Chapter 547 : I’ll Host You Properly~
"Um... I think I’ll pass, Senior. I don’t want to bother you. I’ll just head over to the clubroom and check things out," Ling Ning replied after blinking a few times.
She had a gut feeling that if she went to Zhao Rui’s house, something unexpected might happen. It was better to avoid that and spend time at the clubroom or visit Ye Xuan instead.
"Really? You’re sure you don’t want to come over? I’ve got heating, you know~"
"No, no, thank you, Senior."
Seeing Ling Ning’s resolve, Zhao Rui didn’t push further. She chuckled lightly and said, "Alright, then. I’ll head home and rest. But know that you’re always welcome at my place, Junior Ling Ning. I’ll be sure to host you properly~"
For some reason, Zhao Rui’s tone made the words "host you properly" sound far too suggestive. However, Ling Ning didn’t let it faze her. She simply smiled and replied, "Of course. If I find the time, I’ll be sure to visit~"
Only after Zhao Rui’s figure disappeared from view did Ling Ning let out a sigh of relief. Being around Zhao Rui was mentally exhausting. Talking with someone while both parties wore masks was far too draining.
Shaking her head lightly, Ling Ning turned toward the school gates. She decided to drop by the clubroom today; otherwise, Lin Xi would probably complain about her not showing her face for ages again.
Arriving at the clubroom’s door, Ling Ning opened it only to find a familiar figure waiting for her expectantly.
"Um... Senior Xiaoyu, did you need something from me?"
Indeed, the one standing before her was Luo Xiaoyu. This surprised Ling Ning. Normally, Luo Xiaoyu spent her time watching anime or working on her research in the clubroom and barely said a word. What had caused her unusual behavior today?
"Ling Ning, I wanted to ask you about the anime you recommended to me last time."
Hearing this, Ling Ning’s expression stiffened. After a moment of hesitation, she replied awkwardly, "Um... didn’t I say before? If you don’t like it, you don’t have to keep watching..."
"I’m not talking about that. I mean, do you have more anime of a similar type?" Luo Xiaoyu asked seriously.
"Huh!?"
Ling Ning blinked in disbelief. Was Luo Xiaoyu... getting hooked on yuri anime? She couldn’t have fallen too deep into this world, could she?
"Uh... if you’re interested in that genre, I can find some for you when I get home tonight?"
"No, that’s too slow. Help me find them now!"
Without waiting for a reply, Luo Xiaoyu grabbed Ling Ning and dragged her to the computer. Sitting down beside her, Luo Xiaoyu stared expectantly at the screen. The anime Ling Ning had recommended to her initially seemed like a simple story about friendship between girls. However, as the story unfolded, she found herself completely immersed in its yuri-filled world.
After watching so many episodes, Luo Xiaoyu felt she could somewhat understand her sister’s feelings. Still, she was determined not to walk the same path. But... but... sigh!
Finding similar anime wasn’t hard for Ling Ning. A quick browse through forums and anime boards yielded a long list of recommendations. Copying the titles down, she handed the list over to Luo Xiaoyu without much effort.
When she was done, Ling Ning sprawled lazily on the sofa. Suddenly, she thought of something and asked, "Isn’t Lin Xi coming to the club today?"
"No, she said she had something to take care of," Luo Xiaoyu replied without even turning her head.
"I see." Ling Ning nodded thoughtfully. Come to think of it, Xia You wasn’t around either. She wondered where she had gone. With a sigh, Ling Ning said, "I’ll take a nap then. Could you wake me when it’s time?"
"Mm-hmm..." Luo Xiaoyu replied absentmindedly, her attention glued to the computer screen.
Seeing her absorbed state, Ling Ning couldn’t help but question whether Luo Xiaoyu had actually registered her request. Still, Luo Xiaoyu wasn’t as scatterbrained as her sister, so it was probably fine... right?
Grabbing a pillow nearby, Ling Ning unfolded it into a thin blanket. Covering herself, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
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Bzzz, bzzz.
The sound of her phone vibrating stirred Ling Ning awake. Groggily, she reached for the phone on the table and saw Xia You’s name on the screen. Answering the call, she heard Xia You’s slightly anxious voice.
"Ling Ning, where are you? Why didn’t you show up for class this afternoon? I texted you, but you didn’t reply."
"Huh!?"
Ling Ning froze for a few seconds before glancing at the clock on the wall. It was already past 3 PM—nearly 4. She’d slept for that long!?
Turning her head, she saw Luo Xiaoyu still seated at the computer, completely engrossed, wearing headphones. She hadn’t even noticed Ling Ning waking up.
Ling Ning didn’t need to think hard to figure out what had happened. With a sigh of resignation, she replied, "Xia You, I’m in the clubroom. I overslept. I don’t think I’ll make it to class. Can you cover for me?"
Hearing that Ling Ning was safe, Xia You sighed in relief. "Alright. I’ll come find you after class."
After hanging up, Ling Ning stretched before walking over to stand behind Luo Xiaoyu. On the computer screen, two animated girls were kissing. Glancing at Luo Xiaoyu’s flushed face and dazed expression, Ling Ning felt something shift within her.
Reaching out, she plucked the headphones off Luo Xiaoyu’s head. Leaning in close, she whispered, "Dear Senior Xiaoyu, aren’t you forgetting something?"
Startled by the sudden removal of her headphones, Luo Xiaoyu panicked briefly. But upon hearing Ling Ning’s voice, she quickly calmed down. Then, as if realizing something, her expression froze.
"I... I just forgot for a moment! Besides, I don’t have any classes this afternoon!"
"Excuses won’t save you. Prepare to face justice!"
With that, Ling Ning extended her hands toward Luo Xiaoyu’s sides.
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Author’s Note:
It seems I lost my mind a bit. I misnumbered the previous chapter, but it’s been fixed now~