Blurb：
Born into wealth but treated like an outsider, Zinnia Dawson’s return to her biological family becomes a nightmare. Forced to sleep in the storeroom and eat leftovers while her foster sister Julianne Dawson lives in luxury, Zinnia endures relentless cruelty from her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dawson, and her brother Jacob Dawson. When the government’s Children’s Fairness System is implemented, her family eagerly binds everyone to it, claiming it will ensure fairness for Julianne. But as Zinnia navigates the scorching heat of inequality, wearing cheap clothes and facing bullying at school, she questions what true fairness means. Will the system expose the family’s hypocrisy, or will Zinnia’s suffering continue? Dive into this emotional tale of family betrayal, resilience, and the quest for justice.
Content：
I was from a rich family. But after I finally returned home, my parents made me sleep in the store room and eat leftover food.
Yet, they still felt like they had wronged their foster daughter.
When the government introduced the Childrens Fairness System, my parents immediately bound the entire family to it.
My father breathed a sigh of relief and said, With this perfectly fair system in place, Annie wont be treated unfairly anymore.
My mother gently held my hand and said in an unyielding tone. Ever since you came back, youve taken everything that was meant for Annie. This is unfair to her.
My elder brother never showed a hint of kindness toward me either.
I only acknowledge Annie as my sister. Youve gotten way more than you deserved already, so dont push your luck, he said.
I looked down at the cheap clothes I had worn for five years.
Then, I glanced at Annies lavish bedroom and countless luxury items.
I found it all utterly ridiculous.
However, when the system took effect, they all ended up breaking down.
Chapter 1
After school, I walked home under the scorching sun. Meanwhile, Julianne Dawson rode away in her personal Maybach.
I pushed open the mansions heavy door and finally felt a cold breeze.
Right then, my father threw a stack of documents in front of me.
The governments new Childrens Fairness System is out. Put your signature down now!
I stood frozen, and I was completely at a loss.
My brother, Jacob Dawson, stepped forward and shoved me further inside.
Stop playing dumb. Weve already cut you way too much slack. Annies put up with enough, so dont push your luck.
My mother pulled me aside and solemnly said, Zinnia, I know you suffered after being switched at birth and having to grow up in the countryside, but Annies innocent in all this. Now that youre home, we need to be fair to both of you.
This system will make sure we treat you both equally. Its the best way to avoid showing you favoritism and making Annie feel wronged.
They wanted to treat both of us equally?
I clutched the hem of my shirt. The stiff and cheap fabric on my back was soaked in sweat. As it clung to my skin, it felt constrictive and itchy.
Meanwhile, Julianne was wearing lightweight and breathable luxury clothing. She was also eating from a fruit plate that the maid had prepared. She looked completely fresh and comfortable.
I could not help but ask, Mom, do you really think youve favored me?
My father slammed his hand on the coffee table and angrily pointed at my face.
Zinnia, whats that supposed to mean? We gave you everything that was rightfully Annies when you came back. You became the Dawsons heiress, you got to attend a private school, and you live in this house with staff waiting on you. If thats not favoritism, what is?
Annie grew up in this family. Shes our baby girl. But since you arrived, shes had to step back and sacrifice so much. This system is the only way to make things fair for her!
His actions sent a teacup clattering from the coffee table to the floor.
I lowered my head as I found the situation utterly ridiculous.
On the day I arrived, I eagerly brought out hand-sewn dolls that I had made. I wanted to give them to Jacob and Julianne.
However, Julianne began to cry, and Jacob pushed me aside in anger.
This is all your fault! Why did you have to come and tear our family apart?!
My parents crowded around Julianne to check if she was okay.
I just stood there awkwardly, as I was unsure of what to do. I was an outsider, and it was painfully clear that I always would be.
My parents put me in the store room and called it a temporary arrangement to help me transition to living with them.
They said that I was not allowed to eat at the dinner table because Julianne was not comfortable with it.
My classmates made fun of my old-fashioned, worn-out clothes and my accent.
