Zhao Ninghuan smiled and said nothing more, lowering her head to diligently pack her things. She always felt a distance from her classmates, unable to join their conversations.
By the school gate, the Jiang family's driver was already waiting. She composed herself and got into the car.
With some confusion, she asked, "Uncle Xu, where is Qingqing? Aren't you picking her up?"
"The young lady has been staying near the school recently. Miss Zhao, please be seated, we're about to depart."
"Mm-hmm, alright."
At the Jiang residence, everyone except Jun Jiuli was in the living room. Jiang Jinluo and his son inquired about her comfort in boarding school, showering her with concern.
Even Fang Wei, who had previously seemed aloof, appeared more approachable and proactively showed concern for her. Zhao Ninghuan was a little overwhelmed.
Fang Wei knew everything now. In the current situation, Jiang Jinluo would not agree to a divorce, and she didn't intend to let them off so easily.
Zhao Ninghuan's eyes were a little dark, and her spirit wasn't as strong as when she first arrived. She was also less confident than before.
Surrounded by a group of people from families wealthier than hers, who were also good-looking, academically successful, and outstanding in every aspect.
Zhao Ninghuan felt immense pressure. She didn't want to be shown up as worthless, so she would strive to grasp everything she could possess now.
The monthly exams were approaching. If she ranked at the bottom of the grade, no matter how good her "white moonlight" reputation was, it would disappoint Jiang Jinluo.
However, every classmate in the elite academy was a formidable opponent. While she was working hard, others were also making progress.
She was finding it hard to persist with her studies. The only shortcut available was to marry into the Jiang family.
But what kind of beauties had the eldest young master of the Jiang family not seen? He interacted with social elites.
To capture his heart, she first needed to find out his preferences. Zhao Ninghuan was slowly testing and exploring.
...
"Senior year is tough. You've lost so much weight in such a short time. Drink more soup to nourish yourself."
"Thank you for your concern, Auntie."
"Girls should pay attention to their appearance. Your face looks sallow. I'll get you a set of suitable skincare products later."
Zhao Ninghuan touched her face and gave Fang Wei an unnatural smile. Saying too many words of thanks would be annoying.
"You're too polite, dear. Make yourself at home. Your Uncle Jiang will always remember your father's kindness."
"Hahaha, your Aunt Fang is right. Study hard and don't disappoint your Aunt Fang's expectations."
Zhao Ninghuan felt a little guilty. "Mm, I know."
Jiang Han Zhen: "My parents are very understanding. They're just concerned about you. Just do your best in everything."
"Thank you, Uncle and Auntie, and Han Zhen Ge, for your care. Joining the Jiang family is the happiest thing in my life."
After sitting in the living room for a while, everyone retired to their rooms to rest. Zhao Ninghuan sat in front of the vanity, examining her face carefully.
Knock, knock, knock. "Ninghuan, it's me."
Zhao Ninghuan hurried to open the door. "Auntie."
"Go wash your face quickly in the bathroom. Auntie has learned a new, beautiful makeup style and will do it for you. Girls shouldn't live so carelessly. Auntie has also bought you many pretty dresses. Try them on later."
"Auntie, I just washed my face."
"Alright, come and sit down quickly."
Fang Wei explained as she applied the makeup. In a short time, the face, which was five parts similar to the "white moonlight," immediately became eight parts.
"Youth is wonderful. Take a look, how do you feel?"
Zhao Ninghuan looked at herself in the mirror, turning her head this way and that.
"Wow, Auntie, your skills are amazing. I look so much prettier, but the makeup doesn't look heavy. If you don't look closely, you'd think I just naturally look this way."
"Of course. This kind of makeup is very popular in the circle now. Auntie specifically learned from those top makeup artists."
Zhao Ninghuan affectionately linked her arm with Fang Wei's. "Auntie, you're so amazing. Ninghuan really likes you."
Fang Wei reached out and rubbed her forehead, exchanging a few playful words. To outsiders, their relationship was undoubtedly very good.
