Ji Shaorong had always been a non-entity at the Ren house. Rarely visiting the main residence. Quiet and cultured with a scholar’s pride. His presence nearly imperceptible among the Rens.
Ren Qian was unsatisfied with this marriage alliance. Seldom paying his son-in-law any heed until a pleasing granddaughter appeared.
Ji Shaorong only sought out Ren Qian once seven years ago over that incident with Ji Shaojun.
This many years and today was still his first time speaking so directly to the Rens.
Even Ren Qian found his attitude quite unexpected.
“Alright, enough,” Ren Jiawei reached for the cigarette case atop the table. Lowering her head after pulling one out to light it. “Dad, know when you’re beat fair and square. It’s not that I’m looking down on those two.”
Ren Wanxuan lifted her head to look at Ren Jiawei. Biting her lip, “Mom…”
“Forget it,” Ren Qian no longer commented. Rising to his feet, “Wanxuan, come with me first to Wanhe Lou restaurant. Your teacher has arrived.”
He didn’t bring Ren Jiawei along.
After the two left, Ji Shaorong finally fished a medicine bottle from his coat pocket. Shaking out two pills which Ren Jiawei washed down with water she poured. Knitting her brows, “Don’t fret over this. You know my dad’s the one who always handled Wanxuan.”
As Ren family’s sole successor, Ren Wanxuan had been carried off by the secretary at birth to be raised under Ren Qian’s oversight.
The pair of them never had any chance to intervene.
Across from them, Secretary gave an impassive glance their way before exiting the room.
“I’m starting to regret handing Wanxuan over to your father,” Ji Shaorong set down the glass. Massaging his brow.
“Let it go. Although…” Ren Jiawei sat properly again. Looking at Ji Shaorong pensively, “Bailian actually resembles you Ji family members quite a bit unlike Wanxuan.”
“Don’t ever repeat that. And shelve any notions of wanting to groom Shuangshuang in a similar fashion. She won’t be willing,” Ji Shaorong swallowed his medication and put away the bottle. Shaking his head again. “Plus Wanxuan would just kick up another fuss if she caught wind.”
He sensed Ren Wanxuan harbored intense hostility towards Bailian.
Yet there was clearly no conflict between those two.
“Alright, alright. Not like I’ve said anything to outsiders,” Ren Jiawei acted conciliatory. “But if my niece really doesn’t want to—fine, dropping it.”
**
12 PM, Wanhe Lou’s private room.
Chen Zheng and Director Chen were also present.
As a teacher transferred down to First High, Class 8’s teacher received due courtesy from Xiangcheng’s moneyed and influential who scrambled to shuffle their children into his class.
Director Chen and Ren Qian treated him with great courtesy.
“Bailian gave her slot to Tang Ming?” Hearing this news from Ren Qian and Director Chen left the Class 8 teacher no less astonished than Chen Zheng and Ren Wanxuan.
This concerned an invitation to Peking University Academy. Even if Bailian truly didn’t want it herself, she could have easily fetched over 10 million at the black market.
But—
The one who did this was Bailian.
And Class 8 teacher felt this perfectly aligned with her personality.
“Student Bailian has always been righteous. Not taking unfair advantage or cheating others,” he sighed with admiration. This was how he saw Bailian.
Noble without contention. Illuminating without blinding.
His impression of her was genuinely so high.
Ren Qian and Director Chen exchanged a mutual look, mutually surprised as well reading it on each other’s faces. Their Class 8 teacher was truly a wise and learned individual. Entrusting their juniors to him put their minds greatly at ease.
They’d hosted him a few times before but never heard him praise anyone to this extent. His highest words for Chen Zheng were merely “bright”.
“To be fully transparent, she’s my son-in-law’s niece,” Ren Qian smiled as he spoke. Seeing the teacher’s evident fondness for Bailian, he instructed Ren Wanxuan. “Wanxuan, you ought to learn more about interpersonal relations from cousin.”
