Chapter 23

"Cough..." Yi Dafa patted his chest, coughing hard.

"What's the matter with you?" Li Sitong asked cautiously, her eyes widening slightly.

Yi Dafa's eyes widened too as he stared at her intently. "Your daughter is Gu Xuejiao! The one who scored 739?"

"Yes..." Li Sitong replied hesitantly.

Yi Dafa grabbed her wrist, almost pleading. "Please teach me how to be a parent! How did you raise such a child? What do you usually feed her? Do you supervise her studies at home? How do you talk to her? How often? Do you have a tutor for her? If so, who? What role does her father play in her life? You..."

Boom.

Li Sitong felt like her head was about to explode from his barrage of questions.

She pulled her hand away from his grasp, rubbed it nervously, and gave him a forced smile. "I... I don't really pay much attention to her studies. Her meals are simple, and I don't have heart-to-heart talks with her. I didn't hire a tutor either..."

"This parent!" Yi Dafa exclaimed, scrutinizing her with disbelief. "Don't worry; my son is miles behind your daughter and could never surpass her. You don't need to hide your methods! We're all parents who care about our children. Please, guide me!"

"I..." Li Sitong started to speak, but Yin Fang's voice interrupted her awkward explanation.

"Alright, parents!" Yin Fang entered the room, saving Li Sitong from further embarrassment.

Li Sitong quickly shifted her attention to the teacher, pretending to listen attentively. Meanwhile, Yi Dafa remained silent but continued stealing glances at her, as if his eyes were full of unspoken questions.

The teachers began speaking, summarizing the class's performance and praising several students.

Almost every teacher commended Gu Xuejiao for her hard work and dedication. All the positive adjectives one could think of were used to describe her.

The parents' meeting lasted until after eleven o'clock.

"Parents, thank you for your time and effort. If anyone wants to discuss something with me or the other teachers, feel free to stay back. Those who are done can head out for lunch and don't forget to attend the principal's speech in the auditorium at 2 p.m.," Yin Fang announced.

As the classroom became noisy with students rushing to their parents, Yi Dafa turned to Li Sitong again. He handed her a business card, saying, "My name is Yi Dafa. I'm in real estate. The Jade Pavilion Building is one of my latest projects. If you're looking for a house in the future, just mention my name!"

"No, no! That won't be necessary," Li Sitong declined, feeling overwhelmed. Although she wasn't well-versed in business, even she knew about Jade Pavilion. It was a luxury property, and Dafa Real Estate was one of the wealthiest companies in the city.

"Don't mention it! Take it!" Yi Dafa insisted, pushing the card toward her. "Just tell me how you tutor your child. Honestly, my son's been unruly for years, and he's only been putting in effort recently. I don't know what changed. I want to learn how to help him keep it up!"

From a distance, Liu Yazhen's face turned sour as she observed the interaction. She couldn't believe that someone like Li Sitong was receiving such attention from someone as influential as Yi Dafa.

Li Sitong, however, felt nothing but embarrassment. The more Yi Dafa pressed her, the more uncomfortable she became. After all, she hadn't played much of a role in Xuejiao's academic success.

"You keep it!" Yi Dafa said firmly, shoving the card into her hand. "And don't forget to use it when you're house-hunting!"

Before Li Sitong could respond, the business card was snatched from her hand. It was Yi Tianyu, holding the card with a smirk.

"Dad, you're asking the wrong person. This aunt doesn't pay attention to Gu Xuejiao's studies," Yi Tianyu said bluntly. "Last time, her cousin bullied Gu Xuejiao, and this aunt slapped her daughter in public."

Yi Tianyu's words struck like a thunderclap, leaving Li Sitong mortified. Her face flushed as she wished the ground would swallow her whole.

"Ah? That happened?" Yi Dafa exclaimed, his shock evident.

Li Sitong, thoroughly embarrassed, stood up and grabbed Xuejiao's hand. "Jiaojiao, let's go out for lunch."

She pulled Xuejiao along for a few steps before stopping and turning back. "Jiaojiao, you're amazing. Mom is proud of you. From now on, Mom will trust you."

Xuejiao looked at her silently, her expression calm and distant.

Any small affection that might have remained between them had already been shattered long ago.

"Jiaojiao, let's go speak to your teacher," Li Sitong said, changing her mind. She thought she should do something meaningful.

Grasping Xuejiao's hand tightly, she approached Yin Fang, who was surrounded by other parents.

Yin Fang noticed them and walked over, leaving the group behind. "Mrs. Gu Xuejiao, is there something I can help you with?"

