Volume 1, Chapter 27: She Has No Interest in Her Second Brother’s Reward

Lu Ning thought of Gu Yan, the school heartthrob who had transferred from Yunjing.

He was a young master from the capital, rumored to have stirred up trouble at his previous school and come here to lay low. This young master was usually quite high-profile, driving luxury cars, wearing designer labels, and obsessed with gaming. In her previous life, because Qin Xiang had taken her place and won the championship, this Gu Yan had pursued Qin Xiang, and the two had ended up together.

Lu Ning smiled and shoved the love letter into her desk without even opening it. She hadn't even mentioned contact information.

Qin Xiang sounded sour. "Sister Ningning, why don't you open it and take a look?"

"It's not like I haven't received one before." The last time she had received a love letter was in elementary school, back when her parents were still around and before Qin Xiang had appeared in her world.

"..."

Qin Xiang felt uneasy. What was she being so smug about? A shadow crossed Qin Xiang’s eyes. She had managed to manipulate Lu Ning into being a timid little quail, so why had she suddenly changed so much? Could this woman actually be trying to snatch Gu Yan?

After school, Lu Ning packed her bag and left immediately. Qin Xiang lingered for a long time, then went to Lu Ning’s desk and took all the love letters.

Lu Ning headed straight to the infirmary. She wanted to surprise Ji Chiqian, but he was nowhere to be seen. She took out her phone and sent him a message: "My test results are out! I made it into the top ten! I have a real shot at getting into Yun University now!"

She was so happy! Ji Chiqian was the first person she wanted to share this joy with. As she waited for his reply, she felt a sense of eager anticipation.

"Ningning, I heard you did very well on your exams. Congratulations."

Seeing Lu Nanfeng standing in front of her, Lu Ning gradually wiped the smile from her face. "It was alright."

Lu Nanfeng handed her a gift box. "To congratulate you on doing so well, I picked this out for you. Didn't you say you liked this jewelry brand before?"

Lu Ning glanced at the gemstone necklace inside. Was this to make up for the emerald necklace that had been given away?

At that moment, Qin Xiang walked over, saw the necklace, and could barely hide her expression. She spoke with a hint of bitterness, "What a beautiful necklace. Sister Ningning, hurry up and put it on for Second Brother to see."

Lu Ning raised an eyelid. "I don't like it."

Lu Nanfeng looked awkward. "If you don't like it, I'll go exchange it for another. What kind do you prefer?" After Lu Ning had refused the emerald necklace, he had specifically gone out to buy a new one. This should be enough, right?

From her second brother's behavior, Lu Ning could see his intention to make amends. But the damage she had suffered could not be erased by a gemstone necklace.

Qin Xiang noticed the change in Lu Nanfeng's attitude—he was actually taking the initiative to smooth things over with Lu Ning? This was not what she had expected.

Qin Xiang quickly interjected, "Sister Ningning, Second Brother is a blunt guy; how would he know what kind of jewelry girls like? You have no idea how envious I am of you!"

Lu Ning looked at her impatiently. "Then you should get into the top ten, too." Stop with the whining and the act of being fragile!

Qin Xiang’s eyes instantly turned red. "I didn't do well this time. If it hadn't been for that business with Chen Hong, I wouldn't have performed so poorly."

Lu Nanfeng looked uncomfortable. "I know, it’s not your fault. Get in the car; I’m taking you both out for a big meal to celebrate." He felt a headache coming on and immediately changed the subject.

Qin Xiang’s expression stiffened. She hadn't done well, so what was there to celebrate? In the end, it was still all about celebrating Lu Ning. She felt disgruntled. "Sister Ningning, how did you improve so much? Do you have some secret trick, or did you find a shortcut?"

Lu Ning remained expressionless. "The shortcut is to put your mind to studying instead of playing video games."

Qin Xiang’s eyes reddened again, and tears began to fall. "But Sister Ningning, you’ve even received so many love letters."

Lu Nanfeng immediately pressed, "What’s this about?"

