Chapter 62: The Little Follower at the Aristocratic School (Part 11)

Shen Ke’s expression was one of the most serious Si Qing had ever seen.

Clutching the fabric at her chest tightly, Si Qing’s eyes were bloodshot, her pale cheeks and lips making her look like a malevolent ghost in that moment.

“Shen Ke, you can’t leave.”

Her heart was pounding too fast, Si Qing’s breathing growing more rapid. The suffocating lack of oxygen to her brain made it hard for her even to speak. “Shen Ke, Shen Ke, you can’t leave.”

“I’m sorry, I—you can’t leave me.” Her words incoherent, Si Qing had completely lost the poise and rationality expected of a young lady from her background.

Her expression twisted almost grotesquely, like a madwoman. Her light-colored eyes brimmed with an obsession so thick it could not be dissolved.

Trembling, Si Qing reached out to touch Shen Ke’s cheek, the cool tears wetting the back of her hand.

“Shen Ke, you can’t leave me. I’ll go insane.” There was a deranged madness in Si Qing’s gaze, devoid of reason.

Her hoarse voice was like shattered glass, grating and harsh, constantly battering at her already crumbling emotions.

Si Qing gently wiped the tears from Shen Ke’s cheek, her brows furrowed with an extreme, pathological obsession.

“I’m sorry, Shen Ke. I’m sorry.”

“You can’t leave me.”

As she spoke, a tear slid from the corner of Si Qing’s eye. She didn’t know how to describe what she was feeling right now.

It hurt so much she wanted to go mad.

Si Qing’s palms were soft but ice-cold. Shen Ke looked at her, her tear-filled eyes brimming with accusation. “You’re lying. You wouldn’t go insane!”

“You don’t care about me at all. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have forgotten what you promised me!”

“You said before that your brooch was only for me.”

Words were powerful, yet also pale and inadequate.

Si Qing didn’t know what to say to make Shen Ke happy again.

The face cradled in her hands was small and soft, a little warm.

It had been so long—so very long—since she’d touched Shen Ke like this.

In the past, she’d wiped away Shen Ke’s tears countless times like this.

When Shen Ke fell while running, when she scraped her skin on a branch, when she was sad, when she missed her mom and dad.

So many times, she’d wiped away Shen Ke’s tears just like this.

That year, when she was twelve, Shen Ke’s mother had brought her to their home. From then on, there was a little tag-along trailing behind her.

She was supposed to be the person Shen Ke depended on and liked the most. How had it turned out like this?

Si Qing’s expression went blank in an instant, the surging emotions in her heart overwhelming her. She exuded an aura of deathly pallor.

Yes, she knew full well that Shen Ke had no parents, no family, yet she’d ignored her anyway.

“Shen Ke, I’m really awful.” Si Qing’s voice was hoarse and muffled, carrying such palpable pain that anyone listening could feel it.

The truth was, it wasn’t Shen Ke who needed her—it was she who needed Shen Ke.

Like a leech, she’d drained Shen Ke’s blood dry.

Until Shen Ke finally couldn’t take it anymore and accused her, dragging her vile deeds out of the shadows into the light.

But she didn’t want Shen Ke to leave.

Si Qing gripped Shen Ke’s cheeks firmly, lifting her face. “Shen Ke, I’ve never hated you.”

“Tell me, tell me what I need to do for you to forgive me.”

But Si Qing didn’t get an answer from Shen Ke. The next second, a strong force yanked at her shoulder.

Si Qing’s body was frail and couldn’t resist the pull at all. She was dragged away entirely.

Qi Yuan had been waiting inside the room for a long time with no sign of anyone coming in, so she’d stepped out. The moment she did, she saw Si Qing completely blocking Shen Ke.

Their posture was so intimate, it looked like they were kissing.

Qi Yuan’s anger flared instantly. She strode over and pulled Si Qing away.

