Chapter 20 Moving In

Chapter 20 Moving In

Shi Yu was looking down, his slender fingers tapping rapidly on his phone screen.

When he heard Shi Nian's words, his typing paused slightly.

"Let's talk about it back home." Shi Yu lifted his gaze and glanced at Lin Yao behind him, his tone cold.

Shi Nian also realized that Lin Yao was still present.

"Alright, let's talk about it back home." Shi Nian did not continue the conversation.

This left Lin Yao in a state of anxiety.

What were they keeping secret?

Where did Shi Yu suddenly get so much money to pay off the debt... Lin Yao couldn't help but stare intently at Shi Yu's face.

She was so blatant that she forgot her parents were still there.

The girl was confused; she had skipped this part of the story and didn't know how Shi Nian and Shi Yu had turned things around.

A five-million gap—where did Shi Yu get the money?

"Oh, Youyou, how is your hand? Does it still hurt? Let me take a look."

Xia Tingnan pulled her hand and stood in front of her, pretending to casually block Lin Yao's view of the Shi siblings.

Lin Xiong, hearing that Lin Yao's hand was injured, hurried over to check as well.

Fortunately, Lin Yao's wrist was only a bit red, with no serious injury, and the couple breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright, we've spent enough time at the police station today. Let's go back now." Xia Tingnan tried to pull Lin Yao away, but Lin Yao gently tugged at Xia Tingnan's sleeve instead.

"Mom..." Lin Yao's voice was soft, trying to draw Xia Tingnan's attention to Shi Yu and Shi Nian behind them.

Xia Tingnan looked back, feeling conflicted about the Shi siblings.

Suddenly having such a large sum of money—several million—how could Xia Tingnan not find it strange?

But she didn't want Lin Yao to get too involved with the Shi siblings.

At worst, she would ask Lin Xiong to inquire later.

"Let's go." Xia Tingnan deliberately avoided Lin Yao's gaze, grabbed her collar, and led her away.

*

On the way back, Xia Tingnan scolded Lin Yao again.

"I've told you countless times, don't get too close to Shi Nian. Now that you're in Class 13, focus on your studies and try to get back into your old class. Look at Shi Nian; despite the big incident at home, she's still in Class 1 and doesn't have to worry about her studies. Honestly, how did you even run into her at the school gate when you're not in the same class anymore..."

"Mom..." Lin Yao interrupted softly, "Shi Nian is no longer in Class 1; she transferred to Class 13."

"W-What?" Xia Tingnan was stunned and turned from the passenger seat. "Shi Nian dropped to Class 13?"

Lin Yao: "Yes."

Xia Tingnan: "..."

In Xia Tingnan's mind, Shi Nian had always been smart, a model student and role model for the entire school.

To be honest, even when Lin Yao dropped to Class 13, Xia Tingnan wasn't as shocked as she was now hearing about Shi Nian.

"Is she... Is she still struggling because of her parents' situation... hasn't gotten over it yet?"

Xia Tingnan couldn't help but wonder if she had been too cold earlier.

Lin Yao shook her head. "I don't know... maybe she just missed the exam like I did."

Xia Tingnan looked back at her daughter's sincere and naive expression, feeling speechless.

Her daughter was truly naive; how could Shi Nian's situation be the same as Lin Yao's?

Someone like Shi Nian, who could sign with Capital University, would always be protected by the school.

Even without taking the exam, she would still be kept in Class 1; she wouldn't be expelled like that.

"Forget it, I'll go ask them later. Something feels off about Shi Yu suddenly having so much money... If they need help, we can assist them."

Xia Tingnan finished speaking and turned back.

Lin Xiong, driving beside her, glanced at Xia Tingnan's somewhat awkward expression and smiled silently.

Sitting in the back, Lin Yao lowered her head and bit her lip quietly.

She knew her mother had a heart of gold beneath her tough exterior.

*

When they returned to their neighborhood, they took the elevator up from the underground garage.

