Ch. 81..90

81 The Best Program

“Alright, I won’t tease you anymore.” Yuan Xiao looked at the angry Fang Yao and explained to him, “He just said that he admired my good grades and treated me as a role model. It’s not like he really confessed.”

Originally, Yuan Xiao thought that the confession at the campus gala would happen again, but she did not expect the boy who gave her flowers to say that he wanted to emulate her.

However, Yuan Xiao saved him the trouble. Otherwise, she would have to find an excuse to reject him.

“Really?” Fang Yao looked at the bouquet suspiciously. It was indeed not a rose used for confession. It was just an ordinary bouquet of many types of flowers.

“In any case, he’s definitely up to no good by giving you flowers in front of so many people!” Fang Yao decided to have a chat with the boy after the party. It would be fine if he had no other intentions towards Yuan Xiao, but if he really had other intentions, he would definitely teach him a lesson.

“Fang Yao, you can’t cause trouble for him!” Yuan Xiao saw through Fang Yao’s thoughts and warned him.

Fang Yao was still a little dissatisfied, but he did not refute Yuan Xiao. He only nodded reluctantly.

Yuan Xiao saw that Fang Yao was a little awkward and pulled him to sit in the audience. Yuan Xiao had no impression of the rest of the show. After all, she had spent all her time in her previous life confessing to Jiang Yan.

Yuan Xiao glanced at Jiang Yan, who was sitting not far away from the audience seats, and realized that he was actually looking at her.

“Yuan Xiao!” Fang Yao noticed Yuan Xiao’s gaze and pulled her arm. He leaned forward to block Yuan Xiao’s line of sight.

Yuan Xiao could not help but smile. Ever since Fang Yao confessed to her, he had become more and more jealous. Yuan Xiao was actually much older than Fang Yao. She felt that Fang Yao now had the unique temperament of a rebellious youth. He was very interesting and cute.

“What are you thinking about?” Fang Yao looked at Yuan Xiao, who had been in a daze, and was a little worried that she was still thinking about Jiang Yan.

“Thinking about you…” Yuan Xiao said casually, but she realized that the tips of Fang Yao’s ears were a little red. This child was quite shy.

Yuan Xiao stopped teasing him and watched the rest of the show seriously.

When it was all over, everyone’s voting results on the school forum were tabulated.

Yuan Xiao looked expectantly at the host on the stage. When her program was read out by the host, Yuan Xiao finally felt relieved.

The first place of the campus gala was Yuan Xiao’s program, the second place was a skit, and the third place was Jiang Yan’s song.

The plot had already changed, and the system had already given out the additional rewards. Because there were too many people around, Yuan Xiao did not immediately check the rewards.

The campus gala ended successfully. After Yuan Xiao and the others received their prizes and certificates, they walked down the stage and saw Wei Lan holding a large bouquet of flowers.

“Xiao Xiao, Auntie specially prepared this for you!” Wei Lan handed the flowers to Yuan Xiao and held her hand excitedly. “Xiao Xiao, the scene of you sitting with Ah Yao is simply too beautiful!”

When Wei Lan saw someone confessing to Yuan Xiao on stage, she was so frightened that she almost rushed up to help Yuan Xiao reject it. It seemed that she had to remind her silly son more in the future to prevent Yuan Xiao from being wooed by others.

Fang Ming gently patted Wei Lan’s shoulder, indicating for her to calm down. After all, the Yuan couple and Yuan Xiao’s biological parents were not far away.

“Xiao Xiao, you’re amazing! The program you prepared is the best program for this gala!” Sun Li looked at Yuan Xiao proudly. When she saw Wei Lan standing beside her, she smiled and said, “Your Aunt Wei Lan is really thoughtful. You have to thank her properly.”

Sun Li and Wei Lan had met a few times at some large-scale banquets, but they were not familiar with each other. Wei Lan nodded politely at Sun Li and said, “What are you thanking me for? I’ve long treated Xiao Xiao as family.”

Wei Lan noticed the awkward couple behind the Yuan couple and smiled kindly at the woman in plain clothes. “You must be Xiao Xiao’s mother. I really like Xiao Xiao.”

Feng Mei was a little nervous. Compared to these noble women, she was really inconspicuous.

Yuan Xiao also noticed Feng Mei’s discomfort. She walked closer to her and said, “Mom, this is Aunt Wei Lan, Fang Yao’s mother.”

Hearing Fang Yao’s name, Feng Mei also reacted. The woman in front of her, who had a noble temperament and dressed very carefully, was actually Fang Yao’s mother.

“Hello, not only is Fang Yao handsome, but he’s also very sensible.” Feng Mei saw a surprised expression on Wei Lan’s face when she said that.

82 Blessing of Beauty

It was normal for people to praise Fang Yao for being handsome, but it was Wei Lan’s first time hearing someone praise her son, who was like a little devil king, for being sensible. Even Fang Ming looked at Fang Yao, who was standing behind Yuan Xiao, with suspicion. It seemed that this kid had done a lot in front of Yuan Xiao’s family.

Sun Li glanced at Fang Yao. According to his mother, Wei Lan, Sun Li felt that the Fang family might have designs on Yuan Xiao. Her daughter had not even graduated from high school when she was targeted by the Fang family. Sun Li felt a little uncomfortable.

The few of them exchanged a few pleasantries and left.

Yuan Wei spotted Yuan Ming and Sun Li from afar, but they paid no attention to her. Instead, they acted as Yuan Xiao’s parents.

Noticing Yuan Wei’s abnormal behavior, Jiang Yan considerately lowered his body and whispered into her ear, “Wei Wei, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

“I’m fine…” Yuan Wei gradually calmed down when she saw Yuan Xiao and the Shen couple leave. Why did it seem like she had really been abandoned after she acknowledged the Yuan Family?

