Brightwood Academy Secrets

Chapter 1

“Hey? I've arrived, don't worry, everything's fine.”

After hanging up, the young man pressed down on his suitcase with one hand while fiddling with his earring with the other. “So this is Brightwood Academy? Looks pretty big. Wonder if they have what I’m looking for inside...”

Watching the stream of boys in uniform pass by, Nina West let out a sigh. She would be living among these guys for a while now; she wasn’t sure if she'd ever get used to it.

Suddenly, a basketball came flying at her from the side. Nina ducked instinctively, twisting just in time to catch the ball with her hand.

“Hey, can I have that back?”

Looking up, she was greeted by a sunny smile from a boy standing in front of her, with a group of girls shrieking behind him... girls?

“Isn’t this a boys’ school?” Nina asked.

The boy wiped the sweat from his forehead with his jersey. “Yeah, so?”

Nina silently took in his exposed abs, instinctively tightening her shirt.

The boy followed her gaze to the girls behind him and suddenly realized, “Oh, you mean them! They’re here to watch the basketball game. Want to join?”

Nina licked her lips and tossed the ball back to him. “No, thanks.”

He seemed to be waiting for her to ask his name, growing impatient. Finally, he introduced himself, “You’re new here, right? I’m Ethan Lee.”

Nina glanced around before settling her gaze on his outstretched hand. “Hmm.”

Ethan’s hand just hung there awkwardly, his smile fading slightly as Nina offered no response.

“Ethan, are you coming back or what? We’re waiting!” someone called from the sideline.

“Gotta go!” Ethan exclaimed, turning away but stealing one last glance at Nina before jogging off.

Nina didn’t mind his abrupt departure; in fact, with her lack of direction, she was more focused on finding the registration office, locating her dorm, and figuring out how to navigate this enormous campus.

After wandering aimlessly for a while, she settled onto a bench under a tree.

She pulled out her cellphone to send a message:  

“Uncle Charlie, do you have a map of this school?”  

Almost instantly, he replied, “My bad, I forgot to send it. I’ll send it now.”  

“Okay.”

As she sat quietly, sunlight filtered through the leaves onto her face, casting a beautiful glow that made her appear serene and captivating.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of her.

“Hey!”

Nina looked up at a bright-eyed girl in front of her. “... Hi.”

The girl didn’t seem ready to leave, so Nina gestured to the seat next to her. “Want to sit?”

“No, it’s fine,” the girl said, leaning down to poke at Nina’s cheek. “You’re the new student, right? I haven’t seen you around before.”

Nina edged away, frowning slightly at the touch. “Yeah.”

“You don’t talk much, do you?” The girl tilted her head, seeming genuinely curious. “Shouldn’t you be asking who I am? It’s a bit weird for a girl to be in a boys’ school, you know?”

Nina stared at the school map on her phone, responding indifferently. “There are girls on the playground too.”
“Your words are few…”

“I don't say pointless things.”

The girl paused, but instead of being offended, she nodded in understanding. “That’s true. Talking rubbish isn’t useful… but not saying anything can be boring, right?”

Nina grabbed her suitcase, preparing to leave. “... I gotta go.”

“Hey, wait! You’re heading to the registration office, right?”

“No, it’s okay. I can do it alone.”

Nina brushed past her, pulling her suitcase behind her.

After picking up her uniform at the registration office, she stepped outside only to be stopped by someone.

“Hey! Fancy meeting you again!”

Nina took a step back, feeling uncomfortable with people so close. She simply replied coolly.

Then her phone buzzed. It was Uncle Charlie.

“Hey? What’s up?”

“Nina, remember, don’t get into any trouble at the new school. And you really need to change that stone-cold expression of yours, it won’t do!…”

Nina listened expressionlessly as he rambled, waiting for him to finish. “Got it.”

“Make sure to smile! Come on, give me a smile!”

“I smiled, ha ha…” She forced a rather feeble chuckle before hanging up, letting out a sigh of relief.

Only then did she realize someone was still standing next to her.

That person was staring at her as if he was questioning her sanity.

Nina tried to sidestep him, but he grabbed her arm. “You alright? You look like a statue.”

The forced laughter and her expression… it was a puzzling sight.

Nina didn’t want to respond. She shook off his hand and turned to leave, only to bump into another person and retreat.

Ethan’s arm draped over her shoulder. “What’s wrong? Thought you were leaving.”

Nina stood still, watching an old man enter the Principal’s Office…

Grandpa… why is he here? Does he already know?

She checked her phone, noticing multiple messages popping up. Furrowing her brow, she opened a voice message. “Uncle Charlie, why is Grandpa here?”

