Chapter 80: Mind Reading (21)

Lu Yifan’s throat bobbed nervously, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of his chest.

Kiss… Could he really kiss Yan Ling? This was something reserved for the person one truly liked, and moreover…his father had always said that men only needed to be obedient.

Resolute, Lu Yifan locked eyes with Yan Ling, leaned down swiftly, and gave her lips a quick peck.

His movement was incredibly fast; although he didn’t quite grasp the significance of this kiss, his face flushed deeply.

He had actually done it! With this kiss, their relationship seemed sealed. As soon as he got home, he would tell his parents—he now had a girlfriend!

However, the girl’s expression turned stern. “Yifan, is this how your father and mother kiss?”

Lu Yifan’s gaze shifted uneasily.

Of course not, his parents never kissed like this; each time, it was his mother who dominated…

Ahh, stop thinking about it—I could never do that, absolutely impossible!

Suddenly, Yan Ling sighed heavily and pulled away from his embrace. “It seems, Yifan, that you don’t truly love me. I understand, given what kind of person I am, how could you genuinely care for me?”

“You’re only enduring my company for your friend’s sake, aren’t you? It must be quite burdensome.”

As she spoke, the girl took a few steps back. “You can leave now, Yifan. Let’s pretend nothing happened between us; I’ll still consider you as a friend.”

Lu Yifan’s fleeting moment of sweetness was abruptly cut short by these words. His face instantly paled, and he hastily denied them, saying, “No, it’s not like that!”

“I mean it!” Seeing the disbelief on Yan Ling’s face, Lu Yifan grew anxious, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “How could it feel forced? I truly enjoy it! I love being with you, Lingling!”

Fearing that Yan Ling might misunderstand him, Lu Yifan rushed forward and tightly embraced her.

“I would only do this with you!” Lu Yifan declared emphatically. “Only with you alone!”

“Then why did you…”

Lu Yifan closed his eyes, overwhelmed by immense embarrassment. Slowly, he responded, “Let me kiss you however you want. I-I promise to behave.”

The girl’s laughter chimed again. “So Yifan wanted me to take the initiative?”

Blushing, Lu Yifan explained, “I can’t pin you down, so… Lingling, why don’t you pin me instead?”

“My dear Yifan, you truly are such a sweetheart.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Lu Yifan felt a kiss, finally understanding what it was like.

Soft and sweet, the girl’s breath overwhelmed all his thoughts. His mind went hazy, his body tingling with a sensation akin to being immersed in warm water.

“Step four, what comes after kissing?”

Trembling, Lu Yifan opened his eyes, gasping for air. Although he desperately didn’t want to leave Yan Ling, he knew they couldn’t continue this way.

He now understood the feeling of love—it indeed was infinitely stronger than mere fondness.

“Lingling, the next steps must wait until after we’re married.” Lu Yifan sat up, carefully gathering Yan Ling into his arms. Being a boy, lifting her came effortlessly to him. “I-I will take you to meet my parents, then request Her Majesty the Queen to bless our union. After our wedding, I’ll give myself entirely to you.”

Lu Yifan spoke with earnest seriousness, his flushed cheeks lingering for a long time. “At that moment… whatever you wish to do with me will be acceptable.”

[Pff—] m577 burst out laughing loudly, [Great job, Yifan! That’s how good boys should be; never casually giving their bodies away!]

M577 winked suggestively at its host, [Bell Sister, surely you wouldn’t force yourself on such a fine young man, would you?]

Tong Ling was somewhat taken aback by Lu Yifan’s reaction, but she felt no regret. She now understood why he remained so innocent and pure-hearted; he had been well-protected, and his upbringing provided comprehensive moral education.

“Didn’t you say you’d listen to me?” Tong Ling asked, gently playing with Lu Yifan’s hair. “Are you going to obey me or others?”

Lu Yifan immediately became conflicted. “But… this kind of thing must… must wait until after marriage.”

“Do you not want to choose me anymore, Lingling?” Lu Yifan anxiously said. “I truly learned to love you!”

