Chapter 12: Ye Lingling Is Not a Good Girl

"Yanyan, are you serious?" Ye Lingling's voice was filled with mock resentment. "I feel like you've stretched my mouth so much…"

Lin Xiao, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling strolled down the road toward Dugu's house. The once-hostile trio now shared an easy camaraderie after their recent battle.

Left: Ye Lingling. Right: Dugu Yan. Center: Lin Xiao.

Dugu Yan crossed her arms coolly.

"So what? You're a big mouth anyway. Why don't you talk like that in school? All your love words are saved just to tease me!"

Ye Lingling clenched her fists in mock anger.

"Yanyan, don't underestimate me! I could heal you into submission if I wanted."

Dugu Yan cast her a dismissive glance.

Just an auxiliary spirit master trying to deal with a control specialist? Keep dreaming.

Ye Lingling chuckled.

"Hey, Yanyan, don't forget—you owe three requests. If I became Lin Xiao's girlfriend, I could have him use those requests to turn you into my personal maid!"

"I'll even make you beg for mercy while I spank you!"

She reached out and pinched Lin Xiao's cheek.

"What do you think, little brother? Getting a girlfriend for free—lucky you!"

Dugu Yan's face flushed with anger.

"Lingling! Can you be serious for once?"

Lin Xiao smacked Ye Lingling's hand away with a blank expression.

So this is what they call contrast—cool at school, chaotic behind the scenes.

"Ahem." Lin Xiao cleared his throat. "Dugu Yan, I came to see you for something serious. You owe me three conditions, remember?"

Dugu Yan's playful demeanor vanished.

"Fine. Name the first one."

"Take me to your home. I need to meet your grandfather."

Before Dugu Yan could reply, Ye Lingling teased:

"Going home on the first day? Isn't that too fast? Why not get a room outside first?"

Smack! Dugu Yan hit Ye Lingling's head.

"Enough, Lingling! Stop corrupting the child!"

Ye Lingling winced and sulked quietly.

Lin Xiao exhaled, relieved.

Finally, some peace.

Dugu Yan turned serious.

"You mentioned the Jade Phosphor Serpent has a flaw?"

Lin Xiao nodded.

"It won't affect combat, but it shortens your lifespan unless resolved."

Dugu Yan's face darkened.

"Early death is a curse in my family…"

Ye Lingling, sensing the gravity, softened her voice.

"Lin Xiao, are you sure?"

"Yes. That's why I need to speak with Poison Douluo. I want to make a deal."

The atmosphere turned awkward.

A six-year-old making deals with a Titled Douluo? Sounds absurd.

Dugu Yan stared at Lin Xiao, stepping closer.

"What's your true intention?"

Lin Xiao looked up seriously.

"I want to save you while saving myself. My martial spirit also has defects. If I don't fix them, I won't live many more days."

Dugu Yan's expression softened.

"I'm sorry, Lin Xiao."

"It's fine." Lin Xiao shrugged. "But I still need to meet your grandfather."

Dugu Yan shook her head.

"He's away for months at a time."

"I'll wait. I'm staying at the Maple Leaf Hotel."

"Not with family?"

"I'm an orphan."

Silence.

Ye Lingling spoke gently:

"You could stay at my house. My mother's kind, and she loves helping others."

Before Lin Xiao could refuse, Dugu Yan interjected:

"Stay at my house. It's just me, Grandpa, and the servants. Lingling's family wants a son-in-law; you might end up betrothed if you stay there."

Ye Lingling fumed.

"Yanyan, don't slander me! You're the one plotting to kidnap him!"

Dugu Yan smirked.

No need for words. Everything's clear.

For once, Ye Lingling fell silent, her cheeks red.

Lin Xiao felt a chill run down his spine.

Is Dugu Yan telling the truth?

Ye Lingling… might not be such a good girl after all.