After Becoming the Abused Heroine in a Campus Story - Chapter 39: Birthday Banquet

Chapter 39: Birthday Banquet

Jiang Xianzhi got angry for a while and then fell asleep. After all, high school students always lack sleep. Even though she had slept the entire day, she still felt tired.

The next morning, the servants at Jiang Xianzhi’s house started preparing early. The banquet was held at the villa, and various decorations needed to be set up as soon as possible.

Liang Jing and Jiang Yueyi got up early in the morning to supervise. Even Jiang Shengde, who was attending a meeting abroad, rushed back. Only Jiang Xianzhi lacked enthusiasm.

She usually looked forward to her birthday banquet every year, but this year, she couldn’t muster any interest.

Jiang Xianzhi lay on soft bedding, listless and unmotivated. She didn’t even want to take a bath.

At around ten o’clock, Liang Jing came to call her. Jiang Xianzhi reluctantly took a bath and came out of her room.

Jiang Shengde brought back many luxury gifts from abroad. Seeing his younger daughter come out, he smiled warmly and said, “Zhizhi, come quickly and see the gifts I prepared for you. They’re all this year’s new designs. You’ll definitely like them.”

“Thank you, Father,” Jiang Xianzhi forced a smile. Although the gifts were nice, she still had no mood.

Jiang Shengde knew his daughter had a falling out with a friend. He advised, “Little birthday girl, don’t be unhappy. If you fought with your little friend, it’ll be fine in a few days. Today is your birthday, so you should smile more.”

“Hmm,” Jiang Xianzhi agreed, but she still couldn’t smile.

At noon, the family ate lunch together. The kitchen aunt specially cooked longevity noodles for Jiang Xianzhi.

After lunch with her family, Jiang Xianzhi returned to her room without much energy.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yining sent Jiang Xianzhi a WeChat message the previous night. Jiang Xianzhi told her not to come today, so Zhou Yining didn’t go to the Jiang family villa in the morning.

She didn’t stay home either. Early in the morning, Zhou Yining went to an internet café to write. By noon, she finished two short stories.

Zhou Yining submitted the manuscripts to several magazines. Then she ate a bowl of noodles nearby. After eating, it was already past one o’clock.

Zhou Yining took a bus to the Villa District, but this time she went to Zhong Yumeng’s place.

When passing Jiang Xianzhi’s villa, Zhou Yining stood far away, looked for a while, and then left.

She sighed and didn’t go to greet her. After all, the little fox was still angry. If Zhou Yining went over, Jiang Xianzhi would probably get angrier.

Soon, Zhou Yining arrived at Villa 36, where Zhong Yumeng lived. The butler saw Zhou Yining and respectfully led her to Zhong Yumeng’s study.

Zhong Yumeng was doing practice questions. Seeing Zhou Yining, she smiled and greeted, “You’re here? Have you eaten lunch?”

Zhou Yining nodded, “I’ve eaten. Let’s start.”

Zhong Yumeng smiled at her, “I’ve finally met someone who studies harder than me. Fine, but I have to attend Jiang Xianzhi’s birthday banquet later, so we need to finish before four o’clock today.”

“Hmm, that’s over two hours. Let’s start. Last time, I asked you to practice questions by module. Did you get many wrong?” Zhou Yining didn’t waste words and began studying.

Zhong Yumeng nodded, “Quite a few. They’re mostly in the last two questions. I’ve organized them. Can you take a look?”

“Hmm,” Zhou Yining took Zhong Yumeng’s notebook of wrong answers and started explaining, “These questions basically have the same issue. You haven’t fully understood a formula’s variation. I’ll go over this formula with you first.”

“Okay.”

The two study enthusiasts got together. Zhou Yining explained continuously. Since Zhong Yumeng had a solid math foundation, Zhou Yining found it relatively easy to explain.

One explained enthusiastically, and the other listened attentively. They didn’t even take a break. Two hours passed quickly.