As they exited the elevator, Xia Tingnan was still talking to Lin Xiong.

Suddenly, an arrogant and disdainful voice came from next door: "Oh, what a mess you've made, so dirty... Get rid of these things, why are you moving them out? Just throw them away, throw them away."

The voice sounded familiar, and Xia Tingnan instinctively glanced over, her face changing instantly. "Song Zhe, Jiang Kaixin, what are you two doing here?"

Song Zhe... Jiang Kaixin?

Lin Yao found these names familiar.

Following Xia Tingnan's gaze, she saw a middle-aged woman in an elegant ladylike outfit, covering her nose and mouth with a tissue, disdainfully directing her assistants to move things out of the Shi family's house.

The schoolbags and several suitcases of the Shi siblings were carelessly piled up at the door.

Beside them stood a middle-aged man in a suit and tie, wearing frameless glasses.

The middle-aged man had striking features and exuded an air of refinement and elegance, which contrasted sharply with the disdainful demeanor of the wealthy woman beside him.

Lin Yao recalled the name her mother had called out earlier; she had seen it in a book.

Right... they were Shi Nian's uncle and aunt!

"Xia Tingnan? So you live here too?" Jiang Kaixin turned around and upon seeing Xia Tingnan, her eyes widened slightly before breaking into a smile.

"Is this your daughter? Oh my, she's grown so much... I remember when you were pregnant; Song Zhe and I came to see you then. It's a shame that after your father's incident, we never got to meet your newborn child. She's such a pretty girl. What's her name?"

The wealthy woman walked over, smiling as she reached out to pinch Lin Yao's cheek.

Despite her friendly appearance, Lin Yao instinctively disliked her.

She pursed her lips and subconsciously hid behind Xia Tingnan.

"Tsk, this child is quite shy. Don't tease her..." Xia Tingnan frowned slightly, displeased, but she didn't want to cause too much friction with the Song family, so she merely held out her hand to block the gesture.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Kaixin laughed derisively. "I understand; children from small towns like Jincheng haven't seen much of the world. They're different from those in big cities. Shi Nian and Shi Yu are the same—so provincial. I wonder if they can adapt to life in the capital. Why did you have to go to the capital and cause trouble with my in-laws, making the Song family have to take them back now."

"Kaixin, enough, say less," said the well-dressed, mild-mannered man behind her softly. "Sorry, Tingnan. You know how Kaixin is—she's always been straightforward. Don't take it to heart."

The man who tried to calm Xia Tingnan was Song Zhe, Song Li's older brother and the current heir of the Song family.

In a way, he had watched Xia Tingnan and Song Li grow up.

Unfortunately, Xia Tingnan had long seen through the hypocritical facade of the Song family through Song Li.

She ignored Song Zhe's words and directly asked, "Why is your Song family suddenly getting involved again? Last time, you said their lives and deaths had nothing to do with you, and you didn't want to acknowledge Song Li's children."

"Hey, what kind of attitude is that towards my husband!" Jiang Kaixin exclaimed.

Lin Xiong swiftly moved to shield Xia Tingnan and Lin Yao behind him, standing tall in front of them.

He scowled sternly. "And what kind of attitude is yours?"

Jiang Kaixin recoiled, her face paling. "You..."

"Kaixin," Song Zhe said calmly.

Jiang Kaixin reluctantly stepped back behind him.

Seeing Jiang Kaixin retreat, Lin Xiong stepped aside, allowing Song Zhe and Xia Tingnan to continue their conversation.

However, when Song Zhe looked at Xia Tingnan again, his gaze was colder than before.

"Listen, Tingnan, don't misunderstand. I know you have some opinions about our Song family. But it doesn't matter. We're here to take Shi Nian and Shi Yu away. After all, they are the only blood relatives of my sister in this world. No matter what, I don't want them to suffer here."

It sounded as if the Song family had suddenly had a change of heart.

