Dai Shiyuan attended classes for a few days and finally adjusted her biological clock from the summer vacation, adapting to the rhythm of classes.
During the break, she browsed through entertainment news out of boredom. When she saw a familiar license plate number in a news report, she stopped and leaned in closer to the screen.
The news was about a car accident, and the accompanying picture showed the silhouette of a woman and a license plate number. Although the news was vague, anyone who knew the car could easily identify the driver responsible for the accident.
Dai Shiyuan watched the news several times, confirming that it was indeed the car of the male lead. Her heart skipped a beat, and she nervously dialed a phone number.
She had not expected that the hit-and-run driver briefly mentioned in the book would turn out to be the male lead.
The female lead had initially hated her younger sister-in-law in the original book due to her family's misfortune. Now that hatred had transferred to the male lead, and Dai Shiyuan could not even imagine what would happen next.
The phone rang for a long time, but finally a cold female voice answered, "Xiaoyuan, what's the matter?"
Dai Shiyuan was choked up by the cold attitude and paused for a moment before regaining her composure and saying, "Sister Yaxin, I saw the news about the car accident..."
"Okay, I know. We'll talk later." Shan Yaxin interrupted her, her cold tone clearly indicating that she did not want to continue.
Dai Shiyuan felt a sense of suffocation in her chest and hung up the phone, lying face down on the desk with a sense of grievance.
She could understand why Shan Yaxin was no longer the cheerful person she used to be due to the major changes in her life. However, she had helped her in various ways, so why was Shan Yaxin so cold to her?
"Shiyuan, what's wrong?" Zuo Jia asked with concern. Seeing no response, she tentatively said, "Did you break up with someone?"
"What?" Dai Shiyuan was taken aback and quickly sat up, staring seriously at Zuo Jia. "Don't talk nonsense."
Although she said that, her heart rate unconsciously increased, and her face gradually turned red.
"I've seen other classmates react like this after a breakup...I'm just worried about you..." Zuo Jia explained cautiously, her tone innocent and nervous.
Dai Shiyuan then realized that she had overreacted and suppressed the coldness on her face, sighed, and continued lying down, saying weakly, "It's nothing, just a small matter."
However, she stared at her phone, hoping that Shan Yaxin would call to explain.
But even until the end of the school day, that familiar ringtone did not sound.
Dai Shiyuan felt disappointed and upset. She looked outside for a while and then headed towards the hospital.
When she arrived, a silver-white car had just stopped in front of her. At the moment the car door opened, Dai Shiyuan ran up and grabbed the person inside, staring at her fiercely. "Sister Yaxin, did something happen this afternoon? When I called you, you spoke in a hurry."
She should have spoken with a questioning or assertive tone, but when she opened her mouth, she was full of grievances.
Shan Yaxin smiled lightly, dispelling the coldness, and let go of her hand. She said softly, "This is a matter between me and them. I don't want to involve Xiaoyuan. They caused my mother to become a vegetable. I will not forgive them."
By the end of her words, there was a decisive determination.
Dai Shiyuan's unhappiness disappeared upon hearing this. She let go and stepped back two steps to explain, "I'm not trying to persuade you to let go of your hatred. It's just that you shouldn't...speak to me with the attitude you use towards a stranger. We're supposed to be good friends."
With just a simple sentence, Dai Shiyuan stuttered and her eyes unconsciously turned red.
She really considered Shan Yaxin her only best friend. Even if she had to suffer a little, she didn't want to see Shan Yaxin feel wronged.
But when her hot-bloodedness met a cold shower, it was definitely not good for her.
"Okay." Shan Yaxin stood up and hugged the crying Dai Shiyuan, patting her back to comfort her. She promised with a light smile, "It won't happen again."
When Dai Shiyuan called her, she was discussing the car accident with the three members of the Dai family.
The incident of the photo had caused a stir and even prompted Mr. and Mrs. Dai to meet with her privately.
However, during the conversation, they still acted as superior and believed that they could dismiss her with money.
Dai Wenhao never apologized for the car accident and continued to insist that he was not the one driving.
