Chapter 109: From a Scumbag’s Ex-Girlfriend to His Stepmom (Part 8)

Yu Liuxue and Xu Cen both fell silent at once. Though Xu Cen was already in her forties and usually treated with deference wherever she went, when faced with Song Linxian—her former best friend—she still lacked confidence, haunted by the past.

But in Song Linxian’s eyes, Xu Cen’s guilty demeanor only confirmed her suspicions—that she’d just caught them red-handed in some sordid affair.

Song Linxian slowly stepped forward, stopping right in front of Yu Liuxue. Instinctively, Yu Liuxue took a small step back, landing directly in front of Xu Cen. In an instant, Song Linxian’s gaze shot over like a blade. Yu Liuxue froze, then quickly shuffled forward a couple of steps. Tilting up her pale, delicate face, she pitifully grabbed Song Linxian’s hand. “Sister Linxian, I was wrong. I won’t dare do it again.”

Xu Cen looked like a grandpa staring blankly at a phone—utterly baffled. She frowned, dazed for a moment, then suddenly had a revelation. Could this whole thing be a trap set by Mu Wan? Was she trying to drive a wedge between her and Linxian?

But why would she do that? What could she possibly gain from turning them against each other?

Before Xu Cen could figure it out, Song Linxian turned her gaze toward her. Xu Cen snapped to attention and instinctively began to explain, “Linxian, don’t listen to her nonsense. I didn’t know anything about this. She just showed up out of the blue today and brought all these expensive gifts.”

Mentioning the gifts seemed to jog her memory, and she quickly handed them over. “If you like any of this, Linxian, feel free to take it.”

Song Linxian couldn’t care less about the gifts. What she really wanted to know was what kind of relationship her former best friend had with Mu Wan. Watching the two of them bicker and shift blame like kids in a snowball fight, she couldn’t help but let out a low chuckle. Immediately, both Xu Cen and Yu Liuxue fell silent.

With her full lips curved into a faint smile, Song Linxian lazily rubbed the hand Yu Liuxue had offered. “I heard Mu Wan’s staying here for dinner tonight…”

Given the current situation, there was no way Xu Cen would dare let that little troublemaker stay for dinner. She didn’t even think before blurting out, “Linxian, that’s absolutely not true. I’ve never heard of such a thing. We don’t even have extra bowls and chopsticks in the house.”

Yu Liuxue stared at her in disbelief. “???”

Auntie, are you serious right now?

Xu Cen just wanted to kick Mu Wan out as fast as possible. She quickly added, “Linxian, it’s getting late…”

“We’re already here—might as well stay for dinner,” Song Linxian interrupted with a light smile. Both Xu Cen and Yu Liuxue felt a chill run down their spines. They watched as Song Linxian strolled leisurely toward the sofa. “If we’re short on tableware, I’ll call Liu Yan and have him bring some over.”

Liu Yan? Xu Cen’s vision went dark. Dealing with Mu Wan was already enough of a headache—if that airheaded Liu Yan showed up too, how was she supposed to survive the night? She immediately rejected the idea, putting on a thoughtful expression. “Actually, I just remembered—Old Liu bought a few new sets last year and stored them in the collection room. I’ll go have someone wash them.”

Song Linxian nodded in satisfaction.

Using the excuse of fetching tableware, Xu Cen quickly made her escape. Suddenly, the brightly lit house was reduced to just Yu Liuxue standing alone in the face of a brewing storm. “…?!”

Yu Liuxue snuck a glance at Song Linxian out of the corner of her eye. She was lounging lazily on the big sofa, motionless, phone in hand as if reading the news. But for some reason, Yu Liuxue sensed a calm before the storm in her serene expression. Without thinking, she dove into Song Linxian’s arms, her brows furrowed in a pitiful plea. “Sister, please forgive me just this once, okay?”

Song Linxian didn’t even glance at her.

Yu Liuxue tried tactic after tactic, but Song Linxian treated her like an annoying fly—occasionally swatting her hand away when she got too touchy, but otherwise ignoring her completely, eyes glued to her phone. Yu Liuxue craned her neck to peek at the screen and saw she was chatting with Xiao Zhi and another person she didn’t recognize.

