{"id":7561,"date":"2025-11-29T07:54:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-29T07:54:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=7561"},"modified":"2025-11-29T07:54:06","modified_gmt":"2025-11-29T07:54:06","slug":"they-stole-her-life-her-name-and-her-daughters-future-but-when-she-walked-out-of-prison-wearing-crimson-everyone-realized-the-queen-was-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=7561","title":{"rendered":"THEY STOLE HER LIFE, HER NAME, AND HER DAUGHTER\u2019S FUTURE \u2014 But When She Walked Out of Prison Wearing Crimson, Everyone Realized\u2026 THE QUEEN WAS BACK."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Christly vengeance,\u201d Neil said, his voice smooth as he held the car door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBlood shall answer blood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He handed me the tablet. The screen glowed, showing a lavish party already in progress. \u201cThe Sue family hosts a birthday banquet today,\u201d he explained. \u201cThey\u2019re crowning Lin Maja as queen of Jing Hai.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The name felt like acid on my tongue. Maja<\/em>. The maid. The woman who had been my shadow for two decades, only to reveal herself as the snake that poisoned my entire life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis crown,\u201d Neil continued, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror, \u201cbelongs to you.\u201d
\"\"
\u201cReportedly, the Sue family prepared three gifts for your release. Care to guess?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I leaned back against the plush leather. The comfort felt alien after five years of a stone cot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing good, I bet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFirst,\u201d he said, \u201ca razor. To shave your head and force you into monastic life. Five years of penance for the crime you didn\u2019t commit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I traced the phoenix pin on my chest.
 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSecond, a ten-thousand-word confession. They expect you to memorize it and recite it flawlessly on stage tonight, proving your \u2018virtue\u2019 and \u2018rehabilitation.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd the third?\u201d I asked, my voice dangerously quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLastly, a contract for Star Manner. The sole property you left for your biological daughter, Zyu. They want you to sign it over to Maja.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey dare steal it,\u201d I whispered. The rage was a cold, solid thing inside me. Not hot, not blinding, but a precise, sharp weapon. That villa was the only thing I had managed to protect for Zyu, the only child of my blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat a pack of ungrateful wolves,\u201d Neil mused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo,\u201d I said, looking at the glittering building approaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy arrival is just that woman\u2019s spectacle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, then,\u201d I straightened my crimson dress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf they prepared three gifts, I\u2019ll return three surprises. Let\u2019s go. It\u2019s time to greet my aranged<\/em> husband.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we pulled up, I saw them. My daughter, Zyu, and her husband, Xi Hong. They were arguing with a security guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExcuse me!\u201d Zyu was saying, her voice strained. \u201cAn inmate named Yinglan was released today. Where is she?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s already left,\u201d the guard said dismissively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGone?\u201d Zyu\u2019s face crumpled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cXi Hong, do you think something happened to Mom? She\u2019s been in prison for five years. She never wanted to see me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My heart ached. I had refused her visits. I couldn\u2019t let her see me in that place, broken and gray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d Xi Hong said, pulling her close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe probably felt guilty toward you. That\u2019s why she avoided you. Today\u2019s the Sue family\u2019s birthday banquet. She must be there. Damn Sue family\u2026 they made my mother suffer for five years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHoney,\u201d Zyu wept, \u201cyou must get justice for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d he promised her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA minor family like the Sues is nothing to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I stayed in the shadows of the car, letting them go inside first. My fight was not theirs. Not yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I walked through the grand entrance alone. The whispers started instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday\u2019s a big day for the Sue family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIndeed. The Sue daughters are so accomplished.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Behind<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTheir matriarch has become the queen of Jinghai. Impressive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I moved through the crowd, a ghost in a blood-red dress. I found her<\/em> custom gown, the one she\u2019d had made for her \u201ccoronation,\u201d and I had put it on. It fit perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I walked directly to the center of the room, where my husband, Su Hayan, was fawning over Lin Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho is that woman?\u201d someone muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy is she wearing the matriarch\u2019s gown?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maja saw me first. Her face went white. Then, her two eldest daughters, Hansang and Jene\u2014the girls I had raised\u2014gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho let you wear this outfit?\u201d Hansang shrieked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bad<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Does my outfit offend your eyes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Su Hayan, my husband of twenty-eight years, finally turned. He was adjusting Maja\u2019s earring, his fingers lingering on her neck. He looked ridiculous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDarling,\u201d Maja simpered, grabbing his arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDarling, look. How do you like my<\/em> new custom dress?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A woman next to them tsked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSir, this gown must be very expensive. The matriarch doesn\u2019t control the finances now. Dressing this lavishly seems\u2026 at your age. Dressing like this is absolutely inappropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake it off,\u201d Hayan hissed at me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt looks better on you,\u201d Maja said to him, oblivious to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are people around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine,\u201d he murmured, kissing her cheek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNaughty. Naughty. So annoying.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan!\u201d Jene, my lawyer step-daughter, snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStop being so shameless. You know today\u2019s Maja\u2019s birthday banquet. Must you steal the spotlight? Go home and change clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I turned to the crowd, raising my voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEveryone, don\u2019t you wonder who I really am?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaster Sue,\u201d an old business partner asked, \u201cwho is she really? Could she be your secret mistress?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m Yushiman,\u201d I announced, my voice carrying across the stunned silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLawfully married to Su Hayan. The rightful<\/em> matriarch of the Sue family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen the one enshrined\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHer?\u201d I jerked my chin toward Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s just the housemaid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A collective gasp swept the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood heavens. She\u2019s the Sue family\u2019s maid!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan!\u201d Maja screamed, her face purple with rage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you humiliating me on purpose?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHumiliating you<\/em>?\u201d I took a step toward her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou dare throw grand parties for a maid, but you can\u2019t face reality? Our family is atoning for your<\/em> sins.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the Sue family stain!\u201d Jene yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStain, understand?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCould she be the one?\u201d someone whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen the news broke, we only heard someone from the Sues was jailed. Never imagined it was their matriarch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow you\u2019re satisfied,\u201d Hayan growled, his face dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow everyone knows the Sues have a convicted criminal. Utter humiliation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs expected,\u201d Maja sneered, recovering her composure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy pride matters more than my life. It\u2019s insignificant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just serving time,\u201d I said with a shrug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot even a death sentence. Stop being dramatic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d Hayan shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI see her little scheme. Throwing tantrums to get our attention, wanting us to give her a chance to fit in.\u201d He nodded to Maja, who smiled triumphantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve prepared three gifts for you, Yinglan,\u201d Maja said, her voice dripping with false sympathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAgree and accept them, and I\u2019ll grant you this chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCoincidentally,\u201d I said, \u201cI have three surprises ready for you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maja ignored me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe first one.\u201d A servant brought a microphone and a thick stack of papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI commissioned a ten-thousand-word apology letter. You\u2019ll kneel and recite it, at full volume. This is your atonement for past crimes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crowd murmured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReciting 10,000 words? That\u2019s ruthless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFive years in prison wasn\u2019t enough?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStill want me to start now?\u201d I asked, feigning confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you sure about this timing? Dad,\u201d I said to Hayan, \u201cAunt Lynn\u2019s birthday matters, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine,\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRecite it at home then. Second gift!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A servant brought a silver tray. On it was an electric razor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShave your head bald,\u201d Maja commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cImmediately. And become a nun. Five years of monastic life before returning. Atone for my<\/em> suffering. Rehabilitate yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPublic confession. Shaved head,\u201d someone muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis Maja\u2026 she\u2019s just a maid. A lowly servant deserving such sacrifice?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd the third,\u201d Maja said, her eyes glittering with victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThird. Give your villa, Star Manner, to me<\/em> as compensation. Only then will we forgive you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s the only thing I gave my daughter.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I remembered the day I signed it over to Zyu, years before the frame-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShingan,\u201d Hayan had said, \u201cmy daughters are spoiled. Marry me if you wish. But send your daughter away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHayan, we\u2019re a blended family. Your daughters matter. Mine do too. She\u2019s my flesh and blood.\u201d \u201cWell, refusing\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d little Zyu had said, pulling on my sleeve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go. We saved your life. I don\u2019t blame you. When I grow up, I\u2019ll protect you properly.\u201d I had failed her. I failed her so badly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZyu, I failed you. I\u2019m despicable. I\u2019ll transfer the properties to you. Grow up well and in my old age, I\u2019ll atone properly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These three \u201cgifts\u201d weren\u2019t gifts. They were three daggers, aimed straight at my heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll three of you never cease to amaze,\u201d I said, my voice cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToo bad. I\u2019ll do none of these.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDefying me?\u201d Hayan roared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI give you 100,000 monthly and you refuse these tasks for Maja\u2019s birthday? Ungrateful!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c100,000?\u201d I laughed. A real, sharp laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI get a hundred bucks a month. What did you say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The room went silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cImpossible!\u201d he sputtered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI promised you three surprises,\u201d I said, turning to the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the first one.\u201d I pointed to Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAsk her. Ask her what my real<\/em> monthly allowance is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaja?\u201d Hayan looked confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy monthly allowance. You still haven\u2019t given it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maja paled. \u201cLook here. Take it.\u201d She fumbled in her purse and threw a single 100-yuan note at my feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe family head says that\u2019s all we\u2019re giving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne hundred yuan monthly allowance,\u201d I said to the shocked guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is ridiculous. Is this how the Sue family matriarch lives? The Sue family is worth billions, yet their matriarch lives like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t anyone think this maid is overstepping her bounds?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow could this happen?\u201d Hayan looked panicked. \u201cDad, you let Aunt Lynn manage her funds?