Chapter 103: I Can Grant You One Condition

As evening approached, the sun slowly sank, bathing the entire sky in a soft orange glow—hazy and mysterious—painting a magnificent oil canvas. A gentle spring breeze stirred, drifting a few pink petals down.

Qin Yichi sat on a secluded bench along a quiet path, his long eyelashes slightly lowered, concealing the emotions flickering beneath his eyes—like a child caught in wrongdoing.

Before him stood Qiao Zhen, carefully cupping his face in her hands, her gaze intent on the swelling bump on his forehead. An indescribable ache swelled within her chest, quietly spreading through her limbs.

She pressed her lips together and softly asked, “It’s swollen. Does it hurt?”

Qin Yichi let out a light hum, his tone casual, “Just a little scratch. It doesn’t hurt at all.”

Yet, when Qiao Zhen gently touched the bump, he couldn’t help but hiss softly.

She already knew he was putting on a brave front.

Sighing quietly, Qiao Zhen pulled a tissue from her pocket and carefully wiped the dust from his forehead. Then, leaning in slightly, she placed a tender kiss there.

She said she’d wondered why he suddenly stopped replying during their WeChat chat—turns out he’d been fighting with Ji Xian.

And it was because she had been bullied that he had rushed in to fight.

The more Qiao Zhen thought about it, the heavier her heart felt. She bit her lip; her eyes started to sting.

Qin Yichi sat silently on the bench for a moment, then lightly took her hand, his voice muffled, “He grabbed your wrist just now?”

Qiao Zhen obediently nodded, “Yes, but I’ve already cleaned it.”

Qin Yichi said nothing, his warm palm stroking her wrist again and again, a trace of pain shining in his eyes.

Qiao Zhen looked at him steadily, sensing his mood was far from good. His lips were downturned, eyes cast low, his entire being seemingly shrouded in a veil of melancholy.

She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.

Qin Yichi sat while she stood before him, slightly taller. Almost cradling him in her arms, she soothed him gently, her voice sweet and clear as water:

“Qin Xiaochi, don’t be sad, okay? Look—the sunset tonight is beautiful.”

At her words, Qin Yichi’s eyes flickered. He wrapped his arms around her, silently burying his face against her front.

He wasn’t unhappy.

He just ached that Qiao Zhen was always being bothered by others, worried she might feel insecure.

There was also a lingering fear inside him—he felt as though he hadn’t protected her well enough.

Rows of camphor trees lining the roadside rustled softly in the breeze, tall and lush. A faint floral scent lingered in the air.

The secluded path was utterly silent, devoid of anyone else.

Qiao Zhen held him close, soothing him like a child, gently stroking his hair.

She pondered seriously on how to lift his spirits.

After a moment, her eyes brightened. Lowering her head slightly, she tugged at his ear softly:

“Qin Yichi, can I fulfill one of your wishes? Is that okay?”

Burying his face in her, his voice suddenly brightened, “Really? Any wish?”

Qiao Zhen tightened her embrace, nodding earnestly, “Yes, but don’t ask for anything too much~ and I have the final say on explanations~”

Qin Yichi sank into a soft cloud of warmth, only then realizing his face was buried in—

His soft, fragrant wife.

His ears flushed crimson instantly, his breathing grew heavy.

Even his throat felt dry, as if something deep within had been ignited, intensifying rapidly.

The earlier gloom vanished in an instant, his mind filled with thoughts of kissing her fiercely, teasing her mercilessly.

Yet Qiao Zhen, still unaware, asked simply and sweetly, “Have you thought about it? What do you want?”

Qin Yichi’s gaze darkened; he swallowed and said, “I’ll save it for later, okay?”

Qiao Zhen saw his mood had clearly lifted and couldn’t help but smile gently:

“Alright, it’s valid for one month~”

The sunset grew more stunning, the sky turning a fiery orange-red—passionate and bold.

Qin Yichi pondered for a moment, flashes of many discarded ideas crossing his mind, then began to whine:

“Qiao Zhen, I’ve been bullied.”

The next second, Qiao Zhen’s eyes widened sharply. She stepped back and asked, “Who bullied you?!”

She looked ready to rush off and defend him.

Qin Yichi chuckled inwardly but kept a serious face, “My roommates. All three of them.”

Hearing this, Qiao Zhen sighed in relief and pinched his cheek playfully, smiling indulgently:

“Your roommates bully you?”

Better than you bullying me…

Qin Yichi looked aggrieved, “They snore loudly at night. It’s so noisy. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep for days.”

He tilted his head up, looking at Qiao Zhen like a pitiful puppy wagging its tail:

“Really, I just want to sleep well.”

Qiao Zhen couldn’t bear to hear him like that. Seeing the obvious bump on his forehead made her heart ache even more.

That bump was from fighting for her, falling headfirst down a tall staircase—how could it not hurt?

Her heart melted instantly. Soothing him in a gentle voice, she said:

“Then tonight, I’ll stay with you.”

It just so happened to be Friday, and there were no classes tomorrow.

Qin Yichi pressed his lips together and deliberately lowered his head. Out of Qiao Zhen’s sight, he couldn’t help but reveal a triumphant, mischievous smile:

“Okay.”

The little white rabbit was caught.

Hand in hand, they strolled across the campus, the soft evening breeze caressing them as they leisurely made their way toward the dormitories.

Qiao Zhen was escorted by Qin Yichi to the female dormitory entrance, where they parted briefly.

She hurried upstairs to pack a few things. When her roommates politely asked, she recounted the earlier events simply.

Sheng Lulu nearly spit blood, growing furious:

“Is that Ji guy even capable of understanding human speech? Belated affection is cheaper than grass! I really, really want to punch him.”

Yun Yue’s voice was calm, “Don’t worry. I did a reading a few days ago—his future looks pretty bleak. Anyway, he’s definitely experiencing some bad luck.”

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