Chapter 7

Is Xing Qiu back?

I thought I was seeing things, but when I focused, I realized I wasn't wrong—Xing Qiu had indeed flown back. He was leaning against the wall, and Lin Ke'er had fallen to the side. The four people who had been beating me stopped, looking at Xing Qiu in shock.

Why hasn't my food arrived yet? Monkey grumbled as he walked in, stepping on Xing Qiu's head.

I was almost moved to tears: Monkey!

The four people rushed over, and Monkey pointed at them: Wait, I have something to say!

They stopped, looking at Monkey in confusion.

Zuo Fei, how about a week's worth of meals?

No problem! I shouted.

Hurry up, Xing Qiu said weakly.

The four people finally reacted and rushed over again. Monkey kicked Xing Qiu's head once more and then charged at the four. Even though Monkey was a skilled fighter, he couldn't take down all four instantly. I quickly jumped up to help, grabbing a teapot from the table and throwing it. The boiling water scalded the four, causing them to scream. Of course, it also scalded Monkey, who screamed as well.

Damn it, stop making things worse, go save your Lin Ke'er!

I rushed to Lin Ke'er and found her eyes still open. She wasn't unconscious, just weak. I asked if she was okay, and she said she was fine and that we should leave quickly. I glanced at Xing Qiu, who was already unconscious, and carried Lin Ke'er out. Monkey followed, and the four people chased us.

Monkey cursed: Why are you still chasing? Your boss is dead! The four people quickly turned back, and we finally left the restaurant. Monkey looked at Lin Ke'er in my arms and said: Find a hotel and give her plenty of water.

We hailed a taxi, and I helped Lin Ke'er in, then got in myself.

Monkey said: When I heard you were with Xing Qiu, I knew something was wrong, so I came to check. Remember, don't associate with the Ninth Prince's people; they're all shady. Alright, go on, I'm going to play games.

I gritted my teeth in anger. I thought Monkey was being too harsh yesterday, but today, I realized he wasn't. The Ninth Prince's people are all bad, truly birds of a feather flock together! If it weren't for Monkey, Lin Ke'er and I would have been in serious trouble.

I suddenly remembered something: Monkey, you haven't eaten, right? Here, take five yuan—

Before I could finish, Monkey waved his hand: What are you talking about? I can't keep taking your money. Go, go!

Watching his retreating back, I felt deeply moved. Of course, I would have been even more moved if I hadn't seen the steamed buns in his hand.

Driver, find a hotel far away! I'm afraid the Ninth Prince will come after us again.

At the hotel, we got a room, and I placed Lin Ke'er on the bed, using a paper cup to feed her purified water. Lin Ke'er's limbs were weak, but her mind was clear, and she could speak. Her eyes were wide open. Because she was lying flat, it was hard for her to drink, and she choked a few times. I had to hold her up, letting her lean against me, and continued to feed her water.

After three or four cups, I noticed Lin Ke'er's face was a bit red. I asked her: What's wrong?

Are you not feeling better yet?

It won't be that quick. Drink a bit more.

We were very close, almost face to face, and she smelled really good. After a while, I noticed she was trembling.

I said helplessly: Come on, are you afraid of me? I'm not Xing Qiu; I won't take advantage of you. We've been classmates for a year; you should know me. Don't worry.

Lin Ke'er's voice was like a mosquito's hum.

Then keep drinking.

But Lin Ke'er closed her mouth and refused to drink.

That's strange. I put her back on the bed: What do you want to do?

Lin Ke'er's face was getting redder, and her body was trembling more.

I suddenly realized: Do you need to use the bathroom?

Lin Ke'er didn't speak, but her body trembled even more. Without her consent, I picked her up and placed her on the toilet, holding her shoulders and said: Lin Ke'er, you know me, so don't worry. I'll close my eyes and help you take off your pants. Don't think too much, okay?

Lin Ke'er nodded slightly, and I squatted down, closed my eyes, and reached down. Because her body was weak, her upper body fell, and her chest pressed against my face. I'm a young man, and I couldn't help but react. Fortunately, Lin Ke'er was wearing a skirt, and my hands found the edge of her underwear and slowly pulled it down.

The sound of liquid splashing was heard, and both of our breathing was heavy. It lasted for over a minute, indicating that Lin Ke'er had been holding it for a long time. I asked carefully: Do you need to wipe?

No need.

Okay. I helped her put her clothes back on and carried her back to the bed, bending over the whole time because of my strong reaction.

I didn't dare look at her and grabbed a cup of water to drink.

What are you doing?

Calm down. I drank the whole cup of water.

I'll drink some too, to calm down.

