chapter three

The Unexpected Visitors:

Li Tao was enjoying a peaceful afternoon, her soft breaths in sync with those of her children as they all took a nap together. The tranquility of the moment was harshly interrupted by a loud knock at the door. Startled, Li Tao arose, her eyes still heavy with sleep but alert for any potential danger. She moved quietly, not wanting to disturb her sleeping children, and made her way to the door. As she opened it, a familiar face greeted her; it was her stepmother.

Seeing her stepmother's face brought a rush of memories back to Li Tao. She thought about the life the original owner had lived under the same roof with this woman. Growing up, the original owner had been subjected to the harsh reality of the saying, "If you have a stepmother, you will have a stepfather." The cruel treatment she Li Tao had received from her stepmother and her stepsister had created a difficult childhood for her. But now, standing at her own doorstep, Li Tao was a different woman, a woman of her own making.

Her stepmother, Mother Li, strutted into the house as if she owned it, followed closely by Li Tao's stepsister, Li Man. They both looked around, their eyes wide with surprise. "You've spruced up the house quite well, Li Tao," Mother Li said, smirking. "Where did you get the money from? This place used to look like a chicken coop."

Even Li Man chimed in, surprised that her 'good-for-nothing' stepsister's house looked so good. Li Tao, however, remained silent, not dignifying their rude comments with a response.

Finally, she broke the uncomfortable silence. "What are you doing in my house?" she asked, her voice filled with domineering arrogance, a stark contrast to her previous submissive nature. The surprise on the faces of her stepmother and stepsister was evident, and Li Tao couldn't help but feel a certain satisfaction.

She looked at them, her gaze firm and resolute. "Whatever grief you caused the original owner of this house," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "I promise to repay in double." She felt a soft warmth in her heart, as if the original owner was there with her, silently thanking her for her promise.

And with that promise, Li Tao was not just the meek girl they used to know. She was a woman ready to stand her ground, ready to fight back against those who had wronged her.