Shen Hai and Feng Mei, who were originally very concerned about her, were now all about Yuan Xiao. Even Yuan Ming and Sun Li seemed to be more concerned about Yuan Xiao. Moreover, Sun Li was now pregnant with a boy. Yuan Wei did not dare to imagine if her younger brother was born, would she have no place at all in the future?

Yuan Wei felt a headache coming on. Yuan Xiao had already taken everything from her. If she had another younger brother, she would only be more pitiful.

“Hello, Uncle and Auntie.” Jiang Yan greeted them politely when he saw the Yuan couple walking over.

“Wei Wei, Xiao Yan.” Yuan Ming walked up to Yuan Wei and Jiang Yan and calmly said to Yuan Wei, “Let’s go home.”

Yuan Ming felt that Yuan Wei looked a little disheveled. She clearly had not performed, but she looked like she had lost her soul.

“Wei Wei, are you feeling unwell?” Sun Li also noticed Yuan Wei’s abnormality and asked with concern.

“No, Dad, Mom. Let’s go home.” Yuan Wei adjusted her emotions and said goodbye to Jiang Yan before following the Yuan couple out of the venue.

Jiang Yan felt that Yuan Wei’s mood was a little strange, and Yuan Xiao’s condition was also abnormal.

Although Jiang Yan did not like Yuan Xiao, he knew her very well. Jiang Yan had heard Yuan Xiao play the piano before, and he had personally guided her. At that time, she was only a beginner. With Yuan Xiao’s previous skills, it was impossible for her to coordinate so well with Fang Yao.

Jiang Yan felt that Yuan Xiao had changed too much. Whether it was in terms of studies or other things, Yuan Xiao was exceptionally outstanding and dazzling.

The current Yuan Xiao was like a completely different person from before. Moreover, she was no longer pestering him like before. Thinking of this, Jiang Yan actually felt a little disappointed.

“I might be crazy to want her to continue pestering me.” Jiang Yan smiled bitterly and rejected his ridiculous thoughts. He felt that he must be too tired, that was why he was thinking so much about the past.

After Yuan Xiao returned home, she immediately called up the System and began to check the additional rewards she had obtained through the school gala.

[Congratulations, Host. Mission successful!]

Little 7’s voice sounded in her mind. Yuan Xiao asked expectantly, “What exactly is the reward? Can you tell me now?”

[Of course I can. The host has successfully obtained first place at the school gala. Now, Little 7 will randomly distribute rewards to you!]

The words in her mind quickly scrolled. After the system notification sounded, the words slowly stopped.

“Blessing of beauty?” Yuan Xiao read the words in her mind and asked Little 7 in confusion, “What kind of reward is this?”

[The meaning is literal. Host, congratulations on obtaining a reward to get increasingly beautiful!]

Yuan Xiao did not understand what the System meant and could not help but ask, “Aren’t you the Academic Genius System? How can you improve a person’s appearance?”

[I’ve already said that we are the most advanced and comprehensive system. Not only are we humane, but there are also many Easter egg rewards. Not only are they targeted at learning, but they will also improve other aspects of the host.]

“Alright, then will everyone notice the changes in me?” Yuan Xiao was worried that the System’s reward would result in such drastic changes that she would be discovered by those around her.

[No, Host. The beauty enhancement you obtained will be given out bit by bit. Every day is a very subtle change. No one will notice.]

Hearing the system’s explanation, Yuan Xiao was completely relieved.

After the school gala ended, Yuan Xiao quickly welcomed the last winter break before the college entrance examination.

83 True Love

Under Wei Lan’s insistence, Yuan Xiao was invited over to the Fang family’s house by Wei Lan as soon as the holidays began.

“Auntie Wei Lan.” Yuan Xiao greeted Wei Lan with a smile. When she saw Fang Yuan sitting on the sofa, she greeted him politely.

Fang Yuan was also very happy to see Yuan Xiao. Yuan Xiao seemed to have become more and more beautiful. His wife was very satisfied with this girl, so Fang Yuan naturally had a good impression of her.

“Xiao Xiao, Fang Ming went to pick up a friend of his. Let’s have dinner together when he comes back.” Wei Lan looked upstairs, but Fang Yao was nowhere to be seen. She thought for a moment and turned to Yuan Xiao. “Ah Yao has been in his room. Why don’t you go up and see him?”

!!

Yuan Xiao did not think too much about it. She nodded and headed to the second floor.

Seeing Yuan Xiao leave, Fang Yuan asked Wei Lan, “Didn’t Ah Yao go to the mall this morning?”

“He’s come back. He’s upstairs now.” Wei Lan had a smile on her face as she said to Fang Yuan, “I just want to give the two children more chances to be alone.”

“You’re worrying too much. How old are these two children?” Fang Yuan felt that Wei Lan was a little anxious. After all, Fang Yao and Yuan Xiao were still too young. Fang Yuan did not want them to fall in love at a young age.

“How old?” Wei Lan looked at Fang Yuan and sneered. “When you were Ah Yao’s age, you chased after me every day. You either gave me flowers or jewelry. Why aren’t Ah Yao and Ah Ming are not like you in this aspect at all?”

“How can that be the same? The two of us are childhood sweethearts. When you were just one year old, I carried you everywhere to play.” Fang Yuan thought of many beautiful memories and smiled at Wei Lan. “But these two children are indeed not like me, especially Fang Ming. He’s already 26 years old, but I don’t know where his girlfriend is.”

“That’s why you shouldn’t influence Ah Yao anymore.” Wei Lan held Fang Yuan’s arm and persuaded him. “Ah Yao likes Xiao Xiao. If they get together as soon as they graduate, they might get married when they go to university. Once they graduate, we can be grandparents.”

