Chapter Seventy-Eight

Lin Ling faced everyone as if nothing had happened, smiling, “We can continue now, right? I’ve finished my dare. You all keep playing, I’ll go to the bathroom first.” She turned and headed for the restroom, her figure still radiating a fierce aura. Wang Chaolin’s heart was heavy; had he known things would turn out this way, he never would have gone along with it and gotten put in his place by Lin Ling.

Xiao Jian helped Wang Chaolin onto the sofa so he could rest for a while. Wang Chaolin’s body hurt too much to continue the dare game, so Zhou Ruoxue kindly gave him an easier challenge, though the details were omitted. Not until Lin Ling emerged from the bathroom and Zhou Ruoxue’s truth session ended did everyone return to their rooms to rest.

Perhaps still not satisfied, Yu Xingyue lingered awake, scrolling through videos on her phone. For someone who often stays up late, watching videos and playing games is routine; battling through the night under the covers is unimaginable for those who dislike late nights.

Yu Xingyue didn’t play games, knowing that encountering terrible teammates would make her curse, and she didn’t want to do that. As someone with high standards, she had principles, so she put on her Bluetooth headphones and watched funny clips on Douyin to pass the time.

The room next to Yu Xingyue belonged to Wang Chaolin. He was different, still probing the injuries left by Lin Ling’s beating. He muttered softly to himself, “Senior Sister really goes hard. She’s left me afraid to move my legs. But judging from her expression earlier, she truly has a boyfriend. Seems Hugo wasn’t lying.”

As for Xiao Jian, he was quick to fall asleep. On the girls’ side, the three chatted by phone. Since everyone else was resting, running to Zhou Ruoxue’s room to gossip would disturb the peace, so chatting by phone was the best option.

Their conversation revolved around what Wang Chaolin had been wondering: Lin Ling’s boyfriend. She’d already explained things that morning, but their curiosity was insatiable—they wanted to know the name. That morning, Lin Ling had only briefly mentioned Wu Guanzhong, giving little detail, which left Xu Yaya and Zhou Ruoxue itching for more; not knowing was simply unbearable.

“Didn’t I already tell you this morning? Why keep asking?” Lin Ling typed, baffled. “You two, not understanding a man’s heart, keep wanting to know what being in love feels like. Are you both straight women?”

Xu Yaya replied, “It’s not our fault—you’re just too outstanding, found a boyfriend before us. Frankly, you and we aren’t even from the same world. [grinning emoji]”

Zhou Ruoxue chimed in, “Exactly! Sister Lin, you’re bullying us single folks. Look at the whole Tianyuan team, none of us have partners but you. It really feels unfair. We’re just not the same!”

Lin Ling responded, “Always picking on me! Fate comes from your own blessings. Mine was a chance granted by heaven. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but in time you realize it’s not so bad after all.”

Xu Yaya messaged, “Are you sharing tips on how to chase guys? Hurry and tell us—I’m ready to screenshot everything for careful study.”

Lin Ling replied, “You’re the captain, aren’t you embarrassed? You have brains and brawn; how could you lack for men? Besides, you’re so outstanding, those guys know they aren’t good enough for you, so they give up and look elsewhere. Ruoxue, what do you think? [cool emoji]”

Zhou Ruoxue answered, “I really can’t say. But just as Lin Ling said, fate depends on your own blessings. I think my chance will come soon.”

Xu Yaya remarked, “No way! You really have such a strong feeling? All I can do is envy you two. Looks like I’m destined to grow old alone, with only a dog for company. [crying emoji]”

Lin Ling said, “Isn’t it too early to give up? How about you stroll around the corner of the park—where parents seek partners for their sons or daughters? If you go, someone’s bound to want you. [smirking emoji]”

Unable to bear Lin Ling’s messages, Xu Yaya switched to voice, “How could you even think of that? Most of those parents’ children are thirty or forty. If I went, I’d end up with someone twenty years older—that’s truly a flower planted in manure.”

No one sent further messages. Zhou Ruoxue texted, “You two keep chatting, I’m going to sleep—I’m just too tired, and staying up is bad for both health and skin. [snoring emoji]”

After Zhou Ruoxue logged off, only Lin Ling and Xu Yaya remained. For Xu Yaya, so eager to find a partner, Lin Ling really had no advice; a boyfriend wasn’t going to fall from the sky, nor could he be bought from a vending machine.

Perhaps influenced by Zhou Ruoxue’s message, both lost the desire to chat and logged off to prepare for sleep. Girls who care for their health can’t stay up late. Lin Ling fell asleep first, while Xu Yaya struggled to close her eyes, lost in thought, and soon drifted off. The other rooms, too, fell silent.

The next morning, Lin Ling rose early to wash up. She wasn’t the only early riser; Yu Xingyue was up as well. The previous night, her room may have been quiet, but she’d spent the entire night on her phone, as evidenced by its drained battery and her dark circles.

Seeing Yu Xingyue’s tired state, Lin Ling approached her, speaking like a mother, “Hugo, you spent the whole night on your phone, didn’t you? Don’t you know how much harm staying up late does at your age? And remember what I say…” Before she could finish, Yu Xingyue hurriedly covered her mouth.

“Senior Sister, I really don’t want to hear that first thing in the morning. I know my energy is low, and playing on my phone was wrong, but at my age, late nights are normal. I’m sure you went through this phase too, so you should understand, right?” Yu Xingyue knew it wasn’t right, but he wasn’t entirely wrong either; after puberty, schedules change, like with him and Xiao Jian, while Huang Feifan and the others weren’t there yet and couldn’t relate.

He also disliked being told off about one thing after another; it sounded harsh. Once was enough, no need to repeat. Yang Shuting used to nag him just like Lin Ling, both worrying themselves sick over him.

Lin Ling replied, “You’ve got guts now! Challenging even me, Lin Ling. If I say you’re wrong, then you are.”

Yu Xingyue retorted, “Who’s really my mom here? Senior Sister, does Wu know you’re like this? You’re starting to look like a housewife. When you and Wu get married, he’ll be in for a good life, not daring to stay out late for fear of making you jealous.”

Lin Ling shot him a look. “That’s none of your business. I don’t need you meddling in my affairs.”

“Then why do you meddle in mine? Pretending not to notice would be better, wouldn’t it?” Yu Xingyue countered.

“Fine, let’s do it your way. It’s too early to argue and disturb everyone else. Go back to your room and sleep—I’ll make breakfast for everyone.” Lin Ling entered the kitchen and opened Zhou Ruoxue’s fridge to check the ingredients.

Yu Xingyue yawned, “Alright, but don’t call me for breakfast—I rarely eat breakfast anyway.” With that, he returned to his room to sleep some more.