A flicker of fear crossed Shi Yin’s heart.

What if Bai Wanjun found out that Shi Han was actually better than her?

Would she start loving Shi Han instead—and stop treating her so well?

Shi Yin bit down on her lip, resentment bubbling up.

Everything had been perfect. Why did Shi Han have to come back?

She quickly forced herself back into her usual sweet persona, then said deliberately, “Mom, don’t be mad at Sister anymore…”

“Don’t mention her,” Bai Wanjun snapped. “She’s like a debt collector sent by the heavens to torment me.”

If Shi Han had even half of Shi Yin’s talent, she wouldn’t be this disappointed.

Both girls had learned the violin, yet while Shi Yin had already earned a name for herself, Shi Han was still stuck at the starting line.

Bai Wanjun let out a sigh. Thank goodness she still had Yinyin—her obedient, thoughtful daughter.

Satisfied, Shi Yin wrapped her arms around Bai Wanjun’s waist.

So what if Shi Han played better than her now?

She was going to be Master Clé’s final disciple.

The treasured daughter of the Shi family.

Everything was supposed to be hers!
…

The next morning, Shi Han came downstairs, pulling a small suitcase behind her.

The Shi family was gathered at the table for breakfast. Shi Xuan, due to work, hadn’t been home these past couple of days.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Bai Wanjun frowned sharply when she saw the suitcase.

“You trying to pull the same stunt from two years ago? Running away to get our attention?”

“I don’t have time to threaten you,” Shi Han replied, stopping in her tracks.

Her gaze swept over them—calm, detached, unbothered.

This family always loved jumping to conclusions.

Threaten them?

What threat could a dispensable daughter possibly pose?

Bai Wanjun snapped, “If you know that nonsense won’t work, then get back upstairs right now.”

Shi Yin spoke softly, “Sister, just listen to Mom, okay? She hasn’t been feeling well these past couple of days.”

She had only returned the day before—Shi Yin’s comment about Bai Wanjun being unwell “these past couple of days” was clearly meant to stir trouble.

Shi Han crossed her arms. “And why exactly hasn’t she been feeling well? Isn’t it because you insisted on stealing my dress yesterday?”

Shi Yin’s face went pale. She looked pitiful as she hurried to explain, “Sister, I didn’t—I swear I didn’t…”

Bai Wanjun cut in sharply, “Enough! It was just a stupid dress, and you still won’t let it go. I just don’t get it—why do you always have to be so aggressive?”

Shi Han rolled her eyes. “You’re practically screaming, and I’m the one being aggressive?”

She nearly covered her ears—honestly, if the Shi family was good at anything, it was flipping the script.

Tired of arguing, Shi Han grabbed her suitcase and headed for the door.

“Go on, let’s see how long you can keep up the act,” Bai Wanjun shouted after her. “If you walk out that door, don’t even think about coming back!”

Father Shi sat off to the side, expression dark, saying nothing.

Shi Yin, on the other hand, couldn’t hide the smile creeping onto her face.

Just as Shi Han reached the front door, she suddenly remembered—she’d forgotten to bring up the household registration transfer.

She had already bought an apartment in the capital. That meant she could register her own household now.

But Bai Wanjun’s constant nagging had been so grating, she’d just wanted to get out as fast as possible—and ended up forgetting something important.

With a sigh, Shi Han turned around and wheeled her suitcase back inside.

Bai Wanjun’s face darkened. Despite everything, Shi Han was still her biological daughter. The thought of her wandering outside alone did stir a flicker of discomfort.

But the moment she saw Shi Han returning with her suitcase, she sneered coldly, “I knew it. She was bluffing. Honestly, aren’t you tired of all these mind games you play with us?”

Shi Yin gently chimed in, as if trying to soothe things. “Mom, don’t be mad. Sister was just saying things out of anger. Isn’t she home because she wants to go to university? Let’s help her find a good school—she won’t act out again.”

At that, Father Shi let out a cold snort. He looked directly at Shi Han and said, “So that’s what all this fuss has been about these last couple of days—just trying to get me to pull some strings for a good university, huh?”

Shi Han: “…”

“I’ve already started making some calls for you,” Father Shi said. “But don’t even think about Imperial University. I spoke to a professor there—there’s zero chance of getting you in. The other top-tier schools won’t take you either.
The only one that’s open to accepting you is Lingyang Teachers College. Once you’re there, just stay put and stop causing trouble.”

Shi Yin nearly burst out laughing.

Lingyang Teachers College?

She’d never even heard of it—had to be some bottom-tier, no-name school.

Without showing it on her face, she glanced at her father. After all her years in this house, she understood the Shi family’s influence.

They weren’t top of the elite circle in the capital, but they were certainly above average—and in smaller regions, the Shi name was practically revered.

Especially now, with Shi Xuan rising rapidly through the ranks, the family was in a solid upward climb.

If Father Shi were even slightly willing to put in some effort, even if Shi Han couldn’t get into a leading domestic university, he could still land her in a decent one.

At the very least, he could’ve arranged something overseas and gotten her a diploma from a foreign university.

She honestly hadn’t expected him to just casually toss Shi Han into a garbage-tier school like it didn’t matter.

Shi Yin struggled to keep the smug satisfaction off her face.

She had thought Father Shi might show Shi Han some special treatment for the sake of blood ties—but clearly, that was wishful thinking.

Shi Han’s arrogance yesterday had all stemmed from that fragile connection, thinking it would shield her.

But unfortunately for her, even that sliver of family bond was quickly being worn down by her own overconfidence.

=^_^=