The vacation had barely started when Sheng Qianxue told Sheng Wenbo she wanted to go abroad to visit Xue Xuan. Sheng Wenbo asked when she'd return. She said she'd definitely be back for the start of school and mentioned taking her little follower Ye Xin along.
Sheng Wenbo wasn't surprised by this decision. He was also glad he'd hired Ye Xin, that child with excellent character and grades. Though Qianxue had grown distant from him, at least apart from their relationship issues, the child wasn't as extreme as before. Many things hadn't gone as he'd hoped—like Qianxue and Qianling getting along well—but at least when they met, nothing unpleasant happened.
Mother and daughter hadn't seen each other for months. He understood Sheng Qianxue's urgency to go abroad and agreed to let her bring A-Xin along.
Within days, Sheng Qianxue took A-Xin abroad.
The day they left, Sheng Wenbo wanted to personally take Sheng Qianxue to the airport. That's when Sheng Qianling learned about this. She stood at the villa entrance, watching Sheng Qianxue pull her small, delicate suitcase, her face showing a happy smile as she quickly got in the car. Her heart felt envious. Sheng Qianxue's mom was abroad—they could see each other anytime. But her own mother had gone to heaven—they'd never have a chance to meet.
So she cherished her relationship with Sheng Wenbo. When asked that day whether she wanted to go with him, she only hesitated for a moment.
Thinking about how she'd been visiting Mother Jiang's place recently, and how Mother Jiang treated her with the same gentle kindness as her own mother, the loss in her heart lessened somewhat.
"Qianling, go wherever you want to play, but be careful. Before coming home, call the driver to pick you up." Sheng Wenbo turned to remind her. "I'll come back after taking Qianxue to the airport."
"Okay, Dad, you go ahead." Sheng Qianling remembered she was going to the Jiang house later and quickly said, "Dad, I'm going out soon. I'll be back this afternoon."
"Fine."
Sheng Qianling had always been sensible, not the type of mischievous, trouble-making girl. Sheng Wenbo felt reassured about this. But he never thought that his younger daughter, whom he considered well-behaved and obedient, was currently dating Jiang Yanxi quite intensely. The friend she met every day was actually Jiang Yanxi, and she'd even been to his home.
Facing Sheng Wenbo's concern, Sheng Qianling felt somewhat guilty. However, she was still measured. Jiang Yanxi wouldn't do anything excessive to her. Rather than calling it dating, they were more like two lonely people who ended up together, comforting each other.
Sheng Qianxue knew exactly where Sheng Qianling was going, but it wasn't her business. She was single-mindedly eager to fly to see Xue Xuan—how could she care about others? Even toward Sheng Wenbo, she wasn't particularly enthusiastic anymore.
After getting out of the car, Sheng Qianxue happily rushed into the airport, pulling her suitcase while not forgetting to grab A-Xin, who was half a head shorter, with her other hand. This made Sheng Wenbo both amused and exasperated. Sometimes he wondered if that little companion named Ye Xin was more important to his daughter than him, her father. Of course, this was just a thought.
After seeing Sheng Qianxue off, Sheng Wenbo learned Sheng Qianling was meeting friends, so he didn't go home and went directly to the company instead. Actually, he was very busy, but for his two daughters, he'd willingly carved out time. Many matters that didn't require his presence, he'd delegate entirely to his assistant. With Sheng Qianxue away this vacation and Sheng Qianling not needing his attention, he could focus all his energy on work.
Sheng Qianling was picked up by Jiang Yanxi to go to the Jiang house. Arriving there, Sheng Qianling felt comfortable doing anything.
"Yanxi's grades are this good?" Sheng Qianling accidentally saw Jiang Yanxi's report card. He was a grade above her—next semester he'd be in his third year of high school.
Because of how they'd met, she'd always assumed Jiang Yanxi's grades wouldn't be great. Perhaps sharing similar feelings—her own grades in class only ranked second from the bottom—she hadn't asked Jiang Yanxi, afraid of embarrassing him. This accidentally glimpsed report card surprised her while also stirring up infinite inferiority.
Jiang Yanxi walked over, casually crumpled the report card, and tossed it in the trash. "It's just a report card. Don't take it too seriously."
