What's with the tsundere act? Does she think I'm going to chase after her and ask her something? Chaoge twitched her lips, finding her incredibly boring.
Her doubts were well resolved after dinner. For some involuntary reason, she went down to the restaurant once again and ate another tasteless dinner with her so-called family.
I really don't know which is more painful: eating in this kind of atmosphere or drinking some miserable nutritional supplement with someone in the cafeteria.
Although Yan Chen is somewhat conservative in his thinking, the Yan family doesn't prohibit talking during meals. Of course, this lively atmosphere certainly doesn't include Chaoge in their considerations.
She just silently ate the white rice in her bowl, rarely using her chopsticks to pick up any food, even if it was right in front of her.
Yan Xi was sitting opposite her, her gaze fixed on her. Chao Ge pretended not to see it until Yan Xi, not wanting to be left out, pulled her in to make her presence known: "Little sister, why are you only eating white rice? I forgot, you probably used to drink more nutrient solutions, hehe, if you like it, you should eat more."
She was about to help her pick up some food when she spoke. Chaoge naturally lifted her bowl and stepped back, successfully freezing Yanxi's hand in mid-air. Then she turned her wrist and put the food back into her own bowl.
Chaoge didn't even lift her eyelids, concealing the mockery in her eyes as she looked down at her bowl. She thought to herself, "Back when I was a child, eating rice every day, you were probably still somewhere out there."
She looked down and examined the grains of rice in the bowl more closely; they were about the same as what her family ate every day. If judged by her own Earthly standards, they would probably scare her friends to death.
Fruit is ridiculously expensive. Back home, the apples I eat every day are all green here, and they don't even taste very good. When I bought them at the Yuandu Military Academy's canteen, they tasted like malnourished fruit.
When Luo Qinghe noticed that Chaoge looked pained even when buying apples, she couldn't help but suggest that buying nutrient solution would taste and provide the same nutrition, so there was no need to specifically buy real fruit.
Chaoge had no choice but to agree.
Li Wanfang was telling Yan Chen that besides these, there were some other slightly different, rounder types of rice that had been sent by others, and they were a bit cheaper. Although they were edible after being cooked, they weren't as good as the rice used for tonight's meal.
Chaoge looked at Li Wanfang and suggested with a smile, "Mom, you can try cooking that into porridge. Maybe it will taste good. I heard a friend of mine mention it before."
"So you've made some impressive friends. I was wondering why someone would send you an invitation to the court ball with a gift box and a dress made of special material." Yan Xi paused in her chopsticks, looking at her with a knowing smile, a hint of jealousy hidden deep in her eyes.
Yan Xi didn't know the specifics of her situation in the first year, but Yan Chen did. Clearly, Chao Ge's only friend at school was that girl named Luo Qinghe, whose family background was quite ordinary. Where did she get this friend from?
Yan Chen narrowed his eyes, his gaze fleeting over Chao Ge, but he didn't ask about it. Chao Ge, on the other hand, frowned slightly when she heard that someone had sent her clothes, a hint of confusion in her eyes.
Then a silence fell over him. He didn't ask who had sent it, as if he already knew who it was. He only showed an expression somewhat similar to Yan Chen's, and met Yan Xi's gaze, slowly asking, "Did you take my things apart?"
Her eyes were completely devoid of emotion, fixedly staring at Yan Xi. In fact, it was already quite difficult for her just to control herself from showing disgust and aversion.
"Ah, I was just a little worried that you might receive something bad, so for your safety, I opened it to check it first." Yan Xi showed no remorse whatsoever, only a smile that Chao Ge found highly provocative.
Chaoge originally intended to avoid conflict with Yan Chen and Li Wanfang in front of them, because anyone with a sound mind would know that these parents would never stand up for her and would only cause her to feel more resentful.
So at this moment, she simply lowered her eyes and glanced at the rice in her bowl. Turning her gaze back to Yan Chen and Li Wanfang, a sliver of hope still lingered deep in her eyes. Even the warmest heart can be chilled by something cold. Who knows when the next hurt will completely chill her heart, and when that time comes, she'll probably lose all hope altogether.
Whether it's cowardice or an unwillingness to believe reality, faced with parents who resemble herself so closely, she only wishes to become more forgiving. She believes such forgivingness won't be plentiful, because she deeply understands that the people who truly poured their hearts and souls into raising her weren't the two of them.
Unlike Yan Chen, who was taciturn, Li Wanfang, upon seeing the glimmer of hope in Chaoge's deep brown eyes, subconsciously spoke to Yan Xi: "No matter what, the Yan family's upbringing shouldn't allow you to rummage through other people's things, even if they are family."
