Chapter 7 — A Mother's Tears, A Daughter's Resolve
"Status."
[ Host: Bai Xia ]
Stamina: 0
Height: 5'5"
Strength: 2
Intelligence: 12
Charisma: 10
Beauty: 13
Skills: Business tycoon, Frost Eyes, Reaper Tears, Study God
Knowledge: Master of All Tongues
EXP Points: 10
Mission Points: 35
Space Size: 2000 acres
- Increase Stamina [Reward: EXP +10 | Mission Points +5]
- Collect Daily Reward [Reward: EXP +10 | Mission Points +5]
- Congratulations on completing mission [Enter Space]
Reward: Daily Reward ×10
"System," Bai Xia asked softly, "how do I increase my stamina and collect my daily reward?"
"Host," the calm robotic voice replied, "you can exchange mission points for stamina points and simply speak to receive your daily reward."
She looked at her remaining mission points. Thirty-five — not much, but enough to strengthen her fragile body. Remembering the pain from activating new skills, she braced herself.
"System, I'd like to upgrade my stamina with 10 mission points."
A clear ding rang in her ears.
But before she could even check her new stats, the door flew open.
Her mother, Chu Sun, rushed into the room, eyes wide with panic.
The moment their gazes met, an intense, searing pain burst through Bai Xia's body — like molten fire burning under her skin. Her head throbbed, her vision blurred, and her body trembled violently.
She gritted her teeth, clutching her head.
Her entire body felt like it was being torn apart and pieced together again.
"Xia'er!" Chu Sun's voice broke, her face paling. Seeing her daughter's bruised face and painful expression, she nearly collapsed.
She knelt beside the bed, too afraid to touch her wounds.
"How could the old lady be this cruel?" Chu Sun's voice cracked with grief. "We work the hardest and eat the least! Does she have to treat us this way?"
Before Bai Xia could speak, her elder sister, Bai Xuan, entered the room.
She was twenty, but her youthful features still held the elegance of nineteen.
Her figure was well-proportioned, and though years of farm work had stolen some of her glow, her beauty mirrored Bai Xia's, only slightly hidden beneath hardship.
Their mother, Chu Sun, too, carried the same refined features — like a withered rose that once bloomed brightly. She had aged early, years of sun and toil carving strength into her gentle face.
Bai Xuan frowned at Bai Xia's injuries.
Without a word, she reached forward and pressed down on the wound on Bai Xia's head.
Bai Xia gasped in pain, body jerking.
"Bai Xuan!" Chu Sun snapped, slapping her daughter's hand away.
The room fell silent. Everyone's eyes turned to Bai Xuan, who looked embarrassed and quickly explained,
"I-I just thought it was strange. Sister Xia used to cry at the smallest scratch, but now… she's been treated for so long and hasn't made a sound."
Chu Sun turned to her injured daughter.
Her eyes filled with tears. "My poor child… she was hit so hard she can't even feel pain anymore!"
Bai Xia let out a weak laugh.
Her mother scolded gently, "You still know how to laugh at a time like this?"
From the side, little Bai Xin, her baby sister, blinked innocently.
"Mommy, maybe it's good this way. Next time Sister Xia gets beaten up, it won't hurt anymore."
Bai Xia chuckled softly, her tone tender.
"Xin Xin, don't worry. I'm just being brave, so my little sister doesn't have to cry for me."
Bai Xin tilted her head, unconvinced, but the warmth in Bai Xia's tone made her giggle.
Bai Xia turned to Bai Xuan. "It's okay. I really did feel the pain — but it's not as bad anymore."
A small smile played on her lips. So the stamina upgrade really worked.
"Mom," she said, her expression turning serious, "how is Dad going to deal with this?"
Then, using her Reaper Tears skill, a few shimmering tears slipped down her cheeks — perfectly timed, glowing faintly with a mysterious charm.
"Mom," she whispered, "let's break out of this family… we can't keep living like this."
Something in her mother's heart cracked. The sorrow, humiliation, and exhaustion she'd swallowed for years burst to the surface.
Chu Sun clenched her fists, trembling.
"Don't worry, Xia'er… your father and I will handle it."
Just then, Madam Bai's shrill voice echoed from outside.
Chu Sun's face hardened. "Stay here," she said, brushing her daughter's hair gently before stepping out with Bai Xuan.