Shi Mu's parents both worked in the clothing business, which was medium-sized and generated considerable profit each year. Concerned about Shi Li's health, their father purchased a house in the Huadu community on the outskirts of Lingcheng. This well-known villa area was nestled against Lingshan, boasting a quiet environment. Although somewhat remote, it offered peace and, most importantly, ensured the safety and privacy of its residents. The car slowly entered through the gate and finally stopped at the doorstep.
Shi Mu stepped out of the car, glanced up at the exquisite yet unfamiliar two-story villa, sighed deeply, and followed Shi Li into the house.
A strange atmosphere hung in the living room.
Shi Mu's parents sat on the sofa with gloomy expressions. Opposite them stood a woman in a black suit, her sharp and cold eyes piercing. Shi Mu shifted her gaze and saw Fu Yunrui standing behind the woman, looking like a dutiful little wife.
In the plot, the Fu brothers had all taken their mother's surname. Later, the couple's relationship broke down, and they parted ways. Their father and Fu Yunshen were expelled from the house, leaving Fu Yunrui with his mother to be trained as the successor. Fu Yunrui's mother was a decisive businesswoman, strict and unyielding in speech. Shi Mu guessed the woman before her was none other than Fu Yunrui's controlling mother.
Hearing the noise, several pairs of eyes turned toward the newcomers.
"Mom, Dad, we're back," Shi Li said, placing his schoolbag on the nearby table.
Father Shi's expression remained indifferent. "Ali, go upstairs first."
Shi Li's eyes flickered with a faint smile. He said nothing and turned to walk upstairs.
Suddenly, Shi Mu and the parents were left alone in the vast living room.
"Shi Mu, how can you be so shameless?!" her mother suddenly stood and slapped her across the face. After a brief pause, Shi Mu dodged, turning her face away.
Shi Mu's mother, surprised by her daughter's courage, grew even more furious. She raised her other hand and slapped Shi Mu on the left side of her face.
The pain was intense, and tears suddenly welled up.
"Did I give birth to you so you could seduce men? You're a girl—have you no shame? Even if you've lost yours, we still have ours!" Mother Shi's face flushed red, her whole body trembling with anger.
Shi Mu's rebellious nature had been known for a long time, but no one expected her to have the audacity to trick a boy into checking into a hotel with her—especially since the boy's family was powerful and influential, and they, as small business owners, could not afford to offend them.
Seeing this, Fu Qian raised her lips in a faint smile and said, "Mr. Shi, Ms. Shi, I'll say this only once. Our Yunrui is honest and easily deceived; that is his fault. But you are wrong to fail to discipline her properly. I implore you to take better care of your child and not let her endanger Yunrui's life again. If there is a next time, don't blame me for being rude."
Fu Qian glanced coldly at Shi Mu, her eyes full of disdain as though looking at an ant.
"Yunrui, let's go."
Fu Yunrui pursed his lips and looked cautious. He lowered his head and timidly followed Fu Qian. Passing Shi Mu, he paused briefly. "I got your schoolbag back for you…"
Fu Qian frowned and raised her voice sharply: "Yunrui!"
He shuddered and quickly walked away.
After Fu Yunrui and the others left, Shi Mu's grandmother came down from upstairs.
The old woman had always disliked this granddaughter, and after this incident, her disdain grew even deeper. She approached and said coldly, "Your daughter is a troublemaker. I don't think we can accommodate her in this house."
Shi Mu's mother glared fiercely at Shi Mu. "Go back to your room."
Shi Mu picked up her schoolbag and turned away without saying a word.
In this family, Shi Mu—who possessed witchcraft and could see ghosts—was considered an "evil creature." Grandma Shi feared that Shi Mu's ominous nature would harm her precious grandchildren. She not only forbade Shi Mu from sitting at the same table with them but also moved her room to the small attic on the top floor.
The small attic had only one window. It was damp and chilly when cold, dry and stuffy when hot. There was a bathroom separated from the cramped room, which was small and confined.
Shi Mu threw her schoolbag on the bed and took off her coat, leaving only a pink bra on. As she removed it, she heard a noise behind her. Turning around, Shi Mu saw her sister, Shi Rong, standing with her arms crossed and wearing a smug expression.
Shi Rong was her junior, having just entered high school, and was known as the school belle. Pretty and academically gifted, she was a model student in her teachers' eyes and a good child in her parents' eyes. However, only Shi Mu knew how willful, mean, and selfish her sister truly was—a perfect example of "two-faced."