Chapter Two: So-Called Family

Gathering her composure, Li Chuxi took a deep breath, rose from her seat, changed into a new outfit, and headed downstairs.

The people in the living room were chatting and laughing, but the moment she appeared, the laughter died away instantly. Had this been the old her, she might have felt a pang of sadness. But now, she had long since learned to let such things roll off her back.

"Why have you come down?" Li Fengmei, Li Chuxi's mother, looked at her with undisguised dissatisfaction.

"Li Chuxi, can't you just stay in your room?" her younger brother, Li Xingjue, chimed in, his tone dripping with disdain. "Why do you have to come down and be an eyesore?"

Her father, Li Kunjie, and her elder brother, Li Xinghao, remained silent, though their displeasure was plainly written on their faces.

The most striking person in the room was a girl sitting on the sofa, roughly the same age as Li Chuxi. While she was not as beautiful as Li Chuxi, there was a delicate, fragile quality to her features that invited sympathy from others. This was Li Xuehui, the adopted daughter of the Li family. Yet, looking at them, it seemed as if Li Xuehui were the true daughter of the house, and Li Chuxi the one who had been adopted.

Li Chuxi had long grown accustomed to this dynamic. "I just wanted to let you know," she said coolly, her voice devoid of emotion, "that I am leaving."

"Do you think this is a hotel?" Li Fengmei snapped, her irritation rising. "You’ve barely returned, and you’re already leaving? Do you even consider this place your home?"

Li Chuxi’s eyes were cold and distant. "What do you think?"

The room fell silent as everyone froze, clearly taken aback by her response.

Li Kunjie cleared his throat and spoke directly. "Don't go back to that tiny apartment. From today on, you will live here. And as for that entertainment industry, stay out of it. It’s tarnishing the reputation of the Li family."

"I refuse," Li Chuxi replied without a moment's hesitation.

The simple, blunt rejection caused Li Kunjie’s face to darken.

"Father, please, don't be angry. It’s not good for your health," Li Xuehui said softly, her tone fragile. "My sister didn't mean it; she’s just fond of the lifestyle in the entertainment industry."

"Xuehui, stop speaking up for her," Li Fengmei said, casting a look of irrepressible disgust toward Li Chuxi. "She’s only happy when she’s driving us to our graves. What sin did I commit to deserve a daughter like this?"

As she spoke, she glanced at the elegant and poised Li Xuehui beside her, and her mood improved significantly. Although her biological daughter, Li Chuxi, was crude and dull, she was fortunate to have Xuehui—dignified, accomplished, and every bit the refined heiress she wanted in a daughter.

"Then I apologize," Li Chuxi said indifferently. "Since you find my presence so unbearable, I shall take my leave. That way, if anything goes wrong, you won't be able to blame it on me."

With that, she turned to leave.

"Wait!" Li Xinghao’s voice rang out. "Li Chuxi, do you remember asking me yesterday to recommend you for Director Chen’s production?"

The Li family had invested in Director Chen’s new project. While lead roles were out of reach, getting a minor part for someone would surely be granted as a favor by the director.

Li Chuxi turned back, thinking carefully. Memories from the recent past surfaced, and she understood exactly what her brother was referring to.

"Forget it," Li Chuxi said bluntly. "Just pretend I never said anything."

Without another word, she walked out.

Watching her retreating back, Li Xinghao frowned, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.

Li Kunjie, deeply displeased, turned to his eldest son and commanded, "Xinghao, from today onward, no one is to give Li Chuxi a single cent."