Early the next morning, Lin Zeyu’s secretary arrived at the Lin family’s villa.
After arriving, Yang Qian refused Butler Wang’s invitation to come sit and rest for a moment. Her expression carried clear displeasure.
Originally, Lin Zeyu was supposed to attend a networking event with a partner company that day, and as his secretary, Yang Qian naturally needed to accompany him. She had even begun preparing her gown a week in advance, all so she could appear stunning at Lin Zeyu’s side.
But to her surprise, Gu Mingming actually asked her, at this crucial moment, to bring that adopted child to school for registration— and even claimed it was a special instruction from the chairman.
Yang Qian did not believe Gu Mingming at all. She felt the woman did it on purpose, trying to keep her from attending the event with Lin Zeyu by creating this ridiculous errand.
The resentment brewing in Yang Qian’s heart was so strong that when she saw Lin Nuonuo, her expression showed nothing but irritation.
Inside the villa, Yang Qian still managed to restrain herself, but once they stepped outside, she stopped pretending entirely.
“Little country bumpkin, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and get in the car.” Yang Qian looked at Lin Nuonuo with contempt and urged her along.
Lin Nuonuo lowered her head silently and followed Yang Qian into the car.
The two soon arrived at Weston School.
This was the school Lin Zixin attended.
Because Yang Qian occasionally came there to pick up or drop off Lin Zixin on behalf of her parents, she was fairly familiar with the school and its staff. Without hesitation, she brought Lin Nuonuo straight to the academic director’s office.
Inside, seeing how small Lin Nuonuo was, the academic director looked shocked. “This child is seven this year?”
“Yes.” Yang Qian nodded.
She had accompanied the couple when they completed the adoption procedures, so she had seen Lin Nuonuo’s file. Since Lin Nuonuo was the same age as Lin Zixin, she was technically already seven and a half.
Hearing that, the academic director asked a few more questions about the child’s current situation.
When she learned that Lin Nuonuo had never attended a proper day of school— possibly without even basic preschool knowledge— the academic director’s expression turned rather odd.
After thinking for a moment, she looked at Yang Qian and Lin Nuonuo and spoke cautiously, “Theoretically, a child should complete preschool education before entering primary school. This isn’t just a rule, but it’s meant for the child’s learning and development. Given that she has almost no prior learning experience, for her long-term benefit, our recommendation would be for her to receive a year of preschool education first.” She paused before adding, “Of course, if the guardian insists on putting her directly into primary school, that’s also possible. But we suggest letting her join a first-grade class temporarily to help her adjust and to see whether she can keep up.”
Lin Zixin was currently in second grade, so by age, Lin Nuonuo should have entered second grade as well. But given Lin Nuonuo’s circumstances, the director felt she was not suited to start directly at that level.
“Also, if she goes straight into primary school, it would be best for her to take a basic assessment first.” The academic director added responsibly. Worried the child would feel nervous, she explained gently, “It’s just a simple test to understand her level. Most of our students complete it before enrollment.”
But Yang Qian frowned.
“A test too?” She asked, displeased.
She wasn’t worried about whether Lin Nuonuo could handle it. She just didn’t want to waste time.
“How long would the test take?” She asked again.
“Well, it varies, but most of our students complete it within an hour.”
Yang Qian’s expression grew even more sour. She waved her hand. “Then forget it.”
“This……”
Before the academic director could respond, a glint of calculation flashed in Yang Qian’s eyes.
“Director Liu, you know Zixin is in second grade.” She began smoothly. “Nuonuo is our CEO’s adopted daughter. Part of the adoption was charity, but also so Zixin could have a companion growing up. Since they’re the same age, I think our CEO would prefer they study in the same class. So I’ll trouble you to arrange for this child to join Zixin’s class.”
Yang Qian maintained a polite expression, but inwardly she sneered.
She knew Gu Mingming deliberately sent her away with this task to keep her from attending the event, and because Gu Mingming didn’t want others to know she had adopted this little bumpkin.
Gu Mingming, who came from an ordinary background, worked desperately to maintain the refined façade expected of the Lin family’s young madam. The last thing she wanted was to be associated with anything plain, common, or rustic.
Since she wanted to avoid the connection, Yang Qian would make sure she couldn’t. Letting this little country bumpkin join Gu Mingming’s daughter’s class would disgust the woman to death.
After all, Gu Mingming was always using her status as the CEO’s wife to pick on Yang Qian.
A spark of petty revenge flashed in Yang Qian’s eyes.
The academic director, however, felt far less at ease.
“You want her to join second grade? This……” The academic director looked troubled.
She was already worried the little girl couldn’t handle first grade. Second grade, especially the top-performing class, was even more advanced.
But Yang Qian ignored all that. “It’s also our CEO’s wish. We hope the school can cooperate.”
By invoking Lin Zeyu’s authority, she forced the pressure onto the school.
Sure enough, the academic director faltered. Their school was the top private school in A City, well-funded, but much of that funding came from sponsors and investors.
The Lin Group was among their largest sponsors, and Lin Zeyu himself was an honorary board member.
Since the request came from him, the school had to give him face.
“In that case, she can join Class A of second grade for a trial period.” The director finally agreed.
“As for her future progress, we’ll communicate with the family and make adjustments. The school will also do its best to help her keep up.”
Yang Qian had no interest in those assurances.
