NOVPUB"Dad, let me explain!"
Hearing his son’s desperate plea, Liu Changqing froze mid-motion, his raised hand pausing in the air.
Liu Zhiyue’s chubby face was unusually serious as if he were revealing a long-hidden secret. With an air of righteousness, he declared, "Actually, I’m really smart. I can get high scores anytime I want. I just don’t want to show off."
"...…"
This time, Liu Changqing didn’t hold back.
With a sharp smack, Liu Zhiyue yelped and quickly darted behind his little sister, Liu Xiazhi.
"It’s true! You have to believe me!"
"You!!"
Liu Changqing glared at his son in exasperation. Poor grades weren’t a problem—middle school was still early enough to catch up with some effort. But why did this kid have to be so stubborn?
"Don’t hit him! My brother really is smart!"
Liu Xiazhi stepped in to defend her brother, spreading her arms wide to shield him. Her small face radiated determination as she faced her father.
"I saw him throw away an English test with 88 points last time!"
To Liu Xiazhi, scoring 88 out of 100 on a test was a remarkable feat—especially an English test.
She vividly remembered the day she found her brother crumpling up his test and tossing it into the trash with a look of indifference. Curious, she had fished it out to see the score.
At the time, she thought her brother was incredible. Scoring 88 and still dissatisfied? If she had gotten an 88 in English, their mom would have probably bought her a beautiful dress as a reward.
Liu Zhiyue’s face fell completely.
His sister’s words were like salt on his wounds, and he could tell from Liu Changqing’s increasingly dark expression that things weren’t looking good for him.
Liu Changqing’s chest rose and fell as he glared at his son, his eyes practically blazing.
But just as quickly as his anger rose, it deflated like a punctured balloon.
Liu Changqing let out a deep sigh, his frustration palpable.
He knew his son was smart—there was no denying that. Back in elementary school, Liu Zhiyue’s academic performance had been outstanding, earning him recognition across the school.
But somewhere along the way, that brilliance had faded.
Fixing his son with a disappointed look, Liu Changqing finally said, "I’ve arranged for you to have a tutor."
Liu Zhiyue froze in shock.
His face first showed confusion, then alarm. He quickly stepped out from behind Liu Xiazhi, looking genuinely worried.
Given their family’s financial situation, hiring a private tutor seemed unlikely.
"That’s not necessary! I’ll give it my all for the final exams—I don’t need a tutor!"
"Who said anything about spending money?"
Liu Changqing shot back, narrowing his eyes at his son.
"I found someone from your class. What’s her name again…?" He trailed off, suddenly realizing he didn’t know the mother and daughter’s names from earlier.
Turning to his son, Liu Changqing asked, "Do you have a girl in your class who’s really good at studying?"
"A girl who’s good at studying? There are plenty…"
"The short one. Looks like an elementary school kid."
"You mean Zhou Shiyan?"
Liu Zhiyue immediately thought of her.
"Is she your math class representative?"
"Yeah!"
"That’s her."
Liu Changqing nodded. "I talked to her tonight. She’ll tutor you whenever she’s free."
"What?!"
Liu Zhiyue’s face turned blank with disbelief.
Zhou Shiyan… tutoring me?
That expressionless girl?
"No way, Dad! I really don’t need this. I swear I’ll do well on my finals!"
"It’s already decided. If you have any objections, save them for after your finals."
"I..."
"It’s settled."
As the head of the household, Liu Changqing’s word was final.
Sitting on the sofa, Liu Xiazhi watched the exchange in bewilderment. Her brother looked defeated, while her father was unyielding.
What are they even talking about?
The room was quiet.
Li Chongming’s hand gently caressed the silky strands of hair that slipped effortlessly through his fingers.
He watched the strands fall and felt a wave of infatuation.
His thoughts wandered back to their high school days.
The first time he met An Yuanyao and Li Wanran—one lively and adorable, the other an aloof beauty. Best friends and the stars of the academy, excelling in both academics and looks.
Back then, like many boys, he admired them from a distance, never daring to imagine getting close.
Even now, recalling those days felt surreal.
"What are you thinking about? You’re so lost in thought."
Li Wanran’s hand rested on his, her tone tinged with concern as she gazed at him intently.
In high school, this man had always seemed timid and weak, hesitant in everything he did. Now, he exuded maturity. His gaze, though no longer as pure and captivating as before, had deepened, drawing people in with its intensity.
Why am I so drawn to him? Li Wanran wondered.
Hearing her question, Li Chongming smiled and looked into her eyes.
"I was thinking that meeting you in this life is the luckiest thing that’s ever happened to me."
With that, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace. His chin rested on the top of her head.
"Me too," Li Wanran replied softly.
Time seemed to freeze as memories of their past flashed through her mind like a slideshow.
Their first meeting, their budding friendship…
She recalled how he had bested her in school rankings, catching her attention, and how he had helped her at a banquet when she was humiliated in front of others.
When did I fall hopelessly in love with him?
Li Wanran couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment.
She only knew the feeling—the overwhelming emotion of loving him.
How fortunate I am to have met you in this lifetime.
Both thought the same as silence enveloped the room.
Until…
"When will you divorce An Yuanyao?"
Li Chongming’s previously relaxed eyes snapped open.
He stared at the woman in his arms, who was gazing up at him expectantly.
Suddenly, he found himself unable to respond.
