Chapter Eleven: Zhou Jiajia’s Gesture of Kindness

“Hello.” Ning Huaizhi smiled and nodded at the person.

In her previous life, she knew a bit about Zhou Jiajia.

Like her, Zhou Jiajia came from a poor family and worked hard to get into Jing City University. They were in the same major, but because Zhou Jiajia was too timid, she was often bullied and had once wanted to befriend her. Ning Lebao, however, didn’t want to see that happen and drove Zhou Jiajia away by cruel means. Unable to bear the pressure, Zhou Jiajia eventually dropped out.

Later on, Ning Huaizhi tried to find out about Zhou Jiajia but never succeeded; all she knew was that Zhou was not living well, which weighed on her conscience for a long time.

If it weren’t for her, Zhou Jiajia wouldn’t have had to endure Ning Lebao’s cruelty.

Even with a second chance at life, Ning Huaizhi had no intention of forming close relationships.

Ning Lebao was a lunatic. She could find ways to protect herself but couldn’t guarantee Zhou Jiajia’s safety.

To avoid Zhou Jiajia being targeted by that lunatic, it was better to keep her at a distance.

But while Ning Huaizhi wanted to keep her distance, Zhou Jiajia actively approached her.

“Have you been self-studying before? It’s amazing! You answered all the teacher’s questions this morning.”

These basic knowledge points were some of the most firmly rooted in Ning Huaizhi’s memory, yet she still listened attentively.

When the teacher randomly called on students, Ning Huaizhi was the most fluent and confident in her answers.

This instantly made the teacher remember her and left a deep impression on the class.

Since starting her studies, Zhou Jiajia had struggled with these concepts. Despite daily efforts, it still felt like listening to an alien language.

So she admired Ning Huaizhi deeply.

If only she could have even half of her ability and talent, she would be satisfied.

“I guess so,” Ning Huaizhi replied vaguely.

She had studied for four years in her past life, so in this life, it was as if she had already learned this in advance.

Zhou Jiajia’s eyes lit up instantly.

Her voice was soft, tinged with admiration.

“Then, if I have questions, could I ask you for help?”

Her words made Ning Huaizhi look at her again, noticing the strong thirst for knowledge and admiration in her eyes.

Ning Huaizhi couldn’t refuse someone who approached her so sincerely.

Zhou Jiajia was one of the few she felt guilty about from her past life, and now with such a look, she couldn’t bear to say no.

It was just teaching her a little—it shouldn’t be a big deal.

After a moment’s thought, Ning Huaizhi agreed.

“Sure.”

Zhou Jiajia smiled shyly, quietly saying, “Thank you.”

...

The basketball court at Jing City University was large, with top-notch facilities.

Except during holidays, it was almost always packed.

Besides students playing, many fangirls came to watch.

Ning Pengyi stretched and headed toward his usual court.

Someone was already waiting there. Seeing him, they whistled and waved.

“Second Young Master Ning, come over quick.”

The Ning family held a significant status in Jing City, and naturally many sought their favor.

He Yan hooked Ning Pengyi’s shoulder with a smile.

“Second Young Master, what’s wrong? You seem a bit down.”

Ning Pengyi ignored the teasing, brushing off his hand silently and walked ahead.

Even a fool could tell something was off with Ning Pengyi now.

They exchanged looks; none knew the reason.

He Yan hurried beside him and asked, “Want to play a game?”

“Sure,” Ning Pengyi replied without hesitation.

He had come to the court to vent.

Ning Pengyi played fiercely; by the end, his jersey was soaked through.

He walked to the stands, sat down slowly, and closed his eyes to catch his breath.

“Here.”

Opening his eyes, Ning Pengyi saw He Yan holding out water.

He took it. The cap was already off, and with little effort, he twisted it open.

The cold water flowed down his throat, easing the burning heat inside him.

“What’s gotten into you today? I’ve never seen you play this hard.”

“Didn’t you hear the rumors today?”

“You mean about your sister?”

“Of course. What else?”

One of the guys nearby leaned in, asking, “Which sister?”

Ning Pengyi shot him a sharp glance.

The guy shrank back.

He Yan laughed, “You only have one sister, right? The talented music major?”

“The incident at the school gate this morning has already spread around. Many are talking. To me, they’re just bored and nosy, always prying into Ning’s sister’s private affairs. What does it have to do with them?”

“You shouldn’t mind it too much. Just let it be; after a few days, the rumors will die down.”

To He Yan, it was a trivial matter—just some idle gossip, nothing worth worrying about.

“Hmph, you make it sound easy. Lebao cried for hours at the banquet, almost to the point of blindness. Now, with everyone talking about her, how could she not be hurt?”

Ning Pengyi was displeased with He Yan’s words and shot him a glare.

He Yan quickly changed his tone.

“Sorry, I misspoke. Ning’s sister has a soft heart and surely can’t stand the gossip. Well... maybe you should have her keep a low profile for a few days until this blows over.”

“That’s not her fault. Why should she hide? If I said that, she’d be even more upset.”

“Then...”

He Yan racked his brain for ideas but, inexperienced with such matters, could come up with nothing.

This won’t work, that won’t work... Ugh, what a hassle.

Ning Pengyi stood up and waved him off casually.

“Forget it. Your ideas probably won’t work. I’m leaving.”

As Ning Pengyi walked away, He Yan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Discussing Lebao’s issues with Ning Pengyi was far harder than flattering him.

The guys nearby gathered again.

“He really cares about Ning Lebao, always attentive.”

“If you had a beautiful sister like that, maybe you’d be even more concerned.”

“Heh, depends on what kind of sister. If she were a good girl in bed, I’d be completely enchanted, hahaha.”

“Come on, Ning Pengyi wouldn’t look for fun with other women. His mind is all on Ning Lebao.”

“If they hadn’t grown up as siblings, I’d think Ning Pengyi has special feelings for her.”

“That’s not certain now. They’re no longer biological siblings.”

“No way, they treated each other like real brother and sister from childhood.”

“Who knows?”

Seeing their conversation growing more absurd, He Yan quickly stopped them.

“Enough. Stop talking about this or someone might overhear.”

If Ning Pengyi found out they were gossiping behind his back, there’d be trouble.

Only then did they disperse.