Xu Yalin woke up on the way to the hospital. When she saw that she was in the car, she quickly sat up and asked the driver to turn around and go home. She smiled sweetly and said, "Mom, I'm fine. It's just a scrape. You don't need to make such a fuss. I can just put some medicine on it when we get home."
Feng Xiangjun hugged her tightly, feeling sorry for her. "That won't do. You fell down the stairs, you must be hurt all over. And you need to take good care of the wound on your forehead, otherwise what if it leaves a scar? Yalin, is there anything else that's bothering you? Be sure to tell your mother and don't hold it in."
Xu Yalin laughed and said, "No, it's really nothing. Look, ouch—" She stretched out her body to show Feng Xiangjun, but then she accidentally pulled on some part of her injury, and her face scrunched up in pain.
Feng Xiangjun quickly pressed down her hand and scolded, "Shut up, aren't you in enough pain? Mom knows you're sensible, but you can't joke around with your health. We're almost at the hospital, let the doctor examine you properly later."
Xu Yalin paused for a moment, then smiled again, "Okay, I'll listen to Mom. I'll call Dad and Grandma to let them know."
"Okay, I'll use Mom's phone to call."
Xu Yalin called Li Xiulan first, and said in a light voice, "Grandma, I'm awake now. It's nothing, just some minor scratches. Don't worry... Okay, I'll cooperate with the doctor's examination. You should rest early. Staying up late is bad for your health. I'll make you breakfast tomorrow morning... Okay, I understand. I'll have breakfast with you tomorrow morning... Don't worry, Grandma, I'll be back later."
"Dad, I'm awake. I just feel a little sore, it's nothing serious. I can just go home and put on some medicine... Yeah, I know. Mom said she needs to get checked out to be sure. Dad, you have to go to work tomorrow morning, so go home and rest. Mom can stay with me. I'm fine. And my brother and Mengyao, don't go to the hospital. It's not a good place... Oh, okay, it's all my fault. I've made the whole family go through all this trouble so late..."
When she hung up the phone, her eyes were already red. Feng Xiangjun asked anxiously, "What happened? What did your dad say? Or did your brother say something again?"
Xu Yalin hurriedly shook her head and quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "No, Dad said that since we're already here, we should get checked out to put our minds at ease. I just... I just feel that you're all too good to me. I... I'm just an adopted daughter. I've taken away Mengyao's love. I... I'm so lucky to be your daughter."
Feng Xiangjun hugged her tightly, her face full of heartache. "Yalin, be good. Don't listen to your brother's nonsense. He has always loved you very much. He was probably provoked today, which is why he said those things. I'll talk to him later. You are our family's daughter, and you will always be my biological daughter. No one will say that you are an adopted daughter. Don't think nonsense."
Xu Yalin wept silently, her tears soaking Feng Xiangjun's shoulder, making her feel even more distressed. When Xu Zifan was born, he was raised by the old lady. Although they lived in the same house, everything for Xu Zifan was taken care of by the old lady's family; she, as his mother, had never experienced the joy of raising a child. Xu Zhenhua was also busy with work and social engagements every day, barely exchanging a few words with her. She almost suffered from postpartum depression back then, only recovering after having Yalin.
She personally cared for Ya Lin, watching that tiny, soft child grow up day by day, learning to call her "Mom," learning to act spoiled with her, and becoming more and more outstanding each day. Every time she took Ya Lin out, she made her proud. In her heart, she felt that Ya Lin was a treasure bestowed upon her by heaven. Later, Xu Zifan, whom the old lady had taught, was lazy and good-for-nothing, while Ya Lin, whom she had educated, was excellent in both character and academics. She felt a secret pleasure in her heart, as if Ya Lin's excellence proved that the old lady was wrong to take Xu Zifan away from her. Every time she scolded Xu Zifan, it was as if she was indirectly criticizing the old lady for harming Xu Zifan.
But everything changed when Wang Mengyao appeared. The outstanding Yalin wasn't her biological daughter; her real daughter was a petty, timid country bumpkin. Especially seeing the faces of the Wang couple, she could almost see Wang Mengyao's future. She couldn't imagine the disaster that would ensue if she sent Yalin away and had to bring Wang Mengyao to every event. Even if those ladies looked down on Xu Zifan, they would still praise Yalin. Now, with Wang Mengyao instead, would she still have the face to go out and socialize with them? What would they say? Would they say that both of Feng Xiangjun's children were good-for-nothings?
