Chapter 3: Moving Out from the Crappy Guys' House

"You really should have gone into making up stories, you're so good at it," Sang Qiao said, unable to decide whether to laugh or cry.

"Anyway, even if you have the money to start a company, there's a lot to consider."

"Ah He, I know your ambition isn't just to be an agent. Manage the company for me, and I'll make you the vice president."

At this, Ah He on the other end of the phone finally believed that Sang Qiao was serious and not joking.

"Okay, I believe you."

"Mmh, I'll leave this matter to you. Let me know how much money you need via WeChat, and I'll transfer it to you."

Sang Qiao trusted Ah He completely; they had grown up together and shared a bond as close as life itself.

Even after she left the industry, they had always kept in touch.

"Alright, leave it to me!"

After hanging up the phone, the maid had the meal ready, and the table was filled with nourishing soups.

Her grandmother kept serving her dishes and soup. Sang Qiao ate so much she felt stuffed, and Su Nuanying came home late.

Years of habit made Sang Qiao sleepy around 10 p.m., so she went straight to bed.

Meanwhile, her grandmother was downstairs giving Su Nuanying a heartfelt talk.

-

The next day, early morning

Sang Qiao woke up early, first transferring money to the account number Ah He had sent her, then got out of bed to wash up, planning to return to the Sang family home to retrieve all her luggage.

She had just stepped out of the door when her phone rang loudly, the caller ID showing: Ah He.

As soon as she answered, she heard an ear-splitting female voice on the other end, "Qiao!!! I sacrificed myself to secure a slot on a romance reality show for you. I know you've never participated in these before, but this show is super popular. Just go and mingle symbolically, not expecting you to actually find a match, just scout some new talents for our company."

Sang Qiao: "?" What did she mean by 'mingle symbolically'? Did she seem that unreliable?

Ah He kept talking non-stop on the other end of the phone, considering Sang Qiao had previously only done big productions and hardly ever appeared on variety shows, and she was still single from birth.

"Don't worry, romance reality shows are super easy. Just go, eat, drink, chat with some men, just be yourself!"

"I'm not scared, but you're asking me to scout people???"

"Hahaha, isn't that for the benefit of our company? I heard that this time on 'Instant Heartbeat' there are several newcomers who haven't signed with any company yet, and they are all good-looking guys and girls!"

"Fine, send me the show information on WeChat."

"Okk, hanging up, xoxo~"

Sang Qiao looked at the ended call screen, opened WeChat to order a car, and then put away her phone.

The car travelled along the main road, passing through various traffic lights, and eventually arrived at the Sang Mansion.

As Sang Qiao approached the living room door, she could hear her family's laughter and chatter; they clearly hadn't taken her "disappearance" these past days to heart.

She curved her lips slightly, understanding the reality she should have known long ago.

The once cheerful five members of the family quieted down when they saw her coming in.

"Qiaoqiao, you're back. I heard about your car accident, and I was really worried. I wanted to visit you, but I was too busy and couldn't find the time. You aren't mad at me, are you?"

Sang Jiao showed a guilt-ridden smile, seemingly deeply blaming herself, and reached out to grab her.

Sang Qiao sidestepped her touch without a change in expression, her tone neither cold nor warm, "Hmm, so busy, but somehow you couldn't spare a minute to send me a message while chatting here."

"I... I..." Sang Jiao's face instantly turned red, her eyes teary like she had been bullied.

Third Brother always couldn't bear to see his sister like this and immediately became angry, "Sang Qiao, you leave home for so many days, and the moment you come back, is it to bully Jiaojiao? She sincerely cares about you. What kind of attitude is that!"

"I just spoke the truth. Is that called bullying? If she's so fragile, she should just be mute." Sang Qiao lifted her eyelids slightly, her expression indifferent.

"Third Brother, don't blame Qiaoqiao. I didn't send messages to care for her. Indeed, I, as a sister, didn't do enough."

Sang Jiao forced a smile, her eyes red as she stubbornly kept the tears from falling. She looked so pitiful that it tugged at their heartstrings.

"If you really can't stand Jiaojiao, then don't come back. After all, you can go off gallivanting for over ten days without calling home, not seeing us as part of your concern!"

Mr. Sang, seeing her unrepentant demeanor, was also furious and slammed the table. In his view, Sang Qiao's claiming the accident was merely a lie.

It was all to keep them from going to Jiaojiao's movie premiere. But since it failed to deceive them and she stubbornly didn't return, and now seeing no one was coddling her, she just scurried back.

"Just as I wished, I'll leave once I pack my things." Sang Qiao now didn't even want to explain to them.

She marched up the stairs.

Her willingness to move out left the Sang Family members stunned, unable to believe it. They knew how much Sang Qiao used to try to please them, never daring to raise her voice, let alone think of leaving.

Then, before long, Sang Qiao indeed came downstairs with a pink suitcase in tow.

Sang Jiao watched the scene somewhat smugly, but still put on a show, trying to retain her, "Qiaoqiao, where can you go without your family? Is it because of me? How about I apologize? It was all my fault."

"Jiaojiao, don't bother with her! If she dares, she should just get lost and never come back, instead of putting on an act here!" Mrs. Sang said coldly.

She deeply disliked Sang Qiao, her daughter, whom a master had labeled an ill omen since birth.

From childhood ailments through to sending Sang Qiao abroad for treatment, and adopting Jiaojiao, the lucky charm, the family's fortunes had begun to improve.

Furthermore, Sang Qiao was nothing but a yes-man, whereas Jiaojiao was outgoing and excelled at everything. The two simply couldn't be compared!

"Rest assured, I won't come back." Sang Qiao didn't even bother to give them a glance and resolutely dragged her suitcase away.

The Sang Family members didn't take her words seriously. In their view, no matter how much Sang Qiao made a fuss, it was just to make them coax her. She couldn't possibly really leave.

"Third Brother, Brother Sang, you guys go and persuade Qiaoqiao to come back," Sang Jiao said anxiously on the surface.

Yet deep down, she hoped Sang Qiao would never return, as it would ensure that no one could snatch her cherished spot in the Sang Family, all of which belonged to her!

"Jiaojiao, you needn't bother with her. If she wants to leave, let her go!" Third Brother Sang said coldly.

"I'll go take a look," Brother Sang couldn't sit still any longer and got up, heading out.

He felt that Sang Qiao's gaze was too indifferent; it was as if she truly intended to sever ties with them forever.

Although he didn't like his sister always bullying Jiaojiao, she was ultimately his biological sister. When they were young, he doted on her, and Qiaoqiao's childish coquettishness almost melted his heart.

In his view, Sang Qiao had turned bad because of the three years she spent alone abroad for treatment!

Sang Siyang hurried outside only to see Sang Qiao squatting at the doorstep. He quickly walked over and crouched down beside her.

"Qiaoqiao, you shouldn't be so willful. Jiaojiao cares so much about you. Why do you always have to clash with her?"