Although They're Mentally ill, They're Extremely Easy to Comfort - Chapter 13

Ling Xi retreated dejectedly to the corner of the wooden chair, unable to figure out the reason for her repeated crushing defeats, sulking in secret.

Qiao Bo’er sat directly opposite her, finding it funny yet speaking in a sardonic tone: “You were the one who tried every way to mess with me, and the result is you suffer the consequences of your own actions. I’m not even angry, so why are you throwing a tantrum?”

“Hmph!” Ling Xi wrinkled her nose, puffed out her cheeks, and snorted, turning her head away to continue ignoring her.

Qiao Bo’er took out a small, tin-packaged box of imported chocolates from her stylish bag and walked over to her. “Hold out your palm.”

Ling Xi eyed her warily, impatient. “What are you trying to do now?”

Qiao Bo’er dangled the box in front of her, playfully teasing: “I heard that stingy people turn into happy people after eating chocolate. Why don’t you give it a try?”

Saying this, she pulled out the inner tray. Every piece of chocolate inside was a different shape, exquisitely made and emanating an expensive, sweet aroma.

Ling Xi feigned a look of disdain, as if unimpressed, clicking her tongue. “You’re the stingy one. I’m not eating it.”

Qiao Bo’er picked up a piece and bit into it gently, right in front of her. The silky, smooth dark chocolate liquid center oozed out, making it look mouth-watering.

Ling Xi stubbornly pouted, but her gaze followed the chocolate in Qiao Bo’er’s hand. The image of a small, lazy cat saying one thing but wanting another, drooling, immediately upgraded to a small, greedy cat.

Qiao Bo’er shook the chocolate again, tempting her. “Are you really not going to eat it?”

“Uhm… Mmm… fine…” Grumbling, Ling Xi reluctantly held out her palm, but still remained stubborn: “Since you want me to eat it so much, I’ll try it with great difficulty.”

“Open your mouth.”

“Don’t push your luck!”

Qiao Bo’er took out a piece and delivered it directly to Ling Xi’s lips, coaxing with a smile: “Be good… little kitten, be obedient…”

Ling Xi couldn’t refuse and had no choice but to comply, blushing as she took the chocolate with her mouth and held it inside.

A faint sweetness accompanied by a hint of bitterness exploded on her tongue. The texture was so smooth, like a mouthful of rich, dark chocolate paste. Ling Xi smacked her lips, her eyes curving slightly in satisfaction.

It’s delicious! Feeling wonderful…

Qiao Bo’er secretly observed her micro-expressions, sighing inwardly. Ling Xi was just a little kid whose mind hadn’t fully developed. The technique of giving her a slap and then a piece of candy would be repeatedly effective with her.

Although Ling Xi was lazy and mischievous, she couldn’t hide her utterly straightforward nature. It seemed that just one chocolate was enough to win her over. She twisted her fingers, demanding an explanation: “Hey! I have a question for you.”

Qiao Bo’er leaned closer to Ling Xi, tilting her head slightly in response: “Speak.”

“The incident at the studio cancels out between us. Now, let’s talk about the surströmming can, shall we?”

“What surströmming can?” Qiao Bo’er pretended not to understand. Ling Xi flared up again: “Hmph! Just keep pretending. Besides you, who else would be so bored as to send me that stuff!?”

“Fine, I admit it, I sent it.” Giving up the pretense, Qiao Bo’er confessed without reservation.

“Qiao Bo’er! Do you have any idea how badly I was yelled at by my neighbors and the building management? They almost had me taken to the police station for a chat!”

“Is it wrong to feed a fish snack to my favorite little kitten?” Qiao Bo’er mumbled with an innocent expression, making it seem like everything was Ling Xi’s fault instead.

“It was surströmming, Big Sis! You sent surströmming!”

“Surströmming is also fish.”

“You try feeding a cat surströmming, and see which cat dares to approach you?” Ling Xi yelled, practically on the verge of a dramatic breakdown.

Qiao Bo’er raised a hand to tuck a long strand of hair behind her ear, creating a slightly messy beauty, and suddenly brought her cheek close to Ling Xi’s face, her starry eyes flashing: “Didn’t you, this little cat, get close to me…?”

Ling Xi was speechless for a moment. She leaned back defensively against the armrest of the wooden chair. Even if the woman in front of her was bewitchingly seductive, she wouldn’t fall for that kind of temptation.

Raising both arms to shield her chest, she hastily stopped her: “Hey, hey, hey, talk is talk, don’t get so close. Please keep your distance from me, distance!”