All the responsibility, both directly and indirectly, was placed on Yao Lu.
She had expected this situation, but still felt disgusted with the shamelessness of the Dai family.
When Dai Shiyuan called her, she did not want the three people on the other end to know, so she spoke with the attitude she uses towards company employees.
Unexpectedly, it made Dai Shiyuan feel grievous, which was a pleasant surprise for her.
When she arrived at the hospital room and saw Dai Shiyuan, Shan Xiaoqing's eyes lit up and she ran out with a smile.
Dai Shiyuan walked in quickly, crouched down and hugged the child, asking with a smile, "Did you listen to the nurse today?"
"I'm very good. I drank all the bitter medicine," Shan Xiaoqing proudly replied, her eyes no longer lifeless as before.
"Amazing," Dai Shiyuan happily patted her head and picked her up, sitting on a chair.
Shan Yaxin watched with a faint smile on her lips.
Soon, a nurse knocked on the door followed by two people, a man and a woman.
The man was dressed in a sharp suit and looked imposing, while the woman was charming and holding flowers.
Dai Shiyuan turned around and her smile froze in surprise, "Brother, why are you here?"
As soon as the words were spoken, the man's expression changed, and she knew she had said something inappropriate.
"There's nothing for you here. Take the child and leave," Dai Wenhao said in a cold tone, his words commanding.
Dai Shiyuan frowned and asked Shan Yaxin's opinion with her eyes.
Seeing Shan Yaxin nod, she stood up and carried Shan Xiaoqing out.
As they passed by Yao Lu, a large bouquet of flowers suddenly appeared in front of them. "Do you like them, little girl?"
"I don't want them..." Shan Xiaoqing sneezed uncomfortably, locking her whole body in Dai Shiyuan's arms, her big eyes showing vigilance.
"We don't need them," Dai Shiyuan said coldly, blocking the flowers with her hand.
Yao Lu felt embarrassed and her smile turned into anger, but she dared not show it.
The door was closed, leaving only three people in the room.
Shan Yaxin raised her eyes, her icy gaze fixed on the offending flowers, and said directly, "I made my position clear this afternoon, and I don't need an apology."
Hearing this, Yao Lu's face showed a pitiful expression. She knelt down with the flowers and tears flowed from her eyes, "Miss Shan, I know we were wrong. We can bear all the medical expenses and hope you can forgive us. We didn't want this outcome either. If possible, I'm willing to use my life to exchange for their safety..."
Shan Yaxin coldly snorted like a proud thorned rose, her expression still icy.
In her apology just now, Yao Lu didn't mention the word "accident," fearing that her recording would confirm their guilt.
So far, only the photo was the evidence, and it was not enough to convict them.
Furthermore, since that section of the road doesn't have traffic lights, it's still up for debate as to who's right or wrong.
"She has already apologized. You shouldn't hold a grudge anymore. I know you're a kind person..."
"I will investigate this matter to the end." Shan Yaxin interrupted Dai Wenhao's words in a cold voice, glanced at the woman on the ground, and said, "Mr. Dai, I have something to discuss with you privately."
Hearing the unquestionable tone in her words, Dai Wenhao felt slightly displeased but still let Yao Lu go outside.
"If someone admits guilt, it's easy for me to withdraw the photo." Shan Yaxin smiled, and her cold face seemed to be alluring, completely different from her usual gentle and weak appearance.
Dai Wenhao narrowed his eyes and felt a hint of surprise. It was as if something had shattered his understanding. He rarely showed a smile on his face. "If you can produce concrete evidence, then someone will naturally admit guilt."
"But hasn't all the concrete evidence been eliminated? I only have this photo in my hand." Shan Yaxin calmly retorted with sarcasm in her clear eyes. "Although it's just a small photo, I think Mr. Dai should attach great importance to it, otherwise, you wouldn't have come to the hospital in person."
"Are you threatening me?" Dai Wenhao lowered his voice, feeling oppressed all over.
"Mr. Dai is really slow to react. You're only realizing it now?" Shan Yaxin lightly laughed, showing no fear.
