Unreachable Standards

Wen Nian had gotten first place in the entrance exam when she enrolled in the Hai City No. 1 High School. Due to her good looks, she was quickly voted as the school's most beautiful girl on the online school forum. This made Jiang Ning, who had previously held the title, feel threatened and she began to bully Wen Nian.

Jiang Ning was the youngest daughter of the wealthy Jiang Family Real Estate, and was often doted on by her parents due to being the youngest. Huang Yue's biological father, Huang Jian, was a supplier of construction materials to the Jiang Family. In the Huang Family, there were six illegitimate children, and in order for Huang Yue to be valued and live well, she had to prove her usefulness.

However, as the daughter of a legitimate wife, Jiang Ning held a deep prejudice against illegitimate children. Therefore, she usually treated Huang Yue with contempt and ignored her existence. Huang Yue couldn't believe her luck when she was given the opportunity to shop with Jiang Ning.

Wen Nian glanced at Jiang Ning, taking note of her expensive outfit: a Berifida watch, an LV handbag, and a diamond hair clip that held her curly hair in place. Jiang Ning's delicate face was slightly raised, giving off an air of arrogance. Wen Nian couldn't help but think that in her past life, Jiang Ning was likely a rich and brainless cannon fodder. With that in mind, Wen Nian decided not to waste her time arguing with her.

Wen Nian showed a different attitude this time, unlike before when she hid and felt inferior. She admitted openly, "I am poor. Is it a crime to be poor? You may not be poor, but every cent of the money you spent was not earned by you. You are quite righteous when you talk about others."

Jiang Ning was left speechless. She opened her mouth to reply but found herself at a loss for words. It was clear to her that Wen Nian was telling the truth.

Observing the situation, Huang Yue perceived it as an opportunity to flaunt herself once more. Without delay, she moved a few steps forward and furrowed her brow. Speaking in a slightly reproachful tone, she remarked, "Jiang Ning may be forthright, but honest words are not always well-received. Wen Nian, I understand your family's circumstances. How can you impose upon Uncle and Auntie for your own vanity?"

Upon hearing this, the shop staff regarded Wen Nian with subtle contempt. Despite her family's financial struggles, she seemed oblivious to their situation. Was she pressuring her parents to buy her branded goods? Was she trying to force her parents to pay for her vanity?

Regardless of Wen Nian's situation, Wen Xing and his wife's initial instinct as parents was to protect their child. They hastened to clarify, "Nian Nian is not a thoughtless child. Her heart aches for us. She came to return today…"

Upon hearing that Wen Xing and his wife intended to defend Wen Nian, Huang Yue interjected. "Uncle, Auntie, you indulge Wen Nian excessively. She disregards the difficulty of earning money and demands things beyond your means. You shouldn't have agreed. Now, your hearts are pained by the money you spent, and you have returned seeking a refund. How embarrassing it that? This isn't good for Wen Nian either."

Wen Yu had met Huang Yue twice before and only knew that his sister had a good relationship with her. However, today he noticed that she appeared to be sympathetic towards his parents and was supposedly advising Wen Nian. In reality, she was exacerbating the situation in public. If her intention was to truly persuade his parents, why would she put them in an uncomfortable position?

With just a glance, Wen Yu could see Huang Yue's true character. Just as he was about to scold her, he saw Wen Nian standing in front of him.

Wen Nian looked at Huang Yue calmly and smiled faintly. "I also feel that I was too insensible in the past, so I've changed now. I specially asked my parents to return today."

"That's right. It was this young lady who insisted on returning the shoes just now."

"Then she's a good girl who knows her mistake and can change."

The comments took a turn, shifting the dynamic of the situation.

Huang Yue was caught off guard by Wen Nian's actions. She believed that she had played a role in fostering Wen Nian's vanity, but couldn't understand why Wen Nian had suddenly given up after attaining her objective. Huang Yue felt as if she had punched a piece of cotton, feeling no resistance or impact.

"What's happening?" Another voice interrupted, its clear and pleasant tone cutting through the conversation. Everyone but Wen Nian turned to the door, curious to see who had arrived.

Wen Nian pressed her hand to her forehead. She didn't need to look to know who had spoken; she would recognize his voice even if he had turned to dust. But she didn't have the energy to deal with him now. Wen Nian wasn't eager to retaliate against these people, but it seemed God was playing a prank on her. It was a good weekend, but these people were lining up to cause her trouble.

A look of surprise flashed across Huang Yue's eyes. Jiang Ning behaved in a more extroverted manner. She took a few steps forward and greeted warmly, "Wei Xiao, are you here to do some shopping as well?"

Wei Xiao was wearing a white shirt and suit pants, exuding a clean and sunny aura as he smiled. "I'm here to inspect the shops today."

Only then did everyone realize that there were a few men and women in business attire standing behind Wei Xiao. This time, Wei Xiao looked at Wen Nian and asked about what had happened.

His behavior was as disgustingly hypocritical as it had been in her previous life.

Wen Nian had initially considered ignoring Wei Xiao, but upon second thought, it was rare for them to meet and she wouldn't have to find another opportunity to meet him again. Without acknowledging his question, she said plainly, "Since we've run into each other, let's call off our engagement. Ordinary people like us are unable to reach your family's high standards."