Chapter One

  It seemed to be in order to add to the atmosphere of Christmas Eve, so early in the morning, it started snowing heavily. The snow got heavier and heavier, by the time Ming Xiao Xi and Mu Ye Liu arrived at Dong Si's house in the evening, the whole ground was already thickly covered with snow.

  Ming Xiao Xi rubbed her frozen red face with her hands, she grew up in Taiwan since childhood and was not quite adapted to such cold weather.

  But as soon as her feet stepped into the main house of Dongsi's family, a warm and cozy heat enveloped her.

  It's so warm and cozy, Ming Xiao Xi let out a happy sigh.

  "Ah, Ming sister! Makino brother! You're here!"; Dongsi Haoyue was the first to discover them and hopped over to her side like a little rabbit: "Huh, Ming sister, you and Makino brother are wearing matching outfits today! How lovely!"

  Ming Xiao Xi glanced at herself and Jing Jing who was quietly walking away, and really, she hadn't noticed that the two of them were both wearing milky white clothes.

  She reached out and pinched Dong Si's face: "You're so sharp-eyed."

  Hehe, Dong Si Hao Xue smiled complacently: "Ah, Ming sister, your hands are so cold, aren't you freezing? Come over here and warm up by the fire!" As he spoke, he pulled her towards the main hall.

  Dong Temple's mom decorated the hall with a strong Christmas atmosphere. A magnificent and beautiful Christmas tree stood upright in the center, hung with stars, angels, bright balls, small light bulbs... flashing, it was really good-looking. In one corner of the hall, there was a blazing fireplace, with vigorous and intense flames inside, making people feel an irresistible urge to get closer.

  There were already many people by the stove.

  When Ming Xiao Xi was pulled away by Dong Si's vast snow, the first thing she noticed was Feng Jian Cheng, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.

  He wore a light yellow turtleneck sweater and a pair of light yellow suit pants, his simple attire made him stand out from the crowd, elegant and refined.

  Kazehaya's eyes were still as gentle as before: "Akane, you're here."

  Ming Xiao Xi walked up to Fēng Jiàn Chén with a surprised look, looking up at him: "Senior, why haven't I seen you for so long?"

  Feng Jian chuckled lightly: "Missing me?"

  "Ah!"; Ming Xiao Xi nodded vigorously: "Always wanted to!"

  Dong Si Hao Xue smiled and chimed in: "Then thank me, Ming sister! It was I who brought Wind Space brother here!"

  Fūin no Kaze knocked on the head of Tōji Hōsetsu: "I was going to come anyway."

  Akira Myaoji then saw Hiroshi Toudou again. It was strange, his eyes seemed unnatural when they met hers.

  She greeted him: "Hello, Dongsi Xuezhong."

  Toji Hiroo coughed awkwardly: "Ah, hello, Akane."

  Ming Xiao Xi, is it you? A familiar voice seemed to recall.

  Ming Xiao Xi suddenly turned her head and exclaimed, "Ah, it's actually... Qian Jing Feng!"

  Dong Si's father said, "Ming Jie, let me introduce you. This is Qian Jing Bo Bo's daughter, her name is Qian Jing Feng. She will be living with us from now on, so you two will see each other often."

  Qianjie sister, this is brother's junior, she is my senior and also our good friend, her name is Ming Xiaoxi. Sister Ming is very nice, you will definitely like her...

  Ming Xiao Xi interrupted her: "Hehe, Little Snow, no need for introductions, we know each other."

  "Really?"; Dong Si Hao Xue looked at her and then back at her: "How did you two know each other?"

  Miss Senbei and I both work for the Tōji Group, so...

  "My goodness, Ming sister, are you working in the company?! Why has brother never mentioned it before?!" Dongsi Haoyue discontentedly protested to Dongsi Haonan.

  "Shut up!"; The three words from Tōji Hiroo made her lower her head obediently.

