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Chapter 66: Scheming
Chapter 66: Scheming
Chapter 66: Scheming
Outside the family housing complex, Su Lins car stopped at the entrance. Seeing it was almost half-past nine, Su Lin said with a hint of helplessness, I didnt expect that wed have to queue up for dinner. Its late now, Xiaowan. Wont your parents say something?
Xiaowan, smiling, replied, My parents might not even be off work yet. They are usually very busy and often come home late. And even if they are home, they wouldnt say much.
Su Lin nodded, Then Im relieved. Go on, see you at school tomorrow.
Sure! This time Im definitely going to score higher than you, Xiaowan said, raising her little fist in a gesture of determination.
Hehe, its good to be confident. Lets see the results tomorrow.
Xiaowan, watching the feigned smile on Su Lins face, felt like punching him, but considering their stark difference in combat abilities, she ultimately just stepped out of the car in annoyance.
Watching Xiaowans retreating figure, Su Lin thought to himself that her silhouette was definitely killer-grade. Just one more month, and they would officially be in a relationship.
With a smile, Su Lin drove away.
Entering the gate, Xiaowan saw two cars in the garage, indicating that both her parents, Lin Guoqiang and Wang Xiaoqian, were home. She didnt pay much attention to this, as she had come home late before.
As soon as she opened the door, she saw her parents staring at each other, seemingly in the middle of an argument.
Xiaowans eyes darted around before she greeted, Mom, Dad, Im back, intending to quickly head to her room.
But Wang Xiaoqian wouldnt let her off so easily, Xiaowan, why are you in such a hurry? Where have you been so late?
Mom~! I just went out for dinner with some friends, Xiaowan responded.
Where did you have dinner?
At a barbecue restaurant on Xingfu Avenue. It was crowded tonight, so we had to wait for a table. Thats why Im late. Whats up? Xiaowan asked, sensing something odd about her parents behavior, especially their strange looks.
Wang Xiaoqian breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. As long as it was just dinner, she was worried there might have been more to it. Little did she know, Su Lin indeed had other plans, but with Xia Shiyu around, they couldnt go through with them.
Oh~! Did you go alone?
No, why would I go that far alone? I went with friends.
Who were these friends?
Mom, whats with the interrogation today? Xiaowan frowned, her keen mind sensing something was off.
Its just that Im worried about you dating~~, Wang Xiaoqian sighed.
Dating How could that be? Im not dating anyone, Xiaowan said, her face turning red.
Both Lin Guoqiang and Wang Xiaoqian exchanged a look, realizing her blushing was akin to an unwitting confession.
Wang Xiaoqian stepped forward, Xiaowan, are you sure youre not dating anyone at school?
Xiaowan nodded, Really, Im not.
In her mind, Xiaowan thought about her bet with Su Lin, which hadnt come into effect yet, so technically, they werent dating. Only after the bet would they officially be in a relationship.
Wang Xiaoqian observed Xiaowans expression, sensing she might not be dating now, but things could change soon. And she was pretty sure Xiaowan had developed feelings for a boy, likely Su Lin.
Sweetie, your dad and I arent against you dating, but high school and college are crucial stages of your life. You should focus on your studies, Wang Xiaoqian said.
Mom, Im second in the whole school. How can you say Im not focused?
Second in the school? Werent you always the first? Lin Guoqiang suddenly asked.
Its all because of that freak Su Lin. He scored 746 out of 750, with full marks in everything but Chinese. Hes not human, so he surpassed me, Xiaowan said, stamping her foot, though she seemed more pleased than angry about it.
Lin Guoqiang felt a pang of frustration, wondering why she was proud of someone elses achievements.
746? Thats high. Is Su Lin really that good?
Xiaowan nodded, After todays exam, I checked his answers. I was wrong again. Hes probably scored over 740, so Im second again.
Oh? Xiaowan, isnt there a parent-teacher meeting after midterms?
Xiaowan nodded, Dad, youre so busy. Youre not thinking of attending the parent-teacher meeting for me, are you?
Lin Guoqiang said righteously, No matter how busy, I cant neglect our daughters important matters. Ill attend this parent-teacher meeting.
Xiaowan looked at him as if shed seen a ghost. Since elementary school, Lin Guoqiang had never attended a parent-teacher meeting for her. It was always Xiaowan who went, her solid academic performance usually keeping the teachers from fussing.
Are you serious, Dad? Youre really going to attend the meeting for me?
Lin Guoqiang nodded, Of course. I feel guilty for never having done it before. Let me know when the school sends the notice, and Ill make time.
Okay~! Thanks, Dad.
Seeing Xiaowans smile, Lin Guoqiang was speechless, surprised that she was so happy over a mere parent-teacher meeting. At the same time, he wanted to meet Su Lin again.
Although they had dined together previously, Su Lin hadnt said much, with the adults dominating the conversation. This time, he wanted to gauge Su Lins character.
Lin Guoqiang exchanged a look with Wang Xiaoqian, who then took Xiaowan to the bedroom for a new round of questioning.
An hour later, the couple discussed Su Lin in the bedroom.
Xiaowan didnt say it outright, but I can tell she really likes that Su Lin. Shes always been obedient and independent, so I dont think shes dating yet. What do you think, Lao Lin?
Lin Guoqiang looked at Wang Xiaoqian and said, I need a cigarette~!!
You dare!!
I cant think without smoking, Lin Guoqiang said, somewhat aggrieved.
Smoke, smoke, smoke, itll kill you someday.
Im telling you, just one. Who would have thought the authoritative Lin Guoqiang would be so afraid of his wife? Lighting up, he said thoughtfully, The way things are now, separating them directly wont work; it would backfire.
But letting things develop is also not an option. Xiaowan is no match for that boy Su Lin. In just over a month, shes taken a liking to him. Thats not something ordinary kids can do.
So we need to find a solution that works for both sides.
What solution? Tell me.
If force doesnt work, then lets try a softer approach. Starting tomorrow , lets try to come home early. Xiaowan eating dinner outside isnt ideal. What do you think?
Wang Xiaoqian nodded, What else?
Pick up and drop off from school~!! This way, their only time together will be at school, where there are people everywhere. I doubt that Su Lin would dare to be too bold there.
Can you do pick-ups and drop-offs? Wang Xiaoqian gave Lin Guoqiang a skeptical look.
Err If I cant, theres still you, Lin Guoqiang said, trying to please.
But we need a valid reason. If we say this outright, it wont work. Xiaowan is too perceptive.
Just say its for the college entrance exams. For her exams, both a mayor and a chairman will make time. She cant refuse, can she?
Wang Xiaoqian narrowed her eyes and nodded with a smile, Not bad.
After the exams, well take her to the Imperial Capital, and then for college, either go abroad or to Tsinghua or Peking University.
I definitely disagree with studying abroad, but Tsinghua or Peking University is okay. But what if Su Lin follows her there?
Hehe, I hope he does. The Imperial Capital is full of hidden talents, and Tsinghua and Peking University are gathering places for the nations top students. By then, Su Lins competitiveness, hehe
Arent you afraid that our daughter will be taken away by someone else?
In the stronghold of the elite, Xiaowans standards will only rise. Eventually, shell set them so high that even we cant find fault.
A daughter has to marry someday.
Wang Xiaoqian remained silent.
Alright, lets do as you said. You do the morning drop-off.
Why me? Lin Guoqiangs face fell.
Wang Xiaoqian pursed her lips, the plan sounded good, but executing it would be quite a challenge for them.