“Dad, I’m hungry. We came back so early that I didn’t even have time to buy breakfast!” Shen Zeyu’s voice rang out impatiently as he complained to his father.
Shen Yucheng was already in a foul mood.
Hearing his son whining at such a moment, he nearly raised his hand to slap him.
However, they were standing in public, and he forcefully restrained himself, “Shut up!” he snapped.
“Until we find that bitch, no one is going anywhere.”
He then turned toward Mu Qinglan and Shen Ruoxi, “Just like yesterday, we’ll keep watch from different directions. Keep your eyes open. Watch everyone coming and going. Don’t let her slip away.”
Mu Qinglan immediately nodded.
Shen Ruoxi agreed as well, while Shen Zeyu responded with obvious reluctance.
Soon, the four of them dispersed, each taking up a position near the surrounding streets and entrances.
Meanwhile, Mu Wanqing had no idea that the Shen family was waiting for her like hunters lying in ambush.
Fortunately, she had not driven her Bugatti Centodieci that morning.
Instead, she had taken one of the hotel’s cars, accompanied by a chauffeur.
As the vehicle remained trapped in a long stretch of Shanghai traffic, Mu Wanqing glanced through the window before turning to the chauffeur, “The City Planning Bureau is only a few turns away from here. I can walk the rest of the way. You can come over once the traffic clears.”
“Miss Mu,” the chauffeur said respectfully, “walking there may be tiring. Why don’t you remain in the car? There are refreshments and soft drinks in the refrigerator.”
Mu Wanqing shook her head, “No need. I’m in a hurry. I still have to return to the hotel and study afterward, so I’ll get down here.”
Seeing that she had made up her mind, the chauffeur did not insist, “Very well, Miss Mu. Please be careful.”
Earlier that morning, Mu Wanqing had received a call from the City Planning Bureau.
She had been informed that she needed to personally complete the authorization procedures and finalize matters concerning the demolition compensation for her property in Hongkou District.
Only then had she remembered that the authorization documents had not yet been signed.
After breakfast, she had immediately asked the hotel butler to arrange a car and had set out for the bureau.
Throughout the journey, however, one thought continued to linger in her mind.
Would the Shen family really let the matter go so easily?
And, as though the heavens wished to prove her right, the moment she entered the vicinity of the City Planning Bureau, she spotted two familiar figures.
Shen Yucheng stood beneath the shade of a tree not far away, his eyes constantly scanning the road.
Meanwhile, Shen Ruoxi was sitting near the entrance of the bureau, pretending to be casually occupied while watching everyone who passed through the gates.
A slow, amused smile appeared on Mu Wanqing’s lips, “I’m sure the other two clowns are hiding somewhere nearby as well.”
System 888 immediately responded.
[You are correct, Child.
In fact, one of them has already discovered you.
She is approaching from behind.
Only a few steps away.]
Her eyelids twitched.
Without showing any reaction, Mu Wanqing casually turned around, and there she was.
Mu Qinglan.
Mu Qinglan herself froze the moment she saw Mu Wanqing.
At first, she had only recognized the girl’s silhouette and had followed her out of suspicion.
However, she had not been entirely certain.
The clothes Mu Wanqing was wearing were completely new and clearly of good quality, making her appear entirely different from the timid, poorly dressed girl Mu Qinglan remembered.
But her momentary confusion quickly transformed into fury, “You filthy bitch!” Mu Qinglan hurried toward her, “So you finally showed yourself! After tricking us, you think you can get your hands on that house and the compensation money so easily?”
As she spoke, she instinctively raised her hand, prepared to slap Mu Wanqing as she had done countless times before.
However, Mu Wanqing did not move.
She merely looked at her calmly, “We are standing near a government office,” she said.
“Security is everywhere. Do you really think you can slap me here and simply walk away afterward?”
Mu Qinglan’s raised hand froze in midair.
Reality finally struck her.
