Ambition

"Where were you?" An Qinyan asked as An Xiulan returned home late. "Your father called to ask about your health. He said you were sick and that's why you took an early day off."

Of course, An Qinyan could see that her daughter had lied. It was written all over the girl's face. But she did not know what An Xiulan lied for. What compelled her daughter to lie to her father? 

An Xiulan gulped. "I did not lie to dad. I just told my boss that I need an early day off. He thought I was not feeling good. I just did not correct him as I was in hurry."

"Where did you go?" An Qinyan asked. 

"Mom, I had something important to do, "An Xiulan said, changing the topic. "I am hungry. I want to eat something."

An Qinyan sighed. "Go get changed. The food will be ready in a while."