After My Death, the Richest Heiress Committed Suicide to Be With Me - Chapter 5

 

When Wu Yi heard her agree, her eyes grew wet again. She forced herself to endure it, merely gazing at the other woman with a look of profound longing.

They were so close, yet at this moment, she could do nothing. Even a single extra glance felt like a luxury.

Mo Qinghan stared at Wu Yi with an expressionless face before suddenly speaking: “You are the one who saved this cat, so why are you making my classmate raise it? She lives in a dormitory; how is she supposed to keep a cat? You play the hero but make others bear the consequences. You truly are generous at others’ expense while benefiting yourself at their cost.”

Xiao Lou quickly stopped her: “It’s alright, Student Mo. It is fine; I will raise it.”

Seeing that Wu Yi acted as if she hadn’t heard her, staring obsessively at Xiao Lou instead, Mo Qinghan’s gaze darkened. She turned and grabbed Xiao Lou’s arm, shaking it slightly. “Lou, the dormitory is about to close.”

“Yes, let’s go.” Xiao Lou pulled the kitten closer to her chest, nodded to Wu Yi, and turned to leave with Mo Qinghan.

Wu Yi stood there, watching her walk further away. Her tall figure was pulled into a long shadow by the streetlights until even that shadow gradually vanished into the night.

She remained standing there, her eyes never blinking.

Seeing that she hadn’t moved for a long time, Qi Qing walked over to stand beside her and asked casually: “A-Yi, who are they? Do you know them?”

Wu Yi acted as if she hadn’t heard until Qi Qing nudged her. Only then did she return to her senses.

She froze for a moment and asked in surprise: “They? Was there someone else?”

Heaven be her witness, from the moment Xiao Lou’s figure entered her sight, time seemed to have been paused. Everything around her had stopped and disappeared. She could only see Xiao Lou.

Qi Qing said crossly: “There were clearly two girls. What on earth were you looking at?”

Two girls? Why didn’t I see the other one?

Perhaps it was Yu Pingping, or was it her?

She suddenly recalled that scene in the travel pod. Buried memories began to violently attack her brain. Every nerve twitched with pain, and her head felt as if it were about to explode.

Lou-lou. Only by thinking of Lou-lou did she have the strength to combat this excruciating pain, which felt like ten thousand insects devouring her heart.

Wu Yi was drenched in cold sweat, her face turning as white as paper in an instant. When she opened her eyes again, she stared longingly ahead once more. Her beautiful figure stood in the night like a statue of the pining wife.

Puzzled, Qi Qing also leaned forward to look. Before them was a straight sidewalk with a tall streetlight every ten meters. The lights appeared as enlarged orange spheres in the night, emitting hazy halos. Beyond the sidewalk was the wall of the People’s Park, where lush vines spilled over the wall, their leaves spreading out to cast patches of gloom under the lights. In the distance, pedestrians occasionally walked past them.

Other than that, there was nothing to see.

“A-Yi, you are a bit strange today. Aunt Liu told me you weren’t feeling well. Do you have a fever?” Qi Qing said, reaching out her palm to touch Wu Yi’s forehead.

“Why is it so icy cold?” She felt the cold sweat on her palm and couldn’t help but cry out.

Wu Yi finally snapped out of it. As if she had suddenly remembered something of great importance, she spun around and stared directly at Qi Qing.

Qi Qing was startled by the sudden gravity in her gaze. “A-Yi, what is wrong with you? Don’t scare me!”

Wu Yi studied her seriously for a few moments and suddenly smiled. She took half a step closer, opened her arms, and gave Qi Qing a firm embrace.

“Qing-qing, don’t move. Let me hold you.”

Do you know how happy I am to see you again? she whispered in her heart, her eyes moistening again.

Qi Qing was baffled, but hearing her say this, she didn’t push her away. However, her face, buried against Wu Yi’s neck, grew slightly warm.

A few seconds later, Wu Yi gently released her.

“Qing-qing, are you busy tonight?”

“Nothing special. Why?” Qi Qing glanced at her.

Wu Yi pulled her across the street. The bodyguards and driver followed behind as they walked toward home.

“If you aren’t busy, stay at my house tonight. I have some things I want to say to you.”

Qi Qing was stunned. This was the first time Wu Yi had made such a serious request. Previously, Wu Yi had always been bossy and full of the spoiled heiress temperament.

If she hadn’t grown up with her, Qi Qing wouldn’t have tolerated her arrogance. However, she found she liked Wu Yi’s current change, so she didn’t mind and immediately agreed: “Alright.”

