The atmosphere became awkward as Jiang Jinluo felt her prestige challenged.
Zhao Ninghuan spoke timidly, "Uncle, did I do something to upset Aunt Fang? If my staying here makes things difficult for you, I can move out. I don't want to be a bother."
Jiang Jinluo rubbed his temples. "Don't overthink it. Stay with us, Ninghuan. Your Aunt Fang isn't someone who keeps track of things. She's just in a bad mood today, it's not about you."
Zhao Ninghuan sat down apprehensively, her eyes fixed on her lap, looking like a startled rabbit.
Having met many young ladies from prominent families, Jiang Hanzhen found Zhao Ninghuan's disposition unusual and became rather interested. They started chatting.
Seeing them getting along well, Jiang Jinluo's mood improved slightly. "Qingqing is so ill-behaved, just as arrogant as her mother. She doesn't even want to come down and meet a guest. It's truly impolite. Compared to her, Hanzhen is much better, more like me."
Their conversation drifted to academics. Zhao Ninghuan was a few months older than the original host but started school later, only beginning her university studies this year. She had been admitted to her former school, and transferring to a university here would be quite a challenge.
"Dad, can you help Ninghuan find some connections? I think Qingqing's school is very good, and they could be companions."
Zhao Ninghuan looked expectantly at Jiang Jinluo, her eyes filled with affection.
"I'll discuss it with your mother later. She's more familiar with the school leadership."
Zhao Ninghuan was a little disappointed that Jiang Jinluo didn't agree immediately. It seemed her mother's connections weren't that easy to leverage. Wealthy people could donate to schools, she thought, and easily gain admission. This Uncle Jiang wasn't as magnanimous as she'd imagined.
Although Fang Wei doted on the original host, she never allowed any leniency when it came to academics, insisting on her attending a reputable institution. The original host had no grand ambitions, content with a life of ease, aiming only to be not too far behind others.
The three of them had dinner together, chatting and laughing, feeling quite at ease.
Fang Wei was annoyed with Jiang Jinluo at the moment. Sharing a bed was out of the question, so she went to the guest room.
Back in his room, Jiang Jinluo couldn't find her and wondered why she was acting so strangely, though his expression remained unperturbed.
*Knock, knock, knock* "Wife, are you asleep? Can I come in?"
*Knock, knock, knock* "Wife, open the door, I have something to say."
Jiang Jinluo looked extremely impatient. Why would she lock her door at home? If she didn't open it, he'd keep knocking. Annoyed, Fang Wei came to open the door, standing by the frame and not letting him in.
"What is it?"
"What's wrong with you today? Are you on fire? Did I offend you? Or is Qingqing seriously ill? Should we send her to the hospital?"
"Shut up, can you say something nice?"
"Alright, Ninghuan is still young and needs to attend school. Her father is my benefactor, so can you help her?"
"Her father is your benefactor, not mine. I've heard of outsourcing filial piety, but outsourcing gratitude now?"
Jiang Jinluo grew a little angry. "Wife, what's gotten into you today? We're a couple, and we're in this together. Repaying this kindness will ease my mind."
"If you want to repay it, do it yourself. I'm going to sleep."
Seeing her about to close the door, Jiang Jinluo quickly stopped her. "Wife, this requires your help. Just do me a favor and speak to Qingqing's school. Our family can donate a bit more, and getting Ninghuan in won't be difficult."
"You have a lot of nerve. What are her grades? Is the A University a place where anyone can just get in? They don't lack investors. Why should I waste my favor on her? Who is she to me? Jiang Jinluo, don't push me to curse you."
"Xiao Wei, I remember you weren't like this before. That child is so pitiable. If we have the ability, let's help her."
"Heh. If you want to attend A University, you need to have the ability. I haven't even pulled strings for my own daughter. Find her a place in a senior high school. I've never even heard of her previous school. Let her work hard and rely on herself; that way, no one can say anything. Children like her have strong self-esteem. Don't just force what you think is best onto her. What if she also wants to rely on her own capabilities? You should ask her first, to avoid doing good deeds that backfire."
With that, Fang Wei closed the door. Jiang Jinluo felt her words had merit. How bad could his former crush's daughter be? Perhaps she had just made a mistake in the exams. Given another chance, she might not even care for A University. Thinking this, he went to knock on Zhao Ninghuan's door.
Zhao Ninghuan was furious, grinding her teeth, but outwardly she happily agreed. Jiang Jinluo thought she had ambition and resolved to find her a good high school.
Thus, while Jun Jiuli went to school, Zhao Ninghuan was also admitted to a prestigious high school. After being out of the senior high curriculum for over a year, most of the students there had tutors. She had to pore over her books late into the night just to keep up with the teacher's pace, and her studies exhausted her daily.
"Ahhh, finally a break! This month, all I see are numbers. I'm so sick of it."
"Where are you going for the break? My mom wants me to stay home and do practice tests. If I do well, she'll buy me the bag I've wanted for a long time as a reward."
"Sigh, my mom won't let me go out either. She just pushes me to study all day. As long as I get into any university, that's fine."
"Hahaha, all my cousins are studying abroad. They've had their fill of fun. My dad learned his lesson and decided I should aim for Tsinghua University. Sigh, the coming days are going to be miserable!"
"Ninghuan, do your parents have any expectations for you? You're so diligent every day. I could never keep up like you."
Zhao Ninghuan lowered her head and smiled. "My foundation is rather weak. I just need to get into university."
"Wow~ I envy parents who are so open-minded."