Hearing his answer, Xiong Zhi caught a glimpse of his heart. Although he did not say what was in his heart, Xiong Zhi could still listen to it. She remembered when Linfeng died in the past. Linfeng blamed himself for being low born, thus not having enough power to protect her.
She understood now why Linfeng said those words. Linfeng must have felt as if his wings were cut off, and he was chained to the Xiong's.
Xiong Zhi lowered her eyes. She wanted Linfeng to stay by her side. But seeing Linfeng holding himself back from what he wanted to do, she felt pain.
In the past, Linfeng never gained freedom. He was not able to do what he really wanted to do. He lived all his life for someone else. He even died for that someone.
In this life, she promised to love Linfeng, including giving him happiness.
And his happiness was his freedom.
Having another goal, she looked at the flustered Linfeng.
"En. There will be a time in the future when you will not need to bow to the Xiong's anymore. You don't need their approval to prove yourself to them. Just soar high and do what you want. Why not make a promise yourself like I did to my grandfather? You're more capable than I am. You can do it. They cannot stop you from what you wanted to do," she sincerely said to Linfeng, albeit slowly as she was not used to speaking yet. She needed more practice.
'Linfeng, in this lifetime, let's do whatever we want... Let's live this life without regrets.'
Linfeng looked at Xiong Zhi. Those words that he really wanted to hear were coming out of her mouth. His heart was moved.
For a moment, he felt like someone did understand him. Like what he wished for was not outrageous and ridiculous. He felt like he took one step towards his dream.
But how did the Young Miss know of it?
He did not say anything else, right? Why did she say that?
'Can she see through me? I thought I already mastered the art of expression. The Young Miss cannot be underestimated.'
Nevertheless, Linfeng felt grateful to Young Miss.
He smiled sincerely at her while saying:
"Young Miss is really kind. I will take it to heart."
"Zhi'er," Xiong Zhi pestered.
"Young Mi---"
"Zhi'er."
"Pardon me---"
"Zhi'er."
"...."
"...."
Xiong Zhi turned her head away and looked outside the window. Her actions were clear. She would not talk to him and ignore him if he did not call her name.
Throughout the rest of the ride, silence took over. The driver let out a breath. He could finally relax. He witnessed incredible things today. Their Young Miss spoke and said many words. He noticed their Young Miss express her emotions. He even saw with his own eyes their Young Miss's worry, encouragement, and her acting like a spoiled child.
The driver looked at Linfeng in the mirror.
'And all of it is because of this boy… Does their Young Miss like this boy? That's surely a bomb!'
(A/N: Nice one, driver! Jackpot!)
Linfeng was at a loss. He could not call her by her name. If he did that, the Xiong's might think that he did not respect them. So he kept quiet and let Xiong Zhi ignore him.
They arrived at the Tiān Cái International High School (TIHS) soon after.
This high school was the most significant, most advance, and most famous high school in the country. All students were from prominent families. From the prime minister's children, militaries, and politicians to the descendants of renowned doctors, lawyers, and big business companies.
Inside the school, there was a hierarchy.
Below the food chains were the sons and daughters of lawyers, doctors, and celebrities. In the middle were the sons and daughters of high-rank militaries and politicians. On the top, there were the heirs of the world's sovereign companies, including their aides.
In other words, their rankings were not about how high your grades are, but about how wealthy and powerful you are.
Since it was a school for wealthy elites, the school did give its fame justice. The TIHS really lived up to its reputation as one of the most prominent schools in the country. Its grounds alone occupied a quarter of the capital city.
The students needed to travel at least 10 minutes if they have to go to the next department.
Every corner was sparkling, clean, and luxurious.
Even the parking lot was huge and vast. Once their car was parked, an assistant wearing a suit from the school staff approached them.
Since it was the first day of school, the assistant talked politely on their way, introducing the school, recommending that students go for their rest and places where they can sightsee.
Every student was assisted by the school's personnel.
When they arrived at a specific large building, the staff member turned to them.
"This is the junior's building. Someone will receive you at the front, young sir and young miss." The staff member bowed slightly and discreetly made his way out.
Like he said, another staff member assisted them from the reception. The person led them to her classroom.
"This is your room, Young Miss Xiong." Then the staff member turned away to assist another student.
Linfeng gave her bag to her.
"Young Miss, we will part here. If you need anything, just give me a call," he handed her a cellphone.
"My number is already inside. I will come fast as soon as you call. Please wait for me here half an hour after your class. I will take you home. And also during class break, wait for me for here. Let's get lunch together. I hope you enjoy your class. I shall take my leave now, Young Miss," Linfeng said and turned around.
He started to walk when his phone rang.
EMERGENCY.
He turned around and glanced at Xiong Zhi. He walked back to her, yet Xiong Zhi still placed the phone to her ear. Seemingly understanding what the young miss wanted, Linfeng answered the call while looking at her.
He stood just a few steps away.
"At least call me Zhi'er when we're alone," Xiong Zhi said.
Linfeng was stunned for a moment. But from that distance, he could see her stubbornness. Having no choice, he sighed.
"If that's what the Young Miss wants. See you later, Zhi'er."
Finally hearing his endearment to her, she smiled.
It was her first smile in this lifetime.
Linfeng, witnessing her smile, was dumbstruck.
He knew how stunningly beautiful she was. But with that small smile, it lifted up her entire face. It enhanced her attractive features more. Even the surroundings changed beautifully because of it.
She looked so ethereally beautiful.
Linfeng's heart started beating dramatically. He could not help but engrave this beautiful scene in his heart.
He stared at her for a long time, not realizing that he was late.
Xiong Zhi ended the call and walked inside her room, unaware that she had hit Linfeng's heart hard and left him dumbfounded.