Tong Ling didn’t intend to put Lu Yifan in a difficult position. With a soft laugh, she replied, “Then let’s save it for later.”

“We can just continue kissing,” Tong Ling whispered softly into Lu Yifan’s ear as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Until I’ve had enough kisses, Yifan, you must be good and not think about anything reserved for after marriage. Can you do that?”

Initially, Lu Yifan didn’t fully grasp what Tong Ling meant. However, as time passed, his body gradually grew increasingly hot and flushed, shifting from comfort to discomfort. Unable to control himself, tears welled up and spilled down his cheeks. Clutching Yan Ling’s arm, he murmured, “I want…”

“No, you cannot think about it.” Tong Ling gently pushed away Lu Yifan, who still wanted to linger close by, and firmly stated, “We cannot do anything else until we’re married. Yifan, it’s time for you to go home.”

Lu Yifan felt inexplicably hurt, believing that Yan Ling was deliberately tormenting him out of anger. He didn’t want to leave; not at all!

“Tomorrow, tomorrow… could you come home with me, Lingling?” The only solution Lu Yifan could think of was for them to get married promptly. Tomorrow—no, he wished they could marry even today, so that they could then…

“No, I can’t.” Tong Ling opened the room door, signaling to Lu Yifan that it was time for him to leave. “Tomorrow, I have my own matters to attend to.”

“Oh right, regarding marriage,” Tong Ling leaned against the doorway, her face displaying a relaxed and content smile, “we’re still so young, and I’m not in any rush to get married. Even if we were to consider it, it wouldn’t be until much later.”

“Much later?!” Lu Yifan’s body jolted. “How long is ‘much later’?”

“Hmm…” Tong Ling stroked her chin thoughtfully. “Four or five years? An engagement could happen sooner, but remember, being engaged doesn’t count as being married; certain things still won’t be allowed.”

Tong Ling tilted her head and looked at Lu Yifan. “Yifan, don’t you agree with me?”

Lu Yifan felt shaken, almost as if his soul had left his body.

“How could it be so long…” For the first time, Lu Yifan began doubting whether what his parents told him was correct. “It’s just too long…”

“Lingling, I…” Lu Yifan discreetly grasped Yan Ling’s hand. “I think there’s no need to wait until after marriage.”

“Do whatever you want; even steps four and five are fine,” Lu Yifan stammered. “I-I’ll follow your lead.”

“Huh?” The previously smug m577 was instantly taken aback by Lu Yifan’s response.

Frustrated, m577 scolded him, “[Yifan, where did your impeccable morals go?! We agreed that boys should only commit themselves after marriage. How can’t you manage even this small restraint!]”

Tong Ling ignored the agitated system and calmly said, “I think you’re right, Yifan. Let’s save the remaining steps for after the wedding. For now, holding hands, hugging, and kissing are enough for me.”

Lu Yifan fell silent.

This won’t do! It would be too… unbearable! Even at that moment, his body had not calmed down.

Would it always be like this from now on? He wanted to get closer to Lingling, ever closer…

Lowering his head, Lu Yifan took hesitant steps towards Yan Ling. “But what if I want…”

“Yifan, is this truly how you feel?” Tong Ling’s expression remained innocent. “Unless you clearly express yourself, I won’t understand.”

Lu Yifan tightened his grip on the girl’s hand. In front of Yan Ling, he… it seemed like he was almost getting used to this shameful feeling.

“Yes! It is my true desire!” Lu Yifan declared fervently. “I am willing to give myself entirely to you.”

“Will Yifan only listen to me from now on?” Tong Ling asked.

Uncomfortably, Lu Yifan turned away his face. “Yes.”

The bedroom door closed once more.

As the girl embraced him again, Lu Yifan closed his eyes and silently apologized to his father and mother.

He had grown up; he could no longer blindly follow their every word. In the future… he belonged to Lingling, just as his father belonged to his mother. Surely… there’s nothing wrong with that, right?

In the living room, Father Yan anxiously paced back and forth, asking the butler, “Haven’t Lingling and Yifan emerged yet?”

