Chapter Five, she cannot owe him a favor, even if she owes favors to others

And she truly had no other options left. Zhi Yan was ill and unable to come. Previously, she had listed so many outstanding young men in her mind, not to mention whether they were available or would agree to be her models. Even in terms of appearance and temperament, they were not quite suitable.

After sending this message, he immediately deleted it from the sent items, then opened the music player on his phone and started playing music

After approximately two hours, the drowsy Xi Zhiyan slowly awakened. Still in a state of high fever, he groggily opened his eyes and took a while to clearly see the person sitting by the bed. He struggled slightly to curve the corners of his lips and spoke in a voice that was somewhat hoarse: "Shu'er, you are here... I have finally been waiting for you."

The black silhouette stood against the light, with large rays of sunlight casting a golden halo along his perfectly elegant figure. The fusion of darkness and light made him appear even more powerful.

This feeling made her somewhat afraid and somewhat wanting to escape

Lying on the bed, Xi Zhiyan gazed at her intently, the smile at the corner of his lips much more natural than before, and his voice softened a little, "It seems that my Shu'er has grown up and knows how to take care of others"

After a while, the door opened, and Aunt Xi at the entrance wore a worried expression. Ji Shuqing's sense of foreboding grew even stronger, and she held her breath as she asked: "Aunt Xi, where is Zhi Yan?"

Observing her serious demeanor, Zhuo Lieyang's lips curled slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile of triumph.

Ji Shuqing glared at him fiercely, the trace of embarrassment in her heart was instantly replaced by anger. However, she was also very clear that it was completely futile to reason with the person in front of her

"What is it?" She tried hard to communicate with him in a casual manner, but the tension was uncontrollable as the words lingered on the tip of her tongue

Zhuo Lieyang did not avoid her gaze; their eyes met, as if an invisible force was converging in the air, growing ever more intense.

No need to consider it any further!" Ji Shuqing replied decisively.

Hearing him ask this, Ji Shuqing was unsure whether to be angry or to feel pity. She helplessly glared at him and said, "Isn't it you who has something going on!"

He sat there, smiling without speaking

Each word was almost squeezed out through clenched teeth, and as soon as she finished speaking, she jumped out of the car and quickly ran towards her home in the heavy rain

In other words, the only person she can seek help from now is one individual, and this person is currently extending a helping hand to her. How can she resist the temptation?

He reached out and grasped her wrist, leading her slowly towards the competition venue—the stadium

Standing before her was none other than Zhuo Lieyang, whom she regarded as a demon

As the date for showcasing the competition entries approached day by day, Ji Shuqing's mood began to become joyful and filled with anticipation, the only thing that made her feel uncomfortable was the presence of Zhuo Liyang

Accompanied by this faint sound, a bony hand slowly reached out to her, carrying an alluring power that deeply enchanted her

Ji Shuqing felt her whole body stiffen, her heart inexplicably racing. She made an effort to take a deep breath and then instinctively shifted to the side

Is he feeling a bit confused due to the fever? She restrained herself from the impulse to reach out and touch his forehead, fearing that such an action might cause him a slight blow.

"You wish!" She immediately rejected him

The intense pain finally brought some clarity to her thoughts

Zhuo Lieyang slightly curled his alluring thin lips: "If it were not for your desperate situation, I would not have appeared."

Zhuo Lieyang turned his head and gazed at her profile: "I would like to discuss something with you"

However, no matter how strong she appears or how indifferent she seems, the trace of helplessness and fear deep within her is something she cannot escape or rid herself of

After the rain, the sky is clear and free of clouds, washed clean by the rain. The flowers, grass, and trees by the roadside are all rejuvenated, and the air is exceptionally fresh, as if everything is a beautiful beginning

The battery of the phone is running low, and after playing a few songs, it is estimated that it will run out of power. After considering that there are no other issues, he placed the phone back into the drawer of the desk where Ji Shuqing had just been sitting.

It was clearly just a moment of anger, but upon his remark, Ji Shuqing inexplicably felt her heart racing and her cheeks burning with heat. She tried hard to conceal her embarrassment and pretended to be indifferent as she said: "Hmph, I won't fall for your tricks. If I bite you now, it would only earn me the reputation of bullying a patient. I'll wait until you recover before I bite you!"

