At the Lin family mansion.
While the celebration downstairs was in full swing, Song Qingyue was quietly packing her belongings upstairs.
Mr. Lin handed her 200 yuan, his voice filled with concern. "Take this for your travel expenses. I know you're eager to leave, but I worry since that place is poor and no one might come for you..."
He sighed heavily, recalling how just three days ago, Lin Wanwan had shown up with DNA test results proving she was his real daughter.
The Lin family had been turned upside down. After testing both girls, they discovered that the daughter they'd barely paid attention to wasn't actually their flesh and blood at all.
With the return of their true daughter, the family showered Lin Wanwan with affection after learning about her years of hardship and struggle.
As for Song Qingyue, she was stripped of the Lin name that very night. Someone was sent to her rural hometown to search for her birth parents, but there had been no response yet.
Today's party was meant to officially introduce Lin Wanwan to society.
"Your skin is delicate, you're particular about clothes..." Mr. Lin said awkwardly while helping Song Qingyue pack her wardrobe. "Take all these with you. These high-end clothes, once you're back in the countryside..."
The hospital had informed them that Song Qingyue's parents were just a couple passing through City A, who left for their rural home the day after giving birth.
They'd returned to a notorious slum in City B, a place known for its poverty and crime.
He feared that once there, forget about nice clothes - Song Qingyue might be forced to marry some uncouth local within days.
Song Qingyue looked at the money in her hand without emotion. She simply placed it on the bedside table and said, "I'm leaving."
With that, she picked up her suitcase, pushed past the people blocking the doorway, and walked away without looking back.
"Mrs. Lin's face twisted in disgust. "What, not enough money? Think about all we've spent on this ungrateful girl over the years - the clothes, the luxuries! Now she's giving us attitude? Once she steps out that door, she'll learn her lesson the hard way!"
"Mom, please don't let sister get to you," Wan Wan said soothingly. "She's just throwing a little tantrum because she has to go back to her village life. Don't let it affect your health."
Wan Wan knew the truth about Song Qingyue's birth family. She'd done her research - they were notorious for being dirt poor, with five sons to feed, a sick grandmother, and a disabled grandfather. Their ancestors' graves had even been robbed.
'She's not going back to some village - she's walking into hell,' Wan Wan thought smugly while maintaining her gentle smile. "Let me see sister off."
After Song Qingyue walked away, Lin Jianguo turned to his wife. "She's still the child we raised. You don't need to be so harsh."
"Harsh? Ha! You don't get it!" Mrs. Lin snapped. "Her good-for-nothing parents probably switched our babies on purpose! Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. Why should I show any love to someone like that?"
Song Qingyue headed for the side exit, trying to avoid the banquet hall.
Wan Wan caught up, flashing a sweet smile. "Sister, I should apologize about He Zhengting. I know you were engaged, but he just fell madly in love with me instead."
Her "apology" dripped with smugness. He Zhengting came from a family as prestigious as the Lins. The engagement naturally transferred to the real daughter.
"He's perfect except he's so clingy and spoils me too much. I don't mean to flaunt our relationship, but he insists. Sister, I hope it hasn't been too hard on you?"
Song Qingyue raised an eyebrow. "Watching puppy love play out is quite entertaining. Why would I be hurt?"
