Chapter 7: Climbing Over Me to Rise

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Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiuqing immediately caught on and quickly chimed in, “President Qin, you’re absolutely right. Take Xixi for example—she always keeps to herself. She’s nothing like Yanyan, who understands social graces and is liked by everyone.”

The sarcasm and mockery in Qin Ze’s words silently pierced through Song Xixi’s heart.

Yet, she would never show weakness before them.

She merely lowered her gaze slightly and gently swirled the red wine in her glass.

“Mom, everyone has their own aspirations. This circle isn’t something you have to desperately claw your way into. I prefer to be free and easygoing, though I can’t compare to my sister’s social finesse.”

Qin Ze’s brow twitched subtly upon hearing this.

He hadn’t expected her to respond with such calmness—and even strike back indirectly.

Zhang Xiuqing snorted coldly. “Free and easy? You probably just lack the ability to fit in and are making excuses.”

Song Xixi’s grip tightened slightly on her glass, her hold unconsciously growing firmer.

Looking up at Zhang Xiuqing with a cool gaze, a faint smile touched the corner of her lips.

“Mom, I may indeed lack ability. But isn’t that because no one ever taught me?”

At these words, curiosity among the onlookers intensified.

Everyone began to speculate about the meaning behind the Song family’s fourth young lady’s remark.

Zhang Xiuqing’s face darkened instantly.

She hadn’t expected Song Xixi to dare make such a veiled accusation in public.

Anger and frustration welled up within her, but before so many guests, she dared not lose composure outright.

“Xixi, you’re heartless! How has the Song family ever mistreated you over the years? Have you ever lacked food, clothing, or daily expenses? It’s you who’s withdrawn and unable to integrate, yet you blame others for not teaching you. Don’t twist facts and cause trouble here!”

Song Xixi cast her a cold, mocking glance.

Gently setting down her wine glass, she surveyed the gathering crowd.

More and more guests had gathered, ears pricked to witness the Song family drama unfold.

Since it had already come to this, she might as well speak plainly.

“Mom, isn’t it ridiculous to say the Song family never mistreated me? Haven’t I been the one supporting myself all these years by working and studying?”

As soon as she said this, the room erupted into chatter and speculation.

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“What? The Song family’s fourth young lady has been working and studying all along? Then the Song family is really…”

“Looks like there’s quite a lot going on inside the Song family. You wouldn’t have guessed it from the surface.”

...

Zhang Xiuqing’s face flushed red and pale in turns.

Fuming in shame and anger, she pointed at Song Xixi, her voice rising several octaves.

“You... you’re slandering me! I have always treated you and your sisters equally. You’re ungrateful and now you’re fabricating lies to tarnish the Song family’s reputation!”

Ye Chunxi, standing nearby, clenched her fists in anger, unable to tolerate the Song family’s deliberate mistreatment of her close friend.

Just as she was about to retort, Song Xixi quietly tugged her sleeve, signaling her to stay calm.

Qin Ze’s expression grew darker.

He knew the situation well.

Song Xixi, tired of this tedious exchange, had originally intended just to create a smokescreen.

She gave Ye Chunxi a meaningful look. “Whether it’s fabrication or not, everyone can judge for themselves. And the evidence is quite clear.”

With that, she prepared to leave.

At that moment, Song Yanyan, who had been standing aside, stepped forward and grabbed her arm.

“Sister, why are you leaving? Aren’t you going to wish me a happy birthday?”

Song Xixi lifted her eyelids slightly.

This sister sure knew how to pick a time to stir trouble.

Fine, I have no intention to provoke, but since you’re inviting it, don’t blame me for being ruthless.

She faintly smiled and spoke slowly, “Sister, what are you saying? You held a birthday party and didn’t even tell me. I only found out from Chunxi. It seems you’re not very welcoming of my presence. If that’s the case, then I’ll be on my way.”

Taking advantage of today, she would tear away the Song family’s hypocritical facade.

First, so that no matter what she did in the future, at least she wouldn’t be attacked on moral grounds.

Second, to cut off their chance of continuing to “sell their daughter.”

Song Yanyan’s smile stiffened.

She hadn’t expected her sister to be so blunt.

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But she soon resumed her innocent and aggrieved expression, her eyes reddening.

“Sister, you’ve misunderstood. How could we not welcome you? Mom and dad probably just couldn’t find you, so they failed to notify you properly. Don’t take it to heart. If you leave now, people will say I’m thoughtless and can’t even take care of my own sister.”

Song Xixi looked at Song Yanyan’s affected manner with disgust.

She lightly shook off her hand, her tone indifferent. “Sister, don’t pretend anymore. We both know exactly what’s going on. But if you insist I stay, fine. Since we’re here, there are some things I want to say.”

The surrounding guests, noticing the new dispute, gathered closer.

They all wanted to see what was really going on in the Song family.

For a moment, the lively chatter in the banquet hall quieted.

Song Xixi scanned the crowd and finally fixed her gaze on Song Yanyan and Zhang Xiuqing.

“Everyone’s here, so let me ask—after all these years, has the Song family ever treated me like their own daughter?”

She looked at Zhang Xiuqing pointedly, her eyes filled with accusation.

“Mom, you know well how you’ve treated me. When I was useful, you showed concern on the surface but spoke cold words behind my back. When I wasn’t, you left me to fend for myself. As soon as I graduated, you hurried to introduce me to all kinds of men. Wasn’t that just to ‘sell your daughter’?”

Zhang Xiuqing’s face instantly drained of color.

She hadn’t expected this little brat to expose all this before so many people.

She glanced nervously at the others’ reactions. “Xixi, how can you say that? We’ve always been sincere with you. Don’t make a fool of us in front of outsiders over trivial matters.”

Song Xixi sneered. “Sincere? Mom, you really know how to lie with your eyes wide open.”

After all, when Qin Ze bought her the apartment, he had already transferred her household registration out.

Now they had no leverage over her.

So, facing a family intent on draining her dry, there was no need to endure any longer.

Song Yanyan, listening in anger and frustration, glared sharply at her.

“Song Xixi, don’t go too far. Today is my birthday party. If you insist on making a scene, are you trying to embarrass me?”

Song Xixi met her gaze without fear.

“Sister, this isn’t making a scene. I’m just stating facts. You pretend to be gentle and kind in front of others, but behind their backs? You’re quick to kick me when I’m down and step over me to climb higher.”

At this moment, Song Jiacheng, who had been silent until now, darkened and scolded, “Xixi, have you caused enough trouble? With so many guests here, do you really want to disgrace the Song family?”