The Wolf’s Pursuit

The golden leaves appeared even more dazzling under the reflection of the setting sun. The autumn wind was bleak; despite its apparent softness, it was ruthless as it destroyed this most magnificent scene.

Transitioning bit by bit from emerald green to brilliant gold, thousands of leaves fell from the branches at their most radiant moment. Slowly, they merged into the soil, eventually turning to dust.

A leaf uses its entire life to silently record the flow of time.

But memories are not fallen leaves. They do not sink into the mire or drift with the tide.

Instead, memories are like tree rings. Though the exterior shows no change, a circle has long been quietly drawn in the heart—an indelible mark known only to oneself.

As the memories unfolded before her, Chu Ran’s repeated interrogations pushed Ye Nanzhi into a quagmire of thought. It was a pit she was unwilling to remember, yet unable to escape.

Ye Nanzhi had always thought she had hidden it well. She had even naively believed that she and Chu Ran maintained a delicate, unspoken understanding.

You don’t ask, and I won’t mention it.

But looking at things now, Chu Ran had planned everything from the start. Her own behavior of playing dumb recently was undoubtedly the clumsiest performance of a buffoon—boring and ridiculous.

Steeling her heart, Ye Nanzhi looked at Chu Ran with a gaze that had lost its warmth. “What do you mean by asking these things now?”

So, every scene from these past few days had been Chu Ran testing her. Did Chu Ran feel satisfied seeing her reactions—her nervousness or her panic? Was it fun to play with someone who had once hurt her, keeping them in the palm of her hand?

“Chu Ran, do you understand the relationship between us?”

“Regardless of what happened in the past, that was a long time ago. At this very moment, the only connection between us is the research project.”

“I call you ‘Teacher’ out of respect, but strictly speaking, we don’t even have a student-teacher relationship. So, please do not overstep.”

“As for those questions you asked, I will tell you clearly right now.” Ye Nanzhi stared at Chu Ran, emphasizing every word: “It has nothing to do with you.”

With that, Ye Nanzhi used every ounce of strength she possessed to break free from Chu Ran’s grip.

Suddenly pushed away, Chu Ran looked down at her empty hand. It seemed the girl really intended to draw a line between them.

Nothing to do with me? She didn’t think so.

Chu Ran wasn’t in a hurry. She slowly lifted her eyes to look at the person standing before her, enjoying the rare vantage point of looking down at her. “Ye Nanzhi, the last time you looked at me like that, you didn’t say it that way!”

A golden fallen leaf sliced open a long-sealed scroll of the past.

Chu Ran remembered clearly. Four years ago in winter, after her first taste of cherry ice cream, the sky had stayed gloomy for several days, bringing a cycle of wind and snow.

Before the last leaf had even finished falling, the world had turned white overnight, covering the desolate landscape in pure snow.

Unlike most southern children, in Chu Ran’s eyes, snow was not something to be excited about. She wasn’t awed by the grand, white spectacle, nor did she find the fluttering flakes romantic.

Being wrapped in thick, heavy clothes felt endlessly bloated. It only made an already difficult travel environment worse.

Unless there was something truly special, Chu Ran was unwilling to step out on a snowy day.

But since the start of the last course, Ye Nanzhi had been in a busy phase for several days. She was focused entirely on her work, and her replies to Chu Ran’s messages weren’t as prompt as before.

It wasn’t until a week later, after the girl had finished her busy streak, that she proactively asked Chu Ran out.

Chu Ran had rarely put on her snow boots, but halfway there, she received a call from the police station. They said the case had a result and asked her to come down.

Chu Ran thought this matter would drag on for a while longer; she hadn’t expected a result so soon.

Left with no choice, Chu Ran sent a message to Ye Nanzhi and diverted back to the police station.

Upon arriving at the station lobby, the mother of the injured boy, Li Hao, was already waiting there. She was accompanied by a refined-looking man and a teacher from the Academic Affairs Office representing Jiangzhou University.

The mother was an older woman, her bloated figure wrapped in a mink coat. At first glance, her black-rimmed glasses gave her a somewhat sophisticated air, but the sharp upward flick of her eyeliner revealed her harshness.

After receiving the call from the police, she had rushed there as fast as possible, intent on teaching a lesson to the “b*tch” who had hurt her precious son and venting her anger.

