‘Could it be Tiffany?‘


    That day, he was severely injured and barely managed to escape. In a dazed state, he sensed someone saving him. Struggling to open his eyes, he saw a face partially obscured, but those eyes—bright as the stars–stood out clearly.


    Keh’s heart sank. Given Tiffany’s hatred and distaste for him, she could not risk facing those assants to rescue him.


    ‘What about Melody?‘ he thought. That familiar figure and those eyes were unmistakably the same person he had seen in his memories.


    Lost in thought, he suddenly noticed a pair of hands waving in front of his face. “Keh, what’s wrong? You’ve spaced out several times today,” Melody said.


    “I’m fine,” Keh forced a smile and said softly, “You can’t risk yourself for me anymore. Next time, if something like this happens, you must avoid it. Do you understand?


    “And that night when I was injured, I was being hunted down. Saving me was dangerous–you know those people were desperate criminals.” As he spoke, his worried gaze shifted toward Melody.


    In truth, his words were a roundabout probing. He wanted to know how Melody, who was barely capable of defending herself, had managed to save him from those assants.


    However, Melody smiled brightly, her eyes curving with joy, stars seemingly dancing within them. “Even if I had to do it all over again, I’d still make the same choice. Whether before or now.


    “Even knowing I’d be overmatched, I still wouldn’t want to see you hurt.” Her words were clear, her face full of sincerity, with a hint of shyness in her smile. With these words, she hadid her feelings bare.


    Keh was momentarily surprised, but then an overwhelming sense of joy surged. Of course. Just like this time–when danger struck, her instinct was to shield him. That action alone spoke volumes about her feelings. He realized there was no reason to keep doubting her.


    Keh scolded himself inwardly, then gently helped Melody to her feet. Under the bright sun, they gazed at each other with deep affection. The scene was perfectly matched, radiating a sense of harmony between them.


    Some people envied them, others sighed, and some quietly felt sorry for Tiffany. She had been chasing after Keh since she was around twelve or thirteen, putting in at least five or six years of effort. She endured countless embarrassing moments, from her first stirrings of love to finally bing his fiancée. Yet, in the end, it all seemed futile, overshadowed by Melody’s mere days of presence.


    While others were filled with sympathy, Zoe was seething with anger.


    She thought, ‘Keh Harper, you absolute jerk! You are making me sick! What a special breed of utter foolishness! It’s infuriating!‘


    Feeling thoroughly annoyed, Zoe sarcastically remarked, “If Mr. Harper is still tough, then could you please show a bit of responsibility? It’s ridiculous to be all lovey–dovey with someone while letting your family pressure Tiffany into acknowledging the marriage. Don’t you think that’s pretty pathetic?”


    Upon hearing this, Keh frowned instantly. “What do you mean, pressuring her to acknowledge the marriage?”


    “Oh, you don’t know? Just yesterday, Tiffany was forcefully invited to your house and pressured to choose a date for the wedding, she replied.


    “What?” He hadn’t known about this, and no one had mentioned it to him.


    Keh turned his questioning gaze toward Tiffany, seeking answers from her. It seemed that some things were better expressed openly.


    Tiffany leaned against the tree trunk, closing her eyes to rest, and casually replied, “Could you please exin things to your grandfather?”


    Keh fell silent for a moment. “I understand…” The implications behind just a few words were significant.


    While everyone else was eager to watch the drama unfold, Melody’s expression changed as she stepped back in shock. “You… you all…” Her disbelief was evident, and her eyes quickly filled with tears. “So you already had an engagement? I’m sorry, I’m so sorry; it was my mistake. I shouldn’t have shown up.” With that, she turned and ran away.


    Keh instantly panicked and hurried after her. The two figures quickly vanished from the crowd’s view, one pursuing and the other fleeing.


    Zoe pped her hands, eximing, “I’m utterly amazed! How can they act so well? I admire that!”


    Tiffany shot her a bemused nce and waved her hand, saying, “Stop staring and let’s go.” She liked this ce, but with such a crowd, she no longer enjoyed it.


    Tiffany led Zoe and Ged away, continuing to explore the quaint vige. The others watched the trio’s retreating figures, feeling apprehensive and wanting to follow along.


    Though reluctant, they had to admit that they would feel much safer with Tiffany around. No matter the danger, she could easily handle it. However, it was clear they weren’t particrly wee. The group exchanged nces, realizing theycked the courage to approach her.


    In this vige, known for its beautiful scenery, many visitors oftene to enjoy themselves. Along the way, several farmhouses offered food and drinks, so there was no shortage of refreshments. It wasn’t until three in the afternoon that everyone gathered together and boarded the bus for the return trip.


    The excited chatter on the bus was relentless, filled with lively voices andughter. Tiffany settled into her seat, yawningzily. She then pulled down her cap to shield her face and closed her eyes, drifting into a light sleep.


    The bus remained parked for about ten minutes, with everyone else on board except for Keh and Melody. “Where did they go? Are theying back?” someone wondered aloud.


    No one answered the calls, and some impatient people began to urge, “Come on, maybe they’re just enjoying the scenery together in the mountains. Why are we worrying? Let’s go, let’s go.”


    Waiting like this wasn’t a viable option. After a moment, the driver decided to leave first, nning to arrange for another vehicle to return and pick them upter.


    Keh and Melody finally arrived. “Sorry for the wait,” they said as they hurried onto the bus.


    When they saw the two return, someone with a mischievous grin teased, “Oh, did you two make up? Are you done throwing


    tantrums?”


    Melody blushed. “I’m sorry for holding everyone up…”


    Kehughed and reassured her, “They won’t me you. Come on, take a seat.”


    Upon seeing this, the others dared not say anything further. After all, with Keh’s status, they had to give him a face. So, the matter was brushed aside amidstughter and teasing.


    The bus started moving forward. After navigating two winding mountain roads, it was about to cross a stone bridge when suddenly, a loud bang echoed, and both of the bus’s tires burst simultaneously.


    The sudden noise startled everyone, causing the entire bus to tilt slightly and prompting most passengers to scream in surprise. “What the hell just happened? What was that sound?”


    “Did we get a t tire? How could something go wrong with the us all of a sudden?”


    The driver, clearly startled, quickly pulled the handbrake and got out to inspect the situation. He discovered that both tires had been pierced by sharp triangr spikes, which caused the blowouts.


    He thought, ‘How could something like this be on the road? Is this some prank?‘ Without dwelling on it, the driver quickly called to report the situation.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    The school didn’t expect such an incident to ur either. However, given the long distance, sending another bus would likely take until dark. Therefore, they arranged a dozen nearby small vehicles to pick up the students first.


    The small vehicles arrived quickly, and the students rushed to get on. However, there weren’t enough cars for everyone, leaving nine students unable to board.


    The driver said, “You all wait here. I’ll take them back to the main road and then return to pick you up.”


    There was no other option. So among those who stayed behind were Tiffany, Zoe, Ged, Keh, Melody, and four other ssmates. They had no choice but to wait.


    Melody seemed scared as she clung tightly to Keh’s arm, asking, “Do you think something will happen?”


    “Don’t worry,” he reassured her. “I’ll have my drivere and get us.” As he spoke, he pulled out his phone, only to realize that the signal seemed disrupted at that moment, making it impossible to make a call. He thought, ‘What is going on here?‘


    Keh was momentarily stunned, unaware of the scheming glint that flickered in Melody’s eyes beside him.