After Becoming the Abused Heroine in a Campus Story - Chapter 26: The First to Go Crazy Enjoys the World First!

Chapter 26: The First to Go Crazy Enjoys the World First!

Zhou Yining walked toward Class 19, temporarily setting aside the video matter.

After entering the classroom, several girls were already waiting with snacks, lining up to hear her explain problems.

Zhou Yining smiled at them. “You came this early?”

“Of course, or we wouldn’t get a spot,” Yu Yang said, placing a bag of snacks on Zhou Yining’s desk. She winked at the others, grinning. “Sister Zhou is all mine this morning.”

“Then I’ll take the afternoon,” another girl said.

“I’ll take evening self-study,” a third chimed in.

Zhou Yining laughed, amused by them. “You guys sure know how to plan. You’ve arranged me perfectly.”

“Definitely. You’re in high demand now,” Yu Yang said, pulling out her math test paper.

Zhou Yining tidied her desk and began explaining problems to Yu Yang. Jiang Hao watched the girls crowding around Zhou Yining. He suddenly felt jealous. If he hadn’t been so mouthy before, he could’ve asked questions too. Now, he was too embarrassed to approach.

Soon, morning reading started. With Zhou Yining’s level, she had little to study. She only reviewed required poetry and classical texts for Chinese.

Morning reading flowed into the first period. When Chen Yitong entered, she saw students dozing off.

She tapped the blackboard, stressing firmly, “Wake up. Finals are a month away. Stop living in a dream. Get some energy. Students by the window, open the windows.”

After the teacher’s words, everyone’s focus gradually returned. They listened attentively.

Zhou Yining, however, still thought about the morning’s events. What did Lin Shaohui mean? What was the video about?

Her fingertips clenched together. As a student with no connections or money, investigating alone was too hard. She decided to find a chance to ask Tian Xue, who seemed to know something based on her last reaction.

After class, Yu Yang rushed over with her test paper. Zhou Yining smiled. “I’ll explain after the next period. I’m heading to Class 1.”

Seeing Zhou Yining carrying snacks, Yu Yang assumed she was delivering them to Zhang Ye. She winked playfully.

Zhou Yining shook her head, chuckling. Without explaining, she left the classroom.

Class 1 was on the third floor. Zhou Yining went downstairs and headed there. At the door, she met Zhong Yumeng, who was returning with water.

Zhong Yumeng saw her and greeted her with a smile. “Here to find someone?”

“Hmm, dropping off stuff for a friend,” Zhou Yining replied, looking at Zhong Yumeng.

“By the way, I sent you my address last night. On Sunday, I’ll wait at home, or I can have my driver pick you up,” Zhong Yumeng said.

She always had tutors at home, all renowned teachers from Nanchuan City. Yet her scores stayed around 130. She thought a student like Zhou Yining, with a different perspective, might bring unexpected results.

“No need. I’ll go myself,” Zhou Yining said.

While they talked outside, gossipy classmates started whispering inside.

“Hey, Zhou Yining from Class 19 brought a huge bag of snacks. Is she trying to suck up to our Brother Ye again?” one said.

“Obviously. Girls always say one thing and mean another. She’s definitely here for Brother Ye,” another added.

“Sure. She argued with Brother Ye last time. Clearly, she just wanted his attention,” a third remarked.

Zhang Ye heard this but didn’t act rashly. He asked, “Really?”

“Totally. Last time, she caused a scene to get your attention. This time, she’s buttering you up. Typical girl tactics,” a boy beside Zhang Ye said.

Zhang Ye pursed his lips, not daring to go out. After being proven wrong twice before, if she wasn’t here for him, he’d lose face again.

Jiang Xianzhi, in the back, heard the gossip. For some reason, she suddenly found Zhang Ye annoying.

She deliberately passed by Zhang Ye and said, “Zhou Zhou is here for me. Don’t flatter yourself.”

Zhang Ye frowned. “Jiang Xianzhi, that’s how you talk to me?”

Jiang Xianzhi nodded matter-of-factly. “How else?”

She felt clear-headed now, no longer infatuated with Zhang Ye. She even found many of his actions distasteful.

Eager to find Zhou Yining, Jiang Xianzhi didn’t linger with Zhang Ye. She ran to the classroom door.

As she exited Class 1, she saw Zhou Yining chatting and laughing with Zhong Yumeng.

Jiang Xianzhi’s lips pursed slightly. Her earlier joy dimmed significantly.