Chaoge's lips relaxed slightly, curving upwards into a gentle smile.
Yan Xi immediately turned her gaze to Chao Ge. Compared to initially wearing her disgust on her face, she now understood how to achieve her goals in a better way, one that would garner more support. As long as she maintained her parents' affection for her, even if she wasn't a member of the Yan family, everything the Yan family owned would eventually be hers.
She would make Yan Chaoge watch as she gradually and meticulously moved all of Yan's belongings into her own pocket, eager to find a sense of accomplishment from this wild child.
"That's true. Who knows what kind of people my little sister has met in just a few days? She didn't grow up at home, she doesn't have her mother's guidance, and the school she went to was in a very remote area. She finally got into Yuandu Military Academy. What if she gets deceived by someone?" Yan Xi sighed softly, her worry written all over her face. She wasn't trying to deceive Yan Chaoge; she just wanted her father to know her intentions.
As expected, Yan Chen originally didn't want to dwell on such a simple matter, but according to his eldest daughter, Chao Ge might have come into contact with someone without his knowledge.
As Yan Xi looked over with a deep gaze, she continued, "Otherwise, why would someone send her clothes that are almost as precious as memory materials? My little sister is so naive; who knows what will happen to her in the future?"
The main reason is that Yan Chen and Li Wanfang have already treated Yan Xi, whom they raised from a young age, as one of their own. Therefore, they would never consider their own child being jealous or harming another child. In their eyes, Yan Xi has already obtained everything she deserves, and the future Yan family will most likely be handed over to her.
So much so that Yan Xi's simple strategy had an amazing effect on the Yan family, almost making them win every battle.
The recruitment doesn't need to be new, as long as it's useful.
Yan Chen, who wanted to gloss over this simple ball incident, was now successfully drawn to the matter. His gaze fell on Chao Ge, and he said in a deep voice, "I told you last time that you should be careful in making friends. Your words and actions do not only represent yourself. Do not do anything that would damage the family's honor. Didn't you hear me?"
Chaoge's heart, which had just been slightly healed by Li Wanfang, instantly plummeted back to rock bottom.
She had always held a sense of awe towards her father, so whenever he scolded her, she only felt ashamed of him. Today was the first time she found Yan Chen's imposing yet unyielding demeanor somewhat ridiculous.
"It's just that someone who's good to me gave me a piece of clothing. Why do you have to assume they're trying to get something out of me? My friend gave me something like this, what valuable thing do I have to exchange for it? They're not stupid, and neither am I." When Chaoge learned before dinner that the invitations to the court ball were given to each person instead of each family, she was relieved that she wouldn't have to rack her brains to apply to Yan Chen to attend.
Unexpectedly, this three-star difficulty level was waiting for her here.
The darkness in Yan Chen's eyes deepened, as if a storm was brewing. He never liked his child disobeying him, yet Yan Chaoge had been disobedient time and time again since returning home.
Under that gaze, Chaoge felt a sudden chill in her heart, as if her limbs and bones were convulsing from the inside out. A cold wind seeped into her bones from all directions, and even her throat, which was trying to speak, trembled slightly. This was the oppressive aura emanating from Yan Chen, who had been on the battlefield, and the nearly twenty years of awe she had held for her father etched into her soul.
It felt like falling into an ice cave.
However, her eyes shone even brighter, as bright as the morning stars twinkling in the black night sky, as if they were the strength to remain steadfast in the face of Yan Chen's terrifying gaze, a strength gained through burning her soul.
She took several deep breaths, looking at Yan Xi's downcast but upturned lips, at Yan Chen's eyes that exuded deep pressure, her voice trembling slightly, her smile filled with disappointment. She said, "I always believed that my parents loved me very much. They would treat me very well, even when I was little and left to be raised by my grandparents, I always believed that. But then, the first time I set off on my way home after growing up, I was poisoned to death by someone, poison number zero, almost preventing me from even reaching my own doorstep. I'm so lucky to be alive, everyone says that those who survive great calamities are destined for good fortune, but what is my good fortune? Just hope and disappointment time and time again? Maybe my fate wasn't wrong to begin with, maybe I was meant to die there, right?"
Her smile grew brighter and brighter as her words deepened. The more heartbroken she was, the more beautiful her smile became, as if she had encountered the happiest thing in the world.
It was a smile that concealed all negative emotions, possessing an eerie beauty. Yan Xi felt inexplicably terrified, as if she were seeing someone who would recklessly tear everything in front of her apart.
Like a desperate fugitive, he stakes everything on the world, facing all dangers and disregarding everything, all in order to be the last one to laugh.
