Chapter 3: It's Not That Mom Is Biased

After the meal, Gao Yun asked Shi Yun to stay behind.

Gao Yun took her hand gently. “Come, let’s sit down and talk.”

As Shi Yun slowly sat down, Gao Yun was already in tears, sobbing uncontrollably. With blurred eyes, she looked at Shi Yun, her voice trembling and tinged with a desperate plea, “Xiaoyun, it’s not that Mom is biased. All these years, I’ve cared for you with all my heart.

Even after I found out you’re not my biological daughter, my feelings for you never changed. I have a clear conscience. But now, my own flesh and blood has been found…”

Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face, smudging her once flawless makeup.

“I know this is hard for you to accept, but blood is thicker than water. When Tiantian was little, she suffered a lot. We finally found her again, and all we want is to make up for lost time. Xiaoyun, you can understand Mom, can’t you?”

Gao Yun wept as she looked at Shi Yun with pleading eyes.

Shi Yun responded faintly, “I understand.”

Her gaze was hollow, head slightly bowed, eyes fixed on the pattern of the tiles beneath her feet, her heart heavy with sorrow.

She knew all too well that they had known for over a year that she wasn’t their biological daughter but kept it hidden, treating her merely as a substitute for their emotional attachment.

Now that Ruan Tian had been found, her place in this family was meaningless—she was an extra, like a toy discarded once it had lost its novelty.

Of course, she didn’t blame them; there was no reason to. She was willing to give everything back to Ruan Tian.

If it’s not hers, she didn’t want it.

Seeing Shi Yun show no sign of resistance, Gao Yun’s heart leapt with joy. Her previously furrowed brows smoothed out in an instant, and the sorrow in her eyes vanished without a trace.

Shi Yun noticed Gao Yun’s sudden change and felt as if countless tiny needles were piercing deep into her heart.

Gao Yun patted Shi Yun’s hand. “Mom always knew you were a sensible and good child.”

—

As they were about to leave, Gao Yun noticed Shi Yun wasn’t wearing an evening gown, only a plain silk qipao. Her brows furrowed slightly. “Xiaoyun, today is an important occasion. Why didn’t you dress up?”

Shi Yun looked at her with a calm gaze, showing no emotion. “There are no evening gowns in my room. Ruan Tian took them all.”

Ruan Tian suddenly acted as if she had just remembered. “Oh right, I took a few pieces from sister’s wardrobe because I liked them so much.”

Gao Yun frowned in dissatisfaction, “Xiaoyun, why didn’t you ask Tiantian to give them back?”

At that moment, Ruan Tian hurriedly called a servant over, asking for an evening gown to be brought, and feigned sincerity as she said to Shi Yun, “Sister, it’s all my fault. I forgot about this.”

Shi Yun gave her a cold glance and turned to her room to change.

When she came out again, Ruan Tian couldn’t help but cover her mouth, stifling a laugh.

Gao Yun frowned, muttering, “This dress isn’t quite right, but it’ll have to do for now.”

The evening gown Shi Yun wore was an outdated style from several years ago, marked by visible flaws that clashed with her demeanor.

In stark contrast to the latest haute couture worn by Ruan Tian.

Ruan Tian linked her arm with Shi Yun’s. “Sister, you look so beautiful. Let’s go.”

Shi Yun lowered her eyes and quietly withdrew her hand.

—

At the banquet, Shi Xiao and Gao Yun wore broad smiles as they accompanied Ruan Tian, exchanging pleasantries with various socialites.

Meanwhile, Shi Yun seemed detached, staring vacantly ahead in boredom.

Whispers from others reached her ears—

“Look, that’s the Shi family’s former adopted daughter. Now that the real heiress is back, how does she still have the nerve to show up here?”

“She’s an imposter who stole the nest. Once the real heiress comes back, she should slink away. Yet she clings to this banquet shamelessly.”

“Exactly. There’s no place for her at an event like this. She might as well leave early to save face.”

“I’ve never seen such nerve—occupying someone else’s identity for years and still trying to ride on their fame.”

“She’s just hanging on, probably after the inheritance.”

Shi Yun remained composed, lifting her glass for a quiet sip.

Halfway through the banquet, Gao Yun suddenly pulled Shi Yun over to a greasy-faced middle-aged man.

The man’s leering eyes made Shi Yun deeply uncomfortable.

Gao Yun put on a wide smile and said to the man, “Mr. Liu, this is my other daughter Shi Yun. She’s very obedient and sensible. Knowing you would be here today, I thought she could keep you company, have some drinks, and chat.”

Shi Yun furrowed her brow tightly, a flash of disgust in her eyes. She answered coldly, “Mom, I don’t drink and I’m not good at socializing. Please find someone else.”

Gao Yun’s expression stiffened, her smile forced as she quickly pulled Shi Yun aside, lowering her voice in reproach, “Xiaoyun, how can you be so inconsiderate! Mr. Liu is an important business partner. His investment intentions are crucial for our family’s business.

Just sit with him for a while, talk to him, make him happy. How hard can that be?”

Shi Yun looked directly into Gao Yun’s eyes, calm and unwavering. “Mom, why force me to do things I don’t want to?”

At that moment, Ruan Tian gracefully approached and feigned concern, slipping her arm through Shi Yun’s. “Sister, don’t say that. Mr. Liu is very nice. Just think of it as making a friend. Please help out, for the family.”

Shi Yun shrugged off Ruan Tian’s hand, a mocking smile curling her lips as she retorted, “Why don’t you help then?”

Ruan Tian’s eyes glistened with tears, as if deeply wronged, her voice trembling, “Sister, I’m afraid I’ll say the wrong thing or mess up. You’re more composed than I am. I want to learn by watching…”

Gao Yun frowned deeply, her voice stern, “Xiaoyun, what’s wrong with you? We’re asking you to contribute a little to the family, and you keep making excuses. Tiantian is in showbiz; she can’t afford to have these rumors.”

Shi Yun’s gaze instantly turned icy. She bit her lip and said, “Am I not allowed to have these rumors?”

Wasn’t she just as afraid of these gossiping tongues?

Shi Yun’s firm attitude drew the attention of the guests around them. Whispers spread quickly.

“This adopted daughter is so ungrateful. The family is in trouble, and she refuses to help.”

“Exactly. She should know her place and show some gratitude.”

“Madam Gao meant well, trying to give her a chance to contribute, but she just talked back.”

“Isn’t she just a thankless wretch? She’s really not fit to be here.”

Gao Yun’s face flushed with embarrassment at being contradicted. Her complexion shifted from pale to flushed.

Her dissatisfaction with Shi Yun grew even stronger, but constrained by the company present, she dared not lose control.

She forced a smile and said to Mr. Liu, “Mr. Liu, I’m terribly sorry. This child has been spoiled by me and is quite thoughtless. I will make sure to teach her properly when we get home.”