Household Registration: Jiang Xu Resolved to Forget Liang Xiaoqing

A year can bring subtle changes to some people, but to others, it can bring about seismic shifts.

For Jiang Xu, that year had been filled with events that upended more than twenty years of her life. She turned out to be the illegitimate daughter of a retail magnate in C City, reportedly the wealthiest man in town. His publicly acknowledged eldest daughter was Jiang Tao, who had returned from studying abroad and steadily climbed the corporate ladder. Now, at thirty-five, she served as the regional general manager and was tipped to be the group's next heir.

Jiang Xu wasn't sure how she'd been recognized. All she remembered was Jiang Tao coming to find her, dropping a fact that took her days to digest, and asking whether she wanted to come work for the company.

One-sided heartache had left her in a daze. A year ago, she had cut off all contact with Liang Xiaoqing. She had no right to interfere in Liang Xiaoqing's life, but she still found her incredibly cruel. If she'd never been given a taste of what it was like, she wouldn't have had the chance to yearn for it. Yet during those peaceful days, she had clearly felt Liang Xiaoqing's sincerity toward her.

No matter how hard she tried to understand, she couldn't figure out why Liang Xiaoqing had to reject her with such a flimsy excuse. She had a vague inkling about Liang Xiaoqing's past, and the more she thought about it, the harder it was to imagine Liang Xiaoqing marrying another man and having children with him.

Countless times, she'd pictured that scenario in her mind, and each time, her heart ached with a dull throb, forcing her to push the thought away.

Day after day, she went to work, appearing like a normal person, except that there was no longer any hope on the horizon. No one she was desperate to call. No one who asked after her well-being. No one who understood her. Everything was hers alone to bear.

For over six months, Jiang Xu adjusted to living in a world of one. There were long stretches where she couldn't sleep—lying in bed, if she didn't close her eyes, she could stay awake until dawn. Sometimes she'd cry for no reason. Sometimes, she'd pick up her phone, still wanting to call Liang Xiaoqing, to ask her when exactly she was getting married, and whether she knew how much Jiang Xu loved her.

This time, the connection between them was severed entirely. Tossing and turning at night, Jiang Xu couldn't understand why. Grief came first, then resentment quietly piled up, growing bit by bit. Toward Liang Xiaoqing, she harbored a tangled knot of emotions that were hard to describe—a mix of all sorts of unresolved bitterness. Little did she realize she was only torturing herself.

One evening, Jiang Xu put on a soap opera that Liang Xiaoqing used to like. It was still the same life-and-death love story, with lead actors so flawless in their performances that you'd almost believe they were truly in love in some parallel universe. The thought struck Jiang Xu as absurd—love, it turned out, could be acted, too.

She turned off the TV and curled up on the couch of her rented apartment, telling herself she should forget Liang Xiaoqing, that she couldn't keep thinking about her. Slowly, she let Liang Xiaoqing's traces fade from her memory. After a while, she thought she'd truly forgotten, and even felt a flicker of relief. But the next night, lying in bed, resentment grew inside her like vines clinging to a tree.

Once she realized it, Jiang Xu treated it like some unexpected gift, letting the hatred spread through her heart. Memories of Liang Xiaoqing took root again, deeper than ever. She felt excited by it. She felt enraged by it. She felt despair—yet a secret thrill accompanied her all the while. She couldn't forget Liang Xiaoqing.

She imagined Liang Xiaoqing living a happy, ordinary married life, and the thought that she might be happier than Jiang Xu had ever pictured only multiplied her fury a thousandfold.

It was an addictive kind of agony. Day and night, Jiang Xu's thoughts circled back to Liang Xiaoqing.

She was formally accepted as Jiang Weixing's youngest daughter. When Jiang Tao asked whether she wanted to acknowledge Jiang Weixing as her father, Jiang Xu, for the first time in a long while, thought of Wang Cai. That woman, worn down by Jiang Daguo's cruelty, had apparently had a history she'd never known about. Jiang Xu had no idea how Wang Cai had become Jiang Weixing's mistress. Maybe she hadn't been at all—perhaps their relationship had been nothing more than a transaction. But half of Jiang Xu's blood did come from Jiang Weixing.

