Chapter Two: I Can Protect You
499 Words
"Look at your daughter! What has she become? She can barely take a few words of criticism before wanting to fly away. It infuriates me!"
"Enough! You’re no easy person yourself," Qin Yuanhao retorted, feeling exasperated. "Women under one roof never find peace."
"Mom, why do you insist on having sister stay? Dad is right; she will marry eventually, and I’m already in college. She doesn’t need to take care of me anymore."
"You always defend that wretched girl! Do you not realize who raised her all these years? Letting her go is too good for her!" Lin Peipei snapped before stretching lazily and heading to the living room to continue watching TV.
Xueche cleared the table, the rain outside now pouring heavily.
The oppressive atmosphere was driving her to the brink, but she had to endure, always endure.
Every time she attempted to resist, Lin Peipei would argue with her father deep into the night, disturbing the neighbors. Why did she derive such pleasure from tormenting her? Oh, mother, if only you were here. How could you have left me so young and alone?
Never had her mother attended a school event, and her father’s attitude was always lukewarm. She had grown accustomed to the harsh realities of life from a young age. Perhaps only she could rely on herself. Her brother Qingyu, however, was always affectionate, defending her whenever he could, though he dared not show too much affection in front of Lin Peipei, having endured many beatings and scoldings in the past.
She thought that once she had a job, she could escape this dreadful prison and no longer endure. Yet this woman was intent on stopping her. If she could forsake everything, facing the storm and lightning outside, she would. But she could not disregard her father, who had undergone surgery and needed someone to care for him.
“Sis, are you asleep?” Qingyu knocked on her door.
“No, wait a moment.” Pulling herself from her thoughts, Xueche composed herself and opened the door.
Her room was small, a cramped space with just a bed and a desk.
Qingyu, standing at six feet, made the room feel even smaller.
“Is something wrong, Qingyu?”
“No, just don’t take what Mom said at dinner to heart. I’ll try to change her mind. Sister, I’m grown up now; I can protect you!” Qingyu said earnestly.
“Silly Qingyu, I’m fine. Just focus on your studies. I don’t ask for anything else.” Xueche felt warmth in her heart, having long considered Qingyu her real brother.
“Sis, I just wanted to check on you. I was afraid you’d hide your pain and cry alone. I want you to know I’m here to share your burden.”
“Good brother, I understand. Look, I’m fine. I’m not crying or unhappy. I understand Auntie’s thoughts. Just focus on your studies,” Xueche said, her eyes clear and bright even in the dark night.
- Writer
