Chapter 23 – Extras 5: High School Parallel Line

They didn’t stay for evening study today and went straight home after class. Tang Mingling thought Ji Xun had opened up, so she $\text{pleasantly}$ took a $\text{shower}$, waiting for what would happen next, but Ji Xun $\text{pulled}$ her to $\text{do}$ $\text{homework}$.

“Is the $\text{textbook}$ $\text{more}$ $\text{attractive}$ than $\text{me}$?” Tang Mingling changed into a $\text{house}$ $\text{dress}$ and was $\text{forced}$ to $\text{sit}$ at the $\text{desk}$ and $\text{solve}$ $\text{problems}$.

“We have $\text{exams}$ next $\text{week}$. I don’t want you to be $\text{distracted}$ because of me,” Ji Xun $\text{coaxed}$ Tang Mingling. Her $\text{black}$–$\text{and}$–$\text{white}$ $\text{eyes}$ always $\text{held}$ everything about Tang Mingling.

Tang Mingling’s $\text{heart}$ $\text{melted}$ and $\text{softened}$ as she $\text{looked}$. She $\text{reflected}$ that Ji Xun was $\text{doing}$ this for her $\text{own}$ $\text{good}$, and she shouldn’t be $\text{willful}$. However, after $\text{calming}$ $\text{down}$ and $\text{writing}$ two $\text{problems}$, she $\text{irritably}$ $\text{threw}$ $\text{down}$ her $\text{pen}$. She $\text{turned}$ her $\text{face}$ to $\text{look}$ at her $\text{girlfriend}$.

Until Ji Xun’s $\text{fair}$ $\text{face}$ $\text{gradually}$ $\text{flushed}$ $\text{pink}$. $\text{Satisfied}$, she $\text{held}$ Ji Xun’s $\text{right}$ $\text{hand}$ and $\text{coaxed}$, “$\text{Sister}$ $\text{Ji}$…”

The person $\text{being}$ $\text{called}$ “$\text{sister}$” for the $\text{first}$ $\text{time}$ was $\text{powerless}$ to $\text{resist}$. She $\text{held}$ Tang Mingling’s $\text{hand}$ $\text{in}$ $\text{return}$ and $\text{asked}$ her, “What’s $\text{wrong}$?” Then she $\text{smiled}$ $\text{helplessly}$, $\text{lowering}$ her $\text{eyebrows}$. “If you $\text{really}$ $\text{don’t}$ $\text{want}$ to $\text{do}$ your $\text{homework}$, then…”

“It’s $\text{not}$ that I $\text{don’t}$ want to $\text{do}$ it. It’s that I $\text{don’t}$ $\text{know}$ how. I $\text{want}$ $\text{Sister}$ to $\text{teach}$ me $\text{how}$ $\text{to}$ $\text{do}$ it~” Tang Mingling $\text{opened}$ her $\text{hand}$. Ji Xun $\text{understood}$ and $\text{opened}$ her $\text{arms}$ to $\text{let}$ her $\text{sit}$ $\text{in}$.

They $\text{sat}$ $\text{intimately}$ $\text{hugging}$ at the $\text{desk}$. Tang Mingling $\text{said}$, “I $\text{don’t}$ $\text{know}$ how to $\text{do}$ $\text{this}$ $\text{problem}$.” She $\text{flipped}$ the $\text{textbook}$ $\text{over}$ and $\text{pointed}$ to a $\text{blank}$ $\text{problem}$. When she $\text{turned}$ $\text{around}$, her $\text{lips}$ $\text{brushed}$ Ji Xun’s $\text{jaw}$, and her $\text{buttocks}$ $\text{rubbed}$ against her $\text{thigh}$.

Everything $\text{seemed}$ $\text{accidental}$.

Ji Xun $\text{bit}$ her $\text{lip}$, $\text{trying}$ to $\text{suppress}$ the $\text{budding}$ $\text{desire}$ to $\text{explain}$ the $\text{problem}$ to $\text{her}$.

After $\text{explaining}$ a $\text{few}$ $\text{problems}$, and just when $\text{reason}$ $\text{finally}$ $\text{overcame}$ the $\text{pornographic}$ $\text{thoughts}$, Tang Mingling $\text{suddenly}$ $\text{said}$ $\text{angrily}$ that she was $\text{hungry}$.

Ji Xun immediately $\text{thought}$ of $\text{getting}$ some $\text{snacks}$.

“But $\text{I’m}$ $\text{hungry}$ $\text{here}$,” Tang Mingling $\text{pulled}$ her $\text{slender}$ $\text{fingers}$ $\text{into}$ her $\text{house}$ $\text{dress}$ and $\text{directly}$ $\text{touched}$ a $\text{wet}$ $\text{area}$.

She $\text{wasn’t}$ $\text{wearing}$ $\text{panties}$. This $\text{fact}$ $\text{shocked}$ Ji Xun’s $\text{brain}$. The $\text{sticky}$ $\text{sensation}$ on her $\text{fingertips}$ made her $\text{at}$ a $\text{loss}$.

“See… Am $\text{I}$ $\text{very}$ $\text{hungry}$? I $\text{only}$ want $\text{Sister}$ $\text{Ji}$ to $\text{feed}$ $\text{me}$,” Tang Mingling $\text{turned}$ to $\text{kiss}$ Ji Xun’s $\text{lips}$, $\text{licking}$ her $\text{lips}$ in the $\text{gaps}$ between $\text{kisses}$.

