When Lu Ning heard the words “family,” she only felt it was ridiculous.
In her past life, she also thought the same way.
But on the eve of their championship, she was replaced by Qin Xiang.
What kind of “family” was that?
Lu Ning answered decisively, “I’m not planning to join the team. I want to focus on studying and preparing for the exam.”
Lu Liu sneered sarcastically, “But didn’t you used to beg me to teach you how to play? Chasing after me at night for training, saying you wanted to be an official team member—why didn’t you say back then that you wanted to study seriously?”
Lu Ning’s heart ached faintly.
She had chased after her sixth brother to play games because she wanted to get closer to him and have more topics to talk about.
But now, there was no need.
Lu Ning calmly replied, “Because playing games delayed my studies, and my grades dropped a lot in the last monthly exam. That’s why I don’t want to continue.”
Lu Liu was speechless for a moment. “Fine, just don’t regret it! When the competition starts, outsiders will only see Qin Xiang and think she’s the real member of the Lu family.”
If Lu Ning didn’t appreciate the favor, then so be it. He didn’t care.
“That sounds good to me.”
Lu Ning didn’t bother to say more and turned to leave the dining room.
After returning to her room, she adjusted her emotions and focused on her homework, revisiting the knowledge she had forgotten.
…
After school the next day.
Lu Ning and Qin Xiang arrived at the school gate one after the other. The driver was waiting outside.
Standing in front of the car, Qin Xiang said sweetly, “Oh right, I’m going to the training camp today. The driver uncle has to take me there first. Looks like we’re not going the same way.”
The driver’s face was stern. “Miss, I received a call from sixth young master. I have to take Miss Xiang Xiang first. I can’t delay.”
Lu Ning replied indifferently, “I’ll get a taxi myself.”
Qin Xiang got into the car, a hint of excitement on her face. “Sister Ning, I’ll try to talk to sixth brother for you later.”
Lu Ning turned and left, only showing her the back of her head.
Qin Xiang bit her lip secretly. [Lu Ning, just you wait. Sooner or later, I’ll take everything from you. This is what you owe me!]
Lu Ning stood idly by the roadside, suddenly not wanting to return to the Lu house.
Maybe she could find a study room near the school.
“Kid, school’s over. Why are you wandering by the road instead of going home?”
Lu Ning turned to see a handsome man. She froze for a moment, recognizing him only after meeting his eyes.
It was the sharp-tongued school doctor.
He usually wore a mask and a white coat. Now, in different clothes, she almost didn’t recognize him.
Ji Chiqian stood in front of her. “I’m asking you.”
“Come with me.”
Lu Ning hesitated but still followed him.
She followed him to the school infirmary, stopping at the door. “Why bring me here? I’m already fine.”
Ji Chiqian tapped the table. “It’s quieter and safer here than any study room.”
Lu Ning thought for a moment—it did make sense.
She put down her backpack. “Then I’ll bother you.”
She took out her textbooks and started doing her homework seriously.
Ji Chiqian glanced at her, his gaze cold, then turned to the consultation room outside, closing the door as he left.
When Lu Ning came back to her senses, it was already late.
She noticed a nameplate on the desk with the sharp-tongued doctor’s photo. So his name was Ji Chiqian.
“Have you stared at it long enough?”
Lu Ning was caught red-handed. She blushed and put the nameplate back. “I wasn’t snooping. I saw it accidentally.”
“Finished your homework?”
“Mm, some questions I don’t understand, so I left them blank. I’ll ask the teacher tomorrow.”
Ji Chiqian walked over and took her workbook. “These are so simple, and you still don’t understand?”
Lu Ning felt a little embarrassed and looked down at her textbook. “I wasn’t serious before. I was distracted by other things.”
“Listen up. I’ll only explain it once.”
Ji Chiqian grabbed a pen and started writing on the scratch paper while explaining the problem.
Lu Ning was stunned, watching the man in front of her. Her emotions grew complicated.
Because of Qin Xiang, she had no friends, and even the teachers didn’t like her much.
No one had ever taken the initiative to explain problems to her.
Ji Chiqian lowered his head, his gaze calm. “With your attention span, no wonder you always space out in class!”
Lu Ning quickly regained focus, whispering, “Sorry. I’ll pay attention.”
Seeing her obedient expression, Ji Chiqian’s throat moved slightly. He patiently continued explaining.
In the evening, the warm light surrounded the two of them.
Lu Ning sat down while he stood beside her, leaning on the desk, demonstrating the solution.
“Your brain works in straight lines? Can’t you see it’s the same method as the last question?”
“Such a simple trick and you didn’t notice? Are your eyes for decoration?”
“Have you ever tested your IQ? Is it even passing? Do it again!”
His voice was calm but ruthless, stabbing straight to the core.
Fortunately, Lu Ning had already gotten used to his sharp tongue. Otherwise, she would have broken down.
She packed up her books. “Thank you, Dr. Ji. You’re amazing to still remember all these things.”
Ji Chiqian twirled his pen, his gaze scrutinizing. “Doesn’t your family hire tutors?”
Lu Ning pursed her lips. “I don’t want to owe them anything.”
Tutoring was expensive, and she didn’t have the money. She also didn’t want to ask the Lu family.
Ji Chiqian looked at her fair side profile. Her lowered eyelids hid her emotions.
Lu Ning carefully looked up. “Dr. Ji, can I ask you if I don’t understand something in the future?”
The man turned his head, his tone a bit unnatural. “No time.”
Lu Ning wasn’t upset by the rejection and obediently packed her bag.
Ji Chiqian tapped the table and turned his head slightly. “Depends on my mood.”
Lu Ning smiled. “Thank you, Dr. Ji. No, thank you, Master Ji!”
Without waiting for his reaction, she ran off with her bag.
Ji Chiqian half-squinted his eyes, lazily smiling. Fine, he’d treat it as a way to kill time.
…
When Lu Ning returned home, it was already dark.
The butler approached her. “Young master and Miss Xiang Xiang went out to dinner. They won’t be back.”
“Okay.”
Lu Ning went to the dining room alone, finally enjoying some peace.
She turned on her phone and saw Qin Xiang’s social media post: [Having a feast with my brothers.]
Her brothers were all there, smiling dotingly at the camera.
Lu Ning glanced at it and turned it off, continuing to eat quietly.
The next morning, Lu Ning went to the dining room for breakfast.
Her brothers weren’t there yet—only Qin Xiang.
Qin Xiang couldn’t help showing off. “I made great progress at the team training yesterday.”
Lu Ning sat down and ate without a word, ignoring her.
Qin Xiang was in a great mood and didn’t mind Lu Ning’s indifference.
She thought Lu Ning looked calm on the outside, but inside, she must be furious!
Lu Ning quickly finished her breakfast and walked out.
The driver stood by the car, not moving. “Miss Xiang Xiang hasn’t come out yet. I have to wait for her.”
Lu Ning sat in the car for over ten minutes, but Qin Xiang still didn’t show up.
She glanced at the time, feeling impatient. “If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late!”
She was growing more and more disgusted by everything about the Lu family.
Lu Ning decided not to wait anymore. She opened the car door, but Lu Bei walked out. “Can’t you wait a bit longer for Xiang Xiang? Her father saved your life and didn’t leave you behind. Yet now, you don’t even have the patience to wait for her for a few minutes.”
Lu Ning gripped the door handle tightly.