Chapter Twenty-Six: Jiang Yiran’s Disappointment

With a look that seemed filled with pleasant surprise, she asked, "Brother Yiran, why are you here?"

Her gaze drifted downward to Jiang Yiran’s hands, and she asked happily, "What delicious treats did you bring me today?"

Jiang Yiran hurriedly tucked his hands behind his back, looking somewhat flustered. He still had the IV infusion patch from the school infirmary on his hand, and he couldn't let An'an see it; she would only worry.

Ruan An'an’s eyes flickered, then she looked at Jiang Yiran with a bright, sparkling expression.

Jiang Yiran smiled indulgently. "I didn't have time to buy anything today. Duan Jinyan told me you were looking for me, so I came straight over. What’s the matter?"

His voice sounded weaker than usual, something anyone could tell at a glance. Yet, Ruan An'an seemed completely oblivious.

She smiled innocently. "Oh, it’s nothing really. I just wanted to ask what events you signed up for in the school sports meet."

For a split second, Jiang Yiran felt as if his heart had shattered. He had made the trip just for this, and that guy Duan Jinyan had even insisted it was something important.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his irritation, and tried to remain gentle. "I should be doing the same as last year: high jump, long jump, and shot put."

Ruan An'an nodded in understanding, smiling sweetly. "I got it! You should head back soon, Brother; class is about to start!"

Jiang Yiran stiffened almost imperceptibly, his figure frozen in place. He looked at Ruan An'an, still harboring a sliver of hope, and tentatively asked, "Is there nothing else you want to say to me?"

Ruan An'an tilted her head to think. "Well... then, Brother, you must work hard! I’ll definitely go and cheer for you!"

Jiang Yiran froze, an irrepressible wave of disappointment washing over him. Still, he didn't say anything, just smiled and agreed.

After saying goodbye, he turned and left. Having walked a few paces, he couldn't help but look back at Ruan An'an. By then, he could only see her elegant back; she had long since turned away to continue laughing and playing with her classmates.

A complex thought flickered through Jiang Yiran’s mind. Was this the same feeling Jiang Wuyang had whenever she came looking for them in the past?

Back then, whenever Jiang Wuyang came to them, they were always impatient. Just like now, the moment they finished talking, they would immediately turn away. Was it possible that back then, Yangyang had also stopped after walking a few steps, only to look back and see nothing but their retreating backs?

A sour ache welled up from deep within him. He tried his best to ignore it and returned to his classroom.

***

Ever since she switched classes, Jiang Wuyang felt that the atmosphere in her new class was much more in sync with her own. Everything was going smoothly, as if she were blessed by the God of Wealth herself. She didn't even feel sleepy during lectures.

In fact, while others grew drowsy the more they listened, she only grew more energized. She stared intently at the blackboard, eager to absorb every bit of knowledge into her mind.

Xi Wencheng was writing on the board when he turned and met Jiang Wuyang's gaze. He nodded with satisfaction; this was exactly the kind of student he needed. He figured that in the upcoming monthly exams, she would surely give him a surprise. He chuckled to himself—once he revealed this trump card, it would certainly shock the other teachers!

Xi Wencheng felt delighted just thinking about it, and his hand moved with even more vigor as he wrote. Jiang Wuyang had no idea what he was thinking, and even if she had, she likely wouldn't have cared. It was just a small monthly exam; it would be a breeze.

The bell rang, signaling the thirty-five-minute break. This was also the most crowded time at the cafeteria.

"Yangyang, do you want to go to the cafeteria to get something to eat? I'm a bit hungry," Sang Wan said, tilting her head with a frustrated look. Her uncooperative stomach seemed to get hungry every single break.

Jiang Wuyang, who had been slumped over her desk, stood up. "Let's go."

She happened to want to go to the cafeteria to have a look. In her previous life, she would go to the cafeteria during every long break, but it was always to bring food back for *them*. A group of people older than her would sit there, waiting to be fed like hatchlings. Thinking about it now, it was truly laughable. A hint of sarcasm crossed Jiang Wuyang's heart.

She was done with that; a group of people whose brains were clearly less developed than their appetites.

Sang Wan didn't notice the change in Jiang Wuyang's expression. She happily linked arms with her and headed toward the cafeteria, encountering many acquaintances along the way.

When they reached the first floor and passed through a large open area, a group of seventeen or eighteen-year-olds were playing badminton. The scene was quite lively. Among them was a boy with a slender frame. From a distance, while his features were blurry, one could still tell he was very handsome. What was most striking was his carefree, youthful spirit.

He was quite mischievous; he frequently executed smashes, causing the people on the other side of the net to constantly scramble to pick up the shuttlecock. Yet, he laughed happily, his eyes curving into crescents, drawing the attention of many onlookers.

Sang Wan noticed him too, her eyes flashing with admiration. She had seen plenty of boys, but this type was truly rare. She wondered why she had never seen him at the First High School before. She excitedly tugged on Jiang Wuyang’s sleeve.

"Yangyang, look! That guy is so mean, he keeps smashing, and the people on the other side can't even return it." Though she said this, there was no real disgust in her tone; she actually found it amusing.

"Hmm."

"But honestly, the boy doing the smashing is quite handsome. I wonder which class he's in."

Jiang Wuyang glanced over and replied calmly, "Class A, Arts track, second year."

That person was Lin Jiachi. Just then, Lin Jiachi smiled and hit a high, deep shot, allowing his opponents to return it easily. He looked like an innocent, pampered young master from a wealthy family. Only Jiang Wuyang knew how mischievous he truly was inside.

Lin Jiachi had been in poor health since he was young and had always been spoiled by his elders, which had cultivated his bratty temperament. In her past life, she had taken great care of him because of his health, even bringing him along to various competitions.

And how did he repay her? He exploited her trust. The research project report she had painstakingly tested and perfected was stolen by him and given to Ruan An'an. When she had brought the report results to her mentor three days early, the mentor told her that Ruan An'an had already submitted the same project.

Helpless, she had to work day and night to rush out a new one. This report only took three days; from the topic selection to the data acquisition, it was nowhere near as refined as the first one. It was predictable that this report wouldn't win any awards.

Ruan An'an’s, on the other hand, won first prize. During that time, Ruan An'an’s name was plastered all over the school’s official website, and the school even used it as a selling point for future recruitment.

She had essentially labored for someone else's benefit. Later, when she found out the truth, it was Lin Jiachi himself who told her. She had asked him back then, didn't he want to win an award himself? He was on her team; was it fun to hand over their work to someone else?

And what did Lin Jiachi say?

Oh, he said, "Whether I win an award or not isn't important. What’s important is that Sister An'an said she liked this certificate and wanted to see it."

At that time, she was in a cold war with her father over something, and she desperately needed that award because winning it would have greatly increased her chances of receiving a scholarship. But because of Ruan An'an’s passing comment that she liked it, Lin Jiachi had handed it over.

One man's meat is another man's poison. Truly a willful little young master.

A look of sarcasm flickered in Jiang Wuyang's eyes. Just then, Lin Jiachi caught sight of Jiang Wuyang.