Chapter 3 The Choice

Chapter 3: A Choice

As the car entered a gated community in the city center, the night was illuminated by dazzling streetlights. Neatly lined up along the manicured lawns were servants standing tall and straight, each wearing an expression of profound deference.

"Welcome home, Young Mistress."

A chorus of voices rang out through the night sky, continuing for as long as the car drove on.

Only when the car stopped in front of a massive building did the voices abruptly cease.

At that moment, the extravagant scenes described in the novel became tangible. Yet, Su Mi felt a complex mix of emotions. If she couldn't change the plot, all of this would be nothing but a mirage.

As the butler opened the car door, she stepped out. A thick red carpet covered the ground, and three figures stood at the entrance of the villa.

Unable to wait a moment longer, a middle-aged woman in a plain cheongsam stepped forward first. When she saw the girl bundled in a bulky down jacket, tears welled up uncontrollably in her eyes.

"My child..." She was choked up.

Since this was their first meeting, Su Mi didn't show much enthusiasm.

"It's cold outside. Let's talk inside," Su Min said, his eyes also reddening.

He had searched for his daughter for three whole years. So, once he confirmed Su Mi was his daughter, he couldn't wait a moment longer and sent someone to bring her home.

Every time he thought about his daughter being lost and adrift, he couldn't sleep through the night. He dared not even imagine the hardships she must have endured all these years.

"Sister!"

Before Su Mi could say anything, a slender figure rushed over and embraced her tightly. A choked sob sounded in her ear. "Mom and Dad missed you so much. I also asked many friends to help look for you. Now it's finally good—you're back!"

In the original story, the female lead was just as warm. But to the original host, this felt deeply uncomfortable. Being overly sensitive and suspicious, the original host interpreted this as the female lead asserting her dominance, which made her feel even worse.

However, Su Mi noticed that the female lead truly carried the fruity fragrance described in the original work.

"Alright, alright. The wind is strong outside. Don't let Mimi catch a cold," Mrs. Su said, wiping the tears from the corner of her eye, her face full of heartache as she gazed at her biological daughter.

Hearing this, Su Ruanruan immediately took Su Mi's hand. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's all my fault."

Su Mi felt a complex mix of emotions. For now, she couldn't determine whether Su Ruanruan was genuinely "innocent and lively." So, she could only pretend to be distant and followed them into the villa.

Faced with her sister's disregard, Su Ruanruan couldn't help but look down at her own hand. A wave of self-reproach welled up in her clear eyes.

She had occupied a life that originally belonged to someone else, causing her sister to suffer so much. It was only natural for her sister to be unhappy.

She had already made up her mind: no matter what decision her parents made, she would support it. She wouldn't take any of the clothes, bags, or jewelry. She was an adult now; if she wanted something, she could earn it herself. How could she take what rightfully belonged to someone else? That would be shameless.

The living room was brilliantly lit. Having negotiated deals with superiors for years, Su Mi wasn't unfamiliar with the world of the wealthy. Some things, if you weren't born with them, you likely wouldn't have them in this lifetime.

"My dear child, you've suffered," Mrs. Su said, unable to hold back any longer as she took her daughter's hand. Seeing her frostbitten, red fingertips was especially heart-wrenching.

Given the Liu family's circumstances, one could only imagine how much hardship her daughter had endured all these years—even having to work part-time jobs to save up for tuition!

"Shouldn't we still do a paternity test?" Su Mi asked with a slight frown.

Knowing she was having trouble processing everything, Su Min gestured and took a paternity test report from the butler. "After confirming your information, I had this test done. If you're still not at ease, the three of us can do another one tomorrow."

Hearing the phrase "the three of us," Su Ruanruan's eyes flickered slightly.

For the wealthy, secretly obtaining a strand of hair for a DNA test was as easy as pie.

Su Mi took the report and looked it over. Although the plot confirmed that the original host was the Su family's daughter, she still cautiously said, "It would be better if we did another test tomorrow."

Seeing her daughter's wary attitude, Mrs. Su couldn't help but pull her into an embrace, gently stroking her head. "I'm sorry. It's all Mom and Dad's fault for letting you suffer for so many years. Don't worry, from now on, whatever you want, Mom and Dad will give it to you."

The servants, both inside and out, remained observant but reserved. This new young miss seemed to have had a difficult life. Her down jacket clearly cost no more than three hundred yuan, and she didn't seem like the type to stir up trouble. It remained to be seen how the chairman would ultimately handle the matter of the two young misses.

Of course, they hoped Su Ruanruan would stay. After all, Su Ruanruan was considerate toward the servants and had no airs. But it was unclear whether Su Mi would be easy to serve.

"Your grandfather has been waiting for you for a long time," Su Min said, his joy at their reunion fading as if he remembered something.