Ji Shuqing slowly raised her head

I have been waiting for you, I was worried that something happened to you, standing in the same place without daring to leave, I tried calling your phone but couldn't get through, I was really worried to death..." Xi Zhiyan sighed, seemingly relieved, "It's good that you are fine, it's good that you are fine..."

"What if not?" Ji Shuqing furrowed her brows and said somewhat impatiently, "Do you still want me to help you get dressed?"

After helping him get dressed completely, Ji Shuqing circled around him, meticulously examining him. She couldn't help but feel a sense of shock in her heart; although the inspiration for the design came from him, how could he interpret the characteristics of this garment so perfectly? It was as if it had been tailored specifically for him!

The second day

Looking at the tightly closed door, the curve of Zhuo Lieyang's lips still had not faded. Even though it ended in such an unpleasant manner, it is undeniable that his mood at this moment was truly very pleasant

Even if there is a bottomless cliff ahead, she must first successfully complete this competition

Ji Shuqing finally sensed that something was amiss, hurriedly averting her gaze and instinctively saying: "I’m sorry, my model has already been chosen."

Xi Zhiyan is not someone who enjoys making jokes, especially not about his own body, but Ji Shuqing is also certain that she did not send him a text message

Although she tried to maintain a certain distance from him, the breath he exhaled while speaking inevitably brushed against her skin, causing her to feel a wave of discomfort, and a hint of red quietly spread across her cheeks

Zhuo Lieyang's lips curled slightly, and a fleeting glimmer of joy sparkled in his dark eyes

The tall and sunny Qin Yang in the class

Ji Shuqing did not respond to him, which could be considered as an implicit agreement

Did we not agree on this in the message you sent me this morning? Xi Zhiyan replied softly

This is too tempting for everyone!

Even if the fever subsides, his body will definitely still be weak tomorrow, so he will certainly be unable to participate in the clothing competition

If she seeks his help this time, then she will truly owe him a favor! No matter whom she owes a favor to, she cannot owe it to him

Zhuo Lieyang looked at her dazed appearance, her sensual lips slightly curling into a meaningful arc, exuding a captivating charm

As Ji Shuqing stepped out of the classroom, she realized that the sky outside was already overcast with dark clouds, casting a gloomy and oppressive atmosphere over the entire world. It was clearly morning, yet it felt as dark as if night were about to fall.

Zhuo Lieyang approached her with a casual yet startling gait, whispering in her ear: "Do not speak so definitively; perhaps I still have great use for you. To prevent future regrets, it would be best for you to suppress that eagerness to rid yourself of me, do you understand?"

Do not get too complacent; if it were not absolutely necessary, I would not seek your assistance! There are many people more suitable for this design than you!" As the words fell, Ji Shuqing deeply felt that her ability to speak nonsense with her eyes wide open had indeed improved significantly

Zhuo Lieyang quietly gazed at her, his deep eyes resembling the night sky, mysterious yet possessing a strange tenderness. He then said: "However, I will appear when you need me the most"

The room was extraordinarily quiet, as if only she and he remained in the world, and she could only wait anxiously for him to awaken

As the competition venue approaches, the crowd becomes increasingly dense, with students coming and going, all wearing expressions of anticipation. This competition not only allows for the appreciation of excellent design works, but more importantly, it also showcases countless attractive models

She got up early in the morning and came to the Xi family without having breakfast. Upon entering Zhiyan's room, she found him still fast asleep. She touched his forehead with her hand, which was still burning hot

While changing her shoes at the entrance, she said to her astonished parents: "I have something urgent to discuss with Zhiyuan, his phone is unreachable, so I will go to his house to check!"

Not knowing how much time had passed, Ji Shuqing only felt that her eyes were becoming somewhat sore from staring. Finally, she withdrew her gaze and said to the person beside her, Zhuo Lieyang: "May I borrow your phone?"

Originally distracted, Ji Shuqing gradually found herself immersed in the wonderful sound of music, closing her eyes and quietly enjoying it

The air was oppressively heavy. Faced with this domineering and aloof boy, she truly had nothing to say.

The giant T-stage on the competition field, although temporarily constructed, is designed quite uniquely, being both elegant and fashionable. It is evident that the school has invested considerable effort and thought into this.

Ji Shuqing raised her chin with a sense of pride and said, "Of course. Are you expecting to take care of me forever?"

