Chapter 006: Dog Eat Dog

Bai Yinyin and Liu Man watched Bai Chuwei warily, mother and daughter sharing the same guarded gaze.

This little wretch was definitely here for the inheritance!

Bai Yinyin dug her nails deep into her palm and clenched her teeth, panic already overtaking her heart.

Did Bai Chuwei intend to steal her place in the Bai family? This country bumpkin from the sticks—she must be dreaming!

Bai Yinyin cast a fierce glare at Bai Chuwei. Let her think her father and grandfather could shield her; soon enough she’d teach her just how vast the sky really was.

Bai Guofu glanced at his second son, who was still writhing on the floor in pain, then forced an awkward smile at Bai Chuwei.

“All right, enough of this disgraceful scene!” Bai Guofu cleared his throat and addressed Bai Yinyin. “Yinyin, the Old Ancestor probably doesn’t have a cell phone out there. Buy her a new one. I’ve heard those fruity phones or maybe the X-Brand? Get the best one. I’ll have someone transfer you the money.”

Bai Yinyin shook with rage. She’d been using her phone for an entire year—why wouldn't Grandpa get her a new one? She wanted the latest model just as much!

A sense of crisis overwhelmed her, and her eyes grew colder as she looked at Bai Chuwei.

Bai Chuwei paid no mind to her glare. She brushed her hair back and asked, “Which room is mine?”

Bai Yinyin’s eyes flickered slyly. She jumped up and declared, “The third floor! We prepared one just for you.”

The third floor was nothing more than a cramped attic, barely half the size of her own bedroom. It had once housed a maid, then later served as a storage room.

A country girl like Bai Chuwei was only fit for a storeroom!

Bai Guofu was about to lose his temper, but Bai Chuwei replied indifferently, “That will do.”

Having lived as long as Bai Chuwei had, she cared little for such material things. Better to stay away from Bai Yinyin, who was always looking for trouble, than to live across the hall as in the original story. Seclusion on the third floor suited her just fine.

She rose and walked toward the attic bedroom.

Her ethereal presence seemed almost otherworldly, her graceful figure captivating everyone—even the household staff were left staring in awe.

“She’s... she’s so beautiful. Like a fairy.”

“She has such poise—none of the socialites in Haicheng can compare! Miss Chuwei is both stunning and spirited!”

...

Bai Yinyin stamped her feet in frustration.

Seizing the moment as Bai Guofu followed Bai Chuwei upstairs, Liu Man turned on her husband, gritting her teeth. “Bai Hongguang, don’t think that by pretending to be in league with the old man and this so-called Old Ancestor, you can bring your illegitimate child into our family! Push me too far, and I’ll show that little brat Bai Chuwei what real trouble is!”

*

The third floor was nothing but a small attic—its size unimpressive but meticulously cleaned. A single bed stood beside a desk, facing a large window, through which one could step out onto the rooftop terrace.

Small as it was, the room’s tranquility was its saving grace.

Bai Guofu trailed behind, protesting, “Old Ancestor, how could you stay in such an attic? Let me pick a better room for you.”

Bai Chuwei waved him off. “This will do.”

The old man dared not argue with the Old Ancestor’s wishes. He exhaled heavily, then hesitated before asking, a bit embarrassed, “Old Ancestor, might I ask—how did you manage to live so long?”

Bai Chuwei patted Bai Guofu’s graying hair and smiled. “Xiaofu, what’s so good about a long life? All you do is watch others leave this world, never knowing when your own journey will end.”

Bai Guofu considered her words and nodded. His family was large and prosperous, both sons grown, the grandchildren all capable. He no longer coveted extra years.

After the old man left, Bai Chuwei sat at her desk, gazing out the window at the steady rain. A small, white, fluffy ball slipped into the room.