"From now on, I'll be relying on you for a while," Jian Yunsheng said to Qin Chuan. "It's my duty."
"Then let's begin today. This week will be a bit demanding."
"Alright."
The difficulty is not a concern; daily tutoring means he will earn a substantial reward each day. Jian Yunsheng has also promised to pay him daily for the tutoring sessions. This will help cover his mother's hospital expenses. Frankly speaking, Jian Yiling's leave of absence is a timely opportunity for Qin Chuan.
Qin Chuan followed Jian Yiling to her study. Her study was adorned with a distinctly feminine charm, reflecting the fact that she was the only daughter cherished like a princess by her parents. The room was filled with soft pink decor, which did not suit Jian Yiling's own tastes, but she had no time to alter her room's decor; she had more pressing matters to attend to.
As soon as Qin Chuan entered Jian Yiling's study, he was met with an overwhelming sense of girlishness. She truly was the little princess of the Jian family, though the school's reputation suggested otherwise. Qin Chuan had no interest in such a girlish demeanor. Whether she was a demon or a princess, she was merely a task to him.
Qin Chuan examined Jian Yiling's test papers from the previous month. Jian Yiling, having just entered her first year of high school, had performed poorly on her initial monthly exam. Out of the nine core subjects, she failed six and barely passed three others. Her academic performance could only be described as "horrific."
Qin Chuan instructed Jian Yiling to correct the mistakes on her test papers. "I'll start by making the corrections myself. If I make any errors, you can point them out," Jian Yiling said, aiming to minimize interaction with Qin Chuan.
Jian Yiling was still unaccustomed to communicating with others, so her speech was slower than usual. Seeing her insistence, Qin Chuan did not press further and sat on a nearby sofa, waiting for Jian Yiling to complete her work.
While Qin Chuan was not looking, Jian Yiling subtly slid her phone under the test papers and began typing on her screen. If Qin Chuan had approached at that moment, he would have seen her typing in English.
After a while, Qin Chuan came over to check Jian Yiling's corrections. When he approached, Jian Yiling quickly hid her phone and feigned concentration on her work. Qin Chuan glanced at the corrections Jian Yiling had made and saw that although she had only corrected one mistake, she had done it accurately. The solution process was correct.
Noting the slow progress, Qin Chuan decided to explain while Jian Yiling continued her corrections. As he leaned in, Jian Yiling cautiously shifted her phone onto her lap. Qin Chuan didn't notice her phone, only seeing her flinch slightly. She seemed quite timid.
Qin Chuan momentarily felt as though he was intimidating the girl. In reality, Jian Yiling's reaction was a simple aversion to contact with strangers, particularly someone like Qin Chuan; it was an instinctive response.
That evening, after Jian Shuxing returned from work, he took Jian Yiling back to the old Jian family residence. Jian Yiling's grandparents had heard about the recent events and requested her return for a visit.
Jian Shuxing did not conceal the seriousness of Jian Yizhuo's situation, which could impact his future.
Jian Yiling's grandparents lived alone in the old family residence, while the children had all moved out. Nonetheless, the family would gather at the old home for important events and holidays.
The drive to the old residence used to take half an hour. Upon arrival, the large black iron gate opened automatically, allowing the car to enter the courtyard.
The old residence was a typical medieval European-style building. Inside, Jian Yiling's grandparents had been waiting for some time.
Although retired, the old man still exuded authority. With his white hair and lean frame, he remained robust, though he occasionally suffered from ailments triggered by inclement weather.
The old lady, also with white hair, retained her dignified and graceful demeanor, radiating an air of nobility.
As Jian Shuxing and Jian Yiling entered, the old lady came forward and embraced Jian Yiling. "My little darling, have you been frightened?" she said, comforting Jian Yiling with affectionate words.
"Mother, this is a mistake made by Yiling," Jian Shuxing said with a frown, feeling that his mother's actions seemed to imply that Yiling had been harmed.
