Chapter 442: The Confidence of a Top Student

“Yaobao?” Jiang Rong’s cousin had just learned that Gu Zhiyao had such a sweet little nickname; she covered her face, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Jiang Rong pulled his cousin aside, avoiding a bicycle speeding past, and said gently, “It’s her nickname—cute, right?”

“It’s so cute,” the girl gripped her schoolbag strap, eyes bright. “I never imagined Gu Zhiyao would have such a sweet nickname! You’re close to her, aren’t you? I’ve never heard you mention her before.”

“Why bring this up for no reason?” Jiang Rong glanced at his young cousin and shook his head helplessly. “I didn’t even know you went to the same school as her.”

“...Then why do you keep bringing up that Lu Baozhen?” The cousin rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath.

At this, Jiang Rong’s smile froze.

“Baozhen is different—she’s pitiful. Don’t have any hard feelings toward her.”

Baozhen, Baozhen, Baozhen—this isn’t even dating, who’d believe it?

Jiang Rong’s cousin pursed her lips, utterly exasperated.

“Who has hard feelings toward her?! I’ve never even met your Baozhen—where would I even get hard feelings? You’re scolding your own cousin over a girl? Really? No wonder Auntie’s worried. Brother, look at what you’ve done...”

Before she could finish her complaints, Jiang Rong flicked her forehead with his finger.

“Girls shouldn’t speak so harshly! Too fiery like this, and you’ll never find a husband.”

The girl brushed his hand away with disgust. “Don’t change the subject—you’re in the wrong!”

Because of that Lu Baozhen, Auntie cried. Brother’s just clueless—a fool.

“Brother Rong, if you don’t listen to Auntie, you’ll regret it someday,” she said seriously.

Jiang Rong saw the sincerity in his cousin’s eyes and suddenly felt she had grown up—she was becoming a little adult.

He grew serious. “Lu Baozhen isn’t my girlfriend. I just feel sorry for her. My mom misunderstood.”

“If you’re not dating, why take her out to eat and to the movies? You’re so careless. Your future girlfriend will be pitiful,” the cousin said sarcastically.

Jiang Rong was stung by her words, choked for a moment, and had no reply.

The cousin thought her brother was mentally ill, utterly disgusted, and quickened her pace, leaving Jiang Rong behind.

Jiang Rong’s eyes held helplessness, as if watching an immature child.

Just a moment ago he thought she’d grown up—yet she was still so childish.

He’d grown up with Baozhen, accustomed to looking out for her. She was so pitiful—if he ignored her, how much pain would she suffer?

His mom didn’t understand him. His cousin didn’t either.

Thinking this, Jiang Rong’s resolve grew stronger.

He was an adult—he had his own convictions. He wouldn’t betray his inner voice just because the noise around him was too loud.

After dropping off his cousin, Jiang Rong didn’t stay long—he called Lu Baozhen.

Lu Baozhen answered Jiang Rong’s call, her heart leaping; her voice, timid yet sweet, said, “Brother Jiang, you’re calling me now? I thought... I thought you wouldn’t talk to me anymore.”

“How could I? I was busy before, but now that I’m done, I called you,” Jiang Rong said patiently.

Lu Baozhen smiled sweetly. “Brother Jiang is the best—you’re my only friend. If you ignore me, I’ll be heartbroken.”

“I’d never ignore you,” Jiang Rong said immediately.

“Auntie Jiang...” Lu Baozhen hesitated.

“Did my mom go to see you again?” Jiang Rong frowned, a flicker of displeasure crossing his refined face.

“N-no,” Lu Baozhen hurried to say, her tone full of panic and tension, as if terrified he’d misunderstand.

Jiang Rong said at once: “My mom speaks harshly—don’t take it to heart. She doesn’t understand you, and she’s mistaken about you. You...”

“I won’t misunderstand. Auntie Jiang is your mother—I’ll work hard to earn her favor so you won’t be put in a difficult position,” Lu Baozhen said shyly.

Jiang Rong found the words strange but didn’t dwell on it.

He smiled and comforted her: “You’re a good girl. My mom will eventually see your worth. How have you been lately? Has your dad and Auntie Su been treating you poorly?”

“...N-no,” Lu Baozhen said weakly, her voice trembling slightly.

A chill passed through Jiang Rong’s eyes. “If they mistreat you, go to Director Qian—have her back you up.”

Lu Baozhen’s expression tightened.

Easy to say—but Director Qian disliked her. If she went to her, it would harm her father’s career, making her life even harder.

“They didn’t mistreat me—just said some unpleasant things. I just ignore them.”

Jiang Rong’s tone remained concerned. “Mm. Don’t mind them. If you really can’t bear it, go to Director Qian.”

“I understand.” Lu Baozhen didn’t want to talk about this anymore and changed the subject. “Brother Jiang, when will you come back?”

She was old enough to marry. Her reputation in the compound was poor—no one arranged matches for her. She could only cling to Jiang Rong.

But Jiang Rong’s family wouldn’t accept her.

