Chapter 36: Stranger
Hearing the other party admit to it without hesitation, Jiang Yunian felt not only shock but also an indescribable sense of alienation.
The simple, shy “younger brother” in his eyes had changed at some point, becoming a stranger. Things that should never have been associated with him were now inextricably linked. For instance, the fact that he was gay, that he had fallen in love with his own brother, and that he would go so far as to ruin Zhang Hao’s reputation for his sake.
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No,” Jiang Yunian looked up. “You weren’t wrong, it’s just…”
Just what? He couldn’t quite say.
Zhang Hao deserved what he got; he wasn’t worthy of sympathy. Jiang Yunian simply found Jiang Yan’s methods unbelievable, as if he had missed some crucial stage in Jiang Yan’s growth.
When did Jiang Yan learn such tactics?
And when did he start collecting evidence? Perhaps in the last few days, or maybe even earlier—planning this from the very first moment Jiang Yunian worried about the scholarship and mentioned Zhang Hao’s name.
Yet, he had known nothing about it.
Jiang Yan watched him quietly, not feeling that his actions were excessive in the slightest. Jiang Yunian couldn’t help but ask, “How did you collect so much evidence?”
It was impossible for Jiang Yan to complete such a massive amount of work alone. The only person he could think of was Zhou Shu.
“It was a very simple matter,” Jiang Yan didn’t hide it, admitting directly. “As for how the investigation was done, Ge shouldn’t ask too much.”
Jiang Yunian: “…”
So that was it.
Jiang Yan cupped his face, his pitch-black eyes radiating a soft light. “I don’t want to see Ge sad.”
Things had already come to this; saying more would be useless. regardless of the consequences, the intention had been for his own good. Jiang Yunian closed his eyes and whispered, “Next time you do something, you must tell me.”
Jiang Yan blinked, a calm expression masking something Jiang Yunian couldn’t see clearly. “Okay.”
Public opinion continued to ferment, and the incident even trended on short-video platforms. With such a scandal exposed, the school was forced to issue a statement saying they were investigating and would show no leniency if the claims were true.
Immediately following this, various departments received notice that the scholarship award ceremony would be postponed. And just as Jiang Yunian had feared, Zhang Hao came looking for trouble almost immediately. He stormed into the classroom in a rage, grabbing Jiang Yunian by the collar and demanding to know if he was behind it. That flustered, exasperated face had completely lost its usual pretentious air.
Although he had mentally prepared himself, Jiang Yunian was still intimidated by the other’s aggression when Zhang Hao actually grabbed him.
The news of Zhang Hao forging poverty credentials to cheat the scholarship system was causing a stir in the school, yet few knew about Jiang Yunian, the true victim who had been replaced. seeing Zhang Hao dare to make false countercharges now, the classmates couldn’t stand it anymore and gathered around to defend Jiang Yunian.
“Let go of Yunian! Do you have any evidence to be barking like a mad dog?”
“Even setting aside that I don’t believe Yunian has the capability to dig up so much evidence, even if he did do it, is it wrong to defend his own rights?”
“He’s the victim here, okay?”
When a wall is about to fall, everyone gives it a push. Zhang Hao usually relied on his position as a student council cadre to throw his weight around, and plenty of people already disliked him. This time, they took the opportunity to shake out all his dirty laundry—like using the latest iPhone, a dorm room piled with trendy toys, and the Casio watch he claimed was a high-quality fake…
With conditions like that, who would believe he was a student in need?
The classroom turned into a chaotic pot of porridge. Someone saw the situation escalating and quickly called security. Throughout it all, Jiang Yunian, the center of the storm, remained silent.
“Don’t dare to admit it? Guilty conscience?” Zhang Hao had completely lost his reason. He couldn’t hear the doubts around him, ignoring attempts to stop him as he forcibly gripped Jiang Yunian, his eyes bloodshot and terrifying. “It was you! You’re jealous that I got the award, jealous that I’m better than you, so you forged evidence to slander me! Speak! Wasn’t it?!”
Just as spittle was about to splatter onto his face, Jiang Yunian finally spoke his first sentence. “Let go of me.”
