Since the distressing incident in the reading room, Su Niansheng’s desire to return home had grown even stronger, but no matter how hard she racked her brains, she couldn’t find a suitable opportunity.
Her grandparents were the ones who doted on her the most at home, but her grandfather had fallen ill last month after she angered him and was now recuperating quietly at a hospital in Berlin, with her grandmother by his side. She didn’t have the face to disturb them and was even more afraid of causing them emotional distress.
Next was her brother. Unfortunately, she had long ago blocked all his contact information. When she shamelessly unblocked him, she discovered… she had been blocked back.
The Scorpio domineering CEO really held a grudge!
As for her dad, he was so strict that she simply didn’t dare to communicate with him.
Lost in her thoughts, she wandered aimlessly on the road like a hollow shell, so much so that she didn’t hear Shen Junxi calling her the first time.
By the second call, she received another phone call.
It was her uncle!
He had returned from training abroad!
Great!
As if seeing a glimmer of hope, she excitedly picked up her phone and ran to a quiet spot. “Uncle, Uncle, you’re finally back! I missed you so much!”
Chu Jinglan had just landed when he was overwhelmed by his niece’s enthusiasm.
He had only been abroad for training for less than three months. Could this little ingrate really miss him that much? Or was she up to something again?
“Flattery without cause is always suspicious. Out with it—did you run into more obstacles chasing that campus Male God and need my help?”
“No.”
Su Niansheng shook her head. Hearing his voice, her nose tingled with emotion.
In her past life, her uncle was the only one who didn’t oppose her pursuit of Shi Yubai. To be precise, he never opposed anything she did, as long as she was happy.
Compared to the Su family’s doting on her, his attitude toward her was more about “spoiling her rotten,” especially after her mother passed away…
Both she and her uncle had been introduced to the world of sports by her mother—one loved figure skating, the other was passionate about fencing. They had trained and competed together abroad for a long time.
With only a seven-year age gap between them and a shared ideal and beloved person—her mother (his sister)—their relationship had always been exceptionally close.
After her mother’s death, he was probably the most heartbroken person besides her.
From then on, his temperament changed. He went from being very strict with her to letting her do as she pleased. As long as it was someone or something she liked, he would support her wholeheartedly.
Whether it was right or wrong.
In her past life, she had shamelessly used him many times to help Shi Yubai and Lin Yixuan, causing damage to his reputation and career and pushing him into a prolonged slump.
Now, hearing his vibrant voice, she felt a pang of sadness.
Fortunately, fortunately, everything could start anew.
“Sheng Sheng?”
Chu Jinglan sensed something off in her tone and immediately grew concerned.
“What’s wrong? Did someone bully you at school?”
“No, it’s just… I missed you so much, Uncle, and I miss home too.”
Missing him, Chu Jinglan could understand, but missing home?
“Didn’t you have a falling out with your family a long time ago?”
“Yes, but I regret it.”
“Really?”
Chu Jinglan was pleasantly surprised.
This was wonderful!
He knew how much the Su family adored her.
Because of this, he had always been troubled by their strained relationship. Who would have thought she’d come to her senses on her own? Had her rebellious phase passed?
“Really, so Uncle, could you help me mend my relationship with my family? I want to go home, I don’t want to live on campus anymore.”
“I can, but…”
Chu Jinglan glanced at the itinerary his agent handed him.
“I’ve returned to the country this time for several very important competitions. My schedule is tight, and I can’t make it to the capital in time. Besides, the conflict between you and your family isn’t something that can be resolved overnight or with just a few words. How about this—after I finish the competitions, I’ll personally take you back to the Su family.”
“Okay!”
“As for you not wanting to live on campus…”
He pondered for a few seconds, and an idea flashed through his mind.
“Simple, I’ll arrange for you to stay temporarily with a friend.”
“A friend?” Su Niansheng was puzzled. “Who? Is it reliable?”
If it was a stranger, she’d rather continue living on campus or stay alone.
“Don’t worry.” Chu Jinglan curled his lips, speaking with confidence. “Absolutely reliable, especially for you—they’ll take care of you perfectly.”
He deliberately emphasized the words “for you,” making Su Niansheng even more confused. However, she had always trusted her uncle unconditionally, so she agreed without asking further questions.
“Sheng Sheng, are you switching to day school?”
Xu Yue exploded upon hearing the news.
Zhao Menghan also couldn’t sit still. “Sheng Sheng, why are you suddenly switching to day school? It’s not because… you still haven’t forgiven us for standing you up last time, is it?”
Su Niansheng: “Of course not, and it’s not confirmed that I’m switching to day school. I’ve just been invited by a friend to stay at her place temporarily for a while.”
“Alright.” Xu Yue tugged at the corner of her clothes, somewhat reluctant to let her go. “But if you come back, you have to tell us in advance so we can come pick you up.”
Zhao Menghan watched as she packed her things so neatly, even with a driver arriving, and glanced at Lin Yixuan’s bed, where the curtain remained closed the entire time. She couldn’t help but wonder: Would she ever come back?
It was probably just a polite gesture.
Her family’s circumstances were far better than theirs. The only reason she had been willing to live on campus was to please Yixuan and get closer to Shi Yubai. Now that their relationship had broken down, there really was no reason for her to stay in such a simple environment.
Although Zhao Menghan had always been closer to Yixuan, she had also enjoyed the perks of being the roommate of the campus belle: rewards for delivering countless love letters from boys, invitations to various parties and events, and the convenience of having her name open doors everywhere…
Now that she was suddenly leaving, it felt as though a layer of glamour had vanished from the dormitory.
She regretted not getting to know her better before.
“Sheng Sheng, if you don’t come back, will we still be friends in the future?”
“Of course, Menghan, what are you saying? Sheng Sheng is just switching to day school, not dropping out!”
“Right.”
“Then… could we visit your home sometime?”
“Sure.”
If she managed to go back smoothly.
“See you in class tomorrow!”
Su Niansheng waved to them as the driver drove away.
Along the way, she rolled down the window, breathing in the fresh air outside and admiring the beautiful scenery along the road, feeling utterly content.
Since her rebirth, it seemed that every decision she made had the power to lift her spirits.
But…
As she went along, she suddenly felt something was off!
The car drove out of Jing University and headed straight for the Wanliu area, where land was as precious as gold. The road gradually widened, lined with towering plane trees and vibrant Hong Kong orchid trees. Under the gentle breeze, dappled circles of bright light shimmered on the ground.
In sight, first came an endless expanse of lush green golf courses, followed by an exquisitely designed Chinese garden, and adjacent to it, a private helicopter landing pad. When the vast and picturesque Qingqin Lake appeared before her eyes, Su Niansheng was utterly stunned.
Wasn’t this the foot of the imperial city—Diyuan Yihao, Shen Junxi’s home?!
No wonder the further they went, the more familiar it felt!
So the reliable friend her uncle mentioned was the Shen family?!