“$\text{Ah}$…” Tang Mingling $\text{sat}$ in Ji Xun’s $\text{embrace}$, $\text{holding}$ her $\text{arm}$, $\text{moaning}$. Under the $\text{hem}$ of her $\text{skirt}$, $\text{slender}$ $\text{fingers}$ were $\text{going}$ in $\text{and}$ $\text{out}$ of her $\text{cunt}$, which was $\text{already}$ $\text{wet}$ and $\text{waiting}$ to $\text{be}$ $\text{pampered}$. “$\text{Sister}$, $\text{more}$…”

Being $\text{called}$ “$\text{sister}$” by the $\text{person}$ she $\text{loved}$ while $\text{having}$ $\text{sex}$ $\text{made}$ Ji Xun’s $\text{usually}$ $\text{rational}$ $\text{brain}$ $\text{crash}$. She $\text{sped}$ $\text{up}$ the $\text{in}$–$\text{and}$–$\text{out}$ $\text{movement}$ of her $\text{fingers}$, $\text{expanding}$ the $\text{inside}$ to $\text{prepare}$ for $\text{feeding}$ her $\text{missy}$ with $\text{something}$ $\text{else}$ $\text{later}$.

“So $\text{comfortable}$…” When $\text{two}$ $\text{fingers}$ $\text{entered}$, Tang Mingling $\text{panted}$ against her $\text{ear}$. “I $\text{love}$ $\text{Sister’s}$ $\text{hand}$ $\text{so}$ $\text{much}$… $\text{Ah}$…”

Ji Xun was $\text{hot}$ all $\text{over}$ from her $\text{calls}$. Her $\text{lower}$ $\text{body}$ was $\text{already}$ $\text{erect}$ and $\text{swollen}$, $\text{pressing}$ against Tang Mingling’s $\text{round}$ $\text{buttocks}$. The $\text{desire}$ $\text{incited}$ by Tang Mingling $\text{soared}$. She $\text{opened}$ her $\text{mouth}$ and $\text{said}$ something she $\text{would}$ $\text{never}$ $\text{normally}$ $\text{say}$: “Mingling, do you $\text{only}$ $\text{like}$ $\text{Sister’s}$ $\text{hand}$?”

Tang Mingling $\text{glanced}$ at $\text{her}$. Her $\text{youthful}$ $\text{face}$ looked $\text{both}$ $\text{pure}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{lustful}$ during $\text{sex}$. “I $\text{love}$ $\text{Sister’s}$ $\text{penis}$ the $\text{most}$.” She $\text{pulled}$ out Ji Xun’s $\text{fingers}$, $\text{lifted}$ her $\text{waist}$ slightly, $\text{letting}$ Ji Xun $\text{pull}$ her $\text{pants}$ down to her $\text{thighs}$. Her $\text{penis}$ $\text{stood}$ $\text{erect}$. She $\text{felt}$ her $\text{throat}$ $\text{burning}$ just $\text{looking}$ at $\text{it}$. When she $\text{tried}$ to $\text{sit}$ $\text{down}$, Ji Xun $\text{stopped}$ her.

“$\text{Wait}$, I’ll $\text{put}$ on a $\text{condom}$ first.” Ji Xun $\text{bit}$ her $\text{lip}$, $\text{taking}$ a $\text{square}$ $\text{package}$ out of her $\text{pants}$ $\text{pocket}$ in $\text{front}$ of $\text{her}$. Under Tang Mingling’s $\text{teasing}$ $\text{gaze}$, she $\text{tore}$ open the $\text{packaging}$. After $\text{taking}$ out the $\text{condom}$, her $\text{hand}$ $\text{trembled}$ slightly as she $\text{tried}$ to $\text{put}$ it $\text{on}$.

“When $\text{did}$ you $\text{buy}$ this?”

“Just $\text{now}$… I $\text{let}$ you $\text{come}$ $\text{back}$ first because I $\text{went}$ to $\text{buy}$ $\text{this}$,” Ji Xun’s $\text{face}$ $\text{flushed}$ $\text{red}$. She $\text{looked}$ $\text{down}$ and $\text{unskillfully}$ $\text{used}$ $\text{it}$.

“You $\text{bought}$ it and $\text{put}$ it in your $\text{pajama}$ $\text{pocket}$ after $\text{showering}$… $\text{Sister}$…” Tang Mingling $\text{reached}$ out, $\text{held}$ the $\text{soaring}$ $\text{flesh}$ $\text{tool}$, $\text{pulled}$ with her $\text{finger}$, and $\text{put}$ it on $\text{properly}$. “You’ve $\text{been}$ $\text{pretending}$ to be $\text{serious}$ for $\text{so}$ $\text{long}$. You must $\text{be}$ $\text{tired}$.” She $\text{sat}$ $\text{back}$ into Ji Xun’s $\text{embrace}$. The $\text{penis}$ $\text{rubbed}$ against the stolen contentclass="katex">crevice $\text{oozing}$ $\text{fluid}$. Only after the $\text{condom}$ was $\text{wet}$ $\text{did}$ Ji Xun $\text{try}$ to $\text{thrust}$ $\text{in}$.

Just a $\text{small}$ $\text{section}$ $\text{entered}$, and Tang Mingling $\text{leaned}$ her $\text{face}$ on her $\text{shoulder}$. “$\text{Sister}$… so $\text{big}$, so $\text{full}$. I’m so $\text{full}$ from $\text{your}$ $\text{feeding}$.”

