After the Bankrupt Heiress Married into a Rich Family - Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Biological Sister

“I want a new bag~”

April 19th, Saturday. It had been exactly one month since Mingzhu’s parents left Jiangyue City for Nanyu City.

In the early morning, a plane taking off from Nanyu cut across the sky, leaving a long white trail through the clouds before landing under the blue sky and white clouds of Jiangyue.

At the Jiajia Guesthouse owned by Rong Zhao’s second uncle and aunt on Xishan Road.

In the courtyard of Building 3-11, Rong Zhao, dressed in a traditional Chinese-style pale embroidered shirt, sat quietly under a pavilion reading a book. Mingzhu, wearing a cherry-red dress, was perched high on a ladder, pointing her camera downward to photograph Rong Zhao.

“Watch your step,” Rong Zhao said, turning a page.

“I know”, Mingzhu replied, sounding as if she found her nagging. “I love myself very much. I’ll be careful; I won’t let myself get hurt.”

The corners of Rong Zhao’s mouth twitched upward. “Mhm.”

While Rong Zhao’s side was quiet and still, Mingzhu’s side was a whirlwind of activity—climbing ladders, stepping on tables, treading through soil, snapping photos here and there, never resting for a moment. The red-haired figure flitted about in Rong Zhao’s peripheral vision like a happy little butterfly.

Suddenly, the little butterfly flew over and rested her head right on Rong Zhao’s book, her beautiful face looking up at her.

“What are you doing?” Rong Zhao raised her hand to lightly support Mingzhu’s waist, knowing this position was tiring.

Mingzhu sat on a nearby stool and said seriously, “Rong Zhao, thank you for your parents talking to mine, and thank you for talking to them too. And thank you for getting in touch with Qin Yining’s sister.”

After receiving Qin Yining’s message asking to meet, Mingzhu had consulted Rong Zhao about what Yining might want to discuss. Only then did she learn that Rong Zhao had been calling her parents every day and frequently speaking with Qin Wei, Qin Yining’s cousin, to indirectly guide Yining.

Rong Zhao told her that Qin Yining’s visit today was likely a gesture of goodwill and that Qin Wei would be accompanying her, so there was no need to worry.

During the time Mingzhu was hiding away in the Rongguang Villa, Rong Zhao hadn’t just stood by; she had quietly done so much for her. Mingzhu knew Rong Zhao didn’t just help her as “Mrs. Rong” for mutual benefit, but because of her own inherent kindness.

“Rong Zhao, really, thank you.”

Rong Zhao looked at Mingzhu and said calmly, “It’s because you truly considered things from Qin Yining’s perspective. She saw your kindness, and that’s what led to her decision today.”

Mingzhu had refrained from contacting her parents because she knew it was hard for Qin Yining to trust them, and that Yining would mind Mingzhu having “stolen” her life. She wanted Qin Yining to reunite with her parents without any resentment. In doing so, she had unintentionally shown Yining her true character.

Mingzhu moved a bit closer. “I still have to thank you. I didn’t do anything, but you did a lot.”

Rong Zhao gazed at Mingzhu, whose eyes were overflowing with emotion. Suddenly, she tapped Mingzhu on the head with her book. “Go play. Don’t be so sentimental. Wait until after you’ve met her to be touched.”

Mingzhu winced and clutched her head, glaring at Rong Zhao.

Rong Zhao glanced at her sideways. “I didn’t use any force.”

Pretending to be in pain, Mingzhu held her head and walked away. Rong Zhao had rejected the sentimentality, and as it happened, Mingzhu didn’t like it much either—it was awkward to be so mushy with gratitude.

The weather was beautiful and clear. A patch of purple Orychophragmus was blooming in the yard. Mingzhu went to photograph them, then climbed the ladder again to snap pictures of the roof’s eaves.

Suddenly, footsteps came from the entrance. Rong Zhao and Mingzhu looked over at the same time.

On the left was a girl in a white dress with a ponytail and a backpack, her expression soft and her gaze cautious. On the right was a girl in a white top and a long red skirt, carrying a Birkin bag; her face was bold and her eyes sharp.

Mingzhu was standing on the ladder photographing the octagonal pavilion. At first glance, her eyes locked onto the face of the girl on the right. Her heart gave a sudden, heavy thud.

The girl on the right… looked just like her.

The same heart-shaped face, the same “peach blossom” eyes, though the girl on the right had features that were broader and more mature.

Qin Wei was also looking up at the girl high on the ladder—at her bright red hair, her eyes shining in the sunlight, the lively smile she hadn’t had time to pull back, and the vibrant vitality she exuded while taking photos. Qin Wei’s heart skipped a beat.

“You’re here,” Rong Zhao said, putting down her book and standing up gracefully. “Hello, I am Rong Zhao.”

