Soon, he faintly heard a woman's voice drifting from the school—soft, fragmented, and indistinct.
The car stopped at the school gate.
The entrance was wide open, and a crowd had gathered outside, listening intently. Word had spread that a professional broadcaster was giving a speech today, drawing quite the audience.
Murmurs filled the air.
Zhou Yueshen shot Yu Dong a sidelong glance.
Yu Dong pretended not to notice, craning his neck out the window to peer into the school grounds.
The engine's noise made it hard to hear, so he turned it off.
Lin Xiao looked puzzled, about to ask—
Then, a familiar voice echoed from inside the school.
Lin Xiao wondered if he was hearing things. That voice… it sounded like his younger sister.
But Zhou Yueshen suddenly frowned, stubbing out his cigarette before lifting his gaze toward the school.
A flicker of confusion passed through his dark eyes.
Before the two could react, he yanked the car door open, stepped out, and strode forward.
Yu Dong was equally stunned.
He’d come to listen to Fu Qianqian’s speech.
But not only had he failed to hear Fu Qianqian, he was now hearing what sounded like his sister-in-law’s voice?
Logically, shouldn’t she be back in Xingfu Village, living her quiet life?
Had he misheard?
But if it was a mistake, why was Zhou Yueshen reacting like this?
Exchanging a glance with Lin Xiao, the two quickly followed, pushing through the crowd.
When they caught up with Zhou Yueshen, his tall figure stood at the front, the surrounding crowd instinctively giving him space. His imposing presence was unmistakable as he stood motionless, his sharp gaze fixed on the stage ahead.
As they drew closer, the familiar voice became clearer.
Curious, they followed his line of sight.
The distance made it hard to see clearly, but the figure on stage was unmistakable.
The poised, fluent English-speaking broadcaster was none other than Si Nian—their village’s stunningly beautiful, kind-hearted, and culinary-skilled sister-in-law (or younger sister, depending on perspective).
Tall and elegant, with delicate features, she stood radiantly on stage, as if bathed in a dazzling light.
Soon, the speech ended.
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
The crowd around them clapped enthusiastically, showering praise.
“Now that’s a professional broadcaster for you—absolutely brilliant!”
“This is the first time I’ve found English so captivating.”
“That host is breathtaking. Beautiful and cultured—wonder which lucky family’s son will win her heart.”
The remark snapped Yu Dong and the others out of their daze.
“Boss, that’s Si Nian! What’s she doing here?” Yu Dong couldn’t help but ask Zhou Yueshen.
Zhou Yueshen gave him a sidelong glance but said nothing.
Unaware of Zhou Yueshen’s presence, Si Nian stepped down from the stage and took Yaoyao from Sister Chen’s arms.
Sister Chen looked at her with admiration. “Bringing you here was the best decision I’ve ever made. You were incredible!”
Though she had always recognized Si Nian’s potential, Sister Chen had never been this awestruck.
Si Nian’s skills had far surpassed her own—she no longer needed guidance.
Others quickly gathered around, heaping praise, utterly won over by her talent.
Even the usually aloof Fu Qianqian spoke up. “Si Nian, thank you for today.”
If not for Si Nian’s help, she might have had to rely on the detestable Lin Sisi—a thought that would’ve ruined her appetite and sleep for days.
Si Nian nodded slightly. “No need to thank me. The imported lip balm worked wonders.”
Fu Qianqian: “...”
Meanwhile, Lin Sisi, who had been pulled off stage earlier, stood frozen in a corner, her entire body cold with fury.
After being dismissed by the host, she’d been left with no chance to speak, forced to watch as Si Nian stole the spotlight.
Now, seeing Si Nian surrounded by admirers, her jealousy reached its peak.
What right did Si Nian have to be so proud? If not for stealing her privileged upbringing, Si Nian would never have had the education or skills to stand on that stage.
Everything Si Nian had was rightfully hers—so why did no one understand that?
Clenching her fists, Lin Sisi glared venomously at Si Nian. Then, spotting familiar figures, she stiffened before stepping forward with a saccharine smile.
“Si Nian, congratulations! But how did you end up here today? Did you know Fu Yang and his family were coming to watch Qianqian’s speech? What a coincidence that you showed up right when Qianqian fell ill.”
Her words successfully halted the approaching Fu family, their expressions darkening as they turned toward Si Nian.
They had only just learned that their daughter’s sudden illness had led to Si Nian taking her place. They’d intended to check on Fu Qianqian and express their gratitude.
But Lin Sisi’s insinuations planted doubt.
Such perfect timing—their daughter falling ill just before the speech, and Si Nian appearing at the critical moment?
With their son present, it was hard not to suspect ulterior motives.
Had Si Nian, despite being married, not given up on Fu Yang?
If true, her scheming was truly despicable.
Fu Yang’s earlier admiration evaporated instantly.
He’d actually believed her flawless performance was spontaneous. Now, it seemed calculated.
He couldn’t deny his growing fascination with her lately—but that didn’t mean he’d entertain a married woman.
Disgust twisted his features. He despised women who played games.
The crowd’s attention shifted to Si Nian, skepticism creeping in.
Sure, she claimed to have a photographic memory, but her performance had been too polished—unnaturally so.
Hard not to question it.
Unfazed, Si Nian met Lin Sisi’s gaze. “If we’re talking coincidences, you’re the real expert. At least I was invited by Sister Chen. Meanwhile, you showed up uninvited, eager to ‘help’—almost as if you knew this would happen.”
“And not everyone is as obsessed with men as you are. Must you drag them into everything? Can’t you function without male attention?”
Sister Chen studied Lin Sisi, her brow furrowing.
Though Lin Sisi pretended to be happy for Si Nian, Sister Chen wasn’t fooled. After decades in the industry, she’d seen every type of opportunist.
Most people would be too upset after a poor performance to congratulate a rival—let alone drop such loaded remarks.
Lin Sisi’s intentions were obvious.
At first, Sister Chen thought it was mere jealousy. But spotting the Fu family, she realized Lin Sisi’s ambitions ran much deeper.
