119 Hands

Li Wei tossed and turned in bed, unable to come up with a good idea. Her own parents didn't want to tell her, and even if the Luo family were to let their cattle graze, she couldn't rely on them. Her aunt, whom she had always admired, was busy with both family and work, and she really couldn't bear to add to her burdens.

If it were any other boy, it wouldn't be so bad. After all, Luo Da had grown up with her since childhood, and they still had feelings for each other. She really couldn't bring herself to speak ill of him. Besides, she also doubted whether speaking ill of him or even resorting to physical violence would work.

She'd done that a lot when she was little, and it turns out there's a saying that's really true: "Spare the rod and spoil the child." The three from Lao Luo's family are clearly closer to her than Erpangzi and his friends. Who can she complain to about that?

Could it be that her brain just isn't working properly? Li Wei couldn't figure it out, so she simply stopped thinking about it, got up, picked up her textbook, and started reading. The book contained information about cars, houses, and husbands... This useful book also had another side effect: hypnosis.

The next day, Li Wei slept in late, and only got up when the sun was high in the sky and she was too tired to sleep any longer. After washing up, she went to the kitchen to eat the breakfast that Aunt Gao had left for her: porridge, side dishes, and steamed buns.

After finishing her meal, she returned to her room and started working on the new math workbook she had bought. She had already finished all the workbooks she had bought during the summer vacation, and just to be on the safe side, she bought a new batch from the exam bookstore next to the school.

The first few units were relatively easy, and Li Wei was doing the exercises with a relaxed mind and body when Luo Da arrived.

When Li Wei opened the door and saw Luo Da's appearance, she was stunned for a long time before she reacted. How could Luo Da have changed so much in just one night? Although boys can change a lot as they grow up, this speed is a bit too unbelievable.

Li Wei suppressed a laugh as she ushered Luo Da, whose face was marred by panda eyes, a purple chin, several bruises, and even bloodstains, into the house. She knew it was inappropriate to laugh; it would seem heartless. But she couldn't help it and coughed a few times to cover it up. She asked, "Um... what happened to you? Who beat you up?" Who was so powerful?

When Luo Da entered the room, he seemed to be walking with a limp. Li Wei was extremely surprised. Who is this? He's really ruthless!

Luo Da sat on the sofa, tossing the book in his hand aside. Seeing Li Wei's eyes scanning him up and down like an X-ray, he cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly: "Ahem... I was practicing with my sixth senior brother yesterday, you know... in real combat, it's all like this."

Li Wei leaned closer in surprise: "It's just practice. Why so rough? And he even slapped your face. Aren't you afraid you'll be disfigured?" It's your face, after all. If it's ruined like this, and you keep getting slapped, will you ever be able to keep your face?

Luo Da picked up the water glass from the coffee table and drank half a glass of water. Then he said, "It's nothing. Actually, my face is lighter, but my body is a bit heavier. It will be fine in a day or two. It's alright."

In Li Wei's eyes, who was afraid of hardship and pain, she simply couldn't imagine what an injury worse than her face would look like. Was it some kind of open wound? The thought sent chills down Li Wei's spine. She looked at Luo Dadi with eyes full of admiration. This kid, if he were born in wartime and accidentally captured, pepper spray, the tiger bench, the whip—none of that would really do him a thing. Maybe a honey trap would work…

Li Wei was lost in thought. Luo Da spoke up: "How's it going with what I told you yesterday? If you haven't figured it out yet, don't waste your breath. It's actually a very simple matter. I've already thought it through for you."

"Huh? What's going on?" Li Wei had probably slept too much and was also taken aback by Luo Dadi's bewitching appearance. She was a little slow to react.

Luo Da glanced at her, feeling rather displeased: "This is a matter of lifelong importance. What kind of memory do you have? You forget everything that happened the day before after just one night's sleep. You seem quite aggrieved that I'm saying you're not very smart."

Li Wei really wanted to slap herself. People already said she wasn't smart, and now she actually thought she was mentally challenged. Why was she so slow to react? Did she end up like Luo Da, needing to be beaten up?

However, looking at Luo Da now, it seems... actually, Luo Da is quite ambitious. Li Wei suddenly had an idea. She sat down next to Luo Da and said gently, "Luo Jianhua, you know you're quite busy every day, and you're often injured. As for me, you know, I only have so much energy. If I don't put it all into studying, I don't think I'll ever get into university. How about this, think of an idea, how can you give up the idea of ​​dating so early? Think about it carefully, don't reject it so early."

Luo Da took a sip of water and looked at Li Wei through the top rim of the cup.

His face and mouth were covered by the cup and his hands, so Li Wei couldn't see his expression. She looked at him nervously, wondering if he would agree.

Luo Da stared at it for a long time before sadly and slowly saying, "Can't you reconsider? I'm being very sincere. You're so unwilling, how can you bear to hurt my feelings like this!" Even he himself felt bitter about these words, but they were said to be very effective.

As expected, an expert is an expert.

Li Wei said softly, somewhat uncomfortably, "Although no one can predict the future, I'm quite certain about what's happening now. Actually, I didn't mean to upset you, but you know, I've been planning to take the college entrance exam for a long time. It's my top priority right now. You said it yourself, but I'm not very smart and can't multitask. So I've decided to just focus on my studies and not cause any trouble. So, you know, I'm not targeting you on purpose. Don't overthink it..." Li Wei started rambling on to comfort Luo Da, as if she really had the final say.

