The Daughter They Forgot

In the seventh year since being taken home by my family, I had married a man I didn't love and raised a three-year-old daughter, just as my parents demanded. The fake daughter, who was one year older than me, was still being doted on in the family's embrace. The dispute over the real and fake daughter had long become a thing of the past. My family should have returned to peace.

So, when I was about to be beaten to death by my husband, I called my family. "I'm going to die. Can you come get Suisui home like you brought me home all those years ago?"

1

I knew I was finally going to die, so I didn't call 120. Instead, I called my family. My mother answered the phone. She was getting her nails done, her tone somewhat impatient: "What is it?" I covered my bleeding neck and said I was about to die, could they please come get Suisui? Suisui was only three years old, sleeping upstairs, completely unaware of the chaos downstairs. My blood wouldn't stop flowing. Beside me were fragments of a wine bottle, while my husband, after his violent outburst, lay snoring on the sofa.

"Gu Chaochao, will you ever stop with this act? Every few days, you put on this same show!" My brother Gu Jin snatched the phone and cursed me out, "You've been married for four years now. Every time you contact us, it's either about divorce or about being beaten to death. Are you really that pathetic!"

I fell silent. I don't know if I was numb from the pain or had lost too much blood, but I felt a bit tired. Looking back, I realized I had been tired for many years.

Abducted at five, I worked like a beast in the mountains, never seeing daylight, so tired I couldn't straighten my back. Finally returning home at fifteen, I faced the doted-upon fake daughter, carefully surviving in the cracks, so tired I cried secretly countless nights. Forced to marry at eighteen, I married a violent second-generation heir. To avoid being beaten, I could only humbly play the virtuous wife, tirelessly trying to please him. So tired every inch of my skin was twitching.

At twenty, I had severe depression, kept alive only by my daughter Suisui's smiling face. Daily, I stood at the edge of a cliff gazing into the abyss, wanting to jump but not daring to. So tired I had ringing ears and a stabbing heart. Finally, at twenty-two, my carotid artery was cut by wine bottle fragments. Suddenly, I wasn't tired anymore, because I could finally die.

I answered Gu Jin: "This isn't an act this time. I'm really going to die. Can you please come right away? I'm afraid of scaring Suisui."

Actually, over all these years, I hadn't "acted" many times. I had only mentioned divorce to my family three times. When they got annoyed, I didn't dare mention it again. I had only told my family about my injuries four times. When they didn't believe me, I stopped talking about it. From being taken home until now, seven years total, seven cries for help. Not too many, right?

"Then go die. When you're dead, we'll come get Suisui home!"

2

Gu Jin hung up the phone. I knew he wouldn't come get Suisui. Seven years, eighth cry for help, still failed. I smiled bleakly, weakly leaning against the wall, feeling half my body growing warm. The blood was rising with steam. I glanced upstairs. It was quiet, Suisui hadn't woken up yet. Maybe she was awake, but didn't dare come down. She must be shivering under the covers. Thinking of this, my heart ached sharply. I tried to get up, but my strength was exhausted. What to do? My little daughter, trembling in her bed, but I couldn't help her one bit. After I die, if no one comes to get her, she'll face that demon alone. How will she survive?

My phone suddenly vibrated. A message came in. Gasping, I tried hard to see the message clearly. It was from the fake daughter Gu Huan.

"Gu Chaochao, today is my twenty-third birthday banquet. My family is all here with me, so no one wants to bother with you. "Actually, I don't understand. You've already lost so completely, why won't you give up?"

I moved my lips. The taste of blood was spreading. I wasn't unwilling to give up. I just couldn't let go of Suisui. Somehow finding a bit of strength, I desperately sent Gu Huan a voice message. Asking for help from the person I hated most.

"Gu Huan... I'm sorry, I was wrong... I shouldn't have been hostile to you... shouldn't have competed with you for affection... I'll kowtow to you, please come get my daughter..."

Between broken sobs, I kept bleeding, and kept crying. Years of dignity completely collapsed at this moment, crushed by myself into the mud. I had never bowed to Gu Huan before. Because I always believed I was the Gu family's real daughter, and she was just an impostor occupying the magpie's nest. But now, I bowed. I admitted defeat.

"What?"

Gu Huan was clearly stunned, then laughed loudly: "No way. You... that's hilarious. You'll kowtow to me? Really or fake? Then hurry up and kowtow!"

3

Yes, kowtow to Gu Huan. I pressed the voice button, tilted my body down, and forcefully smashed my head against the floor. Bang, bang, bang! The sound of kowtowing was sent, and I nearly fainted, panting like a dog on the floor.

Gu Huan laughed again: "Wait, you really kowtowed? Haha, I have to say, that felt pretty good. Seven years, I finally waited for you to admit defeat!"

