Chapter 24: The Things Were Thrown Away

Shen Yi was taken aback, then laughed, scratching his head. "Of course. My Ji Ling is amazing. I was actually planning to comfort you, but it seems that won't be necessary now."

Under the dim moonlight, Ji Ling leaned closer to Shen Yi, pressing against his face. Even in the haze, the fine hairs on Shen Yi’s cheeks were clearly visible.

Shen Yi swallowed hard, and Ji Ling chuckled. "Look at you, so easily flustered."

Ji Ling stepped back and stood still. "So, how were you planning to comfort me?"

"I... I’ll treat you to a meal." Shen Yi stammered slightly as he spoke. "Actually, my mother and Cong’an want to invite you. Would you be willing?"

"Why?" Ji Ling looked at him.

"You helped Cong’an last time, and my mother wants to thank you." Shen Yi added enticingly, "There will be plenty of delicious food. Come on, it’ll be a great chance to fill your stomach, since you haven't been taking proper care of yourself lately."

Ji Ling was amused. Although she had long anticipated Ji Shu’s actions, no one could truly be content with having their hard-earned success snatched away so brazenly. Yet, looking at this big, lovable goofball, she finally felt a sense of joy.

"Alright. But let's make it the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, accompany me to the school to pick up some things, and then we can go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy gifts for Cong’an and your mother." Ji Ling nodded. Her big, faithful wolfdog was finally falling for her tricks.

The next day, just as the sky was beginning to brighten, Shen Yi arrived outside the Ji residence.

As Ji Ling stepped out, she saw Shen Yi straddling his bicycle, his long legs and lean waist looking dangerously attractive.

Ji Ling hopped onto the backseat and naturally grabbed the fabric of his shirt at his waist. Caught off guard, Shen Yi swerved and wobbled, crashing the bike into a freshly plowed field.

"You... just holding the shirt is fine," Shen Yi muttered, his voice muffled. As he hoisted the bike back up, he leaned forward, making it seem as though Ji Ling were a lecherous rogue who had just harassed an innocent man.

"Did I grab your skin?" Ji Ling asked, looking at him with genuine confusion.

"No, no, it’s just... your hands..." Before Shen Yi could finish, Ji Ling interrupted. "Fine, to avoid grabbing your skin, I’ll just wrap my arms around you instead."

Shen Yi’s mind began to wander at her words. He shook his head vigorously, silently scolding himself. "Then... let's go."

Shen Yi remained awkward throughout the ride, but eventually, Ji Ling took his hand and pulled him into the school grounds.

On the holiday, the school was devoid of students. The empty classrooms looked lonely against the backdrop of fallen leaves on the tree-lined path.

Shen Yi looked around curiously. "So this is where you spend your days?"

Ji Ling introduced the place to him, pointing to the side. "Yes. Sometimes, if I’m hungry in the afternoon, I go to that alley over there to buy a roasted sweet potato."

"I know."

"How did you know?"

"Sometimes, when I wanted to see you," Shen Yi blurted out, "I’d watch you from not far away in that alley." As soon as he said it, he realized it sounded wrong and immediately turned his head away, as if that could hide what he had just confessed.

Ji Ling was just about to tease him when she heard a commotion from the office. Moments later, books with her name on the covers were tossed out one after another, followed by her personal belongings that she kept at school for convenience.

Bai Nana, having finished throwing Ji Ling's things, still felt unsatisfied. She ran out of the office and kicked at the pile of belongings.

Ji Ling’s eyes turned cold. She detested nothing more than people touching her things without permission. When she was a child, after her mother had given away her belongings without asking, she had installed a lock on her bedroom door.