"No."
It was the very first word that Qiao Meixia had spoken since setting foot into this house.
"What did you just say?" Jiang Lukang glared sharply at Qiao Meixia, his face reddening as he became clearly displeased by her defiance.
"I said no." Qiao Meixia repeated calmly, her voice steady and without the slightest hint of hesitation or fear.
"And why not? Since you have returned to our family and intend to live under this roof, you should naturally change your surname to Jiang." Feng Lan said, her frown deepening into a scowl.
"That's right. Sister, you really cannot afford to be so willful now that you have already returned to our family." Jiang Yanna added, speaking in a high-pitched, seemingly gentle tone that masked her hidden mockery.
"I see. In that case, I will leave now." Qiao Meixia stood up abruptly, her movements fluid and decisive, as she prepared to walk away from the stifling atmosphere of the living room.
"Don't!"
The three of them shouted in unison, their voices overlapping in a sudden burst of desperation that shattered the cold silence.
Qiao Meixia paused in her tracks and slowly turned her gaze back toward them. Her eyes remained eerily calm and observant as she studied each of their faces, searching for the cracks in their composure.
"If you truly don't want to change it, then so be it." Jiang Lukang finally conceded after a long, heavy moment of silence, letting out a weary sigh that seemed to carry the weight of hidden frustrations.
Beneath the shadows of her black mask, Qiao Meixia flashed a faint, cynical smile that no one could see. She was not fooled for a second. They clearly knew that something was going on behind the scenes. Her return was a necessity for their plans, a strategic move on a chessboard, but it was certainly not because they harboured any genuine desire for her to rejoin the family.
"Butler Jun, show her to her room." Jiang Lukang commanded, turning his attention to the butler who had been standing quietly and efficiently at a distance from the family drama.
"Yes, Master Jiang." Butler Jun nodded with practised respect.
Even though he was well aware that his master harboured no particular affection for the girl, he maintained his flawless professional etiquette.
Turning toward Qiao Meixia, Butler Jun spoke in a measured, polite tone. "Miss... please follow me this way."
"You can call me Qiao Meixia." Qiao Meixia said calmly, her voice flat and devoid of any attempt to sound friendly.
Butler Jun offered a stiff nod and began to lead the way through the house. Qiao Meixia followed him silently, her footsteps echoing softly in the hallway until they arrived at a wooden door on the second floor.
"Miss Qiao, here is your room." Butler Jun announced as he opened the door and stepped aside to let her pass.
"Hmm... Thank you." Qiao Meixia replied with a small, curt nod of acknowledgement.
Qiao Meixia stepped inside the room and cast a slow glance around her new surroundings. It was a simple, remarkably ordinary space, almost barren compared to the rest of the mansion. There was a modest closet, a single bed pushed against the wall, and a small bathroom attached to the side.
The room looked somewhat plain and lacked any personal touch, but to Qiao Meixia, it was perfectly acceptable. She felt it was more than enough for her needs, especially since she had not brought many belongings with her from the village.
Setting her bag down on the bed, she reached inside and pulled out her phone and laptop. She moved with purpose, plugging both devices into the wall chargers immediately.
Once the power was connected, she flipped open her laptop and logged into a secure website, her slender fingers beginning to move with lightning speed across the keyboard as she dove into her own world.
***This novel is a work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If it is not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, then it has been stolen. Thank you, from your shameless author, ZerahNeko***