Entering the house, Sian first saw a small lawn, then the house itself. It wasn't too big, nor too small.
Everything seemed pretty normal. She noticed a few people passing by—it was Yi Sian's siblings. Her older brothers gave her only a single glance before turning away, a faint look of disgust flashing in their eyes.
Sian caught that quickly. Honestly, she couldn't even blame them. She herself felt disgusted with how she looked right now.
Her clothes were torn in several places, she smelled awful, and her whole body ached.
Seems like nobody really cares about me… and that's good, she thought. But before my sisters see me, I should quickly change. I don't want to star in some soap opera where the elder sisters bully the younger one.
Lowering her head, she quickened her pace toward her room.
But then—thud! Someone smaller bumped straight into her.
"Ahh!! Watch where you're going!"
"Aish… Yi Ninan, it's useless telling her that. Without punishment, nothing ever gets through her head."
Before Sian could even respond, she found herself surrounded by two girls. Yi Sian's older sisters.
The one who had bumped into her now stood in front, while the other circled behind, flanked by their servants.
"Yi Sian, we know you hate us, but still—we're your family," the elder one said in a lofty tone. "Walking around the streets looking like a beggar only brings shame to us. Do you realize how humiliated Father would feel if he saw you like this? Have you ever thought about that?"
The second sister, the one who had bumped into her, added, "If not for yourself, at least think of your family. Look at me—what if I had fallen and gotten hurt because of you?"
Their words were dressed up like concern, but the sarcasm in their voices made it obvious they were mocking her.
The older one continued her tirade. "Even if you are useless, that doesn't mean you can't at least keep a decent appearance. You're a girl—shouldn't you try to look good so someone will actually want to marry you?"
She didn't stop there. Her voice droned on, listing how ungrateful and incompetent Yi Sian was, and how kind and hardworking they themselves were.
"Look at us, your sisters. Have you ever seen us act disrespectfully? No, right? That's because we put effort into maintaining ourselves and making Father proud."
Sian stayed silent at first, listening. She reminded herself that these words weren't directed at her, not truly—they were meant for the original Yi Sian. But it was still her body standing here. She was the one being taunted.
How could she just endure it?
She had her own pride. Her own self-respect. Even in her original world, she had always protected it. Why should now be any different?
Finally, she snapped. "Putting on makeup and jewelry every day doesn't mean you're helping Father. You're just wasting his money. Playing dollhouse all day long isn't effort—it's vanity. Be careful, or he might just marry you off to some old man."
Her voice was cold, her words cutting.
Both sisters froze, their faces pale with disbelief. The original Yi Sian had never spoken to them like this. She usually lowered her head, whispered apologies, and bore it all timidly.
But this time, she had bitten back.
Without waiting for a response, Sian turned and walked away. Her two servants, who had been hiding nervously around the corner, quickly rushed after her.
The sisters were left standing dumbfounded, scrambling for words.
Sian didn't like to quarrel, but when she did, she always made sure the other side shut up. Her words could be harsh—sharp enough to leave lasting wounds.
Later, she regretted saying them. But sometimes, even she lost control of her emotions.
She made her way to her room easily, thanks to remembering the details from the novel.
Once inside, she dismissed her servants. "Go to your own rooms for now."
It was evening already. She washed herself, tended to her injuries, and changed into comfortable clothes.
Thankfully, her sisters hadn't noticed her bag. She had hidden it carefully beneath her long sleeve.
"Phew, what a tiring day." She collapsed onto the bed with a sigh. Compared to the hard one she was used to, this one felt much softer.
Her eyes wandered around the room. It was simple, matching the original Yi Sian's plain personality.
"It's so strange," she murmured to herself. "Just a few hours ago, I was on my way back from work as usual. My sister would've been bugging me like always—talking about her day and the novels she read. And now… this. It feels like a dream. If it is, I hope I wake up soon."
Her eyelids grew heavy, and she was about to drift off when—knock knock!
Her servants were back.
The younger boy spoke, "Miss, it's dinner time. Your father has invited you. Your siblings and all the concubines will be there too."
Sian sat up unwillingly. "...Alright, I'll be there. Give me a minute."
She quickly changed into more presentable clothes and tidied her hair.
"Miss is taking a while," the boy whispered outside. "Maybe she's happy to eat with her family after so long. I don't like them, but if Miss is happy, then so am I."
"Shh! Don't say that out loud," the older girl scolded him.
"Hehe, sorry, Sister."
Sian opened the door. "Sorry, it took me a while to do my hair."
"It's fine, Miss. But you should have let us help you."
"No, that's alright. Sometimes I want to do it myself."
The girl smiled. "As you say, Miss. Though… you seem a little different today. But we're glad to see you cheerful."
"Of course. A little change is always important in life."
Inside, Sian smirked. 'Happy? Of course I am. According to the storyline, this dinner is when Father announces his promotion and transfer to the capital. The sooner that happens, the sooner they'll all leave. And that means peacefor me.'
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To be continued…