Chapter 296: Even a Thick Nerve Has Its Advantages
Ning Xiyue smiled knowingly, her tone teasing but meaningful.
“So, if there’s ever something you don’t want me to find out, you’d better control your eyes and your body language, okay? My eyes are like fiery golden ones that can see through everything—and my brain’s pretty sharp too.”
She playfully tapped her head.
Chen Ye Chu: “…”
Her heart fluttered nervously for a second before quickly calming down.
If she were going to give herself away in front of Ning Xiyue, she would’ve done so long ago. No need to panic.
In fact, she only relaxed like this around Ning Xiyue. In front of others, she was still cautious.
If she were to name the person she trusted most in the entire educated youth courtyard, it would be Ning Xiyue.
After living together for so long, she knew what kind of person Ning Xiyue was. As long as something didn’t concern her, she wouldn’t interfere. She disliked causing trouble and didn’t like meddling in others’ business. Living with Ning Xiyue made her feel at ease.
But still, Ning Xiyue’s words reminded her that she needed to be more restrained in front of others. The people in the courtyard were kind and got along well now—but if a new educated youth came, things might change. Not everyone was good, and some people were observant.
Chen Ye Chu smiled as she folded cotton padding in her hands, nodding to Ning Xiyue.
“Yes, yes, you’re the smartest one and know the most. Thanks for taking care of me last night, Xiyue.”
Seeing Chen Ye Chu’s slightly guarded look, Ning Xiyue didn’t push further. Enough was enough.
“It’s fine. Hurry and get ready—your canteen starts work today, right? I’ll drop by at noon after I get off work and see if I can taste the chef’s cooking. I’m going to wash up first.”
Ning Xiyue tied up her mosquito net, grabbed her big red thermos, and went out with her toiletries.
As soon as she stepped into the courtyard carrying her washbasin, toothpaste, and toothbrush, she saw Liu Yao crouching by the drain, rinsing her mouth.
Liu Yao held her toothbrush in one hand and pressed her forehead with the other, her face looking uncomfortable.
Ning Xiyue poured herself a cup of warm water from the thermos, squeezed some toothpaste onto her brush, and crouched down beside Liu Yao.
Concerned, she asked, “What’s wrong? Headache from drinking too much last night?”
Liu Yao rinsed and spat out the foam, pressing her temples. “Yeah, my head hurts. I feel awful.”
Ning Xiyue took her pulse. “Nothing serious. I’ll make you a bowl of herbal soup later—drink it and the pain will go away.”
“Okay, thank you, Xiyue.” Liu Yao said, then hesitated, clearly wanting to say something more.
“If there’s something else, just say it. I’m listening.”
Ning Xiyue dipped her toothbrush into water and began brushing her teeth, eyes still on Liu Yao, waiting for her to speak.
“That… the chick you were feeding—did I hurt it last night? I didn’t kill it, did I?” Liu Yao asked nervously.
Ning Xiyue rinsed, wiped her mouth, and replied, “Oh, that’s what you were worried about? Don’t worry, it’s fine. The chick’s perfectly okay. Wait—you actually remember what happened last night?”
“Good, that’s good. As long as it’s fine.” Liu Yao patted her chest with relief. “It was my first time getting drunk. I didn’t know I’d go crazy like that. When I woke up this morning, my whole body ached, and then I remembered the chick from last night. I’ve been feeling guilty ever since.”
She sighed. “I wanted to go check on it, but I was afraid I’d scare it again. Now that you say it’s fine, I feel relieved.”
Ning Xiyue paused mid-motion while pouring her face-washing water, curiosity sparked.
“Yao Yao,” she said with a grin, “how do you feel about what happened last night—hugging the chick and calling it ‘Mom’? Not embarrassed, right?”
“Not embarrassed. What’s there to be embarrassed about? It already happened, and you’re all familiar faces. No shame in front of you guys. I just feel sorry for the chick, that’s all. Oh, and one more feeling—being drunk is terrible. My head feels like it’s splitting.”
Liu Yao washed her face while answering honestly. She didn’t feel ashamed about her drunken antics at all. Her skin was thick—she’d done way more embarrassing things as a kid. This was nothing.
Hearing that, Ning Xiyue looked at her with new respect. That mindset—impressive.
Having a thick nerve did have its advantages.
Look at this girl, only worrying about whether the chick was okay. How adorable.
“Yao Yao, I like your mindset,” Ning Xiyue said, wringing her towel and giving her a thumbs-up with a bright smile. “You’re someone who’ll go far one day. Later, if you see Yechu, go talk to her—she could really learn something from you about staying calm.”
Liu Yao flushed, embarrassed by the praise, and scratched her head with a silly smile. “Hehe, no big deal. I’ll go find her later and chat. You go ahead, Xiyue—I gotta run. My cousin said he needs me for something.”
“Okay, go ahead. I’ll bring you the herbal soup when it’s ready.”
Ning Xiyue nodded, washing her face carefully.
As she did, she wondered to herself: could Yu Zhiyu be asking Liu Yao for help with his confession plan?
She’d be working today too—both Yu Zhiyu and Chen Ye Chu were assigned to the mining team. Maybe she’d get a chance to see something interesting.
Her stomach grumbled loudly. Ning Xiyue finished washing quickly, put away her toiletries, and hurried toward the kitchen.
