NOVEL NEXT Chapter 60: Chapter 60
Chapter 60: Isn't This a Foul?
Zhao Ling glanced at the two women sitting beside him, their shocked expressions lasting far longer than he anticipated. Their wide eyes and gaping mouths made them look like startled statues. Suppressing a chuckle, he couldn't help but wonder what had caused them to react this way.
"Hey, Dong'er, Ah Yin, are you two alright?" Zhao Ling teased, using the opportunity to slide his hands around their waists.
After all, they had initiated the closeness earlier—Ah Yin had kissed him on the cheek, and both had held his arms. Surely, this small gesture of intimacy was fair game?
The sensation of Zhao Ling's hands seemed to snap both women out of their dazed state. They turned their sharp gazes on him, but neither pulled away nor voiced any protest.
After a tense silence, Bibi Dong suddenly leaned forward and kissed Zhao Ling's right cheek firmly.
Her actions startled Zhao Ling, who could only stare as she pulled back, a determined look in her eyes. Bibi Dong straightened her posture, her mind racing. 'Zhao Ling is not only incredibly talented but also attractive. If I don't take the initiative now, Ah Yin might win his heart before I have the chance.'
But even as she sat back, Bibi Dong felt unsettled. This isn't enough, she thought. Acting on impulse, she stood up and moved onto Zhao Ling's lap, sitting sideways on his thighs.
Her sudden closeness left Zhao Ling completely bewildered. "Dong'er, what are you—" he began, but his words were cut off when she cupped his face with both hands and pressed her lips against his.
For a moment, his mind went blank. His right hand instinctively encircled her waist, pulling her closer, though his thoughts were racing. This… this is too bold! First a cheek kiss, now this?
Ah Yin, sitting beside them, was equally stunned. Her eyes widened as Bibi Dong kissed Zhao Ling deeply, the sheer audacity of it leaving her speechless.
Is this even allowed? she thought, her cheeks puffing out in anger. She reached out to pull Bibi Dong away, but her sealed soul power rendered her attempts futile. No matter how much she tugged, Bibi Dong remained firmly planted in Zhao Ling's lap.
Ah Yin finally huffed in frustration, her cheeks flushed with indignation. 'I kissed him first! This is so unfair!'
---
Meanwhile, the Spirit Hall staff seated nearby exchanged incredulous glances.
"Is this really happening?" one whispered.
"Did the young lady just… kiss him? In public?" another murmured, his voice laced with disbelief.
Ju Douluo, sitting among them, felt his heart sink. The situation was spiraling out of control. 'Miss Dong'er… how could you lose all sense of decorum like this?'
'If His Holiness the Pope finds out about this, it'll be a disaster. And knowing him, he'll find out soon enough.'
Bibi Dong, oblivious to the commotion she'd caused, continued the kiss for over a minute before finally pulling away. As she slid back into her seat, she felt the weight of her companions' stares.
Realization dawned on her. She had kissed Zhao Ling—and for far too long—in front of Elder Ju. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she thought of her teacher's potential wrath. Would he imprison her in the Spirit Hall as described in the diary?
Without thinking, Bibi Dong scooted closer to Zhao Ling, seeking comfort in his presence. Zhao Ling, noticing her nervousness, gently patted her head and then turned to Ju Douluo with a calm smile.
"Elder Ju, I apologize for any… unexpected developments," Zhao Ling said lightly. "However, if Miss Dong'er and I are to deepen our relationship, it would be wise for me to visit the Spirit Hall myself. I believe I could assist in strengthening our alliance."
Ju Douluo's face twitched, and he hesitated before nodding. His thoughts were a mess. If Zhao Ling truly has the strength to match Miss Dong'er's ambitions, His Holiness might accept their relationship… but only time will tell.
---
On the other side, Ah Yin finally stood up, her resolve hardening. She wouldn't let Bibi Dong outdo her. She moved to sit on Zhao Ling's other thigh, her intentions clear.
Zhao Ling, sensing her approach, quickly wrapped his arm around her waist to stop her. Leaning close, he whispered, "Be good, Ah Yin. Don't do this in front of everyone. If you want to… kiss, let's wait until tonight, okay? Come to my room then."
Ah Yin blinked in surprise, her face reddening. She glanced around the room, suddenly aware of the dozens of eyes fixed on their table. Embarrassed, she lowered her head and snuggled into Zhao Ling's chest, hiding her flushed face.
Zhao Ling let out a relieved sigh. With Ah Yin pacified for now, he could relax—but only slightly.
---
As the group settled down, Zhao Ling couldn't help but reflect on the events of the past hour. The constant competition between Ah Yin and Bibi Dong was overwhelming, to say the least.
Why did they feel the need to outdo each other in public? Couldn't they at least wait until they were alone?
And that kiss, Zhao Ling thought, suppressing a shudder. 'A minute-long kiss! If Ah Yin tries something similar, I might actually suffocate.'
He glanced at the blushing Ah Yin in his arms and the smug Bibi Dong beside him. Despite the chaos, a small smile tugged at his lips.
Maybe this isn't so bad after all.
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(End of Chapter)