But I don’t even believe in myself.

Bai Ningning hesitated for a long moment before deciding to be honest: “I only know how to play games, not make them.”

“No problem. Just channel how you feel when you’re playing,” Qin Yue said gently. “It’s just practice. No pressure.”

Since the boss had already said that, what could Bai Ningning do? She added softly, “When you set up the studio, make sure to hire top professionals.”

“Don’t worry. Got it.”

With the plan settled, the talk was over. Time to eat.

For the rest of the day, Bai Ningning stayed unusually quiet—speaking only when necessary, practically sewing her cute little cherry lips shut.

It wasn’t about feeling bad for her older sister. During her volunteer period, she only had three days off—and two were already gone. She *had* to go to school tomorrow.

Plus, her underclassman had messaged her.

【Qin Xin】: Senior Ningning, I’m submitting my commuter application tomorrow. Could you come with me?

Yes, yes, yes! As long as she’s wearing black thigh-high socks, anything’s possible.

Wait—actually, it didn’t *have* to be that. Bai Ningning recalled yesterday’s shopping trip: the girl in denim shorts and sneakers had been stunning even without thigh-highs.

Bottom line? As long as she walked over on her own two feet—wearing anything—just no wheelchair.

“Still on your phone?” Qin Yue passed the doorway and asked curiously. “Who are you texting? You’ve been glued to it all afternoon.”

Mind your— Bai Ningning’s fair little hand pressed tightly over her mouth.

“What’s wrong? Don’t feel like talking?”

“Mm… mmph,” Bai Ningning mumbled thickly. “My throat’s a little sore today.”

Truth was, her throat felt fine. She just didn’t dare speak—afraid of being ( ).

She had plans with her underclassman tomorrow. Couldn’t ( ) afford to mess this up.

Qin Yue frowned. “You’re not sick. Why does your throat hurt?”

*Maybe I sang too much*, Bai Ningning tried to say with her eyes.

Eyes may be windows to the soul, but Qin Yue couldn’t decode her “pupil language.” Night had fallen. Time for bed.

Bai Ningning flipped the switch and whispered her last words of the day:

“Good night!”

Snap. The light went out.

Bai Ningning slept soundly. Her older sister? Not a wink.

Logically, the day had been peaceful—except for that one dinner moment when Bai Ningning’s “Tingjin Destroyer” comment accidentally hit a nerve. Afterward, Bai Ningning claimed a sore throat and barely spoke. Not a single blood-pressure-raising word all day.

Yet Qin Yue felt restless, like something vital was missing. She tossed and turned.

Eventually, she tried clearing her mind, drifting slowly toward sleep.

Zzzzz

The next morning, Bai Ningning woke and stretched luxuriously against her pillow.

Weird—this stretch felt *extra* satisfying. Early to bed, early to rise?

She glanced down. Oh! Yesterday’s collar button had popped off. No restraint this time.

Ah. So her older sister’s strict order—*never wear collared pajamas again*—was actually for her own good.

Thank you, older sister.

She turned to say it… but Qin Yue slept deeply. Despite all the rustling of stretching and dressing right beside her, not a flicker of waking.

Looked like she hadn’t slept all night.

Fine. She’d thank her later.

Dressed, Bai Ningning headed to campus.

Only one day left before military training. Freshmen clung to these final quiet hours—most stayed in dorms; few wandered outside.

Qin Xin waited at the agreed spot.

“Senior Ningning, you’re here.”

“Mm. I am.”

Bai Ningning stole two glances. Black thigh-highs today. Paired with a short plaid skirt—pure youthful campus charm.

Since she wasn’t caught… might as well steal two more.

“Senior Ningning, I’ve filled out the commuter form,” Qin Xin said. “Shall we submit it now?”

“Yes. Let’s go.”

Bai Ningning led the way, adding casually: “If Student Union asks where you’re living off-campus, don’t say ‘renting.’ Don’t mention relatives or friends. Just say ‘with family.’”

Qin Xin tugged her lip. “I *am* living with family.”

…Just not the close kind.

“Then honesty’s perfect.”

At the Student Union office, Bai Ningning submitted Qin Xin’s form and checked her own volunteer sign-in.

“You’ve used two days already. Only one left,” the officer reminded her. “Remember.”

“Mm.”

Qin Xin finished too. Approval would take about a week.

“Should come through after military training.”

“That’s fine,” Qin Xin nodded. “Dorm life is more convenient during training anyway.”

As Qin Xin turned to leave, she paused. “Senior Ningning… you live off-campus too?”

Bai Ningning nodded. “Mm. Yes.”

The pure-faced, youthful senior remained coolly aloof.

“If I get the chance… could I visit your place sometime?” Qin Xin asked lightly. “I’d like to see Senior Ningning’s life outside school.”

“Visit?”

“Yes. Your extracurricular life.”

*Mm-hmm. Thing is… I don’t really have a home.*

But flat refusal felt too cold. *Fine. Agree now. After I pay off my debt, move out of older sister’s place, rent my own apartment—then invite her.*

Decision made, Bai Ningning smiled. “Sure.”

“Thank you, senior. See you next time.”

“Bye.”

Qin Xin walked off, heart light.

*“Visit your extracurricular life” = step into your personal world.*

Did Senior Ningning catch that?

If she did… would she blush adorably? Or stay perfectly expressionless, that beautiful pure face cool as ice?

And what did “I understand” *really* mean the other day?

Lost in thought, Qin Xin reached her dorm steps.

*Eh. I’ll lay my cards on the table when I visit her place. No rush. Training starts tomorrow.*

*…Should use this chance to get in shape.*

Meanwhile, Bai Ningning found a roadside bench, pulled out her phone, and scrolled through the school forum—eyes fixed on the club sections.