Chapter 30: You are shameless, you are taking advantage of me

Chen Nian recounted the story of Hu Xiaodie, the girl who had jumped to her death, to Hua Shi’er.

Chen Nian explained that when Hu Xiaodie was being bullied by Wei Lai and her two accomplices, she could sense that Hu Xiaodie had been waiting for her to step in—as a friend, as a classmate, to stand up against injustice, or even just to speak a fair word. Chen Nian knew that Hu Xiaodie considered her a friend. Yet, she did not help, paralyzed by the fear of inviting trouble upon herself. She kept telling herself that Hu Xiaodie was not a friend, just a passerby, and that all she wanted was to pass the college entrance exam safely and start a new life.

In the end, Hu Xiaodie lost all hope. When she looked at Chen Nian, the spark and expectation in her eyes were gone, replaced only by confusion and helplessness. Then, she leaped from the school building. That girl, as beautiful as a flower, withered away at the age when she should have been at her most radiant.

Chen Nian sat on the sofa, clutching her knees and burying her face in them, sobbing, "Before she jumped, Hu Xiaodie asked me, 'They’ve been bullying me all this time, why don’t you do something?' I regret it so much. We should have been friends. I should have helped her. It’s all my fault..."

Watching Chen Nian’s shoulders heave as she wept, the memories of Liu Beishan resonated once more within Hua Shi’er. Moved by compassion, he sat beside her and slowly pulled her into his arms. "It’s not your fault. You are all just students; you shouldn't have to face bullying. It’s the fault of those cruel students and their parents. Both you and Hu Xiaodie are victims."

Just then, a knock at the door signaled the arrival of the hotel staff with their meal. Startled, Chen Nian scrambled out of Hua Shi’er’s embrace, blushing as she moved to the side. Hua Shi’er, unperturbed, invited the butler and the server in to set the table. The server smiled, seemingly expecting something. Hua Shi’er realized the implication and pulled out a five-yuan note, offering, "Here is a tip for the two of you to share."

The server looked at the five yuan in confusion, wondering how two people were supposed to split such a small amount. The butler, however, remained professional. He took the note, placed it respectfully on the table, and explained, "Sir, the room rate already includes a service charge; we are not permitted to accept additional fees. Thank you for your kindness, though!" In truth, he simply found it beneath his dignity to deal with such a trivial tip.

After the staff departed, Hua Shi’er invited Chen Nian to eat. "Hu Xiaodie's tragedy is not your fault. At your age, you simply didn't know how to handle such situations, and no one provided you with the right guidance."

Chen Nian initially felt a flash of defiance at his patronizing tone, knowing from the police station that he was actually younger than her. However, remembering his recent actions—which were far beyond the capabilities of an eighteen-year-old—she swallowed her retort.

Hua Shi’er picked up a lobster claw and placed it on her plate, asking earnestly, "How do you want me to help you? Is it just about protecting you from bullying?"

Chen Nian was silent for a moment before looking up suddenly. "If possible, I want to do something for Hu Xiaodie... using your methods."

Hua Shi’er understood exactly what she meant. She wanted him to seek justice for Hu Xiaodie, just as he had outmaneuvered Ma Qi and Boss Wang. He had been planning the same. He remembered from the movie that while Wei Lai was beautiful, she had remained indifferent to Hu Xiaodie’s suicide, viewing it as unrelated to her and even thinking the compensation for Hu Xiaodie’s impoverished family was a "good thing." Seeing Wei Lai’s pretty face on screen had filled him with disgust. He didn't just want justice; he wouldn't mind making Wei Lai feel the exact despair that had driven Hu Xiaodie to jump. Of course, he couldn't tell Chen Nian that.

When Chen Nian looked at him with hopeful eyes, he took a sip of seafood soup and shook his head. Just as her face fell in disappointment, he murmured, "The two hundred was to protect you. If you want justice for Hu Xiaodie... that’s going to cost extra." He added, "Let’s say, ten more yuan. I can't work for free, can I?"

Chen Nian, on the verge of tears of joy, nodded vigorously. "I’ll give you twenty," she said, picking up the bottle of expensive red wine. "Come on, I’ll treat you to a drink!"

"I’m the one who bought this, you know!"

"Then I’ll drink with you..."

Chen Nian had carried burdens no one her age should have to bear—bullying, family debt, the looming exam, and an uncertain future. But the moment Hua Shi’er promised to protect her and seek justice, the weight seemed to vanish, and she felt a lightness she had never known.

Chen Nian eventually passed out, drunk, curled up on the sofa with a smile still on her lips. Hua Shi’er had also had his fair share and was exhausted, but he managed to hoist her into a bridal carry to take her to the bed. She was so thin and light—barely a hundred pounds. He chuckled, muttering, "What a skinny little thing." He tossed her onto the bed and collapsed beside her, overcome by the alcohol.

The next morning, Hua Shi’er was woken by something moving in his arms. Confused, he mumbled, "Who is it? Stop it..." He stopped abruptly, realizing he had no girlfriend—so who was he holding?

The person in his arms stiffened. As he opened his eyes, he saw a pair of clear, bright eyes staring back, filled with shock, unease, and grievance. Before she could scream, Hua Shi’er leaped out of bed and, pointing at her in feigned indignation, cried out, "You shameless girl! You took advantage of me!"

Chen Nian was left speechless.