She thought for a moment. If this approach wasn’t working, she’d just have to switch gears!

The System suddenly had a bad feeling. Host… she’s not going to pull that stunt again, is she?!

Sure enough, Yu Liuxue’s expression shifted to one of righteous indignation. Clenching her fists, she declared with solemn conviction, “Sister, Aunt Xu is so beautiful and elegant—I couldn’t resist the temptation! It’s only natural!”

As expected, Song Linxian slowly lifted her eyelids, phone still in hand. “?”

The System felt dizzy. Called it!

Seeing that she’d finally gotten a reaction, Yu Liuxue doubled down. She half-knelt beside Song Linxian, back straight. “Sister, if you were me, wouldn’t you be moved too, faced with such a gorgeous older woman? Aunt Xu is powerful, wealthy, and clearly interested in me. In this materialistic world, would you really be able to resist and remain a pure, untouchable little white flower?”

Song Linxian blinked, her interest piqued. She was curious to see what other nonsense Mu Wan could come up with.

Just as Xu Cen came back, she overheard Yu Liuxue’s impassioned, logic-defying speech. Her vision went black again, and she nearly collapsed on the spot. A servant quickly caught her, saving her from making a complete fool of herself in front of her ex-best friend and her girlfriend.

Yu Liuxue pressed her lips together, her face full of conviction. “So you see, Sister, I’m not the one at fault. I merely made the same mistake anyone in the world could make. Everyone appreciates beauty. Even walking down the street, when I see a pretty woman, I can’t help but take a second look—let alone when someone as seductive as Aunt Xu is actively tempting me!”

Xu Cen: “???”

Hello? Are you serious right now?

Song Linxian finally set down her phone. Propping her cheek on one hand, she tilted her head, half-laughing in disbelief. “So what you’re saying is, you’re not wrong. The world is?”

System: Why does this speech sound so familiar.jpg

Yu Liuxue nodded solemnly. Just as she thought her heartfelt, truth-laden words were about to move Song Linxian, the woman suddenly shoved her onto the sofa. Then, leaning down, she whispered, “Mu Wan, I want to f*ck you.”

Yu Liuxue: “!!!”

System: “!!!” Those are some dangerous words!

Xu Cen: “…” Should I not be here right now?

Yu Liuxue’s eyes widened in shock. She shook System’s shoulders in disbelief. “Sys—System, why are the aunties in this world so aggressive and direct? Why do I feel like I just slammed into a brick wall?”

System quietly activated Do Not Disturb mode. “Host, that’s not a feeling. It’s reality. May you rest in peace.”

Song Linxian pinched her chin and narrowed her eyes. “Mu Wan, you did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

Yu Liuxue shivered from head to toe. Her survival instincts kicked in, screaming at her not to admit anything. So she clung to Song Linxian’s waist, her face full of innocence, trembling like a delicate white lotus. “Sister, I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

Song Linxian chuckled softly. She pressed down harder, and Yu Liuxue’s legs nearly split on the spot. Her face twisted in pain, and Song Linxian responded by thrusting upward. “So you’ve grown bold, huh? Mu Wan, do you know what it costs to lie to me?”

Yu Liuxue feigned ignorance, blinking blankly. “What does it cost?”

She asked sincerely, and Song Linxian answered with action. Without a word, she scooped Yu Liuxue into her arms and carried her straight to the car parked outside. Xu Cen, holding a bowl, had the lyrics “I shouldn’t be here, I should be under the car” looping in her head. Once Song Linxian disappeared from view, she turned and handed the bowl to a nearby servant. “Go make dinner.”

Knowing Song Linxian as she did, Xu Cen was certain that since she’d already declared she was staying for dinner, she’d definitely be back—no matter how late.

She glanced at Song Linxian’s beloved car, which hadn’t driven off but was instead rocking slightly. She quickly averted her eyes. Thinking of Mu Wan, who was no doubt suffering Song Linxian’s wrath at that very moment, Xu Cen ground her teeth. That little brat had deliberately twisted the truth to sow discord. If she wanted to clear things up with Song Linxian, she’d have to come up with some convincing explanations.

