Xiao Zhengjun’s heart trembled when he heard the word “Dad,” though he showed no outward reaction, merely nodding and saying, “No need for formalities among family!”
Luo Susu felt neglected. She had been the first to show kindness to her daughter, yet her daughter had addressed her father first…
She immediately piled several servings of food into Jian Ning’s bowl, smiling warmly at her. “Ningning, eat more.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
Jian Ning expressed her gratitude, inwardly sighing with relief. She had finally overcome that psychological hurdle.
Luo Susu was instantly delighted, promptly responding before attempting to serve her more food. “Ningning, have some more fish.”
Jian Ning quickly covered her bowl and explained to Luo Susu, “Mom, I’m on a diet, so I shouldn’t eat too much!”
“Going on a diet?”
Although Luo Susu thought there was nothing wrong with her daughter being a bit plump, she understood that girls cared about their appearance, so losing some weight might be good.
“Pfft…” Song Hualan couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Ningning, don’t tell me you’re jealous after seeing how slim and pretty our Yueyue is.”
“Enough, Hualan! You’re talking too much today!”
Luo Susu couldn’t help but shoot Song Hualan a displeased glare.
Song Hualan pursed her lips and said nothing more, thinking to herself that she was only stating the truth!
If that fatso could actually lose weight, then she could fly to the moon!
Xiao Yue had initially been enjoying the drama, but seeing Luo Susu so protective of Jian Ning made her feel unbalanced.
Before Jian Ning arrived, her parents had repeatedly assured her that they would treat her just as well as before.
So why did their hearts sway toward Jian Ning the moment she showed up?
Was blood relation really that important? More important than the bond they had shared for over a decade?
Luo Susu smiled and said to Jian Ning, “Ningning, wanting to lose weight is a good thing. Mom supports you. But can you tell me why you suddenly decided to diet?”
“I want to take the Arts Troupe exam!” Jian Ning’s declaration stunned everyone present.
“The Arts Troupe exam? You haven’t even had a drink, yet you’re already talking nonsense?” Song Hualan sneered, ridiculing her.
Did she think the Arts Troupe was some rural opera troupe where anyone could join?
Hah, how laughable!
Xiao Yue also spoke up, her voice gentle and her expression full of concern for Jian Ning. “Ningning, the Arts Troupe has very high standards. They test both academic knowledge and physical appearance. I plan to take the Arts Troupe exam this year too. Even though I only weigh 98 pounds, I’m still working hard to lose weight because I’m afraid I might not pass the exam!”
“Look, just look at how high our Yueyue’s standards are for herself! She’s so strict, even though she’s practically guaranteed a spot with her qualifications, she still pushes herself. Unlike some people who only daydream. Who knows, maybe she’s counting on Mom and Dad to pull some strings for her! Never mind that Mom and Dad would never do such a thing—even if they were willing, the Arts Troupe would never accept a 200-pound fatty!” Song Hualan said disdainfully.
Just as Luo Susu was about to defend Jian Ning, Jian Ning spoke first.
She stared coldly at Song Hualan and said, “Can you not understand human language? I said I’m going to lose weight! You keep calling me a 200-pound fatty. What business is it of yours if I’m fat? Did I eat your family’s rice? Besides, whether the Arts Troupe accepts me or not is their decision. Can you speak for the Arts Troupe?”
Song Hualan shot to her feet in fury upon hearing this, “I may not represent the Arts Troupe, but the Arts Troupe would never accept someone like you! Stop dreaming!”
“And what if I join the Arts Troupe in a month? What will you say then?” Jian Ning asked, looking directly at her.
She had overheard Xiao Qingyuan and Song Yan discussing the Arts Troupe’s recruitment during their journey and made a mental note of it.
In her previous life, she had always loved dancing, but she had wasted all her energy on Lu Jia, losing herself in the process.
Now reborn, she was determined to live for herself and pursue her dreams and life’s purpose.
“If you can pass the Arts Troupe audition, I’ll kneel and call you grandmother! But if you fail, what then?” Song Hualan sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She didn’t believe for a second that Jian Ning could succeed.
Leaving aside whether she could pass the written exam, her appearance alone would disqualify her from the Arts Troupe!
The rest of the Xiao family couldn’t help but turn their attention to Jian Ning. Luo Susu was about to intervene when Jian Ning spoke up, enunciating each word clearly, “If I fail the audition, I will leave the Xiao Family voluntarily and never set foot in this house again!”
Her declaration shifted the atmosphere in the room. The Xiao family members looked at Jian Ning with changed expressions, surprised she would stake so much on this bet.
Xiao Yue lowered her head, a faint smirk playing on her lips. It seemed she had overestimated Jian Ning—the girl was clearly a fool!
In just one month, this idiot would be forced to leave the Xiao Family, and she, Xiao Yue, would remain the only cherished daughter of the household.
“Fine, you said it yourself. Don’t you dare regret it!” Song Hualan couldn’t hide her triumphant expression. Soon enough, this detestable fatso would be gone for good!
“Ning Ning, isn’t one month too short? Maybe we should…” Luo Susu voiced her concern anxiously.
“It’s alright, Mom. I’ll work hard,” Jian Ning reassured her.
Seeing the determination in Jian Ning’s eyes, Xiao Zhengjun’s fondness for her grew. “Well said! That’s my daughter—bold and courageous!”
Xiao Yue’s smirk vanished instantly upon hearing this. She shot a glance at Xiao Zhengjun, her mind racing.
No, she couldn’t let Jian Ning steal their parents’ affection. She had to find a way to make them dislike Jian Ning!
Xiao Qingyuan observed Jian Ning with newfound appreciation. This sister of his didn’t seem quite so disagreeable anymore.
By the end of the meal, the Xiao family’s attitude toward Jian Ning had shifted subtly.
However, aside from Xiao Zhengjun and Luo Susu, most family members still favored Xiao Yue, who had been doted on by them for over a decade.
…
Luo Susu led Jian Ning upstairs and settled her into a spacious south-facing bedroom, tastefully decorated and cozy.
The room featured a large pink bed, a wardrobe, a desk by the window, and a small sofa in the corner.
Luo Susu took Jian Ning’s hand and asked, “Ning Ning, do you like this room? If not, feel free to redecorate it to your taste.”
“Thank you, Mom. I love it!” Jian Ning replied.
Luo Susu beamed with relief. “That’s wonderful!”
She then pulled a stack of money and ration coupons from her pocket and handed them to Jian Ning. “Here’s two hundred yuan and some coupons. Use them to buy whatever you like.”
“From now on, I’ll give you fifty yuan in pocket money every month. If it’s not enough, just ask me anytime.”