It's just The Sims, how did it become my ideal love story?

Chapter 171 Born with a knack for manipulation?

Chapter 171 Born with a knack for manipulation? (Fourth update, please vote!)

Unlike the school performance, Gu Huai couldn't appear backstage to comfort the girl this time. The contestants needed to wait backstage and wait for the host to announce the order of the competition before going on stage to perform.

The judges for this competition are seated in the first row below.

There were a few people scattered around the back seats, but not many.

In a small place like Jicheng, there aren't many people who appreciate high art, let alone a competition for teenagers like this, so there's even less reason to come and listen.

From this perspective, it can be seen as a way of relieving Lin Jiang's pressure.

Gu Huai and Jiang Dan sat together.

From the moment someone went on stage to compete, Jiang Dan started rambling on about everyday family matters.

"I heard you had your placement test. How did it go?"

"Not bad, you got into the experimental class."

"That's great. Although Jicheng is a small place, No. 1 High School is considered one of the top high schools in Jicheng. Sigh, if Jiang Jiang's academic performance were as reassuring as yours, that would be wonderful."

"Actually, I think Lin Jiang's learning ability is not bad. The fact that she can make such progress in such a short time shows that she has a strong learning ability."

"I know, but I just don't know how to get her to focus on this. As parents, we can only worry helplessly."

"Actually, I think it's not terrible for parents to be anxious; what's terrible is trying to intervene but not knowing how, and their haphazard anxiety ultimately makes the situation worse."

".What's the meaning?"

Jiang Dan could tell from their last conversation that Gu Huai was different from the other children, but she didn't expect him to be so bold.

Doesn't this imply that he's not only anxious but also interfering recklessly, which is why Lin Jiang's grades are getting worse? Isn't that incredibly audacious? Doesn't he lack the respect and reverence he should have for his elders?

Human nature is sometimes so strange. When facing colleagues, leaders, or people of significantly higher status, they don't think about the other party being expected to respect them. But when facing someone of lower status, these rules naturally come to mind. If the other party makes a slight mistake, they will think that the other party is unruly.

This is why power has been so capable of bewitching people throughout history.

Gu Huai then revealed a harmless smile, "It's nothing, Aunt Jiang. I just wanted to say that Lin Jiang may not seem like she talks much, but that doesn't mean she can silently bear all that pressure. In fact, she does better when her expectations aren't too high. Raising expectations not only risks disappointing you, but it also makes her feel worse because of the pressure."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Dan couldn't help but frown. "Do you think your aunt doesn't understand pressure? Who hasn't experienced pressure since childhood? Who hasn't gone through this?"

"That's how it's always been done, so does that mean it's the right thing to do?"

Gu Huai did not refute fiercely; he simply smiled gently and asked a question calmly.

Such an overly stable emotional state and somewhat relaxed attitude appearing in a high school student is indeed hard to understand, but it left Jiang Dan speechless.

Gu Huai didn't expect that his two sentences would easily reverse the other party's long-standing habits. He wasn't that powerful. However, judging from the other party's expression, it seemed that his persuasive skills had worked to some extent, and he did not encounter fierce arguments or resistance.

Soon, after a series of people went on stage to perform, it was finally Lin Jiang's turn.

As this girl, who had put on light makeup and specially dressed in a white dress, appeared on the stage, she looked at everyone in the audience with a slightly serious expression, then bowed and sat down at the piano.

Suddenly, Jiang Dan spoke.

"Actually, I know better than anyone how hard Jiang Jiang works to practice the piano. She's actually a very strong-willed little girl. I remember once when she was little, she was practicing the piano and she was covered in sweat, but she kept going until she almost collapsed. That's when I realized she had a fever but she still kept going. What mother wouldn't feel sorry for her child? But I've always wanted to make her understand, in a stricter way, that girls can't rely on anyone else and that they have to rely on themselves most of the time. I hope she can be strong and that she won't become a woman like me."

