Chapter 642 : A Bold Escape
“Huh?! Ling Ning, are you leaving already?”
Hearing the news that Ling Ning was planning to leave today, Su Ya was genuinely surprised. Hadn’t she just arrived a few days ago? Not that Su Ya would admit to missing her, of course!
“I can’t help it. Ling Ye keeps complaining about how cold it is here, and I have a few things to take care of back in S City. That’s why I’m heading back today. Judging by your expression, Xiao Ya, are you perhaps reluctant to see me go?” Ling Ning teased with a mischievous smile.
“W-Why would I be reluctant?! I can’t wait for you to leave! All you ever do is freeload!” Su Ya instinctively turned her head, avoiding Ling Ning’s gaze.
If one word could describe Su Ya’s current demeanor, it would undoubtedly be “tsundere.”
Their conversation was loud enough to draw Su Ya’s mother into the living room. Seeing Ling Ning standing with a suitcase in hand, she paused in surprise.
“Huh? Ling Ning, are you leaving?”
“Yes. I have some things to attend to back in S City. Auntie, Uncle, please take care of yourselves. I’ll visit again when I have the chance~” Ling Ning replied politely.
Su Ya’s mother nodded knowingly. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I could’ve prepared something for you to take back.”
“Oh, there’s no need for that. I didn’t bring much with me to begin with, so it’s better this way.”
Truthfully, this was exactly why Ling Ning hadn’t informed Su Ya’s mother in advance—she didn’t want her luggage to multiply.
Su Ya, seemingly curious, asked, “What time’s your flight?”
“It’s at 1 p.m. Why?”
“Wait here for a moment. I’ll drive you to the airport.”
Without waiting for a response, Su Ya disappeared into her room to change clothes.
Ling Ning simply chuckled, not bothering to refuse. Knowing Su Ya’s personality, even if she declined, Su Ya would likely show up at the airport anyway. This impromptu visit had gone quite well; at least Su Ya wasn’t avoiding her anymore.
After all, avoiding her was impossible now.
Ling Ye cast a glance at her mother, hesitated, and decided to say nothing. They’d be on a plane soon enough, and as long as she stayed close to her mom, Su Ya couldn’t steal her attention.
Moments later, Su Ya returned, dressed and ready to go. After saying their goodbyes to her parents, the three of them stepped outside.
The weather was pleasant for a change. While the city remained blanketed in white, the sun shone brightly overhead—a rare sight since Ling Ning’s arrival.
The airport was a fair distance away, so they hailed a taxi. With plenty of time to spare, there was no need to rush.
Seated in the front, Su Ya glanced back as Ling Ning teased, “When are you planning to return to S City, Xiao Ya?”
“It’s barely been any time since the holidays started. Why are you already thinking about the end?”
“No reason. I was just hoping you’d come back sooner so we could go shopping together~” Ling Ning replied nonchalantly.
“I’m not sure yet. Even if I return early, it’ll probably be just a few days before school starts again. We have some smaller festivals to celebrate here aside from the New Year.”
Ling Ning’s face fell slightly at Su Ya’s response.
Just as she was about to continue the conversation, she felt a tug on her sleeve. Glancing down, she saw Ling Ye looking up at her.
“What’s up, Ye Ye?”
“Mom, I’m sleepy~”
“Then lie down on Mom’s lap.”
“Mm.”
Ling Ye curled up on Ling Ning’s lap, her small form settling comfortably. As she closed her eyes, she thought, This way, Mom won’t talk so much with Su Ya.
Their quiet exchange didn’t escape the driver, who glanced at Ling Ning through the rearview mirror. Surprised, he studied her youthful face and thought she must be no older than twenty. Her daughter looked to be about ten—what kind of circumstances had led to this?!
Shaking his head, the driver returned his attention to the road.
With Ling Ye asleep, Ling Ning refrained from speaking much. After all, she didn’t want to disturb her daughter.
An hour later, they arrived at the airport. As they stepped out of the taxi, Ling Ning smiled at Su Ya. “You can leave me here. Go home and rest.”
“I’m already here. I might as well see you through security.”
“If you insist~”
The three of them entered the airport, where Ling Ning collected her ticket. Instead of heading straight to security, she chose to sit and rest in the waiting area. She wanted to spend a little more time with Su Ya.
Seated across from Ling Ning, Su Ya noticed Ling Ye’s intense gaze. The little girl had been glaring at her since the second day of their visit, and Su Ya had no idea why. Even the small gestures of affection—like patting Ling Ye’s head—were rebuffed.
What had she done wrong?
Ling Ning leaned close to Su Ya and whispered, “Xiao Ya, isn’t it customary to do something special when seeing someone off?”
“Special?”
“You know, something like… a kiss~”
Su Ya’s face turned scarlet. Stammering, she replied, “W-What are you even thinking?! There’s no way that’s happening!”
Maybe if they were alone, but in such a public place? Impossible!
While Ling Ye stared at her mom and Su Ya, Ling Ning subtly shielded her daughter’s view. By the time Ling Ye could see again, Ling Ning had already pulled away from Su Ya.
“I’m heading in now. Be safe on your way back, Xiao Ya!”
“Ling Ning!!!”
As Su Ya’s indignant voice echoed behind them, Ling Ye blinked in confusion. What had just happened while her view was blocked?
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
Author’s Note:
Salted fish here. It’s been a rough day in the depths of despair. Someone, send help…