Yes, I admitted defeat. "Get Chaochao... home..." I tremblingly sent my last voice message. Gu Huan's expression changed instantly: "Gu Chaochao, are you messing with me? Weren't you talking about getting your daughter home? How did it become getting you home? Subconsciously, you still want to come back, don't you!"

I froze, my mind completely muddled. Did I say get Chaochao home? No, I should have said get Suisui home! I can not come home, but Suisui must come home! But I had no more strength to say a single word.

"Gu Chaochao, talk. Having your true thoughts exposed and don't dare to speak?"

Gu Huan harshly questioned me, and in her voice, I could hear my father's authoritative tone. "Gu Chaochao, stop making trouble. Half a month from now, I'll visit the Lu family, and I'll see you then!"

Half a month later, family was finally coming to visit me? But I couldn't wait that long, because I was going to die. Suisui, I'm sorry. Mom ultimately couldn't help you escape this demon's den. I hope there are ghosts in this world, so Mom can watch over you a bit longer.

4

When I opened my eyes again, I was floating above my own corpse. There really are ghosts in this world! The sky was already bright, but inside and outside the villa, everything was quiet. My husband Lu Ming had long since fired all the nannies, forcing me to be the maid, making it convenient to abuse me without restraint. So even during the day, no one would come to the villa.

I discovered Lu Ming was about to wake up—his snoring had stopped. Ignoring him, I quickly floated upstairs and slipped into the bedroom. Suisui was indeed curled under the covers, eyes tightly closed, tears soaking the pillow. The bed was also wet—she had wet herself, but didn't dare move, just fell asleep like that. My heart ached unbearably. I leaned down to touch her cheek, but my hand passed through.

Downstairs came Lu Ming's shocked cry. He must have discovered my corpse. Sure enough, he soon began dismembering me. Even though I was already a ghost, I still felt chills all over. The evil of human nature was fully displayed in Lu Ming. But he was precisely the suitable son-in-law my family had chosen. Actually, initially, Mom and Dad were going to marry Gu Huan to Lu Ming. Both families had verbally discussed the marriage arrangement. The Lu Group behind Lu Ming was the city's leading enterprise, and Lu Ming himself was handsome and dashing, with limitless prospects. Gu Huan was also very pleased with him and had even dated him.

But later Lu Ming was involved in a scandal—he abused a girl to death in a bar, causing an extremely bad influence. My parents and brother grew worried, afraid Lu Ming was a beast in human clothing, with a twisted personality, so they decided not to let Gu Huan get too close to Lu Ming. But they couldn't break ties with the Lu family, so they had me marry Lu Ming in Gu Huan's place. "Gu Chaochao is our biological daughter, she's more suitable for Young Master Lu." "Our Chaochao is virtuous and graceful, unlike Huanhuan who runs around all day without any ladylike qualities!" "Huanhuan refuses to have children anyway, she's just a child who never grew up. Better not marry her off yet, to avoid embarrassing us!" This was what my parents said at the time. Every word showed disdain for Gu Huan, finally convincing the Lu family to marry me instead. Looking back now, in that disdain, there was clearly full of love. I smiled self-mockingly and floated into the bathroom to watch Lu Ming dismember me.

5

Lu Ming's face was pale as he chopped bones while muttering curses. He seemed to be comforting himself, continuously insulting me. Calling me trash, saying I'd been played with by hundreds of men, completely unworthy of him. I deserved to die! I didn't understand—how was I trash? Lu Ming's self-talk gave the answer: "You trash, don't blame me. Gu Huan told me long ago that you don't know how many customers you took in the village, that you even had children from miscarriages. What face do you have to marry me? "I abuse you because you deserve it. You dying is your own doing!"

I suddenly understood—Gu Huan was behind this. No wonder when I first married Lu Ming, he was clearly friendly toward me, and we treated each other with respect. But later his personality suddenly changed, and he abused me without restraint, ultimately causing my death. Gu Huan, you're so vicious. I had already lost so completely, yet you still wouldn't let me go.

When the sun set in the west, Lu Ming finally finished. He packed my body piece by piece into bags, filling two large refrigerators. Then he tidied up the living room, making it look brand new, leaving no trace. Suisui had gotten out of bed at some point. She crouched by the second-floor railing, timidly looking downstairs. Lu Ming glanced up at her, his tone as gloomy as an evil ghost: "Suisui, what did you see?"

Suisui didn't dare make a sound. "I told you to speak!" Lu Ming shouted fiercely, scaring Suisui into quickly shaking her head: "No... I don't know..." I felt both heartache and rage, wishing I could bite Lu Ming to death. But I couldn't touch him at all. Lu Ming snorted coldly, grabbed a few bags of bread from the snack cabinet, and tossed them upstairs. "You're not allowed downstairs. If you dare come down, I'll break your legs!"

