Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Ye Ling’s tone was very calm, and there wasn’t any trace of grievance or sadness in her voice. However, Sun Li felt a deep sense of heartache.
In Sun Li’s view, a girl as beautiful and well-behaved as Ye Ling should have been treated like a little princess. Sun Li had initially assumed that Ye Ling’s family treated her well, but she could never have imagined the truth about Ye Ling’s family situation.
Furthermore, the reality was likely even grimmer than what Ye Ling had shared. Based on Ye Ling’s clothing, it seemed that her family hadn’t been sending her money or supplies.
Sun Li remembered that Min Nan had mentioned that Ye Ling had come from Shanghai, a major city. Even if Ye Ling didn’t come from a wealthy family, she must have been from the middle class at least. So, how was it possible that she dressed more modestly than rural girls?
Ye Ling was still growing, yet her old pants barely covered her ankles. She likely hadn’t received new clothes in a long time.
Sun Li let out a sigh. Despite her unfavorable opinion of Ye Ling’s father and stepmother, she couldn’t bring herself to speak ill of them in front of Ye Ling.
It would only cause her more sadness.
Sun Li changed the topic, asking casually, “How old is your sister?”
Ye Ling thought for a moment and replied, “Nineteen.”
“Nineteen…” At first, Sun Li didn’t realize the significance, but after a moment, her eyes widened, and she looked at Ye Ling in disbelief. “Your sister is nineteen?”
Ye Ling nodded.
“Why then did your family send you to the countryside as an educated youth? Shouldn’t it have been your sister?” Sun Li wondered.
Ye Ling had only answered Sun Li’s question casually and hadn’t expected her to notice the discrepancy. However, Ye Ling had no reason to hide anything from Sun Li. After hesitating for a moment, she explained, “Originally, it was supposed to be her coming to the countryside. But she didn’t want to, and my father and stepmother didn’t want her to endure the hardships of rural life. So, they sent me instead.”
“Is such a thing even possible? She didn’t want to endure hardships, so they sent you to endure them? And they’re deceiving the government and the country!” Sun Li’s voice rose with anger. “You can report them!”
Ye Linz chuckled bitterlv. “I was still vounz back then and didn’t have much resistance. Besides, I didn’t want to stay at home anymore. I felt that coming to the countryside wasn’t a bad option.”
After her initial outburst, Sun Li calmed down and said, “I acted impulsively earlier. You can’t report them. If this matter were discovered, you’d likely face punishment. Besides, your household registration file is still in Shanghai, and your identity documents are in your father’s possession.”
Ye Ling nodded. For a moment, they both fell into silence.
Sun Li hadn’t expected the revelation of Ye Ling’s family situation. After some thought, she said, “However, when you come of age, you can apply to have your household registration file transferred. An adult who is 18 years or older can establish their household registration file. The procedure might be a bit complicated, though.”
After half a minute of silence, Ye Ling let out a gentle sigh. “I can’t, Auntie Sun. To be honest, I’m not yet of legal age this year.”
Sun Li was completely astonished. Ye Ling was still underage? How had she become an educated youth?
Sensing Sun Li’s thoughts, Ye Ling explained, “I haven’t even turned 17 yet. The reason I could replace my sister and come to the countryside as an educated youth was because my father paid some people to alter my age on a few crucial documents. However, my real age remains unchanged in my household registration.”
Sun Li’s mouth hung open for a while before she rolled her eyes. “Your father is audacious.”
Of course, Fang Ke was audacious. Otherwise, how could he have hidden the truth from Ye Ling’s mother and grandfather as a son-in -law and eventually taken control of all the Ye family’s assets after their passing?
As Ye Ling pondered this, her expression turned somewhat cold.
“But I truly can’t fathom it. You are your father’s biological daughter, and you’re so young. How could he bear to let you replace your stepmother’s daughter and endure the rural life? Is he out of his mind?” Sun Li said in bewilderment and anger.
Ye Ling shook her head slowly. “I don’t know, but I don’t care about his thoughts. In my heart, I don’t have a father.”
Sun Li let out a sigh and held Ye Ling’s hand. She used to like Ye Ling, but now, she felt even more compassion for her.
“It’s okay, Auntie Sun,” Ye Ling said with a bright smile, comforting Sun Li. “I think my life is pretty good now. If I hadn’t come to the countryside, I wouldn’t have met Big Brother Min Nan and all of you, and I’m quite happy with how things are going.. Isn’t that enough?”