Keep My First Kiss Safe For Me - Chapter 22

Chapter 22

After studying too hard the previous night, Fan Yue didn’t open her eyes until 9:30 AM the next morning. She stomped over to her door, opened it, and yelled at her dad, “Why didn’t you wake me up this morning!”

Fan Shicheng was on the balcony practicing Baduanjin (Eight Silken Movements). Half-crouched in a steady horse stance, his movements were deliberate and calm. His voice was serene as he replied, “I was gratified to see you studying so diligently, so I permitted you to sleep a little longer.”

When I want to sleep in, he rouses me at the crack of dawn; when I want to get up early, he doesn’t wake me. Fan Yue glared resentfully at her father, who never seemed to play by the rules.

After washing up and finishing breakfast, Fan Yue asked casually, “Where’s Xie Yanyan?”

Xie Rong emerged from the bathroom clutching clothes she had just pulled from the washing machine. Fan Shicheng broke his stance and went over to take them from her. With her hands now free, Xie Rong smiled and replied, “Yanyan went to the library.”

The library again? Library my foot! Since being scammed at her part-time job, Xie Yanyan hadn’t worked for a long time. Come to think of it, she had been “missing” quite often lately.

Sitting back at her desk, Fan Yue stared at the words Xie Yanyan had written in her workbook the night before, unable to get into a “study state.” Her eyes were on the book, but her mind was floating in the clouds. Suddenly, the phone on her desk vibrated twice. Fan Yue picked it up to look.

Princess Qianqian: Yue’er! Save me!

What happened? She hurriedly called back, but the call was cut off after only two rings. Fan Yue’s heart tightened as she sent a text: Have you been kidnapped?!

Princess Qianqian: Pretty much! Get over here right now! Take a taxi!

The situation was urgent. Fan Yue grabbed her small crossbody bag and bolted out the door. She hopped out of a taxi at the entrance of the villa district and ran all the way to Xiao Qian’s front door.

In the garden, she saw the live-in housekeeper, Auntie Zhao, unhurriedly tending to the flowers and plants. It didn’t look at all like something had happened to the family. Gasping for air, Fan Yue asked, “Auntie Zhao, where’s Xiao Qian?”

Seeing her, Auntie Zhao smiled gently. “She’s in the drawing room.”

What on earth was going on?

Fan Yue caught her breath and pushed open the front door. The spacious living room was empty, but the faint sound of chatting and laughter drifted from the drawing room. She went straight there, but froze as soon as she entered. Inside, several glamorous, wealthy socialites were drinking tea and chatting.

Xiao Qian’s mother, Shen Xiaojun, saw Fan Yue rush in and greeted her with a smile: “Yue’er is here! It’s been so long since you visited.” She introduced her to the others, “This is Xiao Qian’s best friend, Fan Yue. They share the same birthday and are very close.”

The other women chimed in: “What a coincidence!” “Just like sisters.” “No wonder they’re both so pretty.” “Why did you cut your hair?” Shen Xiaojun pulled Fan Yue close and affectionately adjusted her short hair, praising, “This is even cuter.”

“Hello, Aunties.” Fan Yue gave everyone a polite smile. Her eyes shifted to see Xiao Qian sitting on the other side with an expression of total embarrassment. Sitting next to her was a boy roughly their age, who smiled and nodded politely when he saw her.

To Xiao Qian, Fan Yue was a savior. She marched over, grabbed Fan Yue’s arm, and said, “Mom, Yue’er came to help me with tutoring. We’re heading out now.” With that, she pushed Fan Yue out of the room.

“Wait, there’s no rush to study right this second!” Seeing them disappear in a flash, Shen Xiaojun said apologetically to her companions, “I’m sorry, I was hoping Qianqian and Xiao Zheng could chat a bit longer.”

The other woman smiled back. “It’s fine. They haven’t seen each other in years, so it’s natural to be a bit distant. They’ll get used to each other if they spend more time together in the future.”

Back in the bedroom, Fan Yue was still full of questions. “What is going on? I thought you were being held for ransom! You made me worry for nothing.”

Xiao Qian’s face fell. “There’s no ransom, but it’s pretty much a kidnapping.”

“Explain.” Fan Yue had no patience for riddles.

Xiao Qian beat her chest in despair. “What era is this? My mom actually arranged a marriage for me!”

“What? An engagement!” Fan Yue was stunned by the word.

“A ‘baby marriage’ agreement, even,” Xiao Qian was also in shock. She was seventeen before she found out she was promised to someone as an infant.

Fan Yue pointed downstairs. “That boy just now?”

Xiao Qian nodded. “His mom and my mom were best friends when they were young. We were betrothed after we were born. His whole family moved to America when he was five, so my mom never mentioned it. But his family moved back this year, his mom brought it up, and my mom is on board with the idea.”

Had she known, Fan Yue would have looked closer. She had only caught a glimpse of the boy; he looked fair-skinned, handsome, and generally refined. Come to think of it, he and the petite, delicate Xiao Qian made a good match—a young master and a rich princess who lacked for nothing. It was a match made in heaven.

However, no matter how well they matched, it was useless if the person involved didn’t like him. Fan Yue asked curiously, “You don’t like him?”

“I don’t even know him, how could I like him?” Xiao Qian was socially anxious by nature. Meeting a complete stranger who might become her husband was as awkward as one could imagine.

Fan Yue, however, began to tease her. “I think he’s not bad. I approve of this marriage.”