Wei Lan’s words moved Fang Yuan. He would be 50 years old after this year. Many of his friends already had grandchildren. Fang Yuan could not count on Fang Ming now. If Fang Yao really got married in university, he could become a grandfather earlier.

“Alright, but don’t be too anxious. Let the two children develop freely. As parents, we can’t object or support them too much.” Fang Yuan still felt that the two children were too young.

Yuan Xiao walked to Fang Yao’s bedroom and knocked lightly on the door. When he realized that there was no sound inside, he pushed open the door a crack and looked inside.

Fang Yao’s bedroom was huge. Yuan Xiao pushed the door open, but Fang Yao was nowhere to be seen.

“Fang Yao?” Yuan Xiao called out. Seeing no response from Fang Yao, she took a few more steps inside.

Hearing voices in the bathroom, Yuan Xiao walked closer.

“Is Fang Yao taking a shower?” Yuan Xiao was worried that it would be too awkward to bump into Fang Yao taking a shower, so she planned to go out and wait for him. However, just as Yuan Xiao was about to leave, he heard Fang Yao talking to himself in the bathroom. She seemed to have said her name.

Out of curiosity, Yuan Xiao approached the bathroom door and listened carefully for a while before she heard Fang Yao’s words clearly.

“Yuan Xiao, this is for you. Be my girlfriend! No, she said that we’ll talk about it after we get into university… Yuan Xiao, accept this gift and don’t talk to other boys in the future!”

When Yuan Xiao heard Fang Yao’s angry voice in the bathroom, she covered her mouth and giggled. So Fang Yao wanted to give her a gift.

“Ah! Isn’t it a little too much not to let her talk to others… Yuan Xiao, accept my gift. In the future, you can only have me in your eyes!” Fang Yao looked at the bathroom mirror and scratched his head in despair. He shouted, “This is too mushy. I can’t say it!”

Fang Yao looked at himself in the mirror and heaved a sigh of relief. He said seriously, “Yuan Xiao, I really like you. Accept the gift. We’ll be together forever, okay?”

Fang Yao still felt that these words did not match his cold temperament. He shook his head and decided to give the gift to Yuan Xiao directly to save these fancy things.

Just as he was about to walk out of the bathroom with the gift, he heard a smiling female voice outside the door.

“Sure.”

Fang Yao was shocked. When he saw the bathroom door being slowly pushed open, Yuan Xiao’s smiling face barged into Fang Yao’s line of sight.

“Why did you come up!” Fang Yao saw Yuan Xiao hurriedly hide the gift behind him, and his face began to burn unconsciously. He did not know how long Yuan Xiao had been outside the door.

84 Remember to Close the Door

“Aunt Wei Lan asked me to come up and look for you.” Yuan Xiao looked at Fang Yao’s red face and deliberately teased him. “I didn’t expect to hear such an exciting performance.”

“You heard everything?” Fang Yao felt that he must have lost control of his expression. He looked at Yuan Xiao outside the door and did not want to walk out of the bathroom ever again.

“I heard it. Why are you still embarrassed, Young Master Fang?” Yuan Xiao felt that Fang Yao usually pretended to be strong. Now that he lowered his head and blushed, he was really cute.

Fang Yao did not know how to explain. When he thought of Yuan Xiao’s answer outside the door, his eyes suddenly widened. He walked forward and grabbed Yuan Xiao’s arm. “You said you just heard my question?”

!!

Yuan Xiao did not know why Fang Yao was suddenly so excited. She thought about it and nodded slightly. When she saw Fang Yao’s happy expression, Yuan Xiao could not help but smile.

“I just said that we’ll be together forever. Your answer was ‘sure’.” Fang Yao stared at Yuan Xiao without blinking, not wanting to miss any of her expressions.

“That’s right. You’re so cute. How can I leave you?” As soon as Yuan Xiao finished speaking, Fang Yao hugged her.

Yuan Xiao’s tone was originally joking, but when she felt that Fang Yao was hugging her very hard, she did not know what to say.

“Fang Yao, what’s wrong?” Yuan Xiao felt that Fang Yao’s mood was a little strange. He just hugged her tightly and remained silent.

“Xiao Xiao, I really like you. I’m not joking.” Fang Yao hugged Yuan Xiao as if he was afraid that she would run away. He had no intention of letting go.

Yuan Xiao even felt that Fang Yao’s voice was trembling. For a moment, she did not know how to respond and only patted his back gently.

“I understand, Fang Yao.” Although Yuan Xiao had always treated Fang Yao as a big boy, his embrace was so warm and strong that Yuan Xiao had to re-examine her relationship with Fang Yao.

“Promise me, okay? Xiao Xiao, we’ll definitely be together in the future.” Fang Yao’s tone was expectant, and his voice seemed to be pleading.

Ever since Yuan Xiao was reborn, she had only thought about not living according to the plot of the original book. She had always been thinking about how to escape the fate of being a vicious supporting actress, but she had never thought of gaining a relationship in this unreal world.

Yuan Xiao did not know if she could start a relationship again. In her previous life, her life had ended tragically. Yuan Xiao did not know how to love someone, nor did she know how to accept other people’s feelings.

However, if the person who would accompany her in the future was Fang Yao, Yuan Xiao would not reject him. Compared to Jiang Yan, who had hurt her before, Fang Yao had never made her sad in her past or present life.

“Fang Yao, if I can really fall in love with someone, that person will definitely be you.”

Yuan Xiao did not dare to promise Fang Yao, but she felt that if her fate was changed, the person who would accompany her for the rest of her life might really be Fang Yao.

Hearing Yuan Xiao’s answer, Fang Yao looked at her face and felt that his taste was indeed good. Yuan Xiao seemed to have become even more beautiful.