Her fingers stopped only inches away from Mu Wanqing’s face.
Nevertheless, unwilling to lose face, Mu Qinglan immediately changed her approach, “So what if I discipline you?” she said arrogantly.
“I am your legal guardian.
You have become rebellious, stolen things from the house, and run away without permission.
Shouldn’t I teach you a lesson?” Her expression suddenly changed as she adopted a righteous tone, “And where were you yesterday?
Do you realize how worried your sister was about you?”
Mu Wanqing looked at her without the slightest warmth in her eyes, “That is none of your business.” Her calm voice made Mu Qinglan pause, “Just tell me what you came here to say. I have matters to attend to.”
Mu Qinglan stared at her.
Only then did she truly notice something strange.
This was not the Mu Wanqing she knew.
The girl who had once lowered her head whenever spoken to harshly was now standing before her with a straight back.
There was no fear in her eyes, no nervousness, and no desperate attempt to please them.
Wasn’t this little bitch always meek and timid?
When did she learn to talk back?
Before Mu Qinglan could say anything else, an angry roar suddenly came from nearby, “So you finally showed yourself!” Shen Yucheng strode toward them with a dark expression, “How dare you trick us? You drugged the food, stole from our house, and ran away! How vicious can you be?”
He stopped directly in front of Mu Wanqing, his face twisted with fury, “Now, hand over the property ownership certificate and that letter immediately.
Then go back home with your Aunt Qinglan.” His voice became colder, “And once we return, I’ll make sure you never dare to pull such tricks again.”
As he spoke, Shen Yucheng cracked his knuckles, clearly attempting to intimidate her.
Mu Wanqing would have been lying if she claimed she was not frightened.
Anyone would feel intimidated when such a bulky man stood directly before them with such a ferocious expression.
Her heart tightened slightly.
But she could not afford to lose her composure.
Instead, Mu Wanqing deliberately shifted her attention toward Shen Ruoxi.
The moment she noticed what Shen Ruoxi was staring at, her lips curved into a faint smile.
“Oh?” Her tone was deliberately surprised, “So the entire Shen family is here?” She glanced around casually, “What are all of you doing near the City Planning Bureau?” Then, as though suddenly realizing something, her eyes widened, “Don’t tell me you also own property in Hongkou District that is being demolished?”
She paused before smiling knowingly, “Well, who knows?
After all, you’ve been living in Shanghai for almost three years.
You lived in my house without paying rent, collected wages, and even enjoyed the rental income from my family’s property.” Her smile became increasingly innocent, “With that kind of income, anyone could save several hundred thousand yuan.”
Shen Yucheng’s face twisted with rage.
His hands began trembling.
For a moment, he looked as though he was only one step away from striking her.
Seeing his condition, Mu Qinglan hurriedly stepped beside her husband and whispered urgently, “Control yourself. We’re in public. If you hit her here, there could be consequences.”
Her words did nothing to calm him.
Instead, Shen Yucheng glared at her, “Then tell her to obey!” His voice shook with anger, “If I lose control, I’ll kill this bastard today!”
Mu Wanqing’s eyes immediately sharpened.
However, she quickly concealed the coldness in them and continued pretending to be completely unconcerned.
She turned toward Shen Ruoxi, “Ruoxi, what are you staring at?” She tilted her head slightly, “Don’t tell me you missed me after only one day apart?”
Shen Ruoxi was suddenly pulled from her thoughts.
She stared at Mu Wanqing in disbelief,”W…where did you get those clothes?” Her eyes moved across Mu Wanqing’s outfit, “That’s Zara, isn’t it?
And that tote bag… that’s Uniqlo!” Her voice rose, “Where did you get so much money?”
Mu Wanqing’s eyelids twitched.
So much money?
She glanced down at herself.
The clothes cost only a few thousand yuan, while the tote bag was worth only a few hundred.
Yet Shen Ruoxi was reacting as though she had suddenly appeared wearing haute couture from Paris Fashion Week.
