Chapter 72: Mind Reading (13)

The second half of the basketball game virtually turned into Xiao Lingfei’s personal showcase.

On the court, Xiao Lingfei exuded an irresistible charm that held everyone’s attention. He actively led the offensive; when he broke through with the ball, no one could withstand his momentum.

Whether it was steals, rebounds, or shooting skills, his performance shone brilliantly. The score gap continuously widened, with Xiao Lingfei scoring most of the points for his team.

Tong Ling initially had little interest in sports within this small world, but now she found herself captivated, unable to look away. She couldn’t help but internally sigh: “Athletic and handsome boys are truly amazing! Those abs, those legs, that physique—what a waste not to experience them!”

The corner of m577’s mouth twitched: [Everyone else is watching the match, what exactly are you focusing on…]

Sharing the same sentiment as the system was Jin Yingyao.

Sitting next to Yan Ling, Jin Yingyao naturally heard her thoughts.

This pervert… Jin Yingyao gritted his teeth, frustrated by how her mind constantly dwelled on such thoughts!

Aren’t athletic and handsome boys like him appealing too? His physique certainly wasn’t inferior to Xiao Lingfei’s!

Why does she only focus on Xiao Lingfei? Can’t she spare a glance for Jin Yingyao?!

On the field, after scoring a goal, Xiao Lingfei lifted his jersey to wipe away sweat from his face, instantly triggering screams from girls throughout the stadium. He raised his head, his fox-like eyes slightly curved, and directed a dazzling smile towards Yan Ling’s direction.

Tong Ling couldn’t help but let out an admiring “woo,” impressed—this guy truly knew how to charm people!

Jin Yingyao gritted his teeth, seething with frustration.

He glared at Xiao Lingfei on the court, feeling for the first time that his usually good-natured friend was acting flirtatiously and immodestly!

Instead of focusing on the game, why lift up his jersey unnecessarily and throw seductive looks around? Flaunting attention-seeking gestures as if worried no one would notice him!

Moreover, Jin Yingyao could clearly see that Xiao Lingfei made many unnecessary moves while playing. When he could easily score, he insisted on adding flashy tricks just to show off. Jin Yingyao saw through these attempts effortlessly, yet the weirdo beside him remained captivated by them!

“Don’t you think this is inappropriate?!” Jin Yingyao couldn’t hold back any longer. “He’s flaunting his body for everyone to see, with girls all around staring at him. Having someone like that as a boyfriend seems quite risky.”

Tong Ling glanced at Jin Yingyao, “Schoolmate Jin, are you speaking ill of Lingfei?”

[That scoundrel Yingyao, knowing full well I’m Lingfei’s fiancée, still tries to seduce me and now speaks badly of him behind his back. He truly is despicable!]

Jin Yingyao was speechless.

How dare a freak call him ‘despicable’?! Moreover, he wasn’t spreading rumors; he hoped Yan Ling would abandon Xiao Lingfei, essentially trying to save his good friend from disaster!

[Although Lingfei’s behavior does bother me somewhat, I desire someone who belongs entirely to me.]

[He should love only me, with his eyes fixed solely on me, willing to give everything for my sake… But Lingfei’s actions are also for me. Even though I don’t particularly like others gazing at him, I can tolerate it to some extent.]

[After all… he looks so enticing, want, want, want, I must have him!]

Jin Yingyao had always found it hard to endure these disturbing thoughts from Xiao Lingfei, and now they left him even more unsettled.

What should he do?! Xiao Lingfei was contemplating publicly confessing his feelings to Yan Ling. If that woman finds out about this, she’ll surely… surely won’t let Xiao Lingfei off!

Jin Yingyao’s head throbbed with the dilemma, unsure how to prevent these two from getting together.

Could it be… that he must sacrifice even more?

As the competition neared its end, Jin Yingyao knew he couldn’t delay any longer.

“Don’t stay here anymore.” Taking a deep breath, he made up his mind and said, “Let’s go outside, I can…”

Recalling Yan Ling’s previous fantasies about him, Jin Yingyao suppressed his embarrassment and continued, “We’ll go to your apartment, I will…”

The entire m577 system was stunned: [Male lead! Male lead, what are you doing?!]

How could he suddenly jump straight to this stage, and on his own initiative too!