Lu Baozhen was desperate to confirm their relationship.

Everyone said Jiang Rong and she would eventually become a couple—but family knew their own truth. She knew: Jiang Rong didn’t need her—he only pitied her, saw her as a neighbor’s little sister.

Jiang Rong fell silent for a moment before saying, “I can’t return right now—I still have things here.”

Afraid she’d be disappointed, he added, “I’ll come back to see you when I have time. If you need anything, call me—I’ll come right away.”

“Can I come visit you?” Lu Baozhen asked timidly.

Jiang Rong hesitated.

“It’s not convenient—I’m staying at my uncle’s. I’m afraid I can’t host you.”

Lu Baozhen hurried to say, “I can stay at a hotel, Brother Jiang—I just want to see you.”

“Fine. If you want to come, call me first—I’ll pick you up.” Jiang Rong conceded as usual.

Lu Baozhen exclaimed happily, “That’s wonderful! Can I come in a few days?”

“...Alright. Let me know once you’ve booked your ticket,” Jiang Rong said.

“Great!”

After hanging up, Lu Baozhen walked away with light steps.

The staff at the communications room watched her go and shook their heads.

Didn’t this girl have any dignity? Mrs. Jiang despised her, yet she still clung to Jiang Rong—how could anyone respect her like this?!

Soon, everyone who should or shouldn’t know learned that Jiang Rong had called Lu Baozhen.

Mrs. Jiang heard and nearly fainted from rage.

Her chest heaved violently; she ground her teeth so hard she thought they’d shatter. Calming down, she didn’t go to the Lu household—instead, she stormed into the communications room and called Jiang Rong.

The mother and son argued again.

Even after the shouting and fighting, Jiang Rong didn’t abandon his plan to pick up Lu Baozhen.

Mrs. Jiang slammed down the phone and stormed off, hating Lu Baozhen even more. On her way home, she spotted her and glared fiercely, then stomped away.

Lu Baozhen: “...”

When someone looked at her, she lowered her head timidly.

Yaobao got into her family’s car, excitedly touching and patting everything.

“Is this our car now?”

Lin Zhao gently pinched her daughter’s nose. “Yes. After your college entrance exam, I’ll teach you to drive—take a course during the holidays. It’ll make things easier later.”

“Really? Mom’s letting me drive?!” Yaobao’s voice rose in delight.

“Why wouldn’t I? It’s our car—anyone can drive it,” Lin Zhao said.

On the way home, Gu Chenghuai took over driving.

He stared straight ahead, hands steady on the steering wheel.

After the mother and daughter finished talking, he suddenly spoke: “Yaobao, is this the first time you met Jiang Rong? Has he ever sought you out before?”

Yaobao paused, then shook her head. “No. Today was the first time—we just happened to meet. He came to pick up his cousin, saw me, came over to say hello, and we didn’t talk long.”

Gu Chenghuai’s expression relaxed. “Mm. You’re a student—your studies come first. Stay away from those messy people.”

Yaobao nodded obediently. “I know.”

Lin Zhao stroked her daughter’s hair and asked softly, “How’s school? Has anyone bullied you?”

“No, the classmates are all friendly,” Yaobao hugged her mother’s arm. “I’m studying hard, preparing for the college entrance exam, ignoring everything else—just focusing on my studies. I want to get into a good university—I won’t let you and Dad down.”

“Even if you don’t do well, you haven’t let us down,” Lin Zhao said gently but firmly.

Yaobao smiled. “I have high standards for myself—I don’t want to fall behind my brothers.”

Lin Zhao’s eyes softened. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You’re a strong student—if you don’t make mistakes, getting into a good university won’t be hard.”

Yaobao always ranked in the top three of her grade—her not getting into a good university would be strange.

“Mm.”

With Yaobao’s college entrance exam approaching and the mood just right, Lin Zhao asked about her university choices.

“Which university do you want to apply to?”

Yaobao looked at her. “The same one as you.”

“Aren’t you planning to learn more languages? Wouldn’t a foreign language university be better?” Lin Zhao smiled.

“But I want to go to the same university as you,” Yaobao said, her brows knotted in thought.

“I’ve already graduated—going to the same university won’t mean much. I want you to make a choice you won’t regret, so think carefully about your application,” Lin Zhao said gently.

She knew Yaobao’s lifelong dream was to attend the same university as her—but she didn’t want her to have regrets.

Yaobao looked at Gu Chenghuai.

Gu Chenghuai saw her questioning eyes in the rearview mirror and said, “Follow your heart. Don’t make a choice that leaves you with regrets.”

Yaobao nodded seriously. “I’ll think about it again.”

In the blink of an eye, the day of Yaobao’s college entrance exam arrived.

Lin Zhao wore a qipao to see her daughter off to the “battlefield”; Gu Fu, Gu Mu, Lin Heling, Song Xiwei, Lin Shi Sheng, and Gu Zhihang were all there, even Lin Fu and Zhang Yun had come.

