Chapter 20: The Heiress and the Illegitimate School Bully

Xiao Yi’s face turned deathly pale in an instant. He clenched his hands into tight fists, his body trembling slightly. "Stop spouting nonsense!" But the scoundrel only grew more emboldened. "Nonsense? Your own father doesn't even recognize you; what kind of young master are you pretending to be? Do you really think you're worthy of being with her?"

Song Qian’s originally gentle expression was instantly replaced by fury. She let go of Xiao Yi’s hand, stepped forward, and faced the scoundrel directly, her eyes burning with rage. "Do you think slandering him makes you look noble? Regardless of his background, he is a thousand times better than you! A person like you, narrow-minded and dark-hearted, only knows how to use other people's pain to feel significant. Let me tell you, I love him for who he is—his sincerity, his integrity—not for some so-called family background. You, on the other hand, will never understand what true affection is; you are only fit to wallow in this corner, reeking of jealousy!"

Watching Song Qian stand up for him, Xiao Yi felt both moved and worried. He gently tugged at her arm, trying to pull her behind him. "Don't lower yourself to his level. Let’s go." But Song Qian stood unmoved, still glaring at the scoundrel as if she could drive him away with her gaze alone.

Xiao Yi took Song Qian’s hand and walked away with steady, powerful strides, moving out of everyone’s sight until they reached a quiet, secluded corner of the campus. Only then did he stop, turn around decisively, and look straight at Song Qian. His deep eyes were filled with gratitude and affection, but more than that, with an unshakeable resolve.

As Xiao Yi and Song Qian walked hand in hand, the onlookers instinctively cleared a path, their eyes still lingering with fear and apprehension. After all, Xiao Yi was the infamous school bully; his past brutality in fights was deeply etched in their minds. Those who had witnessed his formidable strength in past conflicts dared not even breathe loudly now.

A few timid students even shivered as Xiao Yi passed by, as if terrified of accidentally provoking this "menace." Xiao Yi keenly sensed their reactions and frowned slightly, a flicker of helplessness rising within him. He knew his past behavior had left an overly harsh impression, but he did not want this to trouble Song Qian.

He leaned over and whispered to her, "Don’t mind them. I will change how they see me." Song Qian nodded slightly and squeezed his hand in return to show her trust. Xiao Yi took a deep breath, quickened his pace, and led her through the crowd. He silently vowed to reshape his image in everyone’s eyes—not just for himself, but to walk alongside Song Qian on campus with his head held high.

"Today, thank you, truly." Xiao Yi’s voice was low and gravelly, yet carried an undeniable strength. "I have always faced everything alone; no one has ever stood by my side as resolutely and fearlessly as you have, shielding me from the storm."

Song Qian shook her head slightly, about to speak, but Xiao Yi quickly and gently raised his hand, firmly cupping her face, his tone brook no interruption. "I did hide my background, and I was anxious about it, terrified that once you knew, you would leave without hesitation. Yet, your words and your fearless actions just now have made me realize that I have an irreplaceable place in your heart.

"I promise you: no matter what storms or malicious provocations the future may hold, I will face them with a heart of steel. I will never let you suffer even the slightest harm. My background may be a shackle imposed by fate, but I will not be bound by it. I will turn it into the momentum that drives me forward, using my perseverance and courage to carve out a bright path for our future."

Song Qian gripped his hand tightly and then, with a powerful pull, Xiao Yi gathered her into his arms, his chin resting firmly against the top of her head as if he wanted to merge her into his very being. "With you by my side, I have the strength to defy the whole world. I once struggled alone in a dark abyss; now, you are the light that pierces through the darkness, a light that will never fade. I will follow you, unwavering, until death. I love you precisely because you are so resilient and unafraid. Your background is merely a chapter of your past; it cannot define the person you truly are."

Xiao Yi released her, looked into her eyes, and said earnestly, "However, I will not let him off easily. He must pay the price for what he did today. I will use the proper channels to make him apologize for his vile actions."

Song Qian looked concerned. "What are you planning to do? I don’t want you to get into trouble because of him."