[2025-2-14 Filming Record]
"Jiang Yuexia, Happy Valentine's Day!"
I took the doll bouquet Tian Yao handed me and gave a small grin.
"Thank you, Tian Yao Jie!"
Then, I went back to staring at my phone screen, remaining silent.
Suddenly, Tian Yao stepped forward and covered the screen with her hand.
"Don't look at it."
I shook my head.
"It's fine. I won't be upset."
A photo caption.
[Spending Valentine's Day with my daughter, Jiang Xiaoxiao]
Tian Yao stared into my eyes, as if to confirm whether I was lying.
I gave her a faint smile.
"My mom adopted this girl I know. She used to be the patient next to my dad's bed. She's an orphan, but thanks to social donations, she got treated for leukemia."
"I'm truly happy for her and for mom. Now they have each other's company, so they won't be lonely anymore."
"Jiang Xiaoxiao is great. She's smart and lively. With her by mom's side, I can be at ease."
Tian Yao hugged me tightly.
"Jiang Yuexia, if you're sad, let it out and cry."
After a moment of silence, I couldn't hold back the feelings of hurt anymore.
"Sis Yao, I'm so jealous of her. Why could she be cured? Why could she stay with mom? Why can't I..."
[2025-2-28 Filming Record]
"Tian Yao Jie, does this outfit look good on me?"
I kept checking my outfit in front of the mirror.
"It looks great, Jiang Yuexia. You look the best."
Tian Yao helped me put on a wig.
"Let's go. The driver is already waiting at the hospital entrance."
The scene shifted, and we arrived at a press conference.
I wore a mask, only my eyes visible.
In the crowd, I blended in, barely noticeable.
Meanwhile, on stage, Mom was presenting their new research.
After answering some professional questions, the host asked her,
"Dr. Xia, is there anything else you'd like to say?"
Mom paused for a moment, her voice growing colder.
"Jiang Yuexia, I know you'll definitely see this news."
"I want to say that your father is already gone. You don't need to hide anymore. No one will force you anymore."
Tian Yao's hand, holding my wrist, trembled as she looked at me with concern.
"Jiang Yuexia, are you okay?"
There was no sadness in my eyes like she expected.
"Tian Yao Jie, have you noticed that Mom looks a bit plumper than last time, and her complexion isn't as bad anymore?"
"It seems Jiang Xiaoxiao is taking really good care of her. Now I can truly be at ease."
With that, I gave her a smile.
"Let's just give the flowers to Mom and leave."
After handing the flowers I wrapped myself to Mom's assistant, we turned to leave.
"Hey, don't leave yet. You can take a group photo with Dr. Xia."
The assistant suddenly spoke.
I hesitated for a moment, but then stayed.
During the group photo, I carefully positioned myself in the farthest corner from Mom.
I kept looking at her, then at myself.
"Jiang Yuexia, don't you mind that your mom misunderstood you, blaming you for your dad's death? Aren't you angry?"
Tian Yao's eyes were filled with sorrow.
I gently stroked my phone's screen, showing Mom's face, and shook my head softly.
"Mom never blamed me."
I swiped to the recent messages and showed her.
[2025-2-12: Happy Winter Solstice! Mom made your favorite egg and chive dumplings. Come home.]
[2025-2-18: Jiang Yuexia, it's getting cold. Remember to dress warmly and don't get sick.]
[2025-2-25: My dear daughter, I miss you so much. Are you doing well?]
Tian Yao was stunned.
I looked at the camera, smiling with tears in my eyes.
"My mom loves me so much. She never blamed me, even though I really didn't save Dad."
"What she said on stage was just to try to pressure me into coming home."
"But deep down, I wish Mom hated me. That way, when she finds out I'm gone, it won't hurt as much."