  "Will Miss Senai be living here from now on?" Ming Xiao Xi asked in surprise. Ha, the chairman's actions are truly astonishing. It seems they won't give up until Senai Kaede and Toudou Hiroo are paired together. No wonder, Toudou Hiroo looks strange, but Miss Senai is much calmer.

  Yes, Senbei is going to the United States for a long time. He's worried about leaving Senba alone in Japan, so she'll be staying here for a while!

  Well, congratulations are in order for you, Little Snow. With Senbei-chan here, you won't be shouting "emptiness" all day long anymore.

  "Right!"; Dong Si Hao Xue clapped her hands, but she quickly stopped: "Ming sister, you've always called Qian Jing sister 'Miss', I think it's very awkward.

  Sen no Kaizuka nodded: "I have the same feeling."

  "What should I call you then?" Ming Xiao Xi was at a loss.

  I should be older than you." said Senri Chihiro.

  "No way!"; Ming Xiao Xi exclaimed: "Do you want me to call you 'Qian Jing Jie Jie' like Xiaoxue? I don't want to, it's too mushy."

  Qian Jing smiled faintly: "You can call me Xiao Feng."

  Xiao Xi! Flowing Ice! You've arrived!"; Dong Si's mom walked into the hall and delightedly discovered them.

  "Mom of Dong Temple is great!" Ming Xiao Xi smiled sweetly.

  Good child! East Temple Mother gave her a warm hug: "Hey, Xiaoxi, why haven't you taken off your coat yet? It's so thick and uncomfortable! Look at Flowing Ice, he knows how to find the most comfortable position.

  Ming Xiao Xi followed her line of sight and indeed, Maki no Kōri who had entered at the same time as her had already taken off his coat, propped up his legs, holding a hot cup of tea, snuggled by the fireplace, chatting with Kazemai Chidori in a relaxed manner, looking much more comfortable than her.

  Dongsi Shuixue Xunshi Dahui Yiquan: "Xiaoxi, Liubing, Cheng, Feng, Haonan, Haoxue... a total of six, still missing one..."

  Dong Si was surprised: "Mom, why is one still missing? Did you invite someone else?"

  I also invited Ling Ya? She agreed to come, why hasn't she arrived yet?" Dong Si Shui Yue muttered to herself.

  "Ocular?! Ice Extreme Ocular?!"; Dong Si Hao Xue shouted: ";Mom, why did you invite Ice Extreme Ocular?!

  Dong Si's Water Moon looked at her strangely: "Isn't Tong a good friend who grew up with you guys? Besides, she doesn't have any relatives, so it's normal for her to spend Christmas with us?"

  Dong Si's eyes were wide with grief: "Ma..."

  Her complaint was cut off by Ming Xiao Xi's "violence". Ming Xiao Xi covered her mouth and said viciously: "Xiao Xue, I've told you many times, be nicer to Teng! Otherwise, you won't look cute at all, and Kazama-senpai will dislike you."

  At this moment, the magnificent gate of the hall opened silently, and a servant brought in a beautiful girl as lovely as night.

  The girl's expression carried a hint of subtle melancholy, her dreamy big eyes lightly swept over the crowd before quietly falling on Fuuka Tetsurou.

  Feng Jian looked at her quietly, as if he didn't know what to say.

  The air in the hall was lively and slightly stagnant.

  Ming Xiao Xi whispered in Dong Si's ear, "If you want to make Feng Jian Xue look at you with new eyes, hurry up and call out to him. This is your best chance."

  Dong Si's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he looked at her: "Really?"

  "Did I cheat you? Go quickly!" Ming Xiao Xi pushed her out with a burst of energy.

  "Big sister! You're here!" Dong Si's face was filled with smiles: "It must be cold outside, but you'll warm up soon. Let me help you take off your coat."

  Bing Jue Tong had never seen Dong Si Hao Xue be so polite to her, it made her feel a bit uncomfortable; "Thank you. I can do it myself."

  Dong Si took over her coat and hung it up carefully: "Sister Tong, I'll hang this up for you, why don't you take a rest over here first?"