From the teacher’s first words, Ren Wanxuan endured with great difficulty. Yet Ren Qian actually revealed Bailian’s cousin status to the teacher!
What’s more—
He told her to learn from Bailian!
How smart did he think she was? She already grasped Ren Qian’s intentions!
Ren Wanxuan gripped her chopsticks while still maintaining utmost etiquette and composure.
Rising to apologize, “Teacher, I’m sorry. I was too rash.”
“I hope you take my words to heart,” Class 8 teacher lifted his glass her way before drinking it down.
Only then did he politely bid Ren Qian and Director Chen farewell, neither humble nor haughty. “Mister Ren, Mister Chen, I still have lesson plans to prepare. Please excuse me first.”
After he took his leave.
Only then did Director Chen inquire of Ren Qian. “Unexpected for Elder Ji’s niece to be so exceptional. Have you asked who her master is?”
“I don’t know,” Ren Qian knew next to nothing about the unremarkable commoner Ji family.
Standing to the side, Secretary deferentially refilled their liqueur glasses. Venturing timidly, “Sir, why didn’t you ask Teacher Li just now? To have student Bailian transfer that qualification to young miss Wanxuan or young master Chen Zheng instead?”
Chen Ju raised his glass for a shallow sip without speaking.
Silently concurring with Secretary’s suggestion.
To him, the Ji family amounted no different than any random person off the streets.
“We can’t control Teacher Li,” Ren Qian also considered Ren Jiawei and Ji Shaorong. Massaging his temples, “Let’s not bring this up again.”
Listening in, Secretary’s expression subtly darkened.
After the gathering dispersed, Ren Qian left to handle work matters. Secretary sent Ren Wanxuan back.
Only when they got in the car did Secretary meet her eyes in the rearview mirror. Voicing slyly, “Miss, you must leave your ivory tower yourself to reclaim the stolen cheese. Right now you’re like Laughing Mouse, but I feel you could become Squeaking Mouse1 instead.”
**
4 PM afternoon.
Jiang Furong’s residence.
Director Chen still awaited the two’s awakening.
His phone rang. It was his stationed Xiangcheng subordinate and he promptly took the call, stepping outside to answer. “Speak.”
The other end was deferential. “Director, Xiangcheng First High says their school anniversary event is in a few days. Will you attend?”
The Chen family had always valued Xiangcheng First High. Every year they allocated funds for Xiangcheng’s safekeeping. Although the majority of those monies ultimately came from the Jiangs…
Thus despite bordering several nations with prolific fugitives, no one dared kick up trouble past Qingshui Street.
Aside from Xiangcheng’s defenses, another portion went to First High.
There was an offspring who did fairly well academically among this year’s remaining Chen descendants in Xiangcheng. So Director Chen put in a request upwards for Professor Ma to fight to obtain a Preparatory Academy spot for Xiangcheng First High.
First High extended invitations to all Xiangcheng stationees for every school event.
With Director Chen present this year, his subordinate rang to ask if he wanted to attend and observe.
“Xiangcheng First High?” Hearing that name gave Director Chen brief pause. Mentally calculating dates, “Let me check my schedule.”
Without finding Wang Youfeng, he was in no mood.
“The school principal mentioned they have a student with remarkable Liang calligraphy this year.” His subordinate clearly understood Director Chen well.
The Chen household—or rather, Old Master doted upon youths talented in Liang calligraphy and guzheng play. Even better if they could perform the piece “White Raiment Song”2. Nearly everyone in the guzheng association[14] knew it. But few could play the song to completion.
Hearing this instantly made Director Chen hesitate. “Truly? Then I really must go appraise.”
Finally, movement sounded from upstairs.
Director Chen promptly ended the call and headed for the spacious hall, gaze fixed on the wooden staircase.
Jiang Furong leisurely descended the flight of steps. Just out of the shower with damp hair slightly moist still. The only thing on him was a sheer black silk sleeping robe tightly cinched at the waist. Cool fingers carried his laptop.
“Young Master Jiang.” Director Chen lowered his voice respectfully.