When she first saw Chu Ran, she was surprised that such a slender woman could hurt her son so badly. Then she thought: a “poor local” who struggled in the mud naturally couldn’t compare to her pampered young master.

How could a country bumpkin be worthy of touching her son? She had quickly contacted a famous lawyer in Harbin with one demand: make Chu Ran go to jail. She would pay the lawyer fees based on the length of Chu Ran’s prison sentence, with no upper limit.

Seeing Chu Ran arrive, the harshness in her eyes surged. Ignoring her handbag, she threw it aside and aggressively charged toward Chu Ran.

“You—!” She raised her hand to strike.

The police station wouldn’t let her run wild. Before her slap could land, she was intercepted by an officer and forced back into her chair.

Though she was blocked, her mouth remained free. She began to hurl loud insults in front of everyone.

“You low-class brat with a mother to give birth but none to raise you! I brought a lawyer today. No matter what, I’ll make sure you rot in jail! You degenerate!”

Chu Ran didn’t argue with her. She simply waited.

Finally, Officer Chen, who was in charge of the case, came out of the office area and shouted at her: “This is a police station, not a vegetable market!”

Knowing when to quit, Mother Li straightened her clothes, glared viciously at Chu Ran, and followed Officer Chen into the mediation room with her lawyer.

Once everyone was seated and the door was closed, Officer Chen began to restate the results of the investigation.

“First, this is an incident of aggravated assault triggered by a verbal dispute between students. The victim, Li Hao, suffered two broken ribs in addition to superficial wounds, as confirmed by a medical evaluation at the hospital. Student Chu Ran, however, only has superficial wounds.”

“Furthermore, during the questioning, Student Chu admitted that she was the one who injured Li Hao, leading to his current hospitalization, correct?”

Chu Ran nodded.

Mother Li had no patience for this. She urged the officer: “Officer, I brought a lawyer today. We do not accept mediation. No matter what, this b*tch must be sent inside!”

“Ma’am, do not interrupt me. Also, this is a police station; watch your language and refrain from personal attacks.”

Officer Chen flipped a page and continued.

“The scene of the incident was a stairwell on the top floor of Teaching Building No. 3 at Jiangzhou University. Because the surveillance camera there happened to be broken, we couldn’t retrieve footage of the actual event. We had to rely on interviews and investigations. Through other surrounding cameras, we found that on the day of the incident, Li Hao was the one who led Chu Ran into that stairwell. Li Hao was the one walking in front. We asked Li Hao about this, and he admitted it, right?”

Mother Li: “Yes, my son said he just wanted to talk to her. It’s inevitable for students to have conflicts; things are fine once you talk them out. Who knew she would actually resort to violence?”

“If it was just a talk, why choose a stairwell where there are few people and the cameras are broken?” The teacher from the Academic Affairs Office raised a doubt before the officer could.

“My son didn’t know the camera was broken! You’re a teacher! Act like one and speak with a conscience!”

Officer Chen continued: “Based on witness testimony, there was a ‘baseball bat’ at the scene, which is the weapon in this case. At the time of the incident, Student Chu and Student Li Hao were fighting over this bat. According to Student Chu’s memory, they didn’t bring it; it was already at the scene. We have confirmed this through surrounding surveillance footage.”

The screenshots showed both individuals going there empty-handed, proving the bat had been prepared in that stairwell beforehand.

Chu Ran nodded: “When I was brought there, the bat was leaning against the corner behind Li Hao. Later, Li Hao grabbed the bat first to attack me, and we began to struggle for it.”

Mother Li appeared impatient. “Oh, Officer Chen, it’s just a bat! If it weren’t for that thing, my son wouldn’t be so badly hurt! She’s already confessed. Stop speaking in riddles and lock up this assailant!”

Officer Chen gave a cold smile and continued: “This baseball bat is a limited edition released for last year’s World Baseball Classic. May I ask why such a valuable item would be randomly discarded in the corner of a stairwell?”

“Through an investigation of the brand’s stores in the city, we learned that there are only two such bats in all of Harbin. One of the buyers happens to be Li Hao’s roommate.” Officer Chen pushed a photo in front of Mother Li. “Does Li Hao have any explanation for this?”

The woman, previously confident, suddenly panicked. “What does this mean? Even if it belongs to Hao-hao’s roommate, maybe the roommate didn’t want it anymore and threw it in the stairwell!”

