“Not all cases of mistaken identity between the real and fake rich girls end up in a life – or – death struggle.
I’m the mother of the fake rich girl, an ordinary rural woman.
Upon discovering the baby – swapping, I immediately brought my biological daughter home.
I didn’t want this accidental exchange to ruin the lives of two girls.
I wanted to tell my daughter that we are her family and can give her a lot of love.
1
Qingqing loves reading novels, especially those about the real and fake rich girls.
I’ve heard her talk with her classmates many times: “I wish I was also swapped at birth. In fact, I’m supposed to be a wealthy family’s daughter.”
I frowned but said nothing.
We’re just an ordinary rural family. It’s normal for kids to have fantasies.
But I never expected such a thing to happen to me.
Qingqing turned out to be the biological daughter of a real – estate tycoon.
A row of luxury cars parked in this small village. Qingqing was so excited that she almost fainted.
“Really? Am I really the eldest daughter of the Jiang family?”
She repeatedly asked the secretary, examined the paternity test again and again, and couldn’t wait to know everything about her biological parents.
I listened silently and asked the secretary if I could go to the Jiang family with them.
The secretary was stunned and said he needed to ask for instructions.
Qingqing seemed to realize I was beside her only then. She awkwardly stopped smiling and took my arm: “Mom, I’m just too surprised.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not the kind of person who forgets old kindnesses for new gains. I’ll remember how good you and Dad have been to me.”
How could I not see the joy she couldn’t hide from the corners of her eyes and brows? I had raised her for fifteen years.
I patted her hand, turned around, and went into the house to pack a bag of things.
As we gradually drove into the bustling city, Qingqing kept lying on the car window, marveling.
I had also brought her to the city before. She had seen everything, but seeing and having are two different things.
The Jiang family’s villa was huge, with a garden and a swimming pool.
Qingqing broke off the most beautiful rose and bounced to meet Mrs. Jiang.
Perhaps it was the mother – daughter connection. I noticed the pale – faced girl on the stairs at the first glance.
The other protagonist of the real and fake rich girls, Jiang Yazhi, the fake rich girl.
She bit her lips, her eyes red – rimmed, watching Mrs. Jiang and Qingqing hug each other.
I saw the unwillingness and grievance in her eyes.
I took a deep breath, put down the things in my hand: “Mrs. Jiang, now that the truth is out, I’ll take my daughter back.”
As soon as I said this, everyone present fell silent.
Mrs. Jiang frowned: “I didn’t say I was going to drive her away.”
I saw Qingqing stiffen visibly for a moment, and her eyes flickered.
I pointed to the bag of things and said: “Qingqing, these are the sausage and pickles you like. Take good care of yourself in the future.”
Then I turned around neatly and gave a kind smile to the girl upstairs: “Come on, mom is taking you home.”
2
Jiang Yazhi cried and hugged Mrs. Jiang.
“Mom, mom…”
She sobbed uncontrollably, always calling “mom”.
Mrs. Jiang said to me: “Our family is fully capable of raising one more daughter. It’s okay for her to stay.”
I was calm: “No one is to blame for this incident, but you can’t deprive me of my rights as a mother.”
“Moreover, Qingqing has just returned to the Jiang family. You should focus more on her.”
Although I’m a rural woman with little vision, I know clearly that taking my biological daughter away is the best choice for both children.
Before leaving, Mrs. Jiang said this would always be her home, and she could come back to see them anytime.
Before getting in the car, I looked back.
Qingqing tightened her grip on Mrs. Jiang’s arm, still smiling, but not as brightly as when she came.
I shook my head and sighed deeply in my heart.
The car was silent. Jiang Yazhi didn’t say a word.
I simply asked her a few questions: “Can I call you Zhizhi from now on?”
She just nodded or shook her head, not looking at me, always staring at her phone in a daze.
I sighed: “Are you resentful towards me? Why did I have to take you away?”
She didn’t speak, which was a tacit admission.
I wasn’t angry. She had been in her comfort zone for so many years. Suddenly, unfamiliar relatives came to take her away. She had to adapt to a strange environment and life again. She was only 15 years old. No one could demand too much from her.
I said: “Because I know you won’t be happy if you stay.”
She looked up and said the first sentence to me: “How can you say that?”
She was accusing, even blaming and regretting.
I didn’t answer, just said she would understand later.
I didn’t ask the secretary to send us to the door. We stopped near the village.
“You’ll live here in the future. You can get familiar with the surrounding environment first.”
I originally wanted to help her carry the suitcase.
But she was very resistant, and I didn’t force it.
3
It was already past the meal time. The golden sunset enveloped the mountains and the village.
I introduced every brick and tile here to her.
Passing by a sweet potato field.
I jumped off the ridge, dug out two sweet potatoes, washed them in the ditch, and handed them to her.
Zhizhi was shocked: “Is this your family’s? You, you’re stealing.”
I smiled: “This is planted by your second uncle. Don’t worry, it’s okay.”
But she was still hesitant: “Eat them raw? Isn’t it unhygienic?”
I took a bite with a crisp sound: “This is mountain spring water, and there are no pesticides in the field. Try it. It’s very sweet.”
She was very hesitant, but her stomach protested first.
I smiled, directly stuffed it into her hand, and walked in front.
Behind me came the sound of the wheel rolling and small chewing sounds.
Soon we arrived home.
Smelling the stranger’s smell, Dahuang barked loudly.
“Ah!”
