Chapter 153

After class, Zinnia went to the restroom, followed by Anne. Just as Zinnia reached the sink, she heard, “Zinnia.” Turning, she saw Anne. Zinnia washed her hands and dried them. “What do you want?” she asked slowly. She’d felt someone watching her during class; it had to be Anne.

Zinnia thought, She’s obviously here for me. Is she here to help Betty bother me? If she really wants to do what Betty asks, I won’t just stay quiet.

Anne looked at Zinnia’s guarded face, a flicker of bitterness crossing her own. She said, “Thank you, Zinnia.”

“What?” Zinnia was confused.

Zinnia thought, She knows I was the one who saved her? She was unconscious, not dead—maybe she could still hear. But surely she couldn’t have heard me mumbling?

“I know it was you who saved me,” Anne said, confirming Zinnia’s guess. While unconscious, she’d heard Zinnia talking near her ear, the last person she’d expected.

Anne felt overwhelmed by Betty’s betrayal. She had given Betty her whole heart, only to be slapped and pushed down the stairs. That moment erased any remaining feelings she had for Betty. By helping Betty this once, she returned the favor regarding the ointment, but being friends again was impossible.

“It was my brother, Charlie, who did your surgery,” Zinnia said calmly, her voice flat.

“I sent gifts to your family, and I’ll always be thankful,” Anne said sincerely. “If you ever need anything, just ask. My family will help you immediately.”

“Okay,” Zinnia replied. She hadn’t planned to tell Anne, but since Anne already knew, she saw no reason to refuse something beneficial.

Zinnia thought, Master taught me—credit where it’s due. This world runs on favors and connections. More options never hurt.

“What were you doing following Zinnia?” Maisie saw them and asked sharply.

After class, Maisie was called away by William, while Lydia collected homework. Both were busy, so neither could accompany Zinnia to the restroom. When they finished, they noticed Anne was missing. Fearing a fight, Maisie rushed to find Zinnia.

After all, Anne used to idolize Betty. She would do anything to please her. Even a small request from Betty would make Anne scramble to fulfill it.

Maisie thought, Betty almost killed her, but Anne just let it go. That shows how deep her feelings for Betty were. But Zinnia is so kind and pure; how could she stand a chance against someone like Anne?

Anne looked at Maisie’s guarded face and said, “Don’t worry, I would never hurt her.”

Maisie said, “Who knows? When it comes to Betty, you act like you’re under some spell.” Maisie hadn’t always been so harsh on Anne, but seeing her let Betty off so easily angered her.

If someone almost hurt her, Maisie would retaliate. Maisie took Zinnia away, while Anne watched them leave, feeling a bit jealous.

When they returned, Ethan saw the gift box on Zinnia’s desk and asked, “Zinnia, what did Anne want? She even left you a gift. Do you think she’s up to something?”

“I’ll keep it,” Zinnia said, looking at the expensive-looking box. Paying for her help was fair, but she didn’t need it. She could sell it or give it away.

“Oh, Zinnia,” Maisie said softly, “we shouldn’t accept gifts from someone like her. If you like it, I’ll buy it for you.”

Maisie thought, Zinnia deserves the best. We can’t let her be swayed by small favors.

Seeing her concern, Zinnia explained briefly, “Don’t worry, Maisie. This is just her way of thanking me for helping her.”

“Wow, Zinnia, you’re really good at medicine?” Ethan said, looking around at his classmates. “Since you don’t want many people to know, we’ll keep it just between us.”

Ethan thought, She looks so innocent. Who knew she was actually a medical genius?

They knew about Anne’s health—many doctors couldn’t help. But with a few precise moves, Zinnia fixed her hematoma, simplifying the surgery considerably.

Maisie thought, Of course Zinnia is amazing. Maisie thought, Zinnia played a big part in saving Anne. She obtained the Moon Scar Cream and demonstrated her healing skills. She is full of surprises. No wonder Grandpa loves her so much. When he saw the Moon Scar Cream, he said it was a legendary formula.

“If you aren’t feeling well, I can check you too,” Zinnia said softly.

“Really? Zinnia, come on, check me!” Ethan said excitedly, holding out his hand.

Zinnia took Ethan’s wrist and felt his pulse. Her face was serious. Ethan felt nervous, his heart pounding.

“You’ve been staying up too late, and your stomach’s been upset,” Zinnia said. “Lately, are you constipated? Do you get diarrhea when you eat too much and have stomach pain sometimes?”

“Wow, Zinnia, you’re amazing!” Ethan yelled, pulling his hand back quickly, eyes wide with shock and embarrassment.

“You really should stop staying up late,” Zinnia said. “If you keep this up, your stomach will worsen, and you might get colon cancer. There are signs—you have inflamed intestines.”

Her words shocked everyone. Ethan trembled, asking, “Z-Zinnia, is that true? Will I have cancer?”

Ethan thought, panicking, I’m so young. Am I going to die?

Zinnia nodded. “Sometimes you binge, sometimes you barely eat. Plus, you do intense workouts on an empty stomach.”

Ethan fainted immediately.