Thus, she continued to ponder deeply, aside from Zhi Yan and Zhuo Lieyang, who else would be suitable to be her model

Ji Shuqing stared intently at Xi Zhiyan, almost holding her breath as she said: "Was it when the second class ended this morning that I sent it to you?"

"Is it the boy who often stays with you?" Zhuo Lieyang speculated

However, it was not long before Ji Shuqing realized that what awaited her was indeed an abyss from which there was no return

I understand. Ji Shuqing merely tugged at the corner of her mouth, revealing a rather forced smile, and said, "Could you please make way? I have something to attend to outside!"

If time were to be frozen at this moment, it would not be so bad

Ji Shuqing almost blurted out without thinking: "When did I send you a text message this morning?"

Ji Shuqing looked up in astonishment at the boy beside her. Even though he was enveloped in sunlight, the dark and chilling aura around him remained undiminished. Ji Shuqing felt a wave of coldness slowly spreading from the soles of her feet upwards, and she couldn't help but gasp.

She could not bear to wake him; after covering him with the blanket, she gently walked out of his room

At this moment, she was completely unaware that Xi Zhi had already arrived at Yuquan Park

Xi Zhiyan was momentarily taken aback. A complex light surged in his eyes, and then gradually faded away. He looked at Ji Shuqing and revealed a faint smile: "So it turns out I was played. However, it’s alright. This afternoon, I noticed you hadn’t come, and I thought something had happened to you. I was quite worried. As long as you are fine, that’s all that matters. I just got caught in a bit of rain; a night’s rest will suffice..."

After knocking on the door twice and receiving no response, she opened the door by herself

After hesitating for a moment, he slowly extended his long fingers and gently brushed against her fair and tender face, but after just a brief touch, he instinctively retracted, as if afraid of causing any harm.

She stared at him in a daze

Gazing at his smiling face, Ji Shuqing remained lost in thought for a long time, even as he turned and stepped onto the stage, she still did not regain her senses... Moreover, she was completely unaware that amidst the bustling crowd backstage, there was a pair of eyes that were intently watching her.

Zhuo Lieyang did not trouble her any further, and gentlemanly stepped aside, watching her quickly run past him until her figure disappeared at the classroom door

He took her phone and quickly found a contact named "Zhiyan" in the address book, then sent him a text message: This afternoon, by the fountain at Yuquan Park, see you there.

Zhuo Lieyang cast a faint glance at her, then took two steps closer, and subsequently sat down beside her, his posture casual yet natural

On this day, the sun was shining brightly. Ji Shuqing sat quietly on a bench beside the shaded path, flipping through the book in her hands. The sunlight filtered through the dense branches, casting a delicate sprinkle of light downwards, creating a shimmering sea of stars on the ground. Her body was enveloped in this fragmented glow, giving a somewhat dreamlike illusion from a distance

Did you not see? Zhuo Lieyang's lips curled into a smile that was neither fully a smile nor a frown, seemingly unaware that his actions were in any way inappropriate

She had no choice but to suppress her dissatisfaction and angrily walked over to take the clothes from his hands, beginning to put them on him earnestly while inwardly grumbling.

Ji Shuqing was taken aback upon hearing this

A few drops of rain flew in and fell on her face, crystal clear, making her skin appear even more fair, like a flower in the rain, evoking a sense of pity in those who behold it

She has worked hard to design an excellent piece; she cannot give up just because she does not have a suitable model! At worst, she can find another model!

He held a black umbrella above her head

Feeling a pair of hands resting on her cheek, she inexplicably became flustered. She glared at Zhuo Lieyang, her voice tinged with anger: "What are you doing?"

"You said we would not part ways." Xi Zhiyan gazed at her intently, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips, as if he wanted to laugh, yet it seemed so powerless

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile, and then he reached out again to caress her cheek. This time, he was evidently much bolder, moving from her forehead all the way down, gliding over her brow, nose, and lips

On this night, Ji Shuqing was destined to have a restless sleep

After helping the model organize her outfit, Shen Bing cast a cold glance at Ji Shuqing's back, as if a layer of frost had settled on her fair skin, and an unwilling flame of jealousy surged in her eyes

It was not until the moment she closed the door that she furrowed her brow in confusion, wondering how Zhuo Lieyang could possibly know her home address

However, looking at these scenes, Ji Shuqing could not feel any happiness at all

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but smile slightly while pressing her lips together. She gently patted his chest through the blanket and said, "You are really good."

