“I haven’t even seen you yet, how could I leave today!”

Just this one sentence truly left Lin Zhihua stunned in place.

A moment ago, his mood was in hell, bitter to the extreme, but with just this one sentence, his heart instantly felt as if it had been soaked in honey.

She… what did she mean?

Before he could figure it out, Xue Jiao sent another message—

[After all, you’ve helped me so much, I must treat you to a meal before you leave. You can pick the place!]

Lin Zhihua: “…”

He had been mature since childhood, but this was the first time he understood what riding a roller coaster felt like.

These ups and downs were truly uncomfortable.

[Lin Zhihua: Oh.] Cold.

Xue Jiao had no idea what the person on the other end of the phone was experiencing during this simple conversation. Seeing his response, she happily closed her phone.

She was in such a good mood today that she didn’t notice how her words might cause misunderstandings in others’ eyes.

After putting down her phone, Program Mingze was still on a call, apparently in a video chat.

The person on the other end shifted their gaze to her, so he walked over and waved her over.

Xue Jiao also approached curiously.

Program Mingze shook his phone and said, “Dad and Auntie Li want to see you.”

Xue Jiao tilted her head a little and stood on tiptoe. Program Mingze lowered the phone, and she finally met the gaze of the people on the call.

She obediently greeted them: “Mom, Uncle Cheng.”

The two people on the screen were beaming with joy, their eyes squinted together as they squeezed their heads into the frame—

“Ah! Jiaojiao, you’re amazing!”

“Mingze is amazing too!”

Xue Jiao smiled shyly.

“When are you getting home today? Let’s celebrate together!” Cheng Shuo slapped the table excitedly.

“We’ll be back tomorrow!” Xue Jiao quickly replied.

Her words surprised the two. Li Sitong asked in astonishment, “Today is already the 26th, tomorrow will be the 27th. Why aren’t you coming back yet?”

Xue Jiao scratched her head, somewhat embarrassed: “I have a friend in Beijing. We agreed to have dinner tonight. We’ll be back first thing tomorrow morning!”

She paused, thinking of Program Mingze, and added, “Brother can go back first, I’ll return immediately tomorrow morning!”

“What friend? You have friends in Beijing?” Li Sitong frowned, puzzled.

Xue Jiao just nodded, not particularly wanting to explain.

After all, this wasn’t something that could be explained in a few words.

Cheng Shuo patted Li Sitong and said, “Alright, give the child some space.”

Then he looked at the camera with a smile and said, “Jiaojiao, if you want to stay an extra day, that’s fine, but Mingze must stay with you. You can’t be alone outside. It’s not safe for a girl to be alone.”

“There’s no need…”

“Mingze, do you have any objections?”

Program Mingze shook his head: “No, I’ll look after Xue Jiao.”

He agreed very promptly, genuinely concerned about Xue Jiao being out alone as a young woman.

No matter how calm and cool she usually appeared, she was still a young girl after all.

He wasn’t comfortable leaving her alone.

“Then Jiaojiao, come back early tomorrow. The New Year is coming soon, and after New Year, your brother and you will start school!” Li Sitong rambled on. Although she had some objections to her daughter staying an extra day, she was still concerned about her and wouldn’t let her stay there alone.

This matter was settled. Program Mingze took Xue Jiao to report to the teacher in charge, then found a nice hotel near the training site and checked in.

Since their parents weren’t with them, to avoid any impropriety, they stayed in separate rooms.

At around five in the afternoon, Xue Jiao knocked on the door next door.

“What is it?” Program Mingze opened the door.

“I’m going out for dinner!” She knew she should inform someone worried about her.

Program Mingze frowned slightly and asked, “Where are you going? With whom? Male or female? When will you be back?”

Xue Jiao: “…”

She swallowed and then said, “Brother, it’s my friend. There won’t be any danger. I’ll be back as soon as possible. The place hasn’t been decided yet, but I’ll let you know when it is.”

Knowing he was only concerned for her safety, Xue Jiao wasn’t so unappreciative.

Program Mingze’s brows remained tightly furrowed. It seemed… it was a male.

Seeing Xue Jiao’s firm attitude, he remained silent for a moment but still said, “Don’t forget what happened to me during the First High School exam. There are many bad people in this world, so you must be back before eight o’clock and keep your phone available.”

After a pause, still not reassured: “Share your location with me.”

Xue Jiao: “…”

Program Mingze was stubborn once he decided on something. Xue Jiao had no choice but to agree to his “location sharing” requirement.

