Chapter 51: Da Qiao Made ‘Tremendous’ Improvements
Qian Nan became well known all around the school within a short period of time. There was no one who did not know her.
Even when she went to the canteen to have lunch, a male student from secondary two stopped in front of her, said “sorry”, and ran off with a red face. Qiao Nan found it ridiculous.
Zhao Yu was fuming with anger. Wherever Qiao Nan went, everyone knew her name. It was as if she was a superstar at school.
There was nothing to be smug about. Her results had deteriorated so badly and yet she had the time to be concerned about other matters.
As a student, what was important was one’s results. Just like the mock exams last time, she would continue to surpass Qiao Nan in the mid-term exams which would be coming in a month’s time.
The reasons why all the teachers were nice to Qiao Nan was only because she had good results.
As long as she continued to do better than Qiao Nan, the teachers would surely favor her and dislike Qiao Nan.
“Zhao Yu, hurry up, if not no dishes will be left.” Zhao Yu’s good friend pulled her ahead. “Why are you standing here in a daze, what’s on your mind?”
“Nothing much. Mid-term exams will be coming in a month’s time. I have to do well for the exams.”
“You have always been doing well, ranking in the top five in class. If Qiao Nan makes a blunder like before and you work harder, you might be in the top three.” The words of encouragement and concern from her friend did not comfort her at all. In fact, she was offended by them.
“Hmph, Qiao Nan did not do well last time. I don’t believe that it was just a blunder. That was lagging behind. If not, how could one make such a big blunder? It’s easy to lag behind, but it would not be that easy to catch up. Let’s wait and see, I will definitely do better than Qiao Nan!”
Without waiting for her friend’s response, Zhao Yu walked off in anger.
Her friend paused momentarily and grunted, “What have I done to anger her? She must be sick. I am tired of coaxing her, I won’t do it anymore!”
Qiao Nan who was absorbed in her studies had no idea what was happening. But Zhao Yu was determined to fight it out with her.
Even if she did know it, she would not give it much thought.
As long as Zhao Yu kept her distance and stopped blabbering, she did not care if she saw her as a target and used all sorts of methods to study.
In this lifetime, Qiao Nan finally managed to secure her chance to study and was making progress according to the designated routine. But things were different for Qiao Zijin.
After pooling all her money and borrowing from her friends, she had barely managed to gather enough money for her costume.
She had settled the issue of the dress costume. But she had no idea what to do with her monthly exams.
When she came back home after two weeks, gone was the troubled countenance. Instead she was all smiles, a joyful expression on her face.
“Mom.”
“Zijin, you are back.” Ding Jiayi who just came back from work was tired to the bone. But she beamed in joy when she saw her beloved elder daughter. “Are you drained from all the studying these two weeks?”
“It’s alright.” Qiao Zijin lifted her chin and said proudly, “Mom, we had school exams last week. It’s called monthly exam. Just like the mid-term exams, it’s very important.”
“Is that so, how were your results?” This was the first time the elder daughter talked about her results of her own accord. All her tiredness seemed to have vanished, Ding Jiayi was in high spirits now.
“Mom, I was ranked in the eighth place in class. It’s the eighth place. I would be able to do better in my exams next time.”
“The eighth place, such a good result?!” Ding Jiayi had the intuition that there would be good news today. But she did not know that it would be such a wonderful piece of news.
The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was a good high school. People who enrolled in to the school were all very smart and good in their results.
Her daughter could come in eighth place in such a good school among all the outstanding students. This was really a tremendous improvement.
As expected, she had spent the money well. Zijin’s results improved by leaps after enrolling in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. The teachers at the school must have adopted excellent teaching methods!
Ding Jiayi did not realize that the fact that Zijin could spend money to enroll into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, the school might have other students, who like Zijin, did not do well in their exams but had the money to enroll themselves into the school.
Hence, the eighth place that Qiao Zijin had might not be the eighth place among the good students.
Naturally, Qiao Zijin would not provide these details to Ding Jiayi. She only had to say that she was ranked eighth place.
“Zijin.” Ding Jiayi pulled her elder daughter to the kitchen, took five yuan from her pocket and gave it to her daughter. “You have worked hard, take this money and buy some good food to treat yourself. Don’t shortchange yourself. Later you can get some more money from your Dad, understand?”
“Alright, Mom. You are so good to me. When I am successful, I will definitely be filial and treat you well!” Qiao Zijin was elated at the five yuan in her hands.
When Qiao Dongliang was back from his work, Qiao Zijin told him the good news that she came in eighth place in her exams. As expected, Qiao Dongliang was all smiles and he gave seven yuan to Qiao Zijin.
Both Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi rewarded Qiao Zijin with money. The money added up to twelve yuan.
