"Youjie……"

"Goodnight!"

I wanted to keep Yuu here, but he slipped away again. I didn't expect him to be such a shy boy.

I closed the door and sat by the window. As I opened it, a burst of heat mixed with a hint of dust rushed in.

The fan blades were spinning loudly. It felt quiet outside. The sky was full of stars, but the moon was nowhere to be seen.

Everyone was enjoying themselves, but the moon seemed to be forgotten. It felt a bit lonely and pitiful.

Yuu seemed to doubt that I could provide him with a comfortable place to stay. He even thought I was a suspicious person.

He tried to drive me away several times, but I won't give up. I have to work harder for that promise.

But I don't have much time left. What should I do? I've grown up without ever being in a relationship, so I can't think of a way to make a boy like me.

According to the scenes in shoujo manga...

It's always the heroine being pursued. I also imagine Yuu riding a white horse to come pick me up, and then we get married...

Just thinking about it brings a sense of beauty and happiness. Even though we only had a brief encounter, I really started to like him.

The secret hidden in my heart, even though I can't say it right now, would Yuu believe it if I did?

As I looked at the starry sky, these thoughts filled my mind. But then I remembered the girls around Yuu and felt uneasy, a feeling that couldn't be put into words. It felt like my chest was tight and I couldn't breathe properly.

That sister seems to have a good feeling for Yuu, and even Mitsuki-san. Suddenly, I realized I had more rivals than I thought.

I just appeared two days ago and only relied on that promise. Do I really stand a chance?

I don't know what I feel in my heart. If I can't be with Yuu, the promise will be shattered and I'll have to accept my parents' arrangement.

Suddenly, my phone rang, snapping me back to reality. I picked up my phone and answered the call.

"Miss... calling you this late, I hope I'm not disturbing you," a young woman's gentle voice came through the phone. She was a maid in my house.

"No... Yoru hasn't slept yet."

"Miss... where have you been staying these past few days?"

"Um... I've been staying at Yuu's place."

"How's it going? What about that boy?"

"He's doing great... Yuu is a very gentle and shy boy... but he has two girls around him."

"Two girls?" The maid sister sounded skeptical.

"It's... nothing, anyway, he's a really good person."

"I see. So, any progress? Did he agree to marry you?"

"No..." I sounded a bit disappointed, and besides, I never actually said the word "marriage."

"No progress?" The maid sister sighed. "Then come back, both Master and Madam are worried."

"I won't go back. I won't let myself be arranged in a marriage," I protested loudly.

"Master Yuzawa Yuu is handsome and talented. Why doesn't Miss go along with Master and Madam's wishes and create a good match?"

"I don't want to be a tool for business transactions, nor do I want to marry someone in Japan. Besides, I don't like this Yuzawa Yuu at all."

"Miss, please don't be so stubborn... Come back quickly, so you won't worry Master and Madam."

"Is that all you called for?" I asked.

"That's what Master and Madam wanted."

The maid sister spoke with utmost respect. I never thought even the closest maid would betray her conscience for the sake of my father.

"But the time hasn't come yet."

"But there are only five days left in the week, Miss, please handle it yourself. If he doesn't agree, it's better to give up early. After all, the match is not suitable."

"Yue, I won't allow you to say that. What I want is my own freedom."

"If it's my fault that Miss is unhappy, but I'm just following Madam's orders. I hope Miss can come back soon. Master has already booked the plane tickets and will take Miss to Japan after five days. I hope Miss won't be too stubborn."

"......"

"It's getting late... Please rest early, Miss. Take care of yourself."

The maid sister respectfully finished speaking and hung up the phone. I only heard the sound of the phone hanging up.

I didn't expect that I couldn't even argue with my own maid sister. Can't Yue do anything but accept their arrangements? No... absolutely not.

This night, I tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

1

Bang, bang, bang... The knocking on the door woke me up.

"Who is it?" I walked to the door and opened it.

"Good morning, you."

"Good morning... What's the matter?" I was surprised to see Yue's sunflower-like smile.

"Do you want to go on a date with me, you?"

"What did you say?" I was shocked.

"It's going on a date... Hurry up and go out, you." Yue pulled me out of the room. I was bewildered by this sudden situation.

"Going on a date right after getting up... Don't you think there's something wrong with your brain? Besides, isn't a date something between lovers?"

"You, isn't Yue your wife?" Yue asked with a shameless smile.

This mysterious girl keeps saying that she's my wife, and I really don't know what to say.

"That's not true, I don't even know you..."

"You're saying that again, you." Yue seemed unhappy.

"I'm telling the truth." I was speechless.

"Anyway, hurry up and go out." Yue dragged me towards the entrance. Instead of letting her manipulate me, I held onto the door tightly.

