novelraw Chapter 444 "The Confidence of a Top Student"
Chapter 444 "The Confidence of a Top Student"
Chapter 444 "The Confidence of a Top Student"
"Yaobao?" Jiang Rong's cousin was surprised to learn that Gu Zhiyao had such a cute nickname. She covered her face, her eyes shining with delight.
Jiang Rong pulled her cousin aside, dodging the bicycles that were coming without slowing down, and said gently, "That's her nickname, isn't it cute?"
“It’s really cute.” The little girl gripped her backpack strap, her eyes shining. “I never expected Gu Zhiyao to have such a cute nickname! You two are very close, aren’t you? I’ve never heard you mention it.”
"Why bring this up when there's nothing else to do?" Jiang Rong glanced at his little cousin and shook his head helplessly. "I didn't even know you went to the same school as her."
"...Then why do you keep mentioning that Lu Baozhen?" My little cousin rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Rong's smile froze.
“Baozhen is different. She is very pitiful. Don’t have a problem with her.”
Baozhen, Baozhen, Baozhen, if this isn't dating, who would believe it?
Jiang Rong's cousin pouted, utterly speechless.
"Who has a problem with her! I've never even seen your Baozhen, where would I have a problem with her? To lecture your own cousin over a woman, you've really gone too far. No wonder Aunt is worried, cousin, look at the mess you've made..."
Before he could finish his complaint, Jiang Rong flicked his finger at his forehead.
"Girls shouldn't speak so bluntly! If you're so shrewish, you'll never be able to get married."
The little girl slapped his hand away in disgust. "Don't try to change the subject. You're in the wrong!"
My aunt cried because of that girl named Lu Baozhen. My cousin is just clueless and a complete idiot.
“Cousin Rong, you’ll regret it sooner or later if you don’t listen to your aunt,” she said earnestly.
Jiang Rong noticed her cousin's seriousness and suddenly realized that she had grown up and was a little adult.
He became serious. "Lu Baozhen is not my girlfriend. I just feel sorry for her. My mother has misunderstood."
"You're treating people to dinner and taking them to the movies even though you're not dating anyone? That's so casual of you. Your future girlfriend will be so pitiful," my younger cousin said sarcastically.
Jiang Rong was stung by these words and choked, not knowing how to refute them.
The younger cousin was disgusted with her older cousin's mental illness, and she walked faster, leaving Jiang Rong behind.
Jiang Rong's eyes revealed helplessness, as if he were looking at an ignorant child.
I was just thinking that I've grown up, but I didn't expect that I'm still so childish.
He and Baozhen grew up together and he was used to taking care of her. Baozhen was so pitiful; if he ignored her, she would suffer terribly.
His mother didn't understand him, and neither did his cousin.
With this in mind, Jiang Rong's resolve grew stronger.
He is an adult with his own principles, and he cannot go against his inner voice just because the noise around him is too loud.
After dropping her cousin off at home, Jiang Rong didn't stay long and made a phone call to Lu Baozhen.
When Lu Baozhen answered Jiang Rong's call, she was overjoyed. Her voice was timid yet charming, "Brother Jiang, you have time to call me? I thought... I thought you wouldn't talk to me anymore."
"How could that be? I was busy before, I called you as soon as I finished," Jiang Rong said patiently.
Lu Baozhen smiled sweetly, "Brother Jiang is the best. You are my only friend. If you ignore me, I will be very sad."
“I definitely won’t ignore you,” Jiang Rong said immediately.
“Aunt Jiang…” Lu Baozhen hesitated before speaking.
"My mom went to see you again?" Jiang Rong frowned, a hint of displeasure showing on his refined face.
"No, no," Lu Baozhen hurriedly said, her tone filled with panic and tension, as if she was afraid that the person on the other end of the phone would misunderstand.
Jiang Rong immediately said, "My mom said some harsh things, don't take it to heart. She doesn't understand you and has some misunderstandings about you, you..."
