Chapter 28.1

After the birthday banquet held for Cheng Lingxue, Xie Shuyun clearly felt that Cheng Lingxue’s life at school had greatly improved.

Before, she had been someone everyone avoided. But with the Xie family protecting her, along with her identity as the Xie family’s adopted daughter, Cheng Lingxue undoubtedly became someone people sought after.

Those who had bullied her before either apologized or stayed far away from her, afraid that Cheng Lingxue would turn around and cause trouble for them.

Of course, Cheng Lingxue was not so childish that she would take revenge on them with an eye-for-an-eye mindset. And with the matter of the Lu family head as a warning, plus Xie Shuyun, this great Buddha, keeping watch, those people did not dare act recklessly either.

Although everything now still inevitably involved interests, seeing that Cheng Lingxue had people she could talk to and had even made a few friends made Xie Shuyun very happy for her.

She felt that her actions had finally been rewarded, and her heart was full of accomplishment.

In response to this, Shang Yan even complained,

“The way you’re looking at her is exactly like how my grandma used to look at me. It’s kind of creepy.”

So Xie Shuyun could only restrain herself a little. Otherwise, it would Read on BaiLianTales not be good if even Cheng Lingxue started looking at her strangely.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the Mathematical Olympiad competition arrived.

Because the competition venue was in another big city, a few days before the competition began, their homeroom teacher took Xie Shuyun and Cheng Lingxue by car to the hotel that had already been booked.

Although it was called “taking a car together,” in reality, it was still a Xie family driver on duty.

Letting the Xie family’s future heir and adopted daughter take public transportation was obviously something the Xie family did not feel at ease about. The homeroom teacher also did not dare take on that responsibility.

So Cheng Lingxue and Xie Shuyun still sat in their usual car. However, this time, the drive was farther. It took two hours to arrive.

The Xie family drivers all had excellent driving skills, and the ride was very smooth. It felt as if they had reached the destination after taking a nap.

Lazily stretching, Xie Shuyun, dressed in casual, comfortable clothes, bent down and got out of the car. Then she walked around to the other side and opened the door for Cheng Lingxue.

“Lingxue, we’ve arrived at the place we’ll be staying.”

As she spoke, she extended her hand toward Cheng Lingxue and helped the girl out of the car.

Like Xie Shuyun, Cheng Lingxue was also dressed casually, though she wore a simple dress. But that did not affect her beautiful appearance at all. The moment the two girls got out of the car, they attracted countless gazes.

However, no one at the parking area dared to randomly come over and strike up a conversation.

After all, this was the best five-star hotel in the city, and behind it was the territory of the top aristocratic Xie family. Causing trouble here could practically be called seeking death.

Besides, tall and imposing men in black suits and sunglasses stood beside the two girls. At a glance, they looked difficult to provoke.

Not to mention the luxury car they had arrived in. No matter how one looked at it, everything showed that the two girls had extraordinary identities.

The hotel manager hurried over. The people behind him picked up Cheng Lingxue and Xie Shuyun’s suitcases and led the two into the hotel, bringing them to the top-floor room.

“We have already prepared a room for the two of you. I’m very sorry. It is currently tourist season, and the hotel is at peak booking capacity. Rooms are limited, so the room prepared for the two of you is the best twin suite.”

“…Twin suite?”

Xie Shuyun’s eyes widened slightly. She pointed at herself, then at [read the original at bailiantales.com]Cheng Lingxue, and spoke in disbelief.

Wasn’t that inappropriate…?

There was a difference between alpha and omega…

“Please rest assured, Eldest Miss. Although it is a twin suite, the bedrooms are definitely separate. However, facilities such as the living room and bar counter may need to be shared. If the two of you mind…”

Hesitation flashed across the manager’s face, but he continued,

“There are only ordinary single rooms left. The facilities may not be as good as this one. We ask for your understanding.”

“I don’t really have any problem with it.”

Xie Shuyun scratched her cheek.

Since they would sleep separately anyway, and sharing a living room was just like at home, it should not be a big deal. She just did not know whether Cheng Lingxue was willing.

Thinking this, her gaze fell on Cheng Lingxue.

As if sensing Xie Shuyun’s gaze, Cheng Lingxue, who was holding her small handbag with both hands, slightly lifted her eyes and glanced sideways at Xie Shuyun. Only then did she nod faintly to the manager.

