How Could I Possibly Have a Daughter After Reincarnating?

“See you at school tomorrow.”

“Mm~”

Ling Ning watched the car disappear into the distance and sighed inwardly. She had hoped to tag along with He Miaomiao for dinner, but unexpectedly, they were in a rush to leave. Since Xia You’s home was also in that direction, she went with them. As for Ling Ning, she had to visit Qin Qing, so she ended up alone.

Glancing at the sun sinking below the horizon, Ling Ning picked up her phone and called Qin Qing to see if dinner was ready yet. If it wasn’t, she could still make it there in time to grab a bite.

“Hello, Ling Ning?” Qin Qing’s voice sounded groggy, as if she had just woken up.

“Yeah, I was just wondering if dinner is ready yet. Can I still make it in time to freeload a meal?”

“Huh?!” Qin Qing paused, then asked in surprise, “Is it that late already?”

Ling Ning didn’t know what to say to that. 

“Why don’t you come over? I can order some takeout,” Qin Qing said, not too bothered.

Ling Ning thought about it and replied, a bit helplessly, “I’ll just pick up some groceries and cook at your place. Aren’t you tired of eating takeout all the time?”

“That would be wonderful.” Qin Qing’s voice perked up at the idea of a home-cooked meal.

After hanging up, Ling Ning called for a taxi to take her to the market near Qin Qing’s place. She bought enough food for four people, then headed over to Qin Qing’s home.

“Ling Ning, you’re finally here! I was about to starve to death!”

Qin Qing stood there, her nightgown in disarray, her hair an unruly mess, her face pale with dark circles under her eyes. For a moment, Ling Ning almost thought she had seen a ghost.

“What happened to you?”

“Inspiration struck last night, and I ended up working until almost eleven in the morning before getting any sleep. Your call just woke me up, and I haven’t even had lunch. I’m absolutely starving.” Qin Qing yawned.

“Then what about Ye Ye and Sirou? How did they manage lunch?”

“I ordered some takeout before I went to sleep. Aren’t they watching TV in the living room? If not, they might have gone downstairs for a walk.”

“Got it. Just sit tight and wait; I’ll cook us something.” 

Ling Ning walked into the kitchen, tied her long hair into a simple ponytail, put on an apron, and started preparing the meal. Halfway through cooking, Ling Ye and Qin Sirou returned.

Ling Ye had been in a good mood today. For some reason, Qin Sirou’s usual pestering had toned down significantly lately, which was why she dared to come to Qin Sirou’s house to play. She just hoped her friend would get back to her old self soon.

After spending the entire day watching movies with her friend, Ling Ye’s eyes felt tired. Seeing that Qin Qing still hadn’t gotten up, she figured dinner wouldn’t be ready anytime soon, so she decided to drag Qin Sirou downstairs for a stroll.

What had started as a casual walk, though, had taken a turn for the worse when they ran into one of Ling Ye’s classmates—a particularly obsessive admirer. If it had just been an ordinary classmate, it wouldn’t have mattered, but this one had a thing for her.

Seriously, why were kids these days so precocious? It seemed like all they thought about was kissing or chasing after girls, trying to get ahead in the game of life. Couldn’t they just quietly put on their mom’s panties… um, never mind.

After listening to that boy ramble on endlessly, Ling Ye couldn’t take it anymore. To prevent him from getting his face punched in, she grabbed Qin Sirou and dashed upstairs. As soon as they opened the door, the familiar, enticing aroma of food filled the air.

No need to guess—her mom was definitely here. Ling Ye cheered and ran into the kitchen, throwing her arms around Ling Ning from behind, breathing in deeply to recharge her “Mom Energy.”

“Alright, alright~ No hugging Mom like this. Go wash your hands and get ready for dinner!” Ling Ning said, her voice gentle.

“Okaaay…”

⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱

“Did Sister Qing need something from me?” 

After dinner, Qin Qing tried to get back to work, but Ling Ning insisted that she needed some exercise after eating, so she dragged her downstairs. The two were strolling around the complex when Ling Ning remembered that Qin Qing had mentioned needing a favor earlier. Curiosity piqued, she asked about it.

“Oh! I almost forgot about that,” Qin Qing said, giving her forehead a light slap. “I need to go abroad for a bit. I should be back before the New Year. I’d like you and Ye Ye to move into my place for a while to help take care of Sirou while I’m gone. Of course, I’ll pay you for your trouble.”

“Why the sudden trip abroad?”

Qin Qing smiled but didn’t offer an explanation.

“I see…” Ling Ning thought it over. Though Qin Qing’s place was farther from her own school, it was closer to her daughter’s school. Plus, there was the added bonus of getting paid and living in a bigger house. Why not?

Ling Ning patted her chest. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this~”

“Good.” Qin Qing smiled slightly. She wasn’t fazed by Ling Ning’s confident gesture—after all, hers was bigger.

The two continued walking for a while, until Qin Qing suddenly asked, “How was your first outdoor photoshoot? I heard from Miao Miao that it went pretty well.”

“Well… you wouldn’t believe how disastrous it was at first…” Ling Ning recounted her experience from that day, including He Miaomiao’s suggestion that she pursue formal training. She wanted Qin Qing’s input, since Qin Qing had more experience in these matters.

After listening, Qin Qing nodded in agreement. “Miao Miao makes a good point. If you get the chance, you should definitely go for some training.”

Ling Ning nodded thoughtfully. Since even Qin Qing was suggesting it, she needed to seriously consider it. However, formal training courses were not only time-consuming but also expensive.

“Guess I’ll take it one step at a time,” Ling Ning thought to herself.

“Why not stay over tonight? We can have a little drink. My friend in Old Yharnam sent me some great bottles recently. Let’s share them tonight?” Qin Qing suggested with a smile.

The mention of alcohol made Ling Ning’s mouth water. She still couldn’t forget the taste from last time. Even though her tolerance was laughably low, this would be the perfect chance to build it up.

Without hesitation, Ling Ning accepted Qin Qing’s invitation. She was already eager to get her hands on those Old Yharnam spirits.

⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱

Author’s Note:

Honestly, Salty Fish has really run dry today…