The July sun was like a blazing fire, scorching the entire village and crop fields.

“Janet, someone is looking for you.”

When the neighbor, Mr. Wallace, found Janet Jackson, she was busy planting watermelon seedlings. The girl looked up and stared wide-eyed at the man. She had a cool temperament, and her skin was exceptionally fair. Despite doing farm work at her home all year long, her skin appeared so good that it was enviable.

Mr. Wallace spoke, “That person is in your house. They are from a large family, and they

came in a car.”

Janet nodded, and she followed him.

...

At that moment, a group of people was gathered in the Wallace residence. Ms. Cook looked

at the girl with a cool temperament walking toward them. She was wearing a linen top and a

pair of black trousers, which were splattered with mud and dirt. Even though she did not

smell funny, she had an unapproachable and distant aura around her.

Ms. Cook did not bother to hide the disdain in her gaze when she asked her,

“Are you Janet?”

Janet nodded while looking indifferent. Ms. Cook added, “My name is Maya Cook, and I am the housekeeper of the Jackson family.

I handle complicated and miscellaneous affairs within the Jackson Family.”

Coincidentally, Madam Wallace—Poppy Wallace—snorted in disdain. Ms. Cook burst out laughing because she knew what Poppy meant when she snorted. It’s just about money, isn’t it? After that, she took out a bankcard from her bag to slam it on the table. “There’s 5 million in here. You will never earn this amount even if you planted crops for the rest of your

lives.

''The two middle-aged elderly villagers had their legs crossed while they stared unblinkingly

at the bankcard. Hmph, I can’t believe this damned girl is worth so much money! Poppy persisted, “Are you trying to get rid of us with only 5 million? We’ve raised her for eighteen years!”

“Poppy Wallace, you should take it. Don’t be too greedy!” advised Janet lazily.

The woman named Poppy glared at Janet viciously.

“This is none of your business, you

damned girl. You stink! Get lost and have a shower; don’t get involved in something unrelated to you!” I’ve never fancied this daughter since she was young. Her results were bad, and she has always been a loner; there is honestly nothing likable about her. Initially, I was hoping to receive some dowry after she got married, but that damned girl ran away after junior high. During that time, I heard from the village’s gossipmonger that a man from another province took the stupid girl away. Therefore, the villagers mocked me throughout the three years. Even if I were to take this money, should I ignore the grievances I’ve experienced throughout the years when the villagers mocked me?

The weather was hot, but there was no air-conditioning in the Wallace residence. Ms. Cook was already feeling annoyed and impatient, and so she threw the card firmly on the table.

“It’s for you to decide whether you want the money, but I’m taking her away, without question.” After saying that, she turned around to face Janet. “Change your clothes! You’re filthy!”

Janet looked up at her slightly while giving her a cold and distant stare, but she did not comment further. After that, she walked into her room. All the while, Ms. Cook had a contemptuous look on her face.

In no time, Janet had a fresh change of clothes, and she was carrying a small bag. After she walked to the front of the car, Ms. Cook stated quietly,

“Hop in!”

Janet did not reply to her; instead, she got into the car straight away, as if the place had no sentimental value to her. I’ve lived here for eighteen years, but it’s not where I belong after all. I’d like to know what my actual home looks like.

In the village, the villagers stared at that luxurious car as it sped off and started discussing

in hushed tones,

“Look, that girl is like a phoenix rising from the ashes!.''

…

In the car, Janet leaned against her seat lazily while knocking the car window rhythmically.

Suddenly, her phone rang, and she took her time to fish her phone out of her bag. Ms. Cook, who was in the front seat, noticed Janet’s large and brick-like phone, and a look of disgust flashed through her eyes. What era are we in now? Why is she still using such an ancient

phone?

Janet pressed a button to answer the call, only to be greeted with an anxious voice over the phone. “What happened?” She had a youthful girlish voice, but her tone was indifferent and

distant.

Nevertheless, her response did not dampen the man’s spirits and excitement. “Janet, there’s

something huge in the UN Auction tomorrow. Are you coming?”

The man’s tone was careful

but filled with anticipation. His respectful tone sounded as if he was speaking to a senior.

The person on the phone call was Janet’s close friend, Lee Sanders. He would always be first to inform her about the best event across the country. The auction this time was no exception.

After all, Janet was a famous big player within the auction network.

Janet frowned when she heard that. “I’m not going; I’m busy.” She hung up on him after saying that.

