C1 A Performance by a Drama Queen

In Lancheng, at the Shi family villa, a girl's agonized scream pierced the night air from within the brightly lit home.

Shi Qian stood frozen at the top of the staircase, her gaze fixed on Shi Muxue, who was tumbling down the stairs.

The unexpected incident left the living room guests momentarily speechless in shock.

"Xue'er," Soong Yuzhi cried out, rushing to Shi Muxue's side, her voice frantic and choked with emotion. "Quick, someone call an ambulance!"

Shi Muxue lay on the floor, her forehead smeared with blood, her eyes—both pitiful and innocent—turned towards Shi Qian upstairs. She whispered, "Sister, I'm sorry. I don't want to celebrate my birthday anymore. Can you please not be mad?"

Shi Qian, bewildered, responded, "What are you talking about?"

Soong Yuzhi looked up at Shi Qian with desperation in her eyes. "Xiaoqian, today is your sister's birthday. How could you do such a thing?"

The murmurs of the banquet guests grew as they whispered among themselves.

"Miss Shi is so young, yet so cruel. They may not share a mother, but they are sisters by blood. How could she be so heartless?"

"Exactly, at just 15, she's already this malicious. What will she be like when she's older?"

"It's truly a tragedy for the family."

Shi Qian faced the crowd, her voice steady. "It has nothing to do with me. She fell on her own."

The looks of disdain from the onlookers made it clear that no one believed her.

Shi Yaorong, having finished his call for emergency services, hurried over to Shi Muxue and knelt beside her, his voice tender with concern. "Xue'er, don't be scared. The ambulance will be here any moment."

Shi Qian watched Shi Yaorong's display of affection. Even though she had grown accustomed to his partiality, it still pained her.

Shi Yaorong then turned his glare towards Shi Qian, his voice thunderous as he bellowed, "Shi Qian! Come down here this instant and apologize to your sister!"

Shi Muxue looked up at him and whispered, "Dad, I'm okay. It doesn't hurt, really. Please don't be angry at Sister."

"I've decided not to have the birthday party. Just being with my dad and mom makes me really happy."

Soong Yuzhi's lips quivered, but she didn't speak. She covered her mouth with her hands and wept silently, looking utterly heartbroken.

"This child is too understanding. It's such a shame she has that sister. Truly pitiful."

"Indeed, her sensibility is heart-wrenching."

Shi Qian observed the crowd, a cold smirk creeping into her disappointed gaze.

Shi Yaorong, fuming with anger, stormed upstairs to confront Shi Qian. He raised his hand and delivered a harsh slap.

Shi Qian tumbled to the ground, nearly falling down the stairs.

"You wretch! She's your sister, and yet you could harm her?" Shi Yaorong bellowed.

Soong Yuzhi lifted her head, the picture of a devoted wife and mother: "Husband, please don't hit the child. Xiaoqian is still young."

"You've spoiled her rotten, and now I have to discipline her properly!"

With that, Shi Yaorong spotted a golf club in the hallway, grabbed it, and began beating Shi Qian without mercy.

A smug smile flickered in Shi Muxue's seemingly innocent eyes.

Aside from Soong Yuzhi's insincerity, no one in the room defended Shi Qian. They all fell for Soong Yuzhi's manipulation, viewing Shi Qian as spoiled, malicious, and undeserving of sympathy.

An ambulance took Shi Muxue away.

Shi Yaorong and Soong Yuzhi followed, while the guests expressed concern for Shi Muxue's well-being.

Yet, no one paid any mind to Shi Qian, injured and lying on the floor.

Before departing, Shi Yaorong turned to his driver and commanded, "Pack up her belongings and send her to the countryside to reflect for a while."