After the Sickly Child Differentiates into A - Chapter 18

Wen Jingzhi blinked hesitantly.

Pausing her movements, she turned sideways to glance at Lin Li, raising an eyebrow slightly. “You want to participate?” Given her physical condition, would the teacher even allow her to join the event?

No.

Lin Li pursed her lips, unsure how to respond, and simply offered a smile.

Wen Jingzhi’s lips curved knowingly.

“A parent-child sports day.” Wen Xihe wasn’t particularly interested in such activities, but if it meant accompanying Xiao You, that was a different matter. She lifted Lin Li onto her lap and asked with a smile, “Xiao You, which ‘parent’ would you like to go with you?”

It has to be me!

Wen Xihe looked at Lin Li with confidence and anticipation, while Wen Jingzhi lifted her gaze, her eyes also settling on the child.

Lin Li: …

“Anyone is fine,” said Lin Li, the master of diplomacy, adding another successful case to her record. “I like them all.”

Wen Xihe felt a little disappointed at not getting the answer she wanted, but Lin Li’s “I like them all” offered some consolation. She hugged the child and nuzzled her cheek, saying cheerfully, “Then I’ll go. I’ve just wrapped up some work and can spare a day.” She glanced at her younger sister, who had remained silent, with a hint of smugness. “Our youngest doesn’t like such occasions, right?”

Wen Jingzhi replied expressionlessly, “Mm.” Wen Xihe opened her mouth, about to finalize the matter, but was cut off by Wen Jingzhi’s next words: “But I have time tomorrow. I can go.”

Wen Xihe: …

She’s willing to join in on such a lively event?

She glanced at the oblivious child in her arms, inwardly surprised.

It seems Jingzhi really does like Xiao You.

“Then let’s go together,” Wen Xihe shrugged. “Usually, these parent-child events involve two parents. You and I going together would be just right.” She pinched Lin Li’s cheek gently. “What do you think, Xiao You?”

Lin Li gave her signature smile. “Okay.”

And so, the matter was settled.

The next morning, the three of them set out at seven. Wen Xihe drove, while Wen Jingzhi sat in the back seat with Lin Li, who was still a bit drowsy.

Wen Xihe yawned and glanced at Lin Li, who was leaning against Wen Jingzhi and dozing lightly in the back seat. A thought occurred to her, and she said softly, “When Xiao You starts middle school, living in the old mansion might be a bit inconvenient.”

“It’s too far from the city center.”

“Once her studies get more demanding, waking up so early in the morning won’t give her enough rest, and she’ll be tired all day.”

Wen Jingzhi paused, lowering her eyes to look at the lightly dozing child beside her, and replied in a hushed tone, “Mm, it is a bit inconvenient.”

She had spent so little time at home in recent years that she hadn’t noticed this issue.

The Wen family’s old mansion was in the suburbs, about an hour and a half’s drive from the city center. However, Jing Yi Elementary School wasn’t located entirely in the city center. Since it catered to children from affluent families, it was situated closer to the suburban villa area. From the old mansion, it only took an hour to drive to the school.

Moreover, this route was rarely congested, so living in the old mansion wasn’t a major issue for commuting to school.

But getting to the city center was another matter, especially during the morning rush hour when traffic jams were common.

With this in mind, Wen Xihe quickly ran through the properties she owned, planning to choose one for Lin Li. However, since she was driving, she couldn’t focus too much on the details and decided to ask Wen Jingzhi for her opinion. “I remember I have a three-bedroom apartment near Jing Yi Middle School. What do you think?”

“Not necessarily Beijing No. 1 Middle School.” This child doesn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about studying, so there’s no need to force her into a key secondary school.

“Beijing No. 1 is suitable.” Wen Xihe insisted, “With her physical condition, an ordinary middle school wouldn’t be safe enough.”

“I have connections in Beijing No. 1’s administration who can look after her.”

Wen Jingzhi’s expression shifted slightly at this.

