After Becoming the Abused Heroine in a Campus Story - Chapter 78: Why Are You Scolding Me

Chapter 78: Why Are You Scolding Me?

Jiang Xianzhi played for a while and felt tired. She stared at the tablet’s screen and directed, “Zhou Zhou, move down a bit. This isn’t comfortable.”

“Okay.” Zhou Yining, acting as a human cushion, obediently slid down a little. She playfully reached out and fiddled with the tablet’s buttons, but Jiang Xianzhi quickly grabbed her hand.

“Zhou Zhou, what are you doing? Don’t move around,” Jiang Xianzhi said, leaning into her arms and acting spoiled while instinctively nuzzling Zhou Yining.

Zhou Yining’s eyes softened, and she gently said, “Okay, I won’t move. You play your game.”

“Hmm.” Jiang Xianzhi nodded, satisfied, and continued playing.

Zhou Yining watched the girl in front of her and pursed her lips. She reached for her phone to distract herself, worried she might do something to startle the young lady.

Finally, when it was past ten o’clock, Zhou Yining tapped randomly on the tablet twice. “No more playing. It’s past ten. We should sleep. We have school tomorrow.”

Jiang Xianzhi pouted. Zhou Zhou cared more about her studies than her mother did. Feeling wronged, she turned and wrapped her arms around Zhou Yining’s neck.

Zhou Yining was unprepared. The girl’s smooth, fair shoulder and neck came into view, and she quickly looked away, leaning back to escape Jiang Xianzhi’s hold on her neck.

Seeing Zhou Yining dodge, Jiang Xianzhi felt a bit unhappy. She boldly climbed onto Zhou Yining’s lap and pulled Zhou Yining’s neck toward her with force.

Unable to escape, Zhou Yining gave up. She averted her gaze to the bedsheet, avoiding Jiang Xianzhi’s eyes.

Jiang Xianzhi felt a slight pang in her heart. She sensed something off with Zhou Zhou these past few days. It wasn’t that Zhou Yining treated her badly, but she seemed less warm than before, especially with physical closeness. They used to be fine, but now Zhou Yining seemed to avoid her.

Jiang Xianzhi nuzzled into Zhou Yining’s arms and whined, “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you looking at me?”

Zhou Yining glanced at Jiang Xianzhi but quickly looked away. “Nothing’s wrong. It’s time to sleep. Let’s rest early.”

“No, you’ve been acting strange these past few days. You don’t look at me or hug me like before. What’s going on?” Jiang Xianzhi nuzzled her shoulder and stared at Zhou Yining, demanding an answer.

Zhou Yining sighed. “Really, it’s nothing. I’ve just been tired from working on drafts. Don’t overthink it. It’s not about you.”

“Really?” Jiang Xianzhi raised an eyebrow and asked.

Zhou Yining nodded. “Hmm, really. It’s my own issue.”

“Then don’t tire yourself out. School is hard enough. If you need money, tell me. I have plenty and can give it to you.”

The girl leaned into Zhou Yining’s arms, acting spoiled and offering her money.

Zhou Yining’s heart warmed, and she softly said, “Don’t worry. I can manage. If I really need it, I’ll tell you.”

“Really?” Jiang Xianzhi asked.

“Hmm, really. Alright, I’m taking the tablet. Let’s sleep.” Zhou Yining spoke, placed the tablet on the bedside table, turned off the room’s lights, and pulled Jiang Xianzhi down to lie together.

Seeing Zhou Yining turn off the light, Jiang Xianzhi hummed and squirmed in her arms as usual. She wanted to test if Zhou Yining’s attitude had changed, since Zhou Yining never minded her nuzzling before.

Zhou Yining didn’t know what the young lady was thinking. She only felt the girl moving in her arms, making her heart race.

Feeling Jiang Xianzhi still moving, Zhou Yining couldn’t hold back. She placed a hand on Jiang Xianzhi’s lower back. “Be good. Stop moving. It’s really time to sleep.”

Jiang Xianzhi felt wronged. Zhou Zhou didn’t seem to dote on her as much. Before, no matter how much she nuzzled, Zhou Zhou never said anything. Now, after just a few movements, Zhou Yining scolded her.

Jiang Xianzhi sniffled, defending herself. “I’m just finding a comfortable position. Why are you scolding me?”

Hearing the young lady’s distress, Zhou Yining quickly comforted her. “I didn’t scold you. Just find a comfortable position and lie still, okay?”

“Hmm.” Jiang Xianzhi reluctantly agreed, burying her face in Zhou Yining’s arms and sniffing. She feared Zhou Yining might like another girl. Why else would Zhou Yining suddenly act distant?

Zhou Yining was unaware of the young lady’s overthinking. Jiang Xianzhi’s nuzzling had made her sweat. As an adult inside, how could she not feel something when the person she liked moved against her? Thankfully, she had stopped Jiang Xianzhi.

Zhou Yining took a few deep breaths, deciding to focus on Jiang Xianzhi’s studies in the future, ideally exhausting her so she’d fall asleep instantly, making things easier for herself.