But upon seeing Shen Ke’s tear-blurred eyes, Qi Yuan immediately reined in her anger. Her long brows furrowed slightly in concern.

Qi Yuan took Si Qing’s former position, cupping Shen Ke’s face with both hands and gently wiping away her tears. “Shen Ke, what’s wrong? Did she bully you?” Her voice was low and gentle, full of soothing comfort.

Qi Yuan’s hands had calluses, which scratched lightly against Shen Ke’s cheeks, making them itch faintly. Shen Ke blinked and shook her head slightly.

She stood on tiptoe and reached out to hug Qi Yuan.

Qi Yuan bent down, gripped Shen Ke’s waist with both hands, and lifted her up effortlessly, letting Shen Ke’s legs wrap around her waist.

Qi Yuan patted Shen Ke’s back lightly. “Don’t cry. Let’s go inside and sleep, okay?”

Qi Yuan always spoke to Shen Ke in the tone one used to coax a child. In her mind, someone as pretty and delicate as Shen Ke needed to be coaxed.

Besides, Shen Ke was slender and short, only reaching her shoulder. Qi Yuan could lift her with one arm. So light, so small—how could it not stir pity?

Qi Yuan had once been insecure about her height. There were no girls like her in the village, at school, or even on the streets—tall and sturdy.

The words she heard most were, “Qi Yao-mei, you’re too tall, your skin’s too dark, and with that short hair, no one’s ever gonna want you.”

But now she was glad for it. Thankfully, she was tall and strong enough to easily hold Shen Ke tight in her arms.

“You were so happy today.”

As Qi Yuan said this, her gaze shifted to Si Qing, who stood stunned nearby. Her lips curled downward, her expression dark, anger brewing between her brows. “And now you’re crying so pitifully. You look better smiling, of course—but even crying, you’re obedient.”

Shen Ke rubbed her eyes against Qi Yuan’s collar, her voice small. “I’m… obedient no matter what.”

Shen Ke and Qi Yuan’s posture was far too intimate. Watching made Si Qing’s eyes ache, waves of pain radiating from her chest nonstop.

Si Qing clutched her lips in agony, dry-heaving. The intense emotions made her lose control of her body; her limbs trembled. She hated this frail body of hers so much.

She wanted to hold Shen Ke in her arms like Qi Yuan was doing— so intimately, so enviably close.

Her emotions tore at her reason, screaming for her to snatch Shen Ke back.

But with this body, what could she do?

Si Qing’s face was deathly pale. Trembling, she steadied herself against the dilapidated stone table in the courtyard, her voice laced with uncontrollable shudders. “Shen Ke, I’m sorry.”

“Sor—sorry, cough cough—”

Beads of sweat dotted Si Qing’s forehead densely. She’d never looked so disheveled.

But Shen Ke didn’t turn back to look at her. She let Qi Yuan carry her into the room.

Si Qing’s vision went black for a moment. She shook her head, straightened up, and followed them inside.

“Shen Ke, I’m sorry.”

No matter how many times Si Qing apologized, she got no response from Shen Ke.

Si Qing’s voice faded along with the lights turning off.

She lay on the mat Qi Yuan had prepared on the floor, while Qi Yuan and Shen Ke were on the bed.

Moonlight filtered through the window, casting a serene glow over the room.

The concrete floor was hard. Even with a soft blanket laid over it, it was still hard. Si Qing had never slept in a place like this.

She could have her bodyguards come pick her up and leave, but she didn’t want to go just like that. She wanted to take Shen Ke back with her.

It was her choice to stay.

The night deepened. The chirping of insects outside seemed to quiet a little, and the moon hid behind the clouds.

Without the moonlight, the room plunged into darkness.

Shen Ke turned over gently and poked Qi Yuan’s nose, whispering breathily, “Qi Yuan, are you asleep?”

Qi Yuan slowly opened her eyes and grasped the hand poking her nose, whispering back, “No.”

“Still upset?”

