After Becoming the Abused Heroine in a Campus Story - Chapter 30: I Must Make Them Face the Punishment They Deserve…

Chapter 30: I Must Make Them Face the Punishment They Deserve…

On Sunday morning, Zhou Yining woke up early. She had to tutor Jiang Xianzhi in the morning and meet Zhong Yumeng in the afternoon. Her rest day was fully packed.

Seeing Zhou Yining eat breakfast and prepare to leave, Zhao Xiuna asked, “Yining, where are you going so early?”

“I made plans with a classmate to study together. I’ll be back around seven or eight tonight,” Zhou Yining said.

Zhao Xiuna frowned slightly. “Which classmate? I only heard you mention Tian Xue before.”

“You don’t know her. It’s not Tian Xue. I’m leaving now, or I’ll be late,” Zhou Yining said, not wanting to explain further. She left the house directly.

Zhao Xiuna watched Zhou Yining’s departing figure and sighed several times.

Zhou Jiaming lounged on the sofa, playing with his phone. He grimaced and exaggerated, “Mother, look at her, rushing out so early. She’s definitely meeting a boyfriend. Girls in my class act like that when they have one. She’s probably not studying well.”

“Don’t talk about your sister like that,” Zhao Xiuna scolded her son, but deep down, she thought the same as Zhou Jiaming. She felt her daughter was too rebellious now, not listening at all.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xianzhi also woke up early. She finished breakfast by seven and sat in the living room, glancing toward the courtyard.

Seeing her sister so eager, Jiang Yueyi asked, “What’re you doing?”

“Waiting for my friend, the one who came last week, Zhou Yining. Remember her?” Jiang Xianzhi said, her eyes lighting up when mentioning Zhou Yining.

Jiang Yueyi nodded, glanced at the clock, and said, “But you’re waiting too early. Didn’t you agree on eight? It’s not even seven-thirty.”

“What if she arrives early? I need to wait for her,” Jiang Xianzhi said, hugging a cushion on the sofa, looking anxious.

Jiang Yueyi was puzzled. Was her sister not only love-sick but also this obsessed with a friend?

“Fine, wait by yourself. I’m heading to the company,” Jiang Yueyi said. She had checked Zhou Yining’s background last week. Zhou Yining was an ordinary high schooler from a modest family with a younger brother.

Knowing Zhou Yining was fine, Jiang Yueyi didn’t mind her sister’s friendship with her.

“Hmm, be safe,” Jiang Xianzhi said, seeing her sister off. She then wandered in the courtyard, waiting for Zhou Yining.

Zhou Yining took a bus to the villa district, then walked to the entrance.

She was stopped by security again, but since they knew she was Jiang Xianzhi’s friend, they were kinder. After a phone call, they let her in.

Ten minutes later, Zhou Yining reached Villa 13. At the gate, she saw Jiang Xianzhi strolling in the courtyard.

“Waiting long?” Zhou Yining asked.

“No, I just came out,” Jiang Xianzhi said, her eyes brightening. She jogged to Zhou Yining.

Zhou Yining smiled at her. “Let’s go. Time for the morning’s intense study plan.”

Jiang Xianzhi laughed, her gaze falling on Zhou Yining’s hand at her side. She hesitated about holding it, worried it might be too sudden and Zhou Yining might pull away, embarrassing her.

Seeing Jiang Xianzhi freeze, Zhou Yining turned back. “What’s up?”

She grabbed Jiang Xianzhi’s wrist. “Still going to your study room today?”

Jiang Xianzhi’s ears turned slightly red, the wrist Zhou Yining held feeling warm. “Hmm, ate breakfast? Want to eat something first?”

Zhou Yining’s fingers lightly brushed Jiang Xianzhi’s wrist. “No, we need to hurry and review.”

Jiang Xianzhi’s ears grew redder. “Then I’ll listen to you. Let’s go to the study room.”

“Good,” Zhou Yining said, still holding Jiang Xianzhi’s wrist as they went upstairs.

Jiang Xianzhi looked at her wrist held by Zhou Yining, unable to hide her smile.

For some reason, she loved being with Zhou Yining and enjoyed Zhou Yining touching her like this.

Zhou Yining didn’t know her thoughts. She led her to the study room. At the door, Zhou Yining turned to see Jiang Xianzhi daydreaming. She let go of her wrist and lightly patted Jiang Xianzhi’s arm.

“What’re you thinking, so lost?” Zhou Yining asked.

“N-Nothing,” Jiang Xianzhi said, feeling a slight loss as the warmth on her wrist faded. She liked Zhou Yining holding her like that.

