Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

As the stage lights converged, Jiang Xueli finished her song, gasping slightly as she looked out at the audience, listening to their applause.

The bright lights made it hard for her to see their faces, but she knew—without a doubt—that a certain big idiot was definitely smiling at her.

Once her performance ended, Jiang Xueli bowed and stepped off the stage, immediately heading to find Lin Zhengran.

In a corner outside the audience area, Jiang Xueli—torn between wanting to show off and acting nonchalant—put on a proud front.

"Hey, idiot, how was my performance? Pretty good, right?! Let me tell you, when I was up there just now—"

She laughed, chattering excitedly about her experience on stage.

Watching from the Class 3-3 seating area, He Qing saw everything.

She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but her pure, round apricot eyes stared blankly at them.

She saw Jiang Xueli’s radiant smile and Lin Zhengran responding to her from time to time.

"Lin Zhengran..."

Before the showcase even ended, the Children’s Talent Agency owner couldn’t contain her excitement and went straight backstage to find Jiang Xueli.

Seeing the young singer chatting with a boy, she walked over without hesitation and handed Jiang Xueli her business card.

"Hello! I’m the owner of Children’s Talent Agency. Our company has an ongoing collaboration with your school. I just listened to your performance, and I absolutely loved it! That song—was it an original? Your breath control and technique are excellent. Have you had formal vocal training?"

Jiang Xueli hadn’t expected her to come so soon. She hesitated, slightly nervous, and nodded.

"It’s an original, but I’ve never had professional training. I just practice at home… with my friend."

The talent scout was even more shocked.

If this was her natural ability, then with just a bit of professional coaching, she’d dominate the industry.

She quickly launched into a detailed pitch.

The gist: Was Jiang Xueli signed with an agency? If not, they wanted to recruit her. They would contact her parents tomorrow. She wouldn’t have to miss school—performances would only be on holidays or special occasions. She could also train with them if she had free time. The company even offered a generous performance commission.

Jiang Xueli pretended to listen attentively but kept stealing glances at Lin Zhengran.

When it came to matters like this, she knew her limits. She was still young—if she made the wrong decision, she’d get scammed for sure.

That’s why she had her big idiot—he’d figure it out for her.

The talent scout finished her pitch.

"Alright then, I’ll visit your parents tomorrow. We’ll talk again soon."

"Okay."

As soon as the scout left, Jiang Xueli bounced over to Lin Zhengran.

"Hey, idiot! You heard everything just now, right?"

Lin Zhengran crossed his arms.

"Yeah, her offer is about what I expected. The terms seem decent—she genuinely appreciates your talent. I think it’s worth considering. What do you think?"

Jiang Xueli tilted her head and smugly replied,

"I think... it sounds good. But mostly, I trust you."

She grinned.

"I’ll just do whatever you tell me to, idiot."

Lin Zhengran sighed, speechless.

It was obvious she hadn’t actually processed anything the woman had said.

Oh well. As long as she listened to him, things wouldn’t go too far off track.

He smirked.

"You’re so lucky to have such a multi-talented friend like me."

Jiang Xueli mimicked his pose, crossing her arms and huffing.

"And I’m lucky to have such a beautiful, patient childhood friend. Any other girl would’ve lost her mind dealing with someone as dumb as you. Only I am nice enough to tolerate you!"

The next day, the Children’s Talent Agency contacted Jiang Xueli’s parents.

When her mom and dad watched the recording of the event, they were stunned—they had no idea their daughter shone so brightly on stage.

After a few days of deliberation, research, and discussing it with their daughter, Jiang Xueli officially joined the local talent agency—her first step into the world of music.

At the same time, as Jiang Xueli’s chapter wrapped up, He Qing and Han Wenwen’s plan quietly began.

Two weeks before winter break.

In the girls' dormitory, He Qing—wearing cute cartoon pajamas—crouched on her bed like a little chick, hugging her pillow with a pitiful expression.

It was adorable.

Han Wenwen sat beside her, munching on chips.

"Didn’t Lin Zhengran spend the whole day practicing Taekwondo with you yesterday? Why are you sulking again?"

He Qing’s big, glistening eyes stared at her pillow.

"I’m not sulking… Yesterday was really fun! He trained with me all day, we had lunch together, and he even spent the whole afternoon with me."

"...So?"

Han Wenwen narrowed her eyes.

"You’re happy when you’re with him, but as soon as he’s not around, you’re miserable? That’s some weak medicine—the effects wear off too fast."

He Qing mumbled her true feelings.

"It’s just… we’ve been doing these things for years. Training, eating together, going to his house—it’s always been the same. Nothing ever changes.

"But look at Jiang Xueli… It’s only been a short time, and she’s already getting closer and closer to him."

She turned to Han Wenwen.

"Have you noticed? Jiang Xueli loves clinging to Lin Zhengran lately. And last time, for her birthday, he gave her a really nice pair of headphones."

Han Wenwen tilted her head.

"Birthday? Oh, but we got her gifts too."

"That’s different! We’re just her classmates, and girls giving each other gifts is normal.

"But Lin Zhengran…"

Her voice dropped.

"He’s never given me headphones."

Han Wenwen casually poked her cheek with a fox-like smirk.

"Yeah, but… you don’t even listen to music?"

He Qing hugged her pillow tighter, curling into a tiny ball.

"Still… I’m scared. If this keeps up, one day I’ll wake up and he won’t need me anymore. Four years apart… was too long."

Han Wenwen could see it.

Back in elementary school, He Qing had always been soft-hearted, but she’d never been this insecure before.

It was clear—Lin Zhengran meant too much to her.

Han Wenwen smirked.

"Well then… it looks like it’s time to use our trump card.

"I’ve been analyzing the root cause of why you two aren’t making any progress, and guess what? I found the solution!"

She pulled out a handwritten book and dramatically handed it to He Qing.

"Behold! A compilation of my wisdom, strategies, and extensive research!

"I call this masterpiece…"

She announced each word slowly.

"The He-Lin Manual!"

He Qing blinked, confused.

"…The He-Lin Manual? I’ve only ever heard of Henan braised noodles."

Han Wenwen clicked her tongue.

"Not even close! Do I look like I’m handing you a recipe?!

"Listen, if you follow the guide step by step, I guarantee that within a year—no, even just three months—you’ll have Lin Zhengran in the palm of your hand!"

Curious, He Qing slowly opened the book.

She barely read a few pages before her face turned bright red.

With a sharp snap, she shut the book immediately.

Her voice trembled.

"T-This… W-Wenwen, where did you even get this stuff?!"