Chapter Seven

  The veranda of the Makino mansion was still as quiet as usual. However, Akira's attention couldn't be fully focused, she gently put down her textbook and looked through the glass door of the veranda again at those people discussing something in the living room.

  She could feel that the mood of the people in "Makino Group" had changed from despair and panic when Makino Hiro died, to becoming more excited and enthusiastic. Their footsteps became lighter as they came and went, their laughter louder, and their gaze at Makino Fuyu more reverent. Although she never asked about the situation with "Makino Group", and Makino Fuyu would never bring it up with her, she could still sense that "Makino Group" had gained the upper hand in their confrontation with "Nikkousha".

  Especially today, she recognized that the dozen or so people who came to the Mu Ye mansion's living room were all "Mu Ye Group" key figures. They sat around Mu Ye Liu Bing seriously and attentively, listening to him give them low-voiced instructions. Ming Xiao Xi sensitively felt that what they were discussing at this moment was definitely extremely important, because their expressions were both solemn and excited, with a hint of wild arrogance in the corners of their eyes and eyebrows.

  Her gaze lingered on Makino Fuyu again.

  Makino Ryu Hyō...

  He seemed to no longer be the "beautiful boy" she had first met, with a somewhat icy demeanor. The word "boy" was increasingly unsuitable for him. Although he was not yet nineteen years old, the solemnity between his eyebrows and the aura of killing intent emanating from his entire body made everyone who saw him dare not look directly at him. His eyes, at some point, were no longer as clear as crystal, but had become as cold and harsh as ice and snow; his face was still incomparably handsome, but that beauty now carried more cruel lines.

  When did these changes occur? Ming Xiaoxi wondered how long she hadn't been paying close attention to him. Time was passing, things were happening one after another, and her understanding of him was still stuck in the past. As for what Pastor Liu Xiang was doing now, what he was thinking, how much did she understand?

  Just like now, Mukō Ryūhyō was commanding and entrusting something to his subordinates, his expression somewhat gloomy, his eyes somewhat cruel. Ming Xiaoxi couldn't hear what he was saying, nor did she want to know what he was saying, her intuition told her that the things he said must be accompanied by a strong bloody smell.

  After an unknown period of time, Ming Xiao Xi, who was staring at her textbook in a daze, felt a cool hand land on her shoulder.

  She lifted her head and smiled at Makino Fuyu who looked a bit tired: "You're here."

  Makino sat down on the bamboo chair beside her, stretching out his legs. He looked at her with a gentle gaze: "What are you doing?"

  Ming Xiao Xi handed the book to him and said with a bitter smile: "I'm reviewing my lessons. The final exam is coming up soon, I want to get good grades to make Dad and Mom happy."

  "Is it almost time for the final exams?"; "Makino Rumi flipped through her textbook with a smooth motion: "; "I had completely forgotten about this."

  She gazed at him and suddenly said softly: "Ice..."

  He lifted his head and looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

  Ming Xiao Xi gently bit her lip: "When are you going back to school to continue your studies? You haven't been attending classes for a long time."

  Makino Ryu furrowed his brow, hesitated for a moment, and spoke in a low voice: "I don't have time."

  I know!"; She responded hastily: "I know you have a lot on your plate right now, and you don't have time to go to school, nor is it convenient for you to go to school. But, but... what about the future? Do you have any plans?

  He didn't speak for a long time, just gazing deeply at her. Something in the depths of his eyes frightened her.

  "Speak up!" Ming Xiao Xi urged him anxiously.

  His eyes suddenly looked very strange: "What if... I never go to class again?"

  "No way!!" She bellowed, her face suddenly turning pale.

  She stared straight at Makino Fuyu and gritted her teeth: "You can't just quit school like this!"

  He remained silent for a while, furrowed his brow and said in a low voice: "Why."

  "Why? Ha, you actually ask why?" Ming Xiao Xi sneered: "Do you want to become like Chi Meng Xiang, a complete idiot?! You don't know anything, can't do anything, and just rely on the family business left by your ancestors to muddle through life, like a parasite? If you leave this place, if you start anew, what will you use to make a living, what will you use to survive in this world?"

  "Leave here...... restart...... "; he muttered her words repeatedly, as if thinking.

  Ming Xiao Xi saw his expression and only felt her heart getting cooler and cooler, slowly falling down. She lost her voice and said: "Didn't you ever think of leaving here and starting all over again?!"

