Chapter 60

After much deliberation, Chen Lianxing decided not to say anything. She feared that if Ji Tian found out her brother was utterly infatuated with that “little brat,” she might give up on Chen Jing entirely.

Normally, Ji Tian would have been extremely curious about Chen Jing’s recent activities. But not today.

She had obtained far more valuable information.

Ji Dai Ning’s summer camp was currently on a camping trip. Ji Tian curled her lips into a smile. This was the perfect opportunity—she could deal with Ji Dai Ning first!

Initially, Ji Tian had wanted to confront Dai Ning directly, but upon calming down, she realized it wouldn’t be wise. If she openly clashed with her, any incident involving Dai Ning would easily be traced back to her.

Pretending not to notice Dai Ning’s existence was the best cover to secretly take action.

Having planned everything out, Ji Tian felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. If she succeeded, she’d never have to worry about anyone ruining her plans again!

The sudden ringing of her phone startled Ji Tian. She glanced at the caller ID and smiled faintly.

“Brother,” Ji Tian greeted sweetly.

“Come home next month for Grandpa’s birthday,” Ji Mojue said while driving.

“Got it. I know.” Ji Tian’s tone softened. “Brother, is your stomach still bothering you? Stop staying up late. I can’t make you those soups for your stomach while I’m away, but you have to take care of yourself. You’re still young, so you need to value your health.”

“Got it. Nag, nag, nag,” he replied impatiently, hanging up quickly.

Ji Tian knew her brother’s personality well. Despite his feigned annoyance, he appreciated her concern. The fact that he hurried to hang up only meant he was feeling embarrassed.

During her time with the Ji family, she had meticulously cared for Grandpa and Ji Mojue. When she left as an exchange student, she even placed a soothing flower arrangement in Ji Mojue’s room.

Now that she was gone, he must have grown used to her presence, slowly beginning to accept her as his sister.

Recently, Ji Mojue occasionally called her. Although his tone remained sarcastic, he agreed without hesitation to anything she asked for.

Ji Tian shook her head. What a pity—if this body weren’t Ji Mojue’s biological sister, he might have been an excellent target to pursue.

A dark shadow crossed Ji Tian’s eyes. Did Ji Mojue know Ji Dai Ning was still alive?

—

The June sun was bright as students sat on soft grass mats discussing assignments.

During a break, Zhang Youying returned to the tent to grab some water.

She noticed Dai Ning sleeping soundly and rubbed her temples before casting a glance her way.

Half-awake, Dai Ning turned over and smiled sweetly at her. Zhang Youying sneered and quickly left the tent.

Still groggy, Dai Ning turned to Qingtuan. “Was that necessary? She’s still mad about last night?”

Qingtuan snickered. “She probably feels humiliated.”

The incident had occurred the previous night before Chen Jing called. Dai Ning had accidentally glimpsed a photo on Zhang Youying’s phone. Her curiosity piqued, she leaned in closer, prompting Zhang Youying to freeze in shock.

Taking advantage of the moment, Dai Ning cheekily grabbed the phone and inspected the photos.

The images were obviously edited. Zhang Youying had donned a princess dress, with her hair curled and white stockings, smiling awkwardly in the pictures.

Her face had been slimmed, her eyes enlarged, and her skin lightened several shades.

But the real kicker was the photo where she’d edited herself to look shorter, leaning delicately into Li Hu’s embrace.

It was impossible to expect any sympathy from the heiress. Upon seeing the awkwardly doctored photo, Dai Ning had burst into unrestrained laughter. Zhang Youying, mortified, lunged to snatch her phone back, sparking a scuffle between the two.

To make matters worse, the call from Chen Jing had interrupted them during their squabble.

It wasn’t surprising that Zhang Youying, usually poised and confident, had been so flustered.

Despite her apparent pride, Zhang Youying had always harbored feelings for Li Hu. Even though he rarely paid her any attention, she maintained her cool demeanor. To have her secret affections and insecurities exposed to her “rival” was understandably humiliating.

—

Wen Zizi noticed Zhang Youying’s foul mood.

