2 Snake Wrapped in Human Skin

Li Xiuying slowly got up and started heading for her en-suite bathroom. However before she could reach there, her bedroom door flew open once again.

A young woman spoke in a tooth-numbingly sweet voice: "Little Xiuying! I was just about to head out to go shopping with my friends when Daddy told me you weren't feeling well. I became really worried. What's wrong? You look really, really awful. Just look at your sickly skin. Don't I always tell you I'm more than happy to share my skincare routine with you? Even if you don't want to strive for beauty you should strive to look like a human instead of a ghost." With that said she giggled at her own joke.

Li Xiuying felt her spine stiffen and all the hairs on her body stand on end. 'Li Yu Yan!!!'

In her past life, this woman's betrayal knew no bounds.

Li Yu Yan spoke in a sickly sweet voice dipped in artificial worry: "Little Xiuying I was just joking. You must be unwell, you've even lost your sense of humor. Why are you out of bed? You should be resting."

She tried to grab Li Xiuying's arm so she could pull her towards the bed but before her hand touched Li Xiuiyng's skin; Li Xiuying had unconsciously stepped away to avoid her hand.

Li Yu Yan stood dumbfounded. She berated Li Xiuying in her mind 'Did she just avoid my touch?! How dare she avoid me?! This ungrateful orphan! She should be happy I was even willing to touch her. Does she know how many people are desperate to even touch my shadow?! If I didn't have a use for her I would make mommy teach her a lesson right now.'

She put on a hurt expression, her eyes shining with unshed tears: "Xiuying what's wrong? Are you upset with big sister? Don't be upset okay, I know you're just not feeling great."

Li Xiuying looked at the little white lotus flower in front of her. She herself hadn't even realized what she was doing before she moved away from Li Yu Yan's grasp. Li Xiuying surmised that it must have been reflexive because of the disgust she felt.

Li Xiuying composed herself and spoke indifferently: "How could I ever be upset with you? I'm covered in bacteria and haven't showered yet so I moved away. I don't want you to catch anything and fall ill."

Li Yu Yan whined: "Little Xiuying I don't believe you. Big sister must have done something wrong, that's why you don't even want big sisters' help. Don't be mad at big sister, okay? Whatever I did please forgive me. You have to forgive people, it's good for your soul. Plus being angry will only affect your health and your looks. You wouldn't want to get wrinkles, would you? I know you love me the most, even more than mommy and daddy. So you will always forgive big sister and help me when I'm in trouble."

Li Xiuying raised an eyebrow. 'What big sister this, big sister that! Li Yu Yan is only older than me by 4 hours.'

Li Yu Yan: "Little sister... big sister really needs your help! Just this once okay? Pleaseeeeee help your lovely big sister. The director of Northwest University's medical program needs someone to perform his knee replacement surgery. I know my little Xiuying is so skilled and the best surgeon for the procedure; so I told him you would perform it for him this weekend! You can't say no, you have to make sure you keep your word. Once promises are made they must be fulfilled. Didn't Uncle always say your word is your bond? If you don't do the surgery then your reputation will be tarnished. Plus if you do the surgery it will help you build connections and widen your social circle so it's advantageous to you. I couldn't let anyone else snatch such a great opportunity from you."

Li Xiuying thought to herself 'Tch. She is indeed Li Wang's daughter. My dog uncle spawned a dog-daughter, they even use the same moral kidnapping.'

Li Xiuying remained unmoved. She didn't even have the energy to be shocked at the audacity of Li Yu Yan anymore. In her past life, Li Yu Yan had taken advantage of her numerous times, 'just this once' maybe meant just once this hour. She had lost count of how many favors she was forced to fulfill, how many errands she was forced to run, and how many promises she had to keep.

Li Yu Yan: "Xiuying, if you help big sister this time then Director Zhang said he would definitely let me have a place on Northwest's accelerated medical program. You know it's always been my dream to go there. It's the best university for medicine. Plus when I graduate I can help you with your research and the surgeries. Wouldn't it be great to work together side by side? I can help take some of the burden off your slouching shoulders right."

Li Xiuying had a small depreciating smile on her face. The words Li Yu Yan had just said were the same ones she had believed once upon a time. 'How come I never noticed before all her words were filled with insults? Did I suffer from selective hearing?'

In her previous life, Li Xiuying had always tried to do everything she could for this cousin of hers because of their blood ties. She treated Li Yu Yan like the sister she never had. She wanted a family, more than that she wanted a happy family. She wanted to be loved again after her parents left this world.

Li Xiuying internally berated herself: 'How could I have been so naive? This snake wrapped in human skin not only stole my fiancé, she also destroyed my reputation as a surgeon to launch her own medical career.'

Li Yu Yan received a myriad of awards and accolades for work that Li Xiuying had done for her in secret. Li Yu Yan became a bright star in the medical world, whilst she became a dark bitter memory the world would rather forget.

Li Xiuying would not let history repeat itself, She could not let it repeat.

Li Xiuying: "Send me the contact details for Director Zhang."

Li Yu Yan was elated: "AAAAAAHHHHH, thank you, little sister. Big sister is so so, so, so very happy!!! I knew you loved me the most and would do anything for me!" Li Yu Yan was practically jumping for joy.

Li Yu Yan smiled now that her main mission was complete she would have her usual fun: " Let's not talk about business all the time, let's talk about something more joyful. Little sister, don't you think I have to get something to commemorate my admission into medical school?" She didn't wait for an answer before she continued "I know you;re not really interested in fashion for the things you wear but what do you think of that outfit I showed you last time in the magazine? It was designed by 'X', the shirt was around $5000 and the skirt was erm something like $3 thousand..."

Li Xiuying said mechanically: "$3250."

Li Yu Yan: "YES! So you agree with my choice, right? Well, I'll take it as your agreement on treating me to this outfit, I'll wear it on the first day of medical school. It's not that expensive considering my usual wardrobe choices but there's something about it that just caught my attention. I keep telling you about all the designers and outfits and even show you magazine after magazine hoping you have some sort of enlightenment when it comes to fashion. But alas I feel like all my effort always goes to waste, don't worry though I will never treat you as a lost cause!"

Li Yu Yan had a smug expression on her face 'I think I've insulted her more than 3 times, that should do for now. Sigh the more she takes the more I can't help it.'

Li Yu Yan: "Well with your blessing I'll go ahead and get the outfit. I can't shame my little sister, right? I won't invite you to come with me, I'm heading out with some of my friends. You know you never liked to fit into the social circle I'm in. Okay, I'll send you the details, don't forget to organize everything properly." With everything said she walked out of the room with an extra skip in her step.

Li Yu Yan smiled and thought 'Don't worry I'll definitely organize everything well and help you get into medical school.'

After all, wasn't it better to let someone have a small taste of heaven before sending them down to hell?