Chapter 419 : Ling Ning, Can You Teach Me
“The sun is so intense.”
Clad in camouflage fatigues, she stood in the blazing sun, holding a military posture. Military training had begun as scheduled after a few days of school, and she wasn’t thrilled.
Although her fair skin didn’t tan easily, Ling Ning still felt the sweltering heat. Wearing long-sleeved fatigues in such weather made her wonder if she might break out in heat rash.
Standing still in a military posture was one of the simplest exercises. But thinking about the upcoming drills—marching in unison, forming parade squares—Ling Ning already felt emotionally drained.
Fortunately, their drill instructor appeared young and lenient. Several girls had already used the excuse of “auntie problems” to slip away from training.
Although she disliked military training, Ling Ning wouldn’t use excuses to evade it. Compared to her past life, where the intensity of training as a male student had been far greater, the current regimen for female students felt manageable. She figured she could endure it for now.
Male and female students trained separately, and to her surprise, Ling Ning’s group had merged with another group that included Su Ya.
Since the incident last time, Su Ya had been avoiding Ling Ning, even ignoring her messages. Every time Su Ya thought of Ling Ning, the memory of their kiss would surface, and her heart would race uncontrollably. She became a blushing, steaming mess.
Yet here they were, brought together by the randomness of military training assignments. Avoidance was no longer an option.
Su Ya glanced at Ling Ning’s perfectly upright figure ahead. A mix of emotions swirled within her. How could someone as flawless as Ling Ning have feelings for her?
Seemingly sensing her gaze, Ling Ning took advantage of a moment when the instructor wasn’t looking to turn and flash a smile at Su Ya. She was just as surprised to find herself training alongside Su Ya.
“You there! What are you looking at?!” the instructor barked suddenly, catching Ling Ning’s little gesture.
“Run two laps around the field.”
“Yes, sir.”
Dragging her feet, Ling Ning began jogging around the field. Despite the instructor’s repeated calls to pick up the pace, her meager athletic ability made running faster impossible.
Her leisurely run caught the attention of many male students. Soon, several joined her, trying to strike up conversations, only to be hauled back to their original positions by their respective instructors.
When Ling Ning rejoined her group, she was drenched in sweat, her clothes clinging uncomfortably to her skin. Just as she was about to collapse from exhaustion, the instructor mercifully called for a break. She let out a relieved sigh.
Xia You quickly approached her, concern etched across her face. “Ling Ning, are you okay?”
“I’m fine, just a little tired.”
“Let me massage your legs.”
“Thank you.”
Leaning back, Ling Ning closed her eyes, enjoying Xia You’s gentle touch. Nearby, Su Ya watched, expecting Ling Ning to approach her during the break. But to her disappointment, Ling Ning stayed put, showing no sign of coming over.
The break ended after barely ten minutes, even though the instructor had promised twenty.
No one dared to complain, knowing full well what happened to the male student in the neighboring group who had dared to question the instructor—he was still running laps.
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"Ugh, I'm exhausted!"
Ling Ning sat lifelessly in the cafeteria, staring at the abundant lunch on her tray. Despite feeling a bit hungry, she had no appetite whatsoever.
It wasn't just Ling Ning—Xia You was the same way, barely managing a few bites before giving up.
Seeing their behavior, Lin Xi cleared her throat: "You two better eat up. As someone who's been through this before, don't say your senior didn't warn you—you won't make it through afternoon military training without eating."
"I know."
As someone who had experience, Ling Ning was well aware of this. But after forcing down a few bites, she really couldn't eat anymore. This was free lunch too—Lin Xi was treating them. It was the first time she couldn't finish a free meal.
"Oh well, I'm done. I'm going back to take a shower first and then see how I feel."
Although she'd have to put the camouflage uniform back on for training, at least she'd feel fresher after a shower. As someone with mild germaphobia, feeling sticky was really uncomfortable.
"Suit yourself, but I still recommend eating more." While speaking, Lin Xi moved the chicken leg from Ling Ning's plate to her own, then helped herself to Xia You's meatballs.
Though Ling Ning and Xia You weren't hungry, Lin Xi was starving. Since they weren't going to eat, the food shouldn't go to waste, right? Especially since she had paid for it.
"Then I'll leave the plates to you, Senior Lin Xi."
"Leave it to me!"
After Ling Ning and Xia You left, Lin Xi quickly finished her own portion but still didn't feel full. Her gaze naturally drifted to Ling Ning's barely-touched meal.
"We... we can't waste food, right?" Lin Xi convinced herself while eagerly digging into Ling Ning's lunch.
Absorbed in her foodie mode, Lin Xi didn't notice how many people were watching her, or how many guys who had planned to chat her up changed their minds.
After all, while a food-loving pretty girl might be attractive, one had to consider their wallet. A day or two might be fine, but in the long term, it would definitely be too heavy a burden for their wallets to bear.
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“I love taking baths~ My skin feels so soft~”
Ling Ning sang as she headed straight to the bathroom upon arriving home. Just as she was about to close the door, it was pushed open by Xia You.
“Ling Ning... can I join you?”
“Sure, but remember, we have training later, so no funny business!” Ling Ning said seriously.
Xia You nodded vigorously, a pure smile spreading across her face. “But... what kind of funny business were you referring to? Ling Ning, can you teach me?”
“Wait, hold on—”
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Author’s Note:
Now it’s time for some wholesome friend interactions! By the way, check out my buddy’s book, Evil Warlock Wants to Stir Chaos/邪恶术士渴望搞事. It’s a great read!