Chapter 42: Self Reflection

With so many things that had happened, Qiao Zijin could no longer enjoy the unique status that she had once held at home.

Qiao Nan did not expect much. She just hoped that she could continue with her studies.

As for Qiao Zijin, as long as she did not provoke her, she would not bother about Qiao Nan.

Of course, if her mother and Qiao Zijin still tried to bully her like before, then she would definitely retaliate against them as she had done today.

After she sorted out her thoughts, Qiao Nan was finally able to read her books.

In the study room, father and daughter sat facing each other. Once seated, Qiao Zijin’s head dropped as tears rolled down her face pitifully.

Qiao Zijin cried so badly, Qiao Dongliang gave a long sigh. “Alright, don’t cry. Tell me, what are you crying about?”

When she heard Qiao Dongliang open his mouth to speak, Qiao Zijin felt momentarily relieved. She wiped her tears and said, “Dad, I know I was wrong, I was jealous that Nan Nan’s grades were better than mine. Dad, today’s matter, it was not intentional. In fact, in fact I was so anxious today because of the matter regarding the passbook. I know Mom is good to me, she spent all the family savings to let me study at The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China. I also want to study hard but there are no more books at home, and you discovered those indecent books. Dad, I’m anxious. I’m scared. I am afraid that the family paid so much for me to study but I can’t repay you with anything. The more nervous I am, the more I can’t study well. But Nan Nan... no matter how bad she does, her grades are better than mine. And Nan Nan is the Vice Class Monitor. She receives awards every year. I have nothing.”

Qiao Zijin sounded so helpless, like a trapped animal, groaning in pain.

Although Qiao Zijin was not quite coherent, Qiao Dongliang understood her words.

Basically, Qiao Zijin knew that she had spent too much money for her high school studies, yet her grades were poor during the summer period.

In comparison to her own sister at home, the elder daughter was worried that she would make additional mistakes and cause her parents to dislike her.

“Dad, I really didn’t mean it and I don’t want to be like this. Nan Nan is my real sister, I am the elder sister, It’s only right that I treat her well and take care of her. How can I be inferior because my grades are worse than her. I thought that if I went to The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China where the teachers are better, my grades would improve and I could be as good as Nan Nan. At that time, Dad, you would have two outstanding daughters, and you would be proud to visit Grandpa Li. Dad, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

At the sight of Qiao Zijin crying so miserably, Qiao Dongliang could not help but soften. “Alright, don’t cry anymore, your eyes will be swollen if you continue.”

“Dad, forgive me this time, I won’t dare to do this again. In fact, for today’s matter, I admit that I was trying to let you know that Nan Nan is also an ordinary person, and like me, she will make mistakes. It is also because Nan Nan is my sister, and I am anxious about her. I don’t want to see Nan Nan mix around with people whom she should not be mixing with and go astray. Dad, you have to believe me, on this point, I have good intentions for Nan Nan and don’t mean to harm her. My only fault is that I was too anxious to jump to conclusions from insignificant evidence. I also did not give Nan Nan a chance to explain before I concluded that she was wrong. Dad, don’t worry, I’ll definitely not do this this anymore.”

Qiao Zijin admitted her mistake with a good attitude. She even reflected on what she had done wrong. What could Qiao Dongliang say to her?

Qiao Dongliang gave a sigh. “Zijin, let me ask you, Nan Nan talked about another matter today, what do you think?”

Qiao Zijin’s gently clenched the fists placed on her knee. Thereafter, her face was innocent and stunned. “Dad, which matter are you referring to?”

“Nan Nan’s fever.”

“Dad, Nan Nan’s fever has nothing to do with me. I trust that Mom did not do it either!” Qiao Zijin denied on the spot immediately.

Even if this was before her mother, she would not admit to this matter.

“Do you mean that Nan Nan is lying?”

“I don’t know who lied, what I know is that I didn’t do it. Nan Nan and I are biological sisters, I may talk about Nan Nan, but I would never do this kind of thing.”

Qiao Dongliang sighed another time. He also did not believe that the elder daughter would do such a thing.

Qiao Dongliang could remember his younger daughter’s expression and words vividly. It was difficult for him to console himself that the younger daughter’s matter was only her delusion and not what had really happened.

“Zijin, I’ll say this again. Whatever happened in the past, I can not pursue or ask anymore. However, I don’t want a similar thing to happen a second time. Do you understand what I mean?”

Qiao Zijin’s fingernails had already created many dents on her hands.

Upon hearing this from Qiao Dongliang, Qiao Zijin knew that her father did not fully believe what she had just said.

“Dad, I know. You watch my behavior in future.” Qiao Zijin forced a smile and replied briefly, “Dad, then I shall return to my room to do my homework.”

“Go.”

While Qiao Zijin was returning to her room, she passed by Qiao Nan’s room. Before she open the door of her room, her eyes glared fiercely for a few seconds towards the entrance of Qiao Nan’s room.

Qiao Zijin locked the door of her room. Thereafter, she pulled out a notebook and repeatedly wrote a sentence with her pen “Qiao Nan the bitch, go and die!”

Qiao Zijin only felt a little better after she filled a large page of the notebook.

Qiao Zijin tore out this page, lit a match and burnt it to ashes. Thereafter, she then took out her homework to continue with it.

“Old, Old Qiao.” During night time, Ding Jiayi quietly went in to the bedroom, she stuttered as she called Qiao Dongliang.

“What’s the matter?” Qiao Dongliang asked coldly.

“Old Qiao, Zijin will be going to school the day after.” Ding Jiayi’s face stiffened. Having spent half her lifetime with Qiao Dongliang, this was the first time that she felt so awkward to ask him for money. “Even if Zijin’s matters will be solely taken care of by me alone, I also need time to find a job, right? But what about Zijin’s meal expenses?”

Qiao Dongliang looked at Ding Jiayi coldly. He took out six yuan from his pocket and passed to Ding Jiayi. “Take it.”

When she saw six yuan, Ding Jiayi pursed her lips. “Only six yuan?”

Clearly Old Qiao had given Qiao Nan five yuan. Five yuan for Qiao Nan for that week, but only six yuan for Zijin for two weeks?

Furthermore, Qiao Nan was a a junior high school student, and Zijin was in senior high school!

“In the past, you only gave Zijin money. Nan Nan did not get a cent from you. Has Nan Nan said anything? Because of you, Nan Nan can only use and wear the leftovers from Zijin. Did Nan Nan say anything? Six yuan is not much but it’s definitely enough for Zijin to have her meals. If you want to give Zijin more money, then find a job soon. With income, I will not interfere in how you manage Zijin.”

Similarly, Ding Jiayi should not interfere in any matter regarding Qiao Nan. Qiao Dongliang would manage everything.