  She warmly took Ice Extreme's hand and led her to the roaring fireplace, finding a comfortable armchair for her to sit in.

  Fūin Kazuki smiled and said to Tōji Kōsetsu: "Little Snow, you're really mature today, it seems like you've grown up a bit."

  Ah!"; Dong Si's face was filled with joy: "Feng Ge, are you praising me?

  Feng Jian Cheng smiled again: "Yes."

  Dong Si found Ming Xiao Xi's eyes excitedly and winked at her - thanks!

  Ah! Dongsi Mama prepared a truly "Christmas" feast for them!

  Traditional turkey, pumpkin pie, cheesecake... and their usual favorite sashimi, various sushi...

  Ming Xiao Xi faced the mountainous pile of delicious food, and gave Dong Si's mom a lot of face by opening her stomach to eat big, but - her stomach capacity was limited after all, and unrestricted stuffing would inevitably be punished.

  She leaned back in her chair, hands cradling her swollen belly: "Dongsi Mama, I really can't eat any more."

  "Have some more!"; Tōji Mizuki slipped a slice of pumpkin pie onto her plate.

  I'm really done for; Ming Xiao Xi said: "This meal can fatten me up by five catties."

  "Mom, don't force Ming's sister to eat anymore." Dong Si Hao Xue's help earned a grateful glance from Ming Xiao Xi, but what followed...

  You should know that Ming sister is cohabiting with Makiya brother, if Ming sister gets a big belly from this meal and her figure changes, Makiya brother won't like it anymore, what to do? Aren't you ruining Ming sister's life?!

  Dong Si's furious cry! Ming Xiao Xi grasped her neck with one hand.

  "Save me...!" Dong Si's face was innocent as he cried out for help.

  So that's how it is! Dong Si Shui Yue actually believed him: "Xiao Xi, don't worry, I've arranged a dance party after dinner. As long as you exercise more, fat will definitely not appear."

  The atmosphere of the dance party was very romantic. Dong Si's mother turned off all the lights, and the only source of light was the twinkling starlight on the Christmas tree. The music playing in the audio was also particularly sultry, soft and swaying, husky and sexy, which brought out Ming Xiao Xi's most tender cells.

  Ming Xiaoxi's first dance was with Mu Ye Liuxue's ice skating.

  Gently nestled in Mu Ye's arms, she felt his breath on her forehead, softly blowing her fine hair, and Ming Xiao Xi was moved to the point of almost shedding tears.

  Makino Ryuichi sensitively noticed her strangeness: "What's wrong?"

  I feel very happy." Ming Xiao Xi said softly as she gazed at him with a sigh.

  He hugged her tightly.

  "Do you still remember the first time we met? I thought someone was bullying you... "; Ming Xiaoxi smiled as she recalled: "At that time, you were so cold to me..."

  Never thought we'd be together... fate is really mysterious... I don't even know why... all I know is... now seeing you makes me happy...

  "Can we be together forever?" Ming Xiao Xi suddenly felt a little worried: "Can I always be this happy?"

  Makino's eyes, as beautiful as ice crystals, gazed at her: "Okay."

  Really?; Ming Xiaoxi's cheeks turned red like peach blossoms.

  Really. He slowly kissed her forehead, his petal-like lips soft as feathers, so light, so gentle, that every nerve in Ming Xiao Xi's heart began to tremble violently...

  He and she forgot about everyone around them, spinning and spinning, immersed in their own rhythm...

  Akira's second dance was with Tōji Kōno.

  Her emotions were still in the moment just now, so she seemed unusually gentle.

  Toji Hiroo fell silent for a long time before speaking: "You like flowing ice?"

  "What? Ming Xiao Xi was startled: "Dong Temple Academician, what did you say?"

  "You heard." His lips were pressed together stubbornly.

  She muttered: "Dong Temple Xue Chang, this seems to have exceeded your scope of concern."

