Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2620 - 2556: Have Someone Protect You

Chiang Xiao truly wished to avoid any discussion with Ji Yuzhi concerning Hu Xiangyong. Hence, Chiang Xiao turned, feigning a lack of recognition of Ji Yuzhi, and made a swift exit.

"Chiang Xiao, hold on!" Ji Yuzhi called out, her breath coming in ragged gasps from the exertion of her pursuit.

Last night, the hours had stretched interminably as Hu Xiangyong's torment had brought her to the brink of unconsciousness. Following such an ordeal, she found herself arriving at work a full half-hour late this morning.

The entire morning had been marked by a pervasive sense of restlessness and unease.

Initially, the thought of approaching Chiang Xiao had not even crossed her mind, despite the unsettling nature of what she had overheard. However, given her current involvement with Hu Xiangyong, her priorities naturally leaned towards him over Chiang Xiao.

Nevertheless, Ji Yuzhi found herself repeatedly recalling the earnest words Chiang Xiao had spoken to her previously.

Ji Yuzhi could distinctly feel that, at that point in time, Chiang Xiao had harbored genuine concern for her well-being.

Consequently, withholding this information left Ji Yuzhi with a profound sense of guilt.

Thus, after a period of indecision lasting two hours, she ultimately resolved to seek her out.

Faced with the situation, Chiang Xiao felt compelled to cease her departure.

On the opposite end of the playground, Ding Haijing also brought her steps to a halt.

Within the school grounds, they maintained a pretense of not knowing Chiang Xiao, refraining from walking together and instead keeping a discreet distance.

"Chiang Xiao!"

Ji Yuzhi, having finally caught up to Chiang Xiao, struggled to form words, her breath catching in her throat.

Observing Ji Yuzhi's visibly trembling legs, Chiang Xiao couldn't help but furrow her brow.

"Teacher Ji, why the hurried pace?"

"I... I have something pressing to discuss with you."

"Teacher Ji, perhaps you should catch your breath before we speak," Chiang Xiao suggested, after a brief glance in her direction.

To Chiang Xiao's surprise, the moment these words were uttered, Ji Yuzhi sank onto the ground.

"I am utterly spent."

Chiang Xiao's gaze swept towards the distance between the office building and their current location, finding it not particularly arduous.

Could running this comparatively short distance truly leave someone so depleted?

At this moment, any consideration of embarrassment was secondary to Ji Yuzhi's genuine exhaustion. Some evenings, upon returning home from work, she felt too drained to muster any energy, yet Hu Xiangyong's demands persisted, refusing to relent unless he had subjected her to over an hour of torment. Just yesterday, the thrice-repeated encounters had pushed her beyond her endurance.

A new doubt, one she felt unable to confide in anyone, began to fester: given such potent desires, what had his circumstances been prior to their relationship?

Was it possible he had remained entirely unattached?

"Teacher Ji, what is it you wish to convey?"

"Chiang Xiao, I implore you to arrange for someone to escort you home after school today, ideally your fiancé, and please, do not venture out unaccompanied."

The words struck Chiang Xiao with surprise.

For what reason?

"My fiancé is currently out of the capital and cannot possibly pick me up."

"Then secure alternative arrangements. Preferably someone with a vehicle, to ensure a safe ride home. Furthermore, upon arrival, refrain from unnecessary wandering; remain securely within your residence."

With each subsequent instruction, Chiang Xiao found the situation increasingly peculiar.

"Teacher Ji, could you elaborate on the reason?"

Recalling Ji Yuzhi's association with Hu Xiangyong, a fleeting thought crossed Chiang Xiao's mind as her eyes narrowed, "Did you learn of a plot against my life?"

"Goodness, no! Such thoughts are ill-omened!" Ji Yuzhi exclaimed, startled, as she pushed herself up from the ground. "I heard no such thing. My concern stems from reports of rowdy individuals loitering near our school recently, causing disturbances for the young ladies of our art institute. Given your striking appearance, my apprehension for your safety is understandable. I merely wished to ensure you were aware, in case you hadn't heard the whispers. A measure of caution is always prudent."

Unsavory elements congregating near the school?

"Teacher Ji, how is it that I remain unaware of this situation?"

"You frequently request leave, do you not? It is hardly surprising you have missed these discussions. Perhaps you were absent when others were conversing about it," Ji Yuzhi explained, then quickly added, "Have you considered approaching the principal?"