Chapter 1319: Chapter 1308: Siblings
Lee Shishi sat somewhat dazedly on the chair, looking at the two people across from her, their faces beaming with smiles, still not quite able to process what was happening.
To say that Duan Yunquan, another prominent figure at the school, is her boyfriend’s second younger brother is one thing, but that a renowned celebrity is his little sister? What kind of divine twist is this?
"Did I scare you, elder sister-in-law?" Yu Zhijing said with a smile, "Speaking of being a celebrity, we’re actually just ordinary people. There’s nothing remarkable about us. Look at how much effort it takes just for me to have a meal with you all, it only shows how much we celebrities are not our own masters."
On this subject, Lee Shishi was puzzled. Though they knew each other, why pretend not to in front of the assistant and the bodyguard? Moreover, meeting under such work-related circumstances, she thought about it and asked straightforwardly because she intuited that Yu Zhijing was not a person to hold grudges. Perhaps speaking her mind directly was better than keeping it bottled up.
"You should know we lived in an orphanage as kids, right? And that my biological parents are a singing king and a movie queen. They are so wealthy, yet I was abandoned in an orphanage from a young age. Don’t you feel sorry for me?" Yu Zhijing seemed very calm as she spoke of these matters, with even a smile on her face.
With the reminder, Lee Shishi recalled that Yu Zhijing indeed had biological parents. Although they were somewhat out of favor in recent years, they once shone brightly, and today they still hold a high status in the entertainment industry. Given their status, why did they abandon their child back then?
But they had just met today for the first time, is it really okay to share such private matters with her? Lee Shishi felt a warm feeling inside because sharing this with her must mean they consider her one of their own!
Thinking about it, she felt more remorseful about her previous thoughts. She felt truly vile for having suspected Ye Cheng’s younger siblings like that, recalling how guarded she had been, as her friend had mentioned. Internally, she felt unspeakably guilty.
Yu Zhijing smiled, showing no hint of sadness: "But it’s fine that they have no feelings for me; having my siblings is enough."
Though she spoke lightly, Lee Shishi was stirred inside: how many people could casually talk about having no emotional ties with their biological parents? What kind of hurt must one have endured?
"Is it because of a contract with the agency? Why can’t you siblings reunite openly?" Lee Shishi asked with a heartache, it seems like life for seemingly glamorous people might be less satisfying than that of ordinary folks.
"How could my biological parents allow the truth about my orphanage past to be exposed? Don’t worry about me, elder sister-in-law; once I’m an adult, they won’t be able to control me anymore."
"Thank you for trusting me so much." Lee Shishi said very solemnly.
"Why thank me? Since big brother introduced you to us, it shows absolute trust in you. We’re family from now on." Yu Zhijing looked at her affectionately and said with emotion, "The four of us siblings used to rely on each other, but now we have you, elder sister-in-law. Our family will only grow stronger."
"Quite ambitious." Duan Yunquan looked at her amusedly, "But don’t count on me. I won’t be looking for a girlfriend or getting married anytime soon, and I’m sure your third sister feels the same. As for you, no need to say it; a minor in a tempting entertainment circle should steer clear of early relationships."
"I surely won’t." Yu Zhijing replied indignantly, "I am focused on pursuing a career and will not ruin my future. Why’s our third sister still not here? I’m starving, and the manager always watches me, never letting me eat enough."
Duan Yunquan’s gaze sharpened: "Soon, once my company is established, we’ll transfer your contract. The legal evidence is ready, and you could actually sever those ties even now, there’s no need to wait until adulthood."
"I don’t want to. I’m underage now. Even if I sever ties, my guardian remains a hassle. I’m not like ordinary people. As a public figure, it would definitely attract topics and attention, and some might exploit it. Only when I can make decisions myself will the trouble be minimized."
"Whatever you want, but don’t hold anything in. Now that your big brother and third sister have established their careers, and I’ll soon break away from the Duan Family, we’re all your support system."
"Did Duan Yunhai agree to your requests?" Ye Cheng asked him.
Duan Yunquan sneered, "What’s there to disagree with? I’ve already helped secure shares for him in the Duan Family. I just want independence and ask for little; he’s more than happy."
"Is your stepmother and your other two siblings willing to accept it?"
"What if they aren’t? Duan Yunhai holds the most shares, and even if our father is biased, he can’t do much." Duan Yunquan smirked, talking about his family without an ounce of sentiment.
Listening, Lee Shishi was increasingly stunned. What have her boyfriend’s siblings been through? The helplessness of being a celebrity, the inheritance battles of wealthy families, and yet not fighting for themselves. But each of them is so outstanding. She couldn’t help but admire them. If it were her, could she strive hard to become exceptional in such circumstances to resist?
Her life seemed planned from birth; her parents got along well, their family was always middle-class without major disasters or immense wealth. Her parents’ only expectation was for her to be a good girl, study well, and marry a trustworthy, loving man in the future for a plain and simple life.
Before Ye Cheng introduced her to his siblings, she thought there was nothing wrong with their plan. They truly loved each other and would be together forever like her parents. Not that it wasn’t viable, but after knowing his siblings’ experiences, she felt like she could strive a bit more.
Moreover, a sense of crisis rose in her heart; in the future, the people around Ye Cheng are bound to be outstanding, and if she lagged too far behind, how would they get along? Would they gradually develop a rift?
Such a result was unacceptable to her, and improving herself wasn’t a bad thing.
"The dishes are here." Ye Qiu opened the door, and an instantly delightful aroma wafted in, making everyone momentarily lose their desire to speak.
"Just to be able to often eat third sister’s dishes in the future, I definitely will sever those ties." Yu Zhijing said, staring at the dishes without blinking.
Lee Shishi was in awe, thinking last time’s was already exquisite enough, but this was even better. If she didn’t know these were dishes, she might think the carved animals were about to come alive.
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