“Fortunately, he did quite well in his other subjects some of them were even full marks!”
“I’ve never really paid much attention to Jiabao’s studies. I barely ever see that kid studying, but his homeroom teacher takes him very seriously. Right after the exam, the teacher was already rushing to estimate his score. If it weren’t for the teacher saying Jiabao did well and is certain to get into Peking University, I wouldn’t even dare to believe it myself!”
Song Jian’s voice was loud and booming, as if he was afraid the neighbors couldn’t hear him.
“Your son studies so well, I’m really envious of you!” a neighbor complimented with a smile.
Song Jianren waved his hand. “What’s so great about studying well? I’m actually envious of your family’s Tie Zhu he went out to work early and earns money. That’s more practical than going to university.”
“That’s true. Getting a good job is what really matters,” someone else agreed.
Song Jianren’s expression darkened slightly. He snorted. “Exactly. Take my daughter, for example she’s about to start working at a government office. Now that’s something that really puts my mind at ease.”
“Oh wow, that’s impressive. Government jobs aren’t easy to get. You pulled some strings, didn’t you?”
Song Jianren immediately raised his voice. “What are you talking about! My Weiwei got selected by the leadership purely on her own ability. I didn’t have to lift a finger as her father! Alright, alright next week I’m hosting a celebration banquet for both kids. Your whole family has to come!”
After showing off, Song Jianren still had a smug smile on his face. Seeing Zhang Meilan come in, he quickly instructed her, “Next week we’re holding Jiabao’s celebration banquet. I’ve already informed my relatives contact yours as well.”
“Alright,” Zhang Meilan replied. “Have you booked the restaurant?”
“I booked the People’s Grand Hotel. It’s impressive enough! If there are too many guests, I’ll book the entire third-floor banquet hall.”
The People’s Grand Hotel was one of Shanghai’s top restaurants, usually reserved for important guests. A single meal there cost a fortune.
Hearing this, Zhang Meilan felt a bit pained. “Isn’t that… too expensive?”
“It’s just this once!” Song Jianren said dismissively. “Jiabao is the provincial top scorer!”
“You think I’m making such a big fuss just to show off to those bumpkin relatives? Hmph, they’re nothing. The people I invited are all leaders from different departments!”
Officials, businesspeople important figures everywhere. Even the mayor was said to be attending. The occasion had to be grand.
In truth, Song Jianren had only met the mayor once, and the man didn’t even remember his name. It was only after mentioning that Song Jiabao was the top scorer that the mayor casually agreed to show up.
He had spent most of his life struggling for recognition. Back then, he clung to the Shen family’s influence and was even mocked behind his back as a live-in son-in-law who relied on his wife.
After his first wife died and he remarried Zhang Meilan, having his own children finally allowed him to escape that label.
But what he hated most was that his old father-in-law had secretly changed his will before dying he hadn’t gotten a single cent of the Shen family fortune.
For over a decade, he had been living beyond his means outwardly rich in a Western-style house, but internally already in financial trouble.
As the saying goes, it’s hard to go from luxury back to poverty. After struggling so hard to enter high society, how could he possibly fall back down?
So he kept using the “son-in-law of the Shen family” identity to network and climb, trying to secure his place in elite circles.
But all this flashy pretension brought him no real benefit only satisfaction for his fragile ego, and even attracted unwanted attention from higher authorities.
Now that scrutiny had tightened, people like him exaggerated, showy, and with questionable finances were among the first targets.
After laying low for a few days, with his son’s success, his daughter’s job secured, and their plan to leave Shanghai progressing smoothly, his restless ambitions started rising again.
He wished he could grab a loudspeaker and announce to the world: his son Song Jiabao had gotten into Peking University he was the top scorer!
“Before the results are even out, you’re already bragging like crazy.”
A cold voice came from the side.
“If Song Jiabao doesn’t even make it into university in the end, wouldn’t that be hilarious? You won’t feel embarrassed, but I would.”
Song Qiaoan stood leaning by the doorway, arms crossed, a cold smile on her lips.
“Song Qiaoan, what nonsense are you talking about!” Zhang Meilan exploded first. “Do you really not want your brother to do well? How can your heart be so black!”
“Hmph! Mom, she’s just jealous of me!” Song Jiabao jumped up, his face red and neck thick. “She can’t stand it, so she’s deliberately saying this to disgust us!”
“Jealous of you? Jealous that your IQ isn’t even higher than a dog’s? Anyone with eyes can see your brain probably isn’t fully developed,” Song Qiaoan said evenly, each word cutting deep.
“Our relatives all know better. Saying he can get into Peking University who would believe that nonsense?”
“You damn girl, who the hell are you insulting?! You want to die?!” Song Jiabao shouted, veins popping on his forehead, fists clenched.
He still remembered the slap from last time. Back then, he didn’t hit back because they still needed her to take the exam for him. But now, he had no such restraint!
Song Qiaoan glanced at him, completely unfazed, then turned lazily to Zhang Meilan and sneered. “Oh, Meilan, your son’s temper is quite something.”
Zhang Meilan forced down her anger and stepped in front of her son, smiling stiffly. “Alright, alright, stop arguing. We’re family why fight?”
She patted Song Jiabao’s back and leaned close to whisper, “Your sister is just a bit worried. Don’t take it to heart. Your brother-in-law’s birthday is coming soon, and your sister still needs to attend in style. If you offend her now, your brother-in-law might not be happy.”
She kept her words vague, unable to say everything in front of Song Qiaoan.
But Song Jiabao didn’t understand the hint at all. He shoved her hand away and said viciously, “Damn it! I’m not afraid of him! If Wang Shichang hears this bitch cursing me, he might even hit her before I do!”
Zhang Meilan’s face stiffened. This kid was just too stubborn.
What could she even say? That Wang Shichang had instructed them to deliver the girl intact to his bed and if anyone wanted to hit her, they should wait until after?
She was left speechless, dragged her son aside, and coaxed him a bit more before he finally quieted down, still muttering curses.
At that moment, Song Jianren, just off the phone with the mayor, strode over aggressively and pointed at Song Qiaoan’s nose.
“What are you making noise about? Didn’t you see I was handling serious business? You’re the only one causing trouble every day, making the whole family restless!”
Song Qiaoan let out a cold laugh. “Cheating is cheating. You should just enjoy it quietly, but you’re so proud you want to show off everywhere. You’ve got a thick enough skin.”
Too impatient. Holding a celebration now was just asking for trouble.
Celebrate what exactly?
Celebrate their cheating skills? Or celebrate father and son going to jail together? Did he really think the “top scorer” title was some kind of immunity badge?
These past days, Secretary Zhang had been in close contact with her, investigating the proxy exam case while also ensuring her safety.
Thinking of that, Song Qiaoan felt it would be useful to inform him about the celebration banquet plan.
At the mention of “cheating,” Song Jianren’s eyes darkened instantly.
He clenched his jaw, stepped forward, and lowered his voice dangerously. “Song Qiaoan, listen carefully. Your brother got in fair and square. If I ever hear you say ‘cheating’ again ”
He raised his hand threateningly. “I’ll slap your mouth shut!”
“Before the results are even out, what gives you the nerve to talk to me like that?!”