Chapter 73: Mind Reading (14)

“I won’t mention fair competition again since she has clearly rejected you.” Seeing Jin Yingyao’s face pale, indicating his words had struck hard, Xiao Lingfei refrained from further hurtful remarks. After giving a few reminders, he left.

Jin Yingyao’s earlier joy evaporated completely. Every time he recalled Xiao Lingfei’s words and how Yan Ling denied their relationship, his heart grew cold.

Yes, hadn’t he known all along what kind of person Yan Ling was? She wasn’t just interested in him; her affections extended to any handsome and exceptional men! Her desires were insatiable, shameless, and ruthless. With so many people vying for her attention, he was merely one among them!

No wonder—no wonder Yan Ling told him this morning not to follow her around at school. It seems she had already planned to discard him then!

Last night, they had been so close, leading him to believe that Yan Ling truly liked him, and he…he even prepared himself to stay with this eccentric girl indefinitely.

But now…this is how she treated him!

An unprecedented wave of resentment and anger surged within Jin Yingyao as he began walking towards Yan Ling’s classroom.

However, with each step, his pace slowed down. Memories of previously overlooked details flooded Jin Yingyao’s mind.

Although privately, Yan Ling had been very affectionate with him, even unapologetically displaying her difficult personality, yet… in the eyes of others, particularly the entire academy’s students, Yan Ling appeared distant towards him.

On the surface, her attitude towards him was consistently cold and indifferent. Even when he sought her out, it took considerable effort for her to reluctantly agree to speak with him.

The post claiming they were just ordinary friends still floated prominently on the forum homepage. Everyone believed he was pursuing her, and all knew she had rejected him; otherwise, Xiao Lingfei wouldn’t have so readily trusted Yan Ling’s words.

If Jin Yingyao approached Yan Ling now, demanding that she acknowledge their relationship, there could only be one outcome—he would be humiliated even further.

Therefore, he couldn’t go to her right away. He needed to wait—until after school, until they could interact privately before confronting her.

In a daze, Jin Yingyao stumbled back to his classroom and accidentally bumped into a female student with red hair styled in loose waves, adorned with vibrant makeup, and carrying the scent of smoke.

“Who doesn’t watch where they’re going?!” The redheaded girl’s words were fiercely spoken from the start, her inner thoughts mirroring exactly what she said aloud. “Oh, isn’t that Jin Yingyao? What a sour face—did you get dumped?”

Jin Yingyao was struck speechless. Those words cut deep; he had initially planned to attend class, but upon hearing this, he abruptly turned and left.

Behind him, the girl’s voice echoed, “Tsk, who does he think he is? No apology after bumping into someone? And he’s supposed to be S-ranked?”

Jin Yingyao glanced back, genuinely taken aback by such direct hostility towards him. He didn’t have much recollection of his classmates, having rarely interacted with the redheaded girl specifically. However, it seemed she held considerable influence, as several students immediately gathered around her upon entering the class.

“Sis Xu, that’s Jin Yingyao,” remarked Sidekick A. “You’ve got some nerve scolding him like that.”

Sidekick B added, “Maybe he’s just in a bad mood; it might not have been intentional when he bumped into you.”

The redheaded girl scoffed, “I don’t care who he is; unless it’s the gatekeeper academy’s goddess herself, anyone bumping into me better apologize!”

“Sis Xu, you’re interested in the college goddess?” Follower A asked.

The redheaded girl spoke candidly, “I encountered her at the cafeteria this morning - she’s truly fucking gorgeous! And when she talked to me, her voice was so gentle and soft. She even gave me a cup of soy milk, love it!”

“Wow!” Follower B immediately displayed an envious look, “The goddess personally handed you soy milk? You’re amazing, Sis Xu!”

The redheaded girl laughed heartily, “From now on, I’ll protect her. Make sure everyone takes note and doesn’t let any shady characters harass her.”

As she said this, the redheaded girl deliberately glared at Jin Yingyao, her intent unmistakably clear.

“Yes, Sis Xu,” the followers responded together.

Jin Yingyao remained silent.

Only after hearing this conversation did Jin Yingyao leave. Even the female leader among students had been deceived by Yan Ling’s appearance. If he were to claim there was something wrong with Yan Ling, who would believe him?

