Facing the ridicule from the residents of the steel plant family compound, Song Zhiyao remained unbothered. She knew there would be no future intersections with these people; their words carried no weight in her world.
But that didn't mean she planned to stay silent.
"Instead of worrying about my future," she said coolly, "you'd better consider whether you'll be taking over your parents' jobs—or if your families will spend money to buy you a position."
She tsked lightly, her eyes scanning the small crowd. "Tsk, tsk… That's probably not realistic. If you don't get into college, you'll live like this forever. It's better to rely on yourself than on others. Unlike me… I'm about to become a doctor."
These youths, roughly her age, knew all too well that what she said was true. Their parents weren't old enough to retire and pass down their jobs. Most had siblings competing for the same opportunity, and few families had enough money to buy them a secure job—even if they did, it wouldn't be easy. The educated youth returning to the city had filled up every open slot.
Sure enough, the moment she finished speaking, the group fell silent.
Even the chubby girl who had led the mocking just moments earlier clenched her fists in frustration.
Song Zhiyao's words had struck a nerve—her family was a textbook case. Her parents favored sons, and any job or money would be reserved for her brothers.
"Goodbye, everyone," Song Zhiyao said with a calm smile. "I hope you're all doing well the next time we meet."
With that, she turned and left the steel plant compound behind, heading toward the textile plant family housing. The walk was long—over an hour—but she had no money after leaving the Luo family, so her feet would have to carry her.
The quiet journey gave her time to collect her thoughts and adjust to the strange new ability: hearing the thoughts of Luo Meixin and Liao Shujuan. She had deliberately stopped at the steel plant to test it—and hadn't heard anyone else's inner voice. It seemed the ability was limited to those closely tied to her. That would soon be tested again at the Song household.
If they got along, then good. If not, she'd consider applying for a hospital dormitory once she began work.
By the time she arrived at the textile plant family compound, the workday had just ended. People on the street turned to stare as she passed by, but she was used to it. She had always drawn attention wherever she went—and here, where she was a stranger, it was only more pronounced.
When she reached the guardhouse, her demeanor softened. Unlike at the Luo house, her tone was gentle and polite.
"Uncle, I'm going to Lai Yanling's house. I'm her eldest daughter."
The guard, Uncle Liang, noticed the luggage she carried and understood immediately. The biggest topic of gossip in the compound these past few days had just arrived.
She's even prettier than Meixin, he thought, eyes kind. Bright eyes, good manners—she looked like a proper girl.
With a warm smile, he said, "So you're Yanling's eldest daughter! Such a beautiful child. Just wait here, your mother will be back soon."
His affectionate tone told Song Zhiyao that he must be on good terms with her mother's family. She allowed herself to be observed generously.
Hearing their exchange, several women walking by gathered around.
"This is Lai Yanling's real daughter? She's stunning—prettier than Yanling was when she was young!" one woman exclaimed.
"She really looks like her father, Song Yuanzhou—much more than the other two kids."
"I used to wonder why Meixin didn't resemble anyone from the Song family. No wonder—she's not their real daughter!"
"What's your name, girl? That other family has money—why didn't you stay with them?"
"Meixin came by yesterday and said you didn't want to come back. So, what—were you kicked out and came running here?"
They swarmed her with questions, voices buzzing in her ears. But Song Zhiyao didn't flinch. She stood tall and silent, as if their words didn't exist.
So Meixin had already come here and stirred the pot. Typical girl.
Seeing her unresponsive, a sharp-tongued woman muttered, "Is she stupid or something? We've said so much and she hasn't even blinked. Yanling's going to have a rough time with this one."
Just as the words left her mouth, a furious voice snapped through the crowd.
"Wang Dani! Can't expect anything decent from your mouth. My daughter isn't stupid, and whether I suffer or not is none of your business! Move aside—don't scare my child!"
Lai Yanling shoved through the crowd, eyes fierce and full of emotion. She reached out for the luggage, but froze under the calm, unblinking gaze of her daughter.
Song Zhiyao looked at the slightly disheveled, fiery woman in front of her for a long moment, then inhaled deeply and steeled herself.
"Mom," she said softly, "I'm back."
Just those three words—and the once-bold Lai Yanling immediately burst into tears.
Ever since discovering that Meixin wasn't her biological daughter, Lai Yanling had been tormented with questions. What was her real daughter like? Had she been happy? Healthy?
When Meixin came home yesterday and claimed that Zhiyao didn't want to come back, Lai Yanling had been heartbroken—but not angry. She had even convinced herself that maybe staying with the Luo family would be better for her child.
But now, seeing her daughter standing here, she felt nothing but guilt and overwhelming relief.
She wanted to ask everything, but the surrounding eyes reminded her this wasn't the time.
Just minutes ago, she had roared like a lioness, but now she wept like a lost child.
Zhiyao glanced sideways. "Mom, let's go home. I have to report to the hospital tomorrow."
Lai Yanling's heart thumped in panic.
"Hospital? Are you not feeling well? I'll take the day off to go with you," she said anxiously, scanning her daughter's face for any sign of discomfort.
Zhiyao was momentarily stunned. All her life, Liao Shujuan had taught her to bear discomfort in silence, always saying, "Just endure it for now. I'll take you to the doctor when I have time. Taking a day off costs too much."
But she pushed those memories aside. With a soft smile, she said, "Mom, I'm not sick. I'm going to work at the hospital. I just graduated and was hired by the Provincial First Hospital's pediatrics department."
Lai Yanling's eyes widened. "You… graduated from college? But you're only eighteen!"
In the compound, children typically finished high school at eighteen. How was her daughter already a doctor?
Zhiyao could tell that neither the Luo family nor Meixin had shared the truth. She didn't need to guess why—they were clearly trying to destroy her image.
Looking over at the women who had mocked her earlier, she deliberately raised her voice.
"I skipped grades and got into university at sixteen. We can talk more once we're home."
Those women gasped in shock. Lai Yanling, delighted that her daughter wasn't ill, quickly snatched up the luggage and clutched Zhiyao's hand.
As they walked away, she couldn't resist turning around to glance at the stunned faces behind them. She smirked triumphantly at Wang Dani, eyes gleaming with pride.