Tong Ling cast a puzzled glance at Jin Yingyao, “What apartment? Schoolmate Jin, what are you talking about?”

Tong Ling privately messaged, [Why is our little Yingyao mentioning an apartment? Is he thinking about those kinds of things? Wow, truly perverted, Yingyao!]

Jin Yingyao’s expression twisted momentarily, nearly prompting him to get up and leave.

“W-What do you want to…?” With hands clenched tightly, he turned his head away and mumbled indistinctly, “Whatever you desire.”

“I couldn’t quite hear that, Schoolmate Jin, you…”

“Please!” Concerned about drawing attention, Jin Yingyao barely managed to suppress his shout, instead forcing out quietly, “Let’s go outside, we’ll talk there!”

Tong Ling understood the importance of not overstepping, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “Since Schoolmate Jin insists, then… alright, let’s discuss this outside.”

As they were seated in the front row of the spectator area and both had strong presences, their departure caused another stir. Tong Ling even caught snippets of hushed discussions behind them:

“Jin Yingyao followed Yan Ling here and now is taking her away—what exactly does he want?”

“Xiao Lingfei must have been waiting specifically for Yan Ling to watch his match. His playing style changed entirely in the second half; I bet he didn’t anticipate Jin Yingyao trying to poach her like this.”

“I heard Jin Yingyao was already staking out for Yan Ling right after school ended. With such relentless pursuit, even the college’s goddess might soften.”

Jin Yingyao didn’t dare to rush away; he cautiously kept pace beside Yan Ling. Only after leading her out of the basketball arena did he manage to relax slightly.

However, before his relief could last long, he heard the girl next to him ask, “Should we go to your place or mine?”

Jin Yingyao’s steps halted abruptly, and every hair on his body stood up.

Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no… Did he really have to sacrifice that much? Was the purity he had preserved for eighteen years about to be destroyed by this pervert…?

Tong Ling: [What’s wrong with little Yingyao? He clearly suggested going to the apartment himself—is he trying to play tricks on me?]

[I absolutely hate being deceived! If he is lying, well then…]

Shivering all over, Jin Yingyao hastily replied, “Yours, let’s go to yours.”

How could Jin Yingyao dare bring Yan Ling to the S-class mansion? It would be disastrous if they ran into Xiao Lingfei and the others!

“Follow me.” Tong Ling glanced at Jin Yingyao with an enigmatic smile, signaling the stiff young man not to wander off.

Tong Ling: [Choosing my place, are you eager to see my room? How mischievous of you, Yingyao~]

Jin Yingyao remained silent, internally groaning. No, nobody wants to see your room!

No, nobody wants to see your room!

Tong Ling texted, “Yingyao is really drawing attention—so many people are watching him. If he follows me to the dormitory like this, we’ll surely be noticed. I don’t mind, but won’t they think he’s some creep obsessively stalking me there?”

Jin Yingyao hastily removed his Saint Hieria blazer and pulled out the mask from yesterday, quickly putting it on. He lowered his head, scanning the surroundings while trying his best to avoid others’ gazes.

Intentionally taking smaller paths, they navigated through the vast campus of Saint Hieria. It was now club activity time, so by walking along secluded routes, few students would spot them.

However, Jin Yingyao dared not let down his guard for a moment, constantly vigilant of any movements around him. Upon reaching Yan Ling’s A-grade apartment, he furtively observed outside for a while, still internally struggling with hesitation even as Yan Ling opened the door and called to him.

Tong Ling messaged, “If you don’t come in soon, we’ll be discovered!”

Startled by these words, Jin Yingyao swiftly darted inside at top speed.

To Jin Yingyao, the A-grade apartment wasn’t particularly impressive. Yet, realizing it belonged to Yan Ling, everything about the place suddenly felt eerie.

Does this house have any hidden basements or secret rooms? Should I just walk in like this? Might I be locked up instead? Aahh, should I run away?!

Tong Ling dropped her backpack and changed out of her outdoor shoes before turning to Jin Yingyao, who was nearly shrinking back at the doorway. She said, “I don’t have slippers that would fit you here. Come inside barefoot; just make sure not to dirty my floors.”

“I…” Jin Yingyao initially wanted to say he preferred to leave, but after one glance from the girl, he obediently removed his shoes. Standing in the living room, he felt somewhat uneasy.