Yan Chen was shocked by what she said, never expecting that someone would extend their reach to the Yan family. Even Li Wanfang showed a somewhat panicked expression, never daring to imagine that such a thing would happen to her youngest daughter, whom she hadn't devoted much effort to.
A terrible silence fell over the dinner table. Chao Ge's smile held a deep sarcasm, whether directed at others or herself, it was unclear. She glanced at the speechless crowd, then stood up and walked outside.
Yan Xi seemed about to say something, but Yan Chen's gaze immediately fell on her, startling Yan Xi so much that she forgot what she was going to say.
Stepping out of the dining table, Chaoge felt a slight tremor running through her body, unsure whether it was excitement or fear. It was an instinctive physiological reaction; whether she liked it or not, it would happen whenever she was emotionally agitated.
Even though I am calmer than ever before.
Little Red Riding Hood seemed startled by her appearance, and after a long while, she managed to squeeze out a sentence: "You were joking about 'it would be better to die there,' right? Your tone is terrifying, you've practically turned evil."
Little Red Riding Hood thought that Chaoge valued his life more than anyone else and wouldn't be someone who would give up easily.
Chaoge raised an eyebrow and walked into her room. She poured herself a steaming glass of water, blew on it, and sipped it slowly, her voice still trembling slightly as she spoke: "You mean this? No, I sometimes get really cynical and hate everything, in short, I have a period of 'illness.' You get used to it."
When she said these words, her tone was nonchalant. Only those who saw her expression at that moment knew that there was not a glimmer of light in her upturned lips, slightly raised eyes, or dazzling eyes.
A box sat on her desk, already opened, with an elegant silver invitation on the lid. Opening the invitation revealed, as expected, an invitation to a court ball.
Then I opened the box and saw a white dress inside. I was a little speechless at how that person always liked to use such an impervious color like white. But when I picked it up, I was stunned.
The white dress features a pattern drawn in dark gray ink on one side. Although the color is understated, the cinched waist and irregular hem make it no less striking than other gowns. The unique neckline and the elegant ink-wash painting, reminiscent of a scholar's painting, perfectly showcase every aspect of her character.
But that wasn't the most surprising thing for Chaoge. It was because the dress was exactly the same as the one she had bought at home. It was her most expensive and favorite dress. Every time she wore it, she felt both heartache and joy.
There is truly no one in the world who understands her better than Qin Muge.
The slightly cool fabric couldn't withstand much handling, and the owner of such a colored dress would certainly treat it with care. Because such a dress wouldn't hide even a single stain.
After changing into it, even the size was perfect, as if she had originally traveled through time wearing this dress.
She wondered why that guy would specifically get clothes like this for her. Thinking this, Chaoge's icy gaze completely melted away.
Having connected with her, Chaoge typed a message in the chat box: Thank you, the dress is beautiful, I really like it.
If one day she truly helps Little Red Riding Hood accumulate enough energy to return home, then General Qin will undoubtedly be the only person she cherishes in this world.
☆ Chapter 24: The Twenty-Fourth Evaluation of General Qin
Saturday arrived amidst much anticipation. The number of vehicles on the streets was not less than usual, but rather increased. On the dedicated lanes, one could even see more imposing vehicles that combined defense and micro-attack capabilities, all heading towards the royal palace.
Chaoge woke up at a moderate pace, not wanting to care about the impact her words had had at the dinner table the night before. She only knew that she was indeed someone who couldn't hold back her emotions, and her way of handling problems was quite frustrating. She couldn't learn any of those methods like "a gentleman takes revenge after ten years," "plan carefully before acting," or "observe the enemy from the shadows."
She's the kind of person who speaks her mind and says whatever comes to mind, so even her closest friends used to worry about what would happen to her when she entered the workforce.
But she couldn't help it. Whenever she looked in the mirror at her still clear eyes, the image that always came to mind was that of those so-called adults, with slightly yellowish whites and something hidden deep within their pupils. At that time, she thought that if there was anything she wouldn't want to give up even after experiencing pain, it was probably just these eyes.
She doesn't want to change, and she doesn't want to look in the mirror one day and not even recognize herself.
So she readily told the truth, regardless of the consequences. She thought that if Yan Chaoge were here, she would have told the truth as well, because Yan Chen and Li Wanfang were the real parents of the original owner. If she, an outsider who had usurped the place, couldn't tolerate it, the original owner would only be more heartbroken than her.
Many people might subconsciously try to manipulate their own family members to achieve their own goals. But she simply couldn't do such a thing.