Dai Wenhao's expression changed, hesitated for a moment, and lowered his voice. "Do you know what the consequences are of opposing the Dai family?"
"I'm not sure about that, but I do know that once this photo incident is exposed, it will have a significant impact on Mr. Dai." Shan Yaxin smiled, calm and composed.
The room fell silent for a moment. Shan Yaxin sat patiently, not urging Dai Wenhao.
From her understanding of Dai Wenhao and the current situation, the Dai family would definitely push Yao Lu out to take the blame.
"Okay, I promise you that I will help you make the real culprit admit guilt." Dai Wenhao released his hands and made concessions.
"I request a press conference to publicly disclose the truth and apologize. I won't accept any private settlement or money." Shan Yaxin made her request calmly, tapping the back of the chair with her finger and slowly saying, "Mr. Dai, instead of pitying and cherishing someone, it's better to think about the photo incident."
Dai Wenhao frowned and fell silent again.
Dai Shiyuan had been standing outside for over half an hour, watching as Dai Wenhao came out with a cold expression on his face. As he walked past her, he strode by as if he hadn't seen her. However, upon closer observation, she could see the suppressed anger in his eyes.
He must have suffered a setback with Shan Yaxin.
Dai Shiyuan carried Shan Xiaoqing into the room and saw Shan Yaxin sitting with a cold expression. She couldn't help but feel worried and asked, "Sister Yaxin, are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Xiaoyuan. I'll take you back." Shan Yaxin stood up and removed the coldness from her face.
Dai Shiyuan knew that this meant she didn't want to say much, so she nodded and put down Shan Xiaoqing.
The way back was not congested, and Dai Shiyuan sat in the passenger seat with a worried and uneasy look on her face. She occasionally glanced at Shan Yaxin, as if she had something to say.
Shan Yaxin felt the gaze and stopped at a red light, turned and smiled, "Xiaoyuan, is there something on your mind?"
"Sister Yaxin, how did things go with my brother?" Dai Shiyuan hurriedly asked, staring straight at Shan Yaxin, determined to get an answer.
Shan Yaxin smiled slowly and still insisted, "Xiaoyuan, I will handle this matter well. You just focus on your studies...Your brother won't get into any trouble."
The last sentence was said with a hint of reluctance.
Actually, she hoped that it was Dai Wenhao who apologized at the press conference, but she had no evidence. All she could do was to coerce Dai Wenhao to agree to her demands.
Three days later, the Dai Group would hold a press conference, and Secretary Yao Lu would apologize for the car accident. As a victim's family member, Dai Shiyuan would also be present.
Dai Shiyuan pursed her lips and opened her mouth to explain that she wasn't concerned about Dai Wenhao. But when the words came to her lips, she held back.
If she spoke out, it would seem like she cared a lot about Shan Yaxin. Although she did care about Shan Yaxin, it was still embarrassing to express it.
When they reached the lobby, Dai Shiyuan got out of the car and closed the door, walking towards the elevator without looking back.
Shan Yaxin followed behind and entered the elevator with her, taking two steps forward to get closer to Dai Shiyuan.
When the elevator arrived, she held Dai Shiyuan's hand and went in.
In the narrow space, there were only the two of them. Dai Shiyuan felt the warmth in her hand, and the discomfort in her heart seemed to melt away.
Although Shan Yaxin repeatedly emphasized that she did not want to cause trouble for her, the feeling of being excluded still made her uncomfortable.
"Xiaoyuan, when this is over, I'll treat you to a meal and thank you properly," Shan Yaxin turned around and smiled.
This action brought the two of them closer, and the sweet fragrance suddenly hit her nose. Dai Shiyuan couldn't help but lower her head and softly murmured, "Okay."
Looking at the tightly held hands, she blinked her eyes and didn't move carefully.
After sending Dai Shiyuan to the door, Shan Yaxin left.
Dai Shiyuan watched the elevator door close, feeling a sense of loss. In her mind, she couldn't help but think of what Zuo Jia said about heartbreak.
Her heart tightened, and she quickly closed the door and escaped back to her room.
