Chapter Three: Reporting to the Police

Wei Yao felt dazed for a while. During the time she had fainted, she seemed to be enveloped in a mist, struggling hard just to regain control of her body.

When the fog finally cleared, she saw everything clearly—an endless stretch of dark earth, several massive warehouses packed full of supplies, and beside the warehouses, a small courtyard with a villa identical to the one where she had been tricked into serving as Li Ying’s nanny for a year in her previous life.

At last, Wei Yao understood. She thought to herself that in her past life, no matter how hard she tried, she could never surpass that wretched Song Liping—turns out that woman had a secret advantage.

That jade pendant was clearly hers, but it must have been Chang Yongqin who secretly slipped it to Song Liping. Yesterday, in a moment of madness, she had taken it and worn it around her neck. Perhaps because it had absorbed her blood, it activated the space and recognized her as its master.

Wei Yao touched her neck; the jade pendant had vanished as if it had never existed.

Chang Yongqin frowned, her expression tinged with impatience. In the past, whenever she spoke, Wei Yao had always listened cautiously and never once failed to respond after she spoke for a while.

“Wei Yao?”

“Oh, you mean Song Yang and Song Hui? Send the children here, I miss them,” Wei Yao replied.

Hearing this, Chang Yongqin relaxed. Indeed, she was easy to manipulate; no matter what she said, Wei Yao would comply. A faint smile curved her lips as she handed Wei Yao a bowl of brown sugar millet porridge.

“Eat first. I’ll go get the children—they miss their mother too. You still have to stay in the hospital for a few days. Don’t tire yourself out when the kids arrive.”

Wei Yao sneered silently as she watched her retreating back. There was still a gaping wound on her head, yet this old woman barely cared—her heart was as cold as ever.

But then again, in her past life, wasn’t it just this tactic—hitting her with a stick and then offering a sweet date—that coaxed her into serving the Song family like a beast of burden?

After opening the thermos, she set it on the table. The porridge was thin enough to reflect images, pale and watery. Though it was said to have brown sugar added, it was probably just the sugary residue scraped from the bottom of the jar.

When a nurse came by for rounds and glanced at the porridge, she looked utterly disgusted—it could have been mistaken for dishwater.

“Comrade, if you have any difficulties, just tell me. I even have doctors who treat injuries and they’ll help you.”

At that moment, tears welled up in Wei Yao’s eyes.

“Thank you, comrade. I… could I trouble you and the doctors to write me a medical report? I want to file a public case. I want a divorce. If I continue living like this, I won’t survive.”

The young nurse’s eyes brightened. This was the new society—she admired women who dared to resist. Besides, the doctors and nurses were all aware of the injuries this comrade bore.

“Comrade, if you decide firmly, and need witnesses, come find us anytime.”

“Thank you so much, comrade.”

An hour later, Chang Yongqin brought the two children to the hospital but didn’t stay long before leaving hurriedly.

Wei Yao held Song Hui and snuggled close to Song Yang. The three of them had tears in their eyes. The nurse who had previously stood up for her felt a surge of anger rising.

Soon, the entire nurse’s station knew that Wei Yao, bed five in ward three, had been severely abused by her in-laws, and despite her serious condition, she still had to care for two young children.

Taking advantage of a moment when no one was around and while fetching water, Wei Yao took a can of milk powder from her space, mixed it with warm water, and carefully fed Song Hui, then gave Song Yang some bread with meat floss.

The little one, feeling sorry for her, handed food to her first. Wei Yao’s heart felt comforted.

After the children were full, she found a nurse and left the hospital directly. Her wages had already been hidden in her trouser pocket on the way home. The Song family had only paid the hospital fees when they brought her in and cared for nothing else. This was all documented at the hospital.

Wei Yao was not afraid of an investigation.

After leaving the hospital, she went straight to the neighborhood office and recounted her situation in full. These days, people didn’t encourage reconciliation but separation. Fearing disbelief, she brought along two female comrades to a private place, unbuttoned her clothes, and even showed Song Yang.

Seeing the mother and child covered in bruises and their frail appearance stirred a wave of strong emotions.

Accompanied by Deputy Director Liu Yanling of the neighborhood office, she then took the children to the police station. With witnesses, hospital records, and police inquiries of the nurses, the truth was clear.

Wei Yao, followed by a large group, arrived at the Song family’s doorstep. Neighbors who were off work peeked out, curious.

“Police officers, Director Liu, sorry to keep you waiting. I’ll take the children inside first. Please wait a moment. Some things aren’t just words—I want you to see for yourselves how little rights I have in this household.”

“Alright, go in calmly. If anyone in the Song family dares to act outrageously in front of us, this matter won’t end today.”

Wei Yao nodded and entered the courtyard.

Inside, Chang Yongqin was picking cabbage leaves. She was surprised to see Wei Yao return but quickly lowered her eyes.

“You’re back. Didn’t I tell you? You’re an adult, yet you fight with children. You spent five yuan at the hospital—hurry inside. Oh, and hand over this month’s wages. The family’s running out of food; you’re just spending money.”

Wei Yao said, “Mother, there’s a hole in my head, and you don’t even ask if I’m alright?”

Song Liping snapped angrily, “It’s just a cut. Why are you being so dramatic? If it were serious, would you be discharged so quickly? Hmph, my mother spoke to you like that, and you still aren’t satisfied? The beatings could’ve been worse. Let me tell you, you should be grateful to marry into the Song family—your ancestors must be smoking with pride. Now hand over your wages to your mother.”

Wei Yao snorted coldly. Since she was well-fed now, she might as well confront them!

She said bluntly, “Song Liping, this is a matter for the Song family. What does it have to do with you, a married daughter? Besides, mother said from the start that she’s been holding onto the wages for us these years. From now on, I won’t hand them over anymore.”

Wei Yao paused, then added, “Also, my ancestors really are honored. If I hadn’t married into your family, you wouldn’t even know that cabbage has inner leaves and stems, or that eggs shouldn’t be given to a postpartum daughter-in-law but to the grieving daughter who can’t afford clothes. Mother always says she never spent my money, so return the money that I and Song Mingrui have saved with you all these years.”

Song Liping, enraged by Wei Yao’s words, suddenly lunged forward like a wild beast, her sharp nails nearly scratching Wei Yao’s face.

“You shameless bitch! Say one more word about money and I’ll tear you apart. You only know money, illiterate brute. I never agreed to let the eldest son marry you—a peasant from the countryside. You should be grateful to enter the Song family. What’s wrong with my mother frying an egg? Why does it bother you? If you can’t have it, it just means you’re not destined to eat eggs in this life. Mother, do you see? This is the woman the eldest son is so desperate to marry—just as vulgar and savage as him.”

Chang Yongqin theatrically scolded Song Liping, then harshly said, “Xiao Wei, can’t you go a single day without causing trouble? Your father-in-law and I are still around, and we haven’t taken your money. You’re acting like you’ll die over an egg. If you can live with it, fine. If not, get out.”

Wei Yao’s lips curled into a faint smile. These words weren’t just heard by her inside; Deputy Director Liu Yanling and the police officers outside also heard them clearly.