Four

If Jiang Wen hadn’t told her, Ye Yin would never have imagined just how much wealth her so-called parents had left behind: real estate, stocks, gold, and countless collectibles. After a professional appraisal, it turned out that the inheritance could be liquidated for over a billion in cash in the short term.

The memories gradually returned to Ye Yin. When her parents passed away, she was still in middle school, completely unable to care for her younger sister, who had just started elementary school. So, her uncle’s family had moved into their villa as guardians—quite naturally, at that.

They arrived by taxi, with barely any luggage. As soon as they got out of the car, her uncle rushed into her father’s study, impatient to smoke the treasured cigars and finally open that bottle of Bordeaux he’d coveted for so long. Her aunt, meanwhile, dragged her cousin into her mother’s dressing room and jewelry box, dividing everything between themselves. Her cousin, at least, was polite enough to ask, “This computer of yours must be pretty good, right? Can I borrow it to play games? You have several anyway.”

Ye Hua was too young to understand, and although Ye Yin was gentle by nature, she still secretly resented it. But her aunt quickly placated her. At first, her uncle’s family didn't dare be too blatant, maintaining the sisters’ standard of living on the surface. But then all the servants were replaced with their own people, and they found allies in the company. Everything changed.

They began to “take over” anything they fancied, acting like lords of the manor, calling the driver and maids at their whim. The two sisters were pushed into a small room downstairs, while the cousins took the largest, best bedrooms. Her uncle and aunt moved straight into her parents’ master suite.

Her cousin, Yi Yun, was about the same age as Ye Yin. Once, she coveted a set of jade jewelry left by Ye Yin’s mother and pestered her own mother until she got it as her future dowry. When Ye Yin objected—since her mother had promised it to her—the two argued. The delicate Ye Yin was slapped more than a dozen times by the robust Yi Yun, her face swelling on one side. Her aunt only scolded Yi Yun a little before saying, “Yin Yin, your cousin doesn’t know any better. What’s so special about that set of jewelry? Just give it to her. I’ll buy you something prettier and more expensive.”

Ye Yin cried, “My mother said she was saving it for me.”

“You must have heard wrong. Just before your mother passed, she told me herself how much she loved Xiao Yun and that the jade was to be her dowry. Your uncle heard it too—ask him if you don’t believe me. We’re family. Your mother wouldn’t begrudge you that bit of jewelry, and I’d never lie to you about it.”

Incidents like these piled up. Even the slowest person would eventually catch on. Seeing how miserable life was for herself and her sister, Ye Yin tried to resist several times, but was defeated by her uncle’s threats and her aunt’s manipulation, returning each time more timid and broken than before.

So this is how a pushover is forged, Ye Yin thought, touching her chin. She finally understood why this doormat of a saint would go mad after the apocalypse—perhaps something else had pushed her over the edge, and years of pent-up resentment had exploded all at once.

“Sis, are you going to argue with Auntie?” Ye Hua asked, seeing the murderous look on Ye Yin’s face.

Ye Yin laughed. “Why would I? If arguing worked, lawyers wouldn’t have a job.”

Ye Hua nodded uncertainly.

The taxi stopped at the gate of the Ye residence. Ye Yin got out with her sister, her feelings mixed as she gazed at what was once her home.

It looked much as she remembered: a gray-white European-style manor, with bronze railings deliberately left weathered and a winding pebble path leading to a matching portico, exuding an air of understated luxury. Not far off were twisting corridors and a swimming pool, the garden dotted with tropical trees and various evergreens. If not for the jarring clump of red peonies in the center of the flowerbed, the whole estate would have been picture-perfect.

Ye Hua was nervous. Ye Yin squeezed her soft hand, gave her an encouraging smile, and rang the bell.

The one who let them in was Madam Wang, a servant said to be a relative of her aunt’s elementary school classmate. She’d joined late, knew nothing of the household’s past, and always got the names wrong.

“Miss, you’re here. Just in time for dinner—come eat.” She looked down on Ye Yin and Ye Hua, as if they’d freeloaded off the Yi family before and now had the nerve to come back for another meal.

Miss? Ye Hua’s face flushed red, tears brimming in her eyes. Ye Yin paid it no mind, smiling politely. “Who’s at home?”

Her tone suggested it was still her own house—shameless. Madam Wang pursed her lips and replied coldly, “Only Madam and Miss Yi are at home now.” She stressed the “Yi family” part.

“I see.” Ye Yin smiled as before. “Madam Wang, how many months have you worked here? You’ll be sorry to leave when the time comes, won’t you?”

“Uh…?”

Ye Yin ignored her. Such minor characters didn’t warrant her attention. Taking Ye Hua by the hand, she entered the grand hall of the Ye residence.

