Nian Suian never expected that she wouldn't be so averse to the idea of becoming a stepmother!
Of course, there was a reason for this. If her "stepson" had been a little brat who couldn't control his poop and pee, or a rebellious, hot-headed teenager, she would have packed her bags and run away in the middle of the night.
But the reality was that her "stepson" appeared to be a handsome, clean-cut, and polite young boy. She wouldn't have to change diapers or provide counseling for a rebellious teen. Wasn't this stepson practically a gift from heaven?
"Step-mom sis, could you attend my new student-parent meeting at school for me?" Gu Zhijing asked, resting his chin on his hand and blinking his big eyes.
"Huh?" Nian Suian was surprised. How had they jumped straight to attending parent-teacher conferences on her first day as a stepmother? Shouldn't there be more buildup?
Like the son asking when his father would return, the father saying he's busy but sending money, the son missing his parents and feeling heartbroken, the stepmother gently resolving the emotional knot...
How had the Old Gu Family fast-forwarded through all of that?
"You don't want to? You know, I've never met my mom, and my dad's always too busy to attend parent-teacher meetings. It's okay if you don't want to, I'm used to it. I understand. I'll just go to the library during the meeting. It's no big deal..."
"Wait!" Nian Suian couldn't bear to hear more. This kid was quite the actor at such a young age. Had he taken classes at the Beijing Film Academy? She was a kind-hearted girl who couldn't resist this kind of emotional manipulation.
It's just being a mom, right? It's not like she hadn't done it before. Back in her fangirl days, she'd even been a "mom" to guys in their twenties! Whether you're a fan-mom or a stepmom, it's all motherhood in the end. There's no hierarchy in motherhood!
"It's just a parent-teacher meeting, right? When is it? I'll go with you!"
"Hehe, it's next Monday. Thanks, step-mom sis!" Gu Zhijing, having achieved his goal, waved his sleeve and went upstairs, leaving Nian Suian bewildered in the dining room.
Nian Suian mentally gave him the middle finger. Well played, kid!
Beside her, Butler Su watched the young master's performance, trying hard not to burst into laughter. He knew full well that his employer, no matter how busy, would always attend his son's parent-teacher meetings... But as a qualified butler, he maintained a perfectly neutral expression.
Butler Su glanced at the ceiling: How wonderful! A caring mother and a filial son, the master will be delighted!
After returning to his room, Gu Zhijing sent a WeChat message to his father: [Old Mr. Gu, you don't need to come to the parent-teacher meeting. Step-mom sis will go for me. Step-mom sis is young and beautiful, it'll be more impressive to bring her. You don't need to rush back from work early. Maybe get some cosmetic treatments when you have time! You're not getting any younger, can't let your skin deteriorate too much. Muah, love you, little Gu]
Five minutes later.
[Behave yourself, and don't cause trouble for your Aunt Nian] Old Mr. Gu clearly knew what his son was like.
[How can we call her 'aunt'? That makes her sound like she's your age. She's clearly so young] Gu Zhijing couldn't help but push his luck.
[Call her 'step-mom', it sounds close, like we're family. Call her 'sis', it makes her sound young! In conclusion, call her 'step-mom sis'] Gu Zhijing had originally thought about dropping the 'step' and just calling her 'mom sis', but he was afraid of offending the goddess Mazu, so he added the 'step'.
[Old Mr. Gu has enabled friend verification. You are not his friend yet. Please send a friend request. You can chat after he verifies you.]
Gu Zhijing stared at the red exclamation mark on the screen, thinking that what he'd read online was true – men are sensitive about their age too, especially older men.
Nian Suian had just finished dinner and hadn't even reached her room when she heard a WeChat notification.
[WeChat transfer ￥20000]
[Thank you for attending Zhijing's parent-teacher meeting.]
Seeing the message, Nian Suian let out a silent scream!
Twenty thousand for attending a parent-teacher meeting?
Was this world experiencing hyperinflation? She used to work like a dog for only 5000 a month.
Sorry, let me clarify again, Nian Suian was just a shallow person. She hadn't seen any of that trust fund money they'd mentioned before. Earlier, when she saw only 3600 left in her WeChat balance, she'd wondered if rich people didn't use WeChat Pay.
But now! Her WeChat balance was 23600! Who would refuse money that falls into their lap? She wasn't some protagonist who viewed money as dirt. Nian Suian was already planning a big shopping spree on Taobao tonight. She immediately transferred all the money to her Yu'ebao account. At least it would earn some interest, right?
Then she returned to the chat and reverently typed:
[Thank you, boss! <3]
She could bet her hair that this "thank you, boss" was the most sincere she'd ever said in her life as a working girl.
She wondered how often parent-teacher meetings were held at the young master's school. If they were frequent, she could totally get rich from this!
How delightful! How absolutely delightful!
As a lowly working girl, Nian Suian was dazzled by the original owner's walk-in closet. It had everything imaginable, and many items still had their tags on.
To make a grand entrance at her stepson's parent-teacher meeting, she carefully calculated her hair-washing schedule and came to the closet two days in advance to select her [Stepmom's First Parent-Teacher Meeting Debut Outfit]. She who takes the money must do the job – this time, she had to stun everyone!
At this moment, Nian Suian felt like she was channeling Xia Donghai!
Her appearance at the parent-teacher meeting would be like announcing to Gu Zhijing's teachers and classmates: Gu Zhijing is not from a single-parent family! He has a new mom, and that person is her! Nian Suian!
Since it was a parent-teacher meeting, Nian Suian reluctantly tore her gaze away from a pile of puffy-sleeved princess dresses and instead chose a black off-the-shoulder long dress. After all, being a mom meant she had to look elegant and aloof.
On Monday, Nian Suian deliberately got up early, did a full face of makeup, and curled her hair. After finishing her makeup, she admired herself in the mirror for a long time. Despite not wearing makeup often due to work, her skills hadn't rusted. Combined with the original owner's flawless skin, today's makeup could only be described in three words - bee-yoo-tiful!
It's worth mentioning that the original owner's makeup and skincare collection was also very rich. Last night, Nian Suian used all the face masks, creams, essences, and eye creams she had always wanted but couldn't afford before, all at once. Well, that's what happens when a poor person suddenly comes into money.
As Nian Suian descended the stairs in her sky-high heels, she clearly saw everyone's mouths hanging open, including her son's. Excellent, she was very satisfied with this reaction.
Gu Zhijing immediately stood up to pull out a chair for Nian Suian, fawning, "What brings this fairy to our humble abode?"
Butler Su followed closely behind: "Madam looks absolutely radiant today!"
Nian Suian was overjoyed inside, but her face remained composed as she responded gracefully, "It's parents' day at school, of course I should be here."
As Nian Suian delicately ate her breakfast, Gu Zhijing silently took out his phone and sent a text message to his father. He had no choice, as his WeChat friend request hadn't been approved yet.
[Gu Zhijing: Dad, take your son's advice and choose the most expensive package at the medical beauty clinic!]