\u201d Jene asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 I\u2019ve been swamped with work. Let Maja handle it. Where\u2019s the finance manager? Come here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A terrified man in a suit scurried forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMr. Sue, you explain this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 I trust Maja,\u201d the manager stammered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe wouldn\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMr. Sue,\u201d the manager said, his voice trembling,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLin Maja receives 1.1 million yuan monthly. One million as salary\u2026 and 100,000 yuan was the matriarch\u2019s allowance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA maid gets 1 million a month and steals 100,000 from the matriarch!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat can 100 yuan even cover? Living on bread and pickles daily.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d Maja shrieked, desperate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven if that\u2019s true, it doesn\u2019t excuse you hitting someone with a car! No wonder your jealousy and resentment drove you to this! That\u2019s why you did it! How vicious!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf I hit someone,\u201d I said, turning to Hayan\u2019s brother, my second brother-in-law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYears ago, I personally<\/em> gave you the surveillance footage. Who cut the brake lines? You know perfectly well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you implying?\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t know?\u201d I said to Hayan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI gave her that footage. If she presented it as evidence for me, I\u2019d have been acquitted. But your precious daughter<\/em>,\u201d I looked at Jene, \u201ctestified against me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuji, is this true?\u201d Hayan whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHayan, leave me alone! Don\u2019t punish the children!\u201d Maja suddenly cried, throwing herself to the ground. \u201cMadam, all these years I was wrong. I overstepped my position. Punish me! But spare the family head and the children!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the allowance\u2026 it\u2019s my fault! I thought as matriarch, living in a mansion, enjoying luxurious feasts\u2026 I kept the money instead. If you want it, I\u2019ll give it back now!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLiving in a mansion? Luxurious feasts?\u201d I sneered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen have I ever<\/em> had that? Take it back. I won\u2019t touch your dirty money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMa, it hurts!\u201d Jene suddenly cried out, rushing to Maja\u2019s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you hurt? Did you fall hard?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan!\u201d Hansang yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou knew Aunt Lynn is disabled! Why\u2019d you shove so hard?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMiss Sue, you\u2019re making things up,\u201d I said, not moving a muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI never even touched her. She threw herself down. Your whole family keeps framing me. Is this your new hobby?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 dozens of witnesses saw everything! Am I blind? Or are you three blind?\u201d Jene shot back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExactly,\u201d a voice from the crowd said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo contact at all. She clearly faked that fall. We all saw it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d Maja sobbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my fault. This is all on me. My useless leg is causing trouble. I\u2019m burdening everyone. All of you, stop talking!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAunt Lynn,\u201d Jene said, her voice full of fake sympathy, \u201cdo you realize how hard we worked for Aunt Lynn\u2019s gift? We donated half the Sue fortune to Crimson Phoenix Group just for this inauguration chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShingan,\u201d Hansang added, \u201cmust you argue with a disabled person? Maja\u2019s inauguration is starting. Your little stunt ruins her reputation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDisabled?\u201d I said. I walked over to where Maja was cowering on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re insulting actual disabled people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 What are you doing?\u201d she shrieked as I grabbed the lapel of her dress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not disabled,\u201d I announced to the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s faking it. Here\u2019s my second gift for you all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With one hard yank, I pulled her to her feet. She stood there, perfectly balanced, her \u201cuseless\u201d legs strong beneath her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNia\u2026 how\u2019s your leg?\u201d Hayan stammered, his eyes wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t I know?\u201d Jene said, confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf I say she was always pretending,\u201d I said, \u201cyou won\u2019t believe it, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAuntie Lynn\u2019s leg\u2026 it\u2019s\u2026 it\u2019s ready, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Zeun, the youngest, finally spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 I wanted to surprise everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good,\u201d Hansang recovered quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all destroyed by you. Right. That is\u2026 your heart is dark. Only then can I think Lynn\u2019s legs are installed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNausea,\u201d I muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou guys are really sophistry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I looked at the three girls I had raised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSu Hansang. Su Jene. Su Zeun. I am your mother. She\u2019s just a nanny. Why do you protect her in everything? I\u2019m here today for one purpose. I just want to know. She\u2019s a nanny. Why can the Sue family love and protect her\u2026 and I deserve to fall into hell?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan, what the hell do you want?\u201d Hayan growled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince I\u2019m out of prison\u2026 just be your mother. I still love you. Listen to me. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are less hypocritical,\u201d Jene sneered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 Yinglan\u2026 voluntary renunciation of the identity of the mother,\u201d I stammered, the pain finally hitting me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis husband,\u201d I looked at Hayan, \u201cI don\u2019t want him anymore. This mother\u2026 I also inappropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYe Shinglan! You can think about it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGrowing rubbish\u2026 still need to think?\u201d I pulled the heavy emblem of the Sue family matriarch from my pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is the emblem of your Sue family. I haven\u2019t used it once. Now, give it back to you.\u201d I threw it at his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd this.\u201d I pulled out our marriage certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTwenty-eight years. Green silk becomes white hair. I will feed my youth to the dog.\u201d I tore it in half. \u201cNow, also give it back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShingan! Do you have to get everyone off the stage?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Hansang said, her voice cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have raised us for more than twenty years. We\u2019ve been very patient with you. Don\u2019t be shameless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat if I said\u2026 I had to have a result.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSee, Cloud, forget it,\u201d Maja said, stepping forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all my fault. I\u2019m just a nanny. I don\u2019t deserve the queen\u2019s crown. I\u2019ll walk. I\u2019ll walk. It\u2019s her who should go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow things\u2026 there\u2019s no need to hide,\u201d Hayan said, pulling Maja back. He looked at me, his eyes dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince you don\u2019t want to face\u2026 want answers. Ye Shingan, this is the answer. Do you understand? Maja\u2026 is actually my three daughters\u2019 biological mother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The world stopped. Biological\u2026 mother. My twenty years. My twenty years of raising them, holding them, loving them\u2026 It was all a lie. I was just the unpaid nanny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis answer,\u201d I said, my voice shaking, \u201care you satisfied?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSatisfied,\u201d Hayan said. \u201cSatisfied.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSu Hayan!\u201d a woman in the crowd shouted. \u201cDidn\u2019t you say your ex-wife died? I married you. Take care of your little one. Take these kids. Raising adults. They become the Sue family. Your ex-wife is back. You tell me. Then what am I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaster mother,\u201d Hayan said, turning to Maja, \u201cit\u2019s all my fault. All these years\u2026 you worked hard to help me. Taking care of children for twenty years. They also raised them. So excellent. I am grateful to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, we\u2019re your own,\u201d Jene said, hugging Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter all, she\u2019s the outsider.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI forbid you say so to yourself!\u201d Maja cried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is! We have her. I\u2019ve done my best. Keep it from her. Is to make her feel\u2026 her in the heart. All right. Now, not even the family has to do. You better get out of here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t say that,\u201d Hayan said, putting an arm around me. A cold, dismissive touch. \u201cShingan is so old. She goes out. What can you\u2026 I\u2019m afraid. Even feed myself. It\u2019s all a problem. Or\u2026 you come back to the Sue family. Be a nanny.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be. A. Nanny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKill the heart,\u201d I whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNanny superior. Master mother. Change. Nanny. Kill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you very much for coming,\u201d the emcee said, trying to regain control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe queen of Jinghai is a symbol of honor. Represents Koko. Wisdom. Tough. is the entire Jing Hai women. An example of learning. Now it begins.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait a minute,\u201d Maja whispered to Hayan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll clean you up again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were going to crown her. Right in front of me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNext. Please call the queen. Debut.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNingon,\u201d Maja whispered as she passed me, \u201cWhat do you take to argue with? Everything you have is mine\u2026 and I will get more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, don\u2019t hurry up to the seat. Dad is still waiting for you. Wearing a laurel. Quick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom Laurel, it\u2019s mine,\u201d Maja giggled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou,\u201d I said, grabbing her arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs your own. Don\u2019t be in the position of the mother of the house. Now it\u2019s a fart. Sit up. Want to be rich? Why did you go early? Get down here and make a mistake. Honestly, welcome Maya, my Sue family. Give you a chance to change your ways. Admit your mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not me who should be mistaken,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut you. You. And you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMad woman!\u201d Hayan yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFamily law of the Sue family. You are afraid to forget it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cForget? I will not forget to die.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaja works hard,\u201d Hayan announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn order not to hurt your face. Be willing to be a nanny. And she\u2019s so good. Now\u2026 you are no longer worthy of the Sue family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just right,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say that earlier. The mother of the Sue family. I don\u2019t want to be. Come on, Su Hayen. I\u2019ve been with you Sue family. Out of relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou were born to the Sue family,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDeath is also a ghost of the Sue family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 in the end\u2026 still looking forward to what? It\u2019s pathetic. As expected, no one wants to be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho said no one wanted her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new voice cut through the hall. Clear, strong, and furious. The crowd parted. My daughter, Zyu, walked through. Beside her, her husband, Xi Hong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want me,\u201d Zyu said, her eyes blazing as she looked at the Sue family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd where did you come from, Medley?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m a lawyer!\u201d Jene snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBelieve it or not, I\u2019m suing you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow do you hit people?\u201d Xi Hong said, calmly stepping in front of Jene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you dare to hit me?\u201d Jene shrieked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJiao, husband, smelly woman. You\u2019re crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSay,\u201d Xi Hong said, his voice dropping to a dangerous level, \u201cwho\u2019s a stinky woman?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI said, who is a stinky woman?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 I am,\u201d Jene stammered, terrified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to know,\u201d Xi Hong said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRoll.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom.\u201d Zyu ran to me, her eyes full of tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZyu. I thought I\u2026 I never\u2026 I can\u2019t see you anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZyu, it\u2019s mom. I\u2019m sorry. Mother is ashamed of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zyu dropped to her knees in front of me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, I want to give you three kowtows.\u201d She touched her head to the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne kowtow. You gave birth to me. I want to thank you for your birth.\u201d She bowed again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTwo kowtows. You introduced me. Know my husband. This is the grace of marriage.\u201d She bowed a third time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThree kowtows. You taught me the truth of being a man. This is the grace of moral education. I don\u2019t care about them. How can I recognize my mother everywhere outside\u2026 in my here? I only recognize you as a mother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho recognizes mom everywhere?