A Snowy Hairpin

[Over-the-Top, Old-School Melodrama] Father said, "Min'er, no matter what happens, don't come out. Do you understand?" I nodded and hid obediently. The first snow of winter had fallen, and outside was a blinding expanse of white. I watched as Father coughed up black blood. As he lay dying, he stared wide-eyed in the direction where I was hiding, his lips moving. I could make out his words: "Stay hidden." But it was too late. I was only eight. I covered my mouth to stifle my sobs, but they still found me. Someone grabbed me by the collar and flung me to the ground like a piece of cargo. I couldn't hold back my wailing. Through tear-blurred eyes, I saw a man in white approach. He even held a handkerchief to wipe away my tears. I bit down on his wrist until the taste of blood filled my mouth. He was my father's favorite student, and also the one who had personally brought him the poisoned wine. Lin Chuan took me away. I thought I was going to die and join Father underground. But instead, Lin Chuan took me home, taught me to read and write, and raised me. I grew up with revenge in my heart, and when I turned sixteen, I thought, the time has come. I hadn't left the house in all those years, but from the servants' gossip, I knew I was considered quite beautiful. So I learned a few tricks for dealing with men. After countless attempts, Lin Chuan finally let his guard down. I drove a hairpin toward his heart. I hated him. Now that my vengeance was finally at hand, tears streamed down my face. He stroked my face with his blood-soaked hand, dark emotions surging in his eyes. "Min'er, if I die, will you be happy?" Sobbing, I said yes. He nodded, then used the hand holding mine to push the hairpin deeper. 2022.07.19. Screenshot Theme: Recognize your true feelings.