"I won't misunderstand. Aunt Jiang is your mother, and I will try my best to make her like me and not make things difficult for Brother Jiang," Lu Baozhen said shyly.
Jiang Rong found these words strange, but didn't think much of it.
He smiled and comforted her, "You're a good girl, my mom will understand how good you are sooner or later. How have you been lately? Uncle Lu and Aunt Su haven't given you any trouble, have they?"
“…No, no,” Lu Baozhen said, her voice trembling slightly.
A cold glint flashed in Jiang Rong's eyes as he said, "If they bully you, go find Director Qian and ask her to back you up."
Lu Baozhen forced a smile.
It's easy for her to say. Director Qian doesn't like her, and going to see her would affect her father's future, making her life even more difficult.
"They didn't bully me, they just said some unpleasant things, I don't care."
Jiang Rong said with concern, "Well, don't worry about it. If you really can't stand it, go find Director Qian."
"Okay." Lu Baozhen didn't want to talk about it and changed the subject, "Brother Jiang, when are you coming back?"
She was no longer young and had long reached marriageable age. However, she didn't have a good reputation in the family compound, so no one would arrange a marriage for her. Therefore, she could only cling to Jiang Rong.
However, Jiang Rong's family did not accept her.
Lu Baozhen was eager to establish a relationship with Jiang Rong.
Everyone was saying that Jiang Rong and she would become family sooner or later, but in reality, only family members know their own situation. She knew that Jiang Rong didn't need her; he just pitied her and treated her like a little sister next door.
Jiang Rong remained silent for a moment before saying, "I can't go back for a while; I have things to do here."
Fearing that Lu Baozhen would be disappointed, he added, "I will come back to see you when I have time. If you need anything, just call me and I will come back to see you right away."
"Can I come see you?" Lu Baozhen asked timidly.
Jiang Rong hesitated.
"It's not very convenient. I'm staying at my uncle's house, so I'm afraid I can't entertain you."
Lu Baozhen hurriedly said, "I can stay at a hotel, Brother Jiang, I want to see you."
"Fine, come if you want. Just call me before you come and I'll pick you up," Jiang Rong said, habitually giving in.
Lu Baozhen exclaimed with delight, "That's wonderful! I'll come see you in a few days!"
“…Okay, let me know after you’ve booked the tickets,” Jiang Rong said.
"Okay."
After hanging up the phone, Lu Baozhen left with light steps.
The people in the communications room saw her and shook their heads.
Doesn't this girl have any dignity? Madam Jiang despises her so much, yet she hasn't severed ties with Jiang Rong. How can anyone respect her under such circumstances?!
Before long, everyone, whether they should or shouldn't know, knew about Jiang Rong's phone call to Lu Baozhen.
When Madam Jiang heard this, she was almost furious.
Her chest heaved violently, and she almost ground her teeth to powder. After calming down, she didn't go to the Lu family. Instead, she stormed into the communications room and called Jiang Rong.
The mother and son had another argument.
Even after the argument, Jiang Rong didn't give up the idea of picking up Lu Baozhen.
Mrs. Jiang hung up the phone and left angrily, hating Lu Baozhen even more. On her way home, she ran into Lu Baozhen, glared at her hatefully, and walked away heavily.
Lu Baozhen: "..."
She lowered her head timidly when someone looked at her.
……
Yao Bao got into her family's car and excitedly touched and patted everything.
Is this our car?
Lin Zhao gently pinched her daughter's nose. "Yes. After you finish your college entrance exam, I'll teach you to drive. You can learn to drive during your vacation, and it will be convenient for you to do whatever you want in the future."
"Really? Mom's willing to let me drive?!" Yao Bao's voice rose.
"What's there to be reluctant about? It's our family car, anyone can drive it if they want," Lin Zhao said.
On the way back, Gu Chenghuai became the driver. He kept his eyes fixed straight ahead, gripping the steering wheel with a steady hand.