She remembered that Qiao Nan had only taken ten yuan from Qiao Dongliang last time. She could not help but smile that she had two more yuan than Qiao Nan.
She had said all along, she was the most important person in the family. Qiao Nan could not match up to her.
When her father had forgiven her, he would definitely treat her a million times better than Qiao Nan. After all, it had always been this way.
“Zijin, have more of the food.” During dinnertime, Ding Jiayi could finally favored Qiao Zijin openly. She put almost all of the meat and fish dishes in Qiao Zijin’s bowl, not leaving a single piece for Qiao Nan.
“Old Qiao, did you see? Everything that I have done was for the good of Zijin and the family. The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China was such a good school. Their teachers are very capable. It was not a bluff. Of course, most importantly, Zijin is very smart. She had never ranked eighth in the past. Moreover the students at the school are very outstanding and brilliant. It was not easy for Zijin to rank eighth in class. Look, Zijin has grown thinner, she must be tired from the studying and revision. Old Qiao, I won’t admit it if you insist that I am biased towards Zijin. As compared to lagging behind in the studies, Zi JIn has made such a big improvement, this is what we call a good and positive learning attitude.”
Ding Jiayi was full of praise for Qiao Zijin. But she did not forget to pour cold water on Qiao Nan.
Even if she knew that there was no way that she could have made Qiao Nan quit school and start working, it would be good to pressurize her and make her suffer.
Most importantly, she had to make Old Qiao understand that Zijin was the smart daughter in the family. She was the only one who had good future prospects.
Even if she spent all the money at home, as long as Zijin made improvements in her studies, it would be all worthwhile. She was not self-assertive, everything that she did was for the family.
Chapter 52: A Biased Agreement
“What you said was…” Qiao Dongliang found it amusing and angry at the same time. But if spending all the money would ensure that the elder daughter would catch up on her studies, Qiao Dongliang would naturally be happy.
No amount of money could buy a child’s future. The money spent might be all worthwhile.
“Zijin is good. Nan Nan is not bad as well. Both of my daughters are good. Zijin, bear this in mind, continue to keep up the good work, don’t be overly proud of your results.” Qiao Dongliang was not like Ding Jiayi, who praised Qiao Zijin without forgetting to put down Qiao Nan.
But when he heard that Qiao Zijin had made such a tremendous improvement, he was grinning from ear to ear.
“Dad, don’t worry. I will put in more effort to maintain my results and to strive for better grades.” She was overwhelmed to have the recognition of both her father and mother for doing well in her studies.
The atmosphere was really good, to the extent that she almost forgot the truth behind her eighth place in the class. She was placed eighth in her class, but ranked poorly in her overall ranking in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.
Qiao Zijin straightened her back, a look of confidence on her face. As expected, as long as she set her sights on it, there wasn’t anything in this world that she would not have.
It was alright if Qiao Nan refused to help her. She bought her dance costume and the performance was a success. She also came in eighth in her exams.
“That’s right. There’s still room for improvement for Zijin. As for Qiao Nan, it’s not that I as her Mom wanted to put her down. It does not matter if she did well in junior high school. She had to do well in her middle school exams to be able to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. Anyway, she should be clear about the situation at home. If she wanted to enroll in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, she would have to rely on herself. We cannot possibly spend all our savings for her again. I have no objections that she wanted to continue her studies. But we cannot afford to have external debts. When she enrols in high school, she would have to be responsible for her own studies.”
Ding Jiayi had no qualms about insulting Qiao Nan. She felt that it was of no use for Qiao Nan to do well in junior high school. It was more important to be able to do well in high school.
Everyone in the family knew that she had spent all the savings to enroll the elder daughter to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.
Ding Jiayi was worried that if Qiao Nan did not do well in a year’s time, and she barely missed the cut off point for enrollment, out of fairness, her husband might resort to borrowing money from outside in order to enroll Qiao Nan into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.
Other people might not do it, but there was a possibility that Qiao Dongliang would.
It did not make sense that they could do so for Qiao Zijin, yet they would have to shortchange Qiao Nan and deprive her of the chance.
Ding Jiayi wanted to give a forewarning to Qiao Dongliang and Qiao Nan.
Qiao Dongliang hesitated for a moment. He really could not come up with a good solution for this problem.
Although Ding Jiayi had started to work, he harbored no hopes that she would earn lots of money. Her pay might be able to cover part of the daily expenses of the two daughters. But he would still have to provide for their school fees.
In the past, he had never dreamed that the elder daughter would do well in her exams. Now that she had made improvements, if she could maintain the standard, she would be able to make it into college.
The school fees for junior high school and high school were not as expensive. It was easy to provide for his daughters. But if the two of them made it into college, they might not have enough money to support them.
What if Nan Nan did not do well for middle school exams and barely missed the cut off point to enroll into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China?
