking.

The night sky was full of stars.

Bai Tingzhou tilted his head back, eyes closed, enjoying the view.

Qi Jinyang saw that he seemed fine and was about to leave when Bai Tingzhou called him back.

“What is it?”

“Thanks.”

He only said two simple words.

Qi Jinyang waved it off. “That’s it? Next time just call me, no need to be polite.”

Then he turned and left, looking for a place to crash for the night.

Bai Tingzhou watched him go, then took out his phone and sent a message to Song Wannin.

After texting, he looked up at the starry sky again. It was beautiful—but he suddenly wanted to go home.

When he got home, it was already 11:01 p.m.

He opened the door and saw that the lights were still on—Li Yansui was still awake, waiting for him.

That thought made him happy.

He walked in quietly, afraid to wake her. But as he stepped into the living room, he saw her curled up on the sofa in thin pajamas, asleep. She had used his jacket as a blanket. Her face was peaceful, her long lashes trembling slightly, as if she was dreaming.

Bai Tingzhou’s heart melted. He quietly sat beside her and gently ran his fingers through her hair.

She woke up from his touch, sleepily snuggling into his clothes. “Why did you come back so late?”

He lowered his head and said softly, “Sorry, I’m late.” His voice was gentle, like he didn’t want to disturb her dream. “Don’t move. I haven’t showered yet—I’m dirty.”

“Mm…” she snuggled into his chest again, not caring at all.

Bai Tingzhou smiled and carried her upstairs.

Her room was designed and furnished by him, filled with all her favorite things.

The moment he opened the door, her favorite scent filled the air.

He looked down at the girl in his arms—his most beloved and only love in this life.

She slept soundly in his arms, her long hair falling loosely, some strands wrapping around his fingers.

Her face was so beautiful and soft.

Bai Tingzhou held her like she was a treasure.

Moonlight poured over them, giving the room a silver glow—everything was peaceful and lovely.

After settling her into bed, he finally went to shower. He dried his hair, changed into clean pajamas, and picked up his phone.

He replied to his mother’s message and felt relieved to see Song Wannin had replied too.

As for Qi Jinyang—he’d help however he could.

He tossed his dirty school uniform into the washer. He clearly didn’t want to see it again.

Pouring himself a glass of cold water, he finally calmed down and realized everything that had happened tonight.

Outside, the stars shone brightly.

He couldn’t stop thinking about the past.

Even as a child, he was cold and distant. People stopped playing with him after a few days. Only Li Yansui stuck with him.

She always stayed by his side, even when he barely responded.

He would do his own thing, she would talk on her own—they never bothered each other.

“You see, one never stops using his hands, and the other never stops using her mouth. They’re quite a match, right?” That’s what Aunt Yu said once.

Her aunt teased, “Why not set up a child marriage between them?”

Back then, neither of them knew what that meant. Li Yansui ran over, mud still on her hands, and asked, “Auntie, what’s a child marriage?”

She was beautiful even then—big eyes, cute face, always sweet and bubbly.

Many parents liked her and even joked about marrying her into their family one day.

Her aunt rubbed her head and said, “It means when you grow up, you’ll be Tingzhou’s wife. Do you want that?”

Li Yansui tilted her head and thought seriously. Then she said, “Okay!”

The adults were stunned for a second, then laughed.

Ms. Yu looked at Bai Tingzhou, who was reading quietly, and joked, “Tingzhou, what do you think? Do you like Yansui?”

Li Yansui looked at him with bright eyes, not even sure what she was hoping for.

Bai Tingzhou didn’t reply. He just kept reading—but his ears turned red.

Later, she became more and more attached to him. He became her whole world.

In middle school, he’d take her to school and buy her breakfast. They were always together.

Some people even said they were dating early. A bald teacher even called them in to check.

In high school…

…he only stayed at Shengzhe High School for one year before transferring.

But he remembered one night in middle school—they sat in the yard under the stars. He looked into her eyes and swore, “Trust me. I will always protect you.”

She smiled brightly and said, “Okay. Then you have to always protect me.”

But later… he broke his promise.