Jiang Tao said that if Jiang Xu didn't want to acknowledge him as her father, she could still receive a 3% stake in Weixing Group, enough to keep her comfortable for the rest of her life. "Dad is sick," Jiang Tao said. "He says he wants to see Aunt Wang now."

As she led Jiang Xu to a VIP ward, Jiang Tao spoke in a moving tone: "I knew Aunt Wang too. She even looked after me for a while when I was little. If Dad sees you, I'm sure he'll be overjoyed."

Jiang Tao called Jiang Weixing "Dad" with easy familiarity. Jiang Xu realized she had never once called anyone "Dad" in her life. When she entered the ward, a man lay on the bed, covered in tubes. His temples were gray, his features regular—younger-looking than Jiang Daguo, but still visibly aged around the eyes.

Jiang Tao walked over quietly and whispered something in Jiang Weixing's ear. Behind her, Jiang Xu watched as the old man's trembling hand reached out and beckoned to her. Expressionless, Jiang Xu walked over. Jiang Weixing could no longer speak. His withered, twig-like hand closed around hers, lacking any strength.

Jiang Xu felt nothing. Her eyes looked at him as if he were a stranger. Jiang Weixing didn't actually look that old, just ravaged by illness.

Jiang Tao watched them from the side, her expression sad. All three of them were silent. A rasping sound came from Jiang Weixing's throat—he seemed to want to say something to Jiang Xu. Goosebumps rose on her skin; an uneasy feeling crept over her. The hand gripping hers was cold as a corpse's.

Jiang Tao said, "Jiang Xu, Dad must be so emotional. You know, he's been looking for Aunt Wang all these years, but he never found her. At least he gets to see you now. I think Dad must be very happy."

As Jiang Tao's unhurried voice drifted on, Jiang Xu wondered if she'd seen it wrong. Jiang Weixing's cloudy eyes opened wider, his throat emitting rapid, wheezing sounds, and his grip on her hand tightened.

"Dad, don't get too excited. You know your illness can't handle excitement. You need to take care of yourself in your current state. Don't worry about other things—I'll handle everything. And Mom will help, too. Since I've brought Jiang Xu back, she'll have her place in the Jiang family. After all, Jiang Xu is your daughter—she carries Jiang blood in her veins."

The fluorescent lights in the hospital were a little harsh, and the all-white surroundings made the place feel even more uncomfortable. The light cast a faint shadow across Jiang Tao's face, settling on features that bore a striking resemblance to Jiang Weixing's. Her brows, eyes, and nose were especially similar to his, giving her a slightly sharp, handsome quality. But her soft facial contours and small mouth made her more delicate, especially when she smiled, which closed the distance between her and others. A faint glow caught the tip of Jiang Tao's nose, where a fine sheen of sweat had formed, and her light makeup lent her a soft, radiant look.

Even though she was smiling, that smile sent a chill down Jiang Xu's spine. Jiang Tao pried Jiang Weixing's hand away, then took it in her own, patting the back of his hand reassuringly.

"Dad, rest easy. I'll take care of the company, and I'll take care of Jiang Xu, too. All these years you searched for Aunt Wang won't have been in vain."

As she spoke, Jiang Tao turned to Jiang Xu. As if she knew something, she deliberately asked in front of Jiang Weixing: "By the way, Jiang Xu, where's Aunt Wang? Where is she now? Are you two living together?"

"No," Jiang Xu said, pulling her hand free from Jiang Weixing's. "She's been dead for many years." She stared calmly at Jiang Weixing. The old man lying in bed was slow to react—only his eyes widened again, as if they might bulge out of their sockets.

Jiang Tao said, "I see. I'm sorry, Jiang Xu."

Jiang Xu watched her without a flicker of expression.