“I’ll call Class A’s homeroom teacher over to meet the child, then take her to look around the school.” The academic director said, glancing at Lin Nuonuo.
Seeing the thin and tiny girl— who had kept her head down since entering, quiet and painfully shy— the director sighed inwardly.
Students of this quality, to be honest, were a first for their school. She wasn’t just worried about the child’s academics. Whether the child could adapt socially was also a real concern.
After all, children’s psychological well-being mattered greatly.
But Yang Qian rejected the suggestion without hesitation.
“No need. She’ll be here tomorrow anyway. She can adjust on her own.” Yang Qian said dismissively.
She wanted to rush back to catch the event. She had no time to waste on this little bumpkin.
Gu Mingming already expected Yang Qian wouldn’t handle the enrollment properly, but when she later saw the woman dressed to the nines at Lin Zeyu’s side, she was so furious she almost lost control on the spot.
────ρя
The next morning, the servants prepared everything Lin Nuonuo needed for school according to Lin Chaojiang’s instructions.
At the door, remembering it was her first day, Lin Chaojiang added, “Study hard at school, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
He had discovered over time that Lin Nuonuo was very bright. Though she seemed quiet and even dull, her mind worked quickly. She learned most things after being taught just once, even inferring beyond what she was shown.
Seeing her nod seriously, a hint of affection softened his gaze.
Thinking of something, he added, “If anything happens at school, you can tell us when you come home.”
“Okay.” Lin Nuonuo nodded again, though her gaze drifted past him toward Lin Chen standing behind.
Lin Chen, of course, wasn’t there to send Lin Nuonuo off. He simply happened to be leaving as well.
But nearby, Lin Zixin listened to the warmth in Lin Chaojiang’s voice, and a flash of malice crossed her face.
As the founder of the Lin Group, Lin Chaojiang had never been a gentle man. He was known for his strictness, showing kindness only to his biological granddaughter, Lin Zixin.
She had always seen herself as special, like the favored female protagonist of some family-pampering novel.
Yet now Lin Chaojiang displayed the same warmth toward someone with no blood relation at all.
This infuriated her.
Still, she forced a friendly smile at Lin Nuonuo.
“The homeroom teacher asked me to come early today. Something about a competition. I can’t wait for you.” With an apologetic tone— but eyes empty of sincerity— she spoke.
Let this little bumpkin go with her? Dream on.
She left immediately, leaving the adults looking conflicted.
They all knew Lin Zixin did it on purpose, but chose to indulge her behavior.
Butler Wang hesitated before reporting, “We only have three drivers on duty at home. Both the eldest young master and the eldest young madam already took one each. And the little miss just left. If we call another driver over, the fastest would be fifteen minutes. I’m afraid……” He didn’t finish, but his meaning was clear. Lin Nuonuo might be late.
At that moment, Lin Chen, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, “I’m heading out. I’ll drop her off.”
Everyone froze in surprise.
Lin Chaojiang stared at him, trying to judge whether he meant it. Lin Chen never showed familial affection. Even toward his biological niece, he had never once driven her to school.
But in the end, Lin Chaojiang nodded. “Go, then.”
Butler Wang quickly handed Lin Nuonuo’s things and backpack to Lin Chen. “Thank you, Second Young Master.”
Lin Chen accepted them expressionlessly.
Meanwhile, Lin Nuonuo was practically bursting with excitement.
“You’re taking me to school?” Sitting in the car beside him, she still found it unbelievable.
Compared to her excitement, Lin Chen’s response was icy, “Just on the way.”
“Oh.” Even so, she remained delighted.
At the school entrance, Lin Chen parked the car.
Glancing at the little girl sitting upright with a goofy grin, he looked irritated. “Do you need me to invite you out of the car?”
“No……” Lin Nuonuo blinked, then looked at him again. “Then…… I’m going to school?”
She stared at him for a long time, but he gave no reaction at all.
Disappointed, she finally got out under his impatient gaze.
Still, she couldn’t help looking back at him with a bright smile and waving vigorously. “Bye-bye, Dad!”
She had originally wanted to ask if he would also pick her up after school, but before she could speak, Lin Chen’s car sped away, leaving her in a cloud of exhaust.
Turning around, Lin Nuonuo nearly bumped into someone.
“Ah— sorry!” She apologized.
“It’s okay.” The girl, whom she had almost run into, smiled easily.
The girl looked about Lin Nuonuo’s age, but a little taller, dressed in the Weston School uniform— clearly also a student there.
“Hi, I’m Fang Xiyan, from Grade 2 Class 2.” The girl introduced herself.
“I’m Lin Nuonuo.”
“Was that your dad dropping you off? His car is so cool!” Fang Xiyan said enviously.
Compared to the nearly identical black sedans used by most families, Lin Chen’s blue sports car definitely stood out.
“Which class are you in?” Fang Xiyan asked.
“Grade 2, Class A.”
“Class A? You’re in Class A?” Fang Xiyan’s eyes widened.
At Weston, classes were normally numbered, except for the special Class A.
According to Weston students, only exceptional children were placed there.
“You’re amazing!” Fang Xiyan exclaimed.
Lin Nuonuo: “……” She felt something was being misunderstood.
“Um…… It’s actually my first day here. Do you know how to get to Grade 2 Class A?” She asked.
Hearing that Lin Nuonuo was new— and had entered Class A immediately— Fang Xiyan thought she was even more impressive.
“I know where it is! I’ll take you!” She said eagerly.