When she changed her clothes and shoes and went downstairs, she found Yan Chen reading a newspaper in the living room, seemingly not in a hurry to go to the palace.
Upon seeing her arrive, Yan Chen glanced over out of the corner of his eye. After Chao Ge quietly finished the breakfast prepared by Li Wanfang, he put away the newspaper beside him and said indifferently, "Let's go when you're ready."
Huh? Wait, I'm already prepared to go by myself!
However, Yan Chen had no intention of listening to her and walked forward first. Yan Xi was wearing a similarly elegant light green dress, but in terms of sophistication, Chao Ge's dress was definitely more high-class.
Although Yanxi seemed to be using the same fabric as her.
As for Yan Chen? He always travels the world in his military uniform. Although Chao Ge actually prefers her own father, who is over forty years old, still happily teases his mother every day, and then puts on a dignified fatherly demeanor in front of the children.
Yan Xi glanced coldly at Chao Ge, then followed Yan Chen out the door. Li Wanfang was busy in the kitchen, but her attention was on them. Seeing Chao Ge's confusion, she smiled at her and slightly raised her chin, indicating that Chao Ge should follow.
Chaoge raised an eyebrow slightly and followed Yan Chen forward indifferently, saving herself the cost of a ride.
Yan Xi has always been very perceptive of the emotions of Yan Chen and his wife. Knowing that this is not the time to cause trouble, she is also able to restrain herself and put on a facade of peace with Chao Ge.
With Yan Chen present, the atmosphere inside the RV-like vehicle was icy cold. Yan Chen closed his eyes and leaned back against the seat, pretending to rest.
Only Chaoge and Yanxi remained. Yanxi's gaze was fixed on Chaoge's face, like the look one would give someone who hadn't washed their face that morning. Chaoge knew she was watching her, but she ignored her and calmly looked out the window. In this era, car windows could be selected to be either transparent or opaque. Military vehicles were generally equipped with transparent windows, so nothing could be seen from the outside.
Looking at her reflection in the car window, Chaoge cleared her mind and entered a state of daze.
After an unknown amount of time, the car came to a smooth stop. The massive buildings filled the entire view of Chaoge; the palace gates were bustling with unprecedented activity today.
All sorts of vehicles, combining offense and defense—things that only exist in science fiction movies—were neatly and silently parked at the main gate of the Yuandu Royal Palace. Yan Chen stepped out first, and various voices of conversation reached his ears, but they weren't very noisy.
Yan Chen's appearance clearly attracted a lot of attention. Chao Ge and Yan Xi were on his left and right, respectively, with Chao Ge lagging behind a little. Yan Chen only glanced at them briefly before mentally reviewing the identities of the people at the door. When someone climbed up to talk to him, his expression softened considerably, and a smile naturally appeared on his lips. It was clear that he was quite used to this kind of scene.
Yan Xi also had a very natural smile on her face, clearly not unfamiliar with this scene.
Aside from giving a polite smile when someone looked over, Chaoge remained very quiet, no matter how familiar Yan Chen was with others when talking about his youngest daughter's daily life.
Hearing others describe her as shy and quiet, a hint of a smile appeared in Chaoge's eyes. By her very nature, she utterly detested these kinds of banquets where one could only know a person's face but not their heart; politicians probed each other, each harboring their own calculations, and it was impossible to discern the truth in their words.
However, Chaoge was in a surprisingly good mood, because her current state could be summed up in one sentence: I'm not going to say anything, I'm just going to quietly watch you guys show off.
As they chatted, they walked towards the main hall of the palace. The decor along the way blended holographic projections with real objects, creating a scene so beautiful it was hard to distinguish reality from illusion. The overall style was ornate and leaned towards Western influences, but Chaoge didn't particularly like it and only glanced at it briefly before ignoring it.
Everyone present knew that the focus of the ball tonight was the people, not the setting. Waiters moved nimbly around the guests, their trays laden with an astonishing number of glasses. On the long tables on either side, a variety of delicacies were laid out.
Chaoge had no intention of flattering anyone here, because she simply wasn't good at it. Looking at a complete stranger and trying to find something admirable about them to praise? Ha! She couldn't do it.
Chaoge told Yan Chen and then went to the side to amuse herself by picking out food to eat. She was always a picky eater, and she could rarely put much food on a plate. She also ate very slowly, so it was hard for her not to be elegant.
If no one noticed her, she could maintain this state from the beginning to the end of the ball. However, it's easy to imagine how difficult it would be for her to be alone in the vast palace.
The white dress, its hem spreading out like a lotus leaf, took up a large space on the sofa. She wore shoes of moderate height, perfectly complementing the dress.