“Miss Jackson, did you receive a scam phone call? The swindlers in Sandfort City adopted

high technologies, and so someone like you, who has been living in the village, must have never encountered such circumstances,” Ms. Cook commented.

Janet closed her eyes without responding to her. Many swindlers around? Is she proud that the swindlers are skillful?

Infuriated by Janet for giving her the cold shoulder, Ms. Cook thus commented contemptuously, “The Jacksons are rich and powerful people. If you were to join the Jackson Family, you’ll have to change your phone, Miss Janet. You wouldn’t want to embarrass the Jacksons.” With that, Ms. Cook rolled her eyes at Janet in disdain. She noted that Janet’s eyelids were half-closed, almost as if she was fast asleep.

Upon realizing that her speech had fallen on deaf ears, Ms. Cook raised her voice straight away. “I heard that you dropped out of school during junior high, Miss Janet. In that case, I’m sure you’re not familiar with the rules in the Jackson Family.''

Initially, Janet appeared to be asleep, but her eyelids suddenly fluttered, and her lips curled

into a smirk. “Oh?”

Immediately, Ms. Cook’s tone took an icy turn, and she sounded as if she was reprimanding an ill-behaved wild girl. “‘Oh’? Don’t you have any manners? Is this how you speak with an

elderly/”

Janet chuckled quietly, but she did not comment further. Is the housekeeper reprimanding me, Young Miss Jackson? Ms. Cook was upset when she heard Janet’s laughter, because it almost felt as if she wasn’t listening to her at all. Nevertheless, she inhaled deeply to calm herself down. She seemed to have noticed that she had gone overboard, and so she stopped speaking.

…

In the Jackson residence, the family was having lunch in the two-story villa.

Her father, Brian

Jackson, had managed Jackson Enterprise in good order over the years, whereas her mother, Megan Davis, was a retired well-known model. Their daughter, Emily Jackson, had good grades in school. She could play the piano and draw, and she was always a favorite

among teachers and the school principal. To outsiders, the Jacksons looked like the perfect family.

If it weren’t for the physical examination for Emily’s school’s military training, they would have been none the wiser. The physical examination report revealed that Emily was Blood Type O, but Megan and Brian were both Blood Type AB. Therefore, it was impossible for them to have given birth to a child with Blood Type O. If it weren’t for the report, the entire Jackson Family might not have realized that Emily wasn’t their biological daughter. After a series of investigations, it turned out that the trainee nurse in the hospital at that time made a blunder and labeled their names wrongly.

At that moment, everyone seemed affected and looked sad. There were an array of emotions, and everyone had different thoughts going through their minds. They weren’t in the mood to eat at all. No one touched the delicious spread on the dining table.

As Emily was biting on her chopsticks, she burst into tears all of a sudden. Then, she put her chopsticks down as she prepared to leave the dining table.

“Emily, where are you going?” Megan stood up to stop her.

Emily could hardly catch her breath between her sobs. “Daddy, Mommy, soon, I won’t be your daughter anymore.”

Brian joined in to stop her from leaving. “Emily, what nonsense is that? You will always be

our daughter!''.

...

“B-But… Janet is arriving home soon, and this home will no longer belong to me.”

“Emily, what are you talking about? This home is always yours; you can’t leave!” Megan held

Emily in her arms.

Megan was rather upset because she had invested eighteen years of affection for Emily.

How could she possibly abandon her at a moment’s notice?

On the other side, her biological daughter was merely a failing Young Miss Jackson. Janet’s information and background flashed through Megan’s mind. Janet Jackson, 18 years old, junior high school graduate, mediocre student who is always playing truant. Later,

she went missing for three years. Nobody knew where she was during those three years. There were horrible rumors claiming that she ran away with an old man. I just can’t imagine someone like her as my biological

daughter.

Coincidentally, Janet had just arrived home, and her gaze was hollow while she took in the sight in front of her. She stood still for the longest time. Finally, Brian was the one who noticed her.

“Janet?” Brian greeted her dubiously. The middle-aged man turned to look at Janet, and he released his arm from Emily’s grip, looking rather uncomfortable.

Emily’s sobs paused for a moment, and she shifted her focus onto Janet.

The girl had fair skin and a petite frame. Her face was small with delicate facial features, and she looked almost like a porcelain doll. Both her appearance and temperament were somewhat a reflection of Megan—she was their biological daughter, after all.

