Capítulo 5: Chapter 5: A cold welcome
As Li Xinyue entered the Zhang residence, the servants gave her cold, mocking stares. She kept her head high, ignoring them, though she could feel their hatred.
Mr. Zhang's harsh voice echoed from across the room. "You're late. You think you can act however you want in this family?"
Li Xinyue looked him straight in the eye, unfazed. "Is that respect you're talking about?" she asked calmly.
Madam Liu, standing beside him, gave her a disgusted look. "After everything we did to raise you, this is how you treat us? So ungrateful," she said, her voice icy.
Just then, Zhang Yujin stepped forward, her face full of fake concern and pity. "Father, maybe we should forgive her just this once. I'm sure she didn't mean to be late,"
she said gently, as if trying to help. But her words only made Mr. Zhang angrier.
Mr. Zhang grabbed a spiked cane from a servant's hand, his expression cold. "Family law must be followed. Maybe this punishment will teach her respect." He turned to Li Xinyue. "Somebody hold her down."
Li Xinyue didn't flinch. She raised her chin, her eyes sharp. "Try it," she challenged, her voice steady. Her stare was cold enough to make even the servants nearby take a step back.
Zhang Yujin quickly put on a look of worry. "Father, please. I think she's just feeling lost.
Maybe it's because I've come back.
I know she doesn't like me very much… I could go back to the Li family if it would help her feel better…" She looked down, pretending to be hurt, her voice soft and "considerate."
But her words only fueled Mr. Zhang's anger. He looked back at Li Xinyue,with narrowed eyes. "After everything we've done for you, this is how you act? Maybe it's time for you to repay us," he said.
"In place of Yujin, you will marry into the Mu family. They won't accept Yujin, but they'll take you."
Li Xinyue felt her heart harden. They wanted to use her as a substitute bride. Still, she kept her face blank. "I'll think about it," she replied, turning away, her voice calm.
Mr. Zhang looked at her, surprised at her reaction, while Madam Liu sneered.
Zhang Yujin kept up her act, looking at Li Xinyue with fake sadness. But deep down, she was pleased. Everything was falling right into her plans.
Li Xinyue turned to leave, but Zhang Yujin stepped forward, blocking her path with that gentle innocent expression.
"Sister, please understand," she said in a soft tone. "Father and Mother just want what's best for you. I know this marriage isn't what you wanted, but it's an honor to join the Mu family." Her voice was sweet, dripping with false sincerity.
Li Xinyue glanced at her, eyes cold, seeing
right through Yujin's act.
Zhang Yujin's smile didn't waver. "I would go myself," she added, sighing deeply, "but you know the family worries about my health.
I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you in my place. But… I know you'll make us proud."
Her words were meant to sound caring, but each sentence only put more pressure on Li Xinyue, making it look as though she was the one refusing to "sacrifice" for the family.
Mr. Zhang grunted, crossing his arms. "Yujin's right. It's time you paid back this family for raising you.
We could have abandoned you years ago when we suspected the truth, but out of kindness, we kept you." He shot her a look of disdain. "You owe us."
Madam Liu added, in her usual cold tone, "For eighteen years, we provided for you. If you have any decency, you'll stop acting so difficult and do as you're told."
Li Xinyue's hands clenched, feeling the original owner's anger simmering inside her. She took a steadying breath, reminding herself to stay calm.
"I said I'll think about it," she repeated, her voice firm, though inside she felt the weight of the family's betrayal.
Zhang Yujin gave her a sad, pitiful look, as if she were disappointed but trying to understand. "I'll pray for you, Sister. I know it must be hard for you to accept such a responsibility. But I hope… one day, you'll forgive us for doing what's best."
With that, Zhang Yujin turned and walked back to her parents, her posture graceful, her expression soft.
But as she turned, Li Xinyue caught a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes—a hint of the real Yujin behind her gentle facade.
As Li Xinyue left the Zhang residence, she knew one thing for certain, the Zhang family might have raised her, but she owed them nothing.
And if they thought she would quietly accept her fate and play by their rules, they were in for a surprise.
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