Chapter 119: Chapter 119

Ye Ling’s heart had grown cold towards Zhao Guodong, but she didn’t involve Zhang Linong and Wang Ping in her resentment. When she saw Zhang Linong defending Zhao Guodong, she refrained from saying anything harsh, though her expression was far from pleasant.

"If you truly consider Zhao Guodong a friend, advise him to stay away from me in the future. We’ve spent some time together, and I’ve always treated you as a friend. There’s no need for many words. Things have gotten unpleasant, and everyone feels uneasy, so being friends would feel awkward. Let’s leave it at that."

Zhang Linong understood and nodded, "Dongzi really acted dishonorably in this matter. I’ll apologize on his behalf. If you ever need anything, you can come to me. I’ll go check on him now."

Ye Ling understood his meaning, nodded, and then watched Zhang Linong leave. She shut the door and collapsed onto her bed, sweating with relief. It felt good to clear things up today. Losing a friend like Zhao Guodong, Ye Ling felt no regret.

Yesterday, when Zhao Guodong dragged her and rushed at Nurse Liu, Ye Ling realized their friendship couldn’t continue. He came again today, still blaming her for not forgiving him. Ye Ling understood he hadn’t lived a second life like her and couldn’t grasp everything. Yet, he was still just a child, but he couldn’t always expect others to tolerate him.

Constantly tolerating such a friend only led to more hurt. This time, it felt similar to when she confessed to Liu Zhiyuan in her past life, which was why she suddenly fell ill.

Meanwhile, Zhao Guodong, who had run out, was filled with resentment. It wasn’t until he reached the training ground that his anger slowly subsided. Wang Ping caught up with him, panting, and only spoke when he saw Zhao Guodong had calmed down.

"Dongzi, it was you who dragged Ye Ling yesterday, yet now you blame her for being unreasonable. This is your fault."

Zhao Guodong frowned, "Do you also think it’s my fault?"

Wang Ping nodded, "Yesterday, I told you to let go of Ye Ling, but you didn’t listen. Now Ye Ling is angry, and you won’t say a soft word. You know Ye Ling’s temper, and your actions were indeed excessive."

Hearing this, Zhao Guodong deflated like a wilted eggplant and lowered his head without saying a word.

Turning to Zhang Linong, Wang Ping asked, "Did Ye Ling say anything else?"

Zhao Guodong eagerly raised his head with anticipation.

Zhang Linong shook his head gently, "Ye Ling asked me to tell you to stay away from her."

"Hmph, not a big deal. If we’re not friends, then we’re not friends." Zhao Guodong became infuriated again, any previous regret now vanished. "Let’s go eat, I’m starving."

The delay at Ye Ling’s had taken them to lunchtime.

Wang Ping cast a glance at Zhang Linong, who didn’t add anything further, and followed Zhao Guodong to the cafeteria. At the cafeteria entrance, he was still unwilling to accept it, "Did Ye Ling really say that?"

"When have I ever lied?"

Wang Ping looked distressed, "Actually, Ye Ling is really nice."

She is nice, but offending her wasn’t wise.

Zhang Linong went ahead into the cafeteria, while Wang Ping lingered a moment in sadness before entering. Due to the previous day’s events, the three had been reprimanded, so they ate quietly. Ye He Ping joined them at the table, hurriedly ate a few bites, then went to serve food for his daughter.

When Ye Ling saw her father, she mentioned returning home, "Dad, this is a worksite, after all. I am not comfortable here, and now I’ve suddenly fallen ill and missed training. You’re busy every day and still have to care for me. I’ll take the company bus back home this afternoon."

Ye He Ping thought for a moment, "That’s fine, let’s eat first."

He had somewhat heard about Zhao’s son’s argument with his daughter. Ye Ling was indeed older now, and without care at the company, it wasn’t good.

For lunch, they served tomato-fried eggs. In the summer, the company grew its own vegetables, so there were plenty, and the meals were good. The staple foods were cornmeal and white flour rolls.

Since his daughter wanted to return home, Ye He Ping went to arrange her transportation on the company bus heading to the compound. After lunch, Ye Ling packed her belongings. Aside from books, there were only sheets and covers, so when the bus arrived, she took her things and boarded.

Ye He Ping washed a few persimmons for his daughter to take along, "Here, take these to eat on the ride, so you won’t be bored."

After watching the bus drive away, Ye He Ping returned to his dormitory. From afar, Zhao Guodong emerged from one side of the barracks, looking visibly displeased.

"She’s really petty, leaving just like that after a few words."

"Dongzi, since Ye Ling has spoken her mind, I think you should avoid provoking her. Wait until she truly calms down, then perhaps offer a soft word and admit your mistake," Zhang Linong advised seriously.

"What do you mean I should admit my mistake? We were supposed to be good buddies, yet she holds onto these grievances. Anyway, I didn’t do anything wrong; she’s too petty. If we’re not friends, we’re not friends; it’s no big deal to me." Zhao Guodong grumbled as he walked away, reluctant to concede.

Zhang Linong shook his head. With a temperament like that, he wouldn’t heed anyone’s advice, and who knows what the future holds?

Ye Ling returned to the compound but didn’t enter her house, which was locked. Someone from the compound informed her that Ye Qian had her dance exam and wasn’t home during the day.

Ye Ling thanked them, left her bag at the guard post, and strolled alone through the streets. She had taken the company bus back, arriving at the compound around four. In the summer, the days lasted longer. Ye Ling initially planned to visit the bookstore, but upon arriving and finding it closed, she decided to head home. It was a convenient time for dinner preparations, and the restaurants were beginning to fill with patrons. Thinking of the ramen she had previously enjoyed, she entered the shop.

Upon entering, she spotted her mother and Ye Qian dining inside, seated at the innermost table. Standing at the entrance, Ye Ling could see their profiles clearly as her mother transferred noodles from her bowl to Ye Qian’s.

Ye Ling intended to leave quietly, but the noodle shop owner noticed her and spoke jovially, "Miss, you’re back so soon?"

Previously, Ye Ling had brought Zhao Guodong and friends over for a meal. The owner still remembered and had given them a complimentary dish. As soon as Ye Ling walked in, he recognized her again. His words caught the attention of the diners, drawing Bai Xue and Ye Qian’s gaze to her. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote, give monthly tickets, and support the author. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)