Sang Ning transmigrated into the book as a fake daughter and was immediately chased back to the slums, forced to take her useless family onto a reality show.
While other families enjoyed an idyllic, harmonious life of fine dining and relaxation, hers became the conspicuous group where every aspect was a mess.
Her biological father dragged the father of a top-tier male celebrity along to a villager's house to mooch wine, only to drink himself into unconsciousness.
Her biological mother teamed up with the grandmother of a popular idol to play mahjong, losing so badly that she didn't even have her underwear left.
Her biological brother pointed at her nose and bellowed, "Even if I jump off a cliff, I still won't study this book!"
The wealthy adoptive mother, who was also on the same show, grew increasingly disgusted with Sang Ning's family. Compared to the obedient and sensible true daughter, the adoptive mother felt even more strongly that chasing Sang Ning away back then had been absolutely the right decision.
Later, Sang Ning showcased her array of skills on the program, using rather aggressive methods to lead her useless family to a comeback.
Seeing Sang Ning's brilliance, the adoptive mother regretted it and knelt down begging for forgiveness: "Xiao Ning, come back. Our family can afford to raise two daughters."
Sang Ning responded, "One daughter doesn't recognize two mothers."
The main takeaway: freedom to choose parental recognition!
During an outdoor livestream, Sang Ning accidentally fell to her death, but a resounding slap brought her back to life.
"Inferior genes truly are hereditary. No matter how carefully we raised her for twenty years, she's still nothing but trash!"
"We were planning to keep you, but now you've gone and tried to harm Xiao Xi. The Chu Family will never tolerate you. Go back to your slums already!"
Li Sulan pointed at Sang Ning, screaming abuse as if one slap wasn't enough to satisfy her. She raised her hand for another round.
Chu Tian quickly grabbed his wife and attempted to calm her down, "Let it go. Xiao Xi already said it was her own carelessness that led to her fall. It had nothing to do with Xiao Ning."
Li Sulan threw his hand off, snapped angrily, and said, "You believe everything Xiao Xi says? She's been used to being bullied since childhood, her nature is to endure. Even when she's wronged, she doesn't dare to speak up. As her parents, if we don't stand up for her, who else is going to protect her? That alcoholic foster father? Or her gambling-addicted foster mother?"
A burning sensation spread across Sang Ning's left cheek. She instinctively covered her face and stared in confusion at the couple in front of her. Then a flood of information rushed into her mind.
It turned out she had transmigrated as the fake daughter antagonist in an entertainment-industry novel. When the true daughter protagonist was found and returned to her rightful place, Sang Ning's jealousy led her to constantly clash with the protagonist. In the end, she got herself killed, falling off a cliff in a tragic and grisly death.
Sang Ning couldn't understand—being born as someone's daughter, isn't it all the same whose daughter you are?
In her previous life, she had been an orphan, growing up in a temple and accustomed to living without parents.
The Chu Family didn't want her? Fine. She'd go back to the Sang Family and be their daughter instead.
If the Sang Family didn't want her either, it must mean she was destined to have no parental ties. She'd just live this life the same way she did before—like an orphan.
"Uncle, Aunt, stop arguing. Xiao Xi is already back. It's indeed inappropriate for me to stay here. I'll head back to my real home now," Sang Ning interrupted.
Chu Tian and Li Sulan stared blankly at her. Ever since Xiao Xi returned, Sang Ning had been crying and begging them to let her stay, refusing to return to the slums even if it meant dying. Why had her attitude suddenly shifted?
Li Sulan raised her chin and scrutinized Sang Ning, her gaze full of suspicion: "What trick are you trying to pull now? Don't think that pretending to be miserable will make me let you off the hook."
Chu Tian frowned, growing anxious, "Xiao Ning, don't say stuff like that out of anger. You know the Sang Family's situation, don't you? Sang Father and Sang Mother don't behave like decent people, and even your brother's no better—a game-addicted smoker and drinker who constantly swears like a delinquent. Plus, the Sang Family heavily favors sons over daughters. If you go back, your life won't be easier."
