The sound of Huo Yunxi's sobbing gradually subsided, replaced by her still heavy breaths. Tianyu continued to hold her, giving her time to calm down. Outside the clinic window, the sky began to turn orange, signaling the day was about to end.
After a while, Huo Yunxi slowly pulled away, her face still wet with tears. Her eyes avoided Tianyu's gaze, as if embarrassed to have shown her vulnerability.
"Sorry…" she whispered, her voice hoarse.
"No need to apologize," Tianyu replied, his voice calm but firm. "You've been very strong to hold on until now."
Huo Yunxi nodded gently, but her expression remained gloomy. Tianyu observed her for a moment before deciding to speak again.
"Yunxi, listen to me."
The girl lifted her face, her eyes still watery.
"I won't let Dai Huabin or anyone hurt you again. And…" Tianyu paused, making sure his words were right. "I will also help protect your mother."
Huo Yunxi's eyes widened. "But… how? The Duchess has great influence, even in this academy. And the Duke… he doesn't even know I exist."
Tianyu gave a faint smile, a rare one from him. "I have my own ways. But first, you have to trust me."
Huo Yunxi looked at him for a long moment, as if trying to read the intentions behind Tianyu's words. Finally, she nodded gently.
"All right… I trust you."
Tianyu let out a relieved breath. "Now, rest. Tomorrow will be a new day."
He helped Huo Yunxi lie down on the clinic bed before turning to leave. However, before he could step away, a gentle grip stopped him.
"Tianyu…"
He turned. Huo Yunxi looked at him with still-red eyes, but this time, there was a faint light within them.
"Thank you."
Tianyu simply nodded before finally leaving the room.
As soon as the clinic door closed, Tianyu's expression changed drastically. His previously calm face hardened, and his eyes burned with restrained anger.
Dai Huabin… White Tiger Palace…
He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white.
They think they can do whatever they want?
The cruel treatment Huo Yunxi had suffered for years stirred two feelings within Tianyu: deep pity and blazing anger. Strangely, he himself did not understand why his reaction was so intense toward this girl he had just met.
This is not normal…
But one thing was clear: he had to protect Huo Yunxi and her mother, no matter the consequences.
With swift steps, Tianyu walked through the increasingly empty corridors of the academy. His mind worked hard to devise a plan.
To protect them, I need Xu Jiujiu's help.
This thought made him uneasy. Xu Jiujiu had already helped him so much without ever asking for anything in return. Even when Tianyu asked why she was so kind, the girl only smiled mysteriously:
"When the time comes, you'll understand."
But the situation now forced him to ask for help again. Without power or influence in the Xing Luo Empire, and with his strength still very weak, Tianyu had no other choice.
He hurried down the main stairs of the academy building, passing through empty hallways lit only by the sunset light.
He decided to return to the pavilion to see if Xu Jiujiu had come back.
Arriving at the door, he immediately opened it. It had been four months since Tianyu lived in this pavilion with Xu Jiujiu. From initially not being used to the luxurious life here, he was now accustomed to it.
The servants warmly greeted Tianyu's return. Tianyu returned their greetings.
"Has Miss Xu returned?"
The servant paused for a moment, then nodded politely. "Yes, Young Master. Miss Xu returned about an hour ago and went straight to her room. She hasn't come out since."
Tianyu wasted no time and quickly went to Xu Jiujiu's room and knocked on the door.
"Sister Jiujiu, are you in there? It's me, Tianyu."
A voice came from inside. "Yes, one moment, Tianyu."
A few seconds later, footsteps approached, and the door opened slowly. Xu Jiujiu stood in the doorway, wearing a casual light purple dress that radiated her characteristic elegance. Her long hair flowed down, adding a soft impression.
"What's wrong? It's not like you to come looking for me," she said softly. "Come in, let's talk inside."
Tianyu followed Xu Jiujiu into her room, which was fragrant with the scent of osmanthus flowers. The room always made him feel strange—too feminine for his taste, yet somehow fitting with Xu Jiujiu's mysterious personality.
