Chapter 1181: Chapter 1181: Removing the Tumor (6)

She never expected to have any friends. Once she finished this year, she would be an adult, and her parents would marry her off, saving up money for her brother’s dowry. Even if Jiaojiao was willing to share spicy meat sauce with her before, she didn’t dare to hope to become friends with her.

But when she just heard Jiaojiao say “our Xiaona,” she was genuinely delighted, really touched.

What did it mean?

Jiaojiao looked at her with confusion. She didn’t mean anything by it, just said it casually, to seem a bit closer.

As they approached the restroom, she softly asked, “I didn’t mean anything else. If you don’t like it, I won’t say it like that next time.”

No special meaning?

Yang Xiaona’s heart sank, her eyes dimmed, thinking she had hoped too much again. But then she heard Jiaojiao hesitantly say, “Xiaona, I thought we were friends.”

Just like how Yang Tao often referred to her as “our Little Frog,” indicating closeness. Even though she really didn’t like the nickname Little Frog, Yang Tao liked to call her that, so she didn’t mind.

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaona’s spirit soared again, her eyes sparkled. She let go of Jiaojiao, fearing she might regret it, and held her little hand tightly, “We are friends! Of course, we’re friends!”

“…” Jiaojiao.

She looked at Yang Xiaona, whose eyes were shining with excitement, then glanced at the latrine by their side, and finally at Jiaojiao’s tightly held hand… Could they not hold hands tearfully in such a stinky place?

To Yang Xiaona, Jiaojiao was truly the first meaningful friend in her life.

She didn’t have much to give Jiaojiao, except for her full heart of enthusiasm. She wanted to be kind to Jiaojiao, to the point she almost wanted to escort Jiaojiao to the restroom. It almost scared Jiaojiao to death, who promptly declined her offer, stating that she could manage that on her own; she’s not that helpless.

Yang Xiaona felt a bit regretful. After Jiaojiao finished in the restroom, she waited by the pit, just like aiding someone with a disability, taking her to the faucet… to wash her hands.

“…” Jiaojiao.

Yang Xiaona maintained this state the whole evening. Even after evening self-study, she wanted to carry Jiaojiao out of the school gate.

Previously, after evening self-study, on one side of Jiaojiao was Yang Tao, and on the other was Xiu Xi. Ruan Lei and the others would walk in front or behind her. But today, on one side was replaced by Yang Xiaona.

Jiaojiao and Xiu Xi skipped three days of classes. Jiaojiao’s hand was injured and she couldn’t do homework for the time being. Xiu Xi had to make up for the three days of assignments, and as class president, had to arrange some things, so they finished quite late after the evening self-study, with barely anyone on the tree-lined path.

Ruan Feng was in his final year of high school, with studies being more intense. Generally, after evening self-study, he wouldn’t rush to leave but stay in the class to study a bit longer, making it rare for them to walk together today.

It was still summer; during the day, it was unbearably hot, but at night, it became much cooler, though there were more mosquitoes.

Ruan Lei and Lu Zishu had endless energy, chasing each other from the front. Ruan Feng, being a bit older and with so many elder brothers ahead, was now focused on university entrance exams, determined not to be outdone by other brothers. The playful spirit long gone, he walked alongside Xiu Xi, chatting with Jiaojiao.

Jiaojiao asked him, “Brother, what major do you want to study in college?”