Fortunately, Chen Xi was heavily drunk and unsteady on his feet, giving Jiang Zui the perfect opportunity.
She bent her right leg and then kicked out with all her might, striking Chen Xi squarely in the chest.
Thud!
Chen Xi never expected Jiang Zui to suddenly fight back.
He was sent tumbling off the bed by the girl’s kick, landing flat on his back, clutching his chest and groaning in pain.
“What’s going on?!”
Finally, the loud commotion woke the sleeping Chen Shuping and Jiang Jiaguang.
“Son, my precious, what happened to you?!”
Seeing her son on the floor, Chen Shuping rushed over to help him up.
“Mom, it was Jiang Zui.”
Chen Xi clung tightly to Chen Shuping’s arm as if grasping a lifeline. “Jiang Zui kicked me—she tried to kill me!”
“Damn it! Do you have a death wish, daring to hit my son?!”
Jiang Jiaguang was furious. He grabbed the slipper from his foot and hurled it at her.
“Chen Xi barged into my room first. He was the one who bullied me.”
Jiang Zui dodged the slipper and defended herself loudly.
Seeing that he had missed, Jiang Jiaguang grew even angrier. “Damn it, how dare you slander my son?! You’re such a bitch! How could my son possibly sneak into your room?!”
“Whether it’s true or not, just ask him!”
Jiang Zui glared at Chen Xi, her gaze unwavering and fearless.
Guilty of his own wrongdoing, Chen Xi felt a chill run down his spine under Jiang Zui’s stare.
“I… I was drunk, so… so I went into the wrong room. I, I…”
“Sweetheart, are you okay? Let Mom see if your chest hurts.” Chen Shuping had no time for Jiang Zui now—her entire focus was on her precious son.
With Chen Shuping and Jiang Jiaguang backing him up, Chen Xi’s confidence swelled completely.
“Jiang Zui, so what if I went into the wrong room? You eat our food, drink our water, and you’re already an adult. What’s wrong with letting me touch you?! You’re just a cheap slut—do you really think you’re so noble? Pah!”
Jiang Zui trembled with rage at Chen Xi’s shameless words.
“Chen Xi, you’re utterly shameless! You’re disgusting!”
By now, even if Jiang Zui didn’t say it, Chen Shuping had pieced together most of what had happened.
“Enough! Causing a scene in the middle of the night—aren’t you afraid of disturbing the neighbors?” Chen Shuping pushed her husband, Jiang Jiaguang, out of the room.
“Mom, we can’t just let this go! Jiang Zui tried to kill me just now! Mom, you have to stand up for me!!” Chen Xi seemed even angrier than Jiang Zui.
“Enough! Go back to your room now!”
Chen Shuping grabbed Chen Xi and whispered a few words into his ear.
The previously furious Chen Xi instantly lit up with an unusual glee and… excitement.
Jiang Zui didn’t know what they said.
But one thing was clear to her: she couldn’t stay in this house a moment longer.
Jiang Zui counted her small savings.
Including paper bills and coins, she had a little over eight hundred yuan, all saved bit by bit over time.
She packed a few simple clothes and planned to escape this home for good today.
The most urgent matter now was her college admission letter and other important documents, which were still in Chen Shuping’s possession.
She remembered the day she brought home her college admission letter, too overjoyed to think clearly. Chen Shuping suggested she keep the letter, claiming that such important documents were best left with a parent to prevent loss. Trusting her without suspicion, Jiang Zui obediently handed over the admission letter.
She had to get her things back.
Watching Chen Shuping having breakfast in the living room, Jiang Zui hesitated for a long time before slowly walking forward.
“Auntie, where is my admission letter…?”
Chen Shuping was taken aback for a moment, then smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ve kept it safe for you.”
Jiang Zui swallowed hard and asked softly again, “Auntie, I’d like to see my admission letter. Could you give it to me?”
Chen Shuping’s smile remained unchanged as she gently stroked Jiang Zui’s pretty face. “Isn’t it still before the start of the school term? Why are you in such a hurry to see it?”