But Xia Tingnan and Lin Xiong exchanged a glance, harboring hidden concerns. The last time they went to the capital, the Song family had acted differently. How could they change so quickly?

No one changes their attitude that fast...

'No, Shi Yu and Shi Nian must not go with the Song family...' Lin Yao, hiding behind Xia Tingnan, clenched her fists tightly.

Though she had skipped many parts of the story in her dream, she had read the later chapters where Song Zhe's name appeared repeatedly.

From Shi Nian and Shi Yu's maternal grandfather down to their uncles, aunts, cousins, and siblings, the entire Song family was the major antagonist in the latter part of the book.

As the true antagonists of the original story, how could they be so kind as to take Shi Nian and Shi Yu back?

There must be something fishy going on.

"Ding dong—"

At that moment, the elevator behind them chimed.

A boy in a white long-sleeved shirt and a girl in a school uniform emerged from the elevator.

Upon seeing them, Jiang Kaixin's eyes lit up.

The previously disdainful wealthy woman approached Shi Yu with a warm expression, reaching out to grab his arm.

"Oh, Shi Yu, where did you go? Your uncle and I have been waiting for you for ages... I thought you took my five million and were planning to run away!"

Five million?

The five million Shi Yu used to clear his debts came from the Song family!

Lin Yao anxiously looked at Shi Yu, her eyes glistening with tears, desperately wanting to warn him not to trust the Song family or use their money.

But she didn't know how to convey this warning properly.

"Here's your card." The black-haired boy in white, with a cold demeanor, took out a black bank card and placed it in Jiang Kaixin's hand. "The money hasn't been touched."

"What, what?" Jiang Kaixin looked at the card in surprise, her tone becoming urgent. "What do you mean? Are you backing out?"

"We clearly agreed at noon that we would help you repay your debts, and then you two would come back to the capital with us!"

Shi Yu didn't even bother to lift his eyelids, speaking in a calm, indifferent voice. "You forced the card on me; I never agreed. How can there be any backing out?"

"You..."

"Everything's fine, Shi Yu. If you have any concerns, just talk to your uncle." Song Zhe pushed Jiang Kaixin behind him.

He lowered his eyes, and his sharp, cold features managed to form a warm and reassuring smile.

"Is it because of the name change that you're unwilling? If you don't want to change your names, it's okay. Come back with us to the capital first. We can discuss it once you've settled in."

"Name change? What name change?" Xia Tingnan was confused and sensed something was off.

The Song family clearly didn't want to explain to Xia Tingnan, but Shi Nian had already given a serious answer.

Shi Nian: "The Song family offered to repay our debts on the condition that we change our names when we get to the capital. We can't keep the surname Shi; we have to take the surname Song."

"Change names? Ha, how absurd..." Xia Tingnan almost laughed.

She knew the Song family had never liked Shi Mo and wanted to erase his existence.

"But isn't this like plugging your ears and pretending there's no sound?"

Song Li's elopement years ago caused quite a stir. Everyone in the capital knew that the youngest daughter of the Song family had run away with Shi Mo. Changing their names now was just stirring up trouble for nothing.

"This is our family matter, none of your business!" Jiang Kaixin, angry and embarrassed, reached out to grab Shi Nian. "Come, Shi Nian, let's go inside and talk..."

"No, Shi Nian can't go with you..." A slender girl suddenly rushed out from behind.

Lin Yao tightly hugged Shi Nian's waist and lifted her bright eyes, glaring fiercely at the Song family.

Jiang Kaixin: "..."

She hadn't expected the girl who had been hiding behind Xia Tingnan to come out and challenge her.

"Then there's Shi Yu..."

"And Shi Yu won't go either." Lin Yao quickly grabbed Shi Yu and pulled him over.

The moment the young boy's slightly cool hand was clasped by the girl's soft one, he paused imperceptibly.

But he still allowed her to hold his hand and pull him closer.

In just a second, Lin Yao had 'claimed' both Shi siblings for herself.