Walking out of the hotel door, Xue Jiao exhaled deeply.

Taking out her phone, she dialed that number, which was answered almost instantly.

“Hello, Lin Zhihua, where are you?”

The voice on the other end was magnetic and pleasant: “Are you at the hotel entrance?”

Xue Jiao made an affirmative sound, and then there was silence on the other end.

“Hello?” Xue Jiao wondered.

At that moment, a black car stopped in front of her, the window rolled down, revealing a familiar face.

Xue Jiao’s eyes brightened slightly: “Lin Zhihua!”

Lin Zhihua had a smile in his eyes, and his expression relaxed, but his presence was still too strong, making people somewhat afraid to look directly at him.

Xue Jiao knew how warm-hearted this person was in private, unlike what his appearance suggested!

So she wasn’t afraid at all and smiled happily: “How are you here!”

“The workplace isn’t far, you mentioned earlier that you were staying here, so I just came over after work,” Lin Zhihua explained calmly.

The driver in the front seat trembled slightly, secretly glancing at Lin Zhihua through the rearview mirror.

Goodness! This was hardly “on the way”—he had parked the car nearby and waited since receiving a message in the afternoon!

That’s what he thought, but he didn’t dare say a word.

“Get in, let’s go eat,” Lin Zhihua said, opening the car door and stepping out, then holding the door open for Xue Jiao. After she climbed in, he closed the door and went around to enter from the other side.

The two sat in the back, with the driver in the front.

“To Wu Liu Lane.”

After saying this, he explained to Xue Jiao: “There’s a very good restaurant in Wu Liu Lane. Is it okay if we go there to eat?”

“Whatever you think is good!” Xue Jiao quickly said, “Besides, I’m the one treating you to a meal!”

Lin Zhihua nodded, responding with a soft “okay.”

For a moment, the car was quiet.

Lin Zhihua’s fingers caressed the watch hidden under his shirt sleeve, matching the one on someone else’s wrist.

“When is the final competition?”

“Around the end of March.”

Lin Zhihua nodded, and then there was silence again.

The atmosphere in the car started to feel strange again…

This time it was Xue Jiao who tried to make conversation. She patted her chest, “I’m still quite scared. I’ve never participated in this kind of national competition before.”

In both lifetimes, this was her first time.

Lin Zhihua found it somewhat amusing—this girl who seemed so determined and focused, harboring such nervousness inside.

He shook his head and said, “There’s nothing to be afraid of. If you’re not dead set on securing the direct admission spot from this competition, just answer the questions happily when the time comes.”

Xue Jiao’s cheeks puffed out slightly, thinking this person was speaking too lightly…

Lin Zhihua had been watching her from the corner of his eye almost the entire time. Seeing her expression, he found it amusing and also felt an urge to reach out.

He formed a fist with his hand, pressed it against his lips, coughed once, and said, “But the final round might have some changes. There’s no information yet about what the written test will be like after the New Year.”

Xue Jiao’s eyes widened in surprise, asking, “Not competition questions anymore?”

“The winter camp already tested competition questions; it’s normal if they test something different this time,” Lin Zhihua said, starting to explain the testing methods he knew from previous years, as well as how his year was assessed, and what the experience and format were like.

Xue Jiao listened intently, almost wanting to take out a notebook to record every word.

The two chatted like this as the car wound through several turns and entered a small alley.

“Boss, we’re here,” the driver softly interrupted them.

Lin Zhihua nodded, then looked at Xue Jiao: “Let’s get out and go eat.”

Saying this, he opened the car door, and Xue Jiao quickly opened hers as well.

It was a restaurant that looked very low-key, located at the corner of the alley. The car dropped them off at the entrance and had to turn right to leave—after all, there was no parking available outside the restaurant.

The restaurant’s name was a bit strange. Xue Jiao looked up at the four characters—Carefree Home.

On either side of the signboard were two white porcelain lanterns. Xue Jiao didn’t recognize these things well, only feeling they looked “expensive.”

Following Lin Zhihua inside, Xue Jiao was truly astonished.

Though the outside door looked sophisticated but not unimaginable, the inside was truly shocking!

Such a small door, such a narrow alley, yet when the door opened, it was like seeing a Suzhou garden.

Rockery, clear water, and groups of fish swimming back and forth.

Over there… was that a crane?

Lin Zhihua led her along the stone path further inside, passing through a corridor before finally seeing people.

The person looked quite young, wearing an apron, smiling as they approached: “Customers, our restaurant doesn’t accept walk-ins. Do you have a reservation?”

