Jiang Liuxu had no idea where Yu Shishi got such outdated information, or what misleading notions Pei Ying might have given her.
It led to a shockingly severe misjudgment of Shen Ying's current circumstances.
Yet he showed no reaction on his surface, merely replying after hearing Yu Shishi’s incredulous question: "As far as I know, the address is correct."
After all, he’d been here multiple times—even borrowed the shower and a bathrobe.
Yu Shishi still couldn’t quite process it. This residential area was even more upscale than her own home—
Her adoptive parents, Professor Yu and his wife, were academics. While comfortably well-off, they weren’t at the level of casually buying luxury mansions.
In the old-fashioned phrasing, their status lay in refined prestige rather than opulence.
When they reached Shen Ying’s floor, Jiang Liuxu knocked on the door.
After a moment, it opened from within, revealing a face identical to Yu Shishi’s own.
Even after over a decade apart, Yu Shishi wasn’t unfamiliar with that face—though it wasn’t a mirror’s reflection she saw.
She had once gazed up at it with envy, but now its owner looked drowsy, exuding an air of lethargy.
For a moment, Yu Shishi felt a jarring disconnect from the image in her memory.
Wasn’t her sister always vibrant, brimming with endless energy and radiating gentle grace—just like her now?
Yet here she was, the epitome of a modern-day slacker, no different from those idle good-for-nothings lazing around at home.
A sneer curled in Yu Shishi’s heart, amused by this unexpected contrast.
So without all that luck and privileged upbringing, this is all you amount to.
That so-called radiance, warmth, and kindness—just products of a polished environment. Strip away the attention and advantages you were handed, and you’re just another ordinary soul drowning in mediocrity.
A cold laugh echoed inwardly, loosening the obsessions of her past life.
She almost pitied her sister now, and the thought made her expression soften with what seemed like genuine emotion.
Tears glistened in her eyes as she began, "Sis—"
Before she could finish, the woman inside cut her off: "Shoes first."
"I just waxed the floors yesterday."
The interruption nearly choked Yu Shishi mid-sentence.
Once they’d changed shoes, Shen Ying led them inside, pouring each a glass of water before sitting down.
"Alright," she said, "what brings you here?"
Something felt off to Yu Shishi—her sister’s unfamiliarity was too pronounced.
But she brushed it aside. Circumstances shaped people, and in this life, their paths had diverged drastically. It wasn’t surprising if hardship had bred resentment in Shen Ying.
If anything, it reassured her.
Yu Shishi glanced at Jiang Liuxu, feigning melancholy.
"Nothing much. It’s just… after all these years, I wanted to see how you’ve been."
Shen Ying: "Doing great."
The dismissive reply deepened the hurt on Yu Shishi’s face.
"Even now, you still blame me, don’t you?"
Shen Ying waved her hands hastily. "Absolutely not!"
"Your big sister’s living the high life in this fancy place—all thanks to you. How could I possibly hold a grudge?"
She patted Yu Shishi’s hand. "No one’s more grateful to you than me."
Every word was sincere, yet Yu Shishi took it as veiled sarcasm.
From the response, she concluded Pei Ying had arranged this residence for Shen Ying.
In that sense, crediting her for the privilege wasn’t entirely wrong.
Yu Shishi discreetly surveyed Shen Ying’s living space.
The apartment was lavishly decorated but bore clear signs of habitation.
Personal items littered the sofa, tables, and shelves—along with numerous self-purchased additions.
Multiple gaming consoles of different brands, tablets strewn across the desk (more than one), and several identical phones (likely for separate functions).
Any one of these gadgets would be pricey for a freshly graduated student, let alone owning so many at once.
Even the carelessly tossed jacket and an abandoned handbag were high-end luxury items.
These couldn’t have come with the apartment. Clearly, Pei Ying hadn’t just provided shelter but also generous financial support.
A mix of emotions stirred in Yu Shishi. The upright, principled sister she remembered would never accept unearned favors—hadn’t she just days ago righteously refused Pei Ying’s offer to settle her loan-sharking debt?
Yet poverty in this life had eroded those lofty ideals faster than expected.
She relished Shen Ying’s fall from grace in her eyes but resented Pei Ying’s involvement.
Still, she betrayed nothing. Today’s visit wasn’t about family reunions.
Cutting to the chase, she said, "A-Ying told me about your situation."
A glance at Jiang Liuxu hinted at discretion, but Shen Ying showed no trace of fluster.
Instead, she breezily replied, "Oh, the loan-shark thing? Wrapped up in an afternoon."
"No big deal."
Yu Shishi feigned concern. "How is that not a big deal? You were hiding at a friend’s place! Do you even realize how dangerous those people are?"
She pressed, forcing Shen Ying to recall the humiliation.
Shen Ying shrugged. "Scary stuff, yeah. Lucky your money came through—though that’s mine now, right? You’re not taking it back?"
Yu Shishi inwardly mocked her sister’s greedy pettiness. How the tables have turned—now I’m the radiant one, and you’re the twisted shadow.
