In his previous life, Nie Zhenbang may not have been involved in any social cliques, but he had witnessed a lot. Today's elite young generation, compared to the old three batches, has changed a lot. However, there is one constant principle-- in certain matters, they still uphold their principles. Moreover, when it comes to their social hierarchy, they competed based on their own abilities and merit. Take Yang Anbang and Nie Jiamin for example, who were the leaders of their own small cliques, they acquired their position with their own efforts, not by leveraging their parents' social status and power. That kind of approach is currently disdainful to them.
Nie Zhenbang's approach just now was spot-on. He first used force to subdue everyone, creating a sense of intimidation. However, he measured his actions carefully, ensuring not to hurt them. He ultimately ended it all on a light-hearted note, expressing his friendly intentions. This smoothed the animosity between them.
Originally, Nie Jiamin was impressed by Nie Zhenbang's performance last night. Youngsters of their age naturally embrace rebellious tendencies. However, Nie Zhenbang was the first who could show such dominance in front of the elders. It was just the fact that Nie Jiamin was not pleased with this illegitimate son that had led to today's situation. At this point, Nie Zhenbang tactfully showcased his strength and simultaneously gave Nie Jiamin a graceful exit.
Nie Jiamin also laughed, stood up, and patted Nie Zhenbang on the shoulder, "Good lad, you even dare to take advantage of your second brother. I was born in January 1970. You are definitely younger than me."
Nie Zhenbang laughed as well, "Second Brother, we're outside, so our family hierarchy doesn't matter. You are barely a month older than me. Outside, we rely on our own abilities. I have claimed the title of the third brother."
Upon finishing his sentence, both laughed heartily. Nie Jiamin then embraced him, "Alright, alright. The Third Brother it is. Brothers, let's go to the Capital Restaurant for a Western meal. Today, your second brother will be treating everyone to an authentic French feast."
Yang Anbang was observing the scene. Although he couldn't hear the conversation, he put down his binoculars, grinned and said, "Interesting, this Third Brother Nie, I'd like to meet him."
"Anbang, is it worth it? To attach importance to such a brat who doesn't share our stature, aren't you overestimating him?" Wang Youchong, the son of the Wang family, said dismissively.
Yang Anbang smiled slightly, assured him, "Youchong, don't underestimate Nie. I'm sure he isn't ordinary."
On the other side, Zhou Chen was watching Nie Zhenbang and the others leave, carrying a disdainful expression, he scoffed, "Nie really disappoints me. He's just an illegitimate son, does he deserve this? So useless, messing around with an illegitimate child. He's disgracing the reputation of Jingcheng's elite young generation."
...
Only in the afternoon did Nie Zhenbang return home. At this moment, only Ye Shuxian was at home. When she saw Nie Zhenbang walk in, she stopped what she was doing, stood up straight and looked at him.
Nie Zhenbang approached Ye Shuxian and sincerely said, "Auntie, may I speak with you?"
These words made Ye Shuxian surprised. She had already braced herself for accepting him. The saying 'stepmothers are hard to deal with' was pervasive, but previously, Ye Shuxian had never considered this. Although Ye Shuxian had accepted this fact now, she was still adjusting to this new reality. Nie Zhenbang's sudden request threw her off balance, she nodded hurriedly, moved to the sofa and said, "Uh…Zhenbang...what's the matter? Did the kids in the courtyard or, Jiamin bully you?"
Nie Zhenbang gave a small smile, seeing that Ye Shuxian was managing to cope, which was comforting to him. At least it showed she had started to get used to the fact that she has him in her home, acknowledging him as her husband's son. Nie Zhenbang didn't expect Ye Shuxian to see him as her own son immediately, but signs of change were always good. What was troublesome was an indifferent attitude. Nie Zhenbang firmly believed that Ye Shuxian, who treated him well in his previous life, would do the same this time around as well.
"Auntie, I don't want to go to school anymore. I already understand everything that is being taught at the school," said Nie Zhenbang, leaving Ye Shuxian shocked.
Ye Shuxian's expression became complex. Not going to school anymore? If the other families found out about this, what would they think of her? Would they accuse her, the stepmother, of orchestrating this?
As Ye Shuxian was deep in thought, Nie Zhenbang continued, "Auntie, I didn't mean to quit school. I want to maintain my enrollment but study at home. I will only attend the school exams each year. It's a form of homeschooling, you could say."