  His large hand grasped her waist and tightened suddenly, causing Ming Xiao Xi to almost cry out in pain. However, she immediately retaliated - her shoe heavily trampled on his foot!

  Tōji Hiroto clenched his teeth in pain: "Myōshōji, you..."

  Ming Xiao Xi raised an eyebrow and put on a "what can you do to me" expression.

  Tōji Hiromu gritted his teeth and still managed to finish this dance with elegance...

  Akira's third dance is the same as Kaito's. (It's easy to understand, since his first dance "Matter of Course" was taken over by Toshiya, and his second dance was left for Hyorin.)

  For some reason, Ming Xiaoxi always felt particularly relaxed and at ease when she was by his side, and she couldn't stop smiling.

  "Are you happy?" asked Kazehaya in a low voice.

  "Ah, I've seen Kazama-senpai again!"; Akira looked at him with joy: "I can still dance with senpai!"

  Little girl, why does your tone of speaking become more and more like Xiaoxue's? Feng Jiancheng couldn't help but smile.

  "Really?"; Ming Xiao Xi tilted her head and thought for a moment: "It's somewhat like that. But still, Senior is too charming, making me so happy whenever I see you! Senior, it's been a long time since we last met, I really miss you!"

  I wonder why he didn't come find me?

  I didn't deceive you!"; Ming Xiao Xi hastily defended: "If I hadn't been busy, I would have really gone to find you! Senpai, believe me!

  Feng Jian Cheng gently held her hand: "Silly girl, of course I believe you."

  His trust made her heart leap with joy: "Senior, you are really the best person in the world..."

  Fujiwara no Taka's smile: "Is it better than flowing ice?"

  Ming Xiao Xi nodded without hesitation: "Yes. I like ice, very much. But senior, you are a perfect and flawless person, just like a god..."

  "Silly girl......" ; Feng Jian's breathing paused as he pulled her in tighter...

  Just after the third dance, Dong Si Hao Xue came out: "Ming sister, I have something to say to you."

  In a deserted corner of the hall, Ming Xiaoxi was trying hard to understand what Dong Si Haoyue meant.

  Sister Ming, have you ever watched "Mischievous Kiss"?

  That comic?

  By the way, do you remember how Kotoko and Naoki fell in love?

  Ming Xiao Xi's face was filled with confusion.

  Because Shu accidentally kissed Kotoko, the two fell in love.

  "Is that so?" But she still didn't understand what Xiaoxue meant.

  Oh my, let me give another example! Ming sister, you should have seen Hanazakari no Kimitachie's "Hana-Kimi" right?

  I've seen it.

  Dōmyōji fell in love with Makino Shōka?

  Ming Xiao Xi still looked bewildered.

  It's because Doumyouji kissed Shizuka at midnight!

  Is it?..."; She felt like it wasn't so.

  Sister Ming, how can you be so stupid! Don't you understand what I mean? Dong Si's eyes stared at her eagerly.

  Ming Xiao Xi's brain was struggling to think in her hints. Slowly, her mouth opened wider and wider...

  Xiaoxue! You wouldn't be wanting Fūjin-senpai...

  Dong Si hastily covered her mouth: "You know it's enough, don't shout out!"

  Xiaoxue, how old are you?! Ming Xiaoxi pulled down her hand, saying in shock.

  "Fifteen years old! Already a mature young lady!" Dong Si's chest puffed out proudly.

  "That approach of yours, don't you think it's a bit..."; Ming Xiao Xi carefully chose her words, afraid of hurting her self-esteem.

  "For love, I don't care about anything!" Dong Si's eyes flashed with a resolute gaze.

  Sister Ming..."; Dong Si's eyes were filled with sorrow as he shook her arm: "I've already made all the plans, I just need your help!

  "What? You want me to help?!"; Ming Xiao Xi was very surprised.

  It's just a small favor.

