The Heroine Pays Me to Fall in Love (Quick Transmigration) - Chapter 5

Ever since Jiang Zhinan had given A’Ning that hairpin, the girl had worn it every single day.

Seeing that, Jiang Zhinan couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of satisfaction. She hadn’t expected A’Ning to like her gift so much.

The weather had turned noticeably colder in recent days. Perhaps because of that, fewer people came calling at the estate—after all, the chill tended to make one lazy.

Jiang Zhinan, however, was more than happy with the peace and quiet. Each day, she spent her time teaching A’Ning how to read and write, instilling in her the “new ideas of a new age.” Her days passed in calm contentment.

Since that conversation—the one where Jiang Zhinan had spoken to her seriously—A’Ning had become even more diligent than before. Even after lessons ended, she would study for another hour or two on her own.

Jiang Zhinan hadn’t noticed this at first. It wasn’t until one night, when she got up to use the restroom, that she happened to pass by A’Ning’s room and saw the faint glow of a lamp still burning inside.

“What is this child doing still awake?” Jiang Zhinan frowned in confusion, debating whether she should open the door to check.

The system immediately stopped her.

“It’s the middle of the night,” it said. “If you suddenly barge in like that, A’Ning might misunderstand your intentions.”

“Fair point.” Jiang Zhinan hesitated, then turned to leave. She could always ask about it tomorrow.

But before she could take two steps, the system spoke again.

“If you can’t look openly, then just look secretly!”

Jiang Zhinan: “…”

That was one way to put it.

Admitting the system had a point, she crept quietly to A’Ning’s door and peeked through the narrow gap.

Inside, A’Ning sat up straight, a quilt draped around her shoulders. Though it was already deep into the night, her eyes remained bright and clear.

In her hands was the very book Jiang Zhinan had given her earlier that day. Jiang Zhinan had only managed to teach her the first ten or so pages, yet now the girl had read all the way to the end.

The sight left Jiang Zhinan quietly awed. This child’s private effort and determination even made her, the supposed “teacher,” feel a bit ashamed.

“Let’s go,” the system murmured. “Don’t disturb her.”

“Mm.” Jiang Zhinan nodded softly, tiptoeing back down the steps. As she walked, she started chatting idly with the system.

“Why aren’t you back home sleeping yet?” she asked.

“Had an argument,” the system replied bitterly. “I told her I’d cook dinner, but she insisted on doing it herself!”

“I see.” Jiang Zhinan tried to help. “Then why not take turns—one person cooks each day?”

“She’s always busy with work,” the system sighed. “I figured I get home early and have nothing better to do, so I might as well cook. But she insists I’m too tired, says she doesn’t want me lifting a finger. My host worries about me too much—I’m honestly bored out of my mind.”

Jiang Zhinan: “…” This dog food really comes out of nowhere.

The system kept talking while Jiang Zhinan nodded along, walking absently as she listened.

She was so distracted that she didn’t notice the sound of a door creaking open behind her.

A’Ning stood at her doorway, watching Jiang Zhinan’s retreating figure disappear into the darkness. Her gaze lingered for a long, long time.

The next day, Jiang Zhinan decided to give A’Ning a break. Her intention was to let the girl rest a little—to remind her that balance between study and rest was important.

A’Ning agreed obediently. This time, instead of burying herself in books, she followed Jiang Zhinan to watch her practice swordsmanship.

As a seasoned official, Governor Jiang had always demanded his children develop in all aspects—skilled not only in poetry and calligraphy but also in archery and swordplay.

The original Jiang Yu’an had absolutely despised such things. Every time she was told to practice, she would throw a tantrum so fierce it gave everyone a headache before finally dragging herself there.

Jiang Zhinan, however, was the opposite. She rather enjoyed the feeling of wielding a sword, cutting through air and flower petals alike. After all, entertainment was scarce in ancient times—she might as well find her fun here.

Still, she had to keep up appearances. So before heading out, she threw a small mock tantrum in imitation of Jiang Yu’an’s usual behavior.

“Miss!” the maids tried to coax her as usual. “Please go practice. Otherwise, the master will surely be upset!”

“I’m not going.” Jiang Zhinan shook her head, hugging the bedpost tightly. “If you want to go, go yourself.”

“This” The maid sighed helplessly. Then, spotting A‘Ning nearby, her eyes suddenly lit up. “A’Ning! Come and persuade the young lady, please.”

A’Ning nodded, stepping forward. She crouched down to meet Jiang Zhinan’s gaze and said gently, “Miss, let’s go practice swordplay.”

Jiang Zhinan ignored her, pretending not to hear.

“A’Ning wants to see you practice too,” the girl added softly, leaning a little closer.

Jiang Zhinan blinked, unsure what A’Ning intended. Just as she was about to ask, the girl tilted her head slightly, her lips brushing close to Jiang Zhinan’s ear as she whispered,

“A’Ning wants to learn as well.”

Her warm breath brushed against Jiang Zhinan’s cheek.

“If A’Ning learns well, it might bring her one step closer to serving in the government someday,” she added, voice soft and sincere. “That would make Miss happy too, wouldn’t it?”

Jiang Zhinan: “…” You really know how to play me, don’t you?

Still, A’Ning wasn’t wrong. The more she learned, the prouder Jiang Zhinan would feel—and the girl clearly knew it.

“Fine,” Jiang Zhinan finally said, relenting. “Let’s go.”

A’Ning followed behind her, a faint smile curving her lips—so subtle it could easily be missed.

The Governor had hired the best sword instructor available—each movement sharp and precise, every swing of the blade carrying perfect control.

Normally, a few servants would spar alongside Jiang Yu’an for practice. Knowing A’Ning wished to learn, Jiang Zhinan arranged for her to join them as well.

“Be careful not to hurt yourself,” Jiang Zhinan reminded several times before the lesson began, worried that a stray blade might injure A’Ning. “If you get hurt, I’ll feel worse than you do.”

A’Ning nodded seriously.

The lesson began.

Jiang Zhinan trained for quite some time but, being unaccustomed to such physical exertion, soon grew tired and stepped aside to rest.

A’Ning, on the other hand, remained standing until the very end. Though her cheeks flushed red from exertion, her breathing stayed steady.

Jiang Zhinan couldn’t help but marvel—perhaps this girl was truly talented at everything she did.

After a short break, practice resumed.

Jiang Zhinan sparred briefly with the attendants but soon lost interest. They were all too cautious around her, afraid to cause injury—so much so that their movements looked more like dancing than fighting.

“A’Ning,” Jiang Zhinan called from her seat on a stone bench, “would you like to give it a try?”

A’Ning nodded. “Yes, Miss.”

“Then go ahead.” Jiang Zhinan waved, signaling for one of the attendants to spar with her.

“Yes, Miss,” A’Ning said again. She turned to leave, but halfway there, she suddenly stopped and came back.

“What is it?” Jiang Zhinan asked.

Without a word, A’Ning lifted her hand and slowly removed the jade hairpin from her hair.

In an instant, her dark hair fell like a waterfall over her shoulders—glossy, unrestrained.

“I’m afraid of damaging Miss’s gift,” A’Ning said softly, holding out the hairpin. “Please keep it safe for me.”