“Xiao Wang, he doesn’t need a reservation!” A woman with a gentle appearance walked out.

Xue Jiao’s eyes lit up.

This person looked like a water town woman born in a garden, with eyes that seemed to have rippling waves when she smiled.

“Zhihua, Xiao Wang just started recently. Kui Ma isn’t feeling well, so we hired another person,” the woman said.

“How is Kui Ma’s health?” Lin Zhihua was slightly surprised.

“The old problem, it’s nothing. Please sit down first. What would you like to eat?” As she spoke, her eyes moved behind Lin Zhihua and spotted Xue Jiao, surprised, then noticing her young appearance…

“Is this your family’s niece?”

Lin Zhihua: “…”

“You still speak so unpleasantly.”

The woman just smiled, her face beautiful to the extreme.

“Serve the classic signature dishes, we’ll go sit inside first.”

After saying this, Lin Zhihua looked at Xue Jiao, his gaze much softer: “Come on, let’s go in.”

He seemed very familiar with the place, leading Xue Jiao directly through the innermost small round door, with “Noble” written above it.

Through the small round door was a garden, and after passing through the garden was a classical door. Only after pushing open this door did they finally see the dining table.

Xue Jiao sat down, with Lin Zhihua sitting across from her.

The table didn’t look large, so the distance between them wasn’t far.

The room had many calligraphy and paintings hanging in it. Xue Jiao couldn’t tell if they were genuine, but she was still surprised.

“The calligraphy and paintings in here are all genuine,” he pointed upward, “Only that piece is from the Qing Dynasty, the others are all from contemporary painters and calligraphers, not expensive.”

Xue Jiao nearly dropped her jaw, instinctively touching her backpack.

Could… could the money she brought afford one meal?

“What are you thinking about?” Lin Zhihua asked her.

Xue Jiao was a bit embarrassed but still told the truth: “I was wondering, in a place like Beijing where land is so valuable, having such a large garden with not many rooms, can we afford the price?”

“Pfft—” Lin Zhihua laughed, showing a rather obvious smile for once.

Slightly covering his forehead, “How can you be so honest, young lady?”

“Just being truthful,” Xue Jiao raised her hand.

Lin Zhihua then said, “I did the owner of this place a favor, so when eating here, they only charge the cost price.”

Xue Jiao’s gaze drifted toward the open window outside, seeing the colorful small garden.

Obviously, in this season, there were plum blossoms of various kinds.

“That’s a good deal…” Xue Jiao continued to speak honestly.

The environment fee for this place was probably the main expense; only charging the price meant coming to eat here was a steal!

Lin Zhihua laughed again. At this moment, the woman who had stopped them earlier came in, pouring water for each of them and bringing cutlery.

Even the bowls and chopsticks were exceptionally small and exquisite.

“Please wait a moment, the owner said your dishes are being prepared first and will be ready soon.”

Having said that, she left, without any intrusive behavior.

Though she said “soon,” they still waited a while before the dishes arrived one after another.

“So many!” With five dishes already in front of them for just two people, Xue Jiao was afraid they couldn’t finish and would waste food.

“Not too many,” the answer came not from Lin Zhihua but from the Watertown woman, who entered carrying another dish, smiling.

“The last dish, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, was originally made for Kui Ma, but we’ll offer it to welcome our new friend,” she said, winking at Xue Jiao.

Xue Jiao felt a bit embarrassed, “You don’t have to…”

“It’s alright, I still have other customers’ dishes to prepare. I’ll go now,” her gaze turned to Lin Zhihua, “Zhihua, take good care of your little friend, okay?”

With that, she twisted her body and left.

Little friend…

Xue Jiao felt a bit mortified.

Lin Zhihua said nothing, just reached for her bowl and ladled some soup for her.

“Don’t mind her, eat something first. Although this woman has a strange temperament, her cooking skills are passed down from imperial chefs.”

Xue Jiao’s eyes widened, and she quickly took a sip of the soup.

It was incredibly delicious!!

In both lifetimes, Xue Jiao had never tasted such delicious soup!

Cheng Shuo treated them well, occasionally taking them to nice restaurants, but Xue Jiao had never eaten anything this delicious before!

“She’s so young, yet her cooking is already this amazing!!!” Xue Jiao exclaimed.

Lin Zhihua was still picking up food for her and raised an eyebrow when he heard this: “Young?”

“Yes… isn’t she?” Xue Jiao was stunned.

Lin Zhihua had a slight smile: “She’s already in her forties, been a chef for nearly forty years.”

