The next morning, Shi Mu was summoned to the living room.
It was Saturday. Shi Li and Shi Rong had gone out early to play. Her parents remained home, sitting stiffly on the couch with stern expressions.
Old Lady Shi's gaze fell on Shi Mu's freshly shaved head—her hair cut short to resemble Shi Li's. Her eyes widened in shock, then narrowed into a sneer.
"Even if you shave your head, you'll never become your brother," she muttered.
Shi Mu curled her lip. "I don't care about that sickly guy."
Her words hit a nerve.
"That's because of you! You're a curse, a monster! In the old days, you would've been burned as a sacrifice to the gods!"
Shi Mu's face remained unmoved. As if she hadn't heard a word, she casually sat and picked up an apple.
Her indifference sent Old Lady Shi's rage soaring.
The old woman had never liked her daughter-in-law, especially her ties to the Li family, which she believed brought misfortune. But once a son was born, she had turned a blind eye—until now.
"Mom, that's enough," Father Shi said at last, breaking his silence.
Old Lady Shi scowled at Shi Mu, then folded her arms and sat back down.
"We called you here because we have something to tell you," Father Shi said calmly.
"Mrs. Fu made her position clear yesterday. After what happened, you can't continue at No. 1 Middle School. Besides... you're not suited for school."
No. 1 Middle School was the city's most prestigious institution. Shi Li and Shi Rong had earned admission on merit. Shi Mu, however, was forced in through money. She skipped classes, fought regularly, and spent nights drinking with strangers. The school had called home countless times. After the recent hotel incident, expulsion was imminent.
"There's a technical school in the next town. Consider enrolling—"
Shi Mu's lashes fluttered as she twirled the apple, head lowered. Then she looked up with a faint smile.
"No."
"…What?"
"I said no," she repeated, calmly placing the apple down. "Give me 150,000 yuan. I'll leave immediately."
The room fell silent.
Old Lady Shi was the first to react. "Are you a bandit? Asking for 150,000 yuan just like that!"
Shi Mu crossed her legs, unbothered. "If I were a bandit, I'd ask for more. I'm asking for exactly what I deserve."
"You—!"
"I'm only asking for what's owed. For over a decade, you neglected me, refused to support me, and left Grandfather with the burden. Now I have just one year left before adulthood. Add up everything you owe—past and future—and 150,000 yuan is cheap."
She chuckled dryly. "Shi Li's piano costs more than that. But you can't even give me the equivalent of that?"
Father Shi lowered his head in shame.
"…Alright. I'll give it to you," he said at last. "I'll prepare the money and the school withdrawal papers by next week. Just stay at home a few more days."
"I'd rather not be a bother. Give me ten thousand now and I'll stay in a hotel. Call me when the rest is ready."
She extended her hand.
Father Shi frowned, ignored his wife's glare, and pulled out a card. "There's just over 10,000 yuan in here. The password is your and Shi Li's birthdays. Take it."
Shi Mu took the card and left without a word.
Mother Shi gritted her teeth and pinched her husband's arm. "Why did you give her money? That troublemaker only wants to bleed you dry!"
Father Shi snapped, "She's your daughter too. What do you expect me to do?"
"If you love her so much, why don't you go live with her?" Mother Shi cried.
Annoyed by the shouting, Father Shi left the room, his silence more cutting than words.