Chapter 644 : The Persistent Xu Qing
“Ye Ye, time to wake up~”
Ling Ning sighed as she looked at her daughter, who was bundled tightly in her blanket. They had agreed to go shopping for New Year’s goods together today, but now Ling Ye refused to get up. Ling Ning didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Just… five more minutes…”
Ling Ye mumbled sleepily. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to get up—it was just too cold outside the blanket. Today’s temperature was much lower than usual, making her even more reluctant to leave the warmth of her bed.
“Are you coming or not? Do you want to go shopping with me or not?”
“Mom, I’ll leave the New Year shopping to you!”
Hearing her daughter’s response, Ling Ning sighed. “Alright, fine. Breakfast is ready, though. Heat it up when you get up. If I come back and it’s still untouched, you’ll regret it.”
“Uh…”
Ling Ye’s face froze at her Mom’s warning. Breakfast sounded great, but it required getting out of bed to eat it. Couldn’t her mom just bring it to her?
Though the idea was tempting, Ling Ye knew better than to voice it aloud. She’d definitely get a long lecture if she did.
Leaving her daughter’s room, Ling Ning began preparing for her day. Since she was going to buy New Year’s goods, she had gotten up early. The nearby supermarkets were running holiday promotions, making today a prime shopping opportunity.
However, instead of heading straight downstairs, Ling Ning made a detour to Xia You’s apartment. Using her key, she let herself in.
Seeing Xia You lying pale on the bed, Ling Ning’s expression softened with concern. “Xia You, how are you feeling?”
“Not too bad, just a little dizzy,” Xia You replied weakly.
“Honestly, getting sick just a few days before the New Year…” Ling Ning muttered as she placed her hand on Xia You’s forehead to check her temperature.
“It feels like your fever’s gone down a bit. Make sure to rest well, okay? Have you eaten the breakfast I brought you earlier?”
“Mm.”
Xia You silently gazed at Ling Ning, savoring the feeling of being cared for.
“Alright, I’m off to do some shopping. Rest up, and I’ll be back before noon~”
After tucking Xia You in, Ling Ning left the apartment. Xia You had fallen ill a few days ago due to a cold and fever. The doctor had assured them that, barring any complications, she’d recover before the New Year.
Stepping outside, Ling Ning tightened her coat around herself. The weather was noticeably colder than it had been in recent days.
Exhaling softly, her breath forming a white mist, Ling Ning chuckled to herself and set off toward the nearby supermarket.
She had seen the promotions a few days earlier but hadn’t been able to shop then because of Xia You’s condition. Now that Xia You was on the mend, it was the perfect time.
Though the list wasn’t long—mainly snacks and ingredients to last a few days—it still felt like a daunting task to carry everything home alone.
“If only someone could help me carry all this,” Ling Ning mused to herself.
As if the heavens had heard her, a familiar figure appeared in her line of sight. Without hesitation, Ling Ning quickened her pace to catch up.
“Xiao Qing Qing~”
Hearing that unmistakable voice, Xu Qing turned around instinctively. Seeing Ling Ning beaming at her, she couldn’t hide her surprise.
“Ling Ning?!”
“What brings you here, Xiao Qing Qing?”
As she spoke, Ling Ning casually looped her arm through Xu Qing’s, as if afraid she might run away.
Xu Qing chuckled at Ling Ning’s antics. Unlike before, she no longer avoided Ling Ning, though she couldn’t deny that Ling Ning’s current behavior might be worth taking advantage of.
“I just came to pick up a few things.”
“Perfect! I’m here for the same reason. Let’s shop together~”
“Sure.”
Relieved that Xu Qing agreed so easily, Ling Ning didn’t let go of her arm. She wasn’t taking any chances that Xu Qing might suddenly vanish.
Their close posture made them look like a couple, the kind that loved to flaunt their affection. But Ling Ning didn’t care about the stares from onlookers—she had long since learned to ignore such things.
Xu Qing glanced at Ling Ning, noting her boundless energy as always.
Feeling Xu Qing’s gaze, Ling Ning tilted her head in curiosity. “What is it, Xiao Qing Qing? Is there something on my face?”
“Nothing. I was just thinking you look especially beautiful today.”
“Eh?! Aren’t I always beautiful?”
“Your confidence is as unshakable as ever, Ling Ning.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment~” Ling Ning replied with a grin.
Surrounded by countless items marked with discount tags, Ling Ning felt her self-control slipping. But with Xu Qing to help carry things, she decided to indulge a little.
Under Xu Qing’s astonished gaze, Ling Ning entered full-on shopping mode.
Though her spree seemed wild, Ling Ning had her priorities straight, only buying things that were needed or running low at home. When it came to snacks and ingredients, however, she spared no expense.
“Uh… Ling Ning, isn’t this a bit much?” Xu Qing asked hesitantly.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got it all planned out. Between the two of us, we can carry everything home. If not, the supermarket can deliver~”
“As long as you’re happy.”