章)"I said, get out now!" Yang Meis knife thudded viciously into the pork on the cutting board, her voice dripping with disdain and loathing. "I dont owe you anything, Ava. Its your father who wronged me. Ive been more than kind keeping you for three months!"
Yang Mei, Avas stepmother, didnt usually live with her. Three months ago, after Avas grandmother passed away, Avas future became uncertain. On a rainy night, Yang Mei reluctantly took her in.
She finished chopping bones and moved on to filleting fish, her hands deft and sure, not allowing the slippery creature any chance of escape. Her tirade continued as she glanced up, "Are you deaf? Kong Rou is your real mother; its her duty to take care of you!"
Ava sat nonchalantly, leaning back in her chair, one leg stretched out, long and straight, her jeans revealing a slim ankle, smooth and attractive.
Opposite her, Meng Ning, her half-sister, frowned and looked up at her. The setting sun shone through the window, casting a soft glow behind her, her feathery eyelashes trembling slightly, her expression focused and serious as her fingers danced across the small phone screen, a spectacle of dexterity.
"Sis..." he hesitated to speak.
As Ava won the game, she pulled her leg in and looked up, her clear and cold face tinged with impatience. "Finish your homework."
Meng Ning lowered her head again.
Yang Mei had started stir-frying, and the house, with its poor ventilation, quickly filled with the smell of cooking oil and food. She raised her voice, "For the last time, Ive done my duty. Leave after dinner!"
Ava got up, straightened her clothes, and walked straight to the door. Before leaving, she took the trash that hadnt been thrown out yet.
Meng Ning thought of something and tried to stand up urgently, but Ava glanced back sternly, "Mind your own business."
Yang Meis noise of cooking and scolding drowned out the sound of Avas door opening.
She never went back.
The next day at noon, Kong Rou called. Not giving Ava a chance to speak, she said harshly, "Dont bring any of your mess, it would embarrass me. The driver is already waiting outside. Be quick."
Ava didnt respond, listening coldly.
Kong Rou softened her tone slightly, "When you get to the Jiangs, Ill be your aunt. Some things you should keep to yourself for life. If I dont do well, you wont do well either, understand?"
Ava didnt even bother to reply, hanging up the phone. She got out of bed, rubbed her face, brushed her teeth, and slung her black backpack over her shoulder, walking out.
The driver was waiting for Ava as instructed by Kong Rou. He had expected a country bumpkin and was a bit impatient.
Ava strolled lazily to the car and knocked on the body.
The driver looked up.
The girl in front of him was like an angel fallen to earth, her gaze captivating. Especially the red tear mole under her eyes, covered by long lashes, like the most moving ruby embedded under her eyes.
Like a spring breeze, a summer lotus, the first snow of winter.
Her skin was fair, her neck slender, wearing a slightly loose, half-old white shirt, the cuffs casually rolled up, revealing her thin forearms.
Nuwa was really biased; this girl had a naturally good figure.
The driver thought to himself, suddenly remembering that Kong Rou had once enrolled Jiang Wei in a body shaping class. During that time, Jiang Wei often complained about the tiring lessons in the car, once even crying and saying she wouldnt go, and was severely scolded by Kong Rou.
Ava knocked again, bringing the driver back to reality.
The driver, embarrassed, quickly opened the door for her.
When Kong Rou was waiting impatiently, the drivers car finally arrived. As soon as she got in, she criticized Ava: "Why are you so slow? Do you know how busy I am?"
Ava put on her headphones and closed her eyes as soon as she got in the car, but now even the headphones couldnt cover Kong Rous noise.
"You think about it, youve been out of school for two years, youre 19 years old, people your age are already in their second year of college. Do you know how worried I am about your schooling? Who are you showing this dead face to?"
Ava frowned and said impatiently to Kong Rou in the passenger seat, "Are you annoying?"
"Who are you talking to!" Kong Rou exploded upon hearing this, turning her head sharply: "Ava, are you so uneducated? Is this the attitude you should have when speaking to me?"
Ava still didnt open her eyes: "No, so you better shut up."
"You!" Kong Rou was so angry that she felt faint, but thinking about the things she had to hide, she gritted her teeth and took a deep breath: "No matter how wild you were before, at the Jiangs, recognize your identity. I took you back for your grandmothers sake, so you better be more ambitious!"
Ava ignored her, a mocking smile always on her lips.
Its always like this, always like this. Kong Rou disliked her appearance the most, which undoubtedly reminded her of her past. Thinking of this, the anger she had just suppressed floated up again.
Just about to speak, Ava spoke, her voice light: "You know what Im here for, as long as you dont make trouble, your mess has nothing to do with me."
Kong Rous face stiffened, seemingly thinking of something, a flash of guilt in her eyes, but soon she became assertive again: "What would you, a child, know!"
Ava ignored her, hugging her arms, breathing faintly, seemingly asleep.
Kong Rou couldnt catch her breath, feeling choked and upset, her delicate makeup somewhat messy. She really wished Ava had died in that earthquake, or remained a fool as before, so she wouldnt be so troubled.
In Serenity Town, not long after Ava left, someone entered a rural courtyard, walked through the shaded path, and bypassed a pond to see a figure squatting in a small strawberry field. They approached respectfully and said, "Young master, Miss Ava is gone."
"Mm." Song Zhen stood up, wearing a white martial arts uniform, giving a feeling of immortality. He was tall, with deep and sharp eyes, a sword-like brow that seemed to have a righteous aura, and a thin lip that made him seem indifferent. Anyone who saw him would be captivated by his handsomeness: "Did she bring her treasure?"
The person handed over a handkerchief: "Miss Ava left a message, asking us to take care of it for a few days, and she will pick it up when she settles down."
"Wait for her to pick it up..." The man sneered, a faint smile on his lips: "Arrange it, well go too."
The person was pleased: "You plan to go to Rivertown?"
"Mm." Song Zhen looked at the freshly trimmed strawberry field: "Have someone look after this place."
After Song Zhen finished speaking, he walked towards the room, then suddenly thought of something, turned around: "She will go to Rivertown High School, and she wont live at the Jiangs."
The person following Song Zhen was the same age as Song Zhen, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, a strong figure, and a Tang suit that made him look serious, but his simple appearance gave a foolish impression. His name was Song Sanjing, following the Song surname.
"Young master, you... do you want to live with Miss Ava?" Song Sanjing asked in surprise.
Song Zhen walked slowly, his figure strong and lean, the white martial arts uniform slightly swaying in the wind, his voice cold: "Why, is it not allowed?"
Song Sanjing: "Ill arrange it right away."
Song Zhen walked, then suddenly stopped and said, "The house should be quiet, with a courtyard. By the way, the car I ordered for her last time, it can be delivered now."
Song Sanjing responded, thinking of the car the young master had ordered, feeling his heart was bleeding.
"First, dont let her know about the car." Song Zhen instructed: "I have other plans."