Chapter 418 : Go With the Flow and Take It All the Way!
“Xia You, let’s go to bed. We have class tomorrow.”
As Ling Ning spoke, she yawned, stretching her arms. After finishing Xia You’s gameplay video and wrapping up her writing for the day, she glanced at the time. It was finally time to sleep.
“Okay.”
They climbed into bed, turned off the lights, and settled in smoothly.
Under the faint glow of the nightlight, Xia You turned to look at Ling Ning, whose eyes were already closed. She hesitated before speaking in a soft voice. “Ling Ning... are you asleep?”
“Not yet. What’s wrong?”
Ling Ning turned onto her side, her slightly drowsy eyes meeting Xia You’s as she waited for her to speak.
“Ling Ning, I... I’ve liked you for a long time.”
The moment the words left her mouth, her heart began pounding violently. She had finally said the words she had longed to share for so long. Yet, she couldn’t ignore the fear gripping her—a fear that this confession could ruin their friendship. The thought of a life without Ling Ning by her side was unbearable.
But she couldn’t hold it in any longer. Some things needed to be said, no matter the risk, or she would never know the outcome. She didn’t want to live with that regret.
The room fell silent—so silent you could hear a pin drop.
“Mm, I know. I’ve known for a long time. That’s because I like you too, Xia You.”
“W-What?!”
Xia You’s face lit up with surprise, but before she could speak further, Ling Ning interrupted her with a calm voice.
“But, Xia You... what if I like other girls too? Would you still like someone as shameless as me?”
Ling Ning’s tone was even, carrying a hint of relief, as though she had finally unburdened herself of a long-kept secret. Now, it was time for her to face judgment.
“Yes!” Xia You replied without a moment’s hesitation, her gaze unwavering as she looked at Ling Ning.
Love was selfish, and Xia You certainly felt jealousy knowing Ling Ning could like others. At times, she even fantasized about eliminating those others and locking Ling Ning away so she could have her entirely to herself. But she wouldn’t act on those thoughts. Doing so would only drive Ling Ning away, and she couldn’t bear a world without her.
To Xia You, Ling Ning was her entire world, her only salvation. No matter what kind of person Ling Ning was, Xia You’s feelings wouldn’t change.
Ling Ning’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by Xia You’s response. She was well aware of Xia You’s possessive tendencies and had expected a far more dramatic reaction. To be met with calm acceptance was entirely unexpected.
“Maybe... liking me is just a mistake on your part.”
“Then I’ll go with the flow and take the mistake all the way.”
Xia You replied, leaning in to kiss Ling Ning before she could react. The sudden move left Ling Ning utterly defenseless, her lips parting involuntarily, allowing Xia You to deepen the kiss.
By the time their lips finally separated, Ling Ning was lying back, her face flushed as she tried to catch her breath.
Despite her normally confident demeanor, she had been completely passive in the exchange, overwhelmed by Xia You’s assertiveness. “Where did Xia You learn to be so skilled?” she wondered.
Licking her lips, Xia You looked down at the dazed Ling Ning with a predatory gleam.
“W-What are you planning, Xia You?”
“What do you think?”
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“Ling Ning, wake up~”
In her sleep, Ling Ning felt herself being gently shaken. Slowly opening her eyes, she was met with Xia You’s delicate face.
Ling Ning’s mind was still groggy, and before she could fully process what was happening, Xia You leaned in for a deep kiss, instantly reminding her of the events from the night before.
Gently pushing Xia You away, Ling Ning sighed. “Can’t we at least wait until after brushing our teeth?”
“Alright.”
Xia You nodded obediently before getting out of bed and putting on her clothes. As she left the room, Ling Ning grabbed her phone to check the time—it was just after 6 a.m. Still early. Her daughter was likely still asleep.
Thinking back on the previous night, Ling Ning’s face grew warm. Xia You, usually so gentle and shy, had taken on such an unexpectedly dominant role. “I’m supposed to be the assertive one here! How did the tables turn?” she thought ruefully.
Looking around the room, Ling Ning sighed in relief at the soundproofing. If anyone had overheard the noises from the night before—especially her daughter—her dignity as a mother would’ve been completely shattered.
But even so, she couldn’t help but think, “It’s good to see the sun rise today. I survived.”
After finishing her morning routine, Ling Ning joined Xia You in the bathroom to brush their teeth together. Just as they were finishing up, Ling Ye entered, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
The scene she walked in on seemed perfectly ordinary at first—her mom and Xia You brushing their teeth side by side. But something caught her eye.
“Mom, did you and Xia You swap pajamas?” Ling Ye asked curiously.
Startled, Ling Ning glanced down and realized she was wearing Xia You’s pajamas, while Xia You was wearing hers. In the rush of the morning, she hadn’t noticed the mix-up.
Blinking, Ling Ning quickly improvised. “Oh, this? Xia You said she wanted to try out the brand of pajamas I usually wear. So, we swapped for the night to see how they feel. If they’re good, we might buy more next time.”
“Really?”
“Of course! When have I ever lied to you?”
Ling Ning replied, though she couldn’t ignore the pang of guilt in her chest.
Thankfully, Ling Ye seemed to accept the explanation without further questions. Ling Ning breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to finish her routine before retreating to her room to change.
Once alone, she realized something else—they had also accidentally swapped underwear. Ling Ning briefly considered changing back but ultimately decided against it. “Xia You’s choice isn’t bad,” she mused.
“Wait… does this make me a pervert?” she wondered, shaking her head to banish the thought.
After finishing breakfast preparations, Ling Ning found herself alone with Xia You in the kitchen.
“Xia You, did you wear my underwear on purpose?” Ling Ning asked quietly.
“I didn’t notice. It was an accident,” Xia You replied, her face a little flushed. Out of Ling Ning’s sight, a sly smile played on her lips.
“Well, it doesn’t matter. I was just curious.”
Watching the two from a distance, Ling Ye felt something was off. While everything seemed normal on the surface, an inexplicable tension lingered. “Something definitely feels weird,” she muttered to herself.
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Author’s Note:
Good luck to everyone pulling for Black Jeanne today! As for me, it’s time to eat dirt~