After the mother and daughter finished speaking, she suddenly asked, "Yaobao, is this your first time meeting Jiang Rong? Has he contacted you before?"
Yao Bao paused for a moment, then shook her head. "No, this is the first time today. It was a chance encounter. He came to pick up his cousin, and when he saw me, he ran over to greet me, but we didn't exchange more than a few words."
Gu Chenghuai's brows relaxed, and he calmly said, "Yes. You are a student now, your studies should be your priority, stay away from those shady people."
Yao Bao nodded obediently, "I know."
Lin Zhao gently stroked her daughter's hair and asked softly, "How are you doing at school? Has anyone bullied you?"
"No, my classmates are all very friendly." Yao Bao hugged her mother's arm. "I'm studying hard now to prepare for the college entrance exam. I'm not paying attention to anything else. I just want to focus on my studies. I want to get into a good university so that I can't let my parents down."
"Even if you didn't do well on the exam, you didn't embarrass us." Lin Zhao's tone was gentle yet firm.
Yao Bao smiled and said, "I have high expectations for myself. I don't want to fall behind or fall behind my brothers."
Lin Zhaorou softened her eyebrows and said, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You're a good student, and as long as you don't make any mistakes, getting into a good university shouldn't be a problem."
Yao Bao studies diligently and always ranks in the top three in her grade. It would be strange if she didn't get into a good university.
"Uh-huh."
With Yao Bao's college entrance exam not far off, and the atmosphere just right, Lin Zhao asked her about her college application.
Which university do you want to apply to?
Yao Bao looked at her and said, "Just like Mommy."
"Didn't you want to learn more languages? Wouldn't it be better to apply to a foreign language school?" Lin Zhao said with a smile.
"But I want to go to the same university as Mom." Yao Bao's eyebrows were almost glued together in her distress.
“I’ve already graduated, so there’s no point in you going to the same university as me. I hope you make a decision you won’t regret, so you should think carefully about your college application,” Lin Zhao said gently.
She knew that Yao Bao's dream had always been to go to the same university as her, but she didn't want her to have any regrets.
Yao Bao looked at Gu Chenghuai.
Gu Chenghuai saw her questioning eyes in the rearview mirror and said, "Follow your heart. Don't let anything else cause you any regrets."
Yao Bao nodded seriously, "I'll think about it again."
……
Before we knew it, it was the day of Yaobao's college entrance examination.
Lin Zhao, dressed in a cheongsam, saw her daughter off to the "battlefield." Her parents, Lin Heling, Song Xiwei, Lin Shisheng, Gu Zhiheng, and even Lin Fu and Zhang Yun were present.
A group of people waited at the entrance of the examination hall.
Standing there, it was exceptionally conspicuous.
"Have you brought everything?" Mrs. Gu asked anxiously.
Yao Bao remained calm and even smiled to comfort her grandmother, "Everything is here, nothing is missing. Grandma, don't be nervous, it's just an exam, it's nothing."
Lin Zhao patted her daughter's shoulder gently, "Do your best on the exam, we'll be waiting for you outside."
Yao Bao glanced at the glaring sun and said, "Mom, don't stand in the sun forever. Let's find a shop to go inside and wait. Don't get heatstroke."
"Don't worry, I'm here. No one will get heatstroke. Just answer the questions carefully and don't be nervous," Lin Zhao said.
She entered the examination hall with Yu Bao and Heng Bao. Qian Bao was a gifted child who was recommended for admission. This was the first time she had ever sent her child to the examination hall, which was quite unusual.
"I'm not nervous." This is the confidence that only top students possess.
Yao Bao entered the examination room with the blessings of her family.
Lin Zhao and the others didn't just stand there dumbfounded. They took a car to the nearest beverage shop to wait, chatting as they waited.
The beverage shop has large floor-to-ceiling windows, and you can see people coming and going outside from inside. The brightly dressed women have bright smiles, and the men are also in high spirits.
