Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Jiang Mingchuan fell silent for a moment at these words. Liu Jingzhi, walking ahead, didn't hear a response for a long time and felt a faint disappointment in her heart. Just as she stepped onto the last stair, a muffled voice came from behind her, "You'll know in two days."

Liu Jingzhi's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously turned to look at him. The man behind her was also looking at her, his eyes carrying a subtle tenderness and indulgence that was different from when he looked at his aunt. She couldn't quite put her finger on the difference, but it reminded her somewhat of how he looked at the two children.

Liu Jingzhi walked up to her doorstep, about to open the door and bid farewell to her uncle, when she saw her parents and aunt-in-law sitting in the living room as soon as she opened the door.

Seeing her aunt-in-law, Liu Jingzhi's expression turned cold.

Jiang Mingchuan, standing beside her, quickly noticed this and followed her gaze into the house. Liu Qin and his wife got up and greeted them as they returned, "You're back?"

The woman in the house remained seated, eyeing Jiang Mingchuan with unfriendly eyes.

Jiang Mingchuan frowned slightly, uncomfortable. He had a keen sense of people's emotions and could tell that the woman was looking at him with hostility.

He turned to Liu Qin and his wife, who smiled awkwardly at him and introduced, "This is the children's aunt-in-law."

Jiang Mingchuan grunted in acknowledgment and didn't say much more. "I've safely returned Jingzhi. I'll be going now."

Liu Qin smiled. "Alright, take it easy on your way."

As he said this, Song Xiaoru secretly pinched his waist. Liu Qin opened his mouth but ultimately didn't ask the question.

Jiang Mingchuan pretended not to notice and left.

Once he was gone, Song Xiaoru asked irritably, "I just wanted you to ask when they were leaving. Why are you so timid?"

Liu Qin wasn't in a good mood either. "Why don't you ask?"

Liu Jingzhi looked at her parents and couldn't help asking, "What's going on?"

Liu Qin's expression softened. "Nothing. Go rest in your room for a bit. Dinner will be ready soon."

Liu Jingzhi nodded. She wanted to say that she had already eaten outside, but since her sister was home and her aunt-in-law was there, she held back and simply agreed.

Unexpectedly, after only a few steps, her aunt-in-law spoke up in a sarcastic tone, "I heard you went out to play today? Why didn't you bring your sister along?"

Liu Aihua, who had been in her room and heard her sister return, didn't want to come out. But when she heard her aunt-in-law speak for her, she angrily opened the door and stood in the doorway, arms crossed, glaring at her sister.

Liu Jingzhi pursed her lips and didn't respond.

Liu Qin, who had long been dissatisfied with his wife's brother's family, couldn't help saying, "Play what? She accompanied someone to buy books. Alright, Jingzhi, go back to your room."

Xuali scoffed. "Who would believe that? Buying books takes that long? Who knows what delicious food she ate outside."

When Liu Aihua heard this, her face fell, and she rushed over to confront Liu Jingzhi. "Tell me, what delicious food did you eat today?"

In the past, Liu Jingzhi would have endured such remarks, but today she had heard a lot about her aunt's experiences in the military, especially how she retaliated against those who reported her. This filled her heart with excitement. Her aunt told her that many people were bullies who feared resistance. If one didn't fight back, more and more people would bully them.

With this in mind, she suddenly looked up at her aunt-in-law. "I don't know what delicious food I ate, but I do know that if Uncle hadn't killed someone in a car accident, our family would still be living in a big two-story house with plenty of money, and Dad would still be a regular employee at the Machinery Plant."

Liu Aihua, who had been furious, froze at these words. "What two-story house? What plenty of money?"

Liu Jingzhi didn't answer and simply stood up to return to her room.

Compared to her sister eating delicious food, Liu Aihua was more concerned about the two-story house. She hurriedly followed her sister and asked anxiously, "Tell me, what two-story house? What plenty of money? Did our family have a big house before? Did we have a lot of money?"

Liu Jingzhi threw back, "Ask Aunt-in-law. She knows better than I do."

And with that, she left.