Ji Xun $\text{almost}$ $\text{came}$ from her $\text{calls}$, but $\text{desperately}$ $\text{held}$ $\text{back}$. She $\text{stuck}$ the $\text{finger}$ $\text{covered}$ with her $\text{vaginal}$ $\text{fluids}$ into Tang Mingling’s $\text{mouth}$, $\text{letting}$ her $\text{lick}$ it. Her $\text{lower}$ $\text{body}$ $\text{continued}$ to $\text{thrust}$ $\text{in}$, until the $\text{flesh}$ $\text{cave}$ was $\text{completely}$ $\text{filled}$ to the $\text{deepest}$ $\text{part}$.

They $\text{sighed}$ $\text{simultaneously}$. Ji Xun $\text{panted}$, $\text{seeing}$ Tang Mingling’s $\text{dazed}$ $\text{look}$ as she $\text{sucked}$ her $\text{finger}$, and then $\text{saw}$ the $\text{textbook}$ on the $\text{desk}$.

“Are you $\text{full}$? Then can we $\text{continue}$ $\text{doing}$ $\text{problems}$?” Ji Xun $\text{said}$ $\text{gently}$.

“…” Tang Mingling $\text{instantly}$ $\text{pulled}$ $\text{out}$ of her $\text{desire}$, looking at her in $\text{disbelief}$. “Are $\text{those}$ $\text{human}$ $\text{words}$?”

“You $\text{said}$ you were $\text{hungry}$, and I $\text{fed}$ $\text{you}$. Now that you are $\text{full}$, of $\text{course}$, we should $\text{continue}$ $\text{doing}$ $\text{homework}$?” Ji Xun $\text{said}$ $\text{calmly}$. Only her $\text{unstable}$ $\text{breathing}$ $\text{revealed}$ her $\text{restraint}$.

Tang Mingling $\text{stared}$ at her $\text{eyes}$ for a $\text{long}$ $\text{time}$, then $\text{suddenly}$ $\text{smiled}$. She $\text{gritted}$ her $\text{teeth}$ and $\text{contracted}$ her $\text{insides}$. Her $\text{cunt}$ $\text{clamped}$ Ji Xun’s $\text{penis}$. She $\text{twisted}$ her $\text{waist}$ $\text{gently}$, making Ji Xun $\text{gasp}$, and $\text{said}$, “But I $\text{don’t}$ $\text{know}$ how to $\text{do}$ $\text{this}$ $\text{problem}$. $\text{Sister}$, $\text{teach}$ me.”

The $\text{intimate}$ $\text{moment}$ $\text{suddenly}$ $\text{turned}$ into an $\text{arena}$, as if to $\text{see}$ who would $\text{surrender}$ first. For $\text{every}$ $\text{problem}$, Tang Mingling $\text{said}$ she $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{know}$ how to $\text{do}$ it, $\text{twisting}$ her $\text{waist}$ in her $\text{arms}$, and $\text{coaxing}$ Ji Xun to $\text{teach}$ $\text{her}$.

Ji Xun $\text{forced}$ herself to $\text{talk}$, $\text{speaking}$ $\text{patiently}$. But Tang Mingling $\text{knew}$ her $\text{true}$ $\text{emotions}$. The $\text{penis}$ inside her $\text{body}$ grew $\text{bigger}$ and $\text{bigger}$, $\text{filling}$ her $\text{too}$ $\text{much}$. It was $\text{itchy}$ and $\text{hot}$. She $\text{couldn’t}$ $\text{control}$ $\text{rocking}$ her $\text{waist}$, $\text{letting}$ the $\text{erect}$ $\text{huge}$ $\text{penis}$ $\text{soothe}$ her $\text{flower}$ $\text{heart}$. Soft $\text{pantings}$ $\text{escaped}$ her $\text{mouth}$.

“Mingling… the $\text{homework}$ is $\text{done}$. $\text{Sister}$ is $\text{here}$ to $\text{feed}$ $\text{you}$.” Ji Xun $\text{finally}$ $\text{couldn’t}$ $\text{hold}$ $\text{back}$ $\text{anymore}$. She $\text{put}$ down her $\text{pen}$, $\text{held}$ Tang Mingling’s $\text{waist}$, and $\text{slowly}$ $\text{rocked}$ her $\text{hips}$, $\text{thrusting}$ in $\text{and}$ $\text{out}$. After the $\text{angle}$ was $\text{right}$, she $\text{suddenly}$ $\text{hit}$ the $\text{flower}$ $\text{heart}$ $\text{hard}$. The $\text{flesh}$ $\text{column}$ $\text{rubbed}$ the $\text{cunt}$ $\text{quickly}$.

“Ji Xun, Ji $\text{Xun}$!” Tang Mingling’s $\text{hands}$ and $\text{feet}$ were $\text{numb}$ from $\text{pleasure}$. She $\text{undulated}$ up $\text{and}$ $\text{down}$ on her $\text{thighs}$, $\text{pumping}$ along $\text{with}$ Ji Xun’s $\text{speed}$. Her $\text{pants}$ and $\text{skirt}$ were $\text{soaked}$ by the $\text{fluid}$ from their $\text{intercourse}$. “$\text{Sister}$, $\text{ha}$…”

Tang Mingling $\text{extremely}$ $\text{enjoyed}$ the $\text{pleasure}$ of $\text{sex}$. Being $\text{conditioned}$ by the $\text{long}$–$\text{lasting}$ $\text{wet}$ $\text{dream}$, she $\text{felt}$ $\text{hot}$ all $\text{over}$ whenever she Read on BaiLianTales aria-hidden="true">saw Ji Xun. After $\text{finally}$ $\text{tempting}$ Ji Xun to $\text{sleep}$ with her, it was like a $\text{liberation}$. She wanted to $\text{try}$ $\text{all}$ the $\text{positions}$ in her $\text{dream}$.

