Chapter 16: The Heiress and the Illegitimate School Bully
Xiao Yi was held tightly in Song Qian’s arms. At first, his body stiffened slightly; he had never expected her to be so resolute. Then he slowly raised his arms and returned her embrace. His hands trembled faintly, as though he were holding the most precious and fragile treasure in the world.
At that moment, his heart was like a turbulent sea. On one hand, he was overwhelmed by emotion and joy, as if a warm and brilliant ray of light had suddenly appeared in the depths of a dark abyss. That light shone straight into the softest corner of his heart, dispelling the inferiority and despair that had lingered there for so long. He had never imagined that someone might accept him so purely and completely, without caring about his imperfections or the things he considered shameful.
On the other hand, deep worry and fear began to spread through his heart. He was afraid this was merely a momentary impulse on Song Qian’s part. He feared that the cruelty of reality would gradually wear away her present passion and resolve. Even more frightening was the possibility that he might truly drag her into endless darkness and suffering. He sighed inwardly, wondering what he had ever done to deserve such profound love, yet at the same time feeling that this affection was a heavy responsibility. He desperately wanted to protect her, but feared he might fail. Caught in this conflict, he could only hold Song Qian more tightly, as though he wished to preserve this moment forever. At least for now, he wanted to savor this hard-won tenderness and love with all his heart.
Complicated flames burned in Xiao Yi’s eyes—devotion, pain, struggle, and a trace of reckless determination. His brows drew together slightly as he fixed his gaze on Song Qian. After pressing his lips together, he kissed her forcefully. The instant their lips met, his lashes trembled faintly, and a glimmer of tears seemed to shine at the corners of his eyes. It was the embodiment of his conflict: he longed for this love, yet feared that he might hurt her.
Song Qian’s eyes widened in astonishment and shyness. Her cheeks immediately flushed, alluring as ripe apples. Her lips trembled faintly, but beneath Xiao Yi’s advances, she slowly closed her eyes. Her long lashes cast shadows across her eyelids. At first, her brows furrowed slightly from nervousness, but as Xiao Yi’s kiss grew gentler, they gradually relaxed. She became immersed in this sudden yet deeply affectionate kiss. The expression on her face softened from its initial fluster, filled with her response to and acceptance of Xiao Yi’s love.
Xiao Yi suddenly thrust out his powerful arms and pulled Song Qian tightly against him, locking both hands around her waist as though afraid she would vanish the moment he let go. His chest heaved violently. Leaning forward slightly, he pressed Song Qian against the wall behind her.
The sudden force made Song Qian stumble, and her feet instinctively drew closer to Xiao Yi. At first, her hands rose unconsciously to his chest, trying to create a little distance between them. Her fingers brushed against the firm muscles beneath his clothing, but when Xiao Yi deepened the kiss, they slowly relaxed. Her hands curled slightly as she gently clutched the fabric over his chest. Her body gradually softened, and she tilted her head back to meet his kiss, rising unconsciously onto her toes.
Xiao Yi had initially intended only to give her a light kiss, since Song Qian was still young. But as their lips met, the struggle and pain in his heart seemed to find an outlet. He wanted to release all his negative emotions through that kiss. Yet when he felt Song Qian’s trembling and shyness, his heart softened at once. She was so innocent and wonderful—how could he allow the gloom of his emotions to overshadow her? His unease gradually receded, and his love surged back like a tide, leaving behind only boundless tenderness and care, along with the fear that his recklessness might hurt her.