Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 93 – Come On, Let’s Harm Each Other

Xia Mian and Xiao Feng’s train was at eleven in the morning. Since they didn’t have much luggage, Xia Wenyue and Mao Zhishan didn’t enter the station—only Ning Shaobai bought a platform ticket to see them onto the train.

Yan City was the starting station, and there was only one soft sleeper carriage, so the three of them had plenty of time.

The compartment was still empty when they arrived. Ning Shaobai had Xia Mian watch Xiao Feng while he unpacked the thermos, lunchbox, blanket, and other things they’d need for the overnight journey, then stowed the rest of the luggage neatly under the bed. After that, he poked his head out to check the passengers passing by, took the kettle to the carriage connection, and filled it with hot water.

When he returned, he reminded her, “This should be enough for the two of you for half a day. Later, wait for the train attendant to refill it—don’t go yourself. All kinds of people hang around over there.”

“Even though the soft sleeper isn’t crowded, you still need to be alert.” His brows furrowed. “There are a lot of thieves on the train.”

Xia Mian chuckled. “Dr. Ning, have you forgotten my skills? Relax.”

“You may be capable, but they work in groups. If they play dirty, it’s still trouble,” Ning Shaobai said.

“In short, it’s best that you stay in the compartment. If you have to go out, pick a busy time during the day. Got it?”

“Mm-hm, got it,” Xia Mian answered sweetly. “Don’t worry, Dr. Ning.”

Ning Shaobai ruffled her hair, “The soft sleeper has air conditioning. At night, use the blanket so you don’t get cold.”

“When you get off the train, don’t rush, just get off last.”

“Xiao Liu will meet you over there. Keep your phone handy. Call him when you’re close.”

“And call me when you arrive, so I know you’re safe. Understand?”

He rarely said so much at once. Feeling the big hand on her head, Xia Mian was suddenly struck by a pang of reluctance—it would be a long time before she saw him again…

Outside the window, a vendor was selling popsicles from a foam box.

Xia Mian seized his wrist and gave it a shake, grinning playfully, “Dr. Ning, I haven’t had any popsicles today!”

Xiao Feng, who had been leaning against the window, immediately lit up with anticipation.

Ning Shaobai gave a helpless laugh, opened the window, and bought two popsicles—one for each of them.

The aunt and nephew unwrapped their treat with practiced ease, tilting their heads to nibble the upper-left corner in exactly the same way. Seeing this, Ning Shaobai couldn’t resist tugging on each of their tufts in turn.

He dampened a small towel with warm water and set it aside, ready for them to wipe their hands after eating.

Seeing how attentive he was to every detail, Xia Mian felt a sudden urge to just pack him up and take him with her.

The compartment door slid open, and in came a mother and daughter. The daughter looked to be in her early twenties, wearing a dress, a delicate beauty.

The moment she saw Ning Shaobai, her eyes lit up. “Hello.”

“Hello.” Ning Shaobai nodded politely, moving to sit beside Xia Mian and making space for them.

The suitcase the girl had been holding suddenly seemed impossibly heavy. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and, with a troubled look, asked, “I’m sorry, but could you help me lift this? It’s too heavy.”

Her mother, seeing Ning Shaobai’s appearance, immediately caught on and leaned against the door, panting. “Thank you, young man.”

Although Xia Mian knew it was normal to want to chat up a handsome guy, she still found it irritating. Don’t think she hadn’t noticed—they had been walking awfully fast with that suitcase just moments ago.

She handed her popsicle to Ning Shaobai and smiled at the mother and daughter. “Sis, Auntie, my brother’s hand isn’t in great shape. I’ll help you.”

Then, she easily lifted the suitcase and tucked it under the bed, leaving the two women looking a bit embarrassed.

When she turned back, Ning Shaobai was watching her with an amused look, so she glared right back—what, you hate it when I disturb your peach blossom?

His smile widened, but Xia Mian had no time to notice. “Ah, it’s melting!”

In the summer heat, the popsicle had started dripping after just a moment of neglect.

Xia Mian rushed over, and without even taking the popsicle from his hand, she grabbed it and leaned down to catch the melting drop of ice water with her mouth.

Once the popsicle was safe, she finally took it from Ning Shaobai’s hand and went back to eating it slowly.

He looked at her, his voice slightly hoarse. “Is it good?”

Xia Mian glanced up and saw him staring intently at her. Suddenly, she gave a mischievous smile. “It’s good. Does Dr. Ning want some?”

She held the popsicle out to him. “Want to try?”

But Ning Shaobai’s gaze didn’t waver, his eyes like a whirlpool ready to pull her in, making Xia Mian shrink her neck in timid retreat. She gave a nervous laugh and began to pull the popsicle away, but before she could fully withdraw her arm, Ning Shaobai suddenly caught her hand and took a bite…

Xia Mian froze, staring dumbly as he slowly bit off a chunk of popsicle and gave her a faint smile. “Pretty good.”

“That’s my only popsicle!” Xia Mian burst out. “And you took such a big bite!”

As soon as she said it, the remaining small piece—unbalanced from where he had bitten—fell off the stick and landed right on the back of his hand.

Xia Mian: “…”

Ning Shaobai: “…”

“Oh no, it gets dirty,” the young woman, who had just finished tidying her bed, said quickly, pulling out a handkerchief and offering it to Ning Shaobai.

“No need,” Xia Mian cut in before he could speak. She grabbed his hand and popped the fallen piece of popsicle into her mouth.

Just then, the announcement came over the speakers that the train was about to depart—time for Ning Shaobai to get off.

For some reason, thinking about how this guy had made her blush and her heart race earlier made Xia Mian annoyed. After swallowing the popsicle, she bent down and bit his hand hard, right where it had fallen.

Ning Shaobai went rigid. After a pause, his voice dropped to something dangerous. “Xia Mian?”

She let go, gave a cold little hum. “Alright, the train’s leaving. Dr. Ning, you’d better get off.”

He clenched his teeth, then reached up and roughly ruffled her hair. “Heartless little thing!”

Xia Mian waved cheerfully, completely unbothered. “Bye~”

Ning Shaobai tapped her forehead, then patted Xiao Feng’s head. “Uncle’s leaving. Stick close to your aunt, alright?”

Xiao Feng nodded obediently while licking his popsicle. “Bye, Uncle.”

Ning Shaobai stepped out of the compartment, and the moment he was gone, Xia Mian’s composure crumbled. Heat rushed to her cheeks. Oh my god, what did I just do?!

Xiao Feng leaned against the window. “Uncle Ning.”

Xia Mian hurried over too. Ning Shaobai was standing right there at the platform, looking at the two of them.

They had already said all that needed to be said, yet seeing him through the window suddenly deepened the pang of reluctance in her chest. Before she could stop herself, she called out, “Dr. Ning.”

He stepped a little closer. “What is it?”

“Nothing.” I just want to call you.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be back soon,” she said with a grin.

Ning Shaobai smiled. “How soon is ‘soon’?”

“Hehe… when summer vacation ends.”

If the window hadn’t been so high, Ning Shaobai would’ve flicked the forehead of this cheeky little girl.

The train whistle blew, and he stepped back to a safe distance. The three of them waved goodbye.

Just as the train was about to leave the platform, Xia Mian saw Ning Shaobai suddenly raise his left hand to his lips—right where she had bitten him earlier…

Xia Mian: “…”

Her face flushed crimson.

Fine, Dr. Ning, you win!

Author’s Note:

Dr. Ning is the real pro here, haha.

Dr. Ning & Cheeky Xia: “Another day of mutual harm~”