They had depleted all their savings to enroll Zijin into The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. If Nan Nan wanted to enroll in that high school, should he agree or not? If he disagree, would Nan Nan blame him for being biased?
Qiao Dongliang wanted to treat his two daughters equally, but there wasn’t much money at home.
Though Qiao Dongliang did not pour cold water on Qiao Nan, he agreed with what Ding Jiayi said.
As they advanced in their studies, it would get more and more difficult. It was simple feat for Qiao Nan to have good results in junior high school since the syllabus was relatively easy. But it would be amazing if one continued to do well in high school.
The elder daughter had good prospects, he had to provide for her school fees. But what about the younger daughter?
Qiao Dongliang was stumped for words because of the problems with money. He remained silent for a long while.
The atmosphere stilled because of Ding Jiayi’s comments. Qiao Nan finished her rice in silence, put down her bowl and said calmly, “Don’t worry, Dad. I know my limitations and abilities. I wouldn’t aim for something unachievable. I wanted to study. I give you my promise, when it’s time for middle school exams, I would enroll in whichever school that my results can take me. I won’t make things difficult for you. Regarding sister’s enrollment in the high school, I won’t take it to heart and won’t say that you are biased towards her. I am content as long as I can continue to study.”
She had mentioned this long ago, her father was biased as well, it was just that he was not as biased as her mother. Moreover, Qiao Zijin’s results seemed pretty good this time.
But she remembered that in her previous lifetime Qiao Zijin always did badly in her exams. With that she smirked and shot a meaningful glance at Qiao Zijin.
In her previous lifetime, apart from fooling around and being good at networking, Qiao Zijin was not someone who was good at her studies.
Only Qiao Zijin knew the actual value behind her results (the eighth place in the class) this time.
“By the way, sister, it has been a month since school reopened. I still didn’t know which class you are at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.”
“High school year one (8).”
“The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China has a total of eight classes, is that right? You are in High school year one (8)?”
“Yes, there are eight classes in total. What does it matter? We are divided into the classes randomly.” Qiao Zijin had no idea why Qiao Nan had so many questions but could not help but explain in detail, not knowing that her explanation in fact revealed what she was hiding.
“Randomly?” Qiao Nan arched her eyebrows and smiled. She was not as gullible as her parents.
Everyone who knew about the background of The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China would know that there was a special class in the high school. It was to take in people like Qiao Zijin.
To put it bluntly, no one in Qiao Zijin’s class was studious. It was not surprising that she came in eighth in her class.
“Nan Nan, aren’t you going to do some revision? Time is precious, you better start your revision now.”
In the past, Qiao Zijin hated it when Qiao Nan did her studying and would find ways to disturb her. But not today.
It had been years since Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi had graduated from school. They would think that it was considered good to have come in eighth in class. But Qiao Zijin looked guilty in front of Qiao Nan.
She was worried that if Qiao Nan was to probe, the image of the good daughter and good student that she portrayed would shatter to pieces.
“What about the bowl?” Qiao Nan smirked. At least Qiao Zijin knew her own limits and stopped bragging about it. If she continued to boast about it, the cat might just slip out of the bag.
After another two and a half years Qiao Zijin would need to sit for college entrance exams. She could not imagine the expression on her parents’ faces, when they, who had always thought that their daughter was the top student in The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, discovered that she had done badly in her exams.
“I—I will wash the bowl. Nan Nan, hurry along to do your schoolwork.” In order to shut her up, Qiao Zijin volunteered to help with the chores that Qiao Nan was supposed to do.
“You do not need to do the washing, I will wash them. You can go to do your schoolwork as well.” Ding Jiayi was still on cloud nine at the elder daughter’s improvement. It would be good if she could devote all her time in her studies and target to do well for her next exams and do her proud.
Chapter 53: You Are Xiao Qiao
“Qiao Nan, you said those words yourself just now, a person must keep their word, if you do not do well and yet wish to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, please don’t bring up Zijin’s matter again.”
“Mom, don’t worry. I will keep my promise.”
“Old Qiao, you heard Qiao Nan’s words. So, don’t work so hard and cause your health to suffer because of money. Zijin’s grades have improved, in future, she will study in College and our expenses will increase. Health is the source of revolution and wealth. Don’t be rushed when it comes to earning money.”
Ding Jiayi was worried that, in order to support the two daughters’ studies and to prevent Qiao Zijin’s situation from happening to Qiao Nan, Qiao Dongliang would take up side jobs to save more money.
From Ding Jiayi’s perspective, Qiao Dongliang’s attempts to save were futile.
All their savings over the years were gone, and she was the one who had asked Uncle Lee to pull the strings to enable Zijin to enter The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.
If Old Qiao started to take up side jobs now, regardless of the number of jobs, would he be able to save up the ten years’ savings in just one year?
