The Arrival of the School Belle

Cherish the Moments, Don't Quarrel

By the time the driver reached the vineyard, it was already dark. This private vineyard was not open to the public; only the high-ranking Mr. Gao or the old chairman would come here occasionally. Thus, there were not many employees, only working during the day, with just security and the vineyard manager on duty at night.

When Mr. Gao's car entered the vineyard, the manager was immediately notified and hurried over on a sightseeing cart to meet them.

As he respectfully opened the car door for Mr. Gao, he asked with a smile, "Young Master, what brings you over so late today?"

Mr. Gao replied with a calm and gentle demeanor, "I came to pick some grapes to eat."

Though surprised, the manager maintained a respectful smile, "Alright, Young Master. Please take the sightseeing cart then."

Mr. Gao nodded politely, "Sure, let's go. Thank you for the trouble."

The manager replied humbly, "It’s not any trouble at all."

Mr. Gao and the driver boarded the sightseeing cart with the manager driving ahead. The night had fallen, street lamps were lit, and the breeze carried the sweet and slightly astringent scent of grapes.

Mr. Gao's thoughts inevitably wandered to Jiang You, her expression serene and calm. With his fair skin and handsome, well-defined features, he stood out more in the quiet and dim surroundings, resembling the cool and tranquil moonlight.

As they drove, the manager inquired, "Young Master, which area would you like to go to?"

After a brief contemplation, Mr. Gao replied softly, "Let’s head to the Zili Zhu area."

The vineyard was divided into different areas based on the grape varieties planted, each area bearing its own name. Zili Zhu was where the purple-skinned grapes were planted – sweet and easy to peel.

The manager laughed heartily, "Understood, Young Master."

Zili Zhu was located on the western side of the vineyard.

To maximize sweetness, the grape's exposure to sunlight and temperature were precisely controlled, so the greenhouse lights were not turned on. The manager and driver used their phone flashlights to light the way for Mr. Gao.

"Be careful, Young Master."

"Shall I turn the lights on instead?"

Mr. Gao's voice was light, "No need."

"We can pick here. The grapes on this vine are looking great."

The manager nodded, "Alright, Young Master."

He carried a small basket, ready to receive the grapes.

The driver diligently held the flashlight, but soon felt itchy on the back of his hand and around his ankles, likely from mosquito bites. The focused beam of light was clearly attracting mosquitoes. After Mr. Gao had picked several bunches, he too felt an itch on his neck. Upon inspection with the flashlight, he found two bright red mosquito bites there.

Mr. Gao apologized, "It seems the mosquitoes have bitten you too. Let’s pick a couple more bunches and then leave."

The manager, despite the itch, smiled, "It’s alright, Young Master."

The driver added, "No worries, Young Master."

Mr. Gao quickened his pace. Just then, his phone, which was in his pocket, began to vibrate. He set aside the scissors, took out his phone, and saw an entirely unknown number.

Having been raised by the old chairman since he was young, Mr. Gao's cultivated hobbies required spending a lot of time alone, resulting in few friends and simple social relations. His contacts were few and seldom an unknown number would call.

Mr. Gao hesitated for a moment but decided to decline the call.

It was dark, but on the other end of the phone, Quan Jing was still in the garage, sitting in his car without getting out. He had been making calls from the car, asking around for Mr. Gao's phone number, but it seemed incredible how no one had it. Was Mr. Gao truly some kind of anomaly, not even having a single friend to share his number with? How could he have no social interactions with the people around him?

Eventually, Quan Jing had to use some tricks to get his hands on the enrollment form Mr. Gao had filled out when he entered Mingde University. Such information was private, and Quan Jing would never have done something so dishonorable under normal circumstances, but he was desperate.

Regrettably, after he dialed, Mr. Gao hung up, refusing to answer. Both Jiang You and Mr. Gao were not answering; Quan Jing felt like he was going insane, his face growing cold and angry.

He forcefully restrained his rage and dialed again.

Mr. Gao put his phone away, picked up the scissors, and as he cut another bunch of grapes, the phone vibrated once more.

This time he answered. A single call might be a nuisance, but if someone insisted, they must genuinely need to speak with him.

"Hello?" Mr. Gao answered the phone, his voice warm and even.

He felt the itchy swelling on his neck, lightly touching it with his hand.

The voice on the other end was cold and distant, "It's me, Quan Jing."

Mr. Gao inquired calmly, "What's the matter?"

Quan Jing, holding back, asked, "Are you with Jiang You?"

Mr. Gao replied, "No, I sent her home early."

Quan Jing instinctively felt relieved, but he still did not fully trust the situation. How could it be such a coincidence that both of them were not answering their phones? And there were strange breathing sounds.

He probed with a cold tone, "Did Jiang You say anything to you in the car?"

Mr. Gao returned to the moment when he had dropped Jiang You off. Did she say anything to him then? Yes, she had said quite a bit.

