Chapter 28: A Thorn Embedded in the Heart

Wu Ya simply couldn’t hold it in any longer. Furious, she shouted, “When did I ever say you’re not as good as Xuefei? Lin Xiaodou, don’t put words in my mouth!” Even if that’s how she felt inside, she had never said it aloud. Now, to have her thoughts exposed in public—it was like hugging a blazing stove in the middle of summer, suffocating and unbearable.

Lin Xiaodou cried out, “See! My own mother is yelling at me! She’s scolding me over a fake!” Wu Ya was speechless, struggling to breathe. If an ambulance were nearby, she might have collapsed onto a stretcher right then. As for Lin Xuefei, the word “fake” pierced her heart like a dagger. She was mad with rage, yet forced herself to keep it in.

“If I’d known my own mother hated me this much, I wouldn’t have come back! Let this orphan, with no father or mother, just starve to death out there… wuwuwu…” Lin Xiaodou covered her face and wailed, her cries so mournful and pitiful that anyone listening would be moved to tears.

The crowd, witnessing the scene, was instantly roused to indignation on her behalf.

“Oh, poor child, she’s making me cry too.”

“How tragic, to have her identity stolen for over a decade, only to be unloved when finally acknowledged.”

“Exactly! Look at her—worn-out clothes, while that adopted daughter is dressed in a fancy frock. The difference is night and day.”

“Don’t cry, little one. Big sister will take you shopping for new clothes! It’s just a dress—we’re not short on money!”

“Yes, if one’s not enough, I’ll buy you another. I just got paid yesterday!”

“Child, if your mother won’t accept you, come to Auntie’s house. I’ll make you shepherd’s purse dumplings!”

“My house is full of boys, we could use a girl—come to grandma’s, be my granddaughter!”

Everyone chimed in passionately, one after another.

Looking at this group of kind-hearted people, Lin Xiaodou was genuinely grateful. She gave a deep bow to the crowd. “Thank you all for your concern, thank you!”

Seeing her so polite, the crowd couldn’t help but sigh.

“What a good child! So what if she has a scar on her face? How could a mother despise her for that?”

“I’ve never seen a mother so heartless—until today.”

“I heard she’s the wife of the deputy director at Capital City Hospital, a head nurse, no less. With that character, how can she possibly do her job?”

“I actually know their hospital director—I’ll be sure to have a word with him about this!”

Wu Ya, who had been feigning indifference, jumped up at these words. “No need to trouble everyone. The child was just having a tantrum and talking nonsense. Please don’t worry, I will treat her well. Whatever she wants to buy, I’ll agree to it!”

This couldn’t be allowed to affect her husband’s career—otherwise, he would surely blame her.

“Really, Mom?” Lin Xiaodou had been waiting for these words, enduring all those suspicious stares. Wu Ya gritted her teeth, “Really.”

Lin Xiaodou broke into a smile through her tears. “Good! Remember, you said it. Don’t nag me about it later!”

Wu Ya instantly realized she’d been tricked, her expression darkening.

Lin Xiaodou was triumphant: Just you wait, I’ll run circles around you.

At last, reassured by Wu Ya’s promises, the crowd dispersed.

As soon as they were gone, Lin Xiaodou shed her sorrowful act, beaming. “Comrade, you mentioned there were a few new outfits in stock today—bring me one of each in my size!”

The salesgirl behind the counter was left gaping in shock. Goodness! This girl could really switch faces. Just moments ago, she was sobbing her heart out, tears and snot everywhere, and now she was all smiles, flashing her bright white teeth. The way she waved her hand to buy things—what a display!

The salesgirl sneaked a glance at Wu Ya, and seeing no objection, nodded. “Of course, please wait a moment.”

That move was masterful! The salesgirl couldn’t help but admire her. She had looked down on Lin Xiaodou for being a country bumpkin, but now she respected her, even wanting to learn a thing or two.

Her own mother had died early, and her father remarried soon after. Her stepmother was two-faced—kind in public, scheming in private. Life at home was hard, and if it weren’t for her grandfather’s support, her stepsister would have stolen this sales job from her long ago. If her stepmother tried anything again, she’d cry her heart out in public too—let’s see who comes out on top!

Thinking of this, the salesgirl felt much better.

She brought out four or five sets of the latest summer clothes and kindly reminded, “Comrade, we have a fitting room. Would you like to try them on first, just in case they don’t fit?”

“Sure!” Lin Xiaodou replied, heading off to try on clothes.

As soon as she left, Wu Ya coldly said to the salesgirl, “Later, take back two of those sets and say there weren’t any in her size—got it?” Really, so tactless—couldn’t she see Wu Ya was upset?

The salesgirl ignored her and continued folding clothes. Her job was to sell, not to take back merchandise.

Seeing this attitude, Wu Ya’s pride took a hit. “I’m talking to you!”

“Mom…” Lin Xuefei came over to dissuade her, “Let it go, it’s just a few clothes. Otherwise, people will talk about us again.”

A pointed reminder of what had just happened.

Wu Ya was instantly silenced. She dared not raise her voice, only gritting her teeth in frustration.

Lin Xiaodou found all the clothes fit well—three dresses, one in aqua green, one a floral maxi, and one in blue-and-white checks. There were also two sets of short-sleeved tops and pants, and a jacket. The quality and style were excellent, though they fit a bit loosely.

The original owner had been very thin—five foot seven and barely over eighty pounds. After days of binge eating in her space, Lin Xiaodou had managed to gain a few pounds, nearing ninety, but still not enough; she’d need to reach at least a hundred to feel right. She didn’t like being too skinny—without a bit of flesh, she couldn’t unleash her true strength.

Just these few sets of clothes cost nearly 150 yuan—the equivalent of five months’ wages for an ordinary worker!

Wu Ya paid, her heart full of unwillingness.

After paying, she started to head for the exit. Lin Xiaodou stopped her, “Mom, I’m not done shopping yet!”

Wu Ya’s eyes narrowed, about to refuse.

Lin Xiaodou said, “Or should I start wailing again?”

Wu Ya’s face darkened. “Fine! Buy whatever you want!”

“Great!”

Lin Xiaodou began a shopping spree through the department store.

Clothes bought, it was time for shoes—leather, sandals, and cloth, two pairs of each. Then came hair accessories—all the sparkly clips she could find! And shoulder bags, handbags, skincare and lipstick—if she saw it, she wanted it.

Finally, watches, radios, a bicycle—only the most expensive. Plus some daily necessities and odds and ends.

By the time the spree was over, she had spent over 1,500 yuan and several ration tickets!

Wu Ya’s heart bled with every payment. If she’d known this girl was such trouble, she would never have brought her along—no matter what.

If not for Xuefei, she would never have acknowledged this wretched child, nor suffered such humiliation today.

The memory of being reviled by everyone at the store, and Xuefei not speaking up for her, left a thorn lodged deep in Wu Ya’s heart…