Xiaofan leaned on the door, breathing heavily and hoping she didn't get caught.
She put her ears to the door, making sure no approaching footsteps were heard, but there was nothing but silence.
Xiaofan let out a sigh of relief, she walked to her bed quietly and sat on it.
"What just happened? stepmother? there was something in that biscuit and I was supposed to eat that?", she said in a shaky voice.
The thought of the bird flying away with the biscuit popped up in her mind, Xiaofan hurried to the window and looked outside.
"Is that why the bird hasn't returned? did it eat it and die?... what did she put in those frigging BISCUITS!!!", she panicked.
Time: 9:08 pm
Mr. Ji Zhang had just returned from work, not new to any of his family, he usually gets home late on Saturdays.
His briefcase in his hands as he appeared at the front door, he saw his youngest child running towards him.
He dropped the briefcase and lifted her, did a little spin, then put her down.
"How is my little girl doing?... how was your day? I hope your little friends didn't make you mad?" he asked.
Xiu Lan folded her arms, "I am their boss and they need to accept that, I am okay with all of them but Suzy, she is full of herself so I stopped talking to her. I am sure she has no friends and no toys to play with right now", she chuckled.
Mr. Ji Zhang got speechless, he was a bit disappointed in his daughter.
She is probably still young and does not understand life yet and someone has to tell her what's right and what's not.
He crouched and held her hands, "Xiu Lan..."
The little girl knew her father was about to lecture her again, her smile faded quickly.
"Pumpkin, there are things in life that are right and there are wrong... what you just said about your friends right now is wrong. I do not know what is going on between you and your friends but whatever happens, you should be the good person out of them all. Do not think you are the boss among them because you have a lot of toys and they probably don't".
"Which I know they do have but love hanging out with you instead, I am sure they don't brag about their toys... do they?" he asked, waiting for Xiu Lan to give him a reply.
She shook her head gently.
"See... they don't, no matter what baby girl... you don't brag about things... because, at the end of the day, true friendship is the only thing that matters... it is very important, important than the toys and the materialistic things on earth...".
The man noticed how sad his daughter has gotten, he held her face and said.
"No don't be sad baby, I am not scolding you... I just want you to be better okay? you know daddy loves you right?".
"Yes, father,"
He smiled at her response, pulled her closer, and hugged her.
"I love you, daddy..." Xiu Lan said.
He stopped hugging and looked at his daughter, "I love you too kid..." he pinched her cheeks gently and rose.
"Where is your mother", he said, looking around.
She would have come out to welcome him if she was home.
"She went to see her friend",
The man picked up his briefcase as Xiu Lan answered, he nodded and turned to leave.
"Tell Meili to give you food okay? I am sure you are hungry... your stomach isn't as big as I want it..." he chuckled as he walked away.
Xiu Lan nodded, "I have eaten but I will definitely request more...".
Mr. Ji Zhang got into his room, it was dark. He stretched to switch the light on.
The little human standing a few feet from him got him startled, his briefcase fell out of his hand.
He looked at the girl's folded arms and raised eyebrows.
"Oh my God Xiaofan! you scared me... what are you doing in my room... alone.... in the dark", he asked out of surprise while looking around.
Xiaofan didn't utter any statement, she stood in the same position, and with the same expression.
Mr. Ji Zhang sighed softly, he grabbed his briefcase and put it gently on the table, pulled off his shoes, and unloosed his tie.
He turned his face and saw his daughter still standing in the same position, with her face turned to him.
"What is it? come on talk to me", he said. "It is a long day at work and I would like to get some rest, so big lady tell me what it is... and stop staring at me like a hungry wolf ready to eat its prey".
"Father... seriously?", she snapped, "You were out there been lovey-dovey to your daughter while I stood there waiting on you to come in, You have been talking with Xiu Lan and you took your time with her but now that you are here with me... you suddenly feel so tired and want me out? isn't that amazing Father?".
There was a silence among them, the only sound heard was coming from Xiu Lan's little guitar.
Xiaofan's eyes filled with tears, there is no way back now. She has to let out her anger and mustn't stop now.
"There is more to say, right?" Her father asked.
His raging daughter sniffled as tears fell on her cheeks.
"What went, wrong Father? I was your favorite... You used to love me so much and make sure I smile every time, what did I do so wrong?"
"You are still my favorite Xiaofan...", the man responded quickly, he stood up and leaned on the table, "You just need to..."
"Need to what father?", She interrupted sharply, "I remembered you asked me several years ago if I needed a stepmom!...No father, I realize me saying yes was a big mistake!!!", She yelled out.
"Xiaofan!!! what has gotten into you?", he snapped.
"Why don't you ask your wife that tried to kill me!!!".