CHAPTER 62: CHAPTER 60 [WHAT?]

Chapter Sixty [What?]

The next day, Li Yingwan didn’t show up at school. It was probably because her mother had arrived in Huaxia and she had gone back home for a family reunion.

The school naturally gave the green light—in fact, the school leaders of No. 8 Middle School had always had complicated attitudes toward this transfer student from South Korea.

In theory, the daughter of a wealthy capitalist from the capitalist world who invests locally should be offered very favorable conditions by the authorities.

Li Yingwan wanted to enroll and attend school—what school couldn’t she go to?

But she chose No. 8 Middle School—according to information from higher-ups, this was even her own insistence.

The leaders of No. 8 Middle School were nervous... Had our modest school’s name really spread to South Korea?

Unlike the school leaders, the education company was very welcoming. After the restructuring, it would become a private school. If they could attract a wave of foreign students, then establishing an international department in the future—Ah, delightful indeed.

No. 8 Middle School treated Li Yingwan with kid gloves, and the school leaders reiterated time and again that they absolutely must not allow this girl to encounter any problems at school.

One indication of the school’s efforts was evident: in the several months since Li Yingwan joined the school, no school bullies had troubled her. The school couldn’t stop the sending of love letters or the eager currying of favor.

However, none of the well-known troublemakers had bothered Li Yingwan.

Like the former partner of Zhang Linsheng and the current big shot of No. 8 Middle School known as Daoming Si. Oh, last month he was still called Mountain Chicken of No. 8 Middle School.

At a school like No. 8 Middle School, with its mediocre school environment, there were naturally some troublesome students. But Li Yingwan had been living quite peacefully these past months. Ostensibly, the school didn’t seem to do much, but behind the scenes, they had quietly taken measures. They had sternly warned a few troublemakers.

Who was the happiest when Li Yingwan took a leave of absence and didn’t come to class?

Do you even need to ask? Of course, it was School Belle Sun!

Not seeing that irksome Li Malang, School Belle Sun felt that the sun was several degrees brighter than usual today, and she even ate half a bowl more of rice at lunch.

During the break, Sun Keke simply sat next to Chen Nuo, chattering away as if there was no end to her stories—if this hadn’t been in the classroom, Sun Keke would have probably clung to Chen Nuo.

Young boys and girls, when they first fall in love, are really all like this.

Only... it was tough on Luo Qing.

All day, at the end of each period, Luo Qing felt like a huge third wheel, visiting the restroom five or six times. Each time he returned, he could only sheepishly stand to the side—Why? Because School Belle Sun had taken his seat.

But it turned out to be an unfortunate day for Sun Keke.

During the second break in the afternoon, Old Sun suddenly came into the classroom.

Turns out Old Sun was just looking for the homeroom teacher, Mr. Wu, to discuss some academic affairs. But the moment Old Sun stepped in, he saw his precious little girl snuggled up to Chen Nuo, sitting together. That girl was gazing affectionately, leaning her body against Chen Nuo’s arm. This was only because they were in public; after all, it was the classroom! If it had been somewhere private, Sun Keke would have probably been in Chen Yanluo’s arms already.

Old Sun’s face turned dark instantly. He clutched his chest, as if his heart had been struck, and took several deep breaths to recover.

He then directly called Sun Keke out of the classroom.

Sun Keke was somewhat anxious—she had just been thinking of asking Chen Nuo out to a movie that weekend.

But once she went out, Sun Keke did not return for the next period.

When she came back, class was already over.

When School Belle Sun returned, her complexion wasn’t very good, and her eyes were somewhat red. Clearly, she had been severely scolded by Old Sun.

Old Sun’s reprimand had been harsh. He couldn’t help but utter some heavy words.

Actually, Sun Keke had been raised extremely well from childhood. Old Sun indeed was a good father and good teacher who knew how to raise a child.

Today, he really had lost his temper a bit.

"Did Old Sun scold you?" Chen Nuo walked over and patted Sun Keke.

Sun Keke gave a plaintive hum, hesitantly looking at Chen Nuo, words stuck in her throat.

"What did he say to you?"

"He said that I... I’m too much of a mess at school." Sun Keke blushed slightly, aware that she had indeed let herself go a bit. And she’d been caught in the act by her own father.

"You didn’t need to cry about that, though. Your dad is actually very soft-hearted. Just act a little sweet to him when you get home tonight, and it’ll all blow over."

Sun Keke pouted. "He’s going to arrange tutoring sessions for me..."

"Huh?"

After a few more questions, Chen Nuo understood the situation.

Old Sun had found a tutor for Sun Keke.

Starting next week, she’d have Chinese tutoring on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, and English tutoring on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings.

Especially in English, School Belle Sun’s grades were abysmal, and she always dragged down her test scores.

Old Sun still hoped his daughter could make it to college, so now he was tightening the reins.

Of course... there was another reason that went without saying.

"I... After school, I won’t be able to hang out with you anymore... and on the weekends too." Sun Keke pouted. "My dad said he’s arranged for me to get math tutoring on the weekends."