The two continued toward the villa.

As Wu Yi walked, she pondered. Having returned through rebirth, there were too many things to do and too many regrets to mend. For a time, her thoughts were in disarray.

Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat.

Mo Qinghan, has she returned too? That scene in the cockpit… Just as the thought surfaced, a roar erupted in her head. Her vision went white; she could see nothing.

The world spun, and like a withered tree, she collapsed forward.

Qi Qing was quick and caught her: “A-Yi! What is wrong with you? This won’t do; get inside immediately! I am calling a doctor right now!”

Wu Yi hadn’t expected the side effects to be so severe that she couldn’t even manage a memory. As she was dragged along by Qi Qing, her mind still wouldn’t stop thinking.

Had Mo Qinghan truly returned? She couldn’t be certain.

But regardless of whether Mo Qinghan had returned, she was surely by Xiao Lou’s side right now. If, just like in the previous life, she and Xiao Lou established a relationship, Wu Yi would spend this life in regret again. At this thought, her heart felt as if it were being cut by a knife. Even her breathing felt strangled by a monster.

Is it possible that even in this life, I still cannot be with Lou-lou?

No! No!

She let out a painful roar in her heart. I managed to crawl back from hell; how can I stand by and lose Lou-lou again? I can’t. I must race against time; I cannot delay for a single moment!

Under the night sky, Xiao Lou walked toward the dormitory with Mo Qinghan holding her arm.

Her body was somewhat stiff; she was not used to a female classmate being so close. At that moment, the kitten in her arms began to struggle violently. Its sharp claws scratched the back of her hand, making her cry out in pain. She immediately pulled her hand back and adjusted her posture to hold the kitten tightly.

“Lou, what’s wrong?”

Mo Qinghan stopped anxiously and turned to look at her. Seeing her frown, she quickly looked down to inspect Xiao Lou’s hands.

Mo Qinghan’s waist-length hair spilled over her shoulders, the ends brushing against the back of Xiao Lou’s hand with a ticklish sensation. She leaned closer and closer, as if she intended to cup Xiao Lou’s hands to check them thoroughly.

Xiao Lou instinctively stepped half a step to the side and said calmly: “没事, 被猫抓了一下 (It is nothing, the cat scratched me).”

Mo Qinghan felt the distance, and her eyes grew visibly dim. However, she quickly regained her composure. Her eyes were gentle as she looked at Xiao Lou and said softly: “Lou, this is a stray cat. It certainly hasn’t been vaccinated. Since you were scratched, you need to get a vaccine.”

She lifted her wrist to check her watch: “There is still some time. I know there is a community clinic right near the dormitory. Let’s go now.”

Xiao Lou thought about it and agreed: “You are right. It really isn’t appropriate to take it back to the dorm like this. I should get the vaccine, and I also need to buy some cat food and litter.”

Mo Qinghan stared at the scruffy stray cat in her arms. Watching Xiao Lou’s palm gently stroke the cat’s head, she felt a deep aversion to the animal and couldn’t help but say: “Lou, this is a stray after all. Its wild nature is hard to tame. Do you really want to keep it? The dormitory will be very inconvenient.”

Xiao Lou looked down at the shivering little creature in her arms and said in a very piteous tone: “遇到也算是缘分, 我不养着它, 它可能过不了这个冬天的 (Meeting it is a form of fate. If I don’t keep it, it might not survive this winter).”

“Alright. Since you want to keep it, I will help you take care of it, okay?”

Xiao Lou smiled at her: “Sure.”

She added: “Now it hasn’t had a bath, so it looks a bit ugly. Once it’s bathed and cared for, it will be fine. You will surely think it’s cute then.”

When Xiao Lou spoke about the cat, Mo Qinghan noticed her tone was significantly softer and even carried a hint of joy. She looked closely at the kitten. Its fur was matted and a mess, the color a dingy grey. It looked like the most ordinary tabby cat, and it was very afraid of people, its eyes darting around as if looking for a chance to escape.

How is this cute?

Turning her head, she saw Xiao Lou’s palm gently stroking the cat’s head while she whispered softly: “Be good, little cat. I will protect you.”

Xiao Lou’s attention was entirely on this ugly cat; she didn’t even glance at Mo Qinghan. Furthermore, a person who was usually cold to everyone else now had such a gentle gaze. Mo Qinghan suddenly felt a blockage in her heart. She stood there, both angry and distressed.