“Mm,” Jiang Furong took a seat on the sofa and booted up his computer.
A servant served a light meal.
Director Chen sat awkwardly. “Someone spotted Wang Youfeng at the Azure Dragon bar. I already have people lying in wait there.”
“A bar?” Jiang Furong browsed the paper his group member submitted. Light eyes faintly narrowed.
Young Master Jiang hadn’t set foot in a bar before reaching this age.
Director Chen pondered briefly. “I’m waiting for Mister Ming to get up. We’ll scout ahead first. Mister Ming wants to check out the fighting ring to find Teacher Zheng. Pressure from Tongfa faction has them severely strained.”
Jiang Furong gave a soft grunt of assent without glancing up from his laptop. Shutting it, he turned and drew a black card from a drawer, passing it Director Chen’s way.
Director Chen’s eyes lit up as he hurriedly accepted it with both hands.
“Right,” Director Chen recalled Bailian previously wore a First High uniform too. “There’s a school anniversary event next week. Will you attend to observe the proceedings?”
Jiang Furong picked up his chopsticks and ate at an unhurried pace. “I’m occupied.”
“Understood.” Director Chen nodded.
So Young Miss Bai didn’t have any performances?
He assumed Young Miss Bai would be taking part.
But then again, who would dare ask someone of Jiang Furong’s standing to participate in a performance?
Did they have a death wish?
**
The library.
At noon, Bailian and Lu Xiaohan’s group went across the street to have hotpot.
Lu Xiaohan only toughed it out until midday before begging off to go home and binge dramas after the meal.
When parting, she deliberately hunkered down beside Jiang He with a broad smile. “Oh right, little birdie bro. Our school anniversary celebrations are next Wednesday. Your Bailian-jiejie has a performance segment so remember to swing by if you have time to watch!”
Jiang He didn’t speak. Only slowly lifted his head to stare dully back at Lu Xiaohan.
With a vague grasp on Jiang He’s temperamental issues, she wasn’t bothered by his lack of reaction.
Done speaking her piece, Lu Xiaohan stood back up again and told Bailian, “Do let your family members know to come watch if they’re free. It’d be a terrible waste otherwise!”
Bailian wasn’t certain whether Ji Heng had time nor not. But Ji Shaojun definitely wouldn’t with scheduled lectures.
“Sure.” Bailian lazily pulled out her earbuds again.
Trailing after Bailian, Jiang He silently logged the date away.
“What’s your username anyway?” Back at the library, Tang Ming suddenly recalled Bailian’s academy details. Lowering his voice discreetly.
Ning Xiao also lifted his head.
Bailian casually reclined back. Crossing her legs, fingers tapped lightly against the tabletop. “Bai Jian.”
“Bai Jie?” Tang Ming felt it rather cool.
Bailian slanted a look Jiang He’s way. Mouth curving amusedly. “Bai Jian. Jian as in picking up trash.”
Jiang He kept his head lowered. Devoid of expression as he took out the dictionary. And began flipping pages with a “shuah” sound.
Picking up…garbage?
Tang Ming didn’t dare ask anything further. Only silently took out his phone to search “Bai Jian”, suddenly understanding why he never managed to locate Bailian’s name no matter what.
Ning Xiao also grabbed his phone.
This time the account name was correct. Tang Ming instantly found it in his search—
Username: BaiJian
Current Month Points: 0
“Jie, you haven’t started the practice questions yet? The lecture explanations inside are epic,” Tang Ming lowered his voice. “There’s also video explanations. Really worth checking out…”
But merely accumulating points made him aware of the sheer disparity between him and the others in there. Just a few hundred points for him this month.
As he spoke, Tang Ming absently scrolled down.
Lifetime Total Points: 0
People Following: 1
Fan Count—1258
……?
Tang Ming very nearly cried out. “Hey, no that’s not—”
Bailian turned a page in her book. Raising her head languidly. The nonchalant expression carried immense pressure however.
And Tang Ming stiffly swallowed back his words.
