Chapter 36

After the meal, Liu Jingzhi had originally intended to return home, but Jin Xiuzhu deliberately mentioned that they would be leaving the day after next, encouraging her to stay a bit longer. Liu Jingzhi found it hard to refuse.

This extended stay carried on until dinner time. There had been so much food at noon that it hadn't all been eaten, and around four in the afternoon, Jiang Mingchuan reheated the leftovers. Liu Jingzhi didn't leave until she finished eating dinner. Even though it was just leftovers, she enjoyed the meal, albeit slowly.

She was reluctant to part from her aunt and uncle's family, even knowing that her mother and sister might be unhappy with her for staying out late. She still wanted to linger here a little longer.

The sky outside was getting dark. It was past four-thirty when they finished dinner, and Jin Xiuzhu said kindly, "We'll escort you back later. Your parents won't say anything. You're such a good and sensible girl, and we're family. If they scold you, that would be unreasonable."

These words provided some comfort to Liu Jingzhi, reminding herself that she hadn't been wandering aimlessly but had come to visit her aunt and uncle, and her mother had agreed to it in the morning.

Once Jiang Mingchuan had finished washing the dishes, the family of four accompanied Liu Jingzhi home. Midway through their journey, Jin Xiuzhu suddenly took off her watch and placed it on Liu Jingzhi's wrist. Liu Jingzhi noticed this and jumped in surprise, quickly shaking her head. "No, no, Cousin, I don't want this."

Jin Xiuzhu held her hand firmly. "Don't refuse yet. I thought about how you're in school and might not always know the time. Having a watch will make things more convenient, so you don't get too engrossed in your studies and forget to eat or sleep on time. I can buy another one when we get back; they're cheaper in the countryside."

Liu Jingzhi shook her head vigorously. "I'm usually with my classmates, so I won't forget to eat. This is too valuable. You should keep it. I really don't need it."

Jin Xiuzhu gave her a gentle scolding. "I'm giving this to you because I genuinely like you. Have I given it to anyone else? By making full use of this watch, you're giving it the best possible home. What does value matter? No matter how expensive something is, it can never compare to the importance of people."

Unable to argue with Jin Xiuzhu, Liu Jingzhi still dared not accept such a valuable gift.

They had already bought her many clothes the previous day, spending quite a bit of money.

The two children chimed in, "Sister, just take it. Mom really likes you."

Even the little girl added, "Dad has money."

Under the persuasion of the family of four, Liu Jingzhi accepted the watch as Jin Xiuzhu placed it on her wrist. The watch was delicate and elegant, standing out prominently against her fair skin.

She truly liked it. Earlier, she had lied to her cousin; she didn't have any friends. Most of her classmates were recommended from rural areas, with favorable backgrounds. Upon learning that she was from the city, they had intentionally isolated her, refusing to play with her. Sometimes, when she returned late, the dormitory door would be shut, and no matter how much she knocked, it wouldn't open.

And yet, her allowance was less than theirs.

Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan escorted her down to the building entrance. Liu Jingzhi declined further assistance, not wanting them to go up and explain to her parents. She was old enough to handle this on her own without needing help with such matters.

Before leaving, she asked, "Uncle and Aunt, what time are you leaving tomorrow? I'll come to see you off."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "Around three or four in the afternoon. You can still come over for a meal with us."

Hearing that she could see them again tomorrow, Liu Jingzhi's face lit up with joy. "Okay, I'll definitely come over."

She waved her right hand, while the other held the package of pastries made by Jin Xiuzhu, which she planned to bring home for her parents and sister to enjoy.

As she approached the stairs, she turned back to look. Seeing that the family of four was still there, she waved again hastily.

Jin Xiuzhu also raised her hand to wave before turning away with Jiang Mingchuan and the children.

After taking a few steps, she asked, "Are we going to talk about it tomorrow?"

Jiang Mingchuan nodded. "We have to."

He wasn't foolish; he knew that Jin Xiuzhu had been helping him. Jin Xiuzhu's gift of the watch to his sister would undoubtedly be discovered upon their return. Even if it wasn't, based on his sister's character, she would likely tell her adoptive parents about it. An argument tonight was inevitable, or at the very least, a rift would form.

