Chapter Three: Strangers Bound by Blood

After hearing Li Kunjie’s words, no one spoke.

Upon reflection, it seemed they hadn’t given Li Chuxi a single cent in years. Yet, they assumed others might have, so no one brought it up, silently accepting the situation.

Li Kunjie took this as everyone understanding his stance.

“Actually—”

At that moment, Li Xingjue suddenly spoke up. “Don’t you all think Li Chuxi has been acting really strange today?”

“What’s strange about her? It’s the same as always,” Li Kunjie said impatiently, his face full of disdain. “She’s desperately trying to stay in this murky entertainment industry, but no one knows what she’s really after.”

“To have the nerve to reject them so boldly today, she’s really been spoiled rotten by the entertainment crowd.”

“Maybe she’s just changing her strategy,” Li Fengmei said nonchalantly. “She probably noticed that we only care about Xuehui and ignore her, so she’s trying to get our attention in this way.”

Li Kunjie’s frown deepened, but when he looked up at Li Xuehui, his expression softened. “If only she were half as sensible as Xuehui, I’d really be at ease.”

“That’s right.” Li Fengmei reached out and gently covered Li Xuehui’s hand, sighing, “If only Xuehui were truly our biological daughter!”

At these words, a flicker of shadow crossed Li Xuehui’s eyes, but her face remained warm with a gentle smile. “Mom, what are you saying? In my heart, I’ve already regarded you as my real mother. You and Dad gave me a second chance at life—you are my true parents.”

“That’s right. Xuehui is our real daughter,” Li Kunjie said firmly. “Fengmei, don’t say things like that in the future.”

“Oh, it’s just that Li Chuxi has me so worked up,” Li Fengmei laughed. “Enough of that. Xuehui, you’re participating in the national piano competition next month. How confident are you?”

Li Xuehui’s smile remained gentle, but confidence tinged her tone. “The national competition is full of talented people—there are so many better than me! I wouldn’t dare boast. But my teacher said that with my current level, placing in the top three is definitely achievable.”

Li Chuxi was completely unaware of what was happening in the Li family.

By now, she had returned to her small apartment—a birthday gift from the Li family patriarch on her eighteenth birthday.

Reclining comfortably on the sofa, Li Chuxi’s mood was untouched by the family’s favoritism.

She had once been the little princess of the Li family, the cherished daughter of her parents, the beloved sister of her brother, and the respected elder sister to her younger sibling.

But after Li Xuehui appeared, everything changed.

Li Xuehui was originally the daughter of the family’s driver, who had died saving Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei. To repay the debt of gratitude, they adopted Li Xuehui.

From then on, Li Xuehui officially became the daughter of Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei, and the sister of Li Chuxi. At first, Li Chuxi paid her no mind, but she never expected Li Xuehui would repeatedly scheme against her.

Each time, her family sided with Li Xuehui in the end.

Once, in an attempt to win back her family’s affection, she had done many things. Even before the incident, she was still trying to reclaim their favor.

But now, she no longer cared. Her feelings for her family had long since vanished through one betrayal after another.

Having finally returned to her own body, when she saw her family again, she felt no excitement—only cold indifference.

“Host, host, are you alright?” The voice of Lingling Yao echoed in her mind, bringing Li Chuxi back to herself.

“I’m fine,” Li Chuxi replied with a smile. “To me, they’re just strangers who share my blood.”

“Speaking of which, I’m actually a bit grateful to my real father! When I was about to enter the entertainment industry, that good father of mine went and removed my household registration.”