Chapter 553 : You Didn’t... Did You
"By the way, are you sure it’s okay to leave that airhead at home alone?"
Ling Ning absentmindedly stroked her smooth chin, pondering. Although Bai Yiyue was technically an adult, and unlikely to do anything outrageous, Ling Ning was mainly worried about whether she’d properly lock up the house and turn off the utilities when she left.
Realizing she might be overthinking, Ling Ning lightly shook her head and, without hesitation, slipped her hand into Xia You’s coat pocket. Her own coat pockets weren’t as comfortable or warm as Xia You’s.
In the end, she valued style over practicality.
Xia You let out a soft laugh at Ling Ning’s actions and gently clasped her hand in return. Feeling Xia You’s warm hand, Ling Ning briefly imagined if she could detach her other hand, she’d probably give it to Xia You.
This random thought sent a chill down Ling Ning’s spine. No, that would be way too bizarre.
The two, both school beauties, were already eye-catching, but their intimate actions drew even more attention from passersby. Not that Ling Ning or Xia You cared.
Not far behind them, Xu Qing slowly made her way to class. Normally, she’d already be in the classroom reading, but last night’s late-night cramming caused her to oversleep.
"Wait… isn’t that Ling Ning and Xia You?"
Spotting the pair ahead, Xu Qing furrowed her brows, especially as she noticed their affectionate gestures. Her frown deepened. Recently, she had found Ling Ning and Xia You to be unusually close—maybe too close.
As if something clicked, Xu Qing’s expression darkened. Could it be that Ling Ning and Xia You were officially a couple now? Or was there another explanation? Unable to figure it out, her initial impulse to catch up to them slowed.
Perhaps sensing something, Ling Ning instinctively turned her head but didn’t spot anyone familiar. She had the strange feeling that someone was watching her. Was it just her imagination?
"What’s wrong, Ling Ning?"
"Nothing. Let’s walk a bit faster; it’s really cold out here."
Xia You nodded slightly, her gaze briefly flickering to a nearby tree. A faint, knowing smile tugged at her lips, gone as quickly as it appeared.
After the pair left, Xu Qing emerged from behind the tree. Her expression was complicated—she didn’t even know why she instinctively hid when Ling Ning turned around.
Letting out a sigh, Xu Qing trudged toward her classroom.
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"Class is over. Xia You, let’s grab lunch together!"
"Um… Ling Ning, Xia Li said she needed to discuss something with me during lunch, so I…." Xia You’s expression was apologetic.
Ling Ning nodded lightly. "Go ahead, then. I’ll just eat by myself. You’re not heading to the club, are you?"
"I’m not sure. If I have time, I might drop by."
Watching Xia You leave, Ling Ning sighed softly. It seemed she’d be having lunch alone today. If she weren’t genuinely hungry, she’d rather stay in the classroom and nap—it was so cold outside.
Reluctantly, she got up. As soon as she stepped out of the classroom, she noticed a girl walking in her direction. The girl seemed oblivious to Ling Ning, glancing around as if looking for something.
Ling Ning frowned slightly. After a moment of thought, she realized what felt off. Without further hesitation, she strode over, grabbed the girl’s hand, and led her into a nearby corner.
The girl seemed startled at first but, upon realizing it was Ling Ning, stopped struggling and quietly followed her.
In the secluded corner, Ling Ning looked at the heavily disguised Bai Yiyue and let out a sigh. "What are you doing here?"
"Huh!? You recognized me? But I disguised myself so well~"
Ling Ning rolled her eyes. Sure, the disguise was decent, but it was blatantly obvious it was Bai Yiyue. Every piece of clothing she was wearing belonged to Ling Ning. Most notably, the coat—a birthday gift from Qin Qing—was unmistakable.
"Judging by your expression, you must be thrilled to see me appear so suddenly. I’m so happy~" Bai Yiyue clung to Ling Ning’s arm with a beaming smile.
"Thrilled, my foot! Do you really think no one at school will recognize you?"
Ling Ning could already envision the chaos if Bai Yiyue was discovered.
"Relax! I’m fully disguised this time. No one will recognize me. I just wanted to experience school life a little. Please, Ling Ning~ I even skipped my usual morning nap for this!" Bai Yiyue pouted pitifully.
"If you’re so keen on experiencing school life, why didn’t you get up early and come with me this morning?"
"Eh-heh~"
Ling Ning shot Bai Yiyue a look. Sending her back now seemed impossible. Fine, she’d humor her for the lunch break, but as soon as classes resumed, she’d drop her off with Bai Jie.
Seeing Ling Ning relent, Bai Yiyue’s smile brightened, a triumphant gleam in her eyes.
As they walked toward the school gate, Bai Yiyue asked curiously, "Why aren’t we eating in the cafeteria? I really wanted to try eating there~"
"If you want to eat there, go ahead. Just take off that scarf, and your identity will be exposed in no time!"
"Eh!?"
Bai Yiyue blinked, imagining the potential fallout, and quickly caught up to Ling Ning. It didn’t matter where they ate, as long as she could be with Ling Ning.
A thought occurred to Ling Ning, and she turned her head to ask, "You locked my house before you left, right? And made sure the windows were closed?"
"Who do you think I am? Of course, I did! I even washed the laundry you forgot and hung it out to dry. Oh, and I tidied up your wardrobe—it’s all neat and organized now."
"Wait… how did you even know I had laundry in the washer? Don’t tell me you…."
"Eh!?"
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Author’s Note:
I suspect Xiniang is a girl. Random question: how do they know so much about stockings and lipstick? Excited~