AHDIBCB Chapter 04

Jian Yurou said, “That’s right, that’s us. You must be Yuan Yi?”

Yuan Yi nodded. “Yes, that’s me. Good day, Principal Li, Professor Jian. My uncle and aunt have arrived as well, but they’re waiting for a gift to be delivered for you both, so it will take a little longer before they come in. I hope you don’t mind.”

Jian Yurou had asked an old colleague to inquire about Yuan Yi beforehand. What she had heard was that the child wasn’t a bad person, but he had been raised to be timid and overly cautious. She had worried—how could someone like that raise the next generation properly? He was practically still a child himself.

But now, seeing him in person, he wasn’t timid at all. His demeanor was poised and composed, every movement natural and unruffled. There was even a hint of an eight winds cannot move me¹T/N: This line is from Su Dongpo (a famous Buddhist poet) of the Song Dynasty and the eight winds are prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering, and pleasure. air about him.

Her impression of him shifted slightly, and she smiled. “Good child, have a seat and let’s talk.”

Yuan Yi responded with a polite “Thank you” and sat down across from Jian Yuru. But after that, he didn’t say anything further.

Instead, he subtly moved his left hand—the one with the communicator—beneath the table. Then, dipping his right index finger into the tea, he traced a small ear shape on the tabletop and glanced meaningfully toward the window.

Jian Yurou and Li Chengping had been educators for decades. They had met all kinds of students and parents—if there was one thing they weren’t lacking, it was keen observation skills. The moment they saw what Yuan Yi had drawn, alarm bells rang in their minds.

Jian Yurou’s smile deepened. “Your uncle and aunt are too considerate. What would you like to drink, child? Feel free to order whatever you like.”

Yuan Yi had already eaten before coming out in the morning, so he wasn’t hungry. He ordered a cup of digestive fruit tea. The menu was displayed on a virtual screen; he only needed to say what he wanted and confirm it, and a robotic waiter would bring it over.

Jian Yurou watched him, noticing that he was neither anxious nor flustered, handling himself with remarkable composure. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of doubt. It was indeed possible for a person’s personality to change due to a sudden and major life event. But it was impossible for someone to transform overnight from timid and hesitant to poised and steady. That kind of change required a gradual process. Yet, her old classmate was not an unreliable person—there was no way they would misjudge what kind of child he was.

Li Chengping also found it difficult to understand. However, if they were to become family, naturally, a calm and collected temperament was preferable. So, in a casual tone, he asked, “Guard Commander Zhou said that you willingly agreed to join our Li family. Child, are you not worried that living in a completely unfamiliar environment might be difficult to adjust to or that you might feel lonely? If you truly agree to become Li Heng’s legal partner, you will have to live in our home. Jian and I both have work to attend to and are often busy, so we might not always be able to take care of you.”

Yuan Yi lightly grasped his cup and replied calmly, “Changing environments isn’t a first for me. Getting used to a new place is just a matter of time. Besides, I’ve seen your public lectures online, Principal Li. You have an entire study room at home. I assume you wouldn’t mind if I borrowed some books? With them, I don’t think loneliness would be an issue, and adapting would be much easier. Also, if you don’t object, I’d like to continue my studies.”

Jian Yurou’s gaze sharpened slightly. “And if we do object to you continuing your education?”

Yuan Yi lifted his eyes and met hers directly. There was no nervousness, no hesitation—just quiet determination. “Then I’d still find a way.”

His tone wasn’t aggressive, nor did it carry any hint of defiance. It was simply a statement of fact.

Jian Yurou was slightly taken aback.

She had originally posed the question to test him, to see if he would waver, if he would reveal the kind of submission she had heard about from others. But instead, he responded with such certainty, as if there was no other possibility but for him to continue forward.

That kind of steadiness…

This child wasn’t simple.

Li Chengping chuckled, breaking the momentary silence. “It seems we don’t need to worry about your ability to adapt.”

Yuan Yi didn’t answer right away. He lowered his gaze slightly, stirring his tea with the spoon. “I know what kind of situation I’m stepping into.” His voice was calm. “And I also know what’s expected of me. But if I’m going to be a part of the Li family, I’d prefer to be a person with my own path, not just a shadow of someone else.”

