Jiang Nianxi sneered, "It’s not that I want to stir up trouble, it’s just that certain people here make it impossible for me to be at peace!"
"You... I really think you need to be taught a lesson!" Jiang Yuanshan was furious. He had assumed she had turned a new leaf, but it turned out she was still just as rebellious at her core.
"Bang!"
Jiang Bai slammed his hand on the table, startling everyone. "Do you have no respect for me? I can't even eat a lunch in peace without all this noise!"
Jiang Yuanshan was cut off. Seeing that his father was displeased, he had no choice but to hold his tongue.
Sensing that Jiang Bai was shielding her, Jiang Nianxi felt a warmth in her heart. She changed the subject, saying, "Grandfather, I want to go back to school."
She was currently a sophomore. Ever since she started university, she had been so obsessed with Ji Yanxiu that she hadn't focused on her studies at all, resulting in failing all of her major courses. The school had called the Jiang Family, warning them that if she failed even one more course, she would be expelled.
Jiang Yuanshan had been livid about it, believing she had brought total shame upon him. In a fit of pique, she had declared that if they wanted to expel her, so be it—she wouldn't attend anymore!
Thinking back on how she had squandered her future and her life for a scumbag, Jiang Nianxi felt her past self had been hopelessly stupid.
This time, not only was she going back to school, but she was going to have some "fun" with those two wretches, Ji Yanxiu and Lin Shuran.
As soon as Jiang Nianxi said this, the expressions on everyone’s faces became subtle.
Jiang Yuanshan’s expression turned gloomy. "What? Are you trying to cause more trouble? Aren't you embarrassed enough? You failed all your major courses—have you spent your time learning nothing at all? Why can't you be more like Shuran? I’m not even asking you to win scholarships like her, but at least don't be such an embarrassment!"
"Shut your mouth and say less!"
Jiang Bai interrupted him with displeasure, then turned to ask Jiang Nianxi, "Nianxi, you want to return to school—are you looking to study, or are you looking to chase after that poor boy? If it’s the latter, then I will be very disappointed in you."
He knew she was obsessed with a boy at school, ignoring her responsibilities to focus entirely on him. He had tried to advise her several times, only to be met with her sharp, angry words, which had only strained their relationship further.
He had looked into Ji Yanxiu and found that there was a calculating glint in the boy's eyes; he wasn't as simple as he appeared. Moreover, his family background was complicated and completely incompatible with the Jiang Family. If Nianxi continued to be so delusional, she would surely end up hurt.
Jiang Nianxi shook her head immediately. "That’s not it, Grandfather. I plan to study hard and make up for all the lessons I’ve missed."
She needed to acquire real skills, graduate smoothly, and prepare to take over the Jiang Family later on.
She would let everyone know that she, Jiang Nianxi, was the true heir to the Jiang Family, not that pair of scoundrels, Ji Yanxiu and Lin Shuran!
Lin Shuran and Ye Mei exchanged a glance, unable to guess what Jiang Nianxi was up to. They only felt that Jiang Nianxi’s expression was serious, not like she was joking, which made them uneasy.
Jiang Bai, however, was filled with joy. "Really?"
"Really. Grandfather, it’s just that the school is currently demanding my withdrawal. Could you come with me to see the principal and put in a good word for me, asking him to give me one more chance?" Jiang Nianxi said as she clung to her grandfather’s arm, acting like a pampered granddaughter.
Her grandfather had donated a teaching building to the school previously, so the principal would surely give him some face.
"Good, good, no problem!" Jiang Bai was delighted, enjoying his granddaughter’s closeness and feeling a slight ache in his chest.
For a moment, it felt as if the well-behaved, sensible Nianxi from his childhood had returned.
Ye Mei squeezed out a smile. "Father, it is a good thing that Nianxi wants to study hard. It seems she has grown up and become sensible. Nianxi, your grandfather has high hopes for you; don't let him down again."
"That goes without saying." Jiang Nianxi tilted her head and smiled, her expression sweet and radiant. "However, I’m afraid I might disappoint a few people."
"..." Ye Mei choked. She didn't need to wonder who she was referring to. This wretched girl was clearly implying things about her—it was truly detestable!
