The original Cheng Xizhi had previously studied abroad. At only seventeen years old, she already held two bachelor's degrees.
"Second brother went to the exhibition. What about older sister?" Gu Shengyin asked.
At the mention of Cheng Yiru's name, Mother Cheng frowned. "I don't know what's going on with her lately. She's been acting so secretively. Sometimes she doesn't even come home at night."
Mother Cheng truly cared for Cheng Yiru. After all, she had raised her for more than ten years.
Gu Shengyin silently thought: Cheng Yiru is busy 'exchanging feelings' with Yuan Hang. Of course she has no time to come home.
Yes—at this moment, Cheng Yiru was already reborn. Being one year older than Cheng Xizhi, she was eighteen and had regained her memories just last month.
"Xixi!" A voice called out from behind. Before Gu Shengyin could turn around, she was wrapped in a warm hug.
It was her second brother, Cheng Qixuan.
Unlike the composed and steady eldest brother, Cheng Boxuan, the second brother had a fiery temperament—full of passion. Perhaps that enthusiasm was what allowed artists like him to keep their inspiration flowing endlessly.
Gu Shengyin looked at her family with a gentle smile. She made a silent vow in her heart: In this life, I will never allow Cheng Yiru to destroy this perfect family.
"My parents, I'm back."Cheng Yiru entered and saw the rest of the family gathered in the living room.
"Big brother, Second brother." Her gaze swept across the room and landed on the person sitting on the sofa.
"Little sister, you're back?" Cheng Yiru forced a smile, barely restraining the hatred that surged within her.
Gu Shengyin slowly looked at her. Their eyes met.
Cheng Xizhi looked at Cheng Yiru. She wore a tight-fitting shirt that emphasized her figure—even at only eighteen, she already had a striking shape. Her shirt was stretched taut, and her denim shorts showcased her long legs perfectly.
Although her beauty couldn't compare to the flawless Cheng Xizhi, it was still more than enough to attract men.
Cheng Yiru also examined Cheng Xizhi. Her impression of Cheng Xizhi had remained stuck in the memories of her previous life, yet the current Cheng Xizhi looked even more beautiful—mature and radiant, like a perfectly ripe peach, captivating to the eye.
The seventeen-year-old Cheng Xizhi differed from how she remembered. Her skin was fair and luminous, practically glowing—obviously the result of a childhood spent being pampered. Although Cheng Yiru herself had grown up under good conditions, she had not been able to maintain such flawless skin. Some things, perhaps, truly depended on birth.
Today's Cheng Xizhi carried a hint of youthful charm in her eyes. Her delicate features and subtle air of pride made it obvious at a glance: she was a thoroughly spoiled little princess.
What Cheng Yiru hated the most was exactly that pride. She had always been like this—never needing to worry about anything. The Cheng Family protected her, planned everything for her, and all she had to do was sit in the lighthouse like a cherished little princess.
"The family was informed a month ago that I was coming back. And you didn't even bother to know when your younger sister was returning." Gu Shengyin pretended to complain unhappily.
Cheng Yiru gave her a sidelong glance. She had only returned last month and had been busy sorting through the memories of her previous life. How could she possibly remember when Cheng Xizhi was supposed to return?
Cheng Xizhi had always been like this—making a big deal out of trivial things such as coming home, as if she needed the entire family to welcome her back.