Xie Yier had made it very clear that Aier was not allowed to get close to any other girls, and today she had already broken the rule.
Donna was stunned, completely unprepared for how simply Aier had refused her.
Five Gold Coins a month! That’s not a small amount!
Even Xie Yier only offered Aier ten Gold Coins a month, and the key point was, she only wanted Aier as an attendant, not a bed warmer.
But even if Aier was tempted, if she didn’t want to be erased from existence by Xie Yier with a flick of her finger, it was better not to think too much.
Donna was at a loss for words. “I…”
Before Donna could finish what she wanted to say, Aier bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, then interrupted, “Donna, I think you’re almost recovered. Since that’s the case, I won’t keep you company any longer. I have other things to do.”
Seeing this, Donna grew anxious. “I—I’m not feeling well at all. I’m only chatting with you while enduring the pain because I was afraid you’d get bored.”
Ugh, what do I have to do to get her to let me go…
Aier didn’t want to talk anymore. Right now, she just wanted to be a breathing statue, waiting for the school nurse to return so she could slip away immediately.
Just like that, the infirmary became quiet again, leaving only the repressed sound of two people breathing.
“Hello?” The silence didn’t last long before a cheerful voice came from the door.
“Guess what I brought you?” The school nurse pushed open the door, swinging three lunch boxes in front of them.
She was greeted by a tsundere girl sulking on the bed and a “statue” in the corner who had once been a girl.
The atmosphere was even heavier than when she’d left.
The school nurse felt deeply puzzled by the scene.
Judging by their earlier conversation, the one on the bed clearly liked the other, so why did the atmosphere get even more awkward after she created a private space for them?
I gave you a chance and you didn’t use it!
Awkwardness spread through the air. The school nurse coughed lightly to ease the tension. “Ahem, don’t just stand there. I ordered you some roasted lamb leg. And beef pies with vegetable salad.”
She handed two of the lunch boxes to Aier, then leaned in to whisper, “Classmate, it’s not easy to find a partner nowadays, you know? You really should treasure this chance. That kid’s just a tsundere, why don’t you take this opportunity to coax her a bit?”
Aier didn’t even lift her eyelids, silently took the lunch boxes, picked one out, and began eating by herself, completely ignoring the nurse’s hint.
You want me to coax her? If I do, I’ll be in for it when I get back!
“Hey! Why didn’t you ask me to eat together?” Donna glared at Aier.
Aier really didn’t want to talk: “……”
Girl, for your sake and mine, I beg you, please stop paying attention to me.
“You…hmph!” Seeing Aier refuse to respond, Donna was left speechless with frustration.
She angrily got up, snatched the other lunch box from the chair beside Aier, opened it, and took a huge bite of the pie.
But she ate too fast, and the pie got stuck in her throat.
Donna’s face instantly turned bright red. She kept pounding her unremarkable chest, whimpering in pain, orange eyes filling with tears.
“Drink some water to soothe your throat.” The school nurse was startled, quickly handing Donna a cup of water.
Donna hurriedly grabbed the cup and gulped down several mouthfuls before finally swallowing the stuck pie.
She gasped for breath, tears still at the corners of her eyes, looking utterly miserable.
Can this person even eat properly? Does someone have to feed her at home too?
Aier only complained inwardly. If she could actually say these things out loud, maybe Donna would stop pestering her.
Donna finally caught her breath and was about to say something to Aier, but ended up choking on the leftover water in her mouth, immediately coughing violently, tears streaming down her face once more.
The school nurse was scared out of her wits, hurriedly patting Donna’s back. “Slow down, slow down, Miss.”
“Uu~” Donna was left completely deflated after all the commotion.
Aier just watched the whole time, as wooden as a log.
“Classmate, you didn’t used to be a boy, did you?” The school nurse glanced at Aier and remarked with feeling.
Aier: “……”
After lunch, Aier stood up and tidied up her trash.
“I’m going back. You should rest a bit longer.” Aier said gently.
Though she felt she should be more assertive, her nature was just too soft to manage it.
“Hmph! Leave if you want, I won’t beg you!” Donna stiffened her neck, raising her voice as if volume could prove her resolve.
How do you manage to look at me with teary eyes while acting so stubborn?
But that was fine too.
“All right, then I’m leaving.” Aier nodded to the school nurse, whose expression was odd, then turned and headed straight for the door without hesitation.
“You! You’re really leaving?” As Aier actually reached for the doorknob, Donna’s composure crumbled in an instant. Her arrogance vanished, replaced by pure grievance and a sobbing tone.
“I…I’ll be scared if I’m here alone.” Donna hung her head, looking nothing like her earlier domineering self.
Dealing with tsunderes is just such a pain!
If only the Empire of Dawn had stage plays, Aier would definitely urge her to become an actress—otherwise, what a waste of talent.
Aier sighed and forced a smile. “There aren’t any ghosts in the world, nothing to be afraid of.”
“I…I’ve been scared of being in places with doctors since I was little. If no one’s with me, I’ll have nightmares and get a high fever.” Donna’s voice was tinged with genuine sobs—though there was definitely some acting mixed in.
Come on, girl, that excuse is a bit much…
Aier said helplessly, “Then should I ask the school to contact your family? Maybe send you home to rest?”
The school nurse covered her forehead, unable to bear watching.
This girl is hopeless. Calling her a blockhead would be a compliment!
She’s making up excuses on the spot just to get you to stay, and you’re completely missing the hint!
Donna sniffled, “Don’t worry about it! I’m not going back. I want to stay here, and you have to stay with me. You’re not allowed to go anywhere until school’s over today.”
Aier was instantly infuriated.
For goodness’ sake, I, Aier, am not someone who can be pushed around! I have a temper too!
She’d been willing to indulge Donna a little since she was generous with her money, but all she got in return was arrogance and ever-increasing demands.
In that case, she’d just lay her cards on the table! She already had someone supporting her, she didn’t need to put up with this!
So Aier left without looking back.
The school nurse was already numb.
This girl…could it be she actually dislikes Donna?
“You…idiot! Uu~”
Donna stomped her foot in frustration, tears flooding down like a broken dam.
Everyone around her had spoiled her since she was little, but today she’d finally met someone who wouldn’t give her any face at all.
And yet…she just happened to fall in love at first sight with this totally oblivious, rude, golden-haired blockhead who didn’t care about her at all!