Xue Jiao: “…”!!!

Xue Jiao was astonished. It was one thing to mistake someone in their thirties for being in their twenties, but for someone in their forties to look like they were in their twenties?!

That’s impossible!

“Eat up,” Lin Zhihua saw her confusion and explained, “Her age is real, it’s just that this person has a good mentality and takes care of her face, so she looks a bit younger.”

Xue Jiao still had a shocked expression, but as the food entered her mouth, she could no longer think about it.

It was very delicious!

How could it be so good!!

She didn’t know how the fish was prepared, but it melted as soon as it entered her mouth, leaving only a rich, savory flavor that made her reluctant to open her mouth.

The other dishes were also all exquisite, with delicate plating and styling, complemented by the blue and white imperial porcelain, looking extremely beautiful.

Xue Jiao buried her head and ate earnestly.

Lin Zhihua’s mouth carried a smile as he picked up food for her and said, “Eat more, you’re too thin.”

Xue Jiao nodded with her head down. Lin Zhihua noticed whenever her bowl was empty and would pick up more food, and after she ate some dishes, he would ladle a small bowl of soup for her. After finishing the soup, he continued to pick up more food.

It could be said that she never raised a hand throughout; Lin Zhihua just had his mouth curved upward, picking this and that for her.

The meal was eaten to the point where Xue Jiao felt somewhat bewildered about life.

Mainly because she was stuffed.

She sprawled inelegantly, with a satisfied expression.

Lin Zhihua found it somewhat amusing and asked her, “Was it delicious?”

Xue Jiao nodded continuously, accompanied by: “Extremely delicious!!”

Lin Zhihua casually said, “If you win a prize this time, you can be directly admitted. Whether through direct admission or the college entrance exam, you can choose a school in Beijing, and there will be opportunities to come eat here again.”

Xue Jiao’s eyes brightened, muttering, “I was originally in Beijing…”

Lin Zhihua’s smile deepened.

“Delicious! But I’m so full,” she glanced at her phone again, “It’s almost time.”

“You need to go back?”

“Yes, my brother set a time limit for me.”

Brother… stepbrother.

Lin Zhihua was clear about this in his heart but didn’t mention it, shifting to another topic: “Let’s go for a walk to digest, then I can drive you back.”

Xue Jiao felt somewhat embarrassed: “I said I would treat you, but I ended up wasting so much of your time!”

Lin Zhihua shook his head, thinking to himself that this wasn’t a waste at all—it was exactly what he wanted.

“Come on, let’s walk around.”

Xue Jiao stood up, took another sip of tea, and asked, “What kind of tea is this? It’s really good!”

“Pre-Qingming Dragon Well.”

Xue Jiao: “…”

She looked at the teapot placed casually to the side, completely unnoticeable, and silently poured herself another cup, downing it in one go.

The cost of this meal… she probably couldn’t afford it…

The curve of Lin Zhihua’s mouth hadn’t dropped, as he asked with a light laugh: “Do you like it? Shall I get you a box?”

Xue Jiao waved both hands repeatedly, looking unwilling.

Then she managed to say: “A cow chewing peony.”

Lin Zhihua’s smile widened, his eyes slightly narrowed.

In the time he had spent with her, the curve of his mouth had never fallen.

After walking for a while, they headed outside. The proprietress seemed to know they had finished eating and was waiting for them in the corridor.

“Sister, payment, thank you,” Xue Jiao felt somewhat embarrassed, but having said she would treat Lin Zhihua, coupled with the fact that she had eaten most of the food today, she had to pay.

“Such a sweet mouth,” the woman appeared very pleased. Indeed, being in her forties and having a teenager call her “sister” was genuinely delightful!

Xue Jiao blushed a bit, stealing a glance at the woman’s face from the corner of her eye.

Lin Zhihua noticed her gaze and coughed somewhat unhappily.

The proprietress pouted and continued looking at Xue Jiao with a smile, saying, “A total of 888.”

“So little?!” Xue Jiao was shocked, “That wouldn’t even cover the tea, would it?”

The woman laughed, “You’re quite amusing, young lady. Didn’t Zhihua tell you that the tea is his, stored here?”

Xue Jiao was even more surprised, thinking this explained why Lin Zhihua offered to let her take a box home.

“But… the other costs wouldn’t be enough either…”

Xue Jiao was speaking the truth; she genuinely felt it wasn’t enough. Although she hadn’t been worldly in her previous life, she wasn’t without sense.

