Shu Lanzhou shook her head. "Revenge that doesn't hurt her won't change anything—unless I can get something on her that'll ruin her for good."
But right now, she didn't have anything like that.
"So you're just gonna let it go?" Zhang He was fuming. "If someone schemed against me like that, I'd beat her till her own mother wouldn't recognize her!"
Zhang He was a straight-talking, hot-tempered northern girl who couldn't stand injustice.
"It's not like we can't mess with her a little," Shu Lanzhou said, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "Do any of you know someone in computer science? Ideally, a pro?"
The others all shook their heads. "We're med students. Honestly, there probably aren't even that many real computer experts in the whole school. And none of us really know people outside our department."
That was exactly what frustrated Shu Lanzhou.
She'd been trying to figure out how Lin Muyao had managed to plagiarize her thesis. One theory was that Lin had snuck onto her computer when she wasn't paying attention.
But the more she thought about it, the more that didn't make sense—her laptop had stayed in the dorm the whole time she was writing. She'd never taken it to the lab. And even if someone helped Lin snoop, no one in her dorm even knew Lin Muyao, let alone would do her such a favor.
As for anyone from other dorms, they didn't have access to her room. And even if they got in, her laptop had a lock screen—without the password, no one could see anything.
That left one possibility: someone had planted malware on her laptop and stolen the file remotely.
Especially after today's forum incident, she was almost certain.
"Forget it for now. I'll think of another way." Shu Lanzhou knew better than to rush revenge.
Dong Anlan grabbed her hand. "Whatever you decide to do, we've got your back—no questions asked. Just tell us when you're ready."
"I will." Shu Lanzhou gave a heartfelt smile. "I won't forget you guys."
Ding Yuejiao patted her shoulder and nudged her to sit. "Alright, alright, enough heavy talk. You haven't eaten yet, have you? We brought you dinner. Look at you—no more classes and still cooped up in the dorm self-studying. You don't even eat on time!"
"I was just pissed off today," Shu Lanzhou said, touched by their kindness. "I promise I'll eat properly from now on!"
Zhang He nodded. "Yeah, you better. Look at you—you've gotten so skinny. Can't even fill out those pretty clothes anymore. What a waste of that face!"
"Exactly! And be nicer to yourself, alright? Don't be dumb and save money just to buy gifts for people who don't deserve it," Ding Yuejiao said, tapping her forehead. "I've never seen anyone as naive as you!"
They were scolding her, but Shu Lanzhou felt nothing but warmth.
These girls truly cared about her. How could she have been so blind in her past life—shutting them out, ignoring their sincerity?
She hated her old self for it. But at least now, life had given her a second chance. She wouldn't waste it this time. She'd love herself—and love them right back.
She let them fuss over her, then obediently went to eat with an "I was wrong, I'll behave" face, making them all laugh and go soft on her again.
While Shu Lanzhou quietly ate her dinner, over in another part of the city, Luo Jialin and the others were just starting theirs.
He'd gathered the whole team for a meal to smooth things over with Fang Ruoshi.
"Order whatever you want—don't hold back. It's my treat," Luo Jialin said, pulling out his phone and showing them the QR code for the menu.
Lin Muyao didn't move. She turned to Fang Ruoshi with concern. "Senior Fang, you had a rough day. Have some tea to calm your nerves."
She looked at him with a gentle, caring smile. "Is your stomach okay? I saw you holding it when you got up. I've got some medicated oil in my dorm. I'll bring it for you later."
Fang Ruoshi's smile stiffened. "I'm fine. The professor didn't hit me that hard."
"Don't blame him. He was just upset. Honestly, I think deep down, he knows it wasn't your fault," Lin Muyao said softly, her voice full of sympathy. "Now that Shu Lanzhou's left the team, he can't exactly go and lecture her anymore. Besides…"
She pouted, showing just the right amount of helplessness.
"Besides, I don't think she'd listen anyway. I really feel bad for you seniors—always looking out for her, and what do you get in return?"
She sighed and gave a sorrowful look.
"I know I probably shouldn't say this, but watching you all get scolded, insulted, and even hit because of her—it hurts. Maybe I am being petty, but please, for your own sakes, just stop trying to reach out to her. Can't we just avoid her if we can't handle her?"
She looked like she was about to cry, her delicate expression tugging at heartstrings.
"What are you saying?" Luo Jialin said gently. "It's always been Shu Lanzhou targeting you. You've tried so hard to get along with her—it's her who didn't appreciate it. No one blames you."
He poured her a full cup of tea. "Alright, don't be upset anymore. I'm sure Ruoshi learned his lesson this time. He won't go looking for her again."
Fang Ruoshi took a big gulp of water. "Of course not! That ungrateful bitch? Let her rot for all I care. If I ever try to help her again, I'm a damn dog!"
"Okay, enough," Tian Hua patted his shoulder. "No need to go that far. I know you won't be brought down by something this small."
"Just focus on the upcoming competition. That innovative idea came from Lin Muyao. We've gotta execute it well."
"I heard you're prepping for grad school exams too," Luo Jialin added. "If we win the grand prize, it'll look great on your application."
"Exactly. Let's focus on our studies," Luo Jialin said. "Starting tomorrow, everyone head to the lab whenever you're free. Let's work on the competition entry together."
Lin Muyao let out a silent breath of relief. It seemed no one would be bothering Shu Lanzhou for a while. Now, it was all about this competition.
She had to use it to crush Shu Lanzhou once and for all—humiliate her in front of the whole school and make her regret everything she'd done lately.
By then, she'd come crawling back to the team—and that's when Lin Muyao would truly show her who's in charge.
She didn't even hate Shu Lanzhou that much, honestly. But the moment she saw her thesis, she knew she had to have it. And after checking Shu's academic record, she realized there was some real talent there.
Maybe not on par with the senior guys, but good enough to be her stepping stone and research bank. Lin Muyao didn't have time to gather materials and write papers herself—someone had to do that grunt work.
By the time they wrapped up dinner, it was past nine. Everyone was tipsy, helping each other back toward campus.
Fang Ruoshi threw an arm around Du Yifan. "Yifan bro, you gotta help me out this time."
"Help? Of course. What's the plan—how do you want me to deal with Shu Lanzhou?" Du Yifan slurred, clearly drunk.
He'd always had a short fuse, and the rebellious Shu Lanzhou drove him crazy.
"No, it's not about her. Senior Luo said we can't mess with her right now," Fang Ruoshi sighed. "It's about the grad school exams."
"You know that study material Shu Lanzhou gave you? Can you lend it to me? I've been swamped lately—I really haven't had time to prep myself…"