"Haoze, you're back!" Yun Xi was filled with a sense of affection upon seeing Haoze.
When it comes to brothers and sisters, boys don't seem to have so many schemes and tricks, so they were simpler and easier to get along with.
"I'm going to the winter camp tomorrow," she continued. "Is anything wrong?"
"Nothing. When you come back, you can help to tutor me! Take notes during the winter camp, and share them with me when you come back. I want to participate in the camp next year!"
Yun Haoze was a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy with a sunny disposition.
"Okay! That sounds like a good plan!" Looking at him, Yun Xi couldn't help but feel affection.
She then turned to look at her second aunt, who looked proudly back at her. "Second aunt, you can save money on tutoring fees!"
"Oh come on then, the tutoring fee won't be saved," the second aunt replied. "If you become Haoze's tutor, then, of course, the money will be given to you."
"Oh second aunt, there's no need to be so polite about it. But if you really intent on giving me the money, then just put it in your red envelope to me for the New Year."
"Okay, it's up to you!"
Yun Xi changed the subject. "By the way, since Haoze is back, let's prepare some additional dishes at home. We've been eating vegetarian food for half a month. Let's change it up since Haoze won't be used to it."
"I've already sent the housekeeper out to buy more groceries," the second aunt replied. "You go upstairs and rest first, Yun Xi. You can come down for dinner later."
Chen Lixue became very angry when she heard this conversation. She and her daughter had been eating vegetarian food for more than half a month, so she knew that they were talking about her.
Yun Xi nodded. "I'm going to pack up. Haoze, you come with me. Sister has something for you."
"Okay! I'll come right away!"
Although Yun Ziling and Yun Haoze were in the same grade, Yun Haoze was in the top class while Yun Ziling was in the ordinary class. Their academic performances were wildly different.
But when she heard that Yun Xi had something to give Yun Haoze, Yun Ziling stopped eating her snacks and stood up from the sofa.
"Sister, how about me? If you have something for Yun Haoze, why don't you have anything for me?"
Yun Ziling was told by her father that she would get a reward if she managed to get first place in the exam. But getting a first place wasn't easy. She was the type of girl who preferred to take shortcuts that would save her time and effort. She didn't want to have to work so hard!
And if someone were giving out freebies, she obviously didn't want that brat reaping all the benefits.
Yun Xi stood at the top of the stairs and condescendingly studied Yun Ziling's nervous appearance. She had to stop herself from laughing out loud.
"Yun Ziling, do you want the reference book I'm giving to Haoze for the biology competition? Are you sure you can understand it? Can you even recite the order of recessive and dominant genes for me?"
Yun Ziling wasn't happy to be so underestimated and humiliated. "As if he understands! I am your sister, okay? You're helping outsiders instead of your own family."
"Yes, you're my sister. The thing is, I only believe in matters that are likely to do the most good. You don't understand anything, so why would you need the reference book? You're just a dog in the manger!"
"You–" Yun Ziling's eyes reddened because of this humiliation. She was upset and stomped to show her unhappiness. She looked at Liang Xiuqin while crying and complaining: "Mom, look at her! She would rather help an outsider than her own sister. What kind of sister is this?"
Liang Xiuqin had never liked Yao Ying's son. After keeping quiet for so many years, she now had the rare chance to speak back and humiliate her and her precious son. How could Liang Xiuqin miss this opportunity?
"Wretched girl! Open your eyes and see clearly! Who is your family and who is an outsider!"
As she said this, Liang Xiuqin made sure she glared sharply at Yun Haoze, as if warning or accusing him of not knowing right from wrong.
It was clear that Liang Xiuqin had offended Yun Xi's second aunt as soon as she had opened her mouth. The teenage boy was the second aunt's only son, and he was being targeted for something that was beyond his control. Liang Xiuqin was just asking for trouble.