  Tōji began to tell her plan: "In a little while, I'll announce that we're going to play 'Kiss in the Dark', and before anyone can object, I'll immediately turn off the power to the Christmas tree, plunging the room into darkness. Of course, I'll have already taken note of where Kazama-kun is sitting, and I'll go over to him and give him a sweet kiss that he'll never forget..."

  You can handle it by yourself...

  No way! Ming sister, don't forget that Bing Ji Tong is still lurking around the corner. I don't want this perfect plan to be ruined by her!... So, she tightly grasped Ming Xiao Xi's shoulder: "Ming sister's task is——to stand firmly by Feng Jian Ge Ge's side, replace me in protecting him, and prevent others from sneaking up on him! If Bing Ji Tong pounces over, you must push her away without hesitation! Only when I——Feng Jian Ge Ge's destined lover Xu Xu walks over and calls out to you 'Ming sister', can you give up the best position for me... Of course, if Feng Jian Ge Ge refuses to surrender and I'm unable to kiss him, you'll have to use your most powerful palm technique to push him into my arms!

  "Understood? It's very simple, right?" Dong Si Hao Xue smiled at her with a flattering face.

  Ming Xiao Xi's response was simple - turn around and leave! Being with a madman would make others think she's also mad.

  Please, I'm begging you!"; Dong Si Hao Xue tightly grasped her: "My lifetime happiness is all up to you now!"

  It can't be that exaggerated, right?

  Sister Ming, don't I always listen to you? You tell me to go east, I don't dare go west; you tell me to stand, I don't dare sit down... Can't you just help me out this once?! Dong Si's face was a mess of tears and snot as he sobbed.

  Is she so obedient?

  Fujiwara onii-chan is your most admired senpai, I am your closest kouhai, can't we become a great couple, don't you expect that?

  Will they be a good couple?

  I'm also helpless. Look at Ice Extreme, she's always staring at Fūin Gakuto with tears in her eyes, clearly showing that she wants to devour him. If I don't take action now, Fūin Gakuto will fall into her hands! If my plan succeeds, she'll definitely give up on Fūin Gakuto for good!

  If Xiaoxue succeeds, will Bingjue Tong really give up on Kazehaya?

  Ming Xiao Xi said in a hesitant tone: "I don't guarantee that I can definitely help you."

  People absolutely cannot do wrong things.

  Doing one wrong thing could make her regret it for the rest of her life.

  If Ming Xiaoxi had known that she would end up in such an embarrassing situation by agreeing to Dong Si's proposal, she would have refused even if you killed her a hundred times.

  Things started off quite smoothly.

  Tōji no Miko announces "Kiss in the Dark".

  The Christmas tree's power has been cut off.

  The hall suddenly plunged into darkness.

  Ming Xiao Xi protected Feng Jian Cheng, preventing him from being mistakenly kissed by someone else.

  Then wait for the arrival of Dongsi Haoyue.

  Up to this point, everything has been going according to their plan...

  But...

  It was unclear whether Dong Si's excitement was too much or if there were some unknown obstacles on the ground.

  Only listen

  Oh no!; Ah!; Oh dear!; Be careful!; ……

  Hmmm...

  Hmmm...

  In the darkness, Dong Si's feet suddenly slipped forward for no reason, and he fell straight out.

  She seemed to pounce on someone.

  Is it Fuuka?

  Why does it seem like a back?

  She struggled to turn around and face "Kazami Akane", searching for his lips...

  However, it seems wrong, why does she feel like there are two people under her?

  In the darkness, Ming Xiao Xi only felt a huge force pushing her down to the ground, and she fell into a refreshing male embrace.

  She struggled to get up, but there was a heavy pressure on her back (she suspected it was Xiaoxue), which made her dare not to exert herself suddenly and shake off the burden.

  The pressure on her back was twisting and turning frantically, making her and the embrace beneath her closer and closer...

  In the chaos, two male arms tightly wrapped around her. (For some reason, Ming Xiaoxi was certain that those two arms stretched out to protect her from being hurt.)

  In the chaos, she seemed to have touched two lips as warm as spring breeze...

