Chapter 482 : A Period of Time
“Finally out.”
Ling Ning standing at the entrance of the clothing store. She let out a long sigh of relief. She couldn’t even count how many outfits she had tried on; all her memories of the past hour consisted of changing clothes endlessly. As for how many outfits it had been, she didn’t even want to think about it.
Even when she worked as a model for photoshoots, she didn’t change clothes this often.
She glanced at the bag in her hand, baffled as to why she had ended up buying so many clothes, including that infamous backless sweater. What on earth was she going to do with that thing?
It must have been the brain freeze caused by trying on so many outfits that made her buy these clothes. Her wardrobe was already stuffed to the brim, and while the clothes weren’t particularly expensive, they still made her heart ache a little.
“Sigh~”
Next to her, Su Ya sighed softly, a hint of regret flashing across her face. If not for the increasingly sour expressions of the store attendants, she wouldn’t have left the shop so soon. What was wrong with trying on a few more outfits?
“Xiao Ya, is there anywhere else you’d like to go next?” Ling Ning asked, turning to Su Ya. Silently, she prayed that Su Ya wouldn’t suggest another clothing store.
“I don’t have any particular ideas right now. Let’s go to that milk tea shop over there and sit for a bit. Maybe after a drink, I’ll think of something~”
“Alright~”
Su Ya loved milk tea, though in her previous life, Ling Ning had kept her on a tight leash, limiting her to one cup a week. After all, milk tea wasn’t something one should drink too often—an occasional indulgence was fine.
If Ling Ning hadn’t kept her in check, Su Ya might have drunk two or three cups a day without a second thought.
“Two pearl milk teas, please. One at room temperature and one without ice. Thank you.”
“Huh? You’re getting the room-temperature one?”
Ling Ning sighed helplessly. “The room-temperature one is for you. Aren’t your relatives about to arrive? If you drink something cold now, aren’t you afraid of the pain?”
Su Ya froze, surprised that Ling Ning even knew about her situation. If Ling Ning hadn’t mentioned it, she might have completely forgotten.
As they sat in the milk tea shop waiting for their drinks, two other people entered the store. One of them was someone they both recognized instantly—Xie Zeyu. Beside him was a pretty “girl,” the same one who had upset Su Ya the last time.
Judging by their demeanor, the two seemed quite close.
When Ling Ning and Su Ya noticed them, Xie Zeyu and his companion also saw the pair. This left Xie Zeyu looking visibly awkward. After a moment’s hesitation, he brought Wei Niang over to them.
Xie Zeyu’s gaze lingered on Su Ya, his emotions complicated. This wasn’t how things were supposed to be. He should have been the one sitting next to Su Ya right now. How had it come to this?
After breaking up with Su Ya, Xie Zeyu had spent a long time reflecting. He even quit gaming altogether. No matter who invited him to play, he declined. He was determined not to repeat his mistakes.
“It’s been a while, Xiao… Su Ya.”
“It has.”
Su Ya replied calmly, glancing at Xie Zeyu before shifting her gaze to Wei Niang. So, the two of them were together now? Seeing her ex-boyfriend again stirred a mix of emotions in her.
At that moment, Su Ya felt her hand being held. She didn’t need to look to know who it was. A gentle smile appeared on her lips as she turned to Xie Zeyu. “May I help you with something?”
Xie Zeyu noticed their subtle interaction. He had been NTR’d—and by a beautiful girl, no less. What could he do but accept it?
Wei Niang hesitated for a moment before stepping forward to speak, but Xie Zeyu stopped him.
“No, nothing. Just wanted to say hello.”
With that, Xie Zeyu took Wei Niang’s hand and left the milk tea shop.
Once they were far enough away, Wei Niang finally spoke. “Why didn’t you let me explain? Maybe if I cleared things up, things could turn around.”
“There’s no need.”
After seeing Su Ya’s smile, Xie Zeyu knew he had no chance. That smile—he had never seen her smile like that when they were together. Perhaps those two were simply a better match.
Wei Niang gave Xie Zeyu a thoughtful look, then broke into a bright grin. “If that’s the case, how about I pretend to be your girlfriend for now? You know, in some ways, I’m not any less charming than a real girl~”
Xie Zeyu gave the enthusiastic Wei Niang a blank look and said, “Dear friend, please stop spreading your gay gay vibes. Thank you.”
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After finishing the last pearl in her cup, Su Ya stretched and turned to Ling Ning. “It’s getting late. Let’s head back.”
Ling Ning blinked. “So soon? It’s still early. We could stroll around some more and then have a candlelight dinner. Wouldn’t that be lovely?”
“No need.”
Seeing the resolute look on Su Ya’s face, Ling Ning could only nod helplessly. Was this really how the final day of their “trial relationship” was going to end? Ling Ning had thought they’d at least stay up until midnight. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.
Su Ya’s abrupt decision left Ling Ning, who had been so confident, with a trace of uncertainty in her heart.
The two hailed a taxi. The metro station was a bit far, so taking a cab was more convenient, though the traffic wasn’t great. Neither of them was in a hurry, so it didn’t bother them.
By the time they returned to campus, the sky had darkened. Hand in hand, they walked slowly along the path to the girls’ dormitory, just like they always did.
After hesitating for a long time, Ling Ning finally spoke.
“Today is almost over. Xiao Ya… what are your thoughts?”
“I don’t know.”
Su Ya’s answer caught Ling Ning off guard. What did “I don’t know” mean? How was she supposed to respond to that?
“It’s precisely because I don’t know that I’ve decided to extend our ‘trial relationship’ for a while longer. As for how long… I’m not sure yet~”
“Eh?!”
“We’re here. I’ll head upstairs now. You should get back soon too. Be careful on your way.” With that, Su Ya turned and quickly ran upstairs. She thought her face must be bright red by now.
Ling Ning stared blankly after Su Ya. This outcome was entirely unexpected. Did this mean the “route” had been successfully completed—or had it failed?