The desk was covered with draft papers filled with formulas. Even when they finished, Zhong Yumeng still wanted more.

“That was so satisfying, but it’s four o’clock. I need to go do my makeup and change clothes.”

“Hmm,” Zhou Yining nodded and asked, “Did Zhizhi invite you?”

“She did. Our families have business dealings. Although we don’t talk much in class, she still invites me to her birthday banquet.”

Zhong Yumeng seemed to remember something and said, “I remember you and she are quite close. Didn’t she invite you?”

Zhou Yining shook her head, “She’s mad at me because of Lin Shaohui.”

“That was Lin Shaohui and those guys’ fault. Why is Jiang Xianzhi mad at you?” Zhong Yumeng asked.

Zhou Yining sighed and explained, “She’s mad because I asked for your help instead of hers. She feels I didn’t treat her as a friend.”

Zhong Yumeng laughed, “For real? Jiang Xianzhi is quite jealous. She’s not only jealous of Zhang Ye but even of friends.”

Zhou Yining felt helpless. Since she and Zhong Yumeng were familiar, she voiced a question she’d had for a while, “By the way, are you really dating Zhang Ye?”

Zhong Yumeng burst out laughing, “Who told you that? Was it Jiang Xianzhi?”

Zhou Yining shook her head, “No, but everyone at school says so.”

Zhong Yumeng sighed helplessly, “Come on, how could I be with Zhang Ye? We grew up together. I even remember him playing with mud and wearing split pants. How could I date him? We’re always together because I use him as a shield to avoid guys confessing to me.”

“Alright, not bad for the school beauty. Using him as a shield is a good idea.”

“Stop teasing me about being the school beauty. By the way, I’m going to the banquet later. Any message you want me to pass on?” Zhong Yumeng asked.

Zhou Yining thought and said, “Never mind. I’m afraid if you pass a message, she’ll get angrier.”

Zhong Yumeng laughed until tears formed, “You two are hilarious, acting like a couple in love. Fine, if you don’t want me to pass a message, I won’t. By the way, stay for dinner before you go.”

“No, I have some things to handle. You go do your makeup.”

“Alright, I won’t bother you then,” Zhong Yumeng said, quickly asking the butler to contact the makeup artist and stylist.

For such banquets, one had to dress up well, or people in the circle would mock them.

Zhou Yining left the Villa District and went back to the internet café. Since the little fox didn’t want her company for the birthday, Zhou Yining could only keep working to earn money. It was still early, so she planned to go home around eight or nine.

At the Jiang family villa, Jiang Xianzhi sat in front of the makeup mirror. A makeup artist was doing her makeup.

Seeing her sister’s face without a smile, Jiang Yueyi advised, “Zhizhi, you’re the star tonight. You can’t keep a straight face, or it’ll look bad for everyone. Smile more.”

“I know, Sister,” Jiang Xianzhi said. She wanted to smile, but she couldn’t. Her mind was full of Zhou Yining.

After makeup, Jiang Xianzhi changed into a custom-made gown. It was a moon-white dress that made her skin look radiant. She wore a small crown with a ruby on top, specially prepared by Liang Jing. The ruby alone was worth a fortune.

Jiang Xianzhi’s gown and accessories were exquisite. She looked like a little princess, but she still couldn’t feel happy.

At six o’clock, many people arrived one after another. Some were business figures from Nanchuan City, others from the rich second-generation circle.

Zhang Ye and his father arrived early. Before leaving, Zhang Ye’s father told him not to be cold to Jiang Xianzhi. Unlike before, Zhang Ye wasn’t impatient and agreed obediently.

Seeing Jiang Shengde and Liang Jing, Zhang Ye’s father greeted them warmly, “President Jiang, President Liang, you’re both here. I brought Zhang Ye.”

“Welcome, welcome. Zhizhi is over there,” Jiang Shengde waved to his daughter.

Jiang Xianzhi got up from the sofa. She didn’t want to go over or see Zhang Ye.

