Chapter 096: Zhenzhen Is So Well-Behaved, She Would Never Cause Trouble
Weekend.
After tossing and turning in bed all day, Ye Zhen was scheming about what to sneak for a midnight snack.
The system offered several new options, like pickled sea birds…
Ye Zhen suspected it might be trying to hasten her demise.
[This is a traditional Inuit food, rich in vitamins, an important supplement in harsh, cold environments…]
But the system's earnest tone as it lectured her dispelled that notion.
It probably wasn't being malicious—it genuinely believed this stuff was edible.
"Enough with the nonsense. First up, two skewers of spicy lamb kidneys."
[Same as usual—air drop them to the bathroom?]
"Where else would it go?"
Ye Zhen ruffled her messy hair and sat up.
But instead of the spicy lamb kidneys, she was greeted by someone she'd rather not see: Mrs. Ye.
Ye Fuli's biological mother.
"Zhenzhen, get up. Let's go home for a meal and formally introduce you to our new family member."
Mrs. Ye sat down on the sofa opposite Ye Zhen.
Seeing Ye Zhen's face wrapped in bandages, she frowned. Though she couldn't see the face beneath the bandages, she could already imagine how utterly disfigured it must be.
Her heart, which had finally found peace, now ached faintly once more.
After all, this was the daughter she had raised with her own hands.
Though not related by blood, she was still part of this family.
It was a pity her fate had been so cruel.
Had this happened after she married into the Huang family, things would have been entirely different. It was truly a pity.
"How have you been feeling lately? Any lingering pain?"
Ye Zhen shook her head. "I feel fine now. I want to be discharged."
"Mhm."
Unlike Ye Dad, Mrs. Ye didn't object to Ye Zhen's request to leave the hospital. After all, it was just convalescence—it could happen anywhere, not necessarily confined to the hospital.
"Fine. Just make sure you've thought it through. Don't regret it later."
Ye Zhen was taken aback by this response, but quickly realized it wasn't out of respect for her—rather, they'd simply given up on this worthless ornament.
Regardless of the reason, Ye Zhen expressed her gratitude.
At least she wouldn't secretly slip herself extra sedatives anymore, right?
After packing a few essentials, Ye Zhen followed her out of the hospital.
The two maids exchanged uncertain glances, unable to decide what to do. They could only call Ye Dad for instructions.
Ye Dad remained silent for a long moment before finally saying, "Wait in the ward."
He wrapped up his tasks as quickly as possible and hurriedly left the company.
…
The Ye residence.
Ye Fuli had already arrived.
She lifted her head and looked at Ye Zhen.
Ye Zhen had been discharged in such a rush that she still wore the pants from her hospital gown, paired with a mismatched long-sleeved top covered in strawberry spots.
The moment their eyes met, Ye Zhen suddenly smiled and said, "Hello, Ye Fuli."
What a fake smile.
Ye Fuli tugged at the corner of her mouth and replied, "Hello."
So what if she was putting on an act?
Fine, she could play along too.
After exchanging greetings, they each took their seats.
Ye Zhen pulled out her phone, head down, playing a match-three game as if utterly unconcerned about whatever story might unfold today.
As for Ye Fuli, she stared at her with a heavy gaze.
What kind of game is that? Is it really that fun?
After playing for so long, she still couldn't be bothered to look up?
A wave of resentment welled up inexplicably in Ye Fuli's heart. She wanted to grab Ye Zhen from across the table and give her a good scolding.
Amidst this tense atmosphere,
Dishes began arriving at the table one after another.
Ye Zhen finally relented, setting aside the rather dull game. Smiling, she rose and said, "Ye Fuli, please."
Exquisite dinnerware, sterling silver cutlery, and an array of delicacies that were a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate—it was extravagant to the extreme.
Having lived two lifetimes, Ye Fuli was no stranger to such opulence and found nothing unusual about it. However, Mrs. Ye clearly intended to show off as she said, "Lily, I hope these dishes suit your taste. Don't be shy—help yourself to whatever you fancy."
The sound of "Lily" sent a chill down Ye Fuli's spine.
She made no effort to correct the address, but she did slide her chair back, placing herself at a considerable distance.
"These dishes aren't suitable for someone recovering from serious illness, are they?"
After a moment's inspection, Ye Fuli voiced her thoughts.
Hearing this, Mrs. Ye remained impassive, replying calmly, "Today's meal is primarily to welcome you. I'm sure Zhenzhen understands."
Ye Zhen, seated beside them, kept her head down, silently sipping her porridge, maintaining a hands-off attitude.
You guys just eat!
I've got my system—I'll be bold and grab a few skewers of spicy barbecue later.
"But I can't understand it."
Ye Fuli set down her chopsticks.
"You want to use this to show how special you are to me, right? Frankly, this is so tacky it's kind of disgusting."
Ye Zhen, silently slurping her porridge, nearly choked on her words.
Damn it!
What the hell?
Did you eat dynamite or something?
This is your first meal back home, eating with your own mother. Just eat quietly. Why are you arguing with her?
