Chapter 29: Refusal

Li Kunjie remained silent, his gaze fixed intently on Li Chuxi, as if trying to discern some hidden motive in her expression.

The couple could not bring themselves to believe that Li Chuxi could truly be this heartless, or that she was genuinely unwilling to acknowledge them as her parents. In the past, they had neglected her, but Li Chuxi had always been the one trying to please them. They were well aware of how desperately she had craved the love of her family.

Now, Li Chuxi was claiming she wanted to maintain the relationship of strangers with them—a notion that sounded entirely unrealistic. Yet, her demeanor made it clear she was not joking.

Watching the couple’s incredulous expressions, Li Chuxi found it laughable. "Isn't this what you have always hoped for? I am simply acting according to your expectations now; why do you seem so unhappy?"

"What kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Li Kunjie asked, his face darkening. "You are our daughter; that is an unchangeable fact. You cannot simply sever ties with a few words."

"I have never denied the facts," Li Chuxi replied with a shrug, her tone indifferent. "But even if we share blood, so what? Didn't you also feel that I, as your daughter, was a disgrace to your reputation? Since that is the case, let us maintain a polite relationship from now on. A nod when we meet and a greeting during holidays—that will be quite enough."

"Chuxi, you—" Li Fengmei felt a pang of deep unease. "Are you really going to treat us like this? Yes, we may have been cold toward you, but that was only because you were always so combative and kept framing Xuehui! We only scolded you a few times; are you really holding such a grudge against us?"

"As for cutting off your living expenses, that was only because you insisted on entering the entertainment industry!"

"Well, that was well-said," Li Chuxi nodded, her tone laced with sarcasm. "You have even managed to deceive yourself."

"Li Chuxi," Li Kunjie’s voice rose several octaves. "Where on earth did you learn such talk? I told you, the entertainment industry is no place for you. Look at you now, ready to abandon your family."

"Mom, Dad, it’s all my fault," Li Xuehui said, her face full of remorse. "If it weren't for me, my sister wouldn't have said such things." She turned to look at Li Chuxi, her expression earnest. "Chuxi, I know that my presence has created a rift between you and our parents. If it would help you let go of your resentment, I can leave. I have never coveted a life of luxury." As she spoke, she glanced at Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei with eyes full of adoration. "I only wanted a father and mother. I never wanted to compete with you for anything."

Before Li Chuxi could respond, Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei were overcome with distress at the sight of Li Xuehui, and when they looked back at Li Chuxi, their eyes were filled with reproach.

"Sister, don't talk nonsense. Who wants you to leave?"

Li Xingjue nearly jumped to his feet. He pointed his finger directly at Li Chuxi and began to berate her. "Li Chuxi, who do you think you are? Let me tell you, Xuehui is my sister forever; that is an unchangeable fact. Even if she leaves, I will never like a sister like you!"

"I don't have a vicious, two-faced sister like you!"

If this had happened in the past, Li Chuxi would surely have been heartbroken. But having experienced so many small worlds and having been separated from these so-called family members for who knows how many years, she no longer felt any lingering affection. Even emotions like resentment or jealousy had long since faded away.

That was why her declaration of becoming strangers was not a joke; she truly believed it was the best choice.

"Fine, then I am no longer your sister," Li Chuxi said dismissively. "Also, if there is nothing else, I am going upstairs."

"Wait a moment," Li Fengmei interjected. "Chuxi, I know you are angry, but you are not a child anymore. You should reflect on your actions lately and understand why we have been partial to Xuehui."

"Regardless of anything else, you are our daughter. That is a fact that cannot be changed."

"I know you are saying these things today because we asked you to lend the Heart of Radiance to Xuehui. She doesn't want to keep it for herself; she only needs it for a competition."

"Just lend it to her!"

The mockery on Li Chuxi's face deepened, and as she looked at Li Fengmei, her eyes were filled with clear, chilling coldness. She had not expected that even after she had made her stance so clear, her "good" mother still wanted to take her necklace to prop up Li Xuehui's image.

"No."

The cold word fell from her lips.

"Li Chuxi, don't be willful," Li Kunjie said, looking at her intently. "We know what you are thinking. You are only saying these things today because you want our attention."

"It is not that we don't love you; it is just that your temperament is truly unlikable. Like this incident—we are only asking you to lend the necklace, not give it to Xuehui. Why are you being so difficult?"

"If you want us to love you, then be sensible and bring out the necklace. And quit the entertainment industry immediately."

Hearing these lectures, Li Chuxi’s eyes grew even colder as she looked at Li Kunjie. "I already said I would not lend it."

"You don't need to love me either; that would actually make me feel more relaxed and comfortable. And whether it is about the necklace or quitting the industry, I have only one thing to say: impossible."

"It is not up to you to refuse."

His authority challenged, Li Kunjie, who had been slightly moved earlier, was now consumed by fury. "I am the head of this family. I say you will lend it, so you must. We are not discussing this with you; we are informing you."

Li Chuxi looked at him deeply, but instead of getting angry, a smile curled at the corners of her lips. "Informing me, are you?"

"Regardless, I am not lending it. No matter what you say, I will not."

She glanced between Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei before continuing, "In your daily lives, don't you always claim Li Xuehui is your perfect daughter? Now that your daughter is participating in a competition, why are you so stingy about buying her a new set of jewelry? Why are you so fixated on my things? What, is it particularly satisfying to steal?"