Chapter 79: Unexpected Farewell and Playful Teasing

After the brief reprieve of the school anniversary celebrations, students quickly reverted to their usual rigorous study routines. To expedite entry into the college entrance exam review phase, the first-year curriculum at Nanli Affiliated High was exceptionally fast-paced, with new material introduced in almost every class. Before students could fully grasp one topic, another had already begun. Only those with strong foundations and high intelligence could keep up with the demanding schedule.

Lin Duo, for her part, could only slowly catch up by burning the midnight oil and seeking help from others.

Fortunately, Yuan Dingchu consistently came to tutor her every Saturday and Sunday, which proved to be immensely helpful. However, as one of their sessions in early May drew to a close, Yuan Dingchu, with a hint of sadness, suddenly announced, “Xiaoduo, I have something to tell you. My work at the architectural design institute has become full-time; I’ve signed a formal labor contract with the company.”

“Congratulations, Big Brother!” Lin Duo expressed her genuine happiness for him, but a question quickly surfaced in her mind. “Big Brother, you once mentioned that full-time work would be very demanding, didn’t you?”

Yuan Dingchu nodded, letting out a sigh. “Precisely. That’s why this is my last day tutoring you. I’ve already informed the agency, and they’ll arrange for someone else to come starting next week. If you don’t like them, you can always cancel future tutoring sessions.”

The suddenness of the farewell left Lin Duo’s small face etched with reluctance. “But you explain things so much more clearly than any of our school teachers.”

“That’s because we’re one-on-one; the instruction is targeted. Your teachers have so many students in class; it’s impossible for them to tailor lessons specifically for you!” Yuan Dingchu chuckled, gently patting Lin Duo’s head. “And you don’t need to worry too much. In your second year, there will be specialized intensive training for every knowledge point.

“For instance, you’re having trouble with spatial geometry, right? During that time, you’ll spend several weeks repeatedly solving various spatial geometry problems until you’re practically sick of them. So, not keeping up right now isn’t a major concern.”

Lin Duo lightly bit her lip. She looked up, her expression vulnerable and pleading. “Then, Big Brother, will we still have a chance to meet again? I’d still like to ask you if I encounter any problems I don’t understand.”

“Well…” Yuan Dingchu hesitated for a moment. “It’s early May now, and final exams are around July, followed by the summer break. You can visit my home then, and I’ll help you review while you’re there.”

Lin Duo’s eyes instantly brightened. “Really? Won’t Big Sister mind?”

“Ah, you’re still just a child. Xiaoxi won’t mind, will she?”

“I have an ID card now! I’m practically an adult! You’re not allowed to treat me like a child anymore!” Lin Duo pouted indignantly, puffing out her cheeks.

“Alright, alright, my mistake, okay?” Yuan Dingchu maintained his coaxing tone. “If you want to come over then, just text me, and I’ll arrange a time when we’re both free.”

True to his word, the tutor who arrived the following Saturday was a female university student from a prestigious institution. She taught well, yet Lin Duo still deeply missed the days of Yuan Dingchu’s lessons.

Separately, Wang Linshu had once again become a frequent patron of the fruit shop, often seeking opportunities to invite Lin Duo out for a meal or a stroll. Lin Duo generally didn’t refuse, as Wang Linshu now seemed much more rational, carefully maintaining a friendly distance between them. This reassured Lin Duo significantly, and her impression of him had even improved.

****

That evening, Shen Jing’an, feeling a bit tired from her studies, decided to playfully disturb her diligently studying roommate. “Lin Duo, don’t you think Cai Jingyao has been a bit strange lately? He used to be such an active guy, but now he seems a little… how should I put it… distracted? As if he’s suffered some kind of setback?”

Lin Duo’s eyelashes fluttered almost imperceptibly, but her voice remained calm. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t spoken to him in a long time. You know how much I despise scumbags like him.”

Only the three individuals involved knew about what happened that night. Cai Jingyao likely lacked the courage to risk expulsion by spreading photos, and Lin Duo didn’t want to burn all bridges, as the spread of such pictures would undoubtedly have a significant impact on her. All parties involved had reached a tacit understanding.

“Mm-hmm! Me too! To be honest, a lot of girls in our class were curious if you two had ever dated, and I made sure to deny it for you!”

“Oh, thank you, then?” Lin Duo’s eyes remained fixed on her book.

Shen Jing’an simply stood up and hugged Lin Duo from behind, intimately resting her head on Lin Duo’s shoulder. “Oh, come on, stop reading. Let’s take a break, shall we?”

Lin Duo reluctantly put down her pen. “You won’t let me study in peace anyway, will you? Besides, can you not get so close?”

“What’s the harm? It’s not my fault you’re so pretty and cute, and your body is so soft and comfortable to hug.” As she spoke, Shen Jing’an shamelessly leaned in and blew air near Lin Duo’s ear.

Lin Duo had always had sensitive earlobes, and being teased like this made her small face immediately flush. She tried to break free, but her strength had always been minimal, not even comparable to an average girl’s. Thus, she couldn’t shake off the ‘suckerfish’ clinging to her back.

Crucially, Shen Jing’an seemed to grow even more excited. “Hahaha, this lord just loves seeing you try to struggle and fail! Hmph, let this lord ‘train’ you a little more!”

No sooner had the words left her lips than Shen Jing’an opened her mouth slightly and gently bit one of Lin Duo’s earlobes, not forgetting to lightly suck it as if it were a popsicle. Instantly, a sensation like a faint electric current shot through Lin Duo’s spinal nervous system, causing her to uncontrollably let out an alluring moan. Of course, Lin Duo’s rationality quickly returned. Reacting swiftly, she counterattacked by targeting Shen Jing’an’s ticklish spots, finally driving off the ‘suckerfish’ from her back.

Though Shen Jing’an temporarily retreated, her teasing words continued. “Your moan just now was so seductive! If I were a boy, I definitely wouldn’t be able to control myself and would devour you immediately!”

“Why are you always taking liberties with me?” Lin Duo touched her small face. ‘Mm, it’s hot enough to fry an egg.’

“Don’t blame me; it’s your fault for being so alluring, and the innocent kind of charming fox at that.” Shen Jing’an, always quick-witted and able to argue her way out of anything, continued, “Oh, right, right, have you heard? Massaging can promote breast development. Want me to help you out?”

Lin Duo wasn’t falling for it. She glared at her indignantly. “Get lost! I’m not letting you grope my chest!”

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