Suisui nodded in terror and slipped back into the bedroom. Lu Ming didn't linger, picked up a bag of meat, and hurried out under cover of darkness. Suisui then cautiously slipped out, watched the stairs for a long time, then tremblingly made her way down. My heart tightened—what was Suisui going to do? I saw her walk to the refrigerator and forcefully open the lower refrigerator door. My head was hidden among the frozen meat. "Mom..." Suisui called out. My tears fell. She had seen everything.

6

The following days were when Lu Ming disposed of the body. Every day he would take out some body parts. But sometimes he would bring them home to continue freezing. In this bustling big city, it wasn't easy to dispose of a body. At least my head stayed frozen in the refrigerator. Suisui was very obedient, only sneaking down to see me after Lu Ming left, then running back to the bedroom crying. Her eating, drinking, and toileting were all on the second floor, with only snacks and bread for food. For an adult, such days would be despairing and suffocating. My heart ached beyond words. Eventually, I floated out of the villa, hoping to find a way. Unconsciously, I floated to my parents' home.

That villa, familiar yet strange, glowed with warm light. As if drawn by some force, I floated inside and saw Gu Huan sitting on the sofa throwing a tantrum. "We agreed to go traveling tomorrow, I've already planned everything!" Gu Huan was actually a year older than me, but at home she always acted like a child. My father doted on her: "I got the dates mixed up. Tomorrow I have to go to Lu Group to sign a new round of contracts, and visit your sister by the way. I'll take you traveling the day after tomorrow." "Yes, Huanhuan, the contract can't be delayed, don't be childish." My mother shook her head, but her mouth was full of smiles. My brother Gu Jin, who was looking through files, looked up: "I'll go sign the contract. You all should focus on taking Huanhuan traveling."

"Yes, yes, I want to travel!" Gu Huan kicked her legs in a tantrum, very willful. To be honest, I envied her. I was abducted for ten years—when had I ever been able to act so spoiled? After returning home, where would I dare act so spoiled? Only in vague memories, when I was five, could I act so willfully. "This..." My father hesitated, "I should go see Gu Chaochao. It's been many years since I visited her." Hearing this, Gu Huan's face darkened. She crossed her arms and humphed: "Fine, go ahead. After all, she's your biological daughter." My father immediately became anxious, coaxing her like a child: "I didn't mean it that way. I just think if we don't visit for too long, the Lu family will think we don't care and look down on them." My mother chimed in: "That's right. This is a marriage alliance between families, we should take it seriously. "Like this, tomorrow I'll go with you on your trip, and your father will go sign the contract." Only then was Gu Huan satisfied, smiling as she ate her pastries. The family was harmonious again. I floated silently in mid-air, unmoving for a long time.

My mother suddenly glanced my way—naturally, she saw nothing. But she rubbed her chest and muttered to herself: "I don't know what's wrong, I suddenly feel heart palpitations." "Mom, are you okay?" Gu Jin asked with concern. My father and Gu Huan also looked at my mother. My mother waved her hand: "It's nothing. I can't explain what's wrong, just feel a bit uneasy, maybe I'm getting old." The whole family laughed. Gu Huan quickly praised Mom for still being young and beautiful, making Mom laugh. But she kept rubbing her chest.

7

Late at night, my mother seemed to have insomnia. She tossed and turned, waking my father beside her. My father was troubled: "Old lady, what are you doing? I have to get up early tomorrow." "I don't know what's wrong, my heart is unsettled, I can't sleep." My mother was also troubled, not understanding. My father speculated: "Are you worried about tomorrow's contract? We've cooperated with the Lu family for many years, nothing will go wrong." "It's not the contract, I can't explain it." My mother grabbed her hair. My father frowned: "If not the contract, then what? Gu Chaochao? Did that phone call scare you?" My mother froze, then started rubbing her chest again. My father laughed: "What's with that expression, so concerned about Gu Chaochao? She's doing very well, married to Lu Ming, how happy she must be." My mother looked thoughtful and sighed heavily: "I think Chaochao is having a very hard time. The last time she returned to her parents' home, her wrists were covered in injuries." My father was speechless. My mother continued: "She always wants a divorce, begging us to help her. I see that Lu Ming treats her very poorly." My father remained silent. I floated by the bedside, my dead heart still trembled. Mom, you knew? Then why couldn't you help me? My mother gave the answer: "But there's nothing we can do. We couldn't let Huanhuan marry him instead. Huanhuan has never suffered, she couldn't endure Lu Ming's beatings and curses. "Chaochao suffered for ten years, her mental resilience is much stronger. It's okay for her to take some beatings and curses—anyway, it won't kill anyone."

My father nodded. They turned off the lights and embraced to sleep. My heart died again. I turned and left.

