Chapter 264

The principal was just a school leader in a small town, with no real opportunity to know the president of the Hengjing Group. He had only happened to read about him in the news, given how prominent the man was.

From the principal’s words, Jing Zeyou gradually understood his identity in this world. It seemed there wasn’t much difference from his original identity, though he wondered if his parents and Junjun were here too.

Seeing the principal ramble on about trivial matters, Jing Zeyou interrupted him, “Principal, let’s save the small talk for another time. These parents mentioned calling the police. Could you help arrange that?”

He looked down at Yiyi, who was standing obediently by his side, and a softness flickered in his eyes. Now that his identity was clear, he preferred to handle things through formal channels.

The parents, noticing the principal’s deferential attitude toward Jing Zeyou, grew increasingly uneasy. When they heard he was serious about calling the police, they panicked.

“It’s a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding! We were only worried about our children!”

“Yes, yes! Since Yiyi’s family is here, and we’re all in the same class, there’s no need for this!”

Seeing that Jing Zeyou and the others remained unmoved, one parent turned their attention to Jing Yi.

“Yiyi, you know we’ve always cared for you. Could you ask your brother to let this go? After all, you’re…”

Before she could finish, Jing Zeqian stepped forward, his expression fierce. “I’m warning you, keep your thoughts to yourself when it comes to her!”

The parent stumbled back, as if one more word would provoke Jing Zeqian to tear them apart.

Jing Zeyou shielded little Jing Yi, soothing her nervousness.

The principal, watching the tense standoff, felt a headache coming on. He hadn’t expected Jing Yi to be Jing Zeyou’s sister, let alone for her to be bullied in front of her family.

But he knew where his priorities lay. “Mr. Jing, rest assured, I’ll make sure you and Miss Jing are satisfied with the outcome.”

He gestured for the security guards to escort the parents away, ignoring the children’s cries and the parents’ shouts and curses. A few students were nothing compared to Jing Zeyou’s sister.

If necessary, he’d give up the entire school for this opportunity. He just couldn’t believe Jing Yi was Jing Zeyou’s sister! All these years, he’d wasted such a valuable connection!

The principal didn’t care why Jing Yi was related to Jing Zeyou, nor whether she was a biological sister or adopted. As long as Jing Zeyou acknowledged her, Jing Yi’s status as his ‘sister’ was solidified.

Seeing the greed and flattery in the principal’s eyes, Jing Zeyou’s gaze turned cold.

Little Jing Yi looked up at the unfamiliar principal, unsure of what to make of him. She’d never seen him like this before. Was this change because of the two older brothers?

They must be very important people.

Jing Yi lowered her head, staring at her slightly worn canvas shoes, lost in thought.

Jing Zeyou didn’t have time to waste on the principal. He crouched down and asked gently, “What’s wrong?” Jing Zeqian also stepped closer, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips.

He didn’t want to scare Jing Yi, but he was heartbroken.

Jing Yi bit her lip, her eyes reddening as she looked up with determination. “I’m Jing Yi, not the ‘Miss Jing’ you’re talking about.”

She understood the principal’s words. That ‘Miss Jing’ sounded like someone pampered and privileged, like a precious jewel.

But she wasn’t that. She was Jing Yi, the child her mother had abandoned at an orphanage on a cold winter’s day.

Jing Zeyou felt a sharp pang in his chest. Jing Zeqian’s eyes reddened, and he was about to say something, but Jing Zeyou signaled him not to scare Jing Yi.

Still crouching in front of Jing Yi, with her little pink backpack on his back, Jing Zeyou spoke softly.

“I can’t explain everything right now, but you’re the person I’ve been looking for. Not some ‘Miss Jing,’ but my sister.”

Jing Yi stared at Jing Zeyou, who patiently explained, but she remained silent.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Jing Zeyou smiled and took her hand. “Just trust me for now, okay?”

“…Okay.”

Jing Zeyou gently ruffled her hair. “Good girl.”

He stood up and handed her over to Jing Zeqian, then went to discuss the matter of the other children with the principal. Jing Yi couldn’t stay at this school, but the withdrawal process would have to wait until he contacted the Jing family.

Jing Zeqian held Jing Yi’s hand tightly, his gaze fixed on her as if afraid she might slip away.

Jing Yi looked up at him and said earnestly, “I won’t run away.” So there was no need to hold her so tightly.

It took Jing Zeqian a few seconds to understand what she meant, and he quickly loosened his grip. “Sorry.” Jing Yi shook her head obediently. “It’s okay.”

This was the well-behaved Jing Yi he’d always dreamed of, but Jing Zeqian only felt more heartache and sorrow.

Jing Yi looked up again and asked, “Are you going to cry?”

Jing Zeqian quickly turned his head away, hiding his face. “No, I’m not.” Jing Yi knew adults didn’t like children seeing them cry, so she comforted him, “I know, it’s just the wind.”

Jing Zeqian’s heart ached even more. He quickly wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and crouched down. “Jing Yi, I’m your second brother. If anyone ever bullies you, you have to fight back. I’ll stand up for you. If you can’t fight, we’ll learn martial arts together…”

Jing Zeqian paused. Did Jing Yi want to learn martial arts because of this?

Jing Yi’s round eyes lit up. “How did you know I wanted to learn martial arts?” She’d wanted to for a long time, but she didn’t have the money, so she kept the idea to herself.

Jing Yi was about to share her future dreams with Jing Zeqian, but for some reason, he looked like he was on the verge of tears again.

She panicked and used her small hands to wipe his tears. “Don’t cry! The wind is just too strong today.” Jing Zeqian couldn’t help but laugh and gently hugged her. “Yes, the wind is too strong.”

Jing Zeyou walked over to see Jing Zeqian both crying and laughing. “What’s going on?”

Jing Zeqian quickly wiped his tears and stood up. “Nothing. Is everything settled?” Jing Zeyou nodded. “First, we’ll see if we can contact our parents, then we’ll go to the orphanage with Jing Yi.”

Jing Zeyou took Jing Yi’s other hand and was about to leave the school when he noticed the hesitation on her face.

“What is it, Yiyi?”

Jing Yi seemed to struggle with her words, clutching her uniform nervously. “Could you… come to my parent-teacher meeting?” She wanted to know what it felt like to have someone attend a meeting for her.

The moment Jing Zeqian heard this, he couldn’t hold back. He picked her up and rushed toward the school building.

They’d go! They had to go! Right now! They could stay for days if needed!

Jing Zeyou, realizing what had happened, shook his head with a wry smile and hurried after them.