Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Chapter 200 Competition for Vice Dean

School was on summer vacation, and Shi Ning and Shi An embarked on their journey home.

Along the way, as Shi Ning gazed at the scenery rushing past the car window, memories of her time on campus involuntarily surfaced in her mind, especially the scene of her falling and getting injured on the day of the "Campus Cultural Exchange Festival," and the anxious looks of Chen Yu and the class monitor.

She gently shook her head, trying to shake off these complicated thoughts, and looked forward to reuniting with her family.

Seeing her younger sister's thoughtful expression, Shi An chuckled and teased, "What's wrong? Still thinking about things at school? Come home and relax."

Shi Ning snapped out of her daze and playfully stuck out her tongue. "Brother, I'm just a little excited. It's been so long since I've seen Mom, Dad, and Xin Yao."

The car slowly drove into the familiar residential area, and Shi Ning and Shi An dragged their suitcases and walked quickly towards their home.

Before she could even knock, the door was flung open, and Jiang stood there with a beaming smile. "My darlings, you're finally back!"

Qin Yishen also strode out of the living room, her eyes full of affection. "Are you tired from the journey? Come in quickly, Mom made lots of delicious food for you."

Like a happy little rabbit, Xinyao jumped into Shi Ning's arms, "Sister, you're finally back! I missed you so much!"

Shi Ning hugged Xin Yao tightly and kissed her on her rosy cheek. "Sister missed you too. Our Xin Yao is in first grade now. Have you been a good girl?"

The family sat around the dining table, their laughter echoing throughout the house.

As Jiang Man served food to the children, she chatted about everyday things at home. "Everything's been fine at home lately, except I'm competing for the vice dean position, which has kept me incredibly busy these past few days. But as long as you're all safe and happy, I'm content."

Qin Yishen continued, "Your mother has put in a lot of effort for this competition. But I believe she'll definitely be fine."

Jiang Man chuckled and patted Qin Yishen on the shoulder, "You're the kind of person who always cheers me on. By the way, Ning'er, how's school? Did anything fun happen?"

Shi Ning glanced at Shi An, and the two smiled at each other. Shi Ning then began to talk about her life at school, from participating in various club activities to being in charge of the "Campus Cultural Exchange Festival," as well as the interesting things that happened between her and her classmates.

When Shi Ning mentioned being in charge of activities with the class monitor from the next class, she subconsciously glanced at her parents. They were all smiling and listening intently, seemingly oblivious to anything amiss.

However, Jiang Man still keenly caught a hint of unnaturalness in Shi Ning's words. She frowned slightly and asked with concern, "Ning'er, is working with the class monitor next door going smoothly? Have you encountered any trouble?"

Shi Ning quickly waved her hand, "No, no, he took good care of me, and we worked together very well."

Just then, Xinyao suddenly said in her childish voice, "Sister, do you have someone you like? I heard from the kids in kindergarten that blushing is a sign that you like someone."

As soon as Xinyao said that, everyone couldn't help but laugh.

Shi Ning was both embarrassed and annoyed, and gently flicked Xin Yao's nose, "You little brat, what do you know!"

After the meal, Shi Ning offered to help clear the dishes, and Jiang Man followed her into the kitchen.

While washing the dishes, Jiang Man asked casually, "Ning'er, tell Mom the truth, is that class monitor treating you a little differently?"

Shi Ning's hand trembled slightly. After hesitating for a moment, she decided to tell her mother about her confusion. "Mom, I'm actually a little confused too. The class monitor is really good to me and takes good care of me, but I have different feelings for Chen Yu. I really don't know what to do."

Jiang Man stopped what she was doing, turned around, and looked at Shi Ning gently. "Ning'er, matters of the heart can't be rushed. You should follow your heart and think carefully about who is the one who can truly make you happy and at ease. Whatever decision you make, Mom will support you."

Shi Ning nodded, and the fog in her heart seemed to gradually dissipate.

In the days that followed, Shi Ning and Shi An spent a leisurely and cozy time at home. They helped Xin Yao with her homework, played games with her, and told her stories about school.

Xinyao listened intently, her eyes filled with admiration for her older brother and sister.

Jiang Man, on the other hand, devoted herself entirely to the competition for the position of vice dean. She left early and returned late every day, reviewing various materials and preparing various reports.

Shi Ning and Shi An saw this and felt sorry for Jiang Man. They took the initiative to take on more housework so that Jiang Man could have no worries.

One day, Shi Ning and Shi An took Xin Yao to the park.

The park is shaded by green trees and blooming with flowers. Children are laughing and playing on the grass, while adults sit on benches and chat.

Looking at Xinyao's cheerful figure, Shi Ning was filled with emotion. "Time flies so fast. Xinyao is already a primary school student."

Shi An nodded, "Yes, we are all growing up, and our parents are getting older. We should spend more time with them."

Just then, Shi Ning's phone suddenly rang.

She took out her phone and saw that it was a call from her class monitor.

Shi Ning hesitated for a moment, but still answered the phone.

"Hey, squad leader, what's up?"

The familiar voice of the class monitor came from the other end of the phone, "Shi Ning, how was your summer vacation? I... I miss you a little."

Shi Ning's heart suddenly raced. She glanced at Shi An and Xin Yao instinctively, then walked to the side and whispered, "I'm doing fine. How about you?"

After chatting for a while, Shi Ning hung up the phone.

Her feelings became somewhat complicated, and the images of Chen Yu and the class monitor resurfaced in her mind.

She didn't know how to deal with this complicated feeling, and her heart was filled with turmoil.

Just as Shi Ning was lost in thought, Jiang Man gently knocked on the door and came in.

Seeing Shi Ning's conflicted expression, she sat down beside her with a pained look. "Ning'er, don't overthink it. Whatever decision you make, Mom will be there for you. Relationships can be unpredictable sometimes, but as long as you are sincere with your heart, you will definitely find the answer."

Shi Ning leaned against Jiang Man's chest, tears welling in her eyes. "Mom, I'm so afraid of making the wrong decision."

Jiang Man gently stroked Shi Ning's hair, "Silly child, no decision is absolutely wrong. Every experience is a form of growth. As long as you bravely face it and make your choices, you will surely reap your own happiness."

With Jiang Man's comforting words, Shi Ning gradually calmed down.

She knew she couldn't keep running away; she had to bravely face this relationship.

A few days later, Jiang Man finally faced the crucial moment in the competition for the vice dean position.

She walked confidently into the conference room, dressed in a well-fitting business suit.

Shi Ning and Shi An waited anxiously at home for the results, constantly praying for Jiang Man's success.

Finally, Jiang Man returned home with a big smile on her face.

Shi Ning and Shi An immediately went to greet her, "Mom, how are you?"

Jiang Man exclaimed excitedly, "I did it! I've become the vice dean!"