Chapter 71: Mind Reading (12)

“Jin Yingyao looking for Yan Ling? With that dark expression, is he here to cause her trouble?”

“Scary! He wouldn’t be someone who would harm girls, right?”

“Just yesterday he claimed no connection with Yan Ling, and today he’s seeking her out again. Tsk tsk tsk…”

Jin Yingyao had anticipated such misinterpretations of his actions, but these comments no longer affected him.

His primary goal was to intercept Yan Ling, and enduring some scrutiny for it was worth it.

The girl glanced at him in surprise. In front of everyone, she maintained her poised demeanor as the courteous young lady, concealing completely her private assertive and eccentric nature.

“Jin classmate?” Yan Ling stood still, deliberately keeping a distance from him. She seemed uninterested in engaging in a private conversation, her entire demeanor aloof. “I have matters to attend to, can we discuss this later?”

As soon as Yan Ling spoke, the other students’ faces lit up with anticipation, eager for drama.

Everyone knew how pleasant Yan Ling’s personality was; she always appeared warm and friendly towards all, even when rejecting someone, she did so tactfully without causing embarrassment. However, her rejection of Jin Yingyao was remarkably blunt and unreserved.

Only Jin Yingyao knew that Yan Ling wasn’t truly rejecting him; this woman…this flirtatious and fickle woman, was currently thinking about nothing but…

Yan Ling: [LittleYingyao, already seeking me out so early? Unfortunately, I have plans today. Maybe next time we can play properly ~]

[My fiancé is waiting for me, he’s just too enticing - how could I disappoint him? Hee hee.]

Jin Yingyao was left speechless.

He had never encountered such a shameless woman before. After taking advantage of him yesterday, she could effortlessly discard him today for Xiao Lingfei without a second thought!

“I really do have an urgent matter to discuss with you,” Jin Yingyao insisted. What could he do? He knew if he didn’t act now, his good friend Xiao Lingfei would be the next victim of her games. Unlike himself, Xiao Lingfei genuinely liked Yan Ling, making him vulnerable to deep heartbreak from this woman!

Yan Ling: [Urgent matter? What could possibly be more important than my fiancé?]

[Yingyao, your serious expression doesn’t quite spark my interest.]

Jin Yingyao hastily forced a smile, struggling to maintain it.

Yan Ling: [No fun at all. Not as sexy as Lingfei, I think I’ll go find him instead.]

With this thought, she displayed a regretful look and turned to leave.

Jin Yingyao hastily approached Yan Ling, completely disregarding the surprise his actions caused among their classmates.

A question weighed heavily on Jin Yingyao’s mind: How could he appear more seductive than Xiao Lingfei? He had to capture Yan Ling’s attention before she headed to the basketball club!

Recalling Xiao Lingfei’s demeanor from past encounters, Jin Yingyao swept his bangs back with one hand and then placed his fingers on the buttons of his shirt. In front of Yan Ling, he undid a couple of them.

That was as far as he could push himself! As he loosened the buttons, Jin Yingyao’s fingers trembled slightly, feeling deeply embarrassed. With so many classmates watching nearby, it made him want to dig a hole and bury himself in shame.

Fortunately, his sacrifice bore fruit. With this gesture, that pervert immediately fixed her gaze firmly upon him.

Yan Ling: [Looking closely now, our little Yingyao does have some allure after all. I really want to touch his neck and see him blush and pant just like yesterday…]

Jin Yingyao flushed red at Yan Ling’s unabashed comment and asked again, “Can we talk?”

A conflicted expression appeared on Yan Ling’s face: [Should I spend some time with Yingyao first, then go visit my fiancé later?]

Jin Yingyao was rendered speechless. Despite his obvious discomfort, this woman still couldn’t resist thinking about teasing Xiao Lingfei!

“Alright… then.” The girl’s response sounded very reluctant, as if only constrained by etiquette to avoid repeatedly declining him did she agree to Jin Yingyao’s request.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, they maintained a distance neither too close nor too far apart, gradually disappearing from view.

As soon as Jin Yingyao and Yan Ling left, the remaining classmates eagerly began discussing among themselves.

“Is Jin Yingyao not giving up yet?”

