Jiang Ling clearly noticed a flicker of anticipation in Lin Xiaoyu’s eyes.
This person… was definitely planning to tease her again!
Thinking this, Jiang Ling’s head shook rapidly like a rattle drum. “No no no, I think it’s better to learn this kind of thing on my own!”
Heaven only knows what kind of ‘teaching’ Lin Xiaoyu would use if she agreed here!
Hearing this, a faint trace of disappointment flashed across Lin Xiaoyu’s face, but she didn’t mention it again and quietly started drying her hair.
Meanwhile, Jiang Ling stared intently at the manga, absorbing the knowledge seriously.
The mission to make Bai Xue’s birthday a happy one was officially underway!
November 7th.
Bai Xue had surprisingly gotten up early and, taking advantage of the light outside the window, quietly stared at herself in the mirror.
Today, her makeup was exquisitely done — winged eyeliner and crimson lips, resembling a wildly blooming, seductive red spider lily.
Bai Xue didn’t usually wear such a fierce, aggressive makeup look, but today was an exception.
She examined herself for a long while before stepping out of the room.
After Bai Xue left, Jiang Ling peeked out from the kitchen, watching her retreating figure with some concern.
After all, according to Mo Ran, Bai Xue was destined not to be happy today.
But she also knew there was little she could do to help; rather than worry uselessly, it was better to focus on what she wanted to do.
Jiang Ling tiptoed into Bai Xue’s room, glanced at the neatly folded quilt, muttered a soft apology, then unfolded it and slipped inside.
Once under the covers, Jiang Ling pulled out the bag she had been holding — a custom-made, ultra-luxurious S&M set that Fang Wanan had someone order for her.
This thing… how exactly do you tie it?
At the same time.
Bai Xue stood at the entrance of the Bai family villa, took a few slow deep breaths, and then calmly stepped inside.
Almost immediately after she entered, Bai Ming’s flirtatious voice rang out not far away: “Yo, isn’t this my dear little sister? How could you bear to come back?”
He wore a well-tailored suit and strode toward Bai Xue with open arms, as if to give her a hug.
Bai Xue didn’t even lift her eyelids and walked straight past him. “Could you not touch me with your filthy hands? I find it disgusting.”
Bai Ming’s arms froze mid-air. A trace of anger flashed across his face but quickly faded as he forced a bright smile. “Temper’s gotten bigger, huh? Brother was only trying to help you make a connection. Why the big fuss? In the end, your teammate wasn’t really hurt—”
“You should be grateful she’s unharmed.”
Bai Xue cut him off coldly, “Otherwise, I wouldn’t let you off so easily, Bai Ming. I don’t threaten you now because I disdain using your dirty tactics. But if you try those low tricks on my team again, you’ll have to face the consequences.”
With that, she didn’t even spare him an extra glance and strode straight into the living room.
Bai Ming’s forehead veins bulged, his fake smile twisted into a fierce scowl. He stared fixedly at Bai Xue’s back, his hatred intensifying.
But he couldn’t argue with her and could only forcefully suppress his emotions as he followed into the living room.
Bai Xue had been living independently for a long time, but every year she came back to have a meal on her birthday — this time was no exception.
At the dining table, she looked at the sumptuous dishes but had no appetite at all. She only symbolically cut two small pieces with her knife and fork, barely filling her stomach.
At the head of the table, Bai’s father looked straight ahead without a blink. He slightly raised his wrist, and the assistant behind him bowed and placed a beautifully wrapped gift box beside Bai Xue.
“Miss, happy birthday.”
Hearing the assistant’s gentle voice, Bai Xue didn’t respond but glanced indifferently at Bai’s father.
He calmly sliced his steak as if nothing concerned him.
Bai Xue withdrew her gaze and flipped open the box with her fingers.
Inside was a bank card, a business card, and a car key.
“This is the final installment of your project funding. I don’t have time to continue playing house with you. Six months is your final deadline. If you can’t deliver results, go see the person on the business card — he is the fiancé I’ve carefully chosen for you.”
Bai’s father put down his knife and fork, stood up, raised his arm, and the assistant immediately stepped forward to straighten his slightly crooked tie. “Don’t drive such a cheap car when you’re out, or it’ll be an embarrassment to the Bai family.”
With that, he put on his coat and strode out.
Bai Ming had been unnervingly quiet the entire time. Only after Bai’s father left did he sneer and tap his fingers on the table. “So envious, sis. That’s the latest model.”
Bai Xue ignored him, pocketed the bank card, and expressionlessly threw the rest into the nearby trash bin.
Bang!
If it weren’t for NOVA, she wouldn’t have even taken this card.
After leaving the Bai family, Bai Xue walked slowly, moving forward along the road until the density of houses gradually thinned out. Eventually, she stopped in front of the cemetery.
Holding a handful of white chrysanthemums, Bai Xue quietly approached the familiar tombstone and bent down.
“Mother, I came to see you.”
She placed the flowers down, lowering her eyes, her voice soft as if a breeze could scatter it away.
Today was her birthday.
In this world, the only family member who would genuinely celebrate her birthday was her mother.
But her mother had passed away.
Bai Xue stared at the serene smile on the woman’s tombstone for a long time without speaking another word, just silently staying there the entire night.
By the time she returned, it was nearly midnight.
Bai Xue opened the door as quietly as possible, fearing she might wake anyone.
She was about to take a shower and go to bed but froze the moment she pushed the door open.
On the bed, Jiang Ling was half-asleep, wrapped in her quilt, curled up with her chest rising and falling gently, clearly asleep.
Bai Xue stepped closer, and seeing Jiang Ling and the bag beside her, she was stunned again. Her lips parted, “You…”
Hearing Bai Xue move, Jiang Ling rubbed her eyes, realizing she’d fallen asleep, and quickly sat up, looking flustered. “Damn!”
She had been all set according to the manga instructions, but because Bai Xue came home so late, she accidentally fell asleep!
Jiang Ling stumbled to her feet and, seeing the lonely expression on Bai Xue’s face, felt a pang in her heart.
She really wasn’t happy today, was she?
Thinking this, Jiang Ling moved forward. She was wrapped tightly in ropes, almost completely bound, the taut parts outlining the girl’s figure in detail.
Her hands were crossed and tied in front of her chest. Underneath the thin, translucent gauze dress, her graceful figure was visible.
A knotted strap peeked out from under the skirt, swinging slowly in the air, waiting to be undone.
“Welcome back! And, happy birthday.”
“This is the gift I prepared for you—”