Chapter 664 : The Peculiar Bai Jie
"School has started again. I don’t feel like moving at all. I miss the kotatsu at home. Why can’t the school have such a magical invention?"
Ling Ning slumped over her desk in despair. The holiday had ended so abruptly, leaving her unprepared to face reality. And then there was the matter of Li Qian and Li Meng.
To her surprise, the sisters didn’t seem dispirited after the events from the other day. Instead, they asked her out for another full day of shopping, even covering both lunch and dinner. It left Ling Ning with a strange sense of foreboding.
It felt like something was brewing.
Noticing Ling Ning’s unusual mood, Xia You leaned closer and asked, "Ling Ning, are you alright?"
"Nothing’s wrong. I’m just not used to the back-to-school atmosphere. After all, everyone has those 365 days a year where they don’t feel like going to class, right? The same goes for work." Ling Ning sighed dramatically.
"Is that so?"
"Of course! Why can’t there be a job where you get paid for doing absolutely nothing every day?" Ling Ning mused, her tone whimsical.
"There is."
"What?" Ling Ning’s eyes lit up as she looked at Xia You expectantly.
"If I take care of you, then you wouldn’t need to do anything~"
Xia You’s serious expression made it clear she wasn’t joking. Realistically speaking, her income was more than enough to support both Ling Ning and her daughter, provided they lived modestly.
Hearing this, Ling Ning chuckled softly and twirled a lock of Xia You’s hair in her fingers. "Alright, alright. I was just kidding. If anything, I should be the one taking care of you, Xia You."
"If you want to take care of me, I wouldn’t mind at all," Xia You replied with a wink.
Their voices weren’t particularly loud, but not exactly quiet either. Naturally, their classmate Tian Tian overheard every word. Right now, all he could think was that the "yuri flavor" of this scene was incredibly delicious, and he wanted more.
Why, oh why, couldn’t a girl say something like that to him?
A wave of inexplicable sorrow welled up in Tian Tian’s heart.
As if suddenly remembering something, Ling Ning said, "Xia You, Valentine’s Day is coming up soon~"
"Yeah. Do you want something as a gift?"
Ling Ning leaned close to Xia You’s ear and whispered, "How about this Valentine’s Day, I take the lead for once?"
"Huh? That’s all you want for Valentine’s Day? If you want, we could try something a bit spicier—like that scene we saw in that romantic action film last time."
At Xia You’s suggestion, Ling Ning instantly recalled the movie they had watched together. A faint blush crept across her pale cheeks as she quickly replied, "That’s still a bit too intense. Let’s take it slow~"
"Alright, whatever Ling Ning prefers~"
As they chatted, a familiar figure entered the classroom. Dressed in professional attire, Bai Jie strode in and cleared her throat twice, instantly quieting the room.
Bai Jie’s authority in the class was undeniable, her presence commanding instant respect.
For some reason, after not seeing her for a while, Ling Ning thought Bai Jie looked slightly worn out. Was it just her imagination?
Noticing Ling Ning’s gaze, Bai Jie glanced in her direction. A flicker of complexity flashed in her eyes before disappearing.
What followed was the usual routine: a lecture about how the holiday was over, urging students to focus on their studies. By now, everyone had heard this spiel countless times.
Once the obligatory announcements were done, Bai Jie added, "The school anniversary is coming up. Class reps should organize the class committee to discuss whether to prepare a performance. Participation is optional, but there are extra credit points as a reward."
"The school anniversary, huh."
Ling Ning pondered for a moment. Though the event was still some time away, preparations like auditions and rehearsals would require advance notice. That must have been why Bai Jie brought it up now.
In any case, Ling Ning had no intention of performing. It wasn’t out of laziness—she simply didn’t have the time.
Winter was ending, and spring’s arrival marked the start of her busiest season. She would likely be swamped with work, barely managing to make it to class, let alone attend rehearsals.
With these thoughts in mind, Ling Ning slumped over her desk in despair, exuding an aura of hopeless resignation, as if all her dreams had evaporated.
After class, Ling Ning leaned against the balcony railing, watching the bustling crowds below. From this vantage point, she sometimes wondered—what would happen if she jumped?
Just then, a faint scent of perfume reached her, and Bai Jie appeared beside her.
"Sister~"
"Ling Ning, it’s been a while since you’ve visited me. Why is that?" Bai Jie asked with a soft smile.
"Well, I’ve just been busy with things at work."
Ling Ning forced a laugh, but the truth was she found visiting Bai Jie’s house inexplicably awkward. The last time she went, during the New Year’s holiday, despite Bai Yiyue being there to ease the tension, the strange atmosphere between her and Bai Jie lingered.
"I see. Just don’t overwork yourself," Bai Jie said, placing a hand on Ling Ning’s shoulder.
"I won’t. But I’ll probably get really busy soon. Spring is just around the corner, after all~"
"That’s fine. As long as your grades don’t slip, I can handle the rest for you."
"Thank you, Sister~"
Looking at Bai Jie, Ling Ning couldn’t shake the feeling that she was making some sort of shady deal. Though, as Bai Jie would put it, it was simply a "pure and innocent agreement between friends."
"Alright, I won’t keep you any longer."
With that, Bai Jie turned and walked toward her office. If she stayed any longer, she might say something she shouldn’t.
Watching Bai Jie’s retreating figure, Ling Ning blinked. Something about Bai Jie felt off today—her gaze, her tone—it all seemed strange.
Hopefully, it was just her imagination.
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Author’s Note:
Ah, I want to watch Gintama! Too bad there’s no one to go with. Any ladies want to accompany this salted fish?~