C2 The Truth

Twenty years ago, when they were just infants, a careless mistake by a hospital nurse swapped their lives and families. As time passed, Xue Ning's features bore no resemblance to her parents. Suspecting something was amiss, they secretly conducted a DNA test, revealing no biological connection.

The Xue family discreetly searched and eventually found their biological daughter, Xue Ya, bringing her home. Awkwardly, they still had an unsuspecting daughter under their roof. Having raised her for two decades, and with her biological parents deceased, they concocted a story that Xue Ning had lost her sister during childhood to keep her in the dark.

Enjoying the devotion of two daughters seemed like a blessing. But things were far from simple. Upon welcoming Xue Ya, the Xue family learned of the hardships she endured, worse than one could imagine. The more they discovered, the deeper their regret and resentment grew.

The nurse responsible for the switch had passed away, as had those who mistreated their daughter. With no outlet for their anger, Xue Ning became the scapegoat. The Xue family treated her worse each day, making her life increasingly difficult. The fabricated story of losing her sister became an excuse to mistreat Xue Ning.

Xue Ning's parents wanted her to carry a lifelong guilt towards Xue Ya, using and exploiting her to make up for their daughter. How terrifying people can be. Xue Ning was deceived and lived in constant turmoil.

"What kind of look is that?" Zhou Shuhui met Xue Ning's dark eyes and felt a pang of unease.

Xue Ning stepped aside to let them pass and spoke for the first time, "Nothing."

Two slaps were enough; the hardships of her past life were not something she wanted to endure again. She was done with the Xue family.

With that, she turned and walked out of the living room, intending to leave.

Zhou Shuhui was stunned for a second, then snapped back to reality, rushing to the door and shouting, "Ungrateful brat, what kind of attitude is that? Who said you could leave?"

Xue Ning paused, a mocking smile playing on her lips, "Going back to the Lu family."

Zhou Shuhui's eyes lit up, thinking Xue Ning was going to her in-laws to secure a project, and said, "Go on then, even if you have to kick and scream, make sure your sister gets that project."

Xue Ning walked away without looking back.

Zhou Shuhui closed the door with satisfaction, gently stroking her daughter's hair, "Don't worry, Baoer, the project will be yours."

Xue Ya squinted and smiled sweetly, "Thanks, Mom."

After speaking, her face clouded over, a mix of conflict and hesitation. "Is this really fair to my sister? Besides, she seems different this time, like she knows the truth."

"No way," Zhou Shuhui waved her hand dismissively. "It's a secret between us and the universe. She won't find out. Even if she does, what can she do? She can't escape the grasp of this family. It's what she owes you, what she owes us!"

Leaving the family home, Xue Ning walked along the asphalt road, the sunlight bringing her back to her senses.

Why did she come back, knowing she'd face trouble? Was it Zhou Shuhui's relentless calls? No! She wanted to confirm something for herself.

Were those extra years of memories just a nightmare, or were they real?

"Who would've thought a plot twist from a movie or novel would happen to me?" Xue Ning clenched her fists, gazing into the distance. The memories of past tragedies fueled her resolve. "If fate has brought me back to the start of this miserable path and given me another chance, I won't make the same mistakes again!"

In her past life, she only uncovered the truth about her origins after years of exploitation, exposing the lies her family had spun.