Suppressing her amusement, Mu Wanqing deliberately changed the subject, “Ruoxi, does it look good?”
Shen Ruoxi’s expression immediately twisted, “Take those clothes off!” Her voice was filled with jealousy, “You don’t deserve to wear such good clothes! You’re nothing but an orphan. What right do you have to dress yourself up and strut around like a peacock?”
Mu Wanqing slowly raised an eyebrow, “Oh? So you’ve finally stopped pretending? No more playing the sweet little sister?”
Shen Ruoxi did not seem to care that her true nature had been exposed.
Instead, she immediately turned toward Mu Qinglan, “Mom!
Look at her!” Her voice became increasingly shrill, “She’s dressed up like this.
I’m sure she found some man outside and is spending his money!
You have to teach her a proper lesson!”
Mu Wanqing could not help but laugh.
The childish jealousy was almost amusing, “Shen Ruoxi, I don’t need a man. In fact, I have something much more reliable than a man”
A mysterious smile appeared on her face, “Didn’t you see the red demolition mark on the wall of my house?” Her smile widened, “That symbol means redevelopment.”
“And once I sign the authorization documents today, do you know how much compensation I’ll receive?
You were probably told about the basic demolition compensation and the relocation payment.
But there is more.” Her voice remained calm, almost conversational, “There is also compensation related to the land in front of the property.
My grandfather voluntarily allowed part of that land to be used for public road construction, but the property rights were still connected to our family.
Then there are additional considerations because I am a minor and an orphan.
And after the redevelopment is completed, I will also receive residential property.
Because the original property is relatively large, I’ll get an extra residential property.
That means I’ll two houses in the city centre of Shanghai in future.” Mu Wanqing took a small step closer.
“So tell me, Shen Ruoxi… why exactly would I need to depend on a man?”
Shen Ruoxi’s face gradually turned pale.
Mu Wanqing’s voice was no longer loud, but every word landed clearly, “Even if I simply put my money into the bank and lived off the interest, I could still live comfortably. Afterall the intrest will be more than what your father earns in a month.”
Mu Wanqing looked at Shen Ruoxi one final time, “So before accusing me of depending on men, perhaps you should first look at yourself. What exactly do you have that gives you the right to look down on me?”
Shen Zeyu was the first to lose his temper, “That house is ours!” he shouted.
“That money belongs to us as well! You have no right to take it!” His eyes were blazing with anger, and his entire body seemed ready to spring forward at any moment.
Mu Wanqing, however, remained completely calm, “And what exactly makes you think that house belongs to you?”
Shen Zeyu answered without hesitation, “Because we’ve been living there for three years!”
For a brief moment, Mu Wanqing simply stared at him, then laughed, “Is that how it works? Then why don’t you go live on the streets for three years? Perhaps afterward, you can claim the entire road as your property.”
The expressions of the Shen family immediately darkened.
Shen Zeyu’s face turned red with fury, while Mu Qinglan looked as though she had swallowed something bitter.
Shen Yucheng, however, had finally reached the limit of his patience, “Enough!” He stepped forward and suddenly grabbed Mu Wanqing’s wrist.
His fingers closed tightly around her arm as he attempted to drag her away from the entrance of the City Planning Bureau.
Mu Wanqing’s eyes instantly turned cold, “Shen Yucheng. Let go of me.”
Instead of releasing her, Shen Yucheng tightened his grip, “Or what?
I’m Mu Qinglan’s husband, and she is still your legal guardian.
Just because you stole that letter doesn’t change anything.” A smug expression appeared on his face, “Your student identification records still list her name.
Even if I drag you away from here and someone questions me, I can simply say that you are my adopted daughter and that you have become rebellious.
Tell me, who do you think people will believe?”
Mu Wanqing’s heart immediately tightened and her fingers trembled slightly.
She had underestimated how shameless the Shen family could be.