Uncle Charlie? Ethan’s eyes flicked towards the screen but were caught by Nina, who quickly turned her phone away. “Hey, not cool.”

Ethan grinned. “I gotta run! Bye! Who knows, we might be in the same class!”

“Hey? Nina, your grandpa has some information! He’s probably inside talking to your principal right now! You might miss class today, maybe even have to go back home....”

“Home? Good, maybe it’s time to clear the air.”

“Are you sure you can handle this? If not, I'm here to back you up…”

“No need, Uncle Charlie. Take care of yourself abroad, I’ll handle things at home.”

“Okay, but if things get tangled, don't be shy about asking the Lee family for help.”

“Thanks, Uncle.”

“Just don’t argue with your grandpa when he’s scolding you. He’s getting on, don’t stress him out.”

“I know my limits.” Nina’s gaze was fixed on the partially open office door.

That man had always cared for her; how could she bear to upset him?

Hanging up, she marched to the Principal’s Office and knocked on the door. “Principal?”
Inside, an older man was resting his eyes, gripping a cane adorned with patterns resembling plum blossoms.

Upon hearing Nina’s voice, he slammed the cane against the floor, voice booming, “Kneel down!”

Even with his eyes closed, his authoritative tone was impossible to defy; even the Principal flinched.

Nina’s heart raced at seeing the old man’s aged face. She moved her lips, obediently kneeling as she softly addressed him, “Grandpa…”

The Principal looked concerned as he observed Nina on the ground. “Elder West, this really isn’t appropriate in school…”

“Stay kneeling!” The elder opened his eyes, scolding fiercely, “How many times do I have to tell you? You should stay abroad! Why did you come back? Do you want more chaos? You have no idea what kind of people you’re dealing with, do you? How much more hardship do you need to learn your lesson?!”

His passion overwhelmed him, resulting in a fit of coughs. Nina glanced at him, quickly rising to soothe his back, then hurried to fetch a cup of warm water.

The elder shoved the cup from her hand, shouting, “Kneel! Who told you to stand?!”

Nina hastily resumed her position at his feet. “Okay, okay, I’m kneeling. Just don’t get angry, alright? Your health isn’t good, you must stay calm…”

The Principal noticed the burn on her hands and handed her a piece of Wet Wipes. “Put this on your hand…”

To Nina, it felt like she was detached from the pain as she knelt by the elder's side, gently patting his back.

Realizing what she had done, the elder sighed helplessly, “You… sigh… take this, don’t let the Principal hold it.”

Chapter 2

Nina West has just picked up Wet Wipes, and somewhat absentmindedly wipes the sweat off Elder West's forehead.

Elder West sighed softly and stroked Nina's head, "Nina, didn't he say anything? He'll look into that matter for me. I stayed abroad well, they don't dare to do anything to me! Once I came back ...... ugh~"

"Grandpa......" Nina said softly, kneeling on the ground, "he was not going to hide away, just beg him to investigate that matter, he will go himself, after all . . that was his mission, too ......"

"But those old guys of theirs are so restless.Grandpa I'm old, shutting up won't help, and with my Uncle Charlie out of the picture, they're sure to take advantage of the situation to bring me up!"

"No they won't, Grandpa," Nina took hold of his leg and looked up at him, "He's Head of the Family now."

Elder West looked down at the silver ring on her leg, "I ...... my Uncle Charlie he ......"

By this time Principal had long since walked out the door, which is why they dared to talk so boldly.

"Grandpa, he's going to make a trip home tomorrow, so it would be a lot of trouble for you ...... to round them up, would you?"

"Good granddaughter, ok, Grandpa all listen to you, later I will walk beside you!"

"Uh-huh......"

Elder West asked someone to contact the others in the family, Nina also took this time to prepare a meal for Elder West, "Grandpa, you don't need to eat those dishes on the table later, they are all greasy, not good for the stomach."

Elder West looked at Nina's cool face, and sighed.

This child also suffered a lot, while other children in Lucas carefree smile, but she has long learned how to deal with those old fox.

At lunchtime, Nina changed her clothes and stood at the school gate with Elder West in tow, waiting for the driver to pick them up.

At the same time, Ethan Lee, who had changed his clothes, came out and was shocked to see Nina's back, and then ducked away.

Why is she with Elder West?

--Elder West?

Nina helps Elder West to his place in the center of the table, and steps to the side herself.

Looking at the dozen or so guests in front of her, and the one empty seat, "How come there's only so many?"

"There's going to be a Lee family young master, young master, why on earth did you call them here?"

Nina lazily lifted her eyelids, "Lord Thompson, don't be in a hurry, the people haven't arrived yet."

