Li Qingyun had just started laying the foundation for her family's rise. She had secured her first bulk customer, sold her vegetables at premium prices, and avoided the schemes of market vendors like Aunt Liu.
But she had nearly forgotten one major problem—her own greedy relatives.
In her past life, her uncle's family had been like leeches, constantly taking advantage of her parents' kindness. They had borrowed money they never returned, eaten their food without shame, and even tried to take their land when her father fell ill.
And worst of all, she had been too weak to stop them.
This time, she would not make the same mistake.
An Uninvited Visit
That morning, as Qingyun finished washing vegetables by the well, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching.
She turned to see her Aunt Zhao, her father's older sister, striding toward their yard with an exaggerated smile. Behind her was her cousin, Zhao Xiu, a girl only a year older than Qingyun but with a smug look on her face.
Qingyun's heart turned cold.
In her past life, Aunt Zhao had always spoken in sweet tones but had an insatiable greed for anything valuable. And Zhao Xiu? She was nothing more than a spoiled brat who looked down on Qingyun's family.
"Oh, Qingyun, you're up so early!" Aunt Zhao beamed, stepping closer. "Your uncle and I were just talking about you. We heard you're doing well in the market these days!"
Qingyun hid her irritation behind a calm smile. "Aunt, what brings you here?"
Aunt Zhao clicked her tongue and sat down on a nearby stool as if she owned the place. "Your uncle and I are worried. A young girl like you shouldn't be working so hard. Why don't you let your cousin Xiu help you sell at the market?"
Zhao Xiu lifted her chin. "That's right, Qingyun. You're inexperienced, but I've been to town many times. I can get you better customers."
Qingyun nearly laughed out loud.
In her past life, she had stupidly agreed, thinking it was a kind gesture. But Zhao Xiu had sold her vegetables and kept half the money, claiming she had done Qingyun a favor.
Not this time.
Qingyun pretended to look surprised. "Oh? But, Cousin Xiu, I thought you didn't like selling vegetables. Last time I saw you in town, you called market work 'dirty and tiring'."
Zhao Xiu's face stiffened. "That was before! I want to help you now!"
Lies.
Qingyun's smile didn't falter. "That's kind of you, but I'm managing just fine. And I don't want to trouble you, Aunt."
Aunt Zhao's expression darkened. "Qingyun, you're too young to make these decisions alone. Your father wouldn't want you to be stubborn."
Ah, there it was.
Whenever Aunt Zhao wanted something, she would bring up family duty—but never when it came to repaying debts or helping out.
Qingyun stood firm. "Father trusts me. And I already have regular customers. If I need help, my siblings can assist me."
Aunt Zhao's smile cracked. "Qingyun, you shouldn't be so selfish. We're family! If you make money, you should share with your uncle's household too."
Qingyun's eyes turned cold.
So that was her real motive.
In her past life, Aunt Zhao had taken money, food, and even borrowed land, claiming it was "family sharing." But when Qingyun's father had fallen ill, they had disappeared, refusing to help.
This time, I won't be fooled.
Setting Boundaries
Qingyun straightened her back, speaking with quiet authority.
"Aunt Zhao, family should support each other—not take advantage of each other."
Aunt Zhao's eyes widened in shock. She clearly hadn't expected the once-timid Qingyun to push back.
Zhao Xiu sneered. "Are you calling my mother a liar?"
Qingyun's lips curled. "I'm simply saying I remember things very clearly."
She turned to her aunt. "Last year, when we asked you for help during Father's illness, you said you had no spare money. But I recall seeing you buy a new gold hairpin that same week."
Aunt Zhao's face turned red with embarrassment. "T-That was different! I was saving for Xiu's future!"
Qingyun did not back down. "Then I must save for my own family's future too."
Aunt Zhao's jaw tightened, realizing she had lost the argument.
A Final Warning
Seeing that her mother was being outmaneuvered, Zhao Xiu crossed her arms. "You think just because you earned a few coins, you can act like a big shot? Hah! Just wait, Qingyun. You'll regret treating us like this when you need help."
Qingyun's gaze sharpened.
"I won't regret anything, Cousin Xiu," she said in an icy tone. "But I hope you won't regret your own words in the future."
Aunt Zhao stood abruptly. "Hmph! Ungrateful girl. Let's go, Xiu."
The two stormed off, their backs stiff with humiliation and anger.
Qingyun exhaled slowly, watching them disappear down the road.
She had finally set her boundaries.
And she would never let greedy relatives step all over her family again.
A Father's Approval
Later that evening, as Qingyun helped prepare dinner, her father, Li Zhong, sat nearby, silently drinking tea.
Finally, he spoke. "Your aunt came by today."
Qingyun didn't look up. "Yes, she wanted me to share my market earnings with them."
Her father sighed. "I heard what you said to her."
Qingyun paused, waiting for his response.
Then, to her surprise, her father chuckled. "Good. That woman has taken advantage of us for too long."
Qingyun's heart warmed. Her father had always been kind and patient, but even he had grown tired of their relatives' selfishness.
He looked at her with approval. "You're growing up well, Qingyun."
Qingyun smiled. This time, she would protect her family properly.
And this was only the beginning.
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