Jiang Chuying shook her head fearfully, indicating that she didn’t know anything.
“Look at you, all weak and pathetic. Fine, nothing to worry about just scram!” The lead girl, a bit irritated, glanced behind her to signal that she could leave.
Jiang Chuying nodded and “fled in panic.”
At the corner, she glanced back at where they were standing. Only after the school emptied out did the girls reluctantly leave.
Looks like whoever they were looking for wasn’t the sharpest.
When Jiang Chuyao returned home, Grandma Jiang had already prepared dinner. Over the years, their evening meals had been very simple millet porridge, steamed buns, and a little salted vegetable, much like breakfast. Only lunch had cooked dishes, occasionally with a bit of meat, adding some flavor.
Those who had endured hardships were frugal and avoided waste.
Jiang Chuyao had gotten used to it.
Especially in this household, without any bothersome people around, even the air felt fresher!
After dinner, Grandma Jiang took Jiang Chuyao for a walk in the yard and slipped her twenty yuan.
She didn’t want it, but the grandma insisted refusing wasn’t an option.
As for school matters, she only told her about the fun parts, leaving out anything troubling.
After the walk, Jiang Chuyao checked her wallet and realized the 500 yuan her father had promised last time still hadn’t arrived.
That wouldn’t do!
She headed out, got on her bike, and rode straight to the Mu household.
When Mu Jinchun opened the door and saw Jiang Chuyao, she was a little surprised. “Yao Yao, what are you doing here?”
“My dad said if I can’t find him, I should just come straight here!” Jiang Chuyao explained, leaving Mu Jinchun no choice but to invite her in.
It happened that Jiang Nanshan had just woken up, yawning, disheveled, and came out.
Seeing his youngest daughter there, he nearly exclaimed in shock and rushed back into the bedroom to get properly dressed before coming out again.
His first words, however, were filled with displeasure: “What are you doing here for no reason?”
“Old Jiang, speak gently to Yao Yao!” Mu Jinchun interjected. To outsiders, it might even look like a loving family.
Jiang Nanshan shot Mu Jinchun a warning glance, signaling her to stay calm and not overstep.
“Dad, Mu Auntie’s bed is comfortable, right?”
“It’s a bed… none of your business. If there’s nothing else, go home. We’re discussing a business deal!” Jiang Nanshan realized he’d been sidetracked and hurriedly tried to recover.
“I’m here to get the 500 yuan you owe me!”
500 yuan?
Mu Jinchun froze.
She had followed Jiang Nanshan for years without any official recognition and hadn’t saved that much money.
Why did this little girl need so much?
She wanted to ask but feared offending her, so she held back.
“What 500 yuan?” Jiang Nanshan, having already moved on, clearly didn’t want to pay.
“Never mind then!” Jiang Chuyao said casually, making the others uneasy.
This girl… so easy to deal with?!
Mu Jinchun was the happiest of all. Since Jiang Nanshan hadn’t valued this daughter much, in the future it would mostly be just the two of them mother and daughter.
“I’m going next door to borrow some water. I’m thirsty!” Jiang Chuyao said as she headed out.
“Come back!” Jiang Nanshan growled through gritted teeth. He knew this stubborn girl wouldn’t give up easily.
Under Mu Jinchun’s watch, he reluctantly pulled out 500 yuan and handed it over.
“Thanks, old man!” Jiang Chuyao took the money and left without looking back.
Mu Jinchun, knowing Jiang Nanshan well, understood this money was probably meant for Jiang Chuyao all along. He rarely carried that much cash, and she resisted asking any questions after seeing his sour expression.
“Nan Shan, Yao Yao probably has a reason. Don’t get upset!” As the caring figure, she offered comfort.
“Reason my foot! Our daughter was in the hospital, and you didn’t even check on her. All you do is paint your eyebrows and put on makeup. Go away!” Jiang Nanshan thought of his eldest daughter in the hospital. If not for her reckless actions years ago, the eldest wouldn’t have been born sick.
Over the years, she’d cost a lot. Especially during the tough years for the Jiang family, her illness required money, and just thinking back was unbearable.
Mu Jinchun felt guilty, but as she was about to wipe her eyes, Jiang Nanshan strode out, seeming to know exactly what she was about to do.
Hmph!
Since he said she should visit her daughter in the hospital, it was time to go.
Back home, Jiang Chuyao first focused on studying, then began researching drinks for the dance hall good taste, cheap, and profitable!
The next morning, she felt sluggish, so she went for a long run, then made a simple breakfast, ate, and went to school.
This time was different. On the way, classmates greeted her enthusiastically.
(⊙o⊙)…
What the…?
Had everyone been possessed by the “enthusiasm ghost”?
As she reached her seat, her deskmate Lu Xiaohan told her that the gossipmongers had confirmed Jiang Chuyao was the real daughter of the Jiang family, and Jiang Chuying was adopted.
Of course, they had also learned some not-so-good things as well.
“Exactly as you said the gossip I heard was far more exciting than what you told me!” Lu Xiaohan was thrilled.
She wanted to verify with her deskmate, but the teacher arrived.
Seeing her deskmate scribbling diligently and keeping pace with the teacher, Lu Xiaohan gave up, deciding to wait until after class.
It was torturous!
When the bell rang, she followed Jiang Chuyao to the bathroom. Jiang Chuyao chatted actively, answering questions.
Lu Xiaohan noticed her impeccable manners. She answered trivial questions but remained reserved when it came to Jiang Chuying’s personal matters.
“Your sister… she could step on you at any moment, yet you still defend her reputation everywhere!” Lu Xiaohan sympathized.
“It’s nothing. I don’t live in other people’s mouths. I just live my life and work hard to achieve my goals. My sister will only ever be someone they can admire from afar,” Jiang Chuyao said, not elaborating further.
She couldn’t exactly tell Lu Xiaohan, “You’re overthinking. I just want to slowly torment Jiang Chuying.”
Thinking about the big surprise she had prepared for school, Jiang Chuyao knew her sister would love it!