“I told you not to bother with her. Let her embarrass herself—why even engage? Sharing a tent with her is only asking for trouble.”

Zhang Youying gritted her teeth and shook her head. “Don’t say anymore.”

“Li Hu’s probably out fetching her food again. She’s so spoiled—what’s the point of her coming if she’s not going to do anything and just expects Li Hu to serve her?”

“Li Hu’s doing it willingly. It’s not her fault,” Zhang Youying replied calmly.

Some truths were clear to Zhang Youying. Beauty wasn’t a crime, and Li Hu’s actions were of his own volition—they had nothing to do with Dai Ning.

Among the many girls here, most disliked Dai Ning. They gossiped about her behind her back, yet all secretly envied her.

Failing to win over Li Hu was their own inadequacy. Zhang Youying understood that even if she were a man, she’d likely be attracted to a girl like Dai Ning. There was no denying her beauty.

Recalling the softness she’d accidentally felt during their tussle the previous night, Zhang Youying grimaced, glancing down at herself.

—

Sure enough, by afternoon, Li Hu had returned with peeled peaches washed clean for Dai Ning.

Zhang Youying averted her gaze, choosing to ignore the sight.

Inside the tent, Dai Ning was cross-legged, engrossed in a game. She glanced at the plate of peaches.

“Open your mouth,” Li Hu ordered.

Dai Ning shook her head. “I don’t want any. Leave.”

Li Hu raised an eyebrow and leaned in closer.

“Why won’t you eat my food anymore?” he asked, studying her expression with a sly smile. “Trying to make friends with Zhang Youying?”

Dai Ning’s wide, innocent eyes blinked at him, and she shook her head decisively.

Li Hu chuckled, pinching her chin. “Cute. But unfortunately, with that attitude, don’t expect any girl to want to be your friend.”

Dai Ning swatted his hand away and kicked him out of the tent.

“I don’t need friends!”

Unfazed by her temper, Li Hu bent down and kissed her hair.

“Exactly. Who needs friends when you’ve got me?”

Dai Ning hurled a water bottle at his head. Li Hu hissed in pain as veins popped on his forehead.

Qingtuan snuck a glance at Dai Ning. Could it be true? Had the heiress really grown up without any close friends? That would be so tragic. Even Qingtuan had buddies back in its younger days.

From that point on, Dai Ning refused anything Li Hu gave her. When she was thirsty, she’d pester Zhang Youying to boil water. If she craved snacks, she’d eye Zhang Youying’s bag.

Unable to resist Dai Ning’s pleading gaze, Zhang Youying grudgingly handed over her last pack of biscuits. Dai Ning took a bite, only to toss them back disdainfully, infuriating Zhang Youying further.

“Just wait and see—sooner or later, I’ll give Chen Dai Dai a proper beating!”

The next evening, Dai Dai changed into another dress. She wore a sleeveless blue-green dress that barely covered her thighs, revealing her slender, delicate collarbones and fair, soft calves.

The girl’s slender, graceful legs were crossed, even her toes a soft pink.

Zhang Youying walked in, keeping her gaze straight ahead. “Move, I need to grab something.”

After walking quite a distance away, she suddenly lifted the tent flap again and asked irritably, “Some people are heading to the nearby woods to see fireflies. Are you coming?”
Such an annoying little thing—no wonder no one invited her. Everyone snuck off without even thinking to include her.

Dai Ning shook her head. “Not going.”

The woods were full of creepy bugs and caterpillars. Even if she was curious, she wouldn’t willingly venture in there.

“I boiled water for you; it’s on the table outside. No pomegranates left, only bananas. Take it or leave it.” Zhang Youying’s tone was icy.

“Bye-bye,” Dai Ning waved lazily, though a bit tempted. “Can you catch me a few fireflies while you’re there?”

“Catch them yourself!” Zhang Youying snapped and stormed off without looking back.

As classmates trickled away one by one, and after hearing Dai — wasn’t joining, Li Hu said, “I’ll stay with her.”

He stayed nearby, lighting a cigarette.

For all appearances, he was a model student, yet he did what most wouldn’t dare. On the other hand, for a supposed delinquent, his grades were top-notch. The supervising teacher, hired by his family, didn’t dare interfere.