"What are you doing, you?"

Yue turned back and asked with confusion.

"I'm protesting... I'm not going on a date."

"Why, Yue invited you so formally."

"Who wakes someone up and demands a date like this? It's such a strange request."

"Because time is running out."

"I don't care whether time is running out or not. I want to go back to my room and sleep."

My plan to get some extra sleep during the summer vacation was ruined by her. As I resisted, I moved towards my room.

"Don't you want to go on a date with Yue?"

"I want to go back to my room and sleep."

If it weren't for the fear of hurting her, I would have taken stronger measures to resist.

"Then accompany Yue outside. She's not familiar with the surroundings yet."

"But I just want to take a nap."

"Please, you."

"Even if you ask so sincerely..."

"Take Yue out..."

Yue tightly held onto my arm and refused to let go. This mysterious girl who came to my house two days ago is becoming more and more audacious.

2

"Yue... come over for a moment."

After school, second mother beckoned to me in the living room. My mother passed away when I was very young, and my father married another woman. Although it was painful, I slowly accepted it.

"What's the matter?"

As I walked towards the sofa, I asked with confusion.

"Help Miss carry her backpack upstairs,"

Second Aunt called out to the maid standing nearby.

"Miss, let me carry your backpack upstairs for you."

"Okay..." I handed the backpack to the maid, who bowed and left.

"What's going on, Mom?" I asked, sitting on the couch.

"You'll find out when your father arrives..." Unexpectedly, Second Aunt teased me.

I wondered what it could be, feeling a sense of mystery.

At that moment, Father walked in from the outside, his face unable to hide his joy.

"Xu... I have good news to tell you."

As soon as he sat down, Father couldn't wait to speak.

"What good news?"

"Do you remember Xiao Zechuan Yu?"

"Xiao Zechuan Yu? The boy I met at that party?"

"Yes, exactly. His father is a well-known businessman, and Xiao Zechuan Yu has taken a liking to you since that party."

"So what?"

"His father wants our families to establish a relationship, it's a blessing!"

"I only met him once, I don't have any feelings for him."

"Feelings can be developed, can't they?"

"Even if they can be developed, I don't have any feelings for him."

"Nonsense!"

Father shouted at me, which was unusual for him, as he usually doted on me. I felt a little sad.

"Xu, your dad didn't mean to shout at you. You know your dad's company is not doing well right now and needs funds. If we can establish a good relationship with the Xiao family, it would solve our urgent problems. Besides, you've met Xiao Zechuan Yu, haven't you? He is handsome, talented, and charming. If he is interested in you, it might be your good fortune..." Second Aunt chimed in.

"So don't make your dad angry, be a good girl and listen."

"Xu, don't... Xu, don't..." I shook my head desperately, my emotions becoming intense. "Xu still has a promise, Dad, didn't you all forget?"

Second Aunt looked at Father helplessly, and Father frowned. "That promise doesn't necessarily have to be fulfilled."

"How can Dad go back on his word?"

"Maybe others already have girlfriends. Xu, forget about this promise."

Second Aunt said on the side, and Father fell into brief silence.

"How could that be? Mom, how do you know..."

"Well..." Second Aunt stuttered for a moment. "At this age, having a girlfriend is normal. Even if nobody does, maybe they wouldn't like you either. Xu, just give up on this idea and marry Xiao Zechuan. Isn't that a good choice?"

"Mom, do you really want Xu to marry that Japanese guy surnamed Xiao?"

"What's wrong with that? He is so polite and kind. He even studied abroad. He chose you, and you have nothing to complain about. Besides, you can go live in Japan and learn about their culture. Isn't it a win-win situation? Anyway, it's time for you to get married."

"No, Xu doesn't want to."

"You stubborn child, why are you so defiant? Master, say something."

Second Aunt pushed Father's arm with an unhappy expression.

"Your mother is not wrong. We also want you to marry into a good family."

"Dad, you only see Xu as a tool for business transactions."

"What nonsense are you talking about!?" Father's eyes filled with anger. I had never expected him to treat me like this. Tears started rolling down my cheeks involuntarily.

Perhaps because of this, Father's attitude became more gentle.

"I am doing this for your own good."

"Xiyi only wants to fulfill that promise; have you forgotten the promise you made with Mom?"

Father fell into silence.

"Alright... I will give you one week. If you can marry that boy, I won't insist on your marriage with Xiaozechuan Yu."

I heard unexpected words.

"Dad, are you serious?"

"Of course, if after one week you haven't married that boy, then come with me to Japan and marry Xiaozechuan Yu."

Father's words left no room for negotiation, but I, grasping at a chance, decided that no matter what, I had to be with that boy.