Chapter 68: Mind Reading (9)

Jin Yingyao and Xiao Lingfei found an open space to have their conversation.

Jin Yingyao knew what Xiao Lingfei wanted to discuss. The mere thought that Xiao Lingfei had approached him about Yan Ling, coupled with being misunderstood as having feelings for her, filled Jin Yingyao’s heart with immense frustration.

“You don’t need to say anything.” Jin Yingyao spoke before Xiao Lingfei could, his expression even more serious than Xiao Lingfei’s. “I swear, I do not like Yan Ling at all. If I did, may I be forever single!”

Xiao Lingfei was caught off guard, his words trailing off uncertainly. ”…There’s no need for such an oath.”

“I’m not someone petty; I wouldn’t force you to give up on the person you love just because we’re friends.” Xiao Lingfei couldn’t help but sigh.

He was aware of Jin Yingyao’s affection for Yan Ling, and privately, he might not have said much about it. However, now rumors were spreading throughout the academy, suggesting that Jin Yingyao and Yan Ling made a couple. With the clear understanding that Xiao Lingfei and Yan Ling were expected to enter an arranged marriage, how could he possibly remain indifferent?

Xiao Lingfei had initially come to remind Jin Yingyao to be more discreet, but seeing how flustered and defensive Jin Yingyao became, resorting even to childish oaths, Xiao Lingfei found himself unable to utter those words.

Xiao Lingfei: This is Yingyao’s first time falling for someone, and he already feels so guilty facing me. What else can I say…

Xiao Lingfei: It’s straight out of a soap opera - my best friend crushing on my fiancée. Talk about being caught in a tough spot!

Jin Yingyao remained silent, his lips twitching as he emphasized, “I’m telling the truth! Everything on the forums is just rumors; the photos don’t tell the whole story!”

“Then why did you go find her this morning?” Xiao Lingfei suspected the forum posters might be right; he had never seen Jin Yingyao voluntarily seek out any other woman, let alone escort her specifically to the classroom door. It seemed highly uncharacteristic of Jin Yingyao!

Jin Yingyao hastily explained, “This morning, I saw her getting out of Gu Li’s car…”

Before Jin Yingyao could finish, Xiao Lingfei furrowed his brow and interjected, “And yet you claim you don’t like her? If you didn’t care, why would you pay attention to such things?”

Jin Yingyao struggled to catch his breath, nearly gasping for air. “I did it for you! I suspect Yan Ling might be interested in others too; I don’t want you to be deceived. She could potentially do something behind your back that would betray you!”

Without hesitation, Xiao Lingfei dismissed Jin Yingyao’s suspicion. “Impossible, Yan Ling is very innocent. How could you even think that!”

What a terrible excuse from Jin Yingyao!

So what if she got out of Gu Li’s car? If Gu Li had any romantic involvement with Yan Ling, he wouldn’t have advised Jin Yingyao not to give up on their engagement and to hold onto her tightly.

Xiao Lingfei firmly believed that Gu Li was not someone who would betray his friends; rather, Gu Li genuinely cared about them.

Even if Yan Ling rode in Gu Li’s car, it likely meant that Gu Li, out of respect for Xiao Lingfei, was simply looking after her—a harmless gesture. It was peculiar indeed that Jin Yingyao would notice and react this way!

Xiao Lingfei texted: [“Just as Gu Li said, Jin Yingyao must like Yan Ling. Otherwise, he wouldn’t act so unusually. Only love can make one so overly sensitive…”]

Xiao Lingfei continued: [“He doesn’t even dare to admit liking Yan Ling, claiming it’s all for me—absurd.”]

Jin Yingyao felt utterly defeated; not only had his explanation failed to convince Xiao Lingfei, it deepened the misunderstanding instead!

Seeing Jin Yingyao fall silent, Xiao Lingfei said, “We can compete fairly, Yingyao.”

Jin Yingyao stared incredulously.

What fair competition? Compete for Yan Ling?!

Is Xiao Lingfei trying to get him killed?!

”…No, you’re overthinking,” Jin Yingyao replied weakly, “Why won’t you believe me?”

“Fine.” Xiao Lingfei, feeling helpless as Jin Yingyao stubbornly denied any interest, sighed, “If you truly do this for me, could you then avoid paying attention to Yan Ling and keep your distance from her?”

Jin Yingyao’s expression stiffened; he genuinely couldn’t manage that. How could he ensure his friends’ safety without keeping an eye on Yan Ling?

Noticing Jin Yingyao’s reaction, Xiao Lingfei scoffed, “Look at yourself, you can’t even handle this simple request. How am I supposed to trust you?”

Jin Yingyao remained speechless.