  Makino Ryu was stunned, his eyes became very strange, but he didn't say a word.

  Her heart had already fallen to the bottom of the icy valley, she closed her eyes and didn't know what to say. After a while of silence, she slowly said in a very low voice: "No matter what you plan to do in the future, you can't give up your studies now... otherwise..."

  "What if not?" he asked back.

  Otherwise, "Ming Xiao Xi's chest was bulging with anger:" I will look down on you! I don't want to be with a stupid guy who only knows how to fight and kill! Even if I try my best, I won't like an idiot! I absolutely won't fall in love with a fool!!

  Dawn Creek. Muye stretched out his hand to pull her excitedly.

  "Don't touch me!" Ming Xiao Xi angrily punched his chest.

  He didn't move or dodge, letting her hit him, insisting on stretching out his hand to pull her into his arms, gently hugging her, and suddenly smiling softly: "Don't be angry, I was just teasing you."

  "Huh?"; She blinked blankly and remained in his arms without struggling.

  Makino's gentle voice echoed in her ears, "You know? These past few days you've been out of spirits, and it's been gloomy with nothing to say to me. I'm really not used to facing a you like this."

  He held her tight: "I want you to care about me, even if you're angry and scolding me, it's a thousand times better than being indifferent."

  "How could I possibly be indifferent to you?" Ming Xiao Xi's heart suddenly tightened, she buried her face in his chest and muttered: "I just don't know what to say, don't know what I'll hear..."

  "What did you say?"; her voice was too low, and Makino Fuyuichi couldn't hear clearly.

  Ming Xiao Xi lifted her head, her eyes shining like stars and clear as water. She gazed at him intently and said clearly: "If I didn't care about you, I wouldn't have taken the time to rush here just to see if you're okay. I'm not speaking up because I don't care about you, it's just that..."

  Why?

  Her eyes shone amazingly, the emotions in her eyes were deeper than the ocean: "It's just because... I'm stupid. I don't want to unintentionally say something that would hurt you."

  Makino Ryu's cool fingertips brushed against her warm cheeks, slightly trembling. Then, he lowered his head and gently kissed the suddenly appearing flush on her cheek.

  After a long time, he smiled faintly at her and said: "I promise you. After things are settled here, I'll go back to school and continue my studies."

  Really. Ming Xiao Xi smiled with surprise. But immediately, a question rushed to her lips - when can you finish dealing with things? What's going on with the Chi Meng Da Qi side? She used all her strength to swallow back the questions that had been bothering her for a long time.

  Makino Ryuichi seemed to have noticed her doubts, and smiled lightly: "You don't need to worry about me. The 'Nikkousha' matter will be resolved soon."

  His words struck Ming Xiaoxi like lightning. It took her several minutes to slowly digest the meaning of his words, and then joy spread out in ripples. She smiled, and then laughed even harder, with her white teeth shining with joyful light: "You did it? You defeated Chi Mengdaqi? How did you do it? How is it possible in such a short time? I thought it would take many, many years..."

  Makino Ryu's icy smile seemed somewhat sinister: "You wouldn't want to know what method I used to deal with Akame Daiki."

  She observed him for a while, then suddenly shook her head and smiled lightly: "I don't want to know, but I'm still very happy. Have I ever told you that I also dislike them? So no matter what method you use, I won't sympathize with him. I only worry about your safety."

  Makino Ryuhyo seemed to have let out a sigh of relief, and he smiled with great pleasure: "Xiaoxi, just wait a few more days, the Akame Great Banner will definitely become history, and it will be a very tragic history."

  Will it be over in a few more days? I hope everything goes smoothly. Ming Xiaoxi gently hugged the body of Muyexing Bing, quietly closing her eyes.

  This was the day when Fūinji's art exhibition would be open to the public for the first time. Early in the morning, Tōji Kōsetsu, all dressed up and carrying a large bouquet of bright red roses, kicked open the door to Akasaka Manami's apartment and roughly pulled her out of bed. Poor Akasaka Manami had stayed up studying until 5:00 AM the previous night and hadn't slept for more than a few hours before being cruelly awakened. Her sleepy, painful expression was met with no sympathy from Tōji Kōsetsu, but rather ridicule as a "big lazybones".