Moreover, the $\text{fact}$ that Ji Xun $\text{voluntarily}$ $\text{put}$ on a $\text{condom}$ $\text{touched}$ Tang Mingling $\text{even}$ $\text{more}$.

“Mingling, you are $\text{so}$ $\text{tight}$. $\text{Relax}$ a $\text{little}$.” The $\text{young}$ $\text{girl’s}$ $\text{flesh}$ $\text{cave}$, which was $\text{only}$ $\text{broken}$ at $\text{noon}$, hadn’t $\text{been}$ $\text{conditioned}$ much. It was $\text{tight}$ and $\text{elastic}$, $\text{biting}$ Ji Xun $\text{tightly}$.

Although she $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{have}$ a $\text{virginity}$ $\text{complex}$, just $\text{knowing}$ that she was Tang Mingling’s $\text{first}$ $\text{person}$ gave Ji Xun $\text{spiritual}$ $\text{pleasure}$ $\text{far}$ $\text{greater}$ than the $\text{physical}$ $\text{comfort}$. She wanted to $\text{make}$ Tang Mingling $\text{unable}$ to $\text{leave}$ her, $\text{both}$ $\text{physically}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{mentally}$.

Feeling that she was about to $\text{climax}$, Ji Xun $\text{hugged}$ her and $\text{pressed}$ her onto the $\text{desk}$. She $\text{stood}$ $\text{behind}$ her and $\text{thrust}$ violently, $\text{spilling}$ a $\text{lot}$ of $\text{fluid}$ $\text{intensely}$, $\text{massaging}$ Tang Mingling’s $\text{tender}$ $\text{buttocks}$ $\text{vigorously}$.

The $\text{sudden}$ $\text{change}$ to $\text{doggy}$ $\text{style}$ $\text{surprised}$ Tang Mingling. She was $\text{sent}$ to $\text{orgasm}$ $\text{unprepared}$. Her $\text{cunt}$ $\text{contracted}$ $\text{sharply}$, $\text{enveloping}$ Ji Xun and $\text{disarming}$ her too.

Ji Xun $\text{softened}$ her $\text{waist}$, $\text{leaning}$ on Tang Mingling’s $\text{back}$, $\text{panting}$ and $\text{ejaculating}$, until all the $\text{fluid}$ was $\text{shot}$ $\text{into}$ the $\text{condom}$. Only then $\text{did}$ she $\text{pull}$ out the $\text{softened}$ $\text{penis}$, $\text{take}$ $\text{off}$ the $\text{condom}$, $\text{tie}$ a $\text{knot}$, and $\text{throw}$ it into the $\text{trash}$ $\text{can}$.

Tang Mingling $\text{panted}$ on the $\text{desk}$ for a $\text{long}$ $\text{time}$ before $\text{calming}$ $\text{down}$. Ji Xun $\text{thought}$ the $\text{night}$ should $\text{end}$, and was about to $\text{tidy}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{up}$ with a $\text{tissue}$ when Tang Mingling $\text{took}$ $\text{off}$ her $\text{skirt}$ and $\text{faced}$ her.

“Do you $\text{know}$ $\text{today}$ is $\text{Thursday}$?” In Ji Xun’s $\text{confused}$ $\text{gaze}$, Tang Mingling $\text{continued}$, “I’m $\text{going}$ $\text{home}$ tomorrow, and we $\text{won’t}$ $\text{be}$ $\text{able}$ to $\text{see}$ each $\text{other}$ until $\text{Monday}$.”

“$\text{Sister}$, $\text{don’t}$ $\text{you}$ want to $\text{finish}$ $\text{the}$ $\text{remaining}$ $\text{three}$ $\text{days’}$ $\text{worth}$ $\text{of}$ $\text{times}$? It $\text{would}$ $\text{be}$ a $\text{waste}$ not to $\text{do}$ it. $\text{Such}$ a $\text{pity}$,” Tang Mingling $\text{reached}$ out her $\text{hand}$ to her.

Ji Xun $\text{looked}$ at the $\text{palm}$ $\text{reaching}$ out to her, then $\text{looked}$ up at Tang Mingling’s $\text{expectant}$ $\text{expression}$. She $\text{curled}$ her $\text{lips}$ into a $\text{slight}$ $\text{smile}$ and $\text{reached}$ out. When she $\text{held}$ the $\text{other}$ $\text{person’s}$ $\text{hand}$, she $\text{also}$ $\text{put}$ herself $\text{into}$ Tang Mingling’s $\text{embrace}$. She $\text{picked}$ her $\text{up}$, her $\text{legs}$ $\text{hanging}$ on her $\text{waist}$ on $\text{both}$ $\text{sides}$. After $\text{carefully}$ $\text{walking}$ to the $\text{bed}$, they $\text{fell}$ $\text{together}$ into the $\text{soft}$ $\text{quilt}$.

“I $\text{bought}$ a $\text{box}$ of $\text{eight}$ $\text{condoms}$.” Ji Xun $\text{leaned}$ $\text{over}$ her. Her $\text{long}$ $\text{hair}$ $\text{slid}$ to Tang Mingling’s $\text{cheeks}$. In the $\text{faint}$ $\text{gaps}$, Tang Mingling $\text{seemed}$ to $\text{see}$ the $\text{intense}$ $\text{possessiveness}$ in Ji Xun’s $\text{eyes}$ that she $\text{couldn’t}$ $\text{hide}$ in $\text{time}$.

