It must be that idiot Shen Nian'an who’s been scheming behind the scenes.
Relying on her brother Shen Que’s relationship with Gu Chengyu, relying on her shameless, clingy behavior.
Song Qingwan’s slender fingers curled slightly, her nails nearly digging into her palms.
She had to think of a way…
A way to utterly humiliate Shen Nian'an, to make sure she could never hold her head high in their social circle again.
To teach her that some things are simply beyond her reach.
Just as she was devising the most vicious plan—
Knock, knock, knock.
A gentle rapping sounded at the door.
In an instant, the icy calculation on Song Qingwan’s face vanished without a trace.
She lifted her gaze, her eyes regaining their fragile, wounded softness, her lips curving into a bittersweet yet impeccably graceful smile.
As if the raging hatred in her heart had never existed.
"Come in."
Her voice remained clear and melodious, tinged with a faint hoarseness, as though she’d just been crying.
The door opened softly, and Madam Song entered, carrying an exquisite fruit platter.
Elegant and poised, she wore a simple pale-green qipao, her features bearing some resemblance to Song Qingwan’s but softened by the composure and genuine gentleness of age.
Seeing her daughter’s forced smile, her eyes filled with heartache.
"Wan'er."
Madam Song set the platter on a nearby side table, then walked to the piano, tenderly stroking her daughter’s long hair.
"Don’t be sad."
Song Qingwan leaned slightly into her mother’s warm touch, resting her cheek against the back of Madam Song’s hand, her voice sweetly dependent and obedient.
"Mom… I’m fine."
"Master Chengyu must have more important matters to attend to. I understand."
She lifted her glistening eyes, mustering a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry about me."
"Silly child."
Madam Song sighed, her tone brimming with tenderness.
"My Wan'er is so wonderful—gentle, refined, cultured, and your piano playing even earned your grandfather’s highest praise."
"It’s the Gu family’s loss, and Gu Chengyu’s lack of discernment."
Her voice was firm, brimming with unreserved pride for her daughter.
"Losing you is his mistake."
"You deserve far better, Wan'er."
Song Qingwan nestled against her mother, listening to her loving, proud words, basking in her warm comfort—yet her heart was cold with scorn.
Gentle? Refined?
Hah…
The perfect daughter in her mother’s eyes was nothing but a carefully crafted illusion, a role she’d meticulously played for over twenty years.
Unaware of her daughter’s inner turmoil, Madam Song picked up a crystal-clear grape, peeled it with care, and held it to Song Qingwan’s lips.
"Here, have some fruit."
"Don’t dwell on unhappy things."
"With your brilliance, how could you not find a perfect match?"
Song Qingwan obediently parted her lips, accepting the sweet grape, her face glowing with the happiness of a cherished child as she nodded earnestly.
"Mhm! Thank you, Mom. You’re the best."
The two exchanged soft, affectionate words for a while longer, the atmosphere warm and intimate.
Seeing her daughter seemed genuinely comforted, Madam Song rose with relief.
"Practice the piano a little more, or rest if you’d like. I’ll check on the bird’s nest soup simmering in the kitchen."
"Alright, Mom. Take care."
Song Qingwan stood, dutifully escorting her mother to the door of the music room, her face still adorned with that gentle, docile smile.
The door closed softly, shutting out Madam Song’s tender figure.
Instantly, Song Qingwan’s smile disappeared, replaced by blank indifference—tinged with mockery.
The setting sun’s glow streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, stretching her shadow long and lonely, starkly dark.
She stared at the door, as if she could see through it, watching her mother walk away.
The woman who had poured all her maternal love into her, who took boundless pride in her.
Slowly, Song Qingwan’s lips twisted into a grotesque smile.
If Mother knew…
If she knew her precious daughter, the one she believed carried the noble Song bloodline, was nothing but an imposter, a cuckoo usurping another’s nest…
Would she still love Song Qingwan so unconditionally?
