Chapter 33: Even a Clay Figurine Has a Temper

Zhang Xiaoyan arrived early, showing up at three in the afternoon.

She approached Xiang Yu with a bright smile. "I knew you would come early to study today. Here, I brought you some peaches, eggs, and meat pies—my mom made the pies, they’re delicious."

The food was still warm, and as Xiang Yu held it, she felt a glow of warmth in her heart. She tried to decline, feeling a bit embarrassed, "You should eat them yourself."

Zhang Xiaoyan put on a stern face. "If you consider me a good friend, you’ll take them."

Xiang Yu gave a touched smile. "Zhang Xiaoyan, you are so kind. Thank you." She etched this kindness into her heart.

Zhang Xiaoyan beamed. "I’m the one who should be thanking you for wanting to be friends with me. You only ever spent time with Ye Nuanxin before."

Xiang Yu felt a pang of shame; she had been blind and foolish back then. "What have I done to deserve such kindness from you?"

Zhang Xiaoyan spoke candidly. "It’s fate. After you worked so hard to help me that one time, I realized how truly kind and wonderful you were. I started paying more attention to you and noticed that Ye Nuanxin wasn't as sincere to you as you were to her, but I never had the chance to tell you. Now that you’ve had a falling out, I’m actually quite happy."

Xiang Yu couldn't help but laugh and cry at once. She hadn't expected Zhang Xiaoyan to be so blunt, but she adored this purity and enthusiasm.

"Did your sister manage to call off the wedding with Liu Gang?"

Zhang Xiaoyan’s gossiping spirit—no, her sense of concern—had been burning all weekend. She was dying to know what happened next.

Xiang Yu’s expression turned cold. "It was called off successfully, all thanks to Ye Nuanxin."

She recounted the day's events to Zhang Xiaoyan, though she omitted the mention of the bet; she didn't want to deliberately tarnish her parents' reputation, nor did she want people to know about her bold vow to get into a top-tier high school. She didn't want to face unnecessary criticism or pressure while she was already so busy.

Zhang Xiaoyan pounded the table in anger, cursing Ye Nuanxin as a rotten, wicked person. Then, she looked at Xiang Yu with admiration. "You are so brave! To actually confront your parents in the presence of the police to resolve the issue—I’m in awe of you."

Having lived two lifetimes, Xiang Yu had never been praised so sincerely; her face grew warm. She reminded Zhang Xiaoyan not to reveal her home address to Ye Nuanxin, lest that malicious girl try anything else.

After chatting for a while, the two settled into their studies. Zhang Xiaoyan was a good student, determined to get into the best selective high school in the county, Xiangbei No. 1 Middle School. She helped Xiang Yu review literature and English and lent her her personal cassette player. Xiang Yu hesitated for a moment before accepting; she truly needed it.

"If you need it, let me know, and I’ll return it immediately."

Zhang Xiaoyan nodded. "Let me help you with some math, too."

Xiang Yu shook her head. "There’s too much I don't know. I’ll start by using the reference books to guide my reading and memorize the formulas, taking it one step at a time. You should focus on your own studies first." She didn't want to take up too much of Zhang Xiaoyan’s time.

During evening study hall, the homeroom teacher, Mr. Zhang, called Xiang Yu out. He looked displeased.

"Hasn't the school already disciplined Ye Nuanxin?" he questioned. "Why did you have to take this to the police station?" It didn't look good for the school's reputation if news of this spread.

Xiang Yu had prepared for this. She explained the situation: her parents trying to marry her sister off for a high dowry, her helping her sister escape, and Ye Nuanxin’s constant meddling. She sighed helplessly. "Teacher, I had no choice. If I hadn't acted, I don't know what else she might have done. I had to give her a warning."

Mr. Zhang was shocked. He had never imagined Ye Nuanxin could be so devoid of morals and so maliciously disruptive.

Seeing his disbelief, Xiang Yu said softly, "If you don't believe me, you can call the officers at the station; they know the situation. It was because of Ye Nuanxin’s instigation that my parents chased me with sticks, leaving me no choice but to flee to the police station and confront them to protect my sister and myself. She was determined to teach me a lesson and trip me up, completely indifferent to whether my sister might have her life ruined by marrying such a person. Given her vicious and aggressive behavior, Mr. Zhang, do you really think I shouldn't have fought back?"

He agreed—of course she should have. Even a clay figurine has a temper.

Mr. Zhang looked slightly uneasy and said gently, "Go back to your studies."

When Xiang Yu returned, she cast a lingering look at Ye Nuanxin, who was already watching her. This time, Ye Nuanxin didn't hold her gaze for long; she glared viciously before looking down, her lips still silently spewing curses.

Xiang Yu’s expression remained cold and stern. *Ye Nuanxin, one day, I will return all these humiliations to you.*

Not long after, Mr. Zhang called Ye Nuanxin out. She returned in tears, drawing the attention of the entire class. She frantically packed her bag and, looking toward Xiang Yu, shouted, "Xiang Yu, are you satisfied now? If I can never go to school again, it’s all your fault! You’ve ruined my future; you deserve a terrible end!"

Her emotions were intense, righteous, and filled with deep grievance. She stormed out as soon as she finished. The confused students instinctively sympathized with her and looked at Xiang Yu with disgust.