Jiang Shengde noticed his daughter’s lack of energy and felt puzzled. In past birthday banquets, she loved chatting with Zhang Ye. Why did she seem uninterested in him today?

“Zhizhi is getting prettier,” Zhang Ye’s father said with a smile. “Zhang Ye, we adults have a generation gap with you young people. Spend time with Zhizhi and chat with her.”

“Okay,” Zhang Ye agreed obediently.

He and Jiang Xianzhi went to one side. Zhang Ye’s gaze fell on her face, and his cheeks reddened unconsciously. Usually, he focused on studies at school and didn’t think about these things. Looking closely at Jiang Xianzhi today, he thought she looked even prettier.

Since Jiang Xianzhi hadn’t been clinging to him lately, Zhang Ye grew curious about her. He cleared his throat and said, “Why haven’t you talked to me recently?”

Jiang Xianzhi glanced at him, looking at him like he was an idiot. She turned, took a glass of orange juice from the table, drank a sip, and said, “Are you okay? I remember you hated me clinging to you. Now that I’m not, shouldn’t you be happy?”

Zhang Ye coughed awkwardly, “Well, not that happy. I’m not used to your attitude now. I prefer how you were before.”

“Idiot, who do you think you are? Just because you like it, I have to do it? Think you’re a big deal?” Jiang Xianzhi was already in a bad mood, and Zhang Ye kept pushing her buttons, making her mood worse.

Jiang Xianzhi got up and sat far away from Zhang Ye.

Nearby, some chatting adults noticed this. Jiang Shengde excused himself and went to his older daughter.

“What’s wrong with your sister? Didn’t she used to love clinging to Zhang Ye?” Jiang Shengde asked.

Jiang Yueyi shook her head, “Zhizhi doesn’t like him anymore. Father, don’t interfere. It’s already messy enough.”

“Fine, fine, I won’t meddle. I’ll entertain the guests. Keep an eye on your sister. She still seems down. Is it just because she’s jealous of a friend?” Jiang Shengde shook his head, unable to understand young girls’ thoughts.

“Okay, I’ll watch her. You go,” Jiang Yueyi said, taking a glass of champagne and sitting next to her sister.

Jiang Xianzhi sat listlessly on the sofa, occasionally staring at her phone. Normally, she’d be lively and bouncing around.

More people arrived at the villa. Soon, Zhong Yumeng came with a gift.

Seeing Jiang Xianzhi sitting alone, Zhong Yumeng walked over, “Happy birthday. My parents are on a business trip, so I came alone. This is the birthday gift I prepared for you.”

Jiang Xianzhi stood and took the gift Zhong Yumeng handed her, “Thank you.”

As she spoke, Jiang Xianzhi couldn’t help but examine Zhong Yumeng’s makeup. Zhong Yumeng had good skin, so the makeup artist used light makeup, highlighting her healthy glow. Her black gown looked elegant and refined, and with her face, anyone would call Zhong Yumeng the undisputed school beauty.

Jiang Xianzhi pursed her lips, feeling more upset. She thought Zhou Yining liked hanging out with pretty girls.

Zhong Yumeng felt uneasy under Jiang Xianzhi’s stare. Thinking of Jiang Xianzhi and Zhou Yining’s issue, Zhong Yumeng decided to leave before getting caught in the crossfire.

“I have something to do. I’ll go find Zhang Ye,” Zhong Yumeng smiled politely at Jiang Xianzhi and quickly left.

Zhang Ye was chatting with some rich second-generation kids. Seeing Zhong Yumeng, he asked, “Did you give Jiang Xianzhi her gift?”

Zhong Yumeng nodded, “Hmm, I gave it to her.”

Zhang Ye pursed his lips and asked, “Didn’t you think Jiang Xianzhi seemed off today?”

“No kidding, I’m not blind. I saw it and left quickly,” Zhong Yumeng said, never polite with Zhang Ye.