“My friend is part of the HR club, and he said Jin Yingyao even tried snatching cookies made by Yan Ling—his way of expressing affection is so childish.”

“Aren’t Xiao Lingfei and Yan Ling quite close? I feel like they have more potential as a couple.”

“In S4, Jin Yingyao and Xiao Lingfei had the best relationship. Won’t they end up clashing over Yan Ling?”

“Did you notice Jin Yingyao’s expression just now? It seemed like he was deliberately trying to allure her… but his face looked so stiff! I don’t know why, but it made me want to laugh; he’s really going all out for Yan Ling…”

“Yan Ling is impressive. If it were me, I wouldn’t be able to resist Jin Yingyao at all. How does she manage to reject him without hesitation?”

Perhaps Yan Ling’s unequivocal rejection of Jin Yingyao was so clear that even girls who liked him couldn’t fault her actions. In the end, they could only sigh and acknowledge: the college goddess truly lived up to her name, effortlessly accomplishing what others deemed impossible…

Walking together, both Jin Yingyao and Yan Ling felt uneasy. Every time she glanced at him, he had an overwhelming urge to flee.

Yan Ling: “Where are you taking me? The sports equipment room has soft mats; we could lie down there, or perhaps the infirmary with its beds. Various empty classrooms would work too, or should we go straight to your apartment?”

Jin Yingyao remained silent.

This pervert indeed harbored covetous intentions towards him. How could he possibly take her to such enclosed spaces? Wouldn’t that just deliver himself into her hands?

He had already lost his first kiss; he couldn’t afford to lose anything else!

Yan Ling: “Why aren’t you speaking? Just walking like this is quite dull. Otherwise, I might as well find my fiancé…”

“Cough!” Hearing that Yan Ling intended to leave, Jin Yingyao hastily spoke up, “I… I have something to say!”

The girl stopped, looking at him with a radiant smile, “What does classmate Jin wish to express?”

Yan Ling: “I don’t want to hear anything that might upset me. Yingyao may be a bit foolish, but he won’t make me angry, right? What I need is a loving, obedient, and adorable Yingyao.”

Jin Yingyao managed to stammer out, “How about… we go on a date outside?”

Yes, outside—he couldn’t let Yan Ling remain within the academy. Better yet, he wouldn’t even have her attend any club activities; instead, he’d casually take her for a stroll and then leave her behind. That should suffice!

“A date?” A mysterious smile played across Yan Ling’s face. “Jin classmate, you should be aware of my relationship with Xiao Lingfei. Why would you propose a date to me?”

Yan Ling: Come, admit your affection for me openly, express your love directly. If you do well, I might reward you, Yingyao.

Jin Yingyao hesitated, at a loss.

He knew that seducing someone involved sweet words, but it felt overwhelmingly difficult—far too challenging for him!

Yan Ling: [Hmm? Why the silence? Could it be that your feelings for me were all pretense? Are you a fraud, Yingyao? If you don’t truly like me… then there’s no value in our connection. Why would I waste my time on someone who doesn’t care for me…]

Seeing the girl’s expression gradually turning colder, Jin Yingyao realized that if he didn’t speak up soon, he would never again stand a chance to sway Yan Ling.

“I-I li…” Jin Yingyao had never found speaking so difficult; his face flushed bright red with strain. Slowly, word by word, he managed to utter, “I like… you.”

Upon finishing, Jin Yingyao felt as if he had lost something precious. He stared blankly at the girl before him, experiencing a sensation of being emotionally drained.

Yan Ling thought, So Yingyao was just shy. How silly of him! Why would expressing affection for me be so hard? Don’t worry, Yingyao, I’ll reward you. You must always stay this obedient and love me forever…

The girl gently tugged on Jin Yingyao’s arm, leading him into a small grove near the main pathway of the academy.

Yan Ling mused, Let’s have our date here. Apparently, many couples at the academy do things they shouldn’t right in this spot…

Jin Yingyao tensed!

His limbs stiffened as she pushed him against a tree trunk. This time, without needing her prompt, he swiftly closed his eyes.

Gripping his hands tightly, Jin Yingyao silently reminded himself: This is all for my best buddy, I can’t resist. Compared to letting my friend suffer, it’s better to sacrifice myself…

Soon, Jin Yingyao found himself unable to think at all.

