"Ding dong—"
As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, the students cheered and hurriedly packed up their belongings.
With their backpacks slung over their shoulders, they rushed out of the classroom, leaving only a few stragglers behind.
Ye Fan leisurely flipped through the book in his hand while Ning Xi continued working on her practice problems with her head down.
Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing their faces in a warm glow. A boy and a girl, surrounded by books in a classroom, composing a scene of youthful diligence, with time as their melody.
Ye Fan genuinely admired Ning Xi's dedication.
In his previous life, he had met all sorts of people, but he had never met anyone as disciplined as Ning Xi. When it came to self-improvement, she could focus and persevere without ever showing a hint of boredom.
"Buzz—"
Ye Fan's phone vibrated. He closed his book and started packing his things into his backpack.
It wasn't much to pack: two books, a pen, and a thermos.
Seeing Ye Fan's actions, Ning Xi stopped working on her problems and tacitly started packing her study materials into her backpack.
A silent understanding seemed to have formed between them, everything unfolding naturally.
They left the school.
After taking a few steps, Ye Fan stopped and turned around, a smile in his deep eyes. He extended his right hand, as if asking for something.
Ning Xi was taken aback, her eyes filled with confusion. "What?"
"Earphones."
Ye Fan pursed his lips, his features looking even more handsome under the soft sunlight, his slender figure accentuated by his loose casual wear.
"Huh?"
Ning Xi was stunned for a moment, then realized what Ye Fan meant. Her heart skipped a beat, and she lowered her head slightly, her hands unconsciously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.
"Um... I... I didn't bring them today..."
"Oh, alright, let's go then."
Ye Fan scratched his head, feeling a bit awkward. It seemed he had overstepped.
But Ning Xi's reaction made him happy. At least she hadn't refused.
No refusal meant tacit agreement.
This was already a big step forward!
"Uncle Zhuang, please wait for me at the entrance of the residential area. I need to go to Ye Fan's place for a bit."
After exiting the alley, Ning Xi leaned against the car window and spoke to Zhuang Li. As the car started, she turned to Ye Fan, who was standing there in a daze, and smiled faintly, her clear eyes blinking. "What are you spacing out for? Not welcoming me?"
"Wel-welcome, of course, welcome."
Ye Fan replied hastily, a smile in his eyes. "I just didn't expect you to suddenly want to come to my place, so I was a bit surprised."
A charming smile bloomed on Ning Xi's face, but she didn't explain anything. She walked towards the entrance of the residential area, her long black hair swaying gently in the breeze.
Ye Fan's eyes lingered on her for a moment before a knowing smile spread across his face. He quickened his pace to catch up.
In the living room.
Ye Fan handed Ning Xi a glass of lemonade and sat down on the sofa, a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he looked at her beautiful profile.
Had she come here just for a glass of lemonade?
Ning Xi took a small sip, the corners of her eyes crinkling with delight, her legs swinging gently. She was in a particularly good mood.
Noticing Ye Fan's gaze, she tilted her head and blinked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"What are you looking at?"
"Everyone appreciates beauty."
Ye Fan said shamelessly, "You're so beautiful, there's nothing wrong with me looking at you for a bit, is there?"
"Hmph, smooth talker!"
Ning Xi glared at Ye Fan, her lips pursing slightly. "Didn't you say we were going shopping tomorrow?"
"Have... have you thought about where to go?"
Ye Fan shook his head. He hadn't thought about that yet. He wasn't familiar with Imperial Capital. He had been here a few times in his previous life, but he had never stayed long, always rushing off after meeting clients.
"Forget it, I'll figure it out myself."
Ning Xi put down her glass and looked at Ye Fan, a serious expression on her fair face. "Since we've decided to go shopping tomorrow, you need to come to my house early and finish the tutoring session first. Otherwise, my dad won't let me go out."
"No problem."
Ye Fan readily agreed, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.
Ning Xi lowered her head, strands of hair falling from her shoulders. She picked up her glass again and took small sips until it was empty.
"I should go now."
"Okay."
Ye Fan didn't try to persuade her to stay. He stood up, took Ning Xi's backpack, and said with a gentle smile.
"I'll walk you out."
With that, he extended his right hand towards Ning Xi.
Ning Xi hesitated for less than two seconds before placing her left hand in Ye Fan's palm, her face flushing red from the electric sensation that coursed through her. She felt a strange feeling in her heart.
It was indescribable, but it was warm and comfortable, and she didn't feel any resistance at all.
How strange!
Ye Fan gently squeezed her slender and delicate hand in his, noticing its coolness despite the warm weather.
He couldn't help but wonder, the temperature outside was over twenty degrees Celsius, how could her hand be so cold?
"Ahem!"
"What's wrong?"
Ning Xi looked up at him with concern, her sweet voice melting his heart. "Do you have a sore throat?"
"N-no, I'm fine."
Ye Fan was uncharacteristically flustered. He suppressed his suspicions and led Ning Xi downstairs.
As they approached the entrance of the residential area, Ye Fan hesitated for a moment, then stopped, his face full of apology. "Xiao Xi, I'm really sorry, I wasn't being considerate. I didn't think about your condition."
???
Ning Xi was completely confused, staring at Ye Fan with bewilderment.
What was he talking about?
"You... what are you saying?"
Ye Fan sighed, his brow furrowing slightly. He explained in a low voice, "I didn't know you were on your period today. If I had known, I wouldn't have given you ice water. I'll be more careful in the future."
"Period? What period?"
"You know... that period!"
"That..."
Ning Xi froze, and after a few seconds, it finally dawned on her. She quickly pulled her hand away, lightly slapped Ye Fan's arm, her face flushed crimson, and exclaimed, "Are you crazy?!"
"I'm not on my period!"
"Huh?"
This time, it was Ye Fan's turn to be dumbfounded. He mumbled to himself, "But your body temperature is so low, isn't that..."
"Shut up!"
Ning Xi pouted and glared at Ye Fan fiercely. "Who told you that low body temperature means I'm on my period? Do you even have any common sense?!"
"Girls generally have lower body temperatures. And what are you even thinking about? You're not allowed to hold my hand anymore!"
After saying that, she snatched her backpack from Ye Fan and walked away.
"Hey... you can't do this to me!"
Looking at the girl's retreating figure, Ye Fan was speechless.
This was a classic example of good intentions gone wrong!
But he really didn't have any ulterior motives. He was just concerned about Ning Xi's health, he didn't expect to create such a misunderstanding.
Love truly made people do foolish things!
Coming back to his senses, he quickly chased after Ning Xi. He had to explain this clearly, or else she might get the wrong impression of him, and he wouldn't even have a chance to cry.
The road to winning her heart was truly long...
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