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墨書 Inktalez
Mr. Xu returned in the evening.
By then, I had been anxiously cooped up in my room for an entire afternoon, clutching the "Approaching Science" book that Xu Wenmo had given me, too afraid to step outside and take a look at my future home.
As the sun set, the dim glow of twilight filtered through the thin curtains into the room. While I was lost in thought, watching the dust particles dance in the light, I vaguely heard the sound of a door opening downstairs, followed by the pleasant sound of polished shoes tapping on the floor.
My heart instantly filled with joy.
I stood up from my chair, adjusted the clothes that Xu Wenmo had lent me, ran my fingers through my smooth long hair, and with a nervous heart, opened the door and stepped into the hallway. Leaning against the railing, I put on a smile and softly called out to the man lounging on the sofa in the living room with his eyes closed, "Mr. Xu, you're back."
He suddenly opened his eyes, seemingly startled, looked up at me, and after a moment recognized me, saying, "What are you doing here?"
My heart sank.
He lowered his head and rubbed his prominent nose bridge, "Oh, I remember now. Xiao Mo told me about you; I just didn't expect you to arrive so soon."
My embarrassment eased slightly.
"Is Xiao Mo at home?"
"She went to school and hasn't returned yet."
"Oh, I'll arrange your return to school in the next couple of days. After all, sophomore year is an important stage; just focus on your studies and don't worry about anything else."
"Thank you, Mr. Xu."
"It's nothing. In the future, you'll need to help take care of Xiao Mo more. She doesn't like socializing much and usually only has you as a friend; please help her out."
Mr. Xu's words made me feel reduced to a caretaker's role; my self-esteem shattered like rubble from a shantytown.
But he seemed oblivious to how he had hurt a little girl's dignity and continued speaking, "It's just right; I'm not comfortable with her staying at school because the conditions are too poor. Now that you're here, she can come home to stay. I'll arrange for a driver to pick you both up for school every day; it will be much more convenient."
"Thank you."
"By the way, have you eaten dinner?"
I touched my flat stomach and replied, "Not yet."
"Then wait a bit; since Xiao Mo is coming home today, when she returns, I'll take you both out to eat."
"Okay."
After a brief conversation, Mr. Xu returned to his room while I leaned against the railing with little enthusiasm, gazing down at the polished living room feeling somewhat lost.
"Come on, Xiao Mo, eat more; look how thin you've become," Mr. Xu said as he placed peeled shrimp onto a small dish. Once it was piled high and overflowing, he almost eagerly handed it to Xu Wenmo, who responded indifferently with a simple "Thank you."
"What are you talking about? There's no need to thank Dad." Xu Wenmo gently pushed the plate away, and I saw that Mr. Xu noticed too, but he still wore a broad smile.
Three people were gathered around a glass dining table, and I felt as if there was an ocean separating me from the two of them.
"How have you been at school lately? I've been too busy to check on you; it's my fault..." This was so different from the Mr. Xu I had first met. The imposing figure had been discarded, and in front of Xu Wenmo, he transformed into a humble and pleading servant.
"Can I eat in peace?" Xu Wenmo put down her chopsticks and coldly stared at Mr. Xu.
"Alright, alright, I won't say anything. Just eat more; if you want anything else, we can order it." Mr. Xu finally settled back into his seat. When he looked up, he inadvertently saw me eating alone and politely said, "You should eat more too, little girl; being too thin isn't healthy."
"Okay."
Late at night, I lay on the soft mattress of the bed, excited and unable to sleep like Cinderella who had finally found her place in the world. I alternated between looking forward to my future life and recalling Xu Wenmo's indifference during dinner. This was good for me; currently, I was in an awkward position in the Xu family—unnecessary and even somewhat disliked. If I wanted to establish myself in this family for the long term, I needed to have some redeeming qualities. For instance, compared to the difficult-to-get-along-with Xu Wenmo, if I could be obedient and understanding, then Mr. Xu, who often faced setbacks with Xu Wenmo, would naturally notice my presence.
Don't think my intentions are too deep; a lonely child must fight for their own future.
Two days later, Mr. Xu informed me that my re-enrollment procedures were complete and that I could start school anytime.
That morning, wearing the new clothes Mr. Xu had bought for me and carrying an expensive designer backpack, I got out of the brand-new black sedan with Xu Wenmo. The rosy morning light fell on my cheeks as I saw my old classmates rushing toward the school gate, their astonished gazes igniting a fire within me that made me tremble with excitement.
"Let's go," Xu Wenmo reminded me by the right car door. "We're going to be late."
I smiled brightly at her and walked alongside her on the tree-lined path, suddenly recalling our first meeting when she was as exquisite as a painting and spoke with such grace that it captivated everyone around her. At that moment, dressed similarly to her and mimicking her every move, how many of those glances directed our way were meant for me?
"Xiao Ye is here!" The homeroom teacher stood at the classroom door and rushed toward me as soon as she saw me, her demeanor markedly different from last month; she wore a warm and friendly expression—one I had longed for but never received before. "I always thought it was a pity you dropped out; now you're back! It was my oversight not to understand your family situation better..."
Why did she bring this up? I deliberately frowned, making my displeasure obvious.
Sure enough, she quickly changed her tone. "You need to cherish this rare opportunity and study hard; don't let it be like before. The teachers are worried about you; you're a very smart child—don't let your environment affect your future."
"Thank you, teacher," I replied coldly.
"Teacher, class is about to start," Xu Wenmo urged indifferently from the side.
"Alright, alright! You all go to class now; your first period is math, right? Pay attention."
Once inside the classroom, I realized that reality wasn't as beautiful as I had imagined. Xu Wenmo still sat in the coveted third row while I remained in the last row by the trash heap.
My familiar friends from the bottom of the class quickly gathered around my desk before I could even greet them with a simple hello; they bombarded me with harsh and heavy questions.
"Lin Ye, are you living at the school beauty's house now? Is her dad sponsoring you?"
"What’s your relationship with our school beauty? Are you relatives?"
"When did you get close to her? I didn't even know."
"You are so lucky! I heard her dad is the richest man in our city and ranks high in the province. By the way, what is her house like? Is it super luxurious?"
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