“No zoning out during lessons. Let’s go,” Zhou Yining said, turning the doorknob. They entered the study room together.

“I’ll review last week’s concepts with you first, then give you a few problems to see how you’ve grasped them,” Zhou Yining said.

She sat at the desk, with Jiang Xianzhi beside her.

Hearing Zhou Yining, Jiang Xianzhi didn’t dare think of other things, fearing too many mistakes would disappoint Zhou Yining.

She propped her chin, watching Zhou Yining write problems on scrap paper, her gaze occasionally drifting to Zhou Yining’s face.

When Zhou Yining finished, she saw Jiang Xianzhi staring at her. She patted Jiang Xianzhi’s lower back lightly, making her ears flush red instantly.

Zhou Yining’s lips curved. Was she shy? Pretty cute.

But Zhou Yining didn’t tease her, prioritizing study. “Alright, do these problems and review the concepts.”

Jiang Xianzhi snapped back, obediently taking the paper to work on.

Half an hour later, she finished. Zhou Yining glanced over, pointing to a wrong answer. “This one’s wrong, but only one mistake out of five is great. Just be more careful. This is a formula variation. Let’s review the formula first…”

Jiang Xianzhi listened attentively. Zhou Yining broke down the problem, and she regretted getting stuck on a small detail, or she wouldn’t have erred.

After reviewing past material, Zhou Yining took out a notebook to help Jiang Xianzhi with the second module.

Both were focused, and two hours passed quickly. Zhou Yining checked the time, smiling. “Sorry, I lose track of time when teaching. It’s ten. Let’s rest before continuing.”

“Hmm, I’ll have drinks brought up,” Jiang Xianzhi said, calling downstairs to have a large fruit platter and juice delivered.

Soon, a yogurt fruit platter and two fresh watermelon juices arrived.

Zhou Yining sipped the juice, feeling refreshed. “Hmm, delicious.”

“Drink more then. I’ll have them prepare extra,” Jiang Xianzhi said, her eyes curving as she saw Zhou Yining enjoy it.

“好,” Zhou Yining said, standing to stretch and eating some fruit from the platter.

Jiang Xianzhi watched her, pursing her lips. “Got plans this afternoon?”

Zhou Yining nodded. “Hmm, same as last time. After teaching you, I need to go.”

“Didn’t you eat lunch here last time before leaving? Can’t you stay with me this time?” Jiang Xianzhi said, grabbing Zhou Yining’s wrist and shaking it, acting coy.

Zhou Yining chuckled and nodded. “Alright, I’ll stay for lunch before going.”

“That’s more like it,” Jiang Xianzhi said, pursing her lips. Was she too greedy? Sunday was the only rest day, and she wanted Zhou Yining all to herself.

Seeing Jiang Xianzhi’s mood dip, Zhou Yining leaned closer. “What’s wrong? Don’t want me to leave?”

Jiang Xianzhi’s ears reddened. She wanted to pull back but couldn’t bear to. After a moment, she looked up at Zhou Yining. “Hmm, we only get Sunday to spend together properly. At school, we’re too busy to meet much.”

Zhou Yining’s lips curved slightly. Was the little fox acting coy with her?

She patted Jiang Xianzhi’s lower back gently, soothing. “I’ll try to find you at school when I have time, okay? I really have something to do this afternoon and can’t stay. Don’t be mad, alright?”

Hearing Zhou Yining’s soft coaxing, Jiang Xianzhi’s ears grew redder, her mood lifting.

She nodded, resting her forehead on Zhou Yining’s shoulder.

Jiang Xianzhi was nervous making this move. They were friends now, but she feared Zhou Yining might push her away. Her hands unconsciously tugged Zhou Yining’s T-shirt hem lightly.

Seeing her like this, Zhou Yining’s smile deepened. She wrapped an arm around Jiang Xianzhi’s lower back, pulling her closer, patting gently to comfort.

Jiang Xianzhi, sensing Zhou Yining didn’t mind the closeness, buried her face in Zhou Yining’s shoulder, nearly curling into her embrace. She loved being close to Zhou Yining.

“Alright, eat some fruit. We need to keep studying,” Zhou Yining said, patting Jiang Xianzhi’s lower back.

Jiang Xianzhi sighed softly. For the first time, she thought Zhou Yining was too responsible. She hadn’t leaned in enough, and it was back to studying.

She rubbed her forehead on Zhou Yining’s shoulder, then reluctantly pulled away, looking pitiful.