"You can't touch them! They won't go with you!"

Lin Yao was determined not to let Shi Nian and Shi Yu go to the Song family.

Just then, she finally remembered the shocking scandal about the Song family at the end of the story!

She couldn't let Shi Nian fall into their hands!!

A girl from a small place daring to speak to them like that made Jiang Kaixin and Song Zhe's faces turn ugly.

Jiang Kaixin glared at Lin Yao: "I'm talking to my family. What does it have to do with you? You're just a student who knows nothing. People from small places have no manners. Get lost..."

After saying that, she tried to push Lin Yao aside.

But as soon as she said "get lost," the atmosphere around them changed.

"Don't touch her."

Shi Nian turned and pulled Lin Yao behind him, warning Jiang Kaixin sternly.

Shi Yu didn't say anything, but his dark, deep-set eyes lowered, and an intense pressure emanated from him.

Lin Xiong and Xia Tingnan were even more protective.

If hitting someone wasn't illegal, Xia Tingnan would have slapped Jiang Kaixin.

Jiang Kaixin: "You... what's with those looks? Are you going to oppose me for an outsider? Understand this: we're helping you! Without the Song family's five million, your debt..."

"Our debt has been repaid." Shi Yu's low, cold voice interrupted her.

Jiang Kaixin: "What... what did you say?"

Song Zhe: "Shi Yu, how did you repay the money? It's impossible. I checked, and you don't have any extra..."

"Enough, stop talking nonsense!" Xia Tingnan, "Didn't you hear Shi Yu say he doesn't want your money? You should leave, not stay!"

Lin Xiong pressed the elevator button for them.

Jiang Kaixin didn't realize that offending Lin Yao was the worst thing she could do. When she started using vile words to insult Lin Yao, she unknowingly offended all four people present.

But Jiang Kaixin and Song Zhe couldn't just go back.

They had come with a purpose today.

The Shi siblings, without parents, were the best pawns to achieve their goal...

Jiang Kaixin: "Xia Tingnan, wait a minute..."

Song Zhe: "Shi Yu, Shi Nian, I'm your uncle. I won't harm you..."

"Are you still not leaving?"

Seeing that they still wanted to persuade the Shi siblings, Xia Tingnan turned and walked towards her home.

Soon, Xia Tingnan came back carrying two garbage bins.

"You're not leaving, right? Not leaving, right!"

She dumped various types of trash on Song Zhe and Jiang Kaixin.

The Song family, who always boasted of their high status, had never seen such a scene before.

Not to mention Jiang Kaixin screaming in terror, even Song Zhe turned pale when garbage was thrown at him.

Xia Tingnan had been tolerating them for a long time!

During the last visit to the Song family, Jiang Kaixin deliberately let the dogs loose to bite people.

If the Song family started it, she would finish it.

Two assistants hurriedly stepped forward to shield their boss from the filth, and all four retreated to the elevator as quickly as possible.

Inside the elevator, Jiang Kaixin wiped Song Zhe clean while shouting outside, "You're all crazy! Both your families are insane! They can't pay off their debts; I want to see what they'll do!"

"Xia Tingnan, if you're so capable, why don't you support Song Li's family then!"

"I will support them, so what! Get lost!" Xia Tingnan picked up a slipper from the shoe cabinet by the door and threw it towards the elevator.

Jiang Kaixin immediately pulled over the two assistants to block it.

Fortunately, the elevator doors closed just then.

Xia Tingnan's slipper hit the door with a thud and fell to the ground.

The previously noisy corridor suddenly became eerily quiet.

Shi Nian quietly released Lin Yao's hand.

"Aunt Xia, Uncle Lin... Lin Yao, thank you."

The Shi family knew about Xia Tingnan's aversion, so after Shi Nian sincerely thanked the three of them, she and Shi Yu headed back to their own home.

They needed to pack up quickly.

The house had already been sold.

The final payment finally arrived, and on the way back, all their external debts were settled.

