Chapter 230

Words : 1160 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

In the end, Ji Nian still followed Gu Xiuyuan. It wasn’t just because of her friendship with Yang Xinyu—she had also caught a glimpse of the sympathy Gu Xiuyuan was desperately trying to hide. [Do you think, if it were the current Gu Xiuyuan, he would still coldly drive the original protagonist to ruin like he did in the book?] The system wanted to say no. But it also felt that the answer might not matter much to Ji Nian or the original protagonist anymore. ... "Yang Xinyu, we want you to understand that we’re asking for the reason because we want to help you. If you’re being bullied, the student council won’t just stand by and do nothing." The vice president of the student council looked at the boy sitting across from her with frustration. Yang Xinyu was covered in dust, his long, unkempt hair hanging over his eyes as he kept his head lowered, refusing to speak. He just sat there, picking at his hands. Even when threatened with reporting the matter to the teachers or calling his parents, he showed no reaction. It was as if he didn’t care what they did to him. When Ji Nian walked in, she happened to see the vice president sighing. The girl looked up, startled at the sight of Ji Nian, then quickly composed herself. "President?" "Why did you bring Ji Nian here?" At the mention of her name, Yang Xinyu suddenly flinched. He lifted his head slightly, his eyes darting toward Ji Nian before shrinking back, as if scalded. Then he immediately lowered his head again. Ji Nian barely recognized him. Though they attended the same school, it had been a long time since she’d last seen him. Back in elementary school, Yang Xinyu had been chubby-cheeked, cheerful, and popular—both boys and girls loved playing with him. He was always full of energy, coming up with fun ideas and keeping everyone entertained. But now... The boy sitting in that chair, hunched over, thin as paper, radiating gloom—there was no trace left of the bright, happy child he’d once been. On the way here, Gu Xiuyuan had told Ji Nian that besides his personality, his grades had also plummeted—from middle-of-the-pack to dead last. The impact of family upheaval on a child was painfully obvious. And no one understood that better than Ji Nian. Gu Xiuyuan motioned for the vice president to leave with him, giving Ji Nian and Yang Xinyu some space. Ji ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍Nian placed something on the table in front of him. "I bought this during summer break after elementary graduation. I meant to give it to you when school started, but I never saw you." Truthfully, Ji Nian had even gone to Class 10 to look for him, but he was always absent. So the gift had stayed in her drawer from seventh grade all the way to eighth, waiting for the day she could finally hand it over. Hearing this, Yang Xinyu finally reacted. He slowly raised his head and looked at what she’d brought. It was a set of paper coasters, badges, and holographic tickets featuring a certain anime character. Seeing the character’s confident, radiant smile, Yang Xinyu felt as if it belonged to another lifetime. He hadn’t paid attention to things like this in ages. His mother’s death and his father’s sudden emotional withdrawal had left him numb. He couldn’t muster interest in anything anymore. Every day after school, he’d lock himself in his room and mindlessly scroll through short videos. Over time, even focusing had become a struggle. When he lifted his head, Ji Nian got a clear look at his face. Exhaustion, dull eyes, and a complete lack of the vitality a fourteen-year-old should have. His condition was alarming—he needed professional help. "Thanks... Boss." He tried to smile, but his lips only twitched stiffly, making his expression look awkward. Ji Nian sat down across from him. "Since you still call me ‘Boss’..." "Then can you tell me why you’re being bullied?" She said "bullied," not "fighting." Before arriving, Ji Nian hadn’t known the full story. But seeing Yang Xinyu in person, she doubted the "fight" narrative entirely. In his state, who could he possibly fight? The dust on his clothes suggested he’d been knocked to the ground, and the large footprint on his back made it obvious he’d been kicked. Whoever did it had been careful—avoiding visible areas, meaning Yang Xinyu was probably covered in bruises under his clothes. Ji Nian’s choice of words made Yang Xinyu press his lips together. Her voice softened as she added, "You know what?" "Your mom would be pacing in heaven, frantic if she saw you like this." Yang Xinyu’s heart lurched violently. When he lifted his head again, tears spilled down his cheeks. "...R-Really?" Ji Nian nodded. "Yeah." The mention of his mother finally broke through. Yang Xinyu wiped his reddened eyes. "It’s... Haonuo’s people..." "Yang Qicheng accused me of stealing something and sent them to teach me a lesson. But I don’t even know what he’s talking about." Hearing the surname, Ji Nian understood—this was likely the illegitimate son Gu Xiuyuan had mentioned, the one Yang Xinyu’s father had brought home. "We’re all on your side." "Even if the person bullying you is living under your roof." Patting Yang Xinyu’s shoulder, Ji Nian stood up. "...Boss." Yang Xinyu called after her, his voice barely audible. "Thank you..." Ji Nian said she hadn’t done much. Before leaving, she turned back. "Come find me sometime." "Just like before." Yang Xinyu let out a loud, choked sob, hiding his face behind his sleeve as he ducked his head. "...Okay." Ji Nian relayed what she’d learned to Gu Xiuyuan. Hearing the truth, the student council members were furious—not a single one doubted Yang Xinyu’s story. Gu Xiuyuan was about to get busy, so Ji Nian waved him off, saying she’d eat lunch alone—she had something else to do. Gu Xiuyuan, who had been about to follow the others, let out a cold snort. "If you dare start dating early..." "I’ll tell Uncle Ji." Ji Nian stared at him, baffled. What was that supposed to mean?? Still confused, she turned away. Before she could even round the corner out of the student council hallway, she nearly collided with someone. Looking up, Ji Nian was nearly blinded by a dazzling golden glow. "Huh? What are you doing here?" It was Lu Jinghuai. He stood at the corner, somehow having tracked her down. When he saw her, his lips curved into a gentle smile—though it carried a hint of melancholy. "You’re so busy. So many people are always talking to you." "This is the only way I can find a moment alone with you." His lashes lowered as he spoke, and then he chuckled quietly, as if delighted to finally have her attention. Ji Nian barely had a second to feel guilty before the system muttered: [This feels like an affair.]

Chapter 230

Comments (0)