Chapter 7 The Greedy Fish That Has Tasted the Bait
Xu Zhili raised an eyebrow slightly and said directly, "You can give me back that Luzhou brand watch on your wrist now."
Zhang Zhaodi subconsciously covered her wrist, and part of the watch face reflected a cold light in the setting sun.
She took a half step back, her almond-shaped eyes filled with grievance: "Zhili, what are you saying? This is a gift from Uncle Lin to me. Zhili, this isn't your watch. How could it be yours? Hehe."
Xu Zhili hooked her fingertips around the metal watchband on the other person's wrist, and with a sudden tug, pulled the person in front of her: "0723—"
She ran her fingertips along the engraving on the back of the watch, a cold smile playing on her lips. "My grandfather specially chose my birthday as the serial number; it's the only one of its kind in the whole city."
Before she could finish speaking, Xu Zhili's hand gripped her wrist like an iron clamp! The force was so great that Zhang Zhaodi cried out in pain.
"Chiri, even if you're after my watch, you can't just make up a story like this."
She forced herself to remain calm, tears welling in her eyes: "Zhili, even if you want it, you don't have to make up this kind of story, do you?"
"story?"
She took a step closer, cornering Zhang Zhaodi against the cold wall, where shadows completely enveloped her.
Xu Zhili lowered her voice: "Zhang Zhaodi, do you think you can get away with it by getting involved with my dad that day?"
The aroma of dinner wafted through the hallway, but Zhang Zhaodi felt a chill run down her spine.
Three days ago, when Lin Jinguo drunkenly shoved the watch into her hand, he only said it was "a surprise for the little beauty." At the time, she knew that the Luzhou brand watch belonged to Xu Zhili, but she was preoccupied with the idea that the watch could be exchanged for money and bring about changes for her family, so she pretended not to know.
But she just couldn't understand why her uncle treated her like that.
Xu Zhili couldn't help but sigh as she looked at Zhang Zhaodi's guilty expression.
Xu Zhili pulled away Zhang Zhaodi's hand that was protecting her wrist and sneered, "Did you see that? Your aunt used the guise of 'enjoying life' to push you into a pit of fire. Lin Jinguo even dared to ruin his own niece. For this petty gain, you almost lost yourself!"
Zhang Zhaodi felt a chill run through her body, as if she had fallen into an ice cave. So... she was the one who had been tricked!
Zhang Zhaodi nodded through her tears, “Sister Zhili, I really know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have been greedy, and I shouldn’t have listened to them…”
Xu Zhili crossed her arms and looked at Zhang Zhaodi's timid and hesitant appearance, which made her angry.
Xu Zhili took a step back, brushed off non-existent dust, her eyes as cold as if she were looking at a piece of trash about to be discarded: "Before dawn tomorrow, get back to your hometown, and don't let me see you in the city again..."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over Zhang Zhaodi's wrists, which were red from being strangled, "...I'll strip you naked and sink you into the moat, do you understand?"
There was no advice, no "for your own good".
Only expulsion and the threat of death.
Zhang Zhaodi covered her mouth tightly, tears of terror streaming down her face. She nodded frantically, letting out broken sobs.
Xu Zhili didn't look at her again and turned to go downstairs.
The dim light swallowed her silhouette, leaving Zhang Zhaodi leaning against the cold wall, slowly sliding to the ground, her body trembling uncontrollably from extreme fear.
She knew this wasn't a warning, it was a verdict.
Zhang Zhaodi hesitated for a moment, her eyes filled with reluctance and inner conflict, but in the end she gritted her teeth.
Sister Zhili, you're right. I should go back. I can't get used to life in the city, and... and I don't want to be schemed against by my aunt and the others anymore.
She casually patted her clothes, turned around and went into her room to start packing. She had already made up her mind to set off for her hometown the next day.
Xu Zhili downstairs glanced in Zhang Zhaodi's direction.
Greedy fish, once they've tasted the bait, become addicted like a bone-deep infection, difficult to break.
Who knows, she might still listen to Zhang Jiumei's idea next time.
As expected, things did not go as smoothly as Xu Zhili had hoped.
The next morning, Zhang Jiumei somehow learned that Zhang Zhaodi was going back to her hometown, and went directly to Zhang Zhaodi's room.
"Zhaodi, my dear niece, how could you just leave like that?"
Zhang Jiumei's face was plastered with a fake smile, and she was carrying large and small bags filled with beautiful clothes and exquisite pastries.
Zhang Zhaodi looked at those things, a flicker of hesitation crossing her eyes.
Seeing this, Zhang Jiumei quickly pressed her advantage, "Look, your aunt bought you your favorite pastries and the most fashionable clothes in the city. It would be such a pity if you just left like this."
Life in the city is so much better than in those poor, remote villages.
"If you stay here, your aunt will definitely treat you well and find you a good family. Isn't that better than suffering your whole life in the countryside?"
She thought of the dilapidated house in the countryside and the hard work she did every day. Compared to the tempting things in front of her, the scales in her heart gradually tipped.
“Aunt, but…” Zhang Zhaodi hesitated before speaking, her eyes filled with conflict and struggle.
“Zhaodi, your aunt has eaten more salt than Xu Zhili has walked roads! With her impetuous nature, what could she possibly understand? Listen to your aunt, you won't go wrong. I'm doing all this for your own good, how could I let you suffer!”
As Zhang Jiumei spoke, she warmly held Zhang Zhaodi's hand, her face full of concern and enthusiasm.
Zhang Zhaodi gently stroked the smooth, fashionable fabric, feeling as if two little people were fighting inside her, causing her great distress.
She was really unsure what to do.
After all, he had already promised Xu Zhili, but given Xu Zhili's impulsive and unpredictable nature, if he went back on his word, who knew what unexpected things she would do?
"Listen to your aunt, what hope is there for those peasants in the countryside? Stay! I'll find a way to get you a city residency permit! The son of Section Chief Li from the textile factory next door just lost his wife and is in dire need of someone to care for him. As long as you're obedient, I guarantee you'll become a city lady and live a life of luxury!"
Zhang Zhaodi's breathing quickened instantly.
Household registration!
City lady!
Section Chief Li's son!
These glittering words stunned her.
Zhang Zhaodi forced a fawning yet guilty smile: "Auntie, I'll listen to you! I knew you loved me!"
Xu Zhili leaned against the door frame, coldly observing this clumsy transaction.
In the end, Zhang Zhaodi was still blinded by the city's prosperity.
She gently pushed aside the luggage that Xu Zhili had packed for her and murmured, "Zhili, I... I want to stay a little longer and see how things go."
She didn't even bother to make a sarcastic remark.
Before a moth flies into a flame, it always thinks it can control the flames.
"OK."
Xu Zhili uttered only one word, her voice flat and emotionless.
"You chose this path yourself. Next time you're pinned down on the bed, remember to hold on to your 'city lady' dream and don't taint my eyes."
Zhang Zhaodi lowered her head, not daring to look Xu Zhili in the eye. "Zhili, I know you mean well, but I just want to try again. Maybe Auntie is right..."
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