Xu Cen took a few steps, then suddenly stopped. Wait a minute—she was innocent to begin with! Why should she rack her brain trying to explain that there was nothing between her and Mu Wan?

Damn it!

Yu Liuxue lay sprawled on the car seat, sobbing, one shoulder exposed, her clothes a complete mess. She turned back to plead, “Sister, I’m sorry, I know I was wrong.”

Song Linxian ignored her completely. Oh, you know you were wrong? And then what—do it again next time?

Yu Liuxue’s apology didn’t earn her forgiveness. Instead, the storm turned from a gale into a full-blown tornado. Her hair was a tangled mess, her body drenched in sweat, and she clung desperately to Song Linxian’s hand. Unable to take it anymore, she flipped the script and started spouting nonsense. “Sister, I wasn’t wrong! It’s the world that’s wrong!”

In that instant, a tidal wave of doom crashed down on her.

Yu Liuxue: “…” So what do you want from me? Apologizing doesn’t work, not apologizing doesn’t work—Song Linxian just wants to bully me, doesn’t she?

Tossed around like a rag doll, Yu Liuxue finally collapsed, drained of all strength. But even then, she was subjected to another round of merciless torment. By the time the sky had gone completely dark, Song Linxian finally dressed her. As soon as Yu Liuxue’s feet touched the ground, her legs gave out and she nearly face-planted. Thankfully, Song Linxian caught her just in time, sparing her another round of pain.

Song Linxian pulled a large bag from the trunk, slung it over her shoulder, then effortlessly lifted Yu Liuxue and carried her toward her private courtyard and room. When Yu Liuxue unzipped the bag, she found it packed with clean, neatly folded clothes.

“…?”

So this was premeditated?!

“System, what kind of character setting is this for the male lead’s mom?!”

Song Linxian had spent over an hour tormenting her without the slightest sign of fatigue. When Yu Liuxue finally changed into fresh clothes, she heard herself let out a long, exhausted sigh. Song Linxian looked at her with a half-smile. “It’s not easy for me to find a woman, and she’s this alluring. So it’s only natural I’d dote on her a little more, right?”

Yu Liuxue: “…” No, no it’s not!

No matter how Yu Liuxue tried to argue, Song Linxian always managed to twist logic even more absurdly than she could. Yu Liuxue was filled with despair, and even System was losing hope: It’s over. Host has even corrupted the male lead’s own mother. How is this ridiculous world supposed to function now?

When Song Linxian figured it was about time, she took Yu Liuxue’s soft, slippery hand and led her toward the dining room. But just as they reached the entrance, they saw Liu Yan walking in—hand in hand with Chi Yang. The moment all four sets of eyes met, Liu Yan, Chi Yang, and Yu Liuxue all shivered in unison.

By the time Xu Cen got the message and rushed out, it was already too late. She stood at a distance, glancing between Song Linxian and Yu Liuxue, then at Liu Yan and Chi Yang, her head instantly pounding. Why was Liu Yan back? And not only did he come back without warning, he brought Chi Yang with him?

Was the house not chaotic enough already?

Liu Yan had only intended to drop by and see Chi Yang on a whim. But when Chi Yang, looking worried, asked if his mom disapproved of their engagement, he panicked and brought her along—hoping she could ask in person. How could he have known that both his biological mom and Mu Wan would be here too?!

If he’d known everyone would be gathering today, he never would’ve brought Chi Yang. He could already picture the storm of drama that was about to unfold with four women in one room.

Liu Yan couldn’t help feeling a little hopeless.

Chi Yang, on the other hand, clenched her fists, her face resolute. If they kept dragging things out, her pregnancy would start to show. She was a proper young woman—if word got out that she was pregnant out of wedlock and then abandoned by Liu Yan, how was she supposed to live as a single mother?

The rumors alone would destroy her. And more than anything, she wanted a life of endless wealth and luxury.

Chi Yang was the first to smile and greet them. “Aunt Xu, Aunt Song, good evening. Sorry to drop by unannounced, so I brought a few gifts I picked out for you.”

As she spoke, she motioned for Liu Yan to hand over the two gift bags he was holding.

