Chapter 114: Lin Qing’s Unexpected Agreement

Although Lin Qing’s change of heart was puzzling, Liu Hong was thrilled at the prospect of a weekend date with Xiao Yu. His excitement was palpable, and he felt like bursting into song to express his joy.

As long as he could create opportunities for Xiao Yu, Liu Hong was determined to win her heart.

However, Zhou Lin subtly furrowed his brow, his gaze shifting to Lin Qing with a mix of confusion and suspicion. He couldn’t fathom why Lin Qing would agree to Liu Hong’s request, especially since Lin Qing had never shown any affection for Xiao Yu.

Just the day before, Lin Qing had left abruptly when Xiao Yu unexpectedly joined their group. Yet, today, he had agreed to a movie date with her. Zhou Lin didn’t believe that Liu Hong’s persistence had finally swayed Lin Qing to create such an opportunity.

What was going on?

Zhou Lin couldn’t make sense of it, and Lin Qing, sensing Zhou Lin’s stare, had no intention of providing an explanation. Although sharing the truth with Zhou Lin might gain an ally in dealing with Liu Hong’s schemes, it would also increase the risk of unexpected complications.

Zhou Lin and Wang Jian were close to Liu Hong. If Lin Qing revealed Xiao Yu’s true identity as their classmate Liu Ying and her motives, they might expose the truth on the spot to protect Liu Hong from being deceived.

While this approach could resolve the issue, Liu Ying was intentionally avoiding makeup at school to conceal her dual identity. If exposed, she wouldn’t continue pursuing Lin Qing but might face other problems.

Lin Qing had agreed with this plan yesterday. However, the recent changes in the number of white skulls above Liu Ying’s head made Lin Qing proceed with caution.

He couldn’t act rashly. At the very least, he needed to understand the reason behind the fluctuation in white skull numbers. If certain factors could alter these numbers, society might see a rise in potential criminals.

Even three skulls could cause significant disruption. Possessing such a high number of white skulls required exceptional self-control to avoid becoming a criminal. Self-control like Su Yao’s was rare.

Thus, if it were possible to change the number of white skulls, the situation would become dire. Beyond investigating the cause of the skull number changes, Lin Qing also needed to secretly observe Liu Ying to see if her inner evil matched the increase in skulls.

White skulls represented criminal potential, and the sudden increase in Liu Ying’s skulls hinted at a pressing question: was she about to act?

Even an increase of one white skull could multiply the inner urge to kill. It was unbearable, a constant torment.

‘Lin Qing, let’s keep in touch via phone on Saturday!’

Despite Lin Qing’s thoughts, Liu Hong was lost in the excitement of his impending date with Xiao Yu. His joy was infectious, and he felt like running laps around the field to release his happiness.

As the four of them entered the classroom, Liu Hong’s elevated mood quickened his steps. In his haste, he collided with someone, only to find it was Liu Ying, the very girl Lin Qing had questioned at the school gate earlier.

Liu Ying’s appearance was ordinary, and Liu Hong averted his gaze, unwilling to look at her again. ‘Are you alright?’ he asked, his tone softened by a past decision not to bully others. He reached out to help her up, but she flinched, avoiding his hand. She stood on her own and returned to her seat, ignoring him entirely.

Liu Hong was taken aback, wondering if he was some kind of monster. He hadn’t even minded her appearance, yet she seemed to dislike him? What bad luck!

His excitement for the date with Xiao Yu had been dampened by this encounter. If only all girls were as kind as Xiao Yu, always smiling sweetly and shyly avoiding his gaze. He remembered adding Xiao Yu on his social media the day before and, instead of dwelling on Liu Ying, he sat down and began chatting with Xiao Yu.

[Liu Hong]: Xiao Yu, should I bring some snacks for Saturday? The movie theater only has popcorn and soda; I could bring some chips or something!

Although they had already planned to go to the movie theater and shop on Saturday, Liu Hong had been anxious because Lin Qing hadn’t agreed. Now that Lin Qing had finally consented, Liu Hong couldn’t contain his excitement, chatting endlessly to build a connection with Xiao Yu. However, Xiao Yu didn’t respond to his message.

‘Students, I have an announcement to make.’

Just as Liu Hong sent his message, the class teacher arrived, tapping her rolled-up book on the lectern to gain the students’ attention. She cleared her throat twice before speaking.

‘Some of you might have guessed what I’m about to say, but I’ll tell you anyway…’ The teacher paused, her gaze sweeping across the students, especially lingering on Liu Hong.