"But Yanxi is really excellent." Sheng Qianling genuinely praised him. "With such excellent grades, then..." She didn't finish the rest. Father Jiang had so many children—unlike her father, he might not necessarily look favorably upon Jiang Yanxi. But thinking that Jiang Yanxi was still Father Jiang's child, a father couldn't possibly truly ignore his own child, right? "Being this excellent, many people will like you. Perhaps your father would be happy seeing this too."
"You mean I should curry favor with him, then live a good life?" Jiang Yanxi's voice dripped with cold mockery. His cold gaze made Sheng Qianling step back twice. "No, no, Yanxi. I just think he's also your father. You should be able to receive your father's love..."
Jiang Yanxi frowned, then suddenly smiled. "Like you?"
"What?"
"I mean, like you—no matter how wronged you are at the Sheng house, being bullied, you stay silent. To gain President Sheng's favor, you swallow all bitterness. You don't resist, don't retaliate—just so President Sheng will acknowledge you as his daughter, treat you well, give you money, give you a superior and prosperous life. Then you can be the Sheng family's second miss. Right?"
Sheng Qianling quickly shook her head, biting her lip lightly. Her eyes reddened slightly. She wanted to say it wasn't like that. Sheng Qianxue, besides mocking her verbally at first, hadn't done anything to her. Now Sheng Qianxue simply ignored her, not bothering with her at all. She really hadn't been bullied. Her father treated her well too, never wronging her.
Her family was truly different from the Jiang family. Sheng Qianxue was a genuine wealthy young miss who simply didn't bother competing with her daily. Her academic performance was so good, and she worked so hard—a true academic genius. She'd even stopped playing games to study. How would she have time to bother with her? She still had self-awareness about this.
So when she saw Sheng Qianxue's grades and heard classmates' discussions, she only blamed herself for not studying hard enough, for being dumb. She envied Sheng Qianxue's excellence and hard work, never jealous or hating her. Because that was the reward for effort—she had no right to be jealous.
"Crying? Do you think what I said was hurtful?" Jiang Yanxi didn't comfort Sheng Qianling as usual. His voice was icy. "This is the truth. Your silence just means you have nothing to say."
"No!"
Sheng Qianling pushed Jiang Yanxi away, raising her head. Her reddened eyes brimmed with tears. "I haven't been bullied by anyone. I'm living very well at the Sheng house. My dad genuinely likes me—not because I curry favor. And I haven't deliberately tried to please him. Between father and daughter, shouldn't the daughter care for and respect her father, while the father cherishes his daughter and instinctively treats her well?"
"And Qianxue—she's never bullied me. It's all your imagination."
Jiang Yanxi laughed mockingly. "Give it up, Qianling. Stop fooling yourself. People like them—legitimate young ladies—how could they possibly tolerate your status?" He walked up to Sheng Qianling, looking down at her. "Qianling, although you've moved into the Sheng villa, don't forget—your illegitimate child status can never be shaken off. Have you gotten used to this prosperous lifestyle and forgotten your origins? Do you plan to get along peacefully with them? I never imagined you were this kind of person."
Sheng Qianling's eyes widened, her heart infinitely uncomfortable. She completely didn't understand—just because she said Father Jiang might appreciate Jiang Yanxi's talent, he said these hurtful things.
Yes, she was an illegitimate child. If she could choose, she wouldn't want this status either. Even being a bit poor would be fine.
But since she'd come into this world, she had to live, didn't she? Should she jump off a building and commit suicide because she couldn't accept her status? Doing that would definitely disappoint and sadden Dad.
"Nothing to say now?" Jiang Yanxi's lips curved up. Looking at Sheng Qianling's pitiful appearance, he reached out to wipe the tears from her face. "However, I don't mean anything else. I just want you to remember your status, understand that your situation isn't that good. Since you chose to return to the Sheng family, you'll definitely face many people's contempt.
But Qianling, enduring everything won't solve anything. Look at me. My mom always tells me to endure, endure, endure. She won't let me conflict with them. When they have people beat me, my mom fears that if I resist, I'll get beaten worse. She tells me not to move, to let them beat me. Once they're done venting, I can keep my life."
"Coming home, my mom cries while treating my wounds. Qianling, I've endured enough."
Sheng Qianling suddenly felt the Jiang Yanxi before her was somewhat unfamiliar. Jiang Yanxi didn't realize his frightening appearance had scared the girl before him. "I do want to change all this. Qianling, it was your appearance that made me decide to change everything."
"Me?" Sheng Qianling forgot the conflict they'd just had over different opinions. Hearing Jiang Yanxi's words, she froze, asking somewhat uncertainly, "Why?"
