Chapter 206: Chapter 207 Childhood Shadows Chapter 206: Chapter 207 Childhood Shadows “Dad came to argue the case, and Second Aunt Qin confidently said that they strangled the dog because it had bitten Cuifen.”

“This incident cast a shadow over her childhood.”

Sheng Ning’s expression was so serious, so seriously that it sent chills down Qin Cuifen’s spine and made her hair stand on end. It felt as if everything itched, her whole body uncomfortable.

Even Zhou Xuelian noticed something was off with her. “Qin Cuifen, what’s got you so scared? She’s the unreasonable one, we’re the victims,” Zhou Xuelian said. She had hated Qin Cuifen to death, but after spending time with her these past few days, she had been successfully brainwashed once again.

Sheng Ning cast a pitying glance at Zhou Xuelian. The person she used to be would become the future Zhou Xuelian.

“Let’s go! If we’re late, there won’t be any food left,” Sheng Ning called, urging the two to leave.

It wasn’t until they had walked quite a distance that Qin Cuifen took a deep breath.

“Why are you so spineless? I thought you were strong,” Zhou Xuelian complained.

“Have you not noticed how terrifying Sheng Ning is?”

“I haven’t found her particularly terrifying, but she is indeed detestable.”

“There’s no point explaining to you,” Qin Cuifen turned away with a dismissive look. “Go and eat! I’ll just take a walk.” She was currently facing punishment; how could she be in the mood to eat? If she didn’t come up with a good plan, she might be forced out of the union early.

She didn’t want to return to her impoverished hometown, only to be looked down upon.

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As they approached the canteen entrance, Wu Youli said with discontent, “Sheng Ning, how did you ever become good friends with Qin Cuifen?” She couldn’t fathom it, considering how unbearable Qin Cuifen was to be around, and yet Sheng Ning had tolerated her.

“…” Sheng Ning looked embarrassed. Could she possibly admit she had been out of her mind?

Chen Huaying seemed to delight in the misfortune, “Let me tell you, just look at Zhou Xuelian now; she’s just like Sheng Ning used to be. Utterly brainless! It would be a wonder if she doesn’t get played.”

Raised in the General Union Courtyard, they all grew up outspoken and unrestrained. Yet, they did not lack in shrewdness. Chen Huaying disliked scheming and plotting, but that didn’t mean she was incapable.

She knew exactly what kind of person Qin Cuifen was at a glance.

Wu Youli looked at her, astonished, “Is what Chen Huaying saying true?”

Before Sheng Ning could reply, Zhang Hongmei eagerly nodded. “It’s true, during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, it was Qin Cuifen who pushed Sheng Ning off the stage. We all saw it.”

Wu Youli naively joined Zhang Hongmei in discussing the details of what had happened then.

Sheng Ning looked thoughtfully at Zhang Hongmei, her gaze shifting and settling on Chen Huaying, who was wearing a smirk.

Back then, there had been no one to testify that she hadn’t been pushed off the stage, including Zhang Hongmei, though she was the only one who had fearlessly taken care of her despite her terrible reputation. But when the investigation took place, she too had remained silent.

Having kept silent then, why speak up now?

A chill settled in Sheng Ning’s heart. She had truly wanted to become good friends with Zhang Hongmei, friends for life.

But it seemed unlikely.

Breakfast in the canteen consisted of porridge with steamed buns. The four of them ate quickly, and Chen Huaying left for home with her backpack.

The General Union Courtyard wasn’t far, separated from the General Union by just one wall; it was an easy walk back.

Wu Youli took a ride home.

Leaving Sheng Ning and Zhang Hongmei to head to the market together. Although the General Union was in the city, it wasn’t located in the city center but near the more remote northern districts. It would take over half an hour by bus to reach the market from here, and at least two hours on foot.

“Sheng Ning, I don’t have that much money…” Zhang Hongmei mumbled hesitantly, head bowed. In her past memory, Sheng Ning was quite the spendthrift and not one for frugality. There was no way she would want to walk from here.