“Dad…” Her voice sounded inside her mind, “Save me. What should I do now?”
System 888’s voice immediately became serious.
[Don’t panic, Child.
Listen carefully and repeat exactly what I tell you.]
Mu Wanqing listened.
As System 888 spoke, the tension in her heart gradually loosened.
A few seconds later, she slowly raised her head.
Then she looked directly into Shen Yucheng’s eyes and chuckled, “I only need to shout for help. Today, there are plenty of public security officers around the City Planning Bureau. Compensation and authorization procedures often attract disputes, so security here is much stricter than usual. If I call for help, how exactly are you going to prove that I am your adopted daughter?”
Her lips curved faintly, “My student identification is with me.”
Shen Yucheng’s smirk froze.
For a moment, his expression stiffened.
However, he still refused to back down, “So what if you have the identification? One phone call to your homeroom teacher will be enough to prove that your guardian is Mu Qinglan.”
Mu Wanqing’s smile widened, “But what if I tell the police what you tried to do to me?”
Shen Yucheng froze.
Mu Wanqing’s voice became colder, “What about Manager Wei?”
The color immediately drained from Shen Yucheng’s face, “What?”
“You thought I didn’t know?” Mu Wanqing stared directly at him, “You tried to sell me to Manager Wei.” Her voice was not loud, yet every word seemed to strike directly into his heart, “If the police begin investigating, it won’t take long for them to find him. And when Manager Wei realizes that his position is at risk, do you honestly think he’ll protect you?”
Shen Yucheng’s eyes finally revealed genuine panic.
His fingers loosened, “You… You know everything?”
Mu Wanqing snorted, “Why do you think I drugged all of you?”
For several seconds, Shen Yucheng could not say a single word.
His hand finally dropped from her wrist.
Mu Wanqing immediately stepped away.
Then she turned toward Mu Qinglan, “You’ve had your days. Now it’s my turn.”
Mu Qinglan’s face gradually turned pale.
“You have two days.” Mu Wanqing held up two fingers, “Within two days, you and your family will leave my house. And before you leave, you will sign an agreement terminating the legal guardianship between us. I’ll have the documents sent to you tomorrow morning. You know the consequences if you refuse.”
Mu Qinglan looked as though her legs had lost all their strength, “Mu Wanqing… you can’t do this.” Her voice trembled, “You can’t be so heartless.
Without money or a house, we’ll become homeless.
We won’t even be able to survive in Shanghai anymore.” Then she quickly turned toward Shen Ruoxi, “Think about your sister, at least.
Ruoxi has always treated you well.”
Mu Wanqing almost laughed, “Ruoxi treated me well? By encouraging me to sever my relationship with my uncle? By taking the money I earned and calling it a loan, only to never return a single yuan? By ordering me around like a servant? Yes. That certainly was the best treatment she could offer. But unfortunately, I am not as generous as you seem to think. I have no intention of treating her well.”
Mu Qinglan’s final restraint broke.
She suddenly dropped to the ground, “No!” She began striking her thigh dramatically, her voice attracting the attention of pedestrians nearby, “You can’t be this heartless! You can’t abandon your relatives just because you suddenly have money! Where are we supposed to live?”
Several people passing by slowed down, curious about the commotion unfolding.
Mu Wanqing, however, did not care about their attention in the slightest.
She merely shrugged, “Doesn’t Shen Yucheng have an ancestral home in his village? Go back. Shanghai is expensive. Living here requires money. You can live much more comfortably back in your village.”
Shen Ruoxi’s eyes immediately turned red, “Mu Wanqing!” Her voice was filled with disbelief, “How dare you? Why should we return to the village while you get to stay in Shanghai?” Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I don’t want to go back! I want to stay in Shanghai! I’ve always treated you well. Why are you deliberately making things difficult for us?”
Then she turned desperately toward her father, “Dad, do something!” Her voice cracked, “I don’t want to go back!”