“There’s no problem. We can follow the manager’s arrangement.”

“Alright. Thank you for your understanding.”

The manager took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the cold sweat seeping from his forehead.

After all, running a hotel, what kind of people had he not seen? He had seen plenty of spoiled rich young masters and young misses who acted recklessly because of their status.

At first, he had thought the people coming this time would also have the temper of a young master or young miss, and he had been quite worried because of it.

Now it seemed his worries had been unnecessary. These two were both easy to get along with.

“Please come with me. The room is this way.”

The two were brought to the innermost room.

As expected of a five-star hotel, even the floor was covered with thick carpet, and the entire environment could be said to be very quiet.

Using the room card to open the door, the manager led the two inside.

Xie Shuyun was instantly somewhat shocked by the luxurious decor inside. Although the Xie family residence was also luxurious, that was understated luxury.

This place, on the other hand, could be described as resplendent and magnificent. It was the kind of room that would only appear in movies.

“Eldest Miss, Miss Cheng, there are two bedrooms here in total. Both have single beds, and both have interior locks. They are absolutely safe. We also have an alarm system here. As long as abnormal pheromones are detected, someone will immediately come to confirm the situation.”

Hearing the manager say this, Xie Shuyun finally understood why they were confident enough to arrange her and Cheng Lingxue in the same suite.

The introduction continued.

Aside from the two bedrooms, the middle area had a large semicircular sofa that one could sit on, lie on, or recline against. Facing it was a television embedded into the wall.

Behind that were the refrigerator and bar counter. Inside were drinks and ice products available for enjoyment. Because the stolen content two of them were minors, cocktail service would not be provided. Other services, including meal delivery and cleaning, could be arranged by calling the service staff.

Food options naturally did not only include room service. There were also restaurants here. Not only that, but there were also entertainment rooms, a greenhouse garden, and practically everything one could think of.

Just introducing these things took more than ten minutes.

Seeing the manager’s dry-mouthed appearance, Xie Shuyun quickly took a bottle of water from the table and gave it to him.

“Then we won’t disturb the two of you from resting.”

The manager took a sip of water to moisten his throat, waved his hand for people to put down the two girls’ luggage, and then led everyone out like the tide. The door then closed softly with a click.

“Lingxue, here. Which one do you want?”

Xie Shuyun held two bracelets and came before Cheng Lingxue.

The bracelets looked quite beautiful. They were modeled after branches and looked a little like tiny flower wreaths. But when held, they did not prick the hand. Instead, they were made of a somewhat soft material.

If the manager had not said these were room cards, Xie Shuyun would not have been able to tell.

Compared to a normal room card, a bracelet was less easy to lose. Wearing it on the wrist also made it convenient to carry.

The bracelet colors were different too, one red and one blue. The former represented the room on the right, while the latter represented the room on the left. Unless they gave each other permission, the bracelets could not be used interchangeably, which counted as another layer of protection.

“The red one.”

Cheng Lingxue spoke directly, then extended her snow-white wrist toward Xie Shuyun.

Seeing this, Xie Shuyun swallowed and quickly put the blue bracelet on her own hand first.

The bracelet was very elastic, but because she was in such a hurry, it definitely rubbed against her skin. Soon, several red marks appeared around her knuckles, but Xie Shuyun did not care. She shook her wrist and found that once the bracelet was on, it fit closely against her skin, making her nod in satisfaction.

Cheng Lingxue, standing in front of her, naturally witnessed this entire series of actions.

She furrowed her brows slightly at Xie Shuyun’s rough movements. When she saw the red marks on Xie Shuyun’s knuckles, her brows tightened even more.

She was just about to speak when, in the next second, ​read the original at bailiantales.com​Cheng Lingxue felt her arm enveloped by a scorching touch.

Lowering her head, she saw Xie Shuyun carefully holding her arm as if touching a rare treasure.

That focused feeling made Cheng Lingxue, who had originally been confused about what the other girl wanted to do, feel her breath catch.

It was not because she felt uncomfortable.

Rather, the feeling that this person’s eyes were full of only her, completely unable to contain anything else, made her both uneasy and a little flustered.