The group waited outside the examination hall.

Standing there, they were anything but inconspicuous.

“Did you bring everything?” Gu Mu asked nervously.

Yaobao remained calm, smiling as she reassured her grandmother, “Everything’s here, nothing’s missing. Don’t worry, Grandma—it’s just an exam, nothing to stress over.”

Lin Zhao patted her daughter’s shoulder, her tone gentle, “Do your best. We’ll wait for you outside.”

Yaobao glanced at the blinding sun and said, “Mom, don’t stand out here in the sun all day. Go find a shop and sit inside. Don’t get heatstroke.”

“Don’t worry—I’m here. No one will get heatstroke. Just focus on your answers, don’t be nervous,” Lin Zhao said.

She entered the exam hall with Yubao and Hangbao; Qianbao, a gifted child admitted by recommendation, didn’t need to take it—this was her first time seeing a child off to an exam. It felt strange.

“I’m not nervous.” That was the confidence only a top student could have.

Yaobao walked into the exam hall amid her family’s blessings.

Lin Zhao and the others didn’t just stand around—they took a car to the nearest drink shop and waited, chatting as a family.

The drink shop had large floor-to-ceiling windows; from inside, they could see passersby—women in bright outfits beaming with smiles, men radiating spirited energy.

This was the best of times.

Lin Zhao propped her chin up, gazing outside, a faint smile on her lips, her mood excellent.

“What are you thinking about? Why are you smiling so happily?” Gu Chenghuai sat beside her, watching his beloved, his eyes full of tenderness.

“Don’t you think just sitting here and watching the world outside feels wonderfully peaceful?” Lin Zhao turned to him, smiling in return.

“Mm.” Gu Chenghuai agreed. He felt that with his beloved beside him, everything was good.

“You’re right.”

Lin Yu looked over and asked, “Zhaozhao, are you really so confident in Yaobao? Aren’t you afraid she’ll fail?”

“So what? Even if she doesn’t pass, it won’t stop her from living a life of comfort,” Lin Zhao said without a trace of worry. “Education is just icing on the cake. Nice to have, but not necessary.”

She and Gu Chenghuai had the means to support their children—they didn’t need to push them.

Not to mention, Yaobao had three older brothers, each more accomplished than the last, and all of them doting on their little sister. Even if the girl were a lazy fish, she’d still be the happiest, most carefree lazy fish alive.

“That’s the right way to think,” Lin Yu praised, his eyes bright.

“I was worried last night you’d be upset. I was even thinking about how to convince you—but you’re so open-minded. Good.”

Lin Zhao smiled. “Because my father told me the same thing. No matter what I did, he always said, ‘It’s fine. Even if you fail, it’s okay—I’m here.’ Having a solid backing behind you feels wonderful. I want to be that backing for Yaobao and her brothers.”

Though, as things stand now, none of her three sons actually need it…

Lin Heling’s expression softened slightly as he looked at his daughter.

He was glad he’d guided Zhaozhao toward such a healthy mindset.

“Xiaojiu is just as open-minded as his father,” Lin Yu mused. “I see this same openness in Zhaozhao now—it’s wonderful.”

It felt as if some quality of her father’s was being passed down through generations, warming her heart.

Learning that Lin Fu had avenged her father, the hatred that had weighed on Lin Yu’s heart slowly faded. She went to the Lin family cemetery and wept bitterly—only then did she become the vibrant, energetic Lin designer again.

She was now planning her wedding with Cen Yan. After Yaobao’s exam, the Lin family would have a joyous occasion.

The morning passed quickly. Estimating the time, the Lin family went back to the exam hall entrance to meet Yaobao.

They had lunch at a hotel owned by the Lin family, then arranged for Yaobao to rest after the meal. In the afternoon, Gu Chenghuai, Lin Zhao, and the younger generation took her to the exam hall; Lin Fu, Zhang Yun, and the older ones didn’t go again.

The weather was too hot—heatstroke would be bad.

Seeing Yaobao’s relaxed expression, Lin Zhao knew she’d performed well. She didn’t press for details, just saw her daughter off as she had in the morning, then left again.

This time, they didn’t go to the drink shop—they went to the nearest mall.

Their daughter was about to enter university; she needed a few new outfits, bags, and jewelry.

Polka-dot fitted dress.

High-waisted jeans, puff-sleeve short-sleeved top.

Knit cardigan, pleated skirt.

Exaggerated, stylish earrings.

Delicate chain bag.

Lipstick.

Everything necessary was being prepared.

“Yaobao hasn’t gotten her ears pierced yet. We’ll take her soon—then she can wear beautiful earrings,” Lin Zhao murmured to herself.

“Don’t just buy for the child. Pick out something for yourself too,” Gu Chenghuai said.

“I don’t lack for anything. My aunt sent me so much—I can’t even wear it all,” Lin Zhao said, modestly.

Lin Yu had also given Yaobao gifts, but that was hers; Lin Zhao still needed to buy separately—so Yaobao’s joy could double.