I was scared Jie Jie he whisper as he launches into his elder sisters arm for a hug while sobbing quietly
Startled Lin Jingyao could only pat his back before quickly breaking the Hug
I've never been so affectionate with anybody in my life so I don't know how to respond to his feelings she thought.
Lin Jingyao reached out and placed her hand over his thin one. His skin was cool, his fingers light as feathers.
It's alright, she said, her voice hoarse but steady.
The boy's eyes widened slightly, as if surprised, not by the words, but by the calm with which they were spoken.
Outside, footsteps could be heard approaching the room
Heavy,Deliberate with the person cursing out and screaming.
Lin Jingyao tightened her grip on her brother's hand and swung her legs off the bed. An action she regretted ,because her head wanted to fall part
No matter how weak this body was, she would rise.
The wooden door which was already on it's death door was kicked open.
You stupid girl! an old woman's shrill voice tore through the room.Why are you still lying on the bed by this time ?
You have learnt to play dead right ?
Fine, this old woman will bury you !
The thin wooden panels rattled as if frightened themselves.
Before Lin Jingyao could even sit fully upright, the voice rose, dramatic and piercing enough to echo across the entire village
"Heavens above! What sin did I commit in my past life to be burdened with such blood-sucking people in my home?! Eating my rice, wasting my breath, lying around like dead pigs!"
From the room Lin Jingyao can hear the snickers of the old branches as the peeped from their various rooms with excitement of the drama about to unfold. The second branch could even be seen siting outside eating sunflower while watching.
This was familiar entertainment After all Whenever the old woman vented her anger , it was alway the first branch that suffered losses in her hand.
Lin Jingyao's mother Zhousi Royniang hurried in behind the old woman.
She was a petite woman, so small that it was hard to tell whether it came from her natural build or years of hunger and too much . her hands were rough and red from constant work. The moment she entered, she lowered her head out of instincts or fear of her mother in law lashing out on her or her children
Motherrr….she called out her voice trembling. Jingyao is sick. The doctor said, said that if she doesn't get enough rest, we might lose her."
The words were barely out before a slap landed on her face fast and sharp
Lose her?isn't better you dies than me having to feed a lazy donkey the old woman sneered. What nonsense! She's been pretending since she was young. Do you think I don't see through you and your bastards?
Useless woman! You gave birth to a nest of freeloaders and now you dare lecture me about doctors? If she can breathe, she can work!
without pause, she turned sharply.
And you, why are you still standing here?" she barked. "Go take the clothes to the river and wash them. All of them. lazy bitch !!!!!
Yes… yes, Mother , the woman replied immediately.
She didn't argue. She never did.
She has never fought back against her mother in law. She only hopes that her mother in law doesn't hit her children
She turned and left at once, shoulders hunched, steps hurried, afraid that even a moment's delay might invite another round of curses.
the other daughters-in-law shrank back instantly, necks drawing in like turtles retreating into their shells. The moment the old woman's gaze swept around the courtyard, they disappeared, terrified of being noticed and sent on errands of their own.
Satisfied with the result the old woman snorted and turned away, her footsteps heavy as she left behind the wreckage of her words.
Inside the room, silence returned, but it was the suffocating kind.
All this time, Lin Jingyao had remained still.
Not because of fear but clarity
her mind was in chaos as the grandmother behavior had unlocked the original Host emotions which was suppressed earlier on
Memories surged relentlessly, fragmented at first, then clearer. Faces. Voices. Years of humiliation. Hunger that twisted the stomach until pain became normal. A father who worked like a mile yet was never respected. A mother who endured everything, absorbing blows meant for her children because in a society were women aren't valued she could do nothing.
Understanding dawned slowly on Lin Jingyao
She was no outsider right now
She was the daughter of the Lin family's first son.
And this household.
This household would be the cause of her second death if she does nothing to solve the issues.
They were not family here. They were labor. They were punching bags. Anyone could scold them. Anyone could beat them. Anyone could vent their anger on them without consequence.
Lin Jingyao felt something twist sharply inside her chest.
She groaned inwardly and suddenly laughs mockingly
I don't believe this.
I a licensed doctor from the twenty-first centurydied without even knowing what killed me, only to be reborn into this disgraceful family?
Her gaze dropped to the small boy standing beside the bed.
Lin Chengyuan.
Her younger brother.
Too thin. Too pitiful . Too quiet for a child his age.
Something warm and painful welled up in her chest, an unfamiliar emotion mixed with fierce protectiveness to help this family. However she knew deep inside her that this emotion didn't belong to her
But the emotions of the original Lin Jingyao still lingered in this body.
Unresolved. Unwilling to let go.
Fine, she thought deeply . I'll appease you. I'll live properly so you can rest.
I promise to treat your family well