Li Sitong's voice was hesitant but polite. "Yes, thank you for your care for Jiaojiao. Her achievements are thanks to your teaching."

Yin Fang felt slightly awkward. After all, she hadn't expected Xuejiao to perform so well either.

"Gu Xuejiao's achievements are her own. She's a very hardworking student. Parents like you should pay more attention to her life and studies," Yin Fang replied with a smile.

"Thank you, Teacher Yin," Li Sitong said. "Also, about her seat—she's not very tall and mentioned having trouble seeing the blackboard. Could we adjust it?"

Yin Fang was momentarily stunned but quickly smiled. "Yes, of course! Her seat was always temporary. It should've been changed already."

Li Sitong's face lit up. "Thank you so much, Teacher Yin!"

"You're welcome," Yin Fang said kindly.

As they left, Yi Tianyu, who had been observing from the back, poked his father. "Hey, old man, did you hear that? Gu Xuejiao's seat is changing."

"It should've changed long ago!" Yi Dafa replied. "How can a child who's not tall sit in the last row? Teachers need to be more considerate."

Yi Tianyu added, "I improved because of her help during revisions."

Hearing this, Yi Dafa immediately marched toward Yin Fang to offer his opinion, leaving Yi Tianyu rolling his eyes in frustration.

Li Sitong and Xuejiao reached the gate, where Cheng Shuo and Cheng Mingze were waiting.

"What do you want to eat?" Cheng Shuo asked with a smile.

"Anything's fine," Xuejiao replied.

After exchanging pleasantries, the family decided to eat nearby. Xuejiao couldn't help but appreciate her stepfather's consideration. He never asked about her grades in public, respecting her privacy.

The rest of the chapter continues with the same structure, emphasizing family dynamics, reconciliation, and Xuejiao's quiet resilience.

"Jiaojiao..." Not far away, a man's voice called out.

The family turned to look, and their faces immediately darkened. It was Gu Jingxu, accompanied by Wu Wanjun and Gu Shiyun. Their expressions were just as unpleasant.

Li Sitong trembled slightly, and Cheng Shuo quickly steadied her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders in silent support.

"Gu Jingxu, what do you want?" Cheng Shuo asked, his brows furrowed.

Gu Jingxu's gaze flickered to Cheng Shuo's arm around Li Sitong, then back to Xuejiao. With a friendly tone, he said, "Jiaojiao, why don't you come have lunch with Dad? I'll take you out for something nice."

Sometimes, Xuejiao thought Gu Jingxu was bizarre. How could he stand there, inviting her to lunch, with his wife and daughter in tow? Did he have no awareness of how strange that looked? Or did he assume she was still the naive Gu Xuejiao who once admired Wu Wanjun's "gentleness"?

"No, Uncle Cheng and I are having lunch together," Xuejiao replied firmly, her tone calm but resolute.

"Jiaojiao, are you still angry with Dad?" Gu Jingxu pressed, taking out a key. "Look at this! It's the key to Shiyun's house. You can rest there at noon and let Shiyun help you with your homework."

As soon as he said that, Wu Wanjun and Gu Shiyun's faces turned dark with embarrassment.

Li Sitong suddenly understood why people like Liu Yazhen enjoyed showing off their children's achievements so much. The satisfaction of stepping on those who once looked down on you was intoxicating.

"Forget it," Li Sitong said coldly, raising her chin slightly. "Jiaojiao is ranked first, and your family's child is fourth. The gap is too wide."

Gu Jingxu's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Jiaojiao scored higher than Shiyun? How is that possible?"

Li Sitong's smile carried a hint of triumph. "Why not? The results are posted. Didn't your wife tell you?"

Her words were light but sharp, like a knife twisting in Wu Wanjun's side. Then, she turned to Xuejiao with an air of victory. "Jiaojiao, let's go eat something delicious!"

Xuejiao didn't say a word and simply followed her mother. Compared to Li Sitong's smugness, Xuejiao was indifferent. She had no desire to spend time with Gu Jingxu.

After getting into the car, Gu Jingxu turned to Wu Wanjun, his face grim. "Didn't you say Shiyun's results were consistent? How can second and fourth be the same?"

Wu Wanjun forced a strained smile. "Jiaojiao scored first this time. Shiyun's score was a little lower..."

Gu Jingxu frowned. "What do you mean by 'a little lower'?"

Wu Wanjun stepped closer, speaking anxiously. "Jingxu, you know how hard Shiyun works. Her score isn't bad, but Xuejiao's was nearly perfect this time. Don't you think it's suspicious? Maybe you should have a talk with her. It doesn't matter if her grades aren't good, but she can't go astray!"