He had prepared himself psychologically over and over, telling himself repeatedly that he was not in the wrong, and neither was Jiang Yan. Everything was the result of Zhang Hao’s own actions. He forced himself to face the other’s anger squarely. “Whether you did it or not, you know in your heart. The police won’t wrongly accuse a good person.”
“What do you mean?!”
Campus security arrived quickly and forcibly dragged the troublemaker away. As he was being hauled off, Zhang Hao continued to shout insults. Seeing that face of impotent rage, Jiang Yunian felt only a chill, barely registering his classmates’ comforting words.
His chest felt tight. He wanted to go out for some air. Just as he walked to the pavilion behind the teaching building, he turned around to find Jiang Yan standing behind him. He didn’t know how long he had been following.
Those pitch-black eyes swept inch by inch over his pale face, the dark circles under his eyes, and his crumpled clothes. He had clearly been badly frightened. Jiang Yan’s expression turned grim as he asked in a low voice, “Did he get physical with you?”
Jiang Yunian shook his head. But Jiang Yan didn’t believe him. He took it upon himself to turn Jiang Yunian around and check him over. Only after confirming he was unhurt did he settle down to carefully smooth out the wrinkles in his clothes. He adjusted the collar, lowered his head, and gazed at him. “Don’t be afraid. It will pass soon.”
Jiang Yunian pressed his lips into a straight line and nodded slowly.
With something like this happening so suddenly, he just needed time to adjust.
Seeing how quiet he was, Jiang Yan couldn’t help but gently stroke his face. “I’m here. I won’t let anyone bully Ge.”
It felt like someone had pinched his heart. The sincerity in the other’s eyes was too much for Jiang Yunian to bear. He looked away, saying helplessly, “Don’t be so good to me.”
He was afraid he would drown in the gentle trap Jiang Yan was weaving, yet he couldn’t give any response in return.
Jiang Yan curled his fingers, cupping Jiang Yunian’s face with a mix of unwillingness and restraint, pressing their foreheads together. “I only have Ge. If I’m not good to Ge, who should I be good to?”
Jiang Yunian looked at him in a daze, unable to say a single word of refusal.
The storm came quickly and left just as fast. The truth of the scholarship incident was soon brought to light. The result was unsurprising: the exposed evidence was authentic. The relevant staff members involved were suspended, Zhang Hao received a major demerit, was disqualified from the scholarship, and was barred from applying for any future subsidies. To prevent Zhang Hao from causing more trouble, the school approved his request for a leave of absence, sending him home to reflect.
As for the scholarship, it was re-evaluated and, without suspense, awarded to Jiang Yunian. This was the only thing that made him happy during this period.
These days, Jiang Yunian’s name constantly appeared at the top of the Nandah University forum. Opinions were mixed; some defended him against injustice, while others naturally embellished the story to create gossip. It wasn’t until the truth came out that the storm finally drew to a close, clearing his name.
Classmates cheered for fairness being served, believing Jiang Yunian truly deserved the award. Even Jiang Yan sent a congratulatory message immediately, saying he had learned how to make strawberry pudding and would bring it to him tomorrow once it was ready.
Tomorrow happened to be the day of the award ceremony. Jiang Yunian told him he didn’t need to make a special trip between classes; he could just bring it when he came to the ceremony in the evening.
It was all agreed upon, but Jiang Yan didn’t show up.
On the night of the ceremony, Jiang Yunian ran into Tao Jingxuan before he saw Jiang Yan. On the way to the lecture hall, he met Tao Jingxuan, who was also attending the ceremony, though only as an audience member.
“Senior, what a coincidence.”
She naturally knew what had happened these past few days and had sent messages to comfort him. Seeing Jiang Yunian regain the honor that belonged to him, she was genuinely happy for him.
Tao Jingxuan handed him the bubble tea she was holding. “This is for you, Senior. Consider it a celebration.”
“Thank you, but you drink it.” He didn’t really like bubble tea, usually preferring fruit tea. Moreover, it was obvious this cup wasn’t bought specifically for him, and he didn’t want to take what she liked.
“It’s fine. I actually wanted a hot drink, but they delivered the wrong one. I can’t return it now anyway.” Tao Jingxuan shoved the milk tea into his hand, lowered her voice, and said euphemistically, “Besides, I can’t drink cold things recently.”
