“It’s not confirmed who will have the last laugh. What did I teach you when you were a child? Change is the only constant in the political world. Those who seem powerful now may not remain so in the future. If the Zhai family joins the wrong team or pick the wrong person, Qiao Nan, as the daughter-in-law of the Zhai family, will be the first to be down on her luck.”

  Without Qiao Nan, this opponent, did his son still need to worry about not getting that role?

  “We have ample time. No need to be anxious. If you’re worried that Qiao Nan will surpass you with He Yi’s guidance, you should perk up. Without He Yi, do you think you won’t have other ways to surpass or catch up with Qiao Nan’s progressive steps?”

  If he had a choice, Father Deng really did not wish to say the last few sentences, which made him feel like vomiting blood. He had spent so much money on his son and specially sent him abroad for studies. Who would have known that his son’s capability would be poorer than Qiao Nan’s, who was a local college fresh graduate?

  If he had known that the quality of education in local colleges was so high, he wouldn’t waste so much energy and dump a hill of gold to send his son abroad to study. Wasn’t he looking for torture if he did? A few more years of studies and huge expenses, yet his precious only son was subdued by a young lady. No one could understand how aggrieved Father Deng felt.

  Only Mother Deng knew that Father Deng had not slept well lately. As soon as he lay down and the lights were off, Father Deng would sigh many times in the darkness, tossing and turning continuously.

  When Mother Deng asked him about what happened, he gave a very vague response. “When Wenchang is married and has kids, why don’t we send his kids to Peking University? Don’t take the old path of Wenchang. When he was overseas, we could only see him once every few years.”

  \r \r \r

  “Why did you say this without an apparent reason? It is in man’s nature to strive for the better. Life will always get better. Wenchang has already finished his studies abroad. Don’t tell me you can’t bear to let your grandson go overseas?” Overseas students sounded so pleasant.

  Father Deng snorted. “Will the overseas student status ensure that one will definitely find a good job? After entering the department, will he definitely be promoted faster than others? I feel that the quality of our local graduates is quite good. The overseas schools are not really gems either. Forget it. Not chatting anymore. Quickly sleep.”

  Mother Deng gave Father Deng a slap on his body angrily. “Aren’t you the one who kicked up a fuss, refusing to sleep? You’re rushing me now. Sick!”

  Of course, those were the conversation at night between Father and Mother Deng, which Deng Wenchang was unaware of. At this juncture, Father Deng did not wish to let Deng Wenchang know either. “We can forget about He Yi’s side. We don’t need to consider him anymore. Besides He Yi, who else do you think is more suitable to be your old master?”

  Qiao Nan had He Yi to guide her along. He could also find an experienced master for his son.

  In conclusion, Wenchang must not be flung too far behind from Qiao Nan, causing the gap of an ocean between the two of them. If that really happened, even if the Zhai family had fallen from grace, implicating Qiao Nan and her promotion, his son could not become He Yi’s successor either. Instead, other more capable individuals would.

  “Dad, I will listen to you.” Deng Wenchang was already very lost. His father gave him quite a reliable suggestion. Besides listening to him, Deng Wenchang could not think of any other solution.

  Fortunately, they still had the Peng family as an ally. They were not there for nothing.

  When the Peng family found out about the Deng family’s situation, they volunteered to find Deng Wenchang an old master. This old master was once an ambassador and had set up embassies for China in other countries. He was very experienced, with profound knowledge and a gift of gab. As he aged, he wished to return to his home country in glory. Unlike others, he did not simply migrate overseas. Instead, he returned to his native country and led a peaceful and retired life.

  Such a talented elder could be termed as a wise man. Under the guidance of the old ambassador, Deng Wenchang’s improvement was apparent, so apparent that many people could sense it.

  Sensing his progress and that he did not let Qiao Nan widen the gap between them, Deng Wenchang was increasingly motivated. He was more conscientious and serious in learning. At the very least, he definitely would not lose out to Qiao Nan in terms of ability on the day He Yi retired.

  “Mom, don’t. I’m a primary school student now. I’m going to join the Young Pioneers of China and wear a red scarf. I am already of this age. I will carry my own schoolbag.” In the blink of an eye, the triplets had reached the age of going to primary school. Qiao Nan was only helping San Bao hold her schoolbag when she was wearing her jacket. Who would have known that the little girl would lament and jump, insisted on snatching back her schoolbag?

  Qiao Nan tapped her daughter’s nose unhappily. “What’s the hurry? I am only helping you hold it for a while. Who told you that I will be helping you carry it all the time? Wishful thinking. Xiao Bao carries his schoolbag when he attends kindergarten. I have to carry yours for you. Be careful that Xiao Bao will laugh at you and say that you’re younger than him despite the fact that you’re older.”

  Four years had passed. From kindergarten children, the triplets had become primary school students. From a little toddler who swaddled like a duck when walking, Xiao Bao had also become a little boy who could sit properly in the kindergarten, eat fruits, and learn how to sing.

  Xiao Bao even threw tantrums because of this. “Cousins, slower. Wait for me. I will catch up with you all very soon.” Xiao Bao wanted to attend school and study together with his cousins. Otherwise, it felt meaningless to be alone when his cousins were in school.

  Xiao Bao had maintained his childhood habits. He not only liked Qiao Nan but also was very attached to the triplets. However, Xiao Bao did not like to mix with other children of his age.

  Xiao Bao expressed that those who were younger or of his age only knew how to cry. He had already learned the song by heart the second time his teacher taught them, yet the boy sitting beside him was like an idiot. He could only sing bits and pieces of the song after learning for two to three days. Xiao Bao felt that no matter how smart he was, he would become stupid if he were to often learn alongside such children.

  Xiao Bao was reluctant to be close to those of the same age or younger than him. As such, Mother Tian thought of ways to find a few children of similar age as the triplets from her relatives’ families to become Xiao Bao’s playmates.

  The children’s world was not as complicated as that of adults. Tian Dong’s business was doing well. Many of the relatives by the surname of Tian needed Tian Dong’s help. Before the children left the house, the adults told them that they had to coax Xiao Bao and make him happy.

  When the children were at their own houses, who were not precious darlings and little emperors of their parents? Initially, everyone could keep their promise to their parents. They could hold back their temper and tolerate Xiao Bao. However, after a few times, almost no one could play together with Xiao Bao.