  Ming Xiao Xi rubbed her still sleepy eyes and accompanied Dong Si Hao Xue into the art exhibition center.

  Tōji Kōsetsu urged her anxiously: "Mei sister, please cheer up, you're being very rude to Kazama brother like this."

  Ming Xiao Xi struggled to open her eyes wide, but her eyelids still involuntarily stuck together. She sighed and said: "I don't want to either, but I'm really sleepy."

  Toji scowled at her with a pout: "Hmph, you knew today was Fūin's art exhibition, so why did you sleep in so late?"

  Ming Xiao Xi felt wronged: "I originally wanted to come in the afternoon, how did I know you would come find me so early."

  She glanced at the delicate red rose in Dong Si's arms and frowned, saying: "You want to give this away?"

  Tōji hugged the rose tightly and said sweetly: "Yeah. I'll make Kazama understand my feelings."

  Ming Xiao Xi glanced at her and then glanced at her again, unable to help but say: "Xiao Xue, you're very strange, do you know that?

  Tō-ji's eyes widened in surprise.

  She continued: "You like Kazama-senpai, and you also want Kazama-senpai to like you, I know all about it, and I'm very supportive of you."

  Dong Si nodded heavily.

  "But why do you always want me to accompany you?"

  Ming Xiao Xi sighed helplessly:

  "Don't you think there are many things that would be more convenient with just the two of you? Don't you feel like I'm a third wheel, getting in the way?"

  Dong Si Hao Xue scratched his head, looking at her inexplicably: "I don't think Ming sister is a light bulb ah, only when you're by my side can I muster up boundless courage. Because no matter what happens, you'll always protect me, support me, right?"

  Ming Xiao Xi stared at Zhang Da with her mouth agape. This little guy, was he really stupid or actually very clever?

  "Come on, Ming sister, let's not waste any more words. Let's find Fūin brother first and talk later." She stood on tiptoes, looking around: "Wow, how can there be so many people this early? Where is Fūin brother anyway?"

  "There." Ming Xiao Xi pointed with her hand.

  Tōji's eyes widened as he looked in the direction that Myōshin pointed, and indeed there was a large crowd of people gathered, but no matter how hard she looked, she couldn't find Fūjin's figure. "You're kidding me, right? I don't see Fūjin-nii anywhere!"

  Idiot; "Ming Xiao Xi gave her a slap on the head:"; When Fēng Jiān appears, he must be the center of attention. Just look where the crowd is and you can tell where he is. Moreover, all the reporters are concentrated in that one place, flashing lights non-stop, Fēng Jiān must be right in the middle of the crowd, surrounded tightly, so of course you can't see him.

  Dong Si's eyes widened in awe as he stared at her: "Wow, Ming sister, you must be the second smartest person under heaven."

  "Who is he?" She was very curious.

  Stupid! I take back my earlier praise. Dong Si Hao Xue rolled her eyes and solemnly declared, then stared at her with a look as if looking at an idiot: Of course the smartest person in the world is Feng Jian Gege!

  Fujiwara Takeru was indeed at the center of the crowd, with countless guests praising him, countless reporters asking him questions, countless flashbulbs flashing at him, and countless girls presenting him with flowers. Today, the thoughts of the girls seemed to be surprisingly uniform, and the roses stuffed into his arms were already too numerous to count, so many that they kept falling to the ground. Surrounded by flowers and praise, Fujiwara Takeru still looked as calm and elegant as ever, with a faint smile between his eyebrows, and an ethereal quality that seemed to transcend the mundane world.

  When he spotted Ming Xiao Xi and Dong Si Hao Xue through the gap in the crowd, his eyes suddenly lit up. He signaled to the staff at the center of the exhibition hall to take over the bouquet of flowers from his arms, then said something to the people surrounding him, and immediately a path was cleared for him to walk towards them with a smile.

  Dong Si was playing with the red rose in his hand, looking disappointed and saying: "Why do those girls have no creativity at all, insisting on giving me the same kind of rose?"

  Ming Xiao Xi was taken aback and lost her smile: "Then what can you do?"

  Tōji Kōsetsu watched as Kazehaya drew closer and quietly hid the flower behind his back: "I don't want Kazehaya to think I'm unsophisticated, so I won't give him the flower."

  Ming Xiao Xi glanced at her with a look of loss on her face, stretched out his hand to grab the rose from her, and smiled lightly: "You don't want it, then give it to me."