“Would you like to visit my bedroom?” Tong Ling reached for the young man’s hand with a smile, asking softly.

Jin Yingyao’s gaze shifted nervously, and he opened his mouth, responding dryly, ”…S-sure.”

Going straight to the bedroom upon arrival—why is she so impatient?! He… he wasn’t yet prepared!

“Come with me.” Without much effort, Tong Ling effortlessly led the young man behind her, which brought an even wider grin to her face.

Tong Ling thought, Little Yingyao indeed has mischief on his mind, unable to even muster a refusal. Is he thinking about something naughty? Does he want me to embrace him, kiss him, or perhaps…

As Yan Ling held his hand, Jin Yingyao felt a tingling sensation spread across his palm. He slightly turned his head to watch the bedroom door slam shut, causing his heart to flutter with unease.

Jin Yingyao dared not linger his gaze on the girl and instead began examining the room aimlessly.

He needed to relax; he had infiltrated the “enemy’s” inner circle now. If he could uncover something here, yes, he might find evidence—evidence that would expose Yan Ling’s true nature!

His eyes landed on the most prominent feature in the room, the bed. It looked incredibly soft, promising a comfortable lie down. The scent in the room was pleasant too, somewhat reminiscent of Yan Ling’s fragrance…

At this thought, Jin Yingyao’s face flushed bright red. Quickly clearing his mind, he scanned the area around the bed and cabinets, relieved to find no suspicious chains.

While he was inspecting the room, a soft body wrapped around him from behind. Delicate hands encircled his waist, and the girl’s sweet voice chimed from behind, “Schoolmate Jin, you smell so fresh. Did you take a shower just before coming to see me?”

Jin Yingyao stammered, ”…Yes.”

Tong Ling typed silently: [Did you come to me with those naughty intentions? No wonder your buttons came undone so quickly in the woods. Not only did you stalk me, but you also wanted to do those things. Luckily, I encountered you first; otherwise, they would have mistaken you for a villain, Yingyao.]

Jin Yingyao was speechless.

He hadn’t harbored such thoughts! He had… he had done it all for Xiao Lingfei!

“But I haven’t washed yet.” Tong Ling tiptoed and whispered into Jin Yingyao’s ear, “Why don’t we go together?”

Jin Yingyao froze, completely unable to think. He couldn’t recall how the girl managed to pull him into the bathroom, as everything that followed left his mind utterly blank.

It felt like a dream—more surreal than even his own fantasies…

Staring dumbfounded at the lovely girl nestled in his arms, Jin Yingyao could only muster one thought: Perverts are truly terrifying.

The basketball game concluded.

Saint Hieria Academy emerged victorious, with Xiao Lingfei rightfully earning the title of MVP.

However, Xiao Lingfei wore no hint of satisfaction on his face.

Only after the match ended did he notice that both Jin Yingyao and Yan Ling were missing. In just a brief moment, within the blink of an eye, they had disappeared.

He had planned to confess his feelings to Yan Ling right after winning, in front of all their classmates. Why didn’t she wait until the end? Was it because of Jin Yingyao?

Xiao Lingfei overheard his classmates’ conversation nearby. They mentioned that Jin Yingyao had gone to find Yan Ling right after school, approaching her at the class entrance and declaring, in front of everyone, that he urgently needed to speak with her.

Yan Ling’s absence during the first half of the game was due to him, and now, even at the end, it was still Jin Yingyao who whisked her away!

Jin Yingyao, his supposed good friend, who repeatedly swore he would never fall for Yan Ling—going so far as to vow lifelong bachelorhood otherwise—was betraying him like this! Xiao Lingfei had even suggested a fair competition, but why did Jin Yingyao resort to sneaky tactics behind his back?!

Does Jin Yingyao truly consider him a friend?!

“Lingfei…” His teammates cautiously offered comfort, “I doubt Yan Ling could ever be interested in Jin Yingyao. Don’t worry, the forum post is still up there.”

“I know,” Xiao Lingfei quickly composed himself. Of course he knew Yan Ling liked him; it was just that Jin Yingyao was incredibly irritating. With someone like him persistently bothering her, and given Yan Ling’s gentle nature, she must have felt compelled to go along with him.

Ignoring the congratulatory remarks, Xiao Lingfei swiftly walked out of the club.

