Chapter 1063: Do You Want to Enter the Laboratory?

Editor: Henyee Translations

At the end of the year, with numerous classes to complete, Gu Yang found herself returning to Hua University more frequently.

When she and Gu Jin were not in the dormitory, Qiao Manman and Ning Gui spent a lot of time together. Ning Gui, who was somewhat socially anxious, usually stayed in the library outside of class. Occasionally, Qiao Manman would drag her out for some fun.

Ning Shen had been unusually busy lately and had not used Mrs. Ning to pressure Ning Gui into going home. This temporary reprieve offered Ning Gui some relief, but with the winter break approaching, she felt increasingly trapped.

Despite her seemingly glamorous position as a member of the Ning family, Ning Gui felt far from free. Everything she and her mother had relied on Ning Shen. Even when he was preoccupied and unable to control her, she remained bound to him, like a kite tethered by an invisible string in his hand. The sense of entrapment was inescapable.

Gu Yang had been studying for exams in the dorm over the past few days and noticed that Ning Gui seemed unsettled. Ning Gui had gathered a stack of physics questions to discuss with her.

Seeing Gu Jin resting on the bed, Gu Yang took Ning Gui to the stairwell at the end of the corridor to help her with the questions.

Gu Yang sat beside Ning Gui on the stairs, pen and draft paper in hand, guiding her through the key concepts for each question. The explanations between top students were clear and concise, avoiding overly detailed steps.

Ning Gui listened intently, her face marked by concentration.

After finishing the questions, Gu Yang looked at her and said, “Ning Gui, you don’t seem quite yourself.”

Ning Gui looked up, startled.

Gu Yang’s brow furrowed. “Is it because of Ning Shen? Has he been bothering you again?”

Ning Gui shook her head, her face almost disappearing into her plush scarf. “No, he hasn’t been bothering me lately.”

Gu Yang recalled Ning Shen’s second personality, Ning Jin. “That’s right. With a second personality that could appear at any time, Ning Shen is likely preoccupied with treatment and hasn’t had the chance to trouble you.”

Still, Gu Yang felt she needed to address her roommate’s emotional state. “Then what’s causing your unhappiness? You seem to be frowning all the time.”

She was determined not to let anyone suffer from depression under her watch.

Ning Gui lowered her head and said, “It’s almost winter break.”

While everyone was eager to go home for the holidays, Ning Gui dreaded returning to what felt like a cage. She felt most free and at ease on Hua University’s campus.

Gu Yang understood that Ning Gui’s reluctance was due to Ning Shen.

Ning Gui was a dedicated student with the potential to become a future asset to the country, but she was being weighed down by Ning Shen’s oppressive influence.

“If you don’t want to go home, then stay at school,” Gu Yang suggested.

Ning Gui nodded in agreement. “But my mother is still at home.”

Gu Yang’s frown deepened. She hadn’t realized Mrs. Ning was effectively a hostage. With Ning Shen’s unpredictable behavior, he might harm Mrs. Ning just to force Ning Gui to comply.

Ning Gui continued, “Ning Shen gave me my identity as the Ning family’s daughter. I have no right to refuse him.”

Gu Yang offered, “I can help you.”

Ning Gui’s eyes briefly brightened but then dimmed. She shook her head.

Though Gu Yang was a friend and the daughter of the Xiao family, Ning Gui didn’t want to drag her into a conflict that could strain relations between their families.

“Thank you, Gu Yang. I appreciate your help with my studies, but I can’t ask you to solve all my problems.”

Gu Yang realized Ning Gui misunderstood her. “I meant I could help you find a solution. I’ve noticed your progress is impressive and you’re already self-studying undergraduate material. Would you be interested in joining a laboratory?”