“It’s not just that,” Zhang Ye pulled Zhong Yumeng aside and continued, “Don’t you think Jiang Xianzhi is much colder to me?”

Zhong Yumeng nodded, “Hmm, yeah. What’s wrong? Isn’t that what you wanted? Didn’t you always complain she was too clingy and annoying?”

Zhang Ye scratched his head embarrassedly, “I’m not used to it. And she’s pretty good-looking.”

Zhong Yumeng shook her head with a smirk, “Guys are so cheap. When she paid attention to you, you ignored her. Now that she ignores you, you’re eager to get close.”

“Tch, can you not be so sharp-tongued?”

“It’s fine. I’m just telling the truth,” Zhong Yumeng gave him an innocent smile.

Zhang Ye rolled his eyes. His childhood friend was a school beauty in public but quite cunning in private.

At seven-thirty, most guests had arrived, and the host for the birthday banquet came.

“Everyone’s here, so our birthday celebration officially begins…” the host said auspicious words endlessly.

Jiang Xianzhi couldn’t smile. Like a puppet, she stood beside the host, cooperating with his words.

The servants pushed over a multi-tiered cake cart. Jiang Xianzhi cut the first slice, and the servants cut the rest.

Jiang Xianzhi checked her phone again. There was no response. Zhou Yining hadn’t sent her any more messages.

Jiang Xianzhi pursed her lips, her eyes slightly red. She walked to Jiang Yueyi and whispered, “Sister, I’m not feeling well. I’m going upstairs. Make sure everyone has fun.”

“Zhizhi, where do you feel bad? Should I call a doctor?” Jiang Yueyi asked.

Jiang Xianzhi shook her head, pointing to her chest, “It’s nothing. My heart just feels bad. Help me entertain everyone.”

With that, Jiang Xianzhi went upstairs.

Seeing her sister’s listless look, Jiang Yueyi felt heartbroken. It had been two days. Could someone be jealous of a friend for so long?

Jiang Yueyi thought and went to find Zhong Yumeng.

“Yumeng, sorry to bother you. Do you have Zhou Yining’s contact info?” Jiang Yueyi asked politely.

Zhong Yumeng nodded, “Yes, Little President Jiang. I’ll send it to you.”

Zhong Yumeng had Jiang Yueyi’s contact but never talked. They only exchanged group holiday greetings.

Zhong Yumeng found Jiang Yueyi’s WeChat, sent Zhou Yining’s ID, and included her phone number.

“Thank you. You guys keep chatting. I have something to handle,” Jiang Yueyi smiled politely at Zhong Yumeng and Zhang Ye, then left quickly.

Zhang Ye looked at Zhong Yumeng confusedly, “Wait, since when are you so close with Zhou Yining?”

“What’s wrong? Can’t I be?” Zhong Yumeng ignored Zhang Ye and went to the long table to find desserts.

Jiang Yueyi thought and decided to call Zhou Yining. Her sister was still unhappy after two days. This couldn’t go on.

Jiang Yueyi saved Zhou Yining’s number and called her.

Zhou Yining was still writing at the internet café. She hadn’t eaten dinner, just bought instant noodles, eating while writing. Hearing the phone, Zhou Yining frowned. It was an unknown number.

Still, she answered, “Hello, who is this?”

“Is this Zhou Yining? I’m Zhizhi’s sister,” Jiang Yueyi said.

“Oh, President Jiang, what’s up?” Zhou Yining asked tentatively.

“Hmm, I heard you two fought. Zhizhi’s been down these past two days. She didn’t enjoy her birthday banquet and went back to her room early. If you’re not busy, can you come over? If there’s a misunderstanding between friends, it’s best to talk it out,” Jiang Yueyi said tactfully.

“Can I come? I’m worried if I go, she’ll get angrier,” Zhou Yining said hesitantly.

“She definitely wants to see you. Zhizhi’s temper isn’t great. Can you coax her?”

“Of course, but can I coax her well?” Zhou Yining questioned herself. After all, Zhizhi explicitly told her not to come.