So, they could breathe a sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, they couldn't keep anything...

Even their parents' research results, which proved their existence in this world, were sold.

The new landlord would soon come to take possession of the house, and they had to move out before that.

But the penniless siblings, having just paid off their debts, didn't know where to go.

"Lin Yao, stop looking and come home with me." Xia Tingnan pulled Lin Yao away.

But seeing Shi Nian like that made Lin Yao feel very upset.

"Mom..." She looked up at Xia Tingnan, thinking she might as well tell her mother the truth and try to persuade her.

What if it worked?

Lin Yao: "Please help Shi Nian. Helping Shi Nian will bring good luck to our family. We'll have good fortune, really."

Xia Tingnan: "Good fortune? Lin Yao, when did you become so superstitious? Is Shi Nian a god or Buddha, able to bless us?"

Lin Yao: "..."

But Shi Nian is the main character with good luck.

"Alright, alright, stop dawdling and go inside." Xia Tingnan pushed Lin Yao into the house, seemingly not caring about what she said.

She also ushered Lin Xiong, who had tried to speak several times, inside.

Just before closing the door, Xia Tingnan said, "Shi Nian, Shi Yu, once you've finished packing up, come over for dinner. Remember, help Aunt pick up the slipper."

Shi Nian and Shi Yu: "..."

Lin Yao peeked out from behind the door, surprised: "Mom... you're amazing, you're so great..."

"Alright, go inside." Xia Tingnan felt a bit embarrassed by Lin Yao's praise and pushed her head back inside.

"Mom, you're pressing my forehead, it hurts..."

"Oh, let me see, let me see..."

The door of the Lin family closed, shutting out the lively atmosphere.

On this side of the corridor.

Shi Nian, who had already crouched down to pack, looked up in shock at the direction of the Lin family.

Beside her, Shi Yu paused for a moment.

After a brief moment of surprise, both siblings quickly turned to look at each other...

This seemed to be the first time Xia Tingnan had invited them over for dinner since their families broke ties.

Shi Yu lowered his eyes, lost in thought.

Suddenly, he put down his luggage and stood up. "I'm going downstairs to buy something."

Shi Nian: "What are you buying? Do you have any money?"

Shi Yu lightly acknowledged, "Not much, I helped someone write some code last night and earned this."

An hour later.

After packing all their belongings and changing into new clothes, Shi Yu and Shi Nian rang the doorbell at the Lin residence.

"Mom, it must be Shi Nian. I'll go open the door..."

At the first ring of the doorbell, Lin Yao, who had been pretending to do her homework, bounded towards the door like a happy puppy wagging its tail.

Xia Tingnan came out from the kitchen just as the door opened.

Outside the door.

Shi Nian and Shi Yu entered one after the other.

Shi Nian was gently looking down, talking to Lin Yao.

The boy in the light gray coat followed behind with his usual cool, indifferent expression, carrying two beautifully packaged, high-end fruit baskets in his hands.

"You two... I invited you over for dinner, why did you bring fruit?" Xia Tingnan was surprised.

Only then did Lin Yao's gaze fall on what Shi Yu was holding.

Hmm... how to put it.

They were all fruits she loved.

Durians, mangoes, grapes—various high-calorie fruits that her mother would never buy for her were carefully selected and packed into those two fruit baskets.

But... where did they get the money?

Xia Tingnan insisted on paying them back, but Shi Nian deftly avoided the issue.

Shi Yu, expressionless, placed the fruit baskets on the Lin family's coffee table and silently turned them so that the side with the durian faced Lin Yao.

Lin Yao glanced sideways, already plotting in her mind how to sneak some later.

Because the Shi siblings were there, Xia Tingnan prepared several extra dishes for dinner, and the meal was not as simple and healthy as usual.

While Lin Yao was happily eating at the dining table,

she suddenly heard Xia Tingnan say, "There isn't much furniture left at your place, so why don't you move here tonight and stay here from now on."