Xiao Lou was entirely unaware. She walked while stroking the cat, only realizing after a while that the person beside her was gone. She turned around in surprise and saw Mo Qinghan standing still.

“Student Mo, why aren’t you moving?”

Mo Qinghan walked up slowly, her eyes looking at her resentfully. She said: “I consider myself your best friend, yet you always call me Student Mo, Student Mo. It makes my heart ache.”

Xiao Lou opened her mouth slightly, a bit surprised. She truly did not know why that form of address caused her distress.

Seeing Xiao Lou’s completely ignorant expression, Mo Qinghan felt even more hurt. She decided to act out of spite, saying: “I came all this way to find you, yet you didn’t even say thank you, and you are being so distant. I am miserable.”

“Student Mo, I did say thank you just now.” Xiao Lou was flustered. After muttering a few words, she closed her mouth, not knowing what else to say. Seeing that Xiao Lou didn’t even offer a word of comfort, Mo Qinghan felt even more frustrated. She blurted out: “If you call me Xiao Han from now on, I won’t be angry anymore.”

Her gaze was lowered as she peeked at the cold young girl holding the cat. She allowed her willful heart to take over, waiting secretly; anxious and apprehensive, afraid of being rejected yet unwilling to give up.

She saw Xiao Lou hesitate for a long while before finally nodding gently. In a very low voice, she said: “Alright.”

Mo Qinghan was immediately happy again. She leaned in to hug Xiao Lou’s arm once more. “Lou, call my name then.”

She clearly felt Xiao Lou’s body stiffen. Xiao Lou’s arm moved as if she intended to pull away, but Mo Qinghan immediately glared at her, pursing her lips. She didn’t speak; she just engaged in a silent standoff.

After a long while, Xiao Lou gave in. She had no choice but to say: “Xiao Han.”

Mo Qinghan appeared very happy. Xiao Lou didn’t know what she was happy about and was secretly puzzled. The two started walking back again. After a while, Mo Qinghan leaned her head in and suddenly pressed close to Xiao Lou’s ear.

Xiao Lou couldn’t stop her body from stiffening. She almost couldn’t resist pulling away, but before she could act, she heard the girl’s breath, as fragrant as an orchid, against her ear. In a very gentle voice, she said: “I love it when you call me Xiao Han. I’ll only let you call me that.”

Xiao Lou’s footsteps stopped abruptly. She was frozen on the spot. Then, her eyebrows furrowed bit by bit. With a slow but decisive motion, she pulled her arm away and walked ahead alone, holding the cat.

After walking a few steps, she stopped and said politely: “Xiao Han, let’s go. The pet clinic is just ahead.”

It was a sudden blow to Mo Qinghan.

In that instant, a hundred thoughts turned in her mind. It was as if an old movie were playing before her eyes, with scenes of memories rushing back. Her vision blurred and then cleared.

She focused her gaze and saw the figure ahead. Xiao Lou had stopped and turned sideways, waiting for her. From her angle, she could see Xiao Lou’s refined and ethereal profile. The perfect silhouette, like a masterpiece of art, emitted a sense of coldness and detachment under the lights.

Her heart ached again. She secretly regretted being too hasty. She should have known that this fool was just a slow-heat person. She couldn’t afford to scare her. But because of Wu Yi’s appearance, she had become desperate.

A flash of intense unwillingness passed through her eyes. She walked back to Xiao Lou’s side and said calmly, as if nothing had happened: “Yes, let’s go.”

The two arrived at the pet clinic. They bought the cat food, litter, and bowls that the kitten urgently needed, and also bathed the cat, gave it an exam, and vaccinated it. When everything was finished, Xiao Lou carried the cat carrier to the front desk.

“How much is it in total?”

“Hello. The total is one thousand two hundred and seventy yuan. Cash or scan?”

Mo Qinghan held out her phone’s QR code: “Scan here.”

“No need. I’ll do it.”

The cashier’s scanner stopped, waiting for the two of them. Mo Qinghan said to the cashier: “Take the payment, quickly.” She turned back and smiled at Xiao Lou. “Lou, let me pay. Since we are taking care of it together, I should have a share in this.”

Xiao Lou said nothing and silently put her phone away.

After leaving, they called a taxi and soon arrived at the dormitory building. Since they had known each other, Mo Qinghan frequently visited Xiao Lou’s dorm and was familiar with the layout. She helped carry the items inside. Three roommates were hidden behind their bed curtains; the only sounds in the room were from games and the pitter-patter of typing.