\u201d Hansang sneered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zyu stood up, her face a mask of fury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis tone. My daughter went out for you today. My mom worked for your Sue family selflessly. She toiled like a slave for over twenty years. Not only are you ungrateful, but you framed her and sent her to prison for five years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, you\u2019ve brought her here to humiliate her, to shame her, to slander her. Tell me, don\u2019t you deserve a beating?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crowd erupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve cared for the Sue family for twenty-plus years, and someone stole my reward. Who would put up with that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe thing is, they even sent her to prison. No gratitude, just evil deeds. It\u2019s disgusting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe queen title ghost, a little cutie. We don\u2019t accept it. No way!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d Jene shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy mom entered the Sue family. As a nanny, she worked her way up. Yet Yinglan abused her position as the mistress. Repeatedly beat and verbally abused my mom. Who\u2019s the green TV asterisk? Tch\u2026 who\u2019s disgusting. It\u2019s obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Zyu shot back. \u201cYou\u2019re all so busy. Always out of sight. Did you see it yourselves or just hear about it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy mom told me herself,\u201d Hansang said. \u201cWhy would she lie?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, you didn\u2019t see it yourself?\u201d Zyu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen why do you accuse a woman who raised you? You call her mom. Lin Maja gave birth but didn\u2019t raise you. What kind of mother is that? She was out enjoying herself. Who did your laundry and cooked for you? Who raised you? Who? Answer me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hansang was silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was you, Shingan,\u201d she finally whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a dog knows gratitude after twenty years,\u201d Zyu said, her voice breaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re worse than dogs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Hayan said, stepping in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe did neglect her feelings. Since Shinglan married into the Sue family\u2026 all these years, she\u2019s worked hard. In my daughter\u2019s hearts, Shinglan has always been our family. She insisted on causing trouble. What could we do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCausing trouble?\u201d Zyu was incredulous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI ask you, when has she ever caused trouble? Was it when you punished her with family law and beat her black and blue? Did she cause trouble then? Or when she only had 100 yuan a month for living expenses and she had to eat moldy bread because she was starving? Did she cause trouble then? Or maybe\u2026 when she was sent to prison by her own daughter<\/em> and spent five years in prison, did she cause trouble then?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zyu pointed at Jene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, she didn\u2019t. She accepted it. Because she knew that way, her daughter could become famous. Sujin, am I right or am I wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jene couldn\u2019t look at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFive years,\u201d Zyu said, tears streaming down her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTry being locked up for five years. All of you know her suffering, but everyone tells her to be kind. Why? How sad. What a pity. It\u2019s laughable. She\u2019s causing trouble. I think she should have done this sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZyu,\u201d I said, \u201cdon\u2019t waste your breath on them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not causing trouble,\u201d Zyu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis position was always mine<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, aren\u2019t you a sharp-tongued girl,\u201d Hayan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan, as long as you break off your relationship with her, I\u2019ll waive those three conditions. When we get home, I\u2019ll make it up to you. Okay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He wanted me to cut ties with my own<\/em> daughter. My only daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got it all planned out, haven\u2019t you?\u201d Zyu sneered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTwo moms. Does that mean Su Hayun gets two wives? Then let me ask you, who\u2019s the first wife and who\u2019s the second?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s going too far!\u201d Hansang yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve already lowered ourselves enough. What more do you want? If you leave the Sue family, your life of luxury is over. You\u2019ll be at the very bottom of society.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLuxury?\u201d Zyu laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat does that have to do with my mom? Did you provide that for her? Today is Lin Maja\u2019s birthday. Then let me ask you, what date is my mom\u2019s birthday?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat day and month is it?\u201d Zyu pressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat number was it again\u2026 Oh, I remember. May 8th,\u201d Jene said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zyu\u2019s face was stone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you laughing at?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMay 8th,\u201d Zyu said, \u201cis your pet dog\u2019s birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 I remembered it wrong,\u201d Jene stammered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, what date is your birthday then?\u201d Hansang snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s always you celebrating our birthdays\u2026 we can\u2019t remember everything. Besides, every year we ask if you want to celebrate, and you always say no. Now you\u2019re blaming us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy mom\u2019s birthday,\u201d Zyu said, her voice shaking with rage, \u201cis also today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Zyu continued, \u201cdid you prepare any gifts for her?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 I prepared a downtown villa,\u201d Hansang said quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is what I prepared. A top-of-the-line Ferrari,\u201d Jene added. \u201cAn artist luxury necklace,\u201d Zeun whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Zyu asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese are for my<\/em> mom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Lin Maja\u2019s birthday,\u201d Hansang said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re giving her so many gifts, but my mom gets nothing. You\u2019re such close family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t say that\u2026 this\u2026\u201d Maja said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh dear, didn\u2019t Shingan just get out of prison. Besides, I\u2019m the queen of laurels. This sort of thing would never be for her. How about\u2026 I make it up to big sister? Hayan, we have another car. The one I\u2019ve been driving for five years\u2026 an old Shiial. Why don\u2019t I give it to Big sister?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Hayan said. \u201cAs long as you admit your mistake and take off the Queen of Laurel\u2019s crown, I\u2019ll give it to you. Let you show off a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re giving Lin Maja gifts worth millions\u2026 and I get an old Shelly,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStop being so sarcastic,\u201d Jene said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou must be Zyrai, aren\u2019t you his daughter, too? Then let me ask you, what gifts did you prepare for her? Probably just a necklace from a street store. Maybe earrings from the dollar store.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course, I have a gift prepared,\u201d Zyu said, smiling for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince you don\u2019t care for her\u2026 someone will bring the gift.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On cue, the main doors opened. \u201cA triple birthday gift wishing you good fortune, happiness, and health!\u201d a man in livery announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA custom Rolls-Royce!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTen kilograms of pure gold!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd the Sky Dome Manor!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gifts were rolled in, shining under the lights. The crowd went wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh my god. So extravagant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis Yinglan\u2019s daughter. What\u2019s her background?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Zyu said, taking my hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is just a small part of the gift I prepared for you. I have more gifts to give you later. Also, if I had known you had suffered so much, I should have brought you home sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d I told her, my heart full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my own blindness and ignorance. But now I\u2019m awake. And I won\u2019t raise kids for others. This child\u2026 it\u2019s always better to have your own. Others can\u2019t be raised properly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay, stop acting,\u201d Hansang snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShould I give you two an Oscar award? Ye Zyu, you were originally from the bottom. How could you possibly hook\u2026 some rich guy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, you\u2019re saying all these things are fake, too?\u201d Zyu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, didn\u2019t I say I had more gifts for you? You came in covered in dirt, and I want you to leave clean. Money is just an external thing. Innocence is the most important. The best gift for my mom is innocence. I\u2019ve already called the police. The wrongful case from five years ago should be settled.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The doors opened again, this time revealing two uniformed police officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho called the police?\u201d Hayan panicked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe received a report,\u201d the officer said, \u201cand are now reinvestigating a traffic accident from five years ago. Please cooperate. Miss Yi, five years ago, you drove your car into Miss Lynn, causing paralysis in both legs. Is this true?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan, you better watch your mouth,\u201d Hayan hissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s true,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGlad you know what\u2019s good for you,\u201d Jene smirked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut,\u201d I continued, \u201cit\u2019s because someone cut the brake lines, causing the brakes to fail.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan, do you have any evidence?\u201d Jene scoffed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf she had evidence, she would have handed it over five years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFive years ago? You did destroy the video evidence,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut don\u2019t forget, there were also witnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOfficer,\u201d Zeun, my youngest, my baby, stepped forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am a witness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My heart stopped. Zeun.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZeun,\u201d I whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAuntie,\u201d she said, not looking at me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven you call her auntie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flashback: \u201cOne stroke, one press. And this character, it reads friend. When Zeun grows up, be a good person.\u201d \u201cMom, you\u2019re the only one who loves me. When Zeun grows up, I\u2019ll take care of you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAuntie,\u201d Zeun said to the officer, her voice clear and cold, \u201cstop playing the family card. This is a society of law. That day, she drove me to school. On the way, I saw Aunt Lynn\u2026 who was still our nanny. She flawed the gas pedal. Her eyes were full of jealousy. She kept saying she\u2019d kill Aunt Lynn. Am I right, Auntie?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuzun!\u201d Zyu screamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re crazy! How did my mom treat you? I remember so well. Anything delicious\u2026 she gave it all to you. Of the two sisters, she felt deepest for you. You\u2019re breaking her heart!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThird sister,\u201d I said, my voice dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you sure I said that? The reason I didn\u2019t attend the trial\u2026 is because if I testified, you wouldn\u2019t just serve five years. It would be ten.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI should thank you then,\u201d I said flatly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAuntie. Jealousy has changed you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStop it!\u201d Hayan shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe truth is the truth!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe truth is that Suzun is lying,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuzun, I\u2019ll give you one last chance. What really happened that day? Tell the police the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you want me to say?\u201d she whispered, tears in her eyes, but she held her ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine. Very good.\u201d I reached into my purse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI said before I\u2019d give you three surprises. The first two surprises you\u2019ve already experienced. The last surprise\u2026 is coming soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I pulled out a small USB drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHeaven is watching. The video on this drive proves my innocence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is impossible!\u201d Maja shrieked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat video is gone!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho said it\u2019s from the car?\u201d I smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis video shows who cut the brake lines. Lin Maja. Dare to watch it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis\u2026 this is impossible,\u201d she stammered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s bluffing! Yes, that\u2019s it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake care of it,\u201d I told the officer, handing him the drive. He plugged it into a laptop, and the feed appeared on the main projector screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The video was grainy, from a neighbor\u2019s security camera. It showed the driveway. It showed a woman, in the dead of night, hunched over the front wheel of my car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Hayan\u2019s brother said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNever mind. I cut the brake lines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou did?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes. If\u2026 if someone has to step up to quell my sister\u2019s resentment, then let it be. My sister spent five years in jail. She must be bitter. So let me take the fall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan,\u201d Hayan said, \u201clook at this. Majou is doing this much. Are you even human?