Zhou Yining noticed Jiang Xianzhi. She looked at Zhong Yumeng. “The person I’m looking for is here. Let’s chat later.”

“Hmm, I’ll head back,” Zhong Yumeng said, walking toward the door. She smiled at Jiang Xianzhi as she passed.

Jiang Xianzhi couldn’t smile back. She didn’t like Zhong Yumeng. When she was into Zhang Ye, Zhong Yumeng always hovered around him. Now that she was close to Zhou Yining, why was Zhong Yumeng cozying up to her too?

Seeing Jiang Xianzhi hadn’t moved, Zhou Yining walked over. “Here, your promised reward. I didn’t know what you like, so I got a bit of everything.”

She opened the bag slightly, showing Jiang Xianzhi the snacks inside.

Jiang Xianzhi glanced at Zhou Yining, pouting. Unable to hold back, she asked, “Are you close with Zhong Yumeng?”

“Not really. We just ran into each other and chatted a bit. What’s wrong?” Zhou Yining sensed Jiang Xianzhi’s mood was off and asked quickly.

Hearing this, Jiang Xianzhi felt better. “Nothing. I worked hard on the problems you left me, but I got a few wrong.”

“No worries about mistakes. I’ll explain them over dinner tonight. Class is starting soon. Take the snacks. I need to go,” Zhou Yining said, handing over the bag.

Jiang Xianzhi took it, staring at Zhou Yining intently. What should she do? She almost wanted to transfer to Class 19 to stay with Zhou Yining.

Seeing her stare, Zhou Yining smiled. “What’s up? Dazed? Still not awake?”

“A bit,” Jiang Xianzhi said, her hands twisting behind her back. She just wanted to spend more time with Zhou Yining.

“Class is starting. Go nap a bit, or you’ll fall asleep next period,” Zhou Yining said, patting Jiang Xianzhi’s arm with a smile. “I’m really going, or I’ll be late.”

With that, Zhou Yining waved and headed to the stairs.

Jiang Xianzhi watched Zhou Yining’s back disappear before entering the classroom with the snacks.

She couldn’t quite understand her feelings. She hadn’t known Zhou Yining long, but she couldn’t help wanting to be near her.

As Jiang Xianzhi entered with the snacks, she raised an eyebrow at Zhang Ye. Zhou Zhou brought these for her, not for him.

Zhang Ye looked at Jiang Xianzhi, confused, unsure what she was flaunting. He just thought both Jiang Xianzhi and Zhou Yining were acting odd lately.

Jiang Xianzhi returned to her seat, looking at the bag of snacks. Her mood lifted. It wasn’t about not affording them; Zhou Yining’s gift made her especially happy. Even her morning classes went better.

Back in Class 19, Zhou Yining spent the next two breaks explaining problems to classmates. Her snack stash grew to two big bags.

Soon, the fourth period, Chinese, began. Chen Yitong entered with review test papers.

She spoke cheerfully. “Finals are a month away, but there’s good news. The provincial essay contest is starting soon. Based on this month’s exam scores, the school selected five participants. Four are from top classes, but one spot from a regular class went to our Zhou Yining.”

Chen Yitong smiled at Zhou Yining, continuing, “But Zhou, keep working hard. This spot could still change. The final participants depend on your finals essay scores. Still, this is impressive. A provincial award could lead to the national contest.”

Zhou Yining hadn’t expected to compete. This was new compared to her previous life. It seemed interesting.

At noon dismissal, Zhou Yining packed up and went to find Tian Xue. Tian Xue looked at her with probing eyes.

“Nice, you’re going to a provincial contest. Those past events didn’t affect you,” Tian Xue said, her gaze deep.

“You can improve too. How’s the review material I gave you? You only asked me about problems once recently,” Zhou Yining said. Fearing her changes might make Tian Xue feel inferior, she tried to accommodate her feelings.

“Hmph, with everyone crowding you, how could I ask?” Tian Xue’s expression seemed off.

Zhou Yining frowned slightly. “If you came to me, I’d explain to you first. You’re my friend.”

“Friend?” Tian Xue’s eyes darkened as she looked at Zhou Yining. “You probably don’t want me as a friend anymore, right? You’re surrounded by good students now. Do you think a friend like me embarrasses you?”

“Why would you think that?” Zhou Yining knew Tian Xue, like the original Yining, was insecure. She was careful around her, so why was there a misunderstanding?

