Chapter 19

That was precisely why Lu Chi knew how dangerous this sport could be. A spooked horse bucking and kicking was something one could prepare for; what Lu Chi feared was someone else at the stable fooling around and causing an accident that left his little sister bruised or hurt. It would break his heart.

So the best way to prevent danger was to keep Lu Miaomiao within his line of sight at all times, close enough to reach.

Around people she knew, Lu Miaomiao was a fearless tomboy who could sometimes fool around so wildly that she gave people headaches. But outside, she was very obedient. After hearing her brother's reminder, Lu Miaomiao nodded meekly, took his hand in her little one, and leaned a little closer to his thigh. Her sweet, obedient appearance softened Lu Chi's heart, and he could not help reaching over to pat her head again—

But this time, instead of his sister's soft hair, he touched hard fiberglass.

Lu Chi calmly withdrew his hand, feeling just the slightest bit regretful.

The siblings, wrapped up in their own little world, did not notice the girls staring at him with blazing eyes. Even Qiao Shiyu's expression had become exceptionally strange—

Because more than a dozen boys had gathered around Qiao Shiyu, sincerely praising her. "Qiao Shiyu, you're such a good person. Lu Chi told us all about it. He only found your wallet, but who would have thought you were so kind-hearted and knew how to repay a favor..."

Qiao Shiyu blinked blankly. What the hell do you mean, found my wallet?!

Author's Note: Qiao Shiyu's inner monologue: What the hell do you mean, found my wallet? Why not say he found a bar of soap instead?!

Qiao Shiyu, who had somehow been labeled kind-hearted and grateful, stared at Lu Chi with an awkward expression. Her thoughts were much the same as Yue Bin's and Zhang Yang's—she had not seen a boy who could use the skill of "spouting nonsense with a straight face" in such an elegant and refreshing way in a long time.

Sensing everyone's heartfelt inner complaints, Lu Chi merely blinked calmly and smiled innocently. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing!" Qiao Shiyu shook her head listlessly. "Let's go riding."

Before she had even finished speaking, Yue Bin eagerly raised his hand and volunteered. "You all go have fun. I'll teach Lu Chi and little sister Miao Miao how to ride."

This had been agreed on beforehand, so no one objected. Only Qiao Shiyu cast Lu Chi a reluctant glance. But she knew her riding skills were not as good as Yue Bin's, and probably neither was her nerve. Besides, as the star of the birthday party, she could not spend all her time with Lu Chi and his sister while neglecting everyone else. Taking all that into account, the kind-hearted and grateful campus belle Qiao Shiyu could only leave regretfully.

Meanwhile, Yue Bin had finally found a chance to show off his "All-Rounder's Equestrianism," and he was incredibly excited. He led Lu Chi and his sister to the edge of the riding grounds with three horses to warm up.

Assuming Lu Chi and Lu Miaomiao were beginners who had never ridden before, Yue Bin deliberately chose two gentle mares for them. The one he picked for Lu Miaomiao was even a little white foal.

It was a purebred Shire horse. Compared with other breeds, Shire horses had the tallest and most imposing build in the world—adult Shire horses were usually over 1.8 meters tall and could weigh as much as a ton, looking like enormous beasts. Yet their temperament was as gentle as that of lambs.

The foal Yue Bin chose for Lu Miaomiao was only 1.2 meters tall and had the very cool name Thunderbolt. But because the little foal was often ridden by children like Miao Miao, the children's affectionate nickname had turned the cool Thunderbolt into the adorably named Leilei.

Yue Bin handed the carrots he had prepared to Lu Chi and Miao Miao, gesturing for them to copy him and feed the horses.

Normally, beginners were supposed to bring carrots, apples, or other foods horses liked and feed them personally before riding. This helped the horses become familiar with them more quickly, so they would not buck them off as soon as they mounted up. It seemed even the animal kingdom had the fine tradition of going easy on those whose food you had eaten.

But for children, feeding horses was simply a beloved activity. The tall horse lowered its head to eat, its warm breath puffing against their hands. Those wet, dark eyes looked right at them, and when it was in a good mood, it might even nuzzle close for a rub. Lu Miaomiao fed Leilei carrots while cautiously stroking its mane. Leilei suddenly turned its head, startling Miao Miao. Before the little girl could pull her hand back, Leilei's dark eyes blinked, and its large head suddenly moved over to rub against her helmet. It also snorted, a mischievous glint flashing through its wet eyes.

This was an exceptionally intelligent little foal.

Lu Miaomiao squealed twice and threw herself against Leilei's side. Her little arms struggled to wrap around Leilei's neck as she buried her face in its mane.

Yue Bin watched with a smile and bumped Lu Chi's shoulder with his own. "Looks like our Miao Miao and Leilei are getting along pretty well."

Lu Chi smiled faintly and sincerely thanked Yue Bin. Though the siblings both knew how to ride, this was their first time riding at a club. If Yue Bin had not patiently helped them, Miao Miao probably would not have won Leilei's affection so easily.

Yue Bin laughed heartily, slung an arm around Lu Chi's shoulders, and said eagerly, "Why are we brothers being so polite? I'll teach you and Miao Miao how to ride in a bit, then I'll show you some horse jumping so you can witness Little Master's dashing magnificence!"

Yue Bin called himself Little Master, and the black horse he had chosen was also named Little Master. The double meaning made it clear just how confident Yue Bin was in both his own looks and his horse's.

Seeing Lu Chi struggle not to laugh, Yue Bin gave a haughty snort and smoothed the sleek, glossy black mane of Little Master. "Did you know? Little Master is a Friesian horse. It's recognized as the handsomest breed in the world, famous as a black beauty..."

Just as Yue Bin finished bragging about Little Master, a commotion suddenly broke out in the middle of the riding grounds. Faint but heated arguing could be heard as well. Yue Bin and Lu Chi instinctively looked toward the sound, only to discover in astonishment that it was coming from Qiao Shiyu's group.