This is the best time.
Lin Zhao propped her chin up and looked outside, a slight smile playing on her lips; she was in a very good mood.
"What are you thinking about? Why are you laughing so happily?" Gu Chenghuai sat beside her, looking at his lover with tenderness in his eyes.
"Don't you feel particularly comfortable and pleasant just looking outside like this?" Lin Zhao looked back at him and asked with a smile.
"Mmm." Gu Chenghuai responded, feeling that with his loved one by his side, everything was good.
"You're right."
Lin Yu looked over and asked, "Zhao Zhao is so confident in Yao Bao? Aren't you afraid she won't do well on the exam?"
"So what? Even if she doesn't pass the exam, it won't affect her ability to live a life of comfort and ease." Lin Zhao wasn't worried at all. "A degree is icing on the cake. It's better to have one, but it's not a big deal if you don't."
She and Gu Chenghuai have the financial means to support their child and don't need to push him too hard.
Not to mention, Yao Bao's three older brothers are all very successful, and they are all doting on their sister. Even if the little girl is a lazy bum, she is the happiest and most carefree lazy bum.
"That's the right way to think about it," Lin Yu said with admiration in her eyes.
"I was worried last night that you might do something rash, and I was thinking about how to persuade you. I didn't expect you to be so open-minded. That's good."
Lin Zhao smiled and said, "That's what my dad told me. He always said it's okay no matter what I do, and it doesn't matter if I fail. He said he's here for me. It feels so good to have someone to rely on. I also want to be a support for Yao Bao and her brothers."
Although it seems that none of the three sons need it for now...
Lin Heling paused slightly, her gaze softening as she looked at her daughter.
He was pleased to have provided Zhaozhao with positive guidance.
“Xiao Jiu is just as open-minded as her father,” Lin Yu said with emotion. “I’ve seen that same open-mindedness in Zhao Zhao. It’s wonderful.”
It was as if she could see a certain quality of her father being passed down from generation to generation, which warmed her heart.
Knowing that Lin Fu had avenged her father, the hatred hanging in Lin Yu's heart gradually dissipated. She went to the Lin family cemetery and cried bitterly before she returned to being the energetic and spirited designer Lin.
She and Cen Yan are preparing for their wedding. After Yao Bao finishes her college entrance exams, the Lin family will have a joyous occasion.
The morning passed quickly, and after estimating the time, the Lin family went to the entrance of the examination hall to pick up Yaobao.
Lunch was at a hotel invested in by the Lin family. After lunch, Yao Bao was given a nap. In the afternoon, Gu Chenghuai, Lin Zhao and other younger generation members took her to the examination hall. The older members, such as Lin Fu and Zhang Yun, did not go.
It's too hot; heatstroke would be terrible.
Seeing Yao Bao's relaxed expression, Lin Zhao knew she had performed well. Without asking any further questions, she watched her daughter enter the examination hall, just as she had done in the morning, and then the group left.
This time, instead of going to a beverage shop, we went to the nearest shopping mall.
My daughter is about to go to university, so I should buy her some new clothes, bags, and jewelry.
Polka dot fitted waist dress.
High-waisted jeans, short-sleeved puff sleeves.
Knitted cardigan, pleated skirt.
Extravagant and stylish earrings.
Bag with a thin chain.
Lipstick.
Prepare everything that needs to be prepared.
"Yaobao hasn't gotten her ears pierced yet. I'll take her to get them pierced another day. Once she has pierced ears, she can wear pretty earrings," Lin Zhao muttered to herself.
"Don't buy everything for the kids, pick some out for you too," Gu Chenghuai said.
"I don't lack anything. My great-aunt gave me so much, I can't wear it all right now." Lin Zhaofan racetrack.
Lin Yu also gave Yao Bao a gift, but while she could give her own, Lin Zhao still wanted to buy something else for Yao Bao so that Yao Bao's happiness would be doubled.
(End of this chapter)