“Daddy, Aunt Xiaolan is amazing!” In the audience, Du Zhaohui’s nine-year-old daughter Du Qishan sat in her small formal dress, back straight, displaying a maturity beyond her years. Zhou Siming and Zhou Siyi had been secretly watching her.

Du Qishan was certainly a beautiful little girl, though when it came to looks, the twin brothers had never lost to anyone.

They knew Du Qishan well – she was Hong Kong Uncle Du’s daughter. She had a brother named Du Huanyu, whose imposing name contrasted sharply with his personality, making Du Zhaohui often threaten to “return” him.

The twins were shocked – could parents return children?

For a while, they behaved themselves, afraid their parents might return them too.

The twins watched Du Qishan not because of her beauty – though she was cute, she wasn’t as pretty as they had been when wearing dresses… well, why young boys had to wear dresses was a memory the twins preferred not to recall!

Du Qishan was special because she never cared about their good looks, treating them with complete indifference.

This unsettled the twins, who had grown up surrounded by constant praise.

Du Zhaohui appreciated his daughter’s perspective. While he wanted to return his son, he always wanted to keep his daughter. He failed to realize how his unequal treatment affected their personalities. The more exceptional Du Qishan became, the more Du Zhaohui’s heart tilted toward her – an endless cycle.

For instance, when Xia Xiaolan came to receive the Pritzker Prize, Du Zhaohui only brought Du Qishan, leaving his son in Hong Kong.

Du Qishan thought Xia Xiaolan was incredible – the world’s first female architect to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize!

Being an architect was just one of Xia Xiaolan’s identities; she was also an outstanding entrepreneur.

Xia Xiaolan was Du Qishan’s role model.

If Xia Xiaolan could be so excellent, she too could outperform her brother Du Huanyu. Under Du Zhaohui’s deliberate nurturing, Du Qishan developed intense ambition. She lacked the childishness of girls her age, knew what she wanted, and admired Xia Xiaolan for being strong.

She voiced her admiration because her daddy liked hearing it.

Xia Xiaolan felt the little girl was too tense, but she couldn’t interfere with Du Zhaohui’s parenting methods.

She couldn’t manage other people’s children; handling her two sons was exhausting enough.

Really, more exhausting than negotiating hundred-million-yuan deals.

Though they now sat properly in their little tuxedos and bow ties, it was just an illusion.

After receiving the Pritzker Prize and finishing interviews, Xia Xiaolan finally came down with her trophy. Her secretary held out a phone: “Manager Xia, it’s a call from Anqing County.”

Xia Xiaolan nodded and took the phone.

Principal Sun from Anqing First High School called to congratulate her on winning the Pritzker Prize, then demanded she fulfill her promise: “If you don’t come back to speak soon, I’ll be retired!”

Well, Xia Xiaolan did owe Principal Sun a speech at her alma mater.

She hadn’t spoken when she got into Huaqing University.

Hadn’t spoken after graduating from Huaqing University.

Hadn’t spoken when donating money to Anqing First High.

Xia Xiaolan wasn’t sure in what capacity to speak. Principal Sun called her an outstanding alumna, but she found it hard to define excellence.

Was making money in business considered excellence?

It would be wrong to instill such ideas in high school students. Excellence exists in all fields; one shouldn’t judge success or failure by money at such an early age.

But as the first Chinese female architect to win a world-class architectural award… Xia Xiaolan felt she finally had the right credentials to speak at her alma mater.

So this time, she didn’t defer but agreed promptly: “Principal Sun, please set a date. I’ll be back in China in about three days.”

Principal Sun, seemingly afraid she might change her mind, scheduled it for five days later. Three days to return to China, one day to reach Yunan – the timing was precisely arranged.

After hanging up, Du Zhaohui approached with his daughter: “You did it. Hey, now that you’ve won the Pritzker, can you forget what I said before?”

Xia Xiaolan glanced at him and shook her head: “I think bringing it up every few years is good – prevents you from looking down on women in the future.”

How unfair! When had he looked down on women?

He despised those who lived off others and contributed nothing.

He now believed his daughter was more suitable as his heir than his son!

Soon, a group rushed over to congratulate Xia Xiaolan – Daisy, Richard, Lyle, Matthew, and the formidable McCarthy. Xia Xiaolan gave McCarthy a big hug, which the latter awkwardly accepted.

The “demon king” was now a little old man – adorable yet serious.

When Xia Xiaolan had the twins greet people, McCarthy eyed them: “Do they want to study architecture?”

“I don’t know. I’ll respect their choices.”

Hmph, he didn’t like children who wouldn’t study architecture.

