Yan Zhengnan was changing clothes while talking to Shi Ye: "Uncle, next week our class is having a parent-teacher meeting. Do you or my dad have time to go?"

Shi Ye smiled and handed the backpack to Yan Zhengnan: "Sorry, Xiao Nan, I have something next week. Your dad is going on a business trip next week. If it doesn’t work out, you can let your Grandma go."

Yan Zhengnan was very disappointed: "But I asked my Grandma, and she said she also has something next week and told me to ask you."

Shi Ye apologized and hugged Yan Zhengnan: "I’m really sorry. My plans were set several weeks ago. Next time, next time I’ll definitely go to the parent-teacher meeting."

"Alright then."

Yan Zhengnan picked up his backpack and walked out.

Once he got in the car, he was still in a bad mood.

Originally, he thought that his parents’ divorce wouldn’t make much of a difference to him anyway. His dad and his uncle were quite good to him, and he was the only grandchild in the Yan family, so no one would treat him poorly in terms of life necessities.

But he hadn’t expected that shortly after his mom left, his quality of life would decrease so much.

It’s not that anyone was lacking in food or drink, but emotionally and in the details of life, he felt something was different.

No one asked him anymore if he was warm enough, or if he had eaten enough, or what he wanted to eat. No one checked his homework or helped him correct mistakes. And no one went to school to talk to the teachers to ask how he was doing there lately.

Although Yan Zhengnan was a child, children are very sensitive. He always felt that since his mom left, nothing seemed right, and he was unsettled.

He really missed his mom.

He wanted to visit his mom, but he didn’t know where she was.

He had secretly tried calling her, but she had changed her phone number; the number he dialed was no longer in service.

Yan Zhengnan sat in the car, pressing his lips together. He... was starting to feel a bit regretful now.

Capital

Liu Feifei sat on a park bench, watching the people passing by, continually dialing a number on her cellphone. But each time she dialed, the prompt said it was no longer in service.

Angry, Liu Feifei nearly threw her cellphone away.

She tugged at the poor quality material of the clothes she was wearing, feeling increasingly stifled.

Previously, when she was at the Yan family, she was almost ready to replace Yan Anning. But Yan Anning’s soul became stronger, and nearly swallowed her whole. If she hadn’t escaped quickly, she would have dissipated into nothing.

The living conditions at the Yan family were so good—the food and clothing couldn’t be compared to the Liu family’s now. And at the Yan family, she had the chance to get close to wealthy people. Back then, she had quite a good relationship with Li Hai, and if nothing unexpected happened, she might have married him. If she managed to marry into the Li family, she wouldn’t have to worry for the rest of her life.

Liu Feifei cursed Yan Anning inwardly, wishing her a miserable end.

After sitting for a while, Liu Feifei had to get up and go home.

Returning to that dilapidated house, Liu Feifei felt another wave of frustration.

"Feifei, you’re back."

Madam Liu came out of the kitchen holding a spoon: "Hurry and wash your hands. We’ll eat soon."

Liu Feifei saw the sumptuous dishes on the table: "What’s the occasion today?"

Madam Liu appeared especially happy: "Your sister is bringing her boyfriend home for us to meet. That’s why I bought a lot of food. Oh, I have soup simmering in the kitchen, I better check on it."

Liu Feifei washed her hands and squeezed into the kitchen: "My sister has a boyfriend? Where is he from? What does his family do?"

Madam Liu thought Liu Feifei was concerned about her sister, and smiled as she told her: "Your sister’s boyfriend’s family conditions are quite good. They’re from the Capital, an old Si Jiu City family. His parents both teach at university, he works at a major company as a senior executive, they have three houses and a car, and his annual salary has already exceeded a million at such a young age. You couldn’t find someone better even if you went out looking with a lantern."

After hearing this, Liu Feifei’s eyes darted around, and she had some ideas.

She stayed in her room for a while and came out with a change of clothes.

This time, Liu Feifei wore a dress and had applied a delicate makeup.

Smiling, she sat on the living room sofa, just waiting for her sister to bring her boyfriend over.

Liu Feifei was determined to seduce her sister’s boyfriend.

With her family’s condition, she had no chance to meet anyone from the upper circles anymore. Instead of always searching in vain for opportunities, she decided to seize the opportunity in front of her—to find a man with relatively good conditions and perhaps, through him, meet even wealthier people.

Anning came out from the Science Academy wearing a casual outfit, walking briskly. It seemed like she was wandering, but actually, she was always talking to An Xin.

"Did you find her?"

Anning asked An Xin.

An Xin replied with a particularly firm tone: "Found her. This time there’s no mistake; she’s in the Capital, although not close to here. Let’s take a taxi."

Anning hailed a taxi.

An Xin gave directions, and Anning provided the address.

The taxi driver quickly took Anning to the place.

Anning got out of the taxi, looking at the apartment complex ahead.

This complex was built many years ago, now appearing somewhat rundown, and the property management and various amenities were inadequate, looking almost like a slum.

Anning found a spot to sit, staring expectantly at the entrance of the complex.

Soon, a young couple came in.

They looked like lovers, the guy was quite refined, and the girl was also pretty and delicate, talking and laughing as they walked.

Anning glanced at them and burst into laughter.

It really is quite the coincidence.

She got up and walked over quickly: "Cousin."

Unexpectedly, the man was her cousin—her uncle’s son.

Mrs. Yan was born into a scholarly family; Anning’s grandfather was a university professor, and her grandmother was once a famous star, tragically dying young.

Afterwards, Anning’s grandfather didn’t remarry, raising Anning’s uncle and mother alone.

When Mrs. Yan married Father Yan, he hadn’t started his business yet, and the family conditions weren’t good. Later, Father Yan resigned to venture into business, and then the Yan family prospered.

Father Yan made money and moved to Hai City. Due to some conflicts, Anning’s grandfather had a falling out with Father Yan, and Mrs. Yan sided with Father Yan, continually criticizing Anning’s grandfather, who, infuriated, disowned Mrs. Yan.

Over the years, Mrs. Yan seldom contacted her family.

Anning’s uncle, Qu Lan, was not on good terms with Mrs. Yan either and didn’t like Father Yan, but he was still kind to Anning.

When Anning was young, she lived in the Capital, staying with the Qu family, who treated her very well, especially her cousin, Qu Zhen, who often amused Anning but also took the lead to protect her when needed.

Now, the person Anning met was Qu Zhen.

Qu Zhen was pleasantly surprised to see Anning: "Ning Ning, why have you come to the Capital? You didn’t even tell the family you were coming, what’s this..."

Anning puckered her lips, looking aggrieved: "I haven’t been here long, had some matters to handle. Originally, I thought of visiting my uncle after dealing with them, but today I almost finished, so I took a walk and got lost. Luckily, I ran into you, cousin."

She said as she went over to hold Qu Zhen’s arm: "Cousin, I’m starving, can you take me to eat first?"

Qu Zhen glanced at his girlfriend.

His girlfriend’s name was Liu Xia, a very gentle girl.

She smiled at Anning: "My home is nearby, if you don’t mind, how about coming with me to have some food?"

Anning smiled: "I don’t mind. By the way, hello, are you my brother’s girlfriend? Then I should call you sister-in-law."