Chapter 39: The Silent Enigma

It was still early, so Shen Chutang unrolled her yoga mat and sat in the living room, following along with the yoga routine on the television. As she bent forward, her clothes were pulled up, revealing a slender, fair waist; her feet were stretched perfectly straight, her round toes adorably smooth.

Lu Beiqin was silent for a long while before he finally averted his gaze and cleared his throat lightly. “My people have found the Blood Sky Vine you mentioned. It will be delivered in a few days.”

A trace of delight immediately appeared on Shen Chutang’s face. “You’re incredibly efficient!”

“Yes. After you mentioned it, I had everyone… the driver look into it, and they really did find it. But there are still a few ingredients missing.”

Shen Chutang wasn’t too worried about this; after all, her martial uncle might have some of the remaining herbs. She could simply visit and try her luck—surely there would be no problem.

Seeing that Shen Chutang didn’t find anything inappropriate about practicing yoga here, Lu Beiqin decided not to comment. He got up and returned to his room.

Watching his retreating figure, Shen Chutang secretly muttered to herself, “Such a stick in the mud.”

The next day, Shen Chutang set out for the Shen family estate, only to be greeted by a crowd of reporters at the entrance.

Shen Xuejun and Liu Shuhua stood in the middle, while Shen Tingting was dressed in a white dress, her long hair cascading down her back, light makeup accentuating her pitiful, innocent appearance.

As Shen Chutang arrived, Shen Xuejun, along with Liu Shuhua and Shen Tingting, bowed deeply to the reporters. “We’ve called this press conference today to apologize to everyone. Recently, our family caused a public spectacle and wasted public resources. Today, we deeply realize our mistakes and are reflecting, determined to make amends.

“Tingting has just returned from studying abroad, but her mindset still lacks maturity. We plan to have her re-enter school to become a child who understands right from wrong and knows proper manners.”

Shen Chutang sneered inwardly. A good child? Who were they trying to fool with this performance?

“Fortunately, Tingting has worked hard and passed the entrance exam for Peking University Affiliated High School, joining Class A.”

At these words, the eyes of those present shifted noticeably when looking at Shen Tingting. After all, except for Class Z, all other classes at Peking University Affiliated High School were determined by merit. For Shen Tingting to enter Class A meant she was quite capable.

Shen Tingting spoke softly, “I’ll continue to work hard and strive to become someone useful to society.”

With this, Shen Tingting would go straight into senior high school. For a high schooler, people naturally felt some empathy—children make mistakes, and it’s enough if they learn from them.

Seizing the moment, Shen Xuejun continued, “We treat both children equally. We’ve arranged for Chutang to enter the school as well.”

Liu Shuhua feigned concern. “But Chutang never liked studying and her grades are poor. She hasn’t even finished a proper high school education. I doubt Peking University Affiliated High School would accept her.”

With a single sentence, she dragged Shen Chutang out for a thorough public flogging.

Shen Xuejun put on a look of stoic resolve. “No matter what, we’ve already let Chutang down. Regardless of the cost, we must do our utmost to get her into the best high school!”

Shen Tingting grasped Shen Chutang’s hand. “Don’t worry, Sister. I’ll definitely help you with your studies. There’s no shame in being twenty and starting senior high. I know your basics are weak; I’ll prepare elementary school materials for you so we can start from scratch.”

“This eldest Miss Shen is already twenty and hasn’t finished school—how embarrassing!”

“Isn’t it? If not for Shen Xuejun’s kindness and willingness to spend money to get her back into school, she’d probably be a complete nobody right now!”

“I heard the eldest Miss Shen has always been unemployed, living off the Shen family’s money, doing nothing all day. Last time, the second Miss and Madam went to her place, wanting to put on an act to inspire her, but who knew Shen Chutang would bite the hand that fed her—framing the second Miss and getting her detained!”

Shen Chutang didn’t need to look to know these gossip-mongers were hired by the Shen family to put on a show.

Sure enough, as soon as these words were spoken, several reporters nearby couldn’t help but start interviewing passersby.

Seeing the plan working, Shen Tingting looked at Shen Chutang with satisfaction. “Sister, I guess we’ll see each other at Peking University Affiliated High School then.”

“I’ll certainly go to the school, but not as a student.”

Shen Tingting assumed Shen Chutang was bluffing and scoffed openly. “Not as a student? What, are you applying to be a janitor? I heard the school is hiring cleaning staff.”

“Of course not. I’m going there to be a teacher for fun.”

Shen Tingting burst out laughing. “Shen Chutang, you don’t even bother to make your lies believable. Someone without even a proper diploma wants to teach? The idea alone is laughable!”

Whether they believed her or not, Shen Chutang didn’t care. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

With that, she turned and left without a backward glance, completely indifferent to their so-called apologies.