She felt a complicated sense of regret.
She had always been close with Shui Bing'er. They had known each other since childhood and could talk about anything. Shui Bing'er was straightforward and generous, while she was gentle and reserved. Their personalities complemented each other, and their friendship had never had any problems.
But at this moment, she suddenly realized that she might have done something very foolish.
She had seen too many girls get drawn to Gu Linyuan. She herself had fallen for him the same way.
Ye Lingling looked up at Gu Linyuan's profile, then lowered her gaze to the hands clutching his arm. The faint regret in her heart grew stronger and stronger.
If I'd known... I never should have agreed to walk together.
Gu Linyuan, caught between the two girls, remained calm. He glanced down at Ye Lingling's tightly clasped hands, then at Shui Bing'er's slightly awkward expression across from him, and gently shook his head.
"Don't be jealous."
"I'll make it up to you later."
He withdrew his arm and lightly patted Ye Lingling's head, the gesture natural and intimate.
"The wind is strong. Let's go back into the snow cave first. Bing'er just broke through, and her Soul Power is still unstable. She needs to consolidate her cultivation."
At his pat, Ye Lingling's pout unconsciously relaxed, and more than half of her jealousy faded away.
Her eyes shone brightly as she followed Gu Linyuan toward the snow cave.
Behind them, the girls of the Skywater Team watched the three retreating figures, each wearing a different expression.
Xue Wu stood among the group. Looking at Gu Linyuan's back and then at Shui Bing'er's still-flushed cheeks, she let out a quiet sigh.
"Bing'er." She walked to Shui Bing'er's side and lowered her voice. "Don't you think..."
"Think