Jiang Yanxi placed both hands on Sheng Qianling's shoulders, saying seriously, "Because I don't want one day, when we're truly together, for you to only be able to watch me get beaten, then cry while treating my wounds at night—just like my mom, only able to tell me to endure. Qianling, don't blame me for saying these hurtful things. From your behavior at the Sheng house, I understand—your personality is very similar to my mom's."
"Those words just now were indeed harsh." Jiang Yanxi's softening made Sheng Qianling feel better. "It's good you know, Yanxi. I really haven't endured anything, haven't been wronged. I hope you won't say these things anymore."
"Fine." Jiang Yanxi raised an eyebrow, his face showing a smile. He leaned close to Sheng Qianling, hot breath rushing toward her face, frightening her into helplessness. "Qianling, one day, no one will dare mock your status anymore."
"Yanxi, what are you planning to do?"
Jiang Yanxi released Sheng Qianling, his lips curving into a smile. "Didn't you say I should connect more emotionally with my dad? After all, he's still my father, right?"
"That's what I said, but Yanxi, the way you look..." She had a somewhat frightening feeling. He seemed different somehow.
Jiang Yanxi didn't explain anything. Afterward, their interactions seemed no different from before. Sheng Qianling worried for several days but didn't discover any problems, finally relaxing completely. However, Jiang Yanxi asked her to hang out less and less often. Remembering his excellent grades, she didn't take the initiative to invite him out either, to avoid affecting his academic performance.
Throughout the vacation, Sheng Qianxue had a wonderful time reuniting with Xue Xuan.
Through this event, mother and daughter's relationship grew better and better. With Sheng Qianxue deliberately concealing it, Xue Xuan didn't know about Sheng Qianling moving into the villa. Sheng Qianxue even secretly probed Xue Xuan and concluded that Xue Xuan was determined not to reconcile with Sheng Wenbo. She approved of Xue Xuan's decision because she, like Xue Xuan, was someone who couldn't tolerate any grain of sand in her eyes.
No matter how Sheng Qianling came to be, since Dad had brought her back and was raising her as a legitimate Sheng family miss, then her mother couldn't be blamed for choosing divorce.
Currently, because of issues with both family businesses, they temporarily couldn't divorce. But someday, they'd still divorce. Sheng Qianxue's heart actually ached. If she hadn't experienced those days after her mother Xue Xuan left, she might not approve of divorce because she didn't want to become a child of a divorced family.
But having experienced those days, even she couldn't tolerate Sheng Qianling's existence. Why force her mother to endure? Rather than having them stay together in name only, separation was better. In the future, she'd have a complete mother, half a father... She glanced at A-Xin who'd been by her side, eyes never leaving her. Right, and one complete shorty. Actually, it was still pretty good.
"Have you discussed going abroad for university with your father?" Xue Xuan had basically calmed down, touching Sheng Qianxue's face. "We adults' affairs have hurt you greatly. Regardless, he's still your father. You can blame him, be angry with him, but you can't change the fact that he's your father. Setting everything else aside, for the past dozen years, you've always grown up held in his palm. Whatever decision you make, you still need to inform him. This is basic courtesy in being human. Understand?"
"After I go back, I'll tell Dad." Sheng Qianxue hadn't planned to hide it, to create a sudden feeling for Sheng Wenbo. But it was still early—saying it in a few days would be fine. Besides, studying abroad for university wasn't unusual. When Dad found out, he wouldn't be surprised. He'd probably even strongly approve.
Sheng Qianxue hesitated before asking, "So, Mom, have you decided?"
"I've decided." Xue Xuan's eyes held some loneliness. "This is an unchangeable fact. What I can't tolerate most is infidelity. No matter the reason, whether he knew or didn't know, whether emotional or physical—I can't endure it."
"Qianxue, are you trying to persuade me, or..."
"I'm just asking. I'll always support your decision, Mom. You said it yourself—people should respect each other. I also respect your choice."
Xue Xuan was somewhat surprised. Looking at such a sensible, well-behaved daughter, she smiled. "My little princess has matured. She's no longer the unreasonable, domineering little princess from before."
"No, I've become more reasonable, but I'm still very domineering." Sheng Qianxue hugged Xue Xuan. "For example, now Mom can only be mine alone."