A moment later, a few meows rang out. Someone immediately pulled back their curtain: “呀, 小猫咪 (Oh, a kitten)!”

The other girls also poked their heads out. “Room leader, is this a cat you bought?”

“Hi, Pingping, Xiaohuan, Pengpeng.” Mo Qinghan greeted them and said casually: “Picked it up on the road.”

Xiao Lou set the things down and began to arrange them one by one. She added: “Yes. Picked up on the road.”

Yu Pingping took the lead in jumping off her bed. Several girls gathered around to look at the kitten, chirping with excitement.

“Lower your voices. Don’t scare it.”

“What is its name?”

“I haven’t named it yet.”

Wang Huan, wearing rabbit-ear pajamas, squeezed through the group. “Let me do it, let me do it! It looks like a tabby cat, so let’s call it Er Hu (Two Tigers).”

Yu Pingping chimed in immediately. “That’s not cute at all. It’s better to call it Xiao Hui Hui (Little Grey).”

Wang Huan was unconvinced. “Er Hu is the cute one, okay? Don’t you think the contrast is adorable?”

Yu Pingping looked over at Mo Qinghan and was surprised to find that she wasn’t joining the argument. Usually, Mo Qinghan loved bickering with her. She said immediately: “Hey, Mo Qinghan, which name do you think is better?”

Mo Qinghan was helping Xiao Lou arrange the supplies. Hearing this, she smiled, her voice very pleasant: “They are both quite good. You can call it whichever you like.”

Yu Pingping studied her in astonishment for a long while, walking in circles around her. “This doesn’t fit your persona. Have you changed your personality?”

Mo Qinghan continued to smile warmly: “I have always been gentle. If I offended you in the past, please forgive me.”

Yu Pingping was utterly baffled. Wang Huan shouted at her: “Woman, what are we calling it?”

“Oh, I’m just teasing you. If you want to call it Er Hu, then Er Hu it is. Even if you want to call it Le Le, I wouldn’t mind. Then you two could be the ‘Huan Huan Le Le’ (Happy-Joy) couple.”

Wang Huan was so annoyed she grabbed a pillow and threw it at her.

Once Xiao Lou finished tidying up, she walked Mo Qinghan back to her dormitory.

When they reached the door, Mo Qinghan peeked through the crack and saw her roommates were still awake. She turned back and said: “It’s still early. Why don’t you come in and sit for a while? I have some very good flower tea.”

“No, I need to go back and practice a few pages of calligraphy.” Xiao Lou pulled out her phone and said seriously: “Thank you for today. I’ll transfer the money to you, Xiao Han.”

Mo Qinghan could hear the politeness in her tone. The name “Xiao Han” felt like it had been tacked onto the end specifically to maintain decorum.

Is she really going to be this distant with me?

Her eyes dimmed. Realizing she must have been too hasty tonight, she suppressed her sadness and said as casually as possible: “There is no need. Since we are taking care of the kitten together, it is only right that I contribute.”

She then added quickly: “Lou, we are good friends. Surely you aren’t going to be so distant with me over such a small amount of money?”

She put on a piteous expression, biting her lip as she looked over. Xiao Lou suddenly felt as if she had done something wrong; to insist on paying now would seem quite improper.

She had no choice but to yield: “Alright. But I will buy everything from now on.”

Mo Qinghan’s expression finally improved. She took the opportunity to emphasize: “That won’t do. The cat belongs to both of us. I have a share in this too.”

“Fine. I’m going back now.”

The young girl, outmaneuvered by Mo Qinghan’s words, was at a loss for further speech. She waved her hand and turned to leave.

“I’ll find you tomorrow morning so we can go to class together.”

Mo Qinghan watched Xiao Lou’s back. She saw her turn the corner and head downstairs. Finally, a response drifted back: “Alright.”

She breathed a sigh of relief and pushed the door into her own dormitory. She secretly planned: “Next, I need to find a way to make money. I can’t let her bear the burden alone.”

Thinking of something, her gaze grew dark. Her beautiful face turned gloomy, looking as if a hailstorm were about to break.

Wu Yi was unable to sleep all night. She got up before dawn. Qi Qing, with bleary eyes, grabbed her phone and saw it was only six o’clock.

She asked strangely: “Why are you up so early? You aren’t usually this diligent.”