She was taken aback and immediately began to recall that during the last class, she had used her phone to search for information, and at that time, the phone was still with her. It must have been that she forgot to take her phone with her after class!

It seems that a heavy rain is unavoidable; I hope that by tomorrow during the competition, the rain will have passed and the sky will be clear

Thus, Zhuo Lieyang took the lead into the curtain of rain with an umbrella, and in order to avoid getting wet, Ji Shuqing hurriedly followed, having to stay as close to him as possible

Ji Shuqing closed her eyes and listened for a while. Gradually, drowsiness began to wash over her. She gently yawned, relaxed her entire body, and started to fall into a deep sleep

The long and alluring legs stood straight, while the impeccably tailored black shirt accentuated his figure to near perfection. His face was cool yet handsome, and his deep-set eyes seemed almost non-existent in the mortal realm, exuding an enchanting allure

Xi Zhiyan continued to smile, the bitterness in his smile transforming into indulgence. He said gently, "Alright, go ahead and bite me."

Zhuo Lieyang looked at her and blinked, then let out an "oh" and sat down on a nearby stool

Seeing him wake up, Ji Shuqing secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She did not dwell on his words, merely pressed her lips together and looked at him with a pained expression, revealing a bitter and stiff smile, "Zhi Yan, it turns out you also have times when you need to be taken care of!" It was clearly a jest, yet it sounded somewhat heart-wrenching.

The slumbering Ji Shuqing felt a slight itch, and she couldn't help but furrow her brows, her eyelashes fluttering. Then, she suddenly opened her eyes wide.

She slowly stood up, and even though she straightened her back, her slender figure was still shrouded in his shadow, requiring her to slightly raise her gaze to see his face

The clock on the bedside cabinet ticked away, and for the first time, Ji Shuqing felt that time was so long

Then, there must be someone up to no good in this matter

The duration of this gaze was somewhat prolonged; after a while, he finally withdrew his gaze and simply said, "I understand." He then stood up and walked away from her side

It is truly frustrating to feel that one's weaknesses have been exposed by others

Hmm. Xi Zhi responded with a sound and then closed his eyes

She did not know what would happen in tomorrow's competition, and was also worried whether Zhiyan's fever would subside. Her thoughts were in a chaotic tangle throughout the night, tossing and turning in bed, and she hardly slept at all

Although she sensed his displeasure, Ji Shuqing still retorted, "This seems to have nothing to do with you, does it?"

The tone was light and casual, sounding as if it were merely an ordinary statement. However, at this moment, for Ji Shuqing, there was no room for retreat.

However, she waited for nearly half an hour, only to find that the person who finally appeared was not the one she had been expecting, but rather Zhuo Lieyang

Zhuo Lieyang's lips curved upward again, and a glimmer of cunning light flashed in his eyes: "Oh, I see, it's the clothes I'm wearing that are handsome"

Because she felt that what he said was reasonable, and moreover, he seemed to be acting out of goodwill, Ji Shuqing thought it was truly unnecessary to continue refusing. Thus, she bit her lip and softly said, "Then I will trouble you!"

Zhuo Lieyang slightly furrowed his brow, and his pitch-black pupils constricted slightly: "Who is that person?"

The black sedan drove steadily through the heavy rain, with the raindrops slanting down onto the windshield. The wipers mechanically swept away the water on the glass, while Ji Shuqing, sitting in the passenger seat, quietly watched the wipers sway back and forth.

She stood by the bed for a moment, feeling a strong desire to do something for him. She fetched a damp towel and gently wiped his forehead. Then, she dipped a cotton swab in some water and moistened his lips. With the moisture, his lips were no longer as dry, but they still appeared pale enough to evoke concern.

She gritted her teeth, suppressing her anger, and while opening the car door, she said: "Thank you for taking me home! Goodbye!"

"Why do you want to help me?" she asked directly, staring into his eyes, "What is your purpose?"

She was taken aback, instinctively widening her eyes to stare at him, her entire body tensing involuntarily, and she held her breath as she asked: "What are you doing?"

Ji Shuqing shot him a glance and said without any courtesy: "Of course, the clothes look good!"