Once more, Jiang Tao earnestly assured Jiang Weixing: "Dad, don't worry. I'll take good care of Jiang Xu."

Jiang Xu didn't understand why she'd suddenly acquired a father and a sister. But Jiang Tao's manner was not at all like that of someone treating her as a sibling. Looking closely, their facial features did bear some resemblance. That made Jiang Xu willing to believe they might be blood sisters. But her intuition told her Jiang Tao was nowhere near as kind as she seemed.

Having once experienced what it truly felt like when someone cared for you, Jiang Xu recognized how hollow Jiang Tao's good intentions were.

After bringing her to see Jiang Weixing, Jiang Tao offered to take her home for dinner, so the relatives could meet her. Jiang Xu declined. She moved from her internship to a position at Weixing Group. Jiang Tao said her credentials weren't strong enough yet, so she started at one of their retail locations, working from the bottom up.

But Jiang Tao transferred the 3% stake in Jiang Weixing's name to her, saying half-jokingly: "Barring any surprises, this money should be enough for you to live on for several lifetimes." As she spoke, a cold glint flickered in her eyes, almost like a warning.

Jiang Xu vaguely understood that Jiang Tao didn't really like her. If she'd had a choice, she probably wouldn't have gone looking for her at all.

Having finally accepted this earth-shattering change in her life, Jiang Xu didn't want to get drawn into the power struggle. She chose to take the money and step away from the center of it, working as the lowest-level employee at one of the stores.

The work was much easier than her previous internship. For the first time in a long while, Jiang Xu had time to let her mind rest. She had no grand ambitions—nothing like Jiang Tao's ruthless drive. She worked as a cashier at the front desk, watching the endless stream of pedestrians pass by the glass window from morning to night, and strangely, it brought a measure of calm to her heart.

The resentment that had been simmering inside her simply subsided into a different form, waiting quietly. She thought about Liang Xiaoqing every single day.

Did she really get married? Was everything from the past just a dream?

The day Jiang Weixing died, the employees at the store were buzzing with discussion.

"The newly appointed director is that Jiang Tao woman..."

"Didn't they say the former chairman had found his long-lost illegitimate daughter?"

"..."

Jiang Xu felt little emotion over Jiang Weixing's death. Jiang Tao, however, did catch her attention slightly.

Jiang Xu understood what this huge sum of money meant. Suddenly possessing wealth she'd never have earned in a lifetime felt surreal.

Before she'd worked at the store for long, Jiang Tao contacted her, saying she had something to tell her. They arranged to meet at a bar—not the rowdy kind. The bar counter was quieter. Soft music drifted through the room, and a few scattered patrons in booths chatted and laughed among themselves. When Jiang Xu walked in, the people near the door glanced at her a couple of times. It was an upscale venue, and most of the women looking at her were stylishly dressed in different ways.

It was her first time at such a place, and being the center of attention made her uncomfortable. It was dim inside, lit only by warm, dim lights that set the mood, and the air conditioning was blasting. Jiang Xu looked around, searching for Jiang Tao. A few women sitting close to the door greeted her enthusiastically.

"Hey~"

"Are you still in college, little sister?"

Jiang Xu ignored them. But Jiang Tao, hearing the commotion near the entrance, spotted Jiang Xu and waved her over.

"Over here."

Jiang Xu walked over. Today, Jiang Tao's style of dress was quite different from usual—casual, not nearly as formal.

Jiang Tao held a half-full glass of liquor, swirling it.

"Sit."

As Jiang Xu sat down, Jiang Tao took a sip.

A bottle she'd stored was sitting beside her. She asked the bartender to bring another glass.

A crystal glass was set in front of Jiang Xu.

Then Jiang Tao poured the liquor into it.

"Ever had a drink before?"

"Yes."

The glass was filled with ice, and the liquor gave off wisps of cold vapor as it poured. Jiang Tao filled it about halfway before handing it to Jiang Xu.