‘The midterm exam results are out!’ With these words, the classroom erupted in whispers and hushed conversations.

‘Quiet, please!’ The teacher tapped the lectern, restoring order. ‘Overall, our class performed well this time. Especially in the science section, four students scored perfect marks, including Liu Hong!’ All eyes turned to Liu Hong, who felt a bit embarrassed.

‘Congratulations!’ Xiao Yu smiled warmly at Liu Hong, her gentle expression making his heart feel like it was filled with cotton candy, sweet and light.

The teacher’s voice interrupted his thoughts. ‘However, one student performed exceptionally poorly this time.’ Her gaze fell on Lin Qing.

‘Lin Qing, you only scored thirty points in the language section!’ The teacher exclaimed, slamming the test paper on the lectern. Her outburst silenced the classroom, and all eyes turned to Lin Qing. Although her expression was neutral, her eyes were red and filled with tears, blurring her vision.

Just then, Liu Hong stood up, picked up his test paper from his desk, and walked to the lectern. The teacher looked surprised, unsure of his intention.

‘Teacher, I believe there’s a reason for Lin Qing’s poor performance this time,’ Liu Hong said earnestly, looking at the teacher.

‘What reason?’ The teacher frowned, confused.

‘Teacher, haven’t you noticed? Lin Qing has been frequently absent lately, and every time she returns, she seems distracted!’ Liu Hong’s voice was low and steady as he met the teacher’s gaze. ‘I’m her desk mate, so I know she’s been busy with her own affairs and hasn’t had time to study!’ Liu Hong’s words struck a chord with the teacher, who knew he was telling the truth. Lin Qing had indeed been absent often, and her spirits had been low upon her return.

‘But…’ The teacher began, only to be interrupted by Liu Hong. ‘Teacher, have you ever considered why Lin Qing has been absent so often?’ Liu Hong’s voice was filled with emotion as he looked into the teacher’s eyes. The teacher was taken aback, realizing she hadn’t pondered this question. Seeing the teacher’s confused expression, Liu Hong continued, ‘Teacher, think about it. Lin Qing is always a diligent student. Unless it’s for something extremely important, she wouldn’t take leave!’ Liu Hong’s words left the teacher speechless, knowing he was right. Lin Qing was indeed a model student, and she wouldn’t take leave unless for a crucial reason.

‘Lin Qing, tell the teacher what you’ve been doing,’ the teacher asked gently, looking at Lin Qing. Lin Qing lifted her head, glancing at Liu Hong before turning back to the teacher, knowing Liu Hong was trying to help her. ‘Teacher, I…’ Lin Qing started to speak, but Liu Hong interrupted her. ‘Teacher, Lin Qing has been busy preparing for the upcoming school festival. She’s put in so much effort that she hasn’t had time to study, even skipping meals and practicing until late at night. She’s even hired professional dance instructors to ensure the performance is perfect!’ Liu Hong’s voice was filled with emotion as he looked at the teacher. The teacher’s face paled, knowing Liu Hong was telling the truth. Lin Qing had indeed dedicated herself to the festival, even neglecting her meals.

‘Lin Qing, is it true you’ve been so focused on the festival that you haven’t had time to rest?’ the teacher asked gently, looking at Lin Qing. Lin Qing nodded, knowing Liu Hong was trying to help her. ‘Teacher, I…’ Lin Qing started to speak, but Liu Hong interrupted her again. ‘Teacher, Lin Qing has been so dedicated that she’s only been sleeping three or four hours a night. She’s even continued practicing while ill, all to ensure the festival goes smoothly without delaying anyone else!’ Liu Hong’s voice was hoarse with emotion as he looked at the teacher. The teacher’s eyes welled up, understanding the extent of Lin Qing’s sacrifice for the festival. ‘Lin Qing, you’re too foolish!’ the teacher said tenderly, her heart aching for Lin Qing’s dedication. She knew Lin Qing was driven by a desire to bring honor to the class and the festival, but she hadn’t considered the toll on Lin Qing’s health. Seeing Lin Qing’s pale face, the teacher felt a pang of guilt.

‘Teacher, I’m fine!’ Lin Qing forced a smile, not wanting to worry the teacher. The teacher looked at Lin Qing, her heart heavy with concern. She knew Lin Qing’s dedication was for the class and the festival, but she hadn’t considered the strain on Lin Qing’s health. Seeing Lin Qing’s pale face, the teacher felt a pang of guilt.