Fang Yao looked at Yuan Xiao in his arms. The more he looked at her, the happier he felt. Her eyes were bright and clear, and he could see his figure. Fang Yao’s gaze fell on Yuan Xiao’s moist lips. Thinking of the reward Yuan Xiao had given him after the final exam, Fang Yao could not help but lower his body.

Yuan Xiao did not refuse. Fang Yao had indeed moved her. This young man truly liked her and had always been by her side.

Just as their lips touched, Fang Ming walked in from the bedroom with the door open.

“Ah Yao, Mom asked me to get you both to eat…” Fang Ming swallowed his unfinished words. When he saw Fang Yao and Yuan Xiao hugging each other, he wished he could disappear from the house immediately.

When Yuan Xiao saw Fang Ming enter, she pushed Fang Yao away and coughed awkwardly. “Brother Fang Ming, is dinner ready? I’ll go down first!”

Yuan Xiao fled from Fang Yao’s bedroom. She was sure that Fang Ming had seen her and Fang Yao kissing.

She stomped her feet in frustration. Yuan Xiao swore that she would never do such an impulsive thing in Fang Yao’s house in the future.

Seeing Yuan Xiao leave, Fang Yao’s expression turned ugly. He looked resentfully at Fang Ming, who was still rooted to the ground, and asked coldly, “Brother! Didn’t you knock on my door when you entered my room in the past?”

“Rascal, I was going to ask you. Why did you open the door so wide? God knows what you’re doing!” Fang Ming felt wronged. If Fang Yao’s bedroom door was not open, he would not have walked in without a care.

85 Professor A

Fang Yao sighed helplessly. The bedroom door must have been opened by Yuan Xiao. He said to Fang Ming with a dark expression, “Let’s go downstairs for dinner.”

Fang Ming smiled. It seemed that his silly brother had successfully wooed her. “I brought a friend here. He’s a professor at University A. I told him about your plan to get into University with Xiao Xiao, and he’s willing to help. Try to perform well later.”

“Why should I listen to you?” Fang Yao was still a little angry.

“Don’t you want to go to University A with Xiao Xiao?”

!!

Fang Ming understood Fang Yao’s personality and deliberately provoked him. “I’ve also helped to contact someone for your friend who wants to take the sports major. Also, that child from the Sun family should have no problem getting into University A. As for Xiao Xiao, there’s no doubt about her entering University A. Do you want to fail the exam alone?”

Fang Yao frowned and felt that Fang Ming’s words made sense. He was indeed weaker than them.

“I understand,” Fang Yao said and followed Fang Ming downstairs.

As soon as he reached the first floor, Fang Yao saw a refined-looking man wearing glasses sitting beside Yuan Xiao and saying something. Both of them were smiling.

“He’s wearing glasses again!” Due to the incident at the school gala, Fang Yao was a little resistant to boys wearing glasses. He should have told Yuan Xiao not to talk to other boys when he confessed just now.

“Xiao Xiao!” Fang Yao walked to Yuan Xiao’s side and naturally stood between her and the man.

“This is Fang Ming’s friend, Professor Shen, a mathematics professor at University A.” Yuan Xiao was afraid that Fang Yao would leave a bad impression on the professor, so he quickly explained.

Shen Yu looked at the boy standing in front of Yuan Xiao and felt that his eyebrows were 30 to 50% similar to Fang Ming’s.

“You must be Ah Yao. President Fang Ming mentioned you to me. I’ve been teaching overseas and have just returned to the country.” Shen Yu felt that Fang Ming’s younger brother was much more interesting than him. He was not as steady as Fang Ming. Fang Yao looked very unique.

Fang Yao looked at Shen Yu’s serious expression and was still a little wary of him. However, thinking of Fang Ming’s previous instructions, Fang Yao still greeted Shen Yu.

“Brother Shen, do you have time to give Ah Yao and Xiao Xiao some pointers? They’re taking the college entrance examination next year. Do they have a high chance of getting into University A?” Fang Ming sat opposite Shen Yu, hoping that he could tutor Fang Yao and Yuan Xiao.

Shen Yu learned about Yuan Xiao and Fang Yao through Fang Ming. Moreover, through his conversation with Yuan Xiao just now, Shen Yu felt that with Yuan Xiao’s intelligence and ability, it was not a problem for her to study at University A. Moreover, Shen Yu had heard from Fang Ming that Yuan Xiao was first in the provincial mathematics competition.

“There’s nothing wrong with Student Xiao Xiao, but we still have to observe your brother for a while more.” Shen Yu did not hide it from Fang Ming.

“Fang Yao’s learning ability is very strong, and his memory and ability to draw inferences are also very outstanding.” Yuan Xiao sincerely felt that Fang Yao was still very smart. She said confidently to Shen Yu as if she was speaking up for Fang Yao.

“Then when we meet this weekend, bring Ah Yao along.”

Before Shen Yu could finish, he heard Fang Yao raise his voice. “Meeting this weekend? Why are you meeting?”

Yuan Xiao’s expression was a little helpless. She explained to Fang Yao, who was a little angry, “Professor Shen plans to bring me to University A for a tour this weekend and do a set of routine test questions from University A.”

“Don’t we already have tickets to University A’s exhibition?” When Fang Yao heard that Yuan Xiao was going to University A with Shen Yu on the weekend, he felt a little uncomfortable. He thought of the reward he had obtained at the school gala and asked, “Didn’t the school give tickets to everyone who performed?”

“Do you think the admission ticket to the exhibition is the same as going to University A with Professor Shen for the test?”

Yuan Xiao did not take the rewards given by the school gala to heart to begin with, but Professor Shen’s sudden appearance must be related to the mission reward mentioned by the Academic Genius System. Therefore, Yuan Xiao was especially concerned about Shen Yu. As the System’s reward, Shen Yu should be very useful in the future.