Gu Jingxu's frown deepened. Clearly, he wasn't happy about Shiyun being outperformed, but Wu Wanjun's suggestion planted a seed of doubt in his mind.

"Outrageous," he muttered, his tone heavy with disapproval.

Cheng Shuo, Li Sitong, Xuejiao, and Cheng Mingze got into their car.

"Jiaojiao, is it true? You ranked first this time?" Cheng Shuo asked, looking at her through the rearview mirror.

Li Sitong beamed. "Yes! Jiaojiao scored 739 points and got first place. All the teachers praised her for her hard work. They even said she has a talent for learning!"

Cheng Shuo laughed heartily. "That's fantastic, Jiaojiao! You did so well. Tell me, what gift do you want? Uncle will buy it for you. But you have to promise me, don't get complacent and keep working hard!"

Xuejiao smiled faintly. She had always been grateful for Cheng Shuo. He was a good father figure—supportive, kind, and never overbearing.

"No need for a gift, Uncle. I have everything I need."

Cheng Shuo shook his head in mock exasperation. "You're so polite with me! But, let me tell you, I'm proud of you. Our family has the top students of both grades in this city's best school. Senior two and senior three—first place in both! Ha ha!"

Li Sitong chuckled along, but her smile faltered slightly when she glanced at Xuejiao's quiet demeanor. Guilt flickered across her face.

Meanwhile, Cheng Mingze had been silently observing Xuejiao. His expression was unreadable, but it was clear he was surprised.

This girl... how did she improve so quickly?

Noticing his gaze, Xuejiao turned her head slightly. "What's wrong, Brother?"

Cheng Mingze blinked, momentarily stunned, then shook his head. After a pause, he said softly, "Keep it up."

"Thank you, Brother," Xuejiao replied, her voice calm but polite.

Cheng Shuo's laughter grew even louder. "That's how siblings should be—encouraging and supporting each other!"

"Yes, Jiaojiao, did you hear that?" Li Sitong added, her tone gentler than usual as she glanced back at her daughter.

Xuejiao nodded. "Understood."

Cheng Mingze could sense her indifference. He pursed his lips slightly, feeling a trace of frustration. "Good."

After lunch, the parents returned to the auditorium for the principal's speech, while the students gathered in their classrooms.

Yin Fang walked into the classroom in her high heels, her expression as stern as ever. "We'll go over your exam papers shortly, but first, I'll be adjusting your seating arrangements. If you're not satisfied with your new seat, perform better next time!"

Her words caused mixed reactions—some students were thrilled, while others were visibly nervous.

"Gu Xuejiao, you'll sit in the second position of the fourth row," Yin Fang announced first.

Xuejiao expected the change. When she was perceived as a poor student, Yin Fang placed her in the back. Now, as a top student, her seat was moved to the front.

"Cheng Mingjiao, you'll sit by the window in the third row. Yu Fangfang, you'll sit by the door in the same row," Yin Fang continued, separating the two students who had been sitting together.

"Teacher, I—" Cheng Mingjiao started to protest.

Yin Fang cut her off sharply. "Your grades have declined significantly, and so have Yu Fangfang's. Both of you need to focus on studying instead of causing unnecessary drama."

Cheng Mingjiao clenched her teeth, stomping to her new seat in the third row. Her new position was right in front of Xuejiao.

As soon as she sat down, she turned around and shot Xuejiao a resentful glare.

"Yi Tianyu, you'll sit in the fourth row by the window," Yin Fang called out next, her tone noticeably less enthusiastic.

Yi Tianyu smirked as he swaggered to his new seat next to Xuejiao. With one hand resting on her desk, he grinned. "Hello, new deskmate. I'm Yi Tianyu."

Xuejiao blinked at him, speechless. What kind of wind blew this guy here?

"Alright, quiet down! Class representatives, go to the office to get the exam papers. Review your results carefully! I have other matters to attend to. Monitor, take care of the discipline," Yin Fang instructed.

"Got it!" Xi Junyang responded energetically.

Xi Junyang remained the monitor of their class, though Yin Fang's reasoning for choosing him was different from other teachers. While most selected top-performing students as class leaders, Yin Fang believed being a monitor would hinder academic performance. Thus, she assigned the role to students with less stellar grades.

As soon as Yin Fang left the room, Yi Tianyu turned to Xuejiao with a grin. "Idiot, surprised? Are you surprised?"

Xuejiao blinked at him, her expression calm. "How did you manage this?"

