Her father and mother's relationship had deteriorated, and she couldn't blame anyone.
But she didn't understand why her father had concealed the news of her mother's death from her.
She dared not think further and immediately packed her things, leaving her father's room.
At night, Shi Xinxin lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.
She turned on the television and tuned it to an idol drama channel, wanting to distract herself with the program.
The screen showed the male and female leads in a passionate kiss, and Shi Xinxin stared at it, mesmerized.
"Bang—" the door was suddenly kicked open.
"Who?" Shi Xinxin was startled and quickly covered her ears.
"It's me."
Shi Jingjie's voice rang out, his tone somewhat displeased.
Shi Xinxin gritted her teeth, threw off the quilt, and stood by the bed, looking at him warily. "Why did you barge into my room!"
"Shi Xinxin, you're despicable. You deliberately let my father know your mother died in a car accident." Shi Jingjie roared, "What exactly do you want?"
Shi Xinxin froze, then sneered, "Heh, so you know now."
Shi Xinxin provocatively curved her lips. "What? Your father doesn't want to know?"
"You—" Shi Jingjie clenched his fist. "Shi Xinxin, you're too venomous!"
"Yes." Shi Xinxin smiled. "I can't compare to you."
"I'm your brother! How can you do this to me!" Shi Jingjie's face turned ashen. "How can I help Dad treat his leg if you act like this?"
"How do you plan to help?" Shi Xinxin scoffed. "Didn't you say your father had already broken up with your mother, and your relationship was severed?"
"My father is not the kind of person who clings to wealth." Shi Jingjie snorted. "He truly loved your mother. He wouldn't care about money at all."
"Yes." Shi Xinxin looked at him indifferently. "But my mother wouldn't like you. Being with you would only be a waste of her precious life."
Shi Xinxin's words were like a basin of cold water drenching Shi Jingjie.
"Shi Xinxin." Shi Jingjie clenched his fist. "What do you want?"
"Let Shi Jinsong come back." Shi Xinxin said. "Since your relationship has broken, why continue to drag each other down?"
"My father won't come back." Shi Jingjie's attitude was resolute. "You don't need to worry about him."
Shi Xinxin frowned. "Why are you so stubborn?"
"I said, you don't need to worry about it!" Shi Jingjie raised his voice several decibels. "Get out of here immediately! I don't want to see you again!"
"Shi Jingjie, by what right do you tell me to leave?" Shi Xinxin gritted her teeth. "What right do you have to drive me away? I am your sister, your father's most beloved daughter. By what right do you forbid me to stay here?"
"My father's most beloved daughter is my sister, you have nothing to do with it!" Shi Jingjie accused. "I warn you, if you don't leave our house, I'll reveal your secret!"
Shi Xinxin looked at Shi Jingjie in panic. "Are you threatening me?"
"Shouldn't I threaten you?" Shi Jingjie crossed his arms. "You're an illegitimate child. Once this secret is out, how long do you think you'll survive?"
"Shi Jingjie!" Shi Xinxin was furious. "By what right do you do this!"
"Simply because you don't deserve to be by my father's side!" Shi Jingjie's tone was icy. "I've grown up now, and I will take care of him for my father. So, please leave him as soon as possible!"
Shi Xinxin's hands turned into fists, her breathing becoming heavy.
After a long pause, she closed her eyes and slowly uttered three words: "Shi Jingjie, you win."
"It's good that you're sensible!" Shi Jingjie smiled triumphantly. "Don't worry, as long as you listen to my arrangements, I promise I won't let you be exposed!"
Shi Xinxin took a deep breath and nodded.
Shi Jingjie breathed a sigh of relief. "Rest early."
With that, he turned and walked to the door, opened it, and then stepped back in.
"What's wrong?" Shi Xinxin was surprised.
"You..." Shi Jingjie hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Stop pestering my father so much from now on."
"..." Shi Xinxin's eyes widened. "What do you mean by that?"
Shi Jingjie cleared his throat. "Didn't you promise me you wouldn't bother my father anymore?"
"That's because I thought he didn't love my mother anymore, so I gave up." Shi Xinxin said. "If he still loves my mother, I naturally wouldn't pester him."
"..." Shi Jingjie couldn't refute. "We'll see!"
He uttered a parting threat and turned to leave.
Shi Xinxin sighed. "So, my mother died for a good cause? She finally found her happiness. I, as her daughter, can also retire victoriously and be free."
Shi Xinxin leaned against the pillow, her eyes slowly welling up with tears.
Shi Xinxin closed her eyes and gradually fell asleep.
In her dream, her mother, wearing a wedding dress, stood by her father's arm in a church.
"Husband." Her mother's voice was gentle and melodious. "Thank you for marrying me. I've been so touched since I met you."
"Silly girl." Her father stroked her mother's head. "You are my wife, and I should cherish you."
The church was filled with guests, and thunderous applause erupted.
"Wife, will you marry me?"
"Husband." Her mother looked at him sweetly. "I do."
...
Early morning, the sun was shining brightly.
Shi Xinxin woke up, stretched, got out of bed, washed up, changed her clothes, and left the bedroom.
As she walked out of the stairs, she bumped into Shi Jinsong, who was making breakfast in the kitchen.
"Xinxin." Shi Jinsong looked up. "Today is the weekend, so you don't have to go to work."
"Mhm." Shi Xinxin smiled. "Dad, I slept very soundly last night and woke up at seven."
"After breakfast, I'll take you out to play." Shi Jinsong smiled kindly. "It's been a long time since you and I went shopping together."
"Mhm!" Shi Xinxin smiled with relief. "I'll go wake Mom and little brother."
Shi Xinxin ran upstairs and knocked on Shi Xueru's door.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
Shi Xinxin gently knocked on the door. "Mom, wake up, it's time for breakfast."
"Give me five minutes." Shi Xueru's voice came from inside. "I'll be right there."
"Okay." Shi Xinxin sat on the sofa and waited.
Not long after, Shi Xueru came down.
"Dad." Shi Xueru walked over to Shi Jinsong. "Let's go out."
"Mhm." Shi Jinsong nodded. "Xinxin, you come down and have breakfast too."
Shi Xinxin shook her head with a smile. "I don't need to. I'll come down after you've eaten."
Shi Jinsong nodded and went downstairs with Shi Xueru.
After breakfast, Shi Jinsong drove Shi Xueru out, leaving Shi Xinxin alone at home.
Shi Xinxin picked up her bag and got ready to go out, but as she passed the yard, she suddenly stopped.
Outside the yard, a black Rolls-Royce was parked.