That was something she hadn’t considered thoroughly.

However, they should still ask for the child’s opinion.

“We’ll discuss it later. She’s only in fourth grade anyway.” If they chose another school, they could simply purchase property near the campus when the time came.

“True, it’s still early.” Wen Xihe nodded, dropping the subject and shifting to work matters. “The film you shot with Chen Qing might need reshoots with a replacement.”

“The release date will likely be postponed.”

“Hmm.” Wen Jingzhi had anticipated this when Chen Qing was ridiculed online for rumors of “cheating” and “wild behavior.” “We have many scenes together. Reshooting could take one or two months.”

“Director Han is busy with casting now. The crew hasn’t been officially recalled yet.” Wen Xihe tapped her finger on the steering wheel. “Others might enter the studio in November, but you’ll probably have to wait until year-end.”

Wen Jingzhi didn’t mind, responding briefly.

“Then you might miss Xiao You’s birthday again.”

Wen Jingzhi, who had been expressionless and indifferent moments before, suddenly stiffened, a furrow appearing between her brows.

She would ask Director Han later if her scenes could be reshot first.

Wen Xihe noticed Wen Jingzhi’s subtle change in expression through the rearview mirror and smiled inwardly.

Now she’s finally concerned.

The road was clear, and Wen Xihe drove fast, arriving at the school gate in about fifty minutes. Following the guard’s directions, she parked in the designated area.

Lin Li opened her eyes as soon as the car stopped, looking completely alert, as if she hadn’t been asleep the whole way.

Wen Jingzhi carried her out of the car, took her hand, and glanced down at the pale little face that showed no signs of sleepiness, raising an eyebrow meaningfully.

It was just past eight, not yet time to gather.

The event was scheduled to start at nine in the morning, but parents and children needed to assemble by 8:30. It would end at noon, after which the children could leave school directly with their families.

With some time before the assembly, Wen Jingzhi held Lin Li’s hand and strolled around the school with Wen Xihe.

Both of them had attended Beijing No. 1 Elementary School, and after years away, many parts of the campus had changed.

Lin Li struggled to keep up with the two long-legged sisters. Noticing this, Wen Jingzhi deliberately slowed her pace.

The three of them wandered leisurely around the school until it was time to gather, then headed to the classroom.

The classroom was nearly full with parents and children. As soon as Wen Jingzhi and the others entered, the chatter ceased abruptly, and countless eyes turned toward them.

Their striking appearances and Wen Jingzhi’s celebrity status made it hard for the other parents to resist the urge to strike up a conversation.

Extra desks had been added so parents and children could sit together. Lin Li was sandwiched between Wen Jingzhi and Wen Xihe, with Sun Xiaoxiao’s family next to them. As soon as Lin Li sat down, Sun Xiaoxiao excitedly greeted them, and Sun’s two mothers nodded in their direction.

After the three returned polite greetings, the homeroom teacher entered and began the motivational speech.

Once the speech ended, everyone left the classroom, where a designated teacher explained the rules for each activity.

There were quite a few activities: parents carrying balloons back-to-back, kicking shuttlecocks, jumping rope in a long line, parents carrying “weights” in a sprint, and some non-athletic fun games.

Lin Li listened lazily and, once the activities began, went to sit on the bleachers by the playground, picking a seat. Wen Jingzhi and Wen Xihe were still by the teacher’s side, asking something.

Soon, the two came over. Wen Xihe sat beside Lin Li and immediately asked, “Little You, aren’t you going to join the fun games? Some of them look pretty interesting.”

Lin Li narrowed her eyes and smiled, not answering. Instead, she tossed back a question: “Do you sisters want to go?”

Wen Jingzhi stood to her left and found her question amusing.

It was her activity, yet she was asking if they wanted to go.

“Even if you’re not participating, let’s go take a look.” Wen Xihe stood up, picked Lin Li up, and walked down the steps, turning her head to call Wen Jingzhi: “Let’s go, Jingzhi.”