“But you don’t have to go this weekend.” Fang Yao originally wanted to go on a date with Yuan Xiao this weekend, but Professor Shen’s sudden appearance disrupted his plan.

“We already said you’re coming along for the weekend. Why are you talking so much nonsense!” Yuan Xiao was a little angry and raised her voice slightly at Fang Yao.

86 Cute Loli

Seeing that Yuan Xiao was angry, Fang Yao did not dare to make her angry again. Instead, he lowered his head in grievance. He had originally planned to spend the weekend with her, but it seemed that it would not be possible.

Fang Ming looked at Fang Yao, who did not dare to speak, in surprise. He felt that he had changed from a lion to a kitten.

This was the first time he had seen his rebellious younger brother being so obedient. Fang Ming admired Yuan Xiao’s intimidation.

Shen Yu also noticed Fang Yao’s obvious difference in attitude towards Yuan Xiao and saw through the boy’s thoughts.

!!

Shen Yu was not old-fashioned. He actually did not object to young love. Besides, Yuan Xiao and Fang Yao were about to turn 18, so it was not really puppy love.

“I’ll drive you to University A this weekend.” Although Fang Ming was very busy, the school was about 30 minutes away from the city. Fang Ming was worried about letting the two of them go alone.

“Thank you, Brother Fang Ming,” Yuan Xiao said politely, only to find Fang Ming smiling nonchalantly.

“There’s no need to be so polite with me. If Xiao Xiao needs it, I can pick you up every day.” Fang Ming thought of the scene in the bedroom and felt that Yuan Xiao would not be far from becoming his family.

“Brother Fang Ming!” A delicate female voice sounded at the door.

Looking in the direction of the voice, Yuan Xiao saw a cute girl glaring at him.

“Why is Zhu Zhu here?” Fang Ming was surprised to see Meng Zhu at the entrance.

“Brother Fang Ming didn’t pick me up, so I had to come by myself.” Although Meng Zhu was about the same age as Yuan Xiao, she looked younger.

The moment Fang Yao saw Meng Zhu, his brows were tightly knitted together.

“Ah Yao, long time no see.” Meng Zhu noticed Fang Yao beside Yuan Xiao and smiled warmly at him, but Fang Yao ignored her.

“Brother Fang Ming, is there a guest at home?” Meng Zhu walked to Fang Ming’s side naturally and asked as she looked at Yuan Xiao.

“Zhu Zhu, this is Professor Shen, my friend. This is Yuan Xiao. You two should be about the same age.” Fang Ming gave a simple introduction and found that her gaze was fixed on Yuan Xiao.

Yuan Xiao recalled Fang Yao’s childhood sweetheart that Sun Ting had mentioned before. Although Yuan Xiao did not remember what use Meng Zhu had in the original book, it was obvious that she did not come with good intentions.

“Hello, Professor Shen.” Meng Zhu greeted Shen Yu politely and turned to look at Yuan Xiao. “Hello, Xiao Xiao. My name is Meng Zhu.”

The girl in front of her was very cute and had a sweet smile. However, Yuan Xiao could still tell that Meng Zhu was not as harmless as she looked on the surface.

Yuan Xiao smiled and held Meng Zhu’s hand. Just as she was about to chat with her, she heard Wei Lan’s voice.

“Zhu Zhu is here too. How’s your stay at your grandma’s house?” Wei Lan had watched Meng Zhu grow up, so she treated Meng Zhu like her own child.

“It’s pretty good, but I still want to come home. After all, I haven’t seen Aunt Wei Lan and Uncle Yuan in a long time.” Meng Zhu was very likable and obedient in front of Wei Lan. Yuan Xiao felt that this girl must be hiding her true thoughts.

“This child has been sweet-tongued since she was young. Since the food is ready, let’s eat together.” Wei Lan did not mind having another person join them for the meal. She only instructed the servants to prepare an additional set of cutlery.

Meng Zhu deliberately walked beside Yuan Xiao, obviously not wanting her to get close to others. Yuan Xiao did not mind and followed Meng Zhu to sit beside her, right opposite Fang Ming and Fang Yao.

Fang Yao was a little unhappy. He was afraid that Yuan Xiao would feel aggrieved. Meng Zhu had many evil ideas. Due to the many traumatic memories in his childhood, Fang Yao always felt that she was very dangerous.

Yuan Xiao could sense Meng Zhu’s hostility towards her and was confused about the situation. From the moment Meng Zhu entered the door, Yuan Xiao had not said a word to Fang Yao. Could it be that Meng Zhu would treat her as a love rival?

Yuan Xiao did not expect Fang Yao, the second male lead in the original novel, to have such luck with women. Could it be that she had really changed the plot and caused the butterfly effect?

In order to eat in peace, Yuan Xiao did not even look up at Fang Yao.

Fang Ming noticed Yuan Xiao’s unnaturalness and enthusiastically picked up some food for her. Yuan Xiao thanked him, but realized that the gaze of the little girl beside her had become even more terrifying.

87 Like Old Friends at First Sight

How could this girl be so jealous? Not only did she like Fang Yao, but she could not even let Fang Ming pick up a dish for her. Yuan Xiao did not understand her emotions, so she simply ignored her.

The meal was a little tiring. Yuan Xiao felt that the gaze of the girl beside her had lowered the temperature around them.

“Meng Zhu! If you’re eating, just eat. Why are you always staring at others?” Fang Yao noticed Yuan Xiao’s discomfort and spoke to Meng Zhu in an unfriendly tone.

“I think Xiao Xiao is pretty. Can’t I take a few more glances at her?” Meng Zhu glared at Fang Yao, thinking that he was still as nosy as before.

!!

“But Xiao Xiao has become much prettier. I remember the first time I saw you in the hospital, I thought you were just a little girl who hadn’t grown up.”