Jiang Xu took a sip. The taste was unlike any liquor she'd ever had—a faint, mellow fragrance, with a slightly bitter aftertaste that turned sweet as it went down. It wasn't bad, though not exactly great either. Still, Jiang Xu found she liked it. She took a few more sips and soon finished the glass.

Jiang Tao refilled it halfway.

Jiang Xu noticed some capital English letters on the bottle by her hand. MACA... beyond that, the dim lighting made it hard to read.

Jiang Tao also poured half a glass for herself, saying between sips: "This stuff is pretty strong."

Jiang Xu said nothing.

Jiang Tao continued, "I didn't call you over tonight for anything big. Are you planning to settle in C City long-term?"

Jiang Tao had already gotten what she wanted. Wherever Jiang Xu went, she could no longer pose a threat.

Jiang Xu was silent for a moment, then nodded.

Apart from C City, she didn't know where else to go. She'd lived here for five years—at least it was familiar territory. Actually, compared to C City, there was one place she'd rather be. But she was afraid she might truly ruin that person.

Jiang Tao nodded knowingly. Taking another sip, she added, "I'll transfer the apartment at Shenglin to you. You can come home for meals whenever you like. You're smart—you know your place. Dad's gone now, so there's no one left at home. But we're still blood sisters. If you want, you can move back in."

Jiang Xu didn't believe Jiang Tao cared about their thin blood tie. But from what she knew, Jiang Tao's mother and Jiang Weixing had divorced long ago. Jiang Tao's mother had already started a new family. As for Jiang Tao herself... She really was on her own.

Still, that didn't mean Jiang Xu felt any sympathy for her.

She didn't respond. Jiang Tao finished the last of her drink and left, leaving the bottle behind. Before leaving, she made an appointment with Jiang Xu to go to the notary's office another time.

Maybe because she'd suffered so much in the first half of her life, wealth that others would envy for a lifetime now came to her without lifting a finger. After Jiang Tao left, Jiang Xu also got up to go.

As she left, the women by the door were still there. Seeing her head for the entrance, they burst into a fit of laughter.

Outside, the air was nowhere near as pleasant as the air-conditioned interior. The ground still radiated heat like an oven. In the distance, high-rise buildings glittered with lights, twinkling amid the night. The sharp temperature change made Jiang Xu shiver.

Jiang Tao was already out of sight. The apartment Jiang Xu rented wasn't far from here. Perhaps the liquor's effect was stronger than she'd thought—her head felt a little fuzzy. She trudged forward slowly, then suddenly realized something.

By the time she got home, she was drenched in sweat.

The run-down old residential building looked like an elder forgotten by the big city, radiating an air of decay. The old district was much quieter than the main roads of downtown. Dragging her increasingly heavy body, Jiang Xu collapsed onto the secondhand sofa she'd picked up. The glow of neon lights from afar seeped through the window, but her vision was a blur.

As if years had passed, she pulled out her phone and found the call log she hadn't touched in a long time. Her heart ached, though the alcohol dulled the sensation, making it arrive slowly, lazily.

Her hand trembled as she hesitated to press the call button. Was it because they hadn't been in contact for so long? Or was it something else?

On any normal night, she wouldn't be this muddle-headed. By the time she snapped out of it, the call had already gone through. What was she even doing? It was pointless—Liang Xiaoqing had probably changed her number like before, or perhaps she didn't want to take her call at all.

Jiang Xu thought hazily. The dial tone made her heart leap into her throat. Just as she was about to hang up, a voice came through: "Hello, is this Xiao Xu?"

Like fireworks bursting in the sky, the familiar voice carried exhaustion even through the phone line, and the crackle made it sound even raspier. But Jiang Xu didn't notice any of that. She'd rehearsed a hundred times how she'd call Liang Xiaoqing, imagined what expression she'd use, what excuse she'd give. But when she actually made the call, none of that mattered.

"It's me."

