The more Li Xueyao thought, the angrier she became. Her hands were clenched into tight fists, her nails nearly digging into her palms.
She was not resigned to this. She absolutely refused to accept it!
Thinking of the comfortable days she used to have, and how daughters from lesser families would bow and scrape to flatter her wherever she went, the jealousy in Li Xueyao’s heart intensified.
Why? She simply didn't believe in fate. Driven by jealousy, Li Xueyao’s mindset gradually became twisted.
Anything that belonged to Su Li, she wanted to snatch away—whether it was the so-called fatherly love, the identity of the Eldest Miss Su, or the entire Su Group. If it was Su Li’s, she was going to take it.
Even if Su Li stood at the peak, she would personally drag her into the mud—no, not just into the mud, she would trample her into the abyss.
Just as Li Xueyao was at a loss for words, Li Mei walked over quietly, patted her shoulder lightly, and comforted her in a soft voice, "Xueyao, look at you. Why can't you grow up? You’re just thinking about going out to play all day long."
There was a hint of doting in Li Mei’s eyes, but her hand, resting on her daughter’s shoulder, was secretly applying pressure.
Although she was gritting her teeth with hatred for Su Li, upon receiving her mother’s silent instruction, Li Xueyao had no choice but to put on her "white lotus" act once again.
She hurriedly forced a smile at Su Li. "I just noticed you're dressed so casually today. Are you heading out in a bit?"
Her voice was soft, seemingly tinged with a touch of fawning, yet beneath that flattery lay an unmistakable undercurrent of jealousy.
Su Li set down her cup, wiped her mouth elegantly, and a scornful smile curled at the corner of her lips. She said softly, "Miss Li, it seems you’re overstepping your bounds. Do I really need to report to you whether I’m going out or not?"
Her eyes were cold, and her tone was filled with disdain.
"You really think too highly of yourself."
"Remember this for the future: don't ask about things that aren't your business. A person should have self-awareness; knowing your place is very important."
Su Li’s words were concise and powerful. Each word was like a sharp dagger, piercing straight through Li Xueyao’s hypocrisy.
Since her rebirth, Su Li had become very spontaneous; she couldn't be bothered to act along with this mother-daughter duo. She wanted to provoke this wretch until she broke, just to see how long she could keep up the charade.
Father Su looked up at Su Li, vaguely sensing her inexplicable hostility toward Li Xueyao, but he said nothing and kept his head down, returning to his newspaper. In his eyes, choosing this woman was merely a cover, nothing more.
Though his daughter’s words were harsh, they were not without reason. People should recognize their status and have self-awareness. He provided this mother and daughter with such a luxurious, high-quality life, so what did it matter if they had to endure a little bit of his daughter’s temper?
There was no emotional fluctuation on Father Su's face, as if all of this had nothing to do with him; yet, deep down, he was quietly pondering the change in his daughter.
Seeing the silent Father Su, Li Mei’s expression grew ugly, shifting between pale and flushed. After all, a man only truly cares for his own flesh and blood. In his heart, his biological daughter was Su Li. What were she and her daughter compared to his apple-of-his-eye?
Although she was burning with rage inside, her face remained perfectly composed. She quickly flashed a fawning smile at Su Li.
One had to admit, the older ginger is the spicier. Li Mei knew very well that in this house, besides pleasing Father Su, they had to please this so-called Eldest Miss Su even more.
She quickly adjusted her emotions and gave her daughter a look that meant "don't be impatient." To enjoy such a life in a wealthy family, fawning over them was a small price to pay.
And so, no one spoke for the rest of breakfast.
After taking a few simple bites, Su Li set down her utensils and said, "Auntie Lan, I'm finished."
With that, Su Li stood up and left, ignoring the nauseating mother-daughter pair. She knew that now was not the time to have a complete falling out, but she would not let them continue to run wild. She needed to plan her revenge calmly, rationally, and with great foresight.
She would make this mother and daughter pay a heavy price for their actions in her previous life, and at the same time, she would protect everything belonging to the Su family and become a true matriarch of the elite.
Leaving the dining room, she caught Auntie Lan looking at her with concern. Su Li simply nodded slightly to show she was fine.
"Auntie Lan, the car I asked you to prepare before breakfast—is it ready?"
Auntie Lan nodded. "It's all ready for you. You can head down whenever you're ready."
"Good, thank you, Auntie Lan."
"Silly child, why are you being so formal with me? Are you heading back to the old mansion? Should I notify Old Cheng?"
"No need. Once I arrive, he will know."
"Then drive carefully on the road. Stay safe." Auntie Lan patted Su Li’s hand like she was tucking in her own child, reminding her again and again.
"Alright, I know, Auntie Lan. I'll be careful, don't you worry."
"I'll go down to get the car myself. No need to see me off. I'm all grown up now, yet you still treat me like a child."
"No matter how old you get, you'll always be a child in my eyes." Despite saying this, she stopped her pace and watched as Su Li strode away.
Su Li arrived at the underground garage. Her gaze lingered briefly on her three former vehicles before she finally chose the low-profile silver-gray Ferrari.
Walking up to the car, she gently stroked the body. This car had been a gift from her grandfather when she received her driver's license; it had once been a symbol of her freedom.
Opening the door and settling into the driver's seat of the silver-gray Ferrari, the familiar touch made her pause for a moment. She started the engine, and the low roar seemed to speak of power and speed.
She lightly pressed the gas, and the car slowly drove out of the garage.
The wind poured in through the half-open window, ruffling her hair. She skillfully gripped the steering wheel, driving the car steadily down the road, while a sense of resolve—never seen before—shone in her eyes.
In her past life, when she was the Ji wife, she was always picked up and dropped off by a dedicated driver from the Ji Family. They claimed it was for her convenience, but in reality, he was only there to track her movements.
Thinking of how she had personally broken her own wings for that man, becoming a canary in a gilded cage, a wave of regret surged in Su Li’s heart. She had truly been incredibly stupid in her past life, abandoning everything for the sake of some bullshit "love."
Now, she was determined to be herself again.
Su Li took a deep breath of fresh air. Now, she felt that even the air tasted sweet. She knew that was the taste of freedom.
Her mood was unexpectedly wonderful, and her lips curled upward, revealing a brilliant smile.
She rolled down the window and turned on the music, her hand tapping the steering wheel in time with the rhythm. She was like a bird that had been caged for a long time, suddenly finding its freedom, savoring every moment of this hard-won time.
Looking at the scenery outside the window—familiar yet strange—it lacked the chaotic traffic of ten years later, but it possessed a unique tranquility and simplicity.
She knew she was slowly adapting to everything since her rebirth.