Hearing this, Su Mi's brow twitched slightly. In the original story, this grandfather adored the female lead but disliked the awkward original host. This made the original host even more sensitive and insecure, desperately wanting to prove herself better and more outstanding than the female lead.

When they reached the dining room, the long table was already laden with dozens of delicacies. An elderly man with graying hair, dressed in a Zhongshan suit, sat at the head of the table. Though his face was lined with fine wrinkles, his aged eyes still sparkled with vitality.

An imposing aura instantly enveloped everyone. Only Su Ruanruan walked forward with a sweet smile, obediently pouring tea for the old man.

"Quick, call him Grandpa," Mrs. Su said gently.

Su Mi remained silent for a moment, then softly spoke, "Grandpa."

Looking at the graceful young woman, Su Zhenan narrowed his eyes slightly but said nothing else. Instead, he took out a red envelope and handed it to Su Mi.

"Since you're back, pick a day to pay respects to the ancestors. Write your name into the family register early; it counts as being recognized by the family."

Hearing this, Su Min nodded. "I've already asked someone to pick a day. The day after tomorrow happens to be an auspicious date. By the time of your birthday next month, we can formally introduce Mimi to the outside world."

Su Mi took a few steps forward, accepted the modest red envelope, and then said, "Thank you."

It wasn't that she didn't want to be more enthusiastic. But since the plot couldn't be changed, no matter how much she tried to please him, this grandfather would never like her. So why bother spending mental energy maintaining the relationship and psychologically draining herself?

Just go with the flow. Whether her name was added to the family register or not wasn't important. Right now, she only wanted to confirm one thing.

"Oh, I almost forgot!"

Mrs. Su immediately took two red envelopes from a servant. With a smile, she handed one to Su Mi and the other to Su Ruanruan across from her.

"I'm already so grown up. How can I still take a red envelope from Mom and Dad? Besides, I'm earning my own money now," Su Ruanruan said, waving her hands repeatedly.

As if knowing what she was thinking, Su Min smiled and patted her head. "You are Mom and Dad's daughter, forever. In our eyes, you're both still children."

Hearing this, Su Ruanruan felt a stir in her heart, and she felt a lump in her throat. She had thought her parents had already forgotten about her.

In the end, she accepted the red envelope. She would leave it behind when she departed.

"You are Grandpa's precious granddaughter. Grandpa can't be without his little mischief-maker," Su Zhenan said with a kind smile, handing her a modest red envelope as well.

"Grandpa..." Su Ruanruan could no longer hold back the tears in her eyes. She hugged the old man's arm and swayed gently.

The family was warm and happy, making Su Mi seem like the superfluous one.

"Mimi must be hungry. Let's eat," Su Min said, immediately pulling out a chair for his daughter and instructing someone to warm a glass of milk.

He had already heard from the butler about the Liu family's situation. No matter what, no one would be allowed to bully his daughter again.

After Su Mi sat down, Su Zhenan's first serving of food was for Su Ruanruan. Meanwhile, Su Mi's bowl quickly filled with dishes Mrs. Su kept piling into it, soon stacking up a plate.

She kept her head down, eating quietly. Mrs. Su, however, kept watching her with heartache, her eyes reddening again as she looked.

"I heard you just graduated and haven't applied to grad school yet."

Su Zhenan pondered for a moment, "Your educational background isn't quite strong enough. Once we've sorted out the family tree, I'll have your father arrange for you to study abroad. Don't worry about anything else."

Clearly, the Su family was still under the old master's authority.

Su Mi suddenly looked up, "I don't adjust well to new places, so I don't want to go abroad. Besides, I already have a job."

Hearing her refusal, Su Zhenan didn't say anything, though he couldn't help feeling displeased. However, since his granddaughter had just returned, he didn't press the issue.

The atmosphere at the dining table gradually shifted. Su Min adjusted his cuffs, "Then don't go abroad. Your mother and I would hate to see you go so far away."

"If you like acting, I'll arrange it for you, just like we did for Ruan Ruan. If you don't want to study abroad, you can join the company and learn the ropes. It's entirely up to you."

"Yes, yes, as long as you're happy," her mother said with a loving smile.

At this moment, even if her daughter wanted the moon, she'd move heaven and earth to get it for her.

Su Mi remained silent. Logically, joining the company would allow her to take over the Su Group, but she was the female supporting role. If the plot couldn't be changed, it would all end up being in vain.

The female lead entered the entertainment industry out of interest, while the original owner of this body did it to make ends meet, taking work as a body double. The original Su Mi didn't want to burden her adoptive parents, and with her good looks and figure, she happened to be picked by a film crew as a stand-in, which allowed her to save up and buy a computer.

Her later foray into entertainment was because she didn't want to lose to the female lead. She wanted to prove she was better, even in the entertainment industry.