Liu Aihua quickly turned to Xuali and asked urgently, "Aunt-in-law, where's our house?"

Xuali was embarrassed. "That... Haha... What house? Just listen to your sister's nonsense."

"She doesn't talk nonsense. She never lies. She said that because Uncle killed someone, our family lost its house. How does Uncle killing someone have anything to do with our family? Why should we compensate?"

"Child, how can you be so ungrateful? We're family."

"What family? I don't have a family like you. Fine, you admit it. It's because of you that our family doesn't have a big house. So we used to have a big house!"

She became agitated. "Compensate us for the big house! Compensate! Give us compensation! I don't want to live here. I want to live in a big house."

Song Xiaoru, most afraid of her youngest daughter's tantrums, hurried to console her. "It's all in the past. We still have a place to live now."

This consolation only made Liu Aihua angrier. She pushed her mother away. "It's all your fault, you stupid woman. If your own brother hadn't killed someone, why would we need to live here? Get out of my sight. Go back to your brother's house. I don't want you as my mother. Why don't you just die? You've caused our whole family so much suffering..."

Hearing this, Liu Jingzhi quickly came out, regretting her words.

Seeing the situation turn sour, Xuali took the opportunity to sneak away. Liu Aihua, enraged, tried to chase after her but was stopped by Liu Qin and Song Xiaoru. Liu Aihua plopped down on the ground and began to cry loudly, pointing at her mother and cursing, "You're a jinx, a jinx. I hate you. It's all your fault, all your fault."

Then she turned to Liu Qin. "Why did you marry her? With your money, you could have married anyone, but you brought back such an ugly woman. Look at the good she's done, making me so ugly and squandering everything. I hate you. All of that should have been mine, all of it—"

Song Xiaoru never expected her beloved youngest daughter to say such things to her one day. Her heart ached with anger, and she covered her face and cried, then turned to her eldest daughter. "Are you satisfied now? Are you happy now?"

Liu Jingzhi's lips turned pale at these words.

"Did you start looking down on us after going out today?"

Liu Jingzhi's eyes reddened. "No, I didn't."

Song Xiaoru turned away, not wanting to hear her explanation.

Liu Jingzhi felt hurt and lowered her head. It was her aunt-in-law who spoke ill of her first, and she had merely retaliated. Her aunt had told her that when faced with bullying, whether physical or verbal, one must bravely fight back. Even the two children knew this principle, and she believed it was right.

Why didn't her mother stand up for her when her aunt-in-law bullied her, and why was she blamed instead of her aunt-inlaw?

She desperately wanted to ask if she was really their biological child.

Once this thought arose, the seed of doubt could not be removed from her heart.

Liu Jingzhi was no fool; on the contrary, she was very smart. She had always felt that her parents' love for her carried a certain formality, different from the intimacy they shared with her sister. There was always something missing.

She thought about her uncle's affection for her. In the past, she had worried he might have ulterior motives, but seeing how her aunt and cousins were close to her only intensified her suspicions.

After all, why would her uncle and aunt treat only her, among all their nieces, with such kindness? They were merely distant relatives, yet her own parents hadn't been willing to spend as much money on her... Furthermore, she didn't resemble her parents at all, while her sister clearly looked like their child.

---

On their way back, Jiang Mingchuan mentioned seeing the child's aunt at Liu Qin's home.

As he spoke, his brows were furrowed.

Jin Xiuzhu asked him, "What's wrong? Was there something off about her?"

Jiang Mingchuan shook his head. "I can't quite put my finger on it, but her gaze towards me wasn't friendly."

Jin Xiuzhu understood. "That must mean she knows about your sister's background."

She suddenly recalled something and asked, "I remember you mentioning that Liu Qin and his wife came from Province X. Logically, they shouldn't have any relatives here."

Jiang Mingchuan replied, "Could she have come to pay New Year's greetings?"

"Would someone come alone to pay New Year's greetings?"

Jiang Mingchuan frowned, recalling the scene inside the house. The living room in the Liu household was small, and everything was visible at a glance. He was certain there was only the child's aunt present, and there were no gifts typically brought for such visits.