She could only stand quietly and watch as Xie Shuyun used her other hand to stretch open the red bracelet and slowly slide it onto her wrist.

Completely opposite to when Xie Shuyun had put on her own, Cheng Lingxue did not feel any pain. There was not even any friction against her knuckles. The bracelet fitted onto her wrist just like that, as if it had originally belonged there.

“All done. I didn’t hurt you, right?”

After looking left and right and repeatedly confirming that Cheng Lingxue had not developed any red marks, Xie Shuyun finally revealed a smile and slowly lowered Cheng Lingxue’s arm.

“…Mm…”

Cheng Lingxue lowered her eyes slightly. Her fingertips lightly brushed over the bracelet on her wrist. It seemed as if the lingering warmth from that person’s touch still remained there.

It was so hot and warm, like a little furnace, wanting to warm both body and heart.

Not noticing Cheng Lingxue’s unusual state, Xie Shuyun placed the food delivery menu the manager had mentioned before in front of Cheng Lingxue. She also opened the refrigerator and took a look.

Inside were all kinds of drinks, arranged in great variety. If there was anything they wanted to drink but could not find, they could also inform the front desk. As long as it was possible, the front desk would do its best to satisfy them.

“It’s almost twelve already. Are you hungry? Do you want to order room service, or go to the restaurant downstairs? The buffet here has food from all over the world. Do you want to go try it? Ah, and if you’re thirsty, there are plenty of drinks here too.”

Subconsciously observing Xie Shuyun’s reaction, Cheng Lingxue noticed that the other girl seemed more interested in the buffet.

Cheng Lingxue was not particular about food, but it was not as if she could not satisfy a certain someone’s curiosity.

“Let’s go downstairs. We can see what they have.”

As she spoke, she also reached out and lightly pushed the food menu back.

“That’s great. Let’s organize our luggage first before going down. I’ll move your suitcase in for you.”

Hearing Cheng Lingxue’s words, Xie Shuyun’s eyes lit up. She nodded happily, then efficiently became a porter, placing their luggage into their respective rooms. Only then did the two walk out.

“I don’t know where Teacher is staying. I forgot to ask just now. That’s a little embarrassing.”

Scratching her head, Xie Shuyun finally remembered what she had forgotten and spoke with some frustration.

“We can just contact her by phone when the time comes.”

Compared to Xie Shuyun’s frustration, Cheng Lingxue was much calmer. Then she silently added another sentence.

“Teacher’s wife is on a business trip here recently.”

One sentence was worth ten thousand words.

It seemed their homeroom read the original at bailiantales.com teacher was going to find her wife, and there was no need for the two of them to go be light bulbs.

They took the elevator to the restaurant.

The decor here was just as luxurious as the room. Everywhere was filled with the aroma of food, instantly making the hungry Xie Shuyun energetic. Her eyes kept sweeping over the steaming hot dishes on the counters.

“How about we sit here?”

Xie Shuyun pointed to a spot close to the food area and by the window. They could eat while enjoying the scenery outside. It counted as the best seat in the area.

Cheng Lingxue nodded, and Xie Shuyun called a server over to register them. Only then did they walk to the food area.

Here, guests did not need to pick up food themselves. A server followed beside them, and whatever they pointed at, the server would take for them. They did not need to do anything themselves.

“Lingxue, there’s Nanyang curry here. Do you want to try some?”

“There’s freshly baked pizza. Want a little?”

“There’s also baked read the original at bailiantales.comcream mushrooms with chicken. Lingxue, you like this. I’ll get some for you.”

The person beside her chattered nonstop. Even if Cheng Lingxue did not react much and only nodded or responded faintly, it did not affect her enthusiasm.

In the end, the two returned with a full load, bringing several plates piled with food back to their seats. Xie Shuyun very naturally arranged food for Cheng Lingxue.

Because of the Cheng family’s old residence and Pai Pai, the relationship between the two had grown a little closer. They also often ate lunch together at school, so Xie Shuyun could now do these things with ease.

Only after placing the plate in front of Cheng Lingxue did Xie Shuyun begin eating.

“The food here really tastes pretty good. Lingxue, do you want to try this? It’s not a flavor we usually eat, but it’s quite good.”

After swallowing the food in her mouth, Xie Shuyun was very satisfied with the taste and kept recommending some foods Cheng Lingxue usually would not eat.