8

I floated back to Lu Ming's house. Lu Ming was moving body parts through the night, apparently having learned my father would visit me tomorrow. Because it wasn't easy to dispose of bodies in the big city, he had been moving them bit by bit like an ant, so quite a few body parts remained in the refrigerator. Maybe he was too nervous, or maybe he was too busy and forgot. He moved away all the body parts, except he forgot my head. My head was hidden among the frozen meat in the lower refrigerator, blocked by a bag of sausages. Until dawn, Lu Ming finished, quickly checked the refrigerator, and fell asleep. Suisui hid upstairs watching him, not daring to make a sound. So many days had passed, Suisui was already sallow and emaciated, her eyes lifeless. Hunger and fear had tormented her until she was barely human. I secretly encouraged her—Suisui, you must escape here today!

After noon, Lu Ming finally woke up. He washed up without delay, changed clothes, and guiltily checked the refrigerator again. This time, he still forgot my head. Soon, a car arrived outside—my father had come. He came alone, carrying some gifts, his face wearing a slight smile. Lu Ming forced a smile as he went out to greet him, warmly shaking my father's hand: "Father, welcome, welcome." My father laughed heartily, looking behind Lu Ming: "Young Master Lu, you're too kind. Where is my daughter?" "Chaochao she... she made plans early to go shopping with her best friend, said she won't be back tonight." Lu Ming lied. My father frowned: "She didn't know I was coming?" "She knew, she knew..." Lu Ming's eyes darted, seemingly trying to anger my father away. My father narrowed his eyes and nodded indifferently: "Then please accept the gifts, Young Master Lu. This ungrateful daughter of mine only knows how to play all day, I hope Young Master Lu won't mind." Lu Ming waved his hands dismissively. My father asked again: "What about Suisui?" "Suisui was taken out by Chaochao, she won't be back tonight either." Lu Ming continued lying. My father frowned deeper, unhappily glanced inside: "Alright, I'll be going now, next time... never mind, I won't bother coming again!" Lu Ming nodded repeatedly, respectfully seeing my father off. My father got in the car and left without looking back. My heart was anxious—even though I disliked my father, at this moment I had to seek his help. My daughter needed him! I involuntarily rushed forward and slipped into the car.

My father sat in the back seat, answering a call from my mother. She asked if he had seen me. My father snorted: "Gu Chaochao has some nerve. Knowing I was coming to see her today, she went out shopping early and even took my granddaughter away—isn't she deliberately showing me attitude?" "She wasn't home waiting for you?" "Waiting for what? I didn't even get through her door! She gives me attitude, why should I see her!" My father was still angry. On my mother's end, Gu Huan giggled: "Oh, oh, oh, a married daughter is like spilled water. Gu Chaochao's wings have hardened, she won't even acknowledge her own father." Her provocation made my father even angrier. My mother was also displeased: "Don't rush off. I'll call and ask Gu Chaochao where she is." She hung up and called me. But my phone had long been smashed by Lu Ming—how could she get through? After a while, my mother called my father back. "Gu Chaochao won't answer my call. Her wings really have hardened. Before, when we called her, she would answer immediately no matter how busy she was!" Yes, before, what I longed for most was my parents' calls. Even if they only made a few a year, whenever they called, I would excitedly answer immediately. But now, I was dead. I couldn't answer anymore. "This Gu Chaochao is too outrageous. Forget about returning to her parents' home!" My father slapped his thigh in anger. Gu Huan started provoking again: "Dad, we must teach Gu Chaochao a lesson. How about this, Mom and I won't go traveling. We'll change plans to meet you. "Call Brother too. Our whole family will go deal with Gu Chaochao, let's see how arrogant she can be!"

