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This, this…
If she said she had only gone to the good neighbor next door’s house for breakfast, would he believe her?
Xing Ling didn’t say anything, because after glancing at the wrinkled pajamas she still had on, even she didn’t believe it.
“Cough, cough…”
Just then, Tang Yue, leaning weakly against Ouyang Shaojing’s chest, coughed lightly and tugged on his sleeve. “A-Jing, I’m not feeling well.”
Ouyang Shaojing’s face was dark as he opened the door and carried Tang Yue inside. Before Xing Ling could sneak in as well, he turned back again.
Flames of anger burned in his eyes as he glared at her. “Why won’t you answer me, Xing Ling? Hurry up and make it clear what exactly is going on here!”
“Don’t misunderstand. Lingling helped me a little with something last night, so I made more breakfast this morning and invited her to try some, that’s all.”
Cen Yinian was dressed in ordinary sweats and trousers, and on the table behind him were dishes that hadn’t yet been cleared. His explanation sounded quite convincing.
But to Ouyang Shaojing, it felt like blatant provocation.
Whether it was that faintly mocking curve of the man’s lips or the slightly ambiguous wording, it all sounded unbearably harsh to him.
He said nothing more, just grabbed Xing Ling’s wrist and pulled her out, warning sternly, “Don’t go into the homes of shady men again.”
“Xing Ling, don’t forget your identity!”
“…”
Oh,
She just had to.
Xing Ling muttered silently to herself, though she didn’t say anything on her face.
“In my opinion, whatever Lingling’s identity may be, her own feelings should be for her to decide, not you.”
Xing Ling had just taken a step outside but before she could stand steady, another hand gripped her other wrist from behind.
Both sides exerted force, and in that moment, Xing Ling was caught in the middle.
From behind her, Cen Yinian’s calm voice continued, “Besides, isn’t the one inside your girlfriend? Why are you eating from the bowl yet eyeing the pot? Do you want to embrace both sides and sit back enjoying the blessings of a harem?”
“In this world, I’ve never seen scum like you—two-timing so brazenly and feeling no shame.”
“What nonsense are you spouting? What I do has nothing to do with you!”
It was the first time Ouyang Shaojing had faced such blatant defiance. Outside, anyone who saw him would respectfully call him “Mr. Ouyang.”
Now, fury was etched on his face as he glared at Cen Yinian. “Not for me to decide? Then is it for you to decide?”
“Let go of her! I won’t repeat myself!”
“And if I don’t?”
Cen Yinian lifted his chin, lips curling in open mockery. The provocation Ouyang Shaojing had suspected before was now fully exposed.
But only for a moment—Xing Ling didn’t catch it in time.
“Courting death!”
At the same time those words left his lips, Ouyang Shaojing, enraged beyond reason, swung his fist straight at Cen Yinian.
He knew this man was here just to provoke him.
Taking advantage of his absence to dig at his corner—but how could he not know? Xing Ling only liked him, Ouyang Shaojing. She would never fall for someone else!
Cen Yinian tilted his head slightly, letting the fist graze past his eye. The skin at the corner quickly turned purple-blue.
Because his complexion was pale, the injury looked all the more savage.
Xing Ling was stunned into silence by the sudden clash, but when she saw Cen Yinian hurt, she hurried forward to grab Ouyang Shaojing.
“A-Jing, stop! Please, both of you, don’t fight anymore.”
This detestable man, how could he hit someone right in their most beautiful eyes…
Hmph, so excessive!
“A-Jing…”
A weak call drifted out from the room, finally pulling Ouyang Shaojing back to his senses.
He frowned and shoved Xing Ling’s shoulder in irritation. “What are you standing here for? Hurry up and get inside!”
His push was heavy, right against the injury between her shoulder blade and back, making Xing Ling wince slightly in pain.
Suddenly, a soft chuckle came from behind her.
When Xing Ling looked back, she found Cen Yinian watching her. With the fresh wound at the corner of his eye, his gaze carried a chilling sharpness that made her feel terribly guilty.
After all, Ouyang Shaojing had struck him to protect her. She’d need to find a chance to apologize later.
The heavy door shut, cutting off all sight.
Cen Yinian lifted his eyes and smiled faintly. He tossed the crumbled door handle in his hand aside, then called someone to come replace the door.
Passing the still-uncleared dining table, he went straight to the bathroom.
Standing before the mirror, he examined his wound, gesturing at different angles, then raised his phone and snapped several shots.
After flipping through them in his gallery, he muttered:
“This one’s too ugly… No.”
“This one makes it look too light… Not good either.”
“This one…”
…
“This one will do.”
Satisfied with his careful choice, Cen Yinian curved his lips into a smile. He planned to send it to the girl later—
To, to, complain, bitterly.
【Ding! Main Quest Triggered: “Coffeehouse Provocation—Reconciliation of Male and Female Leads” event achieved. Please find an opportunity to deliver fake medicine to the injured Tang Yue.】
【Main Progress: 30%!】
Just as Xing Ling stepped inside, the system’s voice echoed in her mind. She instinctively looked up at Tang Yue, who was sitting pale-faced on the sofa.
No wonder she looked so white—so she was injured.
Ouyang Shaojing, a step behind, swiftly swept past Xing Ling, scooped Tang Yue up, and carried her upstairs without sparing Xing Ling a glance.
This mission…
“I’ll tell you one more time. Don’t go near that wild man outside. And from now on, avoid him whenever you go out, understand?”
His deep voice came from upstairs. Xing Ling rubbed her ear and pretended not to hear.
Since he hadn’t called her name, he wasn’t speaking to her.
“Xing Ling, don’t test my patience!”
“…Fine, I know.”
She knew, but she wouldn’t listen.
A loud bang echoed as the door upstairs slammed shut.
Peace finally returned to the house.
Xing Ling let out a slow breath, dragging her tired body back to her room, where she collapsed onto the soft bed.
Rolling over, she thought about the mission the system had just assigned.
But that mission… could wait for now.