Although she should join the Su Group now to eventually take the reins, if the plot couldn't be changed, she would still end up in prison, and the Su family would disown her.

Entering the entertainment industry was different. With the Su family's wealth and influence, she could easily gain fame. Even if she ended up disgraced and in prison, it would only be five years. Afterward, she could still do live-streaming sales. Even bad publicity was still publicity. After all, rebuilding a life after prison was extremely difficult, so she had to maximize her current advantages.

She needed to be practical. All these billions in assets were someone else's; only her own value could create wealth.

If you don't plan ahead, you'll find trouble at your door. She had to prepare for the worst, so at least she wouldn't live too poorly afterward.

Rely on that unreliable system?

That was out of the question.

"I've recently accepted a variety show and might have to leave tomorrow."

Su Ruanruan pushed her rice around with her chopsticks, speaking softly, "Later... I want to return to my own home. My biological parents must miss me too."

Although it pained her to think of leaving her parents, she was never truly part of this family and had no reason to stay. She should return to her own relatives.

Since hearing about her true identity yesterday, she had been shocked, but what she felt more keenly was guilt toward her sister. She'd taken her sister's place; what right did she have to stay?

"You are an officially recognized member of the Su family. No matter what, you are Grandpa's good granddaughter. It's not like we can't afford to keep you," Su Zhenan frowned.

Su Min chimed in with a smile, "It's good to visit them, but no matter what, this will always be your home."

"Ahem—"

Mrs. Su picked up her chopsticks and placed a lion's head meatball in Su Mi's bowl, then glanced disapprovingly at her husband, "But how will we explain to outsiders that our family suddenly has an extra daughter?"

She also liked Su Ruanruan, but she had already wronged her biological daughter for so many years. No matter what, she couldn't allow her daughter to suffer any more grievances.

"Just say Mimi was sickly and was raised in a temple. We only recently brought her back," Su Zhenan said, narrowing his eyes.

Hearing this, Su Min looked at Su Mi, who was focused on eating, his brow furrowed with hesitation.

"I'm done eating," Su Mi suddenly put down her chopsticks.

She just wanted to see if the plot would change. If Su Ruanruan left the Su family, it would mean the system was toying with her.

In the original story, the original Su Mi had begged the female lead to stay, so she remained. But now, she hadn't done that.

However, if the female lead still stayed, it would mean that no matter what, until her luck value surpassed the other's, the main plot couldn't be changed.

"Why don't I show you to your room so you can rest?" Mrs. Su said with a smile, taking her hand.

It was her biological granddaughter's first time home, so Su Zhenan didn't expect her to know all the rules. However, her petty temperament would have to change. She didn't have to be a paragon like Ruan Ruan, but at least she shouldn't embarrass the Su family in public.

"I'll go see my sister," Su Ruanruan also put down her chopsticks and followed.

Su Zhenan glanced sideways, and the butler immediately dismissed all the servants around. The festive family atmosphere at the table instantly chilled.

Su Min gradually grew serious, "Dad, I know you like Ruan Ruan, but we've already failed Mimi too much. How do you think she feels about this?"

Hearing his son's words, Su Zhenan showed displeasure, "Qi Xi and Ruan Ruan are getting engaged soon. If we suddenly try to switch brides, do you think the Qi family will agree?"

"You know the company's situation. Are you going to embarrass our entire Su family for the sake of this daughter?!"

Faced with his father's dissatisfied accusations, Su Min pondered for a moment, then picked up his teacup and took a sip. In the end, he silently accepted his father's decision.

He wasn't just a father; he was also the chairman of the board and couldn't disregard the interests of the entire group.

After following Mrs. Su to a room on the second floor, Su Mi heard a servant say that next door was the walk-in closet, and Mrs. Su had already prepared everything for her.

Originally, her mother wanted to bond with her, but a servant came in and whispered something. Mrs. Su's expression changed, and she told Su Mi to rest well and ask the servants if she needed anything.

Once she was alone in the room, Su Mi immediately opened the two red envelopes she had received.

One contained a check for five million.

The other contained a check for ten million.

She remembered the ten million one was from her mother.

This was cash flow! Not a supplementary card!

Even if she were kicked out of the Su family in the future, this money would still be hers!

But now, she was more concerned about Zhao Yun's situation. She wondered if those parasitic relatives had given them a hard time.

"Knock, knock—"

The door suddenly sounded again. Su Mi immediately went to open it and saw the female lead standing hesitantly at the doorway. Her clean, innocent face was indeed easy to like.

"I'm sorry, sister. I've decided to stay..."

Su Ruanruan lowered her head, as if afraid to see the disgust on Su Mi's face, "Grandpa has high blood pressure. I don't want to disappoint him, but I really don't mean to steal Mom and Dad from you. I just... I just can't bear to leave them. I hope you can forgive my selfishness."