At this moment, she stared coldly at Sang Zhilan rummaging through the cabinets, taking out one article of clothing after another. These were all for Wei Jiani, weren't they?
Sang Zhilan had no idea Tang Yuxin was awake; she didn't recognize that this was not the old Tang Yuxin. Underneath the skin of a three-year-old child lurked a pitiful soul that had experienced hardships and weathered storms.
It was only after Sang Zhilan nearly emptied Tang Yuxin's wardrobe that she stood up. Turning around, she was startled and involuntarily stepped backwards, bumping into the cabinet behind her, which was enough to make her tear up.
She saw the child on the bed was wide awake, staring straight at Sang Zhilan. These were not the eyes of a child, but rather gloomy, cold, and somewhat chilling.
"Xinxin, when did you wake up?" Rubbing her waist, Sang Zhilan walked over and placed her hand on Tang Yuxin's hair. There was still some maternal affection in her eyes. No matter what, this was her daughter. But over time, her heart had swayed. Having married Wei Tian, she unconsciously favored Wei Jiani.
Gradually, this favoritism drained away any remaining ounce of motherly love she had.
Tang Yuxin lowered her eyes, pretending to be still half asleep. She rubbed her eyes and lay back down to continue her slumber. Sang Zhilan, of course, harbored no suspicion.
Once she saw Tang Yuxin asleep, she reached for the pile of clothes she'd just dumped on the bed, only to find herself unable to pull them away.
What's going on? She traced along the clothes only to spot Tang Yuxin's little hand clutching a corner of the clothes tightly. The child's hand was tiny, but how could it hold so tightly?
She yanked at the clothes with all her might, only to end up pulling Tang Yuxin out of the blanket.
Tang Yuxin sat up, clutching the piece of clothing tightly to her chest and refusing to hand it to Sang Zhilan.
Sang Zhilan was in a hurry to return to town. If she didn't leave soon, there'd be no transport available, and she'd have to stay here. The mere sight of Tang Zhinian was revolting to her, how could she possibly share a bed with him?
"Xinxin, listen to mom, let go."
Sang Zhilan coaxed Tang Yuxin, "Mom is storing your clothes for you. In a few days, Mom will take you to live in the city. There's lots of delicious food there, and we can live in a tall building. Xinxin, don't you want to go?"
Tang Yuxin didn't say a word, only hugging her clothes tighter, refusing to let go.
"Xinxin..." Sang Zhilan's patience wore thin. Wasn't this child very obedient in the past? She used to follow her every word. She had taken her clothes before, and just a few days ago, she told her she was going to pack her clothes to move to the city, and she agreed. So why was she acting so differently today?
"Xinxin, let go."
As the skies darkened, Sang Zhilan's temper grew increasingly volatile.
Whereas Tang Yuxin only hugged her clothes tighter, bowing her head, remaining silent, and avoiding eye contact.
Sang Zhilan abruptly slapped Tang Yuxin's back, perhaps with more force than intended, sending Tang Yuxin rolling onto the bed, her head hitting the corner of the table.
At this moment, both Tang Zhinian and Tang Zhijun, who had just returned from the fields, heard Tang Yuxin's heart-wrenching cries just as they were approaching the door.