Upon arriving home, Li Yan was greeted by the maids and other help. She, on the other hand, was left alone.
"Good evening Young Mistress!" A woman called. It was the housekeeper, Xua Rong.
Xua Rong seemed to be the only one who cared for Li Hua in the house. Her mother was named Shu Yin and was born in the Yin family. She was very a very well off and beautiful woman, rumors say she had been enamored with the son of the Li family.
One thing led to another and she had fallen pregnant. Her father had a wife, Feng Yu, at the time and greatly wanted her to get rid of the baby but she refused. In the end, she birthed Li Hua but died shortly after from complications.
She didn't know much about her mother, she hasn't even been to her side of the family. She would beg Xua Rong to talk about her.
After some hesitation, she told her how she was a proud and strong woman but how could such a strong woman fall for someone like her father?
Taking pity on her, Her father decided to raise her rather than putting her up for adoption. His wife was greatly displeased by the whole thing but complied. The two of them already had a happy family with their own child but here she was to ruin it.
They had showered Li Yan with various toys and gifts while she had received leftovers. For a long time, Li Hua had asked herself why they didn't treat her the same. Feng Yu would constantly tell her she was a bastard and that she should be grateful that they were so generous. In part, she knew she was only taking her anger out on her because as long as she was around she would be a constant reminder of her husbands' misdeeds.
It seemed like she was alone in the whole world and that no one cared for her. All but the family housekeeper. She had been more of a mother than anyone else. Whenever she was left out or she was down, She always comforted her and wiped her tears. She told her that people say things they don't really mean all the time and those who suffer will live a greater life later as God is good. Actually, it was her who taught her to control her emotions. Despite her kind words, Li Hua knew she was only trying to lessen the truth.
~~~
"Hello Auntie Rong."
"How was your first day of school?"
"Alright. Nothing too exciting happened."
She brushed a piece of hair out of Li Hua's face and patted her shoulder. "Well, that's my girl. Go up to your room. I'll have the cook prepare your favorite dish."
"Thank you!" Li Hua smiled. She really had no idea what she'd do without her.
As she made her way to her room she passed the master study. Inside was her father, Li Zhang, who sat at the desk filling out paperwork. The Li Family owned Li Corporations, a company started by her great grandfather. From years of hard work it became a multimillion-dollar company and allowed their family to be very wealthy. Her father being the eldest son of 2 became the CEO.
~~~
"Hello father."
He looked up but upon seeing Li Hua his eyes dulled.
"Oh hello."
"Would you li-"
"I'm sorry honey, I'm very busy right now. We can talk later." He cut her off.
"Oh ok."
She smiled and walked out of the room. If it had been a few years earlier, Li Hua would've been incredibly hurt by this.
He had always been dismissive of her but she learned over the years to deal with it. Why should she be sad over something she couldn't control?
Later that night, the maids brought in some sweet and sour pork with a bowl of rice. Seeing the food, her eyes shone.
While she was eating, her mind wandered back to what happened in the garden. Her face turned red and she cursed him.
"That jerk. Who does he think he is?! He better not come back tomorrow. If he does I'll.....I'll. Well, I don't know what I'll do but I'll do something."
She threw herself under her covers and quickly fell asleep.
~~~~
The next day at school it was lunchtime. She walked to the garden but as she opened the door her face froze.
"...."
"Hi there stranger."
Su LingTian sat on the same bench from the day before. When he saw her approaching he let out a cheeky smile.
'He's doing this on purpose…'
Truthfully, he didn't plan on coming back to the garden but somehow he found his way there. He thought she was going to say something but instead she completely ignored him.
She walked past him and sat on the next bench a few feet away. Unlike the last day they barely talked. She silently read her book while he minded his own business.
Every so often he would sneak a glance at her but she would be caught up in her book.
'What's so good about that book?'
While he was thinking, She looked up and their eyes locked. "What are you looking at?"
"The flowers."
"Oh really?"
"Yes I find them quite beautiful. Don't you?"
"I-"
"Oh would you look at that it's time to go." He looked down at his watch and cut her off.
Lunchtime was indeed over and they had to return to class. He quickly walked off and left her there to stand by herself.
"What a weirdo..." she mumbled before leaving.