“The soup was a gift to you, the rest we grow ourselves and raise ourselves. This price is fine. Young one, why are you so concerned? Sister is a businesswoman, would I let myself lose money?” The woman raised an eyebrow.

She suddenly became assertive, making Xue Jiao feel somewhat embarrassed. She quickly took out her wallet.

“Oh my, such a young girl, how can you be so unfashionable? Use mobile payment! Here, add me on WeChat.” She took out a phone, and Xue Jiao hurriedly took out hers, added her as a friend, and transferred the money.

After paying, Lin Zhihua led Xue Jiao away.

Xiao Wang came over with a troubled expression: “Boss… this is too much of a loss. All signature dishes and 888 wouldn’t even get you through the door…” Not to mention the ingredient costs—yes, the ingredients were home-grown and raised, but they were flown in by special aircraft daily!!!

The proprietress glanced at him: “Xiao Wang, don’t concern yourself with my business.”

While she took a loss here, Lin Zhihua would naturally make it up to her elsewhere.

Thinking this, she twisted her body and walked into the first room.

“Kui Ma, did you see? Are you reassured about Zhihua now?”

An elderly woman sat by the window, which had been right next to where they were talking, but it was closed, so they didn’t know.

The elderly woman nodded continuously and anxiously asked: “Is she Zhihua’s beloved?”

The woman smiled: “If she’s not his beloved, you can cut off my head and use it as a football! From the moment he entered with this girl, the smile never left his face. He even specifically greeted me just for appearances and asked me to charge a small amount. When I asked if she was his niece, his face turned as black as coal! How could she not be his beloved? She’s just too young!”

Upon hearing this confirmation, the elderly woman smiled until her eyes became slits.

“She’s a good girl! A good girl!”

“Oh? You can tell whether she’s good or not?”

The elderly woman sighed and said: “Zhihua has finally made it through the bitterness to sweetness!”

The woman nodded when she heard these words.

At least he knew how to be happy now; before, he was like a human machine.

What’s the point of living a lifetime without experiencing “joy”?

——

Lin Zhihua and Xue Jiao were unaware of what happened afterward. Xue Jiao was in an exceptionally good mood the entire way, which made sense—being able to afford such a delicious meal could be described as the height of happiness.

Lin Zhihua didn’t have those feelings; he just saw Xue Jiao’s smiling eyes and couldn’t help but smile along.

But his smile was very subtle—you wouldn’t even notice unless you looked carefully!

Xue Jiao had an eight o’clock curfew, and no matter how unwilling he was, the car arrived at the hotel entrance at eight.

Then Lin Zhihua’s mood became somewhat low, his previously soaring heart returning to its former deadness, tinged with reluctance.

“Then I’ll be going now!” Xue Jiao turned her head with a smile and said goodbye.

“Mm.” Lin Zhihua nodded.

Xue Jiao had just opened the car door to get out when Lin Zhihua suddenly called out—

“Hey—”

She turned back, asking puzzledly: “What is it?”

“Nothing.” Lin Zhihua shook his head, forcing a smile, “Goodbye, take care, see you next time if there’s a chance.”

“Okay! See you next time if there’s a chance!” Xue Jiao smiled, with light in her eyes. She had only praised the female proprietor’s beautiful eyes, not knowing that her own eyes were particularly dazzling.

Burning with the brightness of youth—hot and fervent.

Like she had unlimited expectations, dreams, and pursuits for the future.

Lin Zhihua nodded gently, looking straight at her retreating figure.

She’s still too young, isn’t she? Her heart is filled with dreams for the future and nothing else.

He could only wait patiently, wait for her to bloom.

——

Xue Jiao returned on time, so Program Mingze didn’t say anything. He watched her enter her room before returning to his own.

Their departure time was the 27th day of the lunar month, arriving home at noon on the 27th.

Li Sitong took the siblings shopping for New Year’s goods. Program Shuo’s company had its annual party tonight, and tomorrow would officially begin the holiday.

Most of the New Year goods had already been purchased by the auntie. Program Shuo and Li Sitong had given her early leave to go home for the New Year, and she was grateful, so she prepared the New Year goods for the family.

If they wanted to buy anything else, they would have to add it themselves.

“Mingze, Jiaojiao, there’s a business gala on the evening of the 29th. Your father said you’ll come with us this year,” Li Sitong suddenly said as they were shopping.

This gala happened every year, and everyone of note in W City would attend, bringing their children.

Previously, given Xue Jiao’s condition, Li Sitong had been unwilling to bring her, fearing embarrassment.

