Chapter 451 : Quick! Help Her... Sit Down
"Ah, vacations are best spent in complete laziness~"
Ling Ning murmured as she lay sprawled on the bed, her face showing pure contentment. Despite it being past nine in the morning, she had no intention of getting up. If her daughter hadn’t woken up yet, Ling Ning was more than happy to snuggle with her and sleep until noon.
"I wonder what Xia You has been busy with lately?"
Ling Ning rolled around on her bed, her thoughts drifting to Xia You. Ever since the holiday started, Xia You hadn’t come to hang out. Judging by her recent uploads of new videos on Bilibili, it seemed she was busy earning some pocket money.
Thinking about money caused Ling Ning's laziness to waver. While she was no longer poor, she still wasn’t wealthy by any stretch. Perhaps she should find some work today—at the very least, a shift at the café to earn some pocket change.
After dragging it out for a while, Ling Ning finally decided to get up.
Since Ling Ye had gone out early in the morning to meet her friends, the house was empty, leaving Ling Ning alone. She opted to go out for breakfast, as she was far too lazy to cook for herself. If she hadn’t been genuinely hungry, she wouldn’t even have bothered to leave the house.
Getting ready quickly, Ling Ning stepped out onto the nearby street. Surrounded by a variety of shops, her indecision kicked in again.
Though the usual breakfast place was fine, she felt that even the tastiest food could become monotonous after too many visits. So, she decided to venture farther afield to explore—after all, a morning stroll wouldn’t hurt.
Ling Ning eventually wandered to a street farther from home. As she observed the somewhat familiar surroundings, her brows furrowed slightly. This was near the home of her overly clingy childhood friend. How did she end up here?
Thinking of Bai Yiyue, Ling Ning couldn't help but also think of Bai Jie.
Ever since Bai Jie had mentioned wanting to have a proper talk with her, she hadn’t brought it up again. While Ling Ning was puzzled by this, it also came as a relief—she wouldn’t know what to say anyway. If Bai Yiyue’s feelings for her were exposed, Ling Ning felt certain it would spell disaster.
"Surely, I won’t be unlucky enough to run into her, right?"
Just as she blinked and pondered changing locations, someone tapped her shoulder. Instinctively turning around, she found herself face-to-face with the last person she wanted to see: Bai Jie.
"Hello, Sister Bai."
"So it really is you, Ling Ning! I thought that back view looked familiar." Bai Jie smiled and asked, "What brings you to this area?"
"I... I was just out for breakfast and decided to take a walk. Before I realized it, I ended up here."
Bai Jie raised an eyebrow. Ending up here on an unconscious stroll? Their connection with her daughter might be even deeper than Bai Jie imagined... Could it be...?
"I see. Well then, Ling Ning, have you had breakfast yet? If not, let me treat you. I haven’t eaten yet either."
"Alright..."
Ling Ning replied reluctantly. She felt she had no choice but to accept. Avoiding this encounter now would only lead to another one later. With Bai Yiyue’s return still far off, Ling Ning had no backup for handling this.
Left to her own devices, Ling Ning steeled herself. She knew Bai Jie’s interests and preferences well enough, and as long as nothing unexpected happened, things should go smoothly... hopefully.
As Ling Ning prepared to leave with Bai Jie, she suddenly noticed Bai Jie wobbling, as if she were about to faint. Startled, Ling Ning quickly supported her and placed her hand on Bai Jie’s forehead. It was burning hot—she clearly had a fever.
"Sister, you’re burning up. Why are you even out in this condition?"
"...The cold medicine at home ran out. I was planning to get more from the pharmacy," Bai Jie replied weakly.
"You could’ve just called me! I live nearby and could’ve come right away," Ling Ning said, carefully helping Bai Jie sit on a bench.
Seeing Bai Jie’s pained expression, Ling Ning felt a pang of sympathy. "How about I take you to the hospital?"
Bai Jie shook her head lightly. "No need, it’s just a regular cold. A little medicine and sleep should fix it."
"Alright, sit here for a moment. I’ll be back soon."
"Mm."
Before long, Ling Ning returned with fever medicine in hand.
"I’ve got the medicine. Let me help you home."
"No... I can walk myself."
Bai Jie replied, embarrassed to lean on Ling Ning. But her protests were futile as Ling Ning insisted on supporting her all the way back home.
After settling Bai Jie on the couch with some water and medicine, Ling Ning spoke with genuine concern. "Take the medicine and then lie down. I’ll make some congee for you."
"Mm."
Bai Jie nodded slightly, feeling an inexplicable sense of authority radiating from Ling Ning—like that of a stern mother figure. Shaking her head to dismiss the odd thought, Bai Jie returned to her room. The softness of her bed and the effects of the medicine soon lulled her into a heavy sleep.
When she finally stirred awake, she found Ling Ning sitting by her bedside, holding a bowl of congee.
"Awake? Here, have some congee.”
Bai Jie sat up slowly, holding her still feverish head. "I... I don’t have much of an appetite."
"Even if you’re not hungry, you should eat a little. I worked hard on this—it won’t disappoint you."
When Bai Jie still shook her head, Ling Ning seemed momentarily troubled before smiling mischievously. "In that case, I’ll feed you myself."
With that, Ling Ning scooped a spoonful of congee, blew on it lightly, and brought it to Bai Jie’s lips.
Caught off guard by Ling Ning’s expectant gaze, Bai Jie opened her mouth as if under a spell. The sweet and soothing flavor of the congee left her pleasantly surprised.
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Author’s Note:
A salted fish post today... Forget it, let’s not go into detail.