9

Gu Huan had always been like this—never missing an opportunity to suppress me. Now my parents were both angry, and she was excited, wanting to destroy me in one go. My father hesitated: "After all, it's Young Master Lu's home. It's not appropriate for our whole family to cause trouble there." "What's inappropriate? I'm her mother-in-law!" My mother made the final decision, "It's settled then. I want to see what kind of face Gu Chaochao makes!" I remained motionless, feeling utterly desolate. My daughter was missing, her phone unreachable—shouldn't they be worried? Why were they so angry instead? Why? There was probably only one reason. No love. I floated out of the car and silently returned to the villa. Lu Ming had disappeared. He thought he had successfully fooled them and probably went out to get drunk. Suisui sat on the staircase, picking up breadcrumbs from the floor and putting them in her mouth. Lu Ming hadn't brought her food back for several days. She was hungry and uncomfortable but didn't dare make a sound, could only eat breadcrumbs. I floated beside her, silently crying. After a while, car brakes sounded outside, scaring Suisui into scrambling and hiding in the bedroom. I looked out the window—my parents had arrived. My brother Gu Jin also drove up in his sports car. The fashionable and beautiful Gu Huan was holding my mother's arm, walking into the courtyard—Lu Ming had left in such a hurry that he forgot to close the villa door. "Someone's home, let's go right in!" Gu Huan took the lead, eagerly wanting to embarrass me. But when they entered, they found the place empty. Gu Huan shouted upstairs: "Gu Chaochao, we're here to see you, come out quickly!" No response. My parents' faces were displeased. Gu Huan deliberately pointed at the shoe cabinet and analyzed: "Look, there are carelessly placed men's slippers here, which means Young Master Lu changed shoes to go out, but the villa door isn't closed, which means someone is home. "There's only one answer—Gu Chaochao must be home!" Her analysis didn't make much sense, but my parents believed it anyway. My mother walked straight to the second floor: "Gu Chaochao, are you angry with us? Last time you called and said you were going to die, we scolded you, and you've held a grudge? "You're always saying such unlucky things. We scolded you for your own good!" As she spoke, my mother reached the second floor. But still no movement. Suisui had long lived in shadow and at this moment only dared to tremble under the covers. Gu Jin grew impatient and ran up shouting: "Gu Chaochao, get out here!" Suisui was so scared she wet herself again, whimpering softly. My mother heard the faint crying. She decisively twisted the doorknob and opened the bedroom door. Suisui screamed, wildly flailing her arms and legs. The others were startled, leaning in closer to see it was Suisui. Suisui was so thin she was just skin and bones, her whole body dirty and smelly, her hair tangled, like a beggar. My parents and brother were incredulous, and Gu Huan was also stunned: "Suisui? What's going on?" Suisui was still screaming and crying. Gu Jin picked her up, gently comforting: "Suisui, it's Uncle, Uncle is here!" "Suisui, I'm Grandma, don't be afraid!" My mother quickly joined in comforting her. Suisui finally quieted down, staring blankly at the group. Gu Huan's eyes darted around as she fabricated out of thin air: "Where did Gu Chaochao run off to? How did her daughter become like this? So irresponsible!" Everyone was shocked. Gu Huan continued cursing at the empty air: "I really want to ask Gu Chaochao what kind of mother she is. Young Master Lu works so hard, while she enjoys life at home, yet she let her daughter become like this? Simply vicious!" The whole family became angry listening to this. My father suppressed his anger and asked his granddaughter: "Suisui, don't be afraid. Tell us, where did your mother go?" Suisui trembled, and cloudy tears immediately filled her eyes. "Don't cry, Suisui. Did your mother go out to play and leave you home alone? She's disgusting!" Gu Huan was still insulting me. Suisui's chapped lips trembled as a childish, hoarse voice came from her throat. "Mom... dead..."

10

Suisui's voice wasn't very clear. None of them understood. "What did you say, Suisui?" My mother gently stroked Suisui's back. Suisui cried loudly: "Mom... dead... dead..." This time, they heard clearly and were all startled. My father's expression was extremely serious: "What do you mean? What's dead? Suisui, don't talk nonsense!" "She's only three, what does she know about life and death? She must be talking nonsense, right?" Gu Jin didn't believe it at all, shaking his head indifferently. Gu Huan seized the opportunity: "I understand. Gu Chaochao is acting again, deliberately having Suisui scare us." "Yes, that must be it!" My mother immediately agreed, becoming even angrier as she yelled at me: "Gu Chaochao, are you insane? Having a child curse you like that? "Get out here right now, or I won't acknowledge you as my daughter!" The villa remained deathly silent, only Suisui's crying could be heard. A strange unease began to spread. Gu Jin took out a cigarette to smoke, his eyes scanning every corner of the villa. My father took out his phone to call Lu Ming. Gu Jin stopped him: "Dad, don't rush. The situation is a bit strange." "What's strange about it? Isn't it just Gu Chaochao acting? She's best at seeking sympathy!" Gu Huan insisted I was behind it. Then she picked up Suisui, suppressing her disgust as she asked: "Suisui, tell Auntie, where is your mother hiding?" Suisui couldn't stop crying, her small shoulders heaving. But she still raised her hand with effort and pointed to the refrigerator in the corner downstairs. "The refrigerator?" Gu Huan was confused. Suisui nodded, trembling. The family looked at each other, all puzzled. My brother Gu Jin went directly downstairs and opened the upper refrigerator, which only contained some frozen dumplings and tangyuan. "Suisui, are you hungry? Want to eat tangyuan?" Gu Jin turned back with a smile. Suisui's throat gurgled—clearly, she was starving. She nodded, wanting to eat tangyuan. The others didn't know whether to laugh or cry. My mother prepared to cook the tangyuan. Gu Huan, however, wouldn't let me go: "Suisui, you can eat tangyuan later. First, tell us where your mother went." "Refrigerator..." Suisui pointed at the refrigerator again. Everyone frowned. Gu Huan pouted: "This little kid is stupid from hunger. Everything is 'refrigerator'." "Mom... in refrigerator..." Suisui added, hugging Gu Huan tightly. Gu Huan disliked Suisui's smell immensely and pushed her away, walking briskly toward the refrigerator. "It must be Gu Chaochao who taught Suisui to say this, to scare us!" She had Gu Jin move aside so she could open the lower refrigerator. Gu Jin withdrew his hand, letting Gu Huan open it. Gu Huan didn't hesitate, forcefully pulling open the lower refrigerator door. Immediately, two bags of frozen meat rolled out, hitting her foot until it swelled. She cried out in pain. My parents and brother were terribly worried and all rushed over. Gu Huan was furious and viciously kicked the refrigerator with her other foot. "Gu Chaochao, you fucking set traps too? That hurts like hell!" As she spoke, another oval-shaped object rolled out of the refrigerator. It was—my head.