The old lady dismissed his concerns. "Nonsense! How could Yiling, with her delicate strength, possibly push someone down the stairs? Besides, Yiling's older brother is her own flesh and blood. How could she deliberately push him? The children must have had a quarrel, and it was an accident. How can you, as a father, accuse Yiling like this? She is not a bad child!"
Unlike Jian Shuxing and his wife, the old lady firmly believed in Jian Yiling. Having given birth to three sons and no daughters, she had always longed for a granddaughter. Despite her hope being unfulfilled, she had received eight grandsons but no granddaughters.
When Jian Yiling was born, the old lady was overjoyed. Naturally, she cared for Jian Yiling more than the other grandchildren.
She often brought Jian Yiling to the old residence to care for her personally. Among her many grandchildren, Jian Yiling had spent the most time with her, especially before turning five.
As she had raised Jian Yiling herself, the old lady was well aware of the child's nature. Though spoiled and somewhat temperamental, she believed Jian Yiling had no malicious intent and would never push her own brother down the stairs.
As for her temper, being the only daughter in the Jian family, a bit of indulgence was to be expected.
Jian Shuxing sighed deeply. "Mother, you can't coddle Yiling like this. She made a mistake, and Wen Nuan and I are doing our best to discipline her. Your interference only makes our efforts in vain."
The old lady refused to listen. "What are you saying? Are you criticizing my way of raising the children? If I didn't do well, how did I manage to raise the three of you? Now you say I'm too old and can't handle the children?"
"Mother, that's not what I meant…" Jian Shuxing tried to explain, but found himself being criticized as an unfilial son.
"After all, Yiling is not at fault; I trust her implicitly! And as for the servant in your household, you should dismiss them immediately. If Yiling dislikes them, what purpose does their presence serve? Paying for a servant is meant to serve the family, not to cause trouble for them!" Grandmother Jian turned her head dismissively, her demeanor indicating that her opinion was unchangeable.
Yiling looked at the two quarreling individuals and gently tugged at Grandmother Jian's sleeve.
Grandmother Jian glanced down at her.
"Please stop arguing; I admit my mistake."
Indeed, Yiling had made some errors, particularly in her reaction to her brother's new female friend.
In this situation, Yiling had been somewhat petty.
As for whether she had pushed him, Yiling preferred not to engage in futile arguments at the moment.
Insisting on her innocence in front of her grandparents, without any evidence to support her claim, would only disappoint her parents and brother without achieving any positive outcome.
"Yiling, you…" Grandmother Jian looked at Yiling with astonishment.
Upon hearing Yiling's sincere admission, Jian Shuxiang's heart was moved.
It was clear that the child truly understood her mistake.
At this moment, the usually silent Grandfather Jian spoke, "Yiling, come here."
Grandfather Jian beckoned to Yiling.
After a moment's hesitation, Yiling carefully approached him.
Sitting on the sofa, Grandfather Jian reached out and patted Yiling's head. "I called you over to discuss how your father would handle this matter. Now that you've admitted your mistake, I am quite relieved."
Like Grandmother Jian, Grandfather Jian had a special affection for his only granddaughter and was always willing to fulfill her wishes.
However, as the head of the family, he had to address the serious issue at hand with fairness.
Grandfather Jian's expression softened as he addressed his beloved granddaughter, "As for your brother's matter, I will consider it resolved. Further probing into your mistakes won't change the fact that your brother was injured, but you must face the consequences and fulfill any necessary reparations. Furthermore, this must never happen again. Do you understand?"
Yiling nodded.
Grandfather Jian continued, "Our family may be stern with outsiders, but we will not tolerate harm within the family. This time, considering your youth and the fact that it's your first offense, I am lenient."
Yiling nodded again.
Yiling had no doubt that Grandfather Jian would impose some form of punishment.
After all, in the original narrative, it was Grandfather Jian who ultimately ordered Yiling's expulsion from the family.
Grandmother Jian, displeased, stepped forward and pulled Yiling away from Grandfather Jian.
"You old man, you are scaring her with your harshness!"
Although Grandmother Jian scolded, she still had a measure of respect for her husband.
She wouldn't have intervened if she hadn't felt the need to defuse the situation.