She knew Yin Fang was heavily focused on academic achievements, and Yi Tianyu, being at the bottom of the class, wasn't exactly her ideal candidate for a prime seat. It was puzzling that she had put in the effort to place him near the front.

Yi Tianyu, tall as he was, needed to be seated by the window to avoid blocking others. Yin Fang's choice to give him this seat was almost a concession.

Yi Tianyu tilted his chin up, his face smug. "You're such a fool. Only I can tolerate sitting next to you as your deskmate."

"Thank you so much," Xuejiao replied through gritted teeth.

Still grinning, Yi Tianyu added, "Buddha once said, 'If I don't go to hell, who will?' So here I am."

Xuejiao glared at him, speechless.

After the headmaster's speech, the parents returned to the classroom to have further conversations with Yin Fang before heading home.

"Boy," Yi Dafa said, smacking Yi Tianyu's arm, "your old man went to great lengths to make sure you could sit next to Gu Xuejiao. Don't let me down! Be on your best behavior!"

"I know, I know. I'm working really hard, but my nose is still being rubbed in the dirt..." Yi Tianyu muttered, rolling his eyes.

Yi Dafa glared at him. "I never had the chance for an education, so I want you to at least have some culture! I don't expect you to be like Gu Xuejiao, but can't you learn something from her?"

"Alright, alright, I get it. Now, go away!" Yi Tianyu pushed his father lightly, irritated.

Meanwhile, Li Sitong was speaking softly to Xuejiao.

"Your Uncle Xing hasn't returned yet, so Uncle Cheng will pick you up in the evening. You and your brother should come home together. Don't wander around—it's not safe for a girl to be out alone at night."

Xuejiao nodded lightly, her expression calm. "Okay."

Li Sitong frowned slightly at her daughter's indifferent response but continued, "Jiaojiao, Mom was wrong before. I shouldn't have doubted you, and I promise I won't again. Please don't be angry with me."

Xuejiao raised her eyes slightly. "You said that last time."

"What?" Li Sitong was taken aback.

"The last time you hit me, you also promised you wouldn't doubt me again," Xuejiao said calmly, her voice devoid of emotion. Her words, however, left Li Sitong flushed with embarrassment.

"What do you mean by that? I'm your mother! What more do you want from me? I said I'm sorry! I admit I was wrong, and I swear I won't do it again!" Li Sitong said, her tone growing sharper as her frustration mounted.

Xuejiao didn't respond. She simply bowed her head slightly.

Li Sitong stared at her daughter's lowered head. She wasn't being argumentative, rebellious, or even dismissive. Instead, she was utterly silent. Yet, this silence was more hurtful than any shouting match.

Li Sitong could feel the coldness between them.

This girl… it felt like she was drifting further away.

Li Sitong's eyes reddened as she tried to hold back her emotions.

"Gu Xuejiao! I carried you for ten months! You're my flesh and blood!" Her voice trembled. "I know I was wrong, but is this how you're going to treat me? With silent coldness?"

She struggled to steady her breathing. Ever since the day she had slapped Xuejiao in a fit of anger, her daughter had withdrawn. She no longer argued or caused trouble but had grown distant, so distant that even Cheng Shuo had noticed.

"Xuejiao, I apologized! What else do you want from me? Don't you understand how hard this is for me? Don't treat me as if I mean nothing to you. Do you even think of me as your mother?" Li Sitong cried out.

Xuejiao closed her eyes briefly, exhaled a deep breath, and opened them again.

"You are my mother. In the future, I'll fulfill my duties as your daughter."

Li Sitong froze. "What? What do you mean by that? Is this how much I've upset you? Gu Xuejiao, don't you remember who gave birth to you? Is this how you repay those who love you?"

Her voice grew sharp and accusatory. Xuejiao, who had resolved to remain silent, raised her head. Her black eyes were steady as she stared at her mother.

"I used to want to bring you pride. I had expectations for you. I wanted to treat you well," Xuejiao said, her voice trembling slightly as she held back her emotions. "But you always let me down."

She paused, swallowing the bitterness rising in her throat. "Mom, I'm timid. The hands I stretched out to you were pricked again and again. I don't dare to reach out anymore..."

Xuejiao looked at her mother, her eyes glistening but refusing to let the tears fall.

Li Sitong's love for her daughter had always been there, but it was riddled with misunderstandings and unintentional harm. She didn't understand that a child wasn't her property to control or punish at will.

Some people are soft and kind outwardly, but their sharp edges hurt those closest to them. They love deeply, but they hurt just as deeply.

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