Chapter 5

Chapter 5

All the way, Lu Yang led Lu Nian, without any explanation, personally escorting her to the classroom and handing her over to the class teacher waiting at the door.

The morning self-study period had already ended, and the bell for the first class had rung. The math teacher was teaching when Lu Nian appeared at the classroom door, attracting the gaze of all her classmates, showing various reactions.

At this age, children aren't very adept at hiding their emotions.

Lu Nian was quite a unique presence at school. On one hand, her family was extremely wealthy, she was attractive and always adorned with the best of everything. On the other hand, she frequently skipped classes, had terrible grades, and her unpredictable temperament could flare up at any moment, making many classmates somewhat wary of her.

Lu Nian's seat was in the best position in the class, right in the middle of the third row. Her desk mate, a girl with an apple-shaped face, kept stealing glances at her.

After settling down and preparing her textbook, the girl with the apple-shaped face cautiously leaned over, covering herself with a book, and gently asked, "Nian Nian, you decided to come to school today, huh?"

Lu Nian nodded, "I will be coming from now on."

Lin Guoguo’s eyes were strained to the point of aching, she thought she must have misheard.

Lu Nian resolved to take her studies seriously, and she believed that she could probably complete the fourth-grade work even with her eyes closed.

However, a few seconds later, she clearly saw the questions on the printed booklet placed on her desk.

Velocity problems, probability issues, logical reasoning.

What is all this??? Is this what they learn in primary school now?!

Lin Guoguo secretly informed her, "This is Mr. Li's Olympiad Mathematics class."

Lu Nian, "..." They even have Olympiad Mathematics classes.

Ancheng Affiliated Primary School is a private institution. It was only after a day of classes that Lu Nian realized, aside from the damned Olympiad Math class, they also have classes with foreign teachers, speech classes, and even the option to choose a second foreign language.

And she is just in the fourth grade now.

At the end of school, Lin Guoguo said, "I still have piano and painting classes at home, and I haven't finished my Olympiad math homework yet."

Actually, in Ancheng Affiliated Middle School, there is already considerable pressure for some people during their primary school years, as everyone hopes to continue their education there. Those who aren't from wealthy families have to rely on their scores to do so, and Lin Guoguo is one of them.

However, Lu Nian naturally doesn't belong to this group; even if she scores zero in all subjects, she can still go wherever she wishes.

Before leaving, Lin Guoguo said enviously, "Nian Nian, your family is so good, you should have even better teachers, right?"

Lu Nian stiffened for a moment.

The primary school students nowadays are all so terrifying...

After a day of classes, Lu Nian felt nothing but exhaustion pervading her body. The past her only attended a regular middle school, she had never experienced this kind of pressure before.

She thought, it seems Lu Nian's brain isn't as sharp as she thought.

Moreover, she realized today that probably due to the increasing reliance on Lu Nian's memories recently, her own memories seemed to be obscured by a veil, especially the knowledge from her past life. The memories retained in this body had become extremely vague.

It seems that if she wants to excel academically in this life, she will have to put in a serious effort.

The middle school section finishes later than the primary section. Therefore, after school, a weary Lu Nian cautiously hid in the classroom for a while, ensuring that Lu Yang, who might come to escort her, was nowhere to be seen before she finally left the classroom with a sense of relief.

As usual, someone came to pick her up. However, just before getting into the car, Lu Nian suddenly remembered something.

Qin Si is also a child from the Lu family. Since the car to pick her up had arrived at the school gate, she naturally had to inquire if Qin Si needed a ride home as well.

Ancheng Affiliated Primary School and Middle School are not far apart, but they have separate educational areas. Lu Nian knew that Qin Si was currently in fifth grade, a year ahead of her.

She walked slowly, being short and a girl, she was inconspicuous amongst a crowd of students dressed in neat white uniforms.

After much effort, she finally located Qin Si’s classroom. Standing on tiptoes, she looked around and quickly spotted Qin Si, only to be surprised to see a girl standing opposite him.

Moreover, a very beautiful girl.

Who is that?

As Lu Nian was striving to harness Lu Nian's memories to contemplate, she heard someone next to her calling her, "Qingyuo." The girl responded with a smile and a casual wave at the person.

Ah, it's her! Lu Nian's eyes lit up in realization, remembering that it was the protagonist from the original story, Su Qingyuo.

Lu Nian remembered the plot well; the Su family and the Lu family were both powerhouses in Ancheng, yet they harbored a longstanding feud, constantly clashing in the business world.

In truth, Su Qingyuo was also a young lady born into wealth, albeit the current state of the Su family couldn't hold a candle to the Lu family, resembling more of a declining aristocracy.

The Lu family's current generation had three highly capable siblings, each making significant strides in the political and business sectors. Among them, Lu Zhihong was particularly notable. In contrast, the next generation of the Su family appeared to be rather mediocre, leading to the gradual downfall of the family, overshadowed by the Lu family's influence.

However, compared to the capricious Lu Nian, Su Qingyuo epitomized the grace of a young lady, enjoying an excellent reputation in society due to her stellar grades, multifaceted talents, beauty, and her gentle demeanor towards everyone.

Later, Su Qingyuo married the male lead, Zhao Tingyuan, uniting the Su family with the up-and-coming Zhao family, thus forging a partnership.

By that time, the Lu family had come under the control of Qin Si, whose ruthlessness and cruelty surpassed even that of the previous head, Lu Zhihong. Unfettered by any means, Qin Si was willing to employ both legal and illegal avenues to achieve his ends.

Consequently, despite the alliance between the Su and Zhao families, they found little leverage against Qin Si, who continued to oppress them even more mercilessly.

Ultimately, Qin Si met his end a day before his twenty-ninth birthday, under mysterious circumstances at his home. Many speculated suicide, given his precarious mental state at that time, with annual predictions of his impending madness, making the idea of suicide not altogether surprising.

