In her hotel room, Li Xinyue's gaze was cold as she watched the Zhang family's press conference on her phone screen.
Mr. Zhang, Madam Zhang, and Zhang Yujin stood at the podium, faces full of solemnity, though she could see hints of pride and smugness lurking behind their practiced expressions.
Mr. Zhang cleared his throat, adjusting the microphone. "Thank you all for being here today," he began, his voice heavy as though burdened with grief. "This is a difficult day for us. My wife, my family, and I… we have an important announcement to make."
Xinyue 's jaw tightened as she watched their pretence with cold eyes .
Madam Zhang placed a gentle hand on Mr. Zhang's arm, her face carefully composed to appear sorrowful. "Yes. It pains us to say goodbye to a daughter who has been part of our family for so many years. We raised her as our own, loved her as our own…"
Mr. Zhang continued, sighing deeply. "But our dear Xinyue has found her real family. She has expressed her desire to reconnect with them fully. We respect her choice, even if it breaks our hearts."
Xinyue's grip on her phone tightened further. They were framing it as if she was the one leaving, as if she were abandoning them.
Reporters leaned forward, scribbling notes.
One of them raised his hand, standing up to speak. "Mr. Zhang, are you saying that Li Xinyue wanted to leave your family?"
"Yes," Mr. Zhang said, nodding sadly. "Xinyue came to us and explained that she feels a strong attachment to her biological family. She believes that reconnecting with them is the best path forward. We could never hold her back from finding her true roots."
Madam Zhang dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, as though struggling to contain her emotions. "It's been painful, but we have to respect her wishes. We only want her to be happy."
Another reporter chimed in, looking curious. "So, you're saying this was her decision entirely? No pressure from your family?"
Madam Zhang looked shocked, shaking her head. "Absolutely not! We would never pressure her. She's been our daughter all these years. We only want the best for her."
Mr. Zhang nodded sadly. "Yes. Xinyue came to us expressing a strong desire to reconnect with her real family. We're heartbroken, but we would never hold her back from her roots."
At this point, Zhang Yujin stepped forward, her face soft and gentle, as if she were reluctantly addressing a painful situation. "It's hard to say goodbye to someone you watched grow up ," she said softly, her voice trembling.
"But I understand Xinyue's need to know her real family. I only wish her the best, and I hope she finds peace in her new life, I know I shouldn't have come back and disrupt their happy family." she added. " But I just couldn't stay away from my parents."
Xinyue's lips pressed together, eyes narrowing. Yujin was good—too good. She played the perfect loving sister, and she knew the cameras were eating it up.
A third reporter raised his hand, directing his question toward Yujin. "Miss Zhang, how do you feel about now being recognized as the true daughter of the Zhang family?"
Yujin glanced down as if bashful, then looked back up with a shy smile. "It's a bit overwhelming. I never expected this, honestly. I was the Li family's daughter , and even now, I feel that bond. But it's also my responsibility to honor my real family, just as Xinyue is honoring hers."
Mr. Zhang placed a supportive hand on Yujin's shoulder. "Yes, we are very happy to have her as our biological daughter, she has always been kind and understanding. This change may be difficult, but we know that Yujin will continue to bring pride to the Zhang family."
The reporters scribbled notes furiously, nodding in approval.
Another reporter asked, "What will happen with Li Xinyue now? Will she still be in contact with your family?"
Mr. Zhang gave a small, regretful shake of his head. "We understand that Xinyue wants to fully form a bond with her biological family. As such, we've agreed to a respectful parting. But she will always have a place in our hearts."
"Indeed," Madam Zhang added, a faint smile on her lips, though her eyes remained sad. "Though she may no longer be part of our household, Xinyue will always hold a special place in our family's memories."
As the reporters nodded, taking notes, another question came. "Will there be any farewell or celebration?"
Mr. Zhang shook his head. "Only if Xinyue wishes. We want to honor her choice." He added "But we will hold a celebration to welcome our biological daughter Zhang Yujin to our family, the date hasn't been decided yet."
Xinyue's eyes narrowed. They were making her seem like the ungrateful one, leaving a "loving" family. Her jaw clenched, hearing the Zhangs twist the story for public sympathy and to introduce Yujin as the real daughter.
As the conference closed, Mr. Zhang sighed, voice low and heartfelt. "We hope the public understands. Though this is painful, we wish Xinyue happiness with her biological family."
The cameras flashed, capturing their somber faces, while Xinyue watched quietly. She had anticipated their moves. Shutting off the livestream, she let out a steady breath. Let them have their performance. She was done with them.