The butler replied, “No, they haven’t.”

“Didn’t you say to let her be? Why bother concerning yourself now?” Mother Yan scoffed lightly. “From what I see, her behavior must have been inherited from you—arrogant, conceited, and impudent.”

Father Yan shot a cold glance at Mother Yan. “Weren’t you the one who first brought home lovers publicly? Look how Lingling is following your example!”

“You’re not innocent either,” Mother Yan retorted sarcastically. “Lingling has seen you with your lovers even more frequently.”

Father Yan fell silent, then rubbed his temples. “Forget it; dwelling on past mistakes won’t help now. Lingling… should learn some restraint.”

Initially, Father Yan assumed that his daughter and Lu Yifan had gone to her room for a private conversation. He thought once they finished talking, he would have the opportunity to greet the Grand Duke’s son as a gracious host.

To his surprise, the pair never emerged from the room. Unable to suppress his concerns, he wondered if his daughter might be doing something inappropriate to their guest.

Both Queen Aura and the Grand Duchess held Lu Yifan in such high regard. If anything were to happen to him under his daughter’s influence…

Father Yan felt deeply remorseful, realizing he had failed to properly educate his child earlier. Now, attempting to address these issues seemed overwhelming and daunting.

The wait lasted throughout the entire night.

Father Yan dozed off on the sofa. Upon waking, he asked the butler only to find out that Young Master Lu Yifan had already left.

“Young Master Lu Yifan left on his own,” the butler replied meticulously. “I intended to see him off, but he declined.”

“What about Lingling?” Father Yan’s brows furrowed deeply. “What is she doing?”

“She’s still in her room.” Noticing Father Yan’s concerned expression, the butler added, “Young Master Lu Yifan brought many gifts for Miss Yan, and he seemed quite cheerful when leaving. I believe, sir, there’s no need for excessive worry; their relationship appears to be very good.”

“Really?” These words provided some relief to Father Yan’s weary mood. “That’s wonderful if they have a good relationship…”

Just as Father Yan finished speaking, Yan Ling emerged from her bedroom.

His daughter was clearly well-dressed, wearing a custom-made dress from designer C, carrying a small purse, and sporting light makeup that made her look exquisite and lovely. At the sight of his daughter’s appearance, Father Yan couldn’t help but reveal a content smile.

Given how beautiful his daughter was, it wasn’t surprising at all that she would attract the attention of both the heir to JS Group and the son of the Grand Duke.

“Lingling, where are you heading off to?” Father Yan’s paternal affection surged, softening his voice considerably.

“A date,” the lovely young girl replied cheerfully.

Father Yan’s expression grew even more tender. “Is it with Lu Yifan?”

“No,” the girl dismissed the idea without hesitation.

“Then with Jin Yingyao?”

“Not him either.”

”…Or Gu Li?”

“No, not him too.”

Father Yan’s expression turned peculiar. “So who else do you have for a date?”

Unbeknownst to him, with whom was his daughter developing relationships?

Yan Ling, looking impatient, said, “I don’t have time to explain; I’m rushing from one event to another. Have you found me a new driver yet? My schedule is tight, so I need someone who drives both smoothly and quickly.”

Father Yan was momentarily speechless.

Rushing from one event to another? In this day and age, does dating require such haste? Just what kind of rendezvous was his daughter attending?!

Despite his internal grumbling, Father Yan dared not show any discontent in front of Yan Ling. Complying with her request, he promptly assigned his own dedicated chauffeur to her service.

“You…” Father Yan intended to give some parting advice but failed to utter a word even after his daughter had left the house.

As soon as the host stepped outside, m577 alerted her: [Bell Sister, there are people watching you.]

Unfazed, Tong Ling informed the driver of their agreed destination and asked the system, “Check who they are.”

After a brief pause, m577 responded: [Private investigators from several detective agencies.]

Tong Ling gazed out the window, casually admiring her own beauty reflected in the mirror, and said, “Seems like Jin Yingyao has hired them.”

m577: [I’ve connected to their communication devices; they’re currently maintaining real-time contact with the male lead. Bell Sister, would you like to see their chat logs?]