If they discussed the matter tomorrow, the couple would likely be prepared, perhaps even making exorbitant demands. In that case, resolving the issue would become easier.

Jin Xiuzhu stated directly, "Regardless of any unreasonable requests those two make tomorrow, agree to everything."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mingchuan and the two children looked at her in surprise.

Jin Xiuzhu explained considerately, "Your sister is a living, breathing person. If we haggle over terms, she'll be caught in the middle, making things difficult for her. Let's agree first and then worry about whether we can fulfill our promises later."

Fu Yanyan glanced at Jin Xiuzhu, quickly understanding her intentions. Not only would this prevent her aunt from being caught in an awkward position, but it would also highlight the couple's cold-heartedness when they made excessive demands and the family conceded. When her aunt witnessed this, she would naturally realize who truly cared for her. If the couple sought her aunt's help in the future, she would likely be less sympathetic.

Considering all this, Fu Yanyan marveled once more at Jin Xiuzhu's shrewdness, recognizing her adept understanding of human nature.

The watch hadn't been given in vain; a heated argument was likely to occur tonight.

Fu Yanyan felt a twinge of sympathy for her aunt but was mostly happy that she would avoid future hardships.

With these parents in this life, her aunt's circumstances would surely be different.

---

Liu Jingzhi opened the door and entered, looking up to see her parents and sister sitting in the living room having dinner.

Song Xiaoru and Liu Aihua glanced over but remained silent.

It was Liu Qin who smiled. "Have you eaten? Come have some if you haven't."

Liu Jingzhi smiled and nodded. "I had a little at Uncle and Aunt's place."

Then, she lifted the paper-wrapped package in her hand. "These are pastries made by Aunt. They're delicious. They told me to bring some back for you to try."

As she approached the table, she began to unwrap the package, but halfway through, Liu Aihua angrily swatted it to the ground. "I don't want it. You eat well outside and bring us your leftovers. Do you think we're dogs? I won't eat it."

"It's five o'clock. Why did you come back now? Why didn't you stay at your uncle and aunt's place?"

Liu Jingzhi knew her sister was upset, but hearing such unreasonable words, she couldn't help responding. "This isn't just your home. Why can't I come back?"

Liu Aihua suddenly sneered, about to say something, when Liu Qin loudly intervened. "Enough! Stop arguing. It's the New Year. Your sister brought you something to eat. If you don't want it, fine, but why throw it on the ground?"

Then, he turned to Liu Jingzhi. "You're the older sister. Can't you be more accommodating towards your younger sister? You know she's upset. You've been out enjoying yourself, but didn't you know that your mother isn't feeling well?"

Liu Jingzhi was startled by her father's abrupt reaction. Hearing his words, she felt wronged. She pursed her lips tightly, wanting to ask if she had to yield just because she was the older sister. Yet, she was only three years older.

Liu Qin's face turned cold as he said, "Since you've eaten, go back to your room. We still need to have dinner."

Liu Jingzhi glanced at her mother. Song Xiaoru showed no emotion on her face. Suddenly, she felt that both her parents seemed unhappy.

Was it because she wasn't home today? But in the past, when her younger sister came back late at night, their parents wouldn't be upset; they'd just worry about her safety for returning so late.

Why did they treat her differently?

Feeling wronged, Liu Jingzhi squatted down and picked up the pastries from the floor.

Some were dirty, but she put them directly into her mouth. These were specially made by her aunt for her. She didn't want to eat too much and had saved them to bring back.

With red eyes, Liu Jingzhi returned to her room.

At the dining table, Liu Qin paused with his chopsticks, regretting whether he had spoken too harshly.

Only Liu Aihua ate heartily. She had only learned today that her sister wasn't their biological child, while she was their only daughter.

Still, she was angry, hating her uncle's family for spending all the family's money and leaving her to live in this shabby house, eating unappetizing food. Otherwise, she wouldn't be any worse off than the children of formal employees.

But she wasn't foolish; she couldn't tell her sister the truth. Otherwise, her sister would live a good life with her real brother and sister-in-law. Her father had mentioned that her sister's brother was a high-ranking official and wealthy.

