After Becoming the Abused Heroine in a Campus Story - Chapter 25: I Don’t Buy This Anymore

Chapter 25: I Don’t Buy This Anymore

In her previous life, Zhou Yining’s home had a dedicated study room. Two walls were lined with bookshelves, filled with countless books, some hers, some others’.

Zhou Yining sighed softly. She wondered when she would ever afford a house like before in this lifetime. She still needed to work hard.

After resting for a bit, Zhou Yining pulled Jiang Xianzhi to continue the lesson. In one morning, Zhou Yining reviewed three knowledge points with her. The progress was slow, but Zhou Yining explained thoroughly, and Jiang Xianzhi mostly understood.

Near noon, a servant came upstairs to call them down for lunch.

Zhou Yining paused her teaching. In her previous life, she was harsh on herself, the type to study relentlessly. She looked at Jiang Xianzhi, who had studied all morning under her guidance.

Zhou Yining smiled and asked, “Tired? Did I explain too fast?”

“No, it’s fine. I understood everything you taught,” Jiang Xianzhi replied. Though she felt tired, she could handle it. After all, Zhou Yining, who taught her all morning, worked harder.

Jiang Xianzhi tugged Zhou Yining’s wrist. “Come on, let’s wash our hands and go eat.”

“Hmm,” Zhou Yining nodded. She followed Jiang Xianzhi to the bathroom in her room.

Jiang Xianzhi’s room looked like a princess’s, every item delicate. Zhou Yining washed her hands, then went downstairs with Jiang Xianzhi.

Jiang Xianzhi’s parents were busy and never came home for lunch. Usually, Jiang Yueyi ate at the company or outside, rarely returning home. But today, she wanted to observe Zhou Yining more, so she stayed home.

Zhou Yining followed Jiang Xianzhi downstairs. She smiled and nodded at Jiang Yueyi. “Sorry for the trouble.”

“No trouble. You’re Zhizhi’s friend. Treat this place like your home,” Jiang Yueyi said, giving instructions to the servants. They began serving food.

Zhou Yining sat next to Jiang Xianzhi, while Jiang Yueyi sat across from her. Soon, the meal was brought out.

Zhou Yining ate gracefully, occasionally whispering to Jiang Xianzhi. She showed no signs of nervousness, which surprised Jiang Yueyi.

Zhou Yining’s clothes were plain, clearly indicating her family’s modest circumstances. Yet, she never seemed intimidated since arriving. Jiang Yueyi found her sister’s friend intriguing.

After lunch, Zhou Yining stood to leave. At the door, she reminded Jiang Xianzhi to study well.

“I have things to do this afternoon, so I’ll go now. Remember to do the problems I marked for you. I’ll explain them at school next week.”

Jiang Xianzhi pursed her lips slightly. She gently shook Zhou Yining’s wrist. “Leaving already? Is it something important?”

Zhou Yining looked at Jiang Xianzhi. The girl’s striking fox-like eyes stared at her. Zhou Yining’s lips curved. “Hmm, I do have important things to do. I’ll come back next Sunday morning.”

“Alright,” Jiang Xianzhi replied, a bit deflated. They were just casual friends, not close enough for her to act clingy or ask Zhou Yining to stay. What if Zhou Yining really had important matters?

“Hmm, rest a bit before doing the problems. I’m off,” Zhou Yining said, waving as she walked out of the villa.

Jiang Xianzhi stood at the door, watching Zhou Yining’s back for a while before looking away.

Jiang Yueyi frowned at her sister. She had never seen her sister act so clingy. Something felt off.

Jiang Yueyi walked to Jiang Xianzhi’s side. “What’s wrong? Don’t want her to leave?”

“No, Sister, go to the company. Don’t talk nonsense,” Jiang Xianzhi said, heading to her room. She planned to nap and then continue her work.

After leaving, Zhou Yining found an internet café and started writing. She had written seven or eight outlines already. Short stories paid faster, so she focused on those that afternoon.

With limited time, she spent four hours writing two 6,000-word short stories and submitted them as usual.

Checking the time, it was past 5 p.m. Waiting for payment would take a while. With only sixty yuan left, Zhou Yining planned to check for part-time jobs at a milk tea shop near school.

She took a bus to the school area and found a shop hiring.

Zhou Yining asked, “Hello, are you hiring part-time workers?”

