Chapter 104 No Need to Praise Me
"Ding dong—"
The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day.
Ye Fan tapped his slender fingers on the desk. Hearing the sound, Ning Xi, who was engrossed in her practice problems, looked up with a puzzled expression. "What's wrong? Are you leaving early?"
As soon as she asked the question, her face flushed slightly. The question sounded strange, as if... she was reluctant for Ye Fan to leave.
Ah!!!
She didn't mean it that way...
"No, I'm not leaving."
Ye Fan smiled gently. "You've been having problems all afternoon. Let's take a break. Come to my place later, I have something for you."
"What is it?"
The girl put down her pen, her curiosity growing.
Ye Fan shook his head slightly, trying to be mysterious. "I can't tell you now. You'll find out later."
"...Okay."
Ning Xi nodded and slowly started packing her things.
By the time she was done, the classroom was empty except for her and Ye Fan. This was something she had already gotten used to. She nodded gently at Ye Fan and said softly, "Shall we go?"
Hearing this, Ye Fan picked up his backpack and naturally took the girl's right hand, its soft texture making him want to squeeze it.
"Don't... don't squeeze."
Ning Xi lowered her head, her hair cascading down her shoulders and back. She whispered, "If you want to hold hands... hold them properly. If you keep doing that, I won't... let you hold them anymore."
As the weather gradually warmed up, the girl's clothes became thinner, her slender figure faintly visible beneath the loose fabric, adding a touch of mystery and beauty.
Ye Fan turned his head, his gaze clear and clean, a smile in his eyes. "We're already holding hands, what's wrong with a little squeeze?"
"I..."
Ning Xi opened her mouth, her face flushed crimson. She shyly turned her head away, her soft groan tugging at one's heartstrings.
Ye Fan chuckled, deciding not to tease the girl any further.
They walked out of the classroom, locked the door, and were about to leave the school. Just as they stepped out of the teaching building, someone blocked their way.
Zhan Chongshan's eyelids twitched as he stared at their intertwined hands, his face darkening. "What's going on here? Isn't holding hands in school a little too bold?"
Lowering his voice, he reminded them, "At least... be discreet!"
He didn't care what they did in private, but holding hands in school was something he couldn't turn a blind eye to. This behavior was too daring, after all, this was high school, not university.
Ning Xi lowered her head, trying to pull her hand away, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't break free.
At this moment, she wanted to cry.
Bro, dude, can you please let go of my hand first?
Holding hands with a boy in front of the principal was making Ning Xi, who had always been a good girl, panic.
It's over!
This time, I'm dead!!!
Ye Fan, on the other hand, was calm and composed. He said with a smile, "You see, Principal, Ning Xi hasn't been feeling well lately. She's been a little wobbly on her feet, and I was afraid she would fall, so I held her hand. It's only natural for classmates to help each other."
Then, he added, "No need to praise me."
"..."
"..."
Ning Xi stared at Ye Fan, her mouth agape, her eyes wide with astonishment.
This...
He could make up such a lie so easily?!
Zhan Chongshan's wrinkled face twitched violently. He was completely dumbfounded, not knowing how to respond.
Praise?
Emmm...
Taking advantage of Zhan Chongshan's momentary lapse, Ye Fan asked, "Principal, is there anything else? If not, Ning Xi and I will be going now."
Without waiting for Zhan Chongshan's response, he pulled Ning Xi away and left, his speed astonishingly fast.
It was only after the two of them had disappeared that Zhan Chongshan came back to his senses. He almost vomited blood in frustration. Looking at their retreating figures, he muttered to himself, "This kid is quite a smooth talker. Sigh, forget it, it's not like they have much time left, I'll just pretend I didn't see anything!"
"Let go of me."
As soon as they left the school gate, Ning Xi's face turned cold, and she said angrily, "I told you we can't do this at school. Now look, we were caught red-handed by the principal. This might reach my dad's ears, and if he finds out that we..."
"Then you... you'll be finished!"
"Are you worried about me?"
"Sigh... can you please be a little more normal?" Ning Xi said, feeling like crying. "I'm reminding you that we can't hold hands at school, otherwise..."
"I disagree."
"..."
Ye Fan smiled casually, reached out, and brushed the girl's messy bangs aside. He said gently, "It's okay, I promise you the principal won't tell anyone."
"As if I'd believe you!"
Ning Xi's face was filled with worry, her soft voice laced with blame. "You only care about your momentary pleasure, without thinking about the consequences."
Ye Fan looked helpless, shrugging his shoulders. He said seriously, "Xiao Xi, it's really okay. I won't lie to you."
His calm and firm words seemed to carry a certain magic, making Ning Xi involuntarily want to believe him. When she realized this change in her emotions, she was startled.
"Are... are you sure it's okay?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
Ye Fan nodded solemnly. Then, the usual smile returned to his face. "Alright, forget about it. Let's go, to my place."
"No."
Ning Xi pouted and shook her head, refusing. Then, she walked towards the alley entrance with small steps.
Ye Fan wasn't in a hurry. He walked on the girl's right side, keeping an eye on the electric bikes coming and going on the sidewalk.
Entering the alley.
Ning Xi suddenly stopped and turned to look at Ye Fan. She didn't say anything, just stared at him.
Ye Fan remained silent, smiling without saying a word, openly admiring the pretty girl in front of him.
This staring contest lasted less than ten seconds before Ning Xi broke down, her eyes flickering slightly. She said with a hint of annoyance, "What kind of way is that to... look at someone?"
"You're wrong."
Ye Fan said with a smile in his eyes, his voice low. "Your beauty eclipses the past and present, your face as fair as a lotus flower. You're so beautiful, can't people even look?"
"You..."
"If I remember correctly, you were the one who looked at me first. As the saying goes, it's impolite not to reciprocate. You looked at me, so as a courtesy, I naturally have to look at you too. Isn't that the right thing to do?"
"I..."
Ning Xi was speechless against Ye Fan's logic. Her face was full of conflict. After a few seconds of silence, she finally said, "Why... why didn't you ask me why I didn't want to go to your place?"
"Why would I ask that?"
Ye Fan put his hands behind his back and smiled casually. "If you're willing to go, that's great. If not, I won't force you." Suddenly, he sighed, his face filled with melancholy.
Ning Xi's eyes flickered, and she asked curiously, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Tell me, there's definitely something."
"Really, it's nothing."
"Are you going to tell me or not? If not, I'm leaving!"
Seeing Ning Xi's adorable, pouting face, Ye Fan couldn't help but chuckle. He said slowly, "I just feel a little regretful."
"Regretful... about what?" Ning Xi asked softly.
"I made some lemonade this morning. It should be chilled by now, the perfect temperature. But I can't finish it all by myself, it seems I'll have to pour it out. Such a pity." Ye Fan smacked his lips.
Ning Xi stared at Ye Fan, dumbfounded. "That's it?"
"That's it." Ye Fan nodded.
"..."