"Someone like you?"

Gu Huai was somewhat puzzled.

Jiang Dan gave a bitter smile. "When I was young, I could have had a career of my own, but I chose to marry her father. Then it was just marriage, having children, and taking care of the family. I became the kind of boring housewife. I got caught up in the daily arguments and all my enthusiasm was worn down by the mundane and trivial daily routine. You should have heard her say that our relationship is not good."

"I have heard about it."

“It’s not just bad, it’s gotten to the point of divorce. I’m just worried that she hasn’t taken the college entrance exam yet, and if we divorce, will it be hard for her to accept, and will she be even less able to study and practice the piano properly? I really want to say that I can devote my whole life to her, but I don’t think I’m such a great mother.”

Gu Huai didn't understand why Jiang Dan would choose to tell him these things at this time. Perhaps it was because she was watching her beloved daughter step onto the stage and face an important competition, and she had some unspeakable bitterness and resentment in her heart.

Gu Huai thought for a moment and said softly, "So you're being strict with her because you hope she can develop a strong mindset to face all of this as soon as possible?"

Jiang Dan nodded slightly. "It's not just that. I also hope she has her own opinions and abilities, and doesn't blindly give up her life because of feelings. I don't actually hope she achieves great success or becomes a famous master. I just hope that she won't have to depend on a man in the future. You should understand my good intentions when I say this."

Looking at the marks of time on this woman's face, Lin Jiang began to play her own notes on the stage.

As she said, as long as she is present, she can be completely immersed in the performance.

Gu Huai was silent for a moment, then spoke softly.

“I understand what you mean, and I know you must have had a lot of difficulties. Actually, it is a bit presumptuous for an outsider like me to talk about your family affairs. It's just that Lin Jiang was really sad before and put herself through a lot of hardship, so I said these things to you. I hope you don't mind.”

Jiang Dan smiled and shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Although I'm very curious why she's willing to say these things to you, maybe it's not so bad. Perhaps the fact that she can't tell me these things in person proves that I've failed in some things."

Gu Huai told her, "It's just because she loves you the way you love her."

Jiang Dan looked at Gu Huai with some surprise. Gu Huai smiled gently, "That's why she often chooses not to go against your opinions and silently bears the pressure. But the more she tries to please you, the worse she does. There's nothing we can do about it. Perhaps... it's not so bad to just let her live a natural, normal life like this? Perhaps she can do very well without your provocation?"

Jiang Dan's lips moved slightly, and finally...

"I will think about it."

a long time.

"Alright, all the contestants who participated in the semi-finals have finished their performances. Based on the scores given by the judges, the finalists for this Xinghai Cup competition will be determined. The top three who will advance are..."

"Wang Qu".

Gu Huai noticed that Jiang Dan's hand, which was resting on her lap, was clenched tightly around her phone.

"Qin Sheng".

She tried her best to appear normal, but she couldn't help biting her lip.

"And Lin Jiang, let's congratulate these three on advancing to the finals to be held in the provincial capital!"

"call."

It sounded like a long sigh.

Her hands slowly loosened, and her tense expression relaxed.

She wasn't so moved as to burst into tears, but at least at that moment, a mother's smile was genuine.

"I'm so nervous! When I heard the rankings just now, I almost thought I didn't make it!"

As she walked out of the concert hall, in front of her mother and Gu Huai, Lin Jiang's fair cheeks glowed with the color of cherry blossoms.

Her fists clenched tightly with excitement. Jiang Dan smiled and ruffled the girl's hair, "I didn't see you being that nervous when you were playing."

Lin Jiang stuck out her tongue sheepishly, "Hehe, I forgot I was nervous back then."

Actually, seeing Gu Huai and her mother sitting in the audience calmed her anxious heart unconsciously, as if by some magical force.

Jiang Dan nodded. "Very good. I told you that as long as you perform at your normal level, there will be no problem, and you did it."

"Uh-huh."