“We have already summoned that student. He said his bat went missing for a while and then miraculously reappeared in its original place. We detected Miss Chu’s fingerprints on the roommate’s item. Do you have anything to say about that?” Officer Chen handed over a fingerprint report.

Mother Li’s eyes widened, and she sat there with her mouth open, unable to say a word.

The answer was obvious: the bat was taken out of the boys’ dormitory, came into contact with Chu Ran, and was then returned to its original spot.

Delivering the final blow to Mother Li’s hope, Officer Chen produced another photo—a screenshot from a camera in another corner of the campus.

“Take a look. What is that red object sticking out of your son’s backpack?”

It was the handle of that very baseball bat.

“This… this… Officer Chen, this doesn’t prove anything! My son is the one severely injured in the hospital! She admitted it herself! That is an indisputable fact!”

Seeing the police remained unmoved, Mother Li started tugging at the lawyer beside her. “Say something! We didn’t pay you to be a mute!”

The lawyer saw the evidence was as solid as a mountain with no possibility of overturning the case. He could only advise her: “The police evidence suggests Li Hao intended to cause harm. This makes her actions legitimate self-defense.”

“Defense my a*s! Get lost!” Mother Li refused to accept the truth and began to wail, crying that her son was innocent and Chu Ran was the killer. Seeing this, Officer Chen called over several officers to take her outside to cool down.

Mother Li refused to comply, crying and screaming that the police were unfair and had taken bribes, and that her lawyer was useless—a waste of money.

“You won’t have to hire a lawyer for nothing,” Chu Ran suddenly interrupted. “As the victim, I will be suing Li Hao. You’ll be able to use those legal fees then.”

With the truth out, the teacher from the Academic Affairs Office let out a sigh of relief. Chu Ran had been groomed as a top student at Jiangzhou University. If she had fallen, it would have been a total loss. Fortunately, the bet the university had placed on her wasn’t in vain.

Officer Chen walked Chu Ran out. “As for Li Hao, he’s still bedridden. We will provide justice once he has recovered.”

Chu Ran turned and thanked him. “Thank you for uncovering the truth so quickly, Officer Chen. You’ve worked hard.”

Although Chu Ran hadn’t been worried about being framed, she hadn’t expected a result this fast. Last time, Officer Chen had told her it might take a while for a final conclusion because they had their procedures.

Officer Chen waved his hand. “You were lucky. Since the camera at the scene was broken, it was hard for us to grasp the situation. Fortunately, a young girl came to the station claiming to be an eyewitness and volunteered to testify for you.”

…

As Chu Ran stepped out of the station, snow began to fall again. A black Mercedes had been waiting at the entrance for a long time.

A polite man stepped out of the car and bowed slightly to Chu Ran. –Eldest Miss.–

He was the secretary of Chu Ran’s father, surnamed Zhang.

–The General Manager heard you encountered some trouble in Harbin and sent me to check on you.–

Chu Ran turned her head away.

Check on her? He was checking on the Chu family’s reputation. This was why she hadn’t been worried even when she was falsely accused. For matters that would bring shame to the Chu family, Chu Changbai would definitely mobilize all resources to solve the problem.

Secretary Zhang was Chu Changbai’s right-hand man. He had been with him since Chu Ran first entered the Chu family. He probably knew more about the family’s affairs than Chu Changbai’s current wife.

The reason he was still willing to bow to her wasn’t that she shared blood with his boss, but because she still had utility value for Chu Changbai.

Chu Changbai would never let go of anyone who still had utility.

“You’re late. The matter is already settled.”

The answer seemed entirely expected. Secretary Zhang replied with a smile: –Eldest Miss, the lawyer has already been contacted and a background check has been done. We found that Li Hao’s father works for Senco’s branch in Harbin. The General Manager said he will vent your anger for you. Also, as the end of the year approaches, what are your plans for the holiday? I should prepare early.–

“Same as last year.”

Chu Ran’s gaze drifted ahead and caught a familiar figure approaching the intersection.

Wrapped in a light-colored coat, the girl’s small frame looked like a pinkish ball of fluff. Seeing Chu Ran talking to someone, the girl’s eyes inadvertently brushed past the nearby police station. She then waited obediently at a distance without approaching.

Officer Chen’s final words at the station echoed in Chu Ran’s ears.

