After Transmigrating Into A Cannon Fodder Character, I Only Want To Survive (GL) - Chapter 30
Fang Bai’s foot throbbed with pain again, pulling her attention away from Ji Yuning.
Fang Bai silently moved her hand away from Ji Yuning’s arm, using the wall for support, and tried to walk by placing her heel on the ground.
Ji Yuning silently watched Fang Bai’s back, Fang Bai’s long speech replaying in her mind.
Of course Ji Yuning knew how to dodge.
She ignored the usual targeted insults from Lu Lili and her group not because she was submissive, but because she didn’t care. However, when Lu Lili’s actions threatened her, Ji Yuning wouldn’t comply. She simply went with the flow, intending to completely remove Lu Lili from her life.
In the second Ji Yuning moved to avoid Lu Lili, she caught a glimpse of Fang Maozhou’s figure.
Therefore, she deliberately allowed Lu Lili to push her into the water.
Everyone knew she was a foster child under Fang Bai’s name, and that Fang Bai only had disdain for her. But no matter how Fang Bai humiliated and bullied her, it was an internal Fang family matter. Outsiders could talk, but interfering was a slap in Fang Maozhou’s face, let alone pushing “Fang family’s child” into the water in front of him.
Ji Yuning was gambling. She was betting that Fang Maozhou wouldn’t treat what he saw as childish play, and that he would feel Lu Lili had disrespected the Fang family. But even if she lost the bet, it didn’t matter. She never had any hope for the Fang family in the first place.
After falling into the water, Ji Yuning heard a few exclamations. She knew they weren’t for her. Being pushed into the water wouldn’t cause anyone concern. They saw her as a toy, disposable.
So, when the powerful arm, like a vine she clung to when falling off a cliff, locked around her waist, Ji Yuning was taken aback.
It wasn’t that Ji Yuning didn’t have the opportunity to learn to swim. When Lu Xia was alive, various interest class sign-up sheets were placed before her, allowing her to choose what she liked.
At that time, the piano and swimming sign-up sheets were side by side. Without even glancing at the swimming one, she directly took the piano one and handed it to Lu Xia.
As a child, Ji Yuning had an inexplicable aversion to large bodies of water, always feeling she would eventually sink to the bottom. Water would rush at her from all sides, entering her body through her mouth and nose, robbing her of life. Yet, sometimes, a voice in her heart would tell her: jump in, jumping in would bring rebirth. These recurring thoughts only amplified her aversion to water.
As she grew older, this aversion faded, but what once existed couldn’t be completely erased. It always left traces in her mind or body.
When Ji Yuning lost her footing, the moment she thought she was about to fall into the water, the memories buried in her mind resurfaced.
Despite having considered every possibility, for someone who had never been in water, those thoughts were nothing more than wishful thinking, a fear-ridden person’s self-reassurance.
And just as she suppressed her fear, preparing to rely on herself, someone suddenly embraced her.
Ji Yuning was taken aback because she never expected anyone to… save her.
It was like falling off a ship and drifting on the sea for days, then encountering a fishing boat or a deserted island. Whatever it was, it represented hope.
Not self-rescue, but being rescued.
But when she realized that the person who brought her hope was the nightmare of the past three years, Ji Yuning couldn’t describe how she felt. It was like she was one step away from climbing the cliff with the vine, but looking up, she saw the vine was frayed, and the next second, she would still fall into the abyss.
Seeing that the woman was injured saving her, Ji Yuning immediately thought of that vine—
Fang Bai, after moving a few steps and feeling it was manageable, stopped to talk to Ji Yuning, only to find that Ji Yuning wasn’t following her, but standing still, her eyelids lowered, lost in thought.
The anger Fang Bai felt had mostly dissipated when she couldn’t help scolding Ji Yuning.
Fang Bai was often described as someone who seemed to care about everything but also about nothing, gentle yet aloof. Perhaps that’s why she wasn’t easily angered. Even when she was, she’d quickly recover.
Fang Bai didn’t know why, but after transmigrating into the book, Ji Yuning often angered her.
Looking back, it was probably the frustration of getting no response, like throwing a stone into the sea.
Fang Bai sniffed and said to Ji Yuning, “You don’t need to support me. I’ll try walking with the wall.”
Fang Bai continued, “The clothes prepared for you should be in my room too. Follow me.”
Without waiting for Ji Yuning’s response, Fang Bai relied on her memory to locate the original owner’s bedroom and slowly walked towards it, using the wall for support.
Walking on her heels wasn’t as smooth as walking on tiptoes. She had to stop after each step, then move her heels again.
From behind, she looked like a waddling duck.
As Fang Bai walked, the injured leg, constantly tense, started to cramp. She stopped to relax, and then faintly heard a muffled chuckle.
It was a very soft laugh, and Fang Bai wondered if she had misheard.
After all, only she and Ji Yuning were in the hallway. Why would Ji Yuning laugh?
Despite this, Fang Bai turned to confirm if her ears were playing tricks.
Ji Yuning still had her usual expression, emotionless, like a debt collector.
