After tidying up a little, Lin Feng slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed out.
When he arrived at Jingxiang's doorstep, she happened to walk out from inside at the same time.
The two of them exchanged a smile and greeted each other before walking toward the library together.
Along the way, Jingxiang originally wanted to ask how Lin Feng had rested last night—after all, he had been busy running around the whole day yesterday.
But judging from his energetic, refreshed appearance now, he must have slept pretty well, so she didn't ask.
"What's wrong, Jingxiang? Do I have something on my face?"
Of course her little movements couldn't escape Lin Feng's sharp eyes. He tilted his head slightly, smiled at her, and asked.
"Ah…? N-no, nothing! I just saw you looking pretty energetic, so I was wondering if you slept well last night."
Being caught made Jingxiang a little embarrassed.
But since Lin Feng had already brought it up, she could only follow the flow of the conversation.
"Yeah, not bad at all. Haven't woken up naturally like that in a long time."
Hearing her say that, Lin Feng immediately remembered those early mornings when Chachawan had just come to his house—how he always got yanked awake by that furry tail.
Not only did he sleep badly, he got startled for no reason.
Worst of all, when he opened his eyes and saw that the culprit was that adorable little kitty, he couldn't bring himself to do anything about it.
This was probably the helplessness shared by all pet owners.
Thankfully, once Chachawan got used to the house, things like that stopped happening.
"Really? Don't tell me you slept until noon."
Hearing Lin Feng's answer, Jingxiang covered her mouth and giggled.
"Mm… something like that."
There was nothing worth hiding.
Besides, for a fifth grader, sleeping in once in a while—what's the big deal?
The boy next door, Nobita, sleeps in every day, is always late, and doesn't even do homework!
In any case, Lin Feng never planned to make himself into some perfect top-student type like Dekisugi.
Sure, that type is popular and loved by all the girls.
But maintaining that flawless, diligent image all the time is incredibly exhausting.
After getting a second chance at life, Lin Feng didn't want to live that way again.
He preferred living freely and comfortably.
"Oh right, Lin Feng—how's your manga going lately? Has Miyako come looking for you?"
Not dwelling on the previous topic, Jingxiang switched subjects and asked.
Because of the typhoon weather, plus the sudden adventure of being dragged into the Wind Messenger incident, it had been a while since she had seen Mitsuki Miyako.
She also remembered that Lin Feng's manga had already been serialized for several weeks, so she was curious how things were going.
"She was just here a little while ago."
"Just now?"
"Mm. She came to let me know about an interview at the publishing house tomorrow afternoon. And the editor-in-chief wants to discuss releasing the tankōbon of my series."
Since Jingxiang had asked, Lin Feng simply shared the news with her—and also to share his joy.
To any manga author, this was no small matter.
"Wow, that's amazing—congratulations, Lin Feng!"
"You're one step closer to becoming a real manga master!"
Even though Jingxiang wasn't part of the manga world, she understood well enough: being personally invited by the editor-in-chief was a big deal.
Most authors would never get that chance.
And once Lin Feng's work began releasing single volumes—that would be even more impressive.
"Eh? In that case, I'd better get your autograph early."
"If I wait until you really become a manga master, getting one might become really difficult."
Saying that, she blinked playfully at Lin Feng, smiling with her eyes.
"Mm, I think you're absolutely right."
"Looks like I won't be giving out signatures casually anymore."
Cooperating with her playful act, Lin Feng nodded very seriously and spoke with exaggerated sincerity.
"Pfft… stop it~! I was just joking, and you actually took it seriously!"
Seeing Lin Feng so stern and serious, Jingxiang rolled her eyes and burst into laughter.
"Haha, hey, I was just cooperating with you."
"And honestly, I really think the possibility you mentioned isn't small at all—it's actually pretty likely."
Seeing her laugh, Lin Feng couldn't help laughing too. He spread his hands, indicating that he had already done his best to play along.
And he truly did have confidence in his work.
The situation she described might well happen in the near future.
"And besides—you already read my manga. You should have even more confidence in me."
Remembering the focused, absorbed look on her face as she read his pages, Lin Feng's smile grew even wider.
"Geez, who said I have confidence in you?"
"Hmph~!"
"I'm not talking to you anymore, narcissist~!"
Her face flushed pink after being exposed, and with flustered words she tossed her head and quickened her pace.
They had been walking side by side, but now Jingxiang was a step ahead while Lin Feng was left behind.
Heh… truly a kid's temperament…
Watching her cute, pouty back, Lin Feng's lips curved into an amused smile as he followed.
Her little tantrum actually meant they were growing closer.
Otherwise, with her gentle and quiet personality, she would never act spoiled or say such things to someone she wasn't familiar with.
The fact that she could say them to him meant he now held a very important place in her heart.
Mm. The bridge of friendship was becoming sturdier.
Just as Lin Feng was about to speed up and catch up to her, a familiar fragrance drifted over from the direction ahead.
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