“Mm.” Wen Jingzhi followed with a calm expression.

They passed the areas where shuttlecock kicking and rope jumping competitions were taking place and arrived at the fun activity zone. Wen Xihe set Lin Li down and gestured with her chin toward a spot where three or four little kids were gathered. “That looks like some kind of tabletop game over there. Want to go check it out?”

Lin Li glanced at the noisy area, uninterested, but still put on an act of obedience, smiling as she said, “Sure, I’ll go take a look.” With that, she walked forward.

Wen Jingzhi watched her slow-moving back and raised an eyebrow.

“Zhi-zhi Sister! Xihe Sister!” Sun Xiaoxiao came running over from the rope-jumping area, her little face flushed from exercise. She stopped in front of Wen Jingzhi, looking around. “Where’s Lin Li?”

Wen Xihe, finding her chubby and adorable, pinched her cheek and pointed not far away. “Over there.”

“Thank you, Xihe Sister!”

After thanking her, Sun Xiaoxiao ran off.

Wen Jingzhi watched the energetic little girl run up to Lin Li, chattering animatedly with enthusiastic gestures so lively and cute.

Then she looked at her own little one.

Squinting, smiling, not saying a word.

Utterly perfunctory.

This child looked sickly and pale, soft and gentle, always smiling, yet her emotions remained hidden.

After observing for a while, Wen Jingzhi sensed a weariness in her that was completely at odds with her age.

Lifeless, detached.

“What do you think?”

Wen Xihe’s question pulled Wen Jingzhi out of her thoughts. She hadn’t heard what was said before and asked, “What do I think about what?”

Wen Xihe was instantly annoyed so she hadn’t been listening at all!

Oh well, it wasn’t the first time this ice block had done this. She was the older sister; she’d endure it!

“I said, should we buy Little You some Legos or something to help pass the time?”

If she can’t move her body much, she can still use her brain.

“Up to you.” But this kid probably wouldn’t play with them anyway.

“You don’t think it’s a good idea.” Wen Xihe knew her well this kind of answer meant she didn’t approve. Just as she was about to ask Wen Jingzhi for her “brilliant opinion,” her phone rang.

She pulled out her phone, saw the caller, and chuckled. “What’s up, Miss Lin?”

After a few words from Lin Ye on the other end, Wen Xihe’s smile froze, and her expression darkened. “I’ll head to the company right away.”

Hanging up, she instructed Wen Jingzhi, “Something came up. I have to go to the company to handle it. Keep an eye on Little You.”

After speaking, she didn’t even bother to greet Lin Li, merely waved her hand and quickly walked away.

Wen Jingzhi watched her retreating figure, which carried a hint of anger, lowered her gaze in thought for a few seconds, then took out her phone and opened the Hongbo app.

Scrolling through the trending list, she immediately spotted the news related to Lin Ye, which had already climbed to third place.

[Is Little Flower Lin Pretending to Be an Omega to Deceive for Love or Profit?]

Wen Jingzhi clicked in, skimmed through a few lines, and exited the app.

Wen Xihe had never mentioned that Lin Ye was a Beta, likely because she was unaware. And given her temperament, she probably wasn’t angry about that.

It was more likely about the person behind the exposure.

This trending topic probably wasn’t the work of the Lin family.

If the Lin family had known about Lin Ye’s Beta status from the start, they would never have easily allowed her to take the chairman’s position.

An Omega’s identity holds legitimate inheritance rights in wealthy families, and arranged marriages offer considerable room for manipulation to bring significant benefits to the family. But Betas are different.

With their lower fertility rates, Betas are not considered eligible for inheritance in such circles unable to secure effective arranged marriages and unlikely to produce Alpha or Omega offspring.

