Chapter 16：Ji Xiaonian, Do You Know No Shame

Upon reaching Bai Yan's side and noticing that he was napping with his shades on, Ji Xiaonian extended her hand and tugged at his arm before quietly calling out to him, "Brother Yan."

However, Bai Yan was in fact, not asleep. Instead, his eyes were trained on the glittering pool surface while being shielded by the shades.

No one knew what was going on in his head.

Upon hearing the cutesy voice of a girl, he switched his gaze to her. Since he had shades on, Ji Xiaonian was unaware that he was actually looking at her.

On the other hand, Ji Xiaonian had assumed that Bai Yan was still asleep and extended her hand to remove his shades.

Like a bolt from the blue, Ji Xiaonian suddenly felt her wrist being gripped before being hurled mercilessly away.

Bai Yan continued lying on his deck chair, and in his usual nonchalant voice, he stated, "If you have something to say, then say it. Otherwise, get lost."

It was only a few simple words, but they were like sharp daggers that were plunged directly into Ji Xiaonian's chest.

She choked and gritted her teeth. After standing quietly for a few moments, she popped the question, "Do you like me or not? If you say you don't, and that we'll never end up together in this lifetime, then I'll no longer approach nor disturb you."

Ji Xiaonian was aware of how shameless she looked. Despite that, she was more desperate to know his answer.

If he truly had no interest in her, it would mean that she could put in all the effort in the world, and still be unable to receive half of his heart in exchange.

She would no longer waste any time on him if that were the case.

Ji Xiaonian would learn to give up and forget about him if she was destined to never be with him. She would focus properly on her studies, and once she graduated and secured a good career, who knows, she might even meet her Prince Charming!

Besides, she also felt that Bai Yan would tell it to her face if he truly had no feelings for her.

However, he did no such thing.

As he laid on his deck chair with his shades on, no one knew where he was looking at, not even Ji Xiaonian.

Furthermore, he wore the same old emotionless expression on his dashing face. As such, his thoughts were anyone's guess.

In the end, the fact remained that Bai Yan had zipped his mouth shut.

"Brother Yan."

Hearing no response, Ji Xiaonian called out to Bai Yan once more. She then continued, "P-Please… answer me."

"…"

A moment later, Bai Yan sat up and took off his shades. He then directed his deep, amber eyes straight at the little girl.

He maintained his unchanging and unmoving gaze as he asked, "Ji Xiaonian, do you have no shame?"

At those words, Ji Xiaonian's already awkward feelings amplified and she lowered her head even further.

'How can I not feel shame? It's just that, compared to you, shame means nothing.'

She took in a deep breath and lifted her head to meet Bai Yan's chilly gaze. "Just answer me. Is there a possibility of us being together? If the answer's no, then I'll…"

"Then you'll what? Find a random person and marry him?"

Bai Yan interrupted her speech, and the way he stared at her was so cold that it terrified her.

He then stood up and faced his back to her. With a tone as sharp as a blade, he stated, "Ji Xiaonian, I want you to listen, and listen closely. If you're really that desperate, then just find some other man to marry. Stop pestering me with this nonsense."

His tone was frigid, but his attitude was like a raging flame that exuded a terrifying aura. The moment he finished talking, he marched off.

Ji Xiaonian, who had been left behind, was in a daze.

'What kind of answer was that?'

'It's not that I'm desperate, okay? It's … It's just that I've just learned of love, and wanted to find someone to be in a relationship with.'

Ji Xiaonian pouted in frustration as Bai Yan's silhouette vanished into the distance. Just as Ji Xiaonian herself was about to leave, however, Fang Miaoling, who had watched their exchange, approached her with a mocking smile.

Although Fang Miaoling was unable to make out their conversation while standing at the bonsai garden, from the way Professor Bai had acted, she was able to figure out that he wanted nothing to do with her.

'Hah, I bet Ji Xiaonian will finally give up!'

"Yeah, you're right, there's no way he'll fall for me. However, Miaoling, I don't want to ruin our relationship because of him. We're dormmates, after all. Well, we'll be seeing one another sooner or later, so, see ya!"

As she had not received a proper answer, Ji Xiaonian was in no mood to talk. All she wanted to do was get rid of Miaoling and find a quiet spot to settle in.

Her arm was grabbed unexpectedly.

She spun her head around, only to see Miaoling approaching her once again with a mocking smirk and a look of disdain.

"Ji Xiaonian, you've shown me your true colors today. I never expected that you would shamelessly tail us and pester Professor Bai like this. Honestly speaking, I don't care if our relationship is ruined. It's not a big deal, and we can act like oil and fire from now on. However, a word of warning, If I ever see you pestering Professor Bai again, I'll make this situation known to the school and ensure you never graduate."

As if she was worried that her newfound love interest would be taken away from her, Fang Miaoling had completely disregarded the friendship she established with Ji Xiaonian and directly confronted her.

At that point, Ji Xiaonian was still unable to accept the fact that her very own dormmate was the daughter of Bai Yan's savior.

When the thought of Bai Yan treating Fang Miaoling crossed her mind, Ji Xiaonian's heart ached.

'If that man repays his debt by marriage, I'll probably die of a heartache!'

"You'd better reflect on your actions. If there's ever a next time, I won't show any mercy."

Fang Miaoling glared at Ji Xiaonian with a dominating air about her. Once she finished her statement, she then disappeared off in the direction Bai Yan had left.

On the other hand, Ji Xiaonian, who was rooted to her spot, felt as if the world had abandoned her. She was in a pitiful state, one that was deserving of sympathy.

Out of nowhere, Lu Yifei suddenly appeared beside Ji Xiaonian. He extended his hand, patted her shoulder and consoled her, saying, "You silly little girl. What's there to be sad over? If you don't mind, I'll even lend you my shoulder to lean on!"

The rims of Ji Xiaonian's eyes turned red as she looked towards Lu Yifei. Upon remembering his sexual orientation, she leaped at him and embraced him without an ounce of hesitation.

"Say, Yifei, why does loving someone hurt so much, especially when you see him with another girl? I feel as if there's a blade carving out my flesh. It hurts so much that I'm gasping for air."

'I steeled my nerves and confessed everything to Bai Yan, so why couldn't he provide me a proper answer?!'

'Either you like me or you don't, is it really that hard to say?'

"Indeed, loving someone hurts, especially when you're unable to obtain them."

While patting the little girl in his embrace, Lu Yifei chuckled as he added, "However, don't you feel delighted when you stand behind him and silently watch over his back? You're a good girl, Xiaonian. Believe me, you'll definitely meet a man that will appreciate you in the future."

'Just like me. I too lost someone way back in the past, and back then, the word happiness meant nothing to me.'

'However, haven't I regained my lost happiness?'

Ji Xiaonian suddenly pulled away from Lu Yifei's grasp. While eyeing at him, she hesitantly asked, "Do you have somebody you like? As someone of your status, I bet that the man you like is pretty amazing, huh?