But when these kids called him Professor and tried to charm him with their pretty, cute faces, hehe, he wouldn’t fall for it… An hour later, McCarthy admitted: well, they were indeed charming.

Zhou Cheng couldn’t travel abroad, so he watched Xia Xiaolan receive the award on the news.

But he could accompany her back to Anqing First High for the speech.

The couple brought both sons along. They’d already visited the museum Xia Xiaolan designed but had never been to Anqing County.

Zhou Cheng walked around the county with his sons, but couldn’t find the alley where he first met Xia Xiaolan. It was 2002 now, and Anqing County had changed significantly. Many areas had been demolished for new buildings; naturally, traces of 1983 were hard to find.

Zhou Cheng felt dazed – in a flash, he and Xiaolan had known each other for 19 years. Time flew.

Zhou Siming consoled his father: “It’s okay, my brother and I have heard the story many times about you saving mom from bad guys. It was right here, in a long alley – I can imagine it.”

Zhou Cheng ruffled his son’s hair. Zhou Siyi had a sharp perspective: “Dad, why did Mom choose you instead of Uncle Kang when both of you saved her?”

A hero saves the beauty, who should repay with marriage – but Mom could only choose one, how to repay both?

Zhou Cheng touched his face.

What a good question.

He decided to tell the truth:

“Because your dad is more handsome than Uncle Kang.”

Eh, was that a serious answer?

But it seemed true…

Zhou Siyi immediately thanked Zhou Cheng, “Thanks, Dad, for making me this handsome too!”

“You’re welcome, it’s only natural.”

Standing by the car making calls, Xia Xiaolan listened to the father and sons’ mutual admiration with mixed feelings.

Looking carefully though, her husband at 39 was in his golden years as a mature man – he was indeed very handsome.

“Hurry up, I’ll be late for the speech!”

Anqing County had changed greatly.

Anqing First High had changed even more.

Over the years, Xia Xiaolan had invested considerably in Anqing County; its transformation was expected – she’d have cried if there weren’t changes. The county often tried to contact her as Yunan’s wealthiest person – a title others had bestowed on her. Fame brings trouble like fattening brings slaughter; Xia Xiaolan resisted such titles. Someone had even tried ranking her first on the Forbes China Rich List, but Xia Xiaolan had it intercepted before publication – Qihang owned a newspaper in Hong Kong, making it easy to block a rich list.

She couldn’t let that rich list be published!

Xia Xiaolan didn’t want this kind of fame. Was it a rich list? More like a wealth-marked-for-slaughter list! Reportedly, it was cursed – all the mainland tycoons from the first few lists had later met with misfortune!

Soon they arrived at Anqing First High. Zhou Cheng got out with their sons.

“Look at your mother’s alma mater. She studied here for one year of high school before getting into Huaqing University.”

This high school was quite impressive.

New teaching buildings, large playground, nice environment.

Principal Sun waited at the school gate, along with county leaders.

Principal Sun came to welcome his most outstanding student; the county leaders hoped to discuss investment with the wealthy Xia.

But today, the wealthy Xia came as an alumna – any investment discussions would surely disappoint.

“Principal!”

Xia Xiaolan’s address showed great respect.

Anqing First High’s teaching staff had changed greatly – some transferred, some retired, but Principal Sun had stayed steadfast all these years. He’d had opportunities to leave; several times they’d tried promoting him to an administrative position in the education system, but he’d refused.

He was solely focused on improving Anqing First High.

Anqing First High was Principal Sun’s passion.

Xia Xiaolan was the first to enter Huaqing University, but not the only one.

Anqing First High had expanded several times, surpassing Fengxian City’s high schools, and even ranked among the top in Yunan Province for educational quality. Principal Sun showed Xia Xiaolan around the school, telling her he would retire next year. Before retirement, he had two wishes: one was for Xia Xiaolan to give a speech at her alma mater, and the other was for Anqing First High to successfully become a national key high school.

Well, Xia Xiaolan decided to take the speech seriously – she couldn’t disappoint Principal Sun’s expectations.

Besides Principal Sun, Old Wang was still there.

Old Wang wasn’t the grade director any more but the vice principal. These two had worked together for many years with perfect understanding.

The grade director was now Sun Tian.

Sun Tian had become a middle-aged female teacher.

Anqing First High was now prestigious – even parents from the provincial capital sent their children here for its high college admission rate.

This meant the current students were different from Xia Xiaolan’s time, with many being quite worldly. But they were all curious about Xia Xiaolan. “Xia Xiaolan” was like a magic spell, a name Principal Sun mentioned at every new student orientation and graduation ceremony… “Xia Xiaolan” represented excellence.

If the speech hadn’t been arranged so hastily, graduates from previous years would have rushed back to hear it!

