Chapter 353 : Put On Your Daughter’s Panties and Become a Gentleman Pervert
"This bookstore seems pretty crowded today~" Ling Ning remarked, observing the bustling scene inside.
This was the nearest bookstore to their home. Since today was the release day of her novel’s physical edition, she decided to bring her daughter along to check out the situation.
"Are all these people here to buy your book, Mom?" Ling Ye asked curiously.
"Well… I’m not sure about that. Several other books are being released physically around the same time as mine, so they might be here for those. Or maybe they’re not here for novels at all. Besides, it’s the weekend, isn’t it? It’s normal for there to be more people out and about."
"Oh~"
Despite the crowd at the entrance, Ling Ning hesitated only for a moment before squeezing her way in. The number of people seemed to be increasing rather than decreasing.
As soon as she entered, she noticed a female staff member surrounded by a group of young men. From a distance, it looked as though they were pestering her about something.
"Excuse me, do you have the collector’s edition of Put On Your Daughter’s Panties and Become a Magical Girl?" one of the young men asked.
"S-Sorry, the collector’s editions are sold out. If you’d like, I can have more shipped in by this afternoon."
"Ah, forget it! By the time you get those in, they’ll be old news. Just give me three hardcover editions for now."
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
"Mom, it looks like your book is selling pretty well!"
Hearing her daughter’s words, Ling Ning let out a nervous laugh. She hadn’t expected her novel to sell this well; it was a pleasant surprise. After all, the more it sold, the bigger her royalties.
Just then, she noticed a young man carrying three copies of her novel walking past her. An idea seemed to strike her, and she adjusted her expression, putting on a cheerful, friendly smile as she approached him.
"Excuse me, handsome. Can I ask you a question?"
"What’s up?"
The young man, annoyed at first, looked up at her casually—and froze in place. The person addressing him was a stunningly beautiful girl. Could it be that his luck had turned for the better today?
"Um… I was just wondering why it’s so lively over there. Is a famous author releasing a new book or something?"
Standing nearby, Ling Ye was stunned by her mom’s shamelessness. Not only had she managed to ask such a bold question with a straight face, but her expression didn’t even flicker. Was this thick-skinned confidence something she should expect from her mom?
"Oh, you mean over there? That’s because this book just got its physical release."
The young man replied, pulling one of the books out of his bag. The cover featured an adorably pink magical girl. But anyone fooled by the cover would be in for a surprise—this magical girl was the protagonist of Ling Ning’s novel, whose true identity was actually a middle-aged, balding man.
The young man, as if a dam had burst, began enthusiastically explaining the novel to her, spouting interpretations even the author herself had never considered. He even delved into deep philosophical themes and life lessons that left Ling Ning utterly bewildered.
To be honest, she had written the novel on a whim, with no intention of embedding any profound meanings. Hearing this over-enthusiastic interpretation was an out-of-body experience for her.
"Uh, excuse me. I just wanted to know if the book is good…"
The young man, interrupted, looked slightly disappointed but replied earnestly, "I can only tell you that this book is amazing. Truly amazing. Four-fifths of my class are already hooked on it."
"Let me tell you, many people find it just okay on their first read. But if you really take your time and go through it again, you’ll start to see its charm. Plus, the illustrations are done by 'Moe-Lost-Kitty,' which makes it even more collectible."
Seeing that he was about to launch into another long-winded explanation, Ling Ning quickly grabbed her daughter’s hand and made a hasty retreat. If they stayed any longer, they wouldn’t make it out by noon.
"Mom, aren’t you going to buy a copy as a keepsake?" Ling Ye asked curiously.
"No need. I’ve already asked Xiao Xiao to send me a dozen deluxe collector’s editions. With our postal service, they should arrive tomorrow. And of course, Ye Ye, one of them is for you."
"Yay! Mom’s the best!"
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
"Hey, little girl, are you lost? Come with me, and I’ll help you find your mom~"
"N-No need."
Chen Ruo looked at the bald man in front of her with a face full of terror. His shiny head bore several scars, as if he had been hit with a brick. Combined with his fierce expression, Chen Ruo couldn’t help but think she had encountered someone from the underworld.
"Don’t worry, I’m not a bad guy!" The bald man, seeing her fear, awkwardly scratched his head and tried to smile in what he thought was a friendly manner.
"Uwaah!" The attempted smile only made him look scarier. Chen Ruo instinctively backed away until she was pressed against the wall. All she had wanted to do was buy a book—how had things ended up like this? God, please send a savior to rescue this lost lamb!
It seemed her prayers were answered. Just as the bald man was about to approach her, a familiar voice rang out from nearby.
"Hey~ isn’t this Chen Ruo?"
Ling Ning appeared, looking at the trembling Chen Ruo in surprise. She had been on her way home when she heard a girl’s voice calling out from a side alley. The familiarity of it had piqued her curiosity.
And sure enough, it was none other than the perpetually lost Chen Ruo.
"Ling Ning, you’re my savior!" Chen Ruo darted behind Ling Ning, clutching the corner of her shirt and peeking out warily at the bald man.
Only now did Ling Ning notice the tall, burly figure standing in the alley. A closer look revealed that it was Zhang San, Li Si’s older brother.
Recognizing Ling Ning, Zhang San rubbed his bald head and said, "I think you’re my brother’s classmate. If you know this girl, take her home. And girls shouldn’t walk through isolated alleys like this—understood?"
After finishing his words, Zhang San turned and left. He suddenly remembered that his boss had sent him to buy a book. What was the title again?
Put On Your Daughter’s Panties and Become a Gentleman Pervert.
Yes, that must be it…
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
Author’s Note:
The third update for today is done. This lazy fish is taking a break to play Gwent!