Transmigrating to the ’60s: The Ruthless, Sharp-Tongued Female Supporting Charac

Chapter 5: Fainting

After lunch break began, Xia Zhizhi wandered to the back of the classroom, found a quiet spot, and ate a small piece of bread with some milk she’d hidden in her space. Once she figured everyone had finished their meals, she returned to class.

Sliding into her seat, she turned to Li Ling with a warm, admiring smile.

“Student Li, the pattern and cut of your outfit today are so fresh and fashionable. And with that hairpin, your skin looks even fairer, and your waist slimmer.”

“Really?” Li Ling brightened immediately.

She’d been complimented before, but never by Xia Zhizhi. And everyone knew—Zhizhi didn’t hand out compliments lightly. If she said something was pretty, it must truly be so.

Sure, Zhizhi was pretty herself, but she dressed in clothes so patched they looked like they’d been scavenged from a mender’s shop. Despite being a city girl, her tattered clothes made her look like one of the rural poor who had just moved into town.

Li Ling had at least one decent outfit for the New Year. After sitting next to Xia Zhizhi for over a year, she’d never once seen her wear anything new or whole.

At this age, pride ran deep. Zhizhi had no lunch, no pocket money, and always looked worn-down. She didn’t join conversations about food or fun. What she did best was cry quietly in corners.

“But…” Zhizhi hesitated, lowering her voice.

“But what?” Li Ling leaned in curiously.

Zhizhi still looked unsure.

“Come on, tell me!” Li Ling grabbed her hand. “You’re making me anxious!”

Zhizhi gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s just… I don’t think your braid suits you. When I passed by the guesthouse recently, I saw a girl with a different braid. It looked amazing—and I think it would look even better on you.”

“Really? What kind of braid? Can you do it?” Li Ling perked up.

“Of course.”

“Can you do it for me now?” Li Ling quickly fished a comb and small mirror out of her school bag.

Zhizhi braided her hair into two delicate scorpion braids, teasing the crown slightly to add volume before pinning the hairpin neatly in place.

Although they were still just braids, the change was stunning. Her face looked smaller, more refined—almost playful. Li Ling couldn’t stop admiring herself in the mirror.

As class was about to begin, she leaned over and whispered to Zhizhi, “That braid looks so good. It’s a pity you did it so fast—I didn’t catch how you did it.”

“It’s simple,” Zhizhi said gently. “Come over to my house after school. I’ll teach you. After doing it once or twice, you’ll get the hang of it.”

Li Ling considered it. They lived in the same direction, so it wouldn’t be a detour.

She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a red shrimp pastry, offering it with a smile. “Here. My treat.”

“Thanks.” Zhizhi accepted it with grace, slipping it into her pocket.

Li Ling wanted to say more, but the teacher walked in, cutting their conversation short.

After school, the two girls walked home hand-in-hand.

When they reached Li Ling’s home, Zhizhi saw three spacious brick houses and a cozy courtyard. The kitchen was built against one wall, with an orange tree planted out front. The toilet was in the backyard, next to a small vegetable garden.

Li Ling had her own room. She brought Zhizhi inside and opened the drawer of her nightstand, revealing a small collection of beautiful hairpins and flowers.

They chatted excitedly about matching hair accessories with different outfits. Zhizhi patiently taught her how to braid. Li Ling had nimble fingers and learned quickly. With time to spare, Zhizhi even taught her a simple updo.

Tingle bells, tingle bells—

The crisp sound of a bicycle bell rang from outside.

It was Director Zhou—Li Ling’s mother and the women’s director of their neighborhood—just getting home.

Still focused on her hair, Li Ling didn’t notice.

Zhizhi, catching the cue, smiled and stood up to leave.

“I should go. It’s getting late.”

“Aww, already?” Li Ling looked disappointed, glancing at the wall clock.

“Come over again sometime,” she added reluctantly.

Zhizhi took a step, then swayed slightly, pretending to lose her balance. Li Ling immediately rushed to support her.

“Are you okay?”

“It’s nothing, just a little dizzy.” Zhizhi gave a weak wave of her hand.

As they walked out, they saw Director Zhou pushing the bicycle into the yard.

“Mom, you’re back!” Li Ling called out.

“Hey!” Director Zhou smiled, then reached over to pinch her daughter’s braid. “This braid’s different. Looks pretty.”

“Right? I thought so too!” Li Ling beamed.

“Hello, Aunt Zhou.” Zhizhi greeted her politely.

Director Zhou had helped her get into high school, so they were familiar.

“Hey, Xiao Xia. Come play with Lingling again sometime.” Her voice was warm, her face full of kindness.

“Thank you, Aunt Zhou. Maybe another day—it’s getting late.”

Back then, no one really had extra food at home. If there were no guests, people usually didn’t invite others to stay for dinner. Director Zhou didn’t push.

Zhizhi took a few steps—then suddenly collapsed, slumping onto Li Ling.

“Zhizhi! Xia Zhizhi! What’s wrong?!” Li Ling panicked, holding her tightly.

“Mom! Mom! She fainted!” she shouted.

Director Zhou had just stepped inside to start dinner. She rushed back immediately.

Zhizhi fluttered her eyes open, her voice barely audible. “Classmate Li… I’m fine. Just a little dizzy. I’ll be okay after a short rest. Don’t worry.”

Li Ling was shaken. “You didn’t eat lunch, right? You must be starving. I have candy—here, eat this.”

She pulled out two fruit hard candies from her pocket.

“Lingling, really… I’m fine. I don’t need candy. Just need to rest a bit.” Zhizhi gave a soft smile and pushed the candy back.

Li Ling wasn’t convinced. They went back and forth until Zhizhi finally whispered, “Student Li… I really consider you a friend.”

“I consider you a friend too!” Li Ling said at once. Seeing Zhizhi’s stubbornness, she put the candy away. “Alright, let’s get you home.”

Director Zhou helped as well. She’d been quietly watching the whole time, her brows slightly furrowed.

As she supported Zhizhi, she noticed how frail the girl really was—her wrists and arms were like twigs, her complexion pale and bloodless.

As the women’s director, Director Zhou knew the situation of every household in the area. The Xia family wasn’t considered poor. In fact, with two working parents, they were better off than most.

So why did this child look so underfed?

Her three siblings were all well-fed and full of energy. But Zhizhi…

Anyone with eyes could see—she was smart, well-behaved, and promising. Definitely the one with the brightest future among them.

But adults have biases. Not all fingers are the same length, after all.

They walked her home together. When they turned the corner near the stairs, the sound of a spatula flipping in a wok echoed from upstairs.

Before they even saw Li Dongmei, Zhizhi called out softly:

“Mom… I’m back.”