Xu Zifan's comment about "bad genes" hit her right where it hurt. Her family had fallen on hard times and had been squeezed out of Beijing's elite circles in recent years. Her husband was incompetent; since taking over the Xu Group, the company had been on a downward spiral. Because of all this, she had been secretly mocked countless times. Why were even her two children less capable than her? Only Ya Lin was worthy of her respect, and she had raised her herself. She couldn't bear to give up that pride. Even disregarding all that, she had raised this daughter for over a decade, and their bond was unmatched. How could she bear to let Ya Lin suffer?
Xu Yalin's crying touched Feng Xiangjun's heart. Feng Xiangjun's already biased feelings swung even stronger towards Xu Yalin. When she got out of the car and saw Xu Zifan and Wang Mengyao, her eyes were filled with anger. If it weren't for the fact that there were many people in the hospital, she would have already started cursing.
Xu Zifan glanced at her and said to Xu Zhenhua, "Dad, look at the way Mom looks at me. I don't know what Yalin said to her, but she must hate me now. You should go over there. My sister and I will stay behind and keep our distance, or we'll definitely get scolded."
Xu Zhenhua said irritably, "What's wrong with you today? You're so disrespectful to your mother. She scolded you because you made her angry. Stop talking nonsense. It's true that you should make it up to Yaoyao, but you can't mistreat Yalin either. It's not like she intentionally let them switch babies; she's innocent. Especially today, she overheard you talking about your adopted daughter and that's why she accidentally fell down the stairs. As her brother, you should at least show some concern. Harmony in the family is the foundation of everything. A family can only thrive if everyone is happy and harmonious, do you hear me?"
Xu Zifan nodded casually and followed him slowly forward. "I know, I know, but I used to have to coax Ya Lin for ages every time she got angry. Now that I know the Wang family abuses our Xu family's daughter, I don't have the patience to coax the Wang family's daughter anymore. Anyway, you all love her, so you don't need me. Yao Yao just came to Yanjing and doesn't know anything, so I'll take her out to play. Dad, you don't mind, right? If I stay away from her as much as possible, I won't say anything unpleasant and make her fall down the stairs again, right?"
"You child!" Xu Zhenhua felt that this attitude was wrong, but he wanted to correct it because he felt that the Wang family had abused his daughter. Why should they coax the Wang family's daughter? He felt that something was wrong, but after thinking about it, he still felt very uncomfortable that Xu Yalin was the Wang family's daughter. The Wang family had mistreated his daughter for seventeen years! After thinking about it, he didn't want to say anything. His son was right. With Feng Xiangjun taking care of Yalin, wouldn't it be good for his son to take his daughter to get familiar with Yanjing?
"By the way, Dad, please make sure the doctor gives Yalin a full checkup. Otherwise, if she gets a headache or fever later, Mom will definitely scold me to death. After all, she fell down the stairs because of me. This checkup report is my shield. Don't blame me for anything in the future." Xu Zifan raised an eyebrow when he saw Xu Zhenhua's dark face. "Dad, don't blame me for being overly suspicious. That's how it's portrayed on TV. Although I don't have supernatural insight, I know that since Yaoyao came back, there have been a lot of conflicts at home, big and small. As a result, Yalin is becoming more and more spoiled at home. Isn't she the ultimate beneficiary? You don't want the Xu family to change their surname to Wang, do you? The Wang family would be making a fortune. It's better to be on guard. Being on guard secretly won't hurt feelings, and it won't do any harm."
Xu Zhenhua stopped and frowned, scrutinizing him for a long time. "Do you have paranoia?"
Without waiting for Xu Zifan's reply, he glared at him and strode after Feng Xiangjun and Xu Yalin. However, Xu Zifan's words had taken root in his mind, frequently resurfacing, especially those concerning the Xu and Wang families. He had paid off the Wang family and then forgotten about them. The usual family conflicts were merely minor squabbles between the two girls, and some funny moments about Wang Mengyao's adjustment to a life of luxury—all trivial matters, not worth his attention.
He was now brainwashed by Xu Zifan into believing he was fighting for the family fortune and ruining the family business. Although he found it absurd, the fact that Xu Yalin was a daughter of the Wang family was deeply ingrained in his mind. Xu Yalin was an outsider; Wang Mengyao was his, Xu Zhenhua's, bloodline, which was why she was wholeheartedly devoted to the Xu family. So, during the doctor's examination, he inexplicably demanded that the doctor give Xu Yalin a full-body checkup, examining her thoroughly.
Xu Yalin smiled and said she was fine, just like she had in the car. "Dad, you're too nervous. Just have the nurse treat my wound and put some medicine on it."
Before Feng Xiangjun could get anxious, Xu Zhenhua said, "We must get a thorough check-up. We can't take our health for granted."