Wu Yi was getting dressed in the walk-in closet. It took a while before she answered: “Qing-qing, remember what I told you. Help me investigate it as soon as possible. I’m in a hurry.”

Qi Qing then remembered what Wu Yi had mentioned the previous night and grew even more puzzled.

“Hey, A-Yi, you aren’t serious, are you? That ‘Project One Space-Time Laboratory’ sounds like a total scam. That Dr. Li is definitely just a fake expert with a hollow title.”

“He isn’t. Just remember to help me check.” Wu Yi walked out as she spoke.

Qi Qing glanced over and her eyes lit up.

Wu Yi was wearing a pale purple gown, radiant as the morning clouds and glowing with light.

Wu Yi blinked: “Qing-qing, how do I look in this?”

Qi Qing froze for a moment then looked away, saying in a casual tone: “You usually wear cold tones and dark colors, looking all cool and detached. I didn’t expect that wearing this princess-style dress would actually look quite good.”

“Quite good? You mean beautiful.” Wu Yi acted a bit proud.

Qi Qing’s eyes flickered. Just as she was about to speak, Wu Yi went back into the closet and emerged a moment later wearing her school uniform.

Qi Qing asked, baffled: “What are you doing? A dress-up game?”

Wu Yi smiled mysteriously: “Today is Tuesday. I have to go to class, so of course I have to wear my uniform.”

Qi Qing was astonished: “Don’t you usually try every possible way to skip class? Is the sun rising from the west today? Or are you just acting well-behaved because you’re afraid I’ll report you?”

“Alright, hurry up and get dressed. I’ve picked out your clothes. From now on, I’m going to attend class on time and be a good student. If possible, I’m choosing to be a top student.”

Qi Qing grew increasingly bewildered, studying her incessantly. It wasn’t until they entered the school together that she asked, as if suddenly realizing: “A-Yi, you aren’t in love, are you? Is there someone you like at school? Is that why you’re being so proactive?”

Wu Yi didn’t answer. She stood before the school gate, her gaze crossing the plaza where flags fluttered, looking at the teaching buildings filled with moving figures. Her gaze was incredibly nostalgic. After a long while, she said softly: “Qing-qing, do you know? I only now deeply realize that every step we take has an indelible impact on our future lives. The old me was indeed willful and reckless, but that will never happen again.”

Qi Qing was completely lost by this sentiment. She assumed it was just a teenage girl’s “adolescent syndrome.” She shrugged wordlessly and spread her hands: “Fine. Do whatever you want. I’ll help you anyway.”

When school let out, Qi Qing went to ask her to dinner, intending to go to the library together afterward. However, she saw Wu Yi grab her bag and slip away faster than a rabbit.

“Qing-qing, I have something to do. I’m leaving first!”

Qi Qing was so angry she shouted after her: “Wu Yi! Didn’t you say this morning you wanted to be a top student?”

The nearby students burst into laughter. Wang Xianya, considering herself Wu Yi’s follower, approached Qi Qing to curry favor: “Senior Qi, for Eldest Miss Wu to be a top student is a waste of talent. She’s much better suited to be the school bully.”

Qi Qing stared at her coldly and brushed past her, her voice icy to the extreme.

“Don’t let me see you again, or I’m afraid my hands might get an itch.”

Once in the private car, Wu Yi kept urging the driver: “Faster, drive faster! I have a matter of life and death to attend to.”

The driver had never seen her so anxious and used every bit of his skill, reaching the house in fifteen minutes.

As soon as the car door opened, Wu Yi strode into the house. Before Aunt Liu could lead the staff to greet her, Wu Yi was changing her shoes and asking: “Is my study ready? Are the things I asked for prepared? How many times did you check?”

Aunt Liu brought over the mouth-rinsing tea with a smile, serving her as she moistened her mouth. She said: “I led the cleanup this morning. It is elegant and quiet, filled with the scent of books. You will definitely like it, Miss.”

“I also had the paintings and calligraphy scrolls carefully hung up. The full set of cat food, canned treats, cat beds, and toys you ordered is all ready. They are all the most reputable brands.”

Aunt Liu wanted to go into detail, but Wu Yi stopped her: “Good. I’ll go upstairs to change first. Please arrange for someone to inspect everything one more time, Aunt Liu. Make sure nothing was missed.”

With that, she dashed upstairs and bumped into a figure.

Both of them stopped simultaneously.

Wu Yi narrowed her eyes, staring at the person without speaking.

