Are You Tempting Me?

Chen Lijuan cowered into her room, which was not suited to be called a bedroom. It was a little space that was meant for keeping foodstuff. Her mother had turned it into her room, saying there was no space for her in the main room.

Chen Lijuan had no choice but to accept it.  It was a small space with a damaged window. It was okay during summer times but when winter comes, it becomes so unbearable.

Chen Lijuan sat on her worn-out mat since she wasn't given a bed or a mattress. She was lost in torturing thoughts about the beating she would receive from her parents when they return home.

They didn't always listen to her pleas, especially when it was something reported directly from her sister. Chen Hualing was one cruel girl, who always made sure her parents severely punished Chen Lijuan. Now, Chen Lijuan can't help but feel frightened. 

Lost in thought, Chen Lijuan slowly drifted into a deep sleep.

Chen Lijuan wakes up at 4:30 a.m at the dot, every morning and every day. She cleans the house, takes the trash out, does the laundry, cooks for the family, and does a thousand more errands if needed.

However, Chen Lijuan did not wake up on time today. She had to be woken up by her sister with a bucket of cold water.

 

Chen Lijuan sprung to her feet immediately, shivering from the cold impact. She was completely drenched.

"Why are you still asleep by this time of the day?!" Chen Hualing asked angrily.

Chen Lijuan lowered her head in humiliation, shivering and crying her eyes out.

"I...I'm sorry sister Hualing, I'll go attend to my chores right now." Chen Lijuan whimpered.

"You lazy girl! Why won't you wake up late after doing all sorts of things with those men? Just how did you find such a man, huh? You do not deserve good things like that because you are worthless!"

Chen Lijuan stood there like a statue on the cold floor, with her head down. Her heart was shattered into tiny little pieces. She'll never get used to this ill-treatment. It'll always break her anew every time.

After a few seconds, Chen Lijuan glanced up at her sister. She was staring daggers at her. Chen Lijuan could feel see the burning desire in her eyes to rip her apart.

Chen Lijuan stood like a lamb for slaughter, waiting for Chen Hualing's command. She waited for a few more seconds but heard nothing from her. The silence was dealy and she got even more scared. 

In the next second, a thunderous yell followed. "Chen Lijuan. Are you tempting me?!"