Chapter 439 : Absolutely Embarrassing, Just Take Off Your Skirt Already
“Come on, Xia You, can’t you just go easy on me~?”
Ling Ning stared at the big “KO” displayed on the screen with a face of utter despair. They were playing a philosophy-themed fighting game, and Ling Ning had already lost ten matches in a row. At this point, her confidence was in tatters.
Even though it was the first time playing for both of them, Xia You was surprisingly good at the game. Ling Ning, who prided herself on being a gaming veteran, found herself utterly powerless in front of Xia You.
Sitting nearby, Ling Ye glanced at her mom with disdain. “Mom, you’re so embarrassing. Just take off your skirt already.”
Hearing her daughter’s taunt, Ling Ning was completely dejected. Being ridiculed by her own daughter? Unacceptable! No matter what, she had to uphold her dignity as a mom.
Quietly, she leaned over and whispered into Xia You’s ear, “Xia You, just let me win once, okay~?”
“No way. When it comes to games, I won’t compromise, not even for you, Ling Ning.”
Ling Ning blinked, seemingly making a decision, and leaned in again to whisper something else. “Xia You, if you let me win this round, tonight I’ll…”
Xia You, who had been serious up until now, suddenly froze. Her expression turned sharp before softening, and she gave a subtle nod. After all, games weren’t as important as Ling Ning, were they?
Ling Ye, watching her mom and Xia You whisper to each other, frowned slightly. Something wasn’t right between those two. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it definitely felt odd.
Lately, Xia You from next door had been coming over frequently, even taking over her mom’s bed at times, leaving Ling Ye no chance to sleep with her mom.
A new round of the game began.
Xia You, playing her part flawlessly, made her moves look completely natural. Even Ling Ye couldn’t tell she was going easy on Ling Ning, and by the end, Xia You’s character was defeated by Ling Ning’s.
“See, Ling Ye? Your mom is awesome~”
“Wow!”
Ling Ye was incredulous. She couldn’t believe her mom had actually beaten Xia You. It defied logic, but there it was.
Xia You glanced at the delighted Ling Ning and smiled faintly. Well, as long as Ling Ning was happy. In truth, Xia You had planned to let Ling Ning win a few rounds even if nothing had been said. But since Ling Ning had asked, how could she say no?
Just then, Ling Ning’s phone rang. Checking the screen, she saw it was her student Jiang Xue. What could she want at this hour?
“I’ll take this call.”
“Finally, it’s my turn!”
As soon as Ling Ning left, Ling Ye hopped into her mom’s spot and continued playing against Xia You.
“Hello, Master?”
TN: Changes, Teacher → Master.
“Oh, calling me this late—what’s up? Is there a problem? Speaking of which, it’s been a while since you called me. You weren’t even at the café this afternoon.”
“Well… I went to my teacher’s place. I just finished the manga I’m submitting for the competition, so I wanted to get their feedback first.”
“Oh~ That Water Dragon Award you mentioned is starting soon, isn’t it? When does it begin?” Ling Ning asked, only now remembering. She might’ve forgotten if Jiang Xue hadn’t brought it up.
“Yeah, it starts tomorrow. I’ve already submitted my work. If I pass the preliminary round, it’ll be published in Water Dragon Hall’s magazine. By the way, I sent you a copy of the original draft via email.”
“I see. In that case, I won’t read it yet. I’ll wait until you pass the preliminaries and buy the magazine myself.”
She was confident in her student’s work. After all, even the professional Chen Ruo had praised it. There shouldn’t be any issues.
“When do the preliminary results come out?”
“The last day of this month, right before National Day.” Jiang Xue replied without hesitation, having memorized the process by heart.
“Alright. If you pass, I’ll host a celebration for you. Let’s invite Chen Ruo too.”
“…Okay.”
The mention of a celebratory meal made Jiang Xue’s mouth water. It had been so long since she’d had a meal cooked by her teacher. With National Day just around the corner, maybe she should start saving room now so she could eat more then.
“Alright, it’s settled. It’s late, and you’ve been working hard. Get a good night’s sleep.”
After ending the call, Ling Ning returned to the living room to find Ling Ye and Xia You locked in an intense match. One look and she could tell Xia You was holding back—a lot.
Noticing Ling Ning’s return, Xia You turned and gave a pure, innocent smile. Ling Ye seized the moment to unleash a finishing move, defeating Xia You’s character.
“Wahaha! I’m the best!”
“Yes, yes, you’re the best. But as the best, shouldn’t you be getting ready for bed? You have school tomorrow, after all~”
Ling Ning affectionately ruffled her daughter’s hair. Ling Ye snuggled against her and said sweetly, “I want to sleep with Mom tonight.”
Hearing this, Ling Ning smiled helplessly and glanced apologetically at Xia You. The promise she’d made to Xia You would have to wait.
Xia You nodded lightly in understanding, though a hint of envy flickered in her eyes. It was clear that Ling Ning doted on Ling Ye immensely.
“It’s getting late. I’ll head home.”
“See you tomorrow.”
After Xia You left, Ling Ye happily bounced into her mom’s room and dove onto the bed, reveling in her mom’s scent. Her little world of “Mom Power” was completely satisfied.
Ling Ning looked at her daughter sprawled out on the bed and smiled gently. Turning off the lights, she lay down beside her, instinctively wrapping her arms around her daughter. The soft, fragrant warmth brought a contented expression to Ling Ning’s face.
“Sleeping while holding my daughter really is the best.”
“Being held by Mom while sleeping really is the best.”
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Author’s Note:
Fishy is done for~