“I’m not going to eat a lazy little cat alive, what are you afraid of…” Qiao Bo’er backed off just enough, letting Ling Xi go, and changed the subject: “You’re a teacher at the university; do you still have time to juggle the studio?”

“Talking about that makes me angry. Ever since I met you, nothing has gone right. Bad luck! Originally, no students chose my class; I just wanted to chill and coast for one semester. Why did you have to come here and join the commotion?”

“Come on, you’re a people’s teacher. Teaching is your professional duty. Otherwise, are you planning to just muddle through life at Xuan University?” Qiao Bo’er criticized Ling Xi without mercy.

Ling Xi twisted her head, raised her pinky finger, and exaggeratedly imitated the way she spoke: “Nah nah nah… Blah blah blah…”

Assessment: Ineffective Attack.

Qiao Bo’er raised her hand and poked her on the forehead, easily suppressing her: “I originally planned to start the class officially next week, but based on your terrible attitude, we’ll start tomorrow. I remember the Tuesday class starts at 1:30 PM. Deputy Professor Ling, remember to prepare your lessons well today.”

Assessment: Effective Attack.

“You!” Ling Xi panicked when she heard that class was starting tomorrow. “You did that on purpose!”

“I did it on purpose. What are you going to do about it?” Qiao Bo’er stood up but didn’t leave. Instead, she narrowed her eyes and gave a sly smile: “It’s about time for lunch. Let’s go.”

“Don’t smile so menacingly. If you want to eat, go eat by yourself.”

“Shouldn’t the first meal be you treating the newcomer? I’ve already treated you to chocolate. It’s only polite that you should return the favor.”

How can this crazy woman be so self-righteous and shameless?

Ling Xi glared at Qiao Bo’er, firing back: “Are you naturally fond of blackmailing people?”

“No. The correct sentence is: I’m naturally fond of blackmailing you… Stop dawdling, I’m hungry. Take me to eat.”

When Qiao Bo’er was being obstinate, she was even more irritating than Ling Xi. She insisted on eating, and she insisted on Ling Xi paying, or she would flip Xuan University upside down today.

Ling Xi was grabbed by the arm and pulled out into the corridor. She awkwardly shook off Qiao Bo’er’s hand: “Fine, fine, fine, I’ll treat you. Just stop touching me.”

“That’s more like it.”

“Let me tell you the bad news first: the school won’t reimburse me for treating you to a meal. So, we can only eat at the cafeteria. The absolute most I’ll get you is three meat dishes and two vegetable dishes. Don’t you dare complain about this or that later.”

When the two entered the cafeteria, Qiao Bo’er regretted it a little, looking at the bustling scene. She wasn’t used to crowded places.

“Why are you standing there like an idiot? Let’s go.” Ling Xi naturally grabbed Qiao Bo’er’s arm: “It’s the time when students rush the cafeteria. It’s crowded, and we have to queue, so don’t get separated.”

“Ling Xi!” Jiang Xingran’s voice came from a distance. Ling Xi looked in her direction and waved, leading Qiao Bo’er to meet her.

Jiang Xingran looked at Qiao Bo’er suspiciously, quickly estimating her expensive, luxurious outfit. Such a beautiful mixed-race woman appearing in the cafeteria was indeed a bit out of the ordinary.

“Who is this?” Jiang Xingran whispered. Ling Xi pulled her aside and muttered: “Do you remember the line of luxury cars this morning?”

“Uh-huh…”

“She’s the distinguished guest we’re hosting today, the big boss of Jiatai Group, here to fund the school. Principal Wang arranged for me to teach her class. I’m so unlucky to be stuck with this difficult job.”

“How are you unlucky? I heard all about it. She’s a big-time sponsor. Be careful, don’t offend her.”

After saying that, Jiang Xingran went back to Qiao Bo’er before Ling Xi, greeting her with a smile: “CEO Qiao, I’ll take you to find a seat first. It’s crowded right now, and grabbing a seat is even more urgent than queuing.”

“Thank you.” Qiao Bo’er followed Jiang Xingran’s steps and found a relatively secluded corner.

“How about sitting here? Fewer people.”

“Okay.”

“Deputy Professor Ling and I will go get the food first. Do you have any dietary restrictions?”

“I’m fine with anything.”

Qiao Bo’er’s demeanor returned to being cool. Her replies to Jiang Xingran were never more than three words. Her naturally frugal nature with words surfaced again.

Ling Xi, meanwhile, stood aside, fumbling for her meal card, mentally calculating how much three meat dishes and two vegetable dishes would cost.

Seriously, so stingy!

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