Lin Sisi: "......"
How could she have forgotten? Si Nian was famously known as a prodigy. Since childhood, whether it was academics or looks, she had effortlessly outshone all her peers in the military compound.
It was precisely because of this excellence that Si Nian had earned such privileges, including her engagement to Fu Yang.
Even in her past life, she hadn’t needed to rely on Fu Yang to build a thriving business.
Her only flaw was her excessive arrogance and pride.
Previously, Lin Sisi had exploited that very arrogance and pride to bring her down, forcing her to leave the Si Family.
But the Si Nian standing before her now was no longer the impulsive girl she could easily provoke into leaving.
Lin Sisi’s heart pounded violently, her chest filled with resentment.
Her hard-earned opportunity had slipped right through her fingers, her efforts crushed in an instant.
She couldn’t understand why Si Nian insisted on taking everything from her. Was stealing eighteen years of her happiness not enough?
For the first time, a deep-seated hatred for Si Nian surged in Lin Sisi’s heart.
If before she had merely resented Si Nian for robbing her of those eighteen years, now she truly loathed the woman standing before her.
It was as if they were destined to be enemies from birth.
Then, Si Nian spoke again: "Of course, I don’t mean to steal your spotlight. If you’re unwilling, I won’t go up."
The words sounded familiar. After a moment’s thought, Lin Sisi realized—wasn’t this exactly what she had said to Fu Qianqian when she first arrived?
Sure enough, the effect was the same. Sister Chen immediately interjected, "What do you mean, ‘steal her spotlight’? An outsider shouldn’t have been on stage in the first place."
Lin Sisi’s expression darkened. "Sister Chen, I didn’t mean it like that. I genuinely wanted to help. Now that you’ve found someone, I’m relieved. I’m just worried Si Nian won’t remember everything—the speech is quite long. Even if she has a photographic memory, she can’t possibly memorize it all at once, right?"
The Director nodded thoughtfully. "How about this? Why don’t both of you go up together? If each of you remembers half, there’s less chance of mistakes."
Lin Sisi stayed silent, glancing cautiously at Sister Chen.
Sister Chen frowned. Though reluctant, time was running out, and she couldn’t afford to hesitate any longer.
She turned to Si Nian. "Fine. Si Nian, here’s the script. Take a look."
Si Nian nodded and handed her the child. "Could you watch Yaoyao for me, Sister Chen?"
Sister Chen agreed, taking the curious toddler into her arms, awkwardly adjusting her hold.
At over forty, unmarried and not fond of children, this was her first time holding one.
Yet the little girl was surprisingly well-behaved, showing no fear of strangers.
With fair, delicate features like a porcelain doll, she was utterly heart-melting at first glance.
Si Nian gently patted Yaoyao’s head and murmured, "Be good for Auntie, sweetheart. Mama will be back soon."
Yaoyao, already understanding her words, nodded obediently and chirped, "Mama~ baby good."
Si Nian ruffled her hair before turning her attention to the script.
Meanwhile, Lin Sisi stood frozen in shock.
Yaoyao could speak?!
That was impossible. In her past life, this child hadn’t spoken a word until she was three. Zhou Yueshen had only realized something was wrong after taking her for a checkup—diagnosed with a speech disorder, struggling to communicate.
She had grown up stuttering, barely speaking at all.
Yet now, this child was not only talking but calling Si Nian "Mama."
Before Lin Sisi could process this, the Director ushered them toward the stage.
Her gaze swept over the sea of faces below, instantly locking onto the Fu Family seated in the audience.
Because Si Nian had left the Si Family this time, they hadn’t come.
And there, among them, was Fu Yang—the man who had vanished after that incident.
Her heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she glanced at Si Nian, only to find her still reviewing the script.
Lin Sisi’s expression relaxed slightly.
So much for her boasting about a photographic memory. Even if she could memorize it, delivering a flawless speech on the spot was another matter.
Initially displeased, Lin Sisi now saw an opportunity.
This was her chance to prove herself—to show everyone how a girl from the countryside, looked down upon by them all, could outshine someone like Si Nian, raised in privilege.
What better stage to defeat her on?
Si Nian’s brilliance was expected; she’d had the best education money could buy.
But Lin Sisi? She had thrived despite adversity. That was what truly mattered.
She would show them all—Lin Sisi was second to none!
With that thought, she lifted her chin confidently.
At the host’s cue, she and Si Nian stepped onto the stage one after the other.
The audience fell silent, all eyes fixed on the two young women in their prime.
Naturally, most attention gravitated toward Si Nian. Some people simply shone, impossible to ignore just by standing there—and Si Nian’s beauty was undeniably devastating.
Lin Sisi knew this well. It was why she hadn’t wanted Si Nian sharing the stage.
But beauty meant little in an era that valued capability above all.
Down below, the Fu Family stared in astonishment.
Mrs. Zheng whispered, confused, "What’s going on? Where’s Qianqian? Why is Sisi up there? And why is Si Nian here too?"
Father Fu and Fu Yang frowned. Either of them taking the stage was hard to believe.
Si Nian was one thing, but Lin Sisi? Was she really about to deliver a speech?
In English, no less!
Fu Yang’s gaze lingered on Lin Sisi as she stepped forward confidently and began:
"Hello everyone, my name is Lin Sisi. I am eighteen years old and a girl from the countryside..."
He was stunned. He’d assumed a rural background meant no exposure to English, yet here she was, articulating every word—albeit stiffly—but holding her own on stage.
Impressed, he studied her more closely.
Lin Sisi’s eyes darted across the crowd until they found Fu Yang. Seeing his attention fixed on her, her heart leaped.
The Fu Family was equally taken aback. Who knew Lin Sisi could speak English?
Even the Director nodded approvingly—she hadn’t lied about her abilities.
Feeling the weight of everyone’s gaze, Lin Sisi tilted her chin up and cast a sidelong glance at Si Nian.
