Chapter 18: The Heiress and the Illegitimate School Bully

Song Qian was momentarily stunned, then a radiant and resolute smile blossomed across her face. She stepped forward and took Xiao Yi’s hand, the touch like an electric current instantly sparking through his entire body. Looking directly into his eyes, she said clearly and firmly, “Of course we’re boyfriend and girlfriend.”

Xiao Yi was initially dazed, as if time had stopped in that moment. Then, an overwhelming surge of joy welled up from deep within, quickly spreading across his face. His lips uncontrollably curled into a bright smile, revealing a row of white teeth, shining like the sun breaking through the clouds at dawn.

His eyes narrowed slightly in happiness, and the smile lines at their corners were filled with bliss. He squeezed Song Qian’s hand tightly, gently pulling her closer, his lips brushing near her ear as he said in a trembling voice, “Song Qian, I’ve waited for this moment for so long.”

With excitement, Xiao Yi tenderly embraced Song Qian, wrapping his arms around her as if to merge her into himself. He lowered his head slightly, burying his face in her hair, inhaling the enchanting fragrance that drifted from her locks, his heart brimming with sweetness and contentment.

Around them, the air seemed to soften. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees, as if playing a delicate symphony for their love. The grass at their feet swayed lightly, as if dancing joyfully.

Not far off, a streetlamp cast a warm, amber glow. Within its halo, a few tiny insects fluttered aimlessly, their wings refracting faint light like scattered stars twinkling in the night sky. A stray cat peeked cautiously from the corner, glanced at them curiously, then sauntered away lazily, its elongated shadow stretching under the lamplight before disappearing into the dark alley.

After a while, Xiao Yi released his embrace but kept his hands on Song Qian’s shoulders, gazing deeply into her eyes. “From now on, I will protect you well, never letting you suffer any grievance.” Song Qian smiled and nodded, her eyes shimmering with emotion and trust.

Later, Xiao Yi accompanied Song Qian to her doorstep. There, he murmured tender words for quite some time before reluctantly bidding her goodbye, promising to see her again the next day. As Song Qian turned to leave, Xiao Yi dialed a call.

The person on the other end was a wealthy second-generation heir, a close friend with whom Xiao Yi had once partnered in the tumultuous waves of business. They trusted each other implicitly and understood each other’s temperaments well.

“Hey, brother, are you free tonight? I want to grab a few drinks with you,” Xiao Yi’s voice was low, tinged with fatigue and frustration.

“What’s wrong? You sound off,” his friend, Ye Jinchen—simply called Chen from then on—keenly sensed something was amiss.

“Let’s talk in person. Meet me at the usual place,” Xiao Yi said before hanging up.

Soon after, Chen arrived at the bar in a sleek sports car, speeding like a streak of lightning. With confident strides, he entered the bar; his designer clothes and distinctive aura drew attention even in the noisy environment. Spotting Xiao Yi sitting in a corner with a troubled brow, Chen hurried over and took a seat.

“Brother, what happened? Trouble in business or relationship?” Chen asked with concern.

Xiao Yi was silent for a moment before downing his drink in one gulp. The burning warmth slid down his throat as he slowly began to recount his experience of kissing Song Qian. When describing how his body had reacted, a complex expression crossed his face—surprise that his senses were still so vividly alive, mingled with deep worry about the future.

Chen listened intently, sometimes furrowing his brow, sometimes thoughtful, his eyes filled with sincerity and concern.