Shen Ke pouted. “I’m not that petty.”

Shen Ke’s temper came and went quickly. Once she voiced her sadness, it was gone soon after.

Qi Yuan’s lips curved slightly. She closed her eyes again, one hand on Shen Ke’s waist, the other slipping under her head. She shifted, pulling Shen Ke into her arms.

“Then let’s sleep. It’s probably late.”

Qi Yuan’s body was warm, with a pleasant scent. Shen Ke propped her head up and nipped lightly at Qi Yuan’s chin. “Qi Yuan, I want a kiss.”

“Kisses feel so good.”

Qi Yuan chuckled silently. By the faint moonlight, she leaned down to Shen Ke’s ear and murmured, “You’ll wake her up.”

Shen Ke turned her head and nipped Qi Yuan’s cheek. “Just be quiet.”

Qi Yuan’s hand on Shen Ke’s waist tightened slightly. She flipped over, pinning Shen Ke beneath her.

Qi Yuan moved quickly but quietly.

The blanket bulged a bit more. Qi Yuan’s knee slipped between Shen Ke’s legs, and she gripped Shen Ke’s wrists, pinning them to the bed.

Qi Yuan had long hands and feet, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist. Pinned like this, Shen Ke couldn’t see the ceiling—only Qi Yuan’s shoulders.

Their size difference was huge.

Shen Ke blinked her pretty eyes, the corners still faintly red from crying. Her long lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, gorgeous and captivating.

Qi Yuan lowered her head slowly, kissing Shen Ke’s forehead first, then her eye corner, cheek, nose tip, and finally the corner of her lips.

Shen Ke parted her lips proactively, her tongue tip licking Qi Yuan’s lips.

Qi Yuan’s breath hitched. She lifted her head slightly, looking at Shen Ke.

She couldn’t see Shen Ke’s expression clearly, but she knew Shen Ke was looking back at her.

Their gazes locked on each other.

Heartbeats quickened again. Qi Yuan rubbed her nose against Shen Ke’s.

Like a signal: ‘It’s starting.’

And it did. Qi Yuan’s fingers intertwined with Shen Ke’s, lacing them tightly. As their hands clasped, Qi Yuan kissed Shen Ke’s lips.

Compared to the first time, Qi Yuan’s kissing skills had improved a lot.

Her tongue gently entwined with Shen Ke’s, drawing sweet nectar endlessly from her mouth.

Shen Ke felt limp and tingly all over from the kiss, squinting her eyes in bliss.

Like a little cat, happily accepting the affection.

But kissing alone wasn’t enough. Shen Ke wanted more.

Teenage desire burned hot, with no urge to suppress it.

Shen Ke clamped her legs around Qi Yuan’s knee and guided her hand to her chest.

The intent was obvious.

Qi Yuan released her, struggling to steady her ragged breathing.

She kissed Shen Ke’s neck. “Feels good?”

Shen Ke hummed softly, her voice soft and coquettish.

Qi Yuan wasn’t some iron-willed saint controlling her desires. She was a normal person physiologically.

How could she hold back such an invitation?

Qi Yuan glanced sidelong at Si Qing’s spot with her peripheral vision. Through the dim light, she vaguely saw the trembling.

Qi Yuan took a deep breath and pressed her knee upward.

“Urgh—”

Shen Ke’s eyes flew open wide. The next second, Qi Yuan’s large hand covered her mouth, and her eyes instantly welled up.

Such a strange feeling.

“Too loud.”

Shen Ke’s hands splayed open at her sides. In the darkness, unable to see Qi Yuan clearly, her body felt even more sensitive.

Shen Ke shuddered as a rough sensation came from her upper body.

She couldn’t help but let out a muffled groan.

Tears slid from the corners of her eyes, her face flushing red.

“Shen Ke, this fits perfectly in my hand. Such a perfect match.” Qi Yuan whispered lowly.

