Chapter Twenty-Two: Mo Chen’s Persistence

Morning at Night Sakura Academy, I walked toward the classroom under Umbra’s protection. The sunlight had grown stronger, and the days longer; I felt increasingly uncomfortable. The burning pain on my skin, and my body’s growing weakness from refusing blood for so long, troubled me deeply. Xingyu, I wonder how much longer I can accompany you beneath the sun. I sighed softly.

“Nana.” Le Xiaoyou’s voice called from behind.

I turned to see Le Xiaoyou and Xingyu arriving together. For some reason, watching their close figures walking side by side under the sun, a pang of sorrow welled up in me. I longed to stroll with Xingyu in the sunlight, but I simply couldn’t. Seeing their joyful silhouettes, I suddenly thought: perhaps, if I were to vanish someday, Xingyu wouldn’t be too saddened, for Le Xiaoyou would be there with him, and he could find his happiness.

“Nana, what’s wrong?” Le Xiaoyou came up to me, waving her hand in front of my absent-minded face.

“It’s nothing. Just thinking about some things,” I replied. Xiaoyou, if I leave someday, you’ll look after Xingyu for me, won’t you? You’ll bring him happiness? Staring at the ever-cheerful Le Xiaoyou before me, I couldn’t help but think so.

“Nana, let’s walk together.” Le Xiaoyou smiled brightly.

Xingyu stepped forward, saying, “Yes, Lilith, come with us.”

Looking at the happy faces of Xingyu and Le Xiaoyou, I thought: it’s fine, nothing else matters. As long as I can still accompany Xingyu under the sun, I’ll do my best to be happy. That way, even if I leave, there will be no regrets. At that thought, the burning pain of the sunlight and my body’s weakness seemed suddenly easier to bear.

“Liliana, we meet again.” Mo Chen appeared beside us, greeting me.

I glanced at Mo Chen but ignored him. After yesterday, I’d seen the true nature hidden beneath his facade, and lost all interest; his persistence annoyed me.

“Liliana, I won’t give up. Not until you agree to be my girlfriend. I won’t stop,” Mo Chen said, determined.

His stubbornness gave me a headache. “Please don’t bother me,” I replied coolly. My time with Xingyu was already so limited; I didn’t want to waste it on anyone else.

“Don’t worry, Liliana. I won’t disturb you. Just pretend I don’t exist,” Mo Chen said seriously. This was more than persistence—it felt almost shameless. Who would have thought that his icy nature beneath the rustic mask could be even more troublesome? Is it confidence that won’t let go once he sets his sights?

“Nana, you should just accept him,” Le Xiaoyou teased, seeing Mo Chen’s relentless pursuit. Xingyu, meanwhile, looked utterly speechless.

“Hmph.” I snorted, refusing to tangle with Mo Chen any further, striding toward the classroom with Umbra escorting me.

“Nana, wait for me!” Le Xiaoyou called, jogging to catch up. Xingyu smiled helplessly at Mo Chen, then hurried after us.

“Am I disliked?” Mo Chen mused, stroking his chin. “But it doesn’t matter. If the right conditions exist, dislike can slowly turn into affection.” With a confident smile, he followed us.

For the whole day, whenever he had a moment, Mo Chen would come to our class and stand quietly by, watching us.

At lunch, Le Xiaoyou slumped over her desk. “Spare me, I can’t take it anymore. That Mo Chen is too persistent. If I see him again, I’ll go mad!” Mo Chen’s relentless pursuit had nearly driven Le Xiaoyou to collapse. “Nana, I really admire you. As the one involved, you’re so calm. How do you stand it?” She looked at me with admiration.

“Just pretend he’s not there. Didn’t he say so himself? So I simply ignore him, really don’t pay him any attention,” I answered coolly. Since I had no interest in him, as long as he stayed silent, I could disregard his existence.

“Pfft. Hahaha!” Le Xiaoyou, previously on the brink, burst into laughter. “This is hilarious. Poor guy, falling for Nana—who knows if that’s good luck or bad?”

Seeing her reaction, even Xingyu couldn’t help but laugh.

“By the way, Lilith, the spring outing is organized for the day after tomorrow. Are you sure your health is okay? Maybe you shouldn’t go. If you collapse like last time, it’ll be terrible,” Xingyu asked, concerned.

I shook my head with a smile. There weren’t many chances left, so I wouldn’t miss any opportunity to be with Xingyu. “Don’t worry, I’m fine now. Really, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Still, don’t force yourself. If you feel unwell, promise you’ll say so,” Xingyu instructed anxiously.

“Nana’s allergic to ultraviolet rays, right? Then we can bring sun umbrellas and help shield her from the sun,” Le Xiaoyou suggested.

“Great idea. Each of us brings one, and we’ll help Lilith block the sunlight—that should make it easier,” Xingyu said to me.

“Thank you,” I smiled gratefully at Xingyu and Le Xiaoyou.

“Liliana.” Mo Chen’s voice—it figures, someone as clingy as him wouldn’t miss lunch.

“The weather’s so nice today. I thought you’d eat outside, but since I couldn’t find you, I came to the classroom—and here you are,” Mo Chen said.

“You didn’t know? Nana’s allergic to ultraviolet rays and can’t be in the sun, so how could she eat outside?” Le Xiaoyou reproached him.

“So Liliana’s allergic to ultraviolet rays—that explains the umbrella every day. That must be tough,” Mo Chen said, sounding concerned.

“I’m already used to it,” I replied coldly. Yes, without realizing it, I’d grown accustomed to the burning of sunlight, able now to endure the pain and smile at Xingyu. I was used to moving under the sun—perhaps I was the most unusual of my kind, I thought wryly.

“Liliana, will you go on the spring outing the day after tomorrow? With your health, maybe you shouldn’t,” Mo Chen asked again.

“I’ll go,” I answered firmly. “I want to be with my friends.” I looked at Xingyu and Le Xiaoyou.

“Can I join you?” Mo Chen asked. “Don’t worry, I won’t be a bother. You’ll need someone to carry things. Xingyu isn’t suited for heavy labor, and it’s not right to make girls carry stuff. I’m strong—think about it!” He flexed his arm to display his muscles.

Hearing this, Le Xiaoyou’s eyes lit up. “Perfect! You can handle the carrying. I was worried we couldn’t bring much, but with your help, there’s no problem.”

“Leave it to me,” Mo Chen replied promptly.

“No need. Umbra can handle it—he’s enough,” I refused. This was my chance to be with Xingyu; I didn’t want anyone else involved.

“Umbra, that old man?” Mo Chen seemed resistant to Umbra. Clearly, Umbra had left quite the impression on him last time. Maybe I should have Umbra guard the classroom door to keep him out?

“It’s not right for an old man to work. Let me do it,” Mo Chen insisted.

“Lilith, let’s let Mo Chen join. For the spring outing, the more the merrier,” Xingyu added.

“All right then.” Seeing Xingyu speak up, I agreed. Though I wanted to be alone with Xingyu, as long as he was happy, that was enough.

Mo Chen was elated at my agreement, throwing his arm around Xingyu. “Xingyu, you’re a true friend! If you ever need help, just say the word.”

“All right, I get it. Let go of me now,” Xingyu said awkwardly. I’m sure he was already regretting inviting Mo Chen.

And so, amidst our laughter, the plans for the spring outing were settled. But I didn’t expect that this outing would become the turning point in my relationship with Xingyu, that it would change both of our destinies.