Zhizhi was startled. I quickly said: “Are you afraid of dogs?”
“You stand outside first. I’ll take the dog away.”
I carried Dahuang away. To avoid scaring her when I went out, I climbed over the wall with the dog on my shoulder.
“I didn’t know you were afraid of dogs, but Dahuang is very obedient. After you stay for a while, he won’t bark at you.”
I took her into the house and sat her down.
“Take a rest. Do you want noodles or fried rice?”
Zhizhi shook her head: “No need to cook. I’ve eaten sweet potatoes.”
I disapproved: “That’s just to fill your stomach. How can it be a meal? I saw that there were fresh eggs in the yard. I’ll make you Yangzhou fried rice. Do you have any dietary taboos?”
I was very quick. In ten minutes, a bowl of fragrant fried rice was ready.
The portion was a little more than what Qingqing usually ate.
Although she didn’t say anything, with the sudden change of her life experience and emotional ups and downs, she surely hadn’t eaten well these days.
Sure enough, she ate up the whole big bowl of rice.
“How does it taste? Is the saltiness right?”
She ate quickly but gracefully. After eating, she neatly placed the tableware on the table.
“… It’s very delicious.”
She suddenly had red eyes.
She cried quietly, almost just shedding tears silently.
The Jiang family’s mansion had raised her like a little princess. Her skin was fair, her temperament was outstanding, and I heard her grades were also very good.
But today, her carefree life had undergone a huge change.
Her parents were no longer her parents, and everything she had no longer belonged to her.
Reason told me that the beneficiaries are never innocent.
But the blood flowing in her body is mine. Her delicate eyebrows and eyes are exactly like mine when I was young. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
4
“Sorry, I… I…”
She spoke first, trying hard to hold back her tears, but still sobbed uncontrollably.
I stepped forward and gently hugged her:
“It’s okay. Cry. Cry out all the sadness. There’s no one else here, just the two of us.”
I gently patted her back.
Her stiff body gradually relaxed, and she buried herself in my arms and cried loudly.
There are four people in our family. Lao Wang works outside, and our 10 – year – old younger son is in the fourth grade of primary school.
Today is Friday, and Wang Chengcheng is back.
He was full of hostility towards this new sister:
“My sister is Wang Qingqing. You’re not my sister.”
I frowned: “Wang Chengcheng, what did I tell you? Don’t be rude.”
Chengcheng glared at Zhizhi fiercely and ran away.
I took a deep breath and explained to her:
“This child is usually very close to Qingqing, so…”
Zhizhi shook her head and cheered up: “I understand. It’s okay. I’ll get along well with him.”
The relationship between the two children was what I was most worried about.
But this girl showed a toughness I didn’t expect.
At the dinner table, Wang Chengcheng unceremoniously picked up the few thinnest pieces of steamed pork with rice flour.
I thought Zhizhi would keep silent.
But she actually stretched out her chopsticks to grab them.
Wang Chengcheng stared: “Let go.”
Zhizhi: “I also want to eat this. You’ve picked up several pieces.”
The two of them fought back and forth like chicks fighting.
The final battle for the steamed pork with rice flour ended with Chengcheng winning slightly.
Chengcheng picked some of the spoils for me and showed off to Zhizhi triumphantly.
Zhizhi bent her eyes and ate quietly.
Until the weekend, I was holding a feather duster. If this naughty boy didn’t do his homework, I would have to go to the office to get him again tomorrow.
Zhizhi passed by and saw it, asking: “Do you need help?”
Chengcheng was frowning at the questions but still stubborn: “Who wants your help!”
He kept muttering about how useless going to school was and how much he hated doing homework.
But that night, he witnessed the power of knowledge.
After dinner, there was a sudden commotion in the neighbor’s house.
We all rushed to see. It turned out that Granny Zou’s grandson got something stuck in his throat.
The child’s face was purple, his eyes were rolling white. Granny Zou was so anxious that she was crying and hurriedly asked Grandpa Zou to drive the tricycle.
Zhizhi carefully observed his symptoms and said calmly: “Let me try.”
I didn’t understand either. She held the child and jolted and pressed him.
After a few minutes, the child suddenly coughed, and the thing came out!
Granny Zou grabbed Zhizhi, full of gratitude. The villagers who heard the sound also gave her a thumbs – up.
Zhizhi blushed from the praise and kept waving her hands.
Granny Zou packed a lot of delicious food for her.
Chengcheng was drooling with envy and asked Zhizhi how she did it.
Zhizhi said: “This is called the Heimlich maneuver. I can teach you if you want to learn.”
Chengcheng’s eyes lit up, but Zhizhi smiled slyly: “But you have to finish your homework first.”
Chengcheng rarely calmed down to do his homework, and Zhizhi took the opportunity to tutor him.
Looking at their harmonious backs, I finally relaxed.
5
Zhizhi wasn’t as fragile as I thought.
She was trying to integrate into the life here in her own way.
The school in the town is a bit far from home. Zhizhi isn’t used to boarding, so I bought her a bicycle. She rides home every day in the sunset.
Chengcheng is still young, and my work is all at meal times, so he boards at school.
After having the bicycle, Zhizhi volunteered to pick up and drop off Chengcheng to and from school every day.
Not having to stay at school all day, Chengcheng was overjoyed.
On weekends, Chengcheng, who can’t sit still, would drag Zhizhi to run all over the mountains.
They would bring me back a few fruits, a bunch of wildflowers, and even lively crayfish.
