Chapter 375: Study Hard and Improve Every Day 16

The baby-faced boy sat obediently, but his smile nearly reached his ears.

Exchanging glances with the others, they all immediately understood and lowered their heads to eat, pretending to know nothing.

Leaning back in his chair, the boy's gaze toward the girl was as intense as sunlight.

Not far from him, Qing Tian sat properly on her bench, completely unaware of Jiang Bo Yang's presence. Her small hands kept stuffing food into her mouth, but suddenly, her eyes widened in shock—like a startled little animal.

Then, just as quickly, she broke into a bright smile. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she listened to the gossip, making her adorably charming.

Jiang Bo Yang watched her intently, yet barely touched his own food. Throughout the meal, he wore a faint smile, occasionally glancing in her direction. If one didn't look closely, it would be hard to notice.

Observing all this, Miao Xue shook his head.

Yeah, Jiang-ge has definitely fallen into the trap of love.

The group exchanged secretive glances again, convinced that Jiang Bo Yang hadn't noticed.

But he had. He simply chose to ignore them.

Unlike the quiet tension on his side, Qing Tian's table was lively and full of energy. After all, Qiao Yanran's birthday was coming up, and the group was enthusiastically discussing it.

After a while, seeing that Qing Tian had left, Jiang Bo Yang slowly retracted his gaze.

Miao Xue muttered under his breath, "Jiang-ge, if you really like her, you should be more proactive. Keeping it bottled up won't lead to a good ending."

Hearing someone voice what they were all thinking, the others immediately nodded in agreement.

Jiang Bo Yang: ............

"This has nothing to do with you guys."

With a fake smile, he cleaned up his tray and left.

Watching him walk away, Miao Xue lowered his head in worry.

Crap, I think I made Jiang-ge mad...

The others had the same thought and also lowered their heads.

Jiang Bo Yang's gaze lingered on the girl ahead, his brows furrowing slightly. A flash of pain flickered in his deep eyes.

Do I really like her?

But how long will this feeling last?

Lately, he had been indulging in his emotions too much.

Turning on his heels, he left the cafeteria and walked to a shaded spot. Pulling out a cigarette, he took a drag, surrounding himself in a hazy swirl of smoke.

His usual charming smile remained, but there was a faint sorrow in his eyes.

With his thin, alluring lips slightly pursed, the misty smoke added a dreamlike quality to his handsome side profile.

Even passersby couldn't help but be mesmerized.

"Wow, school heartthrob Jiang Bo Yang is seriously so handsome!"

"Of course! But I actually prefer the other school heartthrob."

"You mean Zhong Ran?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Oh~! I still like Jiang Bo Yang more. But ugh, I heard he's been pursuing Qing Tian from Class A. It's a little heartbreaking, but I gotta admit he has good taste—she's the newly crowned school beauty. Not only is she gorgeous, but she's also a top student!"

"Hehe, how do you know for sure? Maybe it's just a rumor, and you still have a chance."

The girl shook her head.

"It's true. One of my close friends is in Class A, and she says Jiang Bo Yang watches Qing Tian from the balcony every day. His gaze is so gentle. The whole school is talking about it. But it seems like she doesn't like him back—I've never seen them together. I wonder if he'll ever win her over."

Thinking about the girl who always dominated the top of the rankings, the girl sighed.

Sigh~! As expected, top-tier guys always match with top-tier girls.

"Agreed."

The two girls reluctantly stole another glance at Jiang Bo Yang's breathtaking side profile before slowly walking away.

/

Chapter 376: Study Hard and Improve Every Day 17

When Miao Xue and the others came out, they saw Jiang Boyang smoking.

They immediately assumed that they had somehow put pressure on him. After all, Jiang Ge had never been in a relationship before, so maybe that was why he was acting like this.

Just as they hesitated about whether to go over and stop him, Jiang Boyang casually put out the cigarette himself.

—

That night.

While out buying something, Qing Tian spotted Jiang Boyang.

But he wasn't dressed as usual. Instead, he was in a dark suit, his usual warm smile completely absent. His silver hair was neatly styled, and his exquisite features, paired with his cold expression, made him look like the devil himself.

His tea-black eyes were deep and unreadable, his straight nose well-defined, and his thin lips added to his striking presence.

