Chapter 299: Chapter 299

When going to Dalian, besides Yang’s father, Shen Bin also came to see them off at the train station. Shen Bin didn’t speak to Ye Ling, but he did pull Zhao Guodong aside to tell him not to cause trouble. Zhao Guodong felt a little embarrassed being singled out among the four, but he didn’t say much. Yang’s father looked like a businessman, dressed in a full suit, which was quite sharp for this era. It was evident that he genuinely cared for Yang Hui, buying clothes for his daughter and even picking two sets of sportswear for Ye Ling. After getting on the train, they saw that he had given Yang Hui enough money, totaling a thousand yuan.

Ye Ling finally realized just how wealthy Yang Hui was. Looking at Yang Hui, she showed no surprise when she saw the money, clearly accustomed to seeing such amounts regularly.

Sui Gang was the most excited, "With this much money, we couldn’t even spend it all even if we went out every day for the entire summer. You won’t be stingy, right?"

Yang Hui raised her chin and put away the money, "Sui Gang, wasn’t it agreed that your family would take care of food and lodging? It wasn’t said that I’d be covering the costs."

Sui Gang didn’t mind, "Fine, fine. When we get there, someone will deliver food for us. We just need to cook it ourselves, so we won’t starve."

Zhao Guodong and Ye Ling weren’t in a position to speak. The two of them were broke. Sui Gang was providing food and lodging and Yang Hui was covering other expenses. They were the only ones contributing nothing.

Yang Hui gave Sui Gang a glare and held Ye Ling’s arm, "We’ll rely on you for cooking then. I heard you’re a great cook."

Ye Ling knew Yang Hui was changing the subject to avoid embarrassment, so when they found lodgings upon arriving in Dalian, it was a small villa by the seaside, seemingly old enough to be a place for officials to relax, the kind capitalists might have lived in back during the nation’s time. The interior was aged but not extravagantly. Ye Ling and Yang Hui chose the second floor, where they could see the sea by opening the window. Zhao Guodong and Sui Gang stayed downstairs.

The four of them, despite riding the train the whole way, didn’t feel tired. After unpacking, Ye Ling changed into the clothes Yang’s father had bought and went downstairs. The four of them headed to the beach, only to see Ma Yue and Dong Minghui strolling along the shore. Ye Ling was the only one surprised; the other three showed no reaction, clearly already aware and indicating that their trip here was planned among them. Content originally comes from N()velFire.net

Upon seeing the four, Ma Yue and Dong Minghui’s faces changed dramatically. Ma Yue didn’t want to leave but was pulled away by Dong Minghui.

"Do they also live here?" Ye Ling asked the three.

Zhao Guodong sneered, while Sui Gang happily pulled Zhao Guodong away, leaving Yang Hui to handle Ye Ling alone. Yang Hui wasn’t afraid Ye Ling would be upset, "It was Sui Gang who said Ma Yue would be staying here, so we came to annoy her. Even though Ma Yue left school on her own, she directly enrolled elsewhere, thanks to connections at home. Sui Gang was displeased and wanted to come here to irritate them."

"This kind of behavior is childish. You don’t think the same way, do you?" Ye Ling didn’t want to stir up more trouble, "It’s not that I’m afraid of them; it’s just that the issue’s resolved. There’s no need to risk getting punished over such people. Now they have nothing to lose, while we do. If they report to the school, it would only backfire on us."

Ye Ling’s anger had subsided long since the incident. Although she hated being deceived and played, those responsible had gotten their comeuppance, making things even. They might not become friends in the future, but they’d certainly remain adversaries.

"Don’t worry. Sui Gang heard Ma Yue is still in touch with Fu Lei, and the main reason we’re here is to catch Fu Lei in the act. If we find them together, we’ll report it to the school." Yang Hui gave Ye Ling an assured look, "We’re here to have fun, and if we catch them, it’ll be a bonus. But since they bumped into us, they’d stealthily avoid us even if they came."

Yang Hui was usually steady, but since mingling with Zhao Guodong and the others, she’d changed. Ye Ling observed this, unsure if it was good or bad, but upon reflection, she realized she too had been influenced to act like a child by them.

"No matter what happens, as long as things don’t get messy, it’s fine." Ye Ling mentally noted to remind Zhao Guodong.

Knowing his temper, Ye Ling was aware that, despite saying nothing, Zhao Guodong’s silence was more worrisome. Zhao Guodong was not one to suffer in silence; he was surely simmering, waiting for an opportunity to act.

So, after returning from the beach, Ye Ling called Zhao Guodong over to help with cooking, using the chance to speak privately, "Whatever happens, that incident is in the past. Fu Lei and Ma Yue better pray for luck, because I won’t be polite if we cross paths at work in the future. For now, we focus on finishing our studies these three years. Fu Lei is alone at school now; it won’t be easy for him after this. Regardless of his connections, he’ll have to face the judgment of others. We don’t need to do anything; the looks alone will be enough." As Ye Ling poured shrimp into boiling water, she added, "If you truly listen to me, do not come up with any wild ideas. I appreciate your concern, but I don’t want you in trouble."

"I understand what you mean." Zhao Guodong handed the bowl, watching Ye Ling scoop out the cooked shrimp, "How was it resolved?"

"It wasn’t much. Shen Bin said at school that I was introduced to him by my family long ago, eliminating the possibility of anything with Fu Lei." Ye Ling fixed her gaze on Zhao Guodong, "You’re the first to know, besides my dad and Shen Bin. Don’t tell anyone else; once we graduate, there’ll be no need to pretend anymore."

"Then why not say you’re dating someone else?" Zhao Guodong felt uneasy hearing this, "You and Shen Bin are years apart; would the school buy it?"

Ye Ling noticed his discomfort, recalling Yang Hui’s words, and sighed, "They believed it. Otherwise, the outcome wouldn’t be . Do you... do you have feelings for me?"

"Impossible! You know well that I like Ye Qian. Don’t misunderstand; since we grew up in the same place, I have to look after you." Zhao Guodong blurted out, trying to explain.

Seeing his obvious unease yet stubborn denial, along with his usual jealousy, Ye Ling felt stifled, "Alright, I get it now. I’ll never overthink it again."

Back at school, Liu Nan and Yang Hui always said Zhao Guodong was pitiful, but seeing him now, Ye Ling realized she’d been too soft-hearted. She decided never again to worry about his feelings.

Hiding affection without expressing it and causing trouble ... Seeing Zhao Guodong left Ye Ling frustrated. Without saying more, she turned to continue cooking, shooing him away. Zhao Guodong, too, left with a look of dejection. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please consider voting with recommendation and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)