However, at the very moment before stepping onto the stage, Zhuo Lieyang suddenly turned around and said to her, "Don't worry, I will perform well." As soon as the words fell, he gave her a slight smile, and in that instant, it was as if the mandala flower had bloomed in full.

Although she accepted his help, Ji Shuqing felt that something was amiss as she walked along. Everything seemed too coincidental, as if it had been meticulously arranged by someone...

She quickly dialed a familiar number on her phone, but the voice from the receiver said: "Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently turned off, please try again later..."

Zhuo Lieyang occasionally turned his head to glance at the girl beside him, the smile in the corners of his eyes growing more pronounced

This guy never misses an opportunity to torment her, truly a devil in every sense of the word! What on earth is going on in her head, to come up with such a design? It's simply like lifting a stone to smash her own foot!

The journey from the school to the Ji family is not long, but Zhuo Lieyang deliberately slowed down the speed of the vehicle. What should have taken only 20 minutes ended up taking a full 40 minutes.

Upon entering the room, she immediately saw Xi Zhi Yan lying quietly on the bed. His familiar handsome face was devoid of any color, and his lips, which always bore a hint of a smile, were now pale and slightly dry

Ji Shuqing felt pleased for a moment. Seeing him look at her like that, she felt a bit shy, so she reached out her hand to help him tuck in the blanket while saying: "Alright, quickly close your eyes and rest."

Although she felt a deep sense of injustice within, her actions were remarkably gentle, as if she were handling a precious treasure

He is too dangerous

Mother Xi entered the room once and saw Ji Shuqing carefully taking care of her son, a gentle smile appearing on her face. She then exited the room and closed the door behind her

Ji Shuqing pondered for a moment, sighed, and said: "Then you should rest well, don't think about anything, I'm fine, don't worry about me, silly Zhi Yan"

She immediately ran towards the teaching building

This time is no exception either

Zhuo Lieyang quietly gazed at her, his pupils shimmering with a peculiar light. The brilliant sunlight filtered through the branches, casting a layer of mercury-like sheen on his dark hair, creating a breathtaking beauty

She mentally listed over ten boys who all had decent heights, but none of them were suitable to be her model

He took a mobile phone out of his pocket; this was the one he casually picked up from her when she bumped into him just now. This girl actually had no reaction at all

Ji Shuqing noticed the weariness on his face, so she turned around, picked up a cup from the cabinet, poured a glass of water, and handed it to him, saying: "When you have a cold, you need to drink more water and rest more. Here, drink this glass of water first, then have a good sleep."

Ji Shuqing couldn't help but be somewhat mesmerized, her clear pupils reflecting a light of disbelief.

In fact, she really wanted to stand up and run away immediately, but doing so would make her seem too petty

A gentle breeze, mingling with the freshness of the trees and the fragrance of flowers from the distant garden, wafts in from all directions, exuding a sense of comfort and languor

She sat for a while on the bench along the tree-lined path, preparing to attend her next class. She casually touched her bag and then realized that her phone was unexpectedly missing

I have truly never encountered such a narcissistic person

After returning home, Ji Shuqing actually wanted to go next door to see Zhiyan immediately, but her mother had already set the dinner on the table. With no other choice, she quickly finished the rice in her bowl, put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and then got up to run towards the door

The rain continued from noon until the last class ended

"What my purpose is now is secondary; what matters most is that you need my help. The design competition is about to begin," Zhuo Lieyang said calmly. His handsome face showed no expression, but his voice conveyed his confidence.

With his eyes closed, Xi Zhiyan's lips twitched slightly

Amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the students, the countdown to the competition finally arrived, as the hour hand pointed to 9:00

She stood rigidly in place, her mind a complete chaos, as if there were many things she wanted to say, yet she could not utter a single word

The rain continues to fall incessantly, and amidst the curtain of rain, numerous figures come and go, yet that familiar silhouette is nowhere to be seen. It seems as though the world has lost its sound, and thus the scene has come to a standstill

She had always relied on Zhiyan, but this time, when he encountered an unexpected situation for the only time, she was left so helpless. It turned out that without Zhiyan, she felt utterly useless

Xi Zhiyan did not say anything further, but quietly gazed at her, the smile at the corners of his mouth involuntarily deepening. However, soon the waves of drowsiness began to wash over him again.

