Chapter 575 : Are People All Detectives Now
“Oh, so Ling Ning invited me out just to get concert tickets? I thought you were asking me on a date~”
In a quiet corner of a café near the university, Ling Ning and Bai Yiyue sat together, chatting.
“I’m nothing like you, Miss Superstar. I’m just an ordinary university student, and I still have to attend classes~” Ling Ning replied with a deadpan expression.
“Eh?! Skipping a few classes won’t hurt, will it? With your grades, Ling Ning, you’d still ace your exams even if you didn’t attend a single lecture~”
Ling Ning sighed in exasperation. How big of a misconception did Bai Yiyue have about her? Admittedly, Bai Yiyue wasn’t entirely wrong, but Ling Ning still needed to maintain her attendance.
“Just tell me: are you giving me the tickets or not?”
“Of course I’ll give them to you! How could I not, if you’re asking? Honestly, if it’s for you, Ling Ning, I’d even hold a private concert just for you. But…”
“But what?”
“Well, if you’re asking me for tickets, you’ll definitely have to deal with Sister Zi grilling you about it. However, if you give me a kiss for encouragement…” Bai Yiyue trailed off, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Unfortunately for her, Ling Ning completely ignored her puppy-dog eyes and said flatly, “Forget it. I wasn’t all that keen on going to your concert anyway. It’s supposed to be freezing that day. I’d rather stay home and work on my writing under the kotatsu.”
Hearing this, Bai Yiyue panicked. “W-wait! I was just joking! No need for any encouragement. I’ll bring you the tickets tomorrow, so you must come, okay?”
“Promise me no strings attached.”
“Yes, no strings! I promise!” Bai Yiyue nodded firmly.
Satisfied, Ling Ning nodded back. “Alright, then it’s settled. I need to head back now—class is about to start.”
As Ling Ning stood to leave, Bai Yiyue grabbed her hand. Startled, Ling Ning turned to see Bai Yiyue looking at her with puppy-like eyes, as though she’d been abandoned.
Ling Ning sighed. “Look, even if you try to guilt-trip me, I’m not taking you to class with me. I have your mom’s lecture this afternoon. If you don’t want her to drag you back home, I suggest you go prepare for your concert. Are you sure it’s okay for you to be out here?”
Just as Bai Yiyue was about to insist it was fine, her phone rang. The moment she answered, Wu Zi’s furious voice boomed from the other end, demanding to know where she’d disappeared to.
Even Ling Ning could hear the shouting from Bai Yiyue’s phone.
After calming her manager down, Bai Yiyue sighed and said dejectedly, “Alright, Ling Ning, I’ll head back now.”
Watching her leave, Ling Ning pursed her lips before calling out, “W-wait. After your concert is over, I’ll take you on a proper tour of the campus.”
Bai Yiyue’s face lit up instantly. She rushed back to Ling Ning’s side, grabbing her hands. “Really? You mean it?”
“Yes, but you’ll have to follow my lead. If I say east, you go east—no arguments.”
“Got it! I’ll listen to everything you say!”
Bai Yiyue glanced around quickly, and before Ling Ning could react, she leaned in and planted a light kiss on her lips.
Ling Ning raised a hand to touch her lips, a mix of exasperation and indulgence flashing across her face. She had already guessed Bai Yiyue’s intentions the moment she looked around but hadn’t bothered to stop her.
Fortunately, the café was quiet at this hour. Otherwise, she might have ended up on the front page tomorrow.
Shaking her head, Ling Ning left the café. It was getting late, and she needed to hurry to her afternoon class to avoid being late.
When Ling Ning returned to the classroom, it was abuzz with chatter about one topic: Bai Yiyue’s upcoming concert at the university.
The announcement had been made yesterday, and ticket pre-sales had already begun. Ling Ning had originally planned to buy a ticket online, but she’d forgotten and, by the time she remembered, they were sold out.
While Ling Ning didn’t mind missing the concert, she had promised someone she’d go. That’s why she had ended up asking Bai Yiyue directly for tickets.
The university’s sports hall wasn’t small, but it couldn’t compare to a professional venue. The limited number of tickets had sold out quickly, a testament to Bai Yiyue’s immense popularity.
“Ling Ning, did you get it sorted out?” Xia You asked curiously when Ling Ning returned.
Ling Ning nodded. “All taken care of. By the way, Xia You, aren’t you planning to go to Bai Yiyue’s concert? She’s a great singer, you know.”
“No, I’m not a fan of crowded places.”
Hearing this, Ling Ning chuckled and leaned against Xia You’s shoulder. “Alright, then. I’ll leave the house in your hands while I’m out.”
“Don’t worry, you can count on me.”
As the two chatted in hushed tones, Tian Tian, sitting behind them, couldn’t resist interjecting. “Ladies, are you discussing Bai Yiyue’s concert?”
“Yes. Why, do you have something to say?”
“Oh, absolutely. Do you know why Bai Yiyue chose to hold her concert at our university?” Tian Tian asked with a mysterious air.
“No idea~”
Ling Ning smiled faintly. She wasn’t particularly busy and figured she might as well indulge in some gossip.
“Apparently, there’s speculation online that Bai Yiyue has someone she likes at our university. Whether it’s a student or a teacher, no one knows. Originally, the concert was supposed to be held at a sports stadium, but she insisted on moving it here.”
“Why give up a larger venue for a smaller one? It’s intriguing, isn’t it? Bai Yiyue doesn’t have any ties to this university, so the only explanation is that someone she cares about—or even loves—is here. Of course, it’s all just speculation for now.”
Ling Ning forced a dry laugh. Were people all detectives these days? How could they piece together something like this from mere guesses?
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Author’s Note:
I’ve ascended to legendary status. Really! Not delusional, no need for meds!