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom asked her to investigate. She orchestrated everything back then,\u201d Jene whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? You think we all owe you something?\u201d Hansang said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMonk, don\u2019t throw mud on yourself,\u201d I said to my brother-in-law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat we did, we did. What we didn\u2019t, we didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cInvestigate!\u201d Maja suddenly screamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cInvestigate! Find out the truth! I hope you won\u2019t cry!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you see?\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho is that in the video? Zoom in. See clearly who it is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI see it!\u201d Hansang yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan! It\u2019s definitely Yishinglan! Auntie, isn\u2019t that your dress?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? What do you have to say?\u201d Hayan advanced on me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe dress?\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you know that my clothes\u2026 are all worn by a nanny?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAuntie,\u201d Zeun said, \u201ceven now you have no remorse. I\u2019m so disappointed in you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFirst, see clearly who\u2019s in the video,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen talk to me about disappointment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The officer zoomed in. The woman\u2019s face was clear in the grainy light. It wasn\u2019t me. It was Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hansang choked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Na\u2026 You. How is that possible?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom!\u201d Jene grabbed Maja\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the victim back then! You cried and begged me to defend you! How could you? Mom, you staged it all\u2026 and pretended to be disabled!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Maja shrieked, falling to the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t! Hayan, I don\u2019t want to go to jail! I\u2019m the queen of Jing Hai! Hayan, save me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAuntie,\u201d Zeun said, her face pale, \u201ctoday\u2026 we did frame you. But today is the Jinghai Queen ceremony. Aunt Lynn is about to become the most powerful woman in Jing Hai. You\u2019re the most useless one in the family. What\u2019s wrong with you suffering a little? Why reveal the truth?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause I\u2019m not her mother,\u201d I said, the words tearing out of me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve raised you three for twenty years. Twenty years! So you frame me. I accept it. You counter-sue me. I accept it. You play deaf and mute. I still accept it. But who is she<\/em>? What is she worth? As expected\u2026 in your eyes, blood is more important than nurture. Willing to sacrifice anyone for her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe evidence is conclusive,\u201d the officer said, snapping handcuffs on Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLin Maja, you\u2019re suspected of frame-up. We\u2019re formally arresting you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo! Please! Honey! I did it for the family! I did it for this family!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait a minute!\u201d Jene shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCaptain Lou! Yinglan is the victim here. We are willing to do anything to get the victim\u2019s forgiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Hansang pleaded, \u201cas long as mom doesn\u2019t go to jail, we\u2019ll do anything. We\u2019re willing to reconcile.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHoney! Hayan!\u201d Maja screamed as she was dragged away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hayan turned to her, his face grim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, you really went too far this time. Stay in jail for now and reflect on your actions. When you get out, we\u2019ll love you again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHoney! Aene! Zeun! Don\u2019t go!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMiss E,\u201d the officer said to me, \u201cthe choice is yours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou guys go back first. I\u2019ll decide later whether or not to sue her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh no,\u201d Jene said, \u201cit\u2019s them. Those few, they should be guilty of harboring, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBased on the current evidence,\u201d the officer said, looking at Hayan and his daughters, \u201cthese people are indeed suspected of harboring. Once confirmed, they will all be punished. Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the police left, Hayan dropped to his knees in front of me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShinglan, I was wrong. I\u2019ve wronged you. Punish me however you want, but leave the child alone. Don\u2019t take it out on Hyun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you think if you kneel\u2026 act to play the victim, I\u2019ll forgive you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo\u2026 no\u2026 that\u2019s not what I meant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you also think\u2026 if you put on this act\u2026 and if I don\u2019t back down, all these guests will think I\u2019m being unreasonable, then gang up on me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo\u2026 what are you saying?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExactly what I mean,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShinglan,\u201d Jene said, also kneeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was wrong. I deserve this. I\u2019ll take the punishment. If torturing me makes you feel better, go ahead and do it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGladly,\u201d I said, kicking her shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going too far, woman!\u201d she yelped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the one who said to let me torture you,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell? Satisfied? Feeling good? Kneel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hayan stood up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou dare make me kneel?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCaptain Lou\u2026\u201d I mused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine. You\u2019ve got nerve,\u201d Hayan growled. He pulled out a checkbook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a five-million-dollar check. For the sake of our marriage, drop the lawsuit and we\u2019re even.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFive million?\u201d I laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy monthly allowance is just 100 bucks. How many lifetimes to earn five million? Exactly. Money solves everything. I\u2019m already humbling myself. Let\u2019s skip the kneeling act.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 five million\u2026 to buy your meal,\u201d I said, \u201cShinglan, stop joking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you think I came here to play games with you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Hansang said, kneeling with Jene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re doing this because you resent us and got my mom jailed\u2026 then today we three sisters will apologize to you and beg for mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even Zeun knelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow flexible you are,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBack then, no one begged for my mercy. Fine. Show me your sincerity. If I\u2019m satisfied\u2026 we can negotiate. Kneel down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe raised you for twenty years,\u201d Zyu said to the sisters, \u201cyet you got her imprisoned. Are you even human?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m the head of this family,\u201d Hayan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy should I kneel?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou juniors should kneel and apologize for appearance\u2019s sake,\u201d Zyu\u2019s husband, Xi Hong, said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYears of marriage mean nothing to you. You heartless jerk. You\u2019re the one who should be kneeling,\u201d I said to Hayan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy did you crawl back?\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur decent home is now in shambles because of you. Kneel down now and apologize to Shinglan!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHave you all gone mad?\u201d Maja\u2019s brother yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSilence!\u201d Hayan snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you see what\u2019s urgent? Just go through the motions for now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hayan knelt. The entire Sue family was kneeling before me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAuntie, see,\u201d Jene said, \u201cis our sincerity sufficient?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSatisfied?\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 Yinglan! You\u2019re playing us!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat if I am?\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour family deceived me for eighteen years. One payback\u2026 spare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDad,\u201d Jene said, \u201cI told you she wouldn\u2019t easily forgive us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine, Shinglan,\u201d Hayan said, standing up. His face was twisted in a cruel smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince you reject decency entirely, I\u2019ll oblige. You know why I said you\u2019ll always be bound to the Sue family, alive or dead? Because slaving for us is your duty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pulled a folded, yellowed document from his breast pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet all see this woman\u2019s true wretchedness. This is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cProof of our love. Sign it. Let me read.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He unfolded it. It wasn\u2019t a marriage certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMarriage agreement,\u201d a guest read over his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSee for yourselves. You made me sign an\u2026 indentured servitude contract?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was true. Twenty-eight years ago, desperate and alone, I had signed my life away. I wasn\u2019t his wife. I was his property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBlack on white, crystal clear,\u201d Hayan gloated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOut of past affection, I tolerate it repeatedly. You spurn mercy, yet block Maja\u2019s ascension. Shinglan, let me make this clear. You\u2019ll never break free from the Sue family. You\u2019re nothing but a lap dog\u2026 groveling at our feet for eternity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Maja said, reappearing from a side room, no longer in custody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is your backup plan. All these years\u2026 I was never the legitimate lady of the house.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSplendid,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis works perfectly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYishing sold herself out and remains clueless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo\u2026 she was just a glorified nanny.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Maja sneered, walking up to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan\u2019t beat me, can you? An adopted mut will never outshine my bloodline. Does that sting? Shut your mouth. Here\u2019s another truth bomb. Su Hayan\u2019s \u2018rescue\u2019 of you\u2026 was my scheme all along. You\u2019re just my fallback option. A modern woman like me won\u2019t play housewife. Your perfect marriage\u2026 just me keeping a maid around as my personal servant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She laughed. A high, mocking sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I snapped. I grabbed her by the throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLin Maja, if you\u2019re tired of living, just say the word. I\u2019d be happy to end you right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHusband!\u201d she choked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSave me! This ex-con is trying to kill me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cViolence solves nothing,\u201d Hayan said, pulling me off her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHeartless, you say?\u201d I said, straightening my dress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine, then. I\u2019ll drop the lawsuit. Withdraw all charges.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFinally came to your senses,\u201d Hayan smirked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPathetic. Should have used the contract earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m clear now,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCrystal clear. Putting you scum in jail isn\u2019t enough. Not nearly enough. I\u2019ll crush you completely. Using my status. I\u2019ll grind you into permanent regret and shame. This suffering will be a thousand times worse than any prison.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour status?\u201d Maja laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExactly. My status then. The Sue family traded half its fortune for\u2026 why should it be yours? What do you have? A street vendor daughter? And these counterfeits?\u201d She kicked the gold Zyu had given me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDisdainful laugh\u2026 pathetic offerings. The Hook Corporation air\u2026 arrived shortly. appointed by Blood Phoenix Consortium. If you want to die, stay right there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYoung Master Xi Hong,\u201d Hayan said, bowing to my son-in-law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRumor says Hua Corp joined Blood Phoenix. Alliance with them means the Sue family ascends to greatness. This is our golden chance\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy are you laughing?\u201d Jene asked Xi Hong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI laugh at your ignorance,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCEO Hua has arrived!\u201d the emcee announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLooks like it\u2019s a good day,\u201d Xi Hong said loudly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo lively. Still sitting tight, huh? What a showoff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStrange. Why is mom so calm?\u201d Zyu whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCould it be\u2026 she knows her son-in-law is the young master of the Hua group?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat can\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYoung master,\u201d Hayan said, \u201cour witness, you\u2019re too late. You can\u2019t just watch and let the queen of Jinghai be bullied.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, you must vindicate the queen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVindicate,\u201d Xi Hong said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot bad. Vindicate.