Chapter 3 — Just Because I'm the Older Sister

Mother followed me inside, her face twisting into a mocking sneer as she took in the sight of my open luggage.

"Planning to run away from home, are you?"

"Go on, then. Be my guest. Once you leave your parents behind, let us see how you manage to survive on your own."

"And another thing, we are heading out for our family portraits shortly. If you choose to stay behind, don't ever blame us for leaving you out."

My brother strode into the room, snatched the suitcase right out of my hands, and let out an exasperated sigh.

"Vivian, stop throwing this childish tantrum. Do you genuinely find joy in turning this entire household upside down?"

"Once we finish with the photographs, I will buy you a brand-new dress to make it up to you. How does that sound?"

I ignored them entirely, snatched my suitcase back, and resumed packing my belongings. Suddenly, the bedroom door was kicked open with brutal force. A deafening crash echoed through the room, shattering the framed family portrait hanging right behind the door. The glass frame hit the floor, scattering shards everywhere, and the photograph itself was torn to shreds, ripped apart beyond recognition. It felt agonizingly reminiscent of that year when I was preparing for an important competition, and they took a crestfallen Pearl to Disneyland instead. Afterward, they snapped a family portrait of four—without me. I had thrown a massive fit back then, demanding we retake it, but they always had a myriad of excuses ready to dismiss me. Later on, my brother secretly had someone digitally edit me into the picture. It looked terribly fake, yet I treasured it deeply, guarding it like a precious jewel for years. Looking back now, forgery remains forgery, and those who practice favoritism will forever remain biased. My father’s furious voice cut sharply through my thoughts from the doorway.

"Pay no attention to her. Just let her leave."

"We told her to apply to the same university as her younger sister, and she stubbornly refused. She’s been sulking and glaring at everyone since last night, locking herself away in her room."

"And now she’s throwing a fit over some trivial interview. The girl is simply lacking in proper discipline."

"We are going to take our family portraits. We aren't missing out on anything just because she isn't there."

And with that, they actually left, as if I truly had never been a part of this family to begin with. The moment the car engine roared to life outside, I secured the final zipper on my bag. I stood up, gripped the handle of my suitcase, and walked out of the room. As I passed the shattered glass and broken frame lying forlornly on the floor, I did not spare it a single glance. Children always harbor a deep reluctance to acknowledge their parents' partiality, which was why I had stubbornly clung to hope for eighteen agonizing years. I had desperately searched through every minute, insignificant detail for some phantom proof that they loved me too. Thankfully, from this day forward, I would no longer need to exhaust myself like that. They had won. I finally accepted the harsh reality that I was simply a child unloved by her parents. I called a cab bound for the airport. My phone rang several times, but I refused to answer, sliding the power button to shut it down completely. When the departure announcement for my flight echoed through the terminal, I stood up and joined the queue. Beyond this horizon lay vast mountains and boundless seas; I would no longer allow myself to be imprisoned by the grievances of the past.

Meanwhile, miles away, Pearl hung up the phone and looked up, giving a helpless shake of her head to the three people waiting anxiously around her.

"She didn't answer my call."

My father’s already stern expression grew even darker and more displeased.

"Hmph, I told you from the start that we shouldn't bother with her."

"The older she gets, the more ungrateful and unfilial she becomes. How many times has she picked fights with the family these past couple of days alone?"

Mother waved her hand dismissively, urging the others forward.

"Never mind her. Our family will take the portraits without her. At worst, we can just have her digitally inserted into the picture later."

My brother hesitated for a moment. For reasons he couldn't quite fathom, the memory of my unusual behavior lately left a lingering sense of unease gnawing at his chest. But just then, Pearl was waving cheerfully in his direction.

"Brother, hurry up and come over! Everyone is ready."

He shook his head, pushing the heavy thoughts aside as he jogged over. In his mind, Vivian had always been docile and obedient since childhood. Whenever friction arose between them, she was invariably the first one to lower her head and apologize. Surely this time would be no different. While posing for the camera, Mother deliberately left a vacant space beside her. When the photographer politely instructed them to crowd closer together, Mother merely waved her hand.

"Leave this spot open for my eldest daughter. We will need to edit her into the picture later."

The photographer looked momentarily apologetic.

"I am terribly sorry, I didn't realize your eldest daughter had..."

Mother’s expression instantly darkened into a scowl.

"Watch your tongue! What is that supposed to mean? My eldest daughter is perfectly healthy and well. She is simply throwing a childish temper tantrum and refused to come."

The photographer muttered under his breath, but ultimately pressed the shutter button. The frozen moment in time captured yet another family of four—minus Vivian. But this time, little did they know, the absent person no longer cared about their exclusions. After the photoshoot, Pearl complained of hunger and demanded to be taken out to eat. And so, the family of four strolled over to a restaurant. Midway through the meal, Mother suddenly remembered something and turned to look at my brother.

"Qinggui, did Vivian give you her account username and password for the university application portal?"

"She has always trusted you the most. When your father and I asked her for it, she refused to hand it over, constantly keeping her guard up against us!"

Hearing those words, a sudden wave of discomfort washed over my brother. He sat in silence for a long moment before giving a reluctant, hesitant nod.

"But Mother, Father... do we really have to alter her college choices behind her back?"

"You both know how badly she wanted to major in fashion design at Tsinghua University. We shouldn't..."

Mother impatiently cut him off, her tone sharp.

"Oh, please! What is the point of studying fashion design anyway? Pearl has applied for the history program at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, so just change Vivian's application to match her sister's."

Father chimed in as well, nodding firmly.

"Pearl is accustomed to having her looked after. With Vivian going along with her to the same place, your mother and I will feel much more at ease."