A New Beginning

Life goes on, doesn’t it?

Meanwhile, at the Bluebird International School in Fanhai.

This school is one of many private institutions under the Bluebird Conglomerate, renowned for its superior infrastructure and classroom resources, placing it among the best in the nation. The students here are anything but ordinary.

Beyond their affluent backgrounds, there is a group of prodigies who attend. To ensure these students’ academic efficiency, the school categorizes them into two groups: those who gained admission through connections and those who earned their place through merit.

At this moment, Luo Tingting stands at the school’s entrance.

The romantic and stately ambiance, the grand foyer, and the imposing gates, along with the arched windows and cornerstone masonry, exude opulence.

Just moments ago, she and her mother completed the enrollment process. Thanks to Mu Yaochen’s connections, the process was smooth.

Gazing at the luxurious gates before her, Luo Tingting is struck by an urge to escape. She knows what this school signifies: her life is now under the control of a woman named Mu Yaochen. Mu Yaochen has already dominated her entire family, and Luo Tingting is not naive. She understands that a single word from Mu Yaochen could plunge her fragile family back into endless turmoil.

As Luo Tingting drifts into a daze, the security guards slowly open the school gates. The guards at Bluebird International School are not your typical ‘auntie’ security personnel but retired military personnel.

Luo Tingting takes stiff steps into what feels like a prison for her.

The school’s clean, unpretentious design, with white plaster walls and reddish rooftops, continuous arches, and verandas, along with pristine sculptures, is both enchanting and disorienting. Heaven bestowed upon us a heart to pity all, but not the ability to do so.

Though this school might be the lifelong dream of some, Luo Tingting doesn’t want to set foot in it.

The school’s architecture is a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western styles. The fusion of traditional elements with Western architectural symbols and details creates a visually pleasing and naturally harmonious environment. The layout, with its enclosed feel, showcases the school’s precision and intimacy.

This scale of institution is unparalleled in Fanhai City.

These structures are not mere facades but genuine masterpieces by renowned architects, reflecting the Palu family’s immense wealth and their exceptional commitment to education.

Yet, Luo Tingting has no heart to appreciate the surroundings, as her future homeroom teacher is about to greet her at the entrance.

‘Excuse me, Teacher Zhang,’ Luo Tingting’s homeroom teacher soon arrives, leading her to her future classroom.

Faces of strangers confirm an inescapable reality.

Luo Tingting’s homeroom teacher is a young-looking woman, though her age is uncertain. Luo Tingting’s intuition, based on her wristwatch, suggests she’s young. Yet, one can never be certain with modern cosmetics.

The teacher treats Luo Tingting warmly, likely due to Mu Yaochen’s influence. After all, Mu Yaochen probably contacted the school during Luo Tingting’s enrollment.

As Luo Tingting enters the classroom with her head down, a chaotic and turbulent new routine begins. It marks the start of a broken day.

****

Meanwhile, Mu Yaochen and Luo Yao arrive near a storefront.

‘Get out,’ Mu Yaochen parks the car in a secluded spot, wanting to keep a low profile. Recent controversies have kept her in the spotlight, and to avoid further trouble, she’s been discreet when going out with Luo Yao.

Her past self… Mu Yaochen wishes she could erase the past. Her arrogance and self-importance had her doing what?

Even now, Mu Yaochen is reluctant to admit her feelings for Luo Yao—no, her love for him. She’s been waiting for him to reciprocate her affection.

Seeing the storefront, Luo Yao realizes it’s been a while since his last visit. He had seen photos from Frost, but images are just images.

He wonders what the inside looks like. The storefront has advertising vans parked out front, and the white plaster indicates ongoing renovations.

Mu Yaochen is a bit tense. Though she knew Luo Yao was planning to open a store, she was unaware of its location and progress. Fortunately, Frost still listens to her.

Whether it’s her imagination or reality, Mu Yaochen feels Frost slipping from her control. Their special relationship makes it difficult for Mu Yaochen to manage Frost, who now only responds to her work assignments.

Mu Yaochen regrets allowing other women to interact with Luo Yao. That little devil.

Mu Yaochen casts a reproachful glance at Luo Yao, as if blaming him for attracting others. If Luo Yao were truly flirtatious, Mu Yaochen would have gone mad long ago. Her ‘flirting’ accusations are merely a cover for her own mistakes.

‘You go ahead; I’ll catch up later,’ Mu Yaochen says, turning off the engine and leaning back in her seat, observing Luo Yao. She wants to avoid any potential issues.

It’s already afternoon. Spring afternoons are pleasant, neither as scorching as summer nor as chilly as winter. The spring breeze feels gentle on the skin.

Luo Yao ignores Mu Yaochen, jumps out of the car, and walks towards the store. This is the first time he’s walked down the street alone, without Frost or Mu Yaochen by his side. This ordinary feeling, for Luo Yao, is extraordinary. Normally, he’s either with Frost or Mu Yaochen.

After a moment of tranquility, Luo Yao reaches the storefront. Unbeknownst to him, just as he exits the car, Mu Yaochen’s high heels tap the asphalt road.

Watching Luo Yao’s departing figure, Mu Yaochen instinctively licks her red lips with her soft tongue.

****