Impossible!
The elder daughter was Ding Jiayi’s biological daughter, Ding Jiayi doted on her.
Qiao Dongliang was Ding Jiayi’s man, Ding Jiayi also loved him and was afraid that he would work too hard and tire himself out.
To Ding Jiayi, only Qiao Nan, who was always suspicious and guarded, was like an outsider in this family.
“Nan Nan, have you really thought about it carefully?” Qiao Dongliang did not know whether to be happy or guilty about his younger daughter’s sensible character.
He had always said that he would treat both daughters the same – equally well.
The family had spent 5000 yuan for Zijin to attend The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, why would the younger daughter be an exception?
But if there was a need to bear another 5000 yuan, Qiao Dongliang knew that he was not capable of affording it. He would not be able to come up with the 5000 yuan within such a short span of time even if he sacrificed his life.
The more Qiao Dongliang thought about it, the more complicated and confused he felt. He could not stand and face his younger daughter with pride.
“Yes, I have thought about it. You will look at the results of my middle school examination. I have said that the results will determine which school I go to, I will not regret it.” In this life, it was good to be able to continue her studies. As for other matters, she dared not expect too much, she further dared not expect her parents to give her the same treatment as Qiao Zijin.
It did not matter if her parents were biased towards Qiao Zijin. She would favor and love herself more.
Qiao Nan, who had her own plan in mind, clearly knew that there was an issue with Qiao Zijin’s ranking in the eighth place. But she did not mention it in front of Qiao Dongliang and Ding Jiayi.
If she raised this up, her mother would certainly assumed that she had intentionally woven this lie as she was unhappy and jealous of Qiao Zijin. Her father would also believe this.
This type of difficult and thankless matter, she would never do it again in this life.
It was still the same saying, Qiao Zijin could create a din as she wished as long as she did not cause trouble before her, she and Qiao Zijin would not interfere with each other. “Dad, I’ll go and do my homework.”
To help Qiao Nan strengthen her knowledge and foundation for the past two years, her teachers were very conscientious in retrieving the past years’ examination papers, selecting questions and collating them into test papers for Qiao Nan to complete.
So, the test papers and homework on Qiao Nan’s hands were twice as much as that of her classmates.
“Go ahead.” Qiao Dongliang, who felt guilty towards Qiao Nan, nodded. After Qiao Nan left, Qiao Dongliang said to Ding Jiayi, “You also said it just now. I will take care of Nan Nan’s matters, you don’t need to worry about them. In future, if Zijin performs well and you want to praise her, I will not object. But if you use Nan Nan as a raft to stay afloat again, I will not be happy about it. Both are your daughters, even if Nan Nan is only in junior high school now and the curriculum is not as difficult as Zijin, it doesn’t mean that her good grades do not matter. What was said today, I don’t wish to hear it a second time.”
Qiao Dongliang, who felt guilty, simply gave Ding Jiayi a scolding to lessen the negative feelings in his heart.
He thought that he was helping Qiao Nan to seek justice, but he did not know that the more he said this, the more Ding Jiayi hated Qiao Nan and could not see eye to eye with her.
“I know. All of you are masters, leaving your dishes on the table after dinner. After a long day of work, I still have to do all the housework. Fine.” Ding Jiayi felt this was unfair.
But no matter what, Qiao Nan was finally willing to agree.
“Mom, I help you to bring them over?” Qiao Zijin stood up and wanted to help Ding Jiayi serve the rice.
Ding Jiayi pushed Qiao Zijin away. “No, quickly, go and do your homework.”
Having said that, Ding Jiayi gave a purposeful glance towards the entrance of Qiao Nan’s bedroom, hinting to Qiao Zijin that she should not be overturned by Qiao Nan again.
Qiao Nan was so conscientious. Qiao Zijin had to be even more so.
“Mom, then I shall go and do my homework.” Qiao Zijin did not really want to do the household chores. The bowls were oily. She did not mind when she was eating with them. But when it came to washing, Qiao Zijin disliked the oily feel in her hands.
“Go.”
After both children had returned to their rooms to do homework and Ding Jiayi was also busy with the housework, Qiao Dongliang, who suddenly had nothing to do, felt a little confused. He did not know if what he had done earlier was right.
Such a biased approach, did Nan Nan really accept it wholeheartedly without any feelings of unhappiness?
Qiao Dongliang stood up and walked to the entrance of Qiao Nan’s room. He raised his hands and wanted to knock on Qiao Nan’s door but did not do so after a long time.
This was because Qiao Dongliang did not know what to say to Qiao Nan. Should he say that he treated her and Qiao Zijin equally well and was not biased?
These words, Qiao Dongliang did not have the guts to say.
After a long time, Qiao Dongliang gave up and gave a sigh. He returned to his own room.