‘Lin Qing, go rest,’ the teacher said softly. She knew Lin Qing had put in so much effort for the festival. Lin Qing nodded, knowing Liu Hong was trying to help her. ‘Teacher, I…’ Lin Qing started to speak, but Liu Hong interrupted her. ‘Teacher, Lin Qing has been so dedicated that she’s even neglected her health. If it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t have participated in the festival at all!’ Liu Hong’s voice was filled with emotion as he looked at the teacher. The teacher’s face turned ashen, knowing Liu Hong was telling the truth. Lin Qing had indeed poured her heart into the festival. ‘Lin Qing, go rest,’ the teacher said softly. She knew Lin Qing had put in so much effort for the festival. ‘By the way, in two weeks, our school will be holding the school festival.’ The classroom erupted in excitement. Oh my goodness, it’s the annual school festival, a day to relax, eat, and have fun without the pressure of studies! ‘Quiet, please,’ the teacher said, restoring order. ‘According to our school’s tradition, each class must propose a theme for an activity. This year, thanks to the funding from the Comet Group, each class has a generous budget, so think carefully about your theme.’ As the teacher mentioned the Comet Group, she glanced at Su Yao. Su Yao, who had transferred from a prestigious academy to this less renowned school, had brought significant sponsorship, albeit disguised as funding. Su Yao was truly a goldmine. As long as she stayed, the school would reap numerous benefits. Add to that her outstanding grades, which would boost the school’s reputation, and her gentle, trouble-free demeanor. Su Yao was a blessing, no wonder the teachers favored her, and even the students were naturally drawn to her. Besides the teacher’s glance at Su Yao, most students in the class also looked at her, each marveling at how Su Yao, the heir to a financial empire, had increased their festival budget. She was incredible! They adored her! However, as Liu Ying glanced at Su Yao’s back, she clenched her pencil tightly, quickly lowering her head to hide the venom in her eyes. ‘Everyone, think carefully. I’ll be back this afternoon,’ the teacher said, leaving the students to ponder as she quickly exited, not disrupting the other teacher’s class. The remaining students, however, were too excited to focus, their minds filled with thoughts of the school festival. The math teacher, seeing their distraction, attempted to regain control, but the students soon settled down after a few warnings. Once the first class ended, the students chattered excitedly, but Liu Hong still hadn’t received a response from Xiao Yu. The unread status of his message on the chat interface made him both relieved and anxious, hoping it was due to Xiao Yu’s busyness rather than deliberate ignoring. ‘Not read!’ Liu Hong’s eyes were glued to his phone screen, not daring to blink, waiting eagerly for Xiao Yu’s response. His friends, who had planned to join him after class, shook their heads in resignation, seeing Liu Hong once again caught in the web of unrequited love. ‘Dog behavior,’ they muttered, knowing Liu Hong’s determination was unstoppable. As for Zhou Lin, he turned to find Lin Qing, only to see him sitting unusually straight, a departure from his usual slumped posture. With his face obscured by hair, Zhou Lin couldn’t tell what Lin Qing was thinking. Ever since meeting Xiao Yu, both Liu Hong and Lin Qing had changed. Watching Lin Qing’s unusual demeanor, Zhou Lin hesitated before deciding to join Wang Jian at the school store, using snacks to distract himself from the whirlwind of thoughts. Liu Hong’s ‘dog behavior’ was once triggered, and stopping him was no easy task. Fortunately, they had time on their side, and with their watchful eyes, Xiao Yu wouldn’t succeed in her schemes. Or rather, the one to watch was Lin Qing. During their meal together the day before, Xiao Yu’s affection for Lin Qing was almost blatant, while she was dismissive of Liu Hong. After Lin Qing left abruptly, Xiao Yu shifted her focus, using a roundabout approach to reconnect with him. Even the movie theater invitation on Saturday was a result of Xiao Yu’s persistent persuasion, leading Liu Hong to agree impulsively. Lin Qing was supposed to refuse, but… The future was uncertain, and just thinking about it gave Zhou Lin a headache. As Zhou Lin rubbed his temples and walked towards the store, Lin Qing sat in his seat, quietly observing Liu Ying. Ever since entering the class, Lin Qing had been watching her discreetly. As he had suspected, Liu Ying was trying to maintain two identities, acting timidly even when colliding with Liu Hong, as if they were truly different people. Unfortunately, the skulls above her head confirmed Lin Qing’s suspicions. She was definitely up to something. ‘Um…’ Just then, Lin Qing’s phone vibrated, and he saw a message that made him freeze. [Eat You Up: Are you looking at other women?]

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