Chapter Fourteen: Reluctance to Let Go

Jiang Hu was still a student, obliged to attend classes. In the past, he had longed for every moment of freedom that allowed him to escape “Mo Nian Nian.” Now, he wished he could stay with Mo Nian Nian every second of every day.

When he was utterly despairing of the world, wishing he could destroy it all, she arrived, bringing sunlight and a gentle breeze, pulling him from the mire. Unfortunately, his sister had no idea that someone whose heart had been completely devoured by darkness could never let go of the light.

Jiang Hu kept looking back as he walked away, visibly unhappy, like a kitten abandoned by its owner.

Mo Nian Nian found it amusing. “Come on, you’ll have the weekend off again in five days.”

This little rascal seemed to be getting more and more attached; she wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing or not.

Jiang Hu looked pitiable. “I can’t bear to leave you, Sister.”

Mo Nian Nian rolled her eyes. “What’s there to miss? You’ll be back soon enough.”

“It’s not the same.” Jiang Hu returned to her, hugged her, and rubbed his head against her neck. “Every time I leave, I miss you, but this time I miss you even more.”

He wanted to stick to her at all times, to always be by her side, to keep her gaze devoted only to him.

The moment Jiang Hu leaned in, Mo Nian Nian tensed up, nearly instinctively tossing him over her shoulder. But she was familiar with Jiang Hu’s presence now, and forced herself to restrain the impulse.

Mo Nian Nian pushed his head away with disdain. “You’re not a child anymore. Why are you acting spoiled?”

Jiang Hu smiled sweetly. “Because I’m in front of you, Sister.”

He clung to Mo Nian Nian for a long while before finally heading out. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and turned back.

His eyes sparkled. “Sister, our school is hosting a masquerade ball this week. Everyone will bring a partner. Would you come?”

Mo Nian Nian was lazy. “What would I do at a party for young people?”

Jiang Hu’s spirits visibly dropped, and he muttered, “Everyone else will have someone. I won’t.”

He quickly forced himself to perk up. “But it’s alright, Sister. You’re so busy already. I can go alone, it’s fine.”

He played the pitiful act to perfection, and Mo Nian Nian’s heart immediately softened.

“When is it?”

Jiang Hu watched her carefully as he answered, “Wednesday night, in the school’s main hall. If you’re busy, it’s really okay. I can take care of myself.”

Mo Nian Nian’s heart softened even further. “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be there.”

Even if the sky rained knives, she would go and support Jiang Hu. What other children had, her child would have too.

Only then did Jiang Hu leave, satisfied. Though he was gone, Mo Nian Nian felt his presence everywhere.

She had helped Jiang Hu get a phone, and their messages used to be two or three times a week at most. Lately, Jiang Hu had become more and more attached, contacting her countless times a day.

He told her everything: what he did in the morning, at noon, in the evening, every detail. He asked about her whereabouts, what she was doing, if she had eaten, if she was hungry. He was practically a little guardian angel.

Mo Nian Nian increasingly felt the joy of raising a child. How could this be the darkened male lead? He was simply an earthly little angel.

Mo Nian Nian had also learned from the system that Jiang Hu’s malice level was steadily dropping, making her even more excited.

At this rate, in a year or two, Jiang Hu’s malice toward the world would return to normal, and she could safely leave.

What she thought would be a hellish challenge turned out to be a sweet little angel, who, when treated kindly, would give his heart in return.

Such a male lead—where could one find another?

Just as she was thinking of Jiang Hu, another message arrived.

Little rascal: Sister, are you free tonight? /Expectant JPG/Obedient waiting JPG

Mo Nian Nian found it funny and replied: Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten our promise.

Little rascal: Mm, as long as you remember, Sister. Let me know when you’re almost here, and I’ll come pick you up. /Obedient

Mo Nian Nian sent an OK emoji.

Little rascal: By the way, Sister, since it’s a masquerade, you’ll need an evening dress. I’ve prepared one for you. Did you receive it?

Just as Mo Nian Nian was about to reply, there was a knock at the door. She opened it to find the courier, delivering the evening dress Jiang Hu had mentioned.

She didn’t know what material the dress was made of; it felt smooth to the touch. It was a simple black starry gown, but once worn, it fit her surprisingly well.

This was her first time attending an event at Jiang Hu’s school, so Mo Nian Nian decided to dress formally.

She changed into the evening gown, took out the heels she almost never wore, and styled her hair.

Mo Nian Nian had good features, and with this look, she resembled her original self by at least half. A bit of tidying up, and she was a stunning beauty.

She grabbed her bag and keys, and headed for Jiang Hu’s school.

Jiang Hu was already waiting at the gate, surrounded by a few students who watched him intently.

He was renowned for his aloofness at school, always a lone wolf, never interacting with anyone. Outside of class, he was nowhere to be found.

Rumors about his background abounded. Such rumors might have meant little if he looked ordinary, but Jiang Hu was strikingly handsome and mysterious.

For girls of eighteen or nineteen, such a boy was irresistibly attractive.

Privately, discussions about Jiang Hu never ceased.

Today, he unexpectedly appeared at the gate, attracting everyone’s curiosity. Had they not been shy, several would have approached him for his contact information.

They watched him stealthily, only to see the usually cold, expressionless Jiang Hu suddenly light up.

He gave a dazzling smile, his eyes sparkling like a pool of stars. Then he walked toward the girl outside, naturally took her hand, laughed and spoke with her, leading her away.

A whole crowd instantly felt heartbroken.

There was no doubt—she was Jiang Hu’s girlfriend. Even if not, she was certainly someone he liked.

The look in his eyes made it impossible to hide his affection.

Someone even snapped a photo of Jiang Hu and Mo Nian Nian from behind and posted it in the school group.

In no time, the news that Jiang Hu had a girlfriend spread throughout the entire school.

The girls clicked open the photo indignantly, wanting to see which girl had been so quick to act.

Upon seeing it… hmm… she was indeed quite beautiful, and looked well-matched with Jiang Hu.

Judging by their familiarity, they clearly hadn’t just met.

Alas, they realized it was their own inadequacy. The clown was themselves. The girls collectively mourned their lost love.