There were more and more smiles on Zhizhi’s face. She would even take the initiative to say hello when she met neighbors.
At dinner in the evening, Chengcheng, for the first time, awkwardly picked up some food for Zhizhi:
“The mental arithmetic method you taught me is quite useful. My classmates are all begging me to teach them.”
The day before yesterday, at the parents’ meeting, the teacher specially praised Chengcheng for his great progress in the mid – term exam. This kid was so proud.
To reward him, I bought him the toy racing car he had always wanted.
“Zhizhi, this is for you.”
I handed her a bag.
Zhizhi opened it and was very surprised: “So beautiful.”
Inside were several colorful little goldfish.
I noticed that Zhizhi’s phone case and schoolbag were all printed with fish patterns. I said softly:
“Do you like them?”
Zhizhi nodded vigorously: “Yes! I’ve wanted to raise fish for a long time.”
“Then why didn’t you?”
“Because I… Aunt Jiang is allergic to fish and doesn’t like them either.”
Zhizhi paused, her mood a bit low, but she forced herself to cheer up and talk and laugh, considering we were present.
I sighed in my heart and said I would buy a beautiful fish tank the next day to change the topic.
After dinner, Chengcheng silently pulled Zhizhi out the door.
“Where are you going so late?” I followed them.
It turned out that Chengcheng took Zhizhi to see fireflies.
In the quiet wilderness, there was only the chirping of cicadas. The starlight in the sky seemed to fall and flow. It was very dreamy.
Zhizhi was shocked: “It’s so beautiful.”
“Sister, let’s catch fireflies.”
Chengcheng pulled her and ran in the starlight, like two happy little elves.
I was also infected. I reached out and touched my face. I didn’t know when two lines of tears had flowed down.
That day, I rarely didn’t urge them. I let them play until very late, and then the three of us went home with a flashlight.
“Mom, let’s bring Dahuang back.”
Just as I was about to send the excited Chengcheng to bed, Zhizhi suddenly called me.
I froze in place, hardly believing my ears.
Zhizhi showed a soft smile: “These days I’ve tried to feed Dahuang. He doesn’t bark at me anymore.”
The tears I had just dried almost welled up again. I nodded repeatedly.
6
The summer vacation would come in another week, and Lao Wang was coming back.
Zhizhi, who had been relaxed, immediately became highly alert.
“My dad? What kind of person is he?” Chengcheng scratched his head. “How should I say it?”
“Anyway, you don’t have to pay attention to him. Just let him do his own thing.”
Zhizhi was completely confused.
On the day Lao Wang came home, Zhizhi got up early. After helping feed the chickens, she kept walking back and forth in the house and the yard.
Her nervousness was palpable.
“Where’s my daughter?”
Lao Wang entered the door, dusty, and ran into Zhizhi head – on.
Zhizhi choked, and the word “dad” that she had practiced for several days just couldn’t come out.
Lao Wang didn’t mind. He smiled brightly:
“This child is so good – looking. She looks exactly like your mom when she was young. Here, these are the gifts I brought for you three.”
Chengcheng was on high alert and dashed into the house. I also pretended not to see.
The poor Zhizhi, still not understanding the situation, hurriedly took the gifts and opened them at Lao Wang’s urging.
A blindingly pink princess schoolbag with a red – haired little mermaid printed on it.
Lao Wang looked expectant: “Do you like it?”
Zhizhi: “…”
Seeing her struggling to twitch the corners of her mouth, seemingly trying to force an answer, I quickly interrupted this trial of conscience:
“Hurry up and come in. We’ve been waiting for you to have a meal.”
Throughout the meal, it was all Lao Wang’s voice, talking nonsense. Chengcheng and I buried our heads in eating.
At first, Zhizhi responded, but in the end, she was also tired and became a numb eating machine.
Chengcheng’s gift was a glowing Ultraman vest.
Mine was a colorful eyeshadow box with all the colors of the rainbow.
Not bad. He maintained his consistent style.
In the bedroom, Lao Wang sighed: “Before coming back, I was worried that I wouldn’t get along well with my daughter.”
“I was overthinking. This child looks so much like you that I naturally want to be good to her.”
So cheesy.
I snorted: “You should be glad that Zhizhi is a girl with a good temper.”
Lao Wang giggled.
“I also brought a gift for Qingqing. I’ll go see her someday.”
I gave him a warning glare: “Don’t talk nonsense in front of Zhizhi. It was hard to settle her down. Don’t make her think too much.”
Lao Wang repeatedly assured me not to worry.
He was going to stay at home for more than two weeks this time. From time to time, he secretly gave the two children pocket money behind my back.
Chengcheng was overjoyed and became even more attentive to Zhizhi. It seemed he knew who he owed this to.
After the meal, Zhizhi hesitated for a while: “Mom, a few of my classmates want to come and see me and stay for a few days.”
Me: “That’s a good thing. How many people are coming?”
Zhizhi: “It’s not certain yet. Maybe three or four.”
Zhizhi used to have good conditions, so her classmates must be from good families too. I couldn’t let her be looked down upon.
I busied myself for several days, stocked up on a lot of food, and cleaned out two rooms.
Zhizhi and Chengcheng also helped me, and Lao Wang was in charge of tidying up the yard.
7
Four children came, three girls and one boy.
As soon as they entered the yard, Dahuang, tied to the corner, barked.
Zhizhi quickly went over and gently stroked his head.
Some of the girls were a bit scared, but the boy looked excited: “This dog is so cool.”
