Rebirth: A Cinderella's Counterattack

Chapter 498: Chapter 478: The Dormitory Struggle (Part 17)

Luo Qianqian had predicted with impeccable accuracy; she hadn’t been wrong at all. Now her actions were already on the desks of her Second Uncle and eldest uncle. The reason? The barbecue restaurant owner turned out to be Luo Xisi’s comrade-in-arms, and since it was near the school, Luo Xisi had already made some arrangements. There was no need for special treatment under normal circumstances, but he had been clear about being informed immediately if anything happened.

Luo Qianqian hadn’t even returned home when the Luo Family became aware of her outburst in defense of her sister-in-law, including Luo Yanran who was moved to tears filming on location, wishing he could return immediately to see his girlfriend and to hold his dear sister.

As for Lin Jiayou’s background, it had been thoroughly investigated. Rumors of heartbreak and underworld dealings, tales of him being stabbed for Luo Shufan and Luo Qianqian—Luo Xihan actually admired him quite a bit.

In stark contrast to the men of the household’s attitude were the women, led by Yue Tingyu.

They didn’t feel any pride regarding Luo Qianqian’s actions, only intense fear after the fact. What if she had retaliated?

Only after repeated assurances from their husbands and sons did they refrain from impulsively visiting Luo Qianqian. They had previously intended to visit Cong Rong, but had to give up on the idea due to Old Master Luo’s disapproval.

Luo Yanwu, following his father’s subtle hint, planned to go directly to dine with his sister on Friday. Hmm, and also Qin Nuan and Cong Rong.

After seeing Lin Jiayou off, Luo Qianqian and her group leisurely returned to their dormitory, where Cao Yingying and Xiu Ran were already present.

The barbecue restaurant manager had given them face, slashing the bill by half and even waived the small change, which was significantly less than what Lin Jiayou had estimated.

Upon seeing Xiu Ran, Zhang Yun grabbed her: ”Where have you been? Someone invited us to lunch.”

Xiu Ran smiled: ”Just had something to do. What’s up with her? She started crying as soon as she came back?”

”Uh... It’s nothing.” Feeling that it wasn’t appropriate to discuss such matters in front of the person involved, Zhang Yun still shook her head.

Luo Qianqian smiled and handed Xiu Ran the ice cream she had bought at the door: ”See how nice I am, I even brought you a treat.”

Xiu Ran laughed and accepted the ice cream: ”Yes, yes, you’re the best.”

Just as Luo Qianqian was about to climb into bed, she heard Cao Yingying call out: ”Luo Qianqian, could you come out and talk with me?”

Qin Nuan frowned, about to say something, but then saw Luo Qianqian stop her move to get into bed, nod her head, and then say to Qin Nuan: ”I’ll just be downstairs, where you can see me.”

Qin Nuan then nodded without speaking.

Following Cao Yingying downstairs, they stood under the tree shade within view of the dorm room window before Cao Yingying slowly began: ”You should know that I was behind what happened to Qin Nuan and Cong Rong, right?” she said bluntly.

Luo Qianqian paused for a moment, neither confirming nor denying: ”So what if I do, and what if I don’t?”

Cao Yingying shook her head: ”Whether you do or don’t, it doesn’t matter anymore, I’m already ruined.” As she spoke, she pulled back her long-sleeved top a little, showing Luo Qianqian the bruises on her neck: ”I know you all have figured it out, anyone at this school isn’t a fool, it’s just that I thought too naively.”

Luo Qianqian raised an eyebrow: ”So?” Her face was full of confusion, was this an admission of guilt?

”I had planned to replace Qin Nuan, but now I realize the bond between you two is not something I can interfere with.” Luo Qianqian would take up a weapon just for someone saying a word about Qin Nuan, and moreover, she was referring to her sister-in-law.

”I always thought she was your stepmother.”

Luo Qianqian smirked: ”I already clarified in front of that guy with the flowers, Qin Nuan is my sister-in-law, you misunderstood.”

”I won’t do anything to you guys anymore, I just want to live a peaceful school life. You don’t have to care about me, and I won’t do anything to you either, okay?” Cao Yingying’s face was already teary: ”Admitting my mistake earlier would’ve at most resulted in a disciplinary action, but now? I thought I had struck it rich, but in fact, I had stepped into a wolf’s den. As a university student, why should I demean myself?”

Luo Qianqian’s response was noncommittal—this situation was something she could not pass judgment on.

After hesitating for a moment, she still said, ”Nuannuan and the others won’t target you.” After speaking, she turned and went upstairs.

Qin Nuan watched from the window. After Luo Qianqian left, Cao Yingying knelt on the ground, covering her face, seemingly crying.

”Crying?” Looking at Luo Qianqian entering, Qin Nuan asked.

Luo Qianqian nodded, ”From now on, just act as if she doesn’t exist. She probably won’t do anything anymore.” Luo Qianqian sighed. Why bother?

Qin Nuan raised an eyebrow and watched the kneeling figure from the window without speaking.

It was Cong Rong who rarely spoke out, ”If I were her, I would give up too. You dared to stab someone over an insult, can such a friendship be measured?” Yet, envy flashed in her eyes.

Luo Qianqian curled her lips, ran cheekily to Cong Rong, and said, ”If you were my sister-in-law, I’d protect you too. Think about it, okay?”

Cong Rong’s face immediately flushed a deep red.

Qin Nuan then slapped Luo Qianqian on the head, ”Are you now a professional suitor as well? Even better than being a designated driver or test-taker, huh? Want to try being a stand-in for marriage proposals or weddings too?”

Hearing Qin Nuan’s teasing, everyone in the dormitory couldn’t stop laughing.

Luo Qianqian looked unhappy, ”If you need, I can also stand in for you to eat or go to the bathroom, want me to?”

”...Wouldn’t I still be hungry then?” Qin Nuan was speechless and pulled out the last papaya from the cupboard. ”Hurry up and eat, you can eat my share too.”

”And mine,” Cong Rong said in a calm voice as she lay down.

Zhang Yun chuckled, ”That’s right, and mine too. Having someone eat for you is a great idea.”

Xiu Ran, seeing Luo Qianqian’s unhappy face, quickly said, ”It’s fine, let Zhang Yun eat my share.” Seeing Zhang Yun’s ’this is not the original plot’ expression, he curled up the corners of his lips and glanced at Zhang Yun’s flat chest.

”...I’ll join you,” said Zhang Yun in a muffled voice, taking a fruit knife and starting to cut the fruit.

The two shared the papaya and began to eat leisurely. When Cao Yingying returned, they were still struggling through it.

Seeing her, everyone who had heard Luo Qianqian’s words earlier showed no reaction, pretending not to see her.

Cao Yingying’s face clearly showed a sigh of relief.

”By the way, Qianqian.” Cong Rong suddenly spoke, ”Someone asked me to deliver a letter to you earlier. I didn’t look at it; it’s under your pillow.”

Luo Qianqian was startled, opened the envelope, and found a piece of paper and a USB drive inside.

Written on the paper was: Evidence about the person uploading stuff to the forum.

The handwriting was neat and aesthetically pleasing, appearing to be practiced running script. But it had no distinctive characteristics, the brushwork didn’t have a personalized touch, such writing could be imitated from a copybook. Anyone could reproduce it.

”Who gave it to you?” Luo Qianqian frowned.

”I don’t know him, and it seemed he was also entrusted by someone else,” Cong Rong shook her head.

Luo Qianqian curled her lips, truly interesting. It looked like this matter was far from over, huh? Were others still investigating?

Without any hesitation, she took the USB drive and left the room.