Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Jiang Man gripped the hem of her clothes tightly, her fingers turning white from the force. Beside her, Qin Yishen had a solemn expression, with fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

Chen Yu gripped the steering wheel tightly, his hands trembling slightly with nervousness, as the three of them hurriedly headed towards the restaurant.

The atmosphere inside the car was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe. Jiang Man was filled with unease. She didn't know what Jiang Li was up to at the restaurant, or what she would say to Shi An and Shi Ning.

Qin Yishen frowned, a hint of anxiety in his eyes. He was worried that Jiang Li's nonsense would hurt the two children.

Chen Yu glanced at the rearview mirror every now and then, pressing the accelerator harder, and the car sped along the highway like an arrow.

Meanwhile, in the restaurant, Jiang Li crossed her legs and looked smugly at Shi An and Shi Ning in front of her.

She ordered a table full of dishes, with all sorts of delicious food laid out on the table, but Shi An and Shi Ning had no appetite at all.

Shi An and Shi Ning looked at Jiang Li angrily. Shi An's little fists were clenched tightly, and Shi Ning's eyes were filled with tears.

Jiang Li casually picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks, put it in her mouth and chewed it. A mocking smile appeared on her lips as she said, "Actually, you should thank my sister. After all, in the whole village, only my sister was willing to marry your father."

Shi An and Shi Ning exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with confusion.

Shi An frowned and said, "Of course we thank Mom, but what does that have to do with what you said?"

Jiang Li pursed her lips and continued, "But it's only human nature. If I had known you weren't your father's biological children, I would have married you anyway."

Shi An and Shi Ning stared at Jiang Li in shock, their mouths agape and their faces filled with disbelief.

"You, what did you say?"

Shi An's voice trembled slightly, "How can you talk such nonsense! How can my father not be our biological father!"

Jiang Li laughed, a laugh filled with malice. "Your biological parents died long ago. Qin Yishen took pity on you and adopted you!"

Shi An's face turned deathly pale instantly, and his body swayed slightly, as if he would collapse at any moment.

Shi Ning could no longer hold back her tears, which welled up in her eyes. She choked out, "It's impossible. You're lying. Dad wouldn't lie to us."

Jiang Li looked at them smugly, "Hmph, believe it or not, I have no reason to lie to you. If your father hadn't adopted you, you would have starved to death on the streets long ago."

Just then, Jiang Man, Qin Yishen, and Chen Yu finally arrived at the restaurant.

Upon seeing Jiang Li, Jiang Manyi's eyes blazed with anger. She strode up to Jiang Li and shouted, "Jiang Li, what nonsense are you spouting!"

Qin Yishen looked at Shi An and Shi Ning with heartache, and felt a pang of pain in his heart when he saw their tear-streaked faces.

He walked over to Shi An and Shi Ning, squatted down, and said softly, "Children, don't listen to her nonsense."

Shi An raised her head, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Qin Yishen, her voice trembling with despair: "Dad, is what she said true? We really aren't your biological children?"

A flicker of pain crossed Qin Yishen's eyes. He hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.

"Children, I'm sorry, I was planning to tell you this when you were older."

Shi An swayed, then turned and ran out, with Shi Ning following after him, crying.

Jiang Man watched their departing figures, a sharp pain shooting through her heart. She glared fiercely at Jiang Li, "Jiang Li, are you satisfied now? How could you be so cruel!"

Jiang Li scoffed, "I was just telling the truth." Qin Yishen ignored Jiang Li and turned to chase after her.

Jiang Man quickly followed, leaving Jiang Li sitting there alone.

Qin Yishen found Shi An and Shi Ning on the street outside the restaurant.

Shi An leaned against a big tree, hugging her knees with her hands, burying her head between her knees, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Shi Ning stood to the side, tears still streaming down her face.

Qin Yishen slowly walked to their side, squatted down, and reached out to stroke Shi An's head, but stopped in mid-air.

“Children, I know it’s hard for you to accept this fact right now, but my love for you has never changed. From the moment I adopted you, I have treated you as my own flesh and blood.”

Shi An raised her head, her eyes filled with resentment, "Then why didn't you tell us sooner? You've been lying to us for so many years!"

Qin Yi sighed, "I was afraid you would be sad if you knew, and that you would feel different from others. I wanted to give you a complete family so that you could grow up in love."

Shi Ning sobbed, "But we've always believed we have biological parents. Now that we suddenly know we don't, what are we supposed to do?"

Qin Yishen embraced Shi An and Shi Ning, saying, "No matter who your biological parents are, I will always be your father, and Jiang Man will always be your mother. Our family will always be together and will never be separated."

Shi An struggled in Qin Yishen's arms for a moment, "But I feel like an outsider, like a pitiful adopted wretch."

Qin Yishen hugged him tightly, "No, you are not pitiful creatures, you are my treasures. Although your biological parents are gone, they would definitely want you to live a happy life."

Upon hearing Jiang Li's shocking words, Shi Ning felt a buzzing in his head, as if he had been struck hard by a heavy hammer.

The truth about her biological parents was like a sharp blade, instantly piercing her heart.

Her body trembled uncontrollably, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

Overwhelmed by these chaotic and painful emotions, Shi Ning could no longer bear it. She suddenly stood up, turned around, and ran wildly out of the restaurant.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Man and Qin Yishen's faces turned deathly pale, and endless fear surged in their hearts.

They exchanged a glance and, without hesitation, took off after him.

"Shi Ning! Shi Ning! Don't run away!"

Jiang Man's voice was choked with sobs as she desperately called out her daughter's name, her steps quickening.

Qin Yishen followed closely behind her, his brows furrowed, his eyes filled with anxiety and worry.

Shi Ning ran forward like a madman, completely oblivious to her surroundings.

The streets were bustling with traffic, and her figure appeared so small and fragile amidst the hustle and bustle.

Just then, a black sedan suddenly sped out from the alley next to it, traveling at an extremely high speed, clearly driving illegally.

The driver didn't seem to notice Shi Ning ahead, and by the time he did, it was too late to brake.

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen watched helplessly as the car hurtled towards Shi Ning. Their hearts leaped into their throats, and they cried out in unison in despair, "Shi Ning!" (End of Chapter)