Yu Liuxue’s expression froze. She’d just managed to please Song Linxian with her body—now gifts were being brought into the picture? Was the female lead’s fate just fundamentally incompatible with hers?

Sure enough, both Xu Cen and Song Linxian’s faces showed subtle, unreadable expressions. Liu Yan sensed something was off, but he was too dense to figure out what. He casually handed the gift bags to his stepmother and mother. Xu Cen glanced at the contents, her face unreadable. Song Linxian didn’t even look—she handed the bag straight to Yu Liuxue.

“These were carefully picked out. Make sure you take good care of them for me.”

The word “gifts” had a very particular weight to it.

Yu Liuxue took the gift with a look of utter resignation—she knew it wasn’t going to be that easy to put this whole thing behind them.

Dinner was already on the table. Despite having earlier lied that they didn’t have enough dishes, Xu Cen had someone set out two extra place settings. With Chi Yang’s pleading still echoing in her mind, Liu Yan tried to sound casual as he said, “Mom, from now on, you’ll need to set an extra place when I come home.”

Yu Liuxue paused mid-bite, and a sudden realization dawned on her—so the male lead’s astrological sign clashes with mine too.

Xu Cen glanced at Chi Yang. Of course she knew what Chi Yang was up to, but she had no intention of getting involved in that mess. So she replied in a businesslike tone, “We always keep extra dishes at home. You’re welcome to invite your friends over anytime.”

Chi Yang bit her lip gently, confused. She thought she’d made her intentions pretty obvious—why was Aunt Xu still pretending not to notice? Did she really have to say, in front of everyone, that she was pregnant with her son’s child for it to matter?

Her lashes lowered in unison like a curtain falling, and she began plotting in her mind. At the same time, she nudged Liu Yan with her foot, hinting for him to help. Liu Yan forced a smile. “Mom, she’s not a guest. It’s Yangyang. She just found out she’s pregnant, so I thought I’d bring her over more often.”

Yu Liuxue’s ears perked up. She immediately slowed her eating, savoring the drama like a gourmet snack.

The female lead’s ambition to marry into a wealthy family was practically written on her forehead. Unfortunately for her, Xu Cen was like a fortress—impenetrable and unyielding. As expected, Xu Cen smiled faintly, looked at Chi Yang, and asked gently, “Now that you’re pregnant, are you finding it hard to eat?”

Chi Yang thought Xu Cen was showing concern and nodded eagerly. “Yes, I’ve had no appetite lately. I can’t eat anything. Thankfully, Liu Yan’s been with me, and that’s helped a lot.”

Xu Cen smiled softly. “If that’s the case, you shouldn’t be moving around too much during your pregnancy. From now on, whenever Liu Yan visits you, I’ll have him bring our best chef to help with your meals. You need to rest and take care of the baby. Don’t overthink things—it’s not good for you or the child.”

Brilliant! Yu Liuxue couldn’t help but shoot Xu Cen a look of admiration. This support character was absolutely perfect!

But that look of admiration, when it landed in Song Linxian’s eyes, was misread as something else—deep emotion. Because Mu Wan had a grudge with Chi Yang, seeing Xu Cen stand up for her, exacting revenge on her behalf, made Mu Wan feel so touched she could hardly contain herself. She was ready to throw herself into Xu Cen’s arms then and there.

Song Linxian gripped her chopsticks tightly. Mu Wan hadn’t lied—this time, it really was Xu Cen who seduced her first. Still radiant with charm, her skin well-maintained, she looked no older than thirty. Outwardly, she might act indifferent, but secretly she was taking her side. It was like a forbidden romance straight out of a melodrama.

Chi Yang’s face turned pale. She instinctively looked toward Song Linxian, only to see her lost in thought, seemingly unaware of her presence. Chi Yang pressed her lips together and pinned her last shred of hope on Song Linxian. Seizing the moment, she gave a fragile smile and said, “Aunt Song, I heard you love bird’s nest soup, so I had someone bring me some premium—”

“No need. Since you’re pregnant, don’t tire yourself out with unnecessary things. Just focus on resting. I don’t need any of that,” Song Linxian cut her off without even thinking.

