Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Because Ji Haoyu’s sudden appearance disrupted her plans, Jian Ai couldn’t sleep that night. Although her mother had become the general manager of Yaochi Club and didn’t need to drink like before, this still wasn’t part of Jian Ai’s plan. Jian Ai didn’t hate this sudden loss of control, but she definitely couldn’t accept it.
In a daze, Jian Ai vaguely heard sounds coming from the living room, followed by the sound of the door opening and closing.
She picked up the alarm clock on the bed and looked at it under the night light. It was already three in the morning. Her mother and brother getting up and going to the breakfast stall had caused a commotion earlier on.
The breakfast stall at home only sold fried dough sticks, fried rice cakes, soy milk, and porridge. Although there weren’t many varieties, at least they didn’t have to stay up late. The shop selling buns across the street was often busy from midnight.
Jian Ai was no longer sleepy. Thinking that she did not need to go to school the next day, she got up, washed her face, changed her clothes, and went out.
Before dawn, Baiyun City was at its coldest. Because Jian Ai had learned the mental cultivation techniques, she did not notice it. She just habitually tightened her collar and walked towards the breakfast stall under the moonlight.
There were four or five breakfast stalls on the street. Although South City District was a slum, the population density was ranked second in the entire city, and was second only to Haicheng District, the largest economic district. Most of the people here were from poor families. Many of them had to go out to work early in the morning, so although the breakfast stalls at the street sold cheap food, their business was reasonable.
The moment Wang Yunmei entered the breakfast stall, she was shocked. She immediately put down her work and rubbed the remaining flour on her apron.
“Xiao Ai, why are you up? What time is it?”
Wang Yunmei had a worried look on her face. As she spoke, she didn’t forget to close the stall’s door, afraid that the cold wind would blow in.
Jian Yu, who was in the room, poked his head out as well. When he saw his sister, he frowned. “Look at you running around when you have just recovered from a fever. Why are you here so early in the morning instead of sleeping?”
Jian Yu’s tone was full of worry and concern.
“I’m fine. If I can’t sleep, I might as well come over and help,” Jian Ai smiled and said in a relaxed tone.
Seeing that her mother and brother were about to nag at her again, Jian Ai quickly said, “Okay, Mom, I know you and Brother are worried about me, but I’m not made of paper. I don’t need to go to class during the day. I’ll go back to sleep after breakfast with you guys. I really can’t sleep now.”
Wang Yunmei wanted to say something but Jian Yu interrupted her. “Mom, it’s cold outside. Let Xiao Ai stay in the stall.”
Hearing her son’s words, Wang Yunmei thought for a moment before nodding. However, she didn’t forget to remind her, “If you’re tired later, ask your brother to take you back on his bike. The stall is cold too. Don’t sleep here, lest you catch a cold later.”
This was the first time Jian Ai had come to the breakfast stall to help. Usually, her mother would protect her and her brother would dote on her. Jian Ai didn’t even help her wash the dishes and sweep the floor, let alone help in the breakfast stall. Although her family condition was average, Wang Yunmei had always believed that her daughter should be raised well. Fortunately, she wasn’t spoiled by the rich. Jian Ai was also sensible and put all her energy into studying. That was how she succeeded in her previous life.
The three of them busied themselves for a while before dawn broke over the horizon. It was five in the morning.
“Auntie Mei!” At that moment, a shout came from outside the door.