Chapter 64: Are You Worthy?

Chapter 64: Chapter 64: Are You Worthy?

A sudden realization dawned on her. Glancing toward the courtyard gate, she narrowed her eyes, and the corners of her lips curved up slightly.

"Dad, how come you’re home early today?"

Shen Zhenwu had just stepped through the courtyard gate. The moment Shen Shuangshuang saw him, she took two steps forward to greet him but then stopped short, waiting where she was for him to approach.

"A last-minute assignment came up. I have to leave right away, so I just came back to pack a few things."

He strode into the house and immediately saw Shen Shuangshuang holding her hand up high.

His brow furrowed. "You have to be a person of your word. When you promise to do something, see it through to the end. Stop trying to find ways to get out of it."

’The blister on her hand was the size of a fingernail at most. For his daughter, a minor injury like this was nothing to make a fuss over.’

With that said, he turned impassively and went into the bedroom to pack.

Seeing his cold expression, Yao Yuzhen was fuming.

After applying ointment to Shen Shuangshuang’s hand, she followed him into the room with a dark expression, pulling the door shut behind her.

The sounds of an argument soon drifted from the room. "What’s the point of bringing up old grievances? Shuangshuang is still so young! She doesn’t know any better. Do you really have to hurt her feelings like this? Is that appropriate?"

"I don’t want to argue."

"Shen Zhenwu! Do you want a peaceful life or not? I’ve done everything you’ve asked. I brought Shuangshuang back, and I’m taking complete care of Song Yao, waiting on her hand and foot. Isn’t that enough? How much more do you expect me and our daughter to lower ourselves?"

"That’s enough, Yu Zhen! I have a mission to get to. We can talk about all this when I get back!"

Shen Zhenwu’s voice grew heavy. Footsteps sounded from within the room, and then the door was pushed open.

He looked up and saw Song Yao standing there silently, her face completely devoid of expression.

He walked over in a few strides and vigorously ruffled his daughter’s hair.

"Don’t be afraid. Even if the sky falls, Dad will be here to hold it up for you!"

At just those words, Song Yao’s eyes instantly lit up.

"Alright! Then I’ll see you at the family recognition banquet when you get back!"

Shen Zhenwu laughed heartily. "You bet! I’m keeping a close eye on the schedule. I’ll definitely make it back in time!"

’In truth, he was also annoyed about having to leave on assignment at such a critical time.’

’He’d just found his biological daughter, and they hadn’t even had the chance to share more than a few proper meals together. The invitations for the family recognition banquet were already drafted, and then suddenly, an order for a mission had dropped on him.’

But he was a soldier. When an order came, there was no arguing. He had to go.

Besides, the assignment was just in the neighboring county, which was already a special consideration from his superiors.

The moment Shen Zhenwu left, Shen Shuangshuang dropped her act entirely. She couldn’t even be bothered to pretend anymore and immediately shirked her responsibilities.

And what about Yao Yuzhen?

Without a second thought, she indulged and pampered her.

Early in the morning, Song Yao stepped into the kitchen and was dumbfounded.

The stove was ice-cold, without even a hint of warmth, let alone any signs of breakfast.

She pressed her lips together and, without a word, rolled up her sleeves and got to work. She deftly cooked a pot of plain congee, fried two eggs, and served a bowl to Xiao Li and one to herself.

The day before, after Shen Zhenwu left on his assignment, Shen Shuangshuang had immediately cozied up to Yao Yuzhen, whining and insisting on sleeping in her mother’s bed.

Yao Yuzhen was leaning against the headboard, flipping through a magazine. When she heard the clatter of pots and pans outside, the corners of her lips curled into a smile.

"Mom, you’re brilliant! We just sat here and did nothing, and sure enough, Song Yao couldn’t take it and started cooking herself!"

She tilted her head to look at Yao Yuzhen as she spoke.

"I’m your precious baby, the one you raised in the palm of your hand. You really expect me to cook for *her*? Hmph!"

Yao Yuzhen said nothing, merely smiling as she stroked Shen Shuangshuang’s head.

The two of them waited smugly, with no intention of getting up, expecting Song Yao to serve them a hot meal at the table.

As time ticked by, Shen Shuangshuang started to feel a little unsure. "Mom," she whispered, "is she... really going to serve us food?"