He called Yan Ling, but there was no answer. After a moment’s thought, he tried phoning Jin Yingyao, only to receive the same result—no response.

Xiao Lingfei, with a cold expression, headed towards the HR club’s meeting room, suspecting that the two might be there.

“You mean you can’t reach Yaoyao and Lingling?” Lu Yifan asked from his seat on the sofa, turning to Xiao Lingfei. “We didn’t see them at the club either; perhaps they’ll join us after their conversation.”

However, even after the club activities ended, Xiao Lingfei did not catch a glimpse of the pair.

Gu Li’s face darkened, “Jin Yingyao… we need to keep a closer eye on him from now on.”

Nodding, Xiao Lingfei resolved never again to let Jin Yingyao approach his fiancée unchallenged.

After making the call home, Jin Yingyao spent the entire night at Yan Ling’s apartment without leaving. As for the missed calls on his phone, he unconsciously ignored them.

He thought to himself, regardless of Gu Li or Xiao Lingfei, both would be safe henceforth.

He vowed to closely watch this deranged individual, ensuring she wouldn’t harm anyone else. If harm must come, it should only fall upon him alone!

Early the next morning, Tong Ling firmly ushered Jin Yingyao out of her apartment as he lingered, trying to stay close. “Don’t follow me around campus.”

“H-How could I possibly follow you?!” Seeing people outside the apartment, Jin Yingyao hastily put on his mask and lowered his head. “After school… do you have some time?”

Noticing Yan Ling’s lack of response, Jin Yingyao quickly added, “Just asking casually.”

His response was the decisive sound of the door shutting without hesitation.

Jin Yingyao fell silent, yet surprisingly, he didn’t feel the slightest bit angry.

With a subtle sense of happiness, he headed towards his class. Unexpectedly, at the classroom entrance, he encountered Xiao Lingfei. Jin Yingyao had an urge to turn and flee, but he suppressed this thought, composing himself before approaching.

Just like last time, they found a quiet spot to talk privately.

Jin Yingyao knew what Xiao Lingfei wanted to ask and promptly stated, “It was me who asked Yan Ling to leave.”

Xiao Lingfei frowned, “Do you realize what you’re doing?”

“Lingfei, I believe Yan Ling isn’t suitable for you,” Jin Yingyao’s face flushed slightly as he recalled the previous night. “Honestly, she is absolutely not right for you.”

Xiao Lingfei’s gaze darkened slightly, “What’s your reasoning?”

Jin Yingyao desperately wanted to say that he and Yan Ling had already… However, facing Xiao Lingfei, he couldn’t bring himself to utter such words. Instead, he replied, “You don’t truly know her character.”

He understood Yan Ling’s nature; he would sacrifice himself to keep her under control.

“She is my fiancée,” Xiao Lingfei’s demeanor turned cold this time. “Yingyao, are you determined to compete with me over her?”

Jin Yingyao fell silent for a moment before admitting, ”…Yes.”

Xiao Lingfei let out a cold laugh, “Very well, you’ve finally told the truth this time.”

“Jin Yingyao, you truly disappoint me,” Xiao Lingfei typed.

Jin Yingyao lowered his head and softly asked, “Can you call off the engagement?”

“Impossible.” Xiao Lingfei’s lips curled upwards, and when he looked at Jin Yingyao again, a hint of malice flickered in his eyes. “This morning, Lingling already told me that you were persistently bothering her. She asked as a friend to let you know to stop harassing her.”

“Although Lingling didn’t phrase it so harshly, only stating there was nothing between her and Jin Yingyao, I still emphasized it to make Yingyao give up sooner,” Xiao Lingfei added mentally.

Jin Yingyao seethed internally.

That woman, Yan Ling! After taking his innocence, she dared to deny their connection!

“Yan Ling and I…”

Just as Jin Yingyao was about to assert their relationship, he heard Xiao Lingfei’s thoughts.

“Lingling mentioned that men she rejects might try to tarnish her reputation; however, I doubt Yingyao would stoop to such behavior…”

“In any case, I believe Lingling wholeheartedly. As long as she doesn’t initiate breaking the engagement, I never will!”

A wave of dizziness washed over Jin Yingyao. That twisted…she really intends to enjoy him and then disown everything!