Xu Yalin glanced at Xu Zifan, then lowered her head and said, "Dad, I'm really fine. Making such a fuss makes me seem like I'm being dramatic."
Feng Xiangjun glared angrily at Xu Zifan, "Who dares to say you're being dramatic? You're injured, so just focus on getting better and don't worry about anything else."
Xu Zhenhua observed their expressions and inexplicably recalled Xu Zifan's comments about Feng Xiangjun being too biased and Xu Yalin being scheming. What was a single examination? It wasn't like they were short of money. Was Xu Yalin being so hesitant because she was an adopted daughter and felt distant, or did she intend to blame Xu Zifan if she felt unwell later? His mind raced, but he calmly said, "Doctor, do all the tests you can. Don't miss anything."
"Then I'll listen to Mom and Dad." Xu Yalin smiled with emotion. Her gaze subtly swept over Xu Zifan and Wang Mengyao in the distance. So what if Wang Mengyao bewitched Xu Zifan? This family is ruled by the elders. Her parents are so worried about her, afraid that something might happen to her. She is the most pampered little princess in the family.
While Xu Yalin was undergoing her examination, Feng Xiangjun said to Xu Zhenhua, "From now on, no one should mention anything about raising a daughter at home. Otherwise, how embarrassing would it be for Yalin at home? No matter what, she is still the daughter we raised."
Xu Zhenhua casually agreed, but gave Feng Xiangjun a few words of advice: "As their mother, you have more contact with them. Remember to treat them all equally and be considerate of all three children. Don't show any favoritism."
Feng Xiangjun was furious. "What do you mean by that? You believe Zifan's nonsense, thinking I'm being unfairly biased? What elder doesn't like a thoughtful younger generation? Yalin is thoughtful, sensible, and filial to me. What's wrong with me showing her more affection?"
Xu Zhenhua frowned, somewhat displeased. "So you don't have to care about your own children? Fine, I don't want to argue with you. You can decide what to do yourself. But don't blame me for not reminding you, the children are all grown up. If you don't take care of them, don't blame them for being unfilial in the future."
"You! You're out socializing all the time, and I'm the one who manages everything at home. Now you're saying I don't take care of the kids? Who takes care of them then? Don't you feel guilty saying that? What's wrong with you all today, giving me such a hard time? What have I done? Have I mistreated Zifan and Mengyao?"
Xu Zhenhua was feeling a bit annoyed with Xu Yalin at the moment, and also somewhat disgusted by Feng Xiangjun's insistence on doting on Xu Yalin. So he simply kept quiet and sat down alone with a sullen face. Feng Xiangjun couldn't make a scene by herself and had no one to talk to, so she could only sit there sulking, feeling suffocated and miserable.
Wang Mengyao and Xu Zifan sat at a distance. Wang Mengyao looked at the situation over there and whispered to Xu Zifan, "Brother, are you really okay? It seems like Mom and Dad had a fight, and Mom is really angry."
Xu Zifan took out his phone to play games. "Never mind her, Yao Yao, let me tell you, blood ties can't be changed, but family ties are about fate. I don't have much of a connection with my mom. She's always disliked me and only likes Ya Lin."
I'm doing just fine every day, there's no need for me to go out of my way to please her, right? She doesn't affect me at all. It's the same with you; approach whoever you like, and if they don't like you back, don't waste your feelings. The world is so big, there are plenty of people who want you to like them.
Wang Mengyao blinked in confusion, "But... she's our mother."
"So what? There are parents who beat their children to death too. Who told you that parents always love their children? When you were with the Wang family, didn't they think you were their own daughter? Didn't they still torment you every day? Our mom is much better than them. At worst, we can just treat each other like familiar strangers. It doesn't matter. You'll understand once you meet more people in this circle. Many families treat each other with respect. Anyway, you have money and free time, so just find your own fun." Xu Zifan's fingers moved quickly across the screen, and as soon as he finished speaking, the game was won.
Wang Mengyao fell into deep thought. She recalled that she hadn't particularly sought her parents' love in the Wang family; it was only after returning to the Xu family and seeing how much her parents doted on Xu Yalin that she thought their relationship could be just as pleasant. However, it turned out that her parents didn't seem to like her much. Perhaps she should take her brother's advice and not waste her feelings. Now, she didn't have to work in the fields, lived in a big house, wore nice clothes, was chauffeured around, ate delicious food every day, and could even attend an elite international school. Thinking about it this way, wasn't life much better than before?
Wang Mengyao suddenly felt enlightened and couldn't help but smile. "Brother, you're right. I really made my own mistakes before. I should be living a happier life now."
