Chapter 687 : The Atmosphere Feels Suspiciously Gay
Winter had passed, and spring had arrived.
In S City, spring and autumn were fleeting seasons. While some still wore light jackets, it wouldn’t be long before everyone switched to short sleeves.
Ling Ning sat idly in the classroom, uninterested in moving despite the break between classes. Spring’s brevity meant that by the end of the week, she would be back at work at the company.
After all, there are always at least thirty days a month when people don’t want to work or study.
Ling Ning was no exception. Having just finished shooting the spring collection, she now had to prepare for summer clothing and an upcoming runway show. The thought of it all drained her enthusiasm, and she let out a sigh of despair.
Xia You glanced over at her. She knew Ling Ning’s worries—Ling Ning had vented to her about them last night. Though Xia You couldn’t offer much help, she tried her best to comfort her and cheer her on.
"Xia You, give me a hug."
Ling Ning suddenly said, leaning over to embrace Xia You and burying her head in her chest. The feeling was undeniably comforting.
Sitting behind them, Tian Tian watched the scene with envy. Why didn’t he have a deskmate to provide such "support"?
He glanced at his neighbors. On one side, there was no one, and on the other sat a muscular guy wearing a thin tank top despite the lingering cool weather. The sight of those bulging muscles gave Tian Tian an inexplicable feeling.
Realizing where his thoughts were going, Tian Tian shook his head vigorously. The atmosphere was starting to feel too suspicious.
Just then, Bai Jie entered the classroom gracefully. The lively chatter died down as the students turned their attention to her.
After her odd behavior at the beginning of the semester, Bai Jie had returned to her usual self. Lately, she even smiled more often, which only made her more captivating and caused her to win over even more admirers.
Sitting beside Ling Ning, Xia You noticed that Bai Jie frequently glanced their way during lectures. More precisely, she was looking at Ling Ning.
At first, Xia You thought it was a coincidence, but it became a pattern. Ling Ning noticed as well and had even confronted Bai Jie about it. Although Bai Jie promised to change, she continued her behavior as if nothing had happened.
This convinced Ling Ning that Bai Jie must be Bai Yiyue’s mother—their personalities were too similar in certain ways.
Ever since Ling Ning had agreed to a certain request, Bai Jie seemed to have "unlocked" a new side of herself. In public, she remained the elegant, noblewoman everyone admired. But in private, she would attempt all kinds of peculiar things, reminding Ling Ning of her clingy childhood friend.
No—compared to Bai Yiyue, Bai Jie was even more dangerous.
Thinking about it, Ling Ning couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of resignation.
The class period felt both long and short. When it ended, Ling Ning planned to head to the cafeteria with Xia You for lunch. However, as soon as she stepped out of the classroom, she saw Bai Jie standing silently by the door as if waiting for someone.
When Bai Jie spotted her, she approached Ling Ning and said, "Ling Ning, do you have time this afternoon? I need a favor."
"Um, I’ll come find you after I finish lunch," Ling Ning replied.
"That’s fine. I was going to invite you to lunch, actually."
"Ah..."
Ling Ning froze momentarily but decided to decline. Something about Bai Jie’s offer of a free meal felt too ominous.
On their way to the cafeteria, Xia You commented, "Ling Ning, you seem to be getting closer to Teacher Bai Jie."
"Ahaha, is that so?"
"Mm. Even if you don’t say anything, it’s obvious. But it doesn’t matter. As long as I can stay by your side, that’s enough for me," Xia You said softly.
"Don’t worry, Xia You. No matter what happens, I’ll always stay by your side. That’s a promise!"
"That’s all I need."
After lunch, Ling Ning escorted Xia You to her clubroom before heading to the faculty dormitory building as instructed by Bai Jie.
Standing in front of the building, Ling Ning hesitated. Why did Bai Jie need her here? Something about this felt... complicated.
After a moment of deliberation, Ling Ning stepped inside. As she waited for the elevator, she felt a light poke on her back. Turning around, she saw Ye Xuan standing there.
"Ling Ning, were you looking for me?" Ye Xuan asked coolly.
"I’d love to catch up, but Bai Jie asked me for something today. Let me finish that first, and I’ll come find you."
"I see."
Satisfied, Ye Xuan nodded.
The elevator arrived, and the two of them stepped inside along with a few others. As Ling Ning stood there, she suddenly felt a hand on her thigh. She didn’t need to look to know it was Ye Xuan’s.
Not again...
In such a crowded space, how could Ye Xuan be so bold? What if someone noticed?
Ling Ning’s face turned slightly red, but she pretended not to notice, focusing instead on her phone. Fortunately, no one else seemed to catch on.
When the elevator reached her floor, Ling Ning stepped out nonchalantly, bidding farewell to Ye Xuan before letting out a sigh. Was she being too lenient with Ye Xuan?
For now, she needed to focus on whatever Bai Jie needed from her. She could only hope it wasn’t what she suspected.