Xue Xuan laughed, her gloomy mood dissipating considerably. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the girl who'd been sitting quietly to the side. This girl had been extremely quiet since appearing. She had clear eyes. Xue Xuan had met countless people. When she first saw her, she'd thought this girl's existence had changed her daughter. Actually, after contacting Qianxue, she'd felt very regretful.
Qianxue was her daughter—she knew exactly what her temperament was like. She'd left in anger, deeply hurt. At that time, she was angry and healing, temporarily not thinking so much. When Qianxue proactively contacted her, she'd obliquely inquired for several days, finally confirming her daughter's personality seemed much improved. She'd learned that Sheng Wenbo had hired her a study companion.
Especially when talking about this little companion, her daughter would say "shorty" with every other sentence, having already considered this person one of her own. Xue Xuan became very curious about this girl named Ye Xin. What charm did she possess to make her daughter so close?
At first glance, besides being somewhat pretty, she was just an ordinary person.
Looking more closely, she became confused. This girl seemed transparent at first glance, yet she always felt it was all illusory.
If not for those eyes always looking at her daughter with focus and seriousness, she'd suspect the other had ulterior motives.
"Mom, why do you keep staring at my shorty?"
Regarding any gaze falling on A-Xin, no matter whose, Sheng Qianxue paid close attention. "Mom, don't bully my shorty, or I'll get upset with you."
Xue Xuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry, patting her daughter's head. "Mom is just thinking about how to thank Ye Xin. Fortunately she's been accompanying you—that's why Mom can see you still so cheerful."
"Oh, so you look down on me that much?" Sheng Qianxue felt uncomfortable, glancing at A-Xin. "Shorty, you steal my spotlight at school, and now you want to compete for favor with my mom. You're really something. But since you're my person, I won't hold it against you."
Two days before returning home, Xue Xuan chose a time to talk with A-Xin alone.
The girl her daughter described as poor with a huge appetite who couldn't even support herself—she was curious. Because she was someone her daughter trusted, she had to pay more attention to feel reassured.
"I'm curious, Ye Xin. Why do you always stand by Qianxue's side? Her temper shouldn't have been this good before. She's very possessive, and her personality is quite domineering. She's somewhat like me—we spoiled her a bit. Originally we thought she could slowly grow up. She's my little princess. Whatever she does, we're there to protect her. But unexpectedly..."
"Ordinary people, when encountering unreasonable her, wouldn't choose to stand by her side, much less defend her. During the time I was away, Qianxue probably wasn't friendly to anyone. Please don't mind—Auntie is just very worried about her. Regardless of who it is, as a mother, I just want to know if you have any ulterior motives toward her, whether you'll bring her danger, because she trusts you very much."
"I do have an ulterior motive."
A-Xin smiled lightly. This answer surprised Xue Xuan somewhat. She didn't rush to ask, listening as A-Xin said, "My ulterior motive is to accompany her as she gets better and better. Aunt Xue doesn't need to worry I'll hurt her. On the contrary, I'll protect her, no matter when."
A-Xin thought such a straightforward statement would make Xue Xuan understand her sincerity.
But she suddenly discovered Xue Xuan looking at her with shock, as if seeing something incredible.
She felt puzzled. Wasn't her expression clear enough? She merely wanted to lead Sheng Qianxue onto the right track, to not grow crooked. Why was Xue Xuan looking at her with such shock and disbelief?
She said nothing more, waiting for Xue Xuan to recover.
Xue Xuan was indeed shocked, especially by this girl speaking those words with such focus. Heaven knew how much shock it brought her.
She knew her daughter was excellent. Bad temper was real, and her personality probably wouldn't suit most people's liking. She never expected that during her daughter's worst time, there'd be such a girl willing to accompany her growth, correct her mistakes, and guide her onto the right path.
So this was true love, right?
Even though the person before her was thin and weak, and also a girl.
Xue Xuan took a deep breath. "I'm truly surprised."
Surprised?
A-Xin understood. Right, suddenly being so good to someone—anyone would be surprised. Xue Xuan's concerns, she could understand. Not only did she not dislike it, she actually approved of Xue Xuan's thinking, because this was a manifestation of caring. Xue Xuan cared about Sheng Qianxue, so she'd eliminate possible unknown dangers around her.
Xue Xuan observed A-Xin, thinking about how these past days, these two girls had been inseparable. Her daughter was also very possessive of this girl. Even if there were no such thoughts now, continuing like this, they'd eventually develop them. With Qianxue's personality, she couldn't possibly let A-Xin leave. Of course, she hadn't thought of making A-Xin leave either.
