Chapter 363 : Feels Like Something's Missing
Inside the lingerie store, Ling Ning stared at the array of bras and panties, trapped in a dilemma.
Originally, she had planned to buy her usual simple and modest sets, like ones with bear prints. But the thought that even her daughter’s choices were more mature than hers left her feeling utterly lacking in dignity as a mother.
She wondered if she should consider changing her style. But if she were to change, what kind of lingerie should she choose?
This indecision had her lingering in the store for ages. Even after Li Meng had made her purchases, Ling Ning was still stuck.
“Ugh, Ling Ning, can’t you make up your mind already? The set I picked for you is great! If nothing else, let’s watch the movie first and come back to decide later,” Li Meng suggested helplessly.
She had been watching from the side for what felt like forever.
“The set you chose is way too bold! I feel like I can’t handle that kind of leap!” Ling Ning complained, looking as though she had lost the will to live.
To be fair, the lingerie Li Meng had chosen was incredibly daring. While it might look stunning on someone else, the idea of wearing it herself felt nightmarish to Ling Ning. Sure, lingerie was hidden under clothes, but no one could guarantee there wouldn’t be an accidental exposure!
“Ugh, forget it! Miss, please pack up the pieces she chose,” Ling Ning finally said to the shop assistant.
After endless deliberation, she decided to buy the sets Li Meng had picked. If it really didn’t work out, she could always buy new ones later. Any more hesitation, and they wouldn’t make it to the movie.
Watching Ling Ning purchase the daring lingerie, a satisfied smile crept onto Li Meng’s lips. While she claimed the sets were more conservative than hers, in truth, her own were much tamer.
She hadn’t expected Ling Ning to actually buy them—it was simply a spur-of-the-moment suggestion. This unexpected outcome delighted her.
Holding the small shopping bag, Ling Ning couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of loss, as though she had given up something important. How did things end up like this?
With their shopping done, the two quickly headed to a nearby cinema. They had already booked their tickets online, so all they needed to do was retrieve them at the counter.
After placing their belongings in a locker, they bought two sodas and a box of popcorn. The popcorn was for Li Meng, as Ling Ning wasn’t interested at all.
Inside the theater, the sparse crowd was noticeable. Likely due to the movie nearing the end of its run, combined with it being a weekday, the theater felt almost deserted. Only a few scattered people sat toward the back, leaving the front entirely empty.
Glancing around, Li Meng asked, “Why does it feel like there are so few people here? Is the movie bad?”
“This movie is about to leave theaters. Most people who wanted to see it already have, so it’s normal for it to be less crowded now,” Ling Ning explained.
“Oh~” Li Meng nodded thoughtfully, taking a sip from the soda in her hand. Then she suddenly realized—her soda was supposed to be on her right. Whose soda was she drinking?
Turning instinctively, she saw Ling Ning focused intently on the advertisements playing on the screen, oblivious to the situation.
Panicking slightly, Li Meng casually placed the soda back where she found it, feigning nonchalance.
But just as she was about to move on, Ling Ning turned to her.
“Eh~ You’re holding my soda. Yours is over there~”
“Huh?!” Li Meng froze for a moment, then quickly put the soda back and pretended to be embarrassed. “Ahaha~ If you hadn’t reminded me, I might have drunk from it!”
Ling Ning gave her a puzzled look, sensing something off, but shook her head and took a sip from her soda.
Watching Ling Ning drink from the straw she had just used, Li Meng’s cheeks flushed, and her heart raced. Was this... the legendary indirect kiss?
“Why does it feel like there’s less soda in my cup...” Ling Ning muttered, puzzled, but the movie began before she could dwell on it. She quickly shifted her focus to the screen, though the chatter from a group of noisy kids behind them nearly broke her spirit.
“Why is it that every time I watch a movie, I run into these little brats!” Ling Ning thought, holding back tears of frustration.
Fortunately, their parents seemed sensible and managed to quiet them down. Apart from the occasional childish giggle, the situation improved significantly.
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“It’s... over.”
As the lights came on, Ling Ning exhaled deeply. From her perspective, the movie had been fantastic—deeply emotional, even. At one point, she’d almost cried, especially during the climactic reunion scene.
Turning to Li Meng, who was sobbing uncontrollably, Ling Ning chuckled softly. She reached out to pat Li Meng’s head and said, “Alright, stop crying. The movie’s over. If you keep crying, your makeup will smudge~”
“...Okay.” After a while, Li Meng slowly lifted her head and noticed the damp spot on Ling Ning’s shoulder. Her face reddened. “S-Sorry.”
“It’s fine. Let’s head out,” Ling Ning said with a smile.
“Mm...”
As they exited the theater, Li Meng suddenly declared, “I want to get a puppy!”
“Huh?! Why the sudden urge? Can your family even have pets?” Ling Ning asked, surprised.
“Didn’t you feel like getting a dog after watching that movie?”
“Nope. Not at all.”
Ling Ning’s expression was deadpan. While she had been moved by the film, she knew her apartment complex prohibited pets. She already kept a mischievous cat and a pet fish in secret. Adding a dog to the mix would spell disaster.
She figured Li Meng was just caught up in the moment.
“Ugh, I don’t care! My family allows pets, so I’ll bring it up to my parents when I get home. If they don’t agree, I’ll make them watch this movie—they’ll definitely come around!”
Seeing the determination in Li Meng’s eyes, Ling Ning chuckled softly. She didn’t bother trying to dissuade her. In this state, nothing she said would get through.