“Why wouldn’t I? You good students never like hanging out with bad ones. Do you know what classmates say? They call me your lackey, say you’re kind for not ditching me, the deadweight, even after improving. They say I cling to you. In their eyes, I’m a clown,” Tian Xue burst out, venting her pent-up emotions.

Zhou Yining looked at her calmly. “First, I don’t know about others, but I never looked down on you. You’re my friend. Second, we can’t stop others’ mouths. Let them say what they want. Just be yourself. Their opinions don’t matter.”

“Zhou Yining, why didn’t I see how fake you are before? Would you say that if you were me? You don’t understand my feelings. Spare me your fake kindness. I’m sick of you. You’re so pretentious,” Tian Xue spat, unleashing all her frustration.

Zhou Yining stared at her steadily. “That’s how you see me? Fine, I’m leaving.”

She knew Tian Xue’s personality but wasn’t willing to take this abuse. Should she dim her own light to accommodate Tian Xue? That made no sense.

She had been mindful of Tian Xue’s feelings. Asking her to compromise further was impossible.

Tian Xue watched Zhou Yining’s retreating back, covering her mouth as she cried.

At home, Zhou Yining saw many people. Zhou Yuanfei was there, talking with several in the living room.

Seeing Zhou Yining, Zhou Yuanfei scolded, “The older you get, the less manners you have. Why didn’t you greet your uncles and aunts?”

A round-faced woman quickly intervened, “Oh, this is Yining? She’s so grown. Come, let me look at you.”

“Yeah, Yining’s this big now. I remember she’s the same age as my Kang Le, almost in senior year, right?” the original Yining’s second aunt, a woman with glasses, said.

Zhou Yining didn’t want to talk much. She glanced at them faintly and headed to the dining room. Reaching her small bed there, her temples throbbed. Two boys, around six or seven, stood on her bed, holding toy guns, jumping and playing a shooting game.

Zhou Yining frowned at them. “Get down. Who let you play here?”

The older boy raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Third Uncle said so. He said we could play anywhere except Brother’s room.”

“Yeah, anywhere. Woohoo, shooting, pew pew pew…” the younger boy echoed.

The kids kept bouncing on her bed, with instant noodle crumbs scattered around. It looked disgusting.

“Go play elsewhere,” Zhou Yining said, pulling them off. The boys, seeing her act, started crying.

The adults in the living room heard and rushed over.

“Mom, Zhou Yining bullied me. She won’t let me play here,” the older boy cried.

“Yeah, she hit us,” the younger one sobbed.

“Yining, how could you hit your little brothers? These are the Zhou family’s roots, precious,” Fifth Aunt said, checking her two sons.

Fifth Uncle came over, frowning at Zhou Yining. “Yining, you’re so grown. You should yield to your brothers.”

Zhou Yining sneered. “Don’t morally blackmail me. Those are your sons, not mine. Treasure them yourself. It’s not my business. Also, your sons jumped on my bed, leaving noodle crumbs everywhere. Such manners show no upbringing. Fifth Uncle, Fifth Aunt, are you two illiterate? Didn’t you teach your sons basic decency?”

Fifth Uncle’s face turned red and pale under Zhou Yining’s rapid-fire words. Fifth Aunt wanted to interrupt, but Zhou Yining’s scolding was too fast. She could only listen, fuming.

“Look, Third Brother, your daughter’s mouth is sharp,” Fifth Uncle said, unable to retort, directing it at Zhou Yuanfei.

Zhou Yuanfei didn’t want to provoke Zhou Yining today, with so many relatives around. If she went off, he’d lose face. He coughed lightly. “It’s just your brothers playing on your bed a bit. Is it a big deal? I’ll have your mother change the sheets later.”

Zhou Yining sneered. “It is a big deal. Why not let them play in Zhou Jiaming’s room? So protective of your precious son? People might think you’re saving a throne for him. The Qing Dynasty’s gone, and you’re still pulling this? Ridiculous or what?”

“Zhou Yining, you okay? Yell at them, fine, but don’t drag me in. I don’t like people touching my stuff,” Zhou Jiaming said, running over from the living room.

“Funny, neither do I,” Zhou Yining said, arms crossed, scanning the group.

Zhou Yuanfei saw everyone losing face. He signaled Zhou Yining desperately, hoping she’d behave today. But Zhou Yining wouldn’t play along.

She called him out. “What? Got dog crap in your eyes? Why’re you winking at me?”