Fang Ming remembered that the first time he met Yuan Xiao, he had misunderstood her relationship with Fang Yao. However, the two of them had finally made progress.

When Meng Zhu heard Fang Ming’s words, she sized up Yuan Xiao again and felt that other than being a little more mature than herself, she did not look that stunning.

Yuan Xiao also remembered what happened at the hospital. Fang Yao should have had a good impression of her by then.

After eating at the Fang Family’s place, Yuan Xiao planned to leave. Meng Zhu had been following her, making Yuan Xiao feel a little uncomfortable.

Fang Ming took the initiative to send Yuan Xiao home. Unexpectedly, Fang Yao and Meng Zhu also got into Fang Ming’s car.

“What are you doing here?” Fang Yao sat in the front passenger seat and looked at Meng Zhu, who was sitting in the back with Yuan Xiao, with dissatisfaction.

“If you can come along, why can’t I?” Meng Zhu rolled her eyes at Fang Yao and deliberately grabbed Yuan Xiao’s arm. She said coquettishly, “Xiao Xiao and I hit it off. We’re like old friends at first sight.”

Fang Yao looked at Meng Zhu through the rear-view mirror and snorted coldly. Anyway, he could still ask Yuan Xiao out tomorrow. When the time came, he would be able to shake off the annoying Meng Zhu.

Yuan Xiao was being held by Meng Zhu and did not feel that she was close to her at all. She probably got into the car with them because Fang Yao insisted on following her.

Although Yuan Xiao liked cute girls very much, the cute-looking girl beside her now treated her as a love rival.

However, if Meng Zhu liked Fang Yao, it would not be a problem for her to treat herself as a love rival. However, Yuan Xiao could tell that Fang Yao did not have any other intentions towards Meng Zhu. Perhaps it was because they were too familiar with each other, Fang Yao was very good at rebuking Meng Zhu. This little girl did not show weakness either. Yuan Xiao felt that even without her, Meng Zhu and Fang Yao would not be able to get together.

The car stopped in front of Yuan Xiao’s house. After getting out of the car, Fang Ming said to Yuan Xiao enthusiastically, “Xiao Xiao, if you want to come to our house to play in the future, just call me. I can pick you up.”

Yuan Xiao nodded and bid farewell to everyone. However, Yuan Xiao realized that although Meng Zhu had said goodbye to her, she was still looking at him resentfully.

Yuan Xiao thought that this girl was quite fun. If not for Fang Yao, she would have become friends with her.

It was not until Yuan Xiao went upstairs that Fang Ming started the car again.

“Brother Fang Ming, how old is this Xiao Xiao?” Meng Zhu’s expression softened when she saw that Yuan Xiao had finally left.

“Xiao Xiao should be in the same year as you, a year younger than Fang Yao.” Fang Ming remembered seeing Yuan Xiao’s age at the hospital. He had a good memory.

“Oh, that’s quite young.” Meng Zhu did not know if she should be happy or sad. If Fang Ming could accept Yuan Xiao, did that mean that he could also accept her, who was the same age as Yuan Xiao?

“But Xiao Xiao is very special.” Fang Ming’s words successfully attracted Fang Yao and Meng Zhu’s attention.

“Just now, Shen Yu told me that Yuan Xiao’s understanding of some things is deeper than some adults. That’s why he wants to bring Xiao Xiao to University A to take a look and do a test. If there’s a chance to make an exception and enter, Xiao Xiao’s third year will be easier than many people.”

Fang Yao understood his brother’s painstaking efforts, but he still hoped to spend his third year of high school with Yuan Xiao.

“Yuan Xiao wants to go to University A?” Meng Zhu was a little surprised. The girl just now did not look like a nerd.

“That’s right. That’s why I asked a friend to help.” Fang Ming glanced at Meng Zhu through the rearview mirror and realized that she had her head lowered awkwardly and looked a little unhappy.

“I didn’t expect Brother Fang Ming to be so enthusiastic. You’re even willing to help with such small matters.” Meng Zhu’s tone was a little dissatisfied. In her impression, Fang Ming was introverted and even a little antisocial. Not to mention helping others, Fang Ming usually did not even like simple friendships.

88 Borrowing Money

“That’s nothing.” Fang Ming glanced at Fang Yao and smiled. “Sooner or later, we’ll become a family. It’s normal to help Xiao Xiao.”

Fang Yao was very satisfied with his brother’s words. It was only a matter of time before he and Yuan Xiao became a family.

However, Meng Zhu, who was in the back row, had a terrifyingly gloomy expression. She felt even more uneasy. Yuan Xiao was definitely not a simple character to leave such a good impression on Fang Ming.

Meng Zhu already had a plan in mind. She wanted to understand Yuan Xiao before things escalated too quickly, leaving her with no chance at all.

!!

The next morning, Yuan Xiao received a message from Fang Yao. Yuan Xiao was too lazy to look at the emojis and text, so she called Fang Yao directly.

“What’s the matter?” Yuan Xiao’s voice was a little lazy. It was obvious that she had just woken up.

“Nothing. I just want to ask you out for a walk.” Fang Yao smiled when he heard Yuan Xiao’s voice on the phone.

“Tomorrow. I promised Mom that I would go to the restaurant to help today.” Yuan Xiao wanted to help her parents plan the renovation of the shop during the holidays and make plans for the future expansion.

“Alright, I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning.” Fang Yao was obviously disappointed that he could not see Yuan Xiao today. However, thinking about tomorrow, Fang Yao’s mood improved a lot. If it were not for Yuan Xiao, Fang Yao would not have known that his emotions could be so volatile.

After hanging up the call with Fang Yao, Yuan Xiao heard the System notification in his mind.

[Congratulations, Host. Your reward, Shen Yu, professor of University A’s Mathematics Department, has been activated.]