Not taking Gu Xue Jiao meant Program Shuo wouldn’t bring Program Mingze either; he was unwilling to leave Xue Jiao alone at home while they went to the party.

This meant it would be Xue Jiao’s first time attending the gala.

Both of them frowned almost simultaneously and said in unison—

“I’d rather not go!”

Li Sitong frowned almost instantly, then asked puzzledly: “It’s perfect timing since there’s nothing else going on. Let’s all go together.”

Program Mingze said: “The college entrance exam is coming soon. I can stay home and review.”

Xue Jiao said: “I still need to prepare for the competition!”

Li Sitong glared: “You won’t miss that much from one evening. Your father and I have already decided. Come on, let’s go buy you formal attire.”

Program Mingze: “…”

Xue Jiao: “…”

These days, good formal wear needs to be made in advance; waiting ten to fifteen days is normal. Li Sitong’s dress had been prepared early, but the two of them didn’t have theirs yet.

Fortunately, since they were young, they could buy ready-made ones without being too particular.

There was a famous haute couture store in W City with several brands. The ladies generally had their clothes made there. Li Sitong was familiar with it, so she directly led Program Mingze and Xue Jiao inside.

In the past, they could make appointments for home visits, but during the New Year season, everyone was busy, and clothing stores generally didn’t do house calls anymore, so they had to come to the store.

“Madam Li, you’re here!” As soon as they entered, a brightly smiling woman came over. Looking at her badge, she was an assistant.

Two more fresh-faced assistants followed behind her, all smiling at them.

Then, seeing the young man and woman behind Li Sitong, she asked: “And these two?”

“My son and my daughter.”

“My goodness!” The assistant looked surprised, “You certainly know how to raise children! Such a handsome son and a beautiful daughter. How fortunate, how fortunate!”

Judging by her surprised and admiring expression, she already understood that Li Sitong was only Program Mingze’s stepmother.

Otherwise, she would have said “You know how to give birth,” which would have made Li Sitong uncomfortable.

But with what she said, Li Sitong immediately felt a bit happy and couldn’t help but boast: “You’re too kind. They’re quite well-behaved!”

Program Mingze and Xue Jiao exchanged glances, both obediently keeping quiet and just following along.

Then they watched as one flattered and one listened, chatting for quite a while before getting to the point.

“Is Lisa in?”

The assistant leaned closer and said: “The Yi family couple is in, getting Mrs. Yi’s clothes.”

Li Sitong was stunned for a moment, then asked: “What about Vivian?”

The assistant looked apologetic: “Vivian went out…”

“That’s unfortunate…”

“If you’re not in a hurry, please have a seat. Mrs. Yi is just picking up clothes; she’ll leave after trying them on.” As she spoke, she led the three to a sofa, and several young assistants quickly came to pour water and offer snacks.

Li Sitong wasn’t in a hurry, so she chatted with Program Mingze and Xue Jiao.

“Lisa has a good eye for clothes. Let her pick for you later. My son and daughter are so good-looking; they must be well-dressed!”

Program Mingze: “…”

Xue Jiao: “…”

“By the way, Jiaojiao, do you want to change your hairstyle? Having some bangs would look good!” Li Sitong said with a smile.

Xue Jiao couldn’t handle her enthusiasm and shook her head vigorously.

The assistant chatting beside them said: “Your beloved daughter looks like you. I’ve been here so long and haven’t seen such a beautiful girl!”

Li Sitong, who had never shown off her daughter before, was elated and covered her mouth with a smile: “Jiaojiao just looks decent.”

“You’re too modest!”

Li Sitong smiled and continued: “Having bangs would look good. Get a new hairstyle, and you’ll be even more beautiful!”

“She still needs to study. Studies come first,” Program Mingze suddenly said.

Men accompanying women shopping are usually silent, as all their energy is used to suppress their inner irritation.

His sudden comment startled Li Sitong.

Xue Jiao also nodded, “That’s right, studies!”

Having bangs in high school would be more troublesome; it’s better to be clean and refreshing, not affecting studies, and more convenient.

With her saying this, Li Sitong couldn’t say much more, only commenting: “You, always thinking about studies!”

Xue Jiao remained silent.

Program Mingze glanced at her and added: “Studying is good.”

“Alright, alright, you siblings are already on the same page! I can’t argue with you!” Li Sitong complained, but her face was smiling. Her stepson and daughter had a relationship like they were related by blood, which only proved her success!

At this moment, a voice came from outside—

“Lisa! Where are you? My daughter’s dress is damaged, pick another one for her!”

A familiar voice.