The stars sparkled faintly, and a cool breeze swept through the quiet night.

Amid this stillness came faint footsteps.

The five or six teachers noticed nothing, but Li Hu suddenly frowned deeply.

Dai Ning, feeling thirsty after gaming, stepped out for water.

A teacher’s startled cry shattered the silence. Li Hu immediately yelled, “Get back inside!”

Dai Ning didn’t have time to react. From the darkness of the forest, several deranged men suddenly rushed out.

“Run, Dai Ning!” Qingtuan urgently called out.

She turned to flee but was too late. Someone grabbed her shoulder. “Let go of me, you bastard!”

A bottle of acid was hurled in her direction.

Qingtuan screamed, “Dai Ning!”

Dai Dai instinctively covered her face, but in the next moment, someone pulled her into a protective embrace.

The acrid stench of corroding flesh filled the air. The person shielding her trembled slightly, their body taut with pain. Dai Ning froze, slowly lowering her hands.

Her gaze met an icy pair of eyes. The man’s jaw was clenched tight, and he gently patted her head.

“Brother?” The smell wasn’t unfamiliar—it was one she’d never forget, having experienced it before, burned into her memory with a terror so profound it seemed inescapable.

Chen Jing shoved her into a nearby tent, quickly disarming one of the assailants. As he turned back, Dai Ning saw a knife sink into his body.

Qingtuan trembled with panic. “Dai Ning, are you okay?”

Through the gap in the tent, Dai Ning watched and shook her head. She curved her lips into a faint smile. “Qingtuan, tell me, will he die?”

Qingtuan froze.

The fear in the girl’s eyes had faded, replaced with a detached indifference, as if watching a spectacle.

Under the night’s shroud, the acrid smell of acid mingled with the metallic tang of blood, punctuated by the occasional scream of a teacher.

The dim, warm light from the camp flickered faintly, blending with the girl’s lighthearted tone, buried in the oppressive darkness.

“If Chen Jing dies, and the blame falls on Ji Tian, it’s not my fault, right?”

“…Right.” Saying this single word, Qingtuan’s feelings were indescribably complicated.

Dai Ning gently touched her chest. “It doesn’t hurt. See? I’ve learned to be smart.”

The chaos ended quickly. The moon slipped behind the clouds.

Someone hastily called the police. When Dai Ning stepped out, the attackers were already subdued.

She walked up to a figure and crouched down in front of him.

The man’s face was pale, drenched in sweat from the pain, his hand pressed firmly against the wound at his waist. Li Hu and a female teacher worked grimly to staunch the bleeding.

“Will you die, Brother?”

Chen Jing opened his eyes. Even in agony, his vision was blurry; he couldn’t see her clearly or tell if she was crying. He feared her tears and forced himself to stay conscious. “No, don’t be afraid.”

He had promised to protect her.

Dai Ning’s hand gently caressed his face. What a pity.

She had painstakingly maneuvered everyone away to ensure Ji Tian’s people could act without interference. Yet even so, these incompetents failed to take down an unarmed “child of fate.” What pathetic fools.

Police and paramedics arrived swiftly. Dai Ning, as Chen Jing’s family member, got into the ambulance with him.

A nurse tried to console her, “Don’t be scared. Your brother’s bleeding has stopped, and the wound isn’t too deep. He’ll be fine once we get to the hospital.”

“I’m not scared.”

Dai Ning thought for a moment and placed her soft hand into Chen Jing’s palm.

She knew exactly how it felt to have acid burn through flesh. When Chen Jing’s shirt was removed earlier, she had glanced briefly. His back was almost entirely corroded—a sight that must have been excruciating. Dai Ning understood that pain all too well.

Chen Jing’s consciousness wavered, his body trembling. He wanted to grip her hand tightly, but realizing whose hand it was, he only enveloped it lightly with trembling fingers.

Qingtuan’s eyes grew misty.

It had been too long—long enough to nearly forget.

Dai Ning, seemingly innocent and sweet, was, at her core, a soul darkened long ago. How could someone like her ever truly love anyone?