–Speaking of which, that girl is quite interesting—very brave! She was so nervous when she came in; we thought something had happened to her, but she said she was a witness. Oh, right, she was the one who discovered the matter with the baseball bat. She took photos and went to every sporting goods store to ask about it. That’s how we found out it was a limited edition, which saved us a lot of time.–

–She said she’s your junior. It’s not easy to find such a good sister. You have no idea—with all that heavy snow these past few days, she was so happy after discovering the bat lead that she even slipped and fell right outside our door. What, did she not tell you about this when she went back?–

The intersection featured a small plaza where the once lush shrubs were now covered in white snow.

Seeing Chu Ran was busy, Ye Nanzhi waited in the plaza. She specifically chose spots where no one had walked, stepping on them to hear the crunch, leaving shallow prints in the soft, flat snow.

Ye Nanzhi was having fun until she turned around and saw the entrance of the police station was empty. The black car and Chu Ran were gone.

Chu Ran clearly saw me. She wouldn’t just leave me here, would she?

Before she could finish the thought, a cold sensation covered her eyes. Ye Nanzhi’s vision turned pitch black.

Accompanied by a faint scent of pine, even though the person behind her remained silent, she recognized her identity.

“Senior Chu! I know it’s you!” Ye Nanzhi pulled the hands away from her eyes. “I just saw you, and you’re still using this trick. Senior Chu is so childish!”

Childish? This was the first time anyone had used that word for Chu Ran.

“So what if you saw me? You still got caught by me.”

It was very cold today; the snowflakes landing on them refused to melt. Chu Ran saw that Ye Nanzhi’s cheeks and the tip of her nose were red from the cold, but she was still as excited as a flickering flame on a red candle.

“Che! You’re just taking advantage of being taller than me! Is being tall that great?” Ye Nanzhi was indignant. She stepped onto the edge of the planter, and with this half-meter advantage, she was suddenly a head taller than Chu Ran.

Now it was Chu Ran who had to look up at her. Ye Nanzhi was very satisfied with this downward perspective and tilted her chin up at Chu Ran.

Seeing Ye Nanzhi wobbling up there, Chu Ran stepped closer. “Didn’t you just fall a few days ago? Still not behaving!”

Hearing this, the rabbit felt as if her tail had been caught, and a blush spread across her cheeks.

“Li Hao intended to cause harm; it was ruled as self-defense. It’s over.” Chu Ran told her the result directly without waiting for her to ask.

She checked the time; it was exactly dinner time. “You’ve been eating bland food for so long. I’ll take you for some meat. Whatever you want to eat, my treat.”

Ye Nanzhi cleared her throat. Hooking the rabbit keychain on her index finger, she mimicked Chu Ran’s past tone: “Senior Chu doesn’t need to be in a hurry to return the favor. You don’t owe me anything, right?”

“Are you going to eat or not?”

“I am!” Ye Nanzhi knew when to quit. She jumped down from the ledge. Because the fall from a few days ago still had some lingering effects, she didn’t stand steadily. Luckily, Chu Ran was quick and caught her.

As the lively rabbit hopped along, Chu Ran couldn’t help but curl her lips into a smile. “It’s freezing out here. You’ve been out in the cold for so long, yet you’re this happy over a single meal. Are you stupid?”

Saying this, her index finger tapped Ye Nanzhi’s forehead.

Ye Nanzhi rubbed the spot. “I’m not! I’m happy because Senior Chu’s name has been cleared, okay!”

“Because of… me?”

“Why else?” Ye Nanzhi looked up, her gaze as pure as the white snow. “Senior Chu Ran is someone I care about. You’re my teacher! Of course I’m happy you’re doing well!”

Ripples appeared in Chu Ran’s deep pupils; her heart felt a sudden sting. She said she was someone she—cared about?

Did she know what kind of person she was provoking?

Seeing the girl’s vivid expression, Chu Ran finally let out a breath and reached out to ruffle her hair. “Let’s go.”

At the mention of eating meat, Ye Nanzhi completely forgot herself in her excitement. It felt like her half-month of “abstinence” was finally coming to an end.

“Senior Chu, walk slower! Wait for me!” As she ran to catch up, she actually took the initiative to grab Chu Ran’s arm.

Chu Ran’s relaxed expression tightened instantly. The moment the girl leaned in, her body stiffened. But Ye Nanzhi didn’t notice anything wrong, already planning the first big meal of her freedom.

