Chapter 19: The Charm of That Slap

"Hello, my name is Liu Ruosi, nice to meet you."

Li Yi believed that even if another hundred years passed, as long as he was still alive, he would never forget the most beautiful words in this world.

Looking at her extended hand, Li Yi trembled slightly. He stood up, wiped his right hand on his clothes—his clothes were not much cleaner than his hands. Then, he firmly held her hand, as if through time and space, he was holding the hand of the Liu Ruosi in his dreams. Seeing her charming smile, he felt a bit dazed, unsure whether he was in a dream or reality.

Liu Ruosi did not pull her hand away, though it hurt a little.

She was curiously observing him, for she saw in his eyes a passion that only appeared when meeting a long-lost friend.

However, she was very clear that this was their first meeting today.

Yao Lin said jealously, "This guy, as soon as he sees a beauty, his drool starts to flow. Look at him, he won't let go of her hand."

Li Yi took two deep breaths, calmed down, and released her hand, saying apologetically, "Sorry, I lost myself for a moment."

Liu Ruosi smiled brightly. Such a smile was never seen in any of the reports about her in the future. It was a warm, sunny smile from the heart. At this moment, though she was dressed simply and struggling with life, her heart was pure and happy.

In that instant, Li Yi made a decision. Even for her smile, as bright as peach blossoms, he would protect her in this life, ensuring she would not be bullied by any bad people.

"Hello! Li Yi."

Liu Ruosi smoothed her hair behind her ear, "Can we talk?"

Li Yi replied without hesitation, "Sure."

Li Yi pulled over a chair and invited her to sit down.

Zhu Feng was singing his song "Childhood," and though the other students were listening to the song, they all perked up their ears to listen to Li Yi and Liu Ruosi's conversation.

To them, Li Yi had truly changed. The car accident seemed to have transformed him into a different person. The old Li Yi felt like a little brother, capricious and playful, but the current Li Yi was mature and steady, like a big brother. Perhaps, hardship really could temper a person.

"What song did you just sing? It was really beautiful."

"Haha, just singing randomly. I only sing this song when you're around."

"Why?"

"Because you are my misty rain."

Liu Ruosi blushed slightly, not expecting this seemingly ordinary and introverted boy to be so good at teasing. She blinked her eyes, "Have we met before?"

"You don't know me, but I have known you for a long time."

"Is that so?" Liu Ruosi shifted uncomfortably, reading sincerity in Li Yi's eyes, but still feeling it was just his way of expressing himself. She had encountered many boys and men at school, each with their own way of expressing themselves.

"In my previous life, I was a tree, a tree planted in your yard. You watered me every day until you left. I withered and died, transforming into the me of this life. I retain the memories of my past life, but you have forgotten me. My lifelong wait has not earned me even a moment of your gaze." Li Yi spoke earnestly, as if recounting a true story.

"Is that so?" Liu Ruosi habitually smoothed her hair, looking at Li Yi, seemingly in deep thought.

"I know you have a small red plum on the inside of your right thigh. Others think it's a tattoo, but I know it's a birthmark. In my past life, I was a plum tree, and this red plum is the mark I left on you to recognize you in this life." Li Yi whispered softly in her ear.

Liu Ruosi's mouth opened wide in surprise, covering it with her small hand, looking at Li Yi in disbelief, her eyes even showing a hint of shock.

"How do you know? Who are you? Are you even human?" Liu Ruosi trembled, for this was too unbelievable! This birthmark, known only to her and a few close relatives, was no longer a secret after she became famous. Gossip magazines dug up and published everything! Her birthmark was no longer a secret ten years later, and every fan who followed her knew about it.

"Of course I am human, a very normal human. I said all this just to make you believe me. I am your guardian, I don't desire anything from you, but I will protect you from any harm. Moreover, I will help you achieve what you want to do."

"You help me?" Liu Ruosi smiled bitterly, "You're a student, right?"

Li Yi smiled mysteriously, "Of course. If you still don't believe me, I can tell you more about you."

"Oh, what else do you know?" Liu Ruosi, being simple, believed about seventy to eighty percent of Li Yi's nonsense.

"When you were in junior high, you almost drowned while swimming in a river. A branch saved your life. It was a plum tree branch." As he said this, Li Yi was somewhat impressed by his own storytelling ability.

"Since high school, you've had the habit of keeping a diary. Shall I read a few entries for you?"

"Ah! No, no!" Liu Ruosi waved her hands, laughing, "I don't know how you know these things, but the story you told is definitely a lie. But how did you know? I'm really curious."

Li Yi smiled without speaking.

"Ah! Right, Mr. Jin asked me to ask you. He wants to buy the copyright of the song you just sang. How much do you want for it?" Liu Ruosi glanced at Mr. Jin, who was watching her.

Li Yi said, "If you believe me, leave him. He can't give you what you want."

Liu Ruosi smiled bitterly, "What I want? Do you know what I want?"

"Prospects. Your star path." Li Yi spoke each word deliberately.

Liu Ruosi shook her head, "I just want my father's illness to get better. Only he is willing to help me."

"What illness does your father have?"

"Aren't you all-knowing?" Liu Ruosi smiled sarcastically, but it was a forced smile.

Li Yi fell silent, recalling the news about her. After a while, he said, "I know, it's heart disease, coronary artery hardening. It's a minor issue, a surgery can fix it."

"Minor issue?" Liu Ruosi laughed sadly, "The surgery and other expenses will cost about 40,000 to 50,000 yuan! My family has already borrowed over 10,000 yuan to support my university education. Do you think this is a minor issue? You really..."

"50,000 yuan? For 50,000 yuan, you're selling yourself?" Li Yi understood what 50,000 yuan meant to a poor family; it was like a mountain, a mountain too heavy to carry or step over!

Every day, many people die because they can't afford medical treatment. In his previous life, Li Yi often donated money for good deeds, but even with all his efforts, he could only help a tiny fraction of people. This was a societal issue that required government effort.

"What did you say?" Liu Ruosi, who was usually gentle, glared at Li Yi angrily.

"What did I say?" Li Yi was confused, "Did I say something wrong?"

"You said I'm selling myself?"

"Isn't that the case?"

"Slap!"

A sharp sound, Liu Ruosi's right hand made its first intimate contact with Li Yi's left cheek.

This slap was extraordinary! There was no warning, and Li Yi was completely stunned! Everyone in the hall was stunned.

Mr. Jin quickly walked over, asking, "What's going on? What's going on?"

"Mr. Jin, I'm sorry, I don't want to sign with you! Our verbal agreement is null and void." Liu Ruosi said calmly and walked away.

Li Yi touched his half-red face. Without a doubt, his first contact with his dream girl was completed. This day was destined to be recorded in Li Yi's extraordinary history.

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