The girl wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning into him just as softly as before. That pleasant scent returned once more - her entire body was so fragrant and gentle. Half of Jin Yingyao’s body began tingling again, and he heard the girl mutter, “What a fool. Don’t you know to hold me tight?”

H-he couldn’t possibly embrace her!

But… if he didn’t fulfill these twisted demands, would she get angry? And if she did, might she do something even worse?

Well, anyway—after already sacrificing so much, what’s another bit?

Jin Yingyao cautiously extended his hands, gently touching the girl’s slender waist. Still too afraid to open his eyes, he allowed her to fully press against his embrace.

“Lower your head,” she commanded, reminiscent of the night before.

Jin Yingyao knew what this command implied.

Last night, she had forcibly held his head down to kiss him. Rather than being compelled by her again, it seemed better to obediently comply.

Jin Yingyao bent forward, lowering his head, and felt a light bite on his lips.

Jin Yingyao obediently parted his lips, once again greeted by her sweet and moist breath.

He tightened his arms around her; this time, his calves didn’t tremble, but that dizzy, weightless sensation still lingered.

Freaks are truly terrifying, Jin Yingyao couldn’t help but think.

Fortunately, it was him enduring such treatment from a freak, sparing his friends from similar harm.

Most people wouldn’t be able to resist this kind of manipulation. Did Gu Li also…

As he pondered what Gu Li and Yan Ling might have experienced, a strange sense of bitterness welled up within Jin Yingyao’s heart.

Even after their kiss ended, Jin Yingyao remained trapped in these peculiar emotions, unable to shake them off.

“It’s time to let go.” Yan Ling gently patted his arm. Seeing no response, she leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Does Jin classmate want something more?”

Startled, Jin Yingyao quickly released her and opened his eyes.

Before him was the girl, cheeks slightly flushed and lips glistening from their intimate exchange. Unfazed by his gaze, Yan Ling slipped out of his embrace, yet her fingers softly lingered at his neck.

Jin Yingyao tried to step back, but the tree trunk behind him blocked his path.

His legs felt weak again, and he grew anxious. What more did she want? After all that…wasn’t it enough?

To Jin Yingyao’s surprise, the girl didn’t proceed further.

Yan Ling gently fastened the unbuttoned shirt buttons for him, her movements tender and eyes soft as they met his gaze.

Just as Jin Yingyao was about to sigh in relief, he heard Yan Ling’s inner thoughts:

Ah, too bad I don’t have time today; otherwise, I would spend more with him.

Lingfei is still waiting for me. I promised Lingfei to watch his match, so I can’t break my word.

Jin Yingyao’s eyes widened instantly—Yan Ling wanted to go see Xiao Lingfei?!

No way! He had already let her kiss and touch him; why was she still thinking about Xiao Lingfei?!

Something snapped within Jin Yingyao’s mind. With a swift motion, he undid all the buttons on his shirt and whispered hoarsely, “You…you can touch wherever you want.”

Didn’t she enjoy these acts? Didn’t she harbor various inappropriate thoughts towards others?

Those thoughts… those thoughts should be directed at him instead! Don’t go touching others like that!

Yan Ling was slightly taken aback. “Are you sure… you want me to do this here?” she asked hesitantly.

“People could arrive at any moment,” the girl’s voice carried a hint of amusement. “What if someone sees…”

Jin Yingyao flushed bright red. Turning his back, he hastily buttoned up his shirt, wishing fervently to vanish from the world. How could he have said something so embarrassing? Aaaaaah, he wanted to die!

After Jin Yingyao finished fastening his buttons and neatly arranging his shirt and jacket, he turned around only to find that the girl behind him had disappeared without a trace…

Speechless, Jin Yingyao wondered if he had just been used and discarded?! Ahh, that twisted scum, how dare she treat him like this!

Fuming with humiliation, Jin Yingyao mentally cursed Yan Ling as he hurriedly strode towards the basketball club.

Xiao Lingfei stood on the court, gazing towards the spectator seats. The friendly basketball match between Saint Hieria and Hatton College generated significant excitement within both institutions, resulting in both sets of students filling the stands completely.

Xiao Lingfei had previously arranged with the manager and staff overseeing the basketball venue to reserve the best front-row seat for Yan Ling, ensuring she would have an optimal view.