She had remarked that he looked like a little white rabbit, suggested that photos may fade but her beauty would not, complained about the hot weather, expressed her fear of insects, and her reluctance to visit his grape vineyard...

She had even asked if he would consider dating her next month.

Mr. Gao was uncertain where to begin his response. As he was about to speak, he reconsidered and instead replied, "She didn't say much."

The test results had not yet been announced, and Quan Jing was still Jiang You's boyfriend. To tell him the truth seemed like a boast. As his successor, he ought to consider the feelings of his predecessor.

After thinking it over, Mr. Gao added in an indifferent tone, "When you're together, you should cherish the moments and try to quarrel less."

After all, there were only seven days left, weren't there?

Quan Jing had called to confront him, but strangely found himself getting advice instead. Plus, now that he knew Jiang You hadn't stayed with Mr. Gao but had returned home early, his anger dissipated without a trace. He responded in a daze, "Quarrel less..."

"I understand."

"I’ll hang up now."

Mainly, Mr. Gao's attitude was too composed, too frank, not at all indicative of someone who might have had something with Jiang You. This made Quan Jing feel as if he was overreacting.

He felt somewhat uncomfortable, coughing awkwardly, "By the way, save my number so you'll know who it is next time."

Mr. Gao hummed in agreement, "Alright."

After hanging up, Quan Jing was inexplicably annoyed, feeling like a paranoid, jealous husband who suspects everyone around to be a homewrecker.

His complexion was icy, his ears flushed with embarrassment, and he slammed the car door shut after getting out, repeatedly mumbling to himself, "Jiang You!"

Quan Jing had a headache. Nowadays, anytime he thought about Jiang You, he found himself easily losing composure.

Jiang You ate an apple down to its core and tossed it precisely into the trash can. Glancing at the disarray before her, she arched an eyebrow smugly.

The carpet was tousled by Xiao Fu, and Li Shiyu's expensive underwear had been chewed up by the dog, torn to shreds with its paws, now indistinguishable from scraps.

Li Shiyu would be furious to see the mess. Just imagining his fierce and gloomy expression made Jiang You chuckle gleefully as she called out to her pet, “Xiao Fu.”

Xiao Fu scampered over.

Jiang You declared, "Let’s go downstairs to play."

Xiao Fu barked twice in excitement, tail wagging.

Jiang You sauntered downstairs in her slippers, wearing a lacy camisole nightgown. Her gentle black curls tumbled down her back, swaying with each step, exuding innocence along with a hint of flirtatious charm.

Xiao Fu was already downstairs.

Jiang You descended slowly and settled lazily onto the couch, instructing the maid softly, "I’d like some caramel pudding, extra caramel, and don’t forget the whipped cream on top."

The maid smiled and agreed, "Certainly, miss."

Her gaze lingered on Jiang You, struck by her flawlessness – naturally pale skin with an undertint of shy blush, luxuriant and sleek hair, pure facial features infused with naïve allure.

Jiang You had a sweet tooth and, with Xiaomei there, she wasn’t worried about gaining weight. She could indulge freely. Seeing the maid still standing by, she quickly added, "Oh, and a glass of orange juice, please."

Regaining her composure, the maid flashed a smile, "Right away."

Jiang You played idly with Xiao Fu, tossing a ball while her thoughts drifted to where Li Shiyu might be, when he would return, and the drama she would present him.

If only Li Shiyu knew what she was thinking, he would be incensed beyond measure. Go where? With those striking palm prints on his face, where could he go?

Anyone who saw him would know he had been slapped!

With an ashen face, Li Shiyu left his home, picked out a car at random, and drove along the winding mountain roads, speeding faster and faster!

His knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel, his brows knotted with dark determination.

That woman – Jiang You, the conniver!

He glanced at his watch and loosed his tie before suddenly turning back.

The pudding was perfectly baked, deliciously creamy and sweet – Jiang You's favorite flavor. She savored the dessert with a small spoon while tossing the ball with Xiao Fu, who frolicked jovially.

Feeling content after her meal, Jiang You had just put her empty plate down when she heard the sound of a sports car's brakes and the roar of its engine. Dogs have keen hearing; Xiao Fu heard the noise before Jiang You and dashed outside, clutching the ball.

It was Li Shiyu's car. He was back.

That foolish dog, scampering out to greet him.

Jiang You’s eyebrows knit in irritation, "Xiao Fu, come back!"

The dog was already out of sight, leaving Jiang You no choice but to slip on her shoes and follow.

As Li Shiyu stepped out of his car, he saw Jiang You's foolish dog, ball in mouth, watching him from a distance.

The dog, lacking any hint of Jiang You's cunning, always came close despite knowing he disliked it. Every time he drove home, it would run out to greet him.

Li Shiyu came from a genuine business dynasty, and with plenty of cars to choose from, he didn't always drive the same car out. Yet the dog could always recognize when it was he who returned.