However, Ye Mei hid it well and said with a smile, "Falling behind on so many major courses isn't something easily fixed. Nianxi, if you need any help, just say so. Shuran is the top student in her year; she can tutor you."
Lin Shuran also forced herself to smile as if nothing were wrong. "Yes, if elder sister needs it, I would be very happy to help."
"My dear younger sister is truly warm-hearted. We’ll see when I need it," Jiang Nianxi said nonchalantly. She picked up a piece of green tea pastry and handed it to Jiang Bai. "Grandfather, this green tea pastry is quite good, the flavor is very rich. You should try some."
With those words carrying a hidden meaning, Lin Shuran gritted her teeth, her fingers clenching under the table.
*Jiang Nianxi, you just wait!*
After breakfast, Ye Mei pulled Lin Shuran into her room and asked in a low voice, "What is up with that wretched girl? Why has she been like a different person since she came back last night?"
"I don't know either," Lin Shuran said, feeling frustrated. "It was a done deal that she would be expelled, yet she actually wants to go back to school."
If Jiang Nianxi didn't even graduate from university, how would she take over the Jiang Family? The board of directors wouldn't accept such a fool. What could Jiang Nianxi possibly have to compare with her?
But, upon further thought, Lin Shuran sneered. "Humph, let her go back if she wants. I will plan things out properly with Brother Yanxiu."
...
Before heading to the school, Jiang Nianxi called a stylist to the house to help her dye her hair back to black, returning to her original long, straight style.
After the styling was finished, she looked at herself in the mirror. She felt good; it was much more pleasing to the eye.
How had she tolerated that eyesore of a look for so long in her past life? She must have truly lost her mind loving Ji Yanxiu.
Since she was going out, Jiang Nianxi had the stylist apply a light, natural makeup look.
The stylist praised her while applying the makeup, "Miss, your skin is truly beautiful—so fair and soft—and your features are so delicate. You’re no less stunning than a movie star; you look beautiful with just a little makeup."
*Yes,* she thought, *my face was fine all along. I just ruined it every day for the sake of pleasing a low-life man, conforming to a style I actually detested...*
*How stupid.*
After finishing her makeup, Jiang Nianxi was satisfied. She changed her outfit and, on her way out, ran into Lin Shuran.
Seeing her dressed like a prim, well-behaved girl, Lin Shuran gave a dry laugh. "Elder sister, are you really going to school dressed like that?"
Jiang Nianxi cast a sidelong glance at her, knowing exactly what she was thinking. She smiled without warmth. "What, do you have an opinion?"
"Of course not, it's just... senior doesn't like this style."
The "senior" she referred to was, naturally, Ji Yanxiu. They were a couple, yet they insisted on pretending to be distant—it was truly exhausting to watch them playact for so long.
Jiang Nianxi chuckled. "Oh, whether he likes it or not, what does that have to do with me?"
"..." Lin Shuran hadn't expected her to say that. *Strange, isn't her head usually filled with nothing but Ji Yanxiu? But from last night until now, her attitude toward him has been completely abnormal! What on earth is going on?*
Jiang Nianxi walked past her haughtily to go find her grandfather, leaving Lin Shuran behind with a dark expression.
Standing where she was, watching Jiang Nianxi’s retreating figure, Lin Shuran picked up her phone and dialed Ji Yanxiu’s number.
"Hello, Brother Yanxiu, Jiang Nianxi will be at school in a moment. The opportunity has arrived. When the time comes, you should..."
...
Jingnan University.
A low-profile, luxurious car drove along the boulevard lined with fallen sycamore leaves and pulled up in front of the office building.
The door opened, and a young girl stepped out. She looked beautiful and pure, with a tall, slender figure that immediately drew the gazes of many passersby.
"Who is that? I’ve never seen her before."
"She’s so pretty! Even prettier than the campus belle, Lin Shuran..."
Jiang Nianxi helped Jiang Bai out of the car and walked up the steps to the office building.
Someone in the crowd recognized her. "Isn't that the fool of an heiress from the Jiang Family? I heard she failed all her major courses last semester and the school forced her to drop out. She actually has the nerve to come back and make a fool of herself?"