Now, that spot remained empty.

Yan Ling hadn’t arrived yet.

“What are you looking at?” A teammate approached Xiao Lingfei, patting him on the back and said, “The game’s about to start, don’t get distracted!”

“I know,” Xiao Lingfei replied. He always took competitions seriously, but… why hasn’t Yan Ling shown up yet?

“I heard you went searching for our college’s ‘goddess’ during class break today. So, waiting for her to watch you play?” Another teammate jogged over, teasingly raising his eyebrows as he gossiped, “Is our small forward falling in love again?”

“What do you mean ‘again’? I haven’t really dated much, and those past instances didn’t count as serious relationships,” Xiao Lingfei emphasized. “Don’t spread rumors carelessly; it could lead to misunderstandings.”

“With so many people claiming to be your ‘girlfriend’, who knows how many times you’ve actually been involved?” The teammate clicked his tongue, adding, “Your current behavior is throwing me off.”

“Damn! I was wondering who spread these rumors too. I’ve been single for so long; where did all those supposed girlfriends come from!” Xiao Lingfei exclaimed angrily. “Maybe it’s precisely because of these baseless gossip that she didn’t show up…”

Was Yan Ling concerned about his reputation and thus unwilling to be seen as his girlfriend, leading her to skip his match?

At this thought, Xiao Lingfei felt a tightness in his chest.

“Hey, are you serious?” Seeing Xiao Lingfei’s expression, his teammates stopped joking around one by one. “Did something really happen?”

With a cold demeanor, Xiao Lingfei picked up the basketball and went off to practice alone.

“Oh no,” several teammates exchanged worried glances. “Let’s hope he doesn’t go berserk during the game.”

When Xiao Lingfei was upset, he wouldn’t slack off in a match; instead, his gameplay became more intense. Basketball inherently allows for emotional release with unavoidable physical contact, and when Xiao Lingfei got frenzied, not only would he commit fouls himself, but he’d also provoke fouls from opponents.

His ability to induce fouls could psychologically break down the opposition, often leading them to refuse further participation in subsequent games. This friendly exchange match against Hatton College shouldn’t end up destroying the camaraderie they sought to foster.

As the game began, Xiao Lingfei glanced at the spectator seats once more. Seeing that Yan Ling still hadn’t arrived, his expression darkened completely.

The fears of his teammates came true.

From the start of the match, Xiao Lingfei intentionally provoked two fouls against their opponents while defending. Switching defenders proved futile; he always managed to induce fouls through unexpected circumstances. This left the opposing team restrained and increasingly frustrated.

Once the rival players became hesitant to exert themselves fully, Xiao Lingfei unleashed a frenzied offensive mode, which paradoxically made him prone to committing fouls himself.

The first half of the game concluded under this tense atmosphere, with Hatton College’s players scowling and gesturing rudely in “friendly” defiance. Xiao Lingfei had already accumulated three fouls; if he continued like this in the second half, he risked being disqualified at any moment.

“That’s not…” Just as his teammates were about to caution Xiao Lingfei not to go too far, his eyes suddenly lit up, undergoing a dramatic 180-degree shift in mood. With a grin, he sprinted towards the spectator area.

“Is our college’s goddess here?” The teammates glanced up and noticed a girl sitting in the front row at some point. Upon closer inspection, they sighed admiringly, “She’s truly beautiful. If I were Xiao Lingfei, I’d want her as my girlfriend too.”

“It’s uncertain if even Xiao Lingfei can win her over,” said one well-informed teammate. “Jin Yingyao couldn’t succeed with Yan Ling, so who knows about him?”

“Does that mean we have a chance too?” others asked.

“We could give it a try. At worst, she might reject us, but being turned down by her wouldn’t be embarrassing,” the informed teammate smiled. “After all, Jin Yingyao sets the bar low; his rejection is posted on the college forum. What do we have to fear?”

“Hahaha, you’re right.” The teammates burst out laughing, with some genuinely eager to make an attempt.

Unaware of his teammates’ wandering thoughts behind his back, Xiao Lingfei tuned out the surrounding noise. He leaned towards the spectators, focusing solely on Yan Ling, and said, “I thought you weren’t coming.”

