Li Qiao pricked up her ears while packing her schoolbag.
The conversation between her father and Mr. Xu drifted in fragments. Eventually, she saw Mr. Xu leave with a heavy sigh.
Li Shanchuan turned to her.
“Qiaoqiao, Old Xu said something about you scamming them for money. What happened?”
“Dad, I was trying to help them spend money to avoid disaster. They didn’t believe me, so they assumed I was a fraud.”
Last night, she’d offered to sell them a few talismans—discounted to just 10,000 yuan each since they were neighbors. But they’d kicked her out before she could explain.
No matter what she said, they refused to listen.
“Hmph! My daughter was doing them a favor, and Old Xu dares slander her? Serves them right to learn the hard way.” Li Shanchuan grumbled.
Liu Yusi shooed him and Li Shaojin off to work (both had been swamped lately), leaving her and Li Shaoyang to take Li Qiao to school.
“Mom, you should stay home with Grandpa today,” Li Qiao suddenly said at the door.
Liu Yusi paused—then nodded in understanding. “I’ll listen to Qiaoqiao. Shaoyang, take good care of your sister. Make sure she’s settled before you leave. And don’t let anyone bully her.”
“Mom, you’ve said that 800 times since yesterday. I’ve got it memorized. If anyone messes with my sister, I’ll invest in their family.”
(Translation: Use his ‘jinx’ status to ruin them.)
Liu Yusi and Li Qiao burst out laughing.
Once in the passenger seat, Li Qiao waved. “We’re off, Mom!”
“Drive safely.”
As the car left the villa area, Li Qiao buckled up and glanced at Li Shaoyang.
“Second Brother, hasn’t Wei Ting contacted you lately?”
“He’s busy with our project. Once it’s done, he’ll be back. And this time…” Li Shaoyang’s face lit with rare confidence. “I know I’ll succeed.”
After so many failures, this venture felt different.
Li Qiao smiled. “You will.”
“Heh, I’ll take that blessing.”
Capital No. 6 High School
Shen Kuo stood on campus, eyes fixed on the gate. His lackeys teased:
“Ooooh, Boss, waiting for the school belle?”
“Shut it.”
“Aw, Boss is blushing~”
Their laughter cut off when a girl approached.
“Yo! The school belle’s here! Li Youwei, hurry up—our Boss has been waiting!”
“Genius beauty~ Don’t keep him hanging!”
Li Youwei’s cheeks pinked as she clutched her bag. But when she saw Shen Kuo’s scowl, her stomach dropped.
Had he noticed her throwing away his milk chocolates yesterday?
She bit her lip, steeling herself. “Shen Kuo, stop sending gifts. I only care about studying. I’d never—”
He brushed past her without a glance.
Li Youwei froze.
“Damn, Boss switched targets?”
“Who is it? Can’t see from here…”
“Bet she’s not as pretty as our school belle.”
“Duh. No one beats Youwei.”
Chin lifting, Li Youwei strode off—smug. Obviously, Shen Kuo was just playing hard to get.
…
Meanwhile, Shen Kuo escorted Li Qiao to the principal’s office, leaving Li Shaoyang gobsmacked.
Since when did Qiaoqiao get involved with the Shen family?
What else happened while he was away?
Shen Kuo—the untamable youngest heir of the Shens—was acting respectful and eager around his sister!
Principal Hu nearly choked seeing the three recommendation letters for Li Qiao’s enrollment. Each endorser was more prestigious than the last.
But the most shocking?
He Jingnian, the infamous “Ninth Master He,” had personally vouched for her.
This girl was no ordinary transfer student.
Beaming, Principal Hu assigned her to Shen Kuo’s class. Their homeroom teacher, Mr. Wang—a jovial man in his 40s—led her to the classroom.
“Second Brother, go ahead. Shen Kuo will look after me.”
“Fine. Call me if anything happens.”
Once Li Shaoyang left, Shen Kuo muttered, “You don’t hold back, do you?”
“Why refuse free help?”
“…” Touché.
Class 3-A
Mr. Wang introduced her briefly: “Everyone, meet Li Qiao. Please make her feel welcome.”
Li Qiao smiled. “Hi, I’m Li Qiao. If you ever encounter phenomena science can’t explain, come find me. As classmates, I’ll give you a 20% discount.”
Mr. Wang: “…”
Class 3-A: “…”
Shen Kuo, facepalming: God, she’s hustling IN SCHOOL.
“Ahem! How… generous of Li Qiao!” Mr. Wang forced a laugh. “You’ll sit in front of Shen Kuo.”
Whispers erupted as she took her seat:
“Is she a con artist?“
“Nah, just weird. But damn, she’s prettier than the school belle.“
“Did you see her come in with Shen Kuo? They’re definitely close.“
Her deskmate—a girl with dimples—leaned over. “I’m Gu Fengfeng. We can share textbooks until yours arrive.”
“Thanks.”
A sharp glare made Li Qiao glance up. A girl with icy beauty shot her a venomous look before turning away.
“Who’s that?”
Gu Fengfeng whispered, “Li Youwei. School belle, top-ranked genius… and Shen Kuo’s crush.”
Li Qiao’s eyes lit up. She spun to scrutinize Shen Kuo, who blinked back, clueless.
Her smirk deepened.
Shen Kuo: “???“
English class passed easily (too easily). At break, classmates swarmed her:
“You’re a Li? Related to Li Shaojin?“
“Yep.”
“No wonder you’re gorgeous! Your whole family’s blessed.“
“Ohhh, so you’re the country bumpkin they brought back?“
A sneering voice cut through. A disheveled girl flanked Li Youwei, looking down her nose at Li Qiao.
“Lin Xue, apologize to her.” Shen Kuo’s voice turned arctic. The room hushed.
Since when did Shen Kuo defend anyone?
“Why? I didn’t lie. She’s from the sticks.“
“Last warning.” His eyes narrowed dangerously.
Li Youwei forced a smile. “Shen Kuo, we’re all classmates. No need for drama. Right, Li Qiao?”
Every eye locked onto Li Qiao—waiting.