“This is considered activated? But I haven’t learned anything from him yet!” Yuan Xiao felt that the System’s reward was a little rushed. She had yet to feel any value from Shen Yu.

[Professor Shen already has a good first impression of you. Keep working hard, Host. You will definitely learn more in the future!]

Although Yuan Xiao did not know how the plot would develop in the future, it was already a foregone conclusion that she would attend university at A University. The next thing she had to consider was what major she should choose.

Yuan Xiao looked at the time. Shen Hai and Feng Mei should have already gone to the shop. Yuan Xiao stopped thinking about the system. After washing up, she rushed to the restaurant.

However, as soon as she entered the restaurant, Yuan Xiao saw a few familiar faces that annoyed him.

“Yo, isn’t this Xiao Xiao? You’re getting prettier and prettier!” Shen Ling unconsciously took a few steps back when she saw Yuan Xiao enter the door, but she still spoke in a strange tone.

Yuan Xiao did not expect Shen Ling’s family to come knocking on their door. It seemed that the lesson she had taught them last time was too light.

Yuan Xiao realized that Shen Hai and Feng Mei did not look too good. She looked at the people in the room again and realized that other than Shen Ling and Zhou Wei, there was also a thin old lady in her sixties or seventies.

Although the old lady did not look young, she was very energetic and her expression looked very shrewd. After seeing Shen Ling and Yuan Xiao talking, she walked towards Yuan Xiao enthusiastically.

“So this is Xiao Xiao. She’s really good-looking.” The Old Madam’s eyes sized up Yuan Xiao’s body, her eyes filled with satisfaction. She continued to say to Yuan Xiao, “I’m your father’s third aunt. You should call me Third Grandaunt.”

Yuan Xiao ignored her. Judging from her father’s complicated expression, she was probably not a good person.

“Why doesn’t this child know how to greet people? This is your Third Grandaunt’s first time seeing you.” Shen Ling saw that Yuan Xiao did not say anything and was a little anxious. “This child is from the city. She might not understand our rules.”

Third Aunt did not care at first, but when she heard Shen Ling’s words, she felt that it was necessary to educate the younger generation. She deliberately put on airs and reprimanded, “City people can’t be rude. Shen Hai, how did you educate your child? She has no manners at all!”

Shen Hai looked at Third Aunt helplessly. There was nothing he could do to her. He whispered to Yuan Xiao, “This person is indeed my Third Aunt. Xiao Xiao, you can call her Third Grandaunt.”

Shen Hai did not force Yuan Xiao, but his third aunt was obviously annoyed.

“No rules, no manners. Previously, when I heard from Ling’er, I didn’t believe it. This child is a feral wolf who’ll bite the hand that feeds it. Shen Hai, you better know this in your heart!”

Originally, Yuan Xiao did not want to get angry, but this Third Aunt who suddenly appeared could be said to have repeatedly challenged her bottom line.

89 Special Ability

“A feral wolf biting the hand that feeds it?” Yuan Xiao looked at the skinny but powerful old lady and repeated her words. “Did you feed me anything? Where did you get the right to shout here?!”

Shen Ling and her third aunt did not expect Yuan Xiao to be so powerful. However, this old lady was already used to quarrels and was not afraid of causing trouble at all.

She pointed at Yuan Xiao and said, “I’m your Third Grandaunt! It’s only right for me to teach you a lesson. As a junior, just listen. Why are you talking so much nonsense!”

Seeing that they were already angry, Yuan Xiao also gave up the idea of communicating calmly. She looked coldly at Shen Ling and her Third Aunt and said, “I’ve never heard about having this Third Grandaunt, but there’s a pouty princess here. If you want to see her, don’t be in a hurry to leave!”

!!

Shen Ling and Third Aunt were so angry that they were speechless. They did not expect this young girl to be so sharp-tongued.

“Shen Hai! Do you manage your daughter or not?! Are you going to let her bully our Shen family?” Shen Ling looked at the silent Shen Hai and walked towards him, wanting to pull him up from the chair.

Before Shen Ling could walk to Shen Hai’s side, she was stopped by Yuan Xiao. “If you still want to continue making a scene, I’ll invite my friend from last time over. We’ll have a good chat then.”

Shen Ling thought of the group of men in black last time and was extremely afraid. However, she had no choice but to look for Shen Hai and Feng Mei another time instead.

If not for Yuan Xiao, that wretched girl, Shen Ling was still confident that she could get money from Shen Hai and his wife.

“We’re all relatives. Why can’t we sit down and talk properly?” Third Aunt saw that Yuan Xiao’s attitude was firm and walked towards Shen Hai, who was sitting on the chair. “Xiao Hai, Ling’er encountered something at home, so she had no choice but to ask you for help. With your Third Aunt as a witness, Ling’er will definitely return this one million yuan to you in the future.”

Shen Hai sat on the chair with a worried expression. He could afford this one million yuan, but he still wanted to expand the shop next. He still needed a lot of money. Moreover, every cent in the family was earned painstakingly. Yuan Xiao also had a lot of scholarships, so the family saved some money.

Seeing Shen Hai’s hesitant expression, Third Aunt immediately played the emotional card again. “Xiao Hai, no matter what, Ling’er is the person closest to you. If you don’t help her at this time, who can help?”

When Yuan Xiao heard that Shen Ling wanted to borrow a million yuan, she was already very surprised. This woman was actually so greedy.

“Closest person?” Yuan Xiao’s face revealed a sneer. She looked at Shen Ling and said, “My father’s closest person will always be me and my mother. Who do you think you are?”

Seeing that Shen Ling was about to speak, Yuan Xiao did not give her a chance. Instead, she said coldly, “When my father was at his most difficult time, where were his closest people? When he was poor, only my mother was willing to stand by him. Now that his life is good, your relatives are starting to move around.”