Zhizhi introduced them to me: “Mom, this is Laixue, Tongyue, Xuanyuan, and that is Gao Yafei.”
I invited the girls into the house. Gao Yafei was still staring at Dahuang in the yard.
Zhizhi said: “His family runs a pet hospital, so he especially likes animals.”
Sure enough, they were all children from well – off families.
But Zhizhi still smiled generously without being shy.
I was relieved.
There were all delicious dishes on the table. The teenagers, being in the stage of growing up, ate heartily.
“Where shall we go to play later?”
I smiled: “Take Chengcheng with you. When it comes to playing, no one knows better than this naughty boy.”
Chengcheng thought for a while, and his eyes lit up: “How about we go to the mountains to look for mushrooms?”
Lao Wang and I looked at each other: “That’s a good idea. We can make soup for you tomorrow.”
To avoid danger, Lao Wang and I also went up the mountain with them.
The energetic children, each carrying a small bamboo basket, were very excited.
“Wow! I found the first one!”
Gao Yafei, being a boy, followed Chengcheng running around the mountain. Soon, there was good news.
The other children were not to be outdone and scattered to search.
I found one of them: “Hello, are you Laixue? Auntie can ask you a few questions?”
I pondered for a moment: “How is Qingqing at school?”
Since Qingqing left, we had only talked briefly on the phone once. She was called away after just a few words.
Laixue was a bit confused, but quickly reacted: “Oh, I’m not in the same class as her. I’m not very familiar with her, but she seems to be doing well.”
I was a bit worried about her before, but now I was relieved.
The mushroom – picking activity ended, and everyone had a good harvest.
Lao Wang and I picked out the inedible ones and taught them how to distinguish poisonous mushrooms.
On the way back, Zhizhi took the girls to pick wildflowers. The girls were dexterous and made many flower wreaths.
In the evening, Lao Wang squeezed orange juice for them. The children watched the sunset on the rooftop.
I was busy in the kitchen.
Zhizhi came in: “Mom.”
“The meal will take a while. Don’t drink too much, or you won’t be able to eat later.”
There was no sound behind me.
I sensed something and turned around.
Zhizhi suddenly hugged me: “I’m sorry.”
I was stunned: “What’s wrong?”
Zhizhi buried her face in my arms, her voice muffled:
“Today in the woods, I heard you asking Laixue about Qingqing.”
“I used to think that I could get along with her peacefully. The Jiang family is so big. As long as I don’t care, it would be okay.”
“But I found that I’m not as magnanimous as I thought.”
“I can’t help… hating her.”
Zhizhi’s voice trembled a bit: “I know she didn’t do anything wrong, but I still… can’t help it.”
“I would think that if she hadn’t appeared, I wouldn’t have become a fake daughter of the Jiang family, and I wouldn’t have lost everything I had.”
“I’m sorry, mom.”
She wasn’t apologizing to me. She was feeling uneasy and guilty about the uncontrollable malice in her heart.
I hugged her: “Mom understands. It’s okay.”
She looked up, her eyes, washed by tears, were especially clear: “Mom, thank you for taking me home.”
She had found the answer to the question in the car.
8
The next day, when the children heard that I was going to cook for a family having a wedding, they were actually very interested.
The rural feast is different from that in the city. I was afraid they wouldn’t get used to it.
Zhizhi smiled: “It doesn’t matter. Let them go.”
As a result, they were surrounded by the enthusiastic uncles and aunts and were so stuffed that their faces were distorted.
Zhizhi laughed until tears came out.
The friendship among the teenagers didn’t fade because of the difference in family background.
Seeing Zhizhi happy, I was very relieved.
They stayed for a few days. Just as they were about to leave, a car drove into the village.
Qingqing came without any notice.
She pushed the door open and gave me a bear hug: “Mommy, I miss you so much. Come and see the gifts I brought you.”
Hearing the voice, Zhizhi came to the yard: “Mom, who’s…?”
Her voice stopped abruptly.
The two girls met each other’s eyes. Qingqing affectionately took my arm: “Mommy, let’s go in.”
She directly ignored Zhizhi.
She walked straight to her room. After seeing that her things hadn’t been touched, she seemed relieved.
Zhizhi’s room was next door, and the door was open. The girls were silent when they saw her.
Probably only Chengcheng was carefree.
“Sister? You’re back? Mom didn’t tell me?”
Qingqing saw that the flower she liked the most on the coffee table was replaced by a fish tank, and the McDull doll on the sofa was replaced by a plain pillow.
Her smile faded:
“Do I need to tell you in advance when I come home?”
Even Chengcheng was stunned.
Qingqing quickly adjusted: “Chengcheng, sister bought you brand – name clothes and toys. Go and see if you like them.”
Then she said to me: “Mommy, I bought you the most expensive cosmetics, and also for daddy. Come and see…”
I interrupted her: “Qingqing, you should have said something in advance.”
Qingqing stopped, and her eyes suddenly turned red:
“Mom, even if I’m recognized back, I’m still your daughter. This is still my home.”
I sighed deeply and took her into her room:
“I’ve never denied that. Look, your room is still the same as before.”
“But think about it. If Zhizhi could enter and leave the Jiang family at will without your knowledge, could you really not mind?”
Qingqing’s lips moved, and she almost cried.
I had raised her for 15 years. When I chose to bring Zhizhi back, it was largely because I knew Qingqing well.
She’s a good girl, but to be fair, if Zhizhi had stayed in the Jiang family, I didn’t think Qingqing could get along with her without any grudges.
