Li Yusha was stunned for a few seconds, as if frozen in place.
"And can you, like her, accept her for the sake of your parents and brother? Just as she accepted you?"
Seeing her lost in thought, Li Yihan patted her head. "Before bedtime tonight, think carefully about what your brother said. I hope that when I come back next time, I'll see a different you."
Li Yihan's biological clock was precise as ever, and with only three minutes left until his bedtime, he stood up, not making an exception for anyone. Before leaving, he made a special remark, "If I were you, I would cherish everything in front of me, rather than regretting it only after losing it."
Li Yusha looked at him in astonishment.
"Goodnight." Li Yihan took his steps and left the terrace.
Once Li Yihan was gone, Zhang Ma, who had been hiding in the shadows, hurriedly appeared. "Miss Yusha, are you alright?"
She had secretly followed when Young Master Yihan was looking for Miss Yusha just now!
She had expected Young Master Yihan to say something affectionate to Miss Yusha or do something loving, but she never expected it to be a warning!
"Young Master Yihan was warning you. If you don't get along well with Qing Yan, you'll have to leave this home..."
Tears welled up in Li Yusha's eyes. "But what Big Brother said is true. This home never really belonged to me. The love of my parents and several brothers, the luxurious life, the servants serving me, none of it belongs to me! I've been living the life that should have been Qing Yan's for the past eighteen years!"
"Miss Yusha, you must not think this way." Zhang Ma became anxious and looked around before continuing, "It's all because Madam herself was confused and made a mistake by holding the wrong child. How can we blame you? You also lost the love of your biological parents for eighteen years. You also suffered a loss!"
Li Yusha spoke with a lost look in her eyes, "Zhang Ma, do you think that if I truly treated Qing Yan as my real sister, would they still treat me the same way? I mean, my parents and the brothers..."
"Definitely not!" Zhang Ma said in a hurry, "Miss Yusha, why are you so naive? Young Master Yihan was just trying to deceive you with a few words! If he really saw you as a sister, he wouldn't have given you a veiled warning tonight!"
"But I feel there's some truth in what my brother said..." Although it sounded hurtful, every word made sense.
"Do you remember the last thing Young Master Yihan said? He was hinting that if you don't behave and stay in your place, you will lose everything soon!"
Zhang Ma couldn't bear it any longer and said, "Miss Yusha, listen to me. While you still have the capability and connections, and while they still have feelings for you, either eliminate Qing Yan or strive for the greatest benefit for the Li family. Alternatively, help Sir Shao Li become the most influential person globally. Don't be foolish and try to build a relationship with Qing Yan; that move is utterly useless!"
Li Yusha looked up, feeling somewhat shaken again.
"I've watched you grow up since you were little, and I consider you my own flesh and blood. I would never harm you!" Zhang Ma was almost in tears due to her anxiety. "I genuinely care for you, Miss Yusha. Don't let the young master deceive you!"
"Zhang Ma, do you have no children of your own?" Li Yusha suddenly asked.
Zhang Ma was taken aback, not understanding what Miss Yusha meant. After a while, she replied, "I once had a child."
"Once had?" Li Yusha expressed surprise.
"That was a long time ago. After I finished my postnatal recovery, I heard that working as a nanny in the city was lucrative. Since my husband was disabled and could only stay in the village to take care of our family, I thought of trying it out. Unexpectedly, there was a sudden flood that year... My husband and child passed away, and the child's grandparents were also gone."
Li Yusha was moved, "I'm sorry for bringing up your painful past."
She was merely curious since she hadn't heard Zhang Ma talk about her family in the past eighteen years. During holidays, Zhang Ma never seemed interested in visiting her relatives.
"We lived in a village where everyone was related. Many people died in that year's flood."
Li Yusha nodded, "When I achieve great success in the future, I won't forget you."
"Thank you, Miss Yusha!" Zhang Ma spoke to her gratefully.
Qing Yan worked until half-past eleven and checked the time. After organizing the medicine, she hurried back home.
As soon as she stepped inside the gate, she could feel a hostile gaze from the second floor fixed on her, as if someone wanted to tear her apart.
She looked up and saw a figure hiding behind a window, seemingly spying on her.
That window belonged to Li Yusha's room.
Perhaps Li Yusha wasn't aware that the light cast her long shadow onto the curtain.
Qing Yan nonchalantly averted her gaze and, as soon as she entered the living room, heard her parents' voices.
"Little Yan Yan hasn't come back yet? Is she in danger? Should we call her?" It was Li Yusha's father, Li Yuanfu. "It's so late, and she's a young girl. I can't help but worry…"
"Before it's twelve o'clock, don't rush me, don't put any psychological pressure on Yan Yan!" Song Qiaoying's voice carried a hint of fatigue mixed with determination. "Just wait a little longer; Yan Yan has never stayed out past midnight before!"
"Really??" Li Yuanfu yawned. "Then I'll wait a bit more!"
Upon hearing their conversation, Qing Yan felt a warm feeling in her heart. She changed into her slippers and entered the house, saying, "Mom, Dad, I'm back."
Li Yuanfu and Song Qiaoying immediately perked up and got up to greet her. "Darling Yan Yan, you're finally here? It's so late, where were you?"
Just as Li Yuanfu finished speaking, Song Qiaoying gave him a nudge, "Stop interrogating her! Why do you need to know every detail? Yan Yan is all grown up; she knows what she's doing."
"That's right, it's just me being overly worried!" Qing Yan faintly smiled. "I went to see that doctor just now. She's leaving the country tonight to attend to other patients, and before she left, she gave me these medicines, assuring me that they're completely safe."
Song Qiaoying suddenly realized, "That makes sense. She's a renowned doctor, and many people must have sought her help. It's just not possible for her to drop everything and come immediately when we ask her to see us."
"Yes, yes, Yan Yan also knows about medical matters. She explained my parents' conditions to the traditional Chinese medicine doctor, and the doctor prescribed the medicine accordingly. I believe there won't be any mistakes!" Li Yuanfu didn't want to put any more pressure on Qing Yan.
"These medicines are for the first three days; there are six bottles in total, one for morning and one for evening, just mix them with warm water and take them," Qing Yan handed a small bag to them. "As for the later medications, she will prepare and send them to me, so don't worry about running out."
"Great, thank you so much for your hard work!" Song Qiaoying hurriedly said, "Mom prepared some supper for you; go and have a bite first. Oh, by the way, do you have enough money? Should we give you some more?"
"It's alright, she didn't charge much," Qing Yan smiled, "I'll go upstairs and take a shower first, then I'll come down later to eat. You two go ahead and get some rest."
"Sure, but don't forget to eat!"