From Sidekick to Bigshot

Translator: Exodus Tales  Editor: Exodus Tales

“Well, I’m growing old. I’ve already seen a lot of things in life. I’ve come to the realization that I don’t need to insist or demand for things to be in my life anymore.”

All of a sudden, it appeared as though Grandpa Jian became Buddhist. Furthermore, he also started to talk to Grandpa Qian about Zen philosophy.

Just as Grandpa Qian was considering whether or not he should perhaps learn something from Grandpa Jian, the exhibition staff walked over.

They smiled at Grandpa Jian before asking, “Grandpa Jian, are you sure you’re not considering selling your orchid? More than one person has already told me that they’re willing to pay a very high price for it.”

“I’m not selling it! It doesn’t matter what price they offer!”

Grandpa Jian’s attitude was incredibly resolute. There was nothing that the exhibition staff could say to sway his attitude.

Upon hearing this, Grandpa Qian widened his eyes in disbelief, “What is this? What’s going on old man? Did you grow this new species of orchid?”

Grandpa Jian held his head high and pride was written all over his face, “Yes I did. It’s the only one of its kind in the world. And I grew it!”

“Where did you get it?” Grandpa Qian asked out of curiosity. His curiosity was already overwhelming him.

“I’m not telling you!”

“Hey, that’s not nice of you! We’ve been acquaintances for so many years already. And you didn’t even tell me that you got your hands on a new species of orchid?”

“Wouldn’t you be even more jealous if I did?”

“Ugh…” Grandpa Qian said. He suddenly realized that Grandpa Jian’s words made sense. As of now, he was already incredibly jealous.

However, Grandpa Qian wasn’t the only one who was curious. Jian Shuxing and the others were also curious.

Jian Shuxing couldn’t help but ask his father, “Father, when did you invest in this kind of research?”

Generally speaking, the breeding of new species of floral required specialized personnel to carry the work out. It required a lot of research and experimentation.

Grandpa Jian glanced at the bewildered faces of Jian Shuxing, Wen Nuan, Jian Yuncheng, and Jian Yunnao. Then, in an unhurried tone, he answered:

“Quite some time ago. I started investing almost fifteen years ago. I spent quite a lot of money on this.”

1

“Wait, why haven’t I heard you mention it before?” Fifteen years was quite a long period of time. During this time, Jian Shuxing had not heard a single thing about this. His father had hidden this from him way too well.

“I’m your father. Do I need to report my actions to you?”

Grandpa Jian’s words immediately put a stop to Jian Shuxing’s questions.

He didn’t dare to ask his father any more questions. After the orchid exhibition was over, the rest of the Jian family accompanied Grandpa Jian to a nearby Chinese restaurant for lunch.

During lunch, Jian Yiling remained silent. The rest of the Jian family didn’t manage to make any progress in their relationship with Jian Yiling.

However, at the very least, Jian Yunnao and Jian Yiling had gotten along without any problems. This could be considered as progress.

###

In the next few days, Jian Yiling had her first mid-term exams for the first semester in freshman year.

The day after the exams were over, Jian Yunnao prepared a gift to bring to school.

He had specially prepared for this gift. He intended to give it to Jian Yiling.

The reason for this gift was to celebrate the completion of Jian Yiling’s first mid-term exams.

Although the results hadn’t come out yet, that wasn’t the main point. The main point was that Jian Yunnao had found a reason to give Jian Yiling a gift.

However, he still didn’t know whether or not he would succeed in giving her the gift.

During lunchtime, Jian Yunnao took advantage of the break and arrived in front of Jian Yiling’s classroom.

He lingered in front of the door for quite some time. He gazed at Jian Yiling who was currently seated inside the classroom. However, he didn’t call her name out. Nor did he ask any of Jian Yiling’s classmates to help him call Jian Yiling over.

At this very moment, both Jian Yiling and Hu Jiaojiao were seated at their seats.

Jian Yiling was busy with her own business. Even during the lunch break, Jian Yiling made sure that she made good use of her time.

“Yiling…” Hu Jiaojiao cried out. Hu Jiaojiao had her head down on the desk in despair.

Jian Yiling turned around to look at her…