As they stepped outside, Xuanye was smiling while Minghao rubbed his hand where she had squeezed it during the injection.
Xuanye chuckled, grabbing his hand gently. "It was just a shot, but you're acting like you've been wounded in battle."
Minghao sulked like a puppy. As she rubbed his hand, he stared at her with shining eyes. Xuanye looked up, heart pounding. "Why are you looking at me like that… Hao?"
Minghao blinked. "What's your answer, Ye?"
Xuanye's cheeks flushed. "I… I love you, Hao."
Minghao beamed, kicked his feet in excitement, and pulled her into a hug.
"You really are the king of fluttering hearts," Xuanye giggled, patting his back.
"And you're the queen of mine," he said with a grin.
"Okay, that's getting cringe," she teased.
They both laughed.
As they got into the car, the manager began driving them back toward the college.
"Ye, you should inform Nian. She's probably worried," Minghao reminded her.
Xuanye froze. "Oh no… I didn't bring my phone!"
"What?" Minghao sat up straight. "Ye, how can you be so careless?"
He shook his head and reached for his phone. Xuanye slid down in her seat from embarrassment.
---
Meanwhile, Nian was pacing around the dorm. It was already 11 a.m., and Xuanye had left at 8 a.m. Without a word.
Just as she picked up her phone to go look for her, it rang. She glanced down — Minghao?
She quickly answered, "Minghao! Xuanye left early, and she hasn't returned yet. Did you see her? Is she with you?"
"Don't worry," he said calmly, glancing at Xuanye. "She's with me."
Nian let out a relieved breath.
Minghao continued, "She had a stomachache and was sitting alone at the bus stop. I saw her and took her to the hospital."
Xuanye slapped Minghao's arm in panic. "Why did you tell her?!"
Minghao rubbed his arm dramatically, confused by her reaction.
On the other end, Nian's voice went up in alarm. "WHAT?! She went to the hospital and didn't inform me?!"
Minghao winced, holding the phone away from his ear.
"I knew she'd react like this," Xuanye muttered.
"She's fine now," Minghao said quickly. "The doctor said it was just because she skipped breakfast."
"Where are you now?" Nian demanded.
"We're almost at the college," he replied.
The call ended.
---
At the college gate, Nian waited with arms crossed.
The car pulled up. Minghao stepped out first and helped Xuanye out. She chuckled as he held her carefully.
Nian smirked. Xuanye, sensing trouble, immediately hid behind Minghao.
As the two stood before Nian, she raised a brow.
"Why didn't you tell me where you went?" she asked.
"I… I forgot my phone," Xuanye mumbled.
Nian took a step forward. Minghao, surprised, stepped in front of Xuanye like a shield.
Xuanye peeked from behind him like a child. Minghao stretched his arms out protectively. "Don't be mad," he said sheepishly. "She's okay now. The doctor said it was just an ulcer from skipping meals."
Nian sighed and crossed her arms. "Xuanye, come out from behind him."
With tiny, nervous steps, Xuanye moved beside Nian. Instantly, Nian tugged on her ear.
"Ye! I was worried sick. You didn't tell me anything! What if something had happened?"
"Ow! Ow! I said I was sorry!" Xuanye cried. "People are watching!"
Minghao watched in silence, slightly stunned. So this is Nian when she's serious? he thought. How is DK handling her without getting roasted alive?
Nian turned to Minghao and gave a small bow. "Thank you for taking care of her."
Minghao bowed in return and handed over the medicine. "Make sure she eats something soon."
Nian nodded and turned to leave. Xuanye waved goodbye to Minghao with a soft smile.
He smiled back and whispered, "Take care, Ye."
As she turned to go, Nian grabbed her ear again.
"Ahh—Nian!" Xuanye groaned, stumbling beside her.
Minghao stood behind, watching the whole scene with a helpless, amused look, waving at Xuanye awkwardly as she was dragged away.