The bad value system is measuring values.

Chapter 146 Birthday

Qiao Xiao was stunned and questioned, "So you've really decided not to go to class today?"

Jiang Yu lowered her head slightly, avoiding Qiao Xiao's sharp gaze, and said softly, "But I can't find you anywhere."

Qiao Xiao frowned, crossed her arms, and said irritably, "This is not a valid reason for you to skip class. Don't forget you have family. If they find out you didn't go to school today, they will definitely hold you accountable."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu simply responded with a curt "Mm." His expression was so cold that it revealed no emotional fluctuation, as if he were completely unconcerned about the punishment he was about to face.

Seeing this, Qiao Xiao became anxious and quickly asked, "So what are you planning to do about it? We can't just sit here and wait to die!"

Jiang Yu raised his head, a confident smile playing on his lips, and reassured her, "Don't worry, I have a plan."

Deep within his eyes lay a barely perceptible worry, which Qiao Xiao could spot at a glance.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before the news that Jiang Yu wasn't going to school spread like wildfire to his adoptive parents.

That evening, the atmosphere was unusually somber as the family sat around the table for dinner.

The adoptive father put down his chopsticks and asked with a grim expression, "Where on earth has this child gone? He hasn't been seen all day, and he's even skipping school!"

The foster mother sighed softly, echoing her husband's words, "Yes, Lao Jiang, it's really strange. Even if he had something important to deal with, he should have told us in advance. It's really inappropriate for him to just run off without saying a word!"

At this moment, Jiang Ning, who had been sitting quietly eating, suddenly raised her head and cautiously defended her brother, saying, "Perhaps... perhaps my brother really encountered some difficulties? Maybe he had no choice but to make this decision."

The adoptive mother reached out and gently stroked Jiang Ning's soft hair, looking at her biological daughter with doting eyes. She said with relief, "My good daughter, you are so kind-hearted. However, I hope your kindness will not be wasted." After saying that, she turned to look at her husband, and the two exchanged a worried look.

Jiang Ning snuggled close to her mother, rubbing against her like a well-behaved kitten, and called out in a sweet, coquettish voice, "Mom~" Her voice was so sweet it seemed to drip with honey.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yu dragged his heavy steps slowly home. He was exhausted after a whole day of intense studying.

When he reached out and gently pushed open the half-closed door, an unusual atmosphere instantly enveloped him.

The house was silent. His parents sat quietly on the sofa. From the moment he stepped into the house, their gazes were like two blazing flames, fixed on him with undisguised scrutiny.

"Where did you go?" The adoptive father broke the silence first, his voice deep and serious, like a heavy hammer hitting Jiang Yu's heart.

The foster mother then spoke up, "Your homeroom teacher has called me so many times! What's going on? Child, you've always been a punctual child, never late or leaving early."

Although her words sounded full of concern, they also subtly revealed a hint of pressure.

Jiang Yu knew that he absolutely could not reveal the truth about this matter, otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable.

So, he forced himself to remain calm, his face still expressionless, and replied in a tone so calm it was almost completely flat: "My boss asked me to cover for someone else for half a day today, and he promised to pay me double, so I went."

His adoptive parents were always aware of his hard work outside and tacitly approved of it.

It's important to know that Jiang Yu is no ordinary person. Not only does he have excellent grades and receive generous scholarships, but he also receives a student grant from the school due to his family's financial difficulties. In addition, he earns wages through part-time jobs, so he is never short of money and naturally would never ask his adoptive parents for money.

"Oh, I see." After hearing these explanations, the adoptive parents couldn't help but exchange a glance. Their tense expressions instantly relaxed, and they looked much more relaxed and cheerful.

At this moment, the adoptive father cleared his throat and earnestly instructed, "Even so, if similar situations arise again in the future, you should still inform us in advance so that we are aware of the situation."

"Okay, I got it." Jiang Yu nodded obediently, indicating that she accepted her adoptive father's suggestion, and then turned to go back to her room.

However, just as he took two steps, his foster mother's urgent cry came from behind: "Wait!"

Jiang Yu turned around in confusion, only to see his adoptive mother looking at him with a smile and asking, "Son, your sister Jiang Ning's birthday is coming up soon. Have you thought about what kind of birthday present you'd like to give her?"

Jiang Yu was taken aback upon hearing this. To be honest, he had never even considered this question.

After all, deep down, he didn't have a strong emotional bond with his younger sister Jiang Ning. They rarely interacted or communicated, and he rarely paid attention to anything related to Jiang Ning.

Jiang Yu: "Okay, I understand."

Upon hearing this, the foster mother quickened her pace, rushed forward, and tightly grasped Jiang Yu's hand. A warm smile, like the spring sun, bloomed on her face as she said with concern, "I know you don't earn money easily, but please don't forget your family. Our Jiang Ning has been eagerly anticipating receiving a special gift from you, brother, for a long time!"

Jiang Yu glanced at Jiang Ning out of the corner of her eye. Her eyes were filled with an irritating expectation, and she felt unusually restless and uneasy.

He simply couldn't bear to stay there any longer and listen to his foster mother's nagging; he just wanted to escape this oppressive place as soon as possible.

So he hurriedly replied, "I understand, I will definitely prepare well."

After saying that, she turned around and ran away without looking back, fleeing back to her quiet room like a frightened deer.

Jiang Yu collapsed heavily onto the bed, his body hitting the soft mattress with a dull thud.

He closed his eyes tightly, his adoptive mother's words echoing in his mind, and a deep sense of helplessness welled up in his heart.

He had no idea what kind of gift he should give Jiang Ning; as for how to further improve his relationship with them, he hadn't even thought about it.

He couldn't help but think of Qiao Xiao.

"If it were you, Yan Rui, instead of Jiang Ning, that would be so wonderful..." Jiang Yu murmured to himself, his voice so soft that only he could hear it.