After Becoming the Abused Heroine in a Campus Story - Chapter 44: Broken Bones

Chapter 44: Broken Bones

The people below were completely stunned. Shi Qian jumped down in just a moment. Before anyone could react, Shi Qian had already fallen onto the thick air cushion.

Medical personnel and firefighters immediately rushed forward. They checked the situation.

Shi Qian’s parents only came to their senses at that moment. They frantically ran toward the air cushion. They never expected their daughter would actually jump off the building.

Fortunately, Shi Qian’s luck was somewhat good. She landed on the air cushion with her lower body first. Therefore, her head received less trauma, only a mild concussion. However, her spine and thighs had multiple fractures. Repairing these bones might take a year. Shi Qian would definitely miss next year’s college entrance exam. But fortunately, her life was saved.

Shi Qian was sent to the ambulance. The students on the playground gradually dispersed. The students in Class 19 looked at Zhou Yining with hesitant gazes. They were very afraid Zhou Yining might also jump off the building due to despair.

However, everyone clearly overthought. When Zhou Yining faced such things, she would only go crazy. She would not harm herself.

At noon, when school ended, Tian Xue and Zhou Yining walked together toward the school gate. They discussed the morning’s events.

“I really didn’t expect Shi Qian would actually jump off the building. Her family conditions are so good. Her father is a director, and her mother is a teacher. A family like that still had problems,” Tian Xue sighed.

“It has nothing to do with the family background. What matters is what kind of people are in the family. But fortunately, she saved her life. After resting for a year or so, she can still take the college entrance exam when she returns to school,” Zhou Yining said.

“Hmm, I thought only families like ours would have such things. Now it seems you’re much stronger than her,” Tian Xue replied.

“Of course. I said I’d make those who hurt me pay a price,” Zhou Yining declared.

The two chatted while walking down the street. As usual, they parted ways at the intersection. Zhou Yining thought about things as she walked home.

Too many things had happened recently. She was really tired. The confession wall issue was still unresolved. The clues seemed cut off by someone. She had to plan for the long term.

When she returned to Room 501, Zhou Jiaming looked at her with schadenfreude. Zhao Xiuna sat on the sofa, her face stern, looking at Zhou Yining.

Zhou Yining felt puzzled. After entering, she ignored both Zhao Xiuna and Zhou Jiaming. She first went to the bathroom to wash her hands. Then she packed her schoolbag and uniform. She planned to change out of these clothes. Wearing the school uniform to school in the afternoon was more suitable.

Zhao Xiuna saw Zhou Yining ignore her. She stood up abruptly. “Zhou Yining, what exactly do you mean?” she demanded.

Zhou Yining looked confused. “I don’t mean anything. I’m just packing my schoolbag. What’s wrong? Do you have something to say?” she asked.

Zhao Xiuna’s voice trembled with anger. “Where did you go last night? You didn’t come home all night and changed into new clothes. Where did these clothes come from?” she questioned.

Zhou Yining calmly explained, “I told you last night. I stayed at a classmate’s house. These clothes are hers. What else is there to ask?”

“Why did your phone show it was off when I called you later? Did you block me?” Zhao Xiuna continued to interrogate.

Zhou Yining nodded. “It was almost midnight. We both had to get up early for school the next day. Of course, I couldn’t answer your call,” she replied.

“You think you’re justified? Yining, how did you become like this?” Zhao Xiuna said, her face full of anguish.

“What am I like now? I think I’m doing pretty well,” Zhou Yining retorted.

“You… I really can’t control you anymore. I really can’t,” Zhao Xiuna said helplessly.

“Good to know. Just mind your own business. You don’t need to worry about my affairs,” Zhou Yining replied. She was already tired from a morning at school. Shi Qian’s incident made her feel emotionally drained. Coming home to be interrogated exhausted her patience.

She decided to sleep for a bit first. She went to her small bed, lay down, and prepared to rest.

Zhao Xiuna saw Zhou Yining didn’t listen to her at all. She was so angry she didn’t know what to do.

Zhao Xiuna returned to the living room and looked at Zhou Jiaming. “Fine, if she doesn’t eat, we’ll eat ourselves,” she said.

Then, Zhao Xiuna went to cook.

Zhou Yining woke up past one o’clock. She got up, washed her face, and went to the kitchen. She hadn’t eaten lunch. She was a bit hungry now.

She took cabbage and eggs from the fridge. She planned to make noodles to eat something simple.

Zhao Xiuna heard noises in the kitchen. She pushed the door open and saw Zhou Yining preparing to cook. She sighed and said, “I left food for you. It’s clean, in the steamer.”

Zhou Yining didn’t expect Zhao Xiuna would leave food for her. She put the ingredients back in the fridge. She opened the steamer’s lid. She saw a plate with two dishes: one was scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and the other was stir-fried intestines with peppers. A bowl beside it had steamed sweet potato rice.

Zhou Yining saw water in the steamer. She covered the lid and heated the food.

She saw Zhao Xiuna still standing at the door. She straightforwardly thanked Zhao Xiuna, “Thank you.”

Zhao Xiuna’s mouth opened slightly. She didn’t know what to say. She felt the gap between her and her daughter growing deeper.

“I said those things earlier for your own good, Yining. We’re family. Don’t treat us like enemies,” Zhao Xiuna sighed and said.