This situation was definitely not what I wanted to see.
Qingqing locked herself in the room until Lao Wang sent the classmates away.
At mealtime, I was about to call her when Zhizhi stopped me.
She took a deep breath: “I’ll go.”
Seeing my worried look, Zhizhi smiled:
“The one who tied the bell should be the one to untie it. It’s better for the parties involved to solve our problems. You guys eat first. Don’t wait for us.”
I was absent – minded during the meal, and even Lao Wang, who was always talkative, was silent.
They stayed inside for a long time, a full two hours.
Finally, the two girls came out together.
Zhizhi was calm, while Qingqing’s face was complex. When I reheated the food, I found that she was always in a daze.
9
Qingqing left the next day.
I asked Zhizhi what she had said to her, and Zhizhi smiled and said it was a secret.
Time flew by, and soon it was the end of the year.
I took the two children to buy New Year’s goods. Chengcheng did very well in the final exam and confidently asked me to buy this and that.
On New Year’s Eve, the brother and sister were arguing fiercely about how to distinguish the upper and lower couplets while pasting them at the door.
In the evening, we went to set off fireworks. Zhizhi was even more excited than Chengcheng. Lao Wang, seeing them happy, directly went to buy a box.
I gave each of them a big red envelope. Chengcheng was so excited that he stayed up until midnight. Zhizhi also smiled brightly.
Finally, after the excitement, I received a call from Qingqing:
“Mom, I received the red envelope. Happy New Year.”
I smiled: “Happy New Year. Haven’t you gone to bed yet? You used to be the first one to give up during the New Year’s Eve vigil.”
There was silence for a while on the other end, and then she changed the topic, saying that she would come to pay us a New Year visit in a few days.
Since their conversation last time, Qingqing would call me from time to time to chat about daily life.
But this time I felt something was wrong.
“Zhizhi, are you asleep?”
After hearing my question, Zhizhi thought for a while and said:
“The Jiang family doesn’t have the habit of staying up late on New Year’s Eve. Uncle Jiang has to attend the annual meeting. They are all business friends, and he always drinks too much.”
“Aunt Jiang never stays up late. She goes to bed at ten o’clock.”
Me: “So what do the Jiang family usually do during the New Year?”
Zhizhi was stunned for a moment.
“… Give out lucky money?”
“The Jiang family doesn’t attach much importance to these festivals. Besides not staying up late, they don’t paste Spring Festival couplets either. The housekeeper will take care of the New Year’s goods, and the New Year’s Eve dinner is either booked at a top – level restaurant or cooked by a private chef.”
“After New Year’s Eve, they will attend a family gathering.” Zhizhi said, “And then the New Year is over.”
No wonder Qingqing was so strange. Presumably, she wasn’t used to it.
I sighed: “Qingqing said she would come to our house to pay a New Year visit in a few days.”
Zhizhi nodded, hesitated for a moment:
“Mom, I also want to go back then.”
I smiled: “That’s right. I’ll ask Lao Wang to buy you some wild honey to take with you. It’s specially provided by your second uncle’s family, all – natural and pollution – free.”
10
When Qingqing came, she brought big bags and small bags.
But she wasn’t as awkward as last time. She not only greeted Zhizhi but also prepared a gift for her.
Qingqing’s change surprised me and made me very relieved.
Not wanting anyone to become enemies because of this was my original intention.
Qingqing had lived here for many years and was very comfortable. Right after the meal, she called people to play Dou Di Zhu.
Many children came. At first, Zhizhi was a bit reserved, but Qingqing waved her hand boldly and said that if they won, it would be counted as hers, and if they lost, it would be on her.
As a result, Zhizhi had bad luck with cards and her skills were poor. Qingqing was almost covered with strips of paper.
“Sister, look clearly. I’m your lower – hand!”
All day long, the yard was filled with Qingqing’s wails, Zhizhi’s apologies, and Chengcheng’s unrelenting laughter.
In the evening, the three of them fought over the last piece of braised pork.
“Mom’s cooking is still the best.”
Qingqing slumped on the sofa without any image, with Zhizhi at the other end. Poor Chengcheng could only get a stool.
“When are you two leaving?” Chengcheng complained with tears in his eyes. “I can’t live like this anymore.”
Qingqing glanced at him sideways. “Of course we’ll leave, and we’ll take you with us.”
We were all stunned.
“You’re taking Chengcheng?”
Qingqing smiled like a little fox. “Or do you want to stay and follow mom and dad to pay New Year visits?”
Chengcheng immediately hugged the legs of the two sisters. “I’ll follow you two sisters to the death.”
Seeing Zhizhi still confused, Qingqing explained kindly:
“There are so many relatives in our family. We don’t see them once a year, but when we do, they’ll hold you and talk non – stop. Ugh.”
Zhizhi’s eyes widened, and Chengcheng looked desperate.
I smiled helplessly. “If you want to go, then go.”
Turning around, I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes.
Our family, it’s really nice.
11
After the New Year, the high – school entrance examination was approaching.
Qingqing privately came to me and said:
“She has such good grades that she could definitely go to the best high school in the city. Although the county – level key school is also good, it can’t compare to the city’s school.”
Qingqing: “If you all agree, I’ll go talk to them right away. They’ll surely agree.”
Me: “What does Zhizhi think?”
Qingqing hesitated. “I haven’t asked her.”
I gently stroked her hair. “What do you think?”
