Chapter 611 : Please Don’t Avoid Me Anymore
“Ling Ning, the exams are tomorrow~”
Hearing Xia You’s voice, Ling Ning smiled faintly. “Yeah, and once exams are over, it’ll be time for vacation. Not long after that, it’ll be the New Year~”
Time had flown by; over half a month had passed in the blink of an eye. Yet, the events of that day felt as fresh in Ling Ning’s memory as if they had just happened yesterday. Over this period, not only had Xu Qing continued avoiding her, but Su Ya had joined her in keeping their distance.
As for Bai Jie, the strange tension between them lingered. After what had happened, it was clear they couldn’t go back to the way things used to be.
Perhaps... time might eventually smooth everything over.
The uproar over Bai Yiyue’s headline-grabbing news had finally settled after half a month of fervent discussion, thanks to an even bigger story stealing the spotlight a few days ago.
Surprisingly, the scandal hadn’t led to a loss of fans for Bai Yiyue. Instead, she had gained a sizable number of new followers. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise.
Thinking about the exams tomorrow, Ling Ning felt a sense of relief. But the thought of the mountain of work waiting for her at the company after the exams left her feeling drained. Still, for the sake of money, it was all worth it.
Seemingly recalling something, Xia You asked curiously, “You’re about to have exams, but aren’t you reviewing, Ling Ning?”
“Of course, I’ve been reviewing! Haven’t you seen me reading for half an hour every night before writing?” Ling Ning replied earnestly.
Xia You was momentarily at a loss for words. If half an hour of nightly reading counted as reviewing, then what did her own hours-long study sessions count as? Still, remembering Ling Ning’s usual academic performance, Xia You let it go.
Ling Ning suddenly thought of something and asked, “Xia You, are you heading to the library after class?”
“Yeah, I need to return some books and borrow new ones.”
“Oh, want me to wait for you?”
“No need, Ling Ning. You can head home first.”
“Alright then.”
Their chatter seemed to have caught the attention of the usually lenient teacher, who cleared their throat loudly, signaling them to quiet down.
Sticking out her tongue playfully, Ling Ning slumped onto her desk to rest while Xia You refocused on the lecture.
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After an indeterminate amount of time, Ling Ning felt someone nudging her gently. She opened her eyes slowly, blinking as she scanned her surroundings. Only then did she realize class had ended.
Seeing Ling Ning awake, Xia You smiled lightly and said, “I’m heading to the library now, Ling Ning.”
“Alright.”
After Xia You left, Ling Ning tidied her desk casually and exited the classroom.
Walking slowly toward the school gates, she pondered whether she should head straight home. Her musings were interrupted when a familiar figure appeared in her line of sight.
The person hadn’t noticed her yet.
Taking a deep breath, Ling Ning quickened her pace toward Xu Qing.
Xu Qing only realized Ling Ning was behind her when Ling Ning was already close. Just as Xu Qing prepared to flee, she felt a hand firmly grasp her wrist.
“Am I that scary?”
Hearing Ling Ning’s familiar voice, Xu Qing bit her lip and turned around reluctantly. Facing Ling Ning for the first time in over a month, Xu Qing noticed she looked more haggard than before, her brows shadowed with worry. The bitter smile on Ling Ning’s face tugged painfully at Xu Qing’s heart.
“It’s not... like that,” Xu Qing murmured.
“It’s been a while, Xiao Qing Qing.”
“Yeah, it has.”
Xu Qing had thought that avoiding Ling Ning for over a month would help her forget her. But now, standing face-to-face with Ling Ning, she realized she had been wrong.
Suppressing her feelings had only made them simmer, ready to boil over.
Ling Ning tilted her head slightly at Xu Qing’s dazed expression. “Xiao Qing Qing, are you okay?”
“I-I’m fine. Do you need something?”
Xu Qing avoided Ling Ning’s gaze, afraid of what might happen if she didn’t.
“Do I need a reason to see you? How about I treat you to a drink? It’s been ages since we’ve had one together,” Ling Ning said with an expectant smile.
Xu Qing hesitated before replying, “I have something to do. Maybe next time.”
“Xiao Qing Qing, you’re lying. When you lie, your palms sweat~”
Ling Ning’s observation left Xu Qing speechless. She hadn’t expected Ling Ning to notice such a small detail.
Ultimately, Xu Qing allowed Ling Ning to lead her to a nearby café.
In the cold weather, a warm cup of coffee was a welcome comfort. At least, Ling Ning found it soothing.
Taking a small sip of her coffee, Ling Ning savored the warmth and bitterness before speaking. “Xiao Qing Qing, why have you been avoiding me lately?”
“Huh!? I’m not avoiding you!” Xu Qing’s voice wavered slightly.
“Xiao Qing Qing, you’re lying again~”
“Can you let go of my hand already!?” Xu Qing said, exasperated. Despite their month-long separation, Ling Ning’s personality hadn’t changed a bit.
“If I let go, you’ll disappear again,” Ling Ning replied firmly.
“I won’t leave, so just let go already.”
While two girls holding hands wasn’t particularly attention-grabbing, continuing to hold hands while sitting in a café certainly drew some curious looks. With both of them being attractive, the stares intensified.
Feeling the weight of the gazes, Xu Qing squirmed uncomfortably. Yet no matter what she said, Ling Ning refused to release her grip.
It wasn’t until they finished their coffee and left the café that Ling Ning finally let go.
Just as Xu Qing turned to leave, Ling Ning grabbed her hand once more. Before Xu Qing could protest, Ling Ning spoke first.
“Please... don’t avoid me anymore, okay?”