Sang Ning stepped forward and bowed deeply to Chu Tian. Then she lifted her head and gave a faint smile, "Thank you, Uncle, for your concern. No matter how bad the Sang Family is, it's still my real home. Besides, I'm an adult now, capable of living independently. I don't need to rely on the Sang Family for support."
She then turned to look at Li Sulan but didn't bow this time. Pointing to her own cheek, she said coolly, "Aunt, consider that slap as repayment for your years of raising me. From now on, our mother-daughter relationship ends here."
Sang Ning's gaze was so icy that it caused an inexplicable pang in Li Sulan's chest, as though something had slipped away unnoticed. When she reached to grasp at it, it was already gone.
Thinking about Xiao Xi's injuries caused by Sang Ning, Li Sulan's eyes grew cold again. She sneered, "If you're leaving, then leave quickly. Stop putting on a show here."
"Mrs. Chu, I'll take my leave. Best wishes for your family's happiness, and I hope we never cross paths again!"
The next second, Sang Ning turned to leave, raising a hand in a confident wave goodbye without looking back.
Li Sulan grabbed Chu Tian angrily and hissed through gritted teeth, "Look at that! Not only does she refuse to own up to her mistakes, but she dares to throw shade at me. I'd like to see how she survives back in the slums!"
Chu Tian, who had been suppressing his anger all along, finally snapped. Shaking off Li Sulan's hand, he retorted, "Xiao Ning lived with us for twenty years. Don't you know her by now? Aside from being a bit spoiled, when has she ever lied to us?"
Chu Tian's expression darkened completely. Li Sulan, feeling faintly guilty, raised her voice in retaliation, "Blame it on her not being our real daughter. That's her fate, and she has to accept it!"
"Xiao Xi suffered for twenty years outside, and you don't feel sorry for her? Well, I do! No matter what happens, I'll always stand by Xiao Xi's side. If you can't let go of that little brat, then go live with her!"
Chu Tian was so enraged he couldn't speak, lifting his hand as if to slap Li Sulan but stopping just before it landed.
Li Sulan smirked with mock contempt, "Heh. And here I thought you'd actually have the guts. Turns out you don't dare lay a finger on me."
"You're nothing but a disgraceful, unreasonable shrew. Where do you even resemble a proper matron of a wealthy family? Shameful!" Chu Tian gritted his teeth and scolded her.
"It's far more shameful to let your own biological daughter endure bullying!" Li Sulan retorted, hands on her hips.
Unable to win the argument, Chu Tian stormed out of the study, slamming the door behind him.
Leaving the Chu Family, Sang Ning went straight back to the Sang Family.
The Sang Family lived in a crowded urban village, where the narrow alleys barely allowed two people to pass side by side.
After walking for another 15 minutes past the entrance of the village, she finally arrived at her home. The door was slightly ajar. As soon as she pushed it open, a pungent smell of alcohol assaulted her senses.
The Sang Family lived on the first floor, where a dense tree outside the window blocked all sunlight from streaming in. Though it was midday, the room remained dim.
Through the murky shadows, Sang Ning could see the living room littered with empty wine bottles scattered all over the place. Even the trash can had been overturned, its contents—instant noodle containers with spilled soup—spreading across the floor.
Her biological father, Sang Youming, was sprawled on the couch, clutching a bottle of alcohol in his hand. He looked absolutely wasted, yet continued pouring more into his mouth.
Sang Ning, who hated alcoholics the most, stomped over to the couch, grabbed the bottle from Sang Youming's hand, and scolded angrily, "Drinking and drinking in the middle of the day—aren't you afraid of drinking yourself to death?!"
Though barely conscious, Sang Youming realized his beloved booze was gone and opened his blurry eyes. He saw what appeared to be a ferocious tigress snarling at him.
Liquid courage surged through him. He grabbed an empty bottle off the floor, stood up unsteadily, and swore, "Damn it! Even mother tigers are turning into spirits now, daring to take my drink! I'll give you three seconds to return my bottle, or don't blame me for what comes next!"
Sang Youming swayed as he began counting down. As he finished the count, the sound of shattering glass echoed throughout the room.
The next moment, a pig-like squeal pierced the air, followed by the cacophony of bangs, crashes, and mournful pleas for mercy.
Minutes later, the living room fell silent. A clear and stern voice broke the quiet: "Father!"