Chapter 22: Discussion About Zhao Jiaying Going to School

After dinner, the whole family was discussing Zhao Jiaying’s schooling!

Ou Zichen said: “Yingbao, Daddy has found two kindergartens for you. Take a look and see which one you want to attend.”

Ou Zichen took out two kindergarten brochures, one for Saintess Mary Academy and the other for St. Petersburg Academy. These two schools were the best in Bincheng, with top-tier faculty and school facilities. Moreover, they offered education from kindergarten all the way through high school, and St. Petersburg Academy even had a university.

Of course, these two schools were elite institutions in Bincheng, with tuition fees that were very expensive. Only the rich or noble children could attend. However, spots were limited, and sometimes even money couldn’t guarantee a place. Getting a spot mid-term was even less likely. But since Ou Corporation was a major shareholder of both schools, asking for a spot was naturally not an issue.

Zhao Jiaying seemed to have little interest. She didn’t even glance at the brochures, lightly rejecting them.

“I don’t want to go to kindergarten.”

Lin Zhenzhu asked: “Why not? Kindergarten has a lot of little children, and you can study with them. Isn’t that good?”

Ou Zilong said: “That’s right, Yingbao. There are so many delicious foods and fun activities at kindergarten. You’ll definitely be happy there.”  

He tried to tempt her with food and play.  

Ou Zichen asked: “Tell Daddy, why don’t you want to go to kindergarten?”  

“Because I am on a completely different level from them. Besides, I already know everything they teach in kindergarten, so going there would be a total waste of time!”  

In fact, Zhao Jiaying had attended kindergarten before, but because she was too smart, the lessons were far too easy for her. When she interacted with children her age, she often found them slow. They didn’t know this, they didn’t understand that. Over time, the other children stopped wanting to play with her and ignored her altogether. Eventually, she just stopped going to kindergarten.  

Being a genius had its own troubles, after all!  

Hearing Zhao Jiaying’s words, the three generations of the family—Ou Zichen, Ou Zilong, and Lin Zhenzhu—looked at one another, deep in thought. Finally, it was Ou Zichen who spoke.  

“So, are you planning to just stay at home and not go to school at all?”  

Zhao Jiaying tilted her head, her shiny black eyes darting around before she answered: “Of course, I have to go to school. But I won’t go to kindergarten—I want to go straight to the second grade of elementary school!”  

Lin Zhenzhu and Ou Zilong were instantly stunned. Skipping kindergarten entirely and jumping straight to elementary school was shocking enough. But now, not even first grade? She wanted to go directly to second grade?  

In his heart, Ou Zilong could only think of one word: Respect!  

“Yingbao, you haven’t even attended first grade. How can you suddenly jump to second grade? Isn’t that a little too fast?”  

Lin Zhenzhu was a bit worried. After all, she was still just a four-year-old child. Skipping straight to second grade—could she really keep up?  

“It’s not fast at all, Great-grandma! Yingbao has already learned everything in first grade. Right now, I’m studying second-grade material, so skipping directly to second grade won’t be a problem at all!”  

Lin Zhenzhu didn’t know what to say. She turned to Ou Zichen and asked: “Zichen, what do you think?”  

Ou Zichen thought for a moment. He felt that letting Zhao Jiaying go straight to second grade was not appropriate—she was simply too young. He believed she should go to school according to her actual age.  

“Yingbao, Daddy thinks you’re still too young. How about—”  

Before he could finish, Zhao Jiaying interrupted him, already knowing what he was about to say. She pouted stubbornly and blurted out: “No! I want to go to second grade! If you don’t let me, then I won’t go to school at all. I’ll just stay home every day and be a rice worm…”  

After speaking, she turned her little head away and refused to look at anyone, her actions making it clear: If you don’t let me go to second grade, I’m very angry!  

Ou Zilong looked at the adorable Zhao Jiaying and wanted to laugh, but sensing the tense atmosphere, he held it in and didn’t let a sound escape.

“Big brother, I think you should just agree. Since Yingbao wants to go to second grade, let her go. It’s not a big deal. Having a genius child is an honor for our Ou family. Right, Yingbao?”  

When Zhao Jiaying saw that Ou Zilong was on her side, she felt a surge of gratitude. She walked over to him, planted a big kiss on his cheek, and said: “Second Uncle, you understand me best! You’re the best!”  

Then, she shot a look at Ou Zichen, as if to say: If you don’t let me go to second grade, I won’t be close to you anymore.  

Ou Zilong picked her up and placed her on his lap, giving Ou Zichen a triumphant look. He was feeling extremely pleased—he had finally won against his big brother for once.  

Ou Zichen rubbed his forehead. He was completely defeated by this uncle-niece duo.  

Lin Zhenzhu watched Zhao Jiaying’s stubborn expression—it was exactly the same as Ou Zichen’s when he was a child. Once he set his mind on something, even ten oxen couldn’t pull him back. She had finally gotten this precious little great-granddaughter, and if she lost her affection over this school matter, wouldn’t that be a huge loss? In the end, she decided to compromise.  

“Zichen, I think we should go with Zilong’s suggestion and let Yingbao enter second grade. Since the child has made up her mind, we should respect her decision!”  

Seeing that Lin Zhenzhu was now on her side, Zhao Jiaying immediately jumped down from Ou Zilong’s lap and ran to Lin Zhenzhu’s side. She gave her a big kiss on the cheek and said sweetly: “Thank you, Great-grandma! You’re the best! Yingbao loves Great-grandma the most!”  

“Hehehe…” Lin Zhenzhu hugged Zhao Jiaying, laughing happily. This was the best—feeling close to her little great-granddaughter. Thankfully, she had made the right choice just in time. Otherwise, she would have lost the precious affection of her little golden great-granddaughter.  

In Lin Zhenzhu’s arms, Zhao Jiaying once again shot a look at Ou Zichen. Now it’s three against one—let’s see if you admit defeat or not.  

Ou Zichen rubbed his forehead again, completely defeated by this little niece-granddaughter. If he kept refusing, not only would Zhao Jiaying stop being close to him, but she might not even bother acknowledging him anymore. He had only just reunited with his biological daughter—how could he let her push him away like this?  

So, he raised both hands in surrender and conceded: “Alright, alright, Daddy surrenders! I admit defeat! Is that enough? Daddy agrees—you can go to second grade. Are you satisfied now?”  

Zhao Jiaying jumped up, her big round eyes wide with disbelief. “Daddy, really? You’re really letting Yingbao go to second grade?”  

“Of course. Would Daddy ever lie to you? Since I promised, I’ll definitely let you go!”  

Excited, Zhao Jiaying ran to Ou Zichen, gave him a big kiss on the cheek, and said sweetly: “Thank you, Daddy! Yingbao loves Daddy the most!”  

This time, Ou Zichen gave Ou Zilong a smug look—after all, his daughter was still closest to him.  

Just moments ago, Ou Zilong had been feeling proud of his victory, but now, under Ou Zichen’s gloating gaze, he instantly deflated. Looking at Zhao Jiaying’s retreating back, he muttered complaints in his heart: This little ingrate! Your Daddy only agreed to let you go to second grade because of me! And you already forgot about your great Second Uncle?