“Yes, fifteen yuan an hour. We’re short-staffed. If you’re interested, you can try. It’s simple. The drink recipes are written there, and we pay daily before you leave,” the lady explained with a smile.

“I’d like to try, but I can’t stay late. It’s six now, so I can only work until eight,” Zhou Yining said.

She needed time to shower and wash clothes, but earning thirty yuan was better than nothing. Otherwise, she couldn’t even afford the internet café.

“That’s fine. Come in, put on this apron, and wear our standard hat,” the lady said, leading Zhou Yining to change.

At six, the shop got busier. Zhou Yining followed the recipe chart and quickly got the hang of it.

Her quick work impressed the lady at the shop.

“Hello, two lattes with three parts sugar, please,” a clear female voice said.

Zhou Yining looked up and saw Zhong Yumeng, a girl often with Zhang Ye, so she recognized her.

Zhong Yumeng saw Zhou Yining and smiled. “You work here?”

“Hmm, earning some pocket money,” Zhou Yining nodded.

Zhong Yumeng looked at her. “Interested in tutoring me in math? I’ll pay market rates.”

Zhou Yining mixed drinks and asked, “What’s your math score?”

“I got 132 this time. My scores are usually around 130,” Zhong Yumeng said.

“That score means you’re losing points on the harder questions, right?”

“Yeah, I rarely get the last big question right beyond the first part. So, what do you think? Tutor me for three hundred an hour. It’s more than you earn here,” Zhong Yumeng said, smiling. She had a sweet, obedient look.

Zhou Yining thought briefly and nodded. “Deal, but I’m only free Sunday afternoons.”

“That works. Let’s exchange contact info for later,” Zhong Yumeng said, pulling out her phone and showing a QR code.

Zhou Yining scanned it with her phone. “Good, we’ll talk then.”

“Hmm, you’re busy. I won’t disturb you,” Zhong Yumeng said, waving with a smile as she left.

Zhou Yining worked until 8 p.m. Since it was busy, the lady gave her an extra ten yuan, totaling forty yuan.

With her remaining sixty, Zhou Yining had one hundred yuan. She sighed, still as poor as ever.

At home, Zhou Yuanfei and Zhao Xiuna watched TV in the living room, while Zhou Jiaming played games on the couch.

Zhou Yining entered without greeting them and went straight to the bathroom. She put her clothes in the washing machine, then grabbed her pajamas.

Zhou Yuanfei, annoyed she didn’t acknowledge him, said deliberately, “Some people are shameless. They don’t earn money, don’t save, and use the washing machine, wasting water. Can’t they hand-wash?”

Zhou Yining sneered at him, casually pulling out her phone and starting the recording function. “True, living is tough. Why don’t you just die?”

“Zhou Yining, don’t act crazy. You think I won’t touch you just because you know the police?” Zhou Yuanfei fumed, enraged by her curse.

“Who’s acting crazy? If you can’t afford a daughter, don’t have one. All you do is complain and not provide. Can’t even pay the water bill? You’re pretty useless,” Zhou Yining shot back. This family had no normal people, and she didn’t bother with them.

“Zhou Yining, you live off me, eat my food, drink my water, and dare talk back? I don’t have a daughter like you!” Zhou Yuanfei shouted, furious.

Zhou Yining nodded. “Don’t worry. Once I have money, even if you beg, I won’t come back.”

“You dare? You think you can live here for free? I’m telling you, after high school, you’ll work to support the family. Then marry someone quick. Until you hand over two hundred thousand in dowry, you’re not leaving.”

Zhou Yining smirked coldly. “Waiting for me here? So you raised a daughter for dowry money? Well, I’ll tell you now—dream on. You won’t get a cent.”

With that, Zhou Yining ignored Zhou Yuanfei’s anger, grabbed her clothes, and went to shower.

Her attitude infuriated Zhou Yuanfei, but with her gone, he had no outlet. He slammed a cup on the table.

Zhao Xiuna, watching his expression, cautiously said, “Yining might be stressed lately. Don’t be mad. You’re her father. Will she really ignore you later?”

“She’d better die out there. Did you hear what she said? Is that human talk?” Zhou Yuanfei raged.

“Alright, alright. It’s a rare day off. Don’t be mad. Go to bed early,” Zhao Xiuna urged.

Zhou Yuanfei snorted, turned off the TV, and slammed the door to his room.