Xiao Lingfei patted Jin Yingyao’s shoulder, “You should just be true to yourself; I won’t blame you.”

Xiao Lingfei thought, 【I doubt there’s a more understanding friend than me out there.】

Xiao Lingfei typed: “I don’t want these issues to cause conflict with Yingyao; it’d be great if he could let go sooner.”

Jin Yingyao felt not just heartache but also a throbbing headache!

The conversation with Xiao Lingfei left him utterly drained, both mentally and physically.

Jin Yingyao finally realized that without concrete evidence—something undeniable that would expose Yan Ling’s true nature to everyone—no one would believe him.

Yan Ling’s carefully crafted image was too successful. Merely stating his concerns verbally would only make others suspect there was something wrong with him.

To wake up Xiao Lingfei and the rest, Jin Yingyao needed solid proof!

As he pondered this, Jin Yingyao entered the classroom.

Immediately, a barrage of chaotic thoughts greeted him:

[The gatekeeper’s goddess truly lives up to her name, rejecting even someone like Jin Yingyao without hesitation.]

[I adore Yan Ling! I couldn’t stand seeing those girls swooning over Jin Yingyao all the time, acting as if he’s irresistible to everyone.]

[It’s rare to find a girl so serious about relationships. Yan Ling is genuinely impressive.]

[Wahh, how could Yan Ling not appreciate our Yingyao? Her taste must be terrible!]

Jin Yingyao was puzzled. What happened while I was away just now?

Listening carefully, he found the cause.

While Jin Yingyao and Xiao Lingfei were having their conversation outside, Yan Ling had personally responded on the forum during that time.

Jin Yingyao hastily opened the academy’s forum and spotted the hottest thread floating at the top of the homepage.

Title: “I am Yan Ling, providing clarification about my relationship with Jin Yingyao.”

Main Post: This is my first public response regarding matters of affection. Honestly, even now, I’m unsure if posting this thread is appropriate; however… as rumors escalate, not addressing them would be irresponsible towards our relationship. Jin Yingyao is indeed a wonderful and exceptional person whom I greatly admire. But this admiration stems solely from recognizing his abilities. Jin Yingyao and I are merely ordinary friends. I hope fellow classmates do not misconstrue our friendship…

—Front-row screenshot! Ahh, is this her actual statement?

—My goodness, is the ship I just started following already sinking?

—“Ordinary friends”? Jin Yingyao wouldn’t act like this with just any friend, does it mean she’s rejecting him?

—Laughing so hard, earlier in that other thread, members of Jin Yingyao’s fan club were claiming he wouldn’t be interested in Yan Ling, only for Yan Ling herself to refute their connection now.

—If not for the rumors escalating, Yan Ling wouldn’t have responded so decisively. Notice her words, “just out of admiration for his abilities.” Take a moment to appreciate that.

—Appreciate what? Let’s not overanalyze; it’s enough that they clarified the rumors. Both Yan Ling and Jin Yingyao remain single. Case closed!

As Jin Yingyao scrolled through the replies, he found a significant portion believing this post indicated Yan Ling’s public rejection of him. This increasingly infuriated Jin Yingyao. In frustration, he hastily posted another thread titled: “I am Jin Yingyao, and there is indeed no relationship between Yan Ling and me.”

Main Post: Stop making wild guesses—it’s nothing, absolutely nothing! There was no pursuit, no blushing! All just rumors!

—This… from Jin Yingyao himself?

—Why does such a short message feel so exasperated?

—Probably couldn’t handle being rejected, huh? Honestly, I never thought anyone could turn down Jin Yingyao until seeing this post.

—Their response styles contrast starkly. Jin Yingyao seems quite lacking in grace here.

—How is Yingyao lacking in grace?! Waaah, Yingyao, we support you! With so many who adore you, don’t let it bother you!

—Yingyao, oh Yingyao, you’re the best! Trust Yingyao, all those rumors are baseless!

Jin Yingyao’s fan base quickly took over the comments section, flooding it with messages of comfort, encouragement, and praise. However, Jin Yingyao remained utterly unhappy because… everyone—absolutely everyone—seemed convinced that his post was fueled by embarrassment and anger after being rejected.

Jin Yingyao felt speechless.

It’s hopeless; all of Saint Hieria is beyond saving.

Unwilling to face further speculation based on those wild guesses, Jin Yingyao left the classroom immediately and spent most of the day lying low in the S-grade mansion.

His chest felt tight and uneasy, unable to find peace despite tossing and turning for hours.

When it was time for club activities, Jin Yingyao didn’t remain idle any longer and hurriedly rushed to the HR Club.

