Deliberately Approaching
Chapter 194: Want to go for a free meal

Chapter 194: Chapter 194: Want to go for a free meal

The message was quite clear, and Zhao Renjie silently withdrew.

Ever since Tang Xiaowan bought a house at Jinyuan Academy, Leng Lingxiao seemed to have left his soul there, running back and forth every day.

He dealt with documents at Jinshan Villa during the day and spent his evenings being neighbors with Tang Xiaowan.

Their houses were adjacent, each a detached three-story building.

Where in the world would such coincidences occur, if not for someone’s doing?

Soon, the treadmill started up again, and Leng Lingxiao ran faster and faster, his breathing growing more ragged. From time to time, he cursed under his breath, softly but viciously.

Damn old geezer, you old thing!

To fight with me, serves you right for your bad luck, bastard!

If it weren’t for Grandma Tang, I would have gotten rid of you long ago.

Thinking of using me? Go to hell, in your dreams!

As Leng Lingxiao cursed to his satisfaction, the screen of his phone suddenly lit up. It was a message from Tang Xiaowan, so he immediately paused the treadmill.

Nothing excited him more.

Tang Xiaowan rarely sent messages first unless there was something she needed.

"I ordered a small gadget; do you have any news? Don’t call; I’m in class."

Leng Lingxiao panted as he read the message.

Sweat streamed down his body, but he didn’t bother to wipe it off or to grab a drink to replenish his energy. Instead, he looked at the message with a smile in his eyes.

Little girl, not paying attention in class, but that’s better, a step up, at least she isn’t skipping.

Better than before, I hope she keeps it up.

This is what he thought as his slender forefinger quickly tapped a response on the phone screen.

"It’s only the third day, got anxious?"

After sending the reply, Leng Lingxiao sat directly on the floor and smiled foolishly at the phone screen, rereading Tang Xiaowan’s recent messages a couple more times in his boredom.

"You’re so slow, typing speed is not up to par!" Leng Lingxiao muttered to himself.

Tang Xiaowan: "I’m not in a hurry, just asking casually. We got caught up discussing the other night and I forgot to leave a phone number, thought I’d contact you."

Leng Lingxiao: "Good things take time, once it’s ready, I’ll take you to pick it up."

Tang Xiaowan: "Where do I pick it up?"

Leng Lingxiao: "Not sure, he will tell us when the time comes. We’ll just follow the address to collect it."

Tang Xiaowan: "..."

So secretive!

She grumbled in her heart as she began typing, planning to ask for Wang Jinhui’s contact, but Leng Lingxiao beat her to it, sending another message first.

"Tangtang, do you know what tasty food Granny Yu is making tonight? Will there be meat? Can you leak some information to me in advance?"

When Tang Xiaowan saw this, she chuckled at the blatant hint of wanting a meal.

Realizing she was in class, she immediately covered her mouth.

Her eyes flickered towards the front, appearing thief-like.

Luckily, she was sitting in the last row and, by chance, the speaking teacher was playing a teaching video, so her chuckling was soundlessly obscured.

But just as Tang Xiaowan bowed her head, she suddenly felt a pair of eyes staring at her.

Turning her head, it wasn’t Chen Yu, but Chen Nan.

Worried I’ll lead your Little Yu’er astray?

That was Tang Xiaowan’s first reaction, her gut feeling.

Then, looking at Chen Yu, he was indeed focusing on the class, his textbook already filled with notes and key vocabulary highlighted with a marker pen.

Rest assured, I won’t influence her, you are the only one who can.

Tang Xiaowan said this in ventriloquism.

It was unclear if Chen Nan understood, but he indeed turned his gaze away and continued with his lesson.

On the other side, Leng Lingxiao was still waiting for a reply.

Time ticked away...

Not until school was over did Tang Xiaowan reply to the message.

"Early in the morning when heading to school, Granny Yu mentioned she had pig’s trotters, and if you’d like to try some, come join. And bring Old Zhao too, it’s more fun with more people."

Returning from Mei Garden this time, Zhao Renjie left a good impression on Tang Xiaowan, despite his less-than-handsome appearance, dark skin, and the deep scar on his hand.

Tang Xiaowan couldn’t remember things from the past, but for some reason, she felt he was a good person.

She trusted him even more than Li Zishen, just like she felt Cheng Shi was a good person when she met him for the first time, no need to worry he would harm her.

More people just meant a few more chopsticks.

In Tang Xiaowan’s heart, there was no distinction between masters and servants; everyone was the same.

Suddenly, the message notification sounded.

"Great, I’m honored. Let me pick you up from school. I just happen to be near."

Leng Lingxiao replied so quickly that Tang Xiaowan seriously suspected he was waiting with his phone in hand, and that he had already arrived at the school gate.

What is this, coming to pick me up?

If my classmates see this again, they’ll start talking.

With that thought, she made a phone call.

"Hi Tangtang, have you finished school? Where are you now?"

Leng Lingxiao picked up instantly.

Tang Xiaowan: "..."

"Spill it, where are you now? Don’t tell me you’re already at our academy’s main gate."

Tang Xiaowan’s tone was tinged with reproach.

"No, I just arrived at the snack street."

"Our school’s south gate snack street?"

"Yes, I would have arrived earlier if I hadn’t been delayed a bit. Just wait for me a little longer."

"Don’t come to pick me up."

As soon as Tang Xiaowan finished speaking, she heard Leng Lingxiao’s hearty laughter on the phone.

"What’s so funny? What are you laughing at?"

"You really haven’t changed at all. Just relax, I’m driving your black SUV. As long as I don’t get out of the car, your classmates will think I’m your driver, Cheng Shi."

Suddenly, two whistles came through.

Even through the phone, Tang Xiaowan could already picture Leng Lingxiao’s smug demeanor.

Arms flailing, head shaking.

That scene looked so familiar, as if she had seen it before.

Huahua, did you use to pick me up like this, acting as my driver?

Qingcheng University, I should go back for a visit.

After a long pause, Tang Xiaowan came back to her senses and asked, "Where’s Cheng Shi?"

"He went back first. We swapped cars halfway; he’s driving mine and probably almost home by now, haha."

"Ah, I can’t with you."

"I’ve already come in. The gatekeeper didn’t even stop me; seems like they remember this car."

"Of course, Cheng Shi goes in and out multiple times a day."

"Tangtang, maybe I should start dropping you off from now on, just to kill some time. If you feel bad about it, like it’s beneath me, you could treat me to meals."

"Dream on, no need."

"Don’t be so quick to reject me, it hurts my feelings. Think it over and let me know tomorrow."

"Yeah right, I bet you’d lose sleep over it."

"Not at all, how could I, haha," Leng Lingxiao retorted.

But the laughter said it all.

"Don’t believe me? Let’s make a bet. The stake should be... let me think, something appropriate, ideally..."

As Tang Xiaowan was speaking and heading out, she was about to reach the academy’s main gate when suddenly another phone ringtone started playing.

Just from the music, she knew it was Li Zishen.