Chapter 134: Chapter 134: Fish and Bear’s Paw Cannot Be Had Together
After today’s conversation, Zhong Jinghao’s understanding of Zhong Niangyao had dramatically changed. If it really came to a direct confrontation, he was unsure if he could win.
Although the substantial inheritance left by his third uncle was tempting, it paled in comparison to the Zhong Family’s assets. So, he knew what choice he had to make.
“Very well,” Zhong Niangyao nodded in satisfaction, “I am pleased about the understanding we’ve reached, and I hope Big Cousin remembers the promise he once made. That way, I think we can still get along peacefully.”
“Of course,” Zhong Jinghao said with a smile, nodding in a brotherly manner, “Although you are my cousin, you are still blood-related to me, you are also my sister. Naturally, we can get along peacefully.”
“Big Cousin, it’s getting late, so I’ll head back to my room to rest,” Zhong Niangyao stood up and said with a smile, “You should rest early too! Thinking too much isn’t good for your health!”
Zhong Jinghao’s expression remained unchanged, but he said nothing more.
...
As Zhong Niangyao stood up to leave, something seemed to occur to her just before she was about to leave. She looked towards Zhong Jinghao and spoke again, “Big Cousin, considering what you’ve just said, about us being siblings, let me give you a reminder!”
“You can’t have your cake and eat it too; decide what you really want. Often, choices are made in an instant, and there are no second chances.”
With that, Zhong Niangyao turned and left.
She chose to give a reminder because she noticed that the Red Bird Star in Zhong Jinghao’s fortune had become active lately. However, the girl destined for him was completely unlike his ideal partner. At the very least, in terms of family background, they were entirely mismatched.
If Zhong Jinghao were to choose to be with that girl, their journey together would be exceptionally tough. Yet, if the two were willing to advance hand in hand, their future marriage would be happy and fulfilling, blessed with loving spousal relationships and children around.
Of course, if he missed this girl, Zhong Jinghao would still marry in the future, but the marital relationship would be cold, turning their marriage into stagnant water. However, a marriage alliance would make taking over the Zhong Family smoother.
There are gains and losses in life; there’s no way to have it all.
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Left alone in the living room, Zhong Jinghao frowned upon hearing Zhong Niangyao’s last reminder. He didn’t understand what it really meant, shook his head, and decided not to dwell on it.
Time passed calmly, and it wasn’t long before Zhong Minghao announced that Zheng Silin was pregnant. At the same time, Zhong Mengfan was sent abroad to study for a year.
Everyone in the family knew what was happening, so no one indiscreetly pried further.
Because of this, the main branch of the family became entirely quiet. As for the second branch, Li Yiqiu was always in bed recuperating, leaving Zhong Mingyu unfocused and inactive.
For a while, the Zhong Family experienced an unprecedented peace.
Zhong Niangyao didn’t feel much about it. Normally, she seldom stayed at home and even when she did, she mostly kept to herself, so she really didn’t feel much about it.
However, while the Zhong Family was quiet, the school was bustling with a particularly lively event. Chairman Xue Zhi of the Painting and Calligraphy Association was coming to their school to personally deliver the first-place prize to Shen Yixue. Moreover, it was said that the Chairman intended to take Shen Yixue as his disciple.
This news spread like wildfire throughout the school, and almost everyone was talking about it.
After all, even internationally, Chairman Xue had a very high reputation. He had only ever taken two disciples in his lifetime; one was now a renowned international artist, literally the pupil surpassing the master. Although this senior disciple’s achievements had surpassed those of Chairman Xue, he still held great respect for his mentor.
As for the other, he was also a famous domestic calligrapher, said to be the direct descendant of a major family in the Imperial Capital.
Becoming a disciple of Chairman Xue meant having three mountains of support, and one’s future achievements could be imagined.
Although the daughters from nobility didn’t care much about such opportunities, there were some daughters from wealthy families and other specially admitted students who were quite envious of Shen Yixue.
These days, Shen Yixue was indeed riding high.
Although she kept saying that these were just rumors, and Chairman Xue had shown no intention of taking her as his disciple, deep down, she was convinced that Chairman Xue’s visit was for her.
If not, there was no need for Chairman Xue to come personally; sending someone to deliver the award would have sufficed.
Thinking about these things, Shen Yixue couldn’t contain her excitement. Becoming a disciple of Chairman Xue would be her ticket into a wealthy family.
At that time, those high-status families wouldn’t look at her humble origins but at Chairman Xue and the Painting and Calligraphy Association standing behind her.
Walking along the school’s path, Zhong Niangyao heard quite a few people discussing this matter. Her face still wore a lazy and casual smile, as if she didn’t take any of these gossips to heart.
On the other hand, Zhao Xuanglang couldn’t stop complaining, “It’s just a competition where she won first place. What’s there to discuss? Some people really have too much time on their hands!”
“The important thing is not the first place, but Chairman Xue taking a disciple,” Zhong Niangyao replied, “If Shen Yixue becomes Chairman Xue’s disciple, her value will indeed undergo an earth-shattering transformation!”
Zhao Xuanglang scratched his head and finally had to admit, “Boss, although I don’t want to admit it, I’ve also seen that award-winning piece of hers. That painting really has a power that shocks the soul. Seeing such a painting makes one marvel at the vastness and grandeur of China. However—”
“I don’t know why, but I always feel that with Shen Yixue’s knowledge, she couldn’t have painted something so majestic.”
“I guess I’m probably overthinking this.”
Shen Yixue wasn’t any rich miss; her family was just ordinary people, so it was impossible for someone to ghostwrite for her. Moreover, Shen Yixue did have some talent in painting, or else she wouldn’t have been specially admitted by the school.
“Heh, you’re not stupid,” Zhong Niangyao’s lips curled into a mocking smile.