He had a feeling that Yan Ling wouldn’t let his friend off easily, so he needed to keep a close eye on her.

On his way to the club, Jin Yingyao received numerous “sympathetic” gazes.

He quickened his pace, but even upon entering the club, his expression showed no improvement.

“Yingyao?” Gu Li seemed somewhat surprised to see him. “Why did you come so early?”

Gu Li thought, Didn’t they say Jin Yingyao was heartbroken and skipped classes all day? How does he have the energy to attend club activities now?

Jin Yingyao paused, taken aback.

Since when was he heartbroken from rejection?!

With a cold demeanor, Jin Yingyao retorted, “Is there a problem with me coming to the club?”

Despite Jin Yingyao’s curt demeanor, Gu Li remained composed and gentle, “It’s nothing, feel free to do as you please.”

Gu Li thought internally, 【Seems like his mood is indeed quite poor. Unfortunately, Yan Ling clarified too quickly with her post. If only Xiao Lingfei had deepened the misunderstanding further, leading to a confrontation with Jin Yingyao, it might have swayed Xiao Lingfei to reconsider their engagement.】

Jin Yingyao was taken aback. Gu Li wants Xiao Lingfei to call off the engagement? Why? Wasn’t he supportive of Xiao Lingfei and Yan Ling being together? How could his stance change overnight?

Jin Yingyao stared intently at Gu Li, fearful of missing any crucial information.

Under Jin Yingyao’s unwavering gaze, Gu Li felt slightly uncomfortable. “What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You…” Before Jin Yingyao could finish his question, there was movement again near the club entrance.

This time, the girl entering garnered even more attention than before.

Everyone in the club practically focused their eyes on Yan Ling. Some discreetly stole glances at Jin Yingyao, clearly curious about his reaction.

However, Jin Yingyao couldn’t pay attention to anyone else at that moment.

He had just heard Gu Li’s thoughts—thoughts that should not have been present in Gu Li’s mind.

Gu Li thought:

【She’s here.】

【She attracts too much attention. It would be perfect if only she and I were in this club alone.】

[“I truly wish to be alone with her, just like last night…”]

Last night! Jin Yingyao’s pupils widened—what had happened last night?!

What was wrong with Gu Li? Something wasn’t right!

Before Jin Yingyao could fully recover from his shock, he heard Yan Ling speak again.

“President Gu Li, I’m here to submit my application for joining the club.” The girl handed the membership form to Gu Li, her smile warm and gentle. “In the future… please take care of me.”

Yan Ling thought, [My Gu Li, I know you must be thinking of me, just as I am of you. During the day, I will belong to you, but at night… you shall belong to me.]

[I won’t let you leave; you must stay by my side forever…]

As Gu Li accepted the application form, a barely concealed joyful smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. “Welcome aboard. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anytime.”

Gu Li thought, [I’ll help you solve all your problems.]

They exchanged smiles, their understanding remarkably in sync.

Jin Yingyao was astounded!

Madness! Gu Li has gone mad! What is he thinking? Has he forgotten that she is Xiao Lingfei’s fiancée?!

“No!” Jin Yingyao exclaimed loudly. “Our club isn’t accepting new members, I don’t agree!”

“What do you mean ‘don’t agree’?” At that moment, Xiao Lingfei walked in through the door.

Xiao Lingfei, anticipating Yan Ling’s visit, hadn’t even attended the basketball club today. Instead, he came straight to the HR club after school.

As Xiao Lingfei entered the club and overheard Jin Yingyao’s statement, he swiftly strode to Yan Ling’s side. “Did you join the club?”

Blushing slightly, Yan Ling looked up at him. “Were you going to refuse…”

Xiao Lingfei swallowed his earlier words about not accepting new members. “Of course not, welcome aboard!”

[How could I refuse my fiancée!]

[She’s already being so proactive for me; it would be terribly insensitive if I didn’t reciprocate…]

Quickly, Xiao Lingfei added, “If there’s any activity that interests you, just let me know, and I’ll arrange it for you!”

The girl glanced at Gu Li and softly replied, “N-no need.”

[Is she worried President Gu Li might think I’m showing favoritism and doesn’t want to bother me?]

[Doesn’t Xiao Lingfei see how uncomfortable Yan Ling is with his enthusiasm? She clearly doesn’t need you to arrange anything!]

Jin Yingyao, listening to their thoughts, forcefully grabbed Xiao Lingfei’s arm. “No way! You can’t let her stay in the club!”

She’d make him wear the green hat—no, she already had! Jin Yingyao glared angrily at Yan Ling and Gu Li, the sneaky pair daring to flirt under his best friend’s nose! He wouldn’t allow them to get away with it!