Rebirth of the Scumbag and the Retribution of the White Lotus

Early that morning, Li Ting was packing to go out and look for some part-time work to supplement the family income. Just as she was about to leave, her stepmother inadvertently called her.

"Li Ting, you should rest at home today. It's a good opportunity for you to help Shufang clean up the house. She can't do it alone." While packing her own clothes, the stepmother spoke in a calm tone with an irresistible tone.

Li Ting stood at the door, slightly startled, then nodded gently: "Okay, Mom, I happen to have some time today, so I can help her tidy up."

Zhao Shufang came out of the room and looked a little unhappy when she heard this: "Mom, I have already done it myself, why do you have to ask me for help?"

The stepmother smiled nonchalantly and said, "You are not a child anymore. You should learn how to do things with your sister so that you can act like an older sister."

Li Ting glanced at them and smiled slightly: "It's okay, Shufang. Just tell me if you need my help. I'll go to your room to take a look."

Zhao Shufang wanted to say that she didn't need it, but Li Ting's words left her speechless. She nodded reluctantly and took her into the room.

In the room, Li Ting quietly looked at the messy books and clothes on the table and began to tidy them up silently.

Zhao Shufang stood aside, her eyes filled with impatience: "Sister, you really are so serious about doing these things. You even take them seriously."

As Li Ting sorted things out, she said calmly, "Since I said I'd help you, I'll do it properly. Since you don't want my help, don't force me in the future."

Zhao Shufang was stunned for a moment, as if she didn't expect her to say that. A hint of disdain appeared on the corner of her mouth: "I didn't ask you for help, it was Mom who insisted on this arrangement."

Li Ting didn't respond, continuing to concentrate on folding clothes. Her tone was gentle: "Actually, you don't have to be so defensive of me. I didn't come back with the intention of stealing anything from you. Just do your own thing."

Zhao Shufang sneered after hearing this: "You really don't want to? But it seems to me that you are acting like this on purpose, wanting Mom to favor you more."

Li Ting stopped what she was doing and looked at her deeply: "Shufang, there's no need for us to be like this. We are a family, not competitors."

Zhao Shufang's eyes flickered, and her lips moved slightly, as if she wanted to refute something, but she chose to remain silent. She snorted coldly and sat down in a chair beside her without saying anything.

After a while, Zhao Shufang suddenly spoke again: "Sister, didn't you say before that you would meddle in family affairs when you were not at home? But why are you meddling in everything lately?"

Li Ting paused and said calmly, "I'm just doing what I can. I'm not trying to interfere. As you know, things at home haven't been going well lately, so I'll do my best to help."

Zhao Shufang sneered and shook her head: "You really know how to talk. You never did that before."

Li Ting sighed softly, put down the clothes in her hands, and said with a bit of helplessness: "The past is the past, and I want to make some changes now. Shufang, you don't have to always stare at my past appearance. After all, everyone grows up."

Zhao Shufang curled her lips noncommittally and deliberately changed the subject: "So, can you change that by getting a job? How much money do your family expect you to make?"

Li Ting chuckled. "I can't make much money, but I'm just trying my best. Shufang, we can get along well and help each other. That way, our family will be better off."

Zhao Shufang was silent for a few seconds, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, but she didn't refute it. She turned away, as if she had lost interest in the topic.

At night, Li Ting returned to her room and was about to rest when she heard her stepmother knock on the door. She opened the door and saw her stepmother standing there, looking a little hesitant.

"Li Ting, thank you for helping Shufang today." The stepmother said with a hint of complexity in her tone.

Li Ting smiled and nodded: "It's nothing, family matters should be shared by everyone."

The stepmother nodded, but quickly changed the subject: "You are older now, and you should know your limits in some things. Shufang is younger than you after all, and she still needs to learn how to handle household affairs."

Li Ting understood the meaning behind her words and smiled softly: "Mom, I know Shufang is the younger generation, and I will try my best to give in to her. In fact, I hope she lives a good life, so that our family will be more harmonious."

The stepmother showed a hint of satisfaction on her face, but she didn't seem completely relieved. She continued, "You know, as a mother, I also hope that there won't be any trouble at home."

Li Ting nodded and said, "I understand what you mean. Don't worry, Mom. I will do my job well and won't embarrass you."

A light smile flashed across her stepmother's eyes, and she patted her shoulder: "I'm relieved that you're so sensible. Go to bed early, and we'll continue our work tomorrow."

Li Ting smiled faintly and watched her leave. She knew her stepmother's probing wasn't over yet, and her family was still carefully watching her every move. However, Li Ting wasn't afraid. She had a clear plan in mind and was moving forward steadily.

At night, Li Ting sat by the window in her room, gazing at the dark night sky outside, and made a secret decision in her heart. She knew that to change her fate, she must move forward unwaveringly and must not be tripped up by the small obstacles in front of her.

Li Ting opened a notebook and quietly wrote down a few key points: how to find a better part-time job, how to further consolidate her position, and how to gradually reduce Zhao Shufang and her stepmother's suspicion of her. All of this required detailed and thorough planning, and she had plenty of patience.

In this silent night, Li Ting's gaze became more determined, and her heart was filled with expectations and faith for the future.