Jiang Xu had no idea what Liang Xiaoqing's life was like now. She dreaded that the thing she feared most had already happened. She spoke a little louder, her voice tight with a mix of frustration and anger.

On the phone: "Is something the matter?"

Jiang Xu couldn't help wondering if other things were taking up too much of Liang Xiaoqing's time. She sensed urgency in her voice. Under the influence of alcohol, self-control was harder to maintain.

"Is there something wrong?" the voice asked again.

"No," she replied coldly.

There was a moment of silence, then noise on the other end: "Hold on. Let me find somewhere else."

Jiang Xu couldn't help thinking maliciously—was it because of her? Why did she need to move? What was so shameful about their relationship? What would happen if she really did ruin Liang Xiaoqing's marriage? She'd probably cry her eyes out, wouldn't she?

Jiang Xu's eyes glistened in the darkness, the corners moist.

The noise on the line finally stopped.

"Okay. You can talk now."

Liang Xiaoqing's voice sounded emptier than before. The place around her must be vast.

"Are you still in Shuiqing Town?"

"..."

Silence.

Struggling to hold herself together, Jiang Xu managed, still cold: "I've settled in C City now. I want to move my household registration here."

She could hear the sound of breathing on the other end.

Each inhale and exhale made her dizzy.

"If you have—"

The voice on the other end cut her off.

"Xiao Xu. Your household registration was moved onto mine a long time ago."

"What..." Actually, Jiang Xu should have understood. Why she'd been allowed to stay at Liang Xiaoqing's house for so long. Why Jiang Lun never bothered her afterward. All sorts of emotions churned inside her. She suddenly remembered that Liang Xiaoqing had once told her—no matter what happened, she should always trust her.

"Are you coming back?" The voice on the phone grew fuzzy.

Jiang Xu hesitated.

"If you do, I'll leave the household registration book with Sister Yang. You can just go pick it up from her."

Just a moment ago, Jiang Xu had thought that maybe this connection still caused Liang Xiaoqing some concern. But if she harbored even a shred of feeling for her, how could she say it like that? She didn't want Jiang Xu at her house. She didn't want her to come back at all. Even the explanation was spoken with such reluctance.

"Got it." Jiang Xu hung up.

The person she was now was no longer the person she'd been. In the past, she'd only seen Liang Xiaoqing as the Liang Xiaoqing of her imagination. Did she really need to keep herself chained to the past for the sake of this love?

Liang Xiaoqing didn't care in the slightest. No one else cared either, except herself.

Jiang Xu clutched her phone, a weight of gloom pressing on her chest, impossible to release.

Fine—she wouldn't go back then. She didn't want to see Liang Xiaoqing at all. Never before had she been so desperate to sever ties with her.

But if she didn't go back to transfer the registration, she'd still be connected to Liang Xiaoqing.

Like a deflated balloon, Jiang Xu collapsed onto the sofa. She felt her own breathing, felt the silence of the night. She felt hollow, as if she'd never existed in this world at all.

A bizarre family history. Abandoned once again. During the days she'd resented Liang Xiaoqing, she'd always set a deadline for herself. Even now, she still couldn't let go of that hatred.

Actually, Liang Xiaoqing had been really good to her. She shouldn't feel this way. What she should feel was gratitude. But it was exactly this connection that made her feel she and Liang Xiaoqing could never truly be cut off—even though Liang Xiaoqing had a marriage ahead of her.

She simply couldn't imagine Liang Xiaoqing living that kind of life. She'd humbly thought that even a polite greeting during the holidays would prove their relationship hadn't entirely vanished. The mix of longing to see her and not daring to was too complex for words.

A fitful breeze drifted in from outside the building. Jiang Xu curled up on the sofa, her back soaked with sweat. But thanks to the liquor, she couldn't be bothered to get up and shower. Caught between the stifling heat and the occasional cool draft, she drifted into a hazy sleep, the shadows of distant neon lights lurking before her eyes.

Jiang Xu resolved—she had to forget Liang Xiaoqing.