Jin Xiuzhu analyzed the situation for him. "Your mother is a thoughtful person. I've been thinking about this for the past two days. If she entrusted the child to Liu Qin and his wife, she wouldn't have mistreated them. Regardless of whether their family was wealthy or not, they shouldn't have been living in such a dilapidated and tiny house. Moreover, their younger daughter doesn't seem to be dressed particularly well. If they were simply being frugal, that would explain it, but do you remember yesterday's meal? Even if they were hesitant to spend openly, they wouldn't deprive themselves when it comes to food. Yet, it seems they're really struggling."

Jiang Mingchuan had also considered these points. He had assumed that the adoptive parents of his sister were facing difficulties, which was why he had started sending them money as soon as he began earning, hoping to improve his sister's life.

Jin Xiuzhu continued, "If they were well-off, your sister's life should be comfortable. However, if they're struggling, conflicts within the family would naturally arise. As the saying goes, poverty brings sorrow to even the closest of couples. Their younger daughter appears to be spoiled and domineering. Judging by their attire, the couple seems to favor their younger daughter."

"When your mother entrusted the child to them, she likely thought they were honest and couldn't have children of their own, which is why she chose them. She didn't expect them to have another child later. If she had foreseen this, she might not have separated you siblings."

Even Jin Xiuzhu would have made the same decision. On one hand, the Liu family owed the Bai family a great debt of gratitude, and on the other hand, the Liu couple seemed honest and unable to have children, ensuring they would treat the daughter well and provide her with a complete family. However, if she had known they would have their own child, she would have preferred the siblings to stay together, even if it meant enduring hardships.

Jiang Mingchuan said, "I understand. That's why I told her we'll know more in a couple of days."

Jin Xiuzhu agreed. Bringing her back sooner would avoid many complications. Honesty wasn't always an admirable trait. In the past, she hadn't liked working with overly honest people, finding them too naive and easily swayed.

She gave Jiang Mingchuan an approving look. "I've noticed you've become more decisive lately. I like this side of you."

Jiang Mingchuan felt a bit embarrassed by the compliment. He didn't feel any different, only that he now had a family to protect. By handling issues himself, he ensured that she and their child wouldn't have to worry.

"And I appreciate that you share everything with me now. It makes me feel valued."

Hearing this, Jiang Mingchuan's ears turned red, and he subconsciously touched his nose, wondering how she could say such things so casually. He glanced around, relieved that there were no outsiders nearby, although their son was staring at them with wide eyes.

Meeting his father's gaze, He Yan tilted his head. "Daddy, why are your ears red? Is it cold?"

Jiang Mingchuan: "…Yes."

He Yan hummed in acknowledgment, nodding but didn't offer to take off his hat and give it to his father. His mother had made it for him, and he cherished it.

Only Fu Yanyan smiled slightly, unsure if it was amusement at her brother's naivety or joy at the prospect of welcoming her aunt back into the family, as everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.

---

The next morning, Jin Xiuzhu followed yesterday's arrangement and took her daughter to pick up Liu Jingzhi from the Liu residence.

Jiang Mingchuan had left early in the morning to buy vegetables and meat. While he was busy in the guesthouse kitchen with He Yan, Jin Xiuzhu decided to go ahead with her daughter since she knew the way.

Even though she had just visited the day before, Jin Xiuzhu didn't skimp on etiquette. She bought a bag of pears from a nearby supply store to bring along, albeit a less expensive gift than the previous day.

Upon arriving at the Liu residence, Jin Xiuzhu didn't need to knock. She saw Liu Jingzhi alone in the hallway, with no sign of anyone else. She couldn't help but feel a pang of心疼 (sympathy / concern). "Why are you out here alone?"

"Auntie."

Liu Jingzhi looked up upon hearing the voice, greeting her happily and calling out to Fu Yanyan, "Sister."

Fu Yanyan greeted her politely, "Sister."

She deliberately asked, "Are you alone at home, Sister?"

Liu Jingzhi didn't think much of it. "No, I usually do these chores."

She efficiently washed the bowls and chopsticks.

