Zhang Xiaoshan was well aware that a child at Li Ya’s age was going through a rebellious phase: impulsive in character, acting without considering the consequences. If he truly refused to be with Li Ya now, she might very well seek death or injury.
Moreover, if Li Ya caused a scene, he couldn’t handle it.
His eyes shifted as he thought of a solution and then said to Li Ya below him.
"Little Ya, I understand your feelings for me, but you are currently at a critical period for schooling. Brother Shan can’t distract you. So, how about this? I promise you, if you get into college, I will be with you."
"You’re not lying to me?" Li Ya looked at Zhang Xiaoshan with suspicion.
Zhang Xiaoshan nodded solemnly and said,
"Why would I lie to you? Once you’re in college, you’ll be an adult, and I won’t have any psychological burden about dating you. If I were with you now and the villagers found out, not only you but I would also be drowned by the villagers’ spit. Do you want to see me getting jabbed in the spine by others?"
By the end of his speech, Zhang Xiaoshan’s expression showed a slight displeasure.
Sure enough, Li Ya immediately showed a guilty expression and declared,
"Brother Shan, I’m sorry. I was too willful and didn’t consider this aspect. I apologize to you. Then, I’ll do as you say. I’ll study hard to get into college. At that time, you absolutely must keep your word and be my boyfriend..."
At this, Li Ya paused, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment to say more, but the meaning was clear to everyone.
"Alright, it’s a deal."
Zhang Xiaoshan hooked fingers with Li Ya as if placating a child.
"By the way, were you feeling unwell a few days ago and then took some medicine?"
Zhang Xiaoshan remembered Li Ya’s illness.
"Yes, I felt a bit unwell a few days ago and got some medicine from a traditional Chinese medicine clinic near our school. But after taking it, I felt even worse. I heard from classmates before that the shopkeeper there isn’t a good person, often selling fake medicines and bullying female students. I thought it was just a rumor, but it turned out to be true, which is really awful."
"As a healer, one should save the dying and heal the wounded. That person not only sells fake medicines but also bullies female students. It seems he needs to be taught a lesson."
"Do you still have the prescription?" Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝘯𝘦𝘵
Li Ya took a prescription from the pocket of the jacket she had removed and handed it to Zhang Xiaoshan.
"Alright, I’ll take care of this for you. It’s almost dawn, be careful your mother finds out you sneaked out. Go back quickly."
Zhang Xiaoshan took the prescription, and seeing Li Ya’s pitiable look, he felt slightly uncontrollable and hurriedly sent Li Ya away.
Li Ya was also worried about being discovered by Su Xiangmei for sneaking out.
Her father had passed away early, and over the years, it had been hard for Su Xiangmei to raise her alone. Li Ya was considerate and thus nodded.
"Okay, then I’m going back now, Brother Shan. You must not forget our promise."
After receiving his affirmative response, Li Ya left the infirmary.
Zhang Xiaoshan watched Li Ya leave, sniffing the spot where she had been lying, still sensing a faint virgin fragrance, which left him somewhat regretful.
Zhang Xiaoshan mused for a while and fell into a deep sleep.
"Clang, clang, clang..."
The next day, just as dawn was breaking, and Zhang Xiaoshan, after a restless night, was sleeping comfortably, the wooden door of the infirmary was knocked on, waking him up.
Suddenly, a teasing female voice came from outside the door.
"Shan, open the door, it’s your auntie."
Still groggy, Zhang Xiaoshan suddenly got a jolt and became alert.
"Why is this old woman here so early in the morning?"
"Could it be that she found out about Li Ya sneaking out last night and has come to make a scene?"
Drums beat in Zhang Xiaoshan’s heart.
Meanwhile, the knocking outside became more urgent and frequent.
"Shan, quickly open the door, your auntie is anxious."