Qiao Nan, who was holding a pen but did not write a single word, heard the sigh and footsteps. She also gave a sigh.
Clearly both were biological sisters but they were treated as though one was not. It was not that she did not feel sad or wronged.
It was just that she had been too used to the suffering and hurt. Her heart was already numb.
If you lean against a hill, it will collapse. If you lean against a person, he will run away. Relying on yourself is the most reliable option in this world.
At this thought, Qiao Nan perked up and did her test papers. At the very least, she was not abandoned by all the people in the world. The teachers were very good to her and had high hopes for her.
Qiao Nan hoped that she could deliver good grades, to the best of her ability, during the middle school examinations.
It might be because of Qiao Zijin’s good grades that the Qiao family was very peaceful this weekend. Ding Jiayi was in a good mood so she did not find find fault with Qiao Nan. Anyway, Qiao Nan had already promised that she would not use more of the family’s money.
Compared with having to let Qiao Nan work to make money, Ding Jiayi now had only one thought in mind, that is, she hoped that Qiao Nan would use less of the family’s money. This was good enough.
Monday came. When Qiao Nan carried her school bag to school, not long after she sat down, the long empty seat beside her was suddenly occupied by a handicapped person.
“Hey, you are the Qiao’s family’s Xiao Qiao, are you the one who saved me that day?” The person next to her asked impatiently with a draggy tone.
Chapter 54: I Will Protect You In Future
“Xiao Qiao?” Hearing the name, Qiao Nan was shocked for a moment.
“That’s right, our quad has a pair of Qiao, your sister is Da Qiao, and you are Xiao Qiao.” Zhu Baoguo’s right hand was in a cast and he looked like he did not have a care in the world. He said in a flippant tone, “Not bad looking. It’s not wrong to call you Xiao Qiao. I have not seen any pretty girls in the Eastern Han Dynasty, but I guessed this Xiao Qiao is passable as one.”
Hearing that Zhu Baoguo sounded like a hooligan, Qiao Nan pursed the corners of her mouth while sizing up her deskmate.
When she looked at Zhu Baoguo, he was opening his eyes uneasily and unable to look her straight in the eye. Most importantly, Zhu Baoguo’s ears actually turned red. Qiao Nan finally understood. The reason that Zhu Baoguo had been saying all this was because he wanted to apologize to her?
“If you are really grateful to me, don’t need to talk so much nonsense. Actually, saying the two words “Thank You” is more than enough.”
“You said I was talking nonsense earlier?” Zhu Baoguo stared at her. He was commending her for her good looks just now.
In the past, numerous ladies yearned for his praise and he could not even be bothered to glance at them more. Today, his praise had been shunned.
“Yes, nonsense.” Qiao Nan nodded without giving any face. “Now is the time for early revision, I need to read my books. Whether you are reading or not, I don’t care and can’t control but I hope that you won’t disturb my reading.”
Based on her experience in the previous life, Qiao Nan do not wish to get involved with a person like Zhu Baoguo.
In those days when she was having a relationship with Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin found out about his family background. Each time she had a date with Chen Jun, Qiao Zijin wanted to tag along. When she did not feel like going, Qiao Zijin even took the initiative to help her arrange the date. Of course, Qiao Zijin would be there as well.
In the end, Chen Jun was probably wavered by Qiao Zijin. Qiao Zijin tried to create trouble for her before the date so that she could not turn up, and then she would attend the date on her behalf.
Nevertheless, Qiao Zijin was still young now, she had not reached that stage with Zhu Baoguo.
But with Qiao Zijin’s stubborn character, she was afraid that the same situation as with Chen Jun would happen again.
It was Qiao Zijin’s own issue that she could not pull Zhu Baoguo on her side. Anyway, Qiao Nan would never agree to act as the bridge for her.
Having thought clearly about this, Qiao Nan wanted to stay away from Zhu Baoguo.
Furthermore, in her opinion, Zhu Baoguo was always absent from class, she was not close to him anyway. Who would have thought that he would attend class today? It was an uncertainty as to whether he would continue to come to class.
For the first time in his life, Zhu Baoguo was shunned badly by a girl, he could only wrinkled his eyebrows and watch as he saw this thin and fair pretty lady ignoring him and taking out a book to read.
Zhu Baoguo was very unhappy. He snatched the book from Qiao Nan’s hands and blocked Qiao Nan’s view with his face. “Is the book better looking than me?”
Looking at the face in front of her which had been magnified many times, Qiao Nan rolled her eyes. “If I look at your face, my future will be bleak. But if I read the books, I can work hard for my own future.”
“What nonsense, I am only asking you, is my face better looking than the book?” Zhu Baoguo frowned. He did not really like Qiao Nan’s comments.
“The book is better looking.”
“Nonsense!”