The two at the door and Mingzhu on the ladder all snapped back to reality. Mingzhu climbed down quickly and walked over, nodding to Qin Wei.

Just as Qin Wei was about to speak, Mingzhu gave her a lukewarm “Hello” before turning enthusiastically to Qin Yining. “Yining, you’re here! Would you like to sit outside or go inside?”

Up close, Mingzhu saw how much Qin Yining looked like her parents. In truth, when she was little, people had said she didn’t look much like them, but she and her parents had always assumed she just took after their best features…

Meanwhile, Qin Yining was also stunned to see how much Mingzhu looked like Qin Wei.

“Hello, Mingzhu,” Qin Yining said softly. “Outside is fine.”

Mingzhu and Qin Yining sat at the outdoor stone table, which was set with tea and desserts. Mingzhu brewed jasmine tea for her, asking gently, “Was the trip tiring? It’s a bit colder here than in Nanyu, isn’t it?”

Because she felt she had stolen Yining’s life, she felt a constant sense of guilt.

Qin Yining stared at the table, looking a bit constrained. “The trip wasn’t tiring. It is colder, but it’s okay.”

“Have some hot tea,” Mingzhu smiled, introducing the others. “That’s my partner, Rong Zhao. We got married last month. This is her uncle’s guesthouse. If your friends or classmates ever come to visit, they can stay here; the environment is quite nice.”

Qin Yining looked at the sign. “The name is a bit hard to recognize.”

Jiajia Guesthouse—the characters were so rare she’d had to search for them by handwriting.

Mingzhu laughed. “They’re both pronounced jia. They refer to ancient ritual wine vessels. I didn’t recognize them either; I heard they just picked a bunch of difficult words and drew one from a hat.”

Qin Yining was amused. “That’s quite cute.”

Meanwhile, Rong Zhao and Qin Wei sat in rattan chairs under the eaves. Between them was a small table with the same tea and snacks. Qin Wei’s Birkin was tossed carelessly on the ground as they watched the two girls from a distance.

Qin Yining took a sip of the hot tea. Though she seemed like a person of few words, she suddenly asked, “Why weren’t you enthusiastic toward Qin Wei just now? Do you know who she is?”

Mingzhu was silent for a moment before saying, “I know she’s your sister. She came all this way just for you, which shows she cares for you deeply. I… I’ve already taken your parents; I don’t want to take your sister too.”

Mingzhu looked up with a bright smile. “I have Rong Zhao now. She’s my partner, and I have my own home. So, you don’t need to worry about that.”

Qin Yining studied Mingzhu, seeing the sincerity and kindness in her eyes.

Mingzhu asked, “What did you want to see me about today?”

Qin Yining fidgeted with her hands. After a long hesitation, she finally whispered her purpose. “Mingzhu, before I came today, I wanted to tell you: Don’t acknowledge Qin Duo and Cao Qiuyue. They are not good parents. They will act like they desperately want you back, but once they have you, their attitude will change. I know I shouldn’t speak of them this way, but they really are not good. No matter what they say to you, don’t believe them.”

Even though she was sitting in the sun, Mingzhu felt a chill run down her spine.

Were they really that bad? Bad enough that Qin Yining had come all this way just to warn her? And these people were her biological parents.

Mingzhu’s lips parted, but it took a few tries to find her voice. “I understand. Thank you.”

Qin Yining looked at Mingzhu with concern. To her, the sudden appearance of Bai Zhaolin and Shao Simian was a stroke of luck from the heavens. But to Mingzhu, Qin Duo and Cao Qiuyue were a curse.

Actually, when she first learned the truth, she had been worried. She was afraid Mingzhu would be spoiled and calculating like her other cousin, Qin Mu. She feared Mingzhu would occupy her parents’ hearts and that she would be unloved. But over the past month, none of those fears had come true.

Rong Zhao had told Qin Wei about Mingzhu, and Qin Wei had relayed those things to her. By the time she met Mingzhu, she already understood her and was no longer resistant to the meeting. Furthermore, she saw how wonderful the Bai parents were; she couldn’t bear to see them lose another daughter.

Mingzhu broke the silence. “Is there anything else you want to tell me?”

Qin Yining’s heart tightened as she looked at Qin Wei under the eaves. She felt as though she had glimpsed a secret that was hard to speak of. She shook her head. “Nothing else. I just wanted to say… thank you too, Mingzhu. Thank you for your kindness.”

In the courtyard, a poplar tree swayed gently. The two kind-hearted girls sat across from each other, understanding one another with clear, honest eyes.

Under the eaves, Qin Wei had been unable to take her eyes off Mingzhu’s profile since she walked in.