Zhou Jiaming, seeing Zhou Yining scolded, happily returned to his room to game.

Zhao Xiuna sat in the living room, sighing. In the past, Zhou Yining stayed home on Sundays, helping with chores, washing everyone’s clothes, bedding, and cleaning the house, saving her effort. But today, Zhou Yining was out all day, leaving Zhao Xiuna to do everything.

Zhao Xiuna wanted to talk to her daughter. She didn’t want things to be like this.

When Zhou Yining finished showering, Zhao Xiuna was still in the living room.

Zhou Yining ignored her and hung her clothes on the balcony.

Zhao Xiuna approached, her tone slightly pleading. “Yining, let Mother help you hang them.”

“No need. If you have something to say, say it. Don’t act,” Zhou Yining replied. She was done with this family’s antics. The original Yining’s parents only loved their precious son. The original Yining was like a freebie from a phone plan.

Zhao Xiuna’s prepared emotions were cut off, nearly choking her.

She looked at Zhou Yining, shocked. “Yining, what do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said, Madam Zhao. After last time’s mess, no need to act like a loving mother and filial daughter. I’m not playing along,” Zhou Yining said, continuing to hang her clothes.

“How can you talk to Mother like that? Haven’t I been good to you? Yes, your father and I may favor your little brother a bit, but you don’t need to say such hurtful words.”

Zhao Xiuna watched Zhou Yining’s expression. Seeing her indifference, she continued, “You weren’t like this before. Remember? You used to help me with chores on your days off, saying you didn’t want me to work too hard, that you wanted to support this family together…”

“Enough. Stop reminiscing. The old me was too naive. I won’t be like that anymore. Madam Zhao, if you want to suffer, that’s your choice. Don’t drag me into it. I don’t buy this anymore.”

With that, Zhou Yining walked past Zhao Xiuna to continue hanging clothes.

Zhao Xiuna stood frozen, her eyes red, staring at Zhou Yining’s back. Things used to be fine. Why did her daughter change? No, she needed to visit the school to see if Zhou Yining was influenced by bad people.

Zhou Yining ignored Zhao Xiuna completely. In this family, some were rotten to the core, others used moral blackmail to make you compromise for the family. Both were equally disgusting.

Zhou Yining almost admired the original Yining for surviving this family so long. No wonder she was insecure and sensitive.

After hanging her clothes and drying her hair, Zhou Yining returned to her small bed. She saved the recording of the argument again. These were her leverage for leaving this family.

Opening WeChat, Zhou Yining saw a notification from Jiang Xianzhi. She clicked in.

Jiang Xianzhi: [Teacher Zhou, I finished all the homework you assigned. Any rewards? (Cat peeking jpg)]

The message was sent after six. It was nearly ten now. Zhou Yining had been busy and hadn’t checked her phone. She quickly typed a reply.

Zhou Yining: [Yes, I’ll buy you snacks tomorrow morning, okay? (Petting cat head jpg)]

Jiang Xianzhi seemed to be waiting, replying instantly.

Jiang Xianzhi: [Great, I’ll wait for Teacher Zhou tomorrow morning, hehe.]

Zhou Yining: [Hmm, rest early. Don’t study too late.]

Jiang Xianzhi: [You too. See you tomorrow.]

Zhou Yining: [See you tomorrow.]

Jiang Xianzhi sent the message at six, and Zhou Yining hadn’t replied. She wanted to call but feared seeming clingy, so she held back.

Even without calling, she checked her phone every few minutes, practically staring holes into the screen, until Zhou Yining finally replied.

Jiang Xianzhi rolled on her bed happily, her mood soaring. She hugged her blanket, humming, wondering if she was too attached to Zhou Yining.

After rolling a bit more, Jiang Xianzhi felt thirsty. She usually drank warm milk before bed. Now, with Zhou Yining’s reply, she prepared to sleep soon.

In a great mood, she went downstairs and saw her mother talking with her sister in the living room.

Jiang Xianzhi ran over, smiling. “Mother, Sister, you’re still up?”

“Hmm, we’ll sleep soon. Since you’re here, drink your milk,” Liang Jing said, pushing a cup of milk to Jiang Xianzhi.

Jiang Xianzhi took the milk, sipped twice, and smiled.

Liang Jing, seeing her daughter happy, asked with a smile, “What’s up? Something good happen?”

“Nothing, just chatting with a classmate,” Jiang Xianzhi said, shaking her cup.