The perfectly tailored black suit accentuated his tall, lean frame. He stood at about 1.85 meters, wearing a black tie against his pale skin. His long, slender fingers added an air of refinement.

Beside him were several other men, also dressed in sleek suits.

"Holy crap, System! I think I just saw a CEO straight out of a drama," Qing Tian muttered.

The System lazily responded, "Oh~! If you want, I can be your domineering CEO too."

Qing Tian, unimpressed: "Pfft~ No thanks. Can you be as devastatingly handsome as him?"

System: ... "Yes!"

Qing Tian smirked. "Oh~! But in my heart, you're already my personal CEO."

The system went shy: 〃〃.

Softly, it whispered, "Oh~!"

As Qing Tian bantered with the System, Jiang Boyang and his group entered an upscale club before she could even greet him.

A sudden curiosity sparked in her chest—she wanted to know more about him.

The mission system had only provided a vague outline of the plot. Since it wasn't directly related to her task, the details were minimal—mostly about the male and female leads, with everything else reduced to the bare bones. As if the writers were trying to save on word count!

For someone lazy like Qing Tian, that had always been a blessing.

But now, for the first time, she wanted more details.

"System, do you have any information on him?"

"No!" The System's rejection was instant. Even if it did have info, it wouldn't hand it over.

╯^╰!

"Fine, whatever."

—

Over the next few days—

Miao Xue noticed that Jiang Boyang had stopped standing outside that classroom.

He was also frequently absent from school.

Staring at the empty seat in front of him, Miao Xue felt a bit worried. He had only started following Jiang Ge after middle school, so he didn't know much about him. All he knew was that Jiang Boyang came from an extremely wealthy family. They spent time together at school, but the moment holidays started, Jiang Boyang would vanish.

Back in middle school, Miao Xue had once been beaten so badly that he couldn't even fight back.

Warm blood had pooled on the ground.

He had thought he wouldn't make it.

Then, a black car had pulled up.

Jiang Boyang, though just a teenager himself, had stepped out wearing a pitch-black suit—his school uniform completely absent.

His face had worn the same expression as now—a gentle smile devoid of any real emotion.

Those thugs had stood no chance against him.

The light had shone down on him, highlighting the darkness of his suit, yet back then, he had seemed more like an angel than anything else.

Lost in thought, Miao Xue suddenly let out a chuckle.

It was still class time.

His classmates all turned to look at him, curious.

Then he met the teacher's deadpan stare.

Realizing he had messed up, Miao Xue immediately wiped the smile off his face.

"Uh... Ahem. Carry on," he said, waving a hand dismissively.

His face burned with embarrassment.

Elsewhere.

Qiao Yanran also noticed that Jiang Boyang hadn't shown up in days.

Had he given up?

Hmph. So he wasn't as impressive as she'd thought. She had expected more from him.

"Sigh~" she muttered. "Maybe he's just another player."

Good thing Qing Tian didn't like him.

Feeling relieved, Qiao Yanran reached over and patted Qing Tian's head.

Soft, fluffy, and adorable.

Even though Qing Tian was deep in her study session, she wasn't deaf. She had heard that sigh loud and clear.

Lifting her head, her big, bright eyes locked onto Qiao Yanran.

With a hint of concern, she asked, "What's wrong?"

/

Chapter 377: Study Hard and Improve Every Day 18

"Nothing~! Keep working on your exercises."

"Oh ⊙⊙!" The girl's bright, watery eyes were filled with curiosity. Since she wasn't willing to explain, then so be it.

A gentle breeze swept by, ruffling the strands of hair on her forehead. Her fair, delicate hand tucked her hair behind her ear, revealing her small, well-shaped ears. Under the sunlight, her smooth, pale face looked even more radiant and beautiful.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

The caller ID displayed: Mom.

Uh... the mother of this body. She had never met her before—only had some vague memories.

This time, the system seemed to have done a thorough job in fabricating her identity.

Hehe.

She answered the call. "Hello? ...Oh... Alright~_~!" The smile on her face faded into disappointment in just one call.

As soon as she hung up, the girl let out a sigh and dropped her head onto the desk with a loud thud.

The sound was so sharp that it startled those around her.

"Doesn't that hurt?" Qiao Yanran's voice rang out beside her.

