Lu Yanchen still blamed himself. "Nian Nian, I am—"
"Broth… Lu Yanchen, you don't have to blame yourself," Shi Nian cut him off abruptly.
She wasn't hisShi Nian anymore. Whatever he had to say, the person who needed to hear those words wasn't here. It wouldn't make a difference.
"Nian Nian doesn't blame you. Everything that happened was unexpected. Now it's time to regain all that has been lost."
Shi Nian said the former words because, even in her despair, she had never blamed him or his family.
And the latter, those were from her. A signal of change, of her determination. Hopefully, he understood.
Seeing how smoothly Shi Nian cut off the past with just a few words, Lu Yanchen didn't know how to feel.
He had always wanted to protect this little sister he'd watched grow up. But now, she had grown up beautifully without his protection.
Saying anything more would only ruin the mood. Shi Nian's cold eyes were more shocking than her words.
"Okay, Nian Nian, let's order," Lu Yanchen said, pressing the bell to call the server into the private room.
Shi Nian ordered a hearty meal. Beneath her cold and aloof demeanor, she was a foodie.
Lu Yanchen smiled, noticing the faint sparkle in her eyes as she placed her order.
"Brother Lu Yanchen, I ordered a bit more. Do you want anything else?" Shi Nian asked smoothly.
"I'll just have the chef's signature dish," Lu Yanchen replied, then added, "I heard the chef will specially prepare it for us. You should try it."
Noticing Shi Nian's subtle nod, he confirmed the orders with the server before they left.
…
While Shi Nian enjoyed her meal, Shi Ning who had escaped the earlier scene hurried back to the Shi Mansion.
It was already past dinner time. The Shi family had finished eating and were gathered in the living room watching the news.
As soon as Shi Ning stepped in, a maid received her bag and coat and placed indoor slippers by her feet.
She didn't need to ask who was home. The Shi family had a routine after dinner.
Old Master Shi and Shi Wang watched the evening financial news. Madam Shi, Shi Wang's wife—Su Yan, always accompanied them, playing the role of the dutiful madam.
Shi Haoran had gone out with friends. No one stopped him; he was the least valued, except for being pampered.
Shi Peicheng hadn't returned from his company yet.
Seeing her daughter walk in, Madam Su immediately instructed the maid to have Shi Ning's meal reheated.
"Ning'er, you're home. Did you have a good time today?" she asked warmly.
Shi Ning greeted her grandfather and father, who both nodded in response. Then she turned to her mother. "It went well," she replied softly.
Madam Shi instantly sensed something was off. "Ning'er, were you bullied outside? Hurry, tell Mom!" she coddled.
"No, Mom. Who would bully the Shi family's only granddaughter?" Shi Ning smiled weakly, trying to hide her hurt.
"My dear, you're making Mom worried." Madam Shi pulled her into an embrace.
Neither she nor the two men saw anything wrong with Shi Ning's words.
To them, Shi Ning was the only daughter they acknowledged.
"Ning'er, come here. Tell Dad, who bullied you outside? You're the Shi family's most precious jewel. Quickly, tell me," Shi Wang echoed after his wife.
He walked over and embraced them.
They looked like a beautiful, pure family—if only their hearts were pure.
"Well… Dad, I met with Sister Nian today. I was with Sister Qing. They had a little disagreement and Sister Nian called—".
"I knew that crazy girl had to be involved! You still call her sister? Has she ever treated you well?" Shi Wang burst out in fury, cutting her off.
"Dad—"
"Hold it there! You're just going to speak on her behalf again. Last time she threw a stick at me, now she bullies you in public!" Shi Wang bellowed.
This was exactly the effect Shi Ning wanted. Her father hated Shi Nian the most. Even without hearing the full story, he would support her.
Shi Ning didn't miss the chance to act even more pitiful. She nestled deeper into her mother's arms, forcing out a few tears just enough to fuel Shi Wang's anger.
"My daughter is so pitiful. Shi Nian wants to ruin her image," Madam Shi said softly, though her words echoed across the room.
Shi Weicheng, who had been silent and frowning throughout, couldn't hold back anymore.
"Someone ought to teach Shi Nian a lesson! That girl is getting out of control!" he added.
"Father, leave this to me. I'll handle her. I don't believe I can't put her in her place," Shi Wang declared.
As her father and grandfather discussed punishing Shi Nian, Madam Shi quietly led Shi Ning away from the living room.
Shi Ning's expression shifted for a moment. No matter how convincing her act was, she could never deceive her mother.
Unlike her grandfather and father, who saw her as a little girl and were blinded by her innocent front, Madam Shi knew exactly how twisted she was.
And Madam Shi wasn't innocent either. In fact, she had instilled those negative thoughts about Shi Nian and even about the deceased Shi Beicheng and Cheng Yuemin from the moment her daughter could recognize people.
She had raised a pure little child into a scheming woman. And she was satisfied with it.
"What really happened tonight?" Madam Shi asked as soon as they were alone.
She knew her daughter too well. Shi Ning had hidden the truth during her speech downstairs.