Shen Yucheng stood completely still.
From the outside, he appeared intimidating.
But at that moment, fear had already entered his heart.
He understood very well that if Mu Wanqing truly went to the police, he might not be able to escape the consequences.
Manager Wei was an influential man with connections and resources.
Shen Yucheng, on the other hand, was merely a rural man who had spent years living in someone else’s house.
If the matter truly became public, who would be able to protect him?
Still, unwilling to give up everything, he decided to make one final attempt.
He took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing heart.
“Whatever happened between us, we still raised you for three years. You can’t simply abandon us. We deserve half of the compensation. Consider it as filial compensation.”
The audacity of his words was almost impressive.
“And since you’re going to receive two houses, why don’t you give one to us?” He quickly added, as though he were making a generous compromise, “We won’t ask for much.”
Mu Wanqing stared at him for several seconds.
Then she sneered, “Do you think this is some kind of television drama? You mistreat someone for years, and when they finally escape, you suddenly demand a reward for your suffering? Calling it filial compensation no less.”
She shook her head, “Tell me, Shen Yucheng. During those three years under your care, was there even a single day when I lived like an ordinary teenager?”
Shen Yucheng remained silent.
Mu Wanqing’s voice became colder, “You want to live in Shanghai without struggling? The source of this chapter is g.com. What a beautiful fantasy.”
Shen Ruoxi immediately began crying again, “We admit that what we did was wrong!” She looked at Mu Wanqing desperately, “But that doesn’t mean you can kick us when we’re already down! My brother and I go to school here! And Dad has a stable job! If we go back to the village, what will we have? We won’t have any future at all!”
Mu Wanqing suddenly fell silent.
For a moment, the anger in her eyes disappeared.
In its place came something much deeper.
In her previous life, had they ever wondered what future I would have?
When they had tried to sell her for money and house, had anyone cared?
When she had been forced to run away, had anyone worried about where she would sleep?
When she had endured humiliation, poverty, and struggle, had anyone ever thought about whether she had a future?
And even that had not been enough.
Twelve years later, they had taken her life as well.
For what?
Even she didn’t know.
Her only crime had been that she was weak.
That she had no one powerful standing behind her.
Mu Wanqing suddenly laughed.
The sound was soft, yet it carried a faint bitterness, “Four healthy, able-bodied people, cannot survive in Shanghai? That would be an insult to the prosperity of this city.”
“All four of you can work.” Her voice was straightforward, “Find jobs. Earn money. Rent a house. I’m sure you’ll manage to live a perfectly comfortable life.”
At that moment, a black Maybach slowly pulled up near the entrance of the City Planning Bureau.
The appearance of the luxury vehicle immediately attracted several curious glances.
The chauffeur quickly stepped out and hurried toward Mu Wanqing, “Miss Mu!” His eyes immediately swept across the Shen family, “Is everything alright?”
His expression became alert, “Who are these people? Are they causing you trouble?”
Mu Wanqing quietly wiped away the faint moisture at the corner of her eyes.
Then she composed herself, “I’m going inside. Make sure they don’t follow me.”
The chauffeur immediately understood, “Yes, Miss Mu.”
Mu Wanqing did not look back.
She simply turned around and walked toward the entrance of the City Planning Bureau.
Behind her, Mu Qinglan began crying desperately.
Shen Ruoxi joined her, tears streaming down her face.
Shen Zeyu, unable to accept the situation, began cursing viciously.
However, one cold glance from the chauffeur was enough to silence him.
The Shen family could only watch helplessly as Mu Wanqing disappeared through the gates.
It took nearly half an hour to complete all the necessary procedures.
When Mu Wanqing finally emerged from the City Planning Bureau, the Shen family was nowhere to be seen.
She glanced toward the chauffeur.
The chauffeur respectfully opened the rear door for her without saying anything.
Mu Wanqing understood immediately.
A faint smile appeared on her lips as she stepped into the Maybach.