\u201d He walked over to Zyu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYu, this is young master\u2026 What are you doing? Hugging and embracing. How indecent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs expected,\u201d Hansang sneered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLike mother, like daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh,\u201d Xi Hong said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSay that again. I dare you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPresident Hua, you\u2026 oops. President Hua\u2026 misunderstanding. It\u2019s a misunderstanding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis queen of Jinghai banquet,\u201d Hayan said, \u201cis a once-in-a-century event. Unexpectedly, this Yizeru brought her mother to make trouble. And this Yinglan\u2026 impersonating the queen, causing this real<\/em> queen,\u201d he pointed to Maja, \u201cto suffer a lot. You must stand up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Xi Hong said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReal queen? You?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes. Did I say something wrong?\u201d Maja simpered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWife?\u201d Xi Hong looked at Zyu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis old woman wreaking of stench\u2026 so debased\u2026 she dares to wear the queen\u2019s crown.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Maja gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs for the queen of Jing Hai,\u201d Xi Hong announced, \u201cthere is only one. That is\u2026 Yishing Lan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My name. He said my name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan is the queen of Jinghai?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo. No. She\u2019s the queen. Then what am I?\u201d Maja shrieked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHusband, you promised!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGet out,\u201d Xi Hong said to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven now, you still don\u2019t understand. It was supposed to be yours, but not anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s mine! It must be mine!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPresident Hua, there must be some mistake,\u201d Hayan pleaded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA mistake? So what? Is it you who\u2019s not convinced? Or the Sue family?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not convinced,\u201d Maja yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot convinced? Suck it up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xi Hong walked to me and bowed deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSon-in-law greets the mother-in-law. Welcome the Blood Phoenix back to her place.\u201d Behind him, a dozen men in black suits appeared and bowed in unison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWelcome the Blood Phoenix home!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWelcome the Blood Phoenix!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This\u2026 this wasn\u2019t a friendly gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow that it\u2019s settled,\u201d I said, \u201clet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, right,\u201d Xi Hong said. \u201cI forgot to tell the Sue family. The lawsuit is withdrawn. It\u2019s the most regrettable decision you\u2019ll ever make. Get up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDad, what are we going to do?\u201d Jene whispered as I walked out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHalf of the family fortune is gone\u2026 and all the credit went to Yinglan. We\u2019re in big trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you waiting for? Go after her! The queen of Jinghai must be a Sue! Hurry!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I went to the villa Zyu had given me. The Sky Dome Manor\u2026 no, Thompson Riviera. The Sue family had given it to Hayan. Neil met me there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow is it going?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHalf of the Sue family\u2019s assets have been tallied,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt also includes the villa you gave to Su Hayan. What should we do with it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay there tonight,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHave someone clean it up. I don\u2019t want to see any traces of the Sue family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnderstood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Zyu said, \u201cwhat\u2019s the plan now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cChange clothes. Go back to the Sue\u2026 and take back what\u2019s ours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, this is your car. Get in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we pulled out, a car screeched around the corner and slammed into our new Rolls-Royce. It was the Sue family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want to see who dares to hit my car!\u201d Hansang yelled, getting out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt really is you guys. You followed us here. Yinglan, you\u2019re really persistent\u2026 knowing we\u2019re going home. You eagerly followed us. Do you think if you pretend to be the queen of Jinghai, our whole family has to cuddle you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPretend,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Zeun said, \u201cI admit in the banquet hall earlier, I was wrong. But now everyone\u2019s angry. It\u2019s not a good time for you to go back. How about this? Near the university city. I\u2019ll rent you a small apartment. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLittle girl,\u201d I said, \u201cwho are you? Do I know you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, you\u2019ve been exposed now,\u201d Hansang laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAuntie Ye, don\u2019t think you can get ahead by marrying. Well, if we make one to the Blood Phoenix group, then even Master Hua can\u2019t protect you, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI really don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou guys should just mind your own business. Here. Rear end. Your fault. I\u2019ll call the police.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d Hayan shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re addicted to calling the police. As expected, you snagged a rich husband, but you\u2019re still poor at heart. You just want money, right? Name your price.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis car is worth 10 million,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRepairs will be at least 1 million. Pay up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne million?\u201d Jene scoffed. \u201cThis beat-up car is worth 10 million? I bet you rented it from somewhere to scam us. Yinglan, I\u2019m telling you, don\u2019t even think about getting a cent from me today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Hayan said. \u201cThat\u2019s how it should be. Let her know that playing these games will backfire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 Shinglan\u2026 what are you doing?\u201d Hayan asked as I got a tire iron from my trunk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan\u2019t afford to pay, right? Then I\u2019ll smash it. I\u2019ll vent my anger.\u201d I brought the iron down on their headlight. CRASH.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t smash it!\u201d Jene screamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDad, I bought this car for 600,000!\u201d CRASH.<\/em> \u201cStop this! Crazy woman!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan, stop acting crazy!\u201d Hayan yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHonuan loves this car. If you dare smash it, Honuan will never forgive you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHaha,\u201d I laughed, smashing the windshield. \u201cDo I need your forgiveness? Ah, pay your debts. This car of yours, brand new, is only 600,000. If I smash it to pieces\u2026 you\u2019ll still owe me 400,000.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo what now, Mom?\u201d Zyu asked. \u201cThat\u2019s assault. Settle this privately. pay 100,000.\u201d \u201cOh, or exactly 400,000,\u201d I said. \u201cThat Su Hansang as the eldest sister is the loudest. That\u2019s right. Raised you for over 20 years. Collect some interest. Isn\u2019t too much to ask, right?\u201d \u201cThen we\u2019ll start with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, Dad!\u201d Hansang yelped. \u201cOkay, I\u2019ll pay,\u201d Hayan sighed, transferring the money. \u201cSmells like money. Thank you, CEO Sue. Excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We drove to the Thompson Riviera villa. It was magnificent. Neil had already had it cleaned and filled with gifts. \u201cAen Jade and Lingi longevity gift are ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPaddock Philippe watch is here.\u201d \u201cCoral treasure tree has arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAuthentic Mona Lisa smile painting is secured.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These were gifts from the Blood Phoenix Consortium, to welcome me. \u201cMadam,\u201d a guard said, \u201cthis person was lurking outside. We suspect she\u2019s a thief.\u201d They dragged in Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan. So, it\u2019s you,\u201d she spat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is my home,\u201d I said. \u201cYou\u2019re the thief. This villa rightfully belongs to my mother. Who\u2019s the real thief? It\u2019s obvious, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThrow her out,\u201d I told the guards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGet this eyesore out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou! Wait!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just then, the Sue family car pulled up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d Hayan demanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a thief who broke into the villa,\u201d the housekeeper said, pointing at Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe housekeeper ordered us to sack her and throw her out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCould it be\u2026 second sister?\u201d Zeun asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs that auntie ye?\u201d Hansang said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They thought I<\/em> was Maja. They thought Maja was me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t you hear the guards?\u201d Jene said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a thief\u2026 daring to steal from the Sue family villa. She needs to be taught a lesson, right, father?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d Hayan said, glaring at the woman he thought was me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe deserves proper discipline. She even tried to hit me earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan,\u201d Maja screamed. \u201cDid you think I wouldn\u2019t recognize you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait, don\u2019t forget me,\u201d Hayan said to Maja (thinking she was me).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve endured enough humiliation today. Even petty thieves dare provoke the Sue family. Why are you standing there? Bring the disciplinary whip.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSecond sister,\u201d Zeun whispered, \u201cyou\u2019re a lawyer. How can you do this? You know very well who\u2019s in there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSilence,\u201d Jene snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know nothing. I only seek justice for my mother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan,\u201d Hayan sneered at Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNever expected karma to strike so fast. Now you\u2019re at my mercy. Father, as head of the family, you should deliver justice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zyu and I watched from the upstairs window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI never imagined the entire Sue family harbors such deep hatred for you,\u201d Zyu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet\u2019s watch their show unfold,\u201d I replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTheir cruelty towards me will mirror what they do to her. This is Lin Maja\u2019s retribution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CRACK.<\/em> Hayan whipped Maja across the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s your arrogance now? Cat got your tongue? I warned you. You\u2019d pay the price.\u201d CRACK.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnough,\u201d Jene finally said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough lashes. More could kill her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFinally vented my anger,\u201d Hayan panted. \u201cThrow Yinglan out. Three days kneeling before re-entry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The guards put Maja in a burlap sack and threw her onto the lawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWere you calling for me?\u201d I asked, walking out onto the porch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 How are you here?\u201d Hayan stammered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not here. Where else could I be? Don\u2019t tell me you thought I<\/em> was the one in that sack.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen who\u2019s in the sack?\u201d Jene whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A muffled scream came from the sack. \u201cYou heartless jerks! How dare you hit Su Hayun! Are you trying to kill me? Maja! What are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They stared in horror as Maja crawled out, her back bleeding. \u201cWhy are you all standing around? Help me up this instant! Quick, take her to the bedroom for treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan,\u201d Hayan growled, \u201cget your ass to the living room. I\u2019ll deal with you later.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnough,\u201d Jene said. \u201cYingan did this on purpose. I won\u2019t let her get away with this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They stormed into my<\/em> living room, Maja included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis room looks different from before,\u201d Hayan noted, seeing the priceless gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou had it redecorated, didn\u2019t you? This is way too extravagant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis wasn\u2019t my doing,\u201d Maja said. \u201cI know,\u201d Hayan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHingan did this. We left her waiting in the living room, and she\u2019s scared of losing us. That\u2019s why she set all this up. Still playing tough, but secretly trying to please us with all these gifts. Pathetic attempt to win us over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSlap our faces, then offer dates,\u201d Jene sneered. \u201cHaun, don\u2019t let her off easy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome on, Maja,\u201d Hayan said. \u201cPick whatever you like as my birthday gift to you. The rest of you, too. Take what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis emerald necklace is perfect for someone of my status,\u201d Maja cooed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDad, since she\u2019s being cooperative, maybe give her another chance to return to the Sue family,\u201d Zeun suggested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLittle sister, what\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d Hansang snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy keep defending that woman? Don\u2019t call her mom. Call her auntie Yei.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the deal,\u201d Hayan announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnless every property under Yizu\u2019s name is transferred to Hyun. Ying wants nothing but our family dog. I\u2019m not bragging, but she\u2019d give me her daughter\u2019s fortune or even her own life without hesitation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis must be the priciest gift,\u201d Jene said, pointing to the canvas covered by a red cloth. She ripped it off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust some foreign painting. Not impressive at all. The golden emeralds are more valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, you should keep quiet now,\u201d Zyu said, stepping forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? Do you actually know about this painting?