Chapter 216 Ning Xi's Conditions
"Listen carefully, my condition is..."
Ning Xi deliberately dragged out her words, her gaze fixed on Ye Fan's face, seemingly wanting to see his reaction.
Ye Fan smiled wryly, "Xiao Xi, stop beating around the bush, just say it. I've already prepared myself mentally."
"It's actually very simple."
The dimples on Ning Xi's cheeks deepened as she stroked the back of Ye Fan's head with her delicate hand and softly said, "Your hair is very long. How about tomorrow, before you go out, you tie it into two braids?"
"..."
Ye Fan's mouth twitched violently.
Braids?
And two of them...
Wasn't that going to be the death of him?!
A guy with two braids walking down the street would either be mistaken for a lunatic or, worse, a... pervert!
"Are you serious?"
"Pfft—"
Ning Xi was very pleased with Ye Fan's reaction and covered her mouth, laughing softly. Her giggling voice was soft and melodious.
"Is it that funny?"
"Yes!"
"..."
Ye Fan rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on as he looked at the girl beside him. His voice carried a rare tone of pleading. "Xiao Xi, you're so beautiful and kind-hearted; surely, you wouldn't bear to make me—"
"I would!"
Before Ye Fan could finish his sentence, Ning Xi had already stated her stance. Her eyes curved into crescent moons, but they were filled with mischief. "Don't try to butter me up. That won't work on me."
"Tying your hair into braids—what's so bad about that? Honestly, I'm already showing mercy!"
Her voice lowered a little as she muttered to herself, "I originally thought about asking you to cross-dress, but after giving it more thought, that seemed a bit much. Braids are my bottom line."
"It's simple: either tie the braids or go back on your word. Either way, I hate people who don't keep their promises. The choice is yours!"
The girl's small, proud demeanor was on full display.
When Ye Fan heard the words "cross-dress," his back stiffened, his pupils contracted slightly, and he couldn't help but swallow nervously.
A guy walking out in women's clothing? That would... kill him!
Compared to cross-dressing, tying his hair into braids didn't seem so bad.
As for going back on his word?
That option never even crossed his mind!
"Fine, I'll tie the braids!"
Ye Fan resigned himself to his fate.
It seemed that he would have to be more careful in the future when making promises to this girl. Otherwise, he might pay a heavy price.
"Good boy."
Ning Xi mimicked Ye Fan's earlier tone and gesture, raising her small hand to pat him on the head. "Be good, and big sister will buy you candy."
"Xiao Xi."
"What?"
As Ye Fan met Ning Xi's cautious gaze, she immediately backed away, creating distance. Her eyes were filled with vigilance. "You used to do this to me. I'm just returning the favor."
"I think you're playing with fire."
Ye Fan narrowed his eyes slightly and moved closer to Ning Xi. With lightning speed, his arms wrapped around her waist. The soft sensation beneath his hands brought a smile to his lips.
Faced with this sudden intimate gesture, Ning Xi instinctively pressed her hands against Ye Fan's chest, leaning her body backward. In this position, her curves became exaggeratedly prominent.
Ye Fan's eyes inadvertently glanced downward before quickly shifting his gaze to her face. However, seeing her flawless, flustered expression made his heart race inexplicably.
Startled, he bit his tongue to forcefully dispel any inappropriate thoughts.
"What are you doing..."
After a brief moment of daze, Ning Xi's cheeks turned red, her clear eyes like flowing water, and her body stiffened.
Ye Fan took a deep breath and smiled mischievously. "Xiao Xi, didn't you just call yourself 'big sister'? I don't want to do anything, just hug my big sister. Is that okay?"
"No, no, it's not okay!"
Ning Xi shook her head without a second thought, turning her face away. "Let go of me. We can't do this..."
"Do you realize you were wrong?"
"I do."
Ning Xi bit her lip and barely whispered her response.
Ye Fan raised an eyebrow. "Who are you talking to?"
"..."
The increased strength of his grip around her waist made Ning Xi blush with shame and frustration. She quickly admitted defeat. "Big brother, I was wrong. Please, let it go. I won't dare do it again. Please, let go of me, okay?"
"Your attitude is acceptable."
Ye Fan nodded in satisfaction and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Even for him, this kind of interaction was a torment.
The more he got to know Ning Xi, the more he appreciated her astonishing beauty. Every smile, every frown was mesmerizing.
After they separated, Ning Xi retreated to the far end of the sofa, covering her face with her hands. Through the gaps between her fingers, she glared angrily at Ye Fan.
"Ye Fan, you..."
"Hmm?"
"Big... Big brother!"
Ning Xi lowered her hands and gritted her teeth, glaring at him. "You're not allowed to do that again in the future. Got it?"
"I didn't hear that."
"..."
The girl's utterly exasperated and furious expression amused Ye Fan greatly. He moved closer to her and said, "Alright, I was just joking with you. No need to act like there was an earthquake or something."
"When we're together in the future, do you expect us to act like polite strangers?"
"Who... Who said we're going to be together?"
Ning Xi reacted as if her tail had been stepped on. Her delicate hand pinched Ye Fan's waist hard. "Don't flatter yourself. When did I ever say I wanted to be with you?"
"In our past life."
"Ugh!"
Ning Xi didn't take Ye Fan's answer seriously at all and let out a snort.
Little did she know, he was being very serious.
"I'm going home."
Ning Xi put on her backpack and stood gracefully in front of Ye Fan. "Don't forget to braid your hair tomorrow and take some pictures. Once you're near my house, you can untie the braids."
"Why untie them?"
"Just do it."
"Fine, I really give up on you this time."
Ye Fan sighed helplessly.
There was nothing else he could do.
"Don't walk me out. See you tomorrow."
As Ye Fan was about to walk out the door, Ning Xi suddenly pulled him back. She waved her small hand and then turned to go downstairs. Her back carried a hint of joy.
Ye Fan shrugged, walked over to the living room window, and after a while, saw Ning Xi bouncing down the street. He watched as she disappeared through the gate of the residential area before reluctantly pulling his gaze away.
"Braiding my hair..."
With a sigh, the living room fell silent.
In the car.
Zhuang Li drove as he glanced at the mirror, noticing the absent-minded look on the young lady's face. His heart filled with curiosity, and after hesitating for a moment, he cautiously asked, "Miss, how far have you and Ye Fan progressed?"
"We're just good friends!"
Ning Xi leaned on the passenger seat and explained helplessly, "Uncle Zhuang, you must be overthinking. Ye Fan and I are currently just good friends and classmates, nothing more."
"But..."
Zhuang Li smiled awkwardly. "Miss, this is the first time I've seen you so close to a guy. Plus, with your age now, it's hard not to wonder."
"We're not close..."