Fang Wei only felt disgusted by the way she clung to her. Doing this allowed her to subtly distance herself a little.
"I had all the clothes in the wardrobe washed and ironed. You're about to go to sleep, so don't bother. Go wash your face, get a good night's sleep. You can try doing your own makeup tomorrow, and Auntie will help you with any improvements."
"Auntie, you're so good to me. Auntie, goodnight."
"Mm, goodnight."
Zhao Ninghuan didn't wash her face immediately. Instead, she excitedly ran to open the wardrobe and took out the dresses, trying them on against herself. She picked out the ones that best suited her and the makeup, and being unable to sleep, she practiced her technique in front of the mirror.
When Jiang Han Zhen saw her the next morning, he was stunned. The transformation was too significant; anyone would be shocked.
Zhao Ninghuan knew what he liked. She turned around slightly and said playfully, "Han Zhen Ge, how do I look in this?"
"Mm, very beautiful. As they say, clothes make the man, and gold adorns the Buddha. But it's also because our Huanhuan is already pretty."
Jiang Han Zhen teased. Zhao Ninghuan shyly lowered her head, her demure movements making Jiang Han Zhen find her adorable.
The two chatted as if no one else was around. No one noticed Jiang Jinluo, standing on the third-floor corridor, gazing at Zhao Ninghuan with infatuation. He thought to himself, truly his daughter, her looks were like her temper. He wondered to whom this pure jasmine would eventually fall.
Jiang Jinluo walked down. "What are you talking about that's making you so happy?"
"We were talking about Huanhuan's outfit."
"Uncle Jiang, what do you think?"
"Very good, it suits you perfectly. Children should dress like this, with more vibrancy."
Receiving compliments from two men, Zhao Ninghuan resolved to maintain this style in the future.
After a pleasant weekend, Zhao Ninghuan returned to school to study. However, she was noticeably more relaxed than before, often fiddling with cosmetics in her free time.
"Huanhuan, you've changed so much this week."
"How have I changed?"
"You've become much more refined. I'm under so much pressure lately that I've even broken out with two pimples on my forehead."
"That must be because you haven't been sleeping well. I've been keeping regular hours and taking care of my skin, so my complexion has improved, and I naturally look more energetic."
"Sigh, I really envy you. If I don't get into the university of Political Science and Law, my mother will skin me alive."
"I really want to work hard too, but I just can't focus on my studies."
"What are your plans for the future then?"
As soon as she asked this, everyone became interested. Senior year was indeed both arduous and confusing.
For those whose families hadn't made arrangements, choosing a university and major required careful consideration. After all, if one accidentally chose a pitfall and couldn't learn anything or find a path, wouldn't it be a waste of time?
"I haven't decided yet. But if I were even prettier, I'd go into the entertainment industry."
"Huanhuan, you're not bad-looking either. If you choose the right path in the entertainment industry, there's a good chance of success, and your family can help."
Zhao Ninghuan touched her face. "Can I really?"
"Of course. The Demon Cult Saintess who became incredibly popular last year had her family invest heavily for her."
"Alas, I have older brothers and sisters ahead of me, so I don't have to worry about the family business. My mother told me to choose whatever I'm interested in, but I'm really not interested in anything."
"How about being a pampered lady?"
"Go away, go away. Sister here has some ambition. I at least have to be able to support myself, right?"
"Then start a business."
"Easier said than done. Ah, it's so bothersome. I won't think about it anymore. Let's focus on the monthly exams first. If my ranking drops, I'll be reprimanded at home."
The others started chattering about their dreams again, while Zhao Ninghuan fell into thought.
What could she do if she went to college? Could the money she earned allow her to live the kind of life the Jiang family had?
The answer was definitely no. As long as she could secure Han Zhen Ge and get him to invest in her entry into the entertainment industry, her future would be brilliant.
In the entertainment industry, there were plenty of people who were popular despite their poor acting skills, some who didn't even memorize their lines. She wouldn't be worse than those people, and acting was her profession.