11

Screams, shrieks, chaos! The entire villa seemed to experience an earthquake as everyone screamed in terror. Gu Huan, who was closest, fainted on the spot. Gu Jin also recoiled dozens of steps in shock, bumping into a table. My father's face turned pale, nearly falling over. My mother's whole body trembled as she collapsed to the ground. The next moment, her face was bloodless, and she crawled toward the refrigerator in terror and grief, constantly calling out: "Chaochao... Chaochao... what's wrong with you? "This can't be, Chaochao... impossible... Chaochao!" Unable to contain her fear, yet wailing from instinct. Finally, she crawled to the head, not daring to look closely, but hugged it tightly: "Chaochao... this can't be... impossible!" When she was hoarse, she tilted her head and fainted.

Gu Jin steadied himself and took two steps closer, looking at my face in disbelief. "Gu Chaochao... this is a prop, right? Get out here, what kind of ghost trick are you playing!" Gu Jin shouted in all directions. He was covered in cold sweat, his hands and feet trembling uncontrollably, his expression extremely complicated. My father was the first to calm down. He quickly called the police. When the police arrived, my father finally breathed a sigh of relief, immediately breaking into tears. He tremblingly approached me, his voice shaking as he asked the forensic examiner: "Is this a prop? It must be fake, right?" The forensic examiner didn't speak, just began working with a solemn expression. Obviously, it was a real human head. My father couldn't bear it any longer and collapsed to the ground, as if all his energy had been drained. Seeing this, Gu Jin turned and rushed out. His mouth was full of blood—he had obviously shattered his teeth.

12

When the police found Lu Ming, Gu Jin had already beaten him beyond recognition. Any later, and Lu Ming would have been beaten to death alive. I still wandered in the villa, but my heart was at ease. My daughter Suisui was saved. She wouldn't have to live with the demon anymore, nor would she starve to death. Days later, the police escorted Lu Ming back to the villa to identify the crime scene. Lu Ming's face was ashen as he numbly identified locations in the villa. My parents and brother also came. My brother held a knife, trying to rush in and kill Lu Ming, but was restrained by the police. My father was pale, as if he had aged twenty years overnight. He pointed at Lu Ming and roared: "You beast, why did you do that to my daughter!" Lu Ming remained motionless, without reaction. My mother broke down crying, throwing things at Lu Ming while crying: "You beast, you deserve to die, you won't die well! "What did my daughter ever do to you! She was so well-behaved and sensible, so virtuous! You beast, return my daughter to me!"

Lu Ming finally reacted. He slowly turned to look at my parents and brother, then suddenly sneered. "What the fuck are you laughing at! I'll kill you!" Gu Jin completely lost control, letting out a beast-like roar. Lu Ming wasn't afraid at all. He continued sneering: "I deserve to die, but you deserve to die even more! "What are you pretending for? Didn't you know long ago that I was abusing Gu Chaochao? Didn't she return to you covered in injuries?" Lu Ming's face was full of satisfaction: "For four years, I've had my fun too. The Gu family's eldest daughter, abused by me like a dog, hahaha!" "Shut up!" My father roared. "Shut up? You all knew. I've been abusing Gu Chaochao for a long time." Lu Ming revealed a demon-like smile: "When she just got pregnant, I beat her. I also burned her chest with cigarette butts, making it sizzle, it felt so good. "Oh, and when she called you for help, I was listening nearby. I didn't stop her because I understood—you don't care about Gu Chaochao at all! "If you don't care about her, why should I?" Lu Ming laughed like a madman: "I really have to thank you, for giving me such a premium product. I could abuse her however I wanted. Thank you!" "I'll kill you!" Gu Jin completely snapped, veins bulging on his forehead, his body tensed like steel bars. Unfortunately, he couldn't get near Lu Ming at all. My father couldn't speak, just kept pressing his chest, his eyes full of tear streaks. My mother sat on the ground soullessly, only muttering to herself: "Beast, you beast, why did you treat Chaochao like that? She was so well-behaved..." "Why?" Lu Ming explained as he was escorted away by police, "Because she's trash. A cheap thing played with by hundreds of men. Dead is dead!" "What the fuck did you say?" Gu Jin roared. "I said, you married a used-up woman to me, what face do you have to question me!" Lu Ming was self-righteous. My father couldn't take it anymore and rushed forward to slap Lu Ming: "Shut up, don't insult my daughter!" "Old man, it was your other daughter who told me. Do you think I'm stupid?" Lu Ming sneered, "Gu Huan told me long ago that Gu Chaochao was trash. It was you fucking people who deceived me!" My father froze, unable to stand steady. My mother got up and questioned in disbelief: "What did Gu Huan say?" "Are you deaf? Gu Huan said Gu Chaochao was played with by hundreds of men in the village, that she had miscarriages and children. How dare you marry her to me? Did you think I was taking out your trash? "I played her to death. That's your fault, not mine!" Lu Ming was escorted into the police car while laughing wildly.

