Chapter 682 : I’ll Give It to You Later
"What a beautiful weekend."
Ling Ning lay sprawled on her bed like a lifeless fish. It had been a week since the last incident, and she’d spent that entire week at the company. With spring just around the corner, her busy season had begun.
The week had been utterly draining, and she’d only returned home last night. Piling all the work into one stretch like that was exhausting.
Still, she thought, once she graduated, things might improve significantly.
Feeling the fatigue of the week weighing her down, Ling Ning had no intention of leaving her bed, even as noon approached.
Just then, her phone buzzed. Lazily picking it up, she saw Chen Ruo’s name on the screen. A call at this hour? Could something have happened?
Although puzzled, Ling Ning answered.
"Hello, Chen Ruo? Calling me so early—did you need something?"
"Mm... mm!"
Chen Ruo’s voice carried an unmistakable note of excitement. "Um... I think I’m lost."
"What?!"
Ling Ning blinked in surprise before quickly asking, "Where are you now? Or do you see any landmarks nearby?"
"Um... let me look."
After a moment’s pause, Chen Ruo replied, "I think I’m near the shopping plaza, but I can’t find my way back."
"The shopping plaza? Wait there and send me a few pictures of your surroundings. I’ll be there soon."
"Okay."
Hanging up, Ling Ning immediately got out of bed. In record time, she washed up and changed. On her way out, she thought to let her daughter know but remembered she had mentioned going out with her classmates the previous night.
Sure enough, her daughter’s room was empty.
However, Ling Ning did spot a USB drive on her daughter’s desk, strikingly similar to one she had found before, even labeled "TOP SECRET." But with no time to spare, Ling Ning merely glanced at it before leaving.
Though the shopping plaza wasn’t far, the urgency of the situation prompted Ling Ning to hail a cab.
During the ride, she checked the pictures Chen Ruo had sent. A quick glance was enough for her to pinpoint the location.
Upon arriving, Ling Ning headed straight for the spot in the photos but didn’t see Chen Ruo. Just as she was about to pull out her phone, she felt a gentle tug on her sleeve. Turning around, she found Chen Ruo standing behind her.
"Chen Ruo, why are you wandering around the shopping plaza alone? Where’s Xiao Yue?"
"She had something to do, so I came out by myself," Chen Ruo said, looking down like a child caught doing something wrong.
Ling Ning sighed softly, reaching out to pat her head. "So, why did you come out on your own, Chen Ruo?"
As far as Ling Ning knew, Chen Ruo rarely left the house without a specific reason, and certainly not alone.
"I wanted to pick out a gift for Xiao Yue. It’s her birthday today, so I decided to come out by myself," Chen Ruo said with a blink of her wide eyes.
"Huh?! It’s Xiao Yue’s birthday? You could’ve told me! If I’d been with you, you wouldn’t have gotten lost."
"But... but I didn’t want to trouble you, Ling Ning!"
"It’s no trouble. As long as I get... never mind."
Ling Ning trailed off, remembering the undergarment she still had locked away at home. In her haste, she’d forgotten to return it.
Hearing Ling Ning’s words, Chen Ruo instinctively clutched her skirt, her pale cheeks tinged with a faint blush as memories of the last time surfaced.
"Ahem! Anyway, what kind of gift do you think Xiao Yue would like?"
"She seems to prefer practical things."
"Practical things, huh?"
Ling Ning narrowed her eyes in thought. How like Lin Yue, she mused.
Since neither of them could immediately decide on a gift, they opted to browse the shopping plaza.
To ensure Chen Ruo wouldn’t get lost again, Ling Ning naturally took her hand.
Feeling the smooth warmth of Ling Ning’s hand, Chen Ruo glanced at her, a soft smile spreading across her face.
"What would be a good gift?"
Ling Ning scanned the various stores, overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Her indecisiveness wasn’t helping.
Passing by an audio store, something caught her eye—a beautifully designed pair of headphones. She figured they’d make a perfect gift for Lin Yue.
Without hesitation, Ling Ning purchased the headphones and had them gift-wrapped.
As Ling Ning held the package, Chen Ruo gazed at her with a pitiful expression, as if wanting advice on what to buy. But as Lin Yue’s mother, she felt awkward asking Ling Ning for suggestions.
Noticing Chen Ruo’s hesitation, Ling Ning smiled. "Honestly, as long as it’s from Chen Ruo, Xiao Yue will love it. You don’t have to stick to ‘practical.’ Why not go for a fancy dress or some accessories instead?"
"Really?"
A thought seemed to occur to Chen Ruo, and she leaned closer to Ling Ning, whispering, "Then could you help me choose, Ling Ning?"
"Of course! As long as Chen Ruo gives me—"
"Um... could I give it to you after we get back? Without it, I’d feel too insecure right now."
"Please don’t take me seriously! I was just joking!"
"It’s fine. I’ll give it to you when we’re home!"