After half an hour, Qin Lian came down with a cotton backpack slung over her shoulder.
Her luggage was simple, just a few dresses and some essentials. She has changed into a plain light blue dress. Her hair hung loosely over her shoulders, while a white bandage wrapped around her head.
The simplicity of her outfit, combined with the bandage, gave her a fragile, delicate air.
Zhao Shuying was taken aback by Qin Lian's simple appearance. She looked at her and instinctively pursed her lips. This wasn't the Qin Lian she was used to seeing.
Qin Lian loved dressing up in beautiful dresses with accessories and makeup. Every time she attended parties with her mother, others envied her for having such a beautiful daughter and was always a centre of attention.
Now, seeing her dressed so plainly, without a single piece of jewelry, Zhao Shuying felt an unexpected pang of loss.
The daughter she had nurtured with such care and ambition was leaving, perhaps forever.
"Qin Lian," Zhao Shuying called out softly, her voice wavering. "Why are you wearing this dress? Didn't you say it was old and unfashionable?"
" And where are your accessories? You're going to your husband's house, do you want to embarrass yourself by looking like this?"
Her eyes flicked to the small cotton bag, and her frown deepened. "Is that all you're taking? If you go like this, what will people think of the Qin family?"
"That we sent you away with nothing? Are you trying to humiliate us?" Her voice rose slightly, laced with accusation. "Or is this your way of rebelling?"
Before Qin Lian could respond, Mu Ruoyu gently held her arm, her voice soft but carefully calculated."Mom, please don't be so hard on Sis…I mean…Qin Lian," she said, her tone soothing yet deliberate.
It's a good thing she is not taking anything."
She turned to Qin Lian, an understanding smile on her lips. "You must have thought this through. The countryside isn't like the city. Villagers are simple, they value modesty."
" If you show up in expensive jewelry or bring too much luggage, they might gossip. They might say you're arrogant. I am sure you're taking less luggage because of this." She said,
Zhou Shuying looked at Qin Lian thoughtfully and was touched by her actions. She regretted a little for raising her voice earlier.
However, upon hearing Mu Ruoyu's next words, made her forget everything.
"Since I have lived in a village for years, I know how sharp their words can be. If you dress beautifully, you're accused of being a vixen, if you don't look well, you'll be called ugly duckling."
"Villagers can be little outright. I hope you can learn to be patient and make good relations." She preached to her like a supporting sister which made Qin Lian raise her brows at her.
Zhou Shuying rubbed her daughter's arm and said, "Ruoyu, you've suffered a lot. Now since you're here, I will make sure to give you all the happiness, dresses and accessories. No one will blame you for anything. You're my daughter, you deserve the best."
Qin Lian was amused to see their drama. She shook her head slightly and said, "You're right. Village people can be straightforward at times and it's better to go simple than wearing extravagant dresses or accessories."
"However, it doesn't mean I will dress up according to people's opinion. I am wearing this dress because I don't want to take anything from this family anymore."
"I am already thankful for my parents for raising me for years, I cannot dare to take anything else from this family. It would be shameless for me to pack alot." She said her indifferent gaze made Mu Ruoyu uncomfortable.
She was trying to look pitiful and a sensible girl but Qin Lian's statement made her shut her mouth.
"Anyway, thanks for your tips. Even if I don't wear expensive dresses or accessories, I am sure I am gonna stand out anywhere with such looks."
"You don't need to worry about anything. I will take care of my affairs." Qin Lian said, not so thankful for her opinion.
Mu Ruoyu and Zhao Shuying's faces fell.
Mu Ruoyu clenched the fabric of her skirt, her expression tightening. This Qin Lian… Why is she acting so different? Why is she so proud? Shouldn't she be crying, making a scene?
And her words… Since when did she become so composed? She's being sent to the countryside to marry Xu Yinchen, yet she stands there—calm, proud, completely unshaken. How is that possible?
Her eyes were too calm. Her words, sharp like daggers.
Zhao Shuying frowned and fell silent. She couldn't believe it. The obedient daughter who always listened to her, never once defied her, suddenly became… venomous.
At that moment, Qin Zhong entered the room, his sharp gaze sweeping over Qin Lian. His eyes flicked to her plain attire and small bag, narrowing slightly.
Without a word, he pulled out a thin envelope and handed it to her.
"There's 100 yuan in here," he said gruffly. "Take it. It's not much, but it'll get you through until you settle down."
His tone was firm, almost dismissive, yet there was a flicker of something else—perhaps reluctant care.
"If you leave now, you should reach Qinghe Village before dark. I've arranged for one of my colleagues to drop you off nearby. From there, ask around. The villagers will guide you to Xu Yinchen's house."
His voice cooled, but there was a subtle softness beneath it.
"Since you've accepted your fate, live properly. Don't cause trouble. Don't be willful. Remember that your actions still reflect on this family, even if you're no longer part of it."
Qin Lian took the envelope without hesitation. She had no money, no resources, only a fool would refuse it.
Thinking of the original host, she pursed her lips and glanced at the so-called parents who had raised her. Her expression remained indifferent, her smile faint but unreadable.
Then, to everyone's surprise, she bowed.
"Thank you for raising me all these years. I'll consider this 100 yuan as your farewell gift to me."
Her words were calm, but they carried a weight that made Zhao Shuying's stomach twist.
Qin Lian straightened and continued, her voice unwavering.
"As you said, I will act properly and live my life well. Even if I suffer, I won't return here. You have your daughter now, it wouldn't be right for me to stay any longer. Thank you for all your hard work over the years."
She then turned to Mu Ruoyu, her gaze steady. "And you… take care of them. Since they're your parents, be filial to them. That's all I have to say to you."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked out, her small backpack slung over her shoulder.
The room fell into stunned silence. Zhao Shuying pursed her lips, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Why does she seem so different? So… cold? Does she hate them that much?
Mu Ruoyu's voice trembled with distress. "Mom, Sister… she… How could she say that? Is she breaking ties with us? Leaving you forever?"
Qin Zhong scoffed. "Forget about her. It's for the best. I'll assume I've raised a snake all these years."
Then, he turned to Mu Ruoyu and patted her head lovingly. "Ruoyu, from now on, you're our only daughter. Forget the past. This is your home now. No one can take your place."
Mu Ruoyu lowered her head, hiding the victorious gleam in her eyes.
Yes.
This time, in this life, the title of the Qin family's daughter and Lin Chengyan's wife belonged to her. She had finally taken what was rightfully hers.