Xu Zifan glanced at the smile on the little girl's face and ruffled her hair. "It's good that you've figured it out. Learn more from your brother in the future. The world is vast, and your own happiness is the most important thing. Remember, do whatever you want to do. If you're afraid to do something, come to me. Don't be shy about asking. You are the eldest daughter of the Xu family."
Wang Mengyao nodded emphatically, her smile bright, "I'll remember, brother!"
Feng Xiangjun inadvertently turned her head and saw the two smiling, and her heart clenched again. She said to Xu Zhenhua, "Look at them. Ya Lin is still inside for her check-up, and they aren't worried at all. They're even chatting and laughing."
Xu Zhenhua also felt that the siblings should be closer, but Xu Zifan clearly treated Xu Yalin as a member of the Wang family and had a lot of complaints about it, so there was nothing wrong with his behavior. He coughed twice and said impatiently, "Alright, stop picking on them every day. We only have these two biological children. You should be happy that the siblings have a good relationship."
Before Feng Xiangjun could say anything more, Xu Yalin had already come out. Since the test results were still pending, Xu Zifan suggested, "Let Yalin be hospitalized today, so everyone can have some peace of mind. Mom and Dad, you go to the ward with Yalin. I'll go handle the admission procedures and also hire a high-end caregiver for her."
Feng Xiangjun said with satisfaction, "That's more like it. Yalin, let's go. Your brother has made all the arrangements for you."
Before Xu Yalin could refuse, she was pulled away. She had originally planned to go home early and use the maid's words to cause another scene, at least to give Wang Mengyao a reputation for malicious instigation. However, she no longer had the chance and could only wait and see.
Xu Zifan took Wang Mengyao with him when he went to handle the paperwork. He felt that Wang Mengyao was already seventeen years old, and she should experience more things, good or bad, ordinary or not. More experiences would make her more confident and less likely to be reserved or hesitant due to a lack of knowledge. This hospital was huge, several times larger than the county hospital where Wang Mengyao used to study. The medical staff all seemed very professional and qualified. However, she found that handling the paperwork was not troublesome at all. Just say what you need, and wait in line. It was even smoother than at the county hospital. Medical staff were also easy to hire; if you paid enough, you could choose any of the best medical staff in the hospital. And right now, it seemed that the one thing she had in abundance was money—she had the card her brother had given her!
It was quite late by the time the formalities were completed, and the Xu family members didn't linger. They left after instructing the caregiver to look after Xu Yalin. Feng Xiangjun had a headache and was still fuming. As soon as she entered the house, she called out to Xu Zifan, wanting to discuss the matter of their adopted daughter. However, Xu Zifan's face turned cold as soon as he entered. He gestured to the housekeeper with his chin and said, "Go and fetch the maid who works with Yalin."
Feng Xiangjun frowned subconsciously. "What are you going to do now? What happened to Yalin's maid?"
"You didn't take good care of Miss, and she fell down the stairs right in front of her. Mom, you don't want to continue using this useless maid, do you?" Xu Zifan pulled Wang Mengyao to sit on the sofa, looking like he was about to punish the maid, which gave Xu Zhenhua a headache.
"Stop making a fuss so late at night, that's enough." Xu Zhenhua wasn't interested in the servants' affairs, so he casually said this and went upstairs.
The maid, who had been brought over, turned pale with fright upon hearing their words. Xu Zifan's sharp gaze fell on her, and he said coldly, "Tell me everything clearly, how did Yalin fall down the stairs? You were right behind her and didn't even try to help her? She was standing there crying for a while, wasn't she? She was standing there crying and you didn't even try to comfort her? What were you doing there? Eavesdropping on my conversation and watching Yalin's misfortune?"
The maid was so frightened that she hurriedly waved her hands, "No, young master, I didn't, I... I don't know anything. I saw Miss Lin was sad, so I went over. Before I got close, Miss Lin lost her footing and fell. It has nothing to do with me."
Xu Zifan narrowed her eyes and stared at her. "Oh? Didn't you say Yalin was thirsty and wanted to go downstairs to get water? You only went over after she cried. How did you know she was thirsty and wanted water? Didn't you say she was sad because she heard me say 'adopted daughter'? You weren't even close to her, how could you have heard what I said? My voice was so loud it could have carried up to the second floor? I think you're clearly lying. You pushed Yalin downstairs, didn't you!"
"No, no! I, I met Miss Lin at her door earlier. She said she wanted to get some water. Later, I was just about to go downstairs when I heard the young master speak, and then I saw Miss Lin crying."
"Yalin is thirsty, and you heard that but didn't you come downstairs to get her some water?"
"Miss Lin wants to move around a bit on her own..."
