Why transfer to Rongcheng’s top provincial school?
Peng Guoqing couldn’t answer that question.
Under Xie Tang’s gaze, the newly black-haired Peng Guoqing’s face slowly reddened, leaving Xie Tang stunned. Peng Guoqing had a pure side? Wanting to transfer to Rongcheng’s top school, it couldn’t be because of a girl, could it?
Thinking of Peng Guoqing’s actions, Xie Tang’s face darkened.
The only female student from Rongcheng’s top school Peng Guoqing had contact with was Wen Ying!
That green-haired punk was getting bold, daring to compete with Xie Qian.
Xie Tang was about to snap Peng Guoqing back to reality but then smirked mischievously, giving him a hearty pat on the shoulder. “Good on you, go to Rongcheng and work hard to turn things around, make Tai Wu and the others see you in a new light.”
Hmph, daring to compete with Xie Qian? Get ready to be dealt with!
Unaware that “Xie Tang姐” was two-faced, Peng Guoqing thought she was genuinely encouraging him. He was thrilled, puffing out his chest to seem mature. “I don’t need anyone to see me differently. I just suddenly felt that loafing around is pointless. Tai Wu and the others are childish! I never tried before, but once I get serious, what can’t I, Peng Guoqing, handle? Xie Tang姐, just watch!”
Xie Tang nodded perfunctorily. “Alright, I see your determination to change. Keep in touch when you’re in Rongcheng.”
She still wanted to team up with Peng Guoqing to dig up dirt on Xie Jinghu’s mistress!
Peng Guoqing thumped his chest, promising eagerly.
Digging up scandals wasn’t something he minded.
Besides, it would please Xie Qian and give him a reason to stay close to Xie Tang. Peng Guoqing was all in.
For a moment, he couldn’t tell which goal mattered more.
But it didn’t matter.
Pleasing Xie Qian was getting close to Xie Tang.
Getting close to Xie Tang was pleasing Xie Qian.
What a clever little genius I am!
…
While Peng Guoqing was bubbling with excitement in the small shop, Zou Weijun in Rongcheng was still reeling.
She had never fought for anything before, so doing this for the first time naturally made her nervous.
But reviewing her two phone calls, Zou Weijun felt she had achieved her main goals.
The first call was to steady her mother-in-law, Old Madam Xie, making her believe there was still a chance for her and Xie Jinghu to reconcile.
Old Madam Xie would surely pass this on to Xie Jinghu.
Zou Weijun had no intention of reconciling.
But she needed to give Xie Jinghu hope.
Let that arrogant man think she could never leave him, clouding his judgment, which would aid her future plans.
The second call leveraged Xie Yuping’s sense of responsibility and morality as the Xie family patriarch, even betting on his affection for Xie Qian, stirring his guilt to secure his promise and align their goals!
If possible, Zou Weijun wouldn’t have used the Xie family to suppress Xie Jinghu.
But with her father gone, her family lacked influence. While some connections remained for small favours, expecting them to confront the Xie family for her was unrealistic.
Her family would want justice for her, but she couldn’t be too selfish.
With no external support, Zou Weijun had to borrow strength to fight.
She had always understood these tactics but, with her temperament, could never voice them.
Why could she now?
Perhaps because interesting friends had entered her life, subtly influencing her.
Zou Weijun smiled softly, sending a text to Mrs. Wang, “Free to go shopping tomorrow?”
“24/7 on call! PR is just my side gig, shopping’s my expertise!”
Mrs. Wang replied almost instantly, widening Zou Weijun’s smile. She texted back, “Invite Mengjiao’s mum too. I’m an outsider in Rongcheng, and you’ve all been so kind. I haven’t treated you to a meal yet.”
“…Sure.”
This time, Mrs. Wang’s reply was slightly delayed.
The self-proclaimed 24/7 available Mrs. Wang had just got off a plane.
She and her husband had taken advantage of Wang Shuang’s New Year in Modu to travel abroad, returning only tonight.
Wang Jun, pushing a large suitcase alone, was puzzled seeing his wife engrossed in texting. Who was she chatting with so eagerly?
Not that French guy from the hotel abroad!
Recalling their overseas vacation, Wang Jun’s face darkened.
They had a blast, of course. Money solved any language barriers, but those foreign men constantly fawning over his wife annoyed him.
Mrs. Wang suddenly leaned over, serious. “I think Zou-jie is fascinating. You’d think she’s naive, but she seems to understand everything…”
Anyone who thought Zou Weijun was foolish was the real fool.
Zou Weijun understood everything and still humoured her flattery. Wasn’t that proof of her own charm?
Not a foreign guy, Wang Jun sighed in relief, echoing his wife, “If she understands, so be it. We’re not harming anyone or scheming for money, just have a small need, and we’ve contributed too!”
That’s how human relationships work, right?
Don’t fear what others want; fear having nothing they want!
Mrs. Wang agreed wholeheartedly.
So what if she deliberately befriended Zou Weijun? She genuinely admired her now, a true friend.
…
Zou Weijun had changed.
The first to notice was Xie Qian, the second was their housekeeper Liu, and the third was Wen Ying.
The essay contest’s preliminary round was in its third review phase, giving Wen Ying and Zou Weijun plenty of chances to interact. Meeting Zou Weijun at the magazine office, Wen Ying was puzzled and privately asked Xiao Ni, “Has Zou-auntie had some good news recently?”
Xiao Ni, busy and seeing Zou Weijun almost daily, wasn’t as perceptive. Prompted by Wen Ying, she closely observed Zou Weijun.
Something was different.
Her old smiles felt distant; now, she was relaxed, chatting lightly with colleagues at the publishing house and magazine.
She smiled less, but the smiles were more genuine.
Now, Zou Weijun’s smiles lacked the formal politeness, feeling more sincere.
Her work ethic had intensified too.
The contest had selected six outstanding manuscripts for the finals, and Zou Weijun personally contacted each author.
Whether they’d publish in *Spark* didn’t matter; building connections laid groundwork for future collaborations.
As the chief editor of Rongcheng Literature Publishing House and *Spark* magazine, a call from Zou Weijun thrilled contestants.
Beyond her titles, she was the talent scout for *Against the Current* and the mastermind behind the million-selling *Teen Idol*. Such credentials were even more enticing to contestants!
Xiao Ni reflected, Zou-jie works so hard, stays so vibrant, there’s still a big gap between us… To catch up, I’ll have to cut back on late-night snacks with Lawyer Zheng.
Wen Ying was thoughtful.
Success at work brings joy.
A good mental state fuels better work, a positive cycle!
Meeting Xie Qian, Wen Ying couldn’t help sharing, “Xie Qian, I think Zou-auntie’s condition has improved a lot. Have you asked her therapist?”
“Improved a lot” was Wen Ying’s conservative take. More boldly, she believed Zou Weijun was fully recovered!