In the end, Su Qingyuo gradually absorbed the remaining influence of the Lu family, restoring the Su family's former glory. The story concluded perfectly with the male and female leads finding their happily ever after.

However, what Lu Nian hadn't anticipated was Su Qingyuo making an appearance in her life so early on.

Furthermore, she was classmates with Qin Si.

Compared to the average little girl, the young female lead indeed exhibited a distinctive grace, living up to her name - serene and dignified, her hair flowing smoothly down, framing her radiant, unobstructed forehead, showcasing a complexion that the sickly little girl Lu Nian couldn't compare with.

"Qin Si, are you in a hurry to go home?" Su Qingyuo inquired with a warm smile, "Recently, our grade initiated an advanced math class. Only three students from our class were selected, and you're one of them. The teacher asked me to see if you'd like to participate. If you do, just sign your name on the consent form. I brought it for you."

Su Qingyuo was naturally aware of Qin Si, the nominal adopted son of the Lu family.

After all, Lu Zhihong's decision to adopt Qin Si sparked much speculation and gossip, particularly given the only biological offspring he had was a fragile and sickly daughter. Naturally, the topic was rife within the Su family as well.

Qin Si maintained his aloof demeanor, replying tersely, "I won't participate."

Su Qingyuo didn't expect such a swift rejection. Seldom treated this way, she found herself momentarily stymied, "This class..."

Qin Si interrupted bluntly, "I have no money."

Su Qingyuo, "......"

Before she could say anything more, the boy had already turned and walked away.

Qin Si was precociously mature compared to his peers, his early years spent in an orphanage, the nightmares he endured then, coupled with his experiences since joining the Lu family, had imparted him with deep insights. He had encountered numerous people and situations, developing an extraordinary sensitivity and intuition toward many matters.

He did not like Su Qingyuo.

Witnessing everything from the side, Lu Nian remained silent, “……”

In the original text, Su Qingyao has always been a person with great charm, characterized mainly by her gentleness and beauty, possessing particularly potent allure to men. So far, it seems, her attitude towards Qin Si has also been quite friendly.

It remains unclear why Qin Si has never been swayed by her from the beginning. Perhaps there truly are individuals in this world with hearts as hard as stone.

She hurriedly ran to catch up with Qin Si, calling out, “Qin Si!”

Hearing her voice, Qin Si didn't turn around, but for some reason, his steps slowed slightly.

Slightly out of breath, Lu Nian looked at him with bright, twinkling eyes, asking, “Heading home?”

Qin Si glanced indifferently at the long string of maids trailing behind her and the luxury car parked at the roadside, remaining silent.

Just when Lu Nian thought he would ignore her again, Qin Si unexpectedly replied, “I have legs, I can walk myself.”

His tone was still notably unfriendly.

Lu Nian had somewhat learned to filter out his tone, focusing only on the content of his words.

Walking by himself, huh.

She pondered for a moment. The distance from the school to home wasn't actually very far, and she felt that her body seriously lacked exercise at the moment. She had been considering how to get some physical training, and it seemed this was an opportunity to do just that.

Realizing this, she turned back and waved towards the others, “Uncle, Auntie, you can go home first. I won't be taking the car today; I'm going to walk home.”

Qin Si was walking ahead, his longer legs carrying him forward quickly. Lu Nian followed him at her own pace, her movement somewhat hindered by her heavily bundled attire and her short legs, making her progression on the road quite laborious.

Qin Si noticed that the footsteps behind him never ceased. Turning back, he saw Lu Nian walking determinedly.

The little girl's face had developed a rare flush, no longer as pale as before, appearing like a warm, sweet, and soft steamed bun, seemingly emanating warmth.

Lu Nian followed Qin Si step by step, matching his pace. She mentally cheered herself on, counting his steps. Suddenly, she noticed him halt before slowing down considerably.

Lu Nian finally found it easier to breathe.

The little boy's silhouette still seemed somewhat frail. The band-aid on his face remained, but his profile was as handsome as ever.

The shadow of his eyelashes fell upon his cheeks, accentuating the richness of his brows and eyes, showcasing a beauty distinct from boys of his age, beginning to exhibit a hint of slender and crisp aesthetics.

Out of the blue, he remarked, “I threw away the gloves.”

Lu Nian took a moment to comprehend, remembering what he was referring to.

As expected... she felt a bit disappointed, although she knew the chances were high for this outcome.

“It's okay if you threw them away, but next time, could you possibly not tell me?” The little girl’s cheeks puffed up, “I do feel a bit embarrassed, you know.”

Qin Si remained silent, “……”

The two continued walking side by side. The little girl wobbled with each step, the backpack on her back looking disproportionately large. She was perspiring, and her steps were becoming noticeably more laborious.

He remained silent, suddenly reaching out to yank the backpack off her shoulder.

The weight lifted off Lu Nian, who greeted him with a bright, elated smile. Her large, clear eyes twinkled like gentle ripples disturbing the still waters of a serene pond.

Qin Si averted his gaze, his body inexplicably stiffening.

His lips tightly pressed together, he acknowledged his mistake from that day when he discarded her gloves. This act was a slight compensation, a clear testimony of his characteristic fair-mindedness in acknowledging both graces and grievances.

He harbored no affection for her whatsoever.

The two children walked under the setting sun, maintaining a slight distance between them, one leading and the other following.

Their shadows stretched across the ground, unknowingly intertwining at some point.

Author's note: This young version of Si Si might be the most tsundere, inconsistent male lead I have written to date. However, when he grows up and recognizes his own feelings, his love for Nian Nian is genuinely deep and fervent.

PS: Among them, in this respect, Si Si is indeed the one who matures earlier, haha~~