13

My parents and brother stood frozen in place, each trembling uncontrollably. I floated over and heard my mother muttering to herself: "Impossible... Huanhuan wouldn't say that. She often said good things about Chaochao to Lu Ming..." My father stammered: "Gu Huan... where is Gu Huan?" No one answered him. Gu Jin turned and left. My parents came to their senses and hurriedly followed. I floated beside them, all the way to the hospital. Gu Huan was recovering in the hospital. Actually, she wasn't badly injured, just frightened, unwilling to be discharged. When we entered the ward, Gu Huan was eating congee, her face very rosy, clearly much better. Seeing my parents and brother arrive, Gu Huan immediately began crying: "Where did you go? Leaving me here alone, I'm so scared!" No one spoke, all staring intently at her. She didn't understand why, continuing to fake cry: "Is Chaochao really dead? How could that happen, so pitiful. If I had known it would be like this... sigh." Still no one spoke. Gu Huan finally sensed something was wrong. She looked at the three of them in confusion: "Mom, Dad, Brother, what's wrong?"

Gu Jin spoke first: "Gu Huan, what have you been telling Lu Ming all these years? Why does he hate Chaochao so much?" Gu Huan's expression changed slightly as she unnaturally smoothed her hair: "I contact Lu Ming often. Every time, I praise Chaochao. Chaochao is virtuous and capable, hardworking and tolerant, the best choice for a virtuous wife and mother..." "Anything else?" Gu Jin took a step forward, staring fixedly at Gu Huan. Gu Huan's expression changed again, then she acted spoiled: "Brother, what are you doing? I was already scared, and you're all like this. What did I do wrong?" "I'm asking you, what exactly did you tell Lu Ming!" Gu Jin suddenly shouted fiercely, scaring Gu Huan numb all over. She was both shocked and angry, seeking help from my parents: "Mom, Dad, has Brother gone crazy? What's wrong with me?" My mother remained silent. My father gritted his teeth, his tone dark: "Why are you so vicious? We favored you in everything, yet you're still not satisfied? "You knew Lu Ming had violent tendencies, yet you slandered Chaochao as unclean, causing Chaochao to be abused by Lu Ming without restraint! "Chaochao was dismembered. Are you satisfied now!" My father's anger was even greater than Gu Jin's.

Gu Huan froze, desperately defending herself: "I didn't! I... what does this have to do with me?" "Beast!" My father slapped her across the face. Gu Huan's head jerked to the side, blood flowing from her mouth. She was stunned, unable to believe her father would hit her. She immediately burst into tears: "Why hit me? Can you blame me for Gu Chaochao being killed? It wasn't me who killed her!" "You're more evil than Lu Ming!" My mother finally spoke, covering her face as she cried bitterly. Anger and sorrow intertwined, making her look like she had gone mad. "I'm evil? When Gu Chaochao called for help, who was it that accused her of acting?" Gu Huan, unwilling to be scolded, questioned harshly. My mother paused, then slowly crouched on the ground, no longer able to hold back, crying hysterically. Gu Jin was also hit where it hurt. He grabbed Gu Huan and rushed toward the window. "You beast, go die!" His eyes were red, he had completely lost his mind, and he pushed Gu Huan straight out the window. A twelve-story building, the cold wind howling. Gu Huan left only a terrified scream.

14

On the day I was cremated, my body had been pieced back together. The mortician was very skilled—I couldn't tell I had been dismembered. I discovered I was more beautiful dead than alive. My parents came to see me off, sending me on my final journey. My brother, having killed Gu Huan, would face severe legal punishment and naturally couldn't come. I noticed my parents' hair at their temples was graying, they looked old and frail, completely unlike middle-aged people.

"Good daughter, Mom is here to apologize to you. I made a huge mistake." My mother looked at my face, tears streaming down. "Actually, after you disappeared at five, Mom missed you every day, crying every night until we adopted Gu Huan, then I had something to live for. "It was Gu Huan who helped me and the whole family walk out of the shadows, so we all love her very much." Mom wiped her tears, "Later, you came back, but you were completely different from the lively, lovely child we imagined. Ten years of torment had worn away your spirit and traces of the past. "We were heartbroken, but you could never go back. Over time, we found we still preferred Gu Huan." Mom was already sobbing uncontrollably.