Seeing Mingzhu in person, or even in the photos and videos online, she looked incredibly like Qin Wei’s own mother, Tao Xin—who also loved climbing ladders and had a bright, sunny smile. From the side, the resemblance was even more striking—they were almost identical. It made her own sister, Qin Mu, look even less like their mother.

No wonder her second uncle had stopped her parents from meeting the Bais; he was probably afraid the Bais would see Tao Xin… No, that was impossible. Her parents’ relationship was so deep; they were still inseparable at their age. And her uncle and aunt had the DNA results for Mingzhu.

Qin Wei took a deep breath and looked at Rong Zhao. “I want to take Mingzhu to Nanyu.”

Rong Zhao set down her teacup elegantly. “That is not convenient.”

Qin Wei’s face went cold. “How much do you know?”

Rong Zhao’s expression remained indifferent. “I only know that Mingzhu loves her parents very much. That is why I have been on the phone with you for a month. Thank you for your cooperation.”

“As for other matters,” Rong Zhao looked up, composed and cold. “Uncle Bai and Auntie Shao left home to find their daughter. Why should it be that Mingzhu has to leave home to find her parents?”

Qin Yining and Qin Wei didn’t stay long. Mingzhu linked arms with Rong Zhao to see them to their car.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Qin Yining looked up at Mingzhu. Her heart felt heavier than when she arrived, yet in some ways, it was lighter. She said softly, “Mingzhu, a married daughter is still a daughter. Reply to Mom and Dad’s WeChat messages. When you have time, come home for dinner or stay for a while. We will become good friends.”

Tears instantly burst from Mingzhu’s eyes. She grabbed Rong Zhao’s arm to cover her face.

“Thank you,” Mingzhu sobbed.

Qin Yining’s eyes were also red. “I’ll wait for you to come home.”

As Qin Wei drove away, Mingzhu watched them go with red eyes before turning to dive into Rong Zhao’s arms. Rong Zhao carried her into the courtyard and kicked the gate shut.

“Rongrong, how am I so lucky!” Mingzhu’s tears fell onto Rong Zhao’s neck.

Rong Zhao sat her down on the stone table. “Is it because you are Mrs. Rong?”

Mingzhu laughed through her tears, wrapping her arms around Rong Zhao’s waist. “Yes, because I am Mrs. Rong. I won’t lose my parents. Qin Yining understands me, she doesn’t resent me, and she doesn’t hate me for taking the twenty-two years that should have been hers.”

Mingzhu was so excited she couldn’t stop talking. “I’m going to be so good to her in the future.”

“And what about Qin Wei?” Rong Zhao wiped Mingzhu’s tears with a tissue, asking casually.

Mingzhu thought for a moment. “Her bag was really nice. A limited edition.” She used to think those bags only looked good on older women, but seeing Qin Wei carry it, she thought it looked great—elegant yet sharp.

Rong Zhao brushed Mingzhu’s damp hair, knowing she was avoiding the topic again. Qin Wei was the sister blood-related to Mingzhu, but Mingzhu didn’t want to expect anything, nor did she want to own that connection.

Rong Zhao asked, “Don’t you have one?”

Mingzhu immediately looked aggrieved. “I don’t have a limited edition! I only ever bought one for my mom. And my own bags—the most expensive ones are only ten or twenty thousand dollars.”

“You want a new bag?”

There were plenty of bags in the basement, but Rong Zhao understood the psychology of wanting a new one. Often, it wasn’t about the bag itself, but the satisfaction of the moment you receive it.

Mingzhu was about to nod, then remembered she should be thanking Rong Zhao right now. “No, I was just talking.”

“Is that so?”

“Mhm.”

Mingzhu smoothed Rong Zhao’s collar, which was already perfectly flat. Her gaze moved from the collar up to Rong Zhao’s eyes. “Rong Zhao, I want to thank you, but you don’t seem to need anything. How can I thank you?”

Rong Zhao: “Didn’t I tell you?”

“What?”

“Just keep being beautiful.” She didn’t need Mingzhu to do anything else. She would handle the storms for her.

Mingzhu smiled slowly and hugged Rong Zhao tight, glad she had a pretty face that Rong Zhao appreciated. Less than a minute later, she thought of Qin Wei’s bag again. “Rongrong…”

“Mhm?”

“I want a new bag.” Mingzhu added, “Similar to the limited edition Qin Wei had. My eyes are hungry.”

Rong Zhao let out a silent laugh. Leading Mingzhu inside, she took a card from her own bag and handed it to her. “Here.”

Mingzhu was surprised. “Why do you carry a card with you?”

Because I have a Mrs. Rong who likes to spend money; I have to be ready to foot the bill at any time, Rong Zhao thought. She gave her a playful look. “If you don’t want it, give it back.” She reached for it.

“I want it! I want it!” Mingzhu giggled and ran away, tucked the card into her bag, and asked delightedly, “What’s the password?”