"Sister-in-law, I don't understand what you are saying. What do you mean by outsiders and family? Yun Xi and Haoze both have the same Yun surname. If you really want to talk about outsiders, I'm afraid you and I are the outsiders. Why are you intervening in our children's affairs? Your own daughter doesn't live up to expectations, yet you take it out on my son?"
She was probably just jealous that she had a son. All Liang Xiuqin had were daughters!
"I'm just stating the facts," Liang Xiuqin retorted. "How can she only care about outsiders and not her own sister?!"
The second aunt was just about to refute but Yun Xi intervened quickly: "Mom, even if I wanted to help Yun Ziling, it all depends on whether she has the patience to let me tutor her. She's just an ordinary student, while Haoze is an advanced class student. Their grades are worlds apart. It's already too late, even if I started tutoring her now. Look, instead of wasting her time arguing about family and outsiders, she should just go back and review her first year of high school knowledge. There are no shortcuts in this world, at least, there is no such thing with me!"
Yun Yuanfeng was in the living room. Upon hearing Yun Xi's words, he looked at how angry Liang Xiuqin was. He interjected angrily.
"Shut up! We're all one big family, so why are we making a distinction between family and outsiders! Look at how much you've spoiled Yun Ziling. It's fine if she doesn't want to learn, and I don't expect her to be more promising than Yun Xi, but can't you see what she's become?"
Yun Ziling turned her head and shot an annoyed look at Yun Yuanfeng.
"Dad! Why are you being so unfair? You only think about Yun Xi, but I'm your daughter too. You just think I'm useless, don't you?"
Before Yun Xi had returned to the family, Yun Ziling was alone with her parents. Even Yun Chuhan wasn't considered a rival.
Now that Yun Xi was back, Yun Ziling was being compared to her all the time!
Everything that rightfully belonged to her was now in Yun Xi's hands!
Her father didn't care about her anymore; he only had Yun Xi in his sights!
He only gave money to Yun Xi, and he let her get away with a lot of different things. There was no way for Yun Ziling to match up to Yun Xi.
And now, he was scolding her just because she was speaking her mind. It's not as if Yun Xi hadn't said anything offensive either! All she did was get first place during the exams; that's nothing to be so proud of!
Yun Ziling wasn't about to give in. She wasn't willing to lose everything she had to Yun Xi. There was no way she would allow Yun Xi to take away everything that she had!
At this point, Liang Xiuqin didn't want to argue with Yun Yuanfeng anymore. She grabbed Yun Ziling's hand. "Ziling..."
Yun Ziling's academic standing was the reason why Chen Lixue was mocking them. It was also the reason why that wretched Yun Xi was looking so favourable.
"If you were half as good as your sister, I wouldn't be so strict with you! But look at yourself... You think that taking shortcuts will bring you closer to the top. I think your mother has spoiled you too much. Your sister has never caused trouble at home. She's hardworking and making big progress in life. But look at you."
Being reprimanded by Yun Yuanfeng was the last straw for Yun Ziling. Her eyes turned red and she started bawling.
"Ziling..." Liang Xiuqin was distressed to see her daughter like this. She glared at Yun Xi, the one who started all this drama. She wished she could butcher that stupid girl to relieve her hatred.
Yun Xi lazily studied the mother and daughter. She then winked at Yun Haoze and turned around to make her way upstairs.
It seemed like the situation wasn't affecting Yun Haoze at all. Although he understood that Yun Ziling was targeting him, he didn't take her words seriously at all.
Boys had big hearts!
Upstairs, Yun Xi took out a couple of notebooks that she had made as well as some reference books, then handed them to Yun Haoze. "We can also review the school work from the second year of high school. These are my notes for the past few months. You can read them, or you can go back to look through them."
"Thank you, sister!" Yun Haoze held the stack of books eagerly. "When you're back, I will let my mother move back to the villa. You can come and stay with us too. There are guest rooms at home. You can also help me with my studies along the way. There are so many people in this house, and it's always so noisy. It's not a good place for you to revise for your college entrance examination."