A large pillow flew at her. “Who cares if you approve!”

“How can a lady use such language? Please mind your image; your fiancé is right downstairs.” Fan Yue pointed downward with a grin.

Xiao Qian shot her a glare. “Shut up!”

Shen Xiaojun was a woman with a great sense of style. For lunch, she had specially arranged a garden luncheon in the villa courtyard. Against a backdrop of flowers and greenery, a long table draped in a snow-white cloth was laid out with a variety of dishes—both Chinese and Western, all exquisite and tempting.

The three young people were seated together by the adults. Fan Yue, the “third wheel,” saw that the lead boy and girl weren’t speaking, acting all reserved. She felt it was her duty to play matchmaker and struck up a conversation with the boy first. “Hi, I’m Fan Yue. What’s your name?”

The boy replied politely, “Hello, my name is Xue Zheng.”

His voice was clear and pleasant, without the strange accent of someone who grew up abroad and couldn’t speak Chinese well. Impression score +1.

“How old are you?” “I just turned 18.” A year older than Xiao Qian. Appropriate age +1.

“What school do you go to?” “International High School.” Fan Yue nodded. Since he grew up with an overseas education, he’d definitely need time to adjust after coming back.

“Do they separate liberal arts and science tracks there?” “Is the mindset really open in foreign countries?” …

Fan Yue sounded like an old auntie trying to arrange a match, stopped just short of asking how many people were in his family and if he had a local residency permit.

Xiao Qian secretly regretted calling her “troublesome” best friend. Not only had she failed to rescue her, but it looked like she was trying to push her into the fire. She kept piling food onto Fan Yue’s plate, but Fan Yue, caught up in the excitement of the chat, ignored it entirely.

“You, in the future…”

Xiao Qian stuffed a piece of ham into Fan Yue’s mouth with a fork, gritting her teeth with a smile: “Don’t talk while eating, okay?”

Across from them, Xue Zheng suppressed a laugh. The look he gave Xiao Qian was full of amusement, making her blush for no reason.

Fan Yue finally swallowed the ham, picked up her glass, and took a few sips of water to clear her throat. She then pivoted and continued her chatter: “I’ve already got the basic info. Since you two haven’t seen each other in years, let me give you a comprehensive introduction to our Xiao Qian. She’s beautiful, kind-hearted, clever, a lady of high status, and—”

What is she even saying! Seeing Fan Yue’s talk becoming more and more nonsensical, Xiao Qian stood up abruptly. She pulled Fan Yue away while explaining to Xue Zheng with a smile: “Sorry, my friend is having an ‘episode.’ I’m taking her to get her medicine.”

“Haha, alright.” Xue Zheng was thoroughly amused.

Fan Yue was dragged back to the second-floor bedroom by Xiao Qian, muttering in protest, “What! I wasn’t finished.”

“Are you running a census?!” Xiao Qian’s round eyes glared at her. “Why don’t you go be a host on a matchmaking show? I never knew you had this kind of potential!”

“Shouldn’t I ask everything clearly? This concerns your lifelong happiness.”

Xiao Qian was speechless. “That was just a verbal agreement between his mom and mine. It has no legal effect. They can’t exactly force us to get married, can they?”

Of course they couldn’t if she didn’t like him. But based on Fan Yue’s knowledge of Xiao Qian, she could tell at a glance that Xiao Qian didn’t dislike the boy—in fact, she seemed to have a good impression of him, she was just being a bit awkward and shy. That was why Fan Yue was being so attentive.

Fan Yue nodded, her tone very certain. “After my investigation and understanding, I think this Xue Zheng is good. I approve of your ‘baby marriage’.”

Xiao Qian rolled her eyes hard. “Oh, thank you so much.”

After the luncheon ended, the socialites began their routine afternoon activity—playing Mahjong. Since they had already eaten and chatted together at noon, the girls felt bad leaving Xue Zheng alone. Fan Yue, acting as a dutiful “lightbulb,” suggested going for a walk outside to create an opportunity for the two of them.

As they walked, Fan Yue found a chance to slip away. She only sent Xiao Qian a WeChat message after she was on the bus home.

Little Moon: I headed back first. Seize the happiness, grab the opportunity. Go for it

Princess Qianqian: I ‘thank’ your whole family. Fist

Little Moon: You’re welcome. Cupped Fists

After spending half the day working on her best friend’s romantic prospects, Fan Yue collapsed onto the sofa as soon as she got home.

There was no one in the house; Fan Xinghang had likely dragged their parents out for a stroll again. Facing the empty house, Fan Yue suddenly found herself missing Xie Yanyan. She actually quite liked the way things were when it was just the two of them at home—each doing their own thing, not interfering with the other, with occasional conversation and Xie Yanyan even cooking for her.

But she had been away from home often on weekends lately. Was she back to working part-time? Why did a student need to earn so much money? Could she still be planning to leave?

Just as she was thinking this, the front door opened, and the very subject of her complicated thoughts walked in. Fan Yue scrambled up from the sofa and walked over, asking, “Where did you go?”

Xie Yanyan finished changing her shoes and looked up at her. She didn’t look well; she seemed quite haggard. Fan Yue couldn’t help but worry: “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, just a bit tired.” Xie Yanyan’s voice was weary. She looked at Fan Yue and asked, “Do you have questions about your schoolwork?”

“No, none. If you’re tired, go rest,” Fan Yue checked with her again, unconvinced. “Are you really okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m going to sleep for a bit.”

“Okay.”