Chapter 24

“Yao Yao, are you going out for a run again?”

Early in the morning, Zhang Qiufeng’s face changed drastically when she saw Ye Yao with a towel around her neck.

With all the gossip spreading wildly in the courtyard these past few days, how could she still act so indifferent and step outside?

“Yes, I can’t miss a single day of exercise.”

After speaking, Ye Yao prepared to leave, but unexpectedly, Zhang Qiufeng grabbed her by the arm.

“Yaoyao, I’m feeling a bit unwell today. Why don’t you stay home?”

“Where do you feel uncomfortable?”

Ye Yao immediately looked concerned, scanning her up and down.

Zhang Qiufeng guiltily averted her eyes and coughed twice on purpose.

Of course, Ye Yao wasn’t fooled by this little trick, and she sighed helplessly.

“Mom, I have to face people sooner or later.”

Could she really hide in this small courtyard forever?

This was how it had always been—whenever she was bullied or caused trouble, her mother would keep her at home until everyone forgot about it.

That was why she had grown up so timid and cowardly.

Seeing that Ye Yao had seen through her act, Zhang Qiufeng blushed in embarrassment.

“Yaoyao, I’m only doing this for your own good…”

“Mom, I’m already an adult. I can handle my own affairs.” Ye Yao paused slightly before continuing, her voice soft but her gaze deep and unreadable. “And I’ll resolve everything soon.”

“Yaoyao, listen to me—don’t see that person again.”

Even though she knew it wasn’t the right thing to say, Zhang Qiufeng forced herself to say it.

She had already ruined her reputation by accepting the Zhao family’s help all these years. She couldn’t let her daughter follow the same path.

Ye Yao sighed helplessly. “I’m leaving now.”

After tonight, everything would finally come to an end.

—-

In the alley, several women sat together, cracking sunflower seeds and chatting.

When they saw Ye Yao, they all had the same expression—contempt and mockery.

As she walked past, their voices lowered to whispers.

Ye Yao kept her gaze straight ahead, acting as if she didn’t see anyone.

“Ye Yao, out for a workout again?”

Zhao Qingqing’s “enthusiastic” greeting shocked Liu Xiangxiang beside her, leaving her mouth hanging open.

When did she make up with that fat girl?!

Ye Yao, who had been speed-walking, paused, panting.

“Yeah, exercising. After all, without strength, you can’t do anything.”

Her response was cooperative, making it seem like she and Zhao Qingqing had a great relationship.

But in Zhao Qingqing’s ears, her words took on a completely different meaning.

This fat girl—she was eloping with a man tonight, of course she needed strength!

“Your shoes look completely worn out. I have a new pair at home. Let me get them for you.”

“Qingqing, are you okay?”

Before Ye Yao could respond, Liu Xiangxiang couldn’t hold back anymore and stared directly at Zhao Qingqing.

Zhao Qingqing smiled sweetly. “I’m fine.”

She just wanted to give the fat girl a pair of shoes—so she could run faster!

Hahaha!

“I appreciate your kindness, but I’ll have to pass. Our shoe sizes are different.”

Ye Yao politely declined, her smile just as bright.

Zhao Qingqing didn’t seem to mind. “What a shame. Well, go ahead and exercise, we won’t hold you up.”

Watching Ye Yao’s plump figure gradually disappear into the distance, Liu Xiangxiang couldn’t help but wonder if the sun had risen from the west today.

“Qingqing, why are you suddenly being so nice to that fat girl? Did you forget how she treated us before?”