Chapter 30

With the final exams approaching, many classmates were discussing their winter vacation plans. Since most of them were affluent, many planned to travel abroad for vacation. Even Xi You had already bought his plane tickets to go to the beach as soon as the holiday started.

"You still have extra classes!?" Xi You looked at Ruan Miao in shock. "Not only are you not enjoying your vacation, but you're also studying. Don't tell me you're becoming a bookworm?"

Ruan Miao, who was checking his test scores, frowned at Xi You's exaggerated reaction. "What can I do? My foundation is so weak; I need to make up for it somehow. It's just right that you guys are all going to play; I'll have the chance to catch up."

"Little bookworm," Xi You rolled his eyes and ruffled Ruan Miao's hair. "Don't cut such an awful hairstyle next time. It's really hideous."

"I'll bring you a gift when I get back from vacation."

Ruan Miao's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What will you bring me?"

"What do you want?" Xi You asked generously. "As long as it's not something too big, you can have whatever you want!"

Ruan Miao thought for a moment and then asked with anticipation, "Can you bring me some shells? I've heard that there are many beautiful shells at the beach, and I'd love to have some colorful ones."

Xi You scratched his nose in confusion. "Why do you want shells? Wouldn't perfume or jewelry be better?"

"Not at all," Ruan Miao murmured. "I've never been to the beach, and I always hear about people collecting shells and crabs. I've never had that experience."

Ruan Miao felt a pang of regret, realizing he never went to the beach with his family before he died. He could only dream of it now.

Xi You's ears twitched, and after a moment of hesitation, he said with a hint of reluctance, "Alright then, I'll try to find some for you."

"Thank you!" Ruan Miao was delighted. "I'll treat you to a meal in the future."

Xi You snorted dismissively. "Forget it. With your stinginess, you can't afford to treat me to anything. I don't want to eat the cafeteria's beef rice."

After becoming closer to Jian Fanyu, Ruan Miao, feeling a bit bold from their shared meals, mustered the courage to ask him to borrow notes. Though he tried to appear casual, he was nervous inside.

Not everyone is as generous as Fang Zhi. Would Jian Fanyu think he was being opportunistic, using him just for his notes?

To Ruan Miao's surprise, Jian Fanyu didn't say anything negative. He readily lent out his notes and said gently, "Whenever you need them, just come find me."

"Really?" Ruan Miao's eyes curved into crescents as he smiled, trying to contain his excitement. Although he had secured a valuable resource, he needed to maintain a composed demeanor.

"Mm-hmm," Jian Fanyu nodded, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "You have my contact information. If you have any questions, just ask."

Ruan Miao was deeply grateful, clutching the notebook as if it were a lifeline. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you have any plans for the winter break?"

"No," Jian Fanyu replied, shaking his head. He gazed distantly at the front of the school building, his expression darkening slightly. "I'm not going anywhere."

Noticing Jian Fanyu's mood shift, Ruan Miao decided not to press further on that topic. "I'll copy down everything from the notes and return them to you as soon as possible."

Jian Fanyu didn't respond, turning and heading back into the classroom. Ruan Miao stood in the hallway, puzzled and slightly anxious, wondering if he had inadvertently upset him.

Just as he was about to leave, Jian Fanyu emerged again, holding a chemistry book.

"Here are the key points I marked in my book. Review them carefully. They might be on the final exam," Jian Fanyu said.

Ruan Miao was stunned for a moment before realizing that Jian Fanyu was essentially giving him hints about the exam. Considering Jian Fanyu's reputation for accurate predictions and his background of rebirth, it seemed like he was actually helping him cheat.

"Don't overthink it," Jian Fanyu said, noticing Ruan Miao's conflicted expression. "I'm just giving you a general idea. If you don't put in the effort, it won't make any difference. This isn't cheating."

Ruan Miao was touched. He felt that he hadn't done anything for Jian Fanyu, yet he was so considerate towards him. Comparing this to his own situation, Jian Fanyu truly had the qualities of a main character—his generosity was remarkable.

"Thank you," Ruan Miao said softly, accepting the chemistry book with gratitude and wishing he could repay Jian Fanyu immediately.

Seeing Ruan Miao's happiness, Jian Fanyu's mood improved as well. He gently patted Ruan Miao on the head and said quietly, "Go ahead."

Back in his classroom, Ruan Miao was still buzzing with excitement over the exam tips from Jian Fanyu. Fang Zhi, leaning on his desk with envy, said, "I heard Jian Fanyu isn't close to anyone, but he lent you his notes. He must really like you."

"Like?" Ruan Miao laughed. "How did it turn into liking? Jian Fanyu is just kind and helpful!"

