Chapter 2 The Morning After
The next morning, the Zhong family gathered for breakfast. Zhong Qinghuai continuously introduced dishes to Jun Jiuli, highlighting what was delicious and what places were fun, and what knowledge she would learn today.
His solicitous demeanor greatly displeased Zhong Qingjian, who sat opposite him. She forcefully put down her chopsticks, the clatter against the bowls a sharp, grating sound.
Zhong Qingjian let out a cold hmph. "I'm done eating."
With that, she slung her small schoolbag over her shoulder and walked towards the door. Halfway there, she turned around and shot Zhong Qinghuai a fierce glare.
"You're not even this good to your own sister. Who is she that you need to be so attentive?"
"What business is it of yours who I'm good to?"
"Hmph, I'm never speaking to you again. Zhong Qinghuai, you big meanie." With that, tears streaming down her face, she ran to the car.
Mother Zhong: "How can you speak to your sister like that?"
"She's the one who stopped treating me like a brother. Why should I indulge her?"
Mother Zhong felt her head begin to throb again. It was time for Jun Jiuli to make her move.
She lowered her head, large tears rolling down her cheeks. "Uncle and Aunt, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault for causing you siblings to argue. I'm truly sorry."
"This has nothing to do with you; she's just being dramatic. Ignore her. We'll eat ourselves."
Father Zhong had been somewhat restless all morning. Not long after breakfast, he received a call from the hospital. The paternity test results were out, confirming a biological relationship between him and Jun Jiuli.
Father Zhong felt a great weight lift from his heart. Looking at the innocent, unknowing Jun Jiuli, he was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure how to tell her that he was the biological father she had been searching for.
He instructed the household maid to take Jun Jiuli to play in the garden for a while, while he and his wife discussed their next course of action.
At kindergarten, Zhong Qingjian felt a growing unease in her heart. She hadn't eaten enough that morning out of spite, and this was the first time she had experienced the discomfort of an empty stomach. It was truly awful.
She decided she would never speak to Zhong Qinghuai again. And that little beggar living in her house was truly detestable. When she got home, she would have her mother kick her out. She never wanted to see her again.
Before long, Father Zhong had uncovered the original host's entire life story, from childhood to the present, and learned how arduously she had made her way to Nanyun District.
If this child hadn't been lucky enough to run into him, what would have happened to such a young child if she had been trafficked?
The thought sent a chill down Father and Mother Zhong's spines. After much discussion, they decided to return the two children to their rightful places.
Though it was difficult, they had no reason to help a family that had mistreated their own daughter raise another child. Since the children were still young, it was best to foster affection quickly and switch them back.
They decided to take all three children to the Xu family's house that weekend. Before Zhong Qinghuai and his sister returned, Father and Mother Zhong had already revealed the truth to Jun Jiuli.
They had also clearly explained everything in the family group chat. Father Zhong had consulted a dictionary at length to give Jun Jiuli a new name.
Just as the original host had in her previous life, she was named Zhong Qingyun. Jun Jiuli cried when her parentage was revealed, but subsequently, she appeared to be exceptionally happy and joyful.
She displayed filial affection towards Father and Mother Zhong, though she was timid and hesitant to express herself, not daring to get too close. This demeanor deeply touched the couple.
All the aunts and cousins on both sides of the family flocked to the house, showering Jun Jiuli with concern and care. When Zhong Qinghuai returned from school, he was astonished by the scene.
After understanding the whole story, he was overjoyed. That annoying girl was not his sister; his real sister was so lovely.
In the world of children, there weren't so many complicated thoughts. He simply disliked Zhong Qingjian and hadn't realized the significant consequences of swapping the children.
"Qingyun, you've suffered so much these past years. This is a gift from your aunt. I'm a bit of a materialistic person, I just like gold."
As she spoke, she handed a bag to Jun Jiuli. Inside were ingots of gold, shaped into gold bricks.
Other relatives also presented their prepared gifts, a dazzling array that left one's eyes spinning.
Father Zhong decided to finalize the household registration and other matters before holding a banquet. Therefore, only relatives were present at the house today, allowing Jun Jiuli to recognize them.
Shui Wa: "Host, you've struck it rich! The relatives of coal bosses are no joke, sending gifts of big gold bricks. If anyone messes with you in the future, you can smash them with a gold brick."
Jun Jiuli: "Hahaha, I've hit the jackpot."
Watching her family happily gathered, Zhong Qingjian felt an overwhelming sadness. How could she not be this family's child? They were all lying.
It was all her fault, all her fault. What Zhong Qingyun? She was clearly a wild child from the countryside. Now that she was here, she would snatch everything that belonged to her. She absolutely refused to leave.
This was her home. As long as that person left, Mom and Dad would still love her.
Thinking this, she rushed into the crowd. "You get out! Get out now! You're not allowed in my house, you're not allowed to snatch my Mom and Dad. Wuwuwu~ Mommy, don't you want me anymore?"
As she spoke, she tried to claw at Jun Jiuli but was yanked away by the eldest aunt.
"Qingjian, I know you're upset. But the facts are laid out before us. My brother and sister-in-law raised you, and they've treated you well. How did your biological parents treat Qingyun? Even though you're a child, you should be more sensible."
Other relatives quickly tried to calm the eldest aunt. "Alright, alright, don't bicker with a child. Talking to her won't help, she won't understand. Little Jue, you should send her away, lest she grow up to resent you."
"I don't want to talk to you all anymore! You bad people, get out of my house! Get out!"
She cried heartbrokenly, kicking and scratching at her eldest aunt. Being just a child, her eldest aunt found it difficult to retaliate and could only endure.
Shui Wa: "Host, it's time for you to shine. Go protect your eldest aunt quickly."
Jun Jiuli let out a loud wail, bursting into tears. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Please don't hit Auntie anymore. It's all my fault. Wuwuwu~ But I really don't want to go back. They beat me every day and didn't let me eat."
"Mom, Dad, can you please not send me away? I won't bully her. As long as I have something to eat, that's enough. I'm not a picky eater. Wuwuwu~"
Shui Wa: "Uh... Host, you have a bit of a knack for drama."
With both children crying, the situation escalated rapidly. Mother Zhong, realizing what was happening, hugged Jun Jiuli tightly.
"Hush, don't cry, my darling. How could Mother bear to send you away? This is your home, and no one will dare to make you leave."
"Ahhh~ Mommy, don't you love me anymore? I'm your daughter!" Zhong Qingjian screamed towards them.
Mother Zhong held Jun Jiuli in her arms and walked towards Zhong Qingjian.
"You are not my daughter; Qingyun is. She has suffered greatly in your place all these years. Today, all the relatives are here to welcome her home. Can you please stop making a scene?"
"I'm not making a scene! Have you considered my feelings? You say you don't want me, so I don't want you either. Who cares about your things? My biological parents must treat me better than you."