Chapter 82: Mind Reading (23)

Jin Yingyao followed her for an entire day.

His initial fury gradually turned into a state of numb disbelief. With a vacant gaze fixed on the girl’s back, his hands mechanically captured photo after photo.

How many now? How many is this?

From District A to District B and then to District C, Yan Ling and her dates seemed determined to cover every corner of the city!

Bookstores, shoe shops, accessory stores…

Restaurants, parks, cinemas…

Even just trailing behind, Jin Yingyao felt utterly exhausted. He couldn’t fathom where Yan Ling found the energy to meet so many people!

When the detectives he hired reported back to him, their voices were filled with astonishment: “Miss Yan is truly the most ‘energetic’ person we’ve ever encountered. Mr. Jin, we need additional payment for this assignment.”

They had initially thought tracking a high school student would be a simple task, but instead, it was non-stop without a moment’s respite. This proved more demanding than investigating extramarital affairs!

Jin Yingyao’s lips twitched as he replied, “I understand, add extra fees. Everyone has worked hard.”

By evening, as Jin Yingyao watched the young girl enjoying her candlelit dinner at a restaurant, his heart was filled with exhaustion.

Seated in his car, he mechanically chewed on a sandwich, barely tasting it. Jin Yingyao didn’t dare to eat inside the restaurant, fearing that if he looked away for even a moment, Yan Ling might dart off elsewhere.

This was Yan Ling’s eighth date of the day, and by nighttime, Jin Yingyao couldn’t afford to let his guard down even slightly.

He had made up his mind; if Yan Ling showed any unusual behavior, he would immediately intervene. This pervert wasn’t going to allow her to develop deeper relationships with other boys, no matter if it exposed his surveillance. Even risking exposure, he wouldn’t give her a chance to interact more intimately with anyone else!

Fortunately, after finishing their meal, Yan Ling bid farewell to the boy without incident. Jin Yingyao felt relieved, mentally urging Yan Ling to quickly go home and rest. It was time for her to sleep—wasn’t she tired yet?!

Yan Ling wasn’t tired.

Jin Yingyao spotted her ninth date approaching.

Unlike the previous ones, this date was not with a male but a female.

Jin Yingyao did not relax just because Yan Ling’s date was with a woman; rather, his intuition sounded an alarm—this person would undoubtedly be more troublesome than the others!

It was Xu Jingjing, the female leader of Saint Hieria Academy, who had openly expressed her dissatisfaction towards him before and…had a strong liking for Yan Ling.

The redheaded boss, adorned with vibrant makeup, blushed immediately upon seeing Yan Ling. When Yan Ling linked arms with her and leaned close, Xu Jingjing wore a mysterious smile on her face.

Jin Yingyao watched silently, feeling uneasy for some reason—the atmosphere between them seemed off!

The detective reported, “Mr. Jin, they’ve entered the amusement park.”

Without hesitation, Jin Yingyao swiftly followed behind.

At night, the amusement park provided an ideal setting for couples to go on dates.

Especially during fireworks displays, lovers holding hands would gaze up at the dazzling blooms lighting up the night sky—a scene both beautiful and romantic. Many couples couldn’t resist sharing public kisses amidst this spectacle, evoking envy from onlookers.

Jin Yingyao hid nearby, intently watching the two girls walking hand-in-hand.

Why did they come to watch fireworks together? Surrounded by couples, didn’t they find it odd?

Yan Ling whispered something into Xu Jingjing’s ear, causing Xu Jingjing to burst out laughing. The two girls then affectionately embraced each other; from a distance, their interaction appeared remarkably warm and friendly.

Watching fireworks wasn’t enough; the pair proceeded to ride the Ferris wheel. Jin Yingyao couldn’t help but recall the rumor that lovers who kiss at the highest point of a Ferris wheel will stay together forever.

Could…could they be aiming for that very reason?!

Yan Ling is attracted to men; it’s impossible, absolutely impossible for her to like women…

And even if she were interested in women, there’s no way she’d go for Xu Jingjing!

Jin Yingyao tried convincing himself, but he had little faith in Yan Ling’s moral boundaries. He initially thought she wouldn’t target ordinary people, yet today she managed to invite eight individuals on dates!

Eight people—entirely eight!

No wait, now it’s nine! Even an octopus has fewer tentacles than this freak. What outrageous act is she incapable of?!

What if… what if Yan Ling truly has some connection with Xu Jingjing? In that case, he would not only have to beware of men but also women!

