After Becoming the Abused Heroine in a Campus Story - Chapter 7: Nervous

Chapter 7: Nervous

Jiang Xianzhi couldn’t understand how Zhou Yining could smile with a phone like that. If it were hers, she’d have thrown it away in a rage.

She took a few deep breaths to keep from losing her temper and stood there waiting for Zhou Yining.

Zhou Yining had restarted her phone, though it was still painfully slow.

After lagging for nearly a minute, she managed to open WeChat and scan Jiang Xianzhi’s code, but the phone froze again.

Jiang Xianzhi exploded. “Can’t you get a new phone? Can that thing even work?”

“Can’t afford one right now. No money. Hang on, it’ll be fine soon, I promise.” Zhou Yining spoke in a soothing tone while pressing buttons, finally adding Jiang Xianzhi successfully.

Jiang Xianzhi confirmed the friend request, glaring at Zhou Yining. “Done. I’ll have someone look into it tonight and let you know if there’s news.”

“Great, thanks, Jiang. You’re a good person.” Zhou Yining smiled at her.

Jiang Xianzhi gave her a disdainful look. “Obviously. You came to the right person. If there’s nothing else, I’m heading back.”

“Wait, I’ve got one more thing to ask. Can you help?” Zhou Yining coughed lightly, a bit embarrassed. They’d only met twice—she shouldn’t be troubling her.

But the original’s situation was so bad that Zhou Yining had to tackle things one by one. As for owing Jiang Xianzhi a favor, she’d repay it later. She was dirt poor now and had no way to return the favor yet.

“What is it?” Jiang Xianzhi turned, not annoyed. Plenty of people at school tried to curry favor with her, usually scheming to get something. Zhou Yining was different—she was upfront about needing help.

“Can you keep this notebook for me for a while? My home situation’s tricky, and there’s no safe place to store it. It’s not safe at school either—it’s already been taken once. It likely has the culprit’s fingerprints, which are important evidence.” Zhou Yining explained seriously.

Jiang Xianzhi looked at her, puzzled. “You trust me that much? Aren’t you afraid I’ll read it?”

Zhou Yining smiled. “I don’t doubt people I trust. I believe in you.”

Jiang Xianzhi met Zhou Yining’s clear gaze as she smiled. Somehow, Jiang Xianzhi nodded, and before she realized it, the pink notebook was in her hands.

She felt a bit annoyed. Zhou Yining liked Zhang Ye—she should hate her. Why was she helping her now?

But since Zhou Yining said that, and Jiang Xianzhi wanted to clear her own name, she held onto the notebook.

“Fine, I’ll keep it safe for now. We’ll talk after we find the person.”

“Thanks.” Zhou Yining thanked her again.

Words were the least useful thanks, but it was all she could offer for now.

Hearing another thank you, Jiang Xianzhi raised her face haughtily. “Let’s go. It’s almost time for self-study.”

“Okay.” Zhou Yining’s lips curved, and she followed Jiang Xianzhi off the playground.

A few steps later, they ran into Zhang Ye and the pretty girl from before, heading the same way.

Zhou Yining glanced at them, ready to keep walking, but Zhang Ye called out first.

“Hold on.”

Zhou Yining stopped, meeting his gaze. “What?”

“Didn’t I tell you to delete that stuff from the confession wall?” Zhang Ye said sharply.

“I know, but deleting it takes time. Plus, I didn’t post it. Finding who did takes time too. Once I do, I’ll delete it. Or if you can’t wait, call the police.” Zhou Yining looked at him calmly.

“You…”

“Enough, don’t make things hard for Zhou Yining. She’s right—it wasn’t her, and deleting it takes time.” The girl beside Zhang Ye spoke up.

Zhang Ye snorted. “Who knows if she’s doing it on purpose?”

Zhou Yining laughed, too tired to deal with him. “Nutcase.”

With that, she walked off, leaving Zhang Ye fuming.

“Look at her attitude!” he shouted after her. “Don’t think acting like this will get my attention. I’d never like someone like you.”

Zhou Yining didn’t even turn back, thinking Zhang Ye was such a poser. A guy like that? She could take him down with one punch.

Jiang Xianzhi stayed put, seeing Zhong Yumeng next to Zhang Ye, her anger flaring.

Zhang Ye, ignored by Zhou Yining, turned his frustration on Jiang Xianzhi. “And you—I said I don’t like spoiled rich girls. Can you stay away from me?”

