"She's eight years old now; my daughter is just six. She hasn't even had her birthday yet—it's in a couple of months," Shu Jiao said, talking as if discussing everyday matters. "When Jiaojiao was born, our family already had nine boys. Her grandmother, oh, she especially hoped for a little girl, so our Jiaojiao was doted on by everyone from the moment she came into the world."
"I know, you were orphaned at birth, raised by your uncle and aunt, right?"
Wa Yiting wasn't certain what Shu Jiao was getting at and could only continue nodding.
"Being born without parents, dependent on others, life's been hard. I know it might seem unfair to you. Do you feel envious because Jiaojiao is so loved by many, while you can't even get enough to eat, and that makes Jiaojiao particularly annoying to you?"
"No...it's not like that..." Wa Yiting subconsciously wanted to defend herself, but her voice lacked conviction due to the overwhelming guilt.
