Chapter 222 : I Feel Like Such a Fool!
“Now that you’ve signed the contract, Ling Ning, I won’t keep you any longer,” Xiao Xiao said, packing up her things. She figured that since Ling Ning was still in her maid uniform, she was probably working, so there was no need to linger.
Besides, the allure of S City’s lively nightlife awaited her. Who knew? Maybe she’d even meet a handsome, well-off guy while out exploring. The thought filled her with a bit of excitement.
“Leaving so soon?” Ling Ning asked, surprised. “Why not stay for lunch first? It’s nearly lunchtime.”
Xiao Xiao shook her head. “Thanks, but I just had breakfast, so…”
“Oh~ That’s a shame. I was planning to treat my editor to a nice meal. I had some delicious dishes in mind—braised salted fish, salted fish eggplant casserole, steamed salted fish…” Ling Ning replied with an exaggerated expression of disappointment.
Ling Ning knew Xiao Xiao’s favorite foods from their past life. Although Xiao Xiao didn’t have any extreme likes or dislikes, there was one thing she adored: salted fish.
In their previous life, Ling Ning remembered that every time they ate out, they had to find a place that served salted fish. She could never understand Xiao Xiao’s obsession with it.
At the mention of salted fish, Xiao Xiao, who had been halfway out of her seat, sat back down, giving Ling Ning a “you’ve got me” look. “Well, honestly, I didn’t eat that much for breakfast. I am feeling a little hungry, but are you sure it won’t interfere with your work?”
Ling Ning casually glanced around the café, which was unusually quiet for a weekend, with just a few scattered patrons. It wasn’t anything the others couldn’t handle.
“No worries, it’s slow today. Just give me a second; I’ll check with the boss,” Ling Ning said, walking over to Chu Mengyao at the counter.
After explaining, Chu Mengyao waved her hand nonchalantly. “Go on, if you have plans. We’ve got it covered here. Just remember your big sis when your novel hits the shelves.”
“Of course, I’ll sell you a set at a 5% discount,” Ling Ning replied with a straight face.
“What? Aren’t you supposed to just gift me a set?” Chu Mengyao protested, almost indignant.
“Do I look like someone who gives things away for free?” Ling Ning replied, deadpan.
Chu Mengyao shook her head; Ling Ning was as thrifty as she was. She was probably lucky to even get a 5% discount.
Meanwhile, Luo Xiaoning had been giving Ling Ning desperate looks, clearly hoping for a chance to go out and have some fun herself. Stuck in the café without her computer, she was bored out of her mind.
Ling Ning noticed but decided to ignore Luo Xiaoning’s pleas, knowing well that with Chu Mengyao’s “battle-hardened” presence around, it would be safer to leave her here. Sighing, Luo Xiaoning stomped her feet in frustration but held back, having only just been lectured by Chu Mengyao.
After a short wait, Xiao Xiao looked up to see Ling Ning approaching, now changed out of her maid outfit and into a pale blue dress. The look left Xiao Xiao briefly stunned. Ling Ning, now out of uniform, exuded a different kind of elegance that Xiao Xiao couldn’t quite describe.
“Thanks for waiting. Let’s go. I’ll invite my little sister along too, if that’s alright?” Ling Ning said, having called her daughter from the dressing room. Upon learning she hadn’t eaten yet, she’d invited her to join them.
Xiao Xiao nodded eagerly. After all, Ling Ning’s younger sister was the talented young author behind a popular novel, and Xiao Xiao was excited to meet her.
Ling Ning led them to a small restaurant near the shopping plaza—a hidden gem she’d discovered by chance. Known for its salted fish dishes, the food was so delicious that even someone like Ling Ning, who wasn’t usually a fan, had become a regular.
When Xiao Xiao met Ling Ning’s “little sister,” Ling Ye, she was taken aback. Upon learning that Ling Ye was still in sixth grade, Xiao Xiao was left speechless. It was hard to reconcile the mature writing of “Mom, I Love You” with the young girl in front of her.
She remembered that the royalties for the young author had already approached ten thousand yuan a month—more than Xiao Xiao’s own salary. Such talent at such a young age was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Xiao Xiao felt as though she were standing before a future literary prodigy.
Reflecting on her own childhood, Xiao Xiao remembered only managing to write cringeworthy, overly dramatic stories. As for earning money from writing? Not even close. Even now, she doubted she could produce something as impressive as this young girl’s work.
She couldn’t help but feel like she’d wasted her years being a “salted fish” herself.
Ling Ning eyed Xiao Xiao cautiously. Though she knew Xiao Xiao was her editor, she remained on guard—especially around anyone who suddenly appeared around her mom, particularly if they happened to be beautiful.
“Alright, you two, let’s not just stand here. Let’s go in before they run out of seats,” Ling Ning urged, glancing at the busy restaurant. It was in a somewhat hidden location, but it was always packed. If they’d arrived any later, they might have missed out on a spot.
“Yes, Mom~” Ling Ye replied eagerly. She always listened to her mom’s words without a second thought.
“Huh?!”
Xiao Xiao froze. “Mom”? Could these two really be mother and daughter? Come to think of it, they did look somewhat alike… but how could a high schooler possibly have a sixth-grade daughter? She must be misunderstanding something, right?
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Author’s Note:
A bunch of kids came over and messed with my computer today, wiping out all my saved chapters. Spent the whole afternoon trying to recover them without luck… I feel like a complete wreck.