Jiang Yunian understood immediately. “Alright then, thank you.”
The weather was getting colder, and drinking ice really wasn’t appropriate. He didn’t drink it right away but walked with Tao Jingxuan toward the lecture hall. As they neared the administration building, Tao Jingxuan suddenly stopped. Her face went pale, and she bit her lip as if enduring pain. A moment later, she couldn’t stand steadily and nearly collapsed to the ground. Fortunately, Jiang Yunian supported her in time.
“Are you uncomfortable somewhere?”
Tao Jingxuan clutched her stomach, cold sweat breaking out on her forehead. It was obviously painful, but she forced herself to say, “No… nothing, it’ll pass in a moment… The ceremony is starting soon, Senior should go in first.”
Seeing this, he had already guessed most of it. Menstrual cramps could be life-threateningly painful for some girls; he had seen similar situations in high school, and Tao Jingxuan’s reaction explained everything.
Although he was anxious about the time, he couldn’t just sit by and watch. He checked the time; there were still ten minutes before the ceremony started. If he hurried, he should make it. He supported her and said, “I’ll take you to the infirmary first.”
Tao Jingxuan knew he wouldn’t leave her alone in this state. Her lips trembled as she whispered an apology, “Sorry to trouble you, Senior…”
Jiang Yunian put his arms around her waist and knees, picking her up to rush to the infirmary.
Behind them, Jiang Yan, who had arrived a step late, stumbled upon this scene. The dessert box in his hand instantly became heavy. His fingers slowly tightened, the transparent plastic box making a crinkling sound as cracks spread across its surface.
The next second, his grip suddenly loosened, and he tossed the box backhand into the trash can.
Fortunately, the infirmary wasn’t far, and Jiang Yunian delivered her safely. Tao Jingxuan lay on the sickbed clutching her stomach, urging him to go quickly, saying there were doctors here so he didn’t need to worry. Jiang Yunian didn’t linger; after explaining the situation to the doctor, he immediately rushed back.
When he ran to the entrance of the administration building, he was gasping for air, leaning against the wall to recover for a moment. He heard girls passing by looking at the large trash can next to him, sighing:
“That pudding looks so delicious, why was it thrown away?”
“Not a single bite taken. What a pity, the campus dessert shop sells those for a high price.”
Time was tight. Hearing the word “pudding,” Jiang Yunian only glanced briefly in that direction before running up the stairs, urged on by his phone.
“Why are you only arriving now?” Lu Yuanbai had been waiting at the entrance for a long time. Seeing him running over panting, face flushed, he thoughtfully handed him a tissue. The award ceremony had already opened, and the host was going through the agenda in the lecture hall. Jiang Yunian looked around the audience but didn’t see Jiang Yan.
Has he not arrived yet?
Jiang Yan was always attentive to his affairs; it was impossible for him to forget.
Jiang Yunian felt a bit disappointed. He had always had a small wish: that his family could witness him receiving honors and be proud of him. It was a form of spiritual sustenance, and even more, a great encouragement.
The ones who used to fill this role were his parents; now, it had become Jiang Yan.
But tonight, Jiang Yan did not appear.
“Let’s go to the waiting area first.” Urged by the staff, Lu Yuanbai took him backstage. Since they would be standing on the podium together soon, he asked Jiang Yunian if he was ready with what to say.
Jiang Yunian pulled a crude cheat sheet from his pocket—his speech draft as the grade representative.
Lu Yuanbai was in a very good mood today, a faint smile hanging on his lips. Seeing this action, his smile deepened. “You’re not planning to take that on stage, are you?”
“Can’t I?” Jiang Yunian tilted his head. Didn’t they say we could bring speech notes?
Although he had gone over the content in his mind several times, bringing the cheat sheet was just a precaution. He couldn’t be as composed as Lu Yuanbai, who could not only go without a script but also give an impromptu speech in front of so many people.
As an ‘I’ type personality (Introvert), he expressed great admiration.
“Of course you can, as long as you’re happy.”
Lu Yuanbai said there would be something even happier later, asking if he wanted to try.
Jiang Yunian: “What is it?”
Lu Yuanbai: “You’ll know when it’s over.”
Jiang Yunian: “Oh, okay.”
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