C13 13

At noon the following day, in the Ming family's dining hall, the vast table was filled with the soft clinking of utensils. Zhao Xuexian had not left with her parents, saying that school would start in a few days and she wanted to use this time to catch up on her studies with Ming Qingcheng's help. She sat at the table with her head bowed, appearing much more subdued than usual. Yet every so often, her glances at Jiang Yining were laced with deep resentment. Jiang Yining sat composed and unbothered, eating at an unhurried pace as if she did not notice Xuexian's stares. After finishing his meal, Ming Chengkang set down his utensils and wiped his mouth with a napkin before turning to Jiang Yining. "Yining, your final year of high school will start soon. I've made arrangements, and in a few days you'll go to Jiangde International School with Qingcheng and Xuexian. There will be a placement test, so prepare well over the next few days. I don't expect outstanding grades, but your two sisters are in the Major Work Class, so I want you to at least avoid being placed in the Last Seat Class, okay?" Zhao Xuexian cut in with a malicious edge. "Uncle, isn't that asking too much? Even the lowest-ranked class at Jiangde scores above the passing line. How can this sister, who has never even been to school, possibly pass?" Ming Chengkang and Ye Tang frowned, their expressions souring at her words. Ming Qingcheng gently squeezed Xuexian's hand to signal her to stop, then turned to her father with a soft smile. "Dad, I'll take care of her and help her study over the next few days. You don't need to worry." "Qingcheng, you're always so considerate," Ming Chengkang said, relief brightening his face. "But you don't need to take on your sister's studies. You have your own workload, and don't you have a piano competition to prepare for in early September?" Ye Tang added with a smile, "Exactly, Qingcheng. Focus on your preparation. Your piano teacher said you're the favorite to win." "Qingcheng, you're amazing," Zhao Xuexian said, her eyes shining with admiration. "I heard the winner gets taken on as a protégé by the master of the national banquet music group. You might even get to perform at the national banquet."

Ming Qingcheng blushed slightly. "The competition hasn't even started. We can't be sure of the outcome yet." "Your teacher has already coached several first-timers to victory. If he believes in you, then it's definitely going to be you!" Zhao Xuexian boasted, casting a smug glance at Jiang Yining. Look at the village girl. Don't think that by marrying into the Ming family, you've become one of us. Hands that have dug in the mud can't possibly play with the sophisticated toys of the wealthy. Jiang Yining quietly lowered her gaze, continuing to eat her meal as if oblivious to their conversation. Zhao Xuexian pursed her lips in disdain, putting on airs, always putting on airs. Ming Chengkang, elated by Zhao Xuexian's words, encouraged Ming Qingcheng to practice her piano diligently. Then he turned to Ye Tang and instructed, "Get everything ready for Yining's schooling. Show her around our neighborhood. Also, when there's time, take her to the registry office to have her surname changed back." Ye Tang nodded in agreement. "Okay." Jiang Yining interjected, "There's no need to change it. It's fine as it is." The atmosphere at the dinner table turned icy as everyone paused, the air thickening with tension. Ming Chengkang's expression darkened. "As a child of the Ming family, your surname should be Ming. It must be changed." Jiang Yining slowly lifted her head, locking eyes with Ming Chengkang, and repeated firmly, "I will not change it. Thank you." With a sharp snap, Ming Chengkang slammed his hand on the table, his eyes flashing with intensity, his voice cutting through the air. "Jiang Yining, what is this attitude?" Jiang Yining blinked and spoke deliberately. "What's wrong with a surname that fits one's status? After all, adoption doesn't equate to being born into the family. I don't see the need for a change."

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