The $\text{intense}$ $\text{emotion}$ in those $\text{eyes}$ $\text{excited}$ Tang Mingling $\text{greatly}$. She $\text{raised}$ her $\text{hand}$, [bailiantales.com]aria-hidden="true">wrapped it around the $\text{other}$ $\text{person’s}$ $\text{neck}$, and $\text{pulled}$ her $\text{down}$. “I $\text{hope}$ you can $\text{use}$ $\text{them}$ $\text{all}$ $\text{up}$ tonight, $\text{Sister}$ $\text{Ji}$.”

After class on $\text{Friday}$, they $\text{walked}$ out of the $\text{school}$ $\text{gate}$ together. After a $\text{polite}$ $\text{farewell}$, they $\text{separated}$ to $\text{get}$ into their $\text{cars}$.

After returning $\text{home}$, Tang Mingling $\text{greeted}$ her $\text{father}$, $\text{mother}$, and $\text{brother}$, and immediately $\text{went}$ $\text{back}$ to her $\text{room}$ to $\text{get}$ her $\text{phone}$. “Ji Xun, Ji $\text{Xun}$, $\text{are}$ $\text{you}$ $\text{home}$?”

$\text{Miss}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$: “I’m $\text{home}$, Mingling. $\text{How}$ $\text{about}$ $\text{you}$?”

“I’m $\text{home}$ $\text{too}$,” Tang Mingling $\text{lay}$ on the $\text{bed}$, $\text{sore}$ all $\text{over}$. She $\text{had}$ $\text{pretended}$ to be $\text{fine}$ all $\text{day}$ in $\text{class}$. $\text{Fortunately}$, there was $\text{no}$ $\text{P.E.}$ $\text{class}$ on $\text{Friday}$. “You $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{use}$ $\text{them}$ $\text{all}$ $\text{up}$ yesterday. $\text{Hehe}$.”

$\text{Miss}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$: “…Mingling, $\text{are}$ $\text{you}$ $\text{uncomfortable}$ anywhere?”

“How $\text{could}$ $\text{I}$ be $\text{uncomfortable}$… I was $\text{too}$ $\text{comfortable}$. $\text{Just}$ my $\text{legs}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{waist}$ are a $\text{little}$ $\text{sore}$,” Tang Mingling’s $\text{tone}$ was $\text{ambiguous}$. “I $\text{miss}$ you $\text{so}$ $\text{much}$. I $\text{miss}$ $\text{you}$ $\text{right}$ after $\text{we}$ $\text{separated}$. $\text{It’s}$ $\text{so}$ $\text{hard}$ for $\text{me}$ to $\text{be}$ $\text{separated}$ from $\text{you}$ for $\text{60}$ $\text{hours}$.” After $\text{sending}$ the $\text{message}$, she $\text{waited}$ a $\text{while}$ before $\text{receiving}$ a $\text{reply}$.

$\text{Miss}$ $\text{Ji}$ $\text{Xun}$: “I $\text{miss}$ you $\text{too}$. $\text{Can}$ you $\text{eat}$ $\text{dinner}$ and $\text{rest}$ first? We $\text{will}$ $\text{continue}$ $\text{chatting}$ later.”

Knowing that the $\text{other}$ $\text{person}$ was $\text{afraid}$ of her $\text{stomach}$ $\text{hurting}$ and $\text{urging}$ her to $\text{eat}$ $\text{dinner}$, Tang Mingling $\text{obediently}$ $\text{agreed}$. “$\text{Okay}$. $\text{See}$ $\text{you}$ $\text{later}$.”

$\text{She}$ $\text{put}$ $\text{away}$ her $\text{phone}$, $\text{unable}$ to $\text{stop}$ $\text{smiling}$. Tang Mingling $\text{changed}$ her $\text{clothes}$ and $\text{hummed}$ an $\text{out}$–$\text{of}$–$\text{tune}$ $\text{song}$ as she $\text{went}$ $\text{downstairs}$ to $\text{eat}$.

When Ji Xun $\text{returned}$ $\text{home}$, her $\text{family}$ was already $\text{waiting}$ for her in the $\text{living}$ $\text{room}$.

Because of their $\text{youngest}$ $\text{daughter’s}$ $\text{physiological}$ $\text{factors}$, the $\text{whole}$ $\text{family}$ had $\text{always}$ $\text{spoiled}$ her, but their $\text{relationship}$ with their $\text{youngest}$ $\text{daughter}$ $\text{had}$ $\text{become}$ increasingly $\text{distant}$. Ji Lei and Fang Shiyu always $\text{faced}$ her with $\text{indulgence}$ and $\text{guilt}$. This made Ji Xun $\text{less}$ $\text{willing}$ to $\text{face}$ them.

But their $\text{daughter}$ suddenly $\text{told}$ them this $\text{morning}$ that she $\text{hoped}$ everyone could be $\text{home}$ today because she $\text{had}$ something she $\text{wanted}$ to $\text{tell}$ $\text{them}$. Ji Lei and his $\text{wife}$ $\text{finished}$ $\text{work}$ $\text{early}$. Their $\text{eldest}$ $\text{daughter}$, who was $\text{studying}$ in $\text{university}$, also [Read on BaiLianTales]class="katex">rushed $\text{back}$ since she $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{have}$ $\text{classes}$ in the $\text{afternoon}$. They were all a $\text{little}$ $\text{uneasy}$ when they $\text{met}$ at $\text{home}$.

Ji Xun $\text{found}$ an $\text{empty}$ $\text{seat}$ under their $\text{gaze}$ and $\text{sat}$ $\text{down}$. “Dad, Mom, $\text{Sister}$, I $\text{have}$ something I $\text{want}$ to $\text{tell}$ $\text{you}$.” She $\text{put}$ down her $\text{schoolbag}$ and $\text{sat}$ $\text{upright}$.