“What does Senior Chu want to eat? How about barbecue? It’s snowing today, so mutton hot pot would work too? Or maybe boiled fish? Senior, I also want milk tea—low ice, 30% sugar…”

…

Her vision returned to the present. Chu Ran gazed at the person before her, who was written all over with resistance.

Just like back then, one stood on the ledge, looking down at the other.

The person who once waited for her quietly and took her arm, telling her with burning eyes that she was someone she cared about, was now avoiding her like she was a venomous snake.

She ran the moment she saw her and even told her word for word: It has nothing to do with you.

But Ye Nanzhi had forgotten one thing: Chu Ran was a wolf.

Unlike the stray cats and dogs on the street, in a wolf’s eyes, these tricks were worth nothing.

Once a wolf had its prey, it would never let go, no matter how much the prey struggled.

Why would a wolf drop the meat that was already at its mouth?

“Nothing to do with you? Isn’t it a bit late to think about drawing a line now?”

Ye Nanzhi turned her face away, unwilling to engage in such a meaningless argument. Just as she was about to jump down from the flower bed, her path was blocked by Chu Ran again.

“You seem very afraid of me mentioning him?”

“What? Did I guess right? You hugged? Or kissed?” Chu Ran grabbed Ye Nanzhi’s shoulders, forcing her to look at her. “Did you struggle like this when you were with him too?”

“Yes!” Ye Nanzhi shouted. “What does it have to do with you! I never had to struggle with him because he would never pressure me like you do!”

Ye Nanzhi’s voice was almost a scream.

But Chu Ran didn’t show the anger or annoyance one might expect. After a long silence, she finally let out a scoff.

Pressuring her… so everything I’ve done is just pressure.

When she looked up again, Chu Ran’s eyes were an endless abyss.

Pressuring you, am I? Then I’ll show you what real pressure looks like.

“Ye Nanzhi, you asked for this.”

Before the words could even land, a cold and soft sensation sealed Ye Nanzhi’s lips.

The scent of sandalwood filled her nose. Chu Ran held her tightly, one hand cupping her face and the other firmly gripping her lower back.

Under the powerful pressure, their chests were pressed close together. Ye Nanzhi could even feel Chu Ran’s violent heartbeat, which gradually brought her own heart to the same rapid frequency.

Through their skin, their hearts echoed each other.

Unlike the kiss in her dreams, Chu Ran showed no regard for her feelings now. It was uncoordinated, purely about taking and possessing—reckless and intense.

Ye Nanzhi refused to yield, her tightly clenched teeth being her final line of defense. Even though Chu Ran gripped her chin and lightly bit her lip, all of Chu Ran’s repeated attempts ended in failure.

Ye Nanzhi used her actions to tell the other: Chu Ran could no longer hunt in her territory.

At this thought, Chu Ran’s heart sank.

Fine. I wasn’t a good person anyway. Since a direct assault won’t work, I’ll use some tactics.

Chu Ran gradually relaxed. Her grip turned into a light embrace, and her actions were no longer predatory. Instead, she began to comfort her tenderly, lightly sucking on her lips and meticulously tracing their outline.

The sudden relaxation surprised Ye Nanzhi. She thought Chu Ran had realized she wasn’t getting anywhere and intended to end this absurd behavior. Just as she was about to let her guard down, the hand behind her back gave a light squeeze at her waist. The sour and itchy sensation stole all her attention.

In that very moment, Chu Ran seized the opening.

The gates were wide open, and the invader marched in with great fanfare, beginning a ruthless campaign.

Ye Nanzhi seemed to hear a faint, almost non-existent chuckle. With the posture of a victor, Chu Ran enjoyed her spoils inch by inch.

It was a soul-refreshing sweetness, accompanied by a light fragrance. It was exactly like the taste of that cherry ice cream from four years ago.

It had been so long that Chu Ran had almost forgotten the taste. Now, facing it again, the long-sealed memories were reawakened.

Chu Ran finally understood the flavor she had searched for throughout every street and alley.

The “sweetness” wasn’t the ice cream; it was the girl before her, the one she had yearned for for so long.

Even though she had grown into a young woman, her cartoon T-shirts had become crisp shirts, and her cute short hair had grown long and wavy, tied into a ponytail.

But the familiar breath and the clumsy movements told Chu Ran every second that this girl hadn’t changed; she was still that clumsy white rabbit.

Speaking of “clumsy,” this was the first time Chu Ran found beauty in the word.