  Ming Xiao Xi laughed brightly and handed that bouquet of fresh roses dripping with dew to Kazehaya Kenta:

  Senior, wish you a successful art exhibition!

  Fujiwara no Sai's eyes widened slightly as he stared at her: "This flower..."

  "Are these roses beautiful? Do you like them?" Ming Xiao Xi smiled with flying eyebrows and colors, intentionally or unintentionally glancing at Dong Si Hao Xue who was at a loss.

  His eyes suddenly became very bright, and he smiled gently: "Such beautiful flowers, the person who chose them must have put a lot of thought into it, I want to thank her sincerely."

  Tōji's face lit up with a smile, her joy evident: "Kazama-kun, you like it? I've been up since early morning..."; she began to talk nonstop about her "brave flower-buying" experience, and not a hint of the disappointment and sadness from earlier could be seen.

  Feng Jian Cheng gazed at Ming Xiao Xi, suddenly furrowing his brow: "Xiao Xi, why does your face look so terrible? Are you ill?"

  Ming Xiao Xi suppressed a yawn: "I'm fine, just a bit sleepy."

  Dong Si said: "Ming sister stayed up all night to review her lessons and didn't sleep until 5 o'clock this morning."

  "Why are you working so hard?"; Feng Jianzhen shook his head in disapproval: "Health is the most important thing. If there's anything wrong, I can help, don't exhaust yourself like that. Look at those big dark circles under your eyes."

  It's better not to mention it, but once she brings up sleepiness and fatigue, Ming Xiaoxi starts to feel a splitting headache again, swaying back and forth. She feels miserable and just wants to close her eyes.

  Fūjin Chō supported her shoulders and asked with concern: "Are you feeling unwell? Where does it hurt?"

  "My head hurts a bit." She muttered with her eyes closed.

  A warm hand stroked Ming Xiaoxi's forehead, and the long, powerful fingers began to massage her head with just the right amount of force. It was truly a divine hand, Ming Xiaoxi thought comfortably, as every place his fingers pressed became as light as feathers. If this could never stop, if she could be massaged like this forever, then life would be too beautiful.

  Xiao Xi, "Windy" sounded a bit worried: "You seem to have a fever, let's go see a doctor together."

  Ming Xiao Xi was just about to speak when a loud gasp and exclamation suddenly came from the center of the painting exhibition, drawing everyone's attention over there...

  Flashbulbs popped, shining brightly, reporters swarmed like flies, and the girls squealed: "What a handsome man..."

  This time, the crowd's encirclement did not form, and the murderous aura on the newcomer seemed to be an invisible barrier that made people dare not get too close, nor dared to block his way. He walked straight towards Feng Jiancheng, but his eyes were tightly fixed on Ming Xiaoxi beside him.

  Ming Xiao Xi opened her eyes wide, staring at the cold and stern face of Muye Liu Bing as he stepped closer. Behind him followed Ice Extreme Pupil and over a dozen "Muye Group" burly men. Feng Jian Cheng's hand left Ming Xiao Xi's forehead, hesitating for a moment, worriedly looking at Muye Liu Bing then back at Ming Xiao Xi.

  Ice...

  Ming Xiao Xi nervously called him out, unsure if he would misunderstand, but things weren't as he thought they were.

  Makino Ryuuki stood in front of Kazama Chidori, his gaze shifting from the slightly embarrassed face of Myojo Kei to the calmly smiling Kazama Chidori. He gazed at those eyes as clear and distant as a mountain spring, silent for a long time, then suddenly smiled, the smile faint but sufficient: "Chidori, congratulations on your successful art exhibition."

  Fūgai Sube also smiled, his smile was very sincere: "It's been a long time since I've seen you, is everything okay?"

  Makino Ryū's eyes suddenly revealed a very complex expression, causing Ming Xiaoxi's heart to become chaotic. She gently asked him: "Ice, is there something wrong...?"

  Makino Ryuhyou seemed to feel happy when he heard her words, and he smiled at her. His smile dispelled a lot of the cold air around him: "I'm fine."

  "Are you here specifically to see the exhibition of Xiaozhang's paintings?" Ming Xiaoxi continued to ask.

  "Really." Makino Rie smiled at Kazama Akane: "It's been a long time since we last met."

