Jiang Yuning thought of this and couldn't suppress her anger. Outside, all those men courted her, spoiled her, listened to her.
"Alright, the bride price from the Zhan Family, your dad has already taken out a portion to buy you the limited edition sports car you've wanted the most. Cheer up. As for Jiang Ruan, Mommy will deal with her for you."
Jiang Yuning was instantly overjoyed, "Thank you, Mommy!"
Mrs. Jiang waved her hand and then walked alone into the basement.
Lying on the floor, Jiang Ruan was so weak that she couldn't move. Blood was all over the floor, soaking her clothes. The wetness accentuated her frailty; she was almost nothing but skin and bones.
A fierce look flashed in Mrs. Jiang's eyes. Compared to Jiang Yuning, she wanted to tear these two vixens to shreds with her own hands!
Hearing the footsteps drawing nearer, Jiang Ruan bit her lip and tried to prop herself up, to raise her head. But the slight movement caused her entire body to spasm with pain.
She... was in such pain.
"It hurts a lot, doesn't it?"
Hearing this, Jiang Ruan restrained her gaze, remembering her mother's words, and called out in a feebly whisper, "Mrs... Jiang."
"Working so hard every day and not eating well, you can't go on like this. Once it's confirmed that you're pregnant, quit your job and stay in the Jiang Family to have the baby."
Mrs. Jiang looked down disdainfully at the wilted girl on the floor, her beautiful eyes devoid of sympathy or compassion.
"After you give birth, I can send you and your mother abroad. I could find you a good school, let you finish your education, and it's not bad developing a life abroad where the climate is suitable. It's a chance for a fresh start, to live a good life."
Jiang Ruan forced out a bitter smile. She wasn't foolish; how could she not understand what was being said?
Once they had drained all they could from her, she could quickly get lost and not appear before them again, no longer an eyesore.
Mrs. Jiang didn't hear a reply from Jiang Ruan, but she wasn't irritated; she just issued one last cold warning, "You're a smart child. You understand what I'm saying. Besides, our Jiang Family has been helping your sick mother for so many years. Now, it's time for you to repay that favor."
Having said her piece, Mrs. Jiang didn't linger any longer and left, covering her nose as she turned away!
The next day
Mr. Jiang returned from a business trip from the neighboring city. Mrs. Jiang, in a simple and elegant dress, with her makeup done exquisitely, took her husband's briefcase tenderly.
"Dad, thank you for giving Yuning her favorite car, I love you the most! Mwah."
Jiang Yuning showed a cute and adorable smile, hugging Mr. Jiang's arm and acting coquettishly.
Mr. Jiang's face lit up with joy as he patted Jiang Yuning's head.
"Of course, my daughter is so excellent, and she attends the best school in Capital City. When I'm abroad, couldn't I be proud? In the future, my daughter will also become Mrs. Zhan!"
At the mention of school, Jiang Yuning's expression slightly faltered, but she quickly regained her composure.
After all, that matter was dealt with so cleanly, her dad would never find out!
Mrs. Jiang stepped forward, "Every time you come back from a trip, Yuning has to stick to you for quite a while. I, her mother, am almost jealous."
The family appeared harmonious and joyful, and even the servant bringing tea couldn't help but show a look of envy.
However, Mr. Jiang suddenly spoke, "Where is Jiang Ruan? Call her out, let's all have tea together. Her mother is ill; she must not have rested well these past few days."
As soon as the words left his lips, Jiang Yuning turned her face away and pursed her lips. Jiang Ruan again!
"Dad, between me and Jiang Ruan, who do you like more?"
Mr. Jiang was taken aback, a flicker in his eyes, "Yuning, you're Daddy's precious daughter. If I don't dote on you, who will I dote on? What's with that question?"
Mrs. Jiang nodded and signaled to a servant nearby, "Jiang Ruan came back late last night; I let her rest a bit more. Now, go call her."
The servant caught the look and immediately responded, "Yes, yes, Madam, I'll go call her right away."
Three servants hurried to the back yard, opening the rusty door to the basement. The door screeched as it opened, waking Jiang Ruan, who had curled up and slept the entire night on the floor. Seeing the three people coming towards her aggressively, her heart skipped a beat.
"I don't know what tricks you've used to make the master like you so much."
They pulled Jiang Ruan up from the ground roughly, gripping her without restraint, causing her to break out in cold sweat from the pain.
Yet she had no strength to fight back, letting them peel off her clothes, quickly tending to her wounds to prevent any fresh bleeding, then covering every wound on her body with new clothing!
Jiang Ruan's face was facing the mirror, showing a frightening paleness, with hardly any color in her lips!
The servants quickly applied powder to her face, cursing under their breath as they went about it.
When she was finally pushed into the living room, the sight that greeted her was the Jiang Family of three, basking in domestic bliss. Jiang Yuning was snuggled up to Mr. Jiang, wearing a sweet smile.
Only upon seeing Jiang Ruan did Mr. Jiang look over, "Did you sleep well? I heard from your aunt that you came back late yesterday. Is your mother's illness... worsening?"
Jiang Ruan lowered her gaze, glancing at the floor, "My lord need not worry, my mother is fine."
"Good, that's good. If there are any problems, just tell me, I'll help."
"Right now, I would like to go to the hospital to see my mother," Jiang Ruan asked softly, wanting nothing more than to leave this place. She felt like a buffoon here.
Their family of three was so happy. How out of place she must be.
This place was not hers.