"Alright, we'll talk about it next time, when I'm back. Make sure you keep up with your revision. It's almost the New Year, so don't go running around outside. There are too many cars and thieves, so it's not safe!"
"Alright, I'll listen to you, sister!"
After dinner, the second aunt headed upstairs to speak to Yun Xi. She brought along the list of gifts that needed to be prepared for the New Year.
Chen Lixue spied her climbing the stairs holding the notebook. She immediately assumed that the second aunt was going upstairs to make a secret settlement with Yun Xi. She thought that something shameful was going on.
"Second aunt, where are you going? Are you hiding something in the New Year's gift list? Why are you personally bringing it upstairs yourself?"
Upon hearing what Chen Lixue said, Yao Ying looked down at the bill in her hand. She chuckled lightly and stopped at the top of the stairs, looking down at everyone else in the living room. It seemed like everyone had heard Chen Lixue's words, and were looking at her expectantly.
She could understand what they were thinking, but she just wanted to slap them for being so gullible.
"You mean this receipt? I'm taking it up to Yun Xi so I can show her what I've bought this year. Yun Xi is the eldest daughter and the eldest young madam in this family. In the future, this family will be inherited by her, so I have to explain to her clearly what was bought and used at home. I'm only temporarily in charge in her place. She'll be the one taking over soon."
After the second aunt made her speech, Liang Xiuqin's face fell, and even Chen Lixue looked like she was out of words.
Chen Lixue was filled with regret. If she had treated Yun Xi better since the beginning, their relationship would have been so much smoother. And Yun Xi probably wouldn't regard her as an enemy!
Especially now, considering Yun Xi's estranged relationship with Liang Xiuqin. If Chen Lixue were to side with Yun Xi and confront Liang Xiuqin, Liang Xiuqin would probably die from anger right!
Chen Lixue felt especially resentful, especially from the recent suffering she had suffered from Liang Xiuqin and that wretched Yun Xi. The grievances suffered by her baby daughter only made things worse!
And now, she had just discovered from the second aunt that the Yun family offered the master of the house a yearly living expense of one hundred thousand yuan. That's one hundred thousand yuan, not ten yuan!
That amount of money was more than enough for her to live an extravagant life. And she would be able to enjoy that life for many years!
Liang Xiuqin had been the master of the house for so many years, and it was obvious that she was embezzling money. Anyone could see that she squandered her money. You could make more money by being the master of the house than by going out to work!
And Chen Lixue couldn't help but think that the position of the master of the Yun family should belong to her!
Had it not been for that b*tch Liang Xiuqin robbing her of her man, she would not be in this position today!
With these thoughts heavy on her mind, Chen Lixue felt anger welling up inside her heart.
Meanwhile, the second aunt was upstairs describing the situation in the living room to Yun Xi. Yun Xi wasn't surprised and simply reminded her second aunt.
"You and I both know what my aunt is planning. She's been following you around so carefully during this New Year preparation. I'm sure you're aware of what she wants to do."
Yao Ying nodded. "I know, and I've said everything you told me to reveal. But I won't say what shouldn't be said. Your aunt has more brains than your mother, so I'm always careful and on guard around her. Don't worry about me."
"I know. But second aunt, I'll have to trouble you to help me with the family affairs for one more year. After I finish the college entrance examination and am an adult, I will learn slowly with you!"
"Take your time. Learning is more important. I'm not like your mother, who is impatient with these kinds of things. When you take over and my son is admitted to a college, your second uncle and I can go out to have fun and enjoy a couple's world.
"I really envy you, second aunt!" Yun Xi smiled. She suddenly remembered Yumo's Grandpa, so she brought up the Chinese patent medicine liquid to Yao Ying.
"Look, nowadays, it's not easy for most people to prepare medicine pots for decoction at home. And if they bought them from a pharmacy, people who aren't chronically ill will only take one or two doses, then let the rest of the medicine go to waste. If we can turn the Chinese traditional medicine into medicinal liquid, we can package it into handy, portable pills. It will be convenient and simple. It's even better if you can work with the hospital. You can get the decoction directly from the hospital and let the patient take the medicine in the Chinese pharmacy. It will save time. Second aunt, you've managed the pharmaceutical factory for so many years, so you should have connections with the hospital right?"