  Fūin Kazuki patted his shoulder and said with a smile: "Take some time to call up Hiro, let's have a good gathering."

  Makino Ryu nodded slightly.

  At this time, more and more people came to the exhibition center, and Kazaha was surrounded by the crowd again. Ming Xiaoxi followed Makino Fuyu and others walking randomly, stopping from time to time in front of a certain painting, quietly admiring it.

  Dong Si Hao Xue quietly approached and whispered: "Ming sister, I feel like Mu Ye Ge Ge is not the same as before, he's become strange and scary, I don't even dare to talk to him."

  Ming Xiao Xi was taken aback, her eyes flying towards Mu Ye Liu Bing. He wore a white outfit, standing with his back to the crowd, handsome as an ice sculpture, but too cold and gloomy, causing the girls around him to only dare admire from afar, none of them having the courage to approach him. He simply stood there, yet seemed to be independent of the world, as if nothing in the world had anything to do with him. Even though the art exhibition was crowded with people, it was as if they involuntarily kept a distance of two meters around him, making him appear particularly strange and lonely amidst the throngs of people coming and going.

  Her heart suddenly tightened, a sense of pity and reluctance led her to walk to his side, standing lightly beside him, very close. He turned his head, saw it was her, the coldness in his eyes quickly disappeared, revealing a hint of joy.

  I didn't know you were coming today." Ming Xiao Xi said: "If I had known, I would have come with you.

  "It doesn't matter, no need to explain." Makino Rie took her hand and looked at the oil painting on the wall, saying in a low voice: "Tetsu's paintings are indeed beautiful, aren't they?"

  Ming Xiao Xi nodded: "The senior's painting is excellent. However..."

  Makino Ayumi waited for her to continue.

  But you're not here to look at the painting, your mind and attention are not on this place. Including Tong and all the people you brought with you, they are all nervous and absent-minded; "Ming Xiao Xi frowned: "Ice, what happened? Is it serious?"

  Makino Ayumi's hand was grasped tightly by him, and his palm felt a strange surge of heat: "Be patient, you'll know naturally." His eyes suddenly emitted a wild light, illuminating his face, looking so excited and uncontrollable.

  Two hours later, when Makino Ibuki and Myōjō Akira were about to leave the exhibition center after saying goodbye to Fūin Kazuki, hundreds of reporters suddenly swarmed in from the entrance. They were all excited, their eyes shining, holding cameras, microphones, and video cameras, rushing over like they were going into battle. What was strange was that their target wasn't the main character of the exhibition, Fūin Kazuki, but rather Makino Ibuki, who had suddenly put on a cold smile at the corner of his mouth.

  President Makino! Is the overall attack on "Nikko" related to "Makino-gumi"?!

  Mr. Makino! What are your thoughts on "Nikko" suddenly suffering a crushing blow?

  President Makino! Will "Makino Group" fully acquire "Nissei Co."?!

  President Makino! Is "Nikkōsha" being attacked this time related to your injury from the previous incident?!

  Makino President! Akana Daiki has gone missing under his own flag, do you think he's already been harmed?!

  President Makino!...

  President Makino!...

  President Makino!...

  Reporters fired questions like machine guns, but Makino Rie remained cold and silent. Under repeated questioning, he finally used his sharp eyes to intimidate the impertinent reporters and said calmly: "I'm here to visit the art exhibition, I don't know anything about your questions."

  Will Akana Daiki definitely die? Will you let him go? A young journalist who looked like he had just entered the profession fearlessly continued to ask questions. His words had not yet fallen when two big men suddenly rushed out from behind Makino Fuyu, one covering the young journalist's mouth and the other grabbing his shoulder and violently dragging him away. The remaining journalists were all scared silly, no one dared to say anything else.

  Makino's voice was icy cold: "Get out of the way."

  Reporters rushed out in a second, hastily flashing out the widest road.

  He smiled lightly at Kazuma Kaze, with a hint of distance: "Sorry to disturb your exhibition."

  Feng Jian Cheng gazed at him silently for a while before speaking in a low voice: "It's alright."

  Makino Ayumu turned to the quietly unresponsive Akasaka and said, "Follow me."

  Sister Ming!"; Dong Si's subconscious pulled her clothes, wanting to stop her: "Don't go..."

  "Don't worry, it's okay. Don't forget, I'm the invincible Ming Xiao Xi..."