They wanted to see in person what this legendary top student looked like – the one Principal Sun used as a benchmark to motivate everyone’s progress.

“She was the first from First High to enter Huaqing University.”

“Huaqing and Jing University – doesn’t our school have students getting in every year now?”

“How can that compare? She did it in 1984. You know back then… never mind, what would you know.”

In 1984, except for the seniors, many of those present hadn’t even been born yet.

It was indeed a very distant time.

Xia Xiaolan’s brilliance wasn’t just in her studies – she excelled at everything.

She had just won the “Pritzker Architecture Prize.” Though the technical aspects might be hard to grasp, knowing it was a world-class award and that Xia Xiaolan was the first Chinese architect to receive it, most people understood its significance.

Yunan Provincial Television had done a special report on this news.

Even the National News broadcast covered it, albeit briefly for just a few seconds – but it was the National News!

Everyone eagerly anticipated hearing a speech from an alumna who had made it to the National News.

When Xia Xiaolan took the stage, all the students held their breath.

Wow, she was so beautiful and elegant in person.

How could there be such a huge gap between people?

Xia Xiaolan had a special ability – when she spoke, all eyes naturally turned to her. This came partly from her appearance, partly from the presence she’d developed over years as “Manager Xia.”

In short, Xia Xiaolan completely dominated the scene.

While students would whisper during the principal’s speech, during Xia Xiaolan’s talk, no one was distracted.

Senior Xia spoke with such wit, making everyone laugh one moment and tense the next, their emotions following her speech content closely. During the hour-long speech, she made poor students feel ashamed while exciting the top students.

Senior Xia said she changed her destiny through education!

Xia Xiaolan wasn’t lying – one should never stop learning throughout life. Her success this lifetime wasn’t just from getting into Huaqing University, but also from her accumulated learning from her previous life-

“Only hard work will never betray you. Dear juniors, study hard!”

Xia Xiaolan could barely leave after her speech – the students were even more enthusiastic than the county leaders seeking investment.

And this enthusiasm was so genuine.

Teenagers didn’t pay much attention to financial news; they didn’t care that Xia Xiaolan was Qihang’s CEO or that she founded the “Fledgling Scholarship.” Some of them could continue their studies because of this scholarship… Their welcome came from Principal Sun’s years of influence and Xia Xiaolan’s genuine excellence in her field.

A winner of a world-class architecture award!

Influenced by Xia Xiaolan’s speech today, the number of students applying for architecture programs from Anqing First High will increase over the next two to three years.

Xia Xiaolan didn’t know that among today’s audience was her nominal brother.

Of course, this nominal brother didn’t know about her either.

Xia Junjie also attended Anqing First High.

Xia Dajun had become a taxi driver, working day and night shifts, driving over ten hours daily to send Xia Junjie to the best high school… Xia Dajun was determined about Anqing First High, where Xia Xiaolan had once gotten into Huaqing University.

He already had a back injury from years of driving trucks, and now taxis. After over a decade, his back only held up through daily painkillers.

Xia Xiaolan and Liu Fen were beyond his reach now.

Seeing Xia Xiaolan on the National News, he felt indescribable emotions.

He could only keep all feelings bottled up – even if he told others he was Xia Xiaolan’s birth father, no one would believe him.

The people of Dahe Village would believe.

But he was too ashamed to return there.

So Xia Junjie didn’t know he had such an outstanding sister, because neither Xia Dajun nor his mother Fan Yu ever mentioned it.

Xia Dajun lived frugally to send his son to the best high school, hoping his son would bring honor to the family.

When his son also got into Huaqing or Jing University, Xia Dajun thought he’d finally have face to return to the village.

Unfortunately, Xia Junjie’s grades were terrible, but he and Fan Yu conspired to deceive him. Xia Dajun only saw fake grades, believing his hard work was worthwhile. He was like an old ox, working tirelessly to earn money for Xia Junjie’s education and Fan Yu’s expenses.

An old husband with a young wife, plus a back injury – how could Fan Yu respect him?

Their marriage existed in name only. Fan Yu had countless affairs, some of which Xia Dajun had caught, yet he endured it all to be the willing cuckold.

He had no choice but to endure – it was all for his son. He couldn’t let this family fall apart.

He struggled to maintain this family.

He waited in his taxi outside the school gate for his precious son.

His precious son mentioned an alumna giving a speech today, surprisingly also surnamed Xia, named Xia Xiaolan.

Xia Dajun’s foot on the gas pedal went numb.

He didn’t know how he drove home. Xia Junjie immediately thought about going to the internet cafe to play games, took a hundred yuan from Xia Dajun, and left. Xia Dajun had a splitting headache, his back pain flared up again. He rarely took an afternoon off from driving, swallowed a handful of medicine, and went to sleep.

