Chapter 20

Song Yanyan's POV

I woke up with a renewed sense of determination coursing through me. No more of this meek and mild Song Yanyan persona – it was time to take charge of my life. Slipping into my workout clothes, I headed out for a brisk jog, eager to shed the extra weight that had come with this new body.

The cool morning air whipped through my hair as I pounded the pavement, my strides confident and my muscles burning with every step. This was my element – the gritty, unapologetic spirit of Amber from the streets of Chicago coursing through my veins. I was no wilting flower, and I refused to be cowed by the snobby elites of Wuhan.

As I returned to the Song family's ostentatious villa, I spotted my father, Song Bo, in the living room. "Where have you been, Yanyan?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"Just out for a morning jog, Dad," I replied, a hint of that signature Amber sass in my voice. "Gotta keep this body in shape, you know?"

Song Bo's lips curved into a small smile. "I'm glad to see you taking your health seriously. Actually, I have some news for you."

I perked up, my curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

"Well, you mentioned last night that you wanted your own place," he said, his gaze meeting mine. "I've found the perfect apartment for you, and I've already made the down payment for a year."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "You mean it? I can move out?"

Song Bo nodded. "Yes, and you can move in tomorrow. The apartment will be transferred to your name in two months, when you turn 18."

I couldn't contain my excitement. Finally, an escape from the suffocating toxicity of this household – the endless insults, the cold indifference, the unbearable tension. This was the chance I had been waiting for. "Thank you, Dad! I can't wait to move out."

Song Bo's expression softened, and I could see the genuine care in his eyes. "I know it hasn't been easy for you here, Yanyan. I hope this will give you the space and freedom you need."

I nodded gratefully, relief flooding through me. "It means so much to me, Dad. I really appreciate this."

"Well, then, let's get you all set up tomorrow," he said, a faint smile on his lips. "I'll drive you there myself to get the keys."

I beamed, already picturing the possibilities of having my own place. No more dealing with the sneers and barbs of Song Fangfang, Song Dong, Aunt Zhao, or Uncle Song Hao. I could finally be free to be my true self, without the constant pressure to conform to their twisted idea of what a proper young lady should be.

As I headed upstairs to my room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of giddiness. This was my chance to start fresh, to shed the meek and timid persona of Song Yanyan and embrace the bold, unapologetic flair of Amber. No more holding back – I was going to make this new life my own.

In the shower, I let the hot water cascade over my body, my mind racing with excitement. I could already envision the transformation – no more delicate floral dresses, no more forced politeness and deference. It was time to unleash my true self, to assert my presence in this elite world and show them that I was no shrinking violet.

Dinner that evening was the usual affair – a barrage of snide comments and condescending remarks from the rest of the Song clan. But this time, I met their jabs with my own sharp-tongued retorts, my eyes blazing with defiance.

"Look at her, picking at her food like a bird," sneered Song Fangfang, her lip curled in disdain. "Trying so hard to be dainty and delicate."

I leveled her with an icy stare, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Sorry, Fangfang, I didn't realize my eating habits were so fascinating to you. Maybe you should focus on your own plate and leave mine alone."

Aunt Zhao chimed in, her tone laced with disapproval. "Honestly, Yanyan, you should be more grateful for the food we provide. Not everyone can afford to be so picky."

I scoffed, my eyes narrowing. "Well, Aunt Zhao, maybe if you spent less on your designer handbags and more on actual nourishing meals, we'd all be able to enjoy our food a little more."

The table fell silent, and I could see the shocked expressions on their faces. Song Hao, that pompous uncle of mine, cleared his throat, his brow furrowed in displeasure. "Yanyan, that was highly disrespectful. You would do well to remember your place in this family."

I rolled my eyes, my arms crossing defiantly over my chest. "My place? Funny how I always seem to be the one out of place in this house, despite having the Song name."

The tension was palpable, and I could feel the disapproving glares of the entire family boring into me. 

The next morning, I skipped breakfast, eager to start my day at my new apartment. As I made my way downstairs, I was surprised to see Song Bo waiting for me in the foyer. 

Song Bo shook his head, a rare smile on his lips. "I'm going to drive you to school, Yanyan. I have something I'd like to discuss with you on the way."

Of course I knew he wanted to drive me to my apartment, glancing around at the rest of the family, who were all staring at us with curious expressions. Song Yangyao, my vile sister, narrowed her eyes. "Dad, can I come with you?"

Song Bo's gaze hardened, and he shook his head firmly. "No, Yangyao. I need to speak with Yanyan privately."

Yangyao's face fell, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. As Song Bo ushered me out to the car, I could feel the resentful glares of my family burning into my back. But I didn't care – I was too eager to see my new apartment and start this new chapter of my life.

The drive to the apartment was filled with an almost palpable sense of anticipation. Song Bo was a man of few words, but I could see the concern in his eyes as he glanced over at me. "Yanyan, I want you to know that I've been aware of the way you've been treated in this house. It's not right, and I'm sorry I haven't been able to do more."

I nodded, my heart swelling with a newfound respect for my father. "I know, Dad. I appreciate you trying to protect me, even if it hasn't been easy."

He reached over and squeezed my hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "This apartment is my way of giving you the space and freedom you need. You deserve to be happy, Yanyan, and I want you to know that you have my full support."

Tears stung my eyes, and I blinked them away, not wanting to appear weak. "Thank you, Dad. It means everything to me."

As we pulled up to the apartment building, my breath caught in my throat. The sleek, modern exterior was a far cry from the stuffy grandeur of the Song family estate, and I couldn't wait to see what awaited me inside.

Song Bo escorted me to the apartment, handing me the keys with a proud smile. "It's all yours, Yanyan. I hope you'll be comfortable here."

I unlocked the door and stepped inside, my eyes widening in awe. The apartment was beautifully furnished, with a spacious open-concept layout and floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the space with natural light. It was exactly the kind of home I had dreamed of – a sanctuary where I could truly be myself, without the constant pressure and judgment of the Song family.

"Dad, this is amazing," I breathed, my fingers trailing along the sleek, modern countertops. "I don't even know what to say."

Song Bo's expression softened, and he placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "You don't need to say anything, Yanyan. This is your home now, and I want you to know that you can always count on me, no matter what."

I nodded, my throat tight with emotion. "I know, Dad. Thank you, for everything."

With a final reassuring pat, Song Bo ushered me back out to the car, and we headed to school. As he dropped me off at the entrance, he turned to me, his gaze serious. "If you ever need anything, you just let me know."

I blinked back tears, overwhelmed by the unexpected show of support from my father. "I will, Dad. Thank you."

With a final nod, Song Bo pulled away, leaving me to make my way into the school, my steps lighter than they had been in a long time. As I walked through the familiar halls, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The world of Wuhan's elite was about to meet its match – Amber, the unapologetic hood princess, had arrived.