Thinking about this, her heart ached. Why? Why was her sister prettier and born into a better situation? She felt resentful.

After dinner, Liu Aihua returned to her room with a dark expression. Seeing her sister reading at the desk, with the pastries spread out beside her—half-eaten—she angrily knocked them onto the floor again and stomped on them several times. "I won't let you eat! I won't let you eat..."

Liu Jingzhi stood up angrily and shouted, "Liu Aihua, don't go too far!"

"What's wrong with me? I won't let you eat. The sight of you disgusts me now."

"How did I offend you? Why are you lashing out for no reason?"

Hearing the commotion, Liu Qin rushed in. Seeing the mess on the ground, he was about to speak but saw his younger daughter turn her head and glare at him threateningly. He paused, and the words on the tip of his tongue changed to, "Jingzhi, you're the older sister. Let your younger sister have her way a bit."

Hearing this, Liu Jingzhi's eyes instantly reddened. Her lips trembled. She hadn't done anything wrong, so why did she always have to yield to her younger sister instead of having her sister respect her?

Liu Aihua looked triumphantly at her sister, snorted coldly, and pointed, "Get out of here. I don't want to share a room with you."

Liu Qin intervened, "Aihua."

"I refuse to share a room with her. Make her leave."

"Where will your sister sleep then? There are only two rooms in this house."

"I don't care. She can sleep wherever she wants. Isn't there a living room? She can sleep there."

Liu Jingzhi didn't understand why her younger sister targeted her. "What did I do to you? Yes, I wasn't home all day, but I thought of bringing pastries for you. Uncle and Aunt favor me, but Mom and Dad usually favor you. Why can you receive their favor, but I can't receive Uncle and Aunt's favor?"

Liu Qin tried to persuade his older daughter, "Jingzhi."

"It's normal for Mom and Dad to favor me since I'm their biological child."

"Aihua."

"Yes, I'm their biological child, but does that mean I'm not? You always think of yourself and never consider others."

"Why should I think of you? Who do you think you are?"

Before Liu Jingzhi could say more, Liu Qin interrupted, "Enough, no arguing. Jingzhi, you'll sleep with your mom tonight. I'll sleep in the living room."

Liu Jingzhi looked at Liu Qin in disbelief. Even after her sister bullied her like this, her father was still trying to smooth things over.

Liu Qin turned away, not daring to meet his older daughter's disappointed and aggrieved gaze.

Liu Jingzhi remained silent for a moment before picking up the flattened pastries from the floor once more. Tears fell one by one, quickly soaking the ground and making a noticeable wet patch.

Liu Aihua crossed her arms, watching her sister pick up the crushed pastries while secretly crying. She looked smug.

However, when her eyes caught sight of the new watch on her sister's wrist, her expression changed, and she demanded, "Where did you get that watch?"

Liu Jingzhi looked at her own wrist and replied calmly, "My aunt gave it to me."

Hearing the expected answer, Liu Aihua felt furious. The watch she had longed for was easily obtained by her sister, given to her by her sister-in-law. Her brother and sister-in-law were not only wealthy but also treated her exceptionally well.

She shouted, "You're not allowed to wear it! I won't let you wear it..."

As she spoke, she moved to snatch the watch. Liu Qin quickly held her back. "Liu Aihua."

Unable to move, Liu Aihua burst into tears, pounding her fists against her father. "Sister has a watch. Why does she have a watch and I don't? It's all your fault. If it weren't for you and Mom, I'd be living in a big house right now, and I'd have enough money to buy a watch. It's all your fault. You and Mom ruined my life. Mom is an idiot, and you're useless. I hate you both..."

Standing at the door, Song Xiaoru heard these words and called out in disappointment, "Liu Aihua, how could you say such things about me? I'm your mother."

"I don't want a mother like you."

Song Xiaoru's eyes reddened again.

Liu Jingzhi stood up from the floor, looking at the absurd scene before her. She found it both laughable and incomprehensible.

Her younger sister, who was usually doted on by their parents, now turned around and spoke cruelly to them. She equally despised everyone in the family.