Tricking it was easy; holding any treat in hand and teasing it, leading it from the garden back to Jiang You's room, before locking it up.

Li Shiyu stood still as the foolish dog approached with its ball, eyes gleaming, likely wanting to play catch.

Li Shiyu looked at the dog and extended his hand.

The dog released the ball right into his palm.

With a sneer, Li Shiyu suddenly hurled the ball towards the swimming pool, where the deep blue water contrasted the dark sky. Lights around the pool shone, creating sparkling reflections.

The ball splashed into the pool, causing small ripples.

Eagerly, Xiao Fu chased after the ball, leaping into the pool with a splash that sprinkled water in all directions.

Li Shiyu watched with derision and contempt, muttering, "Stupid dog."

He sauntered to the pool's edge, pulled up his pants legs, crouched down, and coldly watched Xiao Fu paddling awkwardly, struggling toward the shore.

He found the sight amusing – such a silly dog.

Why on earth would Jiang You keep such a dumb pet?

Li Shiyu's attention was drifting when suddenly he was kicked firmly on his posterior. Unprepared, he tumbled headfirst into the water, or rather, plunged into the pool, creating a larger splash than Xiao Fu's.

A skilled swimmer, he still choked on a mouthful of water, felt an itch in his throat, and a sting in his nose. And being clad in a suit did not help.

But above all, rage filled him!

Who in this house dared to kick him into the water? Without thinking, it could only be Jiang You, that conniver.

Li Shiyu surfaced with an icy expression, while his fury raged within. The pool water was treated with chlorinated water, which pained the eyes, but he still forced them open, desperate to catch sight of the culprit, even before surfacing.

Through the shimmering, pale blue water, Li Shiyu saw Jiang You, standing by the poolside, looking down at him.

The surrounding light strips illuminated the water in waves, casting moving shadows and ripples, reflecting on her face her self-assured smirk, similar to the look he had when he watched the dog paddle in the pool.

No, identical.

In a flash, rage overwhelmed Li Shiyu's senses. How dare she look at him like that! Did she think he was foolish?!

Just as Li Shiyu began to swim towards the surface, he felt a sudden pressure on his head. Choking on another gulp of water, by the time he emerged, the foolish dog was already ashore, and the poolside was drenched.

Jiang You had run off with the dog.

Li Shiyu climbed out, looking horrific, as he started to choke and cough nonstop.

In the pool, it had been the dog that stepped on his head.

Upon entering the villa, Li Shiyu shocked the servants, "Young Master..."

He was dripping from head to toe, water trickling down from his hair, clothes, and shoes, his face pale with an intimidating and chilling demeanor.

Li Shiyu barked, "What are you gawking at? Get out! All of you, get out!"

With his temperamental nature, the servants feared him and quickly scattered.

As the servants fled, Li Shiyu's anger intensified. His eyes were reddened from the chlorine, veins popping with malice.

He caught one of them and demanded in a dark tone, "Where is Jiang You?"

The servant trembled, troubled, not daring to speak rashly.

Just moments before, Miss Jiang had rushed back inside, hurrying upstairs. Xiao Fu was also soaked, its fur dripping with water.

Not understanding what had happened before, the servant now had no doubt that Miss Jiang had made a fool of the young master yet again. His current wrath was enough to terrify anyone.

The servant dared not speak up, not with the chairman and Han Sui absent. If any trouble arose, it would mean disaster for those in servitude.

Before Li Shiyu could erupt, he caught sight of the wet trail on the floor tiles.

A trail of water led upstairs.

With impatient disdain, he waved the servant away, "Get out."

The relieved servant withdrew as Li Shiyu followed the trail to Jiang You's room.

Where the dog went, she would be; she treasured that pampered pet above all.

He half-expected Jiang You to hide, yet the water trail ended right outside her bedroom door. Li Shiyu's eyes darkened with simmering anger as he violently opened the door and entered.

Confronted with the sight inside, his fury stalled in his chest, nearly suffocating him.

Earlier, she was dressed in a lace camisole, revealing a scandalous amount of leg.

Now, she had slipped into a swimsuit – a three-piece in tender green, her pale skin as pristine as untouched snow, her voluminous black hair cascading over one shoulder, with her dainty arms half-hidden amidst the curls.

Li Shiyu coldly awaited her next act.

Jiang You, pretending nothing was amiss, sidled up to him, tilting her delicate face upwards, her eyes twinkling with feigned innocence, "Brother, I was wrong. Push me into the water too."

"See, I'm all changed for it."

Li Shiyu, veins bulging from suppressed rage, retorted icily, "You're wrong? Push you in? You're clearly planning to swim instead!"

Jiang You's expression was a picture of guiltlessness, "How could you say that? I'm apologizing to you."

Li Shiyu reached out to grab her chin but found himself enveloped in a tight embrace, a sweet voice cooing, "You're still wet. Don’t catch a cold, let me warm you up."

Li Shiyu stiffened, his soaked clothes chilling his skin. Her