Lu Ning looked at the teddy bear. She had never agreed to participate in the finals.
Right, this teddy bear used to be her favorite brand.
The giant teddy bear was a limited edition and hard to get.
In her past life, she had managed to buy it with great effort, but because Qin Xiang needed it for a giveaway during her livestream, Sixth Brother forced her to give it to Qin Xiang.
In the end, the bear was given to a so-called fan, who turned out to be a pervert. The fan dismembered the teddy bear, stuffed it with dead mice, and sent it back to her.
Looking at the bear now, Lu Ning seemed to see the tragic end she had suffered in her previous life.
She had forgotten all of this, yet it always came back to her.
Nearby, one of Lu Ning’s fans asked, “Is Lu Ning really going to participate in the finals? But I heard she’s not on the team list!”
Lu Nanfeng answered gently, “The list hasn’t been updated yet. Ning Ning is from the Lu family. How could she be absent from the team competition? Besides, the finals are after the college entrance exam. It won’t affect her studies.”
“How does Lu Ning manage to be so good at studying and still be amazing at gaming?”
“So envious of Lu Ning having so many brothers who treat her so well!”
Hearing these words, Lu Ning only felt it was all the more ironic.
They stabbed her countless times, and now they wanted to erase everything with just a teddy bear?
Lu Ning’s expression was cold. “Second Brother, I don’t like teddy bears anymore. Didn’t you know?”
Lu Nanfeng’s expression stiffened. “Really? I remember you used to like them a lot.”
“That was in the past. I’m a high school student now. Of course my interests have changed.”
After she finished speaking, Lu Nanfeng’s eyes showed embarrassment.
He felt even more guilty. It seemed he really hadn’t been a good brother. He didn’t even know she no longer liked teddy bears.
Qin Xiang stepped out and said, “Second Brother, you’re so busy with work and still have to take care of everything for your siblings. It’s normal that you can’t remember everything. At least you still remember what Sister Ning used to like. I don’t have any family now. No one even remembers what I like. I really envy Sister Ning for having family who cares about her.”
Lu Nanfeng understood that Qin Xiang was giving him an out, and his heart softened a little.
Lu Ning always felt he was biased, but with Qin Xiang being so understanding, it was hard not to treat her well.
He said, “Xiang Xiang, you’re part of the Lu family too. I remember what you like. I’ll prepare a surprise for you as well.”
Qin Xiang showed a look of being flattered, then turned to Lu Ning. “Just accept the gift. After all, what you don’t like is something others can’t even dream of having.”
Lu Ning stared at Qin Xiang. So this woman wanted to take everything from her?
Heh.
Lu Ning grabbed the teddy bear and stuffed it into Qin Xiang’s hands. “Now you have it.”
Belated concern was cheaper than grass.
She wouldn’t be swayed by these petty gestures.
“Lu Ning, where are you going?”
Lu Nanfeng quickly chased after her. “I know you’ve been wronged all along. I was too busy before and ignored your feelings. I promise I won’t do that again.”
Lu Ning only felt it was worthless.
It was not worth it for the self in her past life who had given everything.
Indeed, the child who cries gets the candy, but she had never wanted that candy.
Lu Ning’s face remained calm. “That’s enough. Don’t follow me.”
Lu Nanfeng blocked her. “No, you have to come home with me today. You can’t stay with that school doctor anymore. I talked to the principal today. Your Sixth Brother, I’ve already had him move out. This way, there’s no violation of any rules, and you won’t be in any danger.”
Lu Ning’s face darkened. She knew it would come to this.
“Ning Ning, I’m your guardian now. That school doctor isn’t. There are already rumors at school. I can make sure you stay home and prepare for your exams.”
Lu Ning lowered her eyes, hiding her anger.
Her voice was hoarse. “So the not letting me suffer that you mentioned earlier, this is what you meant?”
Lu Nanfeng looked helpless. “I’m doing this for your own good! Family conflicts aren’t such a big deal. Can’t we solve them peacefully? Did you really have to run away from home to force us?”
That phrase again—for her own good?
Then why, in her past life, had she been abandoned and died so miserably?
Lu Ning walked forward with a cold face. Now, the only thing supporting her was the countdown to the college entrance exam.
She couldn’t cause trouble for Ji Chiqian. Even though today was fine, if Second Brother got serious, things would be different.
After getting in the car, Lu Ning sent Ji Chiqian a message: [I’m going home first. I’ll talk to you later.]
Seeing her get into the car, Lu Nanfeng finally sighed in relief.
It seemed Lu Ning was indeed just being stubborn. After he showed a little weakness today, she gave in.
It looked like he needed to care more about Lu Ning in the future, so she wouldn’t feel he was biased toward Qin Xiang or treating her unfairly.
Lu Ning got out of the car first, ignoring everyone around her.
Lu Nanfeng watched her back and could only sigh helplessly.
Qin Xiang got out of the car, holding the teddy bear awkwardly. “Second Brother, I believe Sister Ning Ning will understand your good intentions.”
Seeing Qin Xiang obediently holding the teddy bear, Lu Nanfeng couldn’t help but say, “If only she could be as obedient and understanding as you, I’d be so grateful.”
Qin Xiang lowered her head, her face showing a perfect, obedient smile.
…
At dinner that night, Lu Ning didn’t see Lu Liu. Only Second Brother and Qin Xiang were present.
After eating quietly, she prepared to return to her room, but she noticed Second Brother clutching his stomach, seemingly uncomfortable.
She knew Second Brother always had stomach problems and needed to take care of it with medicine and diet.
But in her past life, even though she cared for his stomach diligently, she still lost to the bowl of plain porridge Qin Xiang made.
She would never forget the look on Second Brother’s face when he smashed her medicinal dish and, holding Qin Xiang’s plain porridge, looked moved to tears.
Lu Ning steeled herself and pretended not to see it, leaving the dining room.
After she left, Lu Nanfeng looked at her back and felt disappointed.
In the past, whenever he showed signs of stomach discomfort, Lu Ning would always be anxious and fuss over him.
Now, she didn’t care anymore?
Lu Nanfeng felt like his heart was being slashed by a knife. He got up and left the dining room, his steps unsteady.
Qin Xiang remained alone in the dining room. She felt that Lu Nanfeng’s attitude toward her had changed a bit.
No, she had to find a way to fix this.
Back in her room, Lu Ning thought of Second Brother’s pained expression.
She forced herself not to feel softhearted. Second Brother didn’t need her concern. Qin Xiang’s plain porridge was enough, wasn’t it?
She picked up her phone and messaged Ji Chiqian: [Did my brother make things difficult for you at school today?]
The next second, Ji Chiqian called her directly, his voice cold. “I presented evidence of them trying to hit me, with a lawyer present. What could they possibly do?”
Lu Ning chuckled. No wonder Sixth Brother had been kicked out.
“Ning Ning, if they bully you again, I’ll come pick you up immediately.”
Lu Ning bit her lip. “Why are you so good to me?”
The moment she asked, she regretted it.