She stared blankly at the person in front of her, who gazed back at her unabashedly, his eyes shimmering with a captivating allure that was truly breathtaking

Ji Shuqing was extremely furious and said with a mournful face, "That text message was not sent by me! I had left my phone inside the desk at that time!"

Xi Zhiyan gently blinked and fixed his gaze on her, his voice still slightly hoarse as he said: "Shu'er, are you alright?"

That person is Shen Bing. Her model is a mixed-race individual, handsome in appearance and tall with a perfect figure. He is wearing a garment designed by Shen Bing, adorned with a soaring cloud dragon in gold. It looks as if he were an emperor from ancient times, exuding a regal aura of dominance. When such a garment is worn by a mixed-race individual, it possesses a unique charm.

What makes this girl better than her? Is her face more exquisite? Is her figure taller? As for talent—hmpf! This girl merely took advantage of the inspiration she gained from Zhuo Lieyang! When it comes to overall strength, can she compare? ... From childhood to now, she has won countless awards and has always ranked at the top of her class...

The surrounding air seemed to freeze in an instant, as Ji Shuqing stood rigidly in place, holding her phone in a daze. ... For some reason, an ominous premonition suddenly arose in her heart ...

Ji's father and Ji's mother were left looking at each other in confusion

How can there be such a thick-skinned person

The competition venue is lively and noisy, while the backstage is bustling with activity

As her words fell, the door was also tightly closed behind her

Ji Shuqing's long eyelashes fluttered, and an unexpected emotion flashed briefly in her clear eyes, causing them to ripple with a layer of shimmering light. At the same time, a feeling emerged from deep within her heart, one that even she found difficult to grasp. It seeped into her very marrow like a parasitic insect, carrying with it a sense of intense danger and strong temptation, slowly devouring her soul

At this point, she finally realized the seriousness of the situation, and then asked, "You haven't been waiting for me in the heavy rain all this time, have you?"

Tomorrow is the design competition, and she has long since registered Zhi Yan's name, specifying that he is her model, so there is no need for the school to arrange a model for her. However, at such a critical moment, Zhi Yan has unexpectedly fallen ill

Ji Shuqing was taken aback

She is unwilling ... unwilling!

Zhuo Lieyang's lips curled into a fleeting smile, "You probably think too highly of my abilities."

However, Zhuo Lieyang in the driver's seat seemed to be in a good mood; he freed one hand from the steering wheel, pressed a button on the CD player, and gradually turned up the volume

This is probably the first time she has addressed him this way. In the past, he always called her silly girl, silly Shu'er. Wasn't he also foolish? ... Because he was afraid she wouldn't be able to find him if she went, because he was afraid something would happen to her, he actually stood still in the same place, standing motionless in the heavy rain

Ji Shuqing arrived at the door of the Xi family in the rain, pressed the doorbell several times, and shouted: "Uncle Xi, Aunt Xi, I am Shuqing, please open the door!"

Ji Shuqing looked at his calm demeanor in the mirror, feeling a surge of anger rising within her. She wanted to rush over and scold him, but seeing the other models gradually taking the stage, she realized that if she delayed any longer, it would be too late

On her way from home to school, she was preoccupied with worries, and several times she bumped into people. After apologizing to them, she continued to walk with her head down, only to heavily collide with a pillar shortly thereafter

As soon as the words were spoken, both individuals were taken aback

Upon hearing this, Ji Shuqing felt even more angry and ashamed. She glared at him and pretended to be furious as she said, "You still dare to apologize to me? Do you believe I will bite you!"

Zhuo Lieyang did not seem to mind either; he merely curled his lips slightly and said, "If there is a need at that time, you can contact me"

"Let us go." He spoke as calmly as ever.

She squatted by the roadside in utter frustration, watching her classmates come and go, excited about the upcoming design competition, and her discomfort grew increasingly...

However, after a few minutes of stalemate, Ji Shuqing could no longer contain herself. With a strong sense of awkwardness, she glanced at Zhuo Lieyang, who was standing leisurely beside her, then gritted her teeth and walked to her locker. She took out the first outfit for the performance and returned to Zhuo Lieyang, handing him the clothes in her hand: "Hurry up and put on the clothes, it's almost your turn to go on stage."