"Yes, that sounds like a very good idea. Let me go back and think about it, then I will give you an answer when you return from camp."
"Great!"
The winter camp training has begun.
Yun Xi and Zhao Yumo made an appointment to meet at the location of the winter camp training centre, the Kyoto Institute of Biological Sciences.
The Jingdu Institute of Biological Sciences was affiliated with Jingdu University. On this occasion, it was collaborating with the Organizing Committee of the National Biology Competition to organize this training camp.
The purpose of the camp was to award top talents for the country, but at the same time, it also retains some of the top talents for the country.
Yun Xi stepped into the Academy of Sciences. The architecture around her was both new yet familiar. Memories of her past life flooded into her brain and overwhelmed her.
Once upon a time, she had spent countless days and nights in the laboratory of the Academy of Sciences.
She was once the protégé of an academic and professor, but she had abandoned her promising career for a man. She had given up on her sacred duties to step into the world of business, and eventually, she had grown into a strong businesswoman.
But her desperation for love left her dead, with her body in pieces. Looking back at her past life, Yun Xi couldn't help but notice the irony.
"Yun Xi? Yun Xi!" Zhao Yumo called out to her, waiting for her response. She waved her hand in front of Yun Xi's face until she came back to her senses.
"Huh? What's the matter?" Yun Xi blinked innocently and looked blankly at Yumo, who was staring back at her. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I thought there was something wrong with you! Are you okay? Are you uncomfortable?"
"No, I'm okay." Yun Xi shook her head and pointed her chin at the school gate with a half-hearted smile. "I was just thinking... Zhou Chengzhe's final exam was cancelled, so do you think he's got the guts to attend this winter camp training?"
"Why wouldn't he?" Zhao Yumo snorted. "He's got the guts. If you don't believe me, just wait."
Zhao Yumo had dealt with Zhou Chengzhe for three years. She could even predict which exam questions he would get wrong! She would surely know what he was going to do next.
Yun Xi placed her hand on the handle of her trolley bag, then waited idly as more and more classmates showed up.
Soon, almost everyone had arrived. The person in charge of the training camp and the members of the organizing committee were also late. Yun Xi counted the number of people present and realized that they were only two people short.
Just as the starting time was approaching, a voice came from the group of students: "Teacher, Professor, I'm sorry! We were stuck in a traffic jam on the road!"
Mr Lu Zhiwei, the person in charge of the competition and the training camp, looked up from the roster in his hands and glanced at the two late arrivals. He nodded his acknowledgement and flipped through the roster to start the roll call.
Yun Xi turned her to Zhou Chengzhe, who had taken up the space next to her, and another classmate wearing the uniform of the affiliated high school. Her eyes quickly swept over Zhou Chengzhe's suitcase and backpack.
It was only a ten-day training camp and yet, Zhou Chengzhe had packed more things than she did. Whether it contained things that weren't allowed at the camp was something worth investigating.
Zhou Chengzhe glared back fiercely when he caught Yun Xi staring at him. He instinctively tightened his grip on his trolley case, as if there was something valuable in it.
Yun Xi had a hunch based on what she observed. She turned away to look at the training teacher, but her thin lips curled up into a devious smile.
Zhou Chengzhe was just asking for trouble, so no one could blame Yun Xi for being so devious. She made a promise to herself, that during the period of this winter camp training, she would finally deal with this problematic person. He won't be able to cause any trouble for her during the college entrance examination.
She had to do it now since she probably would not have any time to deal with him then!
There were no tasks on the first day. After the assembly, the students were assigned their dormitory rooms. Yun Xi, Zhao Yumo, and the other two affiliated high school students, Zhang Peipei and Jian Junling were assigned to the same dormitory room. Zhang Peipei was the head of the dorm.
