Chapter 345 : Time to Show My True Skills
"No matter how I look at it, I’m completely outmatched!"
Xia Li stared dejectedly at Ling Ning and Xia You as they washed dishes in the kitchen. Her earlier observations had revealed the stark differences between herself and Ling Ning. Ling Ning was not only more beautiful but also had a better figure, a charming personality, and an elegant demeanor that Xia Li couldn’t hope to match.
Sure, Xia Li was good-looking, but compared to Ling Ning, she fell short. When she learned Ling Ning was a model, she gave up any hope of competing in terms of physique. As for personality? Better not even think about it—continuing to compare herself would only destroy what little confidence she had left.
Worse, she realized Xia You seemed incredibly dependent on Ling Ning. Xia You’s gaze rarely strayed from Ling Ning, even during meals. Then there was the fact that they lived so close—just a wall apart—and that they were classmates who had both been admitted to the same university and even the same major.
The more Xia Li thought about it, the more disheartened she became.
But she wasn’t about to give up. She resolved to make a move while Xia You was still here. At the very least, she had to prevent their relationship from progressing any further.
After finishing the dishes, Ling Ning walked into the living room and asked, "So, have you all decided where to go this afternoon?"
"Swimming! Swimming!" Ling Ye jumped up, waving her arms excitedly. She had just learned to swim yesterday and wanted to practice more.
"I don’t mind. I’m not getting in the water anyway," Zhou Xiaoxiao replied indifferently. After spending the morning sulking, she had finally come to terms with the situation.
"Swimming sounds perfect. I haven’t gone in ages!" Xia Li’s enthusiasm suddenly reignited, leaving Xia You puzzled. Something seemed off about her today.
With the plan set, everyone began preparing. Xia Li left to change into her swimsuit, but Xia You remained seated.
"What’s wrong, Xia You?" Ling Ning asked.
"I... didn’t bring a swimsuit," Xia You admitted, looking a little embarrassed.
"No problem. I have a spare. Come with me," Ling Ning said, leading her upstairs to her room. She opened her suitcase and pulled out a modest one-piece swimsuit. It was the more conservative option Ling Ning had purchased as a backup when buying her bikini. This particular suit was perfect for covering most of Xia You’s scars.
"Also, don’t forget sunscreen. Xia You, I’ll help you apply it before you change. Then you can help me," Ling Ning said as she grabbed the bottle.
Xia You nodded eagerly. She was thrilled at the chance to apply sunscreen to Ling Ning. If she could, she’d gladly cover every inch of Ling Ning’s skin.
Xia You stripped down to her underwear and lay on a chair. Ling Ning hesitated, staring at her, a sense of inexplicable temptation tugging at her mind.
"Something wrong?" Xia You asked, noticing Ling Ning’s pause.
"No... nothing."
Ling Ning took a deep breath and began applying the sunscreen. Her hands trembled slightly as they brushed over Xia You’s back, feeling the scars she had seen many times before. Each one brought a pang of sorrow.
By the time she finished, Ling Ning let out a sigh of relief. Applying sunscreen to Zhou Xiaoxiao had been much less nerve-wracking. Perhaps Xia You’s presence was simply more intense.
"Now it’s my turn to help you," Xia You said with a mischievous smile that made Ling Ning uneasy.
"Just my back, okay? I can handle the rest myself. Especially my waist—that’s absolutely off-limits!"
"Got it~"
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"Ling Ning, you're so slow. I've got everything prepared today, what excuse do you have now?" Zhou Xiaoxiao said teasingly to Ling Ning.
"This... this time it's my fault."
Ling Ning let out a long sigh. How did it end up like this? Even Xia You had learned bad habits—she'd clearly said the waist was absolutely off-limits, yet she still touched her waist.
When Ling Ning's group arrived at the beach, Xia Li had already been waiting there for a while. When she saw Xia You in a swimsuit appear in her view, Xia Li and her friends were stunned... wait! Xia Li didn't have any friends there!?
She knew that when her Sister Xia You used to invite her to the beach before, she would only walk along the shore. For some unknown reason, she would never wear a swimsuit to swim with her, even though Sister Xia You used to love swimming when she was young.
"Sis... Sister Xia You, are you planning to go in the water today?"
Seeing Xia Li's surprised expression, Xia You knew what she was thinking without her saying anything. She indeed used to avoid letting people see the scars on her body, not wanting others to look at her differently.
But now things were different, because Ling Ning was here. No matter what others thought or said about her, it didn't matter anymore. As long as Ling Ning accepted her, that was enough. As long as Ling Ning was there...
"It's been a long time since I've gone swimming, so I thought I'd try it again~" Xia You said with a gentle smile.
Hearing Xia You's words, Xia Li excitedly said: "Then... then let's go swimming!" Just thinking about swimming with Xia You made Xia Li feel delighted~
"Sure, but first I need to help Ling Ning set up the spot."
Watching Xia You and Ling Ning setting up together, Xia Li bit her lip. But it was okay—there would be plenty of time to spend alone with Sister Xia You while swimming. She was determined to turn things around then.
After seeing Ling Ning finish setting up and sit down on the blanket, Xia You asked puzzledly: "Ling Ning, aren't you going swimming?"
"You go ahead and play, Xia You. I've been busy since we started cooking, so I'll rest for a bit first."
"Oh~"
Seeing that Ling Ning wasn't coming with Xia You, Xia Li cheered internally: "It's time to show my real skills!"
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Author’s Note:
Writer’s block is the worst. My mind feels completely blank…