Zhan Bei Jue had not expected such a dramatic turn of events.
Seeing how ecstatic Lu Ming Zhe was, he couldn't help but silently scorn him in his heart, "You have the nerve to laugh at me, turns out you're just as spineless."
After greeting Lu Ming Zhe, Chen Jiao Jiao very politely greeted Zhan Bei Jue as well.
However, Zhan Bei Jue was not impressed. He merely nodded, not extending his hand for a handshake.
Chen Jiao Jiao then turned to Jiang Nan Fang and exclaimed, "Wow, you're so beautiful!"
Jiang Nan Fang extended her hand to shake hers. "You're beautiful too. It's nice to meet you, Jiang Nan Fang."
"Wow, your name sounds so chic too."
Jiang Nan Fang wanted to say, "Not as chic as you are," but she smiled and replied, "Thank you."
"Are you two boyfriend and girlfriend? You're such a perfect match."
Chen Jiao Jiao's immediate perception of the relationship between Zhan Bei Jue and Jiang Nan Fang surprised Lu Ming Zhe. "How could you tell?"
"Your auras are so similar, and you even have a matching facial structure."
She was truly a natural at making friends, even going as far as touching Jiang Nan Fang's face. "See, your eyes, nose, mouth, the curve of your profile, you're so alike."
After being touched, Jiang Nan Fang thought, "This girl is so talkative and beautiful. She can liven up the atmosphere herself, so there's no need for me to stay." She had been worried about her being bullied, but now it seemed her concerns were unfounded, and she could leave.
"Excuse me, I have something else to attend to, so I must be going. You two chat, I hope you have fun." With that, she pushed her chair back, preparing to leave.
Chen Jiao Jiao quickly grabbed her arm. "Ah, you're leaving just as I've arrived, is it that sudden?"
"I really like you, I feel so compatible with you, and I was hoping we could become friends."
Zhan Bei Jue hadn't expected her to leave so abruptly. He looked at her intently, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. He hadn't come just to help Lu Ming Zhe; he had used it as an excuse to spend more time with her. Seeing her about to leave, his face remained expressionless, but he urgently kicked Lu Ming Zhe under the table.
Lu Ming Zhe was at a loss and could only stand up. "Why don't you stay for dinner? What's so important that you have to leave dinner to handle?"
"It's rare for everyone to get together. Jiao Jiao likes you so much, stay and accompany her for a while."
Jiao Jiao? Jiang Nan Fang thought to herself, "Didn't you just express disdain for your arranged marriage, calling it a remnant of feudalism? And now, just a few minutes later, you've changed your tune? Men are indeed visual creatures; they change their minds when they see someone beautiful. Trash. Fine. If you want me to stay, I'll stay. But I won't defend you if I do."
Jiang Nan Fang sat back down and began chatting with Chen Jiao Jiao, asking her why she had come to Nan City and if she had visited before. Chen Jiao Jiao shook her head, "No. This is my first time here."
"What made you decide to come here all of a sudden?" The implied question was, since she hadn't been in contact with Lu Ming Zhe before, why had she suddenly thought of coming to him for help?
Chen Jiao Jiao was dressed provocatively and exuded a mature aura, but in reality, she was very young and lacked any real sophistication. Her makeup was merely a facade. She sighed, "I ran away from home."
? "My parents divorced. My dad is dishonest and is always chasing after other women."
"..." "They argued constantly, and last month they finalized the divorce." "As soon as my mom took my brother and went abroad, my dad brought his lover into the house." "That woman is only two years older than me, yet she expects me to call her 'Little Mom.' Isn't that ridiculous?" "My dad always doted on me. Even when he was fighting with my mom, I never resented him. But a few days ago, he hit me because of that woman." "I will never forgive him, and I'm never going back. I'm cutting off all ties with him!"
So that was what happened. Jiang Nan Fang glanced at Lu Ming Zhe, who was observing the situation, and then asked, "You ran away from home, so you're not going to school anymore?"
"I'm not going. Studying is meaningless. My dad always told me that families like ours don't need to study; he would support me forever." "But he changed his mind so easily! Thinking about it makes me angry!"
What did she mean, studying is meaningless? What kind of parents would teach their children like that? Jiang Nan Fang couldn't help but advise her, "You've run away from home now, and your dad won't support you. If you don't study, you won't find a job. What are your plans for the future?"
"Who says you can't find a job without studying? If you're beautiful, you can!" "I did my research before coming. I can be a model, an anchor, or a DJ at a nightclub. There are many jobs I can do. Who says you can only find a good job by studying?"
Lu Ming Zhe couldn't accept the idea of a young girl engaging in such youth-draining professions. He joined Jiang Nan Fang in persuading her. "There's no need to rush to earn quick money. You're still young and need time to mature. It's better to study for a couple more years."
Jiang Nan Fang also chimed in, "Yes. Perhaps being an anchor, a model, or a nightclub DJ might seem glamorous and happy for three, five, or even ten years." "But have you considered what you'll do when you're middle-aged? You must have heard the old saying that studying simply gives you more choices in the future." "Really, don't rush to make quick money; think long-term."
Chen Jiao Jiao asked, "I'm just a freshman. If I don't work, I won't have money. What will I eat for the next few years, and how will I pay tuition?"
Lu Ming Zhe quickly interjected, "I can cover your expenses. Our relationship is special. Since you thought of me first in your time of need, I will definitely help you."
"But I don't want to go back there. Can you find me a school here?"
She was truly a pampered young lady, detached from reality. She spoke as if transferring schools was as simple as in primary or middle school.
As it turned out, it was indeed that easy. Lu Ming Zhe readily agreed. "Of course. I'll find someone to contact the schools for you tomorrow. Which school do you like?"
Jiang Nan Fang: "..."
"Communication University. My major is performance."
"There's a well-known Communication University in Nan City. Let's go with that one. I'll take you there tomorrow."
"That would be so wonderful, Ming Zhe Ge Ge!"
The address "Ming Zhe Ge Ge" made Lu Ming Zhe's heart sing. "As expected, Grandpa and Mom still care about me. They've left such a good marriage opportunity for me. It's fortunate that I remained patient and didn't argue with them when this matter was brought up. Otherwise, I would have missed out on a good marriage, wouldn't I? Lu Qing Xu, that brother of mine, is truly despicable for having designs on my sister-in-law. I'll settle the score with him when I get home!"
As they chatted and ate, time passed, and it was getting late. Jiang Nan Fang stood up to leave again. Chen Jiao Jiao stood up with her. She wasn't quite ready to meet Aunt Lu yet and was hesitant to go to the Lu residence. Jiang Nan Fang looked at Lu Ming Zhe, her eyes asking him, "Are you, your excellency, going to allow her to leave with me?"
Lu Ming Zhe was extremely reluctant. But Zhan Bei Jue was willing, and he kicked Lu Ming Zhe under the table again. "Then I'll trouble you."