Unable to resist, Liu Jingzhi asked, "Without our parents, where would you be? Since you hate us so much, shouldn't you be the one to leave?"

Hearing this, Liu Aihua became even more agitated and lashed out at Liu Jingzhi. "What right do you have to say that? This is my home. I decide who stays and who goes. What right do you, an adopted child, have to say that? Do you think you're so great? These two even want to marry you off to your cousin, trapping you with them for the rest of your life..."

"Liu Aihua!"

Liu Qin realized something was amiss halfway through her rant and tried to stop her, but his younger daughter spoke too quickly, and he couldn't prevent her from finishing.

Liu Aihua reached out as if mad and scratched her. "What are you yelling for? Was I wrong? I heard it with my own ears today. Auntie and the others said that Sister was adopted, and now her real brother and sister-in-law have come looking for her. Auntie wants you to marry her off to Cousin because only then will she not run away."

Liu Jingzhi stood there in shock, unsure whether it was from hearing that she wasn't their biological daughter or from hearing her parents' decision. With tears streaming down her face, she asked, "You're going to make me marry Cousin?"

Didn't they know what kind of person Cousin was? He had always loved lying and fighting since he was young, with an utterly despicable character. Even if she wasn't their biological daughter, they shouldn't treat her like this.

Liu Qin hurriedly said, "Don't listen to your sister's nonsense. We haven't agreed to anything."

Song Xiaoru also quickly added, "Right, we haven't agreed."

"What do you mean you haven't agreed? You said you would consider it. If Auntie comes over a few more times, how could you possibly not agree? Only a fool like you would believe it."

"Liu Aihua!" Liu Qin stopped her with a dark expression. "What do you want? Are you trying to tear our family apart?"

Liu Jingzhi felt a chill in her heart. She knew her parents' characters; they were both very weak. Just as her sister had said, if Auntie came over a few more times, her parents would most likely really marry her off to Cousin.

She shook her head and looked at the three of them with disappointment. She had treated them as true family, but in their hearts, she was nothing.

Meeting their gazes, she suddenly understood why she had always felt out of place in this family.

Having figured this out, she couldn't bear to stay another moment. She ran out of the room directly. Song Xiaoru tried to stop her but was shrugged off by Liu Jingzhi.

"Jingzhi—"

Liu Jingzhi paused, then opened the door and ran out without hesitation.

Song Xiaoru collapsed on the ground, slapping her legs and crying loudly, "It's over. Our eldest daughter has run away. She doesn't want us anymore..."

Liu Qin also let go of his youngest daughter helplessly, holding his head in anguish as he squatted on the ground. He had a feeling that once his eldest daughter ran away, she would never return.

Only Liu Aihua stood there smug yet resentful. Since she couldn't be happy, no one else should be either.

—

The door to the guesthouse room was knocked on when Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan were sitting on the bed reading with their two children.

Hearing the sound, Jin Xiuzhu glanced at Jiang Mingchuan, who called out, "Who is it?"

After a brief silence, a girl's choked and hoarse voice came from outside. "It's me."

Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan exchanged a glance, recognizing the voice. Jiang Mingchuan quickly got up to open the door while Jin Xiuzhu hurriedly put on her coat and followed him to the entrance.

When Liu Jingzhi looked up and saw them, her swollen eyes welled up again. Jin Xiuzhu quickly stepped forward to hug her, soothing her gently, "What happened? Tell us quickly. Why did you come here alone so late? How dangerous."

Hearing her aunt's words of concern, Liu Jingzhi couldn't hold back any longer and burst into tears. "Auntie, my sister said I'm not their real daughter and that my parents want to marry me off to Cousin..."

Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu's expressions changed.

Jiang Mingchuan anxiously asked, "What do you mean? Who do they want to marry you to?"

Liu Jingzhi continued sobbing, having used all her strength to say those words earlier. Now, she was left with only a heart full of grievances and sorrow, unable to answer.

Jiang Mingchuan watched her worriedly, restraining his emotions and pursing his lips tightly.

Jin Xiuzhu patted Liu Jingzhi's back gently and comforted her softly, "Don't be afraid. We're here. We'll stand up for you."

The two children also ran over to look at their aunt with concern.

