Actually, yesterday was the first time Shang Yuanlin scolded his youngest daughter. Although Shang Yan didn’t like studying, she didn’t cause trouble either, so he usually turned a blind eye.
But when he saw that score of 28 on the test, he couldn’t bear it anymore. If he let Shang Yan continue like this, he wouldn’t have the face to face her mother.
He really couldn’t understand why he didn’t have to worry about his three older and youngest sons’ grades, but his only daughter was the most worrisome. Other people’s daughters were like warm cotton-padded jackets, but his daughter was like a piece of cloth that couldn’t be made into a cotton-padded jacket at all.
After the argument, he didn’t sleep well for several nights, tossing and turning, thinking that he must discipline his youngest daughter properly and not watch her become a failure. But for every sentence he said, Shang Yan had ten sentences waiting to be answered.
Shang Yuanlin rubbed his temples. “Shang Yan, do you have to talk to your father like that? I’m doing this for your own good, I’m doing it all for your own good!”
“If you’re doing this for my own good, then don’t make me angry while we’re eating.” Shang Yan chewed on her beef tenderloin, meeting her father’s gaze without fear.
Shang Yuanlin: …
This rebellious daughter is hopeless.
He shifted his gaze to his refined and elegant youngest son, and his anger returned. He could only console himself that twins are bound to be different; one is obedient while the other is disobedient. The perfect balance isn’t always possible.
Shang Yuanlin’s tone became steady. “How’s Xiao Yi doing at school lately?”
Shang Yi put down his chopsticks, nodded, and remained silent.
Shang Yuanlin’s brows relaxed with satisfaction, and he added, “Have you finished reading the chess manual I brought you? I’ll take you to Old Master Feng’s house in a while.”
Shang Yi nodded without objection.
Suddenly, an annoying voice interrupted.
Shang Yan swallowed the food in her mouth. “I want to go too.”
“What are you going there for?”
Shang Yuanlin glanced at her sideways.
Shang Yan said seriously, “We’re twins, we can’t go too far apart, otherwise our magnetic field will be disturbed.”
Of course, it’s because Shang Yi will meet the female lead, Lin Yuan, there. Lacking security and love, he’ll experience the warmth of being cared for for the first time, leaving a deep impression on her.
Therefore, bringing a small electric heater for Shang Yi needs to be put on the agenda.
Shang Yuanlin: …
Shang Yi:
Ning Wanyun: …..?
Shang Yuanlin hesitated, knowing that the relationship between Shang Yan and Shang Yi hadn’t been good in recent years, and it was Shang Yan who had caused it. And now she could say such things.
Magnetic field interference, huh? Did she think she was some kind of superhero about to transform?
Seeing her cheap father’s completely disbelieving expression, Shang Yan was too lazy to make excuses anymore. “What do you care what I’m going to do? I’m going.”
A gentleman can’t beat a rogue. If Shang Yuanlin wanted to be a gentleman, he certainly wouldn’t be a match for the rogue Shang Yan.
Ning Wanyun spoke up at this moment, “Xiao Yi is going to study. Yanyan, if you want to play, I’ll go with you to the art exhibition, how about it?”
Her tone was gentle, and her face had a perfectly measured smile—neither distant nor obsequious, striking a perfect balance, in a position that wouldn’t annoy anyone.
Although these words sounded nice, they actually implied that Shang Yan was playful and about to cause trouble. Clearly, Shang Yuanlin hesitated, and Shang Yi’s dark, cold eyes instantly fixed on her. Ning Wanyun subtly looked away.
Shang Yan clicked her tongue. In the novel, Ning Wanyun used this motherly demeanor to build a good relationship with the original owner of the body. Although the original owner had a strange temper, she couldn’t resist maternal love, like a mirage in the desert—you know it might be fake, but you can’t help but hope for it.
Therefore, the later Shang Yan’s intense dislike for the male and female leads and her constant attempts to sabotage them were undoubtedly partly due to Ning Wanyun’s instigation.