Fang Zhi: "…"

They're talking about the same person?

With the notes in hand, Ruan Miao began catching up in his weakest subject, chemistry. He was immersed in his studies, making good progress.

However, his peaceful study routine was disrupted when he received another call from Zhou Yuancen. Ruan Miao was hesitant, expecting her to ask for something again. Yet, her gentle, pleading tone made it hard for him to refuse.

Reluctantly, he agreed to meet her again at the same restaurant as before.

Following the room number Zhou Yuancen provided, Ruan Miao went upstairs. After knocking and hearing a familiar voice inside, he opened the door to find Zhou Yuancen already there.

Today, Zhou Yuancen was dressed in an elegant dark blue qipao, embroidered with large peonies. Her hair was loosely pinned, with an antique white jade hairpin. She looked like a woman from the Republican era. However, the thick layer of foundation she wore somewhat marred her otherwise beautiful face, giving it a slightly artificial look.

"Xiao Miao, come and sit down. Have some tea," Zhou Yuancen greeted him warmly, pouring a cup of black tea. "It's cold outside, isn't it?"

Ruan Miao followed her instructions and sat down. Although he didn't like black tea, he took a symbolic sip before setting it aside. After surveying the room, he asked, "Mom, did you want something?"

Zhou Yuancen smiled, half-jokingly complaining, "Why can't I just want to see you without a reason?"

"It's not that," Ruan Miao replied honestly. "It's just that my final exams are coming up, and I'm worried about losing time."

Zhou Yuancen's eyes grew somber for a moment, but she quickly brightened up and lovingly pinched Ruan Miao's cheek, her red nails glinting in the light. "You're really going to focus on this useless thing?"

Ruan Miao didn't dare brush her hand away and meekly responded, "Studying is important. I remember saying I'd find a good job and take care of you in the future."

Zhou Yuancen laughed more warmly, her crow's feet becoming noticeable. "I can't rely on you to support me. You can't afford to support your mother."

The meeting between "mother and son" this time was much more peaceful than before. Zhou Yuancen didn't have any outbursts; she seemed genuinely interested in seeing Ruan Miao. "I ordered your favorite baked snails. Make sure to eat a lot."

Ruan Miao stiffened at the mention of baked snails. Although he was a foodie, he couldn't stomach everything. The thought of eating snails was daunting, and he imagined he'd need to lie down after a bite.

"I…," Ruan Miao started to decline but struggled to come up with a convincing excuse. "I'm not hungry right now. Let's wait a bit."

Zhou Yuancen set down the bell she was about to ring and took out a document from her bag, placing it on the coffee table with visible excitement. "I have something interesting to show you."

Ruan Miao cautiously opened the document, and even though he was just a high school student with limited knowledge of business affairs, he understood the gravity of the contents.

The document detailed various criminal activities by the He family, including tax evasion, connections with the underworld, bribing officials, and even illegal demolitions that resulted in loss of life. Each item was shocking and horrifying.

"What is this…?" Ruan Miao looked up at Zhou Yuancen in disbelief.

Zhou Yuancen smiled, "This is what your scumbag father has been up to over the years. Each of these could bring disgrace to their family. Even if He Shangye isn't involved now, he won't be able to save the He family from ruin!"

Ruan Miao stared at the file in disbelief. "Where did you get this? Isn't this confidential?"

Zhou Yuancen looked at her nails with a satisfied smile. "If I could get my hands on this, it's clear that I have my own ways."

Holding the file, Ruan Miao felt like he was holding a bomb, his heart racing and his body going cold. "What do you want me to do?"

"I need you to steal He Shangye's private seal," Zhou Yuancen said, each word deliberate. "Then hand this document over to the industrial and commercial bureau."

Ruan Miao instinctively shook his head in refusal. "I can't do that."

"These matters have nothing to do with He Shangye. He shouldn't be burdened with this disgrace. Besides, why should I steal his seal?"

Zhou Yuancen chuckled softly, her eyes narrowing. "To frame him and get him imprisoned. If he's in jail, no one in the He family will be able to hold up the family."

In that moment, Ruan Miao felt that Zhou Yuancen might be losing her mind. "I understand that you've been hurt over the years, but He Shangye and his siblings haven't done anything wrong! The He family hasn't done anything wrong either. Don't be so impulsive."

"Wrong?" Zhou Yuancen gripped Ruan Miao's arm fiercely, her face contorted with anger. "They're from the He family, so they're our enemies! Why are you defending them?!"

Zhou Yuancen's long nails had scratched Ruan Miao's arm, drawing blood. Yet, he didn't feel the pain. He couldn't understand why such things happened in this world.