They tore up my homework and poured dirty water into my food. They claimed that they were standing up for Julianne.
I went to my parents in tears, but they told me that I was just making excuses for my poor grades.
They could not even be bothered to attend my parent-teacher meetings. They never cared about my progress. Instead, they always fought to go to Juliannes meetings.
I knew that what we had could not compare to the deep bond Julianne shared with my parents. I constantly told myself to wait a little longer for my familys affection.
Yet, they claimed that they had been favoring me.
I picked up the documents from the floor, and the heading caught my eye.
[The Childrens Fairness System ensures that parents avoid favoritism and partiality. It guarantees children truly equal treatment.]
Fine. Ill sign it.
I no longer held any hope of receiving their affection.
I only endured my stay here because the Riverton school district had lower score requirements. This would give me a better chance of getting into a good university.
Once I got my SAT results, I would leave this family forever.
Chapter 2
Soon, the government personnel arrived and explained the system.
For the system to function properly, all family assets will be securely linked to the platform. It evaluates parental fairness objectively and makes necessary adjustments to ensure equality.
As a business owner, my father was hesitant, and he wanted to review the contract carefully.
Meanwhile, Jacob hastily signed his name.
The government wouldnt launch something unreliable. Come on, Dad. How can you keep hesitating when Annies still suffering?
Hearing this, both of my parents signed it without much thought.
I read through every clause meticulously and only signed after confirming all the details.
Jacob mocked me, Youve always played the victim, as though weve been mistreating you. Dont play innocent after taking advantage of us. Today, youll see what real fairness looks like.
My mother walked over to me and said, Were doing this for your own good. Showing you constant favoritism will only do you more harm in the long run.
I smiled wryly.
I understand.
After my father signed the contract, he was in high spirits.
Lets eat, everyone. I asked Maria to cook extra tonight. Theyre all Annies favorites. My sweet girl deserves to be pampered.
Dish after dish was brought to the table. Each was exquisite in appearance and aroma.
Before us was a spread of whole steamed lobsters, truffle risotto, delicate cups of clear and aromatic consomme, and even Juliannes favorite steak tartare.
The aroma made my stomach growl, so I took a seat at the dining table.
On ordinary days, I could only eat with the servants. I never had access to such fresh foods.
Since the system was active, did that mean I could finally join the table like Julianne? It was supposed to make everything equal after all.
However, my brother frowned and stopped me.
Hey, hold on. Were trying to have a nice family dinner for once. Do you have to barge in? Just go to your room.
I did not budge.
This isnt fair. Weve signed up for the fairness system. If Julianne gets to eat here, so do I.
Juliannes eyes instantly welled up with tears, and my mother looked at her with pity.
She then turned to me and said, Please, Annie isnt comfortable eating with you yet. It upsets her. Cant you just eat in your room like always?
No. Im eating here.
My father slammed his spoon and fork onto the table.
How dare you talk back? Who do you think you are?
Before he could slap me, his whole body convulsed, and he collapsed to the floor.
The systems cold voice rang out.
[Unfair favoritism and domestic violence detected. Electric shock protocol activated.]
Immediately after, my mother fell to the floor too. A crackling sound could be heard coming from her body.
Dad! Mom!
Julianne and Jacob were frantic. The moment they tried to touch our father and mother, they also experienced painful shocks.
After a few minutes, their convulsions finally stopped.
They got up from the floor with some help, and my father looked terrified.
When did this piece-of-junk system get a shock feature? What gives you the right to electrocute us?!
[Julianne Dawson is permitted to dine at the table, while Zinnia Dawson is required to eat leftovers in her room. This behavior is classified as severe parental favoritism.
[Rest assured that the systems electrical stimulus is designed to cause no physical harm, only pain. When necessary, punishment may reach level ten, which is equivalent to the pain of childbirth.]
My father wrapped his arms around himself in fear as he cursed, Annie already gave up her position as the Dawson familys heiress. She has sacrificed enough! Does it matter if Zinnia eats alone? This system is garbage! I want to terminate it right now!