Jin Yingyao spent another half-day lounging at the mansion. During this time, he opened his phone, unusually logging into his social media account. He searched for Yan Ling’s name, sent her a friend request, and awaited her response.

However, after waiting for several hours, his friend request remained unaccepted.

Jin Yingyao turned off his phone, feeling even more disheartened.

After meeting the female protagonist of this small world, Tong Ling remarked to the system, “This protagonist is quite interesting.”

Recalling Xu Jingjing’s blushing reaction towards the host earlier, m577 felt somewhat weary and responded, [What do you plan to do now? Remember, I still need to gather material on the interactions between the male and female leads. Don’t lead the protagonist astray; it’ll make my task harder.]

Tong Ling was surprised, “Little M, have you started taking initiative with tasks?”

A hint of exhaustion crept into m577’s voice: [Who am I doing this for? Who taught me independent thinking and how to navigate through the plot?]

“It’s me,” Tong Ling boasted proudly. “I’m truly amazing! Your God should thank me for nurturing such an exceptional employee.”

m577 fell silent for a moment.

“Getting back to the protagonist, she’s a school bully—such a rare type!” Tong Ling even searched for information about the protagonist, Xu Jingjing. “How come her rank is only C-level?”

For a school bully, that seemed rather low, didn’t it?

m577 responded, “It’s because Xu Jingjing offended too many people. Her background isn’t low; her father is the Finance Minister of the Olay royal family, and her mother is a countess. Based on this alone, she could easily be classified as an A-level student. It’s precisely due to her strong connections that she became such a fearless female leader at Saint Hieria College.”

“However, her blunt nature combined with a quick temper led to impulsive actions, resulting in poor reputation among students. Consequently, few voted for her, leading to her current status. Even her C-grade standing is thanks to votes contributed by her loyal followers.”

Tong Ling found this amusing. Regardless, cultivating a good relationship with Xu Jingjing wouldn’t hurt. While Xu Jingjing had her character flaws, she was genuinely straightforward, which Tong Ling appreciated.

m577 grumbled, ”…You truly won’t let anyone slip through your grasp.”

After school, instead of heading to the HR club, Tong Ling first went to withdraw from the flower arranging club.

She couldn’t help it; her post-school hours were precious, leaving little time to waste on activities aimed at developing genteel qualities.

m577 rolled its eyes, “Then how do you find time for the drama club?”

Tong Ling smiled brightly, “Isn’t it because our Yifan needs me?”

The drama club was about to rehearse a new play. Lu Yifan’s previous attempt to convince S4 to participate had failed, so naturally, Yan Ling became his chosen partner.

Just as the drama club president prepared to tailor a script specifically for them, Gu Li and Xiao Lingfei rushed over.

“I-I’ll join!” Contradicting his earlier stance of never participating in such sentimental performances, Xiao Lingfei quickly changed his tune. “I suddenly feel that acting… is very challenging, and I love activities with a challenge.”

Gu Li’s response was even simpler, “Since Xiao Lingfei agrees to perform, according to our agreement, I also agree to take part.”

Lu Yifan’s eyes widened in surprise and delight. “Really? Both of you will join? That’s fantastic! What about Yaoyao? Will he come too?”

Gu Li’s expression remained gentle, speaking in a caring tone befitting a friend, “Jin Yingyao hasn’t been himself lately. I think it might not be suitable for him to participate in this activity; allowing him more rest would be better.”

Xiao Lingfei echoed, “Yes, Yifan, didn’t you notice he skipped class again today? It’s probably best not to disturb him.”

Lu Yifan pondered for a moment and agreed, “That’s true, Yaoyao has been acting quite off lately, and moreover…”

He glanced at the group around him, his delicate features breaking into a cheerful smile. “With just us four, we have the perfect cast for the leads!”

“President Gu Li, with all your responsibilities, won’t rehearsals interfere with your work…” The girl standing next to Gu Li asked softly.

“Not at all.” How could Gu Li miss the concern and care in Yan Ling’s tone? His lips curved slightly, thinking inwardly that no matter how much time he spent for her sake, it would be worth it.

Xiao Lingfei’s expression was more straightforward; he looked at Yan Ling, his handsome face filled with a warm smile. “Lingling, from now on, I’ll always be by your side.”

