The Real Daughter Was Cheated by General Lu

Chapter 14 : Mismatched styles

- June 12, 2023

I got some time, so I'm giving y'all the next chapter too! Do recommend this novel! The more the merrier! 

"How about this?" Bai Wanjun asked eagerly, holding up two more clothes from the shopping bag. Without exception, they were both cute.

Shi Yin's style was known for being "very cute," and initially, the height difference between her and Shi Han wasn't obvious when Shi Han first returned to Shi family. However, over time, Shi Han had grown about ten centimeters taller than Shi Yin. Being petite, Shi Yin preferred to wear clothes with a princess-like design that had a sweeter aesthetic.

Unfortunately, this style of clothing wasn't suitable for Shi Han. Despite the adorable choices presented by Bai Wanjun, Shi Han couldn't help but feel that they didn't align with her personal taste.

Without uttering a word, Shi Han reached into the shopping bag and pulled out a mesmerizing light blue long dress. The hem of the dress was adorned with a darkened color, reminiscent of a tumultuous sea, while the white speckles on the artificial thorns resembled waves gently floating upon it. The dress exuded an air of enchanting elegance, captivating Shi Han's attention.

"I really like this dress," Shi Han expressed with a smile. The length of the dress, which fell just two inches below her knees, was exactly the style she preferred.

Bai Wanjun looked a bit crestfallen, asking, "Don't you like these clothes?"

Shi Han gently responded, "Give them to Shi Yin. They suit her better."

Initially, Bai Wanjun's expression soured, but as Shi Han reminded her, she realized that indeed these clothes were more in line with Shi Yin's taste. Bai Wanjun had grown accustomed to buying clothes for Shi Yin, and for a moment, she hadn't noticed the shift in preferences.

Embarrassed, Bai Wanjun hastily stuffed the clothes back into the shopping bag and remarked, "If you say so, I'll give them to Yinyin!"

Bai Wanjun continued, "Xiaohan, now that you're back, let's not argue with mom anymore. Let's go back to how things were two years ago, shall we?" Her voice held a hopeful tone, as she longed for a return to the close bond they shared in the past.

Shi Han listened to Bai Wanjun's words and couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. While she acknowledged their biological connection, the strained relationship they had in the past made it difficult to simply revert to how things were two years ago. The memories of their interactions filled with malice lingered, and Shi Han couldn't easily forget the hurt she had experienced.

Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, Shi Han muttered, "I'm not angry with you." Her words carried a hint of resignation, as if she had accepted the reality of their complicated relationship.

As she held the dress in her hands, Shi Han felt a sense of unease. The request Bai Wanjun made seemed unrealistic, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Bai Wanjun was oblivious to the complexity of their situation. 

In the midst of Shi Han's internal struggle, Shi Yin returned from outside, carrying her violin in hand.

As Shi Yin noticed Shi Han holding new clothes in her hand, a fleeting pause disrupted her bright smile, though she swiftly regained her composure.

"Mom, sister..." Shi Yin greeted, her voice filled with warmth.

"Yinyin is back," Bai Wanjun exclaimed, her smile growing even more genuine in an instant. "Come and see the new clothes mom bought for you."

Shi Yin stepped forward, her smile unwavering, as she watched Bai Wanjun unveil the clothes one by one. She couldn't deny that the clothes were beautiful, but they failed to ignite any genuine interest within her. Shi Yin had never lacked clothes, and she had grown accustomed to being presented with various outfits.

In a display of being a well-mannered and thoughtful daughter, Shi Yin quickly adorned an expression of pleasant surprise on her face. "These are absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much, Mom," she exclaimed gratefully.

As Shi Yin cast a glance at the skirt that Shi Han was holding, a mischievous smile appeared on her face, tinged with a hint of playful complaint. "Mom, why did you only get one for sister?"

Bai Wanjun responded with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting her affection for both her daughters. "Well, your sister just returned, so these clothes were all bought specifically for her, but she happened to like the one she's holding."

Shi Yin experienced a brief moment of surprise as the realisation dawned on her. The clothes she was given were the ones Shi Han had no interest in.

Gently placing down the clothes in her hands, Shi Yin stole a quick glance at the exquisite light blue dress from the corner of her eye. A smile graced her lips as she remarked, "This dress is absolutely stunning. Mom, you truly have an impeccable sense of style."

Shi Han, observing Shi Yin's hesitant expression, raised the skirt in her hand and tilted her head, a playful half-smile appearing on her face. "Do you like it too?" she inquired with a touch of amusement in her voice.

"No, no, this is my sister's dress. I wouldn't dream of taking it away from her," Shi Yin asserted firmly, her voice laced with genuine sincerity.

Observing Shi Yin's subtle glances, it became evident to everyone that she had a genuine liking for the clothes in Shi Han's hands. However, her "sensible" demeanor prevented her from expressing her desire for them.

Shi Han couldn't help but ponder that perhaps what Shi Yin truly liked were not just the clothes themselves, but rather the idea of them belonging to her.

With a knowing smile, Shi Yin finally shared her thoughts, "I actually spotted this dress in a magazine once. I had hoped to wear it on my first day at Imperial University. I never expected that my mother would have the same vision as me and buy it so soon."

She playfully scratched her head, innocently mentioning her aspiration as if it were a mere coincidence.

Shi Han found it amusing and decided to play along, intentionally not responding to Shi Yin's words. Instead, she replied in a flat tone, "Oh."

Hugging the skirt tightly to her chest, she added, "If there's nothing else, I'll go back to my room now."

Shi Yin's head drooped slightly, and a sense of loneliness emanated from her as she hummed softly.

Shi Han made her way back to the guest room and proceeded to take a shower. While drying her hair, she heard a knock on the door.

"Coming," she called out.

With a wry smile, she glanced ironically at the skirt that lay on the bed.