After Being Locked Away for Three Years, the Real Daughter Made the Whole Family Cry After Her Release - Chapter 9:

Chapter 9: The Compensation She Wanted

Lin Wanyi hurriedly stood up to explain, “Ning’er, it’s not what you think…”

Wen Ning’s eyes turned completely red. “Then what is it?”

Lin Wanyi looked at her, opened her mouth, but couldn’t make a single sound.

Zhou Qingci also couldn’t help recalling the time three years ago when Wen Ning nervously handed him a mock exam score of 650 and asked if it was okay. Because the Zhou brothers were all gifted in academics, their scores never dropped below 700. That day, Zhou Yaya had sprained her ankle, and he was in a rush to take her to the hospital, so he casually dismissed it as bad.

Back then, Wen Ning had looked just like she did now—lashes wet with tears, eyes rimmed red.

Zhou Qingci was filled with guilt. “It was me who used connections to switch Yaya into your school spot. If you want to blame someone, blame me.”

Zhou Yaya’s expression grew darker as she watched the scene unfold.

She thought after what happened three years ago, the Zhou Family had completely given up on Wen Ning. She never imagined Zhou Qingci would bring her back. And now, just mentioning the admission letter, everyone suddenly pitied her?

Seems she had underestimated the power of blood ties.

Thinking this, Zhou Yaya held her chest and stood up.

“Sister, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. I’ll go admit my mistake to the school and apply for withdrawal right now.”

“Ridiculous. You think you can just leave A University like that?” Zhou Donghai said.

Zhou Qingyan quickly chimed in, “That’s right, Yaya. You worked so hard for this. How could you just give it all up the moment she comes back?”

She worked hard?

I’m stealing?

How ridiculous.

But Wen Ning had long stopped caring about the Zhou Family’s favoritism. She didn’t even bother with Zhou Qingyan’s barking.

She only turned to look at Zhou Donghai and Lin Wanyi.

“That score was earned through my sleepless nights and relentless effort.”

“You used your influence to let Zhou Yaya enjoy the fruits of it. She’s the daughter you care about, but I’m not?”

Lin Wanyi trembled with guilt. “No, no, you’re my biological daughter. How could I not care about you?”

Zhou Donghai sighed. “But what’s done is done. It’s been three years. I know you feel wronged. Aside from A University, tell me what you want in compensation—I’ll give it to you.”

Hearing that, Wen Ning’s tightly clenched fists loosened slightly.

She had already known the admission letter couldn’t be recovered, so she wasn’t disappointed.

She insisted on bringing it up to make them feel guilty, so she could get what she truly wanted.

She had thought about asking for a large sum of money, so she could fly far away and cut ties with the Zhou Family entirely. But Zhou Donghai would never allow it.

And after seeing her brother’s crippled legs, how could she leave him behind?

After a pause, Wen Ning raised her eyes and said firmly, “Re-enroll me for senior year. I want to retake the college entrance exam.”

The room instantly fell silent.

Then came a mocking snort.

“Oh wow, aren’t you clever. There’s only three months left until the exam. What, you plan to squeeze into a vocational college just to embarrass the Zhou Family?”

“Second Brother, how can you say that about your sister?” Lin Wanyi scolded, but even she said, “Ning’er, I still have a few rental properties under my name. I’ll give them to you—you can live off the rent. No need to take the exam again.”

“Yes, Sister, it’s much better to earn money while resting,” Zhou Yaya said gently, pretending to be considerate. “Besides, repeating senior year at your age… people might gossip.”

It would’ve been better not to say anything—because the moment she did, the fury in Wen Ning’s chest surged almost uncontrollably. “You think people haven’t already gossiped about me?”

All of senior year, she stayed buried in her studies, trying not to embarrass the Zhou Family and hoping they’d see her worth.

But when she looked up, all she found was pointing fingers—manipulative girl, plagiarist, two-faced slut, homewrecker…

A flicker of glee flashed in Zhou Yaya’s eyes, though she continued to sniffle softly. “Sister, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”

“Yaya, why are you apologizing to her? She’s the one who should apologize to you!” Zhou Qingyan glared at Wen Ning and shouted.

Wen Ning couldn’t be bothered to argue. “I won’t return to school. Help me rent an apartment and hire tutors for each subject. I’ll study on my own.”

This was something Wen Ning had already planned.

With only three months left, going back to school wouldn’t help—she’d be too far behind. The only way to catch up was through one-on-one tutoring.

Wen Ning spoke calmly, “That’s the compensation I want. Can you give it to me?”

Zhou Donghai met her pitch-black eyes and felt like there was something different about her.

But when he thought more deeply, he realized—there wasn’t really any difference at all.

If she were smart, she’d take advantage of their guilt and ask for money or shares—not act all self-righteous and talk about retaking exams.

Raised in the countryside, short-sighted. This was as far as she’d go in life.

Zhou Donghai’s gaze was full of cold disdain. “Fine. I agree.”

Lin Wanyi suddenly said, “No. I don’t feel comfortable letting Ning’er live alone. She should stay at home.”

Wen Ning’s lashes quivered. She was about to speak when she heard Lin Wanyi mutter, “She just got out of the sanitarium. What will people say if she lives outside?”

A faint, mocking smile tugged at Wen Ning’s lips.

Zhou Donghai thought for a moment, then changed his mind. “Your mother’s right. Stay at home. Eldest, help her with the school enrollment. Second, arrange the tutors.”

Zhou Qingci gave a solemn nod.

Zhou Qingyan let out a reluctant grunt, but Zhou Yaya quickly leaned on Zhou Donghai’s arm and cooed, “Daddy, I can help Sister find tutors too.”

Zhou Donghai fondly patted her head. “Alright, you help too.”

Zhou Yaya smiled sweetly, casting a triumphant glance at Wen Ning.

But Wen Ning didn’t even look at them. Her goal had been achieved—she wasn’t about to waste another second here.

Lin Wanyi called after her, “Ning’er, I haven’t seen you in so long. Come talk with me for a bit?”

“I’m going to study.”

She didn’t stop walking.

Her time was limited. She couldn’t waste it on useless things.

Leaving the main house, she walked straight toward the independent villa on the southernmost side of the estate—Zhou Qinghe’s residence.

She had to begin reviewing immediately. But all her textbooks and practice materials had been thrown away. She wanted her brother’s help in buying new ones.

Suddenly, a low male voice came from behind.

“Wen Ning.”

Wen Ning paused but continued walking as if she hadn’t heard.

Footsteps rushed after her, and soon, a tall, upright figure blocked her path.

Seeing that familiar and handsome face, Wen Ning felt a sharp pain in her heart. She quickly looked away and asked calmly, “Young Master Shen, what do you want?”