C14 The Parentteacher Conference

On Saturday morning, Lu Zihann woke up bright and early, feeling a bit excited due to his decent midterm exam results. After dutifully finishing his breakfast, he eagerly awaited Lu Jinhan's descent.

As Su Rann descended the stairs, she noticed Lu Zihann clutching his schoolbag and gazing expectantly upward. She checked the time—it was only six o'clock. Walking past him, Lu Zihann didn't even spare her a glance.

Upon returning from her run, Su Rann found Lu Zihann still seated, his brow furrowed, lips tightly drawn, and eyes dark with displeasure. He appeared somewhat anxious, his hands gripping the straps of his bag.

The sound of a door creaking open was followed by the rush of footsteps from upstairs. Hearing Lu Jinhan's approach, Lu Zihann's eyes sparkled with anticipation. He rose from the sofa, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

"Brother, you're finally here!"

In this moment, Lu Zihann's demeanor was devoid of the earlier coldness Su Rann had encountered; instead, he radiated the pure innocence of a child.

"Zihann, I've got an emergency at work, so I might not make it to the parent-teacher conference today," Lu Jinhan said, his eyes conveying a deep sense of remorse. Lu Zihann was the person he held dearest in the world.

Lu Jinhan's announcement hit Lu Zihann like a thunderclap, the light in his eyes dimming rapidly.

"It's okay, brother!" he said, mustering a strained smile and feigning indifference. "I'm fine, brother."

Lu Zihann turned and headed toward the dining room.

"Zihann, I've scheduled a treatment with Auntie Wang today, so I can't be there with you. I'm truly sorry," Huang Jiamin said insincerely, wary of being implicated.

"Zihann, I've got commitments today as well..." Lin Manyin was eager to witness the brothers' embarrassment, but she hadn't anticipated this turn of events.

Before she could finish, Lu Zihann cut her off.

"Sister-in-law, didn't you promise yesterday to go with my brother? He's unexpectedly tied up today; you're not going to back out, are you?"

Lu Zihann tugged at the hem of Su Rann's clothing.

Lin Manyin and Huang Jiamin were taken aback. Wasn't Lu Zihann known for his strong dislike of this woman? Yet, he had actually agreed to let her attend the parent-teacher conference?

"Nan Jun, take them to the school!" Lu Jinhan said, a sense of urgency in his voice. With his instructions given, he promptly left.

"Remember, no talking out of turn at the parent-teacher conference! And don't ask any questions! My affairs are none of your concern," Lu Zihann instructed with the air of a little tycoon.

Despite his efforts to hide it, Su Rann noticed the hint of sadness in his eyes.

Su Rann remained silent. She wasn't about to get into an argument with a child.

"And one more thing," Lu Zihann continued, his hands in his pockets and a frosty expression on his face, "don't tell anyone you're my sister-in-law! How much longer do you need to consider what I've already told you?"

To him, his brother was the most important person, and he couldn't bear the thought of a woman scorned by all remaining by his brother's side.

Soon, the car reached its destination.

"Miss Su, the Young Master is in the eighth grade, class two," Nan Jun said, handing her some documents with a courteous tone.

Su Rann surveyed her surroundings, her gaze icy and sharp.

Chongming Middle School – she had returned.