“Shameless.” Zhao Yu, who was seated beside them, saw this and was at the top of her anger.
Having known Zhu Baoguo for so long, she had never seen him so close to any girls. What was the meaning of this. Did Zhu Baoguo like Qiao Nan and wanted to pursue her to be his girlfriend?
“Have you heard it, she said you are shameless. So, can I trouble you to keep quiet?” Qiao Nan looked indifferent as she shifted Zhao Yu’s target of hostility to Zhu Baoguo.
“What are you talking about?!” Zhu Baoguo slammed the table and created a big commotion in the classroom. His pair of round eyes opened widely and stared like the eyes of a tiger, scaring everyone. “Who are you scolding?!”
Zhao Yu shivered and stuttered. “I I I, I didn’t scold you.”
“Then who are you scolding!”
“I I, I was scolding her for being shameless!” Zhao Yu pointed her fingers at Qiao Nan clumsily.
Zhao Yu thought that Zhu Baoguo would be happy to hear that she was scolding Qiao Nan as Qiao Nan had angered him with her earlier words.
However, this time, Zhao Yu had guessed wrongly. Zhu Baoguo sneered. “What are you, are you fit to scold her, why is she shameless?”
“Zhao Yu, are you still going to say that Qiao Nan was in the bad company of the hooligans, and had indecent relationships with them?” Zhou Lei stared at Zhao Yu as if she was crazy. He did not think that Qiao Nan was shameless.
“You, all of you are helping her and bullying me! Zhou Lei, how many times have this been? Do you like Qiao Nan, that’s why you have been helping her to chide me? If you are capable, tell Teacher Chen to allow me to change seats with Qiao Nan. Then you can sit together with your loved one Qiao Nan!”
“You!” Zhou Lei gave a stare, like a leopard that was furious. Zhao Yu was again frightened. “Zhao Yu, do you want a beating? The previous rumors about Qiao Nan – do you think no one knows how they came about? You’re just jealous that she scored better than you in the exams and purposely weaved such lies to hurt Qiao Nan. And when we know to differentiate right from wrong, it means to you that we are biased towards and like Qiao Nan. Zhao Yu, do you have a problem with your brain? Do you believe that I will tell Teacher Chen? You keep thinking about this everyday and did not concentrate on your studies, no wonder you can’t score better than Qiao Nan.”
“You, you’re talking nonsense. ” Of course Zhao Yu would not admit that the rumors started from her, especially in front of Zhu Baoguo. “Do you dare to tell Teacher Chen, Zhou Lei? You’re still into this game when you’re already out of kindergarten, aren’t you childish?”
“As long as this is an effective way, I don’t care if it is childish. Zhao Yu, if you continue to provoke me, don’t blame me for being nasty.”
The usually bright and cheerful Zhou Lei was in such a huge temper that he scolded Zhao Yu straight without any hesitation.
16, 17 years old was a sensitive age. When he heard that Zhao Yu said he liked Qiao Nan in front of so many people in class, Zhou Lei really wanted to beat Zhao Yu up.
“But you said something right. This seat should indeed be changed. If I continue to sit at the same table as you, I am unlucky.”
“What do you mean, what is going on, why is there another hooligan? Xiao Qiao, is anyone bullying you. Tell brother, brother will support you.” Zhu Baoguo changed his stand and called himself Qiao Nan’s brother, as if he looked upon Qiao Nan as his sister.
“I am warning all of you. Qiao Nan is my sister. If anyone dares make trouble for Qiao Nan again, that means you’re not happy with me. Be careful on the roads then, make sure that you have someone accompanying you.”
When Zhu Baoguo said this, he deliberately started at Zhao Yu a few times. At one glance, he knew that there is nothing good about this woman.
Chapter 55: To Be Supervised or Not
“Alright, it’s self-study time now, everyone should remain silent. Even if you do not wish to study, please do not disturb others.” When she saw Zhu Baoguo, who was standing up with one of his legs on top of the chair, Qiao Nan rolled her eyes at Zhu Baoguo. “Put your leg down.”
“I’m helping you!” Zhu Baoguo was not pleased, he felt so unappreciated. “Did you really save me that day?”
The situation that day was so dangerous. That group of people who beat him up were completely furious and out of hand, whoever dared to meddle would have to be beaten up as well.
Zhu Baoguo could not imagine how such a skinny and petite lady would be so courageous to care about the situation that day. She had even found someone to help out.
Particularly, Qiao Nan’s attitude today was really cold and unfriendly towards others. She was even more aloof than him.
“The person I saved that day was covered in blood, I’m not sure if that was you.” Qiao Nan did not dispute. If not for someone who told her that Zhu Baoguo was the one being beaten up, she would not have known who it was.
