Chapter 39: Don’t go back, okay ?

A Confusing Combo

Lin Lu was dazed by her one-two punch.

First, a suggestive photo, then asking if he was on a date…

If he really was with his girlfriend and she saw that photo, no amount of explaining would clear his name.

What was this girl plotting?

Her knowing his celebrity girlfriend was Su Keke wasn’t surprising. Anyone following entertainment news would know, and once Su Keke officially announced their relationship, even more would.

But it gave him a perfect excuse to delay tutoring.

[Yeah, the government assigned us weekly dating tasks, so I didn’t mean to ditch you. I’ll come tomorrow night.]

Though they were “friends,” she was essentially his client, so an explanation was due.

[Oh.]

A Shocking Question

Lin Lu thought the chat was over and was about to close his phone when another message arrived.

[Are you doing × now?]

The simple words sent a jolt through him. Was this something a high school girl would casually ask?

[No…]

[Later then?]

[We’re not doing…]

[Oh.]

A Persistent Inquiry

Sweat beaded on Lin Lu’s forehead, but another message followed.

[Using protection?]

He quickly changed the subject. [It’s a rare Friday off. You’ve got tutoring tomorrow, so enjoy some gaming tonight.]

[I play over six hours daily.]

Six hours a day? No wonder she needed tutoring. With that much gaming from Monday to Friday, good grades were a long shot…

[Is it that fun?]

Lin Lu had outgrown gaming obsession. He only played occasionally to unwind, unless it was for paid gigs.

[Six hours is nothing for pros. I go to school all day, then train at the club after 4 p.m.]

A Surprising Revelation

For a pro, six hours was light—twelve was the baseline.

Wait a second!

Lin Lu’s brain short-circuited. When did this happen?

[Since when are you a pro?]

[Didn’t I tell you?]

[Absolutely not!]

[Well, now you know.]

Lin Lu didn’t think she was lying. He’d always thought her skills were solid—main jungler, often dragging him as a soft support to dominate low-tier matches. But maybe those games didn’t show her full potential, making him assume she was just a skilled casual like him.

A Curious Client

He struggled to process it. [Why’s a pro like you hiring me to play?]

[Bombing noobs alone is boring.]

Curiosity piqued, he asked, [What team are you on? I want to watch your matches. Not doubting you, just curious. You’re the only pro I know.]

The esports scene for Honor of Kings had a robust women’s league and even mixed-gender tournaments now.

[Come tutor tomorrow, and you’ll see.]

Mysterious, huh? Lin Lu was oddly excited for tomorrow’s session. He’d take selfies and get autographs to sell for profit.

Oh, and those white stocking photos—earlier and just now—had to be saved to the cloud. A KPL female jungler’s pics? Those would sell like hotcakes.

A Relaxing Soak

Had it not been for the alarm, Lin Lu might’ve dozed off in the tub. His skin was pruning when he finally stepped out, changed, and headed to the kitchen.

Mi Xue was bustling like a dutiful wife, now in a white home dress and pink apron, looking like a domestic goddess. She stirred the wok and tasted the soup, checking its flavor.

At least she wasn’t poisoning it…

A Domestic Scene

Catching Lin Lu’s gaze, Mi Xue said, “Junior Lin, you’re done bathing? The food’s almost ready. Wait in the dining room.”

Feeling awkward just standing there, Lin Lu grabbed plates and chopsticks, asking, “What does Bing Cheng eat?”

“Under the TV, there’s a bag of cat food and a scale. Fifteen grams is enough. She’s getting chubby and needs to slim down.”

A Sneaky Treat

Lin Lu found the food. At the sound, Bing Cheng scampered over, but her face fell when he measured exactly 15 grams, letting out a pitiful “meow.”

Glancing back to ensure Mi Xue wasn’t watching, he quickly added a few extra scoops—20 grams total. Bing Cheng was thrilled, rubbing her fluffy head against his leg, their father-daughter bond sealed.

“Don’t worry, we’ve got treats too.” He opened a cat treat, feeding it to her while fondly petting her happily wagging tail—a sign of maxed-out affection.

Caught in the Act

“You can’t eat that much!”

Mi Xue, carrying dishes, caught the father sneaking extra food to their daughter. She walked over and lightly tapped Bing Cheng’s head.

“You’ll get fat. No more, got it?”

Bing Cheng’s tail drooped lifelessly.

Turning to Lin Lu, Mi Xue sternly confiscated the treats. “Don’t spoil her. She doesn’t exercise much, and she’ll get sick if she keeps gaining.”

Bing Cheng was like a real child to her.

A Family Reunion

“Just this once. It’s a rare family reunion. Bing Cheng deserves a treat, right?”

Lin Lu gently shook Mi Xue’s hand, pleading for their “daughter.” Blushing, Mi Xue softened and returned the treats.

“Just this once.”

Bing Cheng’s tail shot up: Long live Dad!

A Perfect Meal

At the table, three dishes and a soup looked and smelled divine. Lin Lu knew Mi Xue was skilled at housework, cooking included. Stereotypically, kids from poor families grew up capable, and cooking was a basic skill.

Mi Xue was the ideal wife for countless guys—a respectable career that didn’t demand public exposure, plus the ability to care for a husband like a devoted spouse. Whoever married her had their ancestors’ graves blazing with glory.

Lin Lu took a bite, his taste buds sparking with familiarity. “Delicious!”

An Intimate Gesture

His blunt praise made Mi Xue blush. She stood, moved her chair next to his, and sat closer, peeling shrimp—not for herself, but to feed him.

“Th-these shrimp are fresh…”

“I can grab my own. You’re hungry too, eat…”

But Mi Xue didn’t retract her hand. Lin Lu opened his mouth, accepting the food like an emperor served by his consort, savoring the moment.

A Startling Proposal

As he ate happily, Mi Xue’s voice trembled nervously.

“W-Would you… maybe stay tonight instead of going back?”