Watching Lord Thompson being blocked by Nina's words, Lord Forrest continued, "Young master, doesn't he understand? My little tricks are useless to them!"

"Old men? Not the same old fox?" Nina slowly opened a glass of red wine, and poured herself a glass, "Several shopkeepers, you all have a lot of Family Shares in your hands, don't you?"

"Young master, listening to your words, do you want to go back? They've been here for generations, it's not right for them to come to you and ask for their lives back."

"Go back?" Nina suddenly laughed, "He doesn't care about our small amount of money."

Ethan Lee just came in and froze for a moment when he saw the smile on Nina's face, she looks so nice when she smiles......

Looking at Ethan Lee, Nina didn't seem to be too surprised, she just lightly said, "What brings Young Master Lee here?"

Lord Thompson slapped the table and stood up, "Lee's family was a notary public back then, surely we can't be missing!"

"Third Master, what's the hurry? Sit down."

Nina slowly stood up, poured Ethan Lee a glass of red wine, "Young Master Lee, tomorrow is a family matter, so please stay out of it."

"A family matter? When is it my turn to be in charge?Where's Uncle Charlie?"

Watching Lord Thompson slapping the table and getting angry, Nina had some headaches, "Third Master, can't you just shut up?"

"Nina, I'm the eldest son, when it comes to family matters, the head of the family has to speak, it's not my turn to be the son!"

"Head of the family?" Nina glanced at him, rolled up her sleeves, "Then I can see clearly, now he is the head of the family."

Looking at the red shaking silver ring on her leg, Lord Thompson took a step back, "How can that be! How could Old Seven be so reckless! There must be at least some deliberation!"

Nina moves closer to him, condescendingly looking at him, "Third Master, I ask now, is he qualified?"

Chapter 3

The oldest falls straight back into his chair, silent. Looking at Nina West as she pressed on, Forrest spoke up at the right time, "Well, Young Master Lee, he's just straight."

"Straight? So you can't recognize me as the head of the family? That's a clear sign of disdain for my abilities, Lord Forrest......"

"How could that be? We've watched you grow up since you were little, don't we know your character well?"

Listening to these words, Ethan Lee raised his eyes, wanting to see how Nina West would answer......

Nina West nodded her head, "Yes, you all have watched me grow up, you should know my style of doing things, right?"

Forrest stiffened for a moment, feeling that the situation was not good ......

"I can't stand to hear people say bad things about me ...... How about this, Thompson, you don't want the ones you're holding, do you? It's just as well I'm trying to get some money to play with."

Said, Nina West waved her hand, next to the people immediately over: "Go, Thompson's name under the several companies and land are categorized to me."

"Yes."

After that person left, Thompson's eyes were red, and he seemed to be about to break down, "Who do you think you are? You are not qualified!"

"She does." Ethan Lee stood up, his voice firm, "She's the head of the family, she can set aside all the properties in your name without any conditions."

"You... you..." Thompson pointed at Nina West, his hands still shaking, the whole man seemed about to collapse. "Elder West, you really don't care? Watching her do so much evil?!"

Elder West closed his eyes, and said calmly, " She's the head of the family now, she's in charge."

Before, Nina West has already discussed with him ......

--

Nina West, while serving Elder West, said, "Grandpa, that's what I'm gonna make an example of."

Elder West sips his porridge, eyes not raised. "Who?"

"Sango."

"Take Thompson?"

"Grandpa, take it easy." Nina West sat down next to him, "I know Thompson is your brother, but he's been, lately, really cocky, ever since Uncle Charlie left the country. At first he encouraged the others to make Uncle Charlie the head of the house, an outsider, which means he's been planning to push him out for a long time. Now that Uncle Charlie has given me the position of the head of the family, why should he keep a big trouble in his heart? Thompson and Forrest have always been close, but Forrest is not watertight, so we can't find out what's wrong with him yet, we can only use Thompson to keep him quiet for a period of time... ...Don't worry, his future days won't be worse than now."

"OK, you have your way, Grandpa I won't get involved ......"

"Uh-huh."

--

"Gentlemen, I'm here today, to say one more thing." Nina West put down the wine glass in her hand, her slender fingers gently crossed her cheeks, "I know what you all think in your hearts, when I figure out this matter, I will naturally deal with it. But the thought that the position of the head of the family will be vacant after I leave, so it still has to be ...... understood by all of you, right?"

The rest of the people all secretly clenched their hands, their hearts hope that their children can climb to a high position. But in the West family, as long as climbed to the position of the family head, that is equal to have everything ......

Sitting on the side of the Ethan Lee looked at them, and then look at Nina West, where will she go? Where will she go? After she leaves, she won't come back?