Liang Jing’s heart skipped. Fearing her daughter was close to Zhang Ye, she asked quickly, “Who? You never mentioned a new friend.”

“It’s the classmate who came this morning to tutor me, Zhou Yining. She’s great, and her grades are better than Zhang Ye’s,” Jiang Xianzhi said proudly.

“Oh, the girl who helped with your homework?” Liang Jing relaxed. She didn’t like Zhang Ye much, finding him too arrogant for her daughter. But since her daughter liked him, she couldn’t interfere.

Still, hearing it wasn’t Zhang Ye eased her mind.

“Hmm, that’s her. Zhou Yining’s awesome. She wrote me a notebook of key math points for high school. She left me homework, but I’m stuck on some problems. I’ll ask her at school tomorrow.”

Liang Jing smiled, nodding, but felt her daughter’s behavior was odd. She used to look like this when praising Zhang Ye. Since Zhou Yining was a girl, Liang Jing assumed her daughter was just excited about a new friend and didn’t dwell on it.

“That’s nice. Next time she comes, I’ll tell Aunt Zhang to prepare extra good food.”

“Hmm, thanks, Mother. I’m done. Going to bed,” Jiang Xianzhi said, greeting Liang Jing and Jiang Yueyi before happily heading upstairs.

Once her daughter was gone, Liang Jing asked, “You met that girl? What’s she like?”

Jiang Yueyi looked at her mother. “I saw her. She seems steady, maybe a bit guarded, but reliable. She spent the whole morning tutoring Zhizhi in math.”

“Hmm, have someone check her background, just in case. We don’t want anyone bad hurting Zhizhi,” Liang Jing instructed.

“Don’t worry, Mother. I already asked someone to look into it.”

“Good, that’s fine then.”

The next morning, Zhou Yining sat in the living room eating breakfast as if nothing happened.

Zhou Yuanfei made faces at the table, but Zhou Yining ignored him. After finishing her noodles, she said, “Zhou Yuanfei, are you sick? Your face is twitching. Having a stroke or paralyzed?”

“Zhou Yining, you dare curse me?” Zhou Yuanfei snapped, throwing his chopsticks.

Zhou Yining didn’t bother with him, grabbed her bag, and left. She ate well, and if Zhou Yuanfei couldn’t, even better.

In a good mood, she left home and went to a nearby supermarket. She promised Jiang Xianzhi snacks and intended to keep her word.

At the supermarket, Zhou Yining picked out chips, fries, yogurt, and milk candies, spending over seventy yuan.

After paying, she had just over twenty yuan left. She laughed at her own poverty.

In her previous life, she became a bestselling author in college, never short of money. Now, she was truly broke.

But she had arranged to tutor Zhong Yumeng, so she’d earn some money this Sunday.

Carrying the snack bag, Zhou Yining headed to school. Near the gate, she saw the same group from the cafeteria. Feeling uneasy, she took out her phone, started recording, and put it back in her pocket.

Lin Shaohui spotted Zhou Yining. He and two boys approached, seeing her snack bag. Lin Shaohui teased, “Yo, so many goodies. All for Zhang Ye?”

“None of your business. Does it concern you?” Zhou Yining shot back coldly.

Lin Shaohui whistled. “Feisty. You’re different now. I remember you used to just cry or beg timidly. Now you’re more interesting.”

“Speak plainly,” Zhou Yining said, staring coldly, not breaking eye contact.

“Heh, you think that matter’s over, huh? I was going to let you all off, since you’re boring. But I heard your grades improved, and you got prettier. Now you seem interesting,” Lin Shaohui said lazily.

“If you’re sick, get help. Don’t play riddles with me. I’m not playing,” Zhou Yining said, brushing past him toward the school. Then she heard his next words.

“You really forgot about the video, or are you pretending?” Lin Shaohui stared at her, watching for her reaction.

“What video?” Zhou Yining turned, asking coldly.

Lin Shaohui smirked mockingly, his gaze roaming over her shamelessly. “Nothing.”

He called to his lackeys, “Let’s go, guys.”

“Later, later,” the other two said, grinning maliciously at Zhou Yining.

Zhou Yining’s face darkened. The original Yining likely faced other bullying. Lin Shaohui said “you all,” so it wasn’t just her.

Zhou Yining took it seriously. She had to figure this out. What was that video?