"Grandma, I’m not suffering. Besides, going there is for learning. You know I’ve learned a lot there. After the New Year, when I go back, I’ll be a senior in high school. Once Youyou gets into Beijing University, I can naturally come back," Shangguan You comforted her gently. Whether her words were true or false, if the old lady was putting on an act, she would naturally play along.
"What are you talking about? Since everything is all right now, let bygones be bygones. You should naturally transfer back here. It doesn’t make sense for someone with a home in Beijing to go so far away for school. People who don’t know any better might think your stepmother treats you poorly," Old Lady Shangguan laughed softly, her gaze at Shangguan You somewhat complex.
"If you think so too, then that would be too unfair to Wanying. She treasures you, holding you in the palm of her hand. Even Rourou can’t compare to you," the old lady said, a hint of sourness in her tone, patting Shangguan You’s small hand with her own aged, large one, a look of affection on her face.
"All right, Youyou just got off the plane and must be tired. Go to your room and rest for a bit. If you need anything or want to buy something, just tell Grandpa," Shangguan Zhi frowned slightly upon hearing his wife’s words.
"Eldest Miss, I’ll take you to your room," a servant stepped forward respectfully, his attitude not just respectful, but held even more reverence.
"Go ahead. Your room is the same as before; nothing has changed. It’s cleaned every day. Wanying was worried you wouldn’t be comfortable and had new quilts put out early, just waiting for you to come back. When she returns from grocery shopping and sees you’re home, she’ll definitely be happy," the old lady said with a smile as she rose to her feet.
"Okay, Grandpa, Grandma, Youyou will go to her room first," Shangguan You stood up, the corner of her mouth curling into a cold smile. It seems that in this family, apart from Shangguan Zhi, even the Old Lady and the servants hold some reverence for me.
Shangguan You opened the door to the room on the right side of the second floor, and a faint scent of sunlight wafted out. This room was identical to her room in B City, with the same furnishings and decorations. It was just smaller.
"Miss, don’t be fooled by the Old Madam’s seemingly kind demeanor. You need to be extra careful. In her heart, there’s only that other girl. She dotes on her, cherishes her, and protects her," Auntie Zhang said as she carried Shangguan You’s luggage in, helping her arrange her clothes, her voice tinged with worry. "I told you this before, Miss, but you wouldn’t listen and even scolded me."
"Auntie Zhang, I know," Shangguan You nodded. The Old Lady’s attitude was indeed strange. She had clearly seen the fleeting disgust in her eyes just now. Since she detested me, why put on such a loving display in front of Grandpa and the servants?
She was very much looking forward to meeting that mother-daughter duo, and her so-called father.
After taking a bath and changing into fresh clothes, there was a knock on her door. Before she could respond, the door was pushed open, and a middle-aged beauty walked in. She had a charming face and an exquisite figure, the type that could captivate a man at first sight. This person was Li Wanying, dressed appropriately, neither ostentatious nor impolite.
"Youyou, you’re finally back! Auntie Li has missed you so much. How was everything over there?" Li Wanying looked at the graceful Shangguan You. A flash of hatred darted across her gaze before quickly disappearing as she pulled Shangguan You into her embrace, a very gentle smile spreading across her face, her eyes slightly red.
"I’m fine." Shangguan You’s body instantly stiffened. This Li Wanying must be a natural actress. She clearly wishes I’d never come back. Shangguan You sneered inwardly, taking over ten deep breaths before her stiff body relaxed and she managed to maintain a calm expression.
"Come, let Auntie Li have a good look at you." Pretending to wipe away tears, Li Wanying began sizing up Shangguan You. As she looked at Youyou’s developing figure and increasingly beautiful features, the hatred in her heart surged once more. She looks so much like that slut!
"TSK TSK, a bit thin, but no matter. Auntie will definitely feed you until you’re fair and plump. I guarantee that when you go back, your classmates will be in for a big surprise," Li Wanying said tenderly, though her heart was dripping blood with hatred.
"HUMPH." Shangguan You sneered inwardly. Return? This is my home. If you want to send me away again, let’s see if you have the ability. No matter what, I am the legitimate and rightful direct granddaughter of the Shangguan Family.
Thinking of sending me away so your precious daughter can become the legitimate one? Dream on!
"Grandpa said that after the New Year, he’ll let Youyou study in Beijing. Grandpa also said that since our home is in Beijing, there’s no reason for me to go so far away from home to study. Besides, Grandpa and Grandma aren’t comfortable with me going so far away alone again. Grandma also just said that if I go to B City again, people will definitely think Auntie Li is a stepmother who can’t tolerate me," Shangguan You said softly, her deep eyes suddenly clearing, her innocent gaze fixed on Li Wanying’s instantly paling face.
"Youyou knows Auntie Li treats Youyou well. I actually really liked B City, but I can’t let others misunderstand Auntie Li and think she’s a stepmother who abuses me. Auntie Li is so good to Youyou; Youyou can’t bear to let Auntie Li carry the reputation of a wicked stepmother," Shangguan You’s voice was soft and gentle, but every mention of ’stepmother’ and ’abuse’ made the smile on Li Wanying’s face stiffen.
"Such a good child. Auntie Li treats you well, and only you know that," Li Wanying said through gritted teeth, suppressing the anger in her heart bit by bit. Bearing the title of ’stepmother’ for life is a constant ache in my heart. Seeing a figure flash past the doorway, she couldn’t help but call out softly, "Rourou, come quickly and see Youyou! Haven’t you always been saying you miss Youyou? Now that Youyou is back, come over here. Tomorrow, accompany Youyou and visit some of the friends you used to hang out with. Get out more." Li Wanying released Shangguan You and called towards Shangguan Rou at the doorway, a chill flashing through her eyes.
Shangguan You pouted, stepping forward reluctantly. This person was clearly dull and foolish. How did she come back?
At fifteen, Shangguan Rou had inherited Li Wanying’s best qualities. Only fifteen, she was already tall and graceful, like a flower bud about to bloom. Li Wanying had a stepmother pressing down on her, and Shangguan Rou had Shangguan You pressing down on her from above. No wonder Li Wanying was so... resentful.
"Sister Youyou, I’ve missed you so much! You didn’t even come back to visit during the holidays. But it’s wonderful that you’re back now. You don’t know, a year ago, when that incident happened to you, I was so worried. If it were me, I might not have been able to survive..." Shangguan Rou affectionately took Shangguan You’s hand, her cheerful voice ringing out. As she spoke to this point, she paused. She wanted to see Shangguan You look panicked and afraid, but she was disappointed. Shangguan You simply wore a faint smile, calmly watching her.