Ning Qiang didn''t have to think anymore. He understood everything now. But the thing is if she is not their mother then where is their real mother?

    Where the hell is she?

    Is she dead?

    Probably he thought. If not she will not be silent all these years. No wonder she is hating Lu Yan Shu to the core. She is the exact replica of real Ai Lien.

    He got up from his chair. And went to his bedroom. He saw Ai Lien sleeping happily.

    Now what he has to do with this woman?

    She brought profits to his company. And also a backup with her. He can''t kick her out. She even chose to stay with him even after knowing he can''t father a child.

    Wait!

    Now he got another doubt. This selfish woman will not be satisfied that easily.

    Is she the cause of my illness?

    He doubted her now before he didn''t.

    But he is sure that she has something to do with. He started to think of all the things from the movement she entered his life. He tried to remember each and every point that happened to him. He remembered her serving food to him in the starting days but he said her not to serve him. So she stopped. And moreover, she never stepped into the kitchen.

    He has to think carefully if he needs to take action against her. But the question is will he be able to take action against her?

    It''s an obvious no.

    Ning Qiang is a selfish man. He prioritizes his business over everything. But it doesn''t mean he will leave her unscathed. He will teach her lesson. But the question is how?

    He went inside and changed into casual wear and slept. After all, he didn''t have good sleep the whole night.

    In the morning everyone gathered at the dining table except for the Yan Shu and Xing Yan.

    Xing Yan never attended any meals with the Ning family. And Yan Shu is not well. So, no one bothered to call her. Also, Ning Qiang ordered the maids and Ai Lien not to disturb Yan Shu. Ai Lien wanted to slap her using this reason but was stopped by Ning Qiang.

    "Chunhua... How do you know Yan Shu is the thief?" He asked.

    "Apart from her who will take?" She said.

    "Really?" He said

    "Yes"

    He took out the white and jade hairpin from his pocket and gave it to her.

    "This is the one she stole right?" He asked. Ning Chunhua is stunned at that moment. She couldn''t think of anything.

    "Yes, but how did you get this thing? If I remember I clearly hid this in my room...." She shut her mouth immediately when she realized what she is talking about.

    "If I find you doing this next time. Remember you will be scared to see me," he said.

    "I''m your daughter not her. Why do you care about her!?" She shouted as she placed her cutlery down with loud noise.

    "It is not the point. The point is who is at fault. If she makes a mistake I will punish her too. But it doesn''t mean you can frame her and get out of it. Finish your food and go back to your room" he said coldly.

    ...

    Four months after.....

    Ning Qiang gradually started to react. He is curing at a fast rate. But he still didn''t know how he got fed with drugs.

    But suddenly he remembered Yan Shu. A smile crept on his face. He doesn''t know but he is liking her, but differently. One day when she is about to fall from steps. He went and caught her. He felt her soft body in his hands. She is small and thin she fitted in his arms. From then he tried to touch her whenever he got the chance. But he couldn''t understand what kind of feeling is this.

    Meanwhile,

    Ai Lien is abusing her less these days. It''s all thanks to Ning Qiang. But still, she got abused in her school. But she didn''t say anything. She kept silent all the time.

    She doesn''t want to talk to anyone or get involved with anyone. She just wanted to stay alone and have peace. Even Ning Chunhua stopped framing her but didn''t stop mocking her when she got the chance.

    This is how her life is for the past months to till day.

    Yan Shu is reviving her notes sitting in her room. She doesn''t have anything to do but this. And this is the best reason for her to avoid the people. The Old Maid who is working as the senior maid in the house will take care of Yan Shu well. But whatever she does she do it sneakily.

    The thing which comforts her heart is her brother but he is avoiding her and not even talking to her. Yan Shu is heartbroken completely.

    Lu Xing Yan is not talking to her as he felt he doesn''t deserve to be her brother. He couldn''t even protect her. She became his weak point so everyone is targeting her to get access to him. So he decided to maintain distance with her and care about her. But how can he do it? After all, she is his sister. But he hardened himself. He tried to not respond or react. When she is framed, he tried to stay away from her and not to get involved. But he knew he couldn''t so he tired leave that place simply. His heart ached when she is beaten, scolded, and abused. But he felt powerless and couldn''t do anything.

    He felt guilty. He couldn''t even show his face to her. He completely stopped talking to her.

    Also, Lu Xing Yan is graduated now. So he is officially handling the tasks of Ning groups along with Ning Qiang.

    _____

    As Yan Shu is doing her work. A maid knocked on her door. And was said that Master Ning is asking her presence in the study.

    She said she will be coming in another ten minutes and dismissed the maids.

    Yan Shu is feeling somewhat strange about this. It''s being like this from past days. He is calling to the place where he is, whenever he is at home and try to spend time alone with her. He always tries to stay close to her. He puts his hands on her shoulders and waist.

    But she didn''t think much because she knew he has an illness and can''t do anything. And also he treats her like his daughter. Maybe that''s what she thought.

    She went to the study and greeted him "Uncle Ning, " she said She started calling uncle Ning instead of Master Ning after he asked.

    "May I know why uncle wants to see me?" She said with a small smile.

    "Nothing much, if my guess is right you will be graduated next month right? " he asked.

    She nodded

    "And your birthday is also on your graduation day, right?" He said.

    She nodded her head.

    "Uncle will attend your graduation day," he said fondly as ruffled her hair before dropping it onto her shoulder carelessly. In the process, her collarbone is revealed a little more to his eyes and his cold fingers touched her pale skin making her shiver.

    She nodded. She stayed for some time.

    Then she took her to leave and left the room. She went to her room.  Then she remembered her brother. She wanted to ask him if he is willing to come. She looked in his room but didn''t found him. She found he is in the garden. So she went there. She saw him sitting idly.

    "Xing Gege...." She said.

    But the moment he heard her voice. He stood up and tried to leave the place. She held his hand with hers. "Brother, why do you need to do this?" She asked as her eyes filled with tears.

    He tried to shake off his grip on her and tried to leave. But she held his hand tight.

    "Gege, next month is my graduation. Please attend it. You are the only one who is left to me. " she pleaded.

    But he yanked his hand and left. She sat on the chair and sobbed to herself as she let the tears flow on their own.

    After a while, she got up and left. She didn''t care how she looked. She went to her room and buried herself in books. But unknown to her everything is seen by Ning Qiang. He curled his lips upwards when he saw this scene.

    After two months.....

    Yan Shu got graduated. As expected Lu Xing Yan didn''t attend the graduation ceremony. Only Ning Qiang attended the graduation ceremony. Which caused an uproar in the school. She attempted a university examination. And waiting for results.

    Ning Qiang found out that Ai Lien is the one who made him take drugs and she is the one who is the cause of his illness with evidence. But he didn''t say anything to her. After, all he had his own plans.

    Even though her life is hard. She actually got used to it. With her mother abusing her once in a while. And with her sister mocking her. And her brother ignoring her. All this led her to become close to Ning Qiang.

    But the question is, is it a good thing for her to become close to Ning Qiang?