Fang Chenxi and Jiang Ling returned to the atmosphere they had before their argument, but because of the bet, a strange sense of tension now lingered between them.
However, Jiang Ling felt that the tension between Fang Chenxi and Ji Qingyan was actually much stronger.
Her understanding was that, after all, Fang Chenxi was a stubborn person who cared deeply about her pride.
Being mocked by Ji Qingyan in front of her club must have left a bad taste in her mouth.
Ji Qingyan also had a cold personality and wasn’t one for words.
The conflict between the two only continued to grow.
It reached a point where if Jiang Ling happened to greet Ji Qingyan, Fang Chenxi’s phoenix eyes would fill with resentment, even if she didn’t say anything out loud.
However, it was none of her business.
She wasn’t going to waste her time meddling in their conflict.
Besides, she was planning to join Ji Qingyan’s club.
After school, Jiang Ling greeted Lu Yuyao at the school gate and told her to ride home first, saying she would cook dinner when she got back.
Lu Yuyao didn’t ask questions.
She simply nodded and prepared to leave, reminding Jiang Ling to be careful on her way home and offering to come back to pick her up if needed.
Jiang Ling declined.
Watching the figure on the electric scooter fade into the distance, Jiang Ling felt a wave of emotion.
It was no wonder the Fang Chenxi of her previous life had liked Lu Yuyao so much.
In Jiang Ling’s eyes, Lu Yuyao truly fit the perfect image of a girlfriend.
She was beautiful, sensible, and had a great sense of propriety.
She cared for you but never interfered too much in your life.
Where else could one find an Eldest Young Lady like this?
At the thought of eventually having to leave such a perfect Eldest Young Lady, a hint of reluctance welled up in Jiang Ling’s heart.
She shook her head and walked back into the school.
She was there to find Ji Qingyan.
She had observed for a while that Ji Qingyan always left late after school, likely spending her time in the club room.
Meeting her there last time was proof enough.
So, Jiang Ling wanted to discuss joining the club with her.
Since she had been there once before, Jiang Ling navigated her way to the Fifth Floor with ease and stood before the door labeled “Literature Research Society.”
Her first visit had been rushed, so she hadn’t observed it closely.
Looking at it now, the Literature Research Society was indeed different from other clubs.
Jiang Ling looked down the hallway from the doorway.
The Fifth Floor seemed to be where the clubs gathered, with signs hanging on every door—except for the Literature Research Society.
Furthermore, she could hear faint laughter and playing coming from the other club rooms — this was the time for free club activities after school.
Additionally, she hadn’t seen a recruitment poster for the Literature Research Society on the boards during club recruitment.
Ji Qingyan’s club seemed to be just like her: quiet and lonely.
Remembering what Ji Qingyan had said last time, Jiang Ling knocked twice on the door.
She only dared to push it open after hearing Ji Qingyan’s “Come in.”
She always felt that Ji Qingyan was more intimidating than the teachers.
‘So, Xiao Tongqi, it really isn’t your fault.’
Ji Qingyan was sitting in the same chair as before, the one closest to the window.
The lingering glow of the sunset fell upon the girl with long, straight black hair, draping her in a golden veil.
It made her cold demeanor seem even more noble.
Ji Qingyan was holding a book.
She loved reading; every time Jiang Ling saw her at school, she basically had a book in her hand.
Because of the visitor, she looked toward the door and stood up.
However, after seeing it was Jiang Ling, she sat back down, a flash of disappointment hidden in her eyes.
Jiang Ling didn’t notice. While greeting her, she quietly scanned the layout of the room.
“Jiang Ling? Why are you here?”
Ji Qingyan asked.
She put her book down and took a disposable paper cup from a drawer.
The club room was the size of a regular classroom, but it had far fewer things.
Including the chair Ji Qingyan was using, there were only three chairs in total.
In the center, three desks were pushed together to form a large table, where Ji Qingyan spent her time reading.
“Sit down first. I’ll pour you some tea.”
“Oh, okay.”
Jiang Ling sat in the chair next to Ji Qingyan and watched with curiosity as the girl walked toward the back.
Since her view had been blocked before, Jiang Ling now noticed a kettle behind her.
Drinking tea and reading books — it sounded like a very pleasant club life.
In fact, Ji Qingyan really did live such a pleasant life.
From the moment she founded this club until now, she had spent almost every day like this.
However…
As if remembering something sad, Ji Qingyan lowered her gaze and let out a soft sigh.
When Jiang Ling entered earlier, she had thought a new member had finally arrived.
“Thank you.”
Ji Qingyan poured a cup of tea for Jiang Ling.
As the steam rose, Jiang Ling whispered her thanks.
Whenever Ji Qingyan was around, her voice tended to become softer.
Ji Qingyan had brewed green tea, and the fresh aroma quickly filled the air, making one feel refreshed.
Jiang Ling didn’t rush to drink.
First, she asked the question she was most concerned about.
“Qingyan, does your club not recruit people?”
“We do recruit. It’s just that… no one has signed up recently.”
Ji Qingyan blinked, not expecting Jiang Ling to ask such a question.
Recalling how Jiang Ling had addressed her earlier, she hesitated on whether to speak.
It wasn’t just “recently.”
Since she had founded the Literature Research Society in the second half of her freshman year, only three people had ever joined, and they had all quit later.
So, up until now, she was the only one in the club.
“I see. I saw other clubs recruiting these past two days, but I didn’t see your club on the bulletin board…”
As Jiang Ling spoke, she saw Ji Qingyan’s posture slump.
Her head drooped, and a gloomy aura radiated from her.
‘I didn’t say anything wrong, did I…?’
Ji Qingyan’s reaction made Jiang Ling proceed with extreme caution.
“So, I wanted to come and ask… can I join your club?”
“Do you want to join, Jiang Ling?”
Ji Qingyan was stunned at first, but her cold eyes suddenly sparkled.
She desperately suppressed her excitement as she confirmed the news.
This was the second time Jiang Ling had seen that expressionless face show another emotion.
She suddenly thought Ji Qingyan was quite cute; whatever she was thinking was written all over her face.
“If it’s possible…”
“It is.”
Ji Qingyan nodded vigorously, the tips of her hair swaying with the movement.
Her expression was serious.
“If it’s Jiang Ling, you are certainly welcome.”
Jiang Ling’s breath hitched.
‘Ji Qingyan, do you know you’re being a bit too cute?’
After her emotions settled briefly, Ji Qingyan realized she had lost her composure.
She hurried back to her cold persona, suddenly remembering that as the Club President, she had to follow the proper procedures.
“Why do you want to join the club, Jiang Ling?”
President Ji pulled out a pen and paper from somewhere and prepared to take notes while looking at Jiang Ling.
At the same time, she handed a piece of paper to Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling glanced at it.
The words “Club Application Form” were printed in large letters across the top.
Jiang Ling twitched her lips, thinking it might be a bit late to ask for her reasons now that she had already agreed to let her join.