Seeing her look over, Ji Yuning frowned slightly, “Aunt Fang, what’s wrong?”
“You,” Fang Bai pointed to the hallway ahead, “walk in front of me.”
Regardless of whether she misheard, Fang Bai needed an excuse for her sudden turn.
Ji Yuning didn’t ask why, as if she expected Fang Bai to give her orders. She took the two towels and walked ahead of Fang Bai.
Ji Yuning walked slowly, finally stopping to ask, “Where’s Aunt Fang’s bedroom?”
Fang Bai walked to Ji Yuning’s side. “The door on the right up ahead.”
Ji Yuning looked down at Fang Bai’s injured foot. “Okay.”
As they continued walking, Ji Yuning’s slightly furrowed brows deepened.
Fang Bai hadn’t misheard. Someone had indeed laughed, and it was Ji Yuning.
When she heard the laughter, Ji Yuning was as shocked as Fang Bai. No matter what Fang Bai did, she only felt disgust. Yet, she had laughed at Fang Bai’s walking posture.
Not a mocking laugh, but an uncontrollable delight.
Ji Yuning refused to admit it. She quickly suppressed her smile, attributing the unknown laughter to schadenfreude.
“…”
Entering the room, the layout was exactly as Fang Bai remembered. After getting used to walking on her heels, Fang Bai stopped using the wall for support. She moved to the bed, looking at the two sets of clothes on it, and asked, “Which one do you want?”
Ji Yuning looked at the bed. Chen Xiandong had prepared two dresses and two light jackets, probably to keep them warm.
The two dresses were the same style, but different colors, one light purple and one light blue.
Before Ji Yuning could speak, Fang Bai’s voice rang out, “Auntie wants the blue one.”
“…”
Ji Yuning bent down and picked up the light purple dress.
Seeing this, Fang Bai’s lips curled up. “The bathroom is over there. Take a shower and then change.”
Ji Yuning said softly, “Okay.”
After responding, Ji Yuning stood still, seeing Fang Bai sit on the sofa.
Fang Bai noticed Ji Yuning and looked up, confused. “What’s wrong?”
Ji Yuning pursed her lips. “Aren’t you leaving?”
Fang Bai was puzzled. “Why would I leave?”
Ji Yuning frowned. “I’m going to shower.”
“…?” Fang Bai was confused, then realized she was being shy.
Fang Bai placed her injured foot on the knee of her other leg and said softly, “Have you considered that I’m injured?”
Ji Yuning looked over. Fang Bai’s foot was very pale, but now it was a bit red, probably from the cold or the effort of walking.
Being stared at by Ji Yuning, Fang Bai felt a little uncomfortable and said awkwardly, “The bathroom has a lock.”
After Ji Yuning closed the bathroom door, Fang Bai clearly heard her locking it.
…What could a disabled person like her do to her?
Fang Bai ignored Ji Yuning, looking down at the wound. The band-aid was completely useless, its edges peeled off, revealing the wound.
The wound was about three centimeters long, quite deep. But since it only cut a little below the skin, the bleeding had mostly stopped by the pool. However, due to the effort of walking, the wound started bleeding again after Fang Bai removed the band-aid.
As Fang Bai used a tissue to wipe away the bl00d, there was a knock on the door, and then it was opened from the outside.
Realizing Ji Yuning was still showering, Fang Bai was about to tell them not to come in when the female waiter’s voice came through the door, “Miss, I’ve brought Miss Ji’s handbag and a first-aid kit.”
Hearing it was a woman, Fang Bai relaxed. “Come in.”
The waiter opened the door and saw Fang Bai sitting on the sofa, with the sound of running water coming from the bathroom. She was momentarily surprised.
The Miss actually let Miss Ji shower first?
The waiter was new in recent years and hadn’t interacted with Fang Bai before. But she had heard from several colleagues who had been at the Fang residence for many years that the Miss had a terrible temper, liked to make things difficult for them, and had a generally unpleasant and aggressive personality.
In short, the waiter had the impression that Fang Bai was a spoiled, arrogant, and reckless rich second-generation, which was completely different from the considerate and polite person who thanked her.
Fang Bai took the first-aid kit from the waiter and, instead of opening it immediately, asked, “Thank you. Could you bring two glasses of warm water and some cake, without cream and not too sweet?”
“Yes, Miss. Please wait a moment.”
Ji Yuning took fifteen minutes to shower. She didn’t need to wash thoroughly, just rinse off.
Ji Yuning put on the light purple dress and opened the bathroom door to see Fang Bai sitting on the sofa, sipping water.
And beside her… sat He Ziyan.
“All done?”
Hearing the door open, Fang Bai looked up at Ji Yuning.
Ji Yuning’s hair was half-dry, with one side tucked behind her ear and the other side covering her cheek.
“Yes.” Ji Yuning replied, her eyes falling on He Ziyan.
He Ziyan also looked at Ji Yuning when she opened the door, so they inevitably made eye contact.
He Ziyan gave her the same explanation she gave Fang Bai, “I heard from my mom that you were pushed into the pool, so I came up to see if you were okay.”