Having spent a lifetime together, Grandmother Jian knew her husband's nature well.
In minor matters, she could cause a fuss and he would indulge her.
But on serious matters, he was resolute and unyielding.
Had she not been considerate, their marriage might not have lasted.
The previous host had already explained that no one believed her.
At the time, only Yiling and Jian Yunlu were present; Yiling claimed that Jian Yunlu had fallen by himself, while Jian Yunlu accused Yiling of pushing him. Each maintained their stance, and the family chose to believe Jian Yunlu. The previous host had argued and quarreled, but everyone believed she was unrepentant, leading to a significant confrontation between Yiling and Jian Yunlu.
Now, with the disappearance of the surveillance video and the lack of evidence, the heroine, newly arrived in this world, was isolated and vulnerable. With no proof or support, she was at risk of meeting the fate of a mere background character in the original story. The heroine chose to stabilize the situation and gather evidence to prove her innocence.
Grandmother Jian comforted Yiling with a few more words, "Alright, my little dear, admit your mistakes and don't repeat them! If someone else angers you in the future, don't be so impulsive. If you don't know what to do, come and tell Grandma."
Grandmother Jian was exceptionally protective of her family, especially Yiling.
Yiling and Jian Shuxiang stayed at the old Jian residence for dinner.
After the meal, everyone gathered to enjoy tea.
At this moment, Grandfather Jian raised a topic of significant concern for Hengyuan City.
"I heard that the esteemed guest from the capital has recently arrived in Hengyuan City?"
Grandfather Jian did not specify, but Jian Shuxiang knew exactly who he meant. The only person worth mentioning was that individual.
"Indeed, he has arrived," Jian Shuxiang confirmed.
The news was intentionally leaked by the Zhai family from the capital to ensure that Hengyuan City paid close attention to this guest.
"Be cautious and keep your distance. The Zhai family's esteemed guest is someone to be avoided. If anything goes wrong, it will be troublesome." Even Grandfather Jian was deeply concerned about this matter.
"Rest assured, Dad, I am aware of the situation," Jian Shuxiang replied. "But I don't understand why the Zhai family is so anxious. Although he is the only child of the Zhai family, he is an adult now; it shouldn't be this..."
The Zhai family's protective nature toward this child puzzled Jian Shuxiang.
Grandfather Jian reflected, "Ah, this Master Sheng is not just the Zhai family's only heir, but he also has a congenital heart condition. A slight misstep could be fatal. The Zhai family has protected him throughout his life."
This information was shared with Grandfather Jian by a close friend from the capital, and it wasn't much of a secret in the capital.
Jian Shuxiang added, "I wonder what connection Master Sheng has with Tianxing Group. I received not only news from the Zhai family but also a notice from Tianxing Group."
Grandfather Jian explained, "The head of Tianxing Group is none other than Zhai family's second master, Master Sheng's uncle. In his youth, this second master was a troublemaker and amassed many enemies. He even caused his elder brother's death in an attempt to save him from revenge. Feeling guilty, he has remained unmarried and dedicated his life to work and caring for his nephew. He has publicly declared that his business empire will be inherited by his nephew."
This background was not commonly known, and Grandfather Jian had learned it from an old friend in the capital.
Because the second master of the Zhai family felt guilty about his brother and family, he kept his background hidden during his rise, so people knew he was from the Zhai family but were unaware of his connection to the prominent Zhai family.
"Who would have thought that Tianxing Group and the Zhai family were connected in this way?"
This revelation was indeed shocking, given the immense power and influence of both the Zhai family and Tianxing Group, far beyond the Jian family's comparison.
Yiling, sipping her tea quietly, also overheard the conversation between her father and grandfather.
The Zhai family from the capital.
A name immediately sprang to mind for Yiling.
It was him! The main antagonist of the book! The greatest threat to the male lead upon his return to the capital!
Master Sheng: "The esteemed guest has arrived, yet why is my full name still missing?"
Chongchong: "You're doing better than the male lead from the Ye family next door. Even after nearly a hundred chapters, he still doesn't have a name. At least you know his surname and one of his given names, right?"