Ning Shu finished packing, ending up with two large suitcases. As she pulled them along, she opened the door and encountered a woman leading a boy who looked about seven years old.
Ning Shu checked her memories and recognized them as the original host's mother and younger brother. This little brother, almost ten years younger than Lin Jiajia, was the family's prized jewel. Even Lin Jiajia had always indulged him and loved him dearly. Their parents often reminded her that siblings must care for each other and that she would need her family's influence even after marriage.
Though partly driven by selfish motives, Lin Jiajia truly cared for her younger brother.
However, to Ning Shu, she felt like a stranger. As an observer, she noted that the family treated the little boy with warmth and affection while viewing their daughter as a mere commodity, a burden that cost them money.
When she was being kicked out, Mother Lin had stayed inside her room, neither coming out to stop Father Lin nor encouraging Ning Shu to stay.
Mother Lin handed Ning Shu a thick envelope. "This is the money I prepared for you. From now on, you'll have to fend for yourself. This should last you a while."
Ning Shu took the envelope silently, watching as Mother Lin and her brother retreated into their room. She felt deeply unsatisfied; they didn't even pretend to shed a tear.
Could it be that the original host wasn't truly a Lin and wasn't their biological daughter?
"Ding. Hidden storyline has been triggered: The Riddle of the Original Host's Identity. Storyline: The Little Tadpole Seeking Her Mother. Do you accept?"
The cold, mechanical voice echoed in Ning Shu's mind. Now she had to help find the original host's biological parents! The initial task was already difficult enough; why was this new one cropping up?
"Do you accept the task of discovering your true identity?"
"No," Ning Shu replied immediately. Things were already complicated, and now the system wanted her to find the original host's biological parents? With only five years to complete her task, the longer she stayed in this world, the more life points she would use. If they ran out, she would vanish without a trace.
The sea of people in this world was vast—how could finding someone possibly be easy?
"Are you certain you wish to accept the task of discovering your true identity?"
"Yes."
"Task Storyline: The Little Tadpole Seeking Its Mother, start."
"What?!" Ning Shu exclaimed. When had she agreed to start this task? She hadn't even accepted it!
The system was being unfair, forcing her into this situation. It was as if it were bullying her, a pitiful child with only twenty points of luck.
With a dejected expression, Ning Shu stuffed the envelope into her suitcase and headed downstairs with her two large bags.
When Father Lin saw her blank and helpless expression, he adopted a concerned demeanor. "This is just a temporary measure. I'll definitely welcome you back soon."
Ning Shu felt no warmth from his feigned affection. The original host may not have been his biological daughter, but he had provided for her and allowed her to live a comfortable life. Although his motives were selfish, Ning Shu couldn't bring herself to hate him.
As for the body she inhabited, it seemed to relax upon realizing it wasn't the biological daughter. Those who are used often find their own value; inevitably, sacrifices must be made for a life of wealth and ease.
While the body harbored some complaints, it lacked genuine hatred.
Ning Shu sighed in relief, glad that no strange task—like seeking revenge on Father Lin and Mother Lin—had presented itself.
Not wanting to feign affection with Father Lin, she lifted the suitcases and walked out the door. She called for a rental car and then found a hotel to spend the night.