Chapter 227

Words : 1238 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

The stars were exceptionally bright tonight, but Ji Nian, sweating profusely in the underground training ground, couldn’t see them. “Let’s call it a day here.” At the sound of the woman’s voice, Ji Nian, who had been tense all over, finally relaxed, collapsing onto the floor. Her chest heaved violently as she gasped for breath. Across from her, a tall, burly man bowed and said, “The young mistress has worked hard today.” Then he retreated. Zhiliao, now dressed in sportswear instead of the Ji Family’s servant attire, walked over. Her ponytail swung sharply behind her as she crouched down to massage Ji Nian’s calves. Her hands were strong, pressing into the muscles with a mix of pain and relief that made Ji Nian grit her teeth. “Even if it was a surprise attack, your speed was still too slow by your usual standards.” Knowing she had probably reviewed the surveillance footage, Ji Nian obediently listened to the reprimand. “I hesitated for a moment, wondering whether to hold back.” “I was afraid I might kill him.” After all, Ji Nian’s usual sparring partners were either Zhiliao or the heavyweight bodyguards from Wei Yang’s team. This was the first time she had fought someone her own age, so she couldn’t help but hesitate when throwing a punch. Zhiliao’s tone was indifferent. “Then you should train more.” “Learn to control your speed while holding back your strength.” Ji Nian choked on her words. Seeing her utterly defeated expression, Zhiliao smirked slightly. After showering, Ji Nian checked her phone and saw a reply from Lu Jinghuai. She chuckled at the meme he sent, but when she swiped to the documents he had forwarded, her smile faded, her eyes turning cold. The information compiled by the Young Imperial Grandson was thorough. The phone number had been purchased online, but the actual user was a minor currently attending a private school in Country O, named Ma Xiaofei. Ji Nian wasn’t familiar with the name Ma Xiaofei, but the system recognized it. [If Ji Nian in the original story was a minor cannon fodder character, then Ma Xiaofei was the mid-story villainess.] [In the original plot, she transferred to the protagonist’s high school. Arrogant and never having faced setbacks, she grew jealous of the protagonist for outperforming her academically and in other areas, constantly targeting her.] [In the end, she framed the protagonist for theft, only to be exposed by the prepared heroine. Humiliated, she transferred schools.] Ji Nian listened to the system’s explanation while skimming through the attached file on Ma Xiaofei. [She’s Shen Qingtang’s aunt’s daughter.] The system confirmed with a hum. [But in the original story, Shen Qingtang never learned of her grandparents’ existence. Even after sharing a school with Ma Xiaofei for two years, she never realized their connection.] In reality, however, due to the butterfly effect caused by Ji Nian, Chen Mo had helped Shen Qingtang reunite with her grandparents—bringing her into contact with Ma Xiaofei much earlier. [If you want, you can expose Ma Xiaofei. Shen Qingtang’s grandparents adore her and won’t turn a blind eye.] The system had long evolved from its earlier days of merely asking Ji Nian whether to intervene. After all, it understood how important Shen Qingtang was to her. In Ji Nian’s eyes, she had watched Shen Qingtang grow up. Wasn’t that the same as raising her herself? “No.” Ji Nian set her phone aside and lazily slumped into the chair at her desk. “Like I’ve said before, if she doesn’t mention a problem, I hope it’s because she’s already planned her counterattack.” Shen Qingtang wasn’t some helpless child or a delicate flower. Ji Nian trusted her. With that, she turned on her computer, entered the password, and began reviewing research papers. Seven years had passed, but Ji Nian still hadn’t given up on the mysterious substance Ji Tingzhou had brought back from Country O. The Lu Family’s researchers had abandoned the project two years prior, diverting their funding and efforts elsewhere. But Ji Nian was different. She was convinced the substance was more than just visually striking. After reading for a while, it was nearly ten. The room was dark except for the desk lamp. A plate of fruit and a cup of herbal tea had appeared on the desk at some point—likely brought in by Zhiliao while Ji Nian was too absorbed to notice. ... The next morning, the two girls finished breakfast and headed to school. Shen Qingtang didn’t realize her phone had been tampered with, and Ji Nian didn’t bring it up. “Grandma Shen texted me last night. They’re returning tomorrow.” “My aunt will probably stay in the country for a while too.” Hearing that her aunt was also coming back, Ji Nian guessed Shen Qingtang was choosing this moment to act. “Sure. I’ll have Wei Yang arrange a car to pick them up.” “Why not invite them over for dinner?” “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Grandma Shen. My grandmother sent me two boxes of oranges recently—I remember she likes them. She can take some home.” Shen Qingtang’s lashes fluttered slightly before she nodded. As she studied Ji Nian’s profile, the brightness in her eyes dimmed. She had known Ji Nian would suggest inviting them over. It was exactly what her aunt had hinted at during their last call. Shen Qingtang understood her aunt’s motive. She wanted to ask Uncle Ji to transfer Ma Xiaofei from abroad to their school. But Shen Qingtang had no intention of indulging her. She disliked Ma Xiaofei—her inexplicable vulgar insults, the thought of her invading the school she shared with Ji Nian. This was the perfect opportunity. Yet, she couldn’t shake the guilt of feeling like she was manipulating Ji Nian. There were things she could confess to Gu Xiuyuan—schemes, darker thoughts—but she dared not reveal that side of herself to Ji Nian. She wanted to remain in Ji Nian’s eyes as kind, understanding, and righteous. Because only those qualities were worthy of standing beside someone as extraordinary as Ji Nian. Unaware of the turmoil in her companion’s mind, Ji Nian stepped out of the car, squinting against the morning glare before turning back. “Shen Qingtang?” It was rare to see her spacing out. Hearing her name, Shen Qingtang responded and followed her out. They discussed their classes for the day, running into He Xiang just as he exited the cafeteria. He Xiang was still preoccupied with yesterday’s incident. From his expression, Ji Nian could tell he wanted to ask something, so she preemptively assured him Li Yuan wouldn’t be returning to school—not just their class, but the entire campus. Understanding the implication, He Xiang’s gaze flickered. He realized now that Ji Nian’s background far surpassed what he had imagined. She didn’t need anyone’s protection—she was power incarnate. Raising a hand to shield her from the harsh sunlight, he watched her hair cascade over her shoulders and wondered: Just how far would he have to go? How much stronger did he need to become to deserve the right to stand by her side? ... Ji ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‍Nian stepped into the classroom with her usual composure. The moment she crossed the threshold, the entire class turned to stare. Whether they were erasing the blackboard, mopping the floor, cramming homework, or roughhousing—every single one froze, their eyes locked on her.

Chapter 227

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