Of course, Minglí got the same message. After she received the hefty sum of money Hualing’s Father left behind, she made some changes around the mansion. At first it was a change in Hualing's room. She was moved from the luxurious room to the stuffy room in the attic. It was dusty, cold, and full of old things. When Hualing sat on the bed, it let out the comical ‘poof’ of dust. Even Hualing began to notice the change. The way the servants treated her, the way the twins looked at her, even the tone of Minglí’s voice had changed. The only thing that was still of a little comfort to Hualing was the voice of her older step brother, Jinhai. Otherwise, she was clearly being pushed out, discriminated, ignored. It was clear that Minglí was the director or everyone’s actions.

Hualing had already had it tough with the loss of her father, but moving to a new location, meeting a new family, locating to a new school, she was stressed enough as it was. Now with the pressure of everyone around her, she almost couldn’t take it. The wandering eyes of the spectators around her… Not to mention the hatred Minglí let seep out from herself. Hualing didn’t feel like she belonged anywhere. Although, there was one thing she hadn’t lost, her own individual strength, her power to fight, the confidence in herself, she was strong and she knew she could overcome anything in her path.

Most of all, she had a weapon that even though was superficial, she could use to her advantage; her looks. She was a very beautiful young lady, even as a small child, the boys in her class would tease her the most. Hualing was very smart, she knew the advantages of being as pretty as she was. It was her greatest weapon, that could come in handy in many times of need. However, Hualing was very polite, of course she knew not to flaunt her beauty too much, or people would think that she was full of herself. Then it wouldn’t be useful at all.

She kept working on her social status, social skills, family relations, and school studies. She wanted to be able to support herself, without the help of Minglí. The more Hualing tried to push herself to like Minglí, the more she noticed everything she hated about her. This was just as true with Lin and Liu. Both of them seemed to dislike Hualing as well. The only one she could really rely on was Jinhai. He was the only one that opposed his mother, and treated Hualing with a little respect. She would always think that he would grow up to be a very fine gentleman one day.

Hualing lived for over two years like this, and not even once did anyone even celebrate her birthday. Of course, she never expected anything extravagant. She did come from a very poor family after all. The most she would get as a birthday present was a boiled egg for breakfast, back when she was still living with her Grandmother. But, not long ago, her fourteenth birthday had passed. She didn’t complain to anyone about not celebrating her own birthday, it wasn’t that big a deal to her anyways. However, a few days after her birthday has passed, Minglí was waiting in her room for her after school.

“So how have you been, Hualing?” She asked, coldly.

“Oh, everything’s just great, school break is starting soon and I’m all prepared for high school entrance exams.” Hualing replied cheerfully.

“Well, I know it was your birthday a few days ago.” Hualing was shocked, since when did Minglí know her birthday?!

“You knew?” Hualing muttered.

“Well anyways, I have a birthday present for you, even if it’s a bit late.” Minglí smirked.

“You mean it?” Hualing was a bit suspicious, but at this point she didn’t really care, maybe Minglí really did get her a present.

“Yes I did, now please follow me down to the main room. Especially if you want your present.” Minglí began to walk out of Hualing’s room.

They both walked out of the attic, Hualing behind Minglí. Once they made their way into the main room, Minglí gestured Hualing to sit on the couch. No one else was in the room. Not even one servant. Around five minutes later, there was a knock on the door.

“You may enter.” Minglí said.

That was when Hualing realised what her ‘birthday present’ was. Minglí hadn’t changed her mind about being nice, in fact this might’ve been one of the worst things Minglí had ever done to Hualing. Through the door walked a man. He wasn’t very old, maybe around thirty or forty, but Hualing still knew Minglí’s intentions.

“Welcome, Mr. Shen. Here she is!” Minglí gestured towards Hualing like she was some sort of present.

“She is very beautiful, just like you mentioned.” He smiled, and all of his crooked, yellow teeth showed.

“Well, have you made your choice yet?” Minglí asked.

“Hmm, maybe not today, I will come back once more just to confirm. For now, I’ll be leaving.” Mr. Shen said.

After Minglí gestured towards the door, Mr. Shen was lead out of the room by a servant. Hualing couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“What do you plan on doing with me?” Hualing almost started to cry.

“Why, I thought that it was obvious.” Minglí smirked.

“I just want to confirm.” Hualing wiped away a tear from her face.

“Well, not today, but in the near future, you will be married to Mr. Shen. Obviously, when I say future it only means until he has accepted the deal.” Minglí crossed her arms and began to look annoyed.

“I never gave my consent towards this… Why are you doing this?” Hualing was careful not to raise her voice against Minglí.

“Well let’s see, you are just another mouth to feed, and I need to pay for your school funds. Where do you think I’m going to get all of that money from? But with this, I’ll be payed a hefty sum, and you won’t even live here anymore.” Minglí almost began to laugh.

“What if I get a job during the break, and I apply for military school?” Hualing almost begged.

“Well, military school does give you dorms and food. Very well, there’s no need to get a job over the break, however, you must make it into the military school. Then, I’ll make some arrangement with Mr. Shen, and you won’t be married to him. Fair enough?” Minglí asked.

“Yes, thank you for reconsidering.” Hualing was a bit relieved, but she was surprised at how easy it was to make Minglí change her mind.

'She probably doesn't believe I can do anything myself.' Hualing thought to herself.