“My good daughter Father has never regretted raising you. Unlike some who bring nothing but trouble. Rest assured I will never let you take the blame for something you did not do.”
Li Chuxin met his gaze calmly. She had always known. Li Xixi took everything claimed every credit and her father looked at her as though she were an enemy. She remembered trying to tell him the truth in her past life and his reply. You are deep and calculating. Xixi is simple and kind. You always want what belongs to your sister and you will end with nothing. She had poured out her heart only to be cursed. She had done right by them all yet it had meant nothing. Prejudice was a mountain nothing could move. She saw Li Xixi watching her triumphant and unshaken. You are following the same script. But I am no longer the girl you could crush.
She spoke clearly. “Comrade Officer I do not need anyone to take blame for me because I did nothing wrong. Aunt Zhang look closely. Who would this coat fit better?”
Aunt Zhang held it up measuring against both girls. “The rider wore red floral coat and went very fast indeed. I need to think carefully.”
Li Xixi said quickly. “If you did not see her face what is there to discuss? Take her away now.”
Li Chuxin said calmly. “Why the hurry Sister?” She looked at each face in the room storing their anger and condemnation. You think this is all the proof I have.
Li Jianhan noticed the look in her eyes gone was the admiration he had always known. She was a stranger to him now cold and distant. It pained him. Did she blame him for not siding with her? He told himself she was petty and vengeful. He lowered his voice. “Chuxin you must take responsibility for your own actions. Do not try shifting them onto Xixi.”
Li Chuxin looked at him. Her eldest brother always lectured her so wisely until it concerned Xixi. Then all reason vanished. “You are right Elder Brother. But those words are meant for Li Xixi. She is the one who did this. Have you forgotten ten days ago I sat for the entrance examination at the cotton mill? It lies in the opposite direction from Litou Street. The factory manager can confirm I was there at ten that morning.”
She turned to her second brother her voice cold. “And you Second Brother? You told me the bicycle was for Fourth Sister. You stood guard over it like a sentry. When I merely touched it you pushed me to the ground.” She rolled up her sleeve revealing the scar still visible on her elbow. “Do you remember?”
He remembered perfectly he simply chose not to. He would protect his innocent favorite and leave the wicked one to her fate. Seeing the scar still raw and angry he felt a flicker of guilt. “I told you she needed it. I never meant to hurt you so badly. But do not think to distract everyone. One thing has nothing to do with the other. You wore her coat and you struck the elderly woman.”
Li Jianhan spoke seeing the scar vivid against her fair skin. “That proves nothing. It was you wearing her coat.”
Li Weiguo added. “Since she came back at six she has grown selfish and jealous. She has made Xixi suffer in silence all these years. As her father I will speak the truth now.”
Li Chuxin knew trying to convince them was impossible. No one would believe her. She understood now why Xixi had spoken with such arrogance in her past life. You can never defeat me. You will only ever have what I discard. She needed to prove nothing to them.