Chapter 42: Friends for a Lifetime

A Protective Gesture

“Ugh… Little Qingyue, what’s up?” Fu Qingyue gently adjusted the hat on Yu Li’s head. Her sharp gaze cut like a knife. Onlookers averted their eyes, startled. “Little Qingyue?” “…This suits you.” Fu Qingyue lied. She’d grabbed the hat randomly. She just didn’t want others staring at Yu Li.

An Easy Acceptance

“Huh? Really? I’ll buy it then!” Yu Li touched the hat, smiling at Fu Qingyue. “Mm…” Fu Qingyue studied Yu Li closely. The hat, though chosen on impulse, suited her. Paired with her dress, she looked like a summer beach wanderer. Pure and beautiful. “These two items, please!” The girls were ready to check out.

A Shocking Price

“Here’s your bill, please confirm.” The cashier smiled professionally, handing Yu Li the receipt. “Mm, okay.” Yu Li glanced at it and froze. She checked again, disbelieving. “Ones, tens, hundreds, thousands…” She counted each digit carefully. The skirt and hat cost a five-figure sum. “Wow, Little Qingyue, this place is pricey!” “Let’s put them back…” “No need.” Fu Qingyue shook her head. She pulled out a card and paid swiftly. Before Yu Li could protest, she grabbed her hand. They left the store quickly.

A Polite Farewell

“Come back soon!” The cashier bowed with a calm smile. “Wait, Little Qingyue!” “What’s wrong?” Yu Li looked at Fu Qingyue, curious. “…Are you from a rich family?” Her eyes sparkled as she stared. Fu Qingyue froze. She’d messed up. Class differences could create distance. Like with her classmates.

A Fear of Distance

“I…” Fu Qingyue grew nervous. She didn’t want to lose Yu Li over this. She, who rarely lied, tried to hide it. “I’m not…” “Little Qingyue, don’t lie to friends.” “Lies get caught, and covering them takes more lies.” Yu Li’s eyes held a gentle warmth. Unlike her usual playfulness, they saw through everything.

A Truth Revealed

Fu Qingyue knew she couldn’t hide it. “I understand… I’m from the Fu family.” “A supernatural lineage.” “What?! A supernatural family’s young miss?!” Yu Li reverted to her shocked self. Gone was her clever facade, only surprise remained. “Little Qingyue, wait!” She pulled out her phone, typing frantically. “Supernatural family, Fu…” Search results flooded in. “You’re a super-rich young miss?!” Yu Li covered her mouth, staring in awe. “Mm…” Fu Qingyue grew more anxious, even scared.

A Fearful Heart

She wanted to stop Yu Li’s search. The Fu name carried a harsh legacy. More brutal than typical supernatural families. Yu Li was a miracle in her lonely life. She’d given Fu Qingyue a taste of normalcy. Losing her over a mistake would break her. “Wow, amazing!” “I made a young miss my first friend here!” Contrary to Fu Qingyue’s fears, Yu Li was thrilled. Like she’d found a rare collectible.

A Surprising Compliment

“You don’t act like a young miss at all!” “That contrast… so cute!” Yu Li studied Fu Qingyue anew, eyes gleaming. “Cute… me?” Fu Qingyue’s tone was flat, but surprised. Yu Li caught the hint of shock. “Yep! You’d help a sad stranger on the street.” She paused, leaning close to whisper: “Or protect a friend, like in the store.” Her warm breath tickled Fu Qingyue’s ear. Her small act was exposed, and her ears reddened.

A Playful Tease

“If I were a guy, I’d chase you.” “Cute, cool, and so protective.” Yu Li shook her head regretfully. “But you’d be popular anywhere~” “No, I only have you, Li Bao.” Fu Qingyue shook her head softly. She felt no regret about her reality. “Huh?” Yu Li looked puzzled. Fu Qingyue showed her phone’s chat app. Only three contacts: one was her butler.

A Shared Solitude

“So… that day, you weren’t comforting me?” “No, you’re my only friend, Li Bao.” Yu Li fell silent. Fu Qingyue called out, concerned. “Li Bao?” “Those people are tasteless idiots!” “They missed out on a treasure like you!” Yu Li stomped, fuming. “They’ll regret it!” Fu Qingyue watched her outburst quietly. Her heart churned with emotion. The Fu name and her icy demeanor brought trouble. But Yu Li was an exception.

A Melting Heart

Fu Qingyue took Yu Li’s flailing hand. A gentle smile broke her icy facade. “It doesn’t matter anymore.” “I have you now, Li Bao.” “Huh?” “One friend is enough—you.” Her tone was earnest, heartfelt. Yu Li let out a strange gasp. She clutched her chest lightly. “Li Bao?” Fu Qingyue tilted her head, puzzled.

A Flustered Reaction

“Little Qingyue… good thing you’re a girl.” “A guy saying that would be a heartbreaker.” Fu Qingyue blinked, confused. “Ugh… you hit me hard.” “I’m becoming your captive.” “?” Fu Qingyue didn’t get the teasing. But she understood “captive.” “…Can we be friends for life?” She asked seriously. “Your straight face says such powerful things…” Yu Li blushed, muttering. “Is that a no?” Fu Qingyue tilted her head deliberately.

A Lifelong Promise

“Of course we can!” “Lifelong friends!” Yu Li declared enthusiastically.