Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten-Chapter 99: The Eternal Gap Between Lin Zhengran and Me

A new week began, and nothing particularly special happened—except for a small charity fundraiser organized by the school on Wednesday.

After Jiang Qian made her donation, the homeroom teacher was both shocked by the amount she contributed and curious about something. After class, the teacher called her aside to ask a question.

Lin Zhengran happened to be passing by and overheard.

“Jiang Qian, are you sure you want to personally donate two pianos to our school?”

Jiang Qian remained expressionless. “Yes, I’m sure. I just hope that after donating, the school will allow me to occasionally use them to practice in my free time.”

The teacher sighed, thinking how children from wealthy families really did things differently. Smiling, she said,

“I’ll report this to the administration. We haven’t had many cases like this before, but I don’t think a small request like yours will be a problem. No matter what, I want to thank you on behalf of the school for your contribution. And about your donation to the underprivileged areas just now—you alone donated more than several entire classes combined. Thank you.”

Jiang Qian simply replied, “No need to thank me, teacher. I’m just doing my part.”

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Few people truly understood the second Miss Jiang’s motives. Only Fang Meng realized the real reason behind Jiang Qian’s donations when she heard about them after class.

Jiang Qian wasn’t the type to suffer losses, nor would she waste her family’s resources carelessly. Everything she did had a purpose.

For example, donating pianos wasn’t just an act of generosity. First, it allowed her to practice whenever she wanted. Second, it ensured that even if she made minor mistakes or had special requests in the future, the school would be more lenient with her—after all, this was just the beginning.

There would be many more charity events over the next three years, and Jiang Qian would undoubtedly contribute a lot to this high school.

As for the monetary donation, that was something she had to do. Her name didn’t just represent herself;it represented the future successor of the Jiang family.

Donating a large amount wouldn’t necessarily win her praise, but if the second Miss Jiang refused to donate at all, it would certainly leave a bad impression. And considering that this money was nothing more than a drop in the ocean for her, there was no reason to be stingy.

On Thursday afternoon after school, the teacher called Jiang Qian aside and handed her the key to the school’s newly opened piano room.

“This is the key to the piano room. The director said that from now on, you can use it freely on weekends or during your free time.”

Jiang Qian accepted the key with a smile. “Thank you, teacher.”

At that moment, Lin Zhengran was about to head to the cafeteria for dinner when Jiang Qian walked up to him.

“Class president, meet me in the piano room tomorrow after lunch. I have something for you.”

Without waiting for a reply, she turned and left, leaving Lin Zhengran staring after her.

[A month ago, while traveling, you received a handwritten letter from your family. It revealed that hundreds of years ago, the Lin family patriarch was a close friend of the current imperial family. Recently, a meeting between the Lin family and the royal envoy brought up an old engagement contract between you and the imperial princess.]

[The envoy mentioned that the princess was also traveling in the northern regions. If fate allowed it, you should meet her and inform her of the engagement.]

[A few days later, while traveling, you indeed encountered the princess. She had an icy demeanor and unparalleled talent, yet she seemed completely unaware that you were her betrothed.]

[However, even without knowing about the engagement, after several battles and encounters, the princess became deeply interested in you.]

[Today, she has invited you to meet her at the Myoyin Temple at noon tomorrow, saying she has a treasure to give you.]

[You do not know what this treasure is, but going might grant you an unknown opportunity. Not going is also a choice.]

After listening to the system’s narration, Lin Zhengran chuckled and continued walking to the cafeteria.

Since it was a potential opportunity, there was no reason to refuse.

But in the system’s eyes, Jiang Qian was really the imperial princess… No wonder her older sister, Jiang Jingshi, was described as the Empress of the Imperial City.

That night, Jiang Qian and Fang Meng took a car home.

Jiang Qian had piano lessons twice a week, with two highly professional tutors personally guiding her practice.

In the grand piano room of her family’s villa, Fang Meng sliced some fruit, brewed hot tea, and brought them in.

Jiang Qian’s playing was elegant and refined, her fingers dancing rhythmically across the keys.

The two tutors applauded. “Excellent, Second Miss! Your piano skills have improved significantly. This piece is incredibly difficult—playing it flawlessly is nearly impossible without extraordinary talent.”

Jiang Qian listened to their praise but remained expressionless, her gaze fixed on the piano.

She was once again reminded of the scene when Lin Zhengran had practiced that day.

The difference in skill between them wasn’t just a gap—it was an entirely different level.

Fang Meng, ever perceptive, noticed the subtle change in Jiang Qian’s expression. She set the fruit plate and tea aside.

“Qianqian, take a break and have some tea.”

The tutors also expressed their thanks.

Then, out of nowhere, Jiang Qian suddenly said, “I want to start practicing Observing Snow now, instead of waiting until next year.”

Both tutors were taken aback.

“Observing Snow?”

Observing Snow was a notoriously difficult piece often performed at music festivals. Its melody rose and fell dramatically, with extreme shifts in tone that made it infamous. Only pianists with exceptionally steady foundations could hope to play it smoothly.

As soon as Jiang Qian spoke, Fang Meng immediately retrieved the sheet music and placed it on the piano.

Jiang Qian’s fingers moved gracefully. The opening was manageable—her years of training ensured she played it smoothly.

But at the first climax, she began making mistakes.

By the second climax, where the melody required a drastic shift, she completely lost control.

She stopped playing.

Even so, the tutors still applauded.

“Second Miss, that was incredible! This piece is extremely difficult. The fact that you could play this much on your first attempt is already remarkable. With more practice, you’ll definitely improve.”

Jiang Qian restarted from the beginning, but the same mistakes occurred.

Piano playing wasn’t about luck—you either had the skill, or you didn’t.

The tutors approached to offer their guidance. Jiang Qian listened carefully but frowned slightly.

She wasn’t shocked by their words.

She was shocked by Lin Zhengran.

What these two tutors explained made sense, but it wasn’t the same as what Lin Zhengran had told her that day.

Back then, she had a distinct feeling that his teaching was… clearer.

Jiang Qian’s curiosity about Lin Zhengran’s skill deepened.

Could he actually be better than these two instructors, who had spent over thirty years in the industry?

She stood up. “Please play it for me—I’d like to hear it first.”

The tutors smiled and nodded. “Of course. We’ll demonstrate it for you.”

Jiang Qian watched as one of the tutors sat gracefully at the piano.

On his first attempt, he made mistakes.

His second attempt was smoother.

But even when he successfully played the piece, Jiang Qian’s frown deepened.

She was certain these two tutors were better than her.

But…

They were probably not as good as Lin Zhengran.