She pushed some untouched dishes in front of Cheng Lingxue for her to taste. Only after Cheng Lingxue finished would she take them back and sweep everything on the plates clean.

Cheng Lingxue glanced at Xie Shuyun, who was eating with her head lowered, and sighed faintly without leaving a trace.

Although the other party adhered to the habit of not wasting food, every time she ate food Cheng Lingxue had already eaten from, Cheng Lingxue still felt a little embarrassed.

It was true that because of the other girl, Cheng Lingxue could taste more food. But this kind of behavior was too intimate. Even after several weeks of experience, Cheng Lingxue still could not completely be at ease with it.

Especially after finishing, when this person would even give her a thumbs-up and praise how delicious the dish was, Cheng Lingxue truly did not know how to describe her feelings.

Just thinking about it made Cheng Lingxue unable to resist touching her slightly warm ear.

The tip there had turned a beautiful red.

She brushed her hair aside to hide it, then, under Xie Shuyun’s urging gaze, could only pick up her knife and fork again and continue eating.

Since they still had to stay in the hotel for more than a week, there was no rush to tour the facilities inside.

Seeing that it was still early, the two decided to look around the area near the hotel.

Of course, because their identities were special, the hotel would call them from time to time to confirm their safety and make sure nothing had happened to them.

After leaving each other’s contact information, the two finally left the hotel.

Touching her round, full stomach, Xie Shuyun slowly walked along the street with Cheng Lingxue. They digested their food while looking at the nearby shops.

Suddenly, an entertainment center caught Xie Shuyun’s eye.

“Lingxue, let’s go over there. Have you ever been to this kind of place before? Do you want to go take a look?”

Following the direction Xie Shuyun pointed, Cheng Lingxue saw a transparent storefront window. Inside were many game machines. Some she had seen before, and some she had not.

Among them, the most eye-catching were dozens of claw machines filled with all kinds of plushies.

“How about it? Want to go inside and take a look?”

Xie Shuyun continued inviting Cheng Lingxue.

She could see that the girl’s attention had swept over the plushies inside the claw machines for a few seconds, and a guess immediately formed in her heart.

As expected, Cheng Lingxue nodded and agreed to Xie Shuyun’s suggestion.

The two girls walked into the entertainment center one after the other.

There were many people playing games inside, and the game music was rather loud. Afraid that Cheng Lingxue might feel uncomfortable, Xie Shuyun said softly,

“If you think it’s too noisy, we can go to another shop. But you can also try playing a little. It’s very fun.”

As she spoke, Xie Shuyun looked around and finally set her target on a claw machine.

Inside were white steamed-bun plushies the size of basketballs, each with different expressions.

After observing for a moment, Xie Shuyun tapped her phone against the payment area of one claw machine. The machine’s music immediately sounded.

Hooking two fingers around the control stick, Xie Shuyun’s movements were a bit unfamiliar at first, as if she were getting used to the machine’s performance.

Very quickly, she became skilled. On the second try, she flung a white steamed bun into the prize chute.

“I got it!”

Bending down, she took the white steamed bun plushie out of the prize opening. On it was an angry expression with a vein-popping mark.

Xie Shuyun mercilessly patted it, watching as the steamed bun was flattened and then rounded out by her hands, looking rather pitiful. Then she handed it to Cheng Lingxue.

“Look, it’s very simple. Do you want to try?”

Cheng Lingxue’s expression carried a little hesitation. Her gaze circled over the machine, then looked at the control stick, before finally returning to Xie Shuyun.

At last, she lightly pressed her lips together and turned her face away.

“I don’t know how.”

Xie Shuyun’s motion of kneading the steamed bun paused.

She was surprised by Cheng Lingxue showing weakness, but very quickly, she revealed a smile again and patted her chest.

“It’s okay. I’ll teach you. Look and see which plushie you want. I’ll guide you.”

After looking for a while, Cheng Lingxue still pointed at the machine Xie Shuyun had just played.

“This one is fine.”

“Alright. Here, you have thirty seconds each time. Try controlling it.”

Xie Shuyun started the game and stood beside Cheng Lingxue, speaking softly.

As a result, a rather unusual scene appeared in the entertainment center.