This time, Mu Yao had no time for Nangong Ruihui—and Nangong Ruihui didn’t stop her. If Mu Yao truly aimed to become Elder Sister, caring for classmates was non-negotiable. Besides, with her watching, nothing could go seriously wrong.

“Take your filthy hands off her!”

Her voice arrived before she did. The fat man froze mid-grope and turned toward the adorable Mu Yao.

“Well, well—another one. Not bad at all. I like her. This school’s full of beauties.” Seeking a fleeting thrill, he released Xia Xi and strode toward Mu Yao.

“Mu Yao? What are you doing here?!”

Xia Xi hadn’t expected Mu Yao’s arrival. Behind them, Nangong Ruihui stood watching intently.

“Sister Xia Xi, why didn’t you fight back?!” Mu Yao was utterly baffled. Xia Xi wasn’t the type to just endure.

“I…”

Mid-sentence, the fat man reached Mu Yao. But she gave him no chance—she kicked him squarely in the chest.

He grunted, stumbling back half a step, then seized her ankle with a lecherous smirk. “Good aim. Weak power. Today, neither of you escapes. You’ll both keep me company.”

Mu Yao struggled twice but couldn’t wrench her foot free. She glanced back at Nangong Ruihui, hoping for help. The weight difference was too great.

Nangong Ruihui instantly understood. She cracked her knuckles, ready to step in—Mu Yao shouldn’t look foolish. *If I’d kicked him, it’d be different. Not her fault.*

“Hey, pighead. Let her go. Or… brace your neck.”

Xia Xi moved first. Crimson eyes blazing with fury, she closed in like a storm.

*Nani?* Nangong Ruihui blinked. *Why act now? Hindsight’s useless against creeps like him. Last time, brushing her chest by accident flustered me for days… Am I really less appealing than this gross blob?*

Two quick steps. Xia Xi leaped, her long legs locking around his neck. A sharp twist left—his grip on Mu Yao’s ankle snapped loose.

Thud—

He collapsed, clutching his twisted neck, writhing in agony on the floor.

A chill shot down Nangong Ruihui’s spine. *What if she’d used that move on me last time…?*

“Mu Yao, you okay~?” Xia Xi gently lifted Mu Yao’s hands to her chest.

“I’m fine! But Sister Xia Xi—why let him do that?!” Mu Yao stared, desperate for answers.

“Do you really want to know?” Xia Xi offered a bitter, helpless smile.

“Of course!”

“I promised I wouldn’t hit people again. I didn’t want you thinking I break promises.” Her voice stayed calm.

“You!! I said *don’t use violence recklessly*—not ‘never fight’! He’s obviously a scumbag! Why cling to that promise *then*?! If you got hurt because of me, I’d blame myself forever!”

Mu Yao snatched her hand back, turning away. She truly didn’t get it. Not one bit.

“Because I cherish our promise~” Xia Xi hugged her from behind, whispering softly.

“Then… why hit him just now?”

“I was already at my limit. Seeing him talk to you like that… I lost control. Blame me if you want. I accept it.”

Nestled against Xia Xi like a little white rabbit, Mu Yao fell silent. *Just because she admires me… this much? Too much.*

“I won’t blame you. That silly promise? Void. Maybe you *won’t* hit recklessly. I was the one overstepping. *I* should apologize.” Mu Yao’s voice dipped with self-reproach. *I never really knew her.*

“You came to help even knowing you couldn’t win. Way more reliable than Nangong Ruihui.”

Xia Xi wasn’t insulting her—she’d seen Ruihui ready to move. It just lacked… something. Rational people keep their depths hidden.

“Ruihui isn’t like that. My move was the laughable one—egg against stone.”

“No. I saw your taekwondo stance. Girls having less strength is normal. Keep training—you’ll be reliable.” Xia Xi paused. “Let Nangong Ruihui protect you. Don’t push too hard. Forget the last part—I was talking to myself. Most guys prefer the gentle, clinging type.”

“Ahem.”

Nangong Ruihui, backpack slung over her shoulder, coughed lightly. *Enough lovey-dovey already…*

When angry, Mu Yao kicked. High kicks became instinct. She knew a little more force could hurt—but company and clan duties forbade it. Strength meant muscle. Would anyone idolize a girl with defined leg lines? Boys built muscle easier. No sacrificing the big picture. That’s why she wanted to learn Ruihui’s judo.

“President Nangong, leave him to me. I’ll ensure he’s *properly* escorted off campus.” Xia Xi stepped onto the man’s twisted face, voice icy.

“Mm. Be careful.” Nangong Ruihui nodded.

…

“Yaoyao~ Xia Xi really is devoted to you.”

In the butler’s car, Nangong Ruihui’s tone carried a hint. Mu Yao caught it but stayed quiet—Xia Xi *had* endured so much for her.

“I don’t get it either. She just said my eyes are pretty… that she admires me. Nothing else.” Mu Yao fumbled for words.

“Maybe she genuinely wants to know you. Your personality *is* likable.”

“Maybe…”

“Um… Ruihui? You’re not… jealous?” Mu Yao added quickly, worried.

“She’s not a guy. Why would I be jealous of her?”

Nangong Ruihui wasn’t jealous—just puzzled why Xia Xi cared so much. No answer came. She let it go.

The butler, Bluetooth earpiece glowing, chatted with Nangong Yao. Finally, Mu Yao and Nangong Ruihui could whisper freely.

The sleek black limousine glided along the winding elevated highway, overtaking cars one by one.

The Nangong Clan estate drew near.