Chapter 388 : Schwarz Sechs Prototype Mark II
"Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you to the café?"
"No, thank you." Ling Ning’s voice carried a tone of exasperation as she replied. After a moment of hesitation, she added, "When I’m not around, please remember not to mistake the accelerator for the brake. Thanks."
At Ling Ning’s words, a faint blush crept over Ye Xuan’s usually stoic face. The memory of what had just happened flashed through her mind. Thankfully, Ling Ning had been there to remind her, or she might have rear-ended the Wuling Hongguang in front of them.
"I understand. I’ll drive slowly," Ye Xuan replied before driving away.
Once Ye Xuan had left, Ling Ning returned to her apartment. She immediately thought to check on her daughter but remembered that today marked the start of the school term.
Shaking her head with a wry smile, she headed to her room to retrieve two books she had promised to bring to Chu Mengyao and Luo Xiaoning. Ling Ning had been meaning to visit the café for a while now, but her recent busyness had delayed her. Since she was finally heading there today, it was the perfect opportunity to bring the books along.
"Strange… Where’s my umbrella?" she muttered to herself, searching the room. It was a sunny day, and she thought an umbrella would be handy for some shade.
Her gaze landed on a black umbrella lying on the living room table. Ling Ning vaguely recalled her daughter ordering it online. The umbrella even had a name—Schwarz Sechs Prototype Mark II.
The name alone was dripping with chūnibyō energy. Still, it would have to do for today.
However, as soon as Ling Ning opened the umbrella downstairs, regret washed over her. Its purple-black fabric with lacy edges gave it an unorthodox and rather conspicuous appearance.
But she shrugged it off. She had already done far more embarrassing things in her life, including walking through town in a maid outfit. A little extra shame wouldn’t hurt.
Ignoring the odd looks from passersby, she finally reached the café.
Even before entering, Ling Ning could hear the unmistakably chūnibyō tone of Luo Xiaoning’s voice. What was going on? Wasn’t Luo Xiaoning supposed to be grounded?
Pushing the door open, Ling Ning was greeted by the sight of Luo Xiaoning striking a dramatic pose. That over-the-top, cringeworthy display left no doubt—it was her.
Sensing Ling Ning’s presence, Luo Xiaoning turned, her heterochromatic eyes gleaming. In an exaggerated tone, she declared, "Oh, my fifth Apostle, O all-powerful Witch! After crossing endless dimensions, I have at last reunited with you. Rejoice, and hail my return with fireworks of celebration!"
"Fireworks…? Maybe you should leave that to Chu Mengyao," Ling Ning deadpanned.
Even Luo Xiaoning’s thick-skinned demeanor couldn’t withstand the jab. Her face turned crimson as she stammered, "W-What are you saying!?"
Ling Ning chuckled. "Alright, enough teasing. When did you get back? Why didn’t you tell me? I was preparing what to say to comfort Chu Mengyao on my way here."
"I came back a couple of days ago," Luo Xiaoning replied, blushing again. "I… I’ve been busy and forgot to let you know."
Ling Ning was about to respond when Chu Mengyao suddenly appeared behind Luo Xiaoning, grabbing her cheeks. "Hey, you dummy! Didn’t I ask you to help out? What are you doing here slacking off!?"
"I-I was just about to help!" Luo Xiaoning mumbled through squished cheeks.
Only then did Chu Mengyao notice Ling Ning standing nearby, smiling slyly. "Oh, Ling Ning! What are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to be starting school?"
"In a couple of days," Ling Ning said, handing over the two books in her hands. "Here are the deluxe editions I promised you. Don’t say I never keep my word."
"Thanks!"
Meanwhile, Luo Xiaoning, having escaped the cheek-pulling, grumbled, "Making me work right after I get back—where’s the humanity in that?"
"And you dare complain? Do you have any idea how much work I had to do while you were gone? I even heard from your sister that you lived like royalty at home!"
Despite her scolding tone, Ling Ning could see the affection overflowing in Chu Mengyao’s eyes.
Feeling like a third wheel, Ling Ning finally interrupted, "Alright, alright. Enough with the flirting. We’re not here for a yuri drama! Speaking of which, how exactly did Luo Xiaoning manage to get back?"
"Obviously, it’s thanks to my unparalleled persuasion skills. My parents couldn’t resist my arguments and let me return," Luo Xiaoning declared proudly.
"More like your parents gave up on you," came a familiar voice.
Ling Ning turned to see a girl who looked exactly like Luo Xiaoning. It was her sister, Luo Xiaoyu, standing there with a mocking smirk.
"Can’t you ever stop undermining me?" Luo Xiaoning whined.
"A master of emotional manipulation. Truly a prodigy in the art of exasperating parents," Luo Xiaoyu retorted.
For once, Luo Xiaoning had no comeback. She muttered, "Fine, I’ll go help out," and fled.
Luo Xiaoyu’s presence seemed to surprise no one. Since Luo Xiaoning’s return, her sister had frequently visited the café, claiming to be observing her elder sister’s lifestyle and work.
Of course, Chu Mengyao wasn’t about to let such a promising helper slip through her fingers. With a little coaxing, Luo Xiaoyu now donned a maid outfit, complete with cat ears, to assist in the café. Although she was still learning the ropes, her potential was undeniable.
"Hey, Ling Ning, could I ask you for a favor?" Chu Mengyao said, pointing at Luo Xiaoyu.
"What is it?"
"Help me train this newbie!"
"Wait, what!?"
It was only then that Ling Ning noticed Luo Xiaoyu’s outfit—a full cat-ear maid ensemble.