"No, just feeling a little dizzy _."

Qiao Yanran: ............ Silly girl!

"What happened?"

"Nothing much... I just have to attend a banquet tonight. I really don't feel like going." The girl lay sprawled on the desk, a few stray strands of hair sticking up adorably.

Suddenly, a hand reached over and smoothed them down.

"If you don't want to go, then don't," Qiao Yanran said casually.

She had just recently learned about Qing Tian's background—turns out she was the daughter of a well-known corporation. But honestly, in school, she never once gave off the vibe of a rich young lady.

Here, all the wealthy daughters arrived in luxury cars, yet Qing Tian always commuted with them—either by bus or taxi.

Even Qiao Yanran, who came from a well-off family, wore a watch worth at least seven figures.

"I don't have a choice," the girl muttered gloomily.

"Why not?"

"Uh~ I can't say."

How could she possibly explain that she had never even met the parents of this world? It had been so long—she figured it was about time. Otherwise, it would really be... awkward.

"Alright, be good then~!" Qiao Yanran ruffled her hair before turning back to her own desk, mimicking Qing Tian's slouched posture.

This was Qing Tian's personal matter—she had no right to interfere.

—

That evening.

A luxury car was already waiting at the school gate to pick up Qing Tian.

"Miss Qing Tian." A man stepped out, politely taking her schoolbag.

She got into the car, her small hands resting stiffly on her lap. "Where are we going first?"

"Madam instructed us to take you to get changed first, then head to the Jiang family's estate."

"Oh~!"

Jiang family... Must be some influential household in the capital.

Sigh, I'm probably just going there to fill up space.

So boring. She had actually planned to go buy some yarn tonight. Qiao Yanran's birthday was coming up, and as the heiress of the Qiao family, she surely didn't lack expensive gifts.

Since there was still time, Qing Tian had wanted to knit a hand towel for her—something she could use in the winter!

Hehe!

Too bad her plan was disrupted. But on the bright side, she was also a little curious to meet these so-called parents.

After some time, they finally arrived at the venue, and it was already bustling with people.

Uh ⊙⊙! Where was she supposed to find her parents?

System: "These parents really don't seem to care much."

Qing Tian: "I think so too. Even when she called earlier, her tone was a bit harsh. Sigh~"

System: "Why do I feel like something bad is going to happen?"

Qing Tian: "??? What?"

System: "Nothing! Just go have a look."

"Mm."

The hall was already packed, but the banquet hadn't started yet.

A well-dressed man approached and bowed slightly. "Miss Qing Tian, please follow me."

"Oh!" She nodded politely.

So she didn't need to look for them after all—someone was already waiting for her.

Fancy!

Following the man, she was led into a lavishly decorated room.

But... it was empty.

/

Chapter 378: Study Hard and Improve Every Day 19

The lavish decorations and luxurious design of the surroundings were undeniable.

But to Qing Tian, none of it mattered.

She had originally thought that as soon as she arrived, she would get to meet her parents. She was curious—were they as strict as she remembered?

Bored, she lounged on the sofa.

Meanwhile, in another room—

A young man stood in an impeccably tailored suit. His flawless, fair complexion contrasted sharply with the sharp angles of his face, giving him an air of refined coldness.

His deep, jet-black eyes gleamed with an enchanting luster. Thick brows, a high nose bridge, and perfectly shaped lips—all of it exuded nobility and elegance.

But today, there was no trace of his usual smile.

His obsidian eyes were void of warmth, filled only with cold detachment. Perhaps this expression was his most real self.

Just then, a handsome middle-aged man clapped a hand on his shoulder.

"Your fiancée has arrived. I have some business to discuss with her family later, so why don't you go out and meet her?"

The young man's voice was icy as he replied, "Since when did I have a fiancée?" A fleeting hint of hostility flickered in his eyes.

"This engagement was arranged by your mother before she passed away," the older man explained, his tone casual. "I discussed it with them a few days ago, and they agreed. We're finalizing the wedding date today."

He smiled as he swirled a glass of red wine, the rich liquid shimmering under the light. But he didn't drink it. His gaze remained locked on Jiang Boyang.

Jiang Boyang leaned back lazily into the sofa, his expression mocking.

"If it's a business deal you want, don't use my mother as an excuse."