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cValuable? This is called the Mona Lisa\u2019s Smile. The authentic piece is in an overseas museum. It\u2019s beyond monetary value. We\u2019ve all been deceived by her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you saying this painting is fake?\u201d Jene laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow absurd. The craftsmanship is crude. Clearly a counterfeit. She dared to trick us with fakes! If this Mona Lisa\u2019s Smile is fake, then these items must also be replicas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just then, Hayan\u2019s phone rang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHello, Hansang. What did you say? The Hua family\u2019s partnership with Blood Phoenix Consortium\u2019s board was terminated? All right, understood.\u201d He hung up, a vicious smile spreading across his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBlood Phoenix Consortium knows why Jihaned Yinglan in identity fraud. Though a family is finished, these counterfeits were just Yi Shinglan\u2019s ploy to stay in our household. Her main backer has fallen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She wants our protection? In her dreams! Why are you still standing there? Smash all these fakes! They\u2019re an eyesore! Destroy everything! And that so-called smile\u2026 Burn it too!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, Dad! Burn it!\u201d Jene grabbed a lighter. \u201cStop!\u201d Zyu screamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d \u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d Hansang sneered. \u201cThese were gifts from Blood Phoenix Consortium. Do you know what you\u2019re burning? That\u2019s a genuine Da Vinci. Mona Lisa\u2019s Smile!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStill acting, sis? Genuine, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t any of you dare!\u201d Zyu cried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZyu, come here,\u201d I said, pulling her back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet them burn it. They\u2019ll be the ones losing everything. Not us. It\u2019s on them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, come.\u201d \u201cFine. You\u2019ll regret this soon.\u201d \u201cWe haven\u2019t verified the facts yet,\u201d Maja whispered. \u201cWhat if this backfires?\u201d \u201cNonsense!\u201d Hayan roared, and Jene lit the corner of the canvas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The priceless masterpiece caught fire. \u201cYou\u2019ve really messed up big time,\u201d Zyu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is an authentic masterpiece. It\u2019s the only one in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d Jene snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStop pretending. It\u2019s a fake. I\u2019m a certified lawyer. My sister\u2019s a top university student. How dare you suggest our judgment is worse than yours?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd another thing,\u201d Hayan added, \u201cthis is Sue family property. You\u2019re trespassing. Where\u2019s security? Get them here now!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make it hard on them,\u201d I said as the guards hesitated. \u201cIt\u2019s not that they can\u2019t, it\u2019s that they\u2019re not allowed. I\u2019m not the one trespassing. It\u2019s you<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUs?\u201d \u201cYou\u2019re trespassing and damaging Dragon R property. A gift for me. That\u2019s just adding to your crimes. Sugene, aren\u2019t you a top lawyer? Then you tell me\u2026 how many years in prison your family\u2019s looking at.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you out of your mind?\u201d Hayan bellowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake a good look! This is Thompson Riviera! It\u2019s my home! See this? The owner is me, Su Hayun!\u201d \u201cWhy don\u2019t you check before you speak?\u201d I replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know what you want,\u201d he sneered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou want to return to the Sue family, but you\u2019re too proud. I\u2019ll give you one last chance. Kneel down, kowtow, and apologize to my family. Five years. After five years, you can come back to the Sue family as a servant. We\u2019ll still take you in. You have five seconds. Five\u2026 four\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d I interrupted. \u201cYou don\u2019t get the chance. These people are trespassing. What are you waiting for? Get them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The guards moved. \u201cOkay, don\u2019t come any closer!\u201d Jene shrieked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy husband\u2019s on his way!\u201d \u201cBoy, Xihan can\u2019t even protect himself,\u201d Hayan scoffed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe can\u2019t worry about you.\u201d \u201cIn prison for five years,\u201d I said, \u201cI only learned one thing. An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth. Get out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 What do you want?\u201d Jene stammered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you think I\u2019m the same as five years ago? That weak, easily bullied woman?\u201d \u201cSpending five years in prison has made you so vicious,\u201d Hayan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a society of law.\u201d \u201cDon\u2019t talk to me about law. If it weren\u2019t for you, I wouldn\u2019t have gone in. Now you\u2019re lecturing me about law.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay, don\u2019t be impulsive,\u201d Jene said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe sent you in so you could reform properly, not so you could do evil.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cReform. Zyu, show them what I learned in prison.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zyu pulled up a photo on her phone. It was my back, taken this morning. A grotesque canvas of scars, bruises, and cigarette burns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow were you changed?\u201d Hansang whispered, horrified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow could this happen? No wonder you\u2019re so bitter\u2026 they beat you up this badly inside.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLin Maja,\u201d Zyu said, \u201cthe people you hired didn\u2019t kill my mom. Are you disappointed?\u201d \u201cNa, did you really hire people to bully Shinga?\u201d Hayan asked, shocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 I told you\u2026 let her reflect in prison. That\u2019s all. Why would you\u2026 I didn\u2019t! She slandered me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat happened before was our fault,\u201d Hayan said, changing tactics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you want? Just say it. But the Thompson Riviera, you can\u2019t have it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Jene said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the Sue family, every holiday, there are always special programs\u2026 I say, why not have the matriarch go first?\u201d I remembered. Flashback: \u201cCome on, Mom. Giddy up. Ride the big horse. Hurry.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI say this matriarch doesn\u2019t seem like a horse, more like a dog.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSpeak,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you want me to perform?\u201d \u201cShingan, you\u2026 what are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSince Su Hayun is standing up for you,\u201d I said to Jene, \u201cthen I\u2019ll grant him that. I\u2019ll see how much you two really love each other.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay, Shinglan,\u201d Hayan said, \u201cas long as I can satisfy you, I\u2019ll do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is just the first show,\u201d I said, picking up a heavy porcelain vase that hadn\u2019t been smashed. \u201cIt\u2019s called \u2018Everything Ruined.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYe Shingan! You\u2019re serious! You\u2019re insane!\u201d Jene screamed as I smashed it at Hayan\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy are you dodging? You said you\u2019d sacrifice yourself to prove how much you love me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re trying to cut off my lineage!\u201d he yelled as I smashed another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYingan, you\u2019re too cruel! What do you really want?\u201d \u201cI want all the effort of the past twenty years. Return to me. Can you afford that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan, this is wrong of you!\u201d Hansang shouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou partnered with the Ho family and stole my queen title. You think Blood Phoenix Group is a joke? Blood Phoenix Group has dismissed the Hua family. You\u2019re next! Soon. Blood Phoenix Group board member will arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDismissed the Hua family?\u201d Zyu whispered to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI authorized it. But when the time comes, the Hua family will thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBlood Phoenix Group board member\u2026 Director D is here!\u201d a guard announced. A large, terrifying man with a shaved head and a long scar down his face walked in. This was Dishing. The Dragon of Jing Hai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuh? How did this happen?\u201d Dishing bellowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho? Who did this? You\u2019re a director of Blood Phoenix Corp. I\u2019m asking\u2026 who smashed it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI did,\u201d Jene said smugly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut\u2026 no butts. You can\u2019t just hit people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHit people?\u201d Dishing roared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to tear you trash to pieces! Rip you to shreds!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? You want some, too?\u201d Jene said, not recognizing him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI get it. You\u2019re your hired help, right? You\u2019re trying to get our attention. This face. I smashed it. What are you going to do about it? Hit me if you dare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, you want some, too, bastard?\u201d Dishing slapped her so hard she flew across the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBastard! Do you know what you\u2019re doing? Can you handle the consequences?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cConsequences? I\u2019ll tell you what. I am<\/em> the consequence. What do you take Blood Phoenix for? The name of Blood Phoenix cannot be tarnished. The three directors, each of us, crawled out of piles of corpses. Each of us can shake Jing Hai.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSomeone tell everyone\u2026 surround their house. Without my order. Don\u2019t let anyone out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, sir!\u201d \u201cWhat do you mean\u2026 trying to scare me? Bastard. Picking a fight in the wrong place. Do you know who I am?\u201d Hayan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care who you are. If you offend Dishan, you\u2019ll wish you were dead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? You\u2026 You\u2019re Dishing? You\u2026 You\u2019re a Blood Phoenix director\u2026 rose from the streets by killing\u2026 Jinghai\u2019s last big boss. Durisham\u2026 boss Du.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Dishing snarled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s me. In prison, I reformed. Blood Phoenix Corp. gave me a second life. I, Dishan, vow to work for Blood Phoenix for life. And now\u2026 you smashed the gift I gave to the queen. Tell me, do you deserve to die?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPresident Du! Don\u2019t be rash!\u201d Hayan fell to his knees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe did this for a reason. We didn\u2019t know these were your gifts to the queen. I apologize! Blame her! It\u2019s Yexingland! She broke into our villa and hit people. Took over our home. Blame her!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRight! Yes! This is our home! Even if you\u2019re a director, you need to be reasonable. These gifts, we thought they were fakes. So, she\u2019s the real culprit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou said this is your villa,\u201d Dishing said. \u201cYou said she\u2019s the one to blame.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah. This is Yi Shingan\u2019s villa, a gift for our family. We\u2019ve lived here for years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLived here for years, so it\u2019s yours now,\u201d Dishing said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, this air I\u2019ve breathed for decades. Is that mine, too?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t say that, director. Do\u2026 Open your eyes and see whose name is on this villa. Whose name is it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dishing snapped his fingers. A guard brought the property deed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYe Shinglan.\u201d \u201cThis\u2026 This can\u2019t be happening,\u201d Jene whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cY Zyro, did you buy the house and transfer it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven now, you still don\u2019t get it,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a bunch of idiots. See clearly now. This villa\u2026 who is the real owner? Who is the interloper?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe owner of Thompson Riviera is Yinglan,\u201d Dishing announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou broke into Mrs. Y\u2019s house and damaged the gifts I gave her. That\u2019s breaking and entering. Even if I beat you all to death, it\u2019d be self-defense. Any more questions? If not, I\u2019m going to start fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait!\u201d Maja screamed. \u201cDirector Du! I think you know who I am, right? The Blood Phoenix group\u2019s queen title was given to me. I think there must be some sort of misunderstanding. Give me some face, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGive you face?\u201d Dishing laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho do you think you are? Are you kidding me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am the queen of Jinghai!\u201d \u201cQueen of Jinghai? You?\u201d He slapped her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou take a look in the mirror\u2026 you don\u2019t fit the part. Bastard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou slapped me twice! I\u2019m reporting you to the group!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Dishing said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGo ahead and complain. But you\u2019re wrong about one thing.\u201d He slapped her again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t two slaps. It was three slaps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay! Okay! We give in!\u201d Hayan screamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll pay! We\u2019ll pay!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHoney, shut up!\u201d Maja hissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDirector D. We\u2019ll pay. But I have a condition. If we pay, can you tell me\u2026 who the real<\/em> queen of Ying Hai is? We can\u2019t pay without knowing why.