Chapter 2: Unfair Pressure from Five Older Brothers

“What kind of attitude is that?” Qin Lian’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you sure you want to speak to me like this?”

Usually, Lin Mo bullied Wanwan at home every day. But toward her parents and brothers, she was always humble and obedient. Now, she actually dared to speak to her in this tone? Was she so eager to make herself even more despised?

Her five brothers, all bound by blood, frowned and looked at Lin Mo with disgust, as if she were a tremendous burden. Compared to Lin Wan, Lin Mo was nothing but a country bumpkin, unworthy of being noticed—and worse, malicious in her heart. Next to Wanwan, she was like mud that couldn’t be shaped.

Qin Lian’s voice was sharp and critical. “If your sister hadn’t agreed to let you come back, you’d still be suffering at your grandparents’ house in the countryside right now! You should be forever grateful to your sister—it was she who accepted you!”

Lin Mo looked at Qin Lian. Her eyes reddened, but she no longer yearned for her mother’s affection. She simply stared coldly, as if looking at a stranger.

No matter how hard she tried to please her, Qin Lian would never treat her as family—never! She was only one of the hands that pushed her into the abyss.

“You’re still not convinced, are you?”

That look in her eyes left Qin Lian momentarily speechless.

Lin Mo sneered. She’d been hospitalized for days now, and they only came today—was it really to visit her?

“You didn’t come here to see me, did you?”

Qin Lian’s gaze flickered. “So you already know—this year’s college entrance exam results are out. You passed, but unfortunately, Wanwan failed… Of course, that’s because you bullied her behind the scenes and caused her to perform poorly!”

Lin Mo laughed. What a convenient scapegoat. She had spent eight months preparing, and earned the top score in the city. Lin Wan’s lack of motivation could be blamed on her with just a couple of words.

They stood on one side, and her adversary was herself—a criminal awaiting judgment.

Lin Wan stared steadily at Lin Mo, waiting for her mother’s next words.

Qin Lian’s eyes turned cold. “You should give your spot to your sister. You’re so good at exams—you can take them again and still be first in the city. Besides, this is what you owe Wanwan!”

Lin Mo’s breath caught. Of course—it had come to this again. Even though she was mentally prepared, this nightmarish scene still made her throat ache.

She glanced at her five brothers. As expected, they agreed. Even though the suggestion was absurd and unfair!

Lin Mo clenched her hands, her eyes stinging.

“Is this fair?”

A hint of triumph flickered in Lin Wan’s eyes. Seeing Lin Mo’s heartbreak brought her immense satisfaction. No matter how outstanding Lin Mo was, she would always be nothing more than a stepping stone.

Eldest brother Lin Yunhe spoke gently, “Mo Mo, if you give your spot to Wanwan, we’ll give you five hundred thousand—enough for you to repeat the year. You must understand, in this society, without connections you won’t get far. Graduating a year earlier doesn’t mean you can earn that much money.”

His tone was persuasive. “Think carefully. In the future, you’ll need the Lin family as your support.”

“Lin Mo, you should be grateful.” Second brother Lin Hen’s gaze was cold, his smile tinged with menace. “You were switched at birth and raised in the countryside with your foster family’s grandparents. If it weren’t for Wanwan’s kindness in letting you return, you wouldn’t have had access to such good educational resources—or become first in the city.”

“That’s right.” Third brother Lin Juan, elegant and aloof, stared at her with intensity. “Your injury cost so much. If you weren’t part of the Lin family, could you have afforded it?”

Fourth brother Lin Jianchen didn’t even bother to look at Lin Mo. He patted Lin Wan’s shoulder. “Wanwan, don’t worry. We’ll make sure she agrees.”

Fifth brother Lin Qinglang was the most direct, his tone harsh. “Lin Mo, either get out of the Lin family, or give up your spot!”

Lin Mo’s breathing grew shaky. She gritted her teeth, her eyes shining with determination. Her expression grew grim. It was always unfair—so why should she be surprised this time?

They would never stand by her. They would always ruthlessly strip away everything she had for Lin Wan’s sake.

“I refuse!” Lin Mo straightened her back, never again letting them break her spirit. She spoke slowly and clearly, “If you have the ability, let her take the exam herself.”

Lin Wan sighed. “I knew Mo Mo wouldn’t agree. Never mind, it doesn’t matter to me… It’s all my fault for not having the right mindset.” Her voice trembled, “So much has happened this year, I…”

Lin Mo knew perfectly well. The only thing that had happened in the Lin family this year was her own return as their biological daughter. Lin Wan was still shifting the blame. Was it Lin Mo who caused her to fail?

Such a ridiculous excuse, yet the Lin family believed it wholeheartedly!

Lin Mo laughed bitterly. “Perhaps I’m the foster daughter after all. I can’t understand why you treat me this way—why you’re so eager to strip me of every ounce of value.”

“From the day you came to the Lin family, I told you both,” Qin Lian’s anger flared. “You and Wanwan are both my daughters—both precious to me. I treat you equally! Don’t talk about foster or not, it makes Wanwan sad!”

Lin Mo found these words laughable. Broad daylight, yet Qin Lian dared to claim she really treated them equally.

“Mom, don’t say that to Mo Mo. She just feels I took your love away.” Lin Wan frowned. “Mo Mo, after all, I’ve spent eighteen years with Mom and Dad… You’ve only been back for eight months. Of course, our bond is deeper. But you don’t need to be sad—I won’t compete with you.”

She pursed her lips, her voice choking. “I know I’m the only outsider here. I’m unnecessary.”

The five brothers rushed to comfort Lin Wan. “Wanwan, don’t think that way. You’ll always be our only sister.”

In truth, Lin Mo was the real outsider. She looked up and watched Lin Wan’s performance. Wanwan could cry on cue—what a waste not to be an actress.

“Mo Mo,” Lin Wan reached for Lin Mo’s hand. “This is the only time Mom has ever asked you for something on my behalf—please think it over carefully. Even if not for me, do it so Mom and Dad won’t worry…”

Lin Mo’s heart was suffocating. “How convenient your dreams are! An elite university swapped for your vocational one—do you really think that’s possible?”

She jerked her hand away, dodging Lin Wan’s grasp, but Wanwan let herself fall lightly.

“Ah!”

Lin Qinglang caught Wanwan in his arms, glaring angrily at Lin Mo. “What’s your attitude? You’ve bullied Wanwan so many times, and now you’re going too far?”

Everyone looked at Lin Mo as if she were some heinous criminal.

“Lin Mo, how can you be so cruel? You…” Qin Lian’s voice was urgent. “Wanwan’s poor exam results are all because you bullied her every day!”

“Wanwan, you’ve suffered so much!”

Lin Wan squeezed out a few tears, her lips trembling in apparent grievance.

Lin Mo laughed. “Wanwan, keep lying. Don’t you have any self-awareness?”

Lin Jianchen sneered. “Wanwan is so kind—would she fabricate excuses to frame you? Do you really think that’s possible?”