“No time for that.” Tong Ling opened her phone and sent a message to her first date, “With my busy schedule, I don’t have the luxury to worry about them. Let them follow as they please. Just remind me when they start taking photos, so I can strike a pose and look even more stunning.”

m577 was momentarily speechless.

These were private investigators meant for covert surveillance, not street photographers seeking artistic shots! Couldn’t its host be less provocative?!

“Miss, we’ve arrived.” Father Yan’s driver indeed proved steady and discreet, asking no unnecessary questions while quietly delivering Yan Ling to her destination.

Tong Ling responded, “I’ll still need your assistance today. Whenever I require it, I’ll give you a call.”

The driver personally opened the car door for her. “Of course, Miss.”

Tong Ling stepped out gracefully and walked to the prearranged meeting spot on the roadside, where someone was already waiting for her.

She checked the time - perfect, she wasn’t late.

Despite not being tardy, as soon as Tong Ling saw her date, she expressed remorse with her eyes, “Sorry, did I keep you waiting for long?”

“N-no! It’s just that I arrived too early!” The young man, dressed neatly in a white shirt and casual trousers, blushed with excitement upon seeing her. “N-not at all, what I mean is, I just got here; you didn’t make me wait long at all.”

Her first date was none other than the charming junior member who had offered her coffee when she joined the HR club.

Being able to join the HR club naturally indicated a high social status among its members.

This well-groomed, slightly freckled junior member was named Xing Anji, a B-grade student. His mother was a prominent businesswoman, and his father worked as a secretary for the Olay royal family. Due to working under Secretary-General Gu, he had arranged for his son to assist Gu Li with student council matters.

The vice president of the student council was this blushing boy standing before her.

Due to the overwhelming charisma of Student Council President Gu Li, the role of vice president seemed almost ceremonial. Nevertheless, Xing Anji had his own social skills and connections to attain that position.

At least outwardly, he appeared approachable - a gentle and friendly youth with a herbivorous demeanor, easily putting people at ease.

After accepting Xing Anji’s friend request, he promptly confessed his feelings to Tong Ling.

Unlike other students who confessed without context, Xing Anji was aware of her relationship with Xiao Lingfei and Jin Yingyao’s pursuit within the club. Realistically, he didn’t harbor much hope for their potential together; his confession was purely driven by a desire not to regret missing out on expressing his feelings during his youth.

Tong Ling told the system, “How could I let someone else’s youth be marred by regrets? Of course, we must go on a date!”

In a tone suggesting it saw right through her, m577 said: [Clearly, you value his existing network and how well-liked he is within the club. If he supports you, it will boost your popularity and gain you more favor from fellow members.]

Defensive, Tong Ling replied, “Why do you complicate things so much? I simply don’t want those adorable boys to feel sad.”

”…Enough said, I was wrong; I shouldn’t have engaged with you,” m577 concluded, clearly exasperated.

The host’s shamelessness continually amazed it.

Xing Anji was genuinely thrilled; he never expected Yan Ling to agree to a date, even if just as friends—it was still fantastic news! He stole a glance at the girl, noticing that her casual attire today made her appear even more charming and approachable than when dressed for college. The usual distance seemed to vanish.

Unfortunately, Yan Ling had an engagement to Xiao Lingfei; otherwise, Xing Anji would have eagerly pursued this campus goddess. At least they could remain friends.

“An Ji, have you had breakfast?” the girl asked gently.

Xing Anji hastily replied, “I-I’ve already eaten.”

In truth, he hadn’t had time for breakfast, having spent most of the morning getting ready.

“But I haven’t eaten yet. Could you join me?”

Xing Anji nodded, earning a smile from the girl.

“Not eating breakfast is no good. Don’t feel restrained around me, An Ji.”

So she noticed, thought Xing Anji, feeling warmth in his heart as she handed him some breakfast. To have the college goddess accompany him on a breakfast date—a memory worth cherishing for a lifetime, he reflected.