Zhang Peipei was a little surprised to be named the head of the dorm by Teacher Lu Zhiwei. She had assumed that it would be Yun Xi, and she never would have guessed that it would be herself.
She nervously looked at Yun Xi, expecting her to be angry or jealous. But when she saw that Yun Xi was happily applauding and nodding her approval, Zhang Peipei felt encouraged. She was suddenly a little more fond of the top-ranking student.
After the meeting, everyone received a course schedule with daily course timings and teachers.
Yun Xi took a closer look at the course schedule. In ten days, the organizing committee would hold two field internships; one in zoology and one in botany.
Each internship lasts for just two days. This ensures that there would be sufficient time and energy spent on study and practice. The end goal was to have efficient use of theory and time.
Yun Xi noted that the field practice site was at Longqi Mountain, a national nature reserve.
Although she had never been to this area personally, she knew it well!
In her last life, she was kidnapped, and the kidnapper lived near Longqi Mountain.
Back then, she had taken advantage of the chaos around her to escape and found herself venturing into the untouched forest of Longqi Mountain by accident. She wandered the forest for two days before being found by the rescue team.
At that time, she didn't have any experience in outdoor survival. She only survived on faith alone.
It would be a special experience for her to have the opportunity to return to this place in this new life!
She was also glad to find out that the training camp had closed-access management. There were many people here milling about, so Zhou Chengzhe couldn't make his move during this time.
But the field internship would be an ideal place for him to carry out his next attack. Since he was so adamant about digging his own grave, he definitely wouldn't let go of such a good opportunity. But she will be waiting for him to make a move!
————
After settling down in her dormitory, Yun Xi received an unexpected call from Mu Feichi, who was oceans away.
She rushed out of the dormitory room before answering her phone. "Young Marshal? Is something wrong?"
"How is the winter camp training today? Have you settled in yet?"
The man's mellow and deep voice reached out from the other end of the phone. It drifted into her ears from across the thousands of miles of rivers and mountains. He sounded a little worried.
"Almost. I'm not a kid you know. You don't need to worry about this kind of thing do you."
He was working on a mission far away and yet, he took the time to worry about her own well-being. . It really made her speechless!
"Look at how much trouble you've run into ever since you came back. How can I not worry?"
There were two types of worrying and not worrying. One depended on his relation to her, and the other depended on the situation.
He didn't worry about things she could solve on her own. As for the things she couldn't solve... He would clear all obstacles for her.
"What... .what do you mean?" Yun Xi raised her eyebrows in concern. She immediately knew that something had happened, and somehow, Young Marshal Mu was involved.
"Zhou Chengzhe is your classmate, right?"
"We're in different classes but in the same grade. What's wrong?"
"Did you really think you could solve all your problems by getting him disqualified from the exam? Didn't Li Zilan teach you that if you cut the grass without removing the roots, it will grow back after the spring breeze blows?"
"As long as he doesn't cross me again, I can simply ignore him. I might even let him have a taste of his own medicine. I can take care of these insignificant people by myself."
"It's good to hear that you're able to deal with things like this. However, Zhou Chengzhe can't stay! Being too soft-hearted isn't good for you!"
"But why? Why him specifically? I'm sure you have your reasons, young marshal."
"We have been searching for the whereabouts of the virus. After investigation, we discovered that three test tubes are missing. One was used by Li Sinuo, but the whereabouts of the other two are still unknown. On top of that, I've just received news that Zhou Chengzhe had contacted Liang Xinyi. And Liang Xinyi is Han Zhongteng's lackey. Some people will do anything they can just to frame you, so you need to be careful. Thankfully, no one knows that we've produced the vaccine for the virus. I've already notified Su Hang that you should use the vaccine on yourself first, just in case."
Mu Feichi looked down at his hands. He was holding a copy of Yun Xi's training schedule. "I see that you'll be going through field training. Be extra careful then. I will ask the butler to take the Great White there in advance"