Chapter 67.2

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She pressed her ear to the door, listening for any sign of movement.

“Come on, open up! I want to meet you!”

Inside, Chi Yin frowned, setting down her pencil with a sigh.

So noisy.

She pushed back her chair and walked to the door. With a soft creak, it swung open.

Qiao Ziman, caught completely off guard, stumbled forward, nearly tumbling straight inside. She froze, blinking up at the girl in front of her.

Wow.

The first thing she noticed was the dress—snowy white, delicate, its soft fabric flaring just slightly at the edges. Then, the girl herself. Flawless features, skin as pale as fresh cream, large dark eyes framed by thick lashes. She looked like a doll.

No—more like a princess.

Qiao Ziman’s gaze dropped to her cheeks. They looked impossibly soft. I kind of want to touch them.

Before she could think twice, she reached out. Just as her fingertips were about to make contact, Chi Yin stepped back—a quick, effortless movement that put instant distance between them.

Qiao Ziman’s hand hovered in midair.

“…What?” she huffed. “It’s just a touch. It’s not like you’d lose a piece of flesh or anything.”

Chi Yin stared at her, clearly unimpressed.

Undeterred, Qiao Ziman’s eyes practically sparkled with excitement.

“You’re seriously so pretty,” she said in awe. “I couldn’t help myself.”

Chi Yin: “???”

She instinctively took another step back, keeping a wary distance.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Qiao Ziman pouted. “I’m not a bad person.”

That’s questionable, Chi Yin thought.

Qiao Ziman lifted the thermal container, shaking it slightly for emphasis. “See? I came to bring you food. Once you eat my cooking, we’re officially friends. I’m Qiao Ziman. What’s your name?”

Who wants to be friends with you?

Chi Yin stepped forward, pressed a hand against the doorframe, and firmly stated, “You can leave now.”

Qiao Ziman ignored her entirely. Without hesitation, she ran straight past her, plopping herself down on the sofa like she owned the place.

Chi Yin: “???”

With practiced ease, Qiao Ziman placed the thermal container on the table, flipping it open and pulling out steaming dishes one by one. As she worked, she muttered to herself, “Honestly, it probably tastes bad. Can’t say for sure if it’s poisoned or not. But He Cuizhen’s cooking is always like this.”

She let out a dramatic sigh. “One day, when I grow up, I will escape her evil clutches and eat every delicious food in the world. Just wait.”

After her little monologue, she turned back to Chi Yin expectantly. “So? Can you tell me your name now?”

Silence.

Chi Yin didn’t acknowledge her existence. Instead, she turned on her heel and walked straight back to her desk, picked up her pencil, and resumed her homework, treating Qiao Ziman like air.

Still, Qiao Ziman wasn’t discouraged. With a grin, she followed, circling Chi Yin’s chair like a persistent little puppy.

“Tell me, tell me, tell me!”

Chi Yin was starting to get seriously annoyed. With a sharp glare at Qiao Ziman, she lowered her head and continued writing. If this noisy neighbor has any self-awareness, she should get the hint that she’s not welcome.

Clearly, Qiao Ziman didn’t think so. Instead, she pulled over a small stool, plopped down beside Chi Yin, and rested her chin in her hands, staring at her intently.

Chi Yin ignored the staring. She ignored the presence. But the weight of that gaze didn’t budge.

Qiao Ziman watched her, eyes brimming with curiosity. She hasn’t spoken a single word.

A thought formed in her mind. She slapped the table. “Wait a minute—are you mute?”

Chi Yin: “…” Just ignore her. Ignore her and she’ll go away.

But Qiao Ziman gasped dramatically. “Oh my god, I was right?”

Before Chi Yin could react, another knock came at the door.

Then, He Cuizhen’s voice. “Qiao Ziman, are you in there?”

Ugh.

Qiao Ziman clicked her tongue in irritation. “What now, Mom? Can’t it wait? I’m making a new friend here!”

“I’m counting to three. Open the door.”

Why did her mom sound mad?

With a sigh, Qiao Ziman reluctantly got up. “Hold on, I gotta deal with my mom. We’ll play later,” she said lazily, dragging her feet toward the door.

The moment she opened it, she was met with the sight of He Cuizhen standing there, face dark with barely contained fury. Coldly, she said, “Your homeroom teacher just called me.”

Qiao Ziman’s heart dropped. Crap. My grades must’ve been exposed.

She quickly forced a smile, trying to salvage the situation. “Uh, Mom, can we discuss this at home? You know, in private? Maybe not in front of my new friend?”

He Cuizhen let out a snort before turning to leave. Qiao Ziman followed behind, sneaking one last look at Chi Yin, stretching her lips into an awkward grin. “Bye-bye.”

Chi Yin watched them go, then let out a quiet sigh. Finally, that annoying girl is gone.

She picked up her pen and returned to her studies, but it didn’t last long. Barely a few minutes later, shouting erupted next door.

Huh?

Chi Yin frowned and set her pen down, her ears perking up. What’s happening now?

She tilted her head slightly, listening.

From next door came Qiao Ziman’s frantic voice.

“Mom, stop hitting me! I was wrong! At least let me explain!”

“What’s there to explain? It’s bad enough you scored 49 in math, but you had the nerve to forge my signature? And you even misspelled a character—honestly, Qiao Ziman, I’m going to thrash you today!”

“Mom, I told you, Dad agreed to this! Why won’t you listen?”

Chi Yin blinked. 49 points… Her gaze dropped to her own test paper, a bright 100 standing out boldly. Slowly, her lips curved. Then, for the first time that day, she spoke aloud. “How stupid.”

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed outside her door, followed by an urgent knock. A tearful voice rang out: “Little Mute, help me!”

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Author’s Note:

The Adventures of the Clueless and the Grumpy.