“I am your…”
Zheng Yang believed that by saying this, she was different from an ordinary woman.
She said it based on the ancient concept of “a scholar dies for the one who recognizes their worth.”
In terms of practice, the most Zheng Yang could do was take care of Zheng Shiqiang’s home—which was now her home as well.
Because a rough man like Zheng Shiqiang lived alone in such a large house, he was very casual and careless.
For example, because he often went out for social engagements, he rarely entered the kitchen.
But on the rare occasion he did cook, oil stains would accumulate on the walls and countertops.
He didn’t feel it was necessary to clean them thoroughly, and gradually, the mixture of oil and dust solidified into stubborn stains.
Eventually, even the walls turned yellow.
When Zheng Yang arrived and saw it, she only saw another treasure that could prove her worth.
She bought cleaning agents and joyfully scrubbed it clean.
Zheng Shiqiang became increasingly surprised by Zheng Yang’s ability to handle housework.
So-called housework wasn’t just about daily necessities; it was about handling difficult problems.
Whether it was a clogged drain, a blocked toilet, a broken lightbulb, or a leaking pipe, Zheng Yang handled it all.
She would clear what she could, run to the hardware store, or call for professional help when necessary.
In short, there was nothing she couldn’t solve.
Because of her presence, Zheng Shiqiang slowly transitioned from being reluctant to stay at home to becoming a homebody.
He was gratified but also very curious.
How did Zheng Yang, at her young age and without parents, have such housekeeping skills after coming from a “gray” industry?
Moreover, the composure she showed while working lacked the clumsiness of a teenager.
She looked exactly like a seasoned housewife.
Zheng Shiqiang also noticed that despite being a beautiful young girl, Zheng Yang had no interest in skirts.
She spent her days busy at the stove and other places wearing sweatpants, making her look even more like a housewife.
Although he benefited from the fruits of Zheng Yang’s labor, he always felt it was awkward.
For this reason, he became even more determined to send Zheng Yang to school.
He was willing to ask for Zheng Yang’s own thoughts.
He knew she wasn’t an ordinary 15-year-old girl; she was very assertive, even more so than many adults.
“Dad, do I have to go to school?”
Zheng Yang had been asked several times before, but she had always been non-committal.
She knew she couldn’t avoid it forever, so when Zheng Shiqiang mentioned it again, she carefully asked back.
“What else would you do at your age if you didn’t go to school?”
Zheng Yang smiled to herself.
*’My age? If I really told you how old I am, wouldn’t you be stunned?’*
“I clean the house every day. I’m quite happy.”
“So, you want to be a housewife?”
Zheng Shiqiang shook his head with a smile.
“Wait until you’re married before saying that!”
Zheng Yang blushed.
“Dad, look at you! I don’t want to get married. I won’t get married for my whole life. I’ll just stay by your side, okay?”
“That won’t do.”
“Then… how about I go to work at your company? I’d even be willing to be a cleaner!”
Zheng Shiqiang looked up at her.
“Did you forget you’re 15? Are you asking me to hire a child laborer? Don’t you know that’s illegal?”
Zheng Yang stuck out her tongue—she really had forgotten.
She tilted her head and said, “Then you’d better think it through, Dad.”
“With your daughter’s looks and conditions, I’m the perfect candidate for a school romance. I’ll definitely receive many love letters from boys.”
“I don’t object to that. If you like one of them, bring him home and I’ll check him out for you.”
“Huh? Oh, Dad! I won’t like any of them! I think they’re childish!”
Zheng Yang crossed her arms in frustration and pouted.
She suddenly realized that regarding the idea of receiving love letters, the person who found it most unacceptable wasn’t Zheng Shiqiang, but herself.
Despite the joking, Zheng Yang’s rational side knew that for her current social identity, going to school was definitely the best option.
She wanted to make one last attempt.
“Dad, you know I used to work at the Golden Era and haven’t been to school much.”
“If I suddenly jump into high school, I definitely won’t keep up. Won’t it be embarrassing for you if I come back with the lowest rank in the class?”
