Feng Xue endured the humiliation, gritting her teeth. "I know I was wrong. What happened between me and Yan ge is in the past. He's married now, and I shouldn't..."
"What happened between you and him?" Cheng You interrupted.
Such ambiguous words were most likely to cause misunderstandings and were the most irritating.
"What you said could affect my husband's reputation. I need to know, what happened between you and him?" Cheng You stared at her sharply.
Feng Xue lowered her head like a wronged young wife, her voice dejected. "It's all in the past."
Cheng You let out a laugh, looking at her with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"It's not in the past. You want to drive a wedge between us, to disrupt the stability and harmony of a military family. How can that just be in the past? If you don't clarify this today, and rumors spread tomorrow, what am I supposed to do?"
Feng Xue bit her lip and remained silent. If she were to explain things clearly, she wouldn't be in the right.
Only by being vague could one stir up gossip.
"Cheng You, we still have class. Don't disturb us here."
No one was faster at changing the subject.
"If you clarify things, then you can attend class with peace of mind," the girl next to Feng Xue suddenly said.
This was Yuan Yuzhen, who had originally sold her university spot to Tang Yu.
Later, after Tang Yu's situation was exposed, the school reinstated her spot.
Yuan Yuzhen harbored deep resentment towards Feng Xue because of this incident.
Her family was in financial difficulties, and she lived with her grandfather. She had sold the spot solely to raise money for her grandfather's medical expenses.
Ever since Feng Xue reported Tang Yu, the Tang family had been pressuring her to repay the money.
"Feng Xue, didn't you say there was something between you and his husband? Then clarify it in front of everyone. What's going on between you two?"
Many people behind them joined in the teasing, "Yes, what's going on? Tell us all!"
A few people winked, their faces sporting lewd smiles.
What they were imagining could only be guessed.
Cheng You's expression turned cold. "According to Qi Chengyan, you don't live in the military compound, and you've met him no more than ten times. Everyone knows you chased after him, but he never responded. Furthermore, when he was in trouble, you kicked him when he was down. Now that he's back, you're running over here, claiming you have a past with him."
Yuan Yuzhen spat, "Shameless!"
Everyone looked at Feng Xue, waiting for her to continue.
Feng Xue still wanted to save face, but she didn't know what to say.
Every word made her feel powerless to refute.
She forced a smile. "I respect all the older brothers in the compound. Like Jingye ge and Jingtang, and Tang Yu's brother. They are all the same to me, no different."
"So Cheng You, you've misunderstood. I wasn't just referring to Yan ge."
Cheng You lifted the corner of her lips, smiling indifferently.
"If you had said that earlier, none of this would have happened. I hope no more misleading words will be spread in the future, or I'll have to hold you accountable."
Yuan Yuzhen gloated, "Serves you right!"
After Cheng You left, Feng Xue resentfully looked at Yuan Yuzhen.
"Did I offend you? Why are you doing this to me!"
Yuan Yuzhen snorted, "You didn't offend me. I just can't stand you interfering in other people's relationships."
Cheng You had indirectly avenged her.
...
This incident further tarnished Feng Xue's already less-than-stellar reputation.
Not only was she bad, but she also wanted to steal someone's husband.
Lin Yutian, who had spoken rashly, now hated Cheng You even more.
Because Cheng You had gone to find Feng Xue, Feng Xue was no longer speaking to her.
Not only that, but she was also demanding back the things she had given her before.
Those snow cream and shampoo, used only a few times, were now taken back by Feng Xue.
Lin Yutian couldn't help but lash out at Cheng You, "It's all your fault! If it weren't for you, Feng Xue wouldn't be treating me like this!"
Cheng You indifferently continued to unwrap the pastries she had just bought, saying coldly, "Feng Xue is just taking back her own things."
"She already gave them to me!"
Cheng You ignored her and distributed the pastries to Cao Yanyan and Fang Yunbao.
"These pastries from Xiangyun Fang, I had to queue to buy them."
She didn't give any to Lin Yutian, which made her face turn ashen.
"Cheng You, you're isolating me!"
Cheng You coldly glanced at her. "I don't object to others making friends with you, I'm just expressing my stance. I was willing to indulge you before because I was happy to. Now, I'm not."
Lin Yutian had spoken ill of her behind her back last semester, but Cheng You had pretended not to hear.
As roommates, Cheng You didn't want to dwell on it.
Fang Yunbao was savoring the pastries, which were filled with red bean paste, creamy and moderately sweet.
She deliberately put on a look of satisfaction, shaking her head and swaying her body exaggeratedly.
"These are really delicious."
Cheng You smiled. "You like them? There's more here, eat as much as you want."
Lin Yutian trembled with anger, clenching her fists tightly.
A momentary miscalculation had instead made her a pariah.
She couldn't bear this provocation and rushed out of the room.
Seeing her storm out, Cao Yanyan sighed, "Why are you bothering with her?"
This was Lin Yutian's nature. It wouldn't be good to fall out with her completely, especially since they would be roommates.
Fang Yunbao finished the remaining pastries in one bite and clapped her hands.
"Who asked her to provoke me?"
Cheng You put away the remaining pastries. She was currently working on the planning for the medicinal herb garden.
After it was done, she would have to show it to Zhao Jisheng. Her schedule was packed.
Qin Jianzhong had already drawn the topographical map of the herb garden. Cheng You's task was to list the soil quality and other geographical factors, and then divide the suitable medicinal herbs for each season.
This was no easy task.
After all, the medicinal herbs from the garden would be exclusively supplied to Zhen Shan Tang, so she had to base her decisions on their needs.
Old Master Yun had wanted to get some from her, but after estimating, she figured the yield wouldn't even be enough for Zhen Shan Tang.
Fang Yunbao had no idea what Cheng You was working on and didn't dare to disturb her.
After a period of silence, the dormitory door was suddenly pushed open with a bang.
Cheng You's wrist faltered, drawing a small line on the paper.
She looked back and saw Lin Yutian returning with someone.
The one who kicked the door open was Li Ping. Because she was Feng Xue's roommate, they knew each other.
That wasn't the main point. The main point was that she was an extremely clingy do-gooder.
"Cheng You, why are you bullying her!"
Cheng You glanced at her. "Who's bullying her?"
"You bought things and didn't give her any to eat. Everyone else got some, and she didn't. That's bullying!"
Cheng You was amused. "Can't I decide who I want to give the things I bought to?"
Li Ping declared righteously, "Lin Yutian comes from a poor family. We should help her more! Everyone is taught to be helpful. Why haven't you learned this virtue?"
Cheng You rolled her eyes at her. "I don't have this virtue, but you do. You help her then. Classmate Lin Yutian is out of shampoo, toothpaste, and other daily necessities. Please buy them for her. She doesn't have money for food either, so please cover her living expenses."
Fang Yunbao chuckled, "I'm sure classmate Li Ping, being so kind, wouldn't refuse, right?"