After everything was settled, Dai Shiyuan lay in bed, struggling for a long time before taking out her phone to check the status of heartbreak.
Seeing online descriptions of heart-wrenching sadness, getting drunk and losing weight, and even suicide, she couldn't help but feel a little scared.
If it were her, she might be sad, but she wouldn't give up on life.
Dai Shiyuan sighed, closed her phone, and couldn't help but think of Shan Yaxin again.
If Shan Yaxin experienced heartbreak, she would probably handle it calmly and not become crazy.
But with Shan Yaxin's conditions, she shouldn't experience heartbreak.
Dai Shiyuan thought a lot and couldn't help but wonder what type of girl Shan Yaxin liked.
But she was too embarrassed to ask.
....
In the following days, Dai Shiyuan focused on her studies, but she occasionally checked entertainment news.
To her surprise, she couldn't find any trace of the news about the car accident.
She instinctively wanted to call Shan Yaxin and ask, but she resisted the urge.
Just as she hung up the phone, her father called.
In that instant, Dai Shiyuan thought about many things, and was a little worried that her father wanted her to speak on behalf of Shan Yaxin.
With a nervous heart, she answered the phone, and immediately a sharp female voice came from the other end, "There's a meeting this weekend. Be here at four o'clock sharp."
When she heard her mother's voice, Dai Shiyuan's mood suddenly worsened, and she furrowed her brows as she wrote down the address.
"Xiaoyuan, this matter is very important. You must be here on time," the voice on the other end changed to a gentle male voice.
Dai Shiyuan pursed her lips and obediently agreed.
The address her mother gave her was a famous hotel that had hosted many events. She didn't know what it was for this time, and she was too lazy to ask. She would just go through the motions when the time came.
Dai Shiyuan enjoyed her vacation time in peace and quiet.
On Sunday, she dressed in a relatively formal outfit and rushed to the venue on time.
As soon as she arrived, she saw many people chatting and taking pictures. They looked like journalists.
Dai Shiyuan looked around and didn't see the male lead's family. She furrowed her brows and went outside to make a phone call.
But no one answered.
Although Dai's mother had said it was very serious on the phone, in reality, it wouldn't have made a difference if she didn't show up at this press conference.
"Miss, Master and Madam are waiting for you backstage," said a middle-aged man's voice from behind.
Dai Shiyuan turned around and realized it was the butler after a moment of thought. She nodded and followed the butler.
Compared to the relaxed elegance of the venue, the backstage was much more solemn.
As soon as she entered the room and saw the serious expressions of her father and mother, Dai Shiyuan greeted them and stood aside.
No one spoke in the room, only the sound of suppressed breathing.
After a while, Dai Wenhao appeared, nodded to Dai's father, and left.
"Xiaoxin will be here soon. We'll try to persuade her with our last chance," Dai's father said in a deep voice.
Dai's mother snorted disdainfully, and her gaze fell on Dai Shiyuan, immediately shifting away with disgust.
Dai Shiyuan felt that Dai mother's attitude towards her was even more impatient and contemptuous than before, but she couldn't think of a reason why.
"Your brother caused such a big problem, and you act like nothing's wrong, just eating and drinking, without caring about your brother," Dai mother scolded disapprovingly, her voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
Dai Shiyuan hung her head and pursed her lips, pretending to be obedient and taking the scolding without a word.
Dealing with someone like Dai mother, silence is the best approach; if you argue back, it will only invite more scolding.
Dai mother said a few more words and then shut up.
At that moment, the door was pushed open, revealing Shan Yaxin's tall figure and clear features.
When she saw Dai Shiyuan, Shan Yaxin was slightly stunned but quickly composed herself, smiling and greeting everyone.
"Xiaoxin, are you sure you won't change your mind about this matter?" Dai father asked anxiously, with a hint of sadness in his eyes, reaching out to tug on Dai mother's arm.
"If you don't make a fuss about this matter, I won't stop you from being with Wenhao," Dai mother said reluctantly, still arrogant.
"Please, Miss Shan, change your mind about this matter and don't make a scene," the others also persuaded.
