Quick Transmigration: The Mad Beauty Refuses to Be the Scapegoat!-Chapter 458: Cannon Fodder Stepsister Doesn’t Want to Die (15)

Chapter 458: Cannon Fodder Stepsister Doesn’t Want to Die (15)

Others have been studying for two generations, while the original owner only studied for a few years. Moreover, Jiang Lai doesn’t possess much artistic talent, so it’s impossible for her to make swift progress in a short time. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Sticking to the plan will only lead to further embarrassment.

Jiang Lai, however, paid no heed to him, absorbed in her own work.

Little Buding was anxious but to no avail, so he simply listened to the calm sound of Jiang Lai’s breathing to fall asleep.

The room was silent. Under the tall stack of papers, Jiang Lai was like a tireless traveler, passionately exploring the mysteries within math, physics, and chemistry.

Jiang Ci finished bathing and sat down at the computer as usual. As expected, Jiang Lai was still studying.

Her diligence stirred no disdain in him; on the contrary, he was somewhat influenced by it.

Perhaps unwittingly, Jiang Ci also took out a set of papers—the same ones spread out in front of Jiang Lai, all being the school’s mock exam papers from last month’s H City senior year math simulation exam, extremely difficult with a complexity surpassing the college entrance exam.

At the same time, he and Jiang Lai simultaneously began writing.

Time ticked by with the clock’s hands on the wall. An hour and a half later, Jiang Ci raised his head, checked the time, and then looked at Jiang Lai on the screen.

She was still calculating, the draft paper at her side with each problem outlined clearly and logically, so Jiang Ci could easily understand her problem-solving approach and fluency.

To his surprise, Jiang Lai was far more intelligent than he had imagined.

The entire paper took her a full two hours, yet her accuracy was remarkably high. As long as it was a basic problem, even with many traps, she didn’t make mistakes. For some advanced problems involving competition content, though Jiang Lai was unfamiliar, she still tried her best to think and calculate.

In the end, Jiang Ci glanced at her paper and estimated her score.

A sophomore art student tackling a senior mock exam with such difficulty scored an impressive 114 out of 150.

This score was significantly lower than his 147, but Jiang Ci was still amazed.

Because he understood Jiang Lai’s foundation, for her to review previous knowledge and advance to future content, then integrate and score so highly, was akin to building a skyscraper overnight in a month.

Jiang Ci felt a slight sense of crisis gnawing at him.

Jiang Lai’s persistence and diligence were far more unsettling to him than her constantly mocking her own weaknesses loudly.

Accompanying this sense of crisis was an unexpected mix of curiosity and excitement.

He wondered how far Jiang Lai could ultimately go.

With the rare combination of talent and diligence, could she possibly surpass him?

While pondering, Jiang Lai had already swiftly corrected her own work and began analyzing the mistakes.

She remained tireless late into the night.

Jiang Ci often did the same, easily losing track of time when focused on something, but unlike Jiang Lai, he couldn’t consistently sleep just four hours at night yet still remain full of energy the next day.

Luckily, with the arts festival causing freshman and sophomore classes to halt for two days for performances at the hall, Jiang Ci found a seat, put on headphones, and started sleeping, still pondering a question before dozing off.

Was Jiang Lai made of iron?

He heard she was performing today too, and this made Jiang Ci admire her.

The performance began, and the large hall was packed, equipped with advanced lighting and stage setups, rivaling professional stages.

Students attending this school largely came from affluent families, each possessing some notable skill, ensuring high-quality performances.

Before taking the stage, everyone was preparing backstage, and Qiao Chuwen glanced at the performance program list again, her gaze lingering on the slot for Jiang Lai’s performance.

Doubt crossed her eyes.

Jiang Lai’s performance piece changed, and it switched from a solo to a dance performance.

"Teacher, when was the last change to this list?"

The teacher handling all arrangements thought for a moment.

"Last night, because a student had an accident, the program was altered unexpectedly."

"An accident? How could something unexpected happen with such an important arts performance?"

The teacher was helpless.

"The student burnt their hand while cooking and had to change the program at the last minute, but that’s not your concern. Prepare as you’re up next."

Qiao Chuwen felt a bit regretful.

What was Jiang Lai thinking?

Wasn’t piano her pride? Why change at the crucial moment?

Did she retreat after learning Qiao Chuwen was also performing piano?

That would be quite disappointing, though it’s good she knows her limits, but without tasting failure, how can one learn from it?

The makeup artist finished styling her long hair and touched up her makeup.

Being the campus goddess, the moment Qiao Chuwen stepped onto the stage, applause thundered from below. Used to the adulation, she gracefully bowed and took her seat, as the solitary beam of light shone upon her, the beautiful melody flowed from her fingertips.

When asked about her piano skills, Qiao Chuwen always downplayed them.

"I learned a bit as a child, but I’ve mostly forgotten it now."

People knew she was humble, yet didn’t expect her humility to this degree. Such fast, fluent music couldn’t be played with just three to four years’ learning.

With the final piece finished, the atmosphere surged with cheers and applause, drowning out the host’s voice. Qiao Chuwen elegantly lifted her skirt and exited with applause following.

Before leaving, she noticed a middle-aged man in the audience, vested and wearing glasses.

Seeing him applauding, Qiao Chuwen felt a sense of satisfaction.

She wasn’t fond of accolades from the highest artistic temples, yet Jiang Lai surely didn’t deserve them.

Backstage, everyone celebrated her performance.

"Chu Wen really keeps her talents hidden! Not telling us about such superior piano skills."

Qiao Chuwen smiled and spoke softly.

"It’s just a minor trick. It’s not worth boasting about, especially since I’m not a professional. I’m afraid of getting laughed at if I did."

Her words quickly attracted agreement.

"Afraid we’ll laugh at your level?! Besides, yours is better than professional!"

"Ah you don’t understand, playing piano well is just one of Wen Wen’s many trivial skills, unlike some in the art classes who flaunt this to get into school and show off everywhere."

Liang Pei couldn’t help but glance at Jiang Lai sitting in a corner, purposely raising her voice as if worried she might miss it.

Qiao Chuwen patted her on the shoulder.

"Stop the flattery. When the professionals perform, you’ll be laughing at me."

"Professionals? Who are the professionals?"

Someone still unaware of the program list asked.

Liang Pei smiled.

"Soon you’ll see who the professionals are."