Silence.jpg

As the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward and the female lead looked like she was about to burst into tears, Yu Liuxue suddenly perked up and raised her hand. “Chi Yang, I love that stuff! Give it to me! I’ll transfer you the money.”

Chi Yang: “…” Shut up! Do you really think I’m your personal shopper?

Song Linxian glanced sideways. What’s a girl your age doing drinking that stuff? Suddenly, a flash of realization crossed her eyes. She looked at Yu Liuxue with a half-smile, half-smirk expression. Yu Liuxue felt her skin crawl under that gaze. She blinked in confusion. “?”

Still, Yu Liuxue had at least given Chi Yang a way out, so Chi Yang had no choice but to pretend to be delighted and agree to the deal, planning to exchange goods for money in a couple of days.

Liu Yan frowned, his gaze flicking between Yu Liuxue and Chi Yang. Was Chi Yang really bringing that bird’s nest stuff for his mom? Or was she planning to give it to Mu Wan all along? Once that thought entered his mind, he couldn’t stop the flood of chaotic suspicions that followed.

Having been rejected twice in a row, Chi Yang left in disappointment. But she wasn’t ready to give up. If she couldn’t convince them herself, she’d get Liu Yan and his parents to settle it for her.

As Liu Yan walked Chi Yang out, she cried pitifully, tears streaming down her face. “Liu Yan, I don’t want to go home. I’ve been feeling worse and worse lately. I’m so scared my parents will find out. There’s still no hope for us, and I…”

Liu Yan thought she was overthinking things, but he couldn’t just let a pregnant woman spiral like that. He patted her head and comforted her, “Yangyang, don’t worry. I’ll talk to my mom when I get back. No matter what happens, I’ll give you an answer. Just wait for my call, okay?”

Chi Yang could only nod and, full of anxiety, got into the car and left.

She wiped the tears from her face, and in an instant, her expression turned cold. If this path didn’t work out, then don’t blame her for what came next.

Yu Liuxue was growing increasingly uneasy, but Song Linxian showed no sign of leaving. Her heart pounded—was there still some big move waiting to drop on her? Just as her thoughts were spiraling out of control, that blockhead Liu Yan came back. The moment he stepped through the door, he said to Song Linxian and Xu Cen, “Mom, Yangyang’s belly is starting to show. If word gets out, it’ll be bad for her reputation, so I…”

Xu Cen didn’t even want to hear the rest. She turned to Song Linxian. “Linxian, what do you think?”

Song Linxian stirred her coffee slowly with a small spoon, not even looking up. “You’re the one who raised him. His matters are yours to decide.”

Xu Cen replied, “That may be true, but you’re still his biological mother. Marriage is a big deal—I have to respect your opinion.”

Yu Liuxue and Liu Yan both turned their heads, watching as the two women kicked the topic back and forth like a hot potato. Their faces were filled with despair. “…”

So neither of them wanted to take responsibility.

Were they really going to keep dodging this until sunrise?

Liu Yan, now desperate, quickly interrupted, “Mom, how about you both just share your thoughts, and then we can all sit down and talk it through together?”

Song Linxian raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at Xu Cen. Xu Cen’s stance was firm—she didn’t hesitate to shake her head and say, “I don’t agree.”

“Fine, then I don’t agree either.” After stating her opinion, Song Linxian leisurely took a sip of her coffee.

Liu Yan: “…”

Yu Liuxue stared at Song Linxian for a moment, then suddenly noticed something odd: it was the middle of the night—why was Sister Song drinking such strong coffee?!

She recoiled in horror. “!!!”

Liu Yan had no idea why the moms were against him being with Chi Yang. He was caught in the middle and could only repeat the same reason, “But… Yangyang is already pregnant with my child…”

Song Linxian remained expressionless, but Xu Cen’s eyes narrowed at once. Her tone turned sharp and aggressive. “What, you think your kid is some kind of emperor-to-be that must return to claim the throne?”

Liu Yan: “…” Well, no, not exactly.