He Ziyan had entered with the waiter, and the moment Fang Bai saw her, her expression darkened, though subtly, and neither of them noticed.
This was because Lu Lili was He Ziyan’s person.
He Ziyan was furious when she heard Lu Lili had pushed Ji Yuning into the water. She had finally managed to get close to Fang Bai and Ji Yuning, only for Lu Lili to ruin it.
She quickly excused herself from the banquet and, after asking around, happened to run into the waiter taking water to Fang Bai, so she followed her upstairs.
Seeing Fang Bai’s expression was off, He Ziyan immediately put on a worried face and asked about Ji Yuning, which made Fang Bai let her into the room.
Fang Bai put down her water glass and said to Ji Yuning, “I’ve prepared water and cake for you. Eat something if you’re hungry.”
As she spoke, Fang Bai stood up and limped around the small table. “I’m going to shower.”
He Ziyan had only heard that Ji Yuning had fallen into the water and Fang Bai had pulled her out. She hadn’t heard anyone mention Fang Bai’s injury, so when she saw Fang Bai’s awkward walk, she instinctively asked, “Aunt Fang, what’s wrong with your foot?”
Fang Bai: “I cut it.”
He Ziyan quickly stood up and walked to Fang Bai’s side. “Is it serious? Is it difficult to walk? How did you cut it? Should I have my driver take you to the hospital?”
They were standing opposite Ji Yuning.
Compared to Ji Yuning, who hadn’t said a word about her injury, He Ziyan’s barrage of questions warmed Fang Bai’s heart. She felt a little awkward about her earlier dark expression and said, “It’s nothing, just a small cut. I’ll put some medicine on it after I shower.”
Hearing this, He Ziyan grabbed Fang Bai’s arm. “Then let me see the wound after you shower. If it’s not serious, I’ll help you put on medicine. If it is, I’ll take you to the hospital.”
He Ziyan’s grip was strong, making Fang Bai a little uncomfortable. She gently tried to free herself and said calmly, “I’ll go to the bathroom first.”
Realizing she was a bit too eager, He Ziyan cleared her throat and said, “I’ll help you.”
Fang Bai wasn’t used to having too much contact with strangers, and He Ziyan was a stranger to her. Today was only their third meeting, and they weren’t very close. Fang Bai wanted to say no, but she didn’t want to dampen He Ziyan’s helpful spirit, so she kept quiet.
Fang Bai took a few steps and reached Ji Yuning.
Ji Yuning didn’t know why, but after seeing He Ziyan get up to help Fang Bai, she stood still.
Which suited Fang Bai just fine.
Fang Bai stopped beside Ji Yuning and said to He Ziyan, “Xiao Ning can help me. You can go back to the sofa and eat cake.”
As she spoke, Fang Bai took Ji Yuning’s arms. Ji Yuning’s arms were very smooth and cool from the shower, and Fang Bai’s warm hands felt like they were melting her.
Fang Bai turned her head, meeting Ji Yuning’s lowered gaze, and said gently, “Help Auntie to the bathroom.”
Instinctively, Ji Yuning wanted to refuse, but when she glanced at He Ziyan, she said in a muffled voice, “Okay.”
The moment Fang Bai took Ji Yuning’s arms, He Ziyan released Fang Bai’s arm. She watched Ji Yuning guide Fang Bai to the bathroom and watched Fang Bai close the door from the inside.
When Ji Yuning turned around, He Ziyan crossed her arms. “Did Aunt Fang get hurt saving you?”
Ji Yuning said coldly, “Yes.”
He Ziyan was taken aback by Ji Yuning’s attitude. “Then why are you so cold? You didn’t even help Aunt Fang.”
He Ziyan knew that if she hadn’t offered to help Fang Bai, Fang Bai would have had to hobble to the bathroom.
Ji Yuning scoffed. “Do you know who caused this?”
He Ziyan lowered her hands and said a little awkwardly, “Lu… Lu Lili.”
Ji Yuning’s lips curled up. She walked up to He Ziyan and said, looking at her sideways, “It was you.”
Ji Yuning didn’t hesitate to say what He Ziyan was worried about being exposed in front of Fang Bai.
What He Ziyan didn’t know was that Fang Bai already knew.
But at that moment, He Ziyan instinctively looked at the bathroom. The door was closed, and the person inside shouldn’t have heard anything.
He Ziyan breathed a sigh of relief and continued to Ji Yuning, “I admit that I was wrong to have Lu Lili and her group target you at school. But since moving into your dorm, I’ve cut ties with them. Today’s incident wasn’t my doing. It has nothing to do with me.”
It had nothing to do with He Ziyan, but she couldn’t absolve herself of responsibility. They did these things to please He Ziyan because He Ziyan had said at school that anyone who disliked Ji Yuning was her person.
He Ziyan remembered those words and stuttered, “When school starts on Monday, I’ll take back those words in front of the whole class and say that I want to be friends with you—”
“He Ziyan.” Ji Yuning’s smile faded. “Do you really want to be friends with me?”
Author’s Note:
Xiao Ji: You don’t! What do you want? Do you think I can’t see it?