[The system reserves the right of final interpretation.
[You are bound to the contract for life and currently do not have termination privileges.]
What level of pain did we experience earlier? my mother cautiously asked.
[Level 5.]
I felt a sense of satisfaction unlike any I had ever known as I watched my parents anger and helplessness.
So, this was what the Childrens Fairness System felt like. I was elated!
My mother waved her hand and pulled me to the dining table.
Fine. Its just a meal. You can have it.
Since I had gained the rights I deserved, I felt a strong urge to test just how far this system could go.
Chapter 3
Mom, the foods a bit too greasy for me. Could I possibly have some salad instead? I asked tentatively.
Although the table was full of luxurious dishes, they were all Juliannes favorites. They did not suit my taste at all.
The steak tartare, in particular, brought back bad memories. Back when I was living in the countryside, I was forced to eat spoiled meat because I was starving. To this day, the sight of raw meat made me slightly nauseous.
My mother looked at me in annoyance.
The cooks gone for the day. You should be happy theres food on the table at all. Stop being so picky.
Julianne chimed in and deliberately placed some steak tartare on my plate.
Zinnia, this isnt greasy. You should eat more of it.
I kept quiet and lowered my head as I silently counted down
Three, two, one.
The systems alert tone rang out.
[Electric shock protocol activated.]
My mother instantly collapsed from her chair. Several of her porcelain crowns, which she had proudly maintained, chipped from the impact.
Why am I being punished?!
[Jenna Dawson prepared truffle risotto for Julianne Dawson but claimed to have no time to prepare a simple salad for her biological daughter. She remembers Julianne Dawsons preferences clearly yet remains unaware of her biological daughters aversion to raw meat. The system has administered a Level 3 electric shock punishment, which corresponds to the degree of favoritism.]
My mothers hands trembled from the pain as she moved away from the table.
Ugh, fine! Ill make your salad. Are you happy now?
She stood up and dumped all of the steak tartare into the trash.
My steak tartare!
Juliannes expression was particularly amusing to me. I struggled to hold back my laughter and felt an immense sense of satisfaction.
So, as long as I measured it up against Julianne, any request I made could be fulfilled.
For the first time, I was finally experiencing a taste of fairness.
Julianne finished her meal without a word before she ran toward her room.
With the system in place, why should I return to that damp and stuffy store room?
I needed a proper study environment if I was going to ace my exams and get out of this house for good.
Mom, Dad, Id like a room like my sisters.
As soon as I said it, Julianne froze on the staircase. She turned and yelled, Zinnia, are you serious?! My room was custom-designed by a famous French interior architect. Some of the pieces are one-of-a-kind. How are they supposed to find an identical one for you? Besides, what would a clueless country bumpkin like you even know about living in a room like that? Dont push your luck!
I smiled.
You have one. Why shouldnt I? Its only fair.
Jacob, who had been silent, stepped in and shielded Julianne.
Zinnia, thats enough.
However, my father and mother did not speak up immediately this time.
Julianne began to look uneasy.
Mom, Dad, say something! I cant sleep in just any bed. My skin is sensitive to different fabrics. This isnt fair to me at all!
After a long silence, my mother finally spoke.
Annie, let Sophia use your room just for tonight. Tomorrow, Ill have the guest room fully redecorated just for her.
My father sighed and agreed, Your mothers right. We dont want to provoke the system. Ill check tomorrow if theres a way to disable it before it turns this whole house upside down.
So, they did know how to be fair.
They were just never willing to treat me fairly.
Julianne descended the stairs, and her eyes were filled with tears of resentment.
As she walked past me, she whispered menacingly, Dont get too cocky, Sophia. That system wont protect you forever. Youll regret this.
Chapter 4
I knew Juliannes delinquent attitude at school well enough to know she was not just making empty threats.
Sure enough, the next morning, the back seat of the Rolls-Royce was drenched in paint.
Julianne sat in the passenger seat and smiled apologetically at me.