Left speechless by Xu Cen’s scathing words, he could only leave in frustration. When Chi Yang got his call, she collapsed onto the bed. She bit her lip hard—why? Why did things turn out like this?! Aunt Xu had clearly liked her at first!

She gently touched her belly. Only when she thought of the child inside did her expression soften. After all, this was her only hope for the future. Chi Yang couldn’t help spiraling into paranoid thoughts. Was it Mu Wan? Did Mu Wan deliberately say bad things about her in front of Aunt Song? Then Aunt Song and Aunt Xu chatted, and that somehow led to Aunt Xu disliking her too?

It had to be that.

Mu Wan must still resent her for stealing her man. That’s why she cozied up to Liu Yan’s mom—to badmouth her behind her back and sabotage the carefully laid plans she had made. Chi Yang clenched her fists. She would never forgive Mu Wan!

Meanwhile, Yu Liuxue had no idea she’d just been added to the heroine’s blacklist. After leaving the Liu family right behind Song Linxian, she stood by the roadside and shyly said, “Sister, maybe I should just get a cab home? I suddenly remembered I have a date…”

“A date?” Song Linxian looked at her with a half-smile. She leaned in slightly until their eyes were level. “With that made-up sixty-three-year-old geezer?”

Yu Liuxue was instantly speechless. She knew there was no escaping today, so she slumped into Song Linxian’s car, defeated. As long as she didn’t bring up the apartment issue, she’d do anything.

Song Linxian started the car slowly, a cold smile playing on her lips. “I heard you went on a shopping spree at the mall today, trying to pick out the perfect gift for Xu Cen?”

Yu Liuxue shuddered on the spot. The apartment issue wasn’t even over yet, and now the gift thing was coming up?!

She racked her brain, then suddenly had a flash of inspiration. “It’s not like that, Sister, let me explain.”

Song Linxian nodded calmly. “Go ahead.”

Yu Liuxue put on her most sincere face. “It’s just that I’ve met Aunt Xu a few times now, but I’ve never really done anything to show my respect. It didn’t matter before, but now that I’m yours, Sister… well, you know.”

Song Linxian let out a soft laugh and casually turned her head. “But that’s not what you said earlier.”

“Didn’t you say she seduced you? That she lured you in and you lost your mind for a moment?”

Yu Liuxue: “…” She firmly believed that if she told enough lies, the truth would never catch up. After a moment of silence, she switched tactics and put on a pitiful expression. “Actually, I said that to provoke you, Sister. I wanted to make you jealous.”

“You and Aunt Xu have known each other for so many years. It made me feel really insecure. I wanted to have all of you to myself. I wanted to be the only one in your heart.” Yu Liuxue blinked her innocent eyes. “I was gambling—if you had even a little feeling for me, then once you found out about me and Aunt Xu, you’d be wary of her and keep your distance. That way, I’d achieve my goal of having you all to myself.”

She reached out cautiously, her face full of remorse. “Sister, I know I’m selfish. I have no sense of security. I really, really like you. I don’t want to share you with anyone—not even a longtime friend.”

System: *jaw drops.jpg*

It never expected the Host to come up with such ridiculous excuses and still manage to navigate this minefield of drama. And judging by the look on the male lead’s mom’s face, she actually seemed convinced. There was a flicker of emotion in her eyes, and even her expression softened.

Old man on the subway checking his phone.

The System looked utterly defeated. Couldn’t they just quietly complete the mission and move on? Was that so hard?

Song Linxian stared at her in surprise. Yu Liuxue held her innocent, heartfelt expression without flinching. After a long pause, Song Linxian finally looked away. “Mu Wan, I wrongly accused you.”

Yu Liuxue immediately let out a breath of relief. She had survived yet another crisis. Her smile bloomed like sunshine. “It’s all my fault. I should’ve told you earlier. I schemed against you and made you jealous, made you sad. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

Song Linxian shook her head. “No, it’s my fault. I didn’t give you enough of a sense of security.”

The car was filled with a warm, tender atmosphere. The System felt like its chip was about to fry. Did the male lead’s mom really just forgive the Host that easily? Was this real life? But then, when it saw Song Linxian park the car, silently carry Yu Liuxue upstairs, and throw her onto the bed before tearing her clothes to shreds—it immediately wore a “knew it” expression.