Once Liu Jingzhi's crying subsided, Jiang Mingchuan said, "Let's go to your house right now."

Liu Jingzhi lowered her head, not saying a word.

Jin Xiuzhu touched her head. "We'll tell you some things on the way. Don't be afraid. Your brother and I are here."

Seeing their acknowledgment, Liu Jingzhi raised her swollen eyes to look at them, her voice choking as she asked, "Are you really my brother and sister-in-law? Why?"

Why hadn't they told her until now? If her sister hadn't thrown a tantrum tonight, would they still have kept it a secret?

Jin Xiuzhu understood her meaning. "We were planning to visit tomorrow."

Liu Jingzhi didn't say anything, unsure if she believed them.

Regardless of whether she believed them or not, Jin Xiuzhu and Jiang Mingchuan went to get dressed. Jiang Mingchuan wanted to leave the children behind to sleep, but they both shook their heads. Jin Xiuzhu said, "Since we're outside, it's better if you come with us."

Jiang Mingchuan didn't argue further.

Jiang Mingchuan walked ahead, carrying his daughter on his back and holding a flashlight.

He Yan walked in the middle.

Jin Xiuzhu and Liu Jingzhi linked arms and walked behind, as it was more convenient for Jin Xiuzhu to explain. As they walked, she recounted the story of their parents from years ago, and then spoke about how Jiang Mingchuan grew up in the Pan family.

Finally, she sighed. "Don't blame your brother. He grew up under constant pressure, swallowing all his hardships and grievances. His only act of defiance was getting accepted into military school and leaving home early. Part of the reason was to find you. However, military school and the army are strictly regulated. For him to become a battalion commander at such a young age, he must have endured countless hardships. That's why he didn't have much time to see you. He could only come here once a year during the holidays. He wasn't aware of the grievances you suffered, but he never gave up on you. Every month, he sent money to your adoptive parents, enough for your entire family to live comfortably."

Hearing this, Liu Jingzhi looked up at the tall figure ahead, her eyes welling up again. She had never known about the monthly payments; her adoptive parents had never mentioned it.

"This time, it was my own cleverness. I thought of secretly giving you a bigger red envelope and a smaller one to your sister. I don't know if your sister resented the smaller amount, but her emotions became quite obvious. Your brother guessed that you might be suffering in this family and discussed with me the idea of acknowledging you."

"Your adoptive parents were initially afraid that your brother would recognize you, so they made him pretend to be a relative. Your brother felt that as long as you were happy in this family, he could accept anything. But if you were suffering, he would definitely take you away. Moreover, our family doesn't owe your adoptive parents anything. The life-saving grace from back then is enough to offset their raising you. Furthermore, given your mother's character, she probably didn't give them any less benefits when she arranged for you to be placed with them."

Liu Jingzhi then recounted how they lived in a large house when she was young and that her father was a formal employee.

Jiang Mingchuan turned around and asked with a frown, "What happened later?"

Liu Jingzhi's voice was hoarse as she replied, "Later, Uncle's family came to rely on us. Father arranged for Uncle to work at the Machinery Plant. At that time, the Machinery Plant produced a new car. One night when Uncle was drunk, he went to the car and tried to drive it. Someone tried to stop him, but Uncle, who didn't know how to drive, accidentally hit someone and crushed them against the wall, killing them."

"All the money and property from our home were paid as compensation. Fortunately, Father managed to keep his job, although he could only work as a temporary worker."

Hearing this, Jin Xiuzhu guessed that there must have been someone in the Machinery Plant whom their mother knew who helped Liu Jingzhi's adoptive father. Otherwise, if he had lost his job, the family would have been even worse off.

Jiang Mingchuan clenched his fists in anger, guessing that the house must have been arranged by his mother for their family.

Liu Jingzhi recounted the events of the past few days; her sister had been very young back then. By the time her sister was old enough to remember things, their family had already moved into a dilapidated little house.

In her heart, she couldn't help but think: so the big house from my childhood was provided by Mom. I had parents who loved me, but they were heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. And I also have a brother who has always cared for and loved me silently from behind the scenes.

It's wonderful—I've always been loved.