Of course, she couldn’t care less about the money. "Keep it, keep it. I’ve no use for it anyway. Don’t give it another thought."
Shen Ying promptly texted Pei Ying:
[My little sister just formally gifted me that money. Wire it to my account later.]
Pei Ying: [...]
[Wait, how did Shishi ‘gift’ it to you? She contacted you?]
Shen Ying didn’t bother replying. The news of her sister’s return would surface soon enough.
Noticing the exchange, Yu Shishi asked, "Who are you texting?"
Shen Ying: "Pei Ying. He still owes me a transfer."
Already milking him dry? Yu Shishi thought. Pei Ying might indulge you temporarily, but he’s no fool to be exploited forever.
Outwardly, she stayed on track. "Sis, are you short on funds? I’ve some savings left—no need to trouble A-Ying."
"Staying at his place was already imposing."
Shen Ying chuckled. "Doubt it. We got along pretty well."
A stiff smile. "So I heard. He even mentioned the scar on your foot. How did that come up?"
"Just a servant’s mishap," Shen Ying said. "Didn’t expect CEO Pei to freak out like that."
"You should’ve seen his face—like he’d seen a ghost."
Yu Shishi's smile stiffened further: "Maybe it's because we look exactly alike?"
Shen Ying chuckled: "Even so, that wouldn’t explain it. Anyone would think he had some unspeakable history with this scar of mine."
Yu Shishi took a deep breath: "Did he ask you about it?"
Shen Ying: "He did."
Yu Shishi’s expression shifted—Pei Ying hadn’t mentioned this to her.
She hurriedly asked, "How did you respond?"
Shen Ying: "What else could I say? It was just an accident."
Yu Shishi: "That’s all? He didn’t press further?"
Shen Ying: "Why would he? Is Mr. Pei the type to dig into irrelevant matters?"
Yu Shishi: "No—well, it was just casual conversation."
As soon as she finished speaking, her sister leaned closer and whispered, "Besides, didn’t I promise you I’d never reveal this to anyone?"
"Back then, you said you were afraid of retaliation from those people. To share the risk, we made our scars identical and kept it a secret to confuse everyone, so no one could pin the blame on you."
"Even though so many years have passed and the danger should be long gone, I’ve never forgotten your kindness."
Yu Shishi felt a wave of relief. Though she was prepared to face any confrontation, it was far better if her sister kept quiet. Stirring Pei Ying’s suspicions would do no good.
She put on a touched expression: "You still remember? I thought you’d forgotten everything we talked about."
Jiang Liuxu listened to the sisters’ exchange, utterly amazed.
Once Yu Shishi confirmed Pei Ying hadn’t grown suspicious, the weight in her chest lifted completely.
Her demeanor relaxed, and she glanced around Shen Ying’s living conditions again.
She spoke up: "By the way, sister, would you like to meet my parents?"
"They’d adore you."
Shen Ying shook her head: "No, I don’t care for pointless socializing."
Yu Shishi quickly added, "How is it pointless? They’re my adoptive parents, and they have extensive connections. Whether you want to continue your studies or find a better job, they can help."
Shen Ying smiled, declining her sister’s well-meaning offer: "No need for the trouble. I may not have a high education, and my current job isn’t stable, but the pay per project is decent."
"If I save up while I can, it’s enough to live on."
Yu Shishi frowned in concern: "Still, you should find a proper job, shouldn’t you?"
"Freelance gigs might pay well temporarily, but do they come with social security? Stable benefits?"
Shen Ying: "Nope, but the money’s good, the work’s easy, and the clients are gullible—"
Ahem! Jiang Liuxu coughed pointedly.
Shen Ying remembered her client was still present and quickly toned it down: "Anyway, it’s a flexible, well-paying gig. I’m happy with my work."
Yu Shishi: "If the job’s so easy, why not improve yourself further?"
"We could upgrade your qualifications—my father has ways to help. Then, with Pei Ying’s connections, we could arrange a stable position."
"With the right credentials, you could easily make millions a year. Isn’t that better than your current unreliable work?"
"Even if a single project pays well, how much can it really be? How many can you take on?"
Shen Ying: "A million per project, minimum. So far, I’ve done over a dozen."
Yu Shishi: "..."
Her identical face twisted in disbelief—she hadn’t expected her sister to spin such an outrageous lie.
Yu Shishi felt mocked. Anger simmered, but she forced a resigned smile.
"Sister, stop joking. I’m being serious."
Shen Ying: "So am I."
She gestured at Jiang Liuxu: "One of my clients is right here."
Yu Shishi turned to Jiang Liuxu.
He nodded: "Ms. Shen’s professional skills are exceptional. She’s earned unanimous recognition from us."
Yu Shishi’s features contorted further, too stunned to even parse the implications of his words.
So this woman had already made more money than she could spend in a lifetime?
Instantly, Yu Shishi’s face burned with humiliation over her earlier remarks.