Lin Xia was wearing a sapphire-blue silk gown, looking elegant and understated. Her tea-colored curly hair was draped lazily over her shoulders. Her expression was neutral, but she looked down from above with a cold, imposing presence.

She looked at Wu Yi and initiated the conversation: “Xiao Yi, that tutor is no longer willing to take the job. I will find another one for you. I expect results by the end of the week.”

The turbulent emotions in Wu Yi’s chest slowly calmed. This was the first time she had seen Lin Xia since her rebirth.

“There is no need. No one has ever been able to refuse being my tutor. I will personally secure this tutor. There will be a result within three days.” She deliberately raised her chin, her tone as arrogant as it had been in the past.

Lin Xia remained unruffled, completely unsurprised by her attitude. She said calmly: “Xiao Yi, do not make things difficult for me.”

Wu Yi frowned. “Director Lin, you entered into a political marriage with the Wu family. Each side got what they wanted; we all know it. You and I have no real relationship, so there is no need to put on a show for outsiders. However.”

She paused, her gaze piercing as she looked at Lin Xia. She continued: “To save face for you and my father, I can compromise. This semester, I will rank in the top three of my class.”

“So from now on, you had better not interfere in my business. Otherwise, things won’t look good for anyone.”

Lin Xia frowned and gave her a surprised look. Seeing the determination in her eyes and her unyielding posture, Lin Xia actually nodded and agreed.

“Fine. Dinner is starting. Don’t make me wait too long.”

She brushed past and walked toward the dining room.

“I’m not eating at home. No need to wait for me.” Wu Yi left those words and headed to the second floor.

The moment she entered her room, everything from before was thrown to the back of her mind. She became tense, running straight to the bathroom for a quick shower. After coming out, she frantically dried her hair and applied perfume, then changed into the pale purple gown from this morning.

Only then did she go to the mirror, inspecting every inch of herself repeatedly, terrified that something might not be perfect.

“Should I tie my hair up or leave it down?”

“Should I wear lipstick?”

“Is this dress really pretty?”

Just then, she heard a knock on the door. Aunt Liu reported from outside: “Miss, that Teacher Xiao has arrived. Do you want to meet her personally? Or should I send her away?”

Like a spring, Wu Yi bolted out of the walk-in closet and sprinted to the door. “Who did you say? Who is here?”

“That Teacher Xiao who wanted to quit.” Aunt Liu sounded a bit cross.

Wu Yi was stunned. She was about to rush out when she suddenly stopped, ducked back into the room, and reached out a hand to pull Aunt Liu inside.

Aunt Liu saw that her face was flushed with urgency. She was at a total loss, pacing around nervously and asking frantically:

“Aunt Liu, do you think I look good in this dress?”

“How is my hair today? Is it appropriate to leave it over my shoulders?”

“Are my lips dry? Should I wear lipstick?”

Aunt Liu had never seen her in such a state of panic. She said: “She’s just a university student. Why are you so nervous, Miss? You look like a celestial being right now. Anyone who sees you will love you!”

Aunt Liu was categorical. Wu Yi finally calmed her mind, but then grew anxious again: “No, I can’t keep her waiting. I have to get out there.”

She left Aunt Liu behind and walked out. When she reached the corridor, her eyes searched downstairs incessantly.

Her walking body suddenly seemed to be struck by a paralysis spell, freezing in place.

She hadn’t expected that in this life, she would once again encounter those eyes while looking down from above.

Those clean, clear eyes were filled with focused, amber-colored light. They were like a gentle yet sharp sword, piercing directly into her heart.

Wu Yi stood there, forgetting to speak.

Xiao Lou’s reserved expression softened slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of surprise.

“You are… Student Wu Yi?”

Wu Yi finally woke as if from a dream. She immediately headed for the stairs. As she stepped onto the landing, her pace slowed again. She suppressed the impulse and urgency in her heart, walking down step by step while holding her skirt.

With every step, she could hear her heart thudding, like a living creature trying desperately to break out. The joy in her eyes was like a tide, almost overflowing.

She forced her heartbeat down and stood before Xiao Lou, looking at her steadily as she answered seriously: “It is me. I am Wu Yi. So, you are Teacher Xiao.”

“Thank you for saving me. I am so happy to see you again.”

She tried her hardest to suppress her joy, but her words seemed to be bubbling over. Anyone listening could easily feel how truly happy she was for this meeting.

Seeing her flushed face and sparkling eyes, Xiao Lou smiled slightly.

“Student Wu Yi, I am also very happy to see you again.”