**
Monday morning.
Bailian finished one language arts period. Lazily draping an arm over her desk while the other pulled out the biology textbook to flip another page.
Head bowed, morning rays made her fingers appear submerged in white jade.
Happening to turn to insect morphology diagrams.
Unable to resist, she abruptly laughed under her breath.
“What are you laughing about,” the entranced Lu Xiaohan returned to awareness. Confused, “Teacher Lu is calling you outside.”
Only after Bailian exited did Lu Xiaohan stare puzzledly at that biology text.
It was just a measly insect anatomy chart resembling an insole. What was so funny?
Outside, Lu Lingxi was admonishing a group of male students.
Seeing Bailian, her stern look gentled somewhat.
“Teacher Li is asking for you,” Lu Lingxi held some test papers and gestured upstairs. “The office is right below.”
Bailian’s brows rose. She gave a small nod and pivoted to climb upstairs.
Class 8’s teacher sat in the office, glasses on as he wrote lesson plans. Glancing up when Bailian entered brought a faint smile relaxing his severe face. “Student Bai.”
“Teacher,” Bailian greeted softly. Standing obediently in uniform.
Lengthy lashes dipped to cast a swath of shadow at her lids.
“I heard you passed the qualification to Tang Ming?” Class 8 teacher mused briefly before speaking. “Opportunities are rare. Could you tell me what you were thinking?”
Bailian simply showed him her phone without a word. The blue app instantly apparent.
Class 8 Teacher: “……”
Ok, he understood now.
The two silently stared at one another for a time. Ultimately, he had to smile wryly.
And passed a set of compiled chemistry notebooks her way. “Enough. You can head back now.”
“Thank you, Teacher,” Bailian accepted the chemistry compilation with both hands.
Still watching Bailian’s slender retreating figure even after she took her leave. He sighed feelingly—
If the Rens hadn’t brought it up themselves, who could have imagined this girl’s familial ties to them?
At the doorway, the entering Ren Wanxuan and Chen Zheng narrowly missed crossing paths with Bailian exiting. Glancing after her, Chen Zheng threw her an additional longer look.
Before stepping forward to collect homework.
“Ren Wanxuan, I called you here because there’s something I must tell you,” Class 8 teacher’s smile faded some. Lacking the relaxation he displayed facing Bailian, he straightened his posture. “A certain master will attend the anniversary celebrations. When the time comes, you’ll accompany Principal to receive him. Practice your calligraphy diligently these next couple days.”
Plenty in their school grasped Liang calligraphy. Even Chen Zheng did.
Just no one as proficiently as Ren Wanxuan however.
A major school figure?
Could only be the Beijing Chens then.
Ren Wanxuan and Chen Zheng traded a mutual look of awareness. Both simultaneously thought back to the Master Chen they once crossed paths with.
Ever since, Director Chen never managed inviting him over again however.
Today’s Ren Wanxuan seemed to have shed her erstwhile aloofness. She nodded. “Teacher, I understand.”
The school considered this a major affair. Class 8 teacher regarded Ren Wanxuan, thinking of her excellent penmanship. His attitude gentled as well. “Wanxuan, you’re a bright child. I hope you will improve.”
Ren Wanxuan lowered her head in thanks.
Abruptly speaking up somewhat aggrievedly, “Back then when you told me to publicly give out answers to the training class students, I disagreed. But I haven’t seen Bailian share her solutions with us either. Really quite unfair, Teacher.”
Why was she relegated as a frog at the bottom of a well while Bailian got to be upright and just?
“Ren Wanxuan,” Class 8 Teacher watched her for a time before speaking. “How do you know she didn’t provide her answers to all of you?”
“What?”
- Ren Jiawei is likening her daughter’s situation to a frog stuck obliviously at the bottom of a well while a sneaky mouse (Bailian) comes to steal her cheese (opportunities); I’m not too sure where this came from to be honest but it’s clear the latter is more capable. ↩︎
- Title of a classical Chinese musical piece ↩︎
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