A trace of jealousy glinted in Emily’s eyes. However, when she saw the rags Janet was wearing, her gaze turned into one of disgust.

She came from the village indeed, and that explains her poor taste. She can’t compare to someone like me, who has been living in the city.

At a quick glance, Emily looked much more like a Young Miss Jackson in comparison.

“Janet, is that you? Quick, come in.”

Janet nodded calmly before she made her way to Brian’s side and took her seat. Megan gave the young girl, who closely resembled her, a once-over before breaking the silence awkwardly. “Janet, this is your younger sister, Emily.”

“Janet, nice to meet you; I’m Emily,” greeted Emily tentatively. Megan noticed how timid Emily was, and her heart clenched in pain.

Janet’s lips curled faintly into a smile, and she greeted them in a distant tone, “Nice to meet you.”

Brian stared at Janet; he observed her from head-to-toe, and a complex emotion flashed

across his face!

“Are you still trying to adapt since you just got home?” Brian stood up to pour Janet a glass

of water.

Janet responded with a faint smile. “I’m fine.”

Brian nodded. “That’s good. As parents, we’ve owed you. From now on, you should live in the

Jackson residence, and we will look after you.”

We owe Janet too much, and from now on, we have to make it up to her gradually.

“By the way, Janet, I learned about your education and results. Currently, you are still in junior high, so I’ve arranged for you to continue with senior high in Star High School. You’d be in the same school as your younger sister! Classes start on Monday; is that alright?”

“Star High School is the best exclusive private school in Sandfort City. Janet, as the Young Miss of the Jackson Family, it’s not enough for you to have a junior high education,” added Emily.

She was blatant with her intentions, and she meant that it would be embarrassing to be poorly educated.

She can’t shake off her shabbiness even if she were to attend school in Star High School. A faint smile spread across Janet’s face. “Thank you.”

Emily rolled her eyes in her mind when she saw Janet smiling in delight.

Is she so happy just because she heard that she’s attending an exclusive private school? Villagers truly have low standards. “That’s right.” Brian looked as if he thought of something before he walked into his bedroom. He took out an intricate gift box from the cupboard.

After that, he placed the present in front of Janet while speaking to her calmly, “Janet, this is a gift for you since we are meeting for the first time as father and daughter. Have a look.” Janet’s large, round eyes glanced at the exquisite gift box.Then, she unwrapped the bag outside slowly and realized that it was a Louis Vuitton designer brand’s box.

Upon opening the box, a beautifully-crafted Louis Vuitton necklace was presented in front of

everybody.

Emily’s eyes flashed with a trace of jealousy because it was obvious that this necklace was extremely pricey. Brian is meeting Janet for the first time, but he has already prepared such a costly gift for her.

I don’t want to even imagine what might happen in the future. Is there even a place for me in

the Jackson Family in the future?

When she thought of that, earnest jealousy shone in her gaze. Brian asked while sounding sincere, “What do you think?”

Janet’s pink lips curled into a smile, and she answered with a light and distant tone, “Thank

you.”

“We are family, so don’t mention it.” Brian smiled kindly at her.

Just when Brian was about to continue to ask Janet what she liked, his gaze suddenly focused on her fair and slender neck.

There was a ruby necklace around Janet’s slender neck.

He immediately recognized that as the newest auction item this season in Markovia. The

cost was astronomical, and the price was about ten figures.

The necklace was inlaid with blood-red gemstones. It had an extremely stylish and classy style that made it look superior.

At that time, the necklace was auctioned off at 1.5 billion. Nevertheless, the person who purchased the necklace was still a mystery until today. Rumors have it that a big boss from Markovia bought it; how did it end up on Janet?

Brian’s keen gaze was filled with suspicion now.

Upon weighing the possibilities, he came up with a conclusion. Maybe Janet doesn’t own any presentable accessories, and so she bought counterfeit to save face?

If we had raised Janet by our side, she wouldn’t have ended up being so snobbish and materialistic. Then, Brian kept his head bowed without commenting further.

On the other side, Megan had no common topic to talk about with Janet too. They were family members who were unfamiliar with each other, just like strangers.

Time started ticking away, whereas Janet gathered her things before going upstairs. After Janet left, Megan slumped onto the couch, as if a burden had been lifted off her shoulders.

Emily walked to the couch to sit down and asked in concern, “Mommy, why did you treat Janet with that attitude?”