Zhou Yining only found it amusing. “If you don’t provoke me, I naturally won’t do anything. Also, don’t use family talk to morally guilt-trip me,” she said.

After speaking, she ignored Zhao Xiuna.

When the food was heated, Zhou Yining took it out. She ate heartily. After she was full, it was almost time to go back to class.

During the break after the first afternoon class, Zhou Yining received a WeChat message from Jiang Xianzhi.

Jiang Xianzhi: [Want to have dinner with me later?]

Zhou Yining thought for a moment. She typed a reply on her phone.

Zhou Yining: [I have a friend. I always eat with her. If I leave, she’ll be alone. So, it’s not convenient for me to join you.]

Tian Xue was her original self’s friend. She accompanied her through those dark days. Zhou Yining had no reason to push her away and couldn’t do that.

Jiang Xianzhi: [(Rolling cat jpg) Alright then. How about after dinner? Can you walk with me on the playground? I’ll come find you.]

Zhou Yining: [That’s fine. See you then. (Petting cat head jpg)]

Jiang Xianzhi: [Hmm hmm!]

If she didn’t dislike the cafeteria’s oily smell, she would’ve joined Zhou Yining and her friend to eat.

After evening self-study, students headed to the cafeteria. Zhou Yining went with Tian Xue.

At this time, everyone went to the cafeteria to eat. Students gathered in groups of three or five. Many still discussed Shi Qian’s incident.

Zhou Yining was a bit hungry now. For dinner, she ordered beef noodles and bought a fried chicken leg. Tian Xue got a rice bowl and wontons. They found a place to sit.

Zhou Yining sat down and started eating heartily. The cafeteria got more crowded. Yu Yang and another girl from the class couldn’t find a seat. Yu Yang saw Zhou Yining and quickly brought her companion over.

“Big Sis Zhou, is this spot free? We couldn’t find a place. Can we sit here?” Yu Yang asked with a smile.

Zhou Yining nodded. “Hmm, sit wherever you want,” she said.

“That’s great,” Yu Yang said. She pulled her companion to sit down. She sat next to Zhou Yining.

“Thanks for this morning,” Zhou Yining said, referring to when some boys badmouthed her and got caught.

“No big deal. Their mouths were asking for it. If they dare do it again, I’ll roast them,” Yu Yang replied.

Zhou Yining laughed. For people with big mouths, you indeed had to clap back.

They chatted and laughed. Tian Xue grew quiet. Zhou Yining noticed she wasn’t talking. Sometimes, she tried to bring the conversation to Tian Xue. But Tian Xue didn’t seem to appreciate it.

“I’m done eating. I’m heading back. You guys take your time,” Tian Xue said. She picked up her tray and left without waiting for Zhou Yining.

Yu Yang whispered, “What’s up with her? Does she not want us eating together?”

“No, she’s just introverted. Don’t overthink it,” Zhou Yining said.

After dinner, Zhou Yining parted ways with Yu Yang and the others. She called Jiang Xianzhi directly. The call was quickly answered.

“Are you done eating? I’m waiting at the playground entrance,” Zhou Yining asked.

“Good, I’m coming down now. See you soon,” Jiang Xianzhi replied.

“Hmm, see you soon,” Zhou Yining said, her lips curving slightly. Hearing Jiang Xianzhi’s voice made her feel much lighter.

Five minutes later, Jiang Xianzhi jogged over to Zhou Yining. She dove into Zhou Yining’s arms.

Zhou Yining smiled. “Don’t rush. Be careful not to fall,” she said.

“It’s fine. You’d catch me, right?” Jiang Xianzhi’s pretty fox eyes curved. She hugged Zhou Yining playfully.

Zhou Yining held Jiang Xianzhi’s hand. They walked on the playground. Jiang Xianzhi swung their joined hands as they walked.

She used to not understand why school couples loved strolling on the playground. Now she got it. As long as she was with Zhou Yining, she was happy, even if they weren’t a couple.

Zhou Yining felt the same. Even without saying much, just holding hands and walking felt comfortable.

“Want to do this again tomorrow?” Zhou Yining asked softly.

“Of course. Otherwise, I won’t see you all day. You won’t let me transfer classes,” Jiang Xianzhi said, looking at Zhou Yining with a pout.

Zhou Yining quickly soothed her. “Alright, I’ll walk with you every day from now on,” she promised.

Zhou Yining and Jiang Xianzhi weren’t the only girls strolling on the playground. Girls were often sensitive. Many walked hand-in-hand with friends, so they didn’t stand out.

~~

Because of Shi Qian’s incident, the school had class teachers hold several meetings. They made students aware of the dangers of campus bullying. They strictly prohibited students from bullying others.

For the next few days, students behaved well. The final exams were less than half a month away. If they didn’t do well, their summer vacation would be miserable.

Lin Shaohui’s case progressed steadily. However, the court process would take some time to conclude. Zhou Yining wasn’t in a hurry. As long as those people got the punishment they deserved, she was fine.

During this time, she published two more short stories. The editor of Night Color Magazine, Wu Xinyu, contacted Zhou Yining. She said she wanted to meet her in person.

Zhou Yining agreed. She only had time after seven on Sunday. She set the meeting for Sunday.