The thought that this woman was somehow connected to her imprisonment infuriated Shang Yan. She retorted to Ning Wanyun without any restraint, “Didn’t you enjoy being scolded by me yesterday? Don’t imply I’m playful. It’s none of your business to dictate to me. Go away after you’ve eaten.”
Since she had transmigrated into the book, she had to secure a good life. What if she couldn’t go back and had to spend her whole life here? Therefore, she needed to eliminate these potential threats to her affluent life one by one.
She was clear that she didn’t need a particularly good relationship with her family, as long as it wasn’t hostile. Moreover, while reading the book, she discovered that although Shang Yuanlin was serious and old-fashioned, he actually cared a lot about the younger generation.
With this father, as long as she didn’t cause a major upheaval, Shang Yuanlin wouldn’t abandon her.
If she did transmigrate back later, at least she would have left the Shang Yan in the book with a stable and prosperous life, making her journey worthwhile.
Ning Wanyun was stunned. If last night’s incident could be excused by Shang Yan taking her anger out on her, then today’s wouldn’t work. She had no idea when she had offended Shang Yan.
Normally, Shang Yan should have happily agreed, because she wanted to see her play alone.
Shang Yuanlin’s eyes widened, and he scolded, “How dare you speak to your Aunt Ning like that! No respect for elders!”
“It’s alright, it’s alright.” Although embarrassed, Ning Wanyun still gently comforted Shang Yuanlin, maintaining a completely generous and gentle demeanor, even though Shang Yuanlin’s “Aunt Ning” felt like a knife piercing her heart.
Yes, she had been married into the family for so many years, and Shang Yuanlin had no intention of getting the younger generation to call her “Mom.” It was always “Aunt Ning, Aunt Ning,” making her seem like the family’s maid!
Shang Yan snorted irritably. She’d already said what she wasn’t supposed to say, and since Shang Yuanlin hadn’t denied letting her go to Old Feng’s house with Shang Yi, that meant he agreed.
Shang Yuanlin had indeed agreed; he hoped the siblings’ relationship could improve, at least to stop being so confrontational. So, since Shang Yan was willing to accompany him, he had no reason to refuse. The Shang
family dinner table hadn’t been this “lively” in a long time. Shang Yi, who was detached from the scene, glanced at Shang Yan, his usually cold eyes showing a hint of complexity.
The next day, Shang Yan, with dark circles under her eyes, got into the car. Seeing Shang Yi still standing outside, she clicked her tongue in annoyance.
“Get in, are you just standing there like a telephone pole?”
Last night, she stayed up all night reading a transmigration novel about wealthy families, wanting to see how her colleagues dealt with things. She had no experience, so she could only learn from her colleagues’ tactics.
But when she woke up, she’d completely forgotten everything; she couldn’t remember any of the first fifty-odd chapters.
Shang Yi watched as Shang Yan patted the seat next to her, then sat down without a word.
The two entered the school together again. After yesterday’s incident in the cafeteria, many people noticed them today, some even taking photos with their phones.
There were so many whispers that Shang Yan couldn’t ignore them. She was a little confused. “Even though I’m pretty, I don’t think I have that many fans.”
They could practically form a fan club.
Shang Yi stared at her face for a few seconds without reacting.
Then, Shang Yan casually patted his shoulder. The moment her palm landed, Shang Yi stiffened almost imperceptibly. Then, he heard a soft laugh beside him.
“You have a face just like your sister, you should be secretly happy.”
After saying that, Shang Yan turned and entered the classroom, leaving behind a dashing silhouette.
But that’s what she said. Usually, no one had noticed that Shang Yan and Shang Yi looked alike—unless they were placed side by side for comparison, they would notice the similarity in their facial features.
She slept through her morning classes again. Her seat was by the window, and with her books piled up, it was impossible to spot her doing anything while she looked down – a lesson learned from her past experiences. She
didn’t have much of an appetite for lunch, so she bought a box of strawberries at the supermarket and strolled leisurely down the stairs. She had intended to take the elevator, but it was too crowded, so she had to condescend to climb the stairs.
Shang Yan ate as she walked, still playing on her phone. After a short while, she noticed something was wrong. Looking up, she saw several girls blocking the stairwell, probably there to chat.