C21 A Stranger with Blood Relations

Yi Lanyou watched the black Bentley vanish around the corner before turning to Yi Haoen. "Dad, I'm home."

"Lanyou, you..." Yi Haoen's lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but he seemed at a loss for words. Instead, he closed his mouth and gave Yi Lanyou a thorough once-over.

Hearing Yi Haoen address her in such a way left Yi Lanyou momentarily stunned. In her two lifetimes, this was the first time Yi Haoen had referred to her like this. It likely signified that Yi Haoen had finally come to see her as his daughter.

Yi Lanyou locked eyes with Yi Haoen. "Dad, are you about to discuss the engagement with me?"

Yi Haoen furrowed his brow. "That's a long story. I'll explain it to you this evening." He glanced at his watch and then turned to Lian Cheng. "I need to return to the company to review the plans for the latter half of the year. Lian Cheng, take the young miss shopping for some clothes later, will you?"

"Of course, sir," Lian Cheng replied with a nod.

"May I?" Yi Lanyou asked tentatively, having waited for Yi Haoen to suggest it before considering shopping for clothes.

"What kind of question is that?" Yi Haoen frowned.

"The last time we went shopping, you and Auntie seemed less than pleased," Yi Lanyou remarked, her lips pressed together.

Yi Haoen's frown deepened as he recalled Yi Lanyou's extravagant spending when she first received her card. Fang Fang had also spoken to him about it. He disliked Yi Lanyou's behavior and couldn't help comparing her to the always frugal Yi Rui'er, which brought a throbbing pain to his temples.

"Dad, do you regret bringing me back to the Yi mansion?" Yi Lanyou ventured, her voice softer, as she sensed Yi Haoen's thoughts.

"Lanyou, don't talk nonsense," Yi Haoen said, his brows knitting together. He couldn't deny the guilt he felt towards his daughter. Neglecting her for so many years was his failing, and he acknowledged his part in how Yi Lanyou had turned out.

Yi Lanyou remained silent, meeting Yi Haoen's gaze. To him, she was nothing more than a blood-related stranger he had only met a few days ago. That was the attitude she received from everyone at the Yi mansion; she was an outsider.

It's quite laughable when you think about it—Yi Lanyou spent her previous life as an outsider in Yi's mansion.

For Yi Lanyou, seeking revenge meant first ensuring that Yi's mansion and Yi Haoen recognized her worth. She was the legitimate heiress of Yi's mansion, while Yi Rui'er was nothing but the illegitimate offspring of Fang Fang, the mistress. It wasn't enough that they had usurped her and Yuan Hui's place, enjoying favor and luxury in Yi's mansion; they also sought to condemn and destroy her step by step.

The misdeeds of a past life have borne the consequences in this one. Those who wronged Yi Lanyou wouldn't have an easy life this time around. She was determined to drag each of them to hell herself, ensuring they met with a grim end.

However, Yi Lanyou currently held little influence and lacked powerful connections, so she had to proceed with her plans cautiously and patiently.

Whether people saw Yi Lanyou as contemptible or cunning was irrelevant. Her initial goal was to leverage Yi Haoen's guilt to secure his acknowledgment of her status and, ideally, his support.

If Yi Lanyou couldn't establish a strong presence in Yi's mansion, how could she ever hope to bring Yuan Hui back?

Yi Lanyou was intent on reclaiming everything that rightfully belonged to her and her mother. They would make those who inflicted suffering upon them in both their past and present lives pay for it in this one.

With these thoughts in mind, Yi Lanyou tightened her grip, forcefully subduing the surge of hatred that threatened to surface.

Feeling Yi Lanyou's intense gaze, Yi Haoen grew uneasy. He cleared his throat and instructed, "Lian Cheng, bring the Bentley around."

"Right away, sir," Lian Cheng acknowledged before departing.

Yi Haoen then stepped closer to Yi Lanyou, gently patting her shoulder, "You're my daughter, and that's an unchangeable truth. Yi's mansion is your home. I understand that adapting to a new environment can be challenging, but this discomfort is only temporary. Things will get better."

Yi Lanyou didn't counter his words. Instead, she nodded in agreement, her face clouding with worry as she spoke, "Dad, I'm unsure about what the right thing to do is."

"Don't overthink it. Your aunt will guide you on what to do," Yi Haoen reassured as he watched Lian Cheng pull up in the car. "Go ahead and get in."

Yi Lanyou nodded, opened the car door, and settled inside. She knew she couldn't push too hard; calling it a day at this point was enough.

Lian Cheng drove smoothly, first dropping Yi Haoen off at his company before taking Yi Lanyou to a shopping center in Xindong to pick out a few everyday outfits. Afterwards, they went to select a formal dress. In just three days, it would be Fang Fang's birthday banquet, the occasion where Yi Lanyou would be officially introduced to the high society of Z City.

It was almost comical that Yi Lanyou's significant introduction was merely an add-on to Fang Fang's birthday celebration. This clearly demonstrated the Yi family's lackluster regard for her.

Yi Lanyou couldn't fathom why the Yi family had taken her in. The idea that blood is thicker than water might fool a toddler, but she wasn't buying it. If that were true, why had Yi Weihai and Yi Haoen ignored her plight? She refused to believe they were unaware of the bullying she endured.

There had to be something she was missing, some hidden reason behind their actions...

"Eldest Miss?"

Lian Cheng's voice snapped Yi Lanyou back to reality. "What is it?"

"Miss, what do you think of this dress?" Lian Cheng inquired.

Yi Lanyou examined her reflection and gave a nod of approval. "This one will do."

She was dressed in a white cross-collar gown that elegantly highlighted her collarbone while modestly concealing her chest, exuding a sense of understated sophistication. The dress fell to her knees, its pleated hem adding a touch of playful charm. Accustomed to high heels from her past life, the diamond and tassel adornments at her ankles significantly enhanced her look.

"Would you like to see the matching clutch?" the sales associate suggested, clearly impressed by Yi Lanyou's ensemble and remembering the new arrival at the store.

"Bring the handbag over," Yi Lanyou said with a nod.

Shortly after, the sales associate returned with the handbag, presenting it to Yi Lanyou with both hands. "This handbag is a product of Italian craftsmanship and is globally limited in release," the associate explained as Yi Lanyou examined the bag. "The diamond and tassel design complements your gown beautifully."

"Then let's go ahead and wrap everything up," Yi Lanyou said, giving another nod. Upon hearing her, Lian Cheng promptly handed his credit card to the sales associate.

"Certainly," the associate replied, accepting the credit card with both hands. "Just one moment, please."

Yi Lanyou then returned to the dressing room, where she carefully removed her gown, organized it, and changed back into her own clothes before emerging.

As Yi Lanyou left the store, she remained completely unaware of the astonished looks from the girls her age who brushed past her.