Since Lin Xinyao had left, Liang Hui’s household had returned to its usual calm. Over on Lin Suyu’s side, she noticed there were fewer people keeping an eye on her. She trusted that as long as she behaved herself, the watchers would eventually back off.
“Suyu, what should I do? There are only two days left before the entrance exams, and I realize I still don’t understand so many things!”
Ever since Lin Suyu had been paired with Liang Hui as a deskmate, her hard work had inspired Liang Hui’s diligence. As Liang Hui put it, she had finally made a good friend and wanted to improve together with Suyu.
“It’s nothing. Did you understand the key points I marked for you?”
Liang Hui was the type to get friendly quickly. Lin Suyu had originally thought that once she got Lin Xinyao out of the picture, she could gradually reduce contact with Liang Hui. But after offering her some guidance and helping Lin Xinyao leave, Liang Hui turned around and treated her like a benefactor. Suyu couldn’t shake her off no matter what.
Now, to be able to attend the same middle school as her, Liang Hui was studying diligently, asking about anything she didn’t understand. Suyu inwardly grumbled at the ungrateful girl.
“I’ve read them, but I still can’t solve many math problems. Suyu, can I come over tonight to review? I’ll treat you to dinner at Juxiang Garden tonight. How about it?”
Her mother had told her that Lin Suyu lived alone, so it was best to have her around, in case anyone tried to bully a girl without parents at home. A factory girl like Liang Hui had some authority too.
“Reviewing at my place is fine, but will you be walking home alone afterward?”
Though their houses weren’t far apart, it still took about twenty minutes on foot. Lin Suyu couldn’t let Liang Hui’s family feel uneasy.
“Heh, not alone. I’ll have my second brother pick me up! He’s on school break.”
Suyu internally rolled her eyes. Here Liang Hui had already made the decision and then asked if it was okay? This girl really couldn’t be shaken off.
“Fine then! Did you bring a ‘hostage’? I want braised pork. And after dinner, copy your wrong problems three times.”
Though Lin Suyu acted a little tsundere, she actually liked Liang Hui’s personality—sweet and clever.
After school that afternoon, the two had dinner outside before heading to Lin Suyu’s small courtyard to study.
Turning into the alley, neighbors were scattered around, chatting and picking vegetables.
“Oh, it’s our new neighbor! Little girl, you’re out late—been playing somewhere?”
From the tone alone, Lin Suyu knew this was someone troublesome. She recognized her—Huang Jinhua from the fourth house along the alley, a family living in a big compound.
On Suyu’s third day after moving in, Huang Jinhua had come knocking with her eldest son, wanting to rent a room. Her son was getting married but didn’t have a decent place to live. Huang Jinhua had tried to persuade Suyu that a little girl like her couldn’t guard such a nice courtyard, implying it would be easier to rent from her.
Ridiculous. People trying to seize her courtyard were practically right in front of her, scheming. Suyu refused and slammed the gate shut.
“Good evening, ladies. Today, after school, I treated Suyu to dinner. My parents said she’s not only smart but helps me improve my studies, so I had to treat her. Also, it’s to see who dares bully her.”
Liang Hui stared at Huang Jinhua, talking rapidly, making the other woman feel uneasy.
“No one dares bully Lin Suyu!”
Though Huang Jinhua didn’t know Liang Hui, the girl was dressed in white socks, little leather shoes, and a neatly pressed outfit—the equivalent of a month’s wage for a regular worker. Clearly, she came from a well-off family and Huang dared not offend her.
“Ladies, please continue with your work. My classmate and I are heading home.”
Lin Suyu disliked conflict. She didn’t even glance at Huang Jinhua and just greeted the other neighbors before pulling Liang Hui along.
Once Suyu and Liang Hui were gone, the aunties began whispering among themselves.
“Isn’t that the daughter of Factory Director Liang? What’s her connection to the Lin family? They seem so close.”
“The Liang Factory Director? From our textile mill?”
“Yes, from our textile mill. Several big compounds here belong to textile workers’ families. Better not offend Director Liang.”
It turned out several large compounds in the street belonged to the textile mill, and Director Liang had long held authority. Even if he had been transferred, his family still commanded respect.
“But Director Liang has been transferred. Why fear his daughter?”
“Even if he’s transferred, getting him involved is a matter of a word. He’s run the mill for over ten years; which staff member wasn’t brought up by him? Truly naïve!”
“Huang Jinhua, we know you want the little girl’s courtyard, but who told you not to pay for it before? Now just stay put!”
Huang Jinhua felt bitter. Not unwilling to pay—she simply couldn’t. Her husband had three brothers, and the family money was with her mother-in-law. Her son’s bride-to-be demanded a private room before agreeing to marry. She had been saving for half a year and borrowing from relatives to afford it. Before she could gather enough, the courtyard had changed hands.
“I’m not staying put! My son can’t marry without a room, so I thought of renting hers. Why is Lin Suyu so unreasonable, it’s not like she didn’t want the money.”
Everyone could tell Huang Jinhua still harbored the desire to seize Suyu’s courtyard and worried she might cause trouble later.
“Enough, enough. If you won’t listen, forget it. It’s late—everyone go home for dinner.”
The sensible aunties wisely distanced themselves from Huang Jinhua and warned their families about her schemes.
“Suyu, how’s it living here? If anyone dares bully you, tell me—I’ll have my brothers help you fight back.”
“No one. Normally, I don’t quarrel with anyone.”
Lin Suyu’s usual laid-back attitude meant she disliked conflict. If someone seriously offended her, she’d strike back in secret.
“But if someone argues with you? If someone tries to bully you? You must tell me!”
Liang Hui spoke with concern, though she was a small girl herself—not exactly capable of fighting anyone.
“All right, I know you’re here to back me up. Now get your notes out; I’ll help you review for half an hour before the test.”
Lin Suyu recognized that Liang Hui had come to give her moral support. In return, she was willing to patiently help her improve her grades.
Having a friend with such a bold and clear personality, Suyu wanted to be classmates for a few more years.