"It's only a few steps from Yalin's room to the stairs. Go up the stairs first. Yalin only started crying when she heard me speak. It will take her at least two minutes to cry with tears streaming down her face, while you can walk that distance in just half a minute. Do I really need to expose such a lame lie? Why won't you tell the truth? Uncle Liu, call the police! I suspect she murdered Yalin. Otherwise, why would she be lying all the time? At least she should be convicted of attempted murder. I think I'll have to spend a few years in jail…" Xu Zifan kept his eyes fixed on the maid, his legs crossed, his right hand rhythmically tapping on his knee. His words carried a strong sense of pressure, quickly breaking down the maid's defenses.
The maid cried, "No, don't call the police! Miss Lin told me to say this. I was just following Miss Lin's orders. I didn't harm anyone, and I didn't push Miss Lin. Miss Lin can testify for me!"
"Oh?" Xu Zifan glanced at the shocked Feng Xiangjun. "Then tell the truth clearly. Remember, you only have one chance. If you don't seize it, your family will have no choice but to visit you in prison."
The maid explained anxiously, "When you came back, young master, Miss Lin was eavesdropping at the bottom of the stairs. I was standing next to Miss Lin, and we heard everything you said. Then Miss Lin whispered a few words to me, telling me to say what she instructed. Before I could react, she burst into tears and fell down the stairs. I was terrified, but I still followed Miss Lin's instructions and said those words. I really didn't hurt anyone!"
"You're talking nonsense!" Feng Xiangjun stood up abruptly, her face full of anger.
Xu Zifan shook his head, looking bored. "I never expected Ya Lin to use such a clever trick to win favor. Everyone said she'd stay in the Xu family as an adopted daughter, so what kind of scheme is she using? If she really died, wouldn't the Wang family come knocking on our door demanding compensation? Who knows what people will say about the Xu family then? That finding their biological daughter means they abused their adopted daughter to death? Mom, I'm not saying this to be mean, but Ya Lin is so inconsiderate of the Xu family. But then again, she does have the surname Wang. I think they should change that surname as soon as possible, instead of leaving it ambiguous."
Feng Xiangjun retorted angrily, "Shut up! The matter hasn't been investigated yet, and you'd rather believe a maid than your sister?"
Xu Zifan stood up, hands in his pockets. "I only have one sister, Yaoyao. It doesn't matter if you can't remember her, Mom. But Uncle Liu, you and everyone else better remember this. Keep your eyes open from now on. In this family, I won't allow the Wang family to bully me and make my sister suffer. Understand?"
The butler nodded quickly, "Understood, young master, don't worry, no one can bully the young lady."
"Zifan! You've gone too far!" Feng Xiangjun never expected her son to talk back to her like this; it had never happened before.
Xu Zifan pulled Wang Mengyao upstairs. When they passed Feng Xiangjun, he stopped and looked at her coldly, saying, "Didn't you hear that? Your good daughter deliberately fell down the stairs, but said she accidentally fell because she listened to me. She's framing me. If she had died from this fall, would your own son have to take responsibility? Although the law won't be so unreasonable, her behavior disgusts me. No one has ever dared to wrong me, Xu Zifan. If your good daughter dares to do it again, I'll show her what society is like!"
"Uncle Liu, fire this maid. Don't bring in traitors like her again. Remember who the young lady is." Xu Zifan left these words and took Wang Mengyao upstairs. He saw her to the door and smiled, "Go to sleep early. I'll take you to school tomorrow."
Wang Mengyao leaned against the door, a sweet smile on her face. "Okay, goodnight, brother!"
As soon as Wang Mengyao closed the door, she turned around and saw the neatly arranged shopping bags against the wall. She opened the closet, pushed aside the old clothes, and carefully hung up the newly bought clothes one by one. She also arranged the shoes in pairs, as if treasuring her brother's gift. She leaned against the wall, cupped her face in her hands, and felt so happy! She had found a sense of belonging.
In this family, she was no longer a drifting duckweed. She had a brother, and her brother was exceptionally good to her. He gave her family, a identity, and the strongest sense of security, making all her unease and anxiety since returning to the Xu family disappear. She truly was a member of this family.
She took out her phone, opened WeChat, and saved the two photos from Xu Zifan's Moments. She used their photo as her desktop wallpaper and screensaver, then smiled at the only contact in her WeChat—"Dear Brother"—a nickname Xu Zifan had set himself, which she thought was very fitting. Thinking of her brother's domineering presence just now, she made up her mind that she had to be just as amazing, and not let him down! If possible, she wanted to protect her brother in the future and be the best brother and sister to him!