Dedicated to studying, yet forced into a chaotic situation.

Chapter 57 Clear Skies and Sunshine

It was mid-September, the sun's heat had long since dissipated, and the evening breeze was slightly cool, blowing through the branches and causing withered yellow leaves to fall. Cleaners were sweeping fallen leaves on the road, and the rustling sound was drowned out by the students' gossip.

The most talked-about topic is the true and false daughters of the Jiang family.

Among the elite families in Xinghua, the Jiang family was just an ordinary wealthy family, and gossip about the Jiang family wouldn't normally generate so much discussion.

Coincidentally, the school beauty pageant was being held recently. Jiang Tianyao ranked first or second with her outstanding appearance and popularity, while Shi Sui squeezed into the top 20 with a candid photo.

These two heiresses, one real and one fake, are both very popular at school.

As soon as Shi Sui took off her headphones, she heard several girls talking.

"Damn it, I voted for Jiang Tianyao every day, I never thought she was this kind of person. She's a disgusting liar."

"Jiang Tianyao is a very good person. Anyway, I don't believe she's lying. She must have been kept in the dark by her family."

"Tsk, I don't believe it anyway. I'll regret voting for Jiang Tianyao for the rest of my life. By the way, who did you all vote for?"

"Of course it's Shangguan Ying. She has a better temperament, a better family background, and better grades. She deserves to be the school beauty."

"I also voted for Shangguan Ying. What about you? Who are you planning to vote for?"

"I'm going to vote for Shi Sui to disgust Jiang Tianyao."

"Pfft, hahaha, so dirty."

Shi Sui, who was eavesdropping nearby, was immediately struck by the joke and burst out laughing.

Suddenly, they heard someone laughing behind them, which startled the girls.

When I turned around and saw her, my first reaction was: Holy crap, who is this gorgeous woman? She's so damn beautiful.

Some bold girls went straight up to her and asked, "Hey sis, you're so pretty! What's your name? Can I add you on WeChat?"

"My name is Shi Sui," Shi Sui said politely. "I have to go now, bye-bye."

A second later, awkwardness.

Staring at the girl's departing figure, five seconds later, he felt awkward.

Is there anything more embarrassing than gossiping about someone behind their back when the person in question is right in front of you?

This beautiful woman with a bright face, delicate features, and a gentle voice is none other than the legendary Shi Sui.

"She just smiled at me, oh no, I'm dead, I'm dead."

"I've decided, I'll set an alarm every day to vote for her from now on."

"She looks so much better in person than in photos. I'm sorry, Miss Shangguan, I'm switching allegiance."

"I thought I liked elegant beauties like Shangguan Ying, but after meeting Shi Sui in person, I realized that I prefer soft and gentle girls."

……

Shi Sui put on her headphones, walked quickly to the school gate, and found an inconspicuous corner to wait for Xu Chaomu.

She noticed that more and more people were staring at her on the street lately. Should she go out and buy a mask? No, she decided to buy it online instead; it's cheaper online.

Shi Sui quickly placed an order for face masks, and when she looked up, she saw a familiar figure.

Jiang Tianyao.

Just like Jiang Tianyao can always spot her at first glance in a crowd, Shi Sui can also spot her at a glance in a crowd. Perhaps this is the protagonist's halo.

A Bentley was parked on the side of the road. A tall man got out of the car. He was dressed in a pure black suit, exuding a restrained and aloof air. He had deep-set eyes, a high nose, thin lips, and a noble demeanor.

Shi Sui: Acting all high and mighty.

It was peak time for students to leave school, and many girls stopped at the school gate.

Jiang Chenjin enjoyed the attention. He loosened his tie, casually rolled up his sleeves to reveal a well-toned arm and a million-dollar luxury watch.

This drew quiet screams from many girls.

Amidst the envious glances of the other girls, Jiang Tianyao walked towards Jiang Chenjin, her face flushed with shyness, and sweetly called out, "Brother."

Jiang Chenjin patted her head: "Sweetie, I have a very important meeting at the company at noon and I can't leave. I'm sorry I'm only picking you up now."

"I'll be content as long as my brother comes to pick me up." Jiang Tianyao was understanding. "No matter how long it takes, I will wait for my brother."

"..."

They were quite far apart, so Shi Sui couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could see their intimate gestures—

Ever since learning through the system that Jiang Chenjin had ulterior motives towards his fake sister, Shi Sui felt disgusted by them and couldn't bear to look at them.

A voice suddenly came from beside me.

Why are you hiding here?

Shi Sui was startled. She looked up and saw Xu Chaomu, then touched her frightened heart and said, "You scared me."

"Sneaking around like that." Xu Chaomu chuckled, looking just like a startled rabbit, which was quite adorable.

He followed Shi Sui's gaze and saw the man opening the car door for Jiang Tianyao, the two chatting and laughing.

He had never seen this man before, but he had seen a photo of him when he was investigating the Jiang family in the afternoon. He was Shi Sui's older brother, Jiang Chenjin.

Why is Shi Sui hiding here? Why did Jiang Chenjin leave after picking up Jiang Tianyao?

Suddenly, Xu Chaomu understood.

Jiang Chenjin doesn't have a sister named Shi Sui in his heart; his only sister is Jiang Tianyao.

"Why do you look so strange?" Shi Sui looked up and found Xu Chaomu looking at her with a very strange expression, as if he was feeling sorry for her.

What is there to pity?

"It's nothing." Xu Chaomu looked away. "I saw it on the forum at noon today."

"Oh, okay." Shi Sui didn't care about what happened on the forum. She spread her hands, bowed, and got straight to the point, "Thank you for the notes, top student!"

It looks like they're begging for food (not really).

However, Xu Chaomu did not give her the notebook. Instead, to the girl's surprise, he placed his hand on hers and gently held it.

The boy's hands were rather cold, not warm, but they possessed a certain strength.

“My family background was actually terrible,” Xu Chaomu said. “My father was a gambler who tricked my mother into marriage. Shortly after I was born, my mother ran away to another city and never came back.”

Shi Sui: Why are we suddenly talking about family? Weren't we just borrowing notes? Oh, are we having a heart-to-heart talk? Why are you holding her hand?

Despite her confusion, Shi Sui did not withdraw her hand.

"Your hands are so cold, let me warm them up for you." Shi Sui pulled his hand and put it into her pocket.

A genius, but short-lived—that's how the system described Xu Chaomu.

But Shi Sui felt that Xu Chaomu was a good person, and good people shouldn't die young.

The girl's palm was soft and dry, warmly enveloping his hand, reminiscent of a clear spring sky and warm sunshine.

Ever since he learned about Shi Suizhen's identity as a rich girl at noon, Xu Chaomu had been thinking for a long time about what to talk about when they met. He was not good with words and spent the whole afternoon rehearsing.

And then, that was it, I forgot.

All I could think about was the clear sky and sunshine.