Megan massaged her eyebrows in frustration while answering Emily helplessly, “Emily, I don’t want to sound blunt, but do you know that earlier tonight, the necklace around Janet’s

neck was this season’s latest auction item in Markovia? It fetches about ten figures.”

In all honesty, Megan recognized that the necklace was an imitation from the verybeginning, but she didn’t want to humiliate Janet in front of so many people. Most importantly, she didn’t want to embarrass herself.

Emily’s eyes shot wide open in shock when she heard that. “Ten figures?” she asked in disbelief. “How could Janet own a piece of jewelry that costs ten figures?” She deliberately tried causing more dispute. “Is Janet a kept woman?”

Megan shook her head and sighed. “That’s impossible, because she wouldn’t be acquainted with such a generous man! What I’m trying to say is that she shouldn’t have done something that is beyond her means in order to appear impressive by wearing a counterfeit! I will end up as a laughing stock if she wears it out because people will mock the daughter of the Jacksons for wearing a fake piece just to show off.”

Ah, I see. Emily realized with a start the reason behind Megan’s sudden outburst of emotions earlier. She couldn’t help but think to herself, What an uncultured imposter!

“In that case, why didn’t you expose Janet on the spot?” asked Emily in confusion.

Megan sighed while explaining helplessly, “How should I voice my thoughts? Don’t I need to maintain a shred of dignity as a mother?''.

Emily paused for a moment before replying pretentiously, “Mommy, it’s entirely my fault. If it

weren’t for me, Janet wouldn’t have been so materialistic!”

“That’s not true,” Megan consoled her. “You are forever my precious daughter.”

Janet stood beside the railing on the second floor while she observed the scene. Her lipscurled slightly into a mocking smile.

The next day, someone came to pay the Jackson Family a visit out of the blue.

Someone was knocking on the door early in the morning, and so Emily came forward to answer the door in a rush

.

It turned out to be Megan’s friend, Madam Lane.

Megan and Madam Lane got to know each other in the past when they were models. They were friendly with each other, and so after learning that Megan had found her biological daughter, Madam Lane came rushing over for a visit today.

Emily smiled happily when she saw her. “Mrs. Lane, nice to see you!”

Megan came over to greet her as well, “Madam Lane, you’re here!”

Madam Lane regarded Emily with her kind eyes. “Emily, it’s been such a long time since I last saw you. You are now even taller and prettier.”

Emily covered her face shyly while giggling. “Thank you.”

The three of them chatted for a bit before noticing Janet nearby.

“Eh, is that girl your biological daughter?”

Megan felt her heart sink, and she clenched her fists tightly while her expression stiffened involuntarily.

“Yes…”

At that moment, it so happened that Janet was seated on the couch. She had a pair of earphones on while she leaned against the couch lazily. Nevertheless, she was emitting an unapproachable and unfriendly aura.

Madam Lane smiled while commenting, “She is so pretty, and she really takes after you. Madam Jackson, you are a true winner in life for having two pretty daughters.”

Megan’s nails dug deep into her palms, and she felt the sharp pain. Emily, who was standing beside her, felt even worse.

“Madam Lane, you must be joking; sometimes, having more isn’t necessarily a good thing.”

It so happened that Janet looked up at them when Megan commented so.

However, Madam Lane suggested, “Megan, it had been such a long time since we last met. I heard that the large mall has a new restaurant now that uses imported New Zealand steak! Why don’t we head over for a meal?”

Emily broke into a smile when she heard that. “Is that true? I haven’t had imported steak for

a very long time.”

Emily started salivating at the mention of imported steak.

Madam Lane spoke while smiling at her, “Yes, it’s been a long time since I’ve last had it too.

By the way, Madam Jackson, why don’t you invite your other daughter too?”

Megan’s expression stiffened. Janet was raised in the village, and I’m afraid she has never had steak before. I’m sure she wouldn’t be familiar with the cutlery, and she would most probably embarrass herself later.

Nevertheless, Megan was worried that Madam Lane might notice her concerns, and so she

collected herself swiftly.

“Sure, but she doesn’t really understand English. I’ll go over to speak with her.''

Hence, Megan made her way to Janet’s side and took her earphones off.

Janet’s eyelids lifted slowly, and she glanced at Megan.

Megan lowered her voice into a whisper. “Later, we are going to have steak with Madam Lane. You will say that you do not like steak, and that you want to have oriental food. Do you understand me?”