Yao Yuzhen didn’t even lift her eyelids. "I’m her mother. It’s only right that she does."

Hearing this, Shen Shuangshuang was completely reassured.

Before long, the noises from the kitchen stopped, followed by Song Yao’s clear, light voice. "Xiao Li, time to eat."

Xiao Li answered in acknowledgment and hurried toward the kitchen.

"Mom! Hurry, let’s go! I’m starving!"

She got up and tugged on Yao Yuzhen’s arm. "Quick, quick, while it’s hot!"

Yao Yuzhen leisurely put away her needlework before finally getting up.

By the time they stepped into the kitchen one after the other, Xiao Li and Song Yao were already eating from their bowls.

"Well, good morning."

Yao Yuzhen approached with a beaming smile, reaching for a bowl and chopsticks.

But a pair of chopsticks moved to block her hand.

"Comrade Yao Yuzhen, what are you doing reaching for my bowl?"

Song Yao tilted her head, a puzzled look on her face.

She glanced up, her eyes landing on Yao Yuzhen’s outstretched hand.

Yao Yuzhen blinked, her lips moving. "Don’t you have your own bowl? These two are for me and Shuangshuang."

Song Yao gave a huge eye-roll, reached out, and pulled the two bowls directly in front of herself.

"These two are what I use for stewing soup."

As soon as she finished speaking, she deftly ladled two full bowls of hot soup.

She pushed one bowl toward Xiao Li and kept the other for herself.

Shen Shuangshuang’s face fell instantly.

She immediately pointed at Song Yao and shouted, "Song Yao! How can you be so stingy? Xiao Li is just an aide, and you served him first!"

Yao Yuzhen frowned as well, shaking her head gently. "Child, Mom really has to have a word with you. You have a very poor sense of propriety."

She paused, swallowing hard. "I’ve told you before, I need to reteach you how to conduct yourself in this household. The family recognition banquet is in just a few days, and we can’t have you embarrassing us. I’m going to have to watch you closely these next two days."

With that, she turned to the cabinet to get two more sets of bowls and chopsticks.

She handed one set to Shen Shuangshuang, patting her arm and saying gently, "She just came from the countryside and hasn’t adjusted to city life yet. Don’t get worked up over her. It’s not worth making yourself sick. Let’s just eat first."

Shen Shuangshuang kept a taut expression, her lips pouting as she huffed, "Hmph! If it weren’t for you, Mom, I wouldn’t bother tolerating her! The way she treats you... I would never let that slide!"

"My Shuangshuang is still the most considerate one."

Yao Yuzhen’s eyes crinkled with a smile, her voice filled with adoration.

She reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Shen Shuangshuang’s ear.

As the mother and daughter went back and forth in this lively exchange, Xiao Li stood by, stunned. He couldn’t help but steal several glances at Song Yao.

Just as the pair were about to sit down, Song Yao suddenly spoke up. Her voice wasn’t loud, but it was incredibly steady. "Xiao Li, grab the dishes. We’re eating in the back room."

As she spoke, she picked up the large basin of rice and grabbed the soup tureen.

Xiao Li understood instantly. He scooped up two serving plates—one with steaming hot stir-fried pork and green peppers, the other with a crisp, vibrant green cucumber salad.

Yao Yuzhen’s face instantly darkened.

She glared at Song Yao, her voice tight. "What do you think you’re doing?"

’A fire of rage surged in her chest. Why did it feel like she’d just been publicly humiliated?’

Song Yao shrugged, her tone as casual as if she were just making small talk. "Back at the hospital, we made it perfectly clear. If Shen Shuangshuang wants to live here, she has to do all the laundry and cooking. And she does what I say."

"It’s only been a few days, and she’s already backing out of the deal? You really expect me to cook and serve her meals?"

She stared at Shen Shuangshuang, her gaze sharp enough to pierce. Her lips parted. "Search your heart and ask yourself: do you deserve it?"

A breath caught in Shen Shuangshuang’s throat, and the chopsticks in her hand trembled violently.

CRASH! The bowl and chopsticks fell to the floor, shattering into pieces.

She stomped her foot furiously, then turned and stormed out of the room.

Yao Yuzhen’s heart clenched, and she took two steps after her. "Shuangshuang!"