Chapter 20: Inquiring About Ning Huaizhi's Whereabouts

With their work settled, the two were in high spirits and spent some time outside before heading back.

When they returned to the dormitory, Ning Lebao was standing at the entrance, her gaze hostile as she looked at them.

“Where have you been?”

Zhou Jiajia dared not meet her eyes. Ning Huaizhi stepped forward, shielding her behind herself.

“This doesn’t seem to concern you, does it? This is my personal matter; I don’t see why I should tell you.”

Ning Lebao’s face twisted for a moment but quickly returned to its usual expression.

“Sister, I’m only concerned about you. You’re a bit too guarded with me.”

“Is that so? Should I thank you for your concern? But I’m not your sister, so that’s not my responsibility.”

Ning Huaizhi tried to enter, but Ning Lebao blocked her way completely, barring her from getting through.

“Step aside. Good dogs don’t block the way,” Ning Huaizhi said irritably.

After a long day outside, she was exhausted and just wanted to rest properly.

Other students passing by heard the argument and couldn’t help but glance over.

Unable to bear the scene, Ning Lebao finally begrudgingly stepped aside to let them through.

Ning Huaizhi didn’t hesitate and pulled Zhou Jiajia inside.

As Zhou Jiajia passed by Ning Lebao, she smiled at her.

But Ning Lebao, who never thought highly of others, didn’t even spare her a glance.

She stared at Ning Huaizhi’s retreating figure, teeth clenched in fury.

“Ning Huaizhi, I will never let you off.”

...

“Jiajia, may I come in?”

Zhou Jiajia was tidying up the desk when she saw someone from the neighboring dorm peek their head in.

They were classmates but rarely interacted, so she wondered why they had come today.

Zhou Jiajia glanced at Ning Huaizhi’s spot; the neatly stacked books on the desk were pleasing to the eye.

Ning Huaizhi had left early for the library.

Having gotten to know her over time, Zhou Jiajia realized Ning Huaizhi was much smarter. She had thoroughly grasped the knowledge in textbooks and didn’t need to study them further. Instead, she read highly specialized books or academic papers by prominent professors at the library.

Zhou Jiajia had accompanied her a few times but never understood a word, feeling dizzy and confused instead.

Ning Huaizhi advised her to study in the dorm, as that was better than gaining nothing at the library.

Knowing this, Zhou Jiajia agreed.

Though aware of the vast gap between them, the disparity still left her feeling a bit down.

So when someone came to talk to her, she gladly welcomed it.

“Come in.”

Zhou Jiajia straightened the desk and waved her visitor over.

She fetched a stool for her to sit.

“Jiajia, no morning classes today, and you’re still up studying? That’s really dedication,” the classmate exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise.

Embarrassed, Zhou Jiajia looked away. “It’s nothing. Huaizhi works much harder than I do.”

“By the way, where’s Huaizhi? Why isn’t she in the dorm?”

“Oh, she went to the library.”

“Why didn’t you go with her?”

“How could I be as good as her?”

Zhou Jiajia’s eyes dimmed slightly. Just a few words had already pierced her heart.

“It’s okay. If you study hard, you won’t fall too far behind,” the classmate said sincerely, clasping her hand.

Zhou Jiajia was touched.

“By the way, I haven’t seen you at the milk tea shop lately. I was looking forward to the drinks you make for me. I’ve been there several times but never saw you. Did you get a new job?”

“Yeah.” At the thought, Zhou Jiajia straightened her back proudly.

“Of course. That day, Huaizhi and I went to apply at the golf course. She’s really amazing...”

Unable to hold back, Zhou Jiajia recounted the entire story in one breath.

Encouraged by her classmate, she forgot Ning Huaizhi’s warning not to tell others about this.

“Wow, you and Ning Huaizhi are really impressive.”

“Hehe, it’s mainly Huaizhi who’s amazing.”

“Well, it’s getting late. I’m going downstairs to have breakfast; otherwise, I’ll have to eat lunch directly.”

“You should go then.”

After speaking, Zhou Jiajia felt a wave of relief.

Only then did she remember Ning Huaizhi’s caution not to reveal this.

Her heart grew uneasy.

What if she had already let it slip?

Maybe... it wouldn’t be a big deal. She only told one person. Once Huaizhi returned, she could remind her not to spread it further.

Zhou Jiajia forced herself to calm down and resumed studying.

But her mind was elsewhere; the words floated around her like mosquitoes, and she couldn’t focus on a single character.

Meanwhile, a classmate secretly approached Ning Lebao.

Ning Lebao sat on a chair while Liu Duoduo massaged her shoulders.

She lifted her eyelids and glanced at the classmate. “Well? Did you find out anything?”

The classmate immediately relayed everything Zhou Jiajia had said.

Ning Lebao frowned. “Nonsense. How could Ning Huaizhi possibly play golf?”

The sport required not only physical strength but also strategy.

A beginner could never achieve good results.

Ning Huaizhi couldn’t have learned it. Having lived where she did, she probably hadn’t even seen a golf club, let alone a golf course.

Liu Duoduo also found it hard to believe.

She asked again, “Are you sure Zhou Jiajia said that?”

“Absolutely. My memory isn’t bad; I’m certain I’m not mistaken. That’s exactly what she said.”

“How is that possible?” Ning Lebao muttered to herself, her expression dazed.

This completely overturned her understanding.

Seeing her strange demeanor, Liu Duoduo whispered, “Lebao, maybe Zhou Jiajia is lying. The golf course is so far away; even if she’s making it up, no one would bother to check.”

“Right, exactly. They must be lying.”

Ning Lebao’s eyes brightened. She believed Liu Duoduo’s words without hesitation and returned to her usual lazy demeanor.

“Ning Huaizhi is really shameless, so vain. For a bit of ridiculous pride, she’ll spin any lie without fear of being exposed.”

“Alright, you did well on this. Here’s the rest of the money,” Ning Lebao said, tapping her phone a few times and then showing the screen to the classmate.

The classmate’s eyes lit up instantly.

“Thank you, Miss. If you need anything else, just come find me anytime.”

The classmate left happily, clutching the money.

Ning Lebao stood up.

Liu Duoduo asked, “Where are we going now?”

“Of course to find He Mingyuan. Since we have the information, it’s time to notify him.”