“Then it’s you. Thank you.” After confirming that Qiao Nan was the one who saved him, Zhu Baoguo said a word of thanks awkwardly.
“Alright. Sit down, I want to read.”
Seeing that Qiao Nan was very cold to him, Zhu Baoguo felt that he was asking for it, he wanted to disturb Qiao Nan a little and trigger her temper. “I don’t know how to do this question, why don’t you teach me?”
Zhu Baoguo closed his eyes and pick up a book. He casually pointed to a question for Qiao Nan.
“Sorry, I am learning too. If you do not understand, you can ask the teacher.”
“I am injured. I’m asking you because I don’t want to walk.” Zhu Baoguo shoved the book in front of Qiao Nan and insisted Qiao Nan guide him.
Zhu Baoguo did not like to study. He was also unwilling to attend school. However, after this incident, the Zhu family was no longer as lenient and indulging towards Zhu Baoguo. Zhu Chengqi told Zhu Baoguo straight that if he continued to play truant in school and create trouble, he would rather kill Zhu Baoguo himself than to let others do it.
Zhu Chengqi gave Zhu Baoguo two options. First, to attend school abidingly.
As for his school results, Zhu Chengqi did not harbor any high hopes towards his son.
Second, he would break Zhu Baoguo’s pair of legs, if he did not behave properly and get himself into trouble. He might as well let him stay at home and take care of him for the rest of his life.
The Lee Family had also changed their attitude towards Zhu Baoguo. Of course, they insisted that Zhu Baoguo had to return to school to continue with his studies. There would not be any other option.
Elder Lee even gave his son-in-law, Zhu Chengqi, a bad scolding. Zhu Baoguo was the only son left by his daughter to Zhu Chengqi. Zhu Baoguo had gone astray under the care and teachings of Zhu Chengqi. Would Zhu Chengqi still be able to face his deceased daughter?
With pressure from the elders of the two families and Zhu Chengqi’s intimidation, Zhu Baoguo dared not play truant anymore. He could only come to school and sit around.
If Zhu Baoguo, who was no longer used to schooling, did not find himself any fun, he could only laze around in his current seat.
As such, Qiao Nan became the innocent sacrificial lamb targeted by Zhu Baoguo.
Qiao Nan ignored him as she could hear that Zhu Baoguo was not really keen to learn. She continued to read her own books.
She was not even afraid of Qiao Zijin, why would she be afraid of Zhu Baoguo?
Who would know that Zhu Baoguo was really too bored. Qiao Nan ignored him, so he patted Qiao Nan’s shoulder and nudged her. He even purposely made loud noises by opening his pencil box and moving his chair around.
The whole classroom was full of the creaking and raucous sounds created by Zhu Baoguo. It was so noisy that everyone could not read their books but no one dared to chide Zhu Baoguo.
Only Qiao Nan was not distracted and concentrated on reading her book. The rest could not do so.
Qiao Nan pursed her lips and glared coldly at Zhu Baoguo with her shiny eyes. “Do you have hemorrhoids on your butt, so you have to keep moving?”
“Pshh… ”
Many students in the class heard Qiao Nan’s words, they quickly covered their mouths with their hands to prevent laughing out loud.
Zhu Baoguo’s face turned red instantly, like a monkey’s butt. “Who did you say has hemorrhoids, there’s nothing wrong with my butt!”
“Since there is nothing wrong with your butt, then sit properly. If you have so much excess energy that you need to vent out, then go and run a few rounds in the field.”
“You, you?” Zhu Baoguo was so angry. “Are you a girl, you keep mentioning the word “butt” in front of a male. Aren’t you ashamed?”
“You see, I already told you she is shameless!” Zhao Yu smiled and added to the conversation.
“Damn your mother, what has this got to do with you?” Zhu Baoguo simply scolded Zhao Yu. It was up to him what he wanted to say. But who was this woman who dare to talk bad about Qiao Nan?
“You deserved it.” Zhou Lei sneered. Zhu Baoguo had a nasty temper. Zhou Lei did not hit girls but it did not mean that Zhu Baoguo would not do so.
Qiao Nan had the guts to be so stubborn with Zhu Baoguo. If the other girls dared to be so bullish before him, they were asking to be beaten. Zhao Yu was foolish and asking for it. Her enthusiasm was met with cold shoulders.
When Zhu Baoguo scolded Zhao Yu, he slammed the table and kicked the chair, displaying a strong and bad aura, as though a hooligan was making his grand entrance to the school.
Many were troubled by his behavior. The class originally had a conducive atmosphere for studies. But when Zhu Baoguo came, the learning atmosphere was completely destroyed. It would be better if he had not come.
Zhu Baoguo was not stupid. Also, as his mother was already not around since he was young, Zhu Baoguo’s feelings were more sensitive than others.