  In the pitch blackness, Fūjin felt a massive force suddenly rushing towards him.

  He was knocked heavily to the ground!

  A figure rushed into her arms, carrying a refreshing scent, seemingly very familiar...

  The weight on his body was really heavy, and it seemed that more than one person had fallen with him...

  Then there was chaotic struggling and twisting...

  The person in his arms, who was squeezed in the middle, would get hurt easily!

  He stretched out his arms and tightly wrapped them around her...

  Then, in the midst of chaotic struggle, he seemed to have touched two lips as sweet and clear as a spring.

  A dazzlingly bright light suddenly lit up, capable of scorching people's eyes!

  Ming Xiao Xi slowly opened her eyes...

  The first thing she saw was a pair of eyes as clear and distant as snow-capped mountains...

  So so close...

  She had never seen anyone's eyes at such close range before...

  The next feeling...

  She seemed to be kissing the lips of the owner of those eyes...

  And that person is... Kazehaya Kaminari...

  Tōji Mizuki, Tōji Hiroo, Chii Katsuragi, and even Hyōga were all stunned by the scene before their eyes!

  Three people were stacked together like piled-up ingots!

  Dong Si's feet were at the top, like an octopus twisting and turning non-stop, as if she wanted to flip over the people below her...

  The person being pressed in the middle like a sandwich was Ming Xiao Xi. She stared blankly at the person under her with wide eyes, as if she had been stunned silly...

  At the very bottom, in intimate contact with the floor was Fūin Kazuki, his arms tightly embracing Akatsuki's body, his lips tightly kissing Akatsuki's lips...

  The first one to react was Toji Hiroo, who took a few big strides over and yanked Toji Hiro down, shouting angrily: "It's you again, causing trouble!!"

  Dong Si Hao Xue stood on the ground, only then realizing what had happened - she had knocked down Ming Xiao Xi, and Ming Xiao Xi had in turn knocked down Feng Jian Cheng!

  "Ahh! Ahh! Ahh!" Dong Si's loud and piercing screams began one after another.

  At this time, Ming Xiao Xi was still in a daze...

  Is she kissing Fēng Jiān Chén?

  Why is this? Why has the weight on her back disappeared, yet she can't move at all?

  Why did she still notice that there were two unusual blushes on Fūjin's face?

  The snow outside the temple gradually stopped falling, and she began to wonder why Ming sister and Fēng Jiě brother were still lying on the ground kissing even though they had been gone for so long.

  What's going on with Makino brother?

  She carefully turned her head and glanced at Makino Fumiyo...

  Wow, his face is gloomy and scary!

  In the eerie silence, Makino Ryūichi finally moved.

  He rushed up and grabbed Ming Xiaoxi with one hand, then vigorously wiped her lips with his sleeve.

  He used such a great force, as if he wanted to thoroughly wipe away the kiss that Fūjin had given her!

  He used such a great force that in just a few seconds, Ming Xiaoxi's lips were swollen so high!

  Ming Xiao Xi felt a sharp pain and a deep sense of injustice, her tears began to fall uncontrollably.

  Fūma's eyes narrowed: "Makino Ryūhi!"

  "Shut up!"; Mukō Ryūhi's painful voice echoed as he wiped away the tears from Mei Akari's lips with an even more forceful motion.

  Tōji Hiroo shouted: "That's enough!"

  Makino-style ice link; shut up; too lazy to talk about it anymore.

  Dong Si's face turned pale with fright and he began to sob: "Makiyama brother, please spare Ming sister, it has nothing to do with her, blame me instead..."

  Dong Si shouted in disapproval: "Liu Bing, stop it at once! You've hurt Xiao Xi!"

  Makino Ryu Ice rubbed against Ming Xiao Xi's lips with force, until her delicate lips were scraped off a layer of skin, until her lips began to ooze out threads of fresh blood...

  Makino Ayumu muttered to himself: "Is it clean? It should be fine."