Her wheat-colored face was also flushed. Obsession with Shen Ke surged in Qi Yuan’s eyes, her gaze burning hot, as if she wanted to devour Shen Ke whole.

Shen Ke’s face burned fiercely. Qi Yuan’s knee kept pressing against her, her large, callused hand ceaselessly caressing.

Shen Ke couldn’t suppress her sounds at all. Even with her mouth covered, muffled whimpers leaked out.

Qi Yuan released the hand over Shen Ke’s lips.

“Urgh—”

The moment a sound escaped, Qi Yuan sealed it with her lips.

The room filled with faint wet sounds of lips and tongues tangling, occasionally interspersed with one of Shen Ke’s delicate moans—only to be swiftly muffled again, like bait teasing an onlooker.

But not enough to let anyone hear too much.

Si Qing clenched her fists tightly, nails digging deep into her flesh. Her eyes stared wide open, devoid of any light, just dead emptiness.

The intimate sounds assaulted her brain relentlessly, her heart feeling like it was being torn apart. Si Qing bit her lip until it bled, but she seemed oblivious to the pain, unaware of how ragged and bloodied it was.

Shen Ke was kissing someone else.

Did Shen Ke like women? Then why couldn’t it be her?

Yeah, why couldn’t it be her?

It hurt so much. Why did her heart hurt like this? She could barely breathe.

Si Qing’s tears soaked the pillow. Silently, she cupped her ears and curled into a ball.

All her emotions erupted in that moment. Her feelings for Shen Ke had long surpassed normal bounds.

Why did she keep treating Shen Ke with such a cold attitude time and again? Because she felt inferior about her own frail body and was afraid of being abandoned by Shen Ke.

That was why she resorted to such a foolish method to prove that Shen Ke wouldn’t leave her—that Shen Ke needed her just as badly as she needed Shen Ke.

Why hadn’t she realized sooner that she had always liked Shen Ke?

All her irrational behavior stemmed from that affection.

She liked Shen Ke so much she was going insane.

She couldn’t live without Shen Ke, but she was too stupid, too unwilling to admit her feelings. She was such a coward.

This night felt exceptionally long.

Shen Ke groggily opened her eyes and found that daylight was already streaming in brightly. She was the only one left in the room.

Recalling the events of the previous night, Shen Ke reached down to touch herself. It was dry now—Qi Yuan must have cleaned her up.

Just then, Qi Yuan pushed open the door and walked in. “Shen Ke, you’re awake.”

Shen Ke rubbed her eyes and looked around. “Where’s Si Qing?”

Qi Yuan replied, “Grandma said Si Qing left at six, right when dawn broke.”

Then Qi Yuan asked, “Shen Ke, does it hurt there?” She pointed at Shen Ke’s chest.

It hadn’t hurt much until Qi Yuan mentioned it, but now Shen Ke vividly remembered how Qi Yuan had played with her soft white breasts the night before. Shen Ke’s expression turned embarrassed and annoyed, her cheeks flushing pink. “Do you have some kind of weird fetish or something?!” They hadn’t gone all the way last night—Qi Yuan had just kept grinding her knee against her.

Shen Ke’s lips were a bit swollen, but that didn’t stop her from throwing a little tantrum. “You kept pinching! Do you even know how rough the calluses on your palms are?!” She’d even felt those hands on her chest in her hazy sleep.

Qi Yuan bent down, her tone humble and apologetic. “I’m sorry. I just like them too much.”

Shen Ke huffed and puffed. “No doing that next time, or you’re going to chafe the tips raw.”

Seeing Shen Ke like this, Qi Yuan’s dark pupils deepened, sparkling with amusement and affection.

Did Shen Ke even realize how much she resembled an angry little kitten every time she glared like that?

Qi Yuan’s expression softened to the utmost, the indulgence in her eyes so intense it could drown someone. “Got it. Next time, I definitely won’t be so… thirsty.”