Author: Momo Chan

To the outside world, I chased Asher Sterling for three years without success. But only he and I knew that we were in a secret relationship for those three years. At a gathering, everyone asked me if I planned to be single forever since I couldn’t catch Asher. Even Asher himself laughed and said: “I know a lot of people. Want me to introduce you to someone to play with?” In my past life, on this day, I impulsively revealed our relationship. The transfer student, Chloe Summers, ran out crying. Asher didn’t say anything publicly, but privately he grew colder and colder towards me. After we married, when I was pregnant and got into a car accident, being rushed into surgery, he was in the Maldives comforting Chloe. When I died with our unborn child and was sent to the crematorium, he was celebrating Chloe’s birthday at a Michelin-star restaurant. Only then did I realize he never loved me. Reborn, I smiled: “No need, I’m already engaged.” 1 Everyone fell silent, almost instinctively looking towards Asher. Asher leaned back on the sofa, his lazy posture stiffening for a moment, then he scoffed: “That’s good. Saves me the trouble of having you chase after me every day.” I smiled faintly and didn’t respond. The atmosphere grew awkward. A friend trying to liven things up shouted: “Come on, let’s continue the game! It’s Ash’s turn! “The task is—choose one of the opposite sex present and kiss for 30 seconds!” It should have been a flirty game that got everyone cheering. But the room fell silent again. Because there were only two girls present. One was me. The other was the transfer student, Chloe Summers. Everyone knew that since the first day Chloe transferred here, we didn’t get along. The friend leading the game laughed awkwardly: “Ash, how about we just drink instead…” “No need.” Asher extinguished his cigarette without hesitation, turned around, cupped the back of Chloe’s head with one hand, and kissed her. Chloe let out a small gasp like a startled deer, then shyly closed her eyes the next second. After the kiss, Asher leaned back on the sofa, but his eyes were fixed on me: “It’s just a game, don’t be a sore loser.” People around us laughed and agreed. The friend sitting next to me shot me a comforting look. Just as I was about to say something, the phone in my pocket vibrated. It was a text message. [Are you home yet?] Seeing this, I stood up from the sofa and said to everyone: “I have something to do, I’m leaving first.” Without wasting any time, I left the private room. 2 I was reborn a month ago. The first thing I did upon returning was break up with Asher and accept the family arrangement to get engaged to Julian Thorne, a famous second-generation heir from New York. In my past life, my family also arranged for me to be engaged to him, but I was so focused on Asher that I refused directly. But when I died on the operating table, Asher was traveling the world with Chloe. It was Julian who collected my body… I looked down and replied to his message. [Not yet, getting ready to head back now.] Julian’s grandfather’s birthday is in a few days. Tonight, I agreed to video call Julian to pick out a gift for his grandfather. The phone vibrated a few more times. I looked down; it was from Asher. [What’s wrong? Can’t handle it and leaving?] [You were pretty bold just now, lying about being engaged just to piss me off?] My gaze fell on the messages before these two. A month ago, the breakup message I sent Asher remained unanswered. I lowered my eyes and didn’t reply, putting the phone away. By the roadside, a black Maybach was waiting. [It’s not safe to go back alone at night. I called a car for you.] [Sorry, I have business in New York recently and can’t pick you up personally.] I smiled and replied: [It’s okay, you go ahead.] 3 The Thorne family is powerful. Grandpa Thorne’s birthday banquet will be grand. Julian had prepared a gift for me, but to show my sincerity, I wanted to choose one personally. The moment the video connected, a handsome face appeared on the screen. He was dressed in black, with a high nose bridge and deep, dark eyes. Under the light, his thin lips had a beautiful and sharp curve. Julian’s voice didn’t quite match his appearance. He looked cold, but spoke gently. I showed him the gifts I selected based on Grandpa Thorne’s preferences one by one, and he was very patient. Unknowingly, we chatted for over an hour. Ending the conversation, he said: “Serena, I’ll have someone pick you up this weekend.” I nodