The Arrival of the School Belle

Will You Be Staying There?

The conglomerates were clustered in Jiangbei Cave, where the reputation of Jiang You's mother was notably "resonant" among high society. At Mingde University, everyone was well-aware of Jiang You's background, and it was no secret to Gao Chenghao either, especially since he had an uncle who was utterly enchanted by Jiang You's mother, causing disharmony in the family.

During that time, Gao Chenghao's father frequently visited his younger brother's house to defend his sister-in-law, often slapping his brother fiercely for his irresponsible behavior. Outraged, he sometimes even pulled out a golf club to beat his back. Each time he returned, he vehemently condemned his brother as a beast ruled by l**t, completely lacking a sense of responsibility. The disgraceful scandal caused by his affair with Jiang You's mother cast a shadow over their future enterprise.

Naturally, Gao Chenghao's father also despised Jiang You's mother. He loathed vain and brainless women who lacked moral boundaries. After Gao Chenghao enrolled at Mingde University, his father repeatedly admonished him to keep his distance from Jiang You. In his view, a woman who raised such a child and who had a seductive face like that of a fox would be just as unprincipled, adept at temptation, and of poor character.

The car slowly came to a stop in front of the gate at number 24 Jiangbei Cave.

Gao Chenghao turned his gaze towards the window. The third-generation heirs of the conglomerates shared a similar aesthetic taste: ornate iron gates, expansive and luxurious garage doors, and the branches of pine trees extending from the slopes of the mansions were virtually standard features.

Li Mingzhen, the heir to Shiya Construction, was known for his hedonistic lifestyle and penchant for beautiful women, though his enthusiasm for new conquests faded quickly. When Jiang You and her mother first moved into the Li residence, most of the elite society eagerly awaited the day they would become a laughingstock. However, contrary to expectations, Jiang You's mother remained the "family doctor" for two years and had not yet been ousted.

Gao Chenghao turned his head to look at Jiang You and said quietly, "We've arrived."

His voice was as calm and steady as his demeanor, like a rare shade in the heat of the afternoon.

Jiang You smiled coyly, "Thanks for the ride, Chenghao."

She elongated the last syllable of his name with a sweetness in her tone.

Gao Chenghao was slightly uncomfortable hearing this and felt a tickle in his ears. He calmly looked at her and replied with gentle warmth, "You're welcome."

Grabbing her bag, Jiang You waved at him, "Then off I go. Bye."

Gao Chenghao responded without a word.

Her movements were graceful and swift as she got out of the car. Before closing the door, she smiled at him again. The sinking sun cast a faint rosy hue on her cheeks: "By the way, think over what I just said, okay?"

Gao Chenghao thought briefly about the "matter" she referred to. He quickly realized she had asked if he would be willing to date her the following month.

He nodded earnestly and peacefully agreed, "I consent."

Her lips curved into a fuller smile, her tone sweet, "Good, then it's settled, and there's no backing out now."

Gao Chenghao nodded, humming softly in agreement. Jiang You was odd – agreeing to date her meant he could keep a closer watch.

Jiang You thought gleefully: OK, backup number one is ready!

Remaining in the car, Gao Chenghao watched as Jiang You walked away. He contemplated designing a custom uniform for her; her current one was too small, and the skirt, too short. However, considering their current relationship, it might seem too presumptuous. It would be better to wait until she chose him to date next month; that would be more appropriate.

After Jiang You entered the villa, the driver started the car and casually chatted with Gao Chenghao: "Young Master, that lady must be your classmate since she's wearing the Mingde University uniform."

Gao Chenghao replied, "Yes, she is also studying at Mingde University."

The driver commented with a chuckle, "She's truly a beauty, and so lively. She must be very popular at school."

Gao Chenghao calmly took out a sketch pad from his bag, placed a blank sheet of paper on it, and started to draw, pausing to ask nonchalantly, "Is she beautiful?"

After a moment, he added, "Not necessarily."

His fingers tightened around the pencil, and his knuckles whitened slightly.

The driver thought Gao Chenghao was in denial. Raised from a young age in the presence of the old chairman, he had matured steadily with a calm temperament—none of the unseemly vices that often tainted the heirs of wealthy families. However, it also meant he hadn't yet experienced love.

When confronted with a sensitive topic, most people's subconscious reaction is denial.

The driver advised meaningfully, "Young Master, it's not a good habit to say the opposite of what you feel. You must never do that in front of a lady."

Stopping his pencil, Gao Chenghao reflected and realized the driver was right. Jiang You, with her petulant nature, would be infuriated if she knew he didn't find her appealing. How could she let him get close then?

He solemnly assured the driver, "Understood, I'll remember that."

The driver smiled contentedly at his quick grasp and remained silent, focusing on driving.

Gao Chenghao's pencil touched the paper again, halting as he considered. In a few seconds, he instructed, "Let's not return to the old house yet; head to the vineyard."

Although Gao Chenghao lived with the old chairman, the chairman, advanced in years, spent winters abroad for health retreats. Only during this time would Gao Chenghao stay at the Gao family residence.

Presently, as it was still summer, he resided in the old house, keeping the chairman company.

Surprised by the request, the driver asked, "Young Master, it will be dark by the time we get there. Do you plan to stay overnight?"

"If necessary, I'll notify the vineyard in advance."

The vineyard, designed by Gao Chenghao himself, featured European-style castle architecture, complete with a small lake, grape cultivation, and winemaking areas. It required a vast expanse of land and was, therefore, located remotely.

Gao Chenghao's voice was indifferent, "No need for an overnight stay; I just want to pick some grapes."

Acknowledging the order with discretion, the driver nodded, "Very well, Young Master."

As the car drove smoothly on, the sketch paper in Gao Chenghao's hand remained blank. Having observed Jiang You from the shadows for over a month and sketched her countless times, he should have had an easy flow. Yet now, for some reason, he found it difficult to begin.

Jiang You had once been an empty symbol to him, as easy to portray as jotting down a sign. It was more accurate to call it "recording" rather than "drawing."

Today was the first time he had interacted with Jiang You up close. The icy symbol suddenly came to life, animated and vivid. He noted inwardly that she was petulant, willful, spoke with a saccharine voice, had relatively attractive eyes, smelled faintly of green grapes, and had lovely, silky hair.

A trace of confusion flickered in Gao Chenghao's eyes—perhaps it was these suddenly "animated" details that stalled his pen.

Forcing himself to make the first stroke, he gradually proceeded, his thoughts wandering. In a week, the results of the proficiency test would be posted on uni, and he would need to select someone to date anew.

Jiang You had already promised to choose him.

Gao Chenghao had no experience with love and didn't know how to be a good, qualified boyfriend. But he wanted to stay by Jiang You's side as long as possible to unravel the enigma surrounding her.

Caring for a girlfriend should be like tending to flowers—requiring patience and attentive care. He was adept at gardening and therefore believed he could take good care of Jiang You.

Shiya Construction was a major conglomerate, and Li Mingzhen, its only son, had assumed control after the death of the old chairman. His marriage had been arranged, but his wife ultimately couldn't tolerate his philandering ways and chose divorce.

Since the divorce, there had been a constant stream of lovers in Li Mingzhen's life, no longer hidden from view, but Jiang You's mother was the first he had brought home.

As a result, Li Shiyu was particularly outraged, viewing the mother