Of course, the Lee family as a notary public, to the West family share holders as witnesses, so the West family everything in the Lee family is transparent, just ...... what they say, really like a mystery ......

"Ethan Young Master, I'm sorry for making you come all the way here for nothing."

Hearing himself suddenly named, Ethan Lee narrowed his eyes at her.

"It's really just some small personal matters today, and they even called you over for the trouble, to apologize."

Nina West put one hand in front of her waist and carried the other behind her back in a full gentleman's salute.

"It's fine, after all we are also alumni, apologies and bows are dispensed with!" Ethan Lee grabbed Nina West's shoulder, "I'll leave now! Bye!"

"Uh-huh."

Ethan Lee walks out, leans against the wall, and pulls a carton of cigarettes and a lighter out of his coat pocket.

He slowly lights it, exhales a smoke ring, and then plays with it with his fingers. ......

"Childish."

Ethan Lee inclined his head, looking to the person next to him, "What do you care?"

Chapter 4

The next day, Nina West walked towards Brightwood Academy. She was carrying her backpack, thinking about exercise, and after walking for some time ......

"Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing? What kind of place is this?"

Nina looked at her surroundings with a confused face, took off her headphones, pulled out her cell phone to check the map, only to have a hand quickly snatch it away.

She looked up, and saw the girl in front of her ...... Her face was heavily painted with smoky makeup, her body reeked of pungent perfume, and her hair was blue ...... But the school uniform indicated that she was also a student.

"Are you the freshman at Brightwood?" The girl raised an eyebrow, holding up Nina's cell phone.

"Uh-huh." Nina frowned, staring at the phone in her hand in displeasure.

"Great, now you're my boyfriend!" The girl was full of smugness.

"...... Huh?" Nina bet, this was definitely the first time she felt so shocked.

Not wanting to dwell on it, and thinking she couldn't be late, she tried to retrieve her cell phone, only to have the other girl dodge out of the way.

"I'll give you your phone back only if you promise me later." The girl's hand was hidden behind her back.

Nina glanced at her, and said in a smug way, "Okay, if you take off your makeup first, I'll say yes."

She thought to herself, this kind of girl usually doesn't take off her makeup easily, so maybe she would back off. But to her surprise, the girl didn't hesitate and agreed immediately.

"Really?" She excitedly glanced towards Nina, and then took out makeup remover and cotton from her bag, and started to remove her makeup on the spot.

Nina didn't have the patience to wait for her, she took her cell phone and wanted to leave, but she was blocked again.

"I'll be waiting for you in front of your school this afternoon!" The girl said with a smile on her face, her hand reaching into the pocket of her school uniform.

Nina did not respond, walked away, thinking that it is useless to look at the map, turned around and still can not find the way ......

She crouched helplessly on the sidewalk, looking at the people coming and going, but one of them is not from her school......

"I knew you would get lost." A familiar voice rang out.

Nina looked up and met Principal.

"Come on, Elder West was worried about you, and called me especially."

"Thank you." Nina bowed her head slightly, and got into Principal's car, clutching her book bag tightly in her arms, so quiet that she barely spoke along the way.

When she arrived at school, morning study was over, Nina was reading silently in her seat, Ethan Lee came over, "Didn't I say, we will be in the same class?"

Nina glanced at him and lowered her head again, "Uh-huh."

Ethan pulled the chair next to her and sat down, "So cold? Don't you remember me?"

"Classmate, do you have a tissue? Can you lend me some? My nose is about to fall down!" Nina said, reaching into the pocket of her school uniform, "Yes, I'll get it for you ......"

The students in the classroom all looked at the square bag between Nina's fingers in silence, their eyes locking onto her hand ......

The worst thing was that the bag was transparent and showed a red color inside ......

Nina took a deep breath and hurriedly took it back, "...... Sorry, wrong bag."

Ethan also stunned, froze for a moment before reacting, "Nina, you were acting so serious yesterday, you're really hiding something ......"

"...... Go away." Nina said in a low voice, her hand clutched the bag tightly, her heart was a mess, these people really have no scruples! They actually put this kind of thing into her clothes pocket!

Ethan returned to his seat, saw Nina's cold side face, a hint of caution and deep curiosity gradually appeared in his eyes.

"Yesterday's things, I can not find out any clues, exactly what is ......" his heart more and more curious, continue to stare at Nina's face, hand unconsciously reached into the pocket ready to pull out the cigarettes. As soon as he took out, he was pinched by Nina's hand.

"Sorry, please don't smoke in the classroom." Nina's voice was cold.

