Behind Xu Ya, Yun Sisi shot a venomous glance at Yun Shifei.
Why has Yun Shifei changed so much now?
No arguments, no fuss.
So obedient—Xu Ya will gradually accept her, won't she?
Yun Sisi was utterly frustrated, biting her lip hard. If this continues, Xu Ya and Yun Tiancheng will certainly start to slowly accept Yun Shifei.
At that moment, Yun Shifei was having a meal. Xu Ya sat in front of her, serving her dishes while chatting with her, asking about her studies at school today.
Xu Ya's tone was different than usual—exceptionally gentle.
In truth, Xu Ya was trying to ease her own awkwardness.
She had realized how blatantly biased she was toward the two children.
Buying clothes for Yun Sisi but not for Yun Shifei.
Upon reflection, since Yun Shifei returned, apart from buying her a few pieces of clothing at the start, she hadn't purchased anything for her afterward.
Now it was nearly time to change seasons—Yun Shifei likely didn't have clothes to wear.
"Let's go shopping together this coming weekend. I'm much more familiar with Sisi's measurements, so when I see a pretty dress while browsing, I pick one up for her. I'm less sure about yours—we can try things on in the clothing store next time." She deliberately explained, aiming to reduce her embarrassment.
Yun Shifei understood that Xu Ya just wanted to give herself an excuse, so she conveniently offered her one.
"Okay, Mom."
Such a sweet and obedient reply made Xu Ya deeply relieved; she stroked Yun Shifei's head, saying, "I'll have Aunt Zhong warm up a bowl of double-skin milk for you."
Yun Shifei lowered her gaze, aware that Xu Ya was merely disguising her favoritism. Yet even so, she couldn't help but cling to this fleeting moment of gentleness.
In her previous life, she rarely saw Xu Ya like this—so tender.
Most of the time, the two of them were like enemies.
She hated Xu Ya's excessive favoritism toward Yun Sisi, while Xu Ya became increasingly exasperated with her.
However, Xu Ya ultimately still acknowledged her as her daughter.
When she dropped out of school and started working, Xu Ya frequently supported her behind the scenes.
When she was discussing marriage with Mu Chengzhu, Xu Ya even prepared a generous dowry for her.
Afraid that others might look down on her.
She was just an ordinary mother. Although she initially favored Yun Sisi, she eventually accepted Yun Shifei too—because she was her own child. Regardless of how wild she acted, Xu Ya was unwilling to let go.
So now, faced with this situation, Yun Shifei didn't lose her temper. She couldn't repeat the mistakes of her previous life.
Not far away, Yun Sisi watched Xu Ya and Yun Shifei's closeness, her nails digging deep into her own flesh.
Yet she didn't feel the pain.
This can't continue! What should I do?
After finishing her meal, Yun Shifei returned to her room to do homework.
Aunt Zhong brought over the heated double-skin milk for Yun Shifei.
Yun Shifei flashed a smile at Aunt Zhong, "Thank you, Aunt Zhong."
Her sweet, polite smile stunned Aunt Zhong.
When did Miss Shifei become so courteous?
Not long ago, when Yun Shifei first arrived, she wasn't polite in the least.
Not only did she never say thank you, but she also ordered others around without the slightest hesitation.
Although Aunt Zhong wouldn't hold grudges against children, she still felt uncomfortable about it.
In the end, she just consoled herself—perhaps Yun Shifei had been in the countryside for too long, with no one to teach her. It wasn't unusual for her to lack manners.
Yun Sisi was much better. She didn't treat Aunt Zhong like a servant but rather as a respected elder. During holidays, Yun Sisi would even prepare gifts for her.
But now, Yun Shifei had said thank you. Aunt Zhong's perception of her softened slightly.
She smiled back at her and turned to leave.
Yun Shifei ate the double-skin milk while spreading out her textbooks to study.
She needed to review previous knowledge points—if the basics weren't solid, her learning would only become more confusing in the future.
Her greatest comfort now was that she was only a sophomore. Everything was still salvageable.
After a while, the door opened.
"Sister." Yun Sisi peeked her head inside, calling out softly to Yun Shifei.
She stepped fully into the room, glancing around Yun Shifei's space. "Didn't you mention wanting pink curtains before, Sister? Mom hasn't changed them for you yet? Maybe she forgot. Last time I told her I wanted a teddy bear, and she immediately got one for me."
After finishing, Yun Sisi noticed Yun Shifei remained unmoved. She wondered if she had spoken too gently.
So she added, "Actually, the dress Mom gave me today—I heard she specifically had someone bring it back from abroad. It's one-of-a-kind in South City. Mom even said that this dress suits only me; it would look tacky on you. But I think, since you're my sister, Mom shouldn't be so biased. You should go ask her for something too."
Her words were already brazen, weren't they?!
Yun Sisi stared at Yun Shifei, waiting to see how she would react.
To her surprise, Yun Shifei leaned back in her chair, quietly watching her, an expression as if she were observing a play unfold.
Finally, Yun Shifei casually uttered a single phrase: "And then?"
And then?!
Yun Sisi's expression nearly cracked.
This was all so unlike what she had anticipated!
Why would Yun Shifei calmly ask such a question?!
Her "and then" naturally implied she hoped Yun Shifei would become angry, cause a scene with Xu Ya, and make Xu Ya despise her even more.
But now, she was so composed. She could even discern a touch of elegance from her posture.
That sense of calm and dignity...
Impossible!
Yun Sisi felt like she was about to lose her mind.
A mere countryside girl—how could she compare to her?
"Sister, aren't you upset? If you're not angry, that's good." Yun Sisi lowered her gaze, speaking softly.
In the past, she would use such remarks to provoke Yun Shifei, who would lash out and scold her.
Xu Ya would then step in to protect her.
But now, everything had changed.
Changed completely...
Yun Sisi's heart felt utterly anxious and restless, as though something was slowly transforming—something she had no power to stop.
At this moment, Yun Shifei simply replied, "I'm not angry. You're my younger sister. As your elder sister, it's only right for me to indulge you."
Her tone was soft, as gentle as water.
Yun Sisi was on the verge of spitting blood.
Yun Shifei knew she needed to retreat a bit for now, especially when Xu Ya and Yun Tiancheng had not yet fully accepted her.
If she became furious and lashed out at Yun Sisi, Xu Ya would only grow increasingly disappointed in her.
After being away from this family for ten years, how could a mere blood tie compare to a decade of daily bonding?
After experiencing her previous life, Yun Shifei had seen things clearly—right now, she needed to play it safe, avoid direct confrontations with Yun Sisi.
Her gaze landed on a letter on the table; she picked it up and handed it to Yun Sisi. "Oh, Sisi, this is a love letter from one of my classmates. He asked me to pass it on to you."
Yun Sisi blankly took the letter, opened it, and frowned at the messy handwriting.
"Is it that Song Yang?"
Song Yang pursued Yun Sisi with boldness, often whistling whenever he ran into her, and his friends would chime in teasingly.
Because of this, Yun Sisi had come to know him.