Other assistants went to greet them, and only then did Xue Jiao’s group notice Wu Wanjun, Gu Jingxu, and Gu Shiyun, the three of them.

Li Sitong’s face darkened immediately.

Talk about bad luck!

To meet them here of all places!

The three’s gazes moved over and also noticed the three of them. Both sides started cursing in their hearts.

Gu Jingxu was still relatively composed. Although he frowned upon seeing Li Sitong, Gu Xue Jiao was his daughter, so he still greeted her—

“Jiaojiao, you’re here too?”

Xue Jiao looked at him without speaking.

With so many people around, Gu Jingxu’s face couldn’t maintain composure.

He suppressed his emotions and patiently looked at Xue Jiao: “Jiaojiao, what’s wrong with you? You haven’t come to see Dad for so long. Are you still angry with Dad?”

“My father is Program Shuo.”

When these words fell, Li Sitong and Program Mingze both looked at her in surprise, as if they had heard something incredible.

Gu Jingxu glared, “Then what about me?”

“Don’t know you.”

Gu Jingxu had no kindness toward Xue Jiao, nor much kindness toward the original Gu Xue Jiao. These three words didn’t make Xue Jiao feel guilty at all.

“What’s wrong with you? Where are your manners? Is this how your mother taught you?!” Gu Jingxu was furious.

Li Sitong exploded.

“Gu Jingxu! What do you mean?!”

Gu Jingxu’s eyes widened: “I don’t mean anything! Look at what you’re teaching your daughter all day!”

The assistants were all extremely embarrassed. Although everyone knew about these two families’ affairs, such a commotion still left them at a loss!

The assistant who had initially received Li Sitong’s group forced herself to say: “Madam Li, Mr. Gu, please stop arguing!”

Immediately, both sides quieted down.

After all, there were outsiders present. Even though Gu Jingxu, Li Sitong, and Wu Wanjun were enemies, they tried to restrain themselves.

“The designer’s newly made clothes are more suitable for the children’s styles. Shall I bring them out for you to see first? When Lisa comes out, we can look again?” The assistant tentatively asked.

Everyone remained silent; the atmosphere was like gunpowder, ready to ignite at any moment.

“Bring them out,” Program Mingze said.

The assistants felt as if they had been granted amnesty and hurried to fetch the clothes.

Gu Shiyun’s eyes brightened as she looked at Program Mingze, pretending not to feel the awkward atmosphere, and asked with a smile: “Brother Mingze is also here to look at clothes?”

Program Mingze nodded slightly. Gu Jingxu was unhappy seeing his daughter talk to someone with the surname Program: “Shiyun!”

Gu Shiyun immediately stopped talking to Program Mingze and looked at Gu Xue Jiao with some surprise: “Sister is also attending the banquet this year? I’ve never seen my sister attend before. We can dance together this year!”

She spoke happily, smiling as she talked to Xue Jiao.

Xue Jiao gave a cold laugh: “Gu Shiyun, I think you don’t understand human language. I’ve said many times, please don’t call me sister. My mother didn’t give birth to you.”

“Gu Xue Jiao!!!” Gu Jingxu was furious again.

It wasn’t that he liked to get angry; it was that Gu Xue Jiao was truly infuriating! Shiyun was kindly trying to make peace and extend an invitation, yet she was so sarcastic toward Shiyun!

“Why are you shouting?!” Li Sitong wouldn’t back down.

Xue Jiao was right. That “sister” from Gu Shiyun pierced her ears. In the past, when Gu Xue Jiao was oblivious, she often hung around with this mother-daughter pair. Now that she was more sensible and knew to avoid them, Li Sitong was only happy!

“Jingxu, don’t be angry…” Wu Wanjun held onto Gu Jingxu’s arm, with a gentle face offering advice.

But there was happiness in her eyes. She wasn’t afraid of Gu Jingxu and Li Sitong causing a scene in public; after all, everyone in this circle knew she was a homewrecker who had moved up. She naturally had no face left!

The worse the relationship between Gu Jingxu and Li Sitong and her daughter, the less Gu Xue Jiao would get from Gu Jingxu’s assets in the future!

Everything would be Shiyun’s!

Hearing the advice and thinking about so many people watching, Gu Jingxu calmed his emotions. Wu Wanjun held him more tightly.

Although she smiled gently, her posture constantly showcased the happiness of having her man accompany her shopping.

Li Sitong’s husband wasn’t accompanying her!

The assistant was really afraid something would go wrong and secretly went to find Lisa.