“I’ve said it. I think her brain should be well – cultivated…”
“I mean, if the Jiang family is willing to support Zhizhi’s studies and even let her live back in the Jiang family in the future, what do you think?”
Qingqing was stunned. It took her a while to speak:
“Mom, I know what you mean.”
“To be honest, at first, I hated her. There’s a special room in the Jiang family filled with trophies and certificates.”
Qingqing sighed. “She’s very excellent, knows so many things. I can’t help thinking that the person who should be shining like that should be me if I had grown up in the Jiang family. Every time someone mentions her, I feel like they’re comparing me with her.”
“The more I compare, the more I hate her.”
“But that night she came to me and said -“
“What you have is not less than mine. I could feel this in just a few months here. What about you? Do you really think you weren’t happy before?”
Qingqing hugged me, and her hot tears slid down my neck.
“Since I was a child, you’ve taught me and my brother how to be a person and how to do things. You’ve never skimped on our food, clothing, or daily expenses. I was the first one in my class to have a computer.”
“When I was a kid, I liked painting, and you signed me up for an art interest class. I remember it was very expensive. Dad always sent me to class first and then came back to have dinner.”
“But I was lazy and didn’t want to go after a few days.”
“During festivals and my birthdays, you would take me out to play. My dad always said that only by seeing the outside world could I become a great person in the future.”
She sobbed more and more.
“I’ve never lived in a villa, never eaten a luxurious meal, and never been treated as a VIP in a mall.”
“But I’ve just never lived in a villa, never eaten a big meal, and never worn famous brands.”
“I’ve always grown up in love.”
“Mom, thank you.”
She hugged me and cried uncontrollably.
Tears welled up in my eyes too. I was proud of my daughters.
12
“Go to a high school in the city?” Zhizhi was very surprised and immediately refused. “No need. I think the county – level key school…”
“Zhizhi, tell mom, do you want to go?” I looked at her gently. “Don’t be afraid. Tell me your true thoughts.”
She hesitated for a long time and then nodded slightly.
“Then go. I’ll rent a house near the school for you. You can choose anywhere you like to live, and it’ll be convenient for us to visit you.”
Zhizhi waved her hand. “No need. I can board at school. I’ll come back on weekends.”
I pretended to be angry. “Don’t you want to see your parents?”
Zhizhi looked blank. “Huh?”
I tapped her forehead. “Your other parents. Studying in the city, you can go back to see them.”
“If you don’t want to go, that’s okay. It’s a long way back. High – school students have so little rest time. Your dad and I will go to see you.”
Zhizhi held back for a long time and managed to say: “But renting a house there is very expensive.”
I couldn’t help laughing.
“I’m renting a house, not buying one. Do you have some misunderstanding about our family’s financial situation?”
“Your dad is a skilled worker, and I’m quite well – known as a cook. We’re not starving.”
“When Chengcheng goes to high school, as long as he can be admitted, he’ll have the same treatment as you.”
I stroked her head. “Actually, even if Qingqing didn’t mention it, this was something I had thought about long ago.”
“I don’t want the family to hold you back. We’ll be really happy if you two become successful in the future.”
After the high – school entrance examination, Zhizhi’s grades were outstanding. Qingqing also did well. Although she didn’t get into the city – level key school, with the Jiang family’s connections, she also went to a very good school.
The house was rented not far from the school. Not only Zhizhi, but Qingqing sometimes also lived there.
During the three years of high school, I went to visit them once a month.
I remember once when Lao Wang was at home and went with me. The two girls insisted on cooking for us, saying that their cooking skills had improved a lot recently.
As a result, I held my chopsticks, looking at the burnt – smelling eggplant and the strangely – colored shrimp on the table, and couldn’t bring myself to eat.
Lao Wang was even more extreme. He set an alarm clock, pretended to answer a call, and slipped away.
Zhizhi and Qingqing were quite confident in blaming each other. One said she got my true teaching but didn’t know how to use it, and the other said a top – student’s brain could do nothing but study.
The meal was quite lively.
During the summer and winter vacations, they spent time at both homes alternately. Every year, they could get double red envelopes and celebrate two birthdays.
By the way, their birthdays are on the same day.
After discussion, they celebrate the day before their birthday at the Jiang family, the day after at my home, and on their birthday, it’s their own time to do whatever they want.
The accidental life – swapping back then didn’t lead to bad results but blossomed into the most beautiful flowers.
13
One hundred days before the college entrance examination, the school held a swearing – in ceremony and invited parents to attend.
I attended as Zhizhi’s parent. Looking at the senior – three student representative on the stage, I was full of pride.
“So amazing. First place in the Biology Olympiad and guaranteed admission.”
Qingqing appeared out of nowhere.
I was surprised. “Why are you here?”
“Ours is over. Anyway, I was bored, so I came to have a look.”
Me: “You said Zhizhi got guaranteed admission? So she doesn’t need to take the college entrance examination?”
“Normally, she doesn’t need to, but she signed up.”
Qingqing smiled a bit proudly. “Sure you want to know why, right?”
Zhizhi had been tutoring Qingqing. In the last few months, she didn’t need to spend much time on her own studies, so she decided to help Qingqing strive for a better result.
Signing up for the college entrance examination was also to accompany Qingqing.
They had no blood relationship, but they had already become real sisters.
After Zhizhi came down and saw her, she unceremoniously dragged her to choose test papers.
The person who was so proud just now suddenly looked miserable.
“You’re really something!”