Finally, as the last bit of sunset stained Ye Nanzhi’s cheeks a deep crimson, Chu Ran finally let her go.

Having finally separated, she still returned reluctantly and greedily to give the girl’s moist lips another light peck.

Finally free, Ye Nanzhi breathed heavily, her mind a complete blank.

“Zhizhi.” Chu Ran’s voice brought her back.

The hands that had bound her now rested on her shoulders, gently comforting her.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things. It was my fault.”

This was a rare, proactive apology from Chu Ran. At least, it was the first since their reunion. Ye Nanzhi could hardly believe her ears.

As if guessing her hesitation, Chu Ran said it again: “Don’t be angry. I’m apologizing to you.”

Ye Nanzhi straightened up, wanting to say something, but when she looked up, she saw Chu Ran’s joyful expression, the corners of her eyes holding a smile she couldn’t hide.

Perhaps she wasn’t even trying to hide it.

“You’ve never had it.” That was the first thing Chu Ran said after letting her go.

Ye Nanzhi: ?

Chu Ran tucked a stray hair behind Ye Nanzhi’s ear, then leaned down and whispered: “Just like last time—you don’t even know how to push someone away.”

So she definitely never had it!

Of course, Chu Ran didn’t say that last part out loud, but the smile on her face betrayed all her thoughts.

Ye Nanzhi: …

Her heart was thumping like a drum. Her chest heaved.

Fine. No wonder she apologized so quickly; she got some valuable intel!

So what now? You take advantage of me and then complain about my performance?

Murder? And then humiliating the victim?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Chu Ran’s face was still near her ear. Ye Nanzhi tilted her head, and her forehead slammed right into Chu Ran’s head.

Thud— The sudden attack made Chu Ran stumble back. But as she moved, Ye Nanzhi, who had been leaning on her, lost her balance too. With one unsteady step, she fell from the edge of the flower bed.

Seeing a protruding stone ahead, Chu Ran quickly blocked it. Ye Nanzhi fell from above, knocking her to the ground with her.

Luckily, Chu Ran was underneath, shielding her from the stone.

“Are you okay? Did it hurt?”

“My foot.” Ye Nanzhi’s crimson lips were now pale, and tears hung in the corners of her eyes. “My foot… it hurts so much~”

Following the direction of Ye Nanzhi’s finger, Chu Ran saw that her fair ankle was bent at a strange angle.

“How is she? What did the doctor say?” The door to the emergency room burst open, and Professor Song arrived, his forehead dripping with sweat.

“Professor?” Ye Nanzhi couldn’t believe her eyes. “Aren’t you supposed to be on a flight tonight?”

What flight? He had just gotten into the taxi to the airport when he received Chu Ran’s call. He had immediately turned around and rushed to the hospital.

He saw Ye Nanzhi sitting on the hospital bed. The usually clean and neat girl was now covered in dirt, with yellow mud on her trouser legs. Looking at Chu Ran beside her, her crisp suit was also stained with dust.

“You’ve been hospitalized; how could I not come! How did this happen? You usually seem so steady, but the moment you leave the school, you’re possessed by a monkey! You even learned to climb high! Look at the huge bump on your head. How can a grown adult fall like this?”

Ye Nanzhi pursed her lips. She accepted the dirt on her body, but the bump on her head wasn’t from a fall. That was the mark she left to defend her final dignity.

Seeing Ye Nanzhi didn’t speak, Professor Song turned to Chu Ran. “What did the doctor say?”

“We just had the X-ray; we’re waiting for the results.”

Just as she finished, the doctor came over with a report. “Where are Ye Nanzhi’s family members?”

“Here.” Chu Ran stepped forward.

“How is it, Doctor? How badly is my child hurt?” Professor Song asked after the doctor reviewed the images.

“Fortunately, there’s no bone damage. But it is a sprain. Try to minimize movement for a while. It’s best to put on a cast for stabilization after the bone is set. Family members can go pay the fees now.” The doctor naturally handed the images and forms to Chu Ran.

“Okay.”

Hearing the bones were fine, Professor Song’s heart finally settled. As he watched Chu Ran take the forms to pay, he suddenly realized—

When the doctor called for family members, why was Teacher Chu’s response so fast? It was like a subconscious reaction; even her voice was a few decibels louder than usual.