I was going to offer you a ride, but look at this mess. Someone accidentally spilled paint in the back. Its totally ruined. Sorry about that.
Jacob then handed me an umbrella.
Mom, Dad, and I need the cars for work, so theyre all not available. Youll have to walk to school.
As if afraid of being punished by the system, he quickly added, You can have the car after school. That should be fair, right?
Fair?
I snorted coldly.
My phone showed a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It was the hottest time of the day.
Not only would it be cooler after school, but more cars would be available. Julianne still would not have to walk.
How was that fair?
Seeing Juliannes smug expression, I understood. These two were trying to exploit a loophole in the system.
If they succeeded, my life would become significantly more difficult.
However, the government had promoted the Childrens Fairness System for a reason. It possessed strong adaptive and analytical capabilities.
[Scan complete. Julianne Dawsons health index: 85. Zinnia Dawsons health index: 71. System verdict: Zinnia Dawson takes the car.]
Juliannes expression instantly darkened, and Jacob began to panic as well.
How can you reduce someones health to just a number? Besides, shouldnt the older sister always look out for the younger one? Its only natural!
The system responded promptly and firmly, [Our system operates on a comprehensive set of evaluation metrics. There is no need for doubt.
[According to the law, the older sibling has no obligation to provide for or yield to the younger one. Please refrain from moral coercion.]
I could barely hold back my laughter as I witnessed Juliannes frustration.
Well, since the system has spoken, youd better hop out of the car.
I pulled Julianne aside and swiftly took my seat in the Rolls-Royce. I instructed the driver to leave immediately, as I could not afford to waste any time. I needed to get to school and focus on practice exams.
That evening, an unprecedented argument broke out among the harmonious family of four.
Jacob, this is all your fault! If it werent for your brilliant idea, I wouldnt have had to walk to school! Do you know how everyone laughed at me?
Through a crack in the door, I saw Julianne.
Her meticulously applied makeup was smeared with sweat. Her eyeliner was running down her face in black streaks. Her once-elegant dress had become dirty, and it clung damply to her skin. She looked utterly disheveled.
Why didnt you just give me your car?! she screamed hysterically in the living room.
However, Jacob pushed her away impatiently.
How would I get to work if you took my car? Our destinations arent even on the same route! Youre the one who came to me for ideas. Dont blame me now. You brought this on yourself!
My father, who was sitting on the couch, massaged his temples in frustration.
I went to ask today. They said theres no way to deactivate the system.
Hearing this, Julianne became even more unhinged. She threw a tantrum and left the living room in complete disarray.
I just gently closed the door and returned to my bedroom.
In the past, they would always be laughing and watching TV together in the living room at this time. I could only hide in my room and eat their leftover food.
My quality of life had drastically improved just from receiving fair treatment.
One could easily imagine how spoiled and comfortable Juliannes life had been before.
Since I was no longer there to endure hardships on her behalf, I was going to see just how long her carefree and privileged lifestyle would last.
Julianne seemed to have noticed my recent satisfaction. She eventually reached her breaking point and burst into my room in the middle of the night.
Zinnia, your little winning streak is over, she boasted with a look of triumphant revenge.
She was not even concerned that I might discover her plans early.
Tomorrow, Dads going to distribute his assets based on merit. Thats extremely fair. Jacob and I are at the top of the class. Youre a perpetual last-place loser, so youd better start praying for yourself!
You really think that system lets you get away with everything? With no money and no shares, youll never be above us no matter how tough you act!
I tilted my head slightly.
What makes you so sure my grades arent as good as yours?
Julianne burst into laughter.
Have you even passed one test since you got here? Stop pretending.
She did not realize that I had previously been at the bottom of the class because her lackeys kept me in a constant state of fear. That left me with no peace to study.
I looked down at the report card in my hand. The word Top Scorer was printed boldly right at the top.
My original plan had been to use my SAT scores to get into a college far away and finally escape this family. But this unexpected turn of events changed everything.
So, I uploaded my results from the previous years into the Childrens Fairness System.
The real show was about to begin.
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