Chapter 37: The Proposal of a Sister

Ouyang Xiyue found the morning’s lessons immensely fulfilling, cherishing the tranquil classroom life. The myriad trivialities that had once plagued him now seemed like an annoying, bothersome haze, stirring a deep sense of irritation.

However, throughout the morning classes, Ouyang Xiyue harbored a peculiar, unsettling sensation, as though an unseen gaze subtly emanated from his left side.

‘Could it be Hei?’ he pondered. ‘Impossible. How could Hei follow me to school?’ Then who, exactly, was this mysterious individual observing him? He was utterly bewildered, unable to fathom the reason.

Nor was it Night Xuehui, who sat beside him. Each time the strange sensation crept over him, Ouyang Xiyue would inadvertently glance at Night Xuehui. Yet, every time his eyes met hers, the peculiar gaze would vanish like a phantom, a truly bizarre occurrence.

All day, Night Xuehui had rested her chin in her hand, utterly absorbed in the pages of her book, her expression one of focused rapture, as if oblivious to her surroundings. It seemed unlikely that the hidden observer was her; well, probably not, at least.

****

As lunchtime approached, Ouyang Xiyue was about to retrieve his bento box from his spatial ring to enjoy on the rooftop when a familiar figure called out to him. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than the Student Council Vice President. What could this person possibly want with him?

“Hello, Vice President, how may I help you?” Ouyang Xiyue inquired politely.

“Student Ouyang, the President requests your presence. Please, if you would follow me,” the Student Council Vice President said, bowing slightly and making a respectful gesture of invitation.

“Is it Night Xuehui? What urgent matter does she have for me? No matter, thank you for coming to inform me, Vice President.” Ouyang Xiyue offered a slight bow in gratitude.

Filled with a myriad of questions, Ouyang Xiyue arrived before the Student Council office. Gazing at the doorknob, memories from the past surged like a tide. His previous visits to the Student Council office, coupled with Night Xuehui’s frivolous actions, had left him crimson-faced. Ah, those were truly unbearable recollections.

As he stared at the Student Council door, Ouyang Xiyue felt a shiver run through him, and cold sweat subtly beaded on his skin. Yet, what must be faced ultimately must be faced. Gritting his teeth, he nervously pushed open the door and slowly stepped inside.

Upon entering, he saw Night Xuehui with her eyes gently closed, one hand lightly tapping the tabletop, her posture exuding a certain elegant nonchalance.

Ouyang Xiyue was utterly perplexed. This oppressive atmosphere, why did it feel akin to interrogating a prisoner? Had he inadvertently provoked her again? He decided to observe quietly. ‘The enemy does not move, so I shall not move,’ Ouyang Xiyue mused to himself.

“Night Xuehui, why have you summoned me?” Ouyang Xiyue asked softly, his gaze wary as he fixed it upon her.

Night Xuehui slowly opened her eyes, ceasing her rhythmic tapping on the table. Then, with her usual impassive poker face, she looked at the vigilant Ouyang Xiyue.

“Student Ouyang, you’ve arrived. There’s no need for such caution. Our private relationship is rather close, wouldn’t you say? You even once called me ‘Master.’ Why be so wary now?” Night Xuehui’s lips curved slightly into a teasing smile.

“Night Xuehui, stop! This isn’t the weekend, and we’re at school. If anyone overhears, I don’t want to acquire a strange reputation, nor do I want my innocence ruined. The best course of action is to distance myself from you!” Ouyang Xiyue exclaimed in a panic, glancing around anxiously, terrified of being overheard.

“Rest assured, the Student Council door is excellently soundproofed. Even if you were to shout, no one outside would hear,” Night Xuehui said, deliberately drawing out her words.

Listening to Night Xuehui’s peculiar tone, Ouyang Xiyue felt a chill crawl up his spine, fearing she might do something outrageous.

“I called you here to discuss an important matter. That strange gaze during class, I presume you noticed it too. In my opinion, it seems an expert in concealment is tracking you. The tracker’s methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, which is truly perplexing. Ling’er treats you like family, so why would she send someone to follow you? The reasons behind this are quite intriguing,” Night Xuehui stated slowly, her eyes appraising the wary Ouyang Xiyue from head to toe.

‘Tsk, so the one secretly observing me during class wasn’t Night Xuehui after all,’ he thought. While he might have been a bit presumptuous, the fact that someone was tracking him seemed undeniable.

Since Night Xuehui had noticed, the matter was certainly true. Ouyang Xiyue felt a pang of worry. Ling’er’s identity had already been exposed, so why would she still send someone to follow him? Was she simply throwing caution to the wind?

“Indeed, I did notice, but I didn’t pay it much mind. I possess the ability to protect myself, and my relationship with the Princess is like family. Any recent minor disagreements merely mean she’s worried about me,” Ouyang Xiyue replied swiftly, his thoughts racing.

“The person sent by Princess Ling’er would naturally pose no threat to you. However, being monitored daily is always a nuisance. Why not hire me? My prices are fair, and I can certainly resolve your troubles. What do you say?” Night Xuehui said, stepping closer to Ouyang Xiyue.

Upon seeing Night Xuehui’s unsettling smile, Ouyang Xiyue instantly felt a sense of dread and instinctively recoiled. However, having entered close to the door, a few steps back brought his back firmly against it.

That door again! The memory of his last encounter was still vivid, and he wondered if Night Xuehui had lost her mind!