Half-asleep, he heard Xia Junjie and Fan Yu talking in the living room.

“Mom, buy me some Nike shoes. Everyone in my class wears Nike.”

Fan Yu said she had no money.

Xia Junjie threw a tantrum, “I’ll ask Dad for it!”

Fan Yu strongly agreed, “Might as well spend his money. Junjie, remember what Mom told you? Your real father is in Hong Kong. We’ve reconnected – he wants to acknowledge you. We can all become Hong Kong citizens. You’ve always been embarrassed by Xia Dajun driving a taxi; soon we can leave him far behind.”

Xia Junjie was overjoyed: “Mom, I can really go to Hong Kong? I can become a Hong Kong citizen?”

“Of course. Mom will show you the messages-“

Behind the door, Xia Dajun stood with a pale face, hunched over.

Over the years, he’d heard gossip that Junjie wasn’t his, that the boy looked less and less like him as he grew.

But Xia Dajun refused to believe it.

He knew Xiayu was unfaithful, and had relationships with other men, but he thought it was only in recent years… The truth was right before his eyes, yet Xia Dajun couldn’t accept it. If even his son wasn’t his, what was the point of living?

At this moment, Xia Dajun couldn’t deceive himself anymore. Fan Yu had said it herself, and Xia Junjie wasn’t even surprised – he was happy about acknowledging his Hong Kong father-

In that instant, Xia Dajun snapped.

He opened the door, rushed to the kitchen for a knife, and stabbed Fan Yu over ten times, cursing her as a whore.

Xia Junjie was terrified, repeatedly begging “Dad” to spare him as he crawled away.

“Murder! My dad’s gone crazy! He killed my mom!”

“Help – Help!”

Xia Junjie stumbled past a sedan.

A man in the car frowned, “Go see what’s happening.”

The driver moved quickly and went upstairs to find Fan Yu lying in a pool of blood, Xia Dajun standing with the knife, laughing stupidly.

“…Boss, something terrible has happened!”

After the driver reported what he saw, the man’s brow remained furrowed:

“I came back this time not expecting her to have a good end, but just after setting out the bait, her husband killed her. Shows how deep their marital grudge was. Well, I can’t afford to offend Xia Xiaolan. Though she won’t help Xia Dajun, I should still get him a good lawyer, and try to reduce his sentence. After all, Xia Dajun has helped me take revenge.”

If Fan Yu were still alive, or if Liang Huan were present, they would certainly recognize this man.

He was Fan Yu’s son, Fan Han.

Fan Han never forgot how his mother died of anger. Beating Fan Yu back then couldn’t satisfy his hatred. After years of establishing himself outside, he returned specifically for revenge.

He visited Xia Dajun.

Xia Dajun had indeed gone mad from the shock, alternating between shouting “whore” and calling for Afen and Xiaolan.

Fan Han sneered – these men were all alike. Fan Zhenchuan now desperately wanted to acknowledge him, and Xia Dajun probably wanted to acknowledge Xia Xiaolan too.

Though Fan Zhenchuan and Xia Dajun had different social statuses back then, essentially neither was a good father. Why didn’t they cherish their children when they were around? Regret now?

-It’s too late for regret!

The blisters on your feet come from your walking – not worth any sympathy.

Fan Han got Xia Dajun a lawyer. This was a crime of passion – DNA tests proved he truly had no blood relation with Xia Junjie. Learning the child he raised for over a decade was illegitimate, his mental breakdown was understandable.

Xia Dajun went to prison.

The prison was perhaps a relief for him – at least he didn’t have to drive taxis anymore.

Though he often told fellow inmates his daughter was Yunan’s richest person, a world-class architect… naturally, no one believed him.

After finishing everything, Fan Han went to sweep his mother’s tomb.

He had avenged his mother.

Women as shameless as Fan Yu deserved such an end!

Zhou Cheng learned about Xia Dajun’s situation but decided not to tell Xia Xiaolan.

Past events shouldn’t disturb their life now. Xiaolan had a father – though his father-in-law always looked down on him, Zhou Cheng had to admit that Tang Hongen’s love for Xiaolan far exceeded that of some biological fathers.

“What’s wrong?”

Xia Xiaolan drowsily sensed Zhou Cheng watching her.

Zhou Cheng bent down to kiss her:

“Nothing, dear. I just realized I still love you so much, more and more.”

Ah, they were an old married couple now, yet still so mushy.

Xia Xiaolan grumbled as she turned over: “I love you too. Don’t disturb me, let me have a good nap.”

Though her tone was impatient, she fell asleep with a smile on her face.

-May the years pass peacefully, and the rest of life remain stable!