Seeing Yan Ling blush at Xiao Lingfei’s words, Gu Li subtly furrowed his brow, becoming increasingly discontent with Xiao Lingfei.

Xiao Lingfei’s affection for Yan Ling was nearly overt, displaying both strong assertiveness and aggressiveness. Gu Li worried that Yan Ling might be unduly influenced…

“It’s time to assign roles.” With high enthusiasm, Lu Yifan wrote down the main characters on separate slips of paper. He crumpled each slip into a ball, shuffled them in his hands to mix up the order, and then placed the balls before everyone. “Let’s agree beforehand that regardless of which role we draw, everyone must participate.”

“Do I have to draw too?” Tong Ling asked curiously.

“For fairness,” Lu Yifan replied, seemingly eager to ensure the performance would be lively, “let’s all draw together.”

Xiao Lingfei, disgruntled, retorted, “The female roles should go to Lingling; why do you insist on making such a fuss?”

Lu Yifan turned to Yan Ling, “What do you think, Lingling?”

“Seems quite intriguing.” Tong Ling winked at Lu Yifan subtly before picking up one of the paper balls. “The unknown is always the most exciting part.”

With Yan Ling herself agreeing, Xiao Lingfei had no choice but to comply. He casually grabbed a paper ball, but as soon as he opened it to see his assigned role, his expression darkened instantly.

“Yes! I’m Lysander!” Overjoyed at drawing the male lead right away, Lu Yifan began twirling around excitedly. His luck was consistently good, so he never worried about ending up with a female role.

“I’m Demetrius,” Tong Ling smiled, unfolding her paper ball. “Looks like we have our two female leads right here.”

Gu Li pushed up his glasses, “I am Helena.”

This was the secondary female role, but within the plot… As Gu Li recalled the storyline, any initial resistance vanished from his mind.

Helena loves Demetrius, and ultimately, under the enchantment of the flower’s juice, Demetrius comes to love Helena forever. They become a loving couple.

Xiao Lingfei’s mood soured significantly, “Hero.”

Being the main female protagonist, Hero pairs up with the male lead Lysander. Heaven only knew how much he wanted to quit on the spot upon seeing this assignment.

Tong Ling consoled him, “At least Hero doesn’t get chased by two male characters.”

Xiao Lingfei gazed at his fiancée and said, “I’d rather be chased by you. Why is my luck so terrible? I wish I could be Helena instead.”

Hearing Xiao Lingfei’s remark, everyone burst out laughing simultaneously.

While the drama club members chatted jovially, Jin Yingyao, who had ventured alone to the HR club, found himself less than pleased.

“Where did Gu Li and the others go?” Jin Yingyao asked someone within the drama club.

“I’m not sure, they didn’t mention it,” the person replied.

Jin Yingyao wasn’t naive; he immediately recognized that Xiao Lingfei and Gu Li were trying to isolate him from Yan Ling. As for Yan Ling… considering she chose to stay with those individuals, Jin Yingyao could easily guess her intentions.

If he couldn’t have private moments with her inside the academy, he would surely find opportunities outside.

Jin Yingyao changed his clothes, put on a mask and hat, and stationed himself near the academy entrance, diligently waiting for Yan Ling’s appearance.

Once there’s a first time in stalking, there will likely be a second.

Just like before, Yan Ling didn’t take a private car but walked intermittently along the route, almost as if deliberately waiting for him to catch up. Jin Yingyao followed her for several streets, stopping at the same intersection as last time.

Yan Ling texted, “Little~Yingyao, planning mischief again?”

This time, Jin Yingyao didn’t wait for the girl to “ambush” him. As soon as he spotted her slender figure, he instinctively reached out and pulled her towards him.

Jin Yingyao buried his head in the girl’s shoulder, pouring out the pent-up distress he had endured all day. “Why, why would you treat me like this!”

Yan Ling’s expression remained innocent and guileless, as if not comprehending what he was saying. “Schoolmate Jin, could you please let go of me?”

Yan Ling texted, 【I prefer the obedient and well-behaved little Yingyao. Can Yingyao be good now?】

”…No,” Jin Yingyao did not release her. “If you don’t want to be with me, then why did you do those things to me?!”