Only Dai Shiyuan did not speak.
Dai mother glared at Dai Shiyuan in displeasure and scolded loudly, "Why are you like a dumb person not speaking? Hurry up and tell her not to cause any more trouble."
Dai Shiyuan slowly raised her head and looked directly at everyone, saying forcefully, "If you do something wrong, you should receive the appropriate punishment; no one can escape the law's sanctions."
"You..." Dai mother was furious, pointing at Dai Shiyuan with her finger, momentarily unable to speak.
Dai father looked at her disapprovingly.
Dai Shiyuan was fearless, scanning the room and saying, "If there's nothing else, I'll leave now."
Without waiting for a response, she walked straight out the door.
As she passed by Shan Yaxin, Dai Shiyuan hooked the corner of her mouth and playfully winked.
Shan Yaxin couldn't help but laugh and said to everyone, "If you have anything to say, you can tell the reporters."
"You are so heartless, not even considering our past relationship? Our family has been good to you. Why are you so ruthless?" Dai's mother questioned loudly, speaking confidently.
"Past relationship? Are you referring to your scolding me or punishing me?" Shan Yaxin curled her lip, her icy eyes revealing contempt. "In this circle, who doesn't know about the ruthless methods of Lady Dai in managing her subordinates? It's notorious."
Shan Yaxin's sarcastic words made Dai's mother turn ashen, unable to refute.
"It's fortunate for the Dai family to have a housewife like you, otherwise they wouldn't have been able to raise such an outstanding son like Dai Wenhao, who can even drive after drinking." Shan Yaxin's smile widened, each word dripping with sarcasm.
She no longer needed to tolerate the grievances she had suffered at the Dai family's hands.
"Xiaoxin, how can you say such things? After all, she's your..."
"I can't afford to." Shan Yaxin coldly interrupted Dai's father's words, her tone full of disdain.
Just as she was about to make another dig, she thought of Dai Shiyuan and forced herself to stop.
Although she had learned from the Yao sisters that Dai Shiyuan was not Dai's biological daughter, as long as the Dai family didn't make it public, Dai Shiyuan would still be the Dai family's daughter.
The woman in front of her who disgusted her had to be addressed as 'mother.'
"It's getting late, you two don't need to worry. I think Dai Wenhao has already gone to the venue." Shan Yaxin glanced at her watch, gave a faint smile, and turned to leave.
Dai's mother was angry and held Dai's father's hand to complain, "Look at her, how arrogant she is. Does she even consider me? How could you let such an uneducated woman into our home, making us the laughing stock?"
Dai's father's face suddenly turned ugly. He shook off Dai's mother's hand and said to the others, "Let's go to the venue now, and make sure nothing goes wrong."
"Yes, Chairman." The people inside the room left in an orderly fashion.
Dai's father sighed and sat down, still looking unhappy.
Dai's mother felt scared and wiped away her tears, complaining, "I didn't say anything about the fact that you had a daughter outside of our marriage, but now you're giving me the cold shoulder?"
As she spoke, her grievances turned into anger, and she became more and more self-righteous.
Dai's father felt guilty and didn't dare to show a cold face anymore. He immediately apologized and tried to placate her.
Dai's mother suddenly felt magnanimous and said, "I've always treated her like my own daughter and haven't mistreated her in any way. But look at what she said today? She even wants to send her own brother to jail. After all these years, I've been raising a white-eyed wolf..."
"Xiaoyuan is not a white-eyed wolf." Dai's father quietly retorted. He thought for a moment and said, " I'll give her a call and ask her to go to the venue to help her brother."
Dai Shiyuan had just walked out of the hotel door when she received a call from her father asking her to come back.
Reluctantly, Dai Shiyuan had no choice but to return.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Author's note: Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China!
I noticed some cute readers in the comments thought I was still in school or had just graduated, but that's not the case. I've been out of school for several years already.
Translator's note: sigh... Those Dai family except Dai Shiyuan needs a beating!. 💪🤛😼.
Shan Yaxin: Leave it to me!.
TO BE CONTINUE...