“It’s just… just…” Jiang Zui, being honest to a fault, couldn’t bring herself to lie. “Auntie, I’m not a child anymore. Please give me the admission letter and let me keep it myself.”
Chen Shuping’s smile stiffened briefly, but she quickly regained her usual composure.
“Alright, then… after tonight. I’ll return the admission letter to you tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Auntie.”
Jiang Zui was overjoyed.
At that moment, she was too caught up in her happiness to notice the sinister smile curling at the corner of Chen Shuping’s mouth.
Six o’clock in the evening.
“Zui Zui, hurry, go change your clothes.”
Without waiting for Jiang Zui to respond, Chen Shuping pushed her into the bedroom.
“Clothes, stockings, and high heels—change into them quickly.”
Jiang Zui stared at the revealing clothes with disgust, not reaching out to take them.
“What are you standing there for?!” Chen Shuping urged impatiently. “Hurry up and change. I want to see how it looks in a moment.”
“But…”
“Jiang Zui, this is a carefully chosen coming-of-age gift for you. I hope you won’t reject my kindness.” Chen Shuping’s smile vanished.
Jiang Zui had no choice.
Fine, after all, tomorrow she would finally be free from this household.
Looking at Jiang Zui in her new outfit, Chen Shuping’s eyes lit up.
“Perfect! Jiang Zui, you’re like a flawless work of art, even more beautiful than a celebrity!!”
“Auntie, I…”
Jiang Zui cautiously glanced at the full-length mirror. Just one look made her blush with embarrassment.
The clothes clung tightly to her skin, accentuating the girl’s full curves. The ultra-short uniform skirt paired with black fishnet stockings exposed her firm, slender legs, while the nude high heels added the finishing touch. Already stunningly beautiful and elegant, combined with this pure yet seductive outfit, she looked breathtakingly gorgeous.
“Auntie, can I change out of these clothes? The chest feels a bit tight… it’s not very comfortable.” Jiang Zui protested softly.
“Change? Why? You look so beautiful.”
Chen Shuping pulled Jiang Zui close, smiling warmly. “The birthday party is all set for you. Come on, let’s go out.”
“Go out?” Jiang Zui was startled. “In this?”
“Of course.”
As she spoke, Chen Shuping tugged Jiang Zui toward the door. “Hurry up, don’t waste my time.”
“No, I can’t!”
Jiang Zui was stunned. She clung desperately to the door. “Auntie, this is too revealing. It’s not appropriate, absolutely not!”
Jiang Jiaguang, who had been growing impatient, stepped forward and shoved Jiang Zui to the ground. “Damn it, do you think I’m giving you face? Since when do you get to say ‘no’?!”
Chen Shuping quickly shielded Jiang Zui.
“Honey, be gentle. Don’t hurt Zui Zui. They said she must be flawless and intact, or the price will be halved.”
Jiang Zui was bewildered. “Auntie, what are you talking about? What ‘flawless and intact’? What price? I don’t understand any of this.”
“It’s fine, I…” Chen Shuping immediately realized she had let something slip, her expression turning awkward.
“Enough, stop dawdling and get out the door.”
Jiang Jiaguang did not share Chen Shuping’s gentle temper. Waving his fist, he roared loudly, “Get going now! If you dare mess this up, I’ll beat you to death when you get back!”
“Alright, alright, we’re leaving right away!” Seizing the opportunity, Chen Shuping pulled Jiang Zui out the door.
Dressed so scantily for the first time, Jiang Zui was clearly uncomfortable. Flustered, she covered her chest and pleaded softly, “Auntie, thank you for going to the trouble of celebrating my birthday. I’ll accept the gift, but I really don’t want to go to the birthday party, okay?”
“How can that be?”
Chen Shuping gripped Jiang Zui’s wrist tightly, her smile exaggeratedly bright. “Zui Zui, be good. Don’t let down your auntie’s kindness.”