The next morning, they went to school as usual. During a break, Jiang Xianzhi was still thinking about last night. Shi Yuanyuan and Si Yaqing noticed her low spirits and asked, “Zhizhi, what’s wrong? Are you unwell?”

“No.” Jiang Xianzhi sighed. She looked at Shi Yuanyuan and Si Yaqing. “By the way, have you heard if Zhou Yining is close with any girls in her class?”

Shi Yuanyuan shook her head. “Not sure, but I heard she helps her classmates with problems. She takes snacks as payment, but the girls in her class seem to like her.”

Jiang Xianzhi pursed her lips, feeling even more unhappy. It was fine if others liked Zhou Zhou, but her Zhou Zhou couldn’t like anyone else.

With that thought, Jiang Xianzhi stood and walked out. Shi Yuanyuan, puzzled, asked, “Zhizhi, where are you going?”

Jiang Xianzhi didn’t answer. She went to the fourth floor and stopped at Class 19’s door, where she saw Zhou Yining chatting and laughing with a few girls, seemingly explaining problems.

Jiang Xianzhi crossed her arms and knocked on the door. “Zhou Yining, come out.”

The knock drew attention, and Zhou Yining heard it. She hadn’t expected Jiang Xianzhi to come find her, since they were together all the time, and a short break wasn’t significant.

Zhou Yining told the girls, “We can’t finish now. Let’s continue after the next class. I’m stepping out.”

“Okay,” the girls said, dispersing.

Zhou Yining walked to the door and saw Jiang Xianzhi standing unhappily in the hallway.

Zhou Yining approached and gently asked, “What’s up? Need me for something?”

Jiang Xianzhi nodded, grabbed Zhou Yining’s hand, and pulled her toward the emergency staircase.

Few people passed there, so Jiang Xianzhi looked at Zhou Yining and asked, “Why are you explaining problems to others again?”

“They’re classmates. They asked me, and I can’t just refuse. Plus, I got snacks,” Zhou Yining explained with a smile.

“Then I’ll buy you snacks. Don’t explain problems to others,” Jiang Xianzhi said, staring at Zhou Yining.

“That’s not right. Last time Zhao Xiuna caused trouble at school, my classmates stood by me and helped me against her. I can’t burn bridges,” Zhou Yining explained softly.

Jiang Xianzhi was reluctant but admitted Zhou Yining had a point. Still, she hated seeing Zhou Yining close to others.

Seeing the young lady silent, Zhou Yining pulled her closer and gently asked, “What’s wrong today? You seem unhappy.”

Jiang Xianzhi looked at Zhou Yining and nodded slightly. “Hmm, I feel you’ve been distant these past few days. Before, you let me touch you freely. Last night, I just moved a bit in your arms, and you scolded me. Do you have another girl?”

Zhou Yining sighed. She had no other girl. She hadn’t even figured out how to handle the young lady.

“No, you’re overthinking. I was just tired last night and wanted to sleep early. Where would I get another girl? It’s always been just you. Don’t overthink. Relax. Senior year is stressful enough. Don’t dwell on these things. Go study,” Zhou Yining said gently.

Jiang Xianzhi raised an eyebrow and asked, “Really no other girl?”

“No, no, no. I say it three times. I really don’t,” Zhou Yining said with a laugh.

“You better not. If I find out…” Jiang Xianzhi trailed off, giving Zhou Yining a cold glance.

Zhou Yining shook her head with a smile. The little fox held grudges. “Really, none. Class is starting. Go back. Listen to me, focus on class, and don’t think about nonsense.”

Jiang Xianzhi looked at her. “You remember my words too. No other girls.”

After a thought, Jiang Xianzhi added, “No boys either.”

“Okay, I’ve noted it. Any other orders?” Zhou Yining coaxed gently.

Zhou Yining’s soft voice improved Jiang Xianzhi’s mood. She wasn’t as upset anymore.

The young lady proudly tilted her chin. “I’m leaving. Wait for me at noon.”

“Okay, I’ll do as you say,” Zhou Yining said, calming the ruffled little fox.

Then footsteps came from upstairs. Chen Yitong was coming down.

Zhou Yining glanced at Chen Yitong, feeling awkward and wanting to leave. Had Chen Yitong overheard their conversation?

Before she could speak, Chen Yitong said, “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. This route is close to the teacher’s office, so I usually come this way to class. I heard you talking halfway down and didn’t know whether to keep going or stay, so I waited a few minutes.”

“Oh, it’s fine. We didn’t say much,” Zhou Yining said, smiling awkwardly at Chen Yitong, her mind racing to recall what she and Jiang Xianzhi had said.

“Um, Yining, you’re still high school seniors. It’s best not to let dating affect your studies. Plus, you’re both underage. It’s not ideal,” Chen Yitong said, recalling what she overheard and gently advising.

“Teacher, we’re not dating, really. Don’t worry. We’ll definitely study hard,” Zhou Yining said sincerely.

Chen Yitong wasn’t convinced. Sleeping together at night—how could that not raise questions? But she didn’t press further. The class bell rang. “Alright, go back to class. Let’s go.”

“Okay, Teacher,” Zhou Yining said, hurrying off.