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Dishing said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell you. Let\u2019s see. How much is all this worth? This Donghai Pearl is worth a fortune. You pay. This Imperial porcelain vase\u2026 5 million. You pay for that, too. Just the valuable stuff is over 20 million. And this\u2026 Mona Lisa\u2019s Smile. The Blood Phoenix Group\u2026 specially brought it back. The annual rent is over 10 million. You burned it. You pay. Are you going to pay with your life?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI told you not to be impulsive,\u201d Hayan whispered to Jene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf we sold the Sue family, we still couldn\u2019t pay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay. Can\u2019t pay? Then you don\u2019t need to know who the real queen of Jing Hai is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait!\u201d Hansang suddenly shouted, pointing at me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShingan\u2026 had enough watching. If you don\u2019t do something, the entire Sue family is finished. Okay, Mom. You\u2019re my real mom now. To get our family\u2019s attention, you\u2019ll really do anything. Scheming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Jene caught on, \u201cso you backed us into a corner, intervening at the crucial moment, making us grateful, then you can win the genuine hearts of the Sue family. We\u2019ve seen through your plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYe Shing Lan,\u201d Hayan said, \u201churry and explain to director D and transfer the villa to my name. Or don\u2019t enter the Sue family\u2019s door. The three daughters won\u2019t call you mom. I don\u2019t have a wife like you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSu Hayen,\u201d I said, \u201ccan\u2019t you look in a mirror and see yourself? What makes you think I still care\u2026 or care about them? In my eyes now, you\u2019re not even worth a dog.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 fine. Ye Shingan,\u201d he said, his eyes glinting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t you always wanted a child of our own? As long as you take the blame, I promise you\u2026 I\u2019ll give you one. With the Sue family seed. It\u2019s your honor in this life.\u201d He actually thought\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDid you hear that?\u201d he asked his daughters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan\u2019t help yourself. Can\u2019t stop laughing. I knew she\u2019d agree.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSu Hayen,\u201d I said, \u201ceven the marriage certificate is fake\u2026 and you want me to have your child. Su Hayan, where does your confidence come from? You old piece of jerky. I feel disgusted just looking at you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan,\u201d Hansang said, \u201cif you continue like this, you\u2019ll really lose us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLosing you all\u2026 only taking and never giving back\u2026 is luck. The greatest luck of my life. Stop talking and pay up. Get out of the villa. Me and the Sue family\u2026 from now on\u2026 are cut off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPay up! Get out!\u201d Dishing roared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDirector Du\u2026 we don\u2019t have that much money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay. Then take all the Sue family\u2019s cash flow and transfer it to the Blood Phoenix group\u2019s account.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDirector D,\u201d Hayan said, handing over a card, \u201cthis card has 700 million. It belongs to the Sue family. All the cash flow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Dishing said, taking it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGet out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were thrown out. Bankrupt. \u201cDirector Doo,\u201d Hayan said from the lawn, \u201cnow we can finally say\u2026 the queen of Jinghai. Who is she?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Dishing said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTelling you won\u2019t hurt. The queen of Jing Hai\u2026 is the new chairwoman of Blood Phoenix Group. A woman who spent five years in prison. A woman who inherited Blood Phoenix\u2019s will. A woman who sacrificed for her family but was hurt beyond repair. A woman whose peak began upon release. A woman who returned as a queen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSpent time in prison\u2026 sacrificed for family\u2026 returned as a queen\u2026\u201d Jene muttered, staring at me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you thinking about?\u201d Hansang snapped. \u201cHow could she<\/em> be the new chairwoman? Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They retreated to the only place they had left. The crumbling old family house they hadn\u2019t lived in for decades. The place I<\/em> had been forced to live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDad, how long has it been since anyone lived here?\u201d Jene coughed. \u201cHow can we live here? It\u2019s like a dog house.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll right. No one is allowed to stay at a hotel. We\u2019re staying in the old house\u2026 so you can experience what it means to appreciate the past.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThird sister,\u201d Hansang asked, \u201cwhy have you been so absent-minded today?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Zeun said. \u201cI was just thinking\u2026 have we been wrong all along? After all, auntie hasn\u2019t done anything to us. But we\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you talking about? Aren\u2019t we doing this for the family?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and look at this,\u201d Zeun said, pulling an old blanket from a cot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow could someone have lived here? Aren\u2019t these\u2026 auntie\u2019s bedding?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Jene said to Maja, \u201cdidn\u2019t you say she lived in the villa all along? When did she move back to this broken house?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 I didn\u2019t I tell you all about it? Besides, you all agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHoney, I think I\u2019m sick,\u201d Maja coughed. \u201cWill you take me to the hospital?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMadam,\u201d the old housekeeper said, \u201cthe mistress is ill. Hope it\u2019s not contagious\u2026 You should stay somewhere else. When you\u2019re better, you can come back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou call this a dog house,\u201d Jene said, \u201cyou won\u2019t live here, but you let her<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zeun found my old camcorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom\u2026 she used it to record us growing up.\u201d She pressed play. My voice filled the dusty room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/em>Zun, it\u2019s okay. You didn\u2019t do well this time, but there\u2019s always next time. Mom will always be with you\u2026 studying together.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need that! Get out! Now the whole school knows I\u2019m dating. Everyone\u2019s laughing at me! I don\u2019t want to live anymore!\u201d<\/em> The next clip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZian tried to kill herself today. She jumped into the lake. After taking her to the hospital, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It\u2019s my fault. As her mother, I didn\u2019t do well enough. From today on, I\u2019ll be with her every step of the way.\u201d<\/em> The next clip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZun, the college entrance exam is coming. My trial is also coming up. I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll be acquitted, but I want to tell you, eldest, second, youngest\u2026 mom will always love you.\u201d<\/em> Zeun was sobbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom\u2026 I just remembered now. You\u2019ve always been so good to me.\u201d Another clip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToday is the second big law exam. From today on, I\u2019ll pray for her every day. From the bottom of the mountain, I\u2019ll kneel all the way to the top. I wanted to take her to the exam, but she saw my bloody knees\u2026 and she was disgusted. But I don\u2019t blame her. A mother, if you expect something in return, how is that different from a transaction?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2026 I really didn\u2019t know it would be like this,\u201d Jene whispered, tears streaming down her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo touched by a DV tape?\u201d Maja sneered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat? Decent family records. Everything on video. It\u2019s obviously fake. Staged.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEasy for you to say,\u201d Jene shot back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI just want to ask you one thing. When auntie took care of us growing up\u2026 where were you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget,\u201d Hansang said, her face hard, \u201cshe\u2019s the one who took care of us, but she\u2019s also the one who brought the Sue family to ruin. Even if we owe her\u2026 it\u2019s all been repaid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHonang,\u201d Hayan said, \u201cyou\u2019re back. What\u2019s the situation?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTomorrow is the day of the Blood Phoenix Group chairman\u2019s inauguration ceremony. I bet the entire Sue corporation to get an admission ticket. As long as we\u2026 at the ceremony\u2026 expose what Yinglan has done. I believe the Blood Phoenix Consortium will give us an explanation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell done,\u201d Hayan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI almost felt sorry for Yinglan. It\u2019s too late for her now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy the way, Dad,\u201d Zeun said, \u201cthat day\u2026 I saw Dishing kneeling to Auntie. He also mentioned something about Blood Phoenix.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven now, you\u2019re still covering for her!\u201d Hansang snapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not the auntie she used to be.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut\u2026 the most important thing now is how we can\u2026 expose what Yinglan has done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou think I\u2019ve been wasting my time all these years?\u201d Maja said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLeave it. But this job requires money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m still in school. There\u2019s only 10,000,\u201d Zeun said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have 200,000,\u201d Jene said. \u201cI have 800,000,\u201d Hansang said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, this is all the money the Sue family has,\u201d Hayan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Maja smiled. \u201cLeave it. No problem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That night, Maja met a man named Leila.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBrother who? You have to help me. In this card, there\u2019s 200,000. After it\u2019s done, all the money is yours. But this person is a bit strong. You need to bring more people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you trying to brush me off?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow about this? My third daughter is in her prime. After it\u2019s done, I\u2019ll let you play with her for a week.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLin Magel, you\u2019re really ruthless. Okay, deal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kidnappers broke into my villa. I was waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo need to trouble yourself,\u201d I said from the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m here.\u201d \u201cYan. That\u2019s right. Someone offered 200,000 to kidnap you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c200,000. This person doesn\u2019t know me well. Enough talk. Go.\u201d They charged. They were amateurs. Neil and my guards dispatched them in seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 your blood Phoenix,\u201d Leila stammered. \u201cLet me guess. Lin Maja sent you, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes! It\u2019s her! Great blood Phoenix! Spare my life! I\u2019ll tell you everything! She told me to kidnap you at tomorrow\u2019s blood Phoenix group succession ceremony. She wants to expose you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLooks like the Sue family still hasn\u2019t learned its lesson,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, right. I know everything about her. She sleeps around\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d I said. \u201cI won\u2019t kill you. I need you to do something for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cW\u2026 what thing?\u201d \u201cGo with the flow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next day. The Blood Phoenix Group Inauguration Ceremony. I was dragged onto the stage by Leila\u2019s men, just as Maja had planned. The room was filled with reporters. \u201cYinglan,\u201d Maja sneered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t expect this, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t expect\u2026 I didn\u2019t expect you all to be so despicable, so foolish. I want to see how you plan to destroy yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDestroy ourselves? You\u2019re the one destroying yourself. Our Sue family was doing fine. And so was my mom. The queen of Jing Hai was set in stone. All because of you, the ex-con.\u201d \u201cYinglan,\u201d Hayan said, \u201cyou know very well that the child is mine. Why did you steal my husband? Steal my child?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStealing your husband and child. Was I blind?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStop acting,\u201d Maja yelled to the reporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re just a morally corrupt piece of trash! I think if your actions were all exposed, even if someone backs you up, the Blood Phoenix group can\u2019t be impartial, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you want?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn front of the media, kneel down and admit what you\u2019ve done. Let me<\/em> become again the darling of the Blood Phoenix group. Let my Sue family recover its former glory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow that things are like this,\u201d I said, \u201cdo you think there\u2019s any chance of forgiveness?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan,\u201d Zeun said, \u201cwe\u2019ve seen the videos from the old house. We\u2019re thinking of our past relationship. I was giving you a chance to confess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cConfess\u2026 because you care about me,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause you care\u2026 you got people to tie me up and bring me here. Because you care\u2026 you got so many reporters to expose me. A good exposure, huh? Then I\u2019ll expose you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExpose us? We\u2019ve done nothing wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSu Honuang,\u201d I said to the eldest daughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor the last five years, you\u2019ve been evading taxes. Half of the money you transferred to Lin Maja\u2019s account. The other half\u2026 you transferred to your own name to purchase luxury cars, houses, goods. Am I right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re talking nonsense!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAm I?\u201d I snapped my fingers. Neil handed a thick file to the reporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven every expense can be found. This is impossible,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMiss Sue,\u201d a reporter asked, \u201cdid this happen or not?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m a lawyer! Get out of my way or I\u2019ll sue you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA lawyer?