CHAPTER 84: CHAPTER 79 COLD

"Stop talking, everyone, I knew from the start that Jiang Xiaoxiao had mistaken me for someone else. I saw how kind she was to me, so I pretended not to notice. It’s my fault for wanting to take advantage of the situation. Don’t make things difficult for Jiang Xiaoxiao; she just made a mistake."

Jia Shu firmly took all the blame onto herself. She couldn’t let Jiang Xiaoxiao lose face in front of so many people.

After all, Jiang Xiaoxiao was doing it for her own good.

Fang Ran looked disdainful.

Don’t think saying that makes it believable.

"Look, wasn’t I right? Jia Shu really doesn’t know Jiang Xiaoxiao, which proves that Jiang Xiaoxiao mistook her. Jiang Xiaoxiao, you need to open your eyes. People like her aren’t worth treating so well; she just thinks you’re a fool."

Fang Ran was smug, feeling justified in her skepticism.

The others exchanged puzzled looks.

Could there really be such a thing?

Could someone pretend to be friend for personal gain?

But this situation seemed a bit mysterious, and no one could clearly explain it.

There was an intangible sense of something being off, but no one could pinpoint what was wrong.

Nonetheless, more people looked at Jia Shu with unfriendly gazes.

There was contempt and disdain in their eyes, as everyone despised Jia Shu’s behavior.

Jiang Xiaoxiao stood up suddenly.

"Fang Ran, is that enough? I’ve been holding back my temper, thinking this isn’t a big deal. I figured we could clear things up, but you insisted on exaggerating it, and now it’s come to this.

I said I know Jia Shu; Jia Shu is the daughter of my mom’s friend. I know about their family; though I haven’t met her, I’ve seen her photo. My mom has it; otherwise how could I recognize her as soon as she boarded the train and be so enthusiastically inviting her?

If it was someone else, so many people have boarded, why haven’t you seen me greeting anyone else? Am I full of energy to care for an unfamiliar person like that?

Who do you think I am? And Jia Shu, if Auntie didn’t tell you, it’s because I asked her not to. I was planning for us to start as friends from strangers and later tell you, to build a real friendship.

Furthermore, I wanted to see what kind of person you are! Who knew it would turn into this misunderstanding, and now everyone misunderstands you."

Jiang Xiaoxiao noticed Jia Shu looked like she was about to cry from worry.

This Jia Shu, she’s just like that, still so soft-hearted.

"Everyone wonders who Jia Shu’s parents are, right? Well, I’ll tell you now: her mother’s name is He Wangyun, her father is Jia Zaishan, and she has five siblings, with Jia Shu being the eldest. They live in the steel factory dormitory in the south of the city. If you don’t believe it, look at her letter of introduction; that can’t lie.

And I know Jia Shu was born in October twentieth in the Year of the Dog. Can we settle down now?

Fang Ran, I thought we’re all educated youths who’d see each other often, so let things pass when possible.

But it’s impolite of me to say, you’ve really meddled a lot. If you were in my grandma’s village, you’d be one of those gossiping women, busy discussing others. Whether we’re friends has nothing to do with you.

Even if I’m nice to Jia Shu, it’s because I want to be nice to her. She deserves it; I’m willing and happy to. Why don’t you see me being nice to you? It’s because I don’t value you as a friend.

Mind your own business less in the future."

Jiang Xiaoxiao’s words made Fang Ran’s face dark.

Being reprimanded was probably a first for her, especially in such a polite way without a single harsh word. Yet it still crushed her dignity as if thrown to the ground for everyone to step on.

Especially when those around saw Jia Shu’s letter of introduction, confirming everything Jiang Xiaoxiao said.

If the families weren’t acquainted, how could Jiang Xiaoxiao know such details so clearly?

Immediately, everyone’s perception shifted.

"Nosy busybody!"

Someone muttered.

The issue was dismissed as a farce.

Fang Ran couldn’t stay, covering her face as she ran to the restroom.

Liu Ge quickly followed.

The others returned to their seats.

Jiang Xiaoxiao plopped down beside Jia Shu, stretching lazily—the floor was too uncomfortable.

Jia Shu’s eyes scanned Jiang Xiaoxiao’s, full of questions.

"Do you really know me? But my mom never mentioned having a close friend named Jiang."

Jiang Xiaoxiao chuckled.

"Alright, alright, you’re turning into a problem child. Use this time to rest a bit. More people will board soon, and when we arrive past midnight, there won’t be time to sleep amidst the chaos."

She winked.

Closed her eyes to sleep.

Leaving Jia Shu speechless.

The lingering question—are they acquainted or not—remained unanswered.

Not long after, Fang Ran and Liu Ge returned.

Jiang Xiaoxiao instinctively got ready to sit on the large bag again.

Jia Shu stopped her.

"I’ve been sitting for half the day; let’s take turns. You shouldn’t have to sit on that big bag the whole time; it’s not easy. Come sit on the seat."

Jia Shu wasn’t one to take advantage without gratitude.

Jiang Xiaoxiao tried to refuse courteously.

He Aiguo got up and firmly placed Jiang Xiaoxiao in his seat.

"Alright, don’t insist back and forth. I’ll sit on the bag for a bit; you both have seats. I checked the time; there’s about five hours left until we need to disembark, not much time. Let’s stick it out."

He Aiguo settled onto the big bag.

Jiang Xiaoxiao didn’t hesitate this time.

"Thank you, Brother He!"

He Aiguo blushed with a shy smile.

Jiang Xiaoxiao really seemed like a wonderful girl.

Fang Ran, still upset, snorted coldly.

After two hours, everyone started feeling cold—it was now in the Beidong region.

After about half an hour.

Everyone was struggling, and the train became chaotic.

Each person rummaged through their bags, pulling out warm clothes.

It was truly freezing; hard to withstand due to the drastic temperature change.

Jiang Xiaoxiao had already prepared.

She had her thick cotton clothes close by.

The military coat was ready, pulled out and draped over her.

Jia Shu and He Aiguo looked crestfallen; their thickest clothing was just padded jackets.

Among all the cotton coats, their clothes appeared thin, indeed conspicuous.

But there was nothing to be done; the warmest clothes were prepared at home.

Both smiled bitterly; this was yet another sign.

They were both from the poorest families.

He Aiguo’s family wasn’t poor, but with that stepmother, he never received anything good.

Even when she wasn’t around, his father wasn’t the attentive type who made sure he had everything.

Jiang Xiaoxiao didn’t help this time.

Having been good people in a past life, she can’t help every single time.

Jiang Xiaoxiao understood resentment born from excessive generosity.