All along the way, Song Shouyang and Zhao Yufang shouted and cursed at her, but Song Qinghuan acted as if she heard nothing, walking steadily toward home on her own.
Her utterly unbothered demeanor infuriated Song Shouyang and Zhao Yufang almost to the point of madness.
“You unfilial girl!”
The moment they stepped inside, Song Shouyang slammed his palm hard against the table, making the enamel teacup rattle. He roared, his voice thick with rage: “The engagement with the Lu family was arranged by your grandfather before he passed away! How dare you call it off on a whim?”
Zhao Yufang fumed beside him, wiping her eyes with exaggerated sobs. “Qinghuan, how could you be so thoughtless?”
“This engagement has stood for years! You used to be so fond of Qiming, yet now you go making a scene at their home — if word gets out, where will our Song family put our faces?”
Song Yunfei, who had been inside, stormed out the second he heard Song Qinghuan wanted to end the betrothal. He lifted his foot to kick her. “You crazy woman! Such a good match, and you want to throw it away? Have you lost your mind?”
Song Qinghuan’s eyes turned cold. She dodged the kick, let out a sharp, mocking laugh, kicked him right back, then swung her arm and slapped him hard across the face.
They all came rushing to question her, to berate her — all because they coveted the Lu family’s status and the bride price.
What a bitter joke.
Crack!
The crisp sound of the slap rang through the room.
Everyone froze.
They had known she was being unreasonable earlier, but never this — who would have thought she would dare lay a hand on Song Yunfei?
Song Yunfei stood stunned, hand pressed to his stinging cheek, eyes wide with disbelief. “You… you dare hit me?”
His pupils dilated in shock, as if he still could not process what had just happened.
“So what if I do?” Song Qinghuan sneered, glancing at him sidelong. “I’m your elder sister. It’s my job to teach you right from wrong. This slap is a lesson — you’d better remember it, or don’t blame me for being harsher next time.”
[Congratulations, Host! Kick ×1, Slap ×1 — you have earned 80 points!]
As she stood there, the familiar voice echoed in her ears once more.
She paused for a split second, then glanced at Song Yunfei, still seething with rage, and curled her lips into a faint smile.
Just as she suspected — only she could hear that voice.
If she had been given a second chance at life, then some kind of “system” was hardly strange.
She had yet to figure out what these points were for, but right now, all she cared about was putting this greedy family in their place. She paid the points no mind for the moment.
She raised her fist, coiled with strength, ready to knock Song Yunfei flat if he moved again.
Still stinging from the blow, Song Yunfei burned with resentment — but fear crept in too.
Why did Song Qinghuan feel like a completely different person? Before, she would never have talked back to their parents, let alone fought back.
What had gotten into her?
Her hand stayed raised, unmoving. Song Shouyang and Zhao Yufang had been ready to tear into her again, but seeing her stance, they fell silent at once.
Recalling how unyielding and wild she had acted at the Lu family home, Zhao Yufang slowly unclenched her fists.
Enough.
There were more important things to worry about than picking a fight with her now. Getting her to marry Lu Qiming was what mattered.
If she did, the whole family would climb the social ladder and live a good life.
The thought calmed her down. She glanced at Song Shouyang, exchanged a look with him, and softened her tone.
“Qinghuan, your father and I only say these things because we care about you. We spoke out of worry — you’re our daughter! The Lu family is so well-off; we only want you to marry into a good life!”
She pleaded earnestly, but seeing Song Qinghuan pay her no heed, her patience wore thin. Still, she forced herself to continue: “Your father and I have worked ourselves to the bone raising you all these years. Can’t you think of us for once?”
Song Qinghuan found the words laughable and shot her a sharp look.
Taking the glance as a sign her words were working, Zhao Yufang hurried to press on. “You must understand our intentions — we’re all counting on you. If you marry Qiming, we’ll all have a better life.”
Song Shouyang chimed in. “That’s right, Qinghuan. As a daughter, you can’t only think of yourself! Your father and I have struggled all our lives — can’t you let us enjoy some comfort?”
Song Qinghuan stared at them, utterly speechless.
“Marrying into the Lu family means a good life? Why don’t you go marry him then?” she replied evenly, not even bothering to look at them again.
“You —!” Zhao Yufang flushed bright red, eyes bulging in disbelief. She sputtered for a moment before snapping: “How dare you speak such shameless words!”
What an ungrateful, brazen girl!
Song Qinghuan said nothing. Zhao Yufang took several deep breaths to steady herself, then tried again.
“Qinghuan, don’t be foolish! A military compound — what kind of place is that? Ordinary people like us would never set foot there in a lifetime!”
“I’ve heard it’s wonderful — so many big houses, all built so well, with everything you could want inside!”
“Old Mrs. Yang told me every family has a big yard, for growing flowers or vegetables — warm in winter, cool in summer! A million times better than our shabby little hut!”
Song Shouyang nodded eagerly, his voice thick with calculation. “Your mother’s right! I’ve heard the same! There’s a special canteen there too — only the best food is served! Chicken, duck, fish, meat — all you can eat, every day! Finer than any restaurant out there!”
“If you marry him, you’ll eat and drink like royalty. Why would you stay here chewing on pickled vegetables day after day?”
“Where will you ever find a match like this? Wealthy, comfortable, and you won’t have to lift a finger!”
Seeing no reaction, Zhao Yufang grew anxious and pressed harder. “And it’s not just good food! There’s a cinema, a grand hall — performances for every holiday, put on by the military arts troupe! Real high-class entertainment!”
“People like us would never get to see such things otherwise!”
“You’d have shows and movies whenever you wanted — how wonderful! And everyone living there is an officer or their family! Marry Qiming, make friends with a few officers’ wives — think of all the connections you’d have!”
“If anything ever happens to our family, a word from you would fix it all! And they have the best military doctors there — if you have children one day, they’ll be safe and well-cared for!”