Mrs. Ye's face darkened instantly. "Ye Fuli, where are your manners? Is this how you speak to me?"
Ye Fuli chuckled. "You know very well I grew up in the slums. I've never understood your upper-class manners."
Before Mrs. Ye could speak again, Ye Fuli added, "Don't forget, you invited me here. I didn't come willingly. If you called me back for this meal just to make me miserable, I'll leave right now."
"You—"
Mrs. Ye, nearly struck dumb with fury, ordered the servants to prepare a few light dishes for Ye Zhen instead, her face ashen.
She had braced herself for Ye Fuli's barbs, yet this still cut deep.
Endure it. She must endure it!
Now, she could no longer rely on Ye Zhen. Her only hope lay with Ye Fuli.
Even if this child had a peculiar temperament, she had to endure it and patiently guide her.
Mrs. Ye forced a smile back onto her face and served Ye Fuli a piece of tender fish.
"It was Mother's oversight."
Ye Fuli remained stony-faced, showing no gratitude. "You only serve food to me. Is this another way to show how special I am to you?"
"Of course not! Hehe, I was just about to serve Zhenzhen some too."
The usually aloof Mrs. Ye now appeared so humble it was almost unbelievable.
Ye Zhen looked at the piece of fish her mother had served her, her feelings complex.
Seeing that things were now fair, Ye Fuli finally stopped causing trouble. She picked up her chopsticks and began eating absentmindedly.
A rare moment of calm settled over the table.
Just as the dishes prepared for Ye Zhen arrived, Ye Dad rushed back home. Seeing them sitting peacefully at the table, he felt not the slightest bit relieved—instead, it struck him as strangely off.
"Honey, you're back? Have a seat."
Mrs. Ye rose with a warm smile, took his coat as he removed it, and casually handed it to the maid.
"Why didn't you discuss bringing Zhenzhen back with me?" Ye Dad wasn't buying her explanation, his gaze suspicious. "What are you planning?"
"What else could it be? Just having dinner together."
Mrs. Ye was deeply displeased with her husband's tone, yet she forced a smile.
"Hurry up and sit down. The food will get cold."
…
This meal was particularly stomach-churning.
Mrs. Ye maintained her smile throughout, tending to Ye Fuli, then Ye Zhen, and occasionally checking on Ye Dad's mood.
After the meal, she finally broached the serious matter at hand.
Ye Fuli, you are our daughter, our own flesh and blood. All these years, you've endured so much hardship out there. Now it's time to come back to your parents. We'll make it up to you.
Ye Fuli stared at her expressionlessly.
"Of course, Zhenzhen is also our daughter! We have no intention of favoring one over the other. From now on, we will treat you both equally."
At this point, Mrs. Ye took Ye Zhen's hand and urged, "Quickly, call her sister."
Truthfully, they didn't know whether Ye Fuli or Ye Zhen had been born first that day.
But Ye Zhen, petite and frail, looked much younger than her peers.
She had grown accustomed to being treated as the younger sister.
As for Ye Fuli, she had never been entirely certain of her exact date of birth.
Her unreliable adoptive parents lived in a drunken haze every day. Sometimes when they were high, they couldn't even remember their own birthdays.
Of course, she didn't care about such things either.
When age was required, she'd simply give a number that seemed close enough.
"Hello, Sister."
Ye Zhen smiled, squinting her eyes.
Still that insincere tone.
Ye Fuli snorted lightly and said, "Hello, little sister."
Seeing the two exchange greetings without quarreling, Mrs. Ye was thoroughly satisfied.
See?
Their father had worried that introducing the two children too early might lead to fights and hurt Ye Zhen's feelings. But look—nothing happened!
Zhenzhen is so sensible—she wouldn't cause trouble.
As for Ye Fuli, she was likely just sulking temporarily. Once she enjoyed a period of good living, she'd surely become docile again.
"Alright then? I should take Zhenzhen back to the hospital."
"What hospital? Can't she stay at home?"
Ye Dad stared at her blankly.
He couldn't process it for a moment.
Mrs. Ye snorted. "Besides, Zhenzhen doesn't want to go back to the hospital. Why are you forcing her?"
Ye Dad flared up. "Do you even understand the situation? She's a child—she doesn't know any better, and neither do you! If she doesn't get proper treatment now, how will she ever get better?"
"Later? Later might be too late… Fine, do whatever you two want. I'm done with this."
Mrs. Ye stopped herself just in time.
But clearly, she still wasn't convinced.
She turned her gaze to Ye Fuli: "Lily, I've invited a few tutors over. Why don't you meet them? They'll be here shortly."
Ye Fuli gave a mocking smile.
Look at that—this was indeed the biological mother she knew.
Everything revolved around her own interests and preferences.
As for the rest of the family? They were insignificant.
"Zhenzhen, let's go." Ye Dad didn't indulge her either, picking up Ye Zhen's suitcase and leading her out the door.
Shortly after, Ye Fuli followed them out.
She stood by the car door and tapped lightly on the window.
"Can you give me a ride?"