When the college entrance exam results were released, Li Wangshu scored 726 points, earning the title of provincial top scorer, shocking the entire city.
Over the next few days, Li’s parents’ food stall was packed with customers. Everyone wanted to share in the good luck of having a top scorer nearby. Some people had also heard about Li Wangshu’s biological parents and smugly asked whether her adoptive parents had raised her for nothing, only to lose her in the end.
Li Wangshu had been helping at the stall these past few days. Whenever she heard such comments, she replied directly,
“My dad and mom are the two people here. I don’t know the people you’re talking about.”
“I heard they’re extremely rich—not just ordinary rich. Their family owns big companies and businesses. If you don’t go back, you’ll lose out big time. Are you really going to let that fake heiress inherit the family fortune?”
Although Li’s parents never showed it on their faces, those words clearly hurt them.
Li Wangshu thought these people were far too nosy, but since they were customers, she couldn’t be too rude. She could only joke,
“Uncle, you’ve got quite an imagination. You must watch a lot of short dramas.”
She helped at the stall for several more days. Most customers were kind, but there were always a few troublemakers.
It wasn’t until more than a week later, after the excitement surrounding the top scorer had died down, that things finally became quieter.
Meanwhile, in Baijing City, the Ji family was holding a celebration banquet for their adopted daughter, Ji Mo, who had successfully been admitted to Jing University’s School of Design with a score of 616. The banquet was delayed until now because it also happened to be Ji Mo’s birthday, so they decided to celebrate both occasions together.
“Shouldn’t we ask? We still don’t know how Little Moon did on her exams.”
Inside the room, Xu Jingya held her phone, having struggled with the decision for several days.
“Today is also Little Moon’s birthday. I sent her birthday wishes and a red envelope, but she hasn’t replied or accepted it.”
“No, no. Let’s wait a few more days.”
Ji Huaiyang felt the timing wasn’t right.
“The exam results just came out. She’s probably still upset about her scores. On top of that, Momo did well. Comparing herself to Momo will only make her feel worse.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve already arranged a repeat school and the best tutoring teachers. In another week, we’ll bring Little Moon back. Then we’ll celebrate her birthday properly.”
“You’re right.”
Xu Jingya nodded.
“Momo has been in a bad mood for several days too. She finally cheered up after getting her results. Let’s wait a little longer and at least let her enjoy being happy for a few more days.”
Outside, several young men and women surrounded Ji Mo.
“Momo, you’re amazing! Your score must rank in the top ten for your major.”
Song Xuyu, Ji Qingshuang’s girlfriend who often visited the Ji family, handed Ji Mo a small gift box.
“A graduation and birthday present.”
“Thank you, Sister Xiaoyu.”
Ji Mo opened the box and found a beautiful brooch inside. It was obviously expensive, and the smile on her face became even brighter.
After chatting for a while, Song Xuyu went to speak with someone else.
Wu Lu immediately came over.
“See? Your family still loves you the most. No one even mentions that daughter they just found.”
The moment the topic came up, everyone became interested. After all, everyone had been curious for a long time.
Ji Mo, however, had no desire to hear anything about that person during her celebration banquet.
She smiled without saying anything, hoping everyone would take the hint and drop the subject.
Instead, someone who couldn’t keep quiet asked,
“I heard she’s the same age as you. So what’s the real story? Don’t tell me she’s actually your dad’s illegitimate daughter?”
Ji Mo’s expression stiffened.
Everyone assumed they had guessed correctly.
“So your dad cheated while your mom was pregnant with you? Of course your mom wouldn’t accept that.”
“Obviously not! That’s why she never showed up! If they’re the same age, then she also took the college entrance exam this year. Momo, do you know how many points she got?”
“Maybe only two or three hundred—not even enough to qualify for a junior college.”
“I don’t know.”
Ji Mo’s emotions were complicated.
She felt afraid, but at the same time, there was a strange sense of satisfaction.
She thought, So what if she’s the real heiress?
She grew up in that kind of place and suffered so much since childhood. She could never have received a good education. No matter what, she couldn’t possibly compete with me on ability.
“Don’t say that.”
She spoke gently.
“My sister suffered a lot growing up and never attended good schools. If her grades aren’t good, it’s understandable. I heard my parents want her to repeat another year.”
“If her foundation is really that weak, even repeating a year might not be enough.”
“They’ll probably just send her overseas to get a diploma.”
Ji Mo smiled.
Deep down, she was nervous, but she was also curious about how many points Li Wangshu had actually scored.
Ever since Li Wangshu visited the Ji family, although her parents hadn’t said anything, their attitude toward Ji Mo had clearly become colder and more distant.
She had even overheard her brothers discussing having her live on campus once she started college.
If… if Li Wangshu really only scored two or three hundred points…
Would Mom, Dad, and my brothers stop liking her?
After all, compared to her, I’m the outstanding one.
“Young Master Jiang is here.”
Someone announced.
Ji Mo looked up and saw Jiang Fengmian walking toward her.
Jiang Fengmian had been pursuing her for half a year.
Although she liked him, she also enjoyed the feeling of being chased, so she had deliberately kept him hanging.
But now, Ji Mo suddenly felt that Jiang Fengmian—and the Jiang family behind him, a family whose status rivaled the Ji family—might become her lifeline.
“You’re here.”
The young girl smiled at him sweetly, showing a level of warmth she had never displayed before.
Jiang Fengmian was pleasantly surprised.
The two had only chatted for a short while when another unexpected guest arrived.
“The He family is here.”
“My goodness, Momo! You’re so impressive! Even the He family came to your celebration banquet!”
Wu Lu exclaimed in amazement.
In Baijing, there were many wealthy people, and there were also numerous powerful aristocratic families with centuries of history.
Among them, the most famous was the He family.