Dad took over: "We were terribly wrong. We should have loved you more, helped you heal from the ten years of suffering, but we..." Dad also wiped his tears, "In our hearts, we still loved you, but we disliked your dullness and lack of confidence... When Lu Ming abused you, we noticed somewhat, but we were afraid getting involved would affect business. "Actually, we planned to formally warn Lu Ming after this year's cooperation ended, demanding he treat you well, but we never imagined he would kill you. "So, that cry for help that night wasn't an act." Dad began to cry too, unable to continue.

My ears were filled with my parents' crying. But I felt no ripple of emotion. After so many years of suffering, my heart only thought of Suisui. Death can make people understand many things. Like my parents and brother—they understood they were wrong, but it was too late for regret. I also understood I was wrong. I was wrong to repeatedly crave my family's love. I always thought that since I was the Gu family's real daughter, I deserved their love. So for seven years, I never gave up. Even when treated differently, even when married to an abusive man, even when cries for help were ignored. I always held onto a glimmer of hope. Until, I died. Death transcends all. Looking back, I actually had many chances to escape. When treated differently, I could have just left home. When married to an abusive man, I could have just run away from the marriage. When cries for help were ignored, I could have just called the police. Clearly, I didn't have to die. I smiled self-mockingly, laughing at my naivety, and also laughing at my final awakening.

My parents were still crying. When they saw me being pushed into the cremation furnace, they cried until they lost their voices. Finally, they held my urn and buried me in the public cemetery. After placing offerings and flowers, they stroked my tombstone and photo, lost in thought for a long time. Before leaving, my mother pleaded: "Good daughter, if you miss Mom, visit Mom in her dreams. Mom wants to see you. Mom will always love you."

Her words reminded me. So that night, I visited her in her dreams. In the dream, we met. My mother was extremely excited and rushed forward to embrace me, but passed through empty air. In the dream of blooming flowers, I was particularly bright. But I didn't smile at all. My mother was suddenly at a loss, crying as she cautiously asked: "Good daughter, Mom knows this is a dream, but Mom still wants to hug you." I gently shook my head and directly instructed: "I'm worried about Suisui. I ask you to help Suisui find a good family." My mother quickly said: "No need, no need. We will take good care of Suisui. I will give all my love to her, to make up for the wrong I committed against you!" After speaking, she stared at me without blinking, nervous and expectant, like a child seeking praise. But I just shook my head. My mother grew anxious, tears unconsciously welling up: "Good daughter, I really will take good care of Suisui. Why won't you agree?" "You don't deserve it." None of you do!

My mother woke with a start, opening her eyes to look at the empty ceiling, blankly reaching out to embrace the air. Beside her, my father also woke up, asking what was wrong. My mother began to sob softly, then as her shoulders shook, she increasingly lost control. Finally, in the desolate night, she cried like a mourning beast.

15

I lingered in the mortal world for quite some time. Reluctant to leave my daughter Suisui. She was adopted by a nice family—her adoptive mother was a lawyer, her adoptive father a doctor. Suisui was the only little one in their family. The little one took a full two months to adjust, then began to talk and smile, eating with great appetite. She was still young and wouldn't remember many people or things. Having food to eat and things to play with every day made her extremely happy. I was also extremely happy, staying by her side day and night, watching over her. I saw her adoptive mother wash her dirty clothes until they were clean, fold her little blanket neatly. When it was hot, she tucked a towel into Suisui's back; when it was cold, she put gloves on her.

Her adoptive father was rather clumsy, daily flipping through a book called "Complete Guide to Infant Care," not knowing what he was studying. Sometimes, her adoptive father would take her riding a bicycle. When she fell, he wouldn't help her up, just encouraged her to stand on her own. It made my heart ache with worry. However, Suisui wiped her tears and stood up—stronger than I had imagined.

Suisui stayed with this family for two years. On her sixth birthday, after blowing out the candles, she suddenly said: "Thank you, Mom and Dad." The clumsy adoptive father was stunned, blinked his eyes, and quickly ran to the bathroom to wipe his tears. The adoptive mother, however, beamed, hugging Suisui and kissing her several times, as if kissing an apple. I watched with relief and went to stroke Suisui's head. Suisui, Mom has to go now.

I turned toward the window when Suisui suddenly looked up at me: "Mom, goodbye." I trembled, turning to meet her gaze, but her eyes weren't focused. Obviously, she couldn't see me. Her adoptive mother asked in surprise: "Suisui, who are you talking to?" "My mom. Although I can't see her, I know she must always be with me." Suisui was innocent, "My mom suffered a lot, she's very, very tired. I don't want her to be tired anymore, so I want to say goodbye to Mom." She looked again in my direction and waved solemnly: "Mom, goodbye." I smiled with tears in my eyes and drifted away with the wind. Darling, goodbye.