Ethan hopelessly flattened the cigarette case in his hand and threw it into the trash can, "Nina, what's going on with your West family?"

Nina turned around, disdainfully returned, "What's the matter of West family, is it necessary for Lee family to know?Young Master Lee, don't be too curious, curiosity killed the cat."

Ethan stood up fiercely, grabbed her wrist and pressed her to the table, his eyes became cold and horrible, "You're the first one who dares to talk to me like that."

Nina responded coldly and without fear, "Is that so? Then I'm honored."

At this moment, Ethan's hand is slightly stronger, very different from the gentle and sunny man of yesterday, "Is it fun to pretend?"

"Not as much as you."

Chapter 5

Ethan Lee wanted to say something else, but the bell had already rung, so he had to stop. He watched Nina West slowly and methodically organize her clothes, like a machine without feelings, and her palms were as cold as ice.

Suddenly, Ethan Lee seemed to think of something, and suddenly looked at Nina, his heart shook, damn, is she really a robot? Then, he started to stare at her for the whole class.

The more he looked at her, the more he realized that she did look like a robot! The more he looked at her, the more he realized that she did look like a robot! In such a boring English class, she was actually able to listen quietly! What kind of robot is that?

Feeling the strong line of sight from her left, Nina faintly turned around and stared at Ethan Lee, thinking to herself, "Is this Lee's young master a fool? Why is he looking at her instead of the teacher?

After school, Nina packed her bag, she had planned not to stay overnight today, but she ran into that girl as soon as she left the house. ......

"Dear!"

Everyone's eyes instantly focused on Nina.

She had a girlfriend? How could she have a girlfriend in such a short period of time? I've been at Brightwood Academy for so long, and I can't believe I haven't even gotten a confession......

Ethan Lee stopped in his tracks as well, watching Nina walk towards her. That girl also seemed to be a West family member, between them ......emmm...... messed up L?

The heart was once again shocked, feeling a little heartbroken.

"Young master, young master?" Butler Lee shouted from the side, "Madam came back today and asked me to take you back."

Ethan Lee came back to his senses, threw his school bag into the car, "I know ...... my mom has already called me numerous times today, if I don't go back, she'll have to kill me at school ah?"

Back home, there was an elegant and beautiful lady sitting on the couch, Ethan Lee straightened his collar a little, "Mrs. Lee, where's my dad?"

"Your dad said, he'll be back in a few days." Irene turned her head, her pretty eyes blinking, "Baby, did you miss mommy?"

"No."

Irene aggrieved pouting, that look looks exceptionally pitiful, "Ah ...... oh."

"What's the matter with coming back?"

"Of course!" Irene sat down next to Ethan Lee, her arm around her, "You Uncle Charlie called me!"

"Your breathtakingly delicate-looking First Love?"

"Hush ......" the beauty's finger to her mouth, seriously, "Can't let your father, the jealous one, hear you! And, son, you have to believe mom, he and I are definitely just friends!"

"...... Can I take this as a no-brainer?"

"Uncle Charlie wants us to help the West family's youngest son, you know, after all, he's already asked, I can't say no ...... but I don't dare to tell your father, so, sweetie, help mommy for once, okay? Please, please, please."

Unable to stand his mom's pampering, Ethan Lee nodded helplessly. "Okay, okay, I promise, okay?"

"Really? Bring her over for dinner some day."

Ethan Lee pulled back his arm, "...... Mom, tell me the truth, what do you want?"

"I ...... just want to see if this baby is handsome, to see if it can make a pair with you ......"

For having such a corrupt mom, Ye students already feel powerless, "...... I can't possibly bend."

Irene also looks pitiful, shaking Ethan Lee's arm, "Can't you let me succeed once? Your dad has already failed ...... and got myself hitched ......"

"...... Kissing mom."

Then, she got up and went upstairs.

Irene stood on the couch and shouted upstairs, "I'll take that as a yes! I'll take that as a yes! You guys are on vacation tomorrow!"

"...... got it!"

--

"What are you doing here?"

Nina, carrying her backpack, walks alongside her on the sidewalk.

"I came to see my girlfriend!"

Nina asked her, "What's your name?"

"I'm Ella West."

Ella West.Nina stops walking and looks at her with a smile on her face, "And you know, what's my name?"

"Yes, your name is Nina West! We both have the same last name, but in Mansion City, except for the West family, there are very few people with the last name West, right? But I haven't seen you in the West family ......"

Nina had been sent abroad at the age of five, and hadn't come back since. As the third youngest daughter of the Forrest family, it was understandable that she didn't know she existed, but ...... maybe she could dig out some secrets from her mouth that could strike a blow against the Forrest family... ...

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