Just then, Chu Ran returned after paying and brought a wheelchair. She began pushing Ye Nanzhi toward the casting room. Only then did Professor Song notice that Chu Ran’s forehead was also slightly swollen.

Recalling the phone call where Chu Ran briefly described how they were injured, and seeing the dirt on her, Professor Song roughly had an answer—Teacher Chu must have been shielding Xiaoye when it happened.

Since the student was injured like this, the injury on the teacher who shielded her was naturally unsurprising. Thinking of this, Professor Song’s opinion of Chu Ran shifted slightly.

He had originally thought someone as young as her, with a wealthy family and excellent personal conditions, would inevitably be impetuous. Now it seemed she was willing to do anything to save her student in a crisis. With Xiaoye following her, he felt relieved!

Inside the casting room, Chu Ran knelt down to roll up Ye Nanzhi’s trouser leg to make it easier for the doctor. As the swollen ankle was exposed, Professor Song sighed: “It’s lucky the bones are fine, but this injury is quite severe. You have to behave for a while. You’re young; don’t let this leave a permanent issue!”

Seeing this, Chu Ran took over the conversation: “Don’t blame Student Ye; it was all my fault. I took the student out but didn’t take good care of her. I take full responsibility.”

Professor Song had no idea about the real nature of their relationship. Hearing Chu Ran say this only made him look at her with even more admiration. After all, Xiaoye was an adult in her twenties. Someone selfish would have blamed the student to avoid unnecessary responsibility and trouble. For a teacher, being labeled as “negligent” was all too easy.

But this Teacher Chu didn’t care at all, proactively taking all the blame. In today’s society, such responsible young people were truly rare!

“Teacher Chu, don’t blame yourself too much. I believe your intentions for your student are good.” After saying this, he turned back to Ye Nanzhi. “Look at you. You fell so badly and dragged Teacher Chu into trouble with you. She’s still speaking up for you even now. Will you be naughty next time? Still acting like a monkey?”

Ye Nanzhi pursed her lips. This was clearly Chu Ran’s fault! If she hadn’t pressured me, how could I have fallen!

Recalling the blushing scenes before the injury, Ye Nanzhi ultimately swallowed her words.

The doctor was ready. The silver tray glinted coldly, and rolls of white plaster were spread out. The doctor put on disposable gloves. “It’ll hurt a bit at first, but it’ll be over soon. Little girl, bear with it.”

Seeing the doctor was about to start, Ye Nanzhi instinctively closed her eyes and turned her face away. The moment the doctor touched her, she forgot everything else, her slender fingers suddenly grabbing the nearest thing—the hem of Chu Ran’s clothes.

As the doctor’s hand met her swollen ankle and gave a push in the opposite direction, the intense pain made Ye Nanzhi’s vision go dark, and she leaned toward the side.

Regardless of Professor Song’s presence, her pale face buried itself into Chu Ran’s clothes. The moisture from her forehead seeped through the fabric, and a wave of heat covered Chu Ran’s skin.

Chu Ran instinctively raised her arm, pulling the girl to her side and gently stroking her soft hair to comfort her. “It’s okay, it’s okay. It won’t hurt anymore…”

Chu Ran was right. As the doctor released the pressure, the pain began to subside.

Next came a cool sensation. After the doctor applied a layer of medicine, he efficiently finished the cast.

“Is that it?” Professor Song asked as the doctor removed his gloves.

“Yes. Come back in a week to change the medicine and the cast once the swelling is gone.”

“Ah? I have to go through it again?” The tears in Ye Nanzhi’s eyes hadn’t faded yet.

The doctor saw her nervousness and smiled. “Don’t worry. It’s just a dressing change and reshaping; it won’t hurt.” He then gave Chu Ran some instructions. “Family members, take note: minimize activity for now and don’t let the cast get wet…”

Ye Nanzhi, finally relaxing, realized Professor Song was still there. She didn’t dare look him in the eye. Glancing past him, she saw the suitcase behind him and realized he must have turned back on his way to the airport. She felt a bit guilty.

This academic exchange was a rare opportunity that Professor Song had prepared for for a long time. If it were delayed because of her…

“Professor, I’m fine now. I’m sorry for delaying your trip. You should still be able to make it to the airport in time.”

Professor Song waved his hand. How could he leave with his student in this state? “Didn’t he say you have to come back next week? Don’t be afraid; I’ll come with you then.”

