These words sent a chill down Ye Qiu's spine, and he sighed inwardly.
He gently pushed her away, pressed his hands on her shoulders, and looked straight into her eyes.
"If you ever encounter danger in the future, I will do everything in my power to protect you!"
"But your level is lower than mine! Let Sister Xiao Wu protect you instead!" Xiao Wu raised her fist proudly.
Ye Qiu frowned, clearly uncomfortable with that answer. His voice deepened. "I'm serious. Even though I'm weak right now, I promise you this—if the time ever comes, I will die before you do."
"…"
Xiao Wu froze. Her expression stiffened, laughter and tears mixing together, until her eyes slowly reddened and her lashes grew damp.
"Xiao Wu… believes in you."
...
Half an hour later, Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu were almost back at the dormitory entrance.
Ye Qiu suddenly stepped aside and slapped his cheeks hard—smack, smack.
He hadn't expected himself, usually as steady as a rock, to lose control like that earlier.
He needed to wake up.
That silly rabbit had been far too obedient—so obedient it hurt. His emotions had surged so violently that Ye Qiu had nearly torn his own heart open.
Xiao Wu, standing nearby, chuckled softly. She lightly touched her lips, savoring the "fruits of her labor."
Seeing Ye Qiu's strange behavior, she asked in confusion, "Xiao Qiu, what are you doing?"
"It's nothing. Just swatting mosquitoes."
"Mosquitoes?" Xiao Wu tilted her head, then suddenly looked pitiful. "Don't tell me… you're having second thoughts?"
"How could that be?" Ye Qiu answered immediately. "I always mean what I say!"
"Really?"
"Really."
"Then why did you dodge when I kissed you just now?" Xiao Wu bit her lip, pouting as she stared straight at him, embarrassment and boldness mixing together.
"I—I—I wasn't ready!" Ye Qiu stammered. Even someone who had lived two lives couldn't withstand this. His face burned red.
This was unbearable. Absolutely unbearable!
"Hahaha!" Xiao Wu burst out laughing. Seeing the usually calm and aloof Ye Qiu like this was far too amusing.
"So, what kind of help does Xiao Qiu need from me?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow. Let's go inside first." Ye Qiu rubbed his face a few more times.
"Okay! Hehe~"
She was clearly in a great mood, even skipping as she walked.
———