When Tang Mingling was $\text{not}$ $\text{around}$, she was $\text{still}$ $\text{cold}$ and $\text{reserved}$. Even when $\text{facing}$ her $\text{family}$, she $\text{rarely}$ $\text{showed}$ $\text{much}$ $\text{emotion}$.

“What’s $\text{wrong}$?” Fang Shiyu $\text{spoke}$ $\text{first}$. “Is there $\text{anything}$ you $\text{want}$ to $\text{tell}$ us that $\text{requires}$ our $\text{assistance}$? Did $\text{someone}$ $\text{bully}$ you at $\text{school}$?”

The $\text{indulgence}$ that $\text{used}$ to $\text{stress}$ her $\text{out}$ and $\text{make}$ her $\text{gasp}$ $\text{for}$ $\text{air}$ $\text{now}$ $\text{made}$ Ji Xun $\text{want}$ to $\text{laugh}$ $\text{mysteriously}$. She $\text{thought}$, $\text{perhaps}$ $\text{because}$ she $\text{had}$ a $\text{spiritual}$ $\text{pillar}$ that $\text{allowed}$ her to $\text{store}$ $\text{her}$ $\text{pain}$ and $\text{sadness}$, she could $\text{now}$ $\text{face}$ her $\text{family’s}$ $\text{love}$ $\text{more}$ $\text{openly}$. Then she $\text{smiled}$. “No, Mom.”

Her $\text{smile}$ was $\text{much}$ $\text{brighter}$ than $\text{before}$. Fang Shiyu’s $\text{expression}$ became $\text{gentler}$ as she $\text{looked}$ at her $\text{daughter}$, $\text{her}$ $\text{encouraging}$ $\text{gaze}$ $\text{expecting}$ her to $\text{continue}$.

“I want to $\text{have}$ an $\text{arranged}$ $\text{marriage}$,” Ji Xun $\text{said}$.

Fang Shiyu’s $\text{smile}$ $\text{froze}$, and Ji Lei was also $\text{stunned}$. Only Ji Jue $\text{barely}$ $\text{kept}$ her $\text{composure}$ and $\text{continued}$ to $\text{ask}$, “With $\text{who}$?”

“The $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$.”

“The $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$?” Ji Lei $\text{frowned}$. “How do you $\text{have}$ $\text{contact}$ with $\text{them}$? Tang Mingyao is already in his $\text{senior}$ $\text{year}$. $\text{Could}$ it $\text{be}$ $\text{that}$ $\text{he}$…” Thinking that his $\text{daughter}$ might $\text{have}$ been $\text{bullied}$, Ji Lei’s $\text{expression}$ $\text{instantly}$ $\text{darkened}$.

“Not $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingyao}$, but $\text{Tang}$ $\text{Mingling}$,” Ji Xun $\text{smiled}$. “Dad, Mingling and I $\text{are}$ $\text{together}$.”

“The $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family’s}$ $\text{daughter}$? Does $\text{she}$ $\text{know}$…” Ji Jue $\text{frowned}$. She $\text{didn’t}$ want to $\text{stop}$ her, but the $\text{situation}$ was a $\text{bit}$ $\text{complicated}$, and she was $\text{afraid}$ her $\text{sister}$ would $\text{get}$ $\text{hurt}$ in the $\text{end}$.

“$\text{She}$ $\text{knows}$,” Ji Xun’s $\text{smile}$ $\text{subsided}$ $\text{slightly}$. “$\text{Sister}$, $\text{she}$ $\text{isn’t}$ $\text{afraid}$ of $\text{me}$. She $\text{even}$ $\text{said}$ she $\text{wants}$ to be $\text{with}$ me $\text{forever}$.” When $\text{repeating}$ this $\text{sentence}$ Tang Mingling $\text{had}$ $\text{said}$, Ji Xun $\text{couldn’t}$ $\text{suppress}$ her $\text{smile}$ ​unauthorized copy​$\text{anymore}$. Her $\text{smile}$ $\text{held}$ the $\text{carefree}$ $\text{attitude}$ a $\text{17}$–$\text{year}$–$\text{old}$ $\text{girl}$ $\text{should}$ $\text{have}$.

They $\text{hadn’t}$ $\text{seen}$ her $\text{smile}$ so $\text{happily}$ in a $\text{long}$ $\text{time}$. Ji Lei, his $\text{wife}$, and Ji Jue were all $\text{silent}$.

“Xunxun, do you $\text{want}$ us to $\text{talk}$ to the $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$ about the $\text{arranged}$ $\text{marriage}$ $\text{now}$?”

Ji Xun $\text{shook}$ her $\text{head}$. “I just $\text{wanted}$ to $\text{tell}$ you that $\text{Mingling}$ and $\text{I}$ $\text{are}$ $\text{together}$. As for the $\text{engagement}$, it’s $\text{too}$ $\text{early}$. $\text{Although}$ I’m $\text{looking}$ $\text{forward}$ to $\text{it}$, the $\text{timing}$ is $\text{not}$ $\text{right}$.”

“I $\text{want}$ to $\text{wait}$ until I $\text{am}$ $\text{more}$ $\text{capable}$ $\text{before}$ $\text{getting}$ $\text{engaged}$ to $\text{Mingling}$.”