Upon hearing that, Ye Shuxian paused for a moment. What did he mean? Was he considering himself a genius? Agreeing would be easy. With her status, she could just make a call to Jingcheng University and it would be fine. But would this affect the child negatively in the future? Ye Shuxian hesitated. On one hand, she wished that Nie Zhenbang never existed; she even hoped that he became a lowlife, a rogue gangster, unwelcomed and driven out of the Nie family. Then she would no longer have to see him. Out of sight, out of mind. If she couldn't see him, she would forget the entire thing and the fact that her husband had an illegitimate child.
However, on the other hand, Ye Shuxian hoped that Nie Zhenbang could become a core member of the Nie family, to stake his claim. Because, Ye Shuxian did not have her own son. Regardless of whether the son was hers by birth, as long as he was a part of her family, Ye Shuxian could use this son to achieve status equal to Huang Yuerong's.
In the end, her rationality overwhelmed her desires, and she asked sternly, "Want to explain why you want to study by yourself? University is not like high school, it's your last stop before social life. You need to take it seriously."
With that said, Nie Zhenbang also felt touched inside. Despite the fact his stepmother had some spleen against him and even now seemed reluctant to call his name, her behavior proved she still cared for him. If she agreed without hesitation, it would spare Nie Zhenbang a lot of trouble. At the moment, Nie Zhenbang had no choice but to venture, "Auntie, I generally understand most of the knowledge they teach in school. You can rest assured. If I can't pass the exams every year, I will definitely return to school and study hard. This okay. Auntie, please help me. You have a kind heart, show some compassion and help me."
At this moment, Ye Shuxian remained unmoved. Her gaze fixed on Nie Zhenbang, with a smile on her face, retorting, "You've barely been in Jingcheng a few days, and you've already picked up such a bad habit. Don't try and sweet talk me. And don't hang out with Jiamin and the other children."
In the end, Ye Shuxian did not ask Nie Zhenbang why he chose to do so in detail. Perhaps this was the genes from his birth mother showing up. However, this made Nie Zhenbang happy instead. If he was asked, he would not know what to say.
...
With Ye Shuxian's help, Nie Zhenbang accompanied her to the school. The stature was set; there should be no problem from the school. They would even try their best to assist in securing his degree, let alone getting an approval for not attending school. Moreover, Ye Shuxian was clear that she would participate in the exams every year, and if she failed any, she would return to school. This wouldn't lower the standard of Jingcheng University. After a slight consideration, the principal agreed.
"You should go back early and not delay your studies. Don't spend too much time playing with Jiamin. You've just arrived. There's much you don't know yet. The waters in this circle are deep. It's not as simple as it seems." Ye Shuxian gave Nie Zhenbang a look and instructed before leaving on her own.
At this moment, Nie Zhenbang jumped up in excitement. He was thoroughly liberated. In fact, the diploma was insignificant to him if he did not have plans for a future career in politics. With his 24 years of previous experience, every major event from his last life was embedded in his mind. If he just wanted to make money, becoming a millionaire, billionaire or even the world's richest man wouldn't be a problem. The purpose of the diploma was to provide groundwork for his career in governance.
At the entrance of Yu Ying School just after school was let out, Nie Jiamin and others rushed out of the school upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, the group huddled around him.
"Third bro, this is a rare occurrence. A talented student from Jingcheng University has come to see us illiterates." This was Liu Kun speaking.
Li Wen also laughed and said, "Third bro, don't tell me you're here to hit on the girls. I'm telling you, many girls at our school are sleeping dragons and crouching tigers, each potentially a bomb."
"Third bro, shouldn't you be at Jingcheng University? Why did you run over here?" Nie Jiamin was also puzzled.
At this moment, Nie Zhenbang laughed and said, "Nothing much, I processed the self-study procedure, so I don't have to go to school anymore. I was doing nothing at home so thought of seeing you guys."
As soon as his words fell, Liu Kun's excited shout sounded, "Third brother, you are my real older brother. Please be kind. Have pity on a poor child like me. I was just thinking about how to skip school. You are like a guiding light, a lighthouse in the vast sea, illuminating my path. Now, I know. As soon as I get home, I'll apply for self-study."
Suddenly, a voice from the side rose, "Kun, seems like you're regressing by hanging out with Nie the Second kid. You're now acquaintances with an illegitimate child. You've really lost face."