Chapter Fifteen: Xue Ran’s Confession

The feelings of the examinees were probably all the same; after the test, the tension dissipated, no longer as nerve-wracking as before.

"Xiao Qi, I won't accompany you today. I'll leave soon; I need to freshen up a bit. You know what I'm up to," Xue Ran said, linking arms with Zhou Xiao Qi as they walked to the school gate, preparing to part ways.

"Alright, I know today is important for you. Go ahead, don't worry about me. I want to take a trip out of town anyway," Zhou Xiao Qi replied to Xue Ran, who was lost in her own daydreams.

"What? You're going out of town? When will you be back? I can't bear to be apart from you, not even for a moment," Xue Ran said, her expression twisted with half-serious, half-playful reluctance.

"Missy? Big sis? Call yourself whatever you like—could you stop being so nauseating? You're making me want to throw up my lunch from yesterday," Zhou Xiao Qi retorted, knowing Xue Ran truly hated to part with her. Only by acting this way could she lighten the mood, even pretending she was about to vomit.

"Alright, alright, I'll wait for you. Come back soon," Xue Ran said, leaving before Zhou Xiao Qi could reply.

Zhou Xiao Qi understood that this was Xue Ran's way of managing her emotions; she couldn't stand separation, even for a short while.

After leaving, Xue Ran went to the salon, got a lovely new hairstyle, and changed into a light blue long dress. Her usual wavy, flirtatious locks were now straight and obediently draped over her shoulders. At last, she awaited the person she longed for, and became even more flustered.

Li Feng arrived at the designated spot as promised. He did not see Zhou Xiao Qi, but instead found Xue Ran, beautifully dressed. Suddenly, Li Feng understood Zhou Xiao Qi's intention. He had thought Zhou Xiao Qi was the one who invited him out, and wanting to make a good impression for her first invitation, he had abandoned his usual sportswear and sneakers. He combed his bangs away from his forehead, donned canvas shoes, jeans, and a white shirt. Even such a simple outfit became a picturesque scene on Li Feng.

Li Feng saw Xue Ran in the distance and frowned in annoyance, realizing he wouldn't meet the person he hoped for. But Xue Ran was Zhou Xiao Qi's friend, and Li Feng understood her feelings, so he felt it necessary to clarify things. With this in mind, he walked up to Xue Ran.

"I thought you wouldn't come today," Xue Ran said, shy for once despite her usual boldness.

"Actually..." Li Feng began, wanting to explain.

Before he could finish, Xue Ran, eyes closed and resolute, blurted, "Actually, I like you. Today, I asked Xiao Qi to help me and invite you out." She had wanted to say these words for years. The answer mattered greatly to her, but she knew feelings could not be forced. Quiet and anxious, she watched Li Feng, waiting for his reply.

Li Feng, apologetic, finally spoke, "I'm sorry, Xue Ran. I can't accept your feelings, but I understand how you feel right now. I don't know how to comfort you, but I think, rather than comfort, you'd prefer to leave freely."

Expected as it was, Xue Ran asked tentatively, "Do you like Xiao Qi?"

Li Feng nodded.