After talking for a while, Li Wei felt her mouth was dry. She reached for her water glass but found it was still in Luo Da's hand. She was a little embarrassed, then smiled and said, "You heard everything I just said, right? Now, you should just go about your business as if nothing happened."

Luo Da then spoke up: "Since you're in such a difficult position, I'm too embarrassed to force you. Although I am indeed upset, I won't bring it up again. Let's still be friends, shall we?"

Li Wei nodded vigorously: "Yes, yes, that's for sure." It's good that you understand. Who said the Luo family is unreasonable? Aren't they quite sensible?

Luo Da continued in a low voice, "Look, we've all grown up now, and we can't play together like we did when we were kids. You used to beat us brothers a lot when we were young, and I actually miss those times. I have just one small request, I wonder if you can grant it?"

Li Wei couldn't imagine what Luo Daneng would ask of her; this guy seemed to be easy to feed and take care of. She quickly asked, "What is it? Just tell me, as long as it's within my ability, I'll definitely agree." Was it to take a picture as a souvenir?

Luo Da still looked dejected: "Well, um... well... could I occasionally hold your hand? Let me relive the feeling of my childhood." What a sissy! I wonder if this terrible idea will even work. If it doesn't, he'll make Xiao Er wish he were dead when they get back.

Oh, I see… Li Wei was a little surprised. She raised her hand and looked at it. There was nothing unusual about it. She hadn’t hit anyone in the past few years. It seemed that Luo Da was really asking for a beating. He still remembered something that happened back then. Why didn’t he go buy a pig’s trotter to touch? He could even eat it after touching it.

But it seems like she hit Luo Er more back then. It would be possible if Luo Er said that, but why would Luo Da remember it?

But now that the matter is resolved, everything is fine. Luo Da isn't just anyone; we held hands a lot when we were kids. We've held hands again as adults, I think. Let's just hold hands once more. It's not some ancient era, far removed from things like moral corruption.

Li Wei nodded, feeling quite relaxed: "Sure, sure, do we have to make holding hands so emotional? What kind of relationship do we have? Let me tell you, this is a chance now. In a few years, when you're all grown up, you won't have another chance. Want to hold hands now? Left hand, right hand?"

Two fair, chubby, slightly pitted hands were stretched out in front of Luo Da, waving them back and forth.

Luo Da was a little dizzy from the shaking and cursed inwardly. He just wanted to go back and teach Luo Er and Geng Xinyang a lesson. What kind of terrible idea was this? They were just making fun of him. Li Xiaoming didn't care about his hands at all!

Luo Da, his face grim, didn't stand on ceremony, touching his left hand first, then his right. He touched his left hand again…

Li Wei's arms were aching: "Ugh, are you ever going to stop? They're both the same, what's there to pick and choose? Are you buying pig's trotters or something?!" If Luo Da hadn't looked so serious, she would have suspected he had ulterior motives, and even more so, doubted that he had just said such sentimental things. When did Luo Da become so sentimental?

After seeing Luo Da off, Li Wei jumped onto the bed with boundless joy. It's true what they say, every cloud has a silver lining. Just yesterday she was so upset she couldn't sleep. Today, everything's fine... Oh right, she forgot to tell Luo Da. She needs to be careful about how it goes; others don't know they're innocent.

High school is nothing like middle school. If a teacher hears any rumors or gossip, they'll make you confess everything, even your ancestors. They won't be satisfied with that.

Forget it, let's talk about it next time he brings it up. Maybe he'll forget about it after a few days of not seeing him. Anyway, he has hands.

Li Wei looked at her own hands, utterly bewildered. Even for a child with secondary sexual characteristics, hands weren't an option. It seemed Luo Da really did have a childish temper; perhaps his aunt hadn't held his hand much when he was little, resulting in a lack of maternal love?

Thinking of Aunt Luo's behavior, Li Wei felt a chill run down her spine. How was she any like her? She actually had to comfort her son. It was truly speechless. When would she be able to escape the fate of taking care of children?

Li Wei stayed home and studied diligently for two days without any distractions. On the afternoon of the third day, Li Lin and Li Lianhui also returned. Instead of being brought by their father, Luo Da picked them up on his way home. Luo Er was also with them. It seems that their parents really trust them.

Li Lianhui was alright; when he went home, he only brought his game console and nothing else. Li Lin, on the other hand, brought a few books, but didn't read a single word. When she returned and saw her sister struggling with a pile of books at the dining table, she suddenly felt a sense of crisis, tidied up, and went back to her room to read.

Li Lianhui and Luo Er, each carrying a bag, went to Li Lianhui's room, whispering amongst themselves, probably to play some kind of fun game again.

Li Wei put the things her mother had brought her into the refrigerator and cupboards, then took out some washed fruit from the refrigerator and gave some to Li Lin and Li Lianhui before sitting back down at the large dining table. Luo Da was already sitting to one side reading her book. When he saw Li Wei come back, he pointed to the workbooks and asked, "Do we need to do so many exercises? Isn't that a bit too much?"

Li Wei shook her head: "The more the better. Practice makes perfect, and quantity leads to quality. Who told us we're not smart? Oh, by the way, do you want to hold hands?"

Luo Da—