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "You usually do these chores? Your parents are fortunate to have such a capable child; it must make their lives easier."

Without waiting for a response, she directly asked, "Are your parents at home? We mentioned taking you to the guesthouse to play, so we came to pick you up today."

Liu Jingzhi hesitated. "Auntie, I'm sorry, but I might not be able to go today. My mom isn't feeling well, and I want to stay home to take care of her."

Jin Xiuzhu seemed slightly disappointed. "Oh, we're leaving tomorrow."

"Really?" Liu Jingzhi looked at her with reluctance.

Jin Xiuzhu smiled gently. "Let me check on your mom."

With that, she pushed open the door and entered. She expected Song Xiaoru to be lying in bed, but instead, she found her sitting in the living room, with a coat draped over her legs and a plate of washed apples on the table—presumably the ones they had brought the previous day.

Seeing Jin Xiuzhu enter, Song Xiaoru appeared somewhat uncomfortable. Jin Xiuzhu looked around. "Where's Aihua?"

Without hesitation, Song Xiaoru replied, "She went out to play."

No sooner had the words left her mouth when Liu Aihua's angry voice came from inside the room, "You're the one who went out to play! Don't mention me; I find your voice nauseating now."

After hearing this, Song Xiaoru looked uneasily at Jin Xiuzhu and tugged at the corner of her mouth, but she couldn't manage a smile.

Jin Xiuzhu, with her thick skin, seemed oblivious to the awkward atmosphere in the house and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, yesterday we said we wanted to take Jingzhi to our place for some fun. What do you think?"

Song Xiaoru remained silent upon hearing this.

Jin Xiuzhu understood what she meant and didn't get upset. Instead, her smile deepened as she said, "Sister-in-law, if I may say so, as parents, we really need to be fair sometimes. Jingzhi is too well-behaved, and you can't just ignore her feelings and favor others. Too much favoritism will hurt the child's heart."

How could Song Xiaoru listen to such words? She raised her head abruptly and retorted, "When have I shown favoritism?"

"Oh, no favoritism, huh? No favoritism, yet there's a three-year age gap, and the older one works outside in the cold while the younger one sleeps in the house? In the past two days, Jingzhi's hands felt rougher than mine when I touched them."

Song Xiaoru was at a loss for words but couldn't explain herself, so she lowered her head again and remained silent.

Seeing this, Jin Xiuzhu felt a surge of anger in her heart. It would have been better if she had spoken up directly. She suspected that Jingzhi must have suffered quite a bit in the past.

Jin Xiuzhu pursed her lips, and her expression darkened as she said coldly, "Calling you sister-in-law seems to give you too much face, doesn't it?"

Song Xiaoru was taken aback and didn't have time to react before Jin Xiuzhu called out cheerfully, "Jingzhi, your mom agreed to let you go out."

Jin Xiuzhu met Song Xiaoru's disbelieving gaze and continued smiling, saying, "She said that your sister is lazy and should starve if she doesn't get up. We don't need to worry about her since she loves you the most. Go on, quickly pack up, we're leaving soon."

Then, she deliberately added in a more serious tone, "Sister-in-law, if I may say so, Aihua is also a good child. You shouldn't treat her like this even if you show favoritism. Children are still young, and if you treat them well, they'll remember it."

Liu Jingzhi entered happily from outside, took off her apron, and asked uncertainly, "Mom, can I really go out?"

She never thought that her aunt was lying to her; she believed that her aunt had convinced her mother.

Unable to refuse her daughter in front of others, Song Xiaoru nodded stiffly and said stiffly, "Come back early."

Liu Jingzhi smiled sweetly.

She didn't need to pack anything and simply put down her scarf.

Jin Xiuzhu held her hand and said, "Let's go. Your uncle made something delicious for you."

As soon as they stepped out of the door, they heard the sound of things being thrown around in the room. Liu Jingzhi's face showed hesitation, but Jin Xiuzhu smiled and said, "Your sister is really lively, still a child. It's nothing; bring her something tasty when you come back to appease her."

Hearing these words, Liu Jingzhi somehow felt that it wasn't a big deal and smiled.