It had known all along. With the Host pulling off stunts like that, there was no way she’d be forgiven so easily.

Yu Liuxue was utterly devastated, full of regret. If she could do it all over again, she swore she’d come up with even better lies—so flawless that no one could find a single crack. Then she wouldn’t have ended up locked up and love-prisoned by Sister Song for a whole half month.

During those two weeks, Song Linxian fully embodied the phrase “the emperor neglects morning court.” Yu Liuxue was driven to despair, barely able to breathe.

Thankfully, Song Linxian wasn’t the type to laze around forever. While she was out collecting rent, Yu Liuxue threw on some clothes and bolted, fleeing across several provinces all the way back to her hometown in the west.

She was back to gather intel. Mu Zizhe had been home for nearly a month now, and every single moment apart, he’d been thinking about that one yuan Yu Liuxue owed him.

He even kept a little notebook to track it—one yuan for each day. By now, he’d saved up a whopping twenty yuan. Mu Zizhe was over the moon, but he didn’t dare show it. If his mom found out, she’d strip him clean—down to the last hair.

As he dug around for bird eggs, Mu Zizhe was already calculating how he’d spend the massive windfall. But when he turned around, the smile on his face froze. Why was his sister suddenly here? If Mom found out, they were doomed! With Mom’s stingy, penny-pinching nature, she’d definitely squeeze every last coin out of his sister—and then there’d be nothing left for him.

Mu Zizhe quickly jumped down from the tree, his expression tense as he ran toward Yu Liuxue. Glancing around like a guilty thief, he dragged her into a secluded grove. “Mu Wan-jie, what are you doing here?!”

Yu Liuxue blinked innocently. “I’m on break right now, and I realized it’s been over ten years since I last visited Mom, so I thought I’d come see her. Is she doing okay? Does she have enough money? If not, I’m willing to hand over all the money I made from my part-time jobs.”

Mu Zizhe flinched with every word she said, and by the end, he was giving her a look of utter disdain. “Sis, you’re already in your twenties—how are you still this naive?”

“Mom’s so materialistic. If you dare give her money, she’ll turn around and drain every last cent you’ve got.” Mu Zizhe spoke like a little adult, shaking his head. “You better leave before she finds out you’re here. If she sees you, you’re done for.”

Looking at her cheap little brother, Yu Liuxue felt a sudden pang of guilt. “System, I’m such a terrible person. He’s thinking about me, and I’m still treating him like this.”

The System nodded in agreement. “It’s good you realize that, Host…”

“That’s why I’ve decided not to pocket his twenty-something yuan of allowance. I’m going to give it back to him—right here, right now!”

System: “???”

Yu Liuxue acted immediately. She pulled out twenty-one yuan and fifty cents from her bag and solemnly placed it into Mu Zizhe’s hands. “Zizhe, I’m sorry. I lied to you. I actually came here just to give you your allowance. I had no idea you cared about me so much… I’m really touched.”

Mu Zizhe was moved to tears as he accepted the generous sum. “Mu Wan-jie, you really kept your word! You’re the best person in the whole world!”

System: “……” Sigh. Yet another clueless man fooled by the Host’s acting.

Yu Liuxue gently stroked his cheek, her tone tender. “Zizhe, do you want to earn even more money?”

Without hesitation, Mu Zizhe nodded, his eyes lighting up. “Sis, are you going to give me extra allowance?”

“I’m sorry, Zizhe, but I’m broke too. However, I do know a way to make money fast. Want to hear it?” After getting his eager yes, Yu Liuxue smiled. “But I can’t tell you just yet. You have to study hard and become the top student in school first.”

Yu Liuxue had already made up her mind. If this cheap little brother still had potential and could turn his life around to become a top student, she wouldn’t mind taking him in and raising him herself. He was still young, and he loved money so much—if she treated him a little better and gave him a bit more allowance, he’d be so touched he’d stick to her like glue.

And once he grew up and understood the world better, he’d realize she was his only true support—not that birth mother of his. When the time came and Mu Wan’s biological mother came around to stir up trouble, Mu Zizhe would stand in front of her and argue on her behalf, protecting her. Wouldn’t that be the perfect win?