Initially, he threw a tantrum as he did not see eye to eye with Zhao Yu. But after he created a scene, the whole class disliked and shunned him. Zhu Baoguo was burning with anger inside, his eyes slightly red as if he was an annoyed bull. He straightened his neck and was preparing to leave the classroom.
It did not matter if they disliked him. He did not like these classmates anyway. What was the big deal?
Seeing that Zhu Baoguo had the intention to leave, most of them were relieved.
Zhu Baoguo had just reached the podium, when Qiao Nan, who had been quite silent all this while, suddenly slammed her book hard on the table with a loud slam. “It’s so early in the morning. Why are you creating a din? Come back!”
Zhu Baoguo, who was leaving with big steps, was stunned by Qiao Nan’s slam. He stood at the podium and looked at Qiao Nan.
“It’s the morning revision time now. If anyone dares to make noise, get out and stand as a punishment.”
That slam by Qiao Nan, the rest of the class, not to mention Zhu Baoguo, was shocked. Astonished, everyone bowed their heads to carry on with their own stuff. No one dared to place their attention on Zhu Baoguo again.
“Why are you standing there, do you want to sit next to the teacher during the lesson? If you are willing to, I can help you apply for permission from Teacher Chen! Qiao Nan started at Zhu Baoguo whilst raising her chin and pointed towards the seat beside her to signal to Zhu Baoguo to make a choice.
“Why!” After Zhu Baoguo regained his senses, he argued with Qiao Nan again. “Why should I listen to you?”
He did not even listen to his father all the time. Why would he listen to a young lady who was smaller in build and physically weaker than him? That would be so spineless of him.
“Why?” Qiao Nan laughed. Her laugh gave Zhu Baoguo goose pimples. “Fine. Since you like that place, you can sit there in future. Let me help you shift the table. Rest assured, you will know why I said that after Teacher Chen arrives.”
Zhu Baoguo did not know the situation as he did not come to the school to study.
However, the rest of the students in the class knew clearly that although Qiao Nan was the Vice Class Monitor and not the Class Monitor, Qiao Nan’s words were often better heard. Who asked her to be the teacher’s pet?
Most importantly, although Qiao Nan had the power and ability, she was not arrogant. Typically, she did not bother about the matters in class, neither would she abuse her powers to undermine others. She would only do whatever she needed to do.
As such, it did not matter if Qiao Nan did not say a word. But once she said something, the students in the class were more willing to listen.
Zhu Baoguo was the only rash fellow who dared to argue with Qiao Nan.
When Zhu Baoguo saw that Qiao Nan was serious in shifting his table to the side of the podium, he was so scared that he hurriedly ran over to hold his table. “I don’t need you to arrange my seat. I sit wherever I like.”
“Then are you still going to make noise?”
“Since when did I do that!”
“Then sit properly if you are not making noise. Stop making a fuss. If you are not willing to read then just sit and doze. You should know how to doze right. In short, don’t cause disturbance to others. Do you understand?”
Zhu Baoguo lay on his own table and gave a quiet snort. He indeed sat down and did not make strange noises to disturb others, like he did before.
Zhu Baoguo was willing to cooperate, the rest of the students in the class had no issues then. The morning self-study time was finally over, but they did not know whether it would be the same tomorrow.
When the school bell rang, Zhu Baoguo, who was lying on the table, bored and in a daze, came to his senses and thought of why he should listen to Qiao Nan.
Even if Qiao Nan placed his seat elsewhere, he did not wish to study. How would that impact him?
Just when Zhu Baoguo just wanted to throw a fit, a few pieces of white paper with questions written on it appeared before him. “Complete these questions.”
“Why should I?”
“Do you really want to know?” Qiao Nan looked at Zhu Baoguo, half amused. “I don’t believe that Elder Lee did not tell you about it. When you are in the school, I am in charge of you.”
“You didn’t want to teach me earlier right?”
“You said it yourself. That was earlier. Do it for me now.”
Qiao Nan did not want to change her mind. She did not want to meddle in Zhu Baoguo’s affairs but Zhu Baoguo was really too stubborn. If she did not arrange something for him, he would always make trouble. At that time, Qiao Nan’s studies would also be affected?
Preciously when Elder Lee requested Qiao Nan to supervise Zhu Baoguo in his studies, Qiao Dongliang simply agreed in the face of Qiao Nan.
If Qiao Nan were to completely leave her hands out of this matter, with Zhu Baoguo’s temper, he would not abidingly stay in the school. If he left the school he would certainly get into trouble again. Qiao Nan would not be able to explain to Qiao Dongliang and Elder Lee then.
Qiao Nan rubbed her forehead. Her father had really found her a very good job. She had not become a mother, yet, she had to teach and raise a son. How unfortunate!
🐣: Double update ♪ \(^ω^\ )