"Wow!" Chen Nuo laughed.

Old Sun is really pulling out all the stops, using his ultimate move! To prevent Sun Keke from spending time alone with me, he’s truly gone all out, Chen Nuo thought.

Seeing the girl looking so aggrieved in front of him, all Chen Nuo could do was sigh and offer a few words of consolation.

After all, what Old Sun was doing wasn’t exactly wrong. The man was arranging tutoring for his daughter to help her get into college, which was perfectly reasonable. What could Chen Nuo say?

It’s not like he could confront Old Sun and say, "Why all the tutoring! Isn’t falling in love much more delightful?"

Yeah, he’d probably get thrown out.

When school let out, Sun Keke returned home with sighs, while Chen Nuo mounted his bike and headed to the dinner with the Firefly mother and daughter.

***

Jiang Yingzi’s high regard for Chen Nuo far exceeded even Li Yingwan’s expectations.

The place they arranged to eat was at a river fish restaurant in the JN1912 district.

Jiang Yingzi had inquired beforehand through her daughter. She found out that Chen Nuo enjoyed fish and preferred lighter flavors, so she specifically chose this restaurant.

She also knew Chen Nuo had a sensitive identity and harbored secrets. Therefore, picking him up from school with great fanfare would be inappropriate.

But she maintained impeccable manners and courtesy.

When Chen Nuo arrived at the hotel, Jiang Yingzi was already waiting for him at the bottom of the hotel steps.

This South Korean woman was very clever and exceedingly polite, showing great humility. She did not show the slightest bit of negligence due to Chen Nuo’s age.

After all, she was deeply impressed by what the young man had shown on that night in South Korea.

Chen Nuo had just parked his bike. Someone who looked like Jiang Yingzi’s secretary quickly ran over and took the bike from him.

"You can leave the bike with him; don’t worry, he will take care of it properly." Jiang Yingzi said this to Chen Nuo after giving him a formal South Korean bow. She then led the way inside, taking him directly to a private room upstairs.

The hotel was not huge, but it was upscale, and Jiang Yingzi had reserved the largest private room.

Hosting a dinner was about making a grand display, to show ample respect for Chen Nuo.

Li Yingwan followed by her mother’s side the whole time. Jiang Yingzi probably had a talk with her, so tonight she didn’t act out and didn’t cling to Chen Nuo affectionately. Instead, she followed her mother’s lead, behaved like a proper young lady from a good family, bowing when her mother did.

However, once they entered the private room, Li Yingwan couldn’t help herself. Ignoring Jiang Yingzi’s stern gaze, she sat directly beside Chen Nuo.

"I am very sorry for not disciplining my daughter properly. Her presence by your side has brought you a lot of trouble." Jiang Yingzi bowed and said this after Chen Nuo sat down. Then, she carefully took a seat on the other side of him.

Thus, Chen Nuo was seated in the place of honor in the private room, with the mother and daughter from the Li Family sitting to his left and right.

The dishes were served quickly. Jiang Yingzi had specifically instructed the hotel that the meal in the private room this evening was to be prepared by the head chef himself.

Jiang Yingzi was incredibly attentive, having her secretary wait outside the private room, timing the service of dishes by the restaurant staff.

Chen Nuo glanced at the dishes. Most of them were his favorites.

Li Yingwan had been around for a few months. She occasionally popped over to his home for meals on weekends, and they had also dined out a few times. The long-legged girl had already memorized what he liked to eat.

Following that, Jiang Yingzi had a bottle of liquor brought over and cautiously asked for Chen Nuo’s permission before opening it.

"Li Yingwan mentioned that you don’t like South Korean soju, so I specifically prepared this Hua Country baijiu for you. This is Yanghe, produced in our own province. I’m not sure what your preference is. However, I thought a local drink would be appropriate and wouldn’t offend our esteemed guest," she said.

As she spoke, Jiang Yingzi poured Chen Nuo a glass and then poured one for herself.

After hesitating for a moment, she also poured a glass for her daughter.

Chen Nuo looked at the woman with some surprise.

Jiang Yingzi gave a light cough, and then signaled to Li Yingwan with her eyes.

Li Yingwan obediently stood up, and the mother and daughter left their seats, walking to the open space beside Chen Nuo.

"This glass of liquor represents our Li Family’s gratitude for your benevolence! Ideally, a man from the Li Family should offer this thanks. However, my son is young and hasn’t been feeling well lately, so I didn’t bring him over." Jiang Yingzi’s tone was very solemn. Then, taking a deep breath, she downed her glass of baijiu in one gulp!

Not just her, but Li Yingwan did the same. It appeared the mother had instructed her well. With utmost seriousness and formality, she too lifted her glass and drank it down.

Hua Country’s baijiu is much stronger than South Korean soju.

With one swig, Li Yingwan immediately started coughing uncontrollably. Jiang Yingzi forced herself to hold it in, exhaling sharply twice. Then, with Li Yingwan still coughing, the two women actually knelt before Chen Nuo!