We each drank three cups of water, and our faces gradually returned to normal.

I turned on the TV to hide the awkwardness. For a long time, neither of us spoke. Later, Lin Ke'er's phone rang, and I helped her get it from her bag. I looked at the screen and said: Zhang Xuan!

Lin Ke'er was also stunned.

Tell her what happened. I pressed the call button and the speaker, placing it in front of Lin Ke'er.

Ke'er, have you seen Xing Qiu? Zhang Xuan's voice was urgent and panicked: I haven't heard from him all afternoon!

I thought Lin Ke'er would tell the truth without hesitation, but she remained silent. I gave her a look, urging her to speak.

No.

Lin Ke'er's answer surprised me.

Okay, I'll keep looking. Zhang Xuan hung up, disappointed.

Why didn't you tell her? I was surprised.

Lin Ke'er pursed her lips and didn't speak.

Are you afraid of hurting Zhang Xuan?

Yes. Lin Ke'er hesitated for a long time before saying: Zhang Xuan loves Xing Qiu deeply. I'm afraid she can't handle the shock if I tell her. If Xing Qiu could change, it would be for the best.

How could he! Xing Qiu is a scumbag; he wouldn't change even if given a hundred chances! He touched your leg yesterday, and you said it wasn't the first time! By not telling Zhang Xuan, you're only encouraging his behavior, which is why he dared to drug you today! Lin Ke'er, you're really disappointing me. You've become beautiful and confident, but you're still immature! If you really care about Zhang Xuan, you should help her get rid of that scumbag!

Maybe my tone was too harsh, and Lin Ke'er's eyes welled up with tears.

Hey, don't cry. I panicked and wiped her tears.

But Lin Ke'er cried even harder, and I didn't know what to do.

You're right, I've only changed my appearance, but my mind hasn't. I pretend to be strong, but I'm always afraid of this and that. I thought being beautiful would stop people from bullying me, but it's still the same today. Lin Ke'er cried harder, and even her nose started to run. I wanted to laugh, but it wasn't the right time.

I wiped her clean with a tissue and said: Changing your appearance is the first step, becoming confident is the second, and becoming strong is the third. You've already taken two steps, which is great. Let's take the third step.

I picked up her phone, dialed Zhang Xuan, and put it on speaker next to her mouth.

Tell Zhang Xuan that her boyfriend is a scumbag.

Unfortunately, the call didn't go through, just busy, busy, busy.

Every time Xing Qiu disappears, Zhang Xuan calls all her friends.

Let's wait and try again. I put the phone aside.

We chatted, and I asked: How did you become so beautiful? Did you get plastic surgery in Korea?

No way, feel it, it's all original.

I knew she hadn't had surgery because her features hadn't changed; she just used to dress poorly, so no one paid attention to her looks. But I pretended to feel, and it was a good opportunity. I touched her eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, and chin, saying to myself: Hmm, it doesn't seem like you had surgery. I continued touching.

Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? Lin Ke'er seemed to guess my intentions.

I laughed: Just kidding. I moved my hand and dialed Zhang Xuan again.

This time, it went through, and Lin Ke'er immediately said: Zhang Xuan, I have something to tell you!

I also have something to tell you, but we have military training soon. Let's meet at the cafeteria at 6 PM.

The call ended again.

Fine, it's better to talk in person. I put the phone aside. Come, let's keep drinking water.

After about ten minutes and four more cups of water, Lin Ke'er needed to use the bathroom again.

Hmm, why did I say "finally"? Was I waiting for this opportunity?

This time, I was more experienced. I carried Lin Ke'er to the bathroom and helped her with everything, eyes closed.

When we came out, we were both blushing, even more than before, much more!

Don't tell anyone about this, ever! Lin Ke'er said firmly, lying on the bed.

Of course not. I mumbled: I'm not stupid enough to tell others that I got urinated on.

You're still saying it! Lin Ke'er grabbed a cup and threw it at me.

I caught the cup and said happily: Hey, you can move!

Hmm? Lin Ke'er was surprised and slowly raised her hands, gripping her fingers like an elderly person in rehabilitation.

I supported her hands and helped her get out of bed, leading her step by step.

My hands and feet have a bit of strength, but my body is still numb. Lin Ke'er followed me step by step.

Yeah, drink a few more cups of water, and you'll be fine.

We were very close, and her scent kept wafting over. I felt a bit intoxicated, and the atmosphere between us was very ambiguous. It would be a waste not to do something in this room. Unconsciously, we reached the door, and I took a bigger step, causing Lin Ke'er to stumble into my arms. I leaned against the door and leaned down to find her lips.