Qin Xiang said, "Sister Ningning is so popular at school now. Even students from other schools are coming around to ask about her and want to add her on social media."

Lu Nanfeng frowned, thinking of Ji Chiqian. He warned, "Ningning, you are still young. The most important thing is your studies; you shouldn't be distracted by other things."

Lu Ning leaned against the back seat and responded lazily. She hadn't been interested in those things anyway.

Seeing that Lu Nanfeng hadn't lost his temper, Qin Xiang felt a sense of foreboding.

Lu Nanfeng looked back at her. "Xiangxiang, just work harder next time. There’s still the college entrance exam, and no one will affect your performance again."

Qin Xiang felt stifled. Her grades had dropped because of the team; shouldn't the Lu family be thinking about compensating her? They even wanted to take back the emerald necklace they had given her before! How hateful! Lu Nanfeng’s attitude toward Lu Ning had already begun to shift; she had to find a way to stop it!

The car arrived at a high-end restaurant. Lu Ning stepped out in a foul mood. Facing Qin Xiang and Lu Nanfeng was worse than going home to drill practice problems!

When Qin Xiang saw the restaurant, she exclaimed in surprise, "This restaurant! Second Brother, you’re so biased! I asked you to bring me here before, and you wouldn't agree."

Lu Ning glanced at the restaurant. In her past life, this place was very famous, high-end, and required membership. Despite that, many wealthy people fought to be members. It must have only just opened.

Lu Nanfeng answered helplessly, "I was genuinely busy before. Aren't I bringing you here today?"

"Second Brother, I'm just basking in Sister Ningning's glory, but I'm very satisfied." Qin Xiang secretly took out her phone to snap a few photos to show off on social media later.

Lu Nanfeng subconsciously looked at Lu Ning, noticing that she was very calm, unlike Qin Xiang.

As Lu Ning entered the restaurant and waited for the elevator, she caught a glimpse of a figure flashing by on the second floor. Her gaze froze: it looked just like Ji Chiqian!

She thought she might have been mistaken, but that profile was unmistakable! Ji Chiqian was with a beautiful woman with long black hair and long legs.

Lu Ning looked for a second, then quickly withdrew her gaze. Her heart began to beat faster. She had sent him a message earlier but hadn't received a reply. Was he on a date?

Her mood grew complex. Ji Chiqian was handsome and had a good job; it was normal for people to pursue him. But when she had asked him before if he had a girlfriend, he had said no. Had things changed so quickly?

Lu Ning walked into the private room, distracted. She checked her phone—still no reply from Ji Chiqian. Was he too busy to reply?

"Sister Ningning, what are you spacing out for? Eldest Brother is calling on video. Come over quickly; he’s usually very busy."

Lu Ning snapped back to reality and saw Lu Nanfeng holding his phone, the video call already connected. She saw Lu Dong, the man on the screen. He had serious features and an aura that commanded respect without anger.

She walked over quietly. "Eldest Brother."

Lu Ning just said his name and didn't speak again. The atmosphere turned cold. In the past, every time she saw him, she would take the initiative to brighten the mood and play the part of the obedient girl. But in her previous life, he had personally kicked her out of the Lu family and cut off her living expenses. She was done playing the fool.

Lu Dong frowned. "Lu Ning, I know your grades have improved, but don't get arrogant or act out. Qin Xiang’s grades have slipped significantly; you should help her more. After all, we are family."

Lu Ning sneered. These words were no different from what the second brother had said. She replied impatiently, "Second Brother hired a tutor; she doesn't need me."

"Lu Ning, what kind of attitude is that? I’m not asking you; I’m ordering you to help Qin Xiang improve her grades. Do you understand?"

As the head of the family, Lu Dong was always strict with his siblings and expected his words to be final. He had heard that Lu Ning had changed a lot lately and was acting out, distancing herself from the family.

Lu Ning looked up at Lu Dong on the screen, slow and deliberate. "I refuse."

She wouldn't do it!

Lu Dong flew into a rage. "Say that again!"