“It’s okay, Professor. I can handle the dressing change myself. You go ahead with your work. Besides, my sister is also a student here; I’ll have her stay with me for a few days. Don’t worry about me; I’ll take care of myself.”

As she finished, Chu Ran—who had just returned with the medical records—spoke up: “Professor Song, don’t worry. I am responsible for this. I will take full responsibility for her dressing changes and follow-ups until she recovers. I guarantee you’ll see a healthy version of her when you return.”

After all, they were both girls; many things would indeed be more convenient than him being there. Even if he stayed, there wasn’t much he could do for Ye Nanzhi.

“Then… I’ll trouble Teacher Chu. I’ll be sure to thank you properly when I return.”

Before leaving, Professor Song still wasn’t at ease, urging Ye Nanzhi: “Xiaoye, listen to Teacher Chu during this time. When I come back, I must see you standing healthy before me.”

But after this incident, Professor Song’s impression of Chu Ran had completely changed. Back when they had dinner, he could tell that Ye Nanzhi and Chu Ran didn’t get along well. Xiaoye had always been a good girl in his eyes, so he had thought this graduate of a famous school was simply too arrogant.

Now it seemed this young woman not only had profound academic insights but was also gentle and courageous in taking responsibility.

And seeing the situation during the treatment, the two of them got along quite well!

Leaving Xiaoye to such a young, talented, and responsible person, Professor Song felt completely at ease.

After Professor Song left, Ye Nanzhi asked to swap the wheelchair for a crutch. With one hand on the crutch and the other supported by Chu Ran, she stumbled her way to where the car was parked.

“Are you sure you don’t want the wheelchair?” Chu Ran asked for the fourth time.

Ye Nanzhi shook her head. A wheelchair required someone to push from behind. Ye Nanzhi didn’t like the feeling of relying on others’ strength to move forward or being a burden. In comparison, a crutch was much more convenient.

“I’ve already talked to Huanhuan. You can just take me back to school; she’s waiting for me at the gate.” After settling in, Ye Nanzhi obediently buckled her seatbelt and turned her face toward the window, deliberately avoiding Chu Ran’s gaze.

Chu Ran simply gave a soft “Mm,” her emotions unreadable.

On the way back, the sky grew dark. Clouds covered the night sky, casting a gloomy haze over the earth. The evening peak on the elevated bridge was jammed tight with traffic and the overcast sky.

As the red light turned for the third time, their car still hadn’t made it through the intersection.

Chu Ran looked at the time on the dashboard; it was almost eight o’clock.

“Are you hungry? I have…” Before she could finish, she turned her head and saw the girl leaning back in the passenger seat, her eyes closed and her breath shallow.

It seemed she had fallen asleep.

Chu Ran took her own trench coat and gently draped it over the girl.

Long eyelashes hung down, casting faint shadows. Much of the red had faded from her once burning cheeks, leaving only a faint pink like cherry ice cream peeking through her fair skin.

She only became obedient when she was asleep, no longer avoiding her as she did during the day.

Chu Ran reached out and brushed away the bangs on Ye Nanzhi’s forehead.

Why do you avoid me? Wouldn’t it be so good if you were always this obedient?

All she wanted was for the little rabbit to always stay by her side quietly and obediently, just like this.

Suddenly, the phone screen began to vibrate. It was Li Huan calling Ye Nanzhi. Chu Ran thought for a moment and swiped to answer.

–Sis, it looks like it’s going to rain. When will you be here?– Li Huan’s voice came through.

Sensing a voice nearby, the sleeping Ye Nanzhi frowned slightly, appearing about to wake. Chu Ran quickly moved the phone to her left side while lowering the volume.

The sound nearby faded, and Ye Nanzhi shifted into a more comfortable position, continuing her dream.

–Sis? Can you hear me? Sis…–

“Don’t wait up.” Chu Ran’s low voice interrupted the inquiry. Only then did Li Huan realize the person answering wasn’t her cousin.

The answer was on the tip of her tongue, but Li Huan still couldn’t believe her guess. She asked tremulously: –Who are you…–

“I am Chu Ran.”

Chu Ran’s gaze swept over the quiet face beside her, then she told the person on the other end directly: “Go back. Your sister isn’t coming back tonight.”

The light turned from red to green, and the gridlocked intersection finally showed signs of movement. Chu Ran seized the opportunity and drove away from the congestion.

At the second intersection, she turned on her right signal and steered the car onto a different road.