Chapter 26: Dare to Make Such a Request?

“Lin Xuefei’s biological father is in prison for trafficking women,” Lin Xiaodou said. “Her eldest brother is also in prison for murder. As for her mother, the house was ransacked by thieves a couple of days ago. She’s so furious that she’s fallen ill—probably doesn’t have the energy to entertain you.”

With each sentence Lin Xiaodou uttered, Lin Xuefei’s complexion grew paler. She had believed her real parents’ family was simply poor, nothing more. But she had never imagined the household to be so complicated, so riddled with crime.

Seeing her daughter’s discomfort, Wu Ya was displeased. She deliberately snapped at Lin Xiaodou, “Those are your family, aren’t they? How can you speak so coldly, with not a hint of concern?”

“My family?” Lin Xiaodou let out a cold laugh, enunciating each word: “Is it a father who, for the bride price, arranged for his daughter to be kidnapped in the dead of night and married off to an idiot? Or a mother who despises her daughter at every turn, ruined her looks and tormented her constantly? Or perhaps the brother, used to throwing his weight around, who often beat his sister with his fists? Such ‘wonderful’ family—would you like them?”

Her words left everyone in the living room stunned.

Lin Zhengmin had looked into Lin Xiaodou’s background before, but neither he nor his wife paid it much heed. Now, hearing all this from Lin Xiaodou herself, a faint unease crept into his heart. If she hadn’t been switched at birth, perhaps she wouldn’t have suffered so much. But there are no ifs in life. What’s done is done and cannot be changed. He could only move forward in the most advantageous direction.

Wu Ya, on the other hand, felt little. Her preconceived notions had formed a poor first impression of Lin Xiaodou. So what if she was her biological daughter? An ugly, uncouth girl—she’d rather not have her at all. Wu Ya didn’t consider herself a cold-hearted mother. She gave all her love to Lin Xuefei and only wanted reciprocation from her. As for Lin Xiaodou, she simply wasn’t worth her attention.

For a moment, Lin Xuefei felt incredibly fortunate. She was glad to have been switched at birth and raised in a loving, carefree family. The night she learned of her true origins, she had been resentful, unable to sleep for sorrow. Yet now, hearing of Lin Xiaodou’s tragic years, Lin Xuefei suddenly found herself not hating her so much. Even so, she still couldn’t bring herself to like Lin Xiaodou. How could she feel anything positive toward a woman who appeared out of nowhere, seemingly intent on taking everything from her? Thankfully, her parents stood firmly by her side. No matter how hard Lin Xiaodou tried to stir things up, she could make no real waves. This woman was destined to become a stepping stone in her life—used and discarded, utterly worthless.

Compared to the cold reactions of the family, Madam Chen, the housekeeper, was deeply moved. She had worked in the Lin household for years and was familiar with their situation. Lin Xuefei, as the only daughter, had been showered with affection, like a princess from ancient times. While she enjoyed all that, the true daughter of the family suffered hardships. Now, even after returning home, the biological daughter was still no match for the adopted one. The contrast was truly lamentable.

Madam Chen couldn’t understand why Mr. and Mrs. Lin cherished the fake daughter rather than the real one. If it were her, she could never be so biased. Poor Xiaodou—despised wherever she went. With that thought, she looked at Lin Xiaodou with pity. The girl seemed to like steamed buns, so Madam Chen resolved to make more for her in the future, so she could eat her fill.

After Lin Xiaodou finished speaking, she lowered her head and began sipping her porridge. The complicated, astonished gazes upon her didn’t faze her in the slightest. She hadn’t spoken to garner pity, but to stand up for the original girl whose life she now lived. If Lin Zhengmin and Wu Ya had a shred of conscience, they would reconsider making her take the blame. Unfortunately, they did not.

After breakfast, Lin Zhengmin left. Despite all Lin Xiaodou had said, he still had to visit the old apartment building. Xuefei’s future was at stake; he needed to negotiate with the other side. Before leaving, he reminded Wu Ya to take Lin Xiaodou shopping at the department store. Wu Ya was reluctant, but for Xuefei’s sake, she agreed.

Before heading out, Lin Xiaodou asked to see Lin Xuefei’s room. Wu Ya objected, “Why do you want to go into Xuefei’s room? Don’t mess it up.”

Lin Xuefei quickly interjected, “Mom, let her go if she wants. Maybe she doesn’t know what to buy and wants to look around my room.”

On the surface, Lin Xuefei appeared to support Lin Xiaodou. In truth, she was mocking her for being petty—needing to compare even when buying things. Wu Ya clearly caught the implication and felt even more disgusted toward Lin Xiaodou.

“I’ll give you twenty minutes. Look around and come out. Don’t drag your feet,” she snapped. If not for Xuefei, she wouldn’t tolerate this ugly girl for a single moment.

Lin Xiaodou ignored her and headed straight for the room. If not for her upcoming plan, she might have slapped this noisy old woman against the wall. She hadn’t used the tactics she employed against her real family here. The old Lin family were shameless bottom-dwellers—violence suited them best. But this family was wealthy and influential, backed by a cunning male lead. Lin Xiaodou wasn’t ready to confront them head-on yet. She intended to break all their connections first, then exact revenge—only then would it be truly satisfying.

As for entering Lin Xuefei’s room, it was indeed for comparison. She planned to buy things more expensive than Xuefei's, and things she didn't have. If they wanted her to take the blame, they'd better be prepared to pay dearly for it.