Ten minutes later, Zhou Yining resumed her intense teaching, guiding Jiang Xianzhi until noon.

Knowing Zhou Yining didn’t mind her touch, Jiang Xianzhi grew bolder.

She leaned her cheek on Zhou Yining’s arm, her pretty fox-like eyes fixed on Zhou Yining.

Zhou Yining tidied the desk and saw Jiang Xianzhi staring. She ruffled Jiang Xianzhi’s hair. “Let’s go eat. I’m hungry.”

“Hmm, eat lots then,” Jiang Xianzhi said, her eyes curving. She grabbed Zhou Yining’s hand, leading her downstairs.

The kitchen was ready. As they went down, fresh dishes were served.

Jiang Xianzhi’s family had ingredients delivered daily, so everything was fresh.

The food was much better than at the original Yining’s home. Zhou Yining ate happily.

Seeing her enjoy it, Jiang Xianzhi’s eyes crinkled. “Like it? Eat more. Tell me what you want next week, and I’ll have them prepare.”

“Anything’s fine. I’m not picky,” Zhou Yining said, smiling.

After lunch, it was nearly one o’clock. Zhou Yining had promised to tutor Zhong Yumeng, so she had to leave.

“It’s about time. I need to go. See you at school tomorrow,” Zhou Yining said softly.

Jiang Xianzhi held Zhou Yining’s wrist, lips pursed tightly. After a moment, she leaned in, burying her cheek in Zhou Yining’s shoulder. “You better come find me tomorrow.”

“Hmm, I’ll remember. You studied all morning and must be tired. Nap before studying more,” Zhou Yining said, stroking Jiang Xianzhi’s lower back gently.

Feeling Zhou Yining’s touch, Jiang Xianzhi’s ears reddened, and she nestled deeper, wishing she could nap with Zhou Yining.

Her cheeks burned at the thought, but she reasoned it was normal for friends to sleep together. Other girls probably did it.

“I really need to go. Be good and nap,” Zhou Yining said, seeing the little fox cling to her, reluctant to let go. She almost didn’t want to leave, but she’d promised Zhong Yumeng and needed her help.

Zhou Yining tugged at Jiang Xianzhi, still in her arms, and smiled. “I’m really going.”

Jiang Xianzhi was utterly unwilling. She loved Zhou Yining holding her; it felt so comfortable. Seeing Zhou Yining insist on leaving, she huffed. “Fine, be careful. Want my driver to take you?”

“No need, don’t worry. Go rest. I’m off,” Zhou Yining said, waving at Jiang Xianzhi before leaving the Jiang villa.

Zhong Yumeng’s home wasn’t far, in the same villa district, but at Villa 36. Zhou Yining needed to walk ten minutes along the road.

Thinking this, she quickened her pace toward Villa 36.

Soon, she arrived. Zhong Yumeng’s villa looked similar to Jiang Xianzhi’s from the outside, with a large courtyard.

As Zhou Yining entered, someone greeted her.

“Are you Miss Zhou Yining? Our miss asked me to meet you,” the person said.

“That’s me. Thank you,” Zhou Yining said, nodding and following them into the villa.

They led her to the living room. “Miss Zhou, wait here a moment. I’ll get someone.”

“Okay, thank you,” Zhou Yining said, sitting down. A servant soon brought tea. Zhou Yining sipped it, observing Zhong Yumeng’s villa.

The villas looked similar outside, but the interiors differed. Jiang Xianzhi’s home had a simple, elegant European style. Zhong Yumeng’s was Chinese-style, with glitzy gold wallpaper in the living room, exuding extravagance.

Zhong Yumeng came downstairs soon, seeing Zhou Yining looking around. She smiled. “Hope it’s not too much. My father loves this style, kind of tacky.”

Zhou Yining smiled back. “Not at all. It’s unique.”

“Don’t let my father hear that, or he’ll go even wilder. By the way, eaten lunch?” Zhong Yumeng asked.

“Yes, we can start now,” Zhou Yining said.

“Alright, follow me to the study room upstairs,” Zhong Yumeng said.

“Okay,” Zhou Yining nodded, following her to a second-floor study room.

Zhong Yumeng’s study room had a European style, much nicer than the living room’s ostentatious decor.

Zhong Yumeng smiled. “My room and study aren’t decorated like my father wanted. Too tacky. I couldn’t stand it.”

“Your taste is definitely better,” Zhou Yining said, amused. Though not close to Zhong Yumeng, she found her nice. She just couldn’t fathom why someone like Zhong Yumeng liked a poser like Zhang Ye.