Their aunt, Zhou Xueqin, and cousin, Yi Yun, were surprised by their unannounced arrival. Yi Yun immediately scowled, eyeing the sisters from head to toe like beggars and letting out a clear snort of contempt.

Zhou Xueqin was far more tactful, beaming as she said, “Oh my, why didn’t you let me know you were coming? I’d have sent someone to pick you up.”

Yi Yun’s words, as always, were sharp as knives. “Ran out of living expenses again, right? No one comes to the ancestral hall for nothing—you only care about money.”

Ye Yin ignored Yi Yun and laughed. “Oh, I wouldn’t trouble you, Auntie. Just give me the driver’s number next time—it’ll be easier if I ever need a ride.”

Zhou Xueqin was momentarily stunned. Yi Yun snapped, “You’re really pushing it! What makes you think you can use our driver?”

Ye Yin looked genuinely puzzled. “Oh? Is the driver employed by your family? I’m sorry—I thought he was paid with my parents’ money. After all, he’s always driving my father’s classic cars…”

Ever since her aunt took charge of the finances, everyone had the right to use the driver and luxury cars—except the two sisters. They were always sent to school or out by bus or taxi, hardly ever allowed to go out at all for fear they’d say something wrong. So Ye Yin’s feigned ignorance was perfectly reasonable.

Yi Yun’s face flushed, then paled, then turned green—a sight to behold. She was a big girl, well-fed over the years, always dressed in dazzling colors, and now, sitting on the sofa, eyes wide in fury, she looked just like a fierce old goddess in a temple, an image that was almost comical.

Zhou Xueqin’s expression was equally unpleasant. She couldn’t tell if Ye Yin’s words were meant to provoke her or if she was as naïve as ever. Forcing a smile, she said, “Yin Yin, you don’t know. He’s our driver, but sometimes, when your uncle’s car breaks down, he drives your father’s old car.”

Such brazen lies.

Ye Yin nodded softly. “I see… I remember before my uncle moved in, he only had a bicycle. When did he get a new car? Or does he need a driver for the bicycle, too…?”

Yi Yun nearly lunged at Ye Yin to slap her, but Zhou Xueqin grabbed her arm just in time.

“So, what brings you here today?” Zhou Xueqin’s smile remained, but her voice had turned icy.

Ye Yin replied shyly, “Auntie, what a strange thing to ask. How could you call it ‘coming’ when I’m returning to my own home? What else would I do but eat and sleep? Surely you’re not about to tell me the property deed has changed owners?”

Zhou Xueqin paused, then forced a smile. “Silly me—come, you must be hungry. Madam Wang, serve dinner early. No need to wait for your uncle and cousin.”

“Don’t give her anything!” Yi Yun exploded, pointing at Ye Yin. “You’re a shameless wretch, eating and drinking in our house, being all snide. Why didn’t you die with your parents in that crash?”

Zhou Xueqin said slowly, “Yunyun, mind your words. Even though we’ve managed this household for years and made a lot of money, and spent plenty on them too, they’re family. How could we quibble over such things? They’re young and don’t understand—do you want to be as childish as they are?”

Ye Yin raised her head, her frail demeanor gone, and said calmly, “Oh? Made a lot of money, did you? Uncle and Auntie, you must have worked hard. When my parents passed, the court had a list of assets—I was too young to see it then, but now I’m of age and can claim my inheritance. Why not have someone recalculate everything tomorrow? I only want my share. Anything extra, I’ll give to you, Auntie, so you won’t say I’m ungrateful.”

Yi Yun spat at Ye Yin. “If it weren’t for my parents managing your family’s money, it would’ve been gone long ago. Now you want it? Dream on!”

Ye Yin said languidly, “So, you intend to keep it all for yourselves?”

Yi Yun was about to retort, but Zhou Xueqin slapped her, stunning her. “Mom, you hit me?!”

It was a real slap—Zhou Xueqin couldn’t pretend she didn’t feel bad, but Ye Yin’s words had reminded her: now was not the time to make an enemy of her. Adopting a tone of deep regret, she scolded Yi Yun, “You’ve always doted on your cousins, bringing them treats and gifts. How could you say something so hurtful in a quarrel? What would people think if they heard? Yin Yin, don’t take her nonsense to heart—let’s eat.”

Yi Yun clutched her face and stomped upstairs to her room. Zhou Xueqin apologized, “I’m sorry, Yin Yin. Let me go check on her. Your cousin is just too stubborn.”

Ye Yin replied gently, “Go ahead, Auntie. I’m not bothered at all.”

Zhou Xueqin praised Ye Yin a few times, but when she turned away, her face was shrouded in gloom…