11 Engaged

It was the start of the week and classes resumed.

Midori was early for class as usual. She was reading her notes leisurely to pass the time.

She turned her head towards the door when she noted someone coming in.

"Mei!" she exclaimed.

She hurried to the side of the limping girl.

"Good morning, Midori!" she replied, slightly wincing through her smile.

"How's your ankle?" Midori asked worriedly.

Indeed, it was this girl who fell forward during their cheer practice. She incurred a sprain on her left ankle. She has been resting at home, being an heir to a jewelry company. She did not like to walk in crutches either, so she just waited for the swelling to subside before coming to class.

"It's better now. There's not much swelling and pain anymore. Though I might need to still favor this over the right for weight bearing. But, the doctor said I might still be able to join the competition the following month." She faintly smiled. "Too bad I can't be at the opening games with you guys."

"That's alright. Focus on your recovery." Midori replied reassuringly.

She helped her friend towards her seat. Then she grabbed the chair next to her and sat.

"Mei, can I ask you something?"

"Hmm..what is it?"

"Back at the gym...when you were injured..." Midori did not seem to know how to phrase her question.

Ah, yes! Back at the gym, a week ago...

"Waaahhh!"

Jiang Mei Ling fell forward during cheer practice. Though the bases and the spots were able to keep her from hitting the ground, she still fell awkwardly from her arabesque that she twisted her ankle.

They laid her on the gym floor as she was wincing in pain, with tears in her eyes.

One boy from the squad reached out his hand to her. "Let me take you to the infirmary."

Suddenly, the hand was shoved away by an arm.

"Don't touch her!" A glaring boy suddenly appeared before them.

Midori, who just came down from the lift was shocked in seeing who it was.

Everyone was even more shocked as to what happened next.

The nerd, weak-looking Lu Shaoting carefully lifted Jiang Mei Ling as if it is the most natural thing to do. They were even bewildered as to how he was physically capable of such feat. He looked pale, lanky and weak from their previous perception, so how can he transform into a prince in their point of view.

Dan chuckled then murmured on his own, "So this is your obligation. Interesting."

Mei did not mind the look on everyone's face when they went out of the gym. As they approach a black Audi S5, Mei turned her head to look at him.

"Shao...uhmm..." she buried her face to his chest again.

"It's okay." Then he looked at his driver who had a shocked expression. "Call the Jiang household. We will bring Mei back. And, call the physician."

"Yes, Young Master." The driver opened the door for them.

As they drove out of the campus, Mei turned to Shaoting.

"Shao, why did you do that? It will only be a matter of time for people to know..."

Shaoting took off his glasses and was cleaning the lenses with cloth.

"You don't want people to know?" He gave her a stern look.

"No...it's just that, it would be tiresome to explain...even Midori does not know." Mei pouted.

Shaoting reached out to her, wrapping his arm on her shoulder, then patted her head gently.

"It's fine. I'll organize a press conference if need be." He lightly chuckled with her.

And so, going back to the time before class starts...

Mei smiled at Midori.

"Midori...Shaoting and I..." she paused and pursed her lips.

Midori's eyes were full of anticipation.

"We're engaged." Mei said with a timid smile.

"What?!" Midori tried to control her voice, but it has already gathered everyone's attention.

Luckily, the bell rang.

Midori hesistantly went back on her seat. In doing so, she passed by Shaoting, who avoided her gaze.

Midori was pouting as she sat down.

Dan noticed this. "What's up with you?"

"They are engaged..." she murmured almost inaudibly.

Dan chuckled. "So what? Are you jealous?" He smiled teasingly at her.