This girl's arrival not only hadn't led Qianxue astray but had helped her grow. Her grades were even better than Qianxue's. Just for this point alone, she wouldn't stop it.
Xue Xuan stood up, patting A-Xin's head. "Auntie won't stop this. I've seen your sincerity too. However, you're about to enter your second year of high school. Whatever thoughts you have in your heart, don't show them for now. Wait until you go abroad for university, then develop however you want—Auntie won't interfere. But if Qianxue doesn't have such thoughts toward you, you mustn't force her. Understand?"
"Also, your background—I actually don't care. But if you want to succeed, you still need to work hard to earn money." Xue Xuan thought of her daughter's spending and felt some sympathy for A-Xin. "Qianxue is especially good at spending money. I hope you can handle it."
A-Xin: "..." What does this mean? Is she afraid I'm poor?
"Don't worry, Auntie. I have money. Even if Qianxue becomes poor in the future, I can still support her."
Xue Xuan showed a smile. "I understand. As long as you're willing to work hard, that's good." Of course she wouldn't let her daughter starve.
A-Xin pulled out a stack of cards from her bag. "I really do have a lot of money." She placed the cards before Xue Xuan. "Auntie doesn't need to worry I'm after Qianxue's fortune. But about me being wealthy—Auntie better not tell Qianxue. She's currently obsessed with me surpassing her grades. Recently she especially likes making money. It's fine if I'm better than her in one aspect—it can even stimulate her fighting spirit. But if I surpass her in every aspect, it'll damage her confidence."
Xue Xuan looked at that pile of well-known international bank cards, her head spinning slightly. Good, she finally knew why when looking at A-Xin before, she'd felt something hazy. Clearly a poor girl, yet she couldn't find any trace of commoner feeling on her. Instead, she gave off a sense of extraordinary origins.
Seeing this pile of cards, she truly understood.
So her daughter had been targeted by a little tycoon.
This little tycoon, to pursue her daughter, didn't hesitate to disguise herself as poor to get close. Truly painstaking efforts.
"Auntie understands your sincerity."
Xue Xuan had a slight headache. She had no particular views on heterosexuality or homosexuality. In her view, as long as two people were suitable, liked each other, had common goals, planned to be together for life, were mutually sincere, responsible, and loyal—no matter who they were, she'd willingly give her blessing. Even if this was her daughter. On the contrary, having such a foolish girl be good to her daughter made her feel somewhat reassured. This girl was someone with boundaries.
Sheng Qianxue felt her mom had been especially strange these past few days, always staring at her shorty. When seeing them off at the airport, her mom kept staring hard at A-Xin. She couldn't help blocking Xue Xuan's line of sight.
"Mom, you're busy. You should go back."
Xue Xuan: "..." Daughters are raised for others. Seeing Qianxue like this, Ye Xin had long captured her daughter's heart.
Xue Xuan reluctantly touched Sheng Qianxue's head. "Take good care of yourself." She said quietly, "Qianxue, no matter how good someone is to you, before making any decisions, you must think clearly, understand what you'll bear in the future, then make your decision."
Sheng Qianxue was confused. Who was her mom referring to? Her dad? Right, her dad had indeed been good to her. In the future, she might make many decisions where she wouldn't be as close to her dad as before.
"I know, Mom."
Before boarding, A-Xin received a text from Xue Xuan: "Help Auntie take care of Qianxue. As long as you have the ability to gain Qianxue's affection, Auntie won't oppose you two."
A-Xin: ?
She seemed to understand something.
A-Xin looked down at her phone, not noticing that Sheng Qianxue had also glimpsed the message content.
Sheng Qianxue was stunned, her eyes filled with disbelief. Seeing that sentence, she didn't feel disgust—rather, her heart raced. Seeing A-Xin put away her phone, her eyes flickered as she stared at A-Xin continuously. This shorty had quite the nerve, actually daring to develop other thoughts toward her. This shorty was as wickedly bad as always.
"Qianxue?"
Sheng Qianxue's cheeks reddened slightly. She glanced at A-Xin. "Mm? What?" Are you going to confess? Whether to agree or not—that depends on my mood.
"Your face is very red. Are you hot?"
Sheng Qianxue: So angry.
Won't agree, won't agree, impossible to agree.