Second Sister Can Crit, While You're Just a Little Trash

"No, teacher, I really didn't..." Ren Yuege grew anxious.

The elderly woman on the phone chuckled. "You little monkey, do you think I don’t know you? Back when you lived with me, you were always finding ways to slack off. Now that you're on your own, you expect me to believe you’ve suddenly become diligent?"

"..."

There was no arguing with that.

But then again,

Who wasn’t mischievous as a kid?

Who actually enjoyed studying or practicing tedious fundamentals back then?

In any field—whether it’s soccer, basketball, table tennis, or even esports—drilling the basics is boring. None of it is fun.

But once you grow up, playing the piano isn’t just about fundamentals anymore—it becomes way more interesting.

Besides, after years of practice, she was used to it by now.

"Teacher, don’t listen to his nonsense. I really have been practicing," Ren Yuege said with an exasperated smile, unsure how else to explain herself.

The old woman laughed. "I know you’ve been practicing. But that little rascal isn’t entirely wrong—you do need someone to keep you in check. Do you know how much Lingling has improved lately?"

"Huh?" Ren Yuege was puzzled.

The teacher explained, "That little troublemaker may be as mischievous as you were back in the day, but his teaching skills are genuinely impressive. He’s only coached Lingling five or six times, and her progress has even shocked me."

"Really?"

"Do you think I’d lie to you? So, this is your opportunity. That little rascal is your brother, after all—most people wouldn’t have this kind of luck. Lingling is benefiting from your connection."

Suddenly, Lingling’s sweet voice chimed in from the background. "Thank you, Senior Sister Yuege!"

"..."

Ren Yuege smiled. "No need to be so polite!"

After a bit more chatter, the call finally ended.

Ren Yuege returned to the couch, narrowing her eyes at Cao Cheng. She didn’t speak—just stared at him in silence.

Trying to imitate Second Sister?

Not even close.

Second Sister would’ve thrown a punch by now, but you? You’re just a weakling.

Cao Cheng didn’t speak either. He slid a cup of tea toward her. "Drink."

Ren Yuege ignored the tea and said sternly, "Were you the one who snitched? Told the teacher I wasn’t practicing?"

"Indeed, it was I!" Cao Cheng puffed up with pride.

"..."

Seriously? You’re proud of being a snitch?

Ren Yuege was speechless.

Cao Cheng continued, "I can’t stand people cutting corners. You claim you’ve been practicing, but in two hours, I didn’t hear a single note. Of course I had to report it."

Ren Yuege scoffed in frustration. "I have soundproof walls!"

"Who knows how effective they are? All I know is I didn’t hear anything," Cao Cheng retorted with a shameless grin, deliberately provoking her.

Finally, he managed to stir up some irritation in her.

Perfect.

Just like old times.

"You’re dead."

"Hold off on the threats," Cao Cheng said, shaking his head. He pointed to a bamboo switch on the coffee table. "The teacher told me to discipline you properly. Go lie down."

"You wouldn’t dare." Ren Yuege bristled.

"Me? No. But I’m acting on the teacher’s behalf right now, so you can call me… Teacher Cao. You wouldn’t disobey your teacher, would you?" Cao Cheng glared.

"..."

Remembering what the teacher had just said, Ren Yuege hesitated for a few seconds.

Then, meekly, she muttered, "That thing hurts. Can we use something else?"

Cao Cheng raised his hand. "How about my palm?"

"..." Ren Yuege stammered, "Fine."

"Wait—are you trying to take advantage of me?" Cao Cheng yelped.

(▼ヘ▼#)

Who’s taking advantage of whom here?

Have you no shame?

Amid the banter, Cao Cheng didn’t actually hit her—but he had to put on a show. He lightly tapped her with the bamboo switch.

Through her jeans, it barely stung—just a faint tingle.

But Ren Yuege let out an exaggerated scream.

The maids were stunned.

Young Master is so bold!

None of the four young ladies in the household had ever been disciplined—well, except for the youngest when she was a kid. But even then, once she grew up, the punishments stopped.

Who knew the young master could be so fierce?

Definitely not someone to mess with.

Even lunch tasted better that day.

The cook put in 200% effort, as if afraid of displeasing the "young master."

Ren Yuege asked, "Are you really not planning to go out? Just staying home drinking tea all day?"

"Most likely. After the New Year, I’ll be swamped. Right now, I’m just recharging," Cao Cheng replied.

It was true.

After the holidays, he’d need to set up his company, hire a professional manager, and get everything in order.

So he’d be busy soon enough.

Ren Yuege had no idea about his plans, assuming he’d just go back to playing chess in the square after the New Year.

She sighed inwardly at her brother’s laziness.

He was great in every other way—just too idle.

……

……

In the blink of an eye, a week passed, bringing them closer to the New Year.

Cao Cheng had hoped to slack off, but circumstances didn’t allow it.

Aunt Ren came knocking, personally dragging him to two banquets, seemingly intent on introducing him to all her business associates.

Soon, word spread in the circle: Zhonghai’s formidable businesswoman Ren Qingqing had gained a son.

And she doted on him fiercely.

From the moment they arrived until the end of each event, Ren Qingqing kept her attention fixed on him, as if worried he might be slighted.

She barely left his side.

It wasn’t just the banquets.

In the days leading up to the New Year, she took Cao Cheng along to deliver gifts—to close partners, bankers, and even higher-ups.

Within just a week, Cao Cheng had unofficially earned the title of the Ren family’s heir.

This reputation was entirely thanks to Aunt Ren, who seemed determined to pave the way for him, building connections and networks.

Few mothers would go to such lengths.

Even a birth mother couldn’t have done more.

Young Master Cao could feel the sincerity behind her actions.

And he was grateful.

With this kind of endorsement, he was gradually integrated into a small but influential circle—giving him an edge in future investments.

Aunt Ren’s efforts also made it impossible for him to slack off. He dutifully accompanied her to every engagement.

Occasionally, the eldest sister would join them.

With both her son and daughter by her side, Aunt Ren smiled more than ever before.

This week also led Cao Cheng to a small decision.

When the storm came in the future, he’d do what he could to help Aunt Ren—at least by preparing in advance.

Whether she listened or not would be up to her.

All he could do was repay kindness with kindness.

That was also why he never deliberately provoked Aunt Ren.

He wasn’t actually a troublemaker.

Take his grandmother, for example—he never went out of his way to annoy her, because she treated him well too.

Back in Sanjiang, aside from Aunt Wang, who else had he ever picked a fight with?

And even that was only because Aunt Wang had provoked him first.

A true gentleman.

Never starts trouble, but never backs down from it either.

……

After a week of making the rounds, the visits finally stopped.

Now, it was time for others to come to them.

Like today.

The Wang family arrived.