At that time, although Qin Chuan did not have an illustrious background, he held a unique significance for Jian Yiling. His presence brought a sense of comfort and stability during a turbulent period in her life. Unfortunately, after their tutoring sessions concluded, Jian Yiling lost all contact with him. However, he remained in her thoughts, a lingering memory of the kindness and understanding he had shown her.
When Jian Yiling eventually saw Qin Chuan again, he was just as wonderful as she remembered, though he had matured and transformed from a penniless student into a successful business magnate. Despite his elevated status, she was drawn to the memory of the one person who had stood by her side when she felt abandoned by the entire world.
But Qin Chuan's heart had found another—Mo Shiyun. In contrast to the pampered, troubled Jian Yiling, who was burdened with scandals, Mo Shiyun's resilience and success through hard work resonated with Qin Chuan. They connected deeply, becoming a celebrated couple admired by those around them.
At that point, Jian Yiling had become utterly obsessed. Faced with the reality that she could not have Qin Chuan for herself, she felt driven toward self-destruction. The notion of not being able to possess him made her want to tear everything down.
In the end, she did not destroy Qin Chuan; instead, she buried her own happiness beneath a mountain of despair and frustration.
Currently, Jian Yiling held no interest in Qin Chuan, even with the knowledge that he would become the head of the most powerful family in the capital. She had no desire to be entangled with him again. So, upon learning that Qin Chuan was at the Jian household, specifically in her brother's study, she chose to stay hidden in her own room, avoiding any chance of an encounter.
However, one cannot escape fate indefinitely. Jian Yuncheng soon appeared at her door, requesting her to come to his study for a talk. Reluctantly, Jian Yiling followed him, and soon enough, she heard him explain the arrangement he had made for her tutoring sessions.
This was the moment when Qin Chuan first laid eyes on Jian Yiling. She was a petite girl, dressed in a white sweater and fitted black casual pants. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face that was strikingly fair, with large, expressive eyes—a characteristic of the Jian family.
It was also Jian Yiling's first formal meeting with Qin Chuan. As the male lead, his looks were undoubtedly impressive, drawing immediate attention. Yet, he carried an air of contradiction. Though he was a struggling student working to pay for his tuition, he exuded a noble, brooding charm that made him stand out.
Jian Yiling understood that this conflicting aura stemmed from his unique background. Despite his current poverty, it was clear he would rise to a position of respect and authority, a figure that the Jian family would one day regard with awe.
Jian Yuncheng introduced them, "This is Qin Chuan. From today onward, he will be your tutor. During your week off, he will oversee your studies. When you return to school, he will come by on weekends to help you catch up. Qin Chuan graduated from Hengyuan First High School and is now attending the best university in Hengyuan. He is diligent and excels academically, so make sure to learn as much as you can from him."
In truth, Qin Chuan had achieved test scores that would have allowed him admission to the best university in the capital. However, due to his mother's prolonged illness and the family's financial constraints, he chose to stay in Hengyuan City, prioritizing care for his mother and the need to save money.
"I understand," Jian Yiling replied tersely, her tone somewhat stiff. For her, accepting a tutor was merely a way to show her family that she was willing to accept their goodwill, an attempt to mend the strained ties between them.
However, her naturally soft voice, combined with her appearance, made Qin Chuan perceive her as polite and obedient.
Watching her from the side, Qin Chuan thought Jian Yiling was quite different from the person he had expected based on the rumors he had heard.
He had done his homework before accepting this tutoring position; he had gathered information about the Jian family. He was also aware of the recent scandal circulating on the campus forum at Shenghua High School, where everyone was discussing how the notoriously arrogant Jian Yiling had pushed her older brother, Jian Yunsao, down the stairs, even calling for the school to expel her.
Yet, Qin Chuan understood that with the Jian family's influence in Hengyuan City, as long as they did not abandon Jian Yiling, the school would not dare to expel her.
Recognizing that Jian Yiling was not someone to be underestimated, he had still accepted Jian Yuncheng's offer, primarily because the pay was substantial and he needed the money. Earning enough for living expenses, tuition, and his mother's medical bills was his priority, and dealing with a challenging student was just part of the job.
However, upon meeting her in person, Qin Chuan was surprised to find that Jian Yiling did not appear to be the unruly and arrogant girl of the rumors.
He was left pondering whether the rumors were false or if her seemingly polite demeanor was just a facade. He had not yet drawn any conclusions.