Chapter 265

Amidst a whirlwind of chaos, Jing Zeqian and the others finally located Jing Yi's classroom. Fortunately, the teacher was still inside, overseeing the other students as they tidied up their desks and chairs. Upon seeing Jing Zeyou and the others, she was momentarily stunned. She had just heard about the commotion at the school gate and hadn’t expected these two to show up. Her heart skipped a beat, knowing that even the principal treated them with great respect.

Jing Yi’s eyes sparkled as she pulled the two over, “Teacher, these are my two older brothers. They’re here for the parent-teacher meeting!”

Jing Zeyou and Jing Zeqian felt a pang of emotion, their gazes softening as they looked at Jing Yi.

“...Parent-teacher meeting?”

Jing Zeyou stepped forward, his tone gentle, “Hello, I’m Jing Yi’s eldest brother. We were delayed by some matters, so we’re a bit late for the meeting.”

The teacher looked even more bewildered, staring at the man who could easily pass for a movie star. She instinctively replied, “No problem, no problem.”

Meanwhile, Jing Yi had already led Jing Zeqian to her seat.

“This is my spot!”

“Can you see well from so far back?”

“Of course! My eyesight is great.”

“Has your desk mate ever bullied you?”

“No, my desk mate is also a girl...”

The teacher felt a bit dazed. They truly seemed like parents attending a parent-teacher meeting, concerned about their child’s well-being at school and worried about any potential bullying.

“Teacher, could you please fill me in on Jing Yi’s performance at school?”

The teacher snapped out of her thoughts and naturally didn’t refuse. She began to explain Jing Yi’s academic progress to Jing Zeyou, just as she would with any other parent.

When it was over, the teacher watched Jing Yi’s retreating figure. It was the first time she had seen Jing Yi look so happy.

She held onto each of her brothers’ hands, her steps light and full of joy.

“...The teacher said your grades are good, but math is a bit of a weak point.”

“I didn’t do well in math this time. It’s so hard.”

“What’s there to fear? Your eldest brother was the top scorer in the college entrance exam back in the day. He’ll teach you, and you’ll get it in no time.”

“Really? Eldest brother is amazing!”

“Hey, I’m pretty great too!”

“Alright, alright, second brother is also amazing.”

...n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Jing Zeyou managed to contact Jing Beicheng and his wife, who were with Jing Zejun in North River.

They had experienced the same strange phenomenon, though everything around them remained largely unchanged, except that they had become much younger.

They had also been searching for Jing Zeyou and the others and were overjoyed to hear that Jing Zeyou had found Jing Yi.

Lin Ruiqing and Jing Zejun even wanted to come and pick up Jing Yi themselves, but Jing Zeyou refused.

He was worried that meeting too many family members at once might make Jing Yi uncomfortable. It was better to let her adjust gradually, especially since they would all be returning home eventually.

After hanging up the phone, Jing Zeyou looked over at the two by the roadside. Jing Zeqian was playing with Jing Yi.

It was a bit heartbreaking. He had made the call not only to reassure his parents and Jing Zejun but also to ask for money. Both he and Jing Zeqian were completely penniless.

Otherwise, Jing Zeyou wouldn’t have had to leave Jing Yi waiting by the roadside.

“Let’s go, it’s time to eat.”

Jing Zeqian’s face lit up with surprise, “Brother, is everything settled?”

When had the young master of the Jing family ever been in such a situation—without a cent to his name, unable to even treat his sister to a meal at McDonald’s or KFC!

“It’s settled.”

Jing Yi, holding Jing Zeyou’s hand, looked up and said, “Actually, we could go back to the orphanage to eat.” She had noticed the awkwardness on her brothers’ faces, but it didn’t matter—she didn’t have any money either.

At this, Jing Yi’s expression turned hesitant, “But the orphanage doesn’t take in kids as old as you.” With nearly ten years of ‘seniority’ at the orphanage, she might be able to exchange it for a meal.

However, children at the orphanage were usually expected to fend for themselves by the age of fifteen or sixteen. As for someone as old as her brothers...

Jing Yi’s face grew more troubled.

She was thinking about how she could support her brothers.

Jing Zeyou found her serious expression amusing, “Jing Yi, your eldest brother can take care of himself.” Jing Zeqian, not wanting to be underestimated, quickly added, “I can too! I can even take care of you.”

Jing Yi looked at them with a mix of belief and doubt.

She didn’t seem to fully grasp their plans. Jing Zeyou crouched down, carefully choosing his words to soften the impact.

“Jing Yi, we’re going back to the orphanage to let your grandma know. Remember what I told you before? You have parents and a sister waiting for you, so...”

Jing Zeyou couldn’t bring himself to continue, as Jing Yi’s happy expression slowly faded.

It dawned on her that while she was gaining family, she was also losing her grandma.

Jing Yi’s eyes welled up with tears, which soon began to fall in large drops.

Jing Zeqian was both heartbroken and panicked, “Brother! Why did you have to tell her so soon?!”

Jing Zeyou wrapped his arms around her, gently patting her back as she sobbed into his shoulder.

Jing Yi wasn’t an ordinary child. She understood what gaining new family members meant, but in the excitement, she had momentarily forgotten.

Jing Zeyou knew this, which is why he didn’t try to sugarcoat it.

From every angle, taking Jing Yi to North River was the best option. The only issue was the grandma who had raised her.

Jing Yi, still crying on his shoulder, managed to choke out, “Will I... will I still be able to see Grandma?” Jing Zeyou continued to pat her back, softly replying, “Of course. You can visit her anytime you miss her.”

After all, the Jing family had the means to make it happen.

What followed was a natural progression. They went to the orphanage.

...

The grandma at the orphanage was shocked to learn that Jing Yi had brought back a family to adopt her. Her expression was tinged with wariness.

However, the evidence Jing Zeyou presented was too detailed, and his demeanor was far from that of a suspicious character.

In the end, it was her daughter who recognized Jing Zeyou and showed her the online reports, finally dispelling her doubts.

It was for the best. She couldn’t possibly provide the same level of care for every child.

For Jing Yi to be adopted by such a family was a blessing.

It was for the best.

“...The funds will be transferred next week. Please don’t refuse. Hengjing has a dedicated charity organization, and they will bring over detailed plans for the support. Everything will be done in full compliance.”

The grandma looked at Jing Zeyou, his features calm and noble, his demeanor sincere. He even treated her with the respect due to an elder.

“...And as for Jing Yi, you’re welcome to visit her at the Jing family anytime. The contact information I gave your daughter is my personal number. You can reach me at any time.”

“...Jing Yi will also visit you often. Once she’s settled, I’ll have her contact you.” The grandma’s eyes glistened with tears, her face full of love and years of hardship. “Alright, then I’ll leave Jing Yi in your care.”

Jing Zeyou slightly bowed, “You’re too kind. She’s already our family. This is just a reunion.” Jing Zeqian quickly followed with a slight bow of his own.

The grandma thought it was because Jing Zeyou held Jing Yi in such high regard.

Jing Yi left the orphanage, the place she had called home for ten years.

That day, she cried heavily in Jing Zeyou’s arms.