Jian Yurou and Li Chengping exchanged glances. This wasn’t the answer they had expected.

Jian Yurou and Li Chengping exchanged another glance, this time with a hint of approval in their eyes.

A child with such firm beliefs and determination—this was far better than they had anticipated.

Jian Yurou had initially thought that this meeting would be frustrating, that they would have to deal with an uncertain, hesitant, or even weak-willed omega who might break down under pressure. Yet, here was someone who, despite his youth, had already set his mind on his own path and wouldn’t be easily swayed.

She found herself feeling somewhat regretful. If only she had met this child earlier.

But then again, what difference would it have made?

Her son, Li Heng, had always been stubborn to the extreme. No matter how many outstanding partners had been introduced to him in the past, he had always dismissed them without a second glance. His standards were impossibly high, and at times, it had seemed as if he simply wasn’t interested in such matters at all.

Now, though…

Jian Yurou sighed inwardly. It was too late for regrets.

She smiled at Yuan Yi and said warmly, “You really are a good child. You have your own ambitions, and you know what you want. That’s something we truly appreciate.”

Li Chengping nodded in agreement. “Education is important, and I’m glad to see that you understand that. No matter what happens, we won’t interfere with your studies.”

Yuan Yi’s fingers gently tapped against the teacup. Though his expression remained calm, there was a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze.

Perhaps relief. Perhaps something else.

Opposite this one is certainly very good, but… now, no matter what is said, it is too late.

Jian Yurou felt another wave of sorrow in her heart. Seeing this, Li Chengping quickly continued the conversation: “Child, don’t worry. Our family values education the most. As long as you can ensure your own safety and the safety of the child, we will not stop you from continuing your studies. The books in my study are also available for you to read at any time.”

Yuan Yi noticed that Li Chengping and Jian Yurou’s cups were almost empty, so he refilled them while saying, “Thank you, Principal Li. Thank you, Professor Jian.”

Jian Yurou looked at him with joy and said, “It is us who should thank you. From now on, we are family, so no need to be so polite. Can I call you Xiao Yi?”

Yuan Yi nodded and said, “Of course. However, before coming here this morning, I officially changed my name. From now on, it’s the ‘Yi’ in ‘perseverance’ (毅).” In fact, the original name of the previous owner of this body was also ‘Yi’ (毅), but when the household registration was processed, a mistake was made, and since his aunt really liked the character that looked like it represented wealth (亿), they never corrected it.

Jian Yurou also preferred the new name. The couple then asked a few other questions, but they were all rather superficial, sounding like matters of little importance.

Zhou Tandai and his wife had been eavesdropping for quite some time but hadn’t heard any words of dissatisfaction from Yuan Yi toward them. Instead, they heard how pleased the Li family was, and the concern that had been weighing on them finally eased.

Fang Jing, holding a box of freshly delivered custom-made pastries from the dessert shop, asked, “Are we really going to give that house to Yuan Yi?”

Zhou Tandai said, “What else can we do? Besides, it was originally his. If we keep holding onto it, rumors will start spreading, and we’ll hear some unpleasant talk. No matter what, we have to give it to him. Fortunately, he probably doesn’t remember much about the stocks and funds—those are the real assets—so don’t feel too bad about it.”

Fang Jing pouted, then picked up a box of traditional pastries freshly made that morning by the dessert shop and walked into the tea lounge. 

There was no need to guess how hypocritical the following conversation would be. The Li family would express their gratitude, while Zhou Tandai and Fang Jing would subtly imply how much the Zhou family had sacrificed for this arrangement—that they were only willing to send their nephew away for the sake of the nation and the Li family.

As if they had cherished him all along.

Yuan Yi just listened without saying a word.

Li Chengping and Jian Yurou were not fools; of course, they understood what the Zhou family was after. However, the key to this matter ultimately depended on the Jian family’s stance, as the one currently holding the highest position among the families was still Old Master Jian. And Jian Yurou happened to be the hardest person to manipulate.