  As he finished speaking, he leaned forward and lightly pressed a scorching kiss on her injured lips, declaring in a hoarse but clear voice:

  You are mine, only mine.

  A good Christmas Eve was ruined just like that.

  In the heavy snow, Ming Xiao Xi reluctantly followed Mu Ye Liu Bing as they slid step by step towards home. He didn't listen to her explanations and disregarded everyone's feelings, pulling her away from the Dong family home, leaving behind the voices of those trying to persuade them. Even Dong's mother's kind offer to have their driver send them off was coldly rejected by him.

  Ming Xiaoxi felt her lips were sore, and the constantly falling tears wetting them made her feel a piercing heartache. The uncontrollable tears blurred her vision, making it hard for her to see the road ahead. Her stubborn personality also made her unwilling to ask Pastor Ye Liu to slow down his pace.

  Bang!!

  She fell heavily onto the snowy ground!

  A hand appeared in front of her: "Get up."

  Ming Xiao Xi ignored the existence of that hand and tried hard to get up from the snowy ground with her own strength.

  She used both hands to prop herself up from the ground, swaying unsteadily as she got up, but her trembling legs betrayed her and with a "thud", she heavily fell back onto the ground!

  That hand grasped her arm: "Get up!"

  Ming Xiaoxi felt an uncontrollable surge of anger rising to her head. She struggled to shake off the hand on her arm, shouting: "Let me go! Let me go!!"

  Makino Ryu shouted in anger: "Mei Xiaoxi!"

  Ming Xiao Xi sat on the ground with a stubborn expression and raised her chin: "What's it to you! What do you want to do with me?!"

  Ming Xiao Xi..."; Muye Liu Bing painfully closed his eyes.

  Ming Xiao Xi's anger burst forth like a flood of ten thousand acres, unstoppable: "Pastoral field flowing with ice! I hate you! Why did you do that?! I hate you!"

  "What did I do?" The voice of Makino Fuyu was very low and hoarse.

  "What have you done?!"; Ming Xiao Xi shouted: "You've ruined everything! You've ruined the party that Dong Si's mom carefully prepared! You've ruined the good atmosphere tonight! You've ruined everyone's mood! You've ruined my relationship with Kazama-senpai! How am I supposed to face him now?! I hate you!"

  Makino Ryu's eyes snapped open: "Is all of this my fault? You...

  Is it all his fault?

  Ming Xiao Xi grasped the cold snow on the ground with a heavy heart: "It's not entirely your fault. It was me... I messed up everything..." The snow quickly melted in her fiery palm: "But all of this was unintentional, an accident! Originally, it could have been resolved, originally, everyone could have forgotten about it! But you, why did you make things worse? Why did you turn an accident into an irreparable situation?"

  She stood up, staring straight into his eyes: "You're like a child, and I'm like your doll. The doll is yours, no one else can touch it. If someone accidentally touches her, you'll think she's dirty! You'll get angry! You want to wash her clean, without leaving any trace of others, even if it means washing away a layer of the doll's skin! Who says that doll belongs to you?!

  But! Makino Ryuhyo! I don't belong to you! "; Ming Xiaoxi saw all the way to his eyes: "; Even if I like you, I'm not yours! You have no right to treat me like that just now!

  "Are you telling me that I should see Fuuma no Kazuki kiss your lips and yet not be bothered by it at all?" asked Makino Fuyu with a strange look in his eyes.

  Akane Minochi was still staring at him: "Makino Ryuhyo, didn't you realize that my lips touching those of Kazama-senpai were purely an accident?"

  Do you dare tell me that the kiss between Fuuka and you meant nothing?

  Ming Xiao Xi lost her smile: "You call that a kiss? If just touching lips is a kiss, then I kiss my cup every day, I kiss bread, I kiss chopsticks... and when I sleep, I even kiss my quilt... How can you be so indifferent?"

  You're quibbling.

  Alright, Makino Ryuhyo, I won't quibble.

