They came downstairs one after another.
Seeing me, everyone looked a little surprised.
"Well, what's gotten into you? Jiang Yue, why are you being so attentive today?" My brother, Jiang Chen, pulled out a chair and sat down, his tone laced with his usual sarcasm.
**[Lie: "Why are you being so attentive today?"]**
**[Truth: "What scheme are you pulling now? Don't think sucking up like this will win you any favors. Pathetic."]**
I didn't respond with my usual cold silence. Instead, I smiled sweetly and pushed a cup of black coffee towards Dad. "Good morning, Dad. I brewed you some coffee."
Then, I handed Mom milk and bread. "Mom, your breakfast."
Finally, it was Jiang Chen's turn.
I placed the fried eggs in front of him and called out in an overly sweet voice:
"Brother, eat up before it gets cold."
All three of them stared at me as if I were an alien.
Jiang Xue was the last to come downstairs. Seeing this scene, her smile froze.
"Sis… what are you doing?" She walked over and tried to link her arm affectionately with mine.
**[Lie: "Sis, what are you doing?"]**
**[Truth: "You bitch, copying my tricks! What are you playing at? Trying to steal my spotlight? You think you're worthy?"]**
I smiled and deftly avoided her hand, gesturing towards the toast and strawberry jam on the table. "Xue Xue, sit down and have breakfast. I spread your favorite strawberry jam for you~"
I mimicked her tone, drawing out the last syllable, making it soft and sugary.
*Gross.*
*But effective.*
Dad cleared his throat, took a sip of his coffee, and his expression softened noticeably. "Hmm, finally learning to be a bit sensible."
Mom also managed a rare smile. "That's more like it. A family should be harmonious like this."
Only Jiang Chen still looked at me with deep suspicion.
Jiang Xue sat opposite me. She took small bites of her bread while darting glances my way from the corner of her eye, her gaze full of wariness and hostility.
I lowered my head to sip my porridge, pretending not to notice anything.
The "harmonious and happy" breakfast concluded in this strange atmosphere.
I knew this was just the beginning.
They didn't believe me? That was fine.
I'd make them "believe" me… slowly.
Over the weekend, Mom was going to a ladies' afternoon tea party. She had been meticulously preparing for it for days.
Just before leaving, she tried on several outfits in the walk-in closet, dissatisfied with each one.
"Ugh, this one looks too old-fashioned, that one's too flashy… What am I going to do?" She paced irritably in front of the mirror.
Jiang Xue immediately fluttered over like a dutiful little helper.
"Mom, I think this champagne-colored gown looks beautiful!" She pointed to an ornate, formal gown. "It makes you look especially noble and elegant!"
**[Lie: "This champagne-colored gown looks really beautiful!"]**
**[Truth: "This dress makes you look so old, it'll make me look young and pretty in contrast. When I go with her later, those ladies will praise me, not this old hag."]**
*Oh?*
So Jiang Xue was planning to go with her today.
Mom was swayed. She held the dress up against herself, still hesitant. "Really? But I feel like it might make me look a bit plump…"
"Not at all!"
Jiang Xue instantly protested. "Mom, your figure is perfect! You look good in anything! This dress was practically made for you! When you wear it, you'll be the center of attention for sure!"