“Right? My father’s taste is awful, but whatever, I’m used to it,” Zhong Yumeng said.

Zhou Yining nodded, then hesitated before speaking. “I have something I need your help with. In return, I’ll tutor you for free until the college entrance exam.”

Zhong Yumeng hadn’t expected this. She leaned against the desk. “Tell me about it.”

“Do you remember last summer’s sports meet? I and a few other girls were filmed by a boy disguised as a girl while changing in the locker room. Later, those boys used the video to threaten us. Last year, I was nearly driven to jump off a building. After that, they backed off, but recently, they’ve targeted me again. I don’t want to drag this out. I want to deal with it directly,” Zhou Yining said calmly, recounting the events.

Zhong Yumeng was furious. “That happened? How can I help?”

“I need two things. First, help me get that video. Second, help me get a psychological diagnosis proving I suffered trauma,” Zhou Yining said.

“Do you know who filmed you?” Zhong Yumeng asked.

Zhou Yining nodded. “Hmm, Lin Shaohui, Han Fei, and Lan Guangwen from Class 9. I only know these three, but I heard the video spread among some boys in their class, so there might be others I don’t know.”

“How could this happen at school? Don’t worry, I’ll pay for tutoring, and I’ll help you,” Zhong Yumeng said, her brow furrowed with concern.

“You okay? Were you wearing clothes in the video?” Zhong Yumeng asked, enraged but worried Zhou Yining might have psychological issues.

“Probably underwear. Don’t worry, I’m fine. Not worth getting upset over those beasts. But letting them go free is too easy. I must make them face the punishment they deserve,” Zhou Yining said.

“Hmm, I’ve got it. I’ll start arranging things later. For the diagnosis, I can help too. My family’s business involves medical equipment, so we have hospital connections. For stronger evidence, visit the hospital I arrange after seeing Lin Shaohui at school. That way, the evidence chain is solid,” Zhong Yumeng said after thinking.

Zhou Yining smiled at her. “Funny, I thought the same.”

Talking to smart people was easy. They thought alike.

“But one thing: Lin Shaohui and them are sophomores, still minors. They might not face heavy punishment,” Zhong Yumeng said, frowning.

“True, but I checked. Lin Shaohui is 18. He repeated a year, so he’s a year older than us,” Zhou Yining said.

“Good. Contact me anytime then,” Zhong Yumeng said.

“Okay, but no tutoring fees. You’re helping me so much. We’re friends now. Friends don’t charge for tutoring,” Zhou Yining said, looking at Zhong Yumeng.

“Fine, but you’re staying for dinner, and my driver will take you home. No refusing. We’re friends, right?” Zhong Yumeng said, cutting off Zhou Yining’s objections.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you,” Zhou Yining said. With Zhong Yumeng’s help, a weight lifted from her heart. It was time those jerks paid a price.

“Let’s go. Business done. Time to tutor you,” Zhou Yining said, ready to start.

Zhong Yumeng checked Zhou Yining’s expression, asking again, “You really okay?”

“Really fine. Come, sit. I’ll review your recent tests first. Bring your workbook too,” Zhou Yining said.

“Okay,” Zhong Yumeng said, gathering all her tests, workbook, and mistake notebook.

Zhou Yining studied them seriously for nearly twenty minutes. She spoke, “Your foundation is solid. You don’t lose points on basic questions. Your deductions come from the last few parts of big questions. You shouldn’t do full practice tests now. Focus on mastering those big question types one by one. Skip basic questions; they’re a waste of time.”

“好, where should I start?” Zhong Yumeng asked.

“Start here with targeted practice. I’ll review concepts and their advanced variations, like this…” Zhou Yining said.

She began teaching, and Zhong Yumeng listened attentively.

Since Zhou Yining explained from a student’s perspective, Zhong Yumeng understood easily. With her strong foundation, following Zhou Yining’s approach felt enlightening.

Both were study fanatics, taking only a ten-minute break, working from one-thirty to six p.m.

When Zhou Yining stopped, Zhong Yumeng felt reluctant to end.

“If I’d met you sooner, my math wouldn’t be stuck around 130,” Zhong Yumeng sighed.

“It’s not late now. Follow my plan: one question type per week. In two months, you’ll see clear progress,” Zhou Yining said confidently. Her methods worked, especially for smart students like Zhong Yumeng with a good foundation.

“Okay, thanks, Teacher Zhou. When my math hits 140, I’ll treat you to a big meal,” Zhong Yumeng said.

“Deal, I’m waiting,” Zhou Yining said, smiling.