Jiang Hua’s slow footsteps came to a halt. “Pei Zhan is still on a call in the study. You can tell me whatever it is—he’s unavailable right now.”
Just then, a passing car honked its horn.
Jiang Hua quickly covered the phone receiver, unsure if her father had heard the noise.
Turning away, she made up a random excuse and ended the call.
She planned to wait until his condition stabilized before confessing the news of her divorce from Pei Zhan.
She knew exactly how much her father valued Pei Zhan.
Her father had once said: Even if Pei Zhan didn’t marry her, entrusting Jiang’s Jewelry Group to his hands would never be a mistake.
For the future of the Jiang Family, Jiang Hua had only one choice—to marry someone capable of supporting the Jiang family…
Marrying Pei Zhan was the best decision, whether for her, her father, or the company.
So… Jiang Hua had always been afraid—afraid her father would learn about the divorce.
And what about Pei Zhan!
On the bustling street, a car waiting at a red light not far away caught Song Qingran’s attention. She noticed someone standing by the roadside, also waiting to cross.
There was something unique and distinct about her aura—her face stood out in the crowd, impossible to miss.
Some people were like that; they didn’t need lavish accessories or settings to reveal their upbringing.
She never expected to see her here…
Since the last time Song Qingran was taken to the hospital, she hadn’t known what became of her. By the time she went to resolve the matter, the police told her she had already left.
Back then, she hadn’t even learned her name.
Pei Zhan also spotted Jiang Hua, but she seemed lost in thought as she crossed the zebra crossing. A car recklessly ran a red light, missing her by just half a meter.
Yet Jiang Hua remained completely distracted. The man in the car watched her retreating figure with a deep, intense gaze until a voice from the back seat broke his focus. “…Pei Xiansheng, you can stop at this intersection. If we go any further, my classmates might see.”
Pei Zhan: “Call me after school. I’ll come pick you up.”
Without hesitation, Song Qingran refused stiffly, though she was clearly nervous, clutching her black pleated skirt. “I don’t need you to pick me up, Pei Xiansheng. Can I just live on campus? Going back and forth is too troublesome. Besides… I don’t want my mother to know. She’s not well, and I need to take care of her at the hospital.”
Pei Zhan: “There are nurses at the hospital. She’ll be fine.”
Song Qingran knew this man was authoritarian, domineering, and disliked unnecessary discussion.
Hearing his refusal, she didn’t dare say another word.
She feared his methods.
And she feared what he might do to her brother.
For a man of his power and status, Song Qingran couldn’t understand why he had set his sights on her.
With his successful career, women would flock to him, eager to share his bed…
If things continued like this—being kept by his side like a caged canary—she would surely go mad!
But what could she possibly do?
As Jiang Hua stepped onto the campus, an indescribable feeling washed over her, as if she had traveled through time.
Just then, Song Qingran happened to step out of the car.
Jiang Hua was walking outside the main gate when she happened to notice the black car parked across the street.
From a short distance away, Jiang Hua saw the person in the driver’s seat.
Their eyes met briefly, both equally indifferent.
It was as if they were complete strangers who didn’t know each other at all.
Jiang Hua stopped in her tracks, watching as Song Qingran got out of Pei Zhan’s car.
Just then, Pei Zhan rolled down the half-lowered car window completely, getting a clear view of Jiang Hua whom he hadn’t seen for a long time.
And that mocking curl of her lips as her gaze shifted from Song Qingran to him.
Jiang Hua merely glanced at him before her expression returned to its original aloof coldness.
Song Qingran, with her long ponytail, tall and graceful figure, and youthful beauty, resembled a magnolia bud about to bloom. Carrying her backpack, she appeared delicate and lively. The moment she closed the car door, Song Qingran noticed Jiang Hua’s presence.
She’s looking at me again.
Song Qingran worriedly bit her lip. Did she see me?
Would she misunderstand something?
I never expected she was also a student at Di University. When we met at the cafe last time, her attire didn’t look like a student’s at all.
Without saying goodbye to Pei Zhan, Song Qingran jogged quickly, wanting to catch up with her and explain.
But by the time she reached the spot, the figure had already disappeared.
Imperial Capital University.
Jiang Hua entered the homeroom teacher’s office. “Teacher.”
The homeroom teacher said, “Regardless of your previous reasons for taking leave, now that you’ve returned, you must follow school rules. There’s something I need to tell you – Professor Jin has already informed me about your situation. I suppose… she’s told you too. Regarding the design drafts you’ve been submitting, Professor Jin provided feedback to me. You’re simply not cut out for design studies. Now you still have one last chance to change majors, and I hope you’ll consider it.”
“Pursuing a path in jewelry design isn’t that simple. If your family is facing any difficulties, I can help you apply for financial aid. After all… without natural talent, it will be very difficult for you to graduate from the design department.”
Jiang Hua nodded. “I understand, teacher. I’ll consider the matter of changing majors.”
The homeroom teacher waved her hand. “Go to class first. Discuss it with your family and give me your answer by this week.”
“Okay, teacher.”
Just then, a familiar, clear voice sounded at the door. “Teacher Chen, I’m here to submit the financial aid application materials.”
Song Qingran looked at Jiang Hua and momentarily froze before coming to her senses and showing a smile. “Okay, teacher,” she replied obediently.
“Oh, by the way, Jiang Hua, let me introduce you. This is my student, Song Qingran! This year’s Liberal Arts Top Scorer in the college entrance exams. The Science Top Scorer from the law department is her boyfriend, who also graduated from our university and now runs a law firm. What’s even more coincidental is that you’re in the same major. When it comes to jewelry design, Qingran is a first-class talented designer – she won first place in a design competition back in high school. From now on, if you have any questions about design, you two can discuss and exchange ideas with each other,” she said proudly.
Song Qingran smiled politely. “Teacher, you’re praising me too much.”
“Go on now, go on! Be careful on your way.”
The two walked slowly, remaining silent until they had left the faculty building.
I never expected she would be so outstanding.
This year’s Liberal Arts Top Scorer of Di Du City.
Compared to her, Jiang Hua was indeed far too ordinary.
In truth, she hadn’t passed the entrance exam for Imperial Capital University back then. It was only because her father donated a library to Di University that Jiang Hua was exceptionally admitted despite not meeting the qualifications.
Song Qingran kept her head lowered, occasionally glancing at her. Jiang Hua could tell she clearly had something to say.
Jiang Hua remained silent as well, continuously observing the rather ordinary Song Qingran before her.
She couldn’t understand what it was about Song Qingran that made Pei Zhan love her so deeply!
So deeply that he was willing to abandon even their own child.
So deeply… that he could reduce their eight years of marriage to nothing overnight.
All just to give her a wedding.
Pei Zhan’s heartless words still echoed faintly in her ears, “I’m sorry, I owe her a wedding.”
The flood of memories instantly disturbed Jiang Hua’s composure.
A dull ache began to throb in her chest.
“Senior… I… I have a favor to ask of you.”