The school bell rang, signaling the end of classes. Like usual, Ye Fan and Ning Xi waited until their classmates had left before leaving the school.
As they walked into the alley, Ye Fan suddenly stopped and reached out to hold Ning Xi's small hand. The cool, smooth feel of her skin made the corners of his mouth curl up involuntarily.
Ning Xi's cheeks reddened, but she didn't pull her hand away.
After spending so many days together, she had slowly grown accustomed to Ye Fan's occasional bold actions. She was still shy, but her reaction wasn't as intense as it had been at first.
In her heart, as long as no one saw them, a little extra closeness… wasn't a big deal.
After all, she and Ye Fan were good friends…
"What's up?" she asked.
"Come over to my place. I have something for you."
"Huh?"
Ning Xi's eyes sparkled as she looked at Ye Fan, asking, "What is it? I haven't even finished the worksheets you gave me last time…"
"It's not a worksheet."
Ye Fan chuckled, feigning mystery. "I'm not telling you yet—you'll find out soon. Let's go."
"…Alright."
Sunlight bathed the earth and shone on the girl, her delicate hair dancing in the breeze. Her gentle presence seemed to soften the very air.
"Uncle Zhuang, could you wait at the entrance of the community?"
Leaving the alley, Ning Xi approached the car and nodded politely to Zhuang Li, who was in the driver's seat. "I'm going to Ye Fan's to pick up something. It won't take long."
"Yes, Miss."
Zhuang Li glanced at Ye Fan on his left, his mouth twitching slightly, but he said nothing. Starting the car, he drove toward the main gate of Baiyu Garden Community.
Watching the car drive off, Ye Fan's lips curled into a smile, half-jokingly asking, "Xiao Xi, have you noticed that Uncle Zhuang's attitude toward me has changed a lot recently?"
"Has it?"
Ning Xi tapped her chin with her finger, tilting her head as she thought. She mumbled softly, "Uncle Zhuang has always been like that, right? I didn't notice anything different…"
"Maybe it's just my imagination."
Ye Fan reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind Ning Xi's delicate ear, his fingers brushing her soft skin.
Ning Xi, feeling as if she had been electrocuted, quickly took a step to the right, the blush on her cheeks even brighter than the setting sun.
"D-Don't do that. We're…on the street; people might see us."
"It's fine."
Ye Fan adjusted the strap of his backpack and walked behind Ning Xi. Taking her backpack off her shoulder, he held it in his hand, a gentle smile on his face. "What's so embarrassing about fixing your hair?"
"We're good friends, after all. It's totally normal for good friends to do that!"
"…"
Ning Xi raised her head slightly, intending to give Ye Fan a sideways glance, but when her gaze fell on his face, she was momentarily dazed.
From her angle, the boy before her had fair, healthy skin, eyes that seemed capable of seeing through lifetimes, and a smile that drifted like a feather.
Clean, handsome!
This guy… looked so good…
Realizing her thoughts, her face grew even redder. She quickly turned away, her soft voice tinged with something indescribable.
"B-But… we're outside. It's… it's okay when no one's around…"
As soon as she said that, her blush deepened further, her eyes cast downward, her long lashes fluttering.
Ning Xi, are you crazy? What do you mean it's okay when no one's around…?
At this moment, she wanted to cry~~~
It's over!
Now, even if she jumped into the Yellow River, she wouldn't be able to clear this up!!!
Aaaahhh—
Ye Fan didn't tease her further, his face showing a faint smile as he slowly extended his right hand to her, his voice soft: "Want to hold hands?"
"N-No."
Ning Xi shook her head repeatedly, staring at the ground, a hint of embarrassment on her face. "Let's…just go."
With that, she walked toward the community entrance as if fleeing, her back clearly showing her fluster.
Ye Fan chuckled softly. He wasn't surprised by her refusal and leisurely followed behind her. Watching her hair sway with her hurried steps, he picked up his pace slightly.
He took the hair tie from his wrist and, with lightning speed, gathered her hair into a ponytail, revealing her fair neck. In the soft sunlight, it gleamed like velvet.
"You…"
Feeling Ye Fan's movements, Ning Xi paused and protested quietly, "Can't you ask my opinion first? I didn't even agree; who told you to take charge like that?!"
Her small hands on her waist, she looked petite but graceful. Her brows furrowed slightly as she glanced at him, a hint of question in her clear eyes. "Do you like girls with ponytails that much?"
"No."
Ye Fan shook his head, a faint, indescribable tone in his voice. "I only like it when you wear a ponytail because…"
He paused for a moment, a smile curving his lips, before he continued in a soft voice, "It's beautiful~"
"…"
The shy expression on Ning Xi's lowered face was like a rare treasure. Blushing furiously, she lightly hit him on the arm. "If you keep this up, I won't go to your place!"
"My bad."
In front of Ning Xi, Ye Fan always gave in, placing his hands on her shoulders as he gently guided her toward the community entrance.
Ning Xi kept her head down, not daring to look up. Deep within her heart, a barely audible sound echoed, one she didn't even notice.
A seed cracked open—
Now, it just needed gentle care, and eventually, it would fill her heart completely.
Inside the car.
Zhuang Li looked at the two figures entering the community, a faint smile mixed with a strange expression on his face.
Ever since last weekend at the entrance of Phoenix Community, his perspective had shifted. What he had initially opposed with determination had, in just a short time, turned into quiet support.
Because…the scene was heartwarming…
Still, thinking of Ning Xi's identity, Zhuang Li couldn't help but sigh softly, murmuring to himself, "Young Ye, whether you end up with Miss depends on your own efforts. Good luck!"
It's destined to be a thorny path!!!
–
In the dimly lit living room, Ning Xi sat obediently on the sofa, holding a glass of water and sipping her lemon water in small sips. Her legs swung gently as her eyes darted around, but no matter where they wandered, they eventually landed on the bedroom door, a hint of anticipation on her cheeks.
What could it be?
She felt both curious and excited!
Recalling the worksheets Ye Fan had given her last time, her dimples appeared as she murmured to herself, "I hope he doesn't give me another weird gift. He's such a straight guy; he'll definitely never get a girlfriend like this. Definitely won't."
Ye Fan came into the living room holding a black box, meeting Ning Xi's curious gaze with a smile as he raised the box. "Want to guess what's inside?"
"No way!"
Ning Xi turned her head away, refusing decisively.
Who knew what was in the box? She only hoped it wasn't something related to studying, especially not a worksheet…
With a smile in his eyes, Ye Fan walked over to Ning Xi, sitting down beside her. He took the glass from her hands and placed the black box in her palms. "Open it and see. I hope you like it."
"…Alright."
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