Jin Yingyao’s anxiety grew as he followed them even more closely.

“Mr. Jin, stop!” one detective whispered urgently. “They’ll notice you at this rate!”

The detectives’ warning came too late; Jin Yingyao had already been spotted.

“Jin Yingyao?” As soon as Xu Jingjing saw him, her expression hardened. She quickly shielded Yan Ling behind herself and demanded, “Why are you secretly following us?”

Yan Ling: [Where did Jin Yingyao suddenly appear from? Creep, isn’t he stalking me again?!]

Jin Yingyao was speechless.

This creep still has the nerve to call me out! Doesn’t she realize how much trouble she causes every day?!

“I’m not secretly following anyone.” Since he was discovered, Jin Yingyao decided to drop the pretense and pointed directly at Yan Ling, saying, “I’m here for her.”

Yan Ling: [Little Yingyao sure is brave, daring to come find me. Does he not fear getting punched by Lingfei?]

Jin Yingyao remained silent, seething inwardly.

Damn! Just thinking about it made him furious—this pervert had ruined his reputation!

“Here to see Lingling?” Xu Jingjing glared at Jin Yingyao with disgust. “Jin Yingyao, still daring to harass Lingling? Are you looking for trouble?”

Xu Jingjing clenched her fists tightly, leaving no doubt that if Jin Yingyao dared approach, she would not hesitate to strike.

Yan Ling: [Jingjing is amazing! Inviting her today was definitely the right choice. When women get fierce, men don’t stand a chance. I’ll take her to the hotel later.]

Jin Yingyao: ”!”

To a hotel?! This woman won’t even spare another female!

Jin Yingyao’s figure swayed unsteadily, but he composed himself. Now armed with ample “evidence,” he believed he still had a chance.

“Yan Ling, let’s have a proper…talk.” Jin Yingyao spoke gravely.

“I want you to publicly acknowledge our relationship and cut ties with others,” Jin Yingyao said, casting a glance at Xu Jingjing. He simply couldn’t bear the thought of Yan Ling having relations with other women. “Stop this… ‘playtime’ already. Don’t you realize how wrong your actions are? Not everyone will be as forgiving as me. As long as you commit to me, we can resolve any issues privately. But if you deny everything, then don’t blame…” Don’t blame him for making their affair public!

“Are you threatening Lingling?” Regardless of what Jin Yingyao said, Xu Jingjing saw through his tactics. How could it be anything but a threat?

Xu Jingjing stepped forward, grabbing Jin Yingyao by the collar, “If you dare treat Lingling like this right in front of me, it seems you completely disregard Xu Jingjing!”

M577 excitedly exclaimed, 【Oh my goodness! The male and female leads are interacting now! Scrapping for some CP moments here, keep it going, don’t stop!】

Tong Ling remained silent, internally applauding the dedicated system.

To further provoke interaction between the protagonists, Tong Ling let her tears fall dramatically and sobbed to Xu Jingjing, “Jingjing, h-he… he’s been stalking… harassing me before. I… w-wahh…”

She also turned towards Jin Yingyao, whimpering and pleading, “Jin Yingyao, please stop following me. I beg you, just leave me alone. Your constant presence scares me so much!”

Yan Ling responded mentally: 【Publicize our relationship? Take responsibility? This guy practically threw himself at me and expects me to be accountable? Not only disobedient but even threatening me? With such lack of self-awareness, I must have had terrible judgment when considering him as a lover!】

[“He doesn’t even qualify to be my lover anymore!”]

Jin Yingyao fell silent. Excellent, it seemed Yan Ling was determined to go down this self-destructive path!

This fickle and heartless woman would no longer receive his indulgence!

Xu Jingjing had always deeply despised Jin Yingyao for harassing Yan Ling, but she never expected him to stoop so low as what Tong Ling just revealed!

“Beast!” Xu Jingjing swiftly punched Jin Yingyao’s eye while simultaneously kicking towards his groin. “Believe me when I say, I’ll fucking castrate you!”

Xu Jingjing’s actions were too quick, executing her threat without hesitation, leaving Jin Yingyao no time to react.

“Hissss—” Jin Yingyao gasped in pain, immediately cursing out loud, “What’s wrong with you?! You hit someone before even confirming the facts—have you lost your judgment?”

“What do I need to confirm about you?” Xu Jingjing retorted sarcastically, “Haven’t you better scram already?”

m577: [Thrilling! Suddenly got loads of new material!]

Inspiration flowed through m577 continuously, effortlessly crafting Jin Yingyao and Xu Jingjing’s heart-wrenching “love story” within moments.