The smile on Yu Liuxue’s face grew even brighter. I really am just a plain old genius.

Mu Zizhe didn’t quite understand everything, but that didn’t stop him from bargaining. “Sis, if I become the top student in school, you have to give me a hundred yuan as a reward.”

Yu Liuxue: “!!!” Oh my god! That’s a fortune!!

Heart aching, Yu Liuxue agreed. Mu Zizhe squinted with joy and even gave her a shy little hug, his tanned face flushing red. “Don’t worry, Sis. When I grow up, I’ll protect you. I won’t let Mom bully you.”

Oh?

“But Sis, don’t forget—you still owe me that hundred yuan!”

Yu Liuxue: *smiling through gritted teeth*

How did she end up with a brother who practically wanted to crawl into a pile of money and live there?

After successfully conning her cheap little brother, Yu Liuxue even made a special trip to check on Mu Wan’s biological mother. She was currently in a shouting match with one of the village shrews near the entrance of the village. The two were going at it, evenly matched in volume and ferocity. Yu Liuxue took one glance and turned away. Her mission was just to snatch the cheap little brother—anything else had nothing to do with her.

Meanwhile, Song Linxian had already noticed Yu Liuxue slipping away, but she didn’t stop her. She had her hands full—Chi Yang’s parents had shown up. With a slight headache, Song Linxian sat down on the couch and made a blunt call to Xu Cen. “Come over. We need to talk.”

When Xu Cen arrived and saw the hopeful expressions on Chi Yang’s parents’ faces, her whole demeanor changed.

To make things worse, Song Linxian gave her a deliberately sweet smile.

Xu Cen: “……” All this over a little scandal with your precious girlfriend? Are you really that petty?

There was no way out of this now. Xu Cen sat down, and after some polite small talk, Chi Yang’s parents finally couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“You see, Yangyang’s already four or five months along, and her belly’s starting to show. If this goes on, it’s not going to look good, is it?”

Xu Cen nodded. “Yes, a girl’s reputation is important.”

“But,” she added, “let me be frank. Marriage is Liu Yan’s choice. If he’s willing to marry your daughter, I won’t stand in the way.” she paused, then continued, “However, Liu Yan isn’t my biological son. So after the wedding, he and Chi Yang will have to move out.”

“As for the bride price, Old Liu and I will contribute Eighty thousand, but after marriage, Liu Yan will have to rely entirely on himself for everything. If your daughter can handle that kind of hardship, we can start preparing right away. First, an engagement. Once Chi Yang gives birth, we’ll hold the wedding immediately. We won’t delay the bride’s side in any way.”

Song Linxian nodded calmly. “When I divorced, Liu Yan was awarded to his father. But after all, he’s still my biological son. So when he gets married, I’ll give him a million yuan to buy a new car.”

Chi Yang’s parents: “……”

Are you all just dying to kick Liu Yan out the door and wash your hands of him?

The negotiation ended on a sour note. When Chi Yang heard about it, she was furious. Why did she have to move out and live with Liu Yan after marriage? Wasn’t Liu Yan Uncle Liu’s son?! Aunt Xu was being absolutely outrageous!

If that was the case, then her child would only be Liu Yan’s, not the sole heir to the Liu, Xu, and Song families.

So what was the point of keeping this child?

Yu Liuxue pushed up her sunglasses and sighed, “Me? I took fifty million and ran. Now that’s what I call a thrill!”

Suddenly, a sultry voice drifted down from above her head. “A thrill, huh?”

Without thinking, Yu Liuxue replied, “Pulling off a scam without lifting a finger—tell me that’s not thrilling…” Wait a minute!

She jerked her head up, and the moment Song Linxian’s stunningly beautiful face came into view, she was so startled she sprang up like a carp leaping out of water.

“Sis! That kind of scammy, shameless, lowdown trick is utterly despicable! We must strongly condemn it! And firmly resist such immoral money-grabbing tactics! We must walk the righteous path of socialist core values! Be the finest successors of socialism and proud little red scarves!”

Song Linxian: “……”