146. Jealousy
Although Yuna was merely a pitiful person dependent on Yun Ling, he still cared for her.
At least most of the time, he treated her as someone close to him.
As for whether their relationship should develop further, Yun Ling currently had no such plans.
Kiana and Mei's relationship was still unresolved, and Mei was probably unaware of his affair with Kiana.
Although he wasn't particularly worried about what Mei would do after learning the truth, he still felt a little apprehensive when the time came.
Kiana already knew about his relationship with Mei and had clearly shown her unwillingness to lose to Mei.
Who knew if Kiana would one day directly reveal their relationship to Mei? Was he really going to have to be prepared for a potential love triangle?
Yun Ling had a premonition that the battle for him was about to begin officially.
"Yun Ling, I want to eat that!" Kiana pointed to the meatballs in Yun Ling's lunchbox.
Yun Ling handed her the lunchbox, but Kiana didn't take it. Instead, she puffed out her cheeks and looked at him.
Under Yuna's watchful gaze, Yun Ling could only use chopsticks to pick up a meatball and feed it to her.
Kiana chewed twice, then happily hugged Yun Ling's arm.
Seeing Kiana's blissful expression, Yun Ling's resolve strengthened.
He really liked Kiana! And he really liked Mei!
If the future truly led to some irreconcilable conflict, he would have one more chance to be resurrected.
Perhaps he could resolve this conflict through the despicable method of 'performative death,' thus achieving a 'Good Ending.'
But that was the worst way. First, it would mean discarding his trump card for survival; second, such behavior was actually quite despicable—using someone else's feelings for him to achieve his goals...
How was this any different from Ling in the first simulation?
Although he never held himself to excessively high moral standards, sometimes, if a better but more troublesome method were available, he wouldn't have to choose the worst possible solution.
In short... the revolution is not yet complete, comrades must continue their efforts.
"Yun Ling, what... what kind of relationship do we have?"
On the way back, Kiana, with her hands behind her back, whispered in Yun Ling's ear.
"If we're going by time, it should be Little Mis..." Yun Ling suddenly felt a murderous intent emanating from beside him.
He had the unsettling feeling that if Yun Ling uttered that word, Kiana would snap his neck.
"Ahem, Kiana, like Mei, is someone I love." Yun Ling quickly corrected himself.
"Hmph, womanizer." Kiana lightly kicked Yun Ling and pulled Yuna along, running towards home.
"Kiana's smile is so beautiful..." Yun Ling blinked.
This is the beauty he wanted to protect!
Back home, Mei had already prepared dinner.
"Didn't I tell you to rest?" Yun Ling helped Mei to the sofa to rest.
"I'm all better now, don't worry so much."
As she spoke, Mei pressed her forehead against Yun Ling's.
The fever had indeed subsided; she seemed much better.
"You're already so eager to be intimate with me as soon as you're better? Mei, you really are a shy girl." Yun Ling teased.
"Don't you like it?" Mei leaned forward a little more, their noses almost touching.
Perhaps not expecting Mei to admit it so boldly, Yun Ling paused for two seconds before replying.
"I like it, it's just a pity I didn't get to taste what Mei at 39 degrees Celsius tastes like."
Mei punched Yun Ling's chest twice.
"Don't ruin the mood!" Mei retorted.
When faced with the unserious Yun Ling, the courage she mustered would always vanish in an instant.
"The atmosphere can be created anytime, but if Mei's food gets cold, it's really cold."
Yun Ling gently pinched Mei's cheek.
"When did Yun Ling start becoming like Kiana?" Mei teased.
"No, Mei's food is like Mei's heart; if it gets cold, you might never taste it again." Yun Ling said seriously.
"That's simple, just like me, and I can be your cook for life." Mei hugged Yun Ling's neck.
"Ahem, I'll go call the two of them to eat." Yun Ling's eyes darted around, changing the subject.
Mei pinched Yun Ling's elbow, knowing that this guy was still up to no good.
After dinner, and after finishing today's homework, it was time for sword practice again.
"By the way, is it very cold today? Why are you wearing a high-necked shirt, Yun Ling?" Mei asked curiously.
"Didn't Mei buy this for me? I suddenly felt like wearing it this morning because every time I wear it, it feels like Mei is hugging me." Yun Ling had already prepared his excuse.
"That sounds like some kind of perverted statement…" Kiana couldn't help but retort.
Yun Ling glanced at her. It was all because she gave him a hickey; otherwise, would he need to wear this turtleneck sweater?
Kiana stared directly at Yun Ling, looking defiant.
"I…I know…I'll keep my promise." Mei blushed and rolled her eyes at Yun Ling.
Mei thought Yun Ling was subtly hinting at something. He had promised to hold her while they slept, but she had fallen asleep first and then caught a cold…
"Those who break their promises face double the punishment," Yun Ling immediately stated his terms.
"…Hmm." Mei hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Damn it, I should have said three times!" Seeing Mei agree so easily, Yun Ling felt like he'd missed out on a fortune.
"Don't push your luck!" Mei lightly tapped Yun Ling's head with her wooden sword.
Watching the two flirt, Kiana felt a surge of annoyance.
But at this moment, she wasn't really prepared to confront Mei.
After all, she was the newcomer, stealing her best friend's man... she felt a little embarrassed.
"Kiana, what's with your new hairstyle today? It looks great!" Mei turned her gaze to Kiana, who was beside her.
At Yun Ling's 'suggestion' yesterday, Kiana had tied her hair into a high ponytail today, making her look less silly and more dashing.
"Ah? Uh... I just wanted to change my style sometimes, nothing more!" Kiana explained hastily.
It felt like she was trying too hard to hide something.
"Right? That was my suggestion! Compared to braids, this high ponytail is both stylish and convenient. Maybe Kiana could try wearing her hair down; it'll make her look more feminine."
Yun Ling blinked, then his expression suddenly turned strange. Mei was jealous, pinching Yun Ling's soft flesh from an angle Kiana couldn't see.
"Wearing my hair down isn't very convenient... but it's fine at home."
"Ahem, it's getting late, let's start practicing."
Mei interrupted their conversation, noticing that Kiana was actually thinking about doing it.
...
T/N [Translator Notes]:
Sorry for the late chapter. I've been swamped with work lately since I just changed jobs. Please note that some chapters may experience a delayed or late update.
Thanks for your support.