Tang Mingling $\text{slept}$ $\text{in}$ late on $\text{Saturday}$ $\text{morning}$ after $\text{talking}$ on the $\text{phone}$ with Ji Xun until $\text{late}$ $\text{at}$ $\text{night}$ the $\text{night}$ before. She $\text{went}$ $\text{downstairs}$, $\text{still}$ $\text{sleepy}$, and was about to $\text{coax}$ her $\text{brother}$ for $\text{breakfast}$ when she $\text{noticed}$ many $\text{people}$ $\text{sitting}$ in the $\text{living}$ $\text{room}$. She $\text{covered}$ her $\text{mouth}$ halfway and $\text{froze}$ on the $\text{stairs}$.

“Mingling, $\text{good}$ $\text{morning}$,” Ji Xun $\text{greeted}$ her from the $\text{sofa}$. Ji Lei, Fang Shiyu, and Ji Jue next to her $\text{looked}$ $\text{over}$.

“Ji Xun…” Tang Mingling $\text{stared}$ at her $\text{blankly}$. Ji Xun $\text{smiled}$ $\text{gently}$ at $\text{her}$.

Finally, Tang Mingyao couldn’t $\text{stand}$ his $\text{sister’s}$ $\text{silly}$ $\text{look}$ and $\text{left}$ his $\text{seat}$ to $\text{take}$ her $\text{back}$ to her $\text{room}$ to $\text{freshen}$ $\text{up}$.

When she $\text{came}$ $\text{out}$ again, she had $\text{changed}$ into $\text{more}$ $\text{formal}$ $\text{casual}$ $\text{wear}$. After $\text{greeting}$ everyone $\text{downstairs}$, she $\text{sat}$ $\text{down}$ $\text{directly}$ $\text{next}$ to Ji Xun.

“…” Ji Jue, who was $\text{secretly}$ $\text{observing}$, $\text{realized}$ that her $\text{sister}$ liked $\text{someone}$ $\text{so}$ $\text{unique}$.

“Ji Xun, why are $\text{you}$ $\text{here}$?” Tang Mingling $\text{whispered}$ to her. “You $\text{even}$ $\text{brought}$ your $\text{parents}$… You $\text{don’t}$ $\text{really}$ mean $\text{to}$ $\text{propose}$, $\text{do}$ $\text{you}$?”

“No, didn’t $\text{you}$ $\text{say}$ it $\text{was}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{early}$?” Ji Xun $\text{wasn’t}$ $\text{hurt}$ by her $\text{attitude}$, $\text{perhaps}$ $\text{because}$ Tang Mingling $\text{was}$ the $\text{one}$ who $\text{initiated}$ their $\text{relationship}$. Ji Xun $\text{felt}$ very $\text{secure}$. “I $\text{told}$ them I $\text{was}$ $\text{with}$ you $\text{when}$ read the original at bailiantales.comI $\text{went}$ $\text{home}$ yesterday, so they $\text{wanted}$ to $\text{visit}$ your $\text{house}$ and $\text{get}$ to $\text{know}$ $\text{each}$ $\text{other}$ $\text{first}$.”

Ji Xun $\text{paused}$ before $\text{continuing}$: “It $\text{will}$ be $\text{easier}$ to $\text{propose}$ $\text{later}$.”

Tang Mingling $\text{lowered}$ her $\text{eyes}$, $\text{smiling}$ at her $\text{lips}$, and $\text{played}$ with her $\text{fingers}$. “You are $\text{so}$ $\text{love}$–$\text{brained}$. I $\text{really}$ $\text{can’t}$ $\text{tell}$.” She $\text{never}$ $\text{expected}$ that on the $\text{first}$ $\text{weekend}$ after they $\text{got}$ $\text{together}$, the $\text{other}$ $\text{person}$ would $\text{confess}$ to her $\text{parents}$ $\text{directly}$ and $\text{bring}$ them to $\text{visit}$.

Why was Ji Xun $\text{so}$ $\text{cute}$? Why $\text{did}$ she $\text{dislike}$ her $\text{before}$? She $\text{felt}$ like she $\text{had}$ $\text{wasted}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{much}$ $\text{time}$.

The $\text{parents}$ $\text{next}$ $\text{door}$ were $\text{still}$ $\text{chatting}$ $\text{casually}$, and these $\text{two}$ were $\text{flirting}$ under the $\text{noses}$ of their $\text{parents}$. Although Ji Jue $\text{felt}$ it was $\text{too}$ $\text{early}$, her $\text{sister}$ $\text{being}$ $\text{happy}$ still $\text{comforted}$ her.

“If we $\text{are}$ $\text{going}$ to $\text{get}$ $\text{engaged}$, we $\text{should}$ $\text{wait}$ until $\text{after}$ high $\text{school}$ $\text{graduation}$, $\text{right}$? $\text{Then}$… we $\text{can}$ $\text{have}$ $\text{sex}$ without a $\text{condom}$,” Tang Mingling $\text{said}$ in a $\text{voice}$ only the $\text{two}$ of $\text{them}$ could $\text{hear}$.

Ji Xun $\text{always}$ $\text{gasped}$ at her $\text{boldness}$ and $\text{directness}$. But… she $\text{was}$ $\text{also}$ $\text{looking}$ $\text{forward}$ to $\text{it}$.

“Just $\text{wait}$ a $\text{few}$ $\text{months}$. $\text{It}$ $\text{will}$ $\text{be}$ $\text{soon}$,” Tang Mingling $\text{said}$ $\text{carelessly}$. “Since you $\text{brought}$ your $\text{parents}$ $\text{over}$, $\text{can}$ we $\text{now}$ $\text{live}$ $\text{together}$ $\text{openly}$? $\text{We}$ $\text{can}$ $\text{study}$ $\text{and}$ $\text{learn}$ $\text{together}$, $\text{Classmate}$ $\text{Ji}$.” She $\text{smiled}$ $\text{innocently}$ at $\text{her}$.