Since Lin Ye had already been in the chairman’s position for several months without any major upheavals from the Lin family, this exposure could only have come from the Chen family, which Lin Ye and Wen Xihe were currently working to undermine, but which seemed to have hidden forces behind it.

Lin Ye was in a critical period of consolidating control over the Lin family. Once her Beta status was exposed, not only would the Lin shareholders cause an uproar, but the Alphas in the Lin family with inheritance rights would also seize the opportunity to tear a few pieces of flesh from her.

At that point, Lin Ye and Wen Xihe would be too tied up to deal with the Chen family.

Moreover, Lin Ye’s disguise as an Omega to enter the entertainment industry was also a form of deception, and online criticism was already mounting.

If Chen Qing had any intention of making a comeback, she would likely use Lin Ye’s “marriage deception” as a pretext to portray herself as the deceived “victim” and salvage some of her image.

Information on the internet updates and cycles quickly. After a month or two, people might forget about Chen Qing’s “scumbag Alpha” scandal, and she could seize the opportunity to make a comeback.

After all, Chen Qing had acting skills, and if the Chen family hadn’t collapsed by then, her comeback would be even easier.

Thinking of this, Wen Jingzhi picked up her phone again and sent a reminder message to Wen Xihe.

Given Wen Xihe and Lin Ye’s sharpness, they could likely analyze this themselves, but she was worried that Wen Xihe, in her anger, might overlook some details. If they waited too long to address the issue, public opinion would be hard to control.

After sending a brief reminder, Wen Jingzhi put away her phone and intended to find Lin Li. But when she looked up, the table game area was empty. Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly scanned her surroundings, walking and searching as she went.

After covering more than half the field without finding her, her expression turned icy.

Passing by the running activity area, she spotted Sun Xiaoxiao next to her Alpha mother, but the person who should have been with the little girl was still nowhere to be seen. She walked over, nodded coldly to Sun Xiaoxiao’s mother, and asked Sun Xiaoxiao, “Isn’t Lin Li with you?”

Sun Xiaoxiao, excited to see her idol, was taken aback by the question. After a moment’s thought, she said, “When my mom and I joined the activity, Lin Li said she needed to use the restroom.” She stepped out of the crowd and pointed toward the building at the far end of the field, to the left of the school wall. “Over there.”

“She hasn’t come back yet? Could she have an upset stomach?”

“Thank you.” Wen Jingzhi turned and headed toward the restroom.

Crossing the large playground, the perimeter wall drew nearer. As she reached the restroom entrance, she noticed a narrow path between the restroom’s outer wall and the school’s boundary wall. For some reason, instead of entering to search for the person, she veered toward the path’s opening.

Standing at the narrow entrance, she lifted her gaze, her cold expression softening slightly.

Found.

A small, slender child was squatting with their back to the entrance, seemingly occupied with something.

The path was too narrow for an adult to enter comfortably. Wen Jingzhi, her face stern, intended to call the child out. Just as she was about to speak, the figure suddenly stood up.

Through the gap of the child’s thin ankles, Wen Jingzhi spotted a small black dog, about the length of a forearm.

How could there be a dog on school grounds?

Had the child chased the dog into the path after using the restroom?

Lin Li, who had just stood up, was tugged by the dog biting at her pant leg, causing her to squat back down. She reached out and gently stroked the dog’s head.

Watching her smiling profile, Wen Jingzhi pressed her lips together, her expression complicated.

It was the first time she had seen such an unreserved, tender, and vibrant smile on this child’s face.

So full of life.

“I really have to go now,” Lin Li said softly to the dog with a laugh. “See you next time.”

As Lin Li stood up to leave, the dog tugged at her pant leg again. She sighed helplessly and crouched once more, reaching to scratch the dog’s chin, only to have the dog clamp its teeth around her finger.

Wen Jingzhi’s expression turned cold, and she stepped forward.

“Ouch, damn! Why are you biting, you little dog?”

Huh?

Wen Jingzhi abruptly halted, blinking in uncertainty.

Support