“What have I done to you?” The girl’s tone gradually turned impatient. “Let go.”

Yan Ling texted again, 【Yingyao is truly peculiar. Knowing about my relationship with Lingfei, he still asked me out on a date, confessed his feelings, and even allowed me to touch him freely… Isn’t that implicitly agreeing to be my lover? Why does he act so upset? Or perhaps, have I misunderstood something?】

Lover? When did he ever imply he wanted to be her lover? He clearly…clearly meant…

Jin Yingyao recalled his original intention and found himself unable to confront the girl further.

From Yan Ling’s perspective, he indeed seemed like someone willingly offering himself to her advances.

“Can you…,” Jin Yingyao lowered his voice, “can you give up on Lingfei…”

He was willing to sacrifice himself for her; couldn’t Yan Ling just have him alone?!

“Lingfei is my fiancé, and this involves both our families’ interests. I hope Schoolmate Jin won’t disrupt my relationship with Lingfei. Can you ensure that?” Yan Ling’s words showed no consideration for his feelings, as if she believed he had no choice but to comply with her arrangements, leaving no room for any other thoughts.

”…Impossible.” Jin Yingyao’s expression darkened. With his pride, how could he ever accept being merely a lover?

“Then there’s nothing more to discuss.” The girl struggled, realizing she couldn’t break free from his grip, and exclaimed angrily, “Jin Yingyao! Let go of me immediately!”

Jin Yingyao felt like laughing; why had his past self been afraid of her?

She was so delicate and soft; he could effortlessly hold her captive. What could she do besides mentally cursing him further?

Jin Yingyao removed his mask, leaning forward towards those lips he had longed for, and gently kissed them.

The girl’s breath still smelled as sweet as before. Despite harboring such impure thoughts, her entire demeanor remained remarkably innocent.

Why would such a person exist? With ease, she tempts others to fall into depravity. Using her innocent appearance, she could seduce anyone effortlessly. The most frightening aspect is that when she sets her sights on someone, she invariably succeeds.

As Jin Yingyao continued kissing her, his eyes began to redden. Holding the young girl close, he pleaded once more, “Yan Ling, please call off your engagement with Lingfei. Since you say it’s about the interests of two corporations, wouldn’t JS Group be a better choice?”

“No,” Yan Ling replied instantly without hesitation.

[I hate, hate, hate this! I despise people who disregard my wishes. Why can’t you just obediently be my lover and listen to me!]

Just as Jin Yingyao was about to assert that he couldn’t let go of her, the girl screamed loudly, calling out towards the street, “Help! There’s a thug!”

Pedestrians outside quickly stopped in their tracks, turning to gaze at the secluded alleyway upon hearing the girl’s cries for help.

[Heh heh heh, if you don’t release me now, prepare to be arrested for indecency, Jin Yingyao! Don’t even think about touching me again, whether inside or outside the academy - never!]

“Help!” the girl shouted once more.

Several tall men approached from afar, leaving Jin Yingyao with no other choice but to let go. In desperation, he blurted out, “I only wanted to be with you…”

The girl paid no heed to his explanation and, as others approached, feigned trembling fear with tears streaming down her face.

She always manages to gain sympathy and attention from others; everyone will believe her, Jin Yingyao thought bitterly as he hastily fled the scene.

Watching the male lead’s panicked escape, m577 had a nagging feeling that something about this scenario seemed off.

Why would their twisted roles suddenly switch places?

Under the comforting presence of a kind passerby, Tong Ling tearfully dialed a phone number. With a hint of sobbing in her voice, she spoke to the person on the other end once the call connected: “Gu Li, c-can you help me?”

Upon hearing the voice over the phone, Gu Li immediately grew anxious. “Yan Ling? What’s wrong? What happened?”

“S-someone was following me,” Tong Ling’s voice trembled. “And th-they… Oh, Gu Li, I’m scared.”

m577 shuddered: [Hearing you like this, I’m also quite frightened.]

However, Gu Li was deeply alarmed by what the girl said. He swiftly responded, “Send me your location right away, I’ll come pick you up immediately! Find a well-lit, open area and do not hang up the phone under any circumstances. Don’t worry, I’ll be there for you - just wait!”