“Try your best. My family and I are out of ideas. I’m counting on you, okay?” Jiang Yueyi continued.

“I’ll try?”

“Hmm, hmm.”

“Okay, I’ll come soon.”

After hanging up, Zhou Yining saved her draft and left the internet café. She didn’t rush to Jiang Xianzhi’s house but took a taxi home.

It was already past eight. Zhou Yining went home, took a little fox gift box from under her bed, and headed out.

Seeing her leave, Zhao Xiuna asked, “You’ve been out all day. It’s almost nine. Where are you going?”

“To a classmate’s birthday. Don’t worry, it’s a girl I’m close with,” Zhou Yining explained, eager to leave.

“But it’s eight. What time will you be back?” Zhao Xiuna said.

“I don’t know. It’s safe, a schoolmate. I’m running out of time, so I’m going.”

With that, Zhou Yining ran out.

Zhou Jiaming played on his phone and muttered, “She’s definitely going to a guy’s birthday. Mother, she’s probably in love.”

“Enough, stop talking,” Zhao Xiuna said. Before, when her daughter was obedient, she could manage her. Now, her daughter didn’t listen, and managing her only made Zhao Xiuna angrier.

Zhou Jiaming pouted and kept playing his game.

Zhou Yining went to a large nearby cake shop. She thought of buying a cake to celebrate Jiang Xianzhi’s birthday.

Since Zhou Yining needed it urgently and customized the design, an 8-inch cake cost 200 yuan. She only had 400 yuan left but paid reluctantly.

She waited nearly forty minutes for the cake. By the time she reached Jiang Xianzhi’s villa, it was nine-thirty.

The birthday banquet ended at nine. Zhou Yining carried the cake in one hand and the gift box in the other as she entered the Jiang family villa.

The servants were still cleaning up, but Jiang Shengde and Liang Jing were there.

Seeing Zhou Yining, Jiang Yueyi’s eyes lit up. She introduced, “This is Zhizhi’s new good friend, Zhou Yining. These are my parents.”

Zhou Yining smiled at them and greeted politely, “Hello, Uncle, Aunt. Sorry for coming so late.”

“No trouble, no trouble. Go find Zhizhi,” Liang Jing smiled at her.

“Hmm, I’ll go up then,” Zhou Yining smiled politely at the three and went upstairs.

At Jiang Xianzhi’s door, Zhou Yining knocked with the hand holding the little fox box.

Soon, a muffled voice came from inside, “Don’t bother me. I’m fine. I just want to be alone.”

Hearing the sad voice, Zhou Yining felt heartbroken. She turned the doorknob tentatively. The door opened.

Zhou Yining walked in carefully and saw Jiang Xianzhi in pajamas, lying on the bed. Her phone was nearby, and she was staring at it dazedly.

Zhou Yining called softly, “Zhizhi?”

Jiang Xianzhi sprang up from the bed. She looked at Zhou Yining at the door, her lips curving slightly. But as if remembering something, she pursed her lips, suppressing the smile, “What are you doing here?”

Zhou Yining smiled at her, lifting the items in her hands, “I came to celebrate my little birthday girl’s birthday.”

Hearing this, Jiang Xianzhi’s eyes grew redder. Zhou Yining was so smooth-talking. Maybe she coaxed other girls like this too.

“I don’t need your company. Leave. Who let you in?” Jiang Xianzhi said, tears welling in her eyes.

Zhou Yining quickly put down her things. She stepped forward tentatively and said softly, “I came to apologize. Don’t be mad, okay? It’s your birthday, and I made you unhappy.”

Jiang Xianzhi’s tears fell, two drops at a time. She said stubbornly, “Who said I’m unhappy? I’m happier without you here.”

As she spoke, Jiang Xianzhi sniffled aggrievedly. Anyone could see she wasn’t happy.

Zhou Yining found her cute but felt heartbroken. After all, this was her fault.