The young woman smiled, “I promised I would watch your match, so of course I came. I was just delayed earlier. I saw the score; you’re leading, but I heard you’ve committed three fouls already. Is that okay?”

Instantly regretting his emotional outburst, Xiao Lingfei hastily replied, “I won’t commit any more fouls, don’t worry. I’ll put on a fantastic match just for you!”

Yan Ling blinked, “Then I eagerly anticipate your performance…”

“Lingfei,” Yan Ling said softly.

The intimate nickname from the girl made Xiao Lingfei’s heart soften, and his gaze became even gentler. “Lingling, I won’t disappoint you.”

Jin Yingyao entered the basketball arena within the club, found the person among the spectators, and upon approaching, overheard Xiao Lingfei’s words.

Meanwhile, Xiao Lingfei’s inner thoughts were also quite dramatic:

I knew Lingling likes me! She hasn’t given up on me, that’s wonderful. From now on, I’m definitely going to clear all those rumors!

Let’s make it public - I should openly confess my feelings. That way, everyone will know she’s the one I like, and there won’t be misunderstandings about having other girlfriends.

I just wonder if Lingling would reciprocate… She’s so shy; asking her to respond might be too much to expect.

Jin Yingyao nearly rolled his eyes. Shy? How could Yan Ling be shy? She might put on an act in public, but privately, she had no modesty whatsoever!

Not only did she betray her fiancé, who knows how many others she’s entangled with. With just a slight temptation from him, she would respond… that way.

The thought of this fickle woman harboring feelings for multiple people infuriated Jin Yingyao immensely.

“What brings you here?” Xiao Lingfei didn’t expect Jin Yingyao to show up and instinctively wondered about his intentions. Was Jin Yingyao here to see him or… Yan Ling?

Hearing Xiao Lingfei’s thoughts, Jin Yingyao deliberately asked, “Am I not welcome?”

”…Of course you’re welcome.” In truth, Xiao Lingfei hesitated at the prospect of Jin Yingyao meeting Yan Ling again. He felt that Jin Yingyao could only bring trouble to her.

Jin Yingyao remained silent, feeling somewhat aggrieved. Despite all he had endured and done for his good friend, this was what his buddy thought of him!

Jin Yingyao didn’t take offense at Xiao Lingfei’s comment; he was prepared to make personal sacrifices, undeterred by others’ opinions.

“You should have let me know earlier that you were coming,” Xiao Lingfei lamented. “Look, all the seats are taken…”

Xiao Lingfei privately messaged Jin Yingyao: Don’t stay here anymore. If you truly consider me a brother, keep some distance from my fiancée.

It’s precisely because I consider you a brother that I can’t leave! Jin Yingyao responded internally.

Nonchalantly waving his hand, Jin Yingyao said, “No worries, I’ll stand if there’s no seat available.”

A female manager sitting near Yan Ling raised her hand and offered, “Jin Yingyao, you can have my seat. I’m about to patrol the venue anyway, so it’s yours now.”

Female Manager: [Ah ah ah, am I witnessing a legendary love triangle scenario?!]

[Best to give up this seat to Jin Yingyao. If their relationship could be revived, I’d feel like I’ve done something good.]

Gratefully acknowledging the offer, Jin Yingyao promptly took the seat with evident delight.

Xiao Lingfei frowned, but before he could express his discontent to the manager, the second half of the basketball game commenced.

“Keep your eyes on me,” Xiao Lingfei whispered to Yan Ling before hastily returning to his team.

As soon as Xiao Lingfei left, Jin Yingyao’s expression visibly relaxed. He glanced sidelong at the woman who had just abandoned him, noticing her intense focus on the match, and that sour feeling resurfaced once more.

“Is he… better than me?” Jin Yingyao murmured softly.

Yan Ling turned her head. “What did you say?”

“The games… if you like watching matches, you can come see mine too,” Jin Yingyao said. “I also win my competitions!”

Yan Ling chuckled lightly, “Are you trying to vie for attention?”

Jin Yingyao’s face turned pale. “No, I’m not!”

Vying for attention?! No way! He simply didn’t want her harming others; only he knew her true nature. Who else, besides him, could protect his friends from her?

So… what he was doing couldn’t be wrong!