Chapter 495 : Meow!
“Ahhh! Don’t run away, you adorable little loli! Come here and let Sister hug you~”
Chu Mengyao’s eyes sparkled as she reached out toward the cute little Dong Xue. Ever since Ling Ning brought this adorable girl over last time, Chu Mengyao had been unable to forget her, constantly wishing for the day Ling Ning would bring her again.
Perhaps her prayers to the salted fish gods were answered, as Ling Ning really did bring Dong Xue over once more.
Despite Chu Mengyao’s enthusiasm, Dong Xue clearly wasn’t having it. As always, she clung to Ling Ning’s skirt, hiding behind her while warily glaring at Chu Mengyao.
Ling Ning had already warned her—this flat-chested “Sister” was dangerous. If she wasn’t careful, she might be devoured whole. Even without the warning, Dong Xue could feel the overwhelming predatory pressure radiating from Chu Mengyao.
“Cut it out, can’t you see you’re scaring Xiao Xue?” Ling Ning sighed.
Chu Mengyao’s face froze in embarrassment as she stammered, “I wasn’t... I don’t look scary, do I? How could Xiao Xue possibly be scared of me? Right, Xiao Xue~?”
Dong Xue silently peeked out, gave Chu Mengyao a fleeting glance, then immediately ducked back behind Ling Ning.
Seeing this, Chu Mengyao was struck speechless. Her face burned as if she’d just slapped herself several times.
Ling Ning shook her head in exasperation and walked into the shop, her attention shifting as she noticed how lively it was today—even Zhou Xiaoxiao was here.
As if sensing someone’s gaze, Zhou Xiaoxiao looked up and beamed at Ling Ning. “Oh, you’re here, Ling Ning~”
She was genuinely happy to see Ling Ning. Although they stayed in touch online, meeting in person was still far more satisfying.
“I know, right? It’s been ages since we last met!” Zhou Xiaoxiao pouted. “I’ve been so busy lately. With senior year and all, I barely have time to come to the café. Even when I do, I never seem to catch you here.”
Ling Ning chuckled. “Xiaoxiao, long time no see~”
“Yes, it’s been a while,” Zhou Xiaoxiao said with a playful smile. “By the way, my parents want to meet my boyfriend. What should I do?”
Ling Ye, overhearing this, frowned with a trio of question marks popping into her mind. How was Zhou Xiaoxiao’s boyfriend dilemma related to her mom?
Ling Ning sighed with a wry smile. “Do you have to bring that up as soon as we meet?”
“I’m just teasing~”
Before Ling Ning could respond, she felt a small poke at her waist. She turned her head to find her daughter staring at her quietly.
“Mom, I’m going to go change now.”
“Alright, go ahead. I’ll change later,” Ling Ning replied. Then, as if something had crossed her mind, she added, “Oh, and remember what I told you. Don’t mimic Luo Xiaoning’s speech patterns, or else...”
Ling Ye swallowed nervously at her mom’s gentle but menacing smile. She had a sneaking suspicion her mom had caught on to her plan to chat with Luo Xiaoning.
No matter, Ling Ye thought. Once Mom starts working, she won’t notice anything. That’ll be the perfect time to chat with Chu Mengyao instead~
After Ling Ye left, Ling Ning returned her attention to Zhou Xiaoxiao. Since the café wasn’t particularly busy yet, she could afford to slack off for a bit.
“So, Xiaoxiao, does senior year feel like a mountain of stress?” Ling Ning asked.
Zhou Xiaoxiao sighed. “Yeah.”
Her grades were slightly above average. Studying had always been relatively easy, but senior year was different. The intense atmosphere of everyone around her working hard left her with no choice but to push herself as well.
Honestly, given her family’s circumstances, she didn’t need to study that hard. But she didn’t want to rely solely on her family’s support, so she kept at it.
Ling Ning smiled warmly. “That’s just how senior year is. Once the college entrance exams are over, things will get much easier. If you ever need help with anything, feel free to ask me. If it’s something I know, I’ll be happy to help~”
Zhou Xiaoxiao’s eyes lit up. That was actually a pretty good idea. It would give her a chance to spend time with Ling Ning and improve her grades. But...
“Are you sure I won’t be bothering you?” she asked hesitantly.
“It’s fine! I usually take at least one day off on weekends unless I’m super busy,” Ling Ning reassured her.
“Alright then. I might just take you up on that offer~”
“Okay! For now, I’ll go change,” Ling Ning said, heading to the dressing room with Dong Xue in tow.
A few minutes later, they emerged dressed in their maid outfits. Ling Ning couldn’t help but admire her reflection in the mirror, feeling revitalized. Beside her, Dong Xue looked impossibly adorable in her cat-ear maid costume.
Watching Dong Xue tilt her head and open her mouth, Ling Ning’s heart melted.
“Meow!?”
“Pfft!” Ling Ning clutched her nose, overwhelmed by the sheer cuteness.
As they stepped out, Chu Mengyao’s eyes lit up like twin flames. She darted toward Dong Xue with renewed fervor.
“Xiao Xue, come here! Sister will give you a lollipop!” Chu Mengyao exclaimed, pulling a lollipop from who-knows-where.
But, as always, Dong Xue wasn’t interested.
Ling Ning pushed Chu Mengyao away and sighed. “As the café owner, can’t you maintain some dignity?”
“What’s wrong with being a café owner? Can’t a café owner love lolis?” Chu Mengyao replied matter-of-factly.
Ling Ning had no words. This loli-obsessed woman was a lost cause—anyone who had seen her interactions with Luo Xiaoning could tell.
Deciding to ignore Chu Mengyao’s antics, Ling Ning scanned the room for her daughter. Not seeing her anywhere, she instinctively turned her gaze toward “The Land of Eternal Silence.”
She had a feeling that was exactly where Ling Ye had gone.
Author’s Note:
Today’s Pure Friends Exchange features “Righteous and Stern Brother’s” She’s Not Just a Genius Idol Girl/才不是天才偶像少女. A true gem in the yuri genre—superb and highly recommended. Don’t miss out!