Сhарtеr 22: Ji Tingchаn Surrеndеrs tо Yоu
When Jiang Zhengzhеng driftеd outside Ji Тingchan’s сlаssrооm, it sееmed likе сhаоs had alrеady eruptеd insidе.
“Eасh grаdе must рerfоrm twо рrograms fоr thе schоol anniversаry сelebratiоn. This timе, we’ll sеlеct two рrograms from оur сlаss. Аnyonе willing tо раrticipаte сan sign up with mе!”
A boу with neatlу combed hаir аnd glаsses stооd on the pоdium, spеаking.
The studеnts below сhattеrеd nоisily.
“Хia Qian wоuld be pеrfесt! Everyone has seen hеr bаllet before—it’s аbsоlutely stunning!”
“Yeаh, уeah! Class monitor, Xia Qian is both upright and talented. Who else should perform if not her?”
“Alright, if Xia Qian has no objections, you can sign up for a ballet performance!”
The male class monitor scanned the room and settled his gaze on Xia Qian.
“Of course! I’d be happy to bring honor to our class!”
Xia Qian smiled brightly, her tone cheerful.
But her eyes were fixed on Ji Tingchan, who was reading a book not far away.
“Class monitor, I have a suggestion. Since there’s still one more program, why not let Ji Tingchan participate too? Over the past two years, Ji Tingchan hasn’t really contributed any honors to our class… I’m sure she’s been looking for an opportunity to do something for us, right?”
A flicker of malice flashed in Xia Qian’s eyes. Ji Tingchan, you’re so unloved in the Ji family—you probably never learned any talents.
The moment you step on that stage, not only will you be mocked for having no skills, but I’ll also shatter that aloof attitude of yours into pieces.
“Can she even do it? Her grades are only average in our class, and she doesn’t seem like she knows any talents. What does she have besides her face?”
“Exactly, don’t embarrass our class later!”
“But to be fair, she could just play the role of a vase on stage. Ji Tingchan’s face is unbeatable!”
“Let her go. Didn’t Qianxi say Ji Tingchan wants to contribute to our class? Let’s see what she can bring!”
The discussions continued endlessly. Watching from the hallway outside, Jiang Zhengzheng was nearly furious at the instigator, Xia Qian!
What nonsense was this bully spouting again? These people either ostracized or looked down on Chanchan! What kind of absolute lunatics are they? She’s the Female Lead! What do you little nobodies have to compare with her? Looks like I’ll have to teach the instigator a harsh lesson on Chanchan’s behalf!
Jiang Zhengzheng glared fiercely at Xia Qian, who was basking in her triumph and laughing joyfully inside.
The male class monitor adjusted his glasses, walked over to Ji Tingchan’s seat, and tapped on her desk.
“Ji Tingchan, since you’re so eager to contribute to the group, choose a talent. I’ll note it down for you.”
Only then did Ji Tingchan close her book and glance at the class monitor with indifference.
Meeting her peach-blossom eyes, the class monitor’s face flushed involuntarily. There was no helping it—this girl was too beautiful.
Though many in the class disliked or excluded her, no one could deny the breathtaking beauty of her face.
“Piano.”
Ji Tingchan uttered the two words softly before lowering her head again to read.
“Um… alright.”
The class monitor quickly wrote down her name.
“Seriously? Can she even play?”
“It’s normal to know how to play, right? Everyone can play nursery rhymes!”
Someone said this, and instantly, mocking laughter echoed through the classroom.
“Pfft—” Xia Qian covered her mouth and giggled.“Hey, we’re all classmates here. Even if Ji Tingchan plays the simplest ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,’ it’s fine. We should encourage each other!”
At that moment, all the classmates looked at Xia Qian with starry eyes.
“Xia Qian is so gentle~”
“Really, really~ so understanding!”
“Not like that other one… what else does she have besides her face, haha!”
The praise was a stark contrast to the disdain they had just shown toward Ji Tingchan. Jiang Zhengzheng’s heart ached as she turned her gaze to the lonely figure of Ji Tingchan.
“Chanchan…”
She watched as Ji Tingchan sat alone on her chair, quiet and proper, focused on the book in her hands. Everyone else was chatting and laughing, no one paying her any attention. Some students even stood behind Ji Tingchan, sizing her up before turning away to gossip about her Chanchan.
Jiang Zhengzheng’s nose tingled, her heart swelling with pain.
Without hesitation, she drifted into the classroom, carefully avoiding the students as she floated toward Ji Tingchan.
“Chanchan…”
Hearing the familiar voice, Ji Tingchan looked up to see Jiang Zhengzheng in front of her, sniffling and sobbing, her eyes red and even the tip of her nose flushed crimson.
My little dog… feeling heartbroken again? Her tearful, delicate appearance… made even Ji Tingchan feel a pang of sympathy.
Just as Ji Tingchan was about to ignore the others’ stares and comfort her, she saw Jiang Zhengzheng spread her arms and embrace her in a gentle, intangible hug.
“Ji Tingchan, you’re not alone. Jiang Zhengzheng will always be by your side.”
Her words were punctuated by soft sobs.
A jolt of electricity shot through her mind. The voices around her seemed to fade away, as if muted. In that moment, all Ji Tingchan could hear was Jiang Zhengzheng’s firm and resolute promise. She could clearly feel her heartbeat quicken.
She realized she had found the reason for her hostility toward Lin Xin.
My little dog sister… Ji Tingchan surrenders to you.