“Oh my, why are our distinguished guests all here together today?” A fashionable short-haired woman walked in on high heels, smiling confidently and beautifully.

Wu Wanjun spoke before Li Sitong could: “It’s like this, Shiyun’s previous dress was damaged, so we had to urgently buy another one. Please help pick one. Do you have any recommendations?”

If it had been anyone else, she might have let it go, but it was Wu Wanjun!

Li Sitong would never yield!

“Lisa, we were here first, weren’t we? This matter follows a first-come, first-served principle, right?” Li Sitong smiled insincerely, looking at the person opposite.

Lisa hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said: “Right.”

She thought for a moment, not wanting to offend Gu Jingxu’s group either, and smiled: “These clothes have just been designed. Everyone, see if there are any styles you particularly like! We can look together, and I’ll analyze them for you.”

Lisa smiled brightly, not wanting to offend anyone.

“Lisa, are we disregarding the first-come, first-served rule?” Li Sitong said quietly.

“Well—” Lisa turned her head, hesitating as she looked at Gu Jingxu’s group.

“It’s okay, Mom. We did come late. Let them go first. I’m not in a hurry,” Gu Shiyun smiled accommodatingly, gentle and soft, looking immediately pitiful.

Li Sitong was furious!

They were the ones who arrived first, so how did it end up sounding like their fault?

This is Gu Shiyun! She wasn’t a good person!

Li Sitong wanted to leave but felt that leaving in front of so many people would seem like fleeing in disarray. She didn’t want to appear so miserable!

“Lisa, we’re leaving now.” Two people also came out from inside, a man and a woman. Gu Jingxu’s eyes lit up.

Yi Dafa!

“Boss Yi!” He smiled and extended his hand.

Yi Dafa shook hands, politely smiling: “Hello, hello.”

As they released hands, his peripheral vision caught Li Sitong’s group standing on the other side, and his eyes brightened.

“Student Gu Xue Jiao!!!”

Gu Xue Jiao was also stunned for a moment, quickly responding with a smile: “Uncle Yi!”

“Ah—”

The Yi mother was stunned for a moment, then her eyes suddenly brightened: “Oh my, you’re my son Yi Tianyu’s deskmate! Oh my, oh my, what a lovely child!”

She turned to look at Li Sitong: “You must be Xue Jiao’s mother? And this is Xue Jiao’s brother?”

“Yes.” They smiled and shook hands.

Li Sitong looked at the unpleasant expressions on Gu Jingxu and Wu Wanjun’s faces and suddenly wanted to laugh.

Look at that! The person you wanted to curry favor with came over to greet us because of Xue Jiao!

Li Sitong smiled brilliantly.

Mrs. Yi didn’t care about all this, only holding onto Xue Jiao: “Oh my, what a darling child. I want to take her home just looking at her! Are you here to look at formal wear?”

“Yes, Mrs. Yi.”

Mrs. Yi smiled even more brightly: “Come, come, Mother Yi will help you choose! Oh, how is this girl so lovable!”

Mrs. Yi’s affection made Xue Jiao’s eye corner twitch a bit, smiling awkwardly.

Lisa naturally hurried to attend to them, too busy to care about Wu Wanjun’s group. Only assistants were left to deal with them, making them unable to maintain face. They left angrily.

Li Sitong was even happier!

——

Mrs. Yi really helped pick out the formal wear. Combining the opinions of Mrs. Yi, Li Sitong, and Lisa, they finally chose a bright red dress with feathers for Xue Jiao. It didn’t look like the most beautiful piece, but when Xue Jiao wore it, she was radiant.

Li Sitong took Xue Jiao to thank Mrs. Yi and happily left with the clothes.

“I really like this girl!” Sitting in the car, Mrs. Yi was still talking about it.

Yi Dafa nodded: “I know, I know, you’ve been saying it the whole way.”

“What? Am I not allowed to say it?!”

Yi Dafa cowered: “No, no, you can say whatever you want.”

That evening, Yi Tianyu came home carrying a basketball.

Mrs. Yi, eating an apple, said: “Son, let’s go to the annual gala together on the evening of the 29th.”

“I already said I’m not going.” Yi Tianyu rejected without mercy. He hated such occasions and would rather stay home alone playing games.

Mrs. Yi took another bite of her apple and said quietly: “Your deskmate, Gu Xue Jiao, will be there too.”

Author’s Note: Lin Zhihua: I had dinner with Xue Jiao!

Program Mingze: …I eat with her every day.

Yi Tianyu: …We’ve eaten together in the cafeteria.

Lin Zhihua: …