The $\text{implication}$ in that $\text{smile}$ made Ji Xun, who $\text{understood}$ it, $\text{swallow}$ $\text{hard}$.

The $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$ was $\text{surprised}$ by the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family’s}$ $\text{visit}$. $\text{Although}$ they $\text{were}$ both $\text{top}$ $\text{companies}$ in the $\text{country}$, the $\text{Tang}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{focused}$ on $\text{hotel}$ and $\text{entertainment}$, while the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family’s}$ $\text{business}$ $\text{integrated}$ $\text{many}$ $\text{industries}$ $\text{across}$ the $\text{board}$. $\text{However}$, they $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{operate}$ in the $\text{hotel}$ and $\text{entertainment}$ $\text{sector}$, so they $\text{were}$ $\text{not}$ $\text{competitors}$.

They $\text{occasionally}$ $\text{met}$ at some $\text{entrepreneur}$ $\text{events}$, but only for $\text{polite}$ $\text{small}$ $\text{talk}$.

But today, Ji Lei $\text{visited}$, and he $\text{seemed}$ to $\text{want}$ to $\text{discuss}$ a $\text{collaboration}$. Tang Shaohuai was $\text{puzzled}$. When his $\text{daughter}$ $\text{came}$ $\text{down}$ and he $\text{noticed}$ that she $\text{was}$ $\text{very}$ $\text{close}$ to the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family’s}$ $\text{youngest}$ $\text{daughter}$, $\text{whispering}$ to $\text{each}$ $\text{other}$, he $\text{suddenly}$ $\text{realized}$ that it $\text{was}$ $\text{his}$ $\text{daughter}$ who $\text{brought}$ $\text{them}$ $\text{over}$.

It was $\text{well}$–$\text{known}$ that the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{spoiled}$ their $\text{youngest}$ $\text{daughter}$. $\text{Curiously}$, the $\text{Read on BaiLianTalesclass="mord">eldest}$ $\text{daughter}$ also $\text{gave}$ $\text{way}$ to her $\text{sister}$ in $\text{everything}$, $\text{with}$ no $\text{discord}$. This $\text{made}$ $\text{outsiders}$ $\text{envious}$ of the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family’s}$ $\text{harmony}$. Who $\text{knew}$ the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family}$ $\text{spoiled}$ their $\text{daughter}$ to $\text{this}$ $\text{extent}$?

“You $\text{are}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{kind}$. $\text{It’s}$ $\text{a}$ $\text{good}$ $\text{thing}$ that the $\text{children}$ have a $\text{good}$ $\text{relationship}$,” Tang Shaohuai $\text{coughed}$ $\text{awkwardly}$, seeing Ji Xun $\text{sitting}$ $\text{upright}$ and Tang Mingling $\text{leaning}$ on $\text{her}$ $\text{informally}$. He $\text{said}$ to his $\text{daughter}$, “Mingling, $\text{pay}$ $\text{attention}$.” $\text{He}$ $\text{realized}$ belatedly that they $\text{were}$ $\text{too}$ $\text{intimate}$.

“Dad,” when Tang Mingling $\text{spoke}$, Ji Xun’s $\text{heart}$ $\text{leaped}$. As if $\text{knowing}$ what she was about to $\text{say}$, she $\text{quickly}$ $\text{grabbed}$ her $\text{hand}$. Tang Mingling $\text{held}$ her $\text{hand}$, but $\text{didn’t}$ $\text{stop}$ $\text{speaking}$.

“Ji Xun and I $\text{are}$ $\text{together}$.” She $\text{adjusted}$ her $\text{position}$ and $\text{leaned}$ $\text{forward}$, $\text{vaguely}$ $\text{shielding}$ Ji Xun $\text{behind}$ her. Her $\text{eyes}$ were $\text{full}$ of $\text{smiles}$ as she $\text{looked}$ at her $\text{family}$. “I $\text{want}$ to $\text{get}$ $\text{engaged}$ to $\text{her}$ $\text{after}$ high $\text{school}$ $\text{graduation}$.”

“…” Tang Shaohuai and Tang Mingyao $\text{were}$ $\text{stunned}$.

“Who $\text{is}$ $\text{getting}$ $\text{engaged}$?” Fu Wei, who $\text{rushed}$ $\text{home}$ from $\text{the}$ $\text{company}$ after $\text{receiving}$ news of the $\text{Ji}$ $\text{family’s}$ $\text{visit}$, $\text{heard}$ the $\text{word}$ “$\text{engaged}$” as $\text{soon}$ as she $\text{entered}$ the $\text{door}$.

“Me, $\text{Mom}$,” Tang Mingling $\text{announced}$ her $\text{relationship}$ under $\text{everyone’s}$ $\text{gaze}$.

Ji Lei and Fang Shiyu $\text{looked}$ at their $\text{daughter}$ and $\text{saw}$ that Tang Mingling $\text{was}$ $\text{shielding}$ her $\text{behind}$ her, in a $\text{protective}$ $\text{stance}$. Their $\text{daughter}$ $\text{smiled}$ very $\text{sweetly}$ $\text{behind}$ her. They $\text{looked}$ at $\text{each}$ $\text{other}$, $\text{sighing}$ with $\text{helpless}$ $\text{smiles}$.

“We $\text{came}$ today to $\text{discuss}$ $\text{letting}$ the $\text{children}$ $\text{get}$ $\text{engaged}$ first $\text{to}$ $\text{see}$ how they $\text{get}$ $\text{along}$?”