So what are your plans next?

Jiang Dan smiled and asked her daughter.

Lin Jiang was somewhat surprised, as it seemed that her mother rarely asked for her opinion. Instead, she would dictate what to do and what should be done, and then they would proceed according to her plan.

Given the chance, Lin Jiang couldn't help but steal a glance at the boy with the gentle smile.

"I still have time to go to school, so I'd like Brother Gu Huai to tutor me again."

Jiang Dan looked at the girl's gradually blushing cheeks and wanted to say, "Is this how you go to study?" But then she looked at Gu Huai again and walked up to him.

"Xiao Gu, I know you're different from many of your peers, and I'm sure you know your limits. So please take good care of Jiang Jiang."

The meaning is simple: you are sensible, you know what you should and shouldn't do.

Gu Huai, of course, had no other ulterior motives. He nodded and said, "Yes, Aunt Jiang, please rest assured."

"Okay, Jiang Jiang, this is for you."

Lin Jiang suddenly discovered that her mother had taken out several banknotes and stuffed them into her hands.

She panicked slightly, "Mom, you've already given me living expenses."

Jiang Dan smiled and said, "Take it. It's good for a girl to have a little extra money. After all, you can't go out and let a boy spend your money. Okay, Mom's going back now. Be careful."

"Okay, goodbye Mom."

"Take care, Aunt Jiang."

Watching this woman, no longer young but still seemingly strong, walk alone down the street, Gu Huai actually felt a little envious of Lin Jiang.

It's not that her mother truly couldn't understand her; she was just a little too eager in loving her and had chosen the wrong approach.

As for himself, he seemed to have absolutely no reason to console himself. The words that were spoken in other people's families just felt awkward when applied to himself.

"Um..." Lin Jiang hesitated, unsure what to say to Gu Huai. Should she thank him first, or ask him what he planned to do next? After all, there was still some time before she went back to school.
But to her surprise, Gu Huai looked at her and said with a slightly troubled expression.

"You just told Auntie you wanted me to help you with your studies, but I have other things to do and can't help you with your studies."

"Oh? Well, I was just kidding. It's nothing really. Gu Huai, go ahead and do what you need to do. I'll just go to school."

A sudden, unconcealable sense of loss welled up in her eyes.

Even the worst man wouldn't have the heart to bully a girl like this, right? Gu Huai thought.

Is it okay for you to go to school alone?

"It's really okay, I'm not a child anymore."

Her smile seemed forced, and the twirling of her fingers in front of her almost betrayed her true feelings.

"It really doesn't matter?"

"It's really okay, sob."

"You won't cry, will you?"

"I'm not a crybaby, I don't cry so easily!"

They were so angry they wanted to stomp their feet.

Gu Huai smiled and nodded, "Alright, it seems you really don't need me to keep you company. I'll go home and sleep."

"Huh? Go home and sleep, aren't you? Oh dear, you're teasing me again!"

Lin Jiang couldn't help but step forward and gently pat Gu Huai's arm twice, her movements very careful, as if she was afraid of hurting him. Only her aggrieved little expression represented her embarrassment and annoyance.

"Hahaha, but I really can't think of where to go if I don't go to school. Do you have a pig in your head?"

"A pig? More like a clue!"

"It sounds very playful to say that."

"No way, that would just make you seem uncultured. You shouldn't say 'pig,' you should say 'pig's head,' which sounds more like Brother Gu Huai."

"Huh? A personal attack!"

"Hehehe. Um... since Brother Gu Huai doesn't have any plans, how about we go to the arcade? I know a new arcade just opened near the mall."

"Hey, that must cost a lot of money, right?"

"It's okay, I have money."

Under Gu Huai's watchful gaze, Lin Jiang carefully took out the few large red banknotes that her mother had just handed her.

Gu Huai looked at the other person's slightly smug expression, whose eyes seemed to be shining.

He couldn't help but sigh.

"Little Jiang."