Chapter 151: Chapter 104-105: Teasing / Goodbye
Unlike the temperatures of inland cities, September in Island City is not cool at all; instead, it is the most stiflingly hot month of the year. Pedestrians on the main streets are dressed in extremely cool attire, while long-lived cicadas let out shrill cries as if to assert their existence with all their might. In the flower beds along the road, there bloom myriad nameless small flowers in brilliant purples and vivid reds, swaying gracefully and quite pleasing to the eye. Luo Ye squats down to take a sniff, only to find they have no fragrance. Shaking her head in disappointment, she thinks to herself, indeed, the beautiful exterior of some things can be deceitful.
She had arranged to meet with Luo Yang and Luo Shui at the KFC on Nanjing Road. Considering there was no rush for time, she took a leisurely stroll there after school.
"Little brother, be good, let your sister pinch your cheek, and I’ll treat you to KFC. Be obedient, just stick out your little cheek. Just one pinch and you can order whatever you want. How’s that?"
The fierce but sweet loli voice halted Luo Ye’s steps just as she was about to enter KFC. Looking in the direction of the voice, she saw a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old girl with a grin on her face, trying to pinch the cheek of a twelve- or thirteen-year-old boy, who was ducking back and forth in obvious discomfort.
Judging by the girl’s attire, her family background looked good; she was wearing a quality chiffon beige knee-length dress with silver Daphne wedge sandals, and blessed with a curvy figure and pretty looks, but that behavior...
"Stop dodging, or I won’t treat you if I can’t pinch you." The girl was losing her patience because she couldn’t get a hold of him.
The boy looked conflicted: "Sis, I don’t even know you. What if you run away after pinching me? Then I’ve just let you pinch me for nothing."
The girl’s face stiffens: "Am I, Yan Xing Nong, someone who doesn’t keep her word? If there’s one person left in this world who keeps their promises, it would definitely be me. Hurry, let me pinch."
Luo Ye smiles, amused by what she sees. It’s odd to think that one pinch on the cheek grants the freedom to order anything you want, tsk tsk... The girl finally pinches the boy’s cheek, tugging it slightly, a satisfied expression on her face: "Feels really nice, I like it." Noticing Luo Ye’s gaze, she turns her little face towards Luo Ye and smiles: "I’m not kidding, it really does feel nice. Why don’t you try pinching too?"
"No need! No need... uh... carry on... carry on..." Luo Ye quickly waves her hand and walks into the store. She’s not interested in stirring this muddy water.
"What a bore. Such a good feeling, and you don’t know how to enjoy it..."
Listening to the mutters behind her, Luo Ye’s smile deepens. She’s actually curious to see if that girl will truly let the little boy order anything he wants.
Luo Yang and Luo Shui haven’t arrived yet, so Luo Ye selects a bright spot on the edge where her siblings can easily spot her if they walk in from outside.
Not long after, the girl really does bring the boy in, proving to be as good as her word. She allows the boy to order a heap of food to take away, while she orders a hamburger, two egg tarts, two chicken wings, and looks around with her tray, heading toward Luo Ye’s seat.
"Do you think I’m foolish? Look, your smile has almost reached behind your ears." The girl places the small plate across from Luo Ye: "I’m Yan Xing Nong. What’s your name?"
"Luo Ye." Luo Ye can’t control her amusement. She has never seen such a hilariously approachable and cute kid before.
"’Falling Leaf’? Like a leaf that falls to the ground? Why would you have such a name?" Yan Xing Nong’s eyes widen in surprise, her cuteness on par with that of an animated girl.
"My name is ’Luo’ from ’The Song of the Luo Shen,’ not the ’falling’ variety. And hey, I’ve got company coming; it might not be convenient in a bit." Although Luo Ye likes this girl, she and Luo Yang and Luo Shui aren’t really familiar enough to just keep someone without their permission, which would be quite impolite. Besides, she and Luo Shui do have important matters to discuss.
"I could tell you were waiting for someone since you were sitting here without ordering. He’ll show up, and I’ll leave right away. I just took a liking to you. Let me tell you, not many people catch the eye of Yan Xing Nong like this. Don’t think I’m so easygoing with everyone." The girl hands the box of egg tarts to Luo Ye: "How about having one to satiate your hunger first?"
Luo Ye quickly shakes her head: "I’m not hungry, but thanks."
"People offering you food mean it sincerely, just take it! I won’t care if you’re being coy and starve yourself. I’m genuinely starving. I just moved here yesterday and spent the whole day tidying up, which exhausted me..." Yan Xing Nong mutters while gobbling down a chicken wing.
"By the way, are you waiting for your boyfriend?" Yan Xing Nong looks outside: "Let me keep an eye out for you. You seem a little too naive; don’t get tricked by boys."