Yuan Xiao’s words completely entered Shen Hai’s heart. When he was living a hard life in the past, Shen Ling avoided him. How could there be any kinship?

“You guys should leave. I don’t have that much money on me. Xiao Xiao is going to university soon, and there will be many places to spend money. With my current ability to take care of my wife and children, it’s already not easy.”

On account that Third Aunt was present, Shen Hai did not treat Shen Ling too badly. The previous incident had already completely broken Shen Hai’s heart. Shen Hai had seen Shen Ling’s actions, so how could he be willing to help her?

“Shen Hai, actually, it was I who wanted to borrow the money today.” Zhou Wei, who was silent at the side, saw that Shen Hai had no intention of lending money to Shen Ling and explained, “It’s because my business is tight. Actually, it won’t take long. I can earn the money back after the new year.”

Seeing that Shen Hai had no intention of helping him, Zhou Wei said to him, “Lend me a million yuan now. After the new year, I can return you 1.1 million yuan with interest!”

Yuan Xiao did not believe Zhou Wei’s words at all. After thinking for a while, he called out the system in his mind and asked in his heart, “Little 7, with a high-end system like yours, can you find out the reason why Zhou Wei and Shen Ling’s family came to borrow money?”

[Of course. Host, as long as it’s a character from the original book, Little 7 can help you pry into their hearts. However, the success rate is not 100%. Moreover, you need to use points to exchange for the special ability to see through people’s hearts.]

90 I Don’t Agree

“Then help me use my special ability once. I want to see what this couple is up to.”

[Alright, Host. It costs 100 points to use a special ability once. Now, I’ll start applying the ability to see through people’s hearts.]

Yuan Xiao felt a little pained. This special ability actually cost 100 points. Previously, she had obtained points bit by bit, but now, she had less than 300 points.

It seemed that this ability could not be used casually. In the future, she should do more missions to obtain more points.

!!

[Little 7 has already found out that the reason why Shen Ling and Zhou Wei need money is because Zhou Wei owes usury money for gambling. He needs to repay the debt before the new year.]

Hearing the system’s words, Yuan Xiao was a little surprised. She originally thought that this couple was purely greedy. She did not expect them to owe loan sharks.

Yuan Xiao let the system rest while he regained his senses and looked at Zhou Wei, who was still pestering Shen Hai.

“Uncle, if you want to borrow money in the short term, you can try taking out a loan. The interest won’t be as high as what you intend to return to my father. You won’t need 100,000 yuan at all.” Yuan Xiao observed Zhou Wei’s expression. Sure enough, his expression changed when she mentioned the loan.

“Xiao Xiao, isn’t your uncle doing this so that your father can earn some money too? We’re all relatives. We can’t let outsiders take advantage of us.” Shen Ling’s expression changed very quickly. Even if Yuan Xiao had been rude to her previously, as long as she could get money, her attitude would change.

Yuan Xiao sneered and looked at Shen Ling and Zhou Wei. These two people were really wicked. They lied and targeted their relatives.

“Is that so? Then what kind of business does Uncle do? I have quite a few friends who can help Uncle.” After saying that, Yuan Xiao looked at the old lady at the side. “If Uncle’s business is good, perhaps my friends can invest more money in Uncle.”

“Ling’er, didn’t you say that Zhou Wei’s business is quite big? Why don’t you tell them? They might be willing to invest more money.”

Yuan Xiao looked at Shen Ling’s troubled expression. Her third aunt was obviously tempted. It seemed that not only did this couple come to lie to her parents, but they also hid something from the old lady.

“I’m just doing some real estate business. I’m buying and selling houses back and forth to earn some money. However, I already have the trend of doing well, so I want to pull you guys along to earn money.” Zhou Wei lied without changing his expression. He only wanted to deceive them and get the money. When the time came, he would go back to his hometown. Shen Hai could not do anything to him.

“Real estate?” Yuan Xiao found Zhou Wei a little ridiculous. He could not even find a suitable excuse to lie. “Where are the houses?”

“It’s in the suburbs.” Zhou Wei felt a little guilty, but he did not think that this little girl, who was not even 20 years old, would understand these things.

“Okay, I really know the developer in the suburbs. Uncle, tell me the exact location. I’ll help you ask around so that you won’t be deceived.” Yuan Xiao’s words had a clear meaning. Shen Hai also realized that there was a problem with Zhou Wei’s words.

“Why didn’t I know that you have the ability to do real estate?” Shen Hai knew that Zhou Wei had never had a proper job. His family’s expenses were all supported by the old man.

“Isn’t it because Fang Fang needs money to go to university? The children are promising and get into good schools. Your brother-in-law doesn’t want his daughter to suffer in school.” Shen Ling had always been talking about money, and Zhou Fang and Zhou Jun’s expenses were indeed very high.

“That’s why I want to help. It’s a good thing that you have ideas. It won’t be good if you’re cheated.” Yuan Xiao stared at Zhou Wei and questioned, “What kind of business requires an investment of one million yuan? Uncle, don’t you have any capital at all?”

Zhou Wei had never done business before, so he felt guilty. Shen Ling was afraid that Zhou Wei would expose himself, so she hurriedly interrupted, “Xiao Xiao, you’re just a child. Why are you always meddling in adult matters? You won’t understand even if I tell you.”

“Then why are you adults targeting the money earned by a child like me?” Yuan Xiao’s expression was very ugly. She complained to Shen Hai and Feng Mei, who were silent, “Dad, Mom, I didn’t work hard to get the scholarship to invest in the business. If you want to lend this money to others, I won’t agree!”

Seeing that her daughter was unhappy, Feng Mei also said to Shen Hai, “Xiao Xiao is a sensible child. As parents, we should leave some money for the child so that when Xiao Xiao needs money in the future, our family has the money for her.”