Zhou Yuanfei’s veins bulged with anger. “Zhou Yining, don’t go too far. Go help your mother in the kitchen. She’s been busy all morning.”

The Zhou family relatives came from the county to Nanchuan City for a visit, staying at Zhou Yuanfei’s place. His home was small, so they’d stay at a nearby hotel. But Zhou Yuanfei, loving face, covered their meals and lodging, acting like he was thriving in Nanchuan City.

Zhou Yining didn’t give him face. “You know she worked all morning? I see you all chatting idly in the living room. No one helped in the kitchen. Why’s a student like me, just back from school, being ordered around?”

Her words made the relatives feel ashamed.

“Right, I was about to help. Come, Fourth Sister-in-law, let’s lend a hand,” Second Aunt said, signaling Fourth Aunt.

Fourth Aunt caught on. “Exactly, we got too excited catching up and forgot to help. Thanks to Yining’s reminder.”

“Third Brother, Yining’s such a filial kid,” the original Yining’s great-aunt added, smoothing things over.

Zhou Yuanfei’s teeth itched with anger, but with so many people, he valued face. He sighed. “She’s alright, I guess. Not as obedient as when she was little. Girls grow up and drift away.”

Zhou Yining felt disgusted by his words. “Filial? Filialty depends on whether parents did their duty. Why should kids be filial to parents who didn’t? Right?”

Zhou Yuanfei nearly exploded, but he held back. Seeing Zhou Yining still defying him, he gritted his teeth. “Yining, didn’t you say this morning you had no pocket money? Here’s a hundred. Buy something nice when you’re tired at school.”

Zhou Yining raised an eyebrow. She didn’t expect money from Zhou Yuanfei, especially after their last fight. Middle-aged men and their pride—giving her money to save face?

Zhou Yuanfei wanted to compromise, but would Zhou Yining let him?

“Just a hundred? You didn’t give me pocket money last month. I had to mooch snacks off classmates when I was hungry…”

“Alright, alright, two hundred. Go wash your hands and get ready to eat,” Zhou Yuanfei said, pulling out two hundred yuan and stuffing it into her hand to shut her up.

Zhou Yining’s lips curved. She happily pocketed the money. Getting cash from Zhou Yuanfei was no small feat.

She went to wash her hands in a great mood. Zhou Jiaming, watching, gritted his teeth. His dad gave her two hundred just to avoid her tantrum? He wasn’t happy.

In the kitchen, after Zhou Yining’s words, the uncles and aunts felt ashamed. They all offered to help, but Zhao Xiuna shooed some out so the kitchen wasn’t cramped.

At dinner, everyone was in the living room, but chairs were limited. Zhao Xiuna and two aunts stood, picking at food.

Zhou Yuanfei, emboldened by giving Zhou Yining two hundred, thought she wouldn’t refuse him. “Yining, get up. Let your aunt sit.”

Zhou Yining thought he’d learned. Just as she picked up her chopsticks, he provoked her again. She slammed them down. “Why me? Your son played all noon, didn’t help at all. Why not call him? And you, you didn’t work either. Why not stand and let your wife rest? Or do you men see your wives as maids, and women just exist to work?”

The moment Zhou Yining spoke, Zhou Yuanfei knew he’d messed up. Why was his mouth so reckless? He’d just paid two hundred to silence her, and now she was spouting words that embarrassed everyone.

“No, guests come first. We should treat them well,” Zhou Yuanfei said through gritted teeth.

“Exactly. You and Zhou Jiaming stand. That’s two spots for the aunts,” Zhou Yining said calmly.

“No, no, let’s eat like this. Don’t bother the kids,” Fourth Aunt said quickly, smoothing things over.

“Yeah, sit here, eat at my spot. Us men can stand,” Fourth Uncle said, likely embarrassed by Zhou Yining’s words, standing to let Fourth Aunt sit.

Second Uncle did the same. Zhou Yuanfei, seeing his brothers let their wives sit, felt he’d lose face if he didn’t. He told Zhao Xiuna, “Come sit here. Hurry.”

Zhao Xiuna saw Zhou Yuanfei’s sour face; she sat nervously while eating cautiously and glancing at him often.

Zhou Yining didn’t care. She had no affection for the original Yining’s family. They could do what they wanted, as long as they didn’t upset her.

With a mess of problems on her plate, she was a ticking bomb. The saying “take a step back for peace” was nonsense. In the original Yining’s family, she believed only the first to go crazy enjoyed the world!