Chapter 228 Be Careful or I'll Smack You
When Ye Fan returned to the classroom after washing the lunchbox, Ning Xi had already fallen asleep. In her dreams, her delicate red lips occasionally pursed, and a faint smile hung on her side profile, as if she were dreaming of something pleasant.
Ye Fan carefully placed the lunchbox in its spot and gently opened the window just a little.
A breeze brushed against his face, carrying a hint of coolness.
Ye Fan imitated Ning Xi's posture, lying on his desk. However, he didn't sleep. Instead, he admired the girl before him.
Watching her messy strands of hair sweep across her face, it was as if even the strands were dancing with joy. Everything was so beautiful.
The most profound warmth is always unintentional.
And just like that, he waited until the preparatory bell rang. Only then did Ye Fan sit up, gently shaking the girl's fragrant shoulder. "Xiao Xi, wake up."
Ning Xi rubbed her eyes with her small hands, sleepily staring at Ye Fan. "What time is it?"
"One-thirty."
"But… I feel like I only slept for a few minutes."
Ning Xi scratched her head, forcing herself to wake up. She weakly muttered, "Ye Fan, I want to drink lemon water."
This morning, Ye Fan had left in a hurry and, unusually, hadn't brought any lemon water. Ning Xi, who had grown accustomed to drinking it, felt uncomfortable the entire morning and hadn't even taken a sip of water.
Under the desk, Ye Fan gently squeezed the girl's jade-like hand, his expression indulgent. "Call me 'Gege' (Big Brother), and you'll get lemon water."
"Liar."
Ning Xi wouldn't fall for it. She scoffed, "You clearly forgot to bring it. I'm not stupid, I won't be tricked!"
Ye Fan chuckled. "Just call me 'Gege.' You won't lose anything. Besides, you say it all the time anyway. And are you sure I'm lying?"
Suspicion flickered in Ning Xi's eyes. Her gaze shifted as she hesitated. Then, she climbed onto her desk and softly called, "Gege, I want to drink lemon water."
"Hmm, leave it to me."
With that, Ye Fan stood up and left the classroom without giving Ning Xi any time to react.
Several seconds passed before she snapped back to reality, but by then, Ye Fan was already gone.
She glanced at the classroom door, her small face filled with helplessness as she mumbled, "He wouldn't have gone home to get it, would he? I was just saying it casually… Why did he take it so seriously?"
By the time the bell for the first afternoon class rang, Ye Fan still hadn't returned.
At that moment, Ning Xi was sure—Ye Fan had definitely gone home to get the lemon water.
Despite feeling helpless, a touch of sweetness rose in her heart.
After knowing Ye Fan for so long, whenever she made a request, he would always help her—except when it came to calling him 'Gege.'
"Why is he so good to me?"
As she muttered to herself, a memory surfaced in her mind. She recalled a particular moment from the past when Ye Fan had said four words to her:
—I like you!
Instantly, her face turned crimson, and her heartbeat sped up uncontrollably.
Falling for someone often happens in a fleeting moment.
Liking someone always begins with a single instant.
And within Ning Xi's heart, countless moments related to Ye Fan had quietly accumulated—especially his unwavering, meticulous care…
The bell signaling the end of the second class rang.
Some students were reviewing, others were heading to the restroom.
After disappearing for two whole periods, Ye Fan finally returned. He walked to his seat and placed a thermos in front of Ning Xi.
But Ning Xi was staring out the window in a daze, lost in thought. She didn't even notice Ye Fan.
"Knock, knock—"
The sound of fingers tapping against the desk snapped Ning Xi back to reality. When she turned her head and saw Ye Fan, a bright light flickered in her eyes.
"You still remember to come back, huh?"
"Drink some water first. That way, you'll have the strength to scold me."
"Pfft—"
Seeing her cover her mouth, shoulders trembling with suppressed laughter, Ye Fan couldn't help but laugh along. He opened the thermos and handed it to her. "I just made this. The weather's hot, so I chilled it in the fridge for a while. Drink it while it's still cool."
Hearing that, Ning Xi finally understood why Ye Fan had taken so long to return. A wave of warmth surged in her heart as she cupped the thermos in her small hands and took a gentle sip.
The sweet and sour taste filled her mouth, and her heart melted like honey.
"Thank you."
"Try not to say such distant words in the future."
Ye Fan smiled faintly and spoke casually, "In this world, besides your parents, there's a third person who will be unconditionally good to you. That person is me. I treat you well because I want to. Seeing you happy is the best reward for me."
They say deep words are the most touching.
But sometimes…
Simple words can strike the soul just as deeply.
Unlike the previous two national exams, where they only had half a day of classes the day before, this time was different. Perhaps the school believed the students had already adapted to the routine, so they scheduled three afternoon classes before finally dismissing them.
After school.
In an alley steeped in the colors of time, Ye Fan and Ning Xi walked side by side at a leisurely pace.
Ning Xi's steps gradually slowed until she finally stopped altogether. Her soft voice rang out, "...Gege, I want to go to your house for a while."
She didn't know what she would do there.
But…
She just wanted to go!
Ye Fan adjusted his heavy backpack and smiled under the sunlight. "Perfect timing. I just bought something fun yesterday and was looking for an opportunity to give it to you."
As he spoke, he took her small hand in his, savoring the soft, delicate touch. His eyes narrowed slightly, and his lips curled into a faint smile.
Ning Xi didn't resist, letting him hold her hand. Tilting her head, she blinked curiously. "What is it?"
Ye Fan suddenly stopped, tapping her flawless forehead with his right hand. Feigning mystery, he said, "You'll find out later. For now… it's a secret!"
Ning Xi pursed her lips. For some reason, a sweet smile unconsciously blossomed at the corners of her mouth. Under the glow of the setting sun, she looked even more enchanting.
Upon entering the house, Ye Fan had Ning Xi sit on the sofa and wait while he went into his bedroom alone. When he came out, he was holding a square box wrapped in packaging paper.
Ning Xi's clear eyes sparkled like stars when she saw the words on the box. "Wow! I haven't played with a puzzle in so long. I remember my mom buying me one when I was little, but I never played again after that."
Ye Fan placed the box on the coffee table, smiling. "This puzzle isn't just any puzzle. There's a hidden secret inside. But it's really difficult. Without some serious time, you won't be able to complete it."
"Now, I'm giving you a mission."
Hearing that, Ning Xi playfully saluted. "Teacher Ye, please instruct me. I swear to complete the mission!"
"Wrong."
"…"
Ning Xi's cheeks flushed slightly, her confidence instantly faltering. "Gege, I will definitely complete the mission."
"That's more like it."
Ye Fan nodded in satisfaction, ruffling her silky hair. His eyes brimmed with indulgence as he said gently, "After the college entrance exams, during the summer break, you have to finish this puzzle. If you don't… be careful, or I might spank you."
"Ugh!"
Ning Xi's face turned crimson. She glared at him in embarrassment. "You… you're getting more and more improper! It's just a puzzle! Give me two hours, and I'll finish it! Hmph!"
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