It was Mrs. Jiang. She had gone to the swearing – in ceremony for Qingqing.
After a few years, time had left no trace on Mrs. Jiang’s face. She was still as elegant and calm as ever.
“At first glance, this sounds rather sarcastic.”
Mrs. Jiang smiled. “I mean it sincerely.”
“I’ve seen too many people fight desperately for interests, turning relatives against each other, and children into enemies. Such things are countless in my circle.”
“It’s not easy for them to be like this today. You’ve taught Qingqing very well.”
Mrs. Jiang sighed. “There’s something you may not know. Qingqing has never changed her name. She’s never forgotten your kindness in raising her.”
I also smiled. “Coincidentally, neither has Zhizhi.”
“You’re also amazing. You’ve taught Zhizhi very well.”
The two mothers looked at each other and smiled.
To this day, Wang Qingqing and Jiang Yazhi are still themselves.
Their identities may have been false, but their growth is real. As long as they give their sincere hearts, kindness and love will always exist, whether they have the identity of a rich girl or not.
14
The intense college entrance examination ended. Chengcheng, Lao Wang, and I, along with the Jiang family’s couple, all came to pick them up.
The Jiang family hosted a big, lively meal.
There was only one person unhappy in the whole place.
After the summer vacation, Chengcheng would be in the third grade of junior high school. This naughty boy’s grades were mediocre, and it was very difficult for him to get into the city – level key high school.
“Dad, Mom, you can just hope for your daughters to become successful. Can you just let me go?”
Before I could say anything, the two sisters immediately turned their heads:
“You’re not allowed to go anywhere during the summer vacation. The cram school is already arranged. We’ll also supervise you when we’re free.”
Chengcheng looked miserable. In his eyes, the two sisters who used to dote on him had probably turned into two fierce deities.
Mrs. Jiang felt sorry for him and said that if he couldn’t get into the city – level key school, she could arrange a school for him.
“No way. He’s dreaming.”
The two girls said in unison.
Chengcheng burst into tears. “Is there any justice?”
For the college entrance examination, they applied to universities in the same city.
When Chengcheng took the high – school entrance examination, the two sisters came back specially to cheer him on.
When the scores came out, he was one point higher than the admission score of the city – level key school.
Chengcheng was so happy that he was like Fan Jin who passed the imperial examination. He held the admission notice as if it were an imperial decree.
To celebrate, Lao Wang and I planned to take the three children on a trip. But when the Jiang family heard about it, they directly took the three of them abroad.
Wow, I was even jealous.
In her sophomore year of college, Qingqing got a boyfriend and became a matchmaker, determined to help Zhizhi get out of the single state too.
“Mom, what do you think of this one? He’s the heartthrob of our department.”
Before I could see clearly, she took it back.
“No, no. I heard he has a lot of ex – girlfriends.”
“What about this one? Our department head. He’s also a top student.”
“Tsk, not good either. People in computer – related majors are likely to go bald in the future…”
I was so angry that I laughed. “Why are your requirements higher than when you were looking for a boyfriend for yourself?”
“Of course.” She blurted out. “Guys like him don’t deserve Zhizhi.”
Me: “…”
When Chengcheng was in his senior year of high school, he had a car accident. It wasn’t very serious, but it happened to injure his right hand and affected his college entrance examination.
The two sisters flew back that night without prior notice. Their faces were more solemn than Chengcheng, the person involved. In the end, Chengcheng had to comfort them instead.
“… Don’t worry. It’s just always repeat the year.. Isn’t it good to let my legend continue in school for another year?”
Finally, perhaps due to the bonus of one more year, Chengcheng did extremely well in the exam. If it were in our place, he would be the county – level top scorer.
At that time, the two sisters had started working. Each of them gave him a big red envelope. Together with the ones from Lao Wang and me, and the Jiang family’s couple, this kid’s mouth was almost split with joy.
The two sisters were responsible for sending him to school. Lao Wang and I sent them to the station.
Each of the three children gave us a hug.
“Dad, Mom, you must take good care of your health, have regular check – ups, and use the massager we bought you often. We’re leaving. We’ll come back to see you when we have time.”
The figures of the three children disappeared at the end of the sunny road.
Perhaps the sun was too bright. Before I knew it, my eyes were filled with tears.
Lao Wang took my hand. This man, who had always had a disastrous aesthetic sense and a carefree attitude, gently hugged me in his arms:
“The children have left, but I’m still here.”
“No one will compete with me for my most beloved wife anymore.”
He smiled and said: “Come on, let’s go home. I’ve learned a new recipe for braised lion’s head. You can have a taste.”
I stopped crying and smiled, tightly holding his hand:
“Okay, let’s go home.”
15. Zhizhi’s Perspective
I never thought such a thing would happen to me.
I wasn’t my parents’ biological daughter.
During the time waiting for the paternity test, I was very panicked.
When I thought of the countryside, I could only associate it with the scorching sun, farm work, fussy villagers, and illiterate parents.
I wanted to stay. If I really had to live in such an environment, I’d rather put aside my pride.
My biological mother appeared and wanted to take me away.
I cried sadly. Mrs. Jiang also wanted me to stay.
But my biological mother was very persistent.
As for why I didn’t oppose it, probably when I was crying in Mrs. Jiang’s arms, I saw that in her eyes there was no blame, but pity.
I decided to give it a try. If it didn’t work out, I’d rather move out.