The two led the child downstairs and happened to see a middle-aged couple walking towards them not far away.

Upon seeing them, Liu Jingzhi instinctively lowered her head, and Jin Xiuzhu noticed this. She moved slightly to the side to shield her a little.

The first thing the middle-aged couple saw was Jin Xiuzhu. The woman eyed her warily and then hurriedly pushed the man along, not noticing Liu Jingzhi beside her.

Once they had passed by, Liu Jingzhi relaxed and explained softly to Jin Xiuzhu, "They're my uncle and aunt."

Jin Xiuzhu turned her head to glance at them and smiled, saying, "Let's go. I'll make something delicious for you today."

Liu Jingzhi sighed in relief that her aunt didn't ask further.

Jin Xiuzhu took her to the guesthouse. It was Liu Jingzhi's first visit, and she was curious about everything, glancing around more than once. There were only three beds in the room, which they had pushed together. The room was neatly organized.

Jin Xiuzhu told her to play with her daughter for a while while she helped in the kitchen.

Liu Jingzhi got up and said, "I can cook too."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled and gently made her sit down, saying, "No need. Just read a book with the child. The kitchen is too small, you won't be able to move around in there."

Liu Jingzhi wanted to say something else, but Fu Yanyan interjected, "Mom and dad like to whisper. If you go in, they won't dare to talk."

Jin Xiuzhu lightly tapped her daughter's head in exasperation.

Watching her aunt leave, Liu Jingzhi took a moment to understand what her cousin meant and smiled shyly.

She looked at her cousin, her cheeks flushed as she asked, "What book do you want to read?"

Several books and newspapers were laid out on the bed. She opened them and let her cousin choose, but Fu Yanyan shook her head, "I don't want to read."

Liu Jingzhi asked gently, "Then what do you want to do?"

"I want to chat with you."

"About what?"

"Sister, you look a lot like an older sister from our old neighborhood. Her name was Daya."

"Really? Do we look alike?"

Fu Yanyan shook her head, "Not in appearance, but in experiences. Daya's parents and grandmother were all good people, but they didn't treat Sister Daya well. They thought giving her food and clothes was enough, but her brother had those things too, and he had things she didn't."

Liu Jingzhi was taken aback. The girl's simple and naive words struck a chord in her heart, leaving her momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

"You have what your sister has, but your sister has things you don't. Sister, if one day you find out that you're not actually related to your family and your real family comes looking for you, would you go with them?"

Liu Jingzhi looked at her sharply.

Fu Yanyan blinked her big eyes innocently, trying to maintain her composure. In reality, she was a little nervous. However, she felt it necessary to give Liu Jingzhi a heads-up. Her parents wanted to recognize this "sister," and her mother had even hinted at causing conflict within the Liu family. But time was running out; they would be leaving the day after tomorrow.

If she suddenly told Liu Jingzhi tomorrow that she wasn't a Liu, she might not be able to handle it. From a child's perspective, Fu Yanyan believed that Liu Jingzhi wouldn't want her parents to make decisions for her.

It took Liu Jingzhi a long time to recover, and then she asked in a dry voice, "What do you mean?"

Fu Yanyan shook her head, "Nothing specific. I just hope that you're not Uncle's biological daughter and could be my real sister."

"..."

Liu Jingzhi's heart, which had originally jumped in fright, settled back into place at these words, and then she found herself somewhat amused that she had taken the words of a little child seriously.

Suppressing the slight tinge of disappointment in her heart, she said with a forced smile, "I'm over ten years older than you; by age alone, you could call me your aunt."

At noon, Jiang Mingchuan prepared a table full of delicious dishes, and Jin Xiuzhu also specially made some pastries. The family of five ate together while engaging in lively conversation. Such a warm scene was something Liu Jingzhi rarely experienced, and she couldn't help but feel envious. It was no wonder the two children were so happy growing up in such a loving household.

As she savored the rare delicacies, she couldn't help but recall her sister's words from before.

Though it didn't sit well with her conscience, if one day she discovered that she wasn't actually related by blood, perhaps it wouldn't be as difficult for her to accept.