\u201d I looked at Jene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m a top lawyer. What do you mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou think I don\u2019t have dirt on you? March 8th. Help the defendant transfer assets illegally\u2026 $500,000. May 6th\u2026 colluded with a client to destroy evidence. July 28th\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnough! Stop talking!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on? Is this all true?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh my god. Su Honuang and Suene\u2026 they\u2019re known as successful women.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHonang, is what she said true?\u201d Hayan demanded. \u201cIt\u2019s all mom\u2019s fault!\u201d Hansang shrieked, pointing at Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEver since mom came into our family, spending has increased daily! At first, it was $100,000 a month, then $1 million, and finally spending reached $5 million a month! Even sis can\u2019t afford that!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had no choice!\u201d Jene cried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo\u2026 it\u2019s not like that, honey,\u201d Maja stammered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 you spendthrift!\u201d Hayan roared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou were eating it all up! $5 million a month!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s one more thing,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLeila\u2019s recording. Su Zeun\u2026 want to hear it?\u201d I played the audio from last night. \u201c\u2026My third daughter is in her prime. After it\u2019s done, I\u2019ll let you play with her for a week.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Zeun looked at Maja, horrified. \u201c200,000? We gave you 1 million. Mom\u2026 you\u2019d let someone else defile me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo! No! Yinglan, you\u2019re too cunning!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan, you\u2019re ruthless!\u201d Hayan yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven if we\u2019re ruined, so what? I\u2019ve contacted the Hua family. Master Hua, he\u2019ll be here soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaster Hua is here!\u201d someone shouted. The old man, Xi Hong\u2019s grandfather, walked in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaster Hua, you\u2019re finally here,\u201d Hayan said, rushing over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes. The BFC chairman inauguration ceremony.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, but the Hua family situation today is all because of Yizu\u2019s mother. This convict Yinglan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCorrect,\u201d Master Hua said. \u201cIt\u2019s all because of Madame Yei.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood. Then hurry up. Make Yizu get out of the Hua family. Put her and her mother on the blacklist!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen ungrateful people,\u201d Master Hua said, \u201cbut never seen such beasts like you. You think the Hua family is like your Sue family? Blind and ignorant. Since I married Zyu, her mother is my family\u2026 Our whole family would never do what your Sue family did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t expect it, Nishing. Even Master Hua was deceived by your sweet talk. Then we\u2019ll wait for the Blood Phoenix group\u2019s executives. See who gets the last lap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBlood Phoenix Group. Three board members have arrived.\u201d Dishing and two other directors walked in. \u201cIt\u2019s those Sue family members again,\u201d Dishing growled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou dare show your faces here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDishing,\u201d Maja said, \u201cyou\u2019re helping Yishian so much. I couldn\u2019t figure it out\u2026 Yan, she wouldn\u2019t be your old flame, would she?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat did you say?\u201d Dishing roared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow dare you insult her!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStop pretending!\u201d Hayan yelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDishing pulled a switch, rigging the Empress selection, and colluded with the whole family, attempting to control Blood Phoenix!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, you\u2019re saying only the Sue family is loyal to Blood Phoenix?\u201d Dishing asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes! The Sue family donated most of their wealth to join the Blood Phoenix group!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow utterly ridiculous,\u201d Dishing said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOriginally, the Sue family could have had Blood Phoenix without lifting a finger, but now\u2026 you have no chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you get it? Because you\u2019ve offended the one person you shouldn\u2019t have.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going to say it\u2019s Yishing again, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCrazy! You\u2019re all crazy! I don\u2019t believe it. I want to see Blood Phoenix Group\u2019s new chairman!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about time,\u201d Dishing said, looking at his watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe chairman handover ceremony officially begins now. Please welcome the chairman of Blood Phoenix Group.\u201d The lights dimmed. A spotlight hit the podium. I untied my own ropes, stood up, and walked to the podium. Dishing handed me the appointment letter. I signed it. \u201cThe Blood Phoenix Group\u2019s board welcomes the chairman\u2019s return!\u201d the three directors and Master Hua shouted, bowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis\u2026 How is this possible?\u201d Hayan whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s actually the chairman of Blood Phoenix.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLatest statistics show Blood Phoenix Group\u2019s market value has exceeded 1 trillion.\u201d \u201cYishing\u2026 she\u2019s become a business empress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was wrong. Terribly wrong. We even wanted to expose her. In the end, we\u2019re the biggest joke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, from the birthday banquet, she hasn\u2019t lied. Everything she said was true. And we\u2026 have been like clowns all along.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShing Lan!\u201d Hayan ran to the stage and knelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGive me another chance. We\u2019re family. I won\u2019t be presumptuous again. The Sue family will cherish you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKids, come here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Hansang knelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe know we were wrong. I\u2019m willing to start from the bottom\u2026 and help you solve problems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Jene knelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m willing to handle the legal affairs for free\u2026 to atone for my past mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Zeun knelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI knew how wrong we were when I saw the tape. I don\u2019t expect your forgiveness, but I hope you can give us three sisters a chance to make amends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou people,\u201d I said, \u201conly Suzian has some self-awareness. If you want my forgiveness, three words for you. Not a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy? Tell me why. We can start over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019re filthy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFilthy? Mom, what are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeems you know nothing about Lin Maja.\u201d I motioned to Neil. He put a medical report on the projector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGuards, see for yourselves. This woman is too vile to look at. Only fools like you would treasure her. Lin Maja is diagnosed with multiple contagious diseases, including herpes, HPV, and HIV.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hayan\u2019s face went ash-gray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHIV?\u201d \u201cHansang. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t touch me!\u201d Hansang screamed at Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLin Maya,\u201d I said, \u201cfor ten years, she\u2019s been with countless men, sleeping around, spent millions yearly on toy boys.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLin Maya!\u201d Hayan choked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll destroy our family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom,\u201d Jene said to Maja, \u201cyou\u2019re our birth mother. How could you do this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was stupid,\u201d Hansang wept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo utterly foolish. The Sue family\u2019s downfall is all your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The police from the banquet walked in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSu Han Wang and Su Jene. You\u2019re under arrest for criminal activities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOfficers, they were deceived!\u201d Hayan pleaded. \u201cI\u2019m the culprit. Take me instead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDad,\u201d Jene said, \u201cwe misjudged her. Fell for Lin Maja\u2019s lies. This outcome is what we deserve. Little sister\u2026 take care of our parents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLin Majou!\u201d Hansang screamed as she was cuffed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is all your fault! I\u2019ll haunt you forever!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDad,\u201d Zeun said, \u201cdon\u2019t touch\u2026 Dad, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Hayan collapsed, his skin covered in lesions. \u201cI\u2019ve been infected\u2026 by that woman. Lin Maga. I hate you. Hate you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShingan,\u201d he gasped, \u201cin this life, next life, I\u2019ll repay my debts. Work like a beast for you.\u201d \u201cMom,\u201d Zeun begged me, \u201cdad needs treatment money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have no money left!\u201d Maja shrieked. \u201cThe Sue family is finished!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom!\u201d Zeun yelled at Maja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBoth my sisters have been arrested. Dad\u2019s in this state now. This is all your fault! And you? You\u2019re perfectly fine! Why aren\u2019t you the sick one? I wish it were you lying in that hospital bed!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget\u2026 I\u2019m your mother,\u201d Maja sneered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not done enjoying life yet. Why get sick? Blame your father\u2019s poor health.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2026 you\u2019re utterly shameless!\u201d Zeun ran at her, but Maja shoved her. Zeun fell hard, hitting her head on the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan!\u201d Maja shrieked at me. \u201cI\u2019ll make you die\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zeun knelt outside my office for a full day. \u201cEnough,\u201d I told Neil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGive her the Rolls-Royce. Consider it my final transaction with the Sue family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe still refuses to see you,\u201d Neil told Zeun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake the car, sell it for cash. As for Su Hayun, his fate\u2019s in his own hands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Zeun whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you, Mom. If there\u2019s another life, I\u2019d still choose you as my mother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Zeun left, Maja, who had been hiding, jumped out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan! You destroyed my family. You ruined us completely. I want you dead!\u201d She ran at me, but Zyu stepped in front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZeun! Why are you in Yishiman\u2019s car?\u201d Maja screamed, running after Zeun\u2019s car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMom, save me!\u201d Zeun yelled. Maja got in her own car and rammed the Rolls-Royce at full speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMiss Lynn,\u201d a nurse called from the hospital, \u201cyour husband\u2019s dying. Come to the hospital now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll check on your father first,\u201d Maja muttered, fleeing the scene of the crash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I went to the hospital. Hayan was already gone. \u201cDoctor, I\u2019m Su Hayen\u2019s family. How\u2019s my husband?\u201d Maja asked, running in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour husband has acute AIDS causing multiorgan failure. No timely treatment was administered. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow is this possible? Are you sure about this? I\u2019m perfectly fine here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe this is what they call\u2026 the wicked thrive for ages,\u201d I said from the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYinglan! How dare you show your face here? You caused the Sue family\u2019s downfall! I\u2019ll make you pay for this!\u201d The police entered behind me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLin Maja. You crashed into Su Xi Yun, hospitalizing her and leaving her permanently disabled, then fled the scene. With conclusive evidence now, we\u2019re placing you under arrest.\u201d \u201cSu Hayun is dead. Sujene and Su Hansang are in prison. Suzun\u2019s disabled for life. Yinglan, is this your grand plan? I\u2019ll fight you to the death!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake her away,\u201d the officer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI won\u2019t let you get away with this, Yingan!\u201d she screamed. \u201cYou framed me for that hit and run before. Now you\u2019re going to prison for the same crime.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what we call karma,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPoetic justice, isn\u2019t it?\u201d I held up the razor they had tried to give me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis was your gift to me back then.\u201d I threw it at her feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFrom now on, we go our separate ways. Forever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I walked out of the hospital, past the room where Hayan\u2019s body lay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you the patient\u2019s family?\u201d a nurse asked me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d I said, not looking back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWrong room.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cIt\u2019s Christly vengeance,\u201d Neil said, his voice smooth as he held the car door. \u201cBlood shall answer blood.\u201d He handed me the tablet. The screen […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7562,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7561","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7561","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7561"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7561\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7563,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7561\/revisions\/7563"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7562"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7561"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7561"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7561"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}