Back in the hotel, Mu Wanqing sat alone beside the floor-to-ceiling window, feeling strangely empty.
She drew her knees closer to her chest and rested her forehead against them.
For a long time, she said nothing.
Then, slowly, her fingers curled into fists as many emotions churned her.
Furious, helpless, unwilling, and strangely exhausted.
Her eyes burned, she wanted to cry.
The Shen family had caused her so much suffering in her previous life.
They had taken advantage of her kindness, exploited her weakness, and treated her as though she were nothing more than a burden they could use whenever it suited them.
And in the end, even after she had spent twelve miserable years struggling to survive on her own, they had still come looking for her.
And had killed her.
Mu Wanqing’s fingers tightened until her knuckles turned pale.
After everything they had done, shouldn’t people like them rot in prison?
Shouldn’t they pay for every day of suffering they had caused her?
Yet she could do nothing.
Even if she went to the Public Security Bureau now and accused them of attempting to sell her to Manager Wei, what evidence did she have?
Nothing, memories from a life that no longer existed could never be used as evidence in this one.
Her fist struck lightly against the soft carpet.
A bitter smile appeared on her face, “What a joke.”
System 888 immediately sensed the storm brewing inside her heart.
His voice became unusually gentle.
[Child, you are thinking too much again.
You are looking at today’s outcome and comparing it to the hatred accumulated over an entire lifetime.
Naturally, you will feel dissatisfied.
But think carefully.
What did the Shen family want most?
They wanted to remain in Shanghai.
They wanted your house, compensation.
And most importantly, they wanted to continue controlling your life.
Today, you took all of that away.
You did not need to destroy them in one day.
You only needed to take away the foundation beneath their feet.
A tree does not fall the moment someone strikes its trunk.
Sometimes, the roots must first be exposed.
Then the wind will do the rest.]
Mu Wanqing remained silent.
Her gaze drifted back toward the enormous city beyond the glass.
System 888’s voice softened again.
[Child, revenge is not always about watching your enemies suffer immediately.
Sometimes the greatest punishment is allowing people to lose the life they believed they were entitled to.
The Shen family came to Shanghai dreaming of prosperity.
They believed they could live in your home, spend your family’s money, collect rental income from your property, and still control you as though you belonged to them.
Now, that dream is beginning to collapse.
They will have to face reality.
And that is only the beginning.]
Mu Wanqing slowly shook her head, “Dad, I’m not thinking about that.”
Mu Wanqing leaned back against the window.
Her reflection stared back at her from the glass.
“I already know my weaknesses,” she said quietly.
“I know I cannot challenge them recklessly yet. I don’t have enough power. But that isn’t what is bothering me. There is something I still cannot understand.”
Her voice became almost a whisper, “In my previous life, they had already destroyed everything, took my home, ruined my life, forced me into poverty and humiliation. For fifteen years, I struggled outside on my own.”
She slowly closed her eyes, “I never went back to take revenge or challenged them.
So Why did they still come looking for me?” The question final escaped her mouth, “Why couldn’t they just leave me alone?
Why did they have to kill me?”
Mu Wanqing looked toward the distant skyline.
The question had followed her from the moment she opened her eyes in this new life.
System 888 finally spoke.
[But isn’t it a good thing?
You were given another chance.
And you met me.]
A faint smile appeared on Mu Wanqing’s face, “I know and I’m happy for that. In fact, sometimes I feel as though even thanking heaven for the rest of my life would not be enough. But curiosity can be frightening too. There are too many questions, and too many regrets. Even though I was given another chance, didn’t they succeed in what they wanted in my previous life? I died. That is a fact that cannot be changed.”
Her eyes reddened, “I regret being weak and helpless. I regret that I spent twelve years struggling and still ended up dying at their hands. So even if I make them pay for everything they did to me, some things will remain unchanged. My previous life still happened. My suffering still happened. And some questions may never be answered.”