Jiang Linyu’s phone rang. She heard the special ringtone, turned on the bedside lamp, and answered the call.
"Someone is investigating your past."
One sentence left Jiang Linyu stunned.
"How could this happen?" Jiang Linyu was restless.
"Take care of yourself." The caller hung up.
Jiang Linyu panicked. How could such a thing happen?
She sat on the bed, her heart in turmoil.
Li Tianhong had complained about her smell and didn’t sleep next to her.
Although Li Tianhong hadn’t explicitly said it, Jiang Linyu understood his meaning very well.
Jiang Linyu looked at her own legs, her eyes filled with murderous intent.
Nan Qiao had a good night’s sleep and stretched lazily as she went downstairs.
Grandpa and Granny were sitting on the sofa, chatting with Chen Xinwan and Bai Zhenyang.
"Wanwan, Sunday is your birthday. I’ve booked a restaurant. If it weren’t for you wanting it low-key, I’d have organized something lively for you," Bai Zhenyang said with a smile.
Chen Xinwan replied, "Just having a family dinner together is enough. If too many outsiders come, I worry Qiaoqiao won’t feel comfortable. Now that Qiaoqiao is back, I just want our family to live peacefully."
Granny Bai nodded in agreement, "Since I recovered, I’ve only wanted a quiet life."
Nan Qiao walked over and said, "Mom, leave your birthday to me. I’ll take care of the arrangements."
Chen Xinwan stood up, moved to Nan Qiao’s side, and held her hand as they sat down together: "Qiaoqiao, you’re so busy every day. Don’t worry about these things; I don’t want you to get tired. Honestly, I think you should take a break from school. Traveling the world teaches more than reading books. You can come with me to travel globally and stop worrying about school."
Bai Zhenyang laughed, "Others want their kids to study hard, but you... you hope they quit school."
Chen Xinwan replied, "I just hope my child is safe and happy. Whether she graduates or not doesn’t matter—I’ll take care of her."
Nan Qiao smiled brightly. She knew her family cared deeply for her and didn’t want her to feel burdened.
Suddenly, Nan Qiao thought she might graduate early.
"Mom, Dad, I plan to graduate early. I’ll go ask the principal later at school. If it works out, I can finish school ahead of time."
Nan Qiao’s words brought joy to the entire family.
They didn’t doubt Nan Qiao’s ability. In their hearts, Nan Qiao was always a diligent and smart child.
Chen Xinwan expressed her happiness, "Qiaoqiao, ask the school and confirm the timeline. Then, Mom will take you traveling and shopping."
Nan Qiao nodded with a smile, "I’ll head to school and ask now."
Nan Qiao didn’t dare reveal that she had the principal’s direct contact; she worried about being questioned.
Nan Qiao arrived at Principal Qi’s office.
Principal Qi greeted her warmly, offering snacks and pouring tea.
With a cheerful smile, Principal Qi asked, "Boss, what brings you here? Any instructions?"
"I want to graduate early."
He had hoped Nan Qiao would stay longer at the school, so he could continue asking for insights on medical topics.
But Nan Qiao was adamant. Principal Qi could only respond, "If you participate in competitions and win a prize, I’ll allow you to graduate a year early."
Nan Qiao said, "If I help with your experiments, let me graduate two years early."
After all, the latter part of senior year was just internships—essentially graduating three years ahead of schedule.
"Fine, boss, whatever you say," Principal Qi replied enthusiastically.
Once the matter was settled, Nan Qiao left.
Wanting to buy a gift for Chen Xinwan, Nan Qiao went to the mall to pick something.
Though she already owned many jewels, she wanted to give extra.
Nan Qiao entered a jewelry store.
A polite store employee approached, and Nan Qiao said, "I’m Nan Qiao. I ordered a necklace from here."
The employee quickly informed the store manager, who greeted Nan Qiao warmly and said, "Miss Nan Qiao, please wait. I’ll fetch your necklace."
Nan Qiao sat outside to wait, intending to leave quickly once she got her item—she didn’t want to waste time.
After some time, the employee brought out the customized necklace for Nan Qiao.
"Miss Nan Qiao, here’s your necklace."
Nan Qiao took the box, looked at the gorgeous ruby necklace, and felt satisfied.
She had personally designed the layout; of course, she liked it.
Just as Nan Qiao was about to speak, a voice rang out, "I want that necklace."
A familiar voice. Nan Qiao looked up and saw Li Xia.
Li Xia walked over, sat down, and said with a smile, "I want that necklace."
Nan Qiao closed the necklace box, placed it on her lap, and held it with her hand.
"Want it? You really can’t afford it," Nan Qiao replied with a grin.
Li Xia looked at the store manager and said, "I want that necklace. Sell it to me."
The store manager, caught in the middle, awkwardly replied, "Miss Li, this necklace isn’t one of the store’s items for sale. My apologies."
"Really?" Li Xia frowned.
Li Xia said, "I’ll pay double the price."
Nan Qiao chuckled and clicked her tongue. "What? You have money, and I don’t?"
Li Xia said, "Five times!"
"Deal!" Nan Qiao said with a radiant smile. "Pay up. Whoever doesn’t pay is a little dog."
Nan Qiao continued, "The store manager knows this necklace is worth five million dollars, plus the design drawing is worth another million—altogether six million. Add your five times, and that’s thirty million. Wealthy Miss Jiang Ningzhu, write a check, then."
Li Xia couldn’t comprehend.
Seeing Li Xia’s stunned look, Nan Qiao raised an eyebrow and asked, "What’s the matter? Were you just talking big? You sounded so crisp and decisive, but now you don’t want to pay. Bragging here, Jiang Ningzhu? Aren’t you shameless?"
Li Xia, obviously hinted at, looked annoyed, pulled a check from her bag, and wrote one worth thirty million before handing it to Nan Qiao.
Nan Qiao took the check and said with a bright smile, "I’ll head out now to cash it. Jiang Ningzhu, don’t try to pull any tricks, or I’ll put your big-spending antics on the city’s central billboard. If you don’t pay, you’ll cover the ad costs too."
Li Xia had never been humiliated before and was visibly upset—her displeasure showing clearly on her face.
Li Xia gritted her teeth and said, "My check is, of course, legitimate!"
"Alright, I’ll remember your words. Take your time browsing," Nan Qiao said cheerfully as she left.
Who wouldn’t be happy about receiving money?
But Li Xia was furious—Nan Qiao had thoroughly insulted her!
Li Xia was angry, but Nan Qiao was delighted.
With the money in her hands, Nan Qiao shopped extravagantly and even d to charity.
After shopping, she didn’t forget to buy Li Yehan a gift.
In stark contrast to Nan Qiao’s cheerful mood, Li Xia was livid.
In an empty corner, Li Xia pulled out her phone and made a call: "Track Nan Qiao. Has she left the mall? Where did she go? Hurry up and find out!"
The person on the line responded, "Alright, I’m checking now."
Standing by the window, Li Xia gritted her teeth, growing angrier the more she thought about it: "Damn Nan Qiao, I want to kill her!"
As Li Xia turned around, someone grabbed her face and threw her out the window...