Even when Fang Jing deliberately steered the conversation toward Zhou Tandai’s political career, Jian Yurou acted as if she didn’t understand and only focused on discussing the marriage between the two families.

“By rights, we should give Xiao Yi a grand wedding. But given our family’s current situation, that is obviously not suitable. So, the decision Principal Li and I have made is for Xiao Yi to first apply for marriage registration and then move directly into our home. As for the child, I think he also needs some time to mentally prepare, and we shouldn’t rush things too much. What do you think?”

“But—”

“There’s no ‘but.'” Zhou Tandai quickly cut off his wife’s words and said with a smile, “Professor Jian is right. We’ll do as you say.” That phrase—”shouldn’t rush things too much”—was perfectly timed. She wasn’t talking about the marriage; she was talking about their ulterior motives!

Zhou Tandai suppressed the frustration and impatience in his chest. His wife was fine in many aspects, but sometimes she was too calculating, too aggressive. He wasn’t sure whether that made her truly smart or just foolishly overreaching.

At this moment, Jian Yuru turned to Yuan Yi and asked, “Then, Xiao Yi, do you have any other requests?”

Yuan Yi hesitated for a moment before saying, “If possible, I would like to move into the Li household today.”

Fang Jing’s expression became somewhat unpleasant. She forced a smile and said, “You child, aren’t you embarrassed? Who rushes to marry themselves off like this?”

Yuan Yi lowered his head and sipped his tea as if he had really made a mistake. With a guilty tone, he said, “I’m sorry, Aunt. I was just a little curious about Principal Li’s bookshelf.”

Li Chengping had never been stingy when it came to sharing knowledge. “That’s no problem at all. Once you move in, you can read whatever book you like.”

Jian Yurou pondered for a moment and then said, “How about this? It just so happens that I’m on vacation these next few days. Since Xiao Yi is moving in, we’ll need to prepare a room for him. During these days, I can take him around, do some shopping, and buy some things he likes. What do you all think? Moving in today might be a bit rushed, but if we move quickly, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”

After speaking, Jian Yurou deliberately asked Fang Jing, “Ms. Fang, do you have any objections?”

How could Fang Jing dare to object? She smiled and said, “Of course not. It’s just that we’re troubling you. Xiao Yi, remember to be diligent when you get to the Li family. Help out with whatever chores you can. Principal Li and Professor Jian are both very busy, so make sure not to cause them any trouble, understand?”

Yuan Yi nodded. Unfortunately, he couldn’t leave with Jian Yurou immediately. 

Since there were still things to pack, Yuan Yi had no choice but to return with Zhou Tandai and Fang Jing first.

After Li Chengping paid the bill and saw them boarding the aircraft, he said to his wife, “This child doesn’t quite match what I’ve heard. Could your old classmate have made a mistake?”

Jian Yurou also felt that Yuan Yi was quite different from what she had initially understood. Though he always seemed very cautious when speaking, his gaze was not one of fear.

Jian Yurou couldn’t help but contact her friend again. “Luo Sha, you told me that Yuan Yi is timid and shy. Are we talking about the same Yuan Yi, the first-year student in the Fashion Design department?”

Luo Sha replied, “Yes, I see that kid quite often. Why? Have you met him?”

Jian Yurou said, “Yes, I’ve met him. But why do I feel that he’s actually quite bold?”

Would someone timid enter the room and immediately draw little ears to remind them that someone outside was eavesdropping? Moreover, she wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but she had the distinct impression that the boy acted differently when facing just her and her husband compared to when he was around Zhou Tandai and Fang Jing.

Luo Sha said, “How could he possibly be bold? If he’s considered bold, then there wouldn’t be a single timid person left in this world. Are you sure it was really him? Let me send you a photo.”

Before long, Jian Yuru received a photo. The person in the photo was indeed Yuan Yi. Even from a frontal view, he still looked timid and cowardly. A person’s appearance could be disguised, but temperament was something that came from within—it was difficult to fake.

Jian Yurou looked at her husband. “Could we have misjudged?”

Li Chengping said, “Let’s keep observing. Didn’t you already agree to take him out shopping?”

Shopping together and traveling together were both ways to quickly see a person’s true character.