Xia Qingtian knew Xia Qingyu was exceptional, just as she had been in her past life. She was like the perfect villainous stepsister in novels, so outstanding that she made the legitimate daughter—Xia Qingtian herself—look completely worthless.
At least, that's what Xia Qingtian had always believed.
Looking at Xia Qingyu now, Xia Qingtian felt as though her sister was surrounded by a halo of golden light.
See how amazing my sister is?
If she hadn't inadvertently caused her death in her past life, perhaps Xia Qingyu could have become a genius on par with Li Xiaozhong.
The thought filled Xia Qingtian with guilt. She rested her hand beneath the table, on Xia Qingyu's leg, her gaze towards her sister filled with a profound sense of regret.
This made Xia Qingyu feel a bit uneasy.
Did she do something wrong?
What was with Xia Qingtian's expression?
"Well, then, let's have another toast. Congratulations, Qingyu, on winning first place!" Father Li, having recovered his senses, raised his glass again. After clinking glasses, everyone continued their joyful meal.
Indeed, Mother Li's cooking was excellent. At the table, Li Xiaoxiao seemed genuinely happy, acting as the life of the party and amusing everyone.
Li Xiaozhong had a completely different personality from Li Xiaoxiao, being much more steady and quiet.
After the meal, Li Xiaoxiao took Xia Qingtian and Xia Qingyu to her room to play. Tidying up the table and other chores fell to Li Xiaozhong, while their parents retired to their rooms.
"Li Xiaoxiao, your hairstyle hasn't changed since middle school," Xia Qingtian commented, flipping through Li Xiaoxiao's photo album. "You were a tomboy then, just like you are now."
"Yeah, I think I've always been like this since I was little," Li Xiaoxiao chuckled. "I was great at climbing trees and jumping over walls, but with my studies... I was just so-so."
"Why aren't there any photos from elementary school?" Xia Qingyu asked curiously.
"You're right, there aren't," Xia Qingtian said, looking at the album spread out on the bed. "It seems like they're all from middle and high school."
"I think the elementary school photos were lost when we moved," Li Xiaoxiao said. "I don't really remember."
She scratched the back of her head sheepishly and added, "I had amnesia once when I was little. I don't remember much of my memories from before middle school."
"Amnesia?" Xia Qingtian and Xia Qingyu exchanged a surprised glance before looking at Li Xiaoxiao with renewed astonishment.
"Yes. Though I didn't have any injuries. They said I fell headfirst from a tree and almost didn't survive. It was very dangerous," Li Xiaoxiao recalled, her eyes half-closed. "But miraculously, I didn't have any scars, and my hair is still thick. It was a blessing in disguise."
As she spoke, Li Xiaoxiao casually brushed her short, neat hair with her hand.
"That is indeed fortunate," Xia Qingtian smiled, not pressing further.
Given Li Xiaoxiao's carefree personality, she doubted she'd get much more information even if she asked.
Just then, Li Xiaozhong knocked and entered, carrying a plate of washed fruit. "Have some fruit first. Would you like another pot of tea?"
"Yes, please. I ate a bit too much. I think there's some fruity tea in the cupboard to help with digestion," Li Xiaoxiao said.
"Got it." Li Xiaozhong placed the fruit platter down and turned to leave.
"I'll go help," Xia Qingyu said, getting up and following him out.
"Your sister is so considerate, that's wonderful!" Li Xiaoxiao watched Xia Qingyu's retreating back with envy. "I wish I had a sweet, gentle sister like that. Who needs annoying brothers? Sisters are the sweetest!"
"Your brother is pretty great too, isn't he? He came second in the citywide competition this time," Xia Qingtian remarked.
"Don't you think that sounds a little sarcastic coming from the sister who got first place in the citywide competition?" Li Xiaoxiao asked, twitching her lips.
"No way," Xia Qingtian chuckled dryly.
Even though Xia Qingyu was her own sister, Xia Qingtian was always biased towards her, believing Xia Qingyu was the best.
However, Li Xiaozhong was indeed worthy of the title "Prodigy of the Century." She must have been deliberately controlling her scores in every exam.
Yes, that had to be it.
It seemed she needed to nurture Xia Qingyu better in the future!
Xia Qingtian made a silent decision. She would earn well and ensure Xia Qingyu had the best educational environment and the most outstanding training this lifetime.
In her previous life, Xia Qingyu's death due to her was an accident.
This lifetime, she wanted Xia Qingyu to have no regrets, to live a splendid, vibrant, and long life.
Yes, it had to be this way!
"You were holding back, weren't you?" Xia Qingyu suddenly asked while making tea in the living room.
"Your recent performance has been unstable," Li Xiaozhong replied in her usual calm tone, not directly answering Xia Qingyu's question. "You scored one point lower than I predicted."
"I've been busy with other things lately," Xia Qingyu said. "So, you admit you were holding back?"
"Does it matter?" Li Xiaozhong asked.
"No." Xia Qingyu watched Li Xiaozhong slowly brew the floral tea and a thought suddenly arose in her mind: "Li Xiaozhong, let's cooperate."
"Hm?" Li Xiaozhong put down the kettle and looked at Xia Qingyu. "Cooperate?"
"It's too slow to make money alone. I need a helper," Xia Qingyu said, looking at Li Xiaozhong. "A smart and capable helper."
"Making money? You're just a high school student... Shouldn't your main focus be studying?" Li Xiaozhong raised an eyebrow.
"As a student, deliberately holding back on exams isn't something you should be doing either, is it?" Xia Qingyu retorted.
Li Xiaozhong didn't respond, only pursing her lips. Just as she was about to refuse, Xia Qingyu interrupted her.
"You don't need to reply right away. I'll send you some documents later. You can reply after you've looked them over," Xia Qingyu said, then stood up and headed back to Li Xiaoxiao's bedroom first.
Li Xiaozhong frowned slightly, then followed her back to Li Xiaoxiao's bedroom with the brewed floral tea.
That night, Xia Qingtian and Xia Qingyu played at Li Xiaoxiao's house until very late before returning to the Xia residence.
Upon returning home, Xia Qingyu then edited and resent the consolidated documents and assets she had prepared to Li Xiaozhong.
Li Xiaozhong was somewhat surprised to receive Xia Qingyu's files.
This top student, the campus beauty, was more capable than she appeared. Based on Li Xiaozhong's estimations, these data were worth eight figures and had limitless potential.
And as Xia Qingyu had said herself, she did need a helper.
However...
Li Xiaozhong knew Xia Qingyu's family was likely not lacking in money. Did she need to go to such lengths?
"You shouldn't be short on money, right?" Li Xiaozhong messaged Xia Qingyu, asking, "Why go to such lengths?"
"I can't help it. My sister loves designer bags and jewelry. I want to give her the best," Xia Qingyu replied, knowing Li Xiaozhong would understand. "Taking care of my sister is very expensive."
Upon seeing Xia Qingyu's message, Li Xiaozhong immediately glanced back at Li Xiaoxiao, who was sprawled on the sofa playing with her phone. She then withdrew her gaze, as if finally making a decision, and replied, "Okay, I'm in."
Indeed, taking care of a sister was very expensive.