“Night Xuehui, you… I warn you, don’t even think about it! This is school, and we are merely ordinary friends. Even if we had a master-servant agreement during the holidays, it was strictly for the holidays. Don’t you dare make any rash moves!” Ouyang Xiyue exclaimed, reaching for the doorknob, intent on fleeing.

However, the moment his hand touched the doorknob, a hand from behind seized him, forcefully dragging him back.

Night Xuehui found the panicked Ouyang Xiyue before her utterly amusing. During their time together, an inexplicable sense of closeness had blossomed within her, and all the thoughts she had at his home last time now resurfaced.

Night Xuehui seized Ouyang Xiyue’s arm, swung him towards the wall, and then effortlessly ‘wall-slammed’ him against it.

“Don’t be so flustered; I am not a villain. Have you considered what I just proposed?” Night Xuehui asked, her expression serious as she gazed at Ouyang Xiyue, who was a head shorter than her.

Ouyang Xiyue, looking at Night Xuehui, who remained calm and serious even while wall-slamming him, found himself questioning the allure of his cross-dressing.

‘Cough, cough… What nonsensical thoughts am I having?’ What did Night Xuehui just say? Oh, he remembered now.

“I am penniless and already burdened with debt. What exactly do you want?” Ouyang Xiyue asked Night Xuehui’s demands, partly because he didn’t want to exert effort in vain, and partly because he was reluctant to fight against ‘his own people.’ To him, Ling’er’s people were his own, and it would be truly difficult to harm them. Thirdly, his observations throughout the morning indicated that the person Ling’er had sent was by no means ordinary. He had spent the entire morning and still couldn’t find any trace of them; if the opponent’s strength wasn’t far superior to his own, it wouldn’t be like this.

“I know you’re heavily in debt. I don’t want money, nor do I have any ulterior motives. However…” Night Xuehui again drew out her words, her gaze brazenly roving over Ouyang Xiyue’s form.

Ouyang Xiyue, sensing her intense gaze, hastily shielded himself with his hands, his cheeks flushed crimson as he exclaimed in fright, “Absolutely not! I will never trade my body. I don’t want to commit myself to anyone too early. Please, let me go!” Though lacking confidence, Ouyang Xiyue vigorously shook his head, staunchly refusing.

Night Xuehui felt a surge of delight at Ouyang Xiyue’s adorable reaction. Nevertheless, she knew when to stop, so she released him and offered a faint smile.

“Alright, look how scared you are. I have no interest in women. My request is quite simple: be my younger sister. If you agree, then from this day forward, whatever your needs may be, as long as they are within my capabilities, Night Xuehui, I will do my utmost to fulfill them. If anyone bullies you, I will not stand for it; I will certainly step forward to protect you and ensure your safety. My Night family holds considerable power on the continent, and we can guarantee your lifelong peace. As for why I have this idea, it simply flashed through my mind the last time I teased you. Although I haven’t prepared a gift this time, I will certainly make it up to you next time. Xiyue, will you consider it?”

Ouyang Xiyue gazed at Night Xuehui, who had turned her back to him. The usually reticent girl had spoken so much to him today, which truly astonished him. Her tone was sincere and serious, seemingly from the depths of her heart. Should he agree to her request? If he did, would Night Jia, her younger sister, become jealous? This…

“You… Night Xuehui, are you running a fever? Or did you forget to take your medicine today?” Ouyang Xiyue was momentarily at a loss for how to respond. Suddenly having an older brother left him feeling rather bewildered.

Night Xuehui abruptly turned around, once again pinning Ouyang Xiyue against the wall, her eyes filled with seriousness and anticipation, silently pleading for his answer.

“Xiyue, I am serious. Please consider it carefully.”

Ouyang Xiyue looked at the serious-faced Night Xuehui.

In the quiet night, Ouyang Xiyue lowered his head slightly, a hint of shyness and apprehension in his eyes, and softly asked, “What about Night Jia, your younger sister? If she knew… would she become… jealous?”

Upon hearing this, Night Xuehui keenly caught the hidden glimmer of hope, and her previously subdued eyes instantly brightened with dazzling radiance.

She quickly reassured him in a gentle voice, “No, you can rest easy. Night Jia genuinely likes you from the bottom of her heart, I swear!” With that, Night Xuehui solemnly raised three fingers, preparing to make an oath with a serious expression.

“Stop, stop, stop… Alright, alright, I get it! Don’t be so serious; I’m utterly mortified!” Ouyang Xiyue still kept his head lowered, his cheeks flushing a deeper red, still unable to meet Night Xuehui’s gaze.

Night Xuehui’s eyes burned with intensity as she pressed, “Then, Xiyue, your answer is…”

Ouyang Xiyue fidgeted uneasily, his voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz: “I… I really can’t do anything about you. Bro… Brother, is that enough? I’ll agree then. But you must keep your promises to me.” His head dropped even lower, a delicate blush spreading like a rosy cloud to his earlobes.

Upon hearing this, Night Xuehui was overcome with ecstasy, her joy overflowing as she spontaneously pulled Ouyang Xiyue into a tight embrace.

“Hey… hey… you, let go of me!” Ouyang Xiyue chided playfully, his tender cheeks growing even redder, like blossoming peach blossoms in spring.

Night Xuehui’s gaze was resolute, her voice firm and powerful: “Rest assured, Xiyue, my younger sister, I will certainly keep my word!” Her eyes were filled with conviction and deep affection.

With that, this delicate emotional exchange temporarily drew to a close.