Chapter 525 : Boss Lin Xi
“Well? Lin Xi, did you call me over because you’ve made up your mind?”
Zhao Rui looked at Lin Xi, her face carrying its usual faint smile.
The scene unfolded in the Manga Research Club’s activity room. Unlike usual, only three people were present: Ling Ning, Lin Xi, and Zhao Rui.
Earlier that noon, Lin Xi had called Ling Ning to the activity room before even letting her eat lunch. She wasn’t entirely sure why, but having Ling Ning nearby always gave her a sense of comfort. After mulling it over, she decided to call her along—after all, the cost of a free lunch was a small price to pay.
“Here’s the application form.”
Without further explanation, Lin Xi placed the application form on the table in front of Zhao Rui, showing no intention of engaging in further conversation.
Zhao Rui didn’t seem to mind Lin Xi’s curt demeanor. She pulled a fountain pen from somewhere and began writing with her head down.
Ling Ning, observing from the side, couldn’t help but notice that Zhao Rui’s handwriting was quite elegant. Clearly, she had put effort into cultivating her penmanship. Zhao Rui’s graceful behavior puzzled Ling Ning—how could someone like this enjoy causing trouble for others in relationships?
She shook her head lightly. It wasn’t her business to worry about what kind of person Zhao Rui was. All she cared about now was finishing this matter quickly so she could eat lunch. After all, the breakfast noodle soup had long since been digested.
“Um… I have a question. What should I fill in here?” Zhao Rui pointed at a blank space on the application form, her tone mildly puzzled.
Glancing at Lin Xi’s slightly impatient expression, Ling Ning sighed helplessly. She stood and walked to Zhao Rui’s side. “Senior, is there something you don’t understand?”
“Yeah. It’s my first time joining a club, so I’m not quite sure what to write,” Zhao Rui replied with a perfectly timed smile.
“Let me take a look~” Leaning closer, Ling Ning glanced at the form Zhao Rui was filling out. Most of the basic information had already been completed. Aside from one required field, the rest didn’t really need to be filled in.
As Zhao Rui’s face came within inches of hers, Zhao Rui’s lips curled into a fleeting, unreadable smile that no one else noticed.
“Senior, you only need to fill in your reason for joining the club here. For example, you could write that you’re looking to make friends with similar interests or that you’re deeply passionate about anime. That should do,” Ling Ning explained.
“Is that so? Thank you, Ling Ning.”
Ling Ning blinked. She hadn’t introduced herself yet, so how did Zhao Rui know her name?
Noticing Ling Ning’s confusion, Zhao Rui smiled warmly. “Ling Ning, you’re quite famous at our school. The latest issue of Goddess magazine features you looking absolutely stunning!”
“Oh, that? It’s nothing, really~”
Although Ling Ning feigned humility, her expression betrayed a complete lack of modesty. Even Lin Xi, standing nearby, couldn’t help but want to cover her face. How did she end up knowing someone so shameless?
Zhao Rui was quick with her pen, completing the form with impressive speed. Soon, she placed the finished application in front of Lin Xi, smiling sweetly. “Lin Xi, this should be good now, right?”
After skimming the form, Lin Xi nodded. She’d just need to hand it to the student council later.
“Looks like I’m officially a member of this club starting today.”
Zhao Rui’s expression radiated genuine joy.
“Well then, would you two like to join me for lunch? I know a great restaurant nearby.”
“I’m sorry, Senior, but I already have plans for lunch,” Lin Xi replied politely.
“Ah, I see. What a pity. Next time, please don’t hesitate to join me.” Zhao Rui turned and left, her face maintaining that faint, enigmatic smile. Ling Ning couldn’t make out what Zhao Rui was thinking, but her instincts told her that Zhao Rui’s reason for joining the club wasn’t as simple as seeking a low-profile refuge.
After Zhao Rui left, Ling Ning glanced at Lin Xi, who still seemed slightly gloomy. Sighing, she said, “Hey, didn’t you make up your mind last night? Why do you look like you’re regretting it now?”
“I’m not!”
“Your expression says it all. Anyway, aren’t you forgetting something? You promised me lunch, didn’t you?” The thought of an impending free meal brightened Ling Ning’s mood instantly.
“Yeah, yeah. Let’s go.” After gathering up the application, Lin Xi rose and left the activity room with Ling Ning.
As they walked, Ling Ning turned to Lin Xi with a serious expression. “Just so you know, if you’re thinking about settling lunch at the school cafeteria, I’ll be very upset.”
“Ugh! You’re so demanding!”
“Hehehe~”
The pair arrived at a nearby restaurant that Ling Ning often visited with Xia You. The food was tasty, and the prices were reasonable.
However, the place was packed when they arrived. For some reason, the restaurant was unusually busy today. Normally, finding a spot at this hour wasn’t a problem.
While debating whether to find another place to eat, Ling Ning spotted a familiar figure sitting quietly in the corner. Without hesitation, she dragged Lin Xi over to join them.
The person in question, Luo Xiaoyu, was playing a game. When she noticed Ling Ning and Lin Xi suddenly appear, her expression was blank for a moment before she flatly asked, “What are you two doing?”
“Eating, of course~”
“This is my seat.”
“Don’t sweat the details! Besides, Lin Xi is treating us to lunch today~”
Upon hearing this, Luo Xiaoyu nodded thoughtfully. Without hesitation, she pressed the call button for the server and said decisively, “Add to the order!”
Lin Xi opened her mouth, only to let out a resigned sigh. Whatever—Luo Xiaoyu wouldn’t eat much anyway. She decided to chalk it up as a welcoming meal for the club’s newest member.
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Author’s Note:
Now, it’s time for a pure and friendly recommendation session. Check out Mangaka Kirito/漫画家桐人 by "Prince Echizen"—it’s an excellent book. Also, Prince Echizen and I are purely platonic friends, okay? Don’t overthink it. If you’re interested, go give it a read~!