All the things she prepared for me were new. She seldom asked about my personal affairs. She would pay attention to what I liked and disliked to eat, carefully keep the things of that girl, and would tell me in advance when she went out.
Because of me, Dahuang was sent to be fostered. I saw that she often took things to thank the foster family, but never mentioned bringing the dog back.
She really seemed to be trying to be good to me.
So I decided to make an effort too.
There was a younger brother in the family who was very hostile to me.
I tried to get along with him and found that this kid was actually carefree.
I picked him up and dropped him off at school every day. Whenever he bought snacks, he would share them with me.
He took me to every corner of the village, telling me where there were dogs, where there was fun, and where was suitable for a walk.
When he noticed I was unhappy, he would take me to see fireflies.
I suddenly realized that life here wasn’t that bad.
Next was my biological father.
He gave me a huge shock when we first met, but overall, he was a nice person.
Although I haven’t fully adapted, it wasn’t as scary as I thought. So when my good friends wanted to come and see, I didn’t refuse.
The whole family attached great importance to it. Even Chengcheng’s always dirty schoolbag was washed clean.
They had a great time.
At night, Laixue asked me if I regretted coming here.
For the first time, I answered firmly: “I don’t regret it.”
Later, Qingqing appeared.
I knew she didn’t like me from the first time I saw her.
But I had already let it go.
“I did lose some things, but I also gained a lot, and these are things you once had.”
“Things I never experienced when I lived in the Jiang family.”
I smiled sincerely: “So you don’t have to worry that I’ll be resentful. In fact, even if I went back to the Jiang family now, I wouldn’t be used to the kind of life where neighbors don’t interact with each other.”
Looking into her eyes, I knew she had listened.
The Spring Festival was very happy. After being happy during the day and night, when I checked my phone, I saw that Aunt Jiang sent me a red envelope at 9:30.
Actually, I was very unaccustomed to this address. At first, I had to remind myself all the time, but later I found that my biological mother didn’t care at all. She was more open – minded than I thought.
Qingqing came to pay a New Year visit and dragged me to play Dou Di Zhu. She would scold me for being stupid while patiently teaching me.
Finally, she was covered with strips of paper. She flicked my forehead, then took a photo with a big smile.
Chengcheng, Qingqing, and I went back to the Jiang family together.
My room was exactly the same as before. My parents had prepared my favorite dishes in advance.
Qingqing took me to see the small radishes she planted.
I never thought that one day there would be radishes in the family garden.
Looking at Qingqing’s proud face, I couldn’t help but want to laugh.
Later, my parents rented a house for me near the school, and Qingqing often came over.
Every time she did laundry or ordered takeout, she would include me.
There was only one daughter in the Jiang family. I had never experienced having siblings.
Now I have two pairs of parents who love me, a kind and lovely sister, and a younger brother who is tough – mouthed but soft – hearted.
Not everyone in the world is as lucky as me.
But I encountered that one – in – ten – thousand probability.
I once thought that my life had a terrible crack.
But I didn’t expect that a brighter beam of sunlight shone in.
16. Qingqing’s Perspective
Have you ever fantasized about becoming a rich person?
I not only fantasized about it but also made it come true.
Just like in the TV dramas, there was a big villa, a butler, a driver, and my parents gave me pocket money starting from five – digit amounts.
I was so excited that I couldn’t wait to share it with my best friend.
“Then will you never come back?”
My best friend asked me: “Aunt Qin must be very reluctant to part with you, right?”
I was stunned.
Mom never seemed to have tried to keep me.
On the day of the recognition, she took Jiang Yazhi home right away.
Did I… hurt her feelings?
“It’s okay. I’ll make it up to them in the future.” I thought.
Life in the wealthy family was carefree. My biological parents felt guilty towards me and gave me the best of everything.
But I still felt something was missing.
I saw her on the school’s honor wall.
I heard about her from teachers and classmates.
In the room at the end of the corridor, there were locked – up proofs of her excellence.
No one said I was inferior to her, but I still couldn’t help thinking that if I had grown up in the Jiang family, the one shining with all that glory should be me instead of her.
Once I caught a cold and was in a daze. The doctor gave me an injection.
My dad was in a business negotiation, and my mom’s health wasn’t good, so she couldn’t stay long.
The doctor would come in to check on me every two hours and gently ask me if I felt better.
In a trance, I seemed to see my mom.
Every time I was sick and didn’t want to eat anything, she would cook a big bowl of vegetable puree for me and feed me bit by bit.
Sudden grievance made me feel like I was abandoned by the whole world.
I hated that girl even more.
At first, it was because she took what was mine.
Now, it was still because she took what was mine.
The discomfort in my body was getting worse, and the malice in my heart burst out like a monster.
The next day, when I recovered from my illness, I couldn’t wait to ask the driver to take me back.
I almost couldn’t control myself from targeting her.
But she didn’t fight back against me like in the novels.
She figured it out earlier than me.
It was also at this time that I suddenly realized that I was almost becoming the kind of scheming and calculating person I used to hate the most.
I returned to the Jiang family restlessly, only to see the things my dad sent.
Because I knew him well, I left the unopened package in the corner.
The aesthetic of the gifts was still incredibly bad.
But a small brocade bag inside caught my attention.
There was a key in it.
The key to our home.
When my identity was exposed, he didn’t even come home.
Now, without a single word, he made me completely break down.
No matter how much you have or whether you still need it.
This will always be your home.
I held the key and cried for a long time. Finally, I wiped away my tears and called mom.
From today on, I have two homes.