Zhuo Lieyang slightly turned his body, looking at the serene girl beside him, with a gentle light shimmering in his eyes

He couldn't help but lift the corners of his lips, exuding a hint of wicked charm

A sly smile gradually spread across the corners of his lips

Ah... she let out a muffled cry of pain, rubbed her forehead, and, feeling quite annoyed, raised her head to look at Zhuo Lieyang in front of her, saying displeasedly, "Why are you standing in front of me?"

She immediately breathed a sigh of relief, picked up her phone to prepare to open the keyboard, only to find that the phone was unexpectedly out of battery

At this moment, Zhuo Lieyang, who had been standing by and playing the role of a statue, spoke up: "It seems that the rain will not stop anytime soon. Would you rather get drenched and catch a serious illness, preventing you from participating in tomorrow's competition, or shall I give you a ride?"

Bang!

Ji Shuqing stood at the entrance of the teaching building, holding a book, feeling somewhat lost. Usually at this time, she was never too worried, as the considerate Zhiyan always appeared when she needed him the most

For some reason, the figure of Zhuo Lieyang immediately surfaced in my mind

Has something happened to Zhiyan? At this thought, her face involuntarily turned pale, and a look of panic gradually emerged in her clear pupils

When she opened her eyes again, a tall black figure suddenly came into her view

I am serious

She gazed at the curtain of rain, while he looked at her

Yes, Zhuo Lieyang replied as a matter of course

No, she cannot simply resign herself to fate

In the background, the least busy were Ji Shuqing and Zhuo Liyang, who had just arrived. The two of them rarely maintained the same stance, standing side by side without moving at all

"Alright." Xi Zhi responded obediently, then with some effort sat up. Ji Shuqing quickly extended a hand to support him, and after he was seated properly, she personally brought the cup of water to his lips, carefully feeding him.

"The official competition is tomorrow, are you really not considering me at all?" Zhuo Lieyang said, with his hands in his pockets, looking at her leisurely, his deep gaze revealing a hint of anticipation

His condition has deteriorated to this extent; it is not something that can be resolved with just one night's rest

Ji Shuqing frowned; she finally caught on to some hints, and his speech was clear and seemed to be coherent... It could be confirmed that he was not speaking nonsense due to a fever. Thus, she asked in confusion: "My phone ran out of battery today, I'm sorry, where are you waiting for me?"

However, when she hurriedly held her books and prepared to leave, a black figure suddenly appeared in front of her with lightning speed. She was running so fast that when she noticed the person ahead, it was already too late to stop, and she collided directly with his chest.

A maid who is inferior in every way to her, why is she able to win the favor of Zhuo Lieyang

No, no...! He has been illuminated by the sun, smiling at everyone; where is the shadow of a devil!

She and Xi Zhiyan are childhood friends, having grown up together, and are well acquainted with each other's family environments, which is why she easily made her way to his room door

Ji Shuqing looked at him obediently closing his eyes and recalled how, when she was a child and fell ill, she would always act spoiled. If he did not coax her for a long time, she would never obediently drink her porridge and go to sleep.

The romantic notes resonate within the carriage, exceedingly pleasant to the ear

Without asking why, Zhuo Lieyang handed the phone to her, as if he would unconditionally fulfill any request that came from her mouth

Zhuo Lieyang gazed at her with deep, penetrating eyes, a faint glow flickering within them, reminiscent of rippling water patterns penetrating glass and reflecting in the still air, as well as a burning flame filled with ambition, ready to emerge.

Is heaven deliberately tormenting her

At noon, the heavy rain that had been brewing for half a day finally poured down in torrents, with large raindrops indiscriminately assaulting the entire school, while the trees within the school swayed unsteadily under the onslaught of wind and rain

The entire venue was illuminated with brilliant lights, as magnificent as fireworks blooming under the night sky, followed by a powerful opening music that resonated deeply, causing the crowd to excitedly scream along with the music

Zhuo Lieyang did not say much, he simply held the umbrella and stayed by her side, quietly waiting all the while

"Did you anticipate that I would encounter difficulties?" Ji Shuqing asked with a slight furrow in her brow, her tone filled with suspicion

At that moment, a tall figure stood before her, completely blocking the sunlight that had been shining on her, leaving her enveloped in a faint shadow.

