Chapter 079: Sweet as Honey

In the Southern Dynasty, Song, He Chengtian wrote in "A Proclamation for Xie Hui to the Capital," "If villains prosper, the way of the noble vanishes."

Qi Yue and Yang Zhiling, though not exactly paragons of virtue, still surrendered and withdrew before the triumphant Lin Yu. Both girls cared deeply about their own image, valuing it more than their very lives. When Lin Yu threatened to post their kitten photos on certain forums, they completely capitulated, admitting defeat in the wager.

As the saying goes: the hardest debt to bear is a beauty's favor. Watching Qi Yue and Yang Zhiling, dressed in pajamas, lining up to kiss him in succession, even the usually composed Lin Yu felt his heart pounding wildly, as if a deer had taken up residence within. The sensation was so exquisite, indescribable except by feeling—pure comfort.

Qi Yue was easier to handle; the two had kissed countless times. But for Yang Zhiling, this would be her first—a fact that made Lin Yu all the more excited. He harbored no inappropriate desires toward the campus queen, but a kiss wouldn’t result in pregnancy, he reasoned. His thoughts flowed like a river, rushing ever onward.

The television in the living room was off, and the double-layered glass windows were soundproof, separating the night and distant traffic from their world.

It was very quiet. The three, about to fulfill their wager, suddenly fell silent, uncertain whether they were shy or simply at a loss for words.

Especially Qi Yue, who felt she was at a disadvantage—forced to witness her best friend and boyfriend share a kiss. Though outwardly flamboyant, Qi Yue was inwardly reserved, and now, a hint of regret crept in.

But what could she do? There are remedies for everything in this world, except for regret.

She steeled herself, muttering inwardly, "Lin Yu! You're lucky this time! Next time, I won’t be so foolish!"

"Well then, I'll go first!" Qi Yue cast a glance at the bashful Yang Zhiling, then walked straight up to Lin Yu.

"Go ahead, I’m waiting," Lin Yu smiled quietly, standing in the center of the living room like a victorious general.

Just as Qi Yue’s lips were about to meet Lin Yu’s, she suddenly paused, speaking seriously, "This kiss—and Zhiling’s—are to inspire you to study harder. Don’t misinterpret it. Did you hear?"

"I heard you, little one," Lin Yu replied, still looking smug.

Soon, the murder case would come under review. Soon, Lian Jin might attempt to ambush Zhang Yang. Soon, his father would unite with Ye Yijing’s father Ye Tian, and Yang Xiong, to take on the formidable Zhang Kai.

So, in this moment of brief tranquility, Lin Yu gladly savored everything. After all, his exam results had been excellent, and he felt these two kisses were well deserved.

As Qi Yue’s rosy lips touched his, Lin Yu cast aside all stray thoughts, focusing entirely on the warmth and affection she transmitted.

For Qi Yue’s unwavering devotion, Lin Yu was deeply grateful. From his heart, he wished to grow old with her, even though they were only eighteen. Though the future held countless uncertainties and hardships, he hoped for their love to endure.

Fresh as water, subtle yet never cloying—this was the feeling Qi Yue’s kiss brought Lin Yu. Their affection was much the same; lacking in excessive sweet talk, yet a certain sweetness lingered, impossible to unravel.

After Qi Yue, it was the turn of Yang Zhiling, the literary beauty acclaimed as the campus queen. Faced with the prospect of giving away her first kiss, the usually aloof Yang Zhiling found herself at a loss, unsure how to proceed.

"It’s fine, Zhiling. Just think of it as being bitten by a puppy. Oh—no, think of it as biting a puppy!" Seeing her friend’s blush, Qi Yue braced herself and offered comfort.

In truth, Qi Yue secretly wished Yang Zhiling might, for some reason, renege on the wager.

After all, the one to be kissed was Qi Yue’s long-standing, official boyfriend. And Yang Zhiling was so dazzling—a swan among ducks, admired by all. Qi Yue feared that Lin Yu might waver because of a kiss from her.

"Why not just let it go?" Lin Yu, who read the situation clearly, said with a light laugh.

If this caused a rift between Qi Yue and Yang Zhiling, that would be unfortunate. A joke, after all, should have its limits.

"No! I’ve never lied or broken my word in my life. This time will be no exception!" Suddenly, Yang Zhiling shed her shy demeanor, reverting to her usual coolness.

"In that case, get on with it. Today, this lecherous wolf gets to enjoy kisses from two beauties. One more thing: when you kiss, no tongues allowed, or I’ll really be upset!" Qi Yue said, feeling somewhat indignant.

"He probably tastes like instant noodles anyway; I wouldn’t do anything!" Yang Zhiling reassured Qi Yue, then slowly moved to stand face-to-face with Lin Yu.

At that moment, their faces were less than a decimeter apart.

At that moment, their breaths warmed each other’s cheeks.

At that moment, Lin Yu’s heart raced several times faster than usual.

As he gazed at the beautiful face approaching him, Lin Yu felt a jolt in his chest.

"What’s wrong with me? Could it be… No, impossible. It must be because Zhiling is so outstanding. Yes, I like Qi Xiaoyue!" Lin Yu thought to himself.

He was a fairly traditional person and didn’t want to be enamored of two girls at once. So he suppressed the special feeling he had for Yang Zhiling.

Among the vast waters, he would choose only one ladleful. That was his wish. In fact, he was overthinking; faced with a flower capable of eclipsing all others, not only he, but any boy at their school—or any man—would have his heart racing uncontrollably.

Some women are born to be worshipped, not possessed.

But as Lin Yu’s mind wandered, Yang Zhiling paused just three centimeters from his lips.

"Pfft!"

The usually cold and composed Yang Zhiling burst out laughing!

"Don’t rush! Let’s try again!" After calming herself, Yang Zhiling stepped back, speaking softly. Then, amid Qi Yue’s amused smile, she leaned in for another attempt.

This time, at barely two centimeters away, she laughed again!

"I can’t do it! Seeing Lin Yu like this just makes me want to laugh. I can’t kiss him. I won’t cheat, though—one day, I’ll fulfill the wager, alright?"

Yang Zhiling addressed Qi Yue, not bothering to ask Lin Yu’s opinion.

"Fine, let’s leave it at that," Qi Yue replied, feeling an inexplicable relief.

Lin Yu smiled lightly, thinking, "Such sweetness—waiting is no trouble."

Just then, Lin Tiancheng’s call came through on Qi Yue’s phone.

After Lin Yu took the phone from Qi Yue, he heard his father’s voice, deliberate and grave: "There’s been a development in that case. The boss, Sheng Fangyuan, who was attacked, has completely stopped breathing half an hour ago."