The Stepmother’s Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era

Shen Hongmei didn’t directly answer Shen Mingzhu’s question but said, "Mingzhu, you’ve always been smarter and more insightful than me, so help me decide. Brother Zhao said he’s willing to help me start my own company, where I would be the boss. What do you think I should do?"

Watching the confidence on the other’s face, Shen Mingzhu was stunned for a moment before speaking, "When did this happen?"

"The night you suspended me from my job."

"I’m asking, when did you start having the idea of starting a business? Why didn’t you tell me sooner, or do you think I would obstruct you?"

The two stood on the rooftop terrace, and the neon lights of the restaurant’s sign clearly reflected the self-mockery on Shen Hongmei’s face.

"Do you think I could say it? Dare I say it? As soon as I speak out, everyone would accuse me of being ungrateful."

"In the eyes of others, you, Shen Mingzhu, are a great philanthropist, the Goddess of Mercy who relieves suffering, and you are the benefactor and mentor of Shen Hongmei."

"I cannot deny that you’ve helped me a lot, Mingzhu, and I remember it all. But the position I am in today, Shen Hongmei, is also due to my own efforts, progressing step by step on my own. I’m not your accessory, nor am I your slave."

Shen Mingzhu frowned, "In work, you are a very important partner; in life, we are friends and confidants. I thought that was our common understanding."

Shen Hongmei sneered lightly, "Yes, everyone says we are good sisters, but in truth, you’ve never really respected me."