Chapter 673 : Anywhere You Want, Anything You Want!
"Hey, Ling Ning, are you mad? I was just joking!"
Bai Yiyue trailed after Ling Ning with a pitiful expression, her voice filled with regret. Ling Ning’s blank, expressionless face only deepened her sense of doom.
Ling Ning stopped in her tracks, turned around, and said, "That wasn’t funny at all!"
As she recalled what had just happened, a faint blush crept onto Ling Ning’s cheeks.
"Don’t be mad at me! How about I let you see as well?"
"Who would want that?"
"Then how about I treat you to a fancy lunch? Anywhere you want, anything you want!"
"Deal!"
Ling Ning sighed, feeling her standards drop lower and lower with each encounter. At least there was only one more class to go before lunch.
As they reached the classroom door, a male student called out to Ling Ning. Curious, she turned to see someone she didn’t recognize. She was sure she’d never met him before.
"Uh... Ling Ning, I’ve liked you for a long time. Could I—"
Before he could finish, Bai Yiyue swooped in, wrapped her arm around Ling Ning’s, and declared, "Don’t even think about it, kid. Ling Ning’s my girlfriend!"
"What?!"
The boy froze, staring in shock. When Ling Ning didn’t deny it, he began to suspect he’d stumbled upon a massive secret. Could the reason no guy had ever successfully wooed Ling Ning be because she was into girls?
Ignoring the stunned boy, Bai Yiyue dragged Ling Ning into the classroom.
Ling Ning sighed again, already imagining the rumors that would circulate. Still, it wasn’t entirely bad—if such rumors spread, it might help fend off future confessions.
Why was it that guys who never seemed interested would suddenly appear on Valentine’s Day?
Back in her seat, Ling Ning could hear Bai Yiyue muttering under her breath, "Ling Ning is mine. You all can forget about it."
The final class passed in relative peace, mostly because Ling Ning slept through it. Bai Yiyue, despite her usual antics, wouldn’t disturb her while she was napping.
When the class ended, Ling Ning stretched lazily and stood up, ignoring the envious and wistful glances from those around her. With Bai Yiyue and Xia You in tow, she left the classroom, ready for the promised feast.
However, as soon as they stepped outside, they ran into someone familiar—Bai Yiyue’s mother, Bai Jie.
The sight of Bai Jie made Bai Yiyue feel like a herd of alpacas had trampled through her mind. She had checked beforehand and knew Bai Jie wasn’t supposed to be here after her morning class. So why now?
Though Bai Yiyue tried to avoid her, Bai Jie’s sharp eyes quickly caught her. Reluctantly, Bai Yiyue lowered her head and walked over.
"What are you doing here again?"
"I was bored at home, so I decided to go out for a bit~"
"Going out is fine, but coming to the school? Aren’t you worried about being recognized?" Bai Jie looked at her daughter with a mix of exasperation and helplessness. If not for a tip-off, she wouldn’t have known Bai Yiyue was here.
Ling Ning stepped in with a smile. "Sister, let’s not get upset. How about we find a place to sit down and chat over lunch?"
Bai Jie glanced at Ling Ning, nodded, and said, "Alright."
Bai Yiyue was surprised. It wasn’t like her mother to give in so easily. She suspected Ling Ning’s influence, but for now, she wasn’t about to question it.
The group headed to a nearby upscale restaurant, choosing a private room for their meal. Over lunch, Bai Jie began lecturing Bai Yiyue.
Watching her clingy childhood friend lower her head in embarrassment, Ling Ning couldn’t suppress a smile.
Sensing Ling Ning’s amusement, Bai Yiyue glanced her way and made a comically exaggerated face. Though subtle, it didn’t escape Bai Jie’s notice.
With a sigh, Bai Jie said, "Alright, I won’t say more. It’s not like you listen anyway. After lunch, let Sister Zi take you home."
"What? No way! Just let me have today! Look, my disguise is flawless. No one will recognize me!"
"I’ve already heard that you shouldn’t be appearing in public right now. If someone recognizes you, it’s one thing. But sneaking into a school in disguise? That raises far more questions."
"Ugh."
Though reluctant, Bai Yiyue could only submit under her mother’s stern gaze.
After lunch, Sister Zi arrived to escort Bai Yiyue home.
"Bye, Ling Ning! Don’t miss me too much!"
"Don’t worry, I won’t."
Watching Bai Yiyue leave, Ling Ning couldn’t help but marvel at how tough it was being a celebrity. Every move scrutinized, every action monitored—this was precisely why she had no interest in such a lifestyle, despite having the talent for it.
After Bai Yiyue left, Xia You allowed herself a faint, fleeting smile before it disappeared.
"Ling Ning, let’s head back to school," Bai Jie said, standing up.
"Alright."
As they left the restaurant, Bai Jie seemed to remember something. "Ling Ning, could you help me with something later?"
"Of course!"
Ling Ning turned to Xia You and said, "Xia You, you go ahead to the club. I’ll join you as soon as I’m done helping Sister."
Xia You glanced at Bai Jie, nodded slightly, and left.
"It’s nothing major," Bai Jie said with a gentle smile. "Just some documents I need help organizing. It’ll be quick."
"Got it."
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Author’s Note:
This salted fish dreams of a free lunch!