Chapter 619 : Because I’ve Always Liked Girls
“Discipline, it seems you’ve been seriously practicing.”
Ling Ning smiled warmly at her discipline. Watching Jiang Xue’s deft hands as they picked out vegetables at the market, she could tell the younger woman had put in effort. Though Jiang Xue’s gaze lacked a certain sharpness, her skill was already leagues above the sisters Li Qian and Li Meng.
“I-It’s nothing... I just looked up some tutorials online,” Jiang Xue murmured shyly.
While waiting in line at the checkout, Jiang Xue seemed to recall something. With a hint of concern, she asked, “Master, what happened to your hand?”
“Eh?! You’re only noticing now? Honestly, discipline, my hand has been sealed with a Black Flame Dragon! Oh, slumbering dragon of black flame, please remain silent—for now is not the time.”
Ling Ning had fully embraced her chuunibyou persona, and the surrounding shoppers’ stares burned like lasers. Jiang Xue was overwhelmed with secondhand embarrassment. At that moment, she truly wanted to ditch her Master and run.
Sensing the intense gazes around them, Ling Ning awkwardly retracted her dramatic gestures and laughed nervously. “Actually, I just got a little injured, nothing serious.”
“Really? Are you sure it’s nothing serious?”
“It’s nothing to worry about. Besides, you should focus on checking out your groceries. Otherwise, that grandma behind us is going to glare a hole through you~”
“Eh?!”
Jiang Xue hurriedly placed the items from their cart onto the conveyor belt.
After paying, the two made their way back to Jiang Xue’s home. Walking along the familiar streets, Ling Ning couldn’t help but reminisce. A faint smile played at her lips as memories of past times surfaced.
When they arrived, Ling Ning asked curiously, “Discipline, you’re a serialized manga artist now. Have you thought about moving into a bigger place?”
“I have thought about it, but I want to wait a bit longer. I’ve gotten used to living here. It’s close to work, and I don’t really mind it. So, it’s fine for now,” Jiang Xue explained as she unlocked the door.
As Ling Ning stepped inside, she was pleasantly surprised by how tidy the small apartment was. She had expected at least some clutter, but it seemed her discipline had actually taken her advice to heart.
“Well then, I’ll start cooking. Make yourself at home, Master.”
“Mm~”
Ling Ning stretched lazily before flopping down onto Jiang Xue’s bed. However, after a while, she sat up, realizing that if she stayed like this, she’d probably fall asleep.
Curiosity led her to Jiang Xue’s desk. There, partially hidden under a book, was a pencil sketch. Ling Ning casually pulled it out and was taken aback to find that it was a drawing of herself. It was beautifully done.
When had Jiang Xue drawn this? She hadn’t modeled for her recently. Could it have been done from memory?
Artists were truly remarkable, being able to bring their imaginations to life.
Meanwhile, Jiang Xue, busy in the kitchen, suddenly remembered something and stepped out to check. Seeing Ling Ning holding the sketch, she hesitated briefly before retreating back into the kitchen without saying a word. It didn’t matter—she had no intention of hiding it.
Time passed, and the enticing aroma of food wafted through the apartment. Ling Ning, curious, walked into the kitchen to find that Jiang Xue had nearly finished cooking.
Though the dishes didn’t look particularly appealing, the fragrance was undeniable.
“If it smells this good but turns out to be a disaster in taste, I’ll admit defeat,” Ling Ning teased.
“They may not look great, but the taste is fine—I’ve already tested them,” Jiang Xue retorted.
“Well, they seem promising~”
Ling Ning chuckled, carrying the dishes out of the kitchen. Once the last dish was ready, the two sat down to eat.
Just as Jiang Xue claimed, the food tasted far better than it looked. Of course, there was still room for improvement.
After the meal, Ling Ning stretched contentedly. “Not bad. I’ve pointed out the flaws; work on them next time~”
“Mm.”
Jiang Xue gathered the dishes and casually tossed them into the sink, returning to the room shortly after.
Surprised by her quick return, Ling Ning asked, “Discipline, you’re done already?”
“No, I just let them soak. I’ll wash them later.”
“Oh~”
Ling Ning glanced at the time. It was getting late. Rising from her seat, she said, “It’s getting late. I should head back.”
“So soon? Master, before you leave, can I ask you something?”
“Sure, go ahead,” Ling Ning replied with a nod.
As she finished speaking, Jiang Xue took a step closer, her gaze intense. “Master, do you like girls?”
“Eh?!” Ling Ning was momentarily stunned. She forced a nervous smile. “W-Why are you asking that?”
“Because I want to know.”
Jiang Xue stepped closer with each word, causing Ling Ning to instinctively retreat. That one step back landed her on the bed. How had she forgotten the bed was right behind her?
When Ling Ning came to her senses, she found herself trapped. Jiang Xue’s arms were planted on either side of her, and she was looking down at her from above. Ling Ning’s first thought was, “Shouldn’t I be the one on top?”
Blinking nervously, Ling Ning spoke cautiously. “Um... Discipline, could you move? This position is... a little awkward for me.”
Jiang Xue, ignoring her, murmured, “If I told you I like you, Master, would you accept me?”
“Eh?!”
Ling Ning stared at Jiang Xue, dumbfounded. Was this a confession? How had things escalated to this point? She hadn’t done anything to Jiang Xue—so why was this happening? Had she accidentally “bent” someone again?
As if sensing her thoughts, Jiang Xue let out a self-deprecating laugh. “It’s because I’ve always liked girls.”
“Eh?!”
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Author’s Note:
Such a great cliffhanger... Why is there another chapter?