Chapter 42

Class 19 is universally recognized as the dumping ground for rejects, looked down upon not only by the Elite and International Classes but also by the regular classes.

Zhong Zhiwan knew that Xiu Yu was nothing more than a bad girl who hung around nightclubs and racetracks, but she was clear on the fact that Jiang Ran was no simple character.

This was something she had heard by chance from Old Master Zhong—

Jiang Ran had ties with a major clan in the capital.

Even if it wasn’t on the level of the Mu family, it wasn’t a force that the four major noble families of Shanghai City could afford to offend.

And now, with Ying Zijin having hit Jiang Ran, what would the consequences be, did she even need to think about it?

Zhong Zhiwan twirled the headphone cord around her finger, “Auntie, at noon, I saw Jiang Ran leaving the school on a motorcycle. He didn’t go back to…”

“Auntie knows,” Zhong Manhua replied, restraining her shock and anger. “You’ve really troubled yourself, Wanwan.”

“It’s nothing, Auntie,” Zhong Zhiwan said. “Grandpa asked me to look after my cousin at school, so I can’t go against his wishes.”

She casually added, “But Auntie, I think it’s better not to let Grandpa know about this. Family affairs are already troubling enough for him.”

Zhong Manhua felt the same, “You’re so thoughtful, Wanwan. You focus on your studies, and Auntie will handle this.”

She hung up the phone, chest heaving violently, hardly able to contain her fury.

School had only just started, and Ying Zijin had already caused her a string of troubles.

Moving classes on her own initiative was one thing, but now she’s even hitting people?

And the person she hit was Jiang Ran?

The butler had heard too, surprised, “Madam, is Jiang Ran from the capital…”

“Exactly,” Zhong Manhua replied, utterly annoyed. “His identity was deliberately hidden by that side, even I only knew he took his mother’s surname.”

Jiang Ran’s mother was from the Jiang family of Shanghai City.

Thinking it over, Jiang Ran should also call Jiang Moyuan uncle.

After a moment’s consideration, the butler said, “Madam, with Second Miss having hit Master Jiang Ran, leaving aside the capital, the Jiang family won’t let it go either.”

If this wasn’t handled properly, the Ying family’s shares were bound to be shaken, costing them hundreds of millions in losses.

“I knew it would be me cleaning up her mess,” Zhong Manhua sneered. “Go issue a check first. I’ll take her to the Jiang family to apologize myself.”

The butler understood, “How much does Madam think is appropriate?”

“Five million will do, and also bring along that jade stone Old Master bought at the auction the other day.”

As Zhong Manhua thought about spending so much to apologize to the Jiang family on behalf of Ying Zijin, the guilt that had reluctantly risen in her heart dissipated once again.

The butler nodded and went off to make the arrangements.

**

Elsewhere.

Xiu Yu was still happily imparting makeup tips to Ying Zijin, sitting cross-legged on a table: “Let me recommend some makeup products for the average person.”

Ying Zijin listened earnestly, specifically taking out a notebook to take notes.

Midway through, Xiu Yu suddenly stopped, “You haven’t come into contact with any of this before, have you?”

Ying Zijin hummed in acknowledgment.

Used to a life of luxury, Xiu Yu felt a bit sorry for the beautiful girl she thought was living such a miserable life.

“No worries, I’ve got your back from now on.” She put her arm around the girl’s shoulder, generous and forthright. “Just drop my name, Xiu Yu, at school, and nobody will dare to bully you.”

Ying Zijin was taken aback.

After a moment, she lowered her eyes and chuckled lightly, “That reminds me of someone.”

Xiu Yu was curious, “Who?”

“My best friend,” Ying Zijin said indifferently. “She used to say that too.”

“Oh.” Xiu Yu didn’t press on, “Have you had martial arts training?”

Ying Zijin tore open a yogurt pouch, “Sort of.”

She had also spent some time in Hua Country, when ancient martial arts were just becoming popular.

She seemed to recall having taken on a few disciples.

Because ancient martial artists had their bodily functions developed to the limits of human capability, they tended to live much longer than average people.

“That’s great!” Xiu Yu was delighted. “Then one day we should spar a bit too.”

Ying Zijin hesitated for a moment.

She was actually quite afraid her hands wouldn’t hold back, and she’d end up crippling someone.

“Daddy Ying!” Just then, a runner hurried in. “Daddy Ying, the head of the Moral Education Office is asking for you.”

After finishing her yogurt, Ying Zijin stood up, “Thank you, I know.”

The runner was flattered, scratching his head and chuckling, “Daddy Ying, no need for thanks. Once you’re in Class 19, you’re family.”

“The head of the Moral Education Office?” Xiu Yu frowned. “Don’t go. The principal doesn’t have a handle on Class 19 anyway.”

“Let’s go and see,” Ying Zijin said, unconcerned. “Better than letting the troubles pile up.”

“Fair enough,” Xiu Yu stood up as well. “I’ll go with you to take a look, but what’s with this ‘Daddy Ying’ thing?”

The last question was directed at the runner.

“You don’t understand, Sister Yu,” the runner said. “You and Brother Ran have stepped back into the second generation. Daddy Ying is the first generation; naturally, he’s ‘Daddy’.”

Xiu Yu, having no comeback, kicked him playfully and laughed scoldingly, “Get going, check on whether your Brother Ran is still able to get up.”

**

Moral Education Office.

“Madam Ying, I’ve already sent a student to fetch her,” the head of the Moral Education Office said. “She should be here shortly, please take a seat and have some tea.”

“No need,” Zhong Manhua said, with no leisure for calm. “Wanwan, has Jiang Ran not returned to school yet?”

“Auntie doesn’t need to worry so much,” Zhong Zhiwan said with a light smile. “Jiang Ran has always had a disregard for rules, he often runs out anyway.”

Zhong Manhua pursed her lips, growing more irritated.

How could she not be worried?

What if the Jiang family did not accept the apology?

They waited a full fifteen minutes before the door was finally pushed open.

The girl entered, dressed in a neat school uniform, her hair in a high ponytail.

This well-behaved student look pleased the head of the Moral Education Office: “Miss Ying Zijin, your family is here to speak with you.”

As soon as the words were out, Zhong Manhua stood up with a cold and stern expression.