Rebirth begins with studying hard

Chapter 47: I was underestimated.

Lu Jie knew that Zhong Muqing came from a very wealthy family; after all, she was able to come up with a seven-figure savings account during her high school years.

Even though personal information protection was not strict in China in 08, it would probably not have been possible to find out the truth simply by spending money.

Chung Mu-ching's father is probably not just rich, but also has very strong connections.

Having done so much and promised him benefits, it certainly wasn't just a simple thank you or a mere attempt to persuade Zhong Muqing to accept her family's arrangement to go to Stanford.

After Lu Jie made his ambiguous statement, Li Caide added:

"Young man, please don't misunderstand. We're just asking about your situation; we don't mean anything by it and there's no malice in it."

"I just wanted to thank you, so I looked into what areas you might need help with."

That's all the information I have.

Very polite, and Lu Jie couldn't find much fault with it, so he nodded and said:

"Stanford is a very good university. If Zhong Muqing is willing to pursue further studies there, that would certainly be a good thing."

"I will do my best to help her."

Li Caide gave a meaningful smile and continued speaking:

"We know she and you have a good relationship; she's noticeably closer to you than to others."

"But her future has already been planned out; she will walk a completely different path from yours."

"Her personality is very similar to her mother's; she's very sentimental and nostalgic. If she has ties to China, it will influence her choices."

"We don't want her future to be delayed by unnecessary worries, nor do we want you to be affected by unnecessary things."

Lu Jie roughly understood what the other person meant: "Can you be more direct? You don't need to beat around the bush."

Li Caide smiled and said, "Okay, then I'll put it more simply and directly."

"Mu Qing just needs to follow the arranged path step by step."

"But she seems unwilling to accept this arrangement now."

"So we hope you can offer some help, and this help is very simple."

"All you need to do is keep a certain distance from Mu Qing after you return from Shanghai."

"Of course, if you can provide additional assistance in persuading Mu Qing to study abroad, we would be even more grateful."

"It's okay if you can't give it to us. Just keep a certain distance, and we'll take care of the rest."

"Regardless of the final outcome, we will reward you with our gratitude."

"I believe you are a smart young man and can understand what I mean."

Lu Jie was silent for a moment before speaking, "Are you sure that if I keep my distance from her, she'll go to Stanford?"

Li Caide remained noncommittal: "As long as you keep your distance from her, even if she doesn't go in the end, it has nothing to do with you."

"We will still deliver on the promised returns."

"We can sign the contract."

Lu Jie smiled.

In fact, Li Caide's words and actions are very polite, like a gentle breeze, making people feel comfortable.

But the deep-seated contempt for him was impossible to conceal.

It was as if his existence was a stone on Zhong Muqing's future path.

It might trip her up, or it might not.

But none of that matters, as long as we kick that rock away beforehand.

After thinking for a moment, he said:

"First of all, Zhong Muqing and I have a pretty good relationship, but our relationship is currently just that of classmates."

"I will help my classmates or friends with whom I have a good relationship to the best of my ability."

"But if it involves self-interest or ulterior motives, then the starting point becomes distorted, and I will feel burdened."

"This burden will affect my study performance."

"During high school, all I wanted to do was study hard and get into a good university."

"I will not do anything that would affect this matter."

"So, I think you're worrying a bit too much."

"However, I will also offer Chung Mu-ching advice and guidance within the scope of my ability."

"I can't influence her final choice, and the reward you mentioned is unnecessary."

Li Caide gave Lu Jie a deep look.

After looking at it for a moment, he suddenly smiled:

"Your personality is quite admirable."

"He's very driven and ambitious."

"You don't need to refuse right away, this is my business card."

As he spoke, he handed over a gold card:

"What I just said represents Mr. Zhong and remains valid."

"If you have any ideas or need anything, you can call me."

As he spoke, he gave another meaningful look and said:

"You and Mu Qing are from different worlds."

"But some opportunities, once missed, are gone forever."

"This is my advice to you in my capacity as Zhong Muqing's elder, and in my personal capacity."

Lu Jie felt somewhat helpless.

He has no other thoughts besides studying hard right now.

He's made it so obvious, how come you still don't understand?

It's as if he's trying to curry favor with Zhong Muqing's family.

You really underestimated him.

He really didn't want to explain anything anymore.

Li Caide felt he had said enough, so he got up to leave:

"I just wanted to talk to you about this, that's all."

"You can sit here for a while longer. I'll have the driver take Mu Qing here."

Lu Jie also stood up, nodded politely, and watched the other person leave the private room.

Before long, Zhong Muqing arrived at the teahouse private room as she had said.

When he arrived, he noticed that Zhong Muqing's expression wasn't very good; she seemed rather unhappy.

"Did Uncle Li say something to you?" Zhong Muqing asked immediately upon entering the private room.

Lu Jie thought for a moment: "They didn't say much."

"It's on behalf of your father to thank me for helping you improve your studies."

"Then they asked me if there was anything I could help with."

"That's all they said."

Zhong Muqing clearly hadn't expected it to be so simple. After a moment of surprise, she smiled as if she had put something down.

"I thought he was talking nonsense."

Lu Jie also laughed and said, "I'm not familiar with him, what can I say?"

Although he didn't know what Zhong Muqing and her father talked about, he figured it probably included what Li Caide had just mentioned.

Zhong Muqing was probably worried that he might misunderstand something, so she wanted to explain to him.

He really didn't care much about these things.

He would not have any prejudice against Zhong Muqing because of these things, nor would he have any special feelings for her because of her family situation.

After all, they are all too young, and there are so many things that could change in the future.

For example, Zhong Muqing may seem to dislike Wang Zhe now, but maybe she will like him in two years after she goes to college or graduates from college?

Or even if she doesn't like him, she might feel that Wang Zhe is the most suitable person for her after balancing her interests.

Of course, it's also possible that Zhong Muqing will maintain her feelings for him for a long time.

But none of that matters to him now.

Improving oneself and finding one's own certainty in an uncertain future is the most important thing.