Janet stared at Megan while smirking at her. Then, she stated casually, “I’m not going.”

She then took on a mocking tone. “I don’t understand English, and I do not know how to eat steak.”

“Well…” Janet is sitting on the couch, and she’s so far away from us. How did she hear my conversation with Madam Lane?

Megan was at a loss for words when she heard that.

She regarded Janet, who was emitting a rebellious and distant aura, almost like a porcupine on a defensive stance, and she felt a stab in her heart.

She kept quiet for a moment, but she did not comment further.

It’s a good thing that she’s not going; otherwise, she might humiliate us.

Madam Lane understood the reason Janet did not wish to join them. She has just arrived in Sandfort City, after all. I’m sure she’s not used to a lot of things.

By the time Emily and Megan left with Madam Lane, Janet received a text message on her phone.

Lee persisted and asked her the same question again. ‘Janet, are you sure you are not coming? The main item today is the Bronze Ox Head. Big players from all over the world are attending the auction to get their hands on it.’

A trace of emotion flashed through Megan’s still gaze, and she replied to him simply, ‘I’m coming.’

The auction had started by the time she arrived.

Upon noticing her arrival, Lee exclaimed in excitement, “Janet, is that really you?”

“When does the auction for bronzeware begin?”

“Soon, I guess; most probably in another half an hour,”

Lee rubbed his chin while answering with a smile.

Janet leaned against the back of her chair. She crossed her legs while observing her surroundings lazily.

True enough, auctions in big cities are lively.

Lee glanced at Janet, who was busy observing her surroundings. Who would believe that this girl is an actual big player? She is skilled at medicine, painting, hacking and even car racing.

“The next item is the main item for tonight’s auction—the Bronze Ox Head.” The host’s voice boomed and reverberated throughout the auction site.

Janet looked up and saw the assistant bringing the Bronze Ox Head up the stage carefully.

It seemed to be a grand occasion, and Janet squinted her dark eyes instinctively.

The host remarked, “I believe everybody is familiar with the national treasure. In that case, let’s start the auction at 10 million.”

“11 million.”

“13 million.”

“15 million.”

Those who managed to get a place in the auction were all wealthy and powerful figures.

Furthermore, the Bronze Ox Head was a national treasure, and so it was an intense competition.

“20 million.”

“50 million.” A male voice boomed from the second floor, and it most probably belonged to a powerful figure.

His bid caught everybody’s attention, and they looked up at him.

It was just a Bronze Ox Head with a bid price starting at 10 million, but it was now five times

the starting price.

Initially, the UN Organizer felt that 20 million would be considered a high enough price for

the ox head.

They did not expect the price to skyrocket to 50 million!

It seemed as though there was no stopping these people!

“Do I hear more than 50 million?” the host asked for the second time. The third strike of his gavel would seal the deal.

“80 million!” Lee lifted his placard, and he smiled so broadly that his eyes were mere slits.

Well, it’s not my idea; I’m just speaking on behalf of Janet.

“80 million!” The host’s voice was almost hoarse from shouting. It took him quite a long

pause to regain his voice again. “80 million. Is there a higher bidder?”

“80 million, going once; 80 million, going twice; 80 million, going thrice.”

In the end, no new bids came in. Hence, Janet and Lee purchased the Bronze Ox Head with an astronomical price of 80 million.

I don’t particularly fancy this bronzeware because I can’t wear it on a daily basis after all. I suppose I’ll turn it over to the country.

Janet stood up happily, and her delicate eyes twinkled slightly with a smile. She put her sunglasses on while placing her hands on her hips, getting ready to leave.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please don’t leave in a rush. I’ve just been informed that there’s a last item coming up. Please wait for a moment.”

The host had just received the update, and he tried reassuring and calming the guests.

Janet and Lee turned slowly to look at him, and the two of them exchanged smiles before taking their seats.

The host smiled politely. “Today, the person in charge of the UN, President Jayden, personally picked a gift for everybody to enjoy. Ladies and gentlemen, feel free to have a look before leaving.”

“Oh? President Jayden even prepared a program for us. He is so considerate,” someone from the audience commented.

The person in charge, President Jayden, grinned broadly at the crowd.

Clap, clap! He clapped twice.

The surrounding lights were turned off, and they were left with a dim light right in front of the hall that was cast on the middle of the raised platform. An additional black cage appeared somewhere along the line, and someone was trapped in the cage.