Chapter 524 : Sweet Talker
“Good morning, Ling Ning~”
Sitting at her seat, Xia You greeted Ling Ning with a faint smile the moment she saw her.
“Good morning~”
Plopping down beside Xia You, Ling Ning immediately leaned her head on Xia You’s shoulder, letting out a yawn. Although she hadn’t stayed up too late the previous night, it certainly wasn’t early either. Add in the trouble with Lin Xi, and now she was left feeling sleep-deprived.
“Did you not sleep well, Ling Ning?”
“Not really,” Ling Ning murmured softly.
“Why don’t you nap for a bit? There’s still some time before class starts.”
“No need. The first class is with Teacher Bai, and I definitely don’t want to sleep through her lecture.”
Although Ling Ning and Bai Jie had a good relationship, Bai Jie was notoriously strict as a teacher. Her classes were a stark contrast to those of other instructors, earning her a reputation as a refreshing yet formidable presence.
That said, students still enjoyed attending her lectures—so much so that some from other departments would sneak in to listen. However, Bai Jie usually spotted them quickly and sent them packing.
Ling Ning sighed helplessly. “I just don’t get it. Why do people with low alcohol tolerance insist on drinking?”
Xia You blinked innocently. “Are you talking about yourself, Ling Ning?”
Ling Ning opened her mouth but stopped short. Xia You’s words hit her right where it hurt. Wasn’t she the very embodiment of someone with poor alcohol tolerance yet a penchant for drinking? She had meant to complain about Lin Xi, only to end up roasting herself.
Seeing Ling Ning’s defeated expression, Xia You tilted her head in confusion. Did she say something wrong again?
“Forget it. Let me borrow your lap for a bit.”
Without waiting for a response, Ling Ning stretched out and laid her head on Xia You’s lap. In this materialistic world, Xia You’s lap seemed to be the only warmth left for her.
Behind them, Tian Tian froze mid-bite as he ate his steamed bun. Though it was stuffed with meat, why did it suddenly taste like dog food? And, as always, it was flavored with yuri undertones.
Just as Ling Ning was drifting off, Xia You shook her gently. “Ling Ning, Teacher Bai is here!”
Ling Ning sat up straight immediately, her drowsiness evaporating as she saw Bai Jie standing at the lectern. Class was about to begin.
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“Ling Ning, you seem a little out of it today~”
Bai Jie remarked after class, calling Ling Ning out into the hallway with a concerned expression.
“Maybe I didn’t sleep well last night.”
“I know you’ve been working hard, but you have to take care of yourself, okay?” Bai Jie said earnestly.
Ling Ning nodded. She knew the importance of health all too well; after all, she often used that very argument to lecture her own boss.
As if reminded of something, Ling Ning asked curiously, “Didn’t Yiyue say she’d be back in about a month? It’s been ages, and I haven’t seen her return.”
Bai Jie looked surprised. “She didn’t tell you? After wrapping up her last project, she got pulled into another urgent one. She might not be back for a while.”
Ling Ning frowned slightly. She had been so busy with her own work that she hadn’t had time to call Bai Yiyue. What puzzled her even more was that Bai Yiyue hadn’t called her either.
Seeing Ling Ning’s confusion, Bai Jie smiled. “Yiyue’s been really swamped lately. If I hadn’t called her, she probably wouldn’t have mentioned it to me either.”
“I see. I’ll give her a call later,” Ling Ning said with a soft smile.
Their conversation was interrupted by a voice calling out, “Teacher Bai, so here you are~.”
Turning around curiously, Ling Ning saw a refined middle-aged man approach with a polite smile.
“Good day, Teacher Gao.”
Bai Jie greeted him with her usual gentle smile. However, Ling Ning noticed a fleeting hint of impatience in her eyes.
Teacher Gao’s gaze briefly landed on Ling Ning, and a flash of admiration crossed his face before he quickly averted his eyes. Turning to Bai Jie, he said, “Teacher Bai, would you like to join me for lunch? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
Bai Jie shook her head slightly. “I’m sorry, but I already have plans for lunch today.”
“What about dinner, then? I know a great restaurant where we could eat and talk.”
By now, Ling Ning had pieced it together—this Teacher Gao was clearly trying to court Bai Jie. It wasn’t surprising. Despite being a mother, Bai Jie maintained her youthful appearance, exuding a mature charm that young girls simply couldn’t match. Single and stunning, she was bound to attract attention wherever she went.
“I’m sorry, but I have a class tomorrow and need to prepare for it tonight. Perhaps another time.”
Teacher Gao hesitated as if wanting to say more but seemed to think better of it. Persisting further might only leave a bad impression.
He put on his usual polite smile. “In that case, I won’t disturb you. Please don’t hesitate to accept my invitation when you’re free. I genuinely wish to discuss academic matters with you.”
“I will.”
Bai Jie said with a slight nod before walking away with Ling Ning.
As they left, Teacher Gao’s refined expression darkened slightly, betraying his dissatisfaction with Bai Jie’s polite rejection. He sighed softly and turned to leave.
“That Teacher Gao seems to be after you, Sister~” Ling Ning remarked with a sly grin.
“Probably~”
Bai Jie replied with a hint of exasperation. Most teachers would back off after a subtle refusal, but Teacher Gao was proving to be an exception, leaving her feeling drained.
“Sister’s charm really is something else.”
“You little minx, always so sweet-tongued.”
“Hahaha~”
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Author’s Note:
Believe in yourself—you’ll definitely mess it up!