Chapter 565 : A Bold Idea
"Eh!? Ling Ning, are you buying alcohol?"
Xu Qing asked curiously as she saw Ling Ning pause in front of a shelf filled with beer.
"I’m considering it. There’s no school tomorrow, so even if I get drunk tonight, it shouldn’t be an issue. Besides, you’ll be here to take care of me~"
Originally, Ling Ning had wanted to buy some baijiu, but knowing her low alcohol tolerance, she figured even a small amount would knock her out. After some hesitation, she opted for a pack of beer instead.
As they exited the supermarket with their groceries, Xu Qing grumbled, "Why am I the one carrying the alcohol when you’re the one drinking it?"
"Why else would I bring you along if not for this?" Ling Ning replied matter-of-factly.
Xu Qing shot her a look but couldn’t find a retort.
As they walked home, Ling Ning suddenly turned around and asked, "Xiao Qing Qing, you haven’t visited me much lately, even though we have long breaks at midday. I’m so heartbroken~"
Xu Qing’s lips curled into a barely noticeable bitter smile. "I’ve just been a little busy lately."
"Is that so? Well, if you have time during lunch or after school, feel free to drop by. We live so close—just ten or twenty minutes apart."
"Alright, I’ll keep that in mind."
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"I’m home!"
Ling Ning entered her house and noticed it was unusually quiet. Remembering her daughter’s plans from the previous night, she figured Ling Ye was still at a classmate’s place.
With a wry smile, she said, "Xiao Qing Qing, make yourself comfortable. I highly recommend the kotatsu—it’s so cozy you’ll never want to leave!"
"Really?"
Xu Qing eyed the kotatsu in the living room. She had only seen such things in anime and had never used one in real life.
The idea intrigued her, but instead of trying it, she followed Ling Ning into the kitchen.
"Let me help."
"It’s fine; I’m just prepping some simple ingredients. I’ll join you in the living room soon," Ling Ning said, gently pushing Xu Qing out of the kitchen.
Watching Ling Ning work, Xu Qing felt a strange warmth, as if she were coming home to a wife cooking dinner. For a fleeting moment, a thought crossed her mind—what if she could have Ling Ning for herself?
The idea left Xu Qing feeling momentarily somber.
Since it was winter, Ling Ning only did basic meal prep, leaving a soup to simmer on the stove before heading back to the living room. There, she found Xu Qing watching TV on the sofa.
"Xiao Qing Qing, why aren’t you using the kotatsu? It’s so comfortable!" Ling Ning asked curiously.
"I-it’s fine. The sofa is good enough."
Xu Qing replied, turning her head slightly. She wouldn’t admit it was her first time seeing a kotatsu and that she didn’t know how to use it.
Noticing Xu Qing’s awkwardness, Ling Ning squinted thoughtfully before smiling mischievously. "Don’t tell me you don’t know how to use it?"
"W-what? Of course I know! It’s just a kotatsu—I’m not clueless!" Xu Qing stammered.
"Is that so?" Ling Ning’s expression turned teasing, but instead of pushing further, she led Xu Qing to the kotatsu.
"This is the switch, and here’s how you adjust the temperature. It’s really simple—you’ll get the hang of it in no time."
As Ling Ning explained, Xu Qing found herself distracted by how close they were. At this proximity, if she leaned in, Ling Ning wouldn’t have time to react…
Sensing something, Ling Ning turned her head and said, "Xiao Qing Qing, you seem a bit distracted. What’s on your mind?"
"N-nothing. Just thinking about stuff," Xu Qing replied, shaking her head. Why had she suddenly entertained such a thought?
"Alright. You enjoy the kotatsu while I call my daughter to check if she’s coming home."
Ling Ning stepped out onto the balcony and dialed Ling Ye.
"Ye Ye? Where are you? It’s getting late. Are you coming home soon?"
There was a pause before Ling Ye replied, "Is it that late already?"
"Did you forget the time while playing?" Ling Ning asked, exasperated.
Ling Ye chuckled nervously. "It’s not playing—it’s studying! Anyway, I’m staying at Si Rou’s house tonight. Aunt Qin just said she’ll take us out for ice cream."
Before Ling Ning could respond, she heard Ling Ye yelp in pain and the unmistakable sound of her boss, Qin Qing, scolding her.
"Xiao Ye Ye, are you itching for a beating? Do you think I can’t hear you whispering? How many times do I have to tell you—call me Sister Qin Qing!"
"Okay, okay, I get it! Ye Ye’s poor ears!"
Moments later, Qin Qing took over the phone. "Ling Ning, Ye Ye is with me, so don’t worry. Oh, and if you have time next week, drop by the office. There’s something I want to discuss."
"Got it. Take care of her for me," Ling Ning replied with a chuckle. Even if Qin Qing hadn’t requested it, Ling Ning had planned to visit her anyway.
After hanging up, Ling Ning called Xia You to see if she wanted to join for dinner, only to find that Xia You was out with Xia Li, claiming to be on the verge of uncovering some big secret. She wouldn’t be back for dinner either.
Since Xia You had a good excuse, Ling Ning couldn’t argue.
When Ling Ning returned to the living room, Xu Qing asked, "What’s the plan? Are they coming home?"
"They’re not coming back tonight. It’s just us~"
"Eh!?"
Xu Qing seemed surprised. Did this mean she’d have Ling Ning all to herself tonight? If so, a bold idea began to form in her mind…
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Author’s Note:
Curse you, cliffhangers! Why must there be another chapter?