Xu Hui who had once thought Xu Yingying immature completely changed his mind. How could a daughter with prophetic dreams be anything but wise? He agreed to everything she wanted pretty dresses delicate pastries even bringing her biological mother to the capital.
Xu Yingying’s joy vanished the instant she saw Ma Xiulan and Xu Qingru. Ma Xiulan might have favored Xu Qingru but she had always treated Xu Yingying well too. Now knowing the adopted daughter she had raised was actually Xu Hui’s illegitimate child Ma Xiulan felt nothing but disgust.
She frowned instinctively at the sight of her. It seemed Xu Yingying must have known her true identity all along while Ma Xiulan had been kept in the dark. Xu Hui was surprised to see Ma Xiulan there.
She should have disappeared completely to keep everyone safe. He then noticed Xu Qingru behind her and felt a sudden twinge of guilt. Something about this daughter had changed since that day.
Her eyes seemed to see right through everything. Mother. Xu Yingying approached without her former timidity holding her dress and stood tall brimming with confidence. Ma Xiulan realized then that all that shyness had been nothing but an act.
How could a girl be so calculating? Seeing Ma Xiulan’s cold expression Xu Yingying felt even more pleased convinced her mother simply begrudged her good fortune. She felt not a flicker of guilt.
Mother don’t you think I look lovely in this dress? She beamed unable to hide her pride. Ma Xiulan ignored her completely and turned to Xu Hui. Xu Hui we need to talk.
He read the seriousness on her face and fearing something terrible had happened nodded immediately. They went upstairs leaving the two girls alone in the yard. Xu Yingying determined to prove she was better than Xu Qingru walked over.
Sister look now I get to wear the same pretty dresses that used to be only yours. Xu Qingru gave her a cold glance. Mother offered to buy those things for you too remember?
You were the one who refused them. Xu Yingying was momentarily taken aback then muttered sullenly. She was just being polite.
I was only adopted she never truly cared about me. She did care! Xu Qingru answered without hesitation. Except for major decisions like being sent away Ma Xiulan had always been generous to both daughters.
Dresses and everyday things were nothing she would have held back. But Xu Yingying was born from Xu Hui’s infidelity and therefore had no right to claim any of their mother’s kindness. Xu Qingru meant every word yet Xu Yingying refused to believe it.
If that were true why did she want to take me to the countryside where life is so hard? She never thought about what would be best for me! She found connections to get you a job but never once tried to arrange anything for me!
Xu Yingying was determined to paint Ma Xiulan as unfair. Xu Qingru looked at her calmly. If Ma Xiulan hadn’t taken her in and raised her Xu Yingying would have been stuck in some remote mountain village with no prospects at all.
And with a birth mother who had only used her to threaten Xu Hui her fate would have been far worse. She is biased she never truly accepted me as her own! Seeing Xu Qingru silent Xu Yingying took it as agreement.
Her smugness was barely contained. You aren’t Mother’s real daughter. Xu Qingru said simply. You know exactly who your real mother is don’t you?
Xu Yingying paled at once her jaw tightening as she stared back. Then her confidence crumbled. My real mother is coming for me.
I have a biological parent now you’re just jealous. She was trying desperately to convince herself. Xu Qingru found it almost laughable.
That woman was hardly a paragon of virtue. That is impossible! Xu Hui’s voice rose sharply from upstairs. Xu Hui do you really think I don’t know everything you’ve done?
Ma Xiulan challenged him directly. Xu Hui’s face fell. He lowered his voice.
Xiulan you are going to be reassigned. The house and property will be confiscated if they are in your name. For Yingying’s sake can’t you see…
They might as well be donated then. Ma Xiulan stood firm. Perhaps the donation will help secure a place for Qingru.
She had already made up her mind. If her appeal to Dong Jun failed this would be her next step though she knew it would likely not lead to a good position. Qingru was foolish enough to want to follow her but Ma Xiulan would never allow her daughter to suffer such hardship.
It seems Mother can’t get you a decent job after all! Xu Yingying sneered. Positions given as rewards for charity always go to the lowliest work scrubbing pots in the mess hall perhaps!
She relished the chance to knock Xu Qingru down from her privileged place as the favored daughter. She remembered from her past life Ma Xiulan had tried to secure protection through donations but had given in when faced with tears and tantrums. The matter had never been made public.
Now Xu Yingying watched with delight eager to see her rival brought low. Ma Xiulan came down the stairs just in time to catch the look of triumph on Xu Yingying’s face. She felt none of the old affection only the painful reminder of her husband’s betrayal.
Goodbye Mother. Xu Yingying said cheerfully seemingly oblivious to the coldness. Your father is only willing to sign the house over to you nothing more.
Ma Xiulan told Xu Qingru with a sigh once they were outside. The house was not what mattered. There were substantial savings from both the Xu family and her own parents inheritance and those would be better used if given entirely.
It is alright Mother having a home is enough for me. Xu Qingru replied unfazed. Her mother was relieved not knowing that that very night Xu Qingru returned to the house.
She unlocked the door and went straight to the study where Xu Hui kept his most valuable possessions. With a sweep of her hand calligraphy paintings and antique artifacts vanished completely. She paused realizing there was far less than expected.
A miserly wealthy man like him would surely have a hidden vault? She tapped and examined every corner of the desk searching for a mechanism but found nothing. Leaning against the bookshelves she refused to believe it was truly empty.
He had hidden things remarkably well. Then footsteps approached outside.