Tong Ling clung to Xu Jingjing, whimpering softly, “Jingjing, he’s really scary. With how you treat him, who knows what he might do behind your back.”

The intense pain on Jin Yingyao’s face had not subsided, and with Yan Ling’s slander, his entire body trembled from agony.

“Yan Ling!” Jin Yingyao roared angrily, “How could you treat me like this!”

Playing with his emotions, abandoning him, and then spreading lies about him! Did this woman have any heart left?!

Tong Ling paid no heed, continuing to sob uncontrollably.

Xu Jingjing embraced Yan Ling, comforting her, “Don’t be afraid, Lingling, I’ll take care of this bastard!”

With these words, Xu Jingjing prepared to strike Jin Yingyao again.

Given Jin Yingyao’s physical prowess, he was more than capable of defeating this woman; it was his reluctance to stoop to such humiliating actions that held him back!

As more people at the amusement park began noticing their commotion, coupled with Yan Ling’s ability to twist truths nearby, Jin Yingyao decided not to linger further. After leaving a parting message for Yan Ling, he swiftly departed.

“Accept my friend request! Let’s talk privately!” This was Jin Yingyao’s final plea to Yan Ling.

The detective hesitated before expressing concern, “Are you alright, Mr. Jin? Should we continue following them?”

Exhausted emotionally and mentally, Jin Yingyao replied, “Everyone, let’s go back and rest. I have enough evidence now, and I’ll distribute the commission fees as promised.”

He didn’t want to know if Yan Ling actually went to the hotel with Xu Jingjing! Absolutely not!

Back at home, Jin Yingyao collapsed onto his bed and checked his phone. Hmph, the friend request still hadn’t been accepted.

Yan Ling, this is all on you!

Jin Yingyao organized the photos taken by the private detectives, which contained numerous revealing details.

There were shots of Yan Ling discarding love letters, images of young men leaving her house…

Wait? Shocked, Jin Yingyao bolted upright.

How could this photo include… Lu Yifan?!

The detectives staking out near Yan Ling’s residence had captured Lu Yifan emerging from the Yan household!

Lu Yifan… his last remaining close friend, why would he visit the Yan family?

How had he not noticed this photo earlier?!

Jin Yingyao felt his head spinning, and with trembling hands, he dialed Lu Yifan’s number.

Lu Yifan’s voice sounded as energetic as ever, chattering incessantly from the moment he answered, “Yaoyao, did you call me for something? It’s been quite a while since we last spoke. Are you doing okay?”

Staring at the photograph, Jin Yingyao spoke emotionlessly, “Shouldn’t you already know if I’m okay or not?”

Lu Yifan’s voice paused briefly before expressing concern, “What’s wrong, Yaoyao?”

“You spent a night at the Yan residence?” Jin Yingyao asked coldly. “Did anything happen between you and Yan Ling?”

After a moment of silence, Lu Yifan replied straightforwardly, “Yaoyao, Lingling and I planned to announce our relationship once school starts—we’re together now. You don’t need to worry about Lingling interacting with Gu Li or Xiao Lingfei; she’ll only choose me from now on. So… there’s no reason for conflict with Xiao Lingfei anymore. We can all still be good friends.”

“Friends?” Jin Yingyao laughed bitterly out of anger. “You’ve taken my person away, yet you suggest we remain friends?”

“You were able to visit the Yan family because you gained their parents’ approval?” Jin Yingyao sneered. “Next, are you planning to break off Yan Ling’s engagement with Xiao Lingfei and propose to her yourself?”

Lu Yifan fell silent.

Jin Yingyao had indeed hit the mark. As soon as Lu Yifan returned home, he discussed this matter with his parents. Although they thought him too impulsive, he still proceeded to the palace to meet Queen Aura and successfully obtained her support.

All that remained was for Yan Ling to find time to accompany him back home, after which everything could be finalized.

“Yifan, you have no idea what kind of woman she is!” Jin Yingyao rested his forehead in his hand, lips turning pale as he said, “I will make sure you both see her true nature. If… if you truly consider me your friend, please stay away from her!”

Without waiting for Lu Yifan’s response, Jin Yingyao abruptly hung up the call.

He wasted no more time, opened the college forum, and began drafting a post.

Lu Yifan’s photo wasn’t included; after all, being the son of the Grand Duke meant any involvement would complicate matters.

The title for the post was already decided: “Unveiled: The Unknown Side of the College Goddess…”