Chapter 58: The Relationship Becomes Clear

“Forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty. Alright, punishment’s over. Yuqing, you can get up now.” After counting out Xiao Lin’s fiftieth sit-up, Tan Linlin addressed Wang Yuqing, who was still sitting on Xiao Lin’s legs. But Yuqing’s mind was adrift, oblivious to Linlin’s words, still lost in her own world with Xiao Lin.

“Hey, Yuqing, you can’t bear to get up, huh? Ha, it’s alright, there’ll be another chance. Next time we catch Xiao Lin, I’ll have you two do this again.” Tan Linlin gave Yuqing a teasing pat and whispered mischievously in her ear.

This time, Yuqing heard it. She sprang off Xiao Lin’s legs like a startled rabbit, stumbling over her words in embarrassment, “No, it’s not like that... I was just thinking about something. Next time, let’s not play like this…”

“Oh, so you were thinking about something! We understand!” The others winked at the two of them, making Yuqing even more flustered. The more she tried to explain, the less sense she made, until finally she could only stand aside, nervously twisting the hem of her shirt.

“Alright, that’s enough. Why are you all picking on Yuqing? Are we playing this game or not?” Xiao Lin spoke up in Yuqing’s defense.

“Well, well, the knight in shining armor has arrived, ha! Of course, we’re playing.” The group joked about Xiao Lin and Yuqing as they gathered around the table again.

This time, the spinning arrow came to a stop at Kang Yan. “I choose truth. Ask away—whatever you want.” Kang Yan selected truth without hesitation.

With Kang Yan as the target, Xiao Lin and the others all glanced at Wang Tao, signaling for him to ask the question. They all knew Wang Tao had a bit of a thing for Kang Yan, so they naturally gave him this chance to get closer to her.

“So, what kind of guy do you like?” Wang Tao shot a grateful look at his friends, hesitated a moment, then asked.

Kang Yan glanced at Wang Tao with some surprise. She’d expected a harmless prank, not this sort of question. Still, she didn’t think much of it and replied, “The kind of guy I like has to be romantic. I like guys with a sense of style and atmosphere—someone who can surprise me.” Kang Yan was the typical girl who’d watched too many Korean dramas, longing for romance and hoping for a white knight to make a grand, romantic confession. Wang Tao nodded quietly, already plotting something in his mind.

“That was a boring question,” Tan Linlin scoffed, motioning for Kang Yan to spin the arrow.

The red arrow spun a few times and finally wobbled to a stop at Wang Yuqing. “Wow, Yuqing, it’s your turn!” Tan Linlin exclaimed in mock surprise.

Now it’s my turn. Seeing the arrow point her way, Wang Yuqing pressed her lips together and said softly, “I choose truth.” She was afraid of picking dare—Linlin and the others might make her do that ambiguous move with Xiao Lin again. As much as she didn’t mind that flirtatious action, her natural shyness as a girl made her choose what she thought was the safer truth. In fact, Tan Linlin was hoping Yuqing would choose truth, for she’d been dying to ask her some questions.

Upon hearing Yuqing’s choice, Tan Linlin grinned and huddled with Xu Tong and the others to discuss what to ask, deliberately leaving Xiao Lin out. Xiao Lin just shrugged and didn’t try to join them—he’d find out the question soon enough anyway. Even if he went over, they wouldn’t listen to his opinion.

After a few minutes, they reached a consensus. Tan Linlin, feigning nonchalance, asked, “Yuqing, are you ready?”

Seeing their sly expressions, Yuqing’s heart filled with dread. What would they ask her? Please, not anything about Xiao Lin and me, she prayed silently. “Yeah... I’m ready. Go ahead.”

“Is the boy you like among the people in this room?” Tan Linlin grinned wickedly, emphasizing the word “boy.”

Ah... Hearing the question, Yuqing’s face flushed. She pouted, struggling for words—this really was a tough one.

Xiao Lin awkwardly touched his nose. Trust Tan Linlin to ask such a question… Glancing at Yuqing, he saw she was looking at him too. He smiled at her, secretly hoping she’d answer yes.

“Yuqing, this is truth or dare—you can’t lie to us,” Tan Linlin added.

Nervous and flustered, Yuqing twisted her shirt hem anxiously, weighing her options. The one she liked was indeed among them—Xiao Lin—but admitting it in front of everyone was something she could hardly do. She was naturally timid, and most girls are even more shy when it comes to confessing in front of their crush. Not everyone could be as bold as Tan Linlin.

“Come on, Yuqing! Just say it—what’s the big deal?” Tan Linlin pressed her.

Damn you, Linlin, why’d you have to ask this? You’re impossible, Yuqing fumed inwardly. Catching Xiao Lin’s amused gaze, she grew even more annoyed—hmph, you troublemaker, making me lose face, and you’re still smiling! Yuqing thought angrily.

“Yes, he’s right here,” she finally said, perhaps emboldened by Xiao Lin’s smile or for some other reason, but in any case, she spoke the words aloud.

A chorus of teasing erupted. Their guesses had been right—Wang Yuqing really did like Xiao Lin. They’d all suspected as much, but no one had been sure; after all, Yuqing was so outstanding that no one dared guarantee she’d really fall for Xiao Lin. But now it was confirmed. She said the one she liked was in the room, and it couldn’t be Xu Tong, Lin Xudong, or Yuan Weiye. Coupled with recent events, it was now clear to everyone: Yuqing and Xiao Lin’s relationship was out in the open. Only Xiao Lin’s feelings remained uncertain, and now all eyes turned to him.

Hearing Yuqing’s answer, Xiao Lin finally relaxed—his earlier smile had been a forced one, for he’d been terribly nervous, afraid Yuqing would say “no.” Whatever the case, he liked her a lot and was very willing to accept her, though he still felt some hesitation inside.

The group played for another hour or so. When it got late, Xu Tong and the others went to pay the bill, and everyone left Prince KTV together.

“Xiao Lin, we parked your bike at the lot next door. Go pick it up when you’re ready—we’re heading off.” With that, Tan Linlin pulled the still blushing Yuqing toward the bus stop. Kang Yan and Liu Na followed.

“Quite the romantic success!” Xu Tong clapped Xiao Lin on the shoulder before leaving with Wang Tao to hail a cab.

“A fair lady for a gentleman—Xiao Lin, I’m off too,” Lin Xudong called as he left.

“Boss Xiao, teach me how to win over the goddess Wang and I’ll treat you to a big meal,” Yuan Weiye sidled up, grinning lewdly.

“Get lost, go do your own thing.” Realizing it was just him and Yuan Weiye left, Xiao Lin replied irritably, then headed off to collect his mountain bike, leaving Yuan Weiye sighing in frustration.