Jiang Xianzhi was stunned. How had she provoked him? She hadn’t said a word—why was he coming at her?

She sniffled and ran off, wondering the whole way back what she even liked about Zhang Ye.

By the time she got to class, she still couldn’t figure it out. Was it because Zhang Ye had good grades and looks, standing out in their rich-kid circle?

Or because they’d been in the same school since childhood, and she just assumed she liked him?

The more she thought, the messier her mind got. Liking Zhang Ye felt like a habit. Did she really like him that much? Not really.

Jiang Xianzhi stayed distracted all evening, still confused by the end of self-study.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yining packed up and left with Tian Xue.

“Classmates said you went to find Zhang Ye this afternoon?”

Zhou Yining thought for a moment, realizing someone saw her and Zhang Ye talking on the playground and started rumors.

“I didn’t. We just ran into each other.” Zhou Yining explained. She’d be crazy to seek out a poser like him.

“Good. People like us shouldn’t mess with those golden boys. It’ll only bring trouble.” Tian Xue peered at Zhou Yining through her thick bangs and glasses.

Zhou Yining frowned. “What’s wrong with us? Aren’t we all human? Does Zhang Ye have more than one nose or two eyes? Is he that special?”

“How can we compare to him? His family’s rich, he’s smart, good-looking. Half the girls in school like him.” Tian Xue spoke quickly, almost defending him.

“What’s that got to do with me? He started with advantages because of his family. A person’s potential isn’t just about that. Who knows who’ll do better in the future? Why assume I’ll do worse?”

In her past life, Zhou Yining was an orphan, achieving everything through her own effort. Starting over, she didn’t think she’d do worse.

Tian Xue froze, looking at Zhou Yining oddly. “You really seem different.”

In her memory, Zhou Yining was timid and insecure like her, barely meeting people’s eyes. The old Zhou Yining would never say these things.

“Yeah, nothing wrong with that. Women should be confident and shine. Let’s go.” Zhou Yining smiled and walked off.

Tian Xue’s gaze was unreadable. She stayed silent and followed.

Outside the school building, Zhou Yining took deep breaths. The classroom smelled bad—spicy snacks and unwashed boys’ feet. She felt alive again out here.

She and Tian Xue walked quietly. Tian Xue said little tonight, and Zhou Yining was glad for the peace. They parted at the intersection.

By the time Zhou Yining reached her building, it was past 9 p.m. She went to 501, unlocked the door, and entered.

Zhao Xiuna heard her and came out of the bedroom. “You’re back? Hungry? Wash your hands. I’ll cook some wontons—freshly made this afternoon. They’ll be ready soon.”

Zhou Yining nodded, finding Zhao Xiuna’s attitude oddly warm.

But she was hungry. She’d barely eaten at the cafeteria, and by 9 p.m., she was starving.

She washed her hands in the bathroom, taking off her school uniform jacket.

Looking in the mirror, she finally examined her current self. The original looked almost identical to her past life, just under 18, less mature, with thick bangs covering her bright eyes.

Zhou Yining pushed her hair aside, annoyed at the style. Even side bangs would be better. She decided to earn money soon to get a haircut—this look was too tacky.

Her features were naturally cool, but these cutesy bangs made her look dull.

She washed her face and left the bathroom.

In the living room, Zhao Xiuna had set out the wontons. “Yining, come eat.”

“Okay.” Zhou Yining sat and ate quickly.

Zhao Xiuna watched her eat heartily, her face kind. Seeing her daughter in a good mood, she started talking softly.

“Don’t be mad at your brother. He’s just in first-year middle school, still a kid. Which siblings don’t bicker? When your dad and I are gone, he’ll be your support.”

Zhou Yining was enjoying her food, but this killed her appetite. The original’s parents clearly brainwashed her often, but she wasn’t the original and wouldn’t buy it.

“Come on, he’s a kid, but I’m not? Why should I always give in to him? Because he’s a boy?” Zhou Yining asked directly.

Zhao Xiuna was stunned. Her daughter was usually so obedient, agreeing to everything. Why was she like a firecracker today?

Afraid of waking her husband and son, she soothed, “Alright, alright, let’s drop it. Eat and rest.”

Zhou Yining took a deep breath, finished her wontons, and returned to the dining area’s bed.