  Ming Xiao Xi's expression turned serious: "Do you think that as long as the lips touch, it's a kiss? Do you think kissing doesn't require emotions inside? Do you think kissing is purely a physical process? If you think so, then I have nothing to say."

  Makino Ryūhi's face gradually regained its calmness, his eyes clearing up bit by bit from their gloominess.

  "Did I do something wrong?" he asked her.

  "You were wrong." Ming Xiao Xi replied firmly to him: "But... at the beginning, I was the one who did wrong. I made a big mistake and it's all my fault. I messed everything up. But your reaction is like adding fuel to the fire, burning away the last chance of making things right."

  Makino Ryuhi didn't say anything.

  Ming Xiao Xi let out a soft sigh: "Forget it, I've vented my anger at you and calmed down. To be honest, if I saw a girl kissing you, I'd also get very angry, maybe even so angry that I'd go crazy. But I would force myself to ask for an explanation instead of resorting to violence like you did."

  ……

  Ming Xiao Xi's voice softened: "Your violence will make many people sad. Just like Kazama-senpai, you've known him since childhood, is he the kind of person who would take advantage of girls? If things become like this, when we meet Kazama-senpai again, how embarrassing it will be. And me, am I a careless girl? You've injured my lips to this extent, how can I go to school?"

  Shut up, you're such a nagging woman...

  Makino Ryuichi gently hugged her: "I hate women who talk too much like you."

  Ming Xiao Xi stiffened for a moment, but still allowed him to hold her in his arms.

  Makino Ryūhi finally held her tightly and whispered: "Tō... I'll go apologize to him. As for you... I won't apologize to you, who told you to be so careless and have such an accident... You must guarantee that this kind of thing will never happen again..."

  Ming Xiao Xi also raised her arm and hugged him: "I promise you, I'll try my best to avoid such things from happening in the future... But you also have to promise me, don't be so impulsive, many things can have a better solution, don't turn solvable problems into dead knots..."

  The snow is still falling nonstop...

  Two people on the snowy ground were tightly embracing each other. They hugged so closely, as if their hearts had been stuck together, without any gaps...

  Snowflakes danced around them...

  Ming Xiao Xi, who was nestled in the warm embrace of Pastor Mu's ice-cold creek, didn't realize how much time had passed before she remembered that there was still something very important that she almost forgot.

  She struggled to free herself, pulled out a very small and exquisite little box from her close-fitting pocket, and held it up in front of him: "For you."

  "What is it?" Mu Ye took over the ice flow.

  Christmas present." Her face turned slightly red.

  In Makino's slender fingers, a necklace emitted a flowing, delicate glow...

  The most striking thing is that its pendant is a snowflake-shaped crystal. So crystal clear, so delicate and beautiful, set against the snowy white ground, it looks like a living spirit, bursting with spiritual charm...

  "Doesn't it look just like your eyes?" Ming Xiao Xi said softly.

  My eyes?

  Yes, I think it's as clear and transparent as your eyes, beautiful...

  Makino smiled lightly and returned the necklace to her hand.

  "You don't like it?" Ming Xiao Xi was very disappointed.

  Makino smiled silently, his eyes gleaming with ice. He took off a necklace from around his neck, a crucifix pendant that was densely inlaid with sparkling diamonds.

  This chain was left by mom for me, I give it to you.

  Ming Xiao Xi hastily shook her head: "No way, your sword is too precious, I don't want it."

  Makino forcibly put the necklace around her neck: "Don't take it off, you have to keep wearing it."

  Ming Xiao Xi hesitated for a moment and nodded.

  She put the crystal necklace in her hand around his neck: "You can take it off... when you don't like me anymore..."

  Troublesome girl, you're really getting me into trouble... Does that mean I have to wear it every minute and every second from now on? And I'll be worried all day whether it will fall off by itself...

  Makino Ryu's icy fingers pinched her nose, and his smile was even more dazzling than the crystal on his chest...

  That year's Christmas didn't turn out bad after all, and it seemed just as wonderful as Ming Xiao Xi had expected...