Zheng Shiqiang seemed completely unconcerned.
“Then how about I send you to junior high? You can start from the seventh grade.”
“This… well, I’d rather go to high school then…”
Zheng Shiqiang laughed.
“I’m not sending you to school to bring me glory.”
“It’s because you missed out on school life. I can’t fix the past, but I can’t let you miss out on the future.”
“It doesn’t matter what your grades are, so don’t feel pressured. At worst, I’ll spend some money to send you to an ordinary university.”
“How could such a beautiful daughter not even have a university degree?”
“Huh? I have to go to university too…?”
“Hmph. Why are you so unwilling to go to school?”
Zheng Shiqiang glanced at her with a smile.
“The more you don’t want to go, the more I’ll make you go. Accept your fate, you brat!”
Zheng Yang burst out laughing.
“Dad, how could I be so ungrateful? I know you truly mean well for me!”
“If I didn’t even accept this fate, then I’d deserve to spend my life as a karaoke girl…”
*’Sigh, it seems there’s no avoiding it. I’ll have to face a bunch of childish brats and teachers who are ten or so years younger than me…’*
Amidst her helplessness, she also felt a faint sense of happiness.
Wenjing Academy was the only private school in the local area.
Its most famous feature wasn’t its high-quality teaching, but its well-known, simple, and elegant Hanfu school uniforms.
Because Zheng Yang had a sentimental attachment to Hanfu, she had always thought about earning more money to send her son, Zheng Siyuan, to Wenjing Academy.
But her son hadn’t lived up to expectations, and her salary hadn’t increased as fast as prices.
Thus, Wenjing Academy could only be a dream to her.
However, even though her son couldn’t attend, she was now going to achieve it in this female body of hers.
Zheng Yang felt that life was always making her emotional, especially when comparing her current situation to her past as a man.
The news got even better when Zheng Shiqiang told her Wenjing Academy had a new principal this year.
The new principal was a very good brother of his, which would make it even more convenient to look after Zheng Yang.
Zheng Yang really wanted to laugh.
Wasn’t she a typical case of someone getting in through connections? Was Heaven helping her?
***
The new principal’s name was Wu Shengli.
Upon hearing that Zheng Shiqiang’s goddaughter was coming to Wenjing Academy, he was very happy.
He took the initiative to invite Zheng Shiqiang to his office for tea.
“Old Zheng, congratulations! You old bachelor actually took in such a little fairy as a daughter!”
Wu Shengli looked at Zheng Yang’s photo with endless praise.
He patted his chest and guaranteed, “Your daughter is my daughter. Leave our girl with me, and don’t worry!”
“It just so happens my Chunchun is also starting her first year of high school. I’ll let the two of them keep each other company.”
Zheng Shiqiang nodded.
He trusted Wu Shengli, so he introduced Zheng Yang in detail, even mentioning her history as a Black Household member and her time in the karaoke industry.
Wu Shengli’s expression turned serious.
“Incredible! Old Zheng, let me tell you, children who can weather such storms are the most precious!”
“Haha, I think so too. Otherwise, why would I take her in?”
“It goes without saying. If our girl needs anything at school, tell her to come find me!”
“Not only that, our school has many activities. I’ll have her go on stage more often to show off and boost her confidence.”
“Thanks, but don’t be too intentional about it. It’s better to be fair and just. Even a bit of a setback is a good thing.”
Wu Shengli looked at him with a face full of disdain.
“She’s already suffered the hardships of the karaoke business, and you say she hasn’t had setbacks? You’re too dogmatic!”
“If you ask me, a precious child like this won’t be spoiled even if you pamper her for a lifetime! Just pamper her!”
Zheng Shiqiang was rebuked, but he looked happy.
However, as his eyes swept over the documents next to the tea table, curiosity made him pick them up.
It was a design drawing for a school uniform, but this design…
“Miniskirts?”
Zheng Shiqiang frowned.
“This… this isn’t your school’s uniform, is it?”
Wu Shengli looked proud.
“It is exactly my school’s uniform.”