Bab 8: Chapter 8: The last request
"We're here, Madam," the driver announced, breaking the silence.
"Thank you. Wait for me," Li Xinyue replied, her voice firm.
As she stepped out, the grand building that had been her home for years filled her with a chill of detachment. The memories that once lingered now seemed distant, like a fading whisper.
The staff froze as she entered, their faces pale and worried. Rumors had spread that Miss Li was different now. One maid dropped her tray and rushed away, while another whispered frantically to her colleague. Soon, the hall emptied, leaving an unsettling silence.
Xinyue felt a surge of satisfaction seeing them scatter, their fear palpable.
In the living room, Madam Zhang sat on a lavish couch, wearing her usual composed expression, with Zhang Yujin at her side, discussing weekend plans.
Mr. Zhang, however, sat across from them with a serious, almost apprehensive look.
Yujin's face lit up, seemingly pleased to see Xinyue, though her eyes showed little genuine interest.
"What brings you here, Xinyue?" Madam Zhang asked sharply, her tone laced with annoyance.
Yujin's gaze softened, her eyes wide with pretended surprise. "Xinyue, I didn't know you were coming. Is everything alright?" Her voice dripped with insincere concern.
Xinyue's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched. "I accepted Mu's proposal, but I have a condition."
Mr. Zhang's face tightened, his irritation evident. "Condition? What condition?"
Xinyue reached into her bag and pulled out a neatly folded document. She placed it on the table between them, her expression cold. "You will sign this agreement. From now on, you will publicly announce that I am no longer related to the Zhang family. I don't want you, or anyone in this family seeking me out or making requests of me, directly or indirectly. You'll sever all ties with me, and in return, I will go through with this marriage."
Madam Zhang's eyes widened slightly, shock flickering across her face. "You want us to disown you?" Her tone was incredulous.
"Yes," Xinyue said firmly, her eyes flashing with determination. "I don't need your support or pretenses. This arrangement frees us from obligations." Her words were laced with a quiet anger.
Yujin looked shocked, her face pale. "Xinyue, that's extreme. We're still sisters." Her voice trembled, feigning hurt.
"Don't call me your sister," Xinyue replied coldly, her gaze piercing. "This family treated me like a stranger. Now I just want to make it official." Her tone was devoid of emotion.
Madam Zhang retorted, her voice sharp. "We raised you as our own. Don't be harsh with Yujin." Her eyes flashed with indignation.
Mr. Zhang looked between them, sensing the chill in Xinyue's tone but unsure of her intent. "Xinyue, this is still your home. You don't need to take such a tone."
He exhaled sharply, irritation crossing his features. "You were raised under this roof. You owe us a certain level of respect, if nothing else."
"You raised me under this roof but how did you treat me in the end," Xinyue said, her voice steady. "Cut me off cleanly. No pretending. I won't come back, and I won't ask for help and I expect the same from you." Her words were resolute.
Yujin placed a gentle hand on her father's arm, her expression one of calm concern. "Father, maybe we should consider Xinyue's feelings in this. If she believes she'll be happier this way… perhaps it's best."
She said it with the utmost compassion, her voice soft and yielding, all while giving the impression that she was doing Xinyue a favor. Xinyue recognized the act, yet remained unmoved. Yujin's perfected show of kindness was something she'd seen too many times.
After a pause, Mr. Zhang sighed, his expression resigned. "Very well. We'll draft a statement. Don't come back when you realize your mistake." His voice was laced with warning.
"Perfect," Xinyue replied emotionlessly.
"One more thing – I want my biological family's address," Xinyue added.
Yujin's brows knit together, her look one of tender sympathy. "Xinyue… are you sure about this? They may not be what you're expecting." Her voice was soft.
"I don't think that's your business," Xinyue said, her tone crisp and cold.
With a look that held both pity and feigned reluctance, Yujin took a pen and paper, writing down the address.
She handed it to Xinyue with a smile that was so subtle, only Xinyue would sense the underlying satisfaction.
"Here it is. I hope you find what you're looking for." Her words dripped with insincerity.
Xinyue took the paper without a word, turned on her heel, and walked out without a single glance back. For her, this chapter with the Zhangs was closed.
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