The mother and daughter followed the traditional South Korean kneeling protocol (think Dae Jang Geum).

It involves lifting both hands with the backs touching the forehead, then kneeling down. Only after they bow down fully, with the palms that touched the forehead touching the ground, is the gesture considered complete.

Chen Nuo was somewhat taken aback and stepped aside, refusing to accept the bow.

He frowned at Jiang Yingzi and sighed. "You shouldn’t go to such lengths. Please, get up. I am Li Yingwan’s peer, and you are an elder. This is too inappropriate."

Jiang Yingzi looked up, her expression extremely sober and earnest. She said in a deep voice, "No, this is necessary."

With that, Jiang Yingzi clenched her teeth and spoke in a lower voice. "Li Yingwan told me... it was you who took He Zhengzai away... The Che brothers, and He Zhengzai... they are all the murderers who killed my husband! You..."

Pausing, she lowered her voice even further, maintaining a volume that only the three people in the room could hear.

"You have avenged my late husband! For that act of revenge, I must pay homage!"

Seeing the defiance in the woman’s eyes, Chen Nuo finally sighed and stayed still.

He let Jiang Yingzi and her daughter complete the homage.

Afterward, Jiang Yingzi bowed two more times. This additional bowing was to express gratitude to Chen Nuo for saving their lives.

Once they rose, Jiang Yingzi and her daughter returned to their seats.

Jiang Yingzi personally served Chen Nuo the food and poured his drink.

Li Yingwan sat on the other side of Chen Nuo, using a pair of pointed chopsticks to carefully select a piece of steamed fish. She deftly picked out the less bony flesh from the belly. She then meticulously removed the bones before offering it to Chen Nuo.

Her diligence was like that of a little maidservant.

Looking at the fish in his bowl and Li Yingwan’s expectant gaze, Chen Nuo ate silently, finishing it in two bites.

Jiang Yingzi seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and then personally ladled a bowl of soup for Chen Nuo.

"This time, I came for two reasons. First, to express my gratitude, and second, I want to talk to you about Li Yingwan’s matter."

Chen Nuo put down his chopsticks and smiled. "Actually, I also wanted to discuss Li Yingwan with you..."

Chen Nuo had prepared some words, planning to use this opportunity to persuade Jiang Yingzi to take her daughter back home.

Before Chen Nuo could finish, Jiang Yingzi had already raised her glass. Chen Nuo had no choice but to pause and clink glasses with Jiang Yingzi once more.

Jiang Yingzi downed her drink in one gulp and then let out a breath. Her gaze fixating on Chen Nuo, she slowly said, "Li Yingwan, this girl, I’ve taught her well. Although she’s a bit mischievous, she still understands what’s important and has her own ideas."

"Yes, she’s quite good," Chen Nuo replied.

Jiang Yingzi continued, "The Li Family is not a noble household. Her father, Li Donghe, came from a poor background, as did I. But after my husband went into business, I educated both children well. For things I didn’t understand, I would find someone to teach them.

"So this child, actually, can do many things. She can handle some simple household matters, and she’s not too foolish. Although she is a bit naughty, if one is strict with her, she can be easily disciplined...

"...I came here this time not only to express my gratitude in person but also to see if my daughter has been causing you any trouble here in Hua Country, by your side. Now that I see everything is fine, I can rest assured.

"You are the Li Family’s great benefactor. The grace of saving our lives, the virtue of avenging our cause—it can be said that without your intervention, the Li Family would have been finished by now! That night, He Zhengzai came with the intent to wipe out my Li Family. This I understand very clearly.

"I’ve always been thinking about how to repay such a great kindness to you. Money, the Li Family does have some. But for someone as capable as you, I’m afraid that repaying you with money would instead be an insult. Moreover, I’ve heard from Li Yingwan that you live a simple life here in Hua Country and seem to regard money lightly. This isn’t surprising; for a person of your talents, wealth is but a worldly possession.

"So, I’ve been wondering how to repay you. Luckily, with my child having been here in Hua Country for some time, I can finally feel at ease.

"Therefore, today, I earnestly request you..."

Err? Chen Nuo sensed something was amiss in her words.

No... that’s not the right implication?

Saying this, Jiang Yingzi stood up again and bowed to Chen Nuo.

"My daughter has decent looks and isn’t too foolish. If it’s about taking care of someone, she can just about manage. If you don’t mind, please let her stay by your side to serve you from now on!

"For the great grace of allowing the Li Family to continue living and for avenging our cause, let her take the place of her deceased father. Let her stay by your side to repay you!"

As she spoke, Jiang Yingzi knelt down again.

"Fuck?" Chen Nuo was dumbstruck.

No, no.

This scene seemed vaguely familiar!

Isn’t this the freaking plotline where Madam Zhuang sends Shuang’er to Lord Wei?!

Sister, it’s 2001 already!

The Qing Dynasty has been gone for ages!!

Have you gone mad?

***

BANG! BANG! BANG!