Xu Jiujiu sat on the silk sofa, crossing her legs elegantly. "You look tense," she said while preparing tea. "What's bothering you?"
Tianyu sat opposite her, his hands clenched on his knees. "I need your help… about someone."
Xu Jiujiu paused pouring the tea. Her eyes sparkled meaningfully. "Oh? The new student who's often harassed by Dai Huabin?"
"You know?"
"Of course." Xu Jiujiu handed him a cup of tea. "Not much escapes me here at the academy. Especially when my favorite student suddenly takes an interest in someone."
Tianyu ignored that last remark. "Then you also know her background?"
"Yes. I know who she is, and her family." Xu Jiujiu sipped her tea slowly, then looked at Tianyu gently. "I can help you, Tianyu. But this time… I want something from you too."
Tianyu straightened his back. "What's the condition? As long as it doesn't go against my principles, I'll do it."
Xu Jiujiu smiled—a smile that wasn't quite readable, somewhere between playful, sincere, and something else. She put down her teacup and leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her crossed hands.
"Don't worry, it won't conflict with your principles," she said softly. "I just want one thing…"
Tianyu held his breath, waiting.
Xu Jiujiu looked straight into his eyes and spoke softly but firmly:
"I want you to be my fiancé."
Tianyu froze in his seat, the cup of tea in his hands trembling slightly. Xu Jiujiu's words echoed in his ears, leaving his mind blank for a moment. He studied the girl before him—the graceful posture, the mysterious smile that always played on her lips, and the sharp eyes that seemed to see straight into his soul.
"Fiancé…?" Tianyu finally managed to utter the word, his voice hoarse. "Are you serious?"
Xu Jiujiu shrugged elegantly, her long golden hair shimmering under the lantern light. "It's the perfect solution for both of us," she said sweetly. "I avoid a political marriage, and you get protection for Huo Yunxi and her mother."
Tianyu shook his head slowly. "But… I'm only six years old!" he protested, trying to understand the logic behind the offer.
"And I'm twelve," Xu Jiujiu replied calmly, her busy fingers playing with the hem of her purple dress. "It's just a symbolic promise. No real obligations—at least for now." A small smile curved her lips, adding to her air of mystery.
Tianyu carefully set down his teacup on the carved wooden table. His mind raced, analyzing every angle of the proposal. "What exactly do you get out of this arrangement?" he asked suspiciously.
Xu Jiujiu's expression turned serious. Her eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, now looked deep and calculating. "Good question," she said as she leaned forward. "There are two main reasons. First, pressure from my father to decide on a life partner soon. Second…" She paused, "…I see extraordinary potential in you. Someday, you'll be an important figure in the Empire."
Tianyu clenched his fists on his knees, feeling his face flush. "And what about Huo Yunxi and her mother?"
"Once our engagement is announced—albeit only within close family circles—my family's influence will be enough to protect them from the White Tiger Palace," Xu Jiujiu explained confidently. "I can even arrange for her mother's transfer to my father's jurisdiction."
Tianyu lowered his gaze, staring at his reflection in the now-cold tea. The offer was tempting, but his heart churned oddly at the thought of Huo Yunxi. "I… need time to think about it."
Xu Jiujiu nodded understandingly, her dark hair shimmering as she moved her head. "Of course," she said gently as she stood, her silk dress rustling softly. "You can give me your answer tomorrow."
As Tianyu turned toward the door, Xu Jiujiu's sudden voice made him jump. "Oh, and Tianyu?" The girl smiled knowingly. "If you accept, we'll have to start appearing like a couple in public. Holding hands sometimes, maybe a small hug…" Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "You can handle that, right?"
Tianyu choked, his face burning bright red as he hurried out of the room. In the quiet corridor, he pressed a hand to his pounding chest. His breath came in short gasps, his mind overwhelmed by a question that wouldn't leave him: Why is it suddenly so hard to breathe?
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