The middle-aged man's hand holding the wine glass hesitated for a brief moment.

"Jiang, I'm doing this for your own good," he said, voice tinged with exasperation. "Yes, I've had my fair share of women, but I've never fathered any illegitimate children. You are my only legitimate son. Everything in this family will be yours to inherit one day.

Isn't that enough?

Besides, Qingyue Group is a powerhouse, and they only have one daughter. If you marry her, the entire corporation will be yours. They already have a great impression of you."

Jiang Boyang's deep, magnetic voice was laced with indifference.

"And what does that have to do with me?"

A faint smile returned to his lips, but it carried no warmth.

"This so-called 'good' you speak of—I don't need it.

Last time, you said it was just a business meeting, so I went to see them. But now, you've tricked me again. If you want a fiancée so badly, you should marry her instead."

He leaned back, his posture utterly relaxed, eyes slowly closing as if he had lost all interest.

Seeing that his persuasion was going nowhere, the middle-aged man's patience finally snapped.

Crash!

A wine glass shattered on the floor in front of Jiang Boyang.

"You're absolutely impossible! I'm paving the way for your future, yet you refuse to see reason!" he shouted.

Jiang Boyang stood up in an instant.

"Whatever. I've got things to do—I'm leaving."

Hearing the commotion inside the room, the assistant outside sensed trouble. He hurried in, worried that if he didn't intervene, the father and son might actually start fighting.

But before he could react, Jiang Boyang had already brushed past him.

"Xiao Li, stop him!" the middle-aged man barked.

Jiang Boyang turned, his gaze freezing cold.

"You sure about that?"

The assistant hesitated. He had practically watched the young master grow up and knew very well—Jiang Boyang's combat skills were far beyond anything he could handle.

"...Chairman..." The assistant remained motionless.

Furious, the middle-aged man grabbed whatever was within reach and flung it across the room.

"Useless! Call someone to bring him back right now!"

Suddenly, his face contorted in discomfort. He clutched his chest, struggling to breathe.

"That ungrateful brat! I should've strangled him at birth—then I wouldn't have to deal with this headache now!"

/

Chapter 379: Study Hard and Improve Every Day 20

Assistant: ...He's used to it.

These father and son...

Sigh~!

Meanwhile—

Qing Tian finally met the parents of this body. At first, their tone was a bit harsh, but it gradually softened—perhaps because they hadn't seen her in so long. However, there was still a sense that they spoke to her more like a subordinate rather than a daughter.

Even so, she could feel their deep love from their words.

After chatting for a while, the couple was ready to get to the main topic of the evening.

Just then, an assistant entered and whispered something into the man's ear. He frowned slightly, as if encountering a difficult issue.

The woman glanced at him and said calmly, "You should go handle it. I'll talk to our daughter."

"Alright then, my dear daughter, I have something to take care of. I'll be going now!"

"Mm-hmm!" The girl nodded.

The door opened, and the man left.

Qing Tian turned back, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Mom! What is it you wanted to talk to me about? ⊙⊙?"

The woman took Qing Tian's hand gently, her expression soft. "It's a long story, but I hope you can accept it. After all, we made this decision for your own good."

System: I knew it! In wealthy families, whenever someone says, 'It's for your own good,' it's definitely bad news.

Qing Tian: Don't scare me like that.

However, what the woman said next confirmed the system's words.

"I have a very close relationship with the matriarch of the Jiang family. We were both pregnant around the same time, and after you were born, we arranged a marriage contract for you.

Originally, we planned to tell you everything when you turned ten, but unexpectedly, the other party passed away, so this agreement was left unsettled.

Years later, the Jiang family brought it up again. Your father and their family head were business partners, so after much discussion, we reconsidered the arrangement.

That young man is truly exceptional. While others were still in middle school, he was already interning at a company. Now, at a young age, he's already the CEO, incredibly capable, and remarkably handsome. His future is full of endless possibilities.

After careful consideration, we believe he is more than worthy of our precious daughter. That's why your father and I agreed to this engagement. We hope you can understand."

The woman looked at her beloved daughter with a gentle gaze.

Qing Tian: Uh...

She was completely dumbfounded. She had only just arrived in this world, and now she suddenly had a fiancé?

Facing her mother's pleading eyes, Qing Tian found it