A sudden knock on the door sent a chill down Lin Qian's spine. This knock wasn't the gentle concern of a neighbor, nor the urgent urging of a deliveryman; it was deep and forceful, carrying an undeniable air of determination. Lin Qian hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to open the door. Since she had become self-reliant, this door had rarely been opened to that group called her "family of origin." As the crack in the door slowly widened, the scene before her seemed like a lifetime ago: her father's white hair was particularly striking in the dim light, her mother's face was etched with the deep marks of time, and her two younger siblings had shed their childish innocence and grown into adults. Their sudden visit was like a storm without warning, instantly shattering the peaceful life Lin Qian had painstakingly built.
“Sister, we’re here.” The younger brother’s words carried an inexplicable air of entitlement, while the younger sister hid behind their mother, her eyes seemingly forgetting how to express her grief, only daring to steal glances at this long-lost relative. The mother broke the silence first, her voice hoarse, faintly tinged with the lingering sound of sobs: “Qian’er, your father, me, your younger brother and sister, we… we have some things we hope to discuss with you.”
A warning bell rang in Lin Qian's mind, but years of independent living had tempered her, and she maintained the proper politeness on the surface: "Mom and Dad, come in and talk." She stepped aside to let them in. The air in the room seemed to instantly become heavy; everyone had their own thoughts, and undercurrents surged in the silence.
Finally, Lin's mother took a deep breath, as if she were gathering all her courage: "Qian'er, your younger brother is getting married soon, but the bride's family requires a wedding house. You know our family's situation; your father's salary is only enough to cover daily expenses. Your father and I have discussed it and are thinking... could you transfer this house to your brother first? When we are able to afford it in the future, we will definitely buy you a new one."
Lin Qian felt as if her heart had been struck hard. This request was like a bomb exploding inside her, leaving her almost unable to believe it. This house was a haven she had painstakingly built with sweat and tears after escaping that suffocating family; it was a symbol of her independence and dignity. She looked at her father, hoping for even the slightest bit of understanding or support, but he simply lowered his head, avoiding her gaze.
"Mom, what are you saying? I earned this house with my own hands, why should I give it to my brother?" Lin Qian's voice trembled with emotion, and she tried her best to hold back her tears.
Lin's mother seemed to have not expected Lin Qian to react so strongly, and was speechless for a moment. But soon, the resilience and stubbornness unique to rural women were revealed: "Why should I? I carried you for ten months and gave birth to you. We raised you all these years. Is that not worth a house? He is your own brother. If you don't take care of him, who will?"
Her younger siblings joined in the chorus, their words utterly matter-of-fact: "Sister, now that you're capable, you should help the family. Besides, what do you need such a big house for? When you get married, won't the house still belong to someone else?" Her sister's words were like tiny yet sharp needles, piercing Lin Qian's heart with waves of pain.
Lin Qian felt an unprecedented anger and chill. She took a deep breath, trying to remain calm: "My life is none of your business. This house is my bottom line, and I will never back down. Have you ever considered that I also have my own life and my own future plans?"
The argument between the two sides escalated, and an atmosphere of oppression and dissatisfaction filled the room. Lin Qian felt surrounded by invisible pressure, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.
"This house is something I worked so hard to earn, why should it be given to my younger brother!" Lin Qian shouted angrily, her eyes filled with determination and defiance.
"You selfish girl! Isn't your brother's marriage important?" Lin's mother retorted sharply, her voice shrill and piercing.
"I'm selfish? Don't you know how much I've sacrificed for this family?" Lin Qian's voice trembled slightly; her heart was bleeding.
"Sis, can't you help me?" the younger brother said with a dissatisfied look. "If you don't give me the house, how am I supposed to get married?"
"I'll help you? Then who will help me? I'm your only support!" Lin Qian glared at her younger brother.
Seeing Lin Qian's resolute attitude, the younger brother's anger was ignited. He rushed forward, shoved Lin Qian hard, and roared, "You heartless bastard!"
Caught off guard, Lin Qian lost her balance and fell backward from her brother's sudden push. Her head slammed heavily against the wall with a loud thud, and then everything went black as she lost consciousness.
At that moment, the world seemed to freeze, time seemingly standing still. Lin Qian felt a sharp, excruciating pain in her head, like a sharp knife piercing her brain, nearly causing her to faint. Then, endless darkness surged in like a tidal wave, quickly engulfing her.
Her soul, as if drawn by some mysterious force, slowly rose from her lifeless body. With a detached perspective, she coldly gazed upon the group of people she had once considered family, who now resembled wolves.
Lin's mother's eyes revealed fear and determination, and her voice trembled: "We can't let anyone know that it was our youngest son who harmed her. If this gets out, we're all finished!"
The younger brother's face was filled with panic and fear, but beneath that fear lurked a sliver of hope and selfishness. He muttered, "What am I going to do? I didn't mean to, I just wanted her to give me the house..."
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