Chapter Fifteen: I’ll Take Care of It for You

Ning Jiuyou blinked slightly, becoming a bit more alert, and a delighted smile spread across her face. She hadn’t expected Xiao Yan to make such arrangements.

“Really? That’s wonderful! I was just thinking about going out for a walk. Wait for me a moment; I’ll get ready quickly,” she said.

With that, Ning Jiuyou turned and returned to her room, swiftly washing up, changing clothes, and tidying her makeup.

Before long, she reappeared before Xiao Yan.

She wore a pale blue long dress, the hem embroidered with exquisite floral patterns. A white silk ribbon was tied around her waist, perfectly accentuating her slender figure.

Her glossy black hair was simply pinned up, with a few strands cascading over her shoulders, adding a touch of softness to her appearance.

Xiao Yan looked at the refreshed Ning Jiuyou, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. “Jiuyou, you look really… really good today!”

‘You brat, if you don’t know how to compliment someone, better not say anything at all. “Really good” sounds like you’re just talking about food,’ an inner voice teased.

‘Teacher, could you not suddenly speak out like that? You startled me!’ Ning Jiuyou whispered back.

Side by side, they walked toward the grand gate of the Xiao residence.

The morning sun bathed them in its gentle warmth, bringing a sense of comfort and ease.

The streets were gradually becoming lively; vendors’ calls and the laughter of passersby mingled to create a vibrant atmosphere full of life.

Ning Jiuyou’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she admired the dazzling shops lining the streets, occasionally stopping to examine one thing or another.

Xiao Yan patiently accompanied her, his face always graced with a gentle smile.

They entered a jewelry store, where Ning Jiuyou’s attention was captured by a delicate silk ribbon displayed on the counter.

The ribbon was a refined sky-blue, embroidered with intricate flowing cloud patterns in golden thread, and adorned with several smooth white pearls at one end.

Under the store lights, the pearls glimmered softly, perfectly complementing the ribbon.

Noticing Ning Jiuyou’s gaze, Xiao Yan stepped forward, picked up the ribbon, and said, “Jiuyou, this ribbon suits you very well. Let me buy it for you.”

Ning Jiuyou hesitated slightly, her face showing some reluctance. “No, Xiao Yan, it’s too precious.”

But Xiao Yan paid without a word and handed the exquisite sky-blue ribbon into Ning Jiuyou’s hands.

She took it gently, fingers tracing the delicate golden cloud embroidery, her eyes filled with affection.

Xiao Yan glanced at the ribbon, then at her, his smile warm. “Jiuyou, don’t just hold it—try putting it on. It will definitely look beautiful.”

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“Putting it on at home will be the same, but here…” Xiao Yan smiled as he explained, “If it doesn’t suit you, you can exchange it. Put it on now and see how you like it. If not, we can choose another.”

After considering, Ning Jiuyou nodded in agreement.

She approached the mirror in the store and was about to tie the ribbon on her head when Xiao Yan suddenly said, “Let me help you.”

His words surprised even himself, but he showed no hesitation. He stepped behind her, taking the ribbon from her hands.

Ning Jiuyou stiffened slightly, feeling his presence so close, her heart involuntarily quickening.

She lowered her gaze slightly, nervously tugging at the hem of her clothing.

Xiao Yan’s eyes softened as they rested on her dark, flowing hair.

Carefully and gently, he threaded the ribbon through her hair, handling it as if it were a priceless treasure.

He tied the ribbon into a beautiful bow, the rounded white pearls draping delicately over Ning Jiuyou’s shoulder, perfectly complementing her pale blue gown and enhancing her charm.

After finishing, Xiao Yan stepped back and looked at Ning Jiuyou in the mirror, a hint of admiration shining in his eyes. “Beautiful. It really suits you, Jiuyou. It’s as if this ribbon was made just for you.”

Ning Jiuyou looked up at the mirror, seeing the delicate ribbon and the bow Xiao Yan had tied.

Then, she glanced at Xiao Yan’s reflection and softly said, “It really is lovely. Thank you.”

“But this bow…”

“What? Not good? It’s my first time tying one like this. I’ll practice more!” Xiao Yan replied quickly.

Ning Jiuyou chuckled softly. “Did I say anything? You’re so quick to explain.”

“I meant the bow is quite unique. Looks like you have a gentle heart after all.”

“…Haha, Jiuyou, as long as you like it.”

‘Hahaha, Xiao Yan, how do I not see any gentleness in you? Why don’t you show some kindness to me?’ an inner voice teased.

Ignoring the playful remark, Xiao Yan swallowed nervously and said, “I’ll practice other ways to tie knots in the future.”

With that, they continued walking forward.

Suddenly, a commotion arose ahead on the street.

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A crowd surrounded a richly dressed man approaching them. The man’s eyes were arrogant, and a sneer played at the corners of his mouth.

Xiao Yan frowned slightly, focusing carefully to recognize the man as Galleo, the son of Galebit.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the famous Xiao Yan from three years ago,” Galleo sneered disdainfully. “Xiao Yan, you don’t still think you’re the genius you once were, do you? Now you’re nothing but a useless wretch.”

Xiao Yan’s gaze turned icy, the fighting spirit within him beginning to surge as he prepared to reprimand Galleo.

But Ning Jiuyou was quicker. With a cold shout, she snapped, “You bastard, your mouth is too foul!”

With lightning speed, she surged forward and delivered a fierce kick to Galleo’s stomach.

Caught off guard, Galleo let out a painful scream as the blow staggered him back several steps, nearly knocking him down.

Before he could recover, Ning Jiuyou was already upon him like a shadow.

Grabbing his collar, she slammed him to the ground and unleashed a barrage of punches.

Her fists rained down like raindrops, leaving Galleo howling in pain, his face quickly bruised and swollen.

Xiao Yan had been ready to step in and teach this brash Galleo a lesson, but Ning Jiuyou’s swift and decisive action took him by surprise.

Watching her valiantly beat Galleo until he was utterly defenseless, Xiao Yan paused, a faint smile curving his lips.

He folded his arms, standing aside with interest, admiring Jiuyou’s strength.

A complex feeling welled within him—both admiration for her power and an indescribable sense of pride.

At the same time, he boasted silently to his mentor, “Teacher, look how formidable Jiuyou is. With a friend like her, anyone who dares bully me in the future will have to think twice.”

His mentor’s laughter echoed in his mind, “Haha, friend? Call her whatever you want. But that girl is indeed fierce and ruthless. If someone dares to do something wrong, they’ll be beaten to tears.”

Xiao Yan chuckled, ignoring his mentor’s gossip, and continued watching Ning Jiuyou with eyes full of appreciation.

The passersby who had been avoiding the scene now stopped in their tracks, gathering at a distance to watch. Their faces showed surprise and delight at the spectacle before them.