Do you need my assistance

"You want me to wear it?" Zhuo Lieyang raised an eyebrow slightly and said nonchalantly

"How could he have gotten caught in the rain?" Although Ji Shuqing felt very puzzled, at this moment she was more concerned about Zhiyan's condition, so she said anxiously, "I will go check on him first"

She instinctively avoided his gaze, took a few steps to the side, creating some distance between them, and then spoke: "Thank you for your kindness. I am very grateful for your help this time, but you need not worry about future matters."

I... my friend will be here soon! I can just wait for him here, you should go back first!" Saying this, Ji Shuqing turned her head, her eyes fixed intently on the curtain of rain ahead, believing that the familiar figure would surely appear.

Is it still that charming Ling Zhe with a doll-like face that is very endearing? Such a youthful and adorable face, anyone who sees it would want to pinch it; he is in no way associated with demons.

"You... do you have something to discuss?" The smile on her face was extremely stiff.

Seeing that Zhuo Lieyang appeared somewhat distracted, she furrowed her brows and couldn't help but feel a sense of worry in her heart

She recalled that she hadn't charged her phone last night, so it was normal for it to be out of battery. Thus, she put her phone back in her bag and left without giving it much thought

I want to be your model" Zhuo Lieyang stated his purpose very directly and succinctly

She could not find the appropriate words to describe her feelings at this moment, nor did she know how to respond to his confident remarks.

Even though the relationship with Zhiyan was quite good, Ji Shuqing was still a girl. When it approached eleven o'clock in the evening, Ji's father used the excuse of visiting the sick Zhiyan to take his daughter home.

Xi Zhiyan pondered for a moment, then nodded affirmatively: "It was at that time, I had just walked out of the classroom"

Since the day he offered to be her model and was rejected by her, he has not taken the initiative to contact her again, and naturally, she would not provoke him either. However, the uncomfortable feeling that arose whenever class started did not dissipate. Therefore, whenever there was a class with him in attendance, as soon as the bell rang, she would be the first to leave the classroom, running faster than a rabbit

Ji Shuqing lifted her slightly tired eyes from the book, closed her eyes, and gently took a breath, feeling an immediate sense of comfort and ease in both body and mind

She is very clear in her heart that the person before her, both in appearance and in the aura of danger, is comparable to a demon

Do not look for him

After taking a few sips of water, he moved his lips away and said, "That's enough"

Ji Shuqing looked at his back with confusion, and a sense of foreboding gradually welled up in her heart. Why did she always feel that there was something dangerous concealed in his last words?

She slowly walked over, looking at the boy who had once taken care of her meticulously, now lying so weakly before her, and her heart ached sharply.

When she arrived at the classroom, many students were already seated inside. Fortunately, there was still no one in her usual spot, so she immediately ran over and bent down to take a look; her phone was indeed lying quietly inside.

Oh, good! Ji Shuqing casually set down the cup of water and helped him lie back down again

"I said we would meet again, and you just keep waiting in the rain?" Ji Shuqing was so angry she was about to jump up, but then she thought of something and caught a hint of doubt, "When did I ever say we would meet again?"

"What?" Ji Shuqing turned her head in surprise, looking at him with a hint of disbelief. "You are not joking with me, are you?"

But it is evident that Ji Shuqing did not notice.

It seemed that she had seen through his thoughts, and Xi Zhiyan forced a smile, though there was a hint of bitterness in his expression. He said, "For tomorrow's design competition, I may not be able to participate in the best condition, Shu'er, I am sorry..."

What does it matter if one spends more time waiting? As long as the outcome is satisfactory, it is worth it

Ji Shuqing twitched her lips, not intending to hold it against him any longer. She simply helped him tidy up his clothes and then mentioned a few poses he should adopt on stage to perfectly showcase the characteristics of the outfit.

Mother Xi frowned and said: "That foolish child got caught in the rain this afternoon, and when he returned, he caught a cold and developed a fever. He was sent to the emergency room, but he refused to be hospitalized. He just came back from the emergency room and is now lying in bed."

Noticing the admiration in her eyes, Zhuo Lieyang couldn't help but ask proudly: "Is it the clothes that look good or am I more handsome?"

The car came to a stop at the entrance of the Ji family home. Zhuo Lieyang turned off the engine and looked at the girl sleeping beside him, a soft, watery glow emanating from his dark, night-like pupils

Designers are diligently working on their models, striving to showcase their designs in the most perfect manner without any reservations

Even if he is the source of her inspiration; even if he is the most suitable candidate

Then, she shook her head vigorously again