Chapter 479 : A Perfectly Raised Flag
“So, what did Sister Qin Qing say to you?”
Ling Ning and Su Ya were on the subway. After wrapping up the photoshoot at the company, they headed straight for the next destination. Lunch was postponed until they got near the magazine studio. For now, Ling Ning was more curious about what Su Ya and Qin Qing discussed.
“Nothing much, we just chatted a bit. Oh, and Mrs. Qin Qing mentioned that if I have time in the future, I can come by for more internships!”
Su Ya’s face lit up with excitement. For someone passionate about fashion design, working under a designer she admired would undoubtedly be a valuable learning opportunity.
“Oh~ That’s great! And if you ever need a professional model, I’m at your service—though not for free, of course~”
“Huh!? You’d charge me?”
“Of course not! I wouldn’t ask you for money. The payment I want is… something else~” Ling Ning leaned in and whispered in Su Ya’s ear, “Like a kiss~”
“Wha—!?”
Su Ya froze, staring blankly at Ling Ning. When she finally registered what had been said, her face turned bright red. Her mind flashed back to that time Ling Ning cornered her against the wall and kissed her passionately.
Seeing Su Ya’s flustered expression, Ling Ning couldn’t help but laugh smugly. Su Ya’s shy reactions were utterly delightful and made Ling Ning want to tease her even more.
Gritting her teeth at Ling Ning’s mischief, Su Ya retorted, “A kiss? Fine! But only if I get to have my way with you in return!”
Ling Ning raised an eyebrow, feeling an ominous foreboding. But considering Su Ya’s personality, it didn’t seem like she’d do anything too outrageous… right?
“Alright. Just don’t forget what you said when the time comes~”
“Mm.”
The two continued chatting until they arrived at their stop. Ling Ning, familiar with the area, confidently led Su Ya out of the station. She had been here countless times before and knew the neighborhood well.
Since it was nearing lunchtime, Ling Ning took Su Ya to a charming little restaurant instead of heading straight to the magazine studio. The place was tucked away in a quiet corner and would have been impossible to find without a recommendation from the magazine staff. Its cozy ambiance and delicious food made it one of Ling Ning’s favorites.
Looking around the quaint restaurant, Su Ya was intrigued. “Ling Ning, are you really familiar with this area? Even knowing about a hidden spot like this?”
“Not really. I’ve just been here a lot, so I’ve picked up a few tips. This restaurant was recommended to me by the magazine staff. It’s amazing. Order whatever you like—I’m treating.”
“Okay.”
While Su Ya browsed the menu, Ling Ning’s attention was drawn to a nearby TV playing an interview with Bai Yiyue. The questions were mundane and uninteresting, at least to Ling Ning.
“By the way, I never asked—what’s the deal with you and Bai Yiyue being childhood friends?” Su Ya suddenly grabbed Ling Ning’s hand, her curiosity piqued.
Ever since meeting Bai Yiyue at Ling Ning’s house, Su Ya had been astonished by their connection. The revelation that they were childhood friends was a surprise she couldn’t shake.
“It’s exactly what it sounds like. We used to play together as kids until she moved away. We only reconnected recently.”
“That sounds so melodramatic—like something out of a second-rate soap opera~”
“It kind of is~”
“Do you have any exclusive info about her? Like, she’s always said she has someone she likes. Do you know who it is?”
Ling Ning hesitated, unsure how to respond. She avoided Su Ya’s gaze and finally said, “Um… no idea. She’s never told me.”
“What a shame. I’ve always wondered what kind of person Bai Yiyue likes. Could it be Hao Shuai? But that rumor was already debunked, so who is it?” Lost in her musings, Su Ya didn’t notice Ling Ning’s increasingly awkward expression.
“Haha…”
“Do you know when her next album is coming out? Or what she’s been up to recently?”
“Her album? I think it’s almost done, but I don’t know the exact date. As for what she’s been doing, I haven’t asked.”
“What!? You’re her childhood friend—why don’t you check in on her more often?”
Ling Ning sighed. If Su Ya knew the truth—that Bai Yiyue was a possessive, obsessive maniac—her reaction would be priceless. Ling Ning didn’t even want to think about the times Bai Yiyue groped her or caused her endless worry over panty-related mishaps. Just thinking about it made her feel drained.
Still, Ling Ning sometimes missed her. Their next meeting would be in over a month. She wondered if Bai Yiyue was eating well.
“So, Ling Ning, what’s Bai Yiyue like in her daily life? Is she as confident and elegant as she seems on TV?”
“In daily life? Pretty much the same.”
To preserve Bai Yiyue’s image in Su Ya’s eyes, Ling Ning opted for a white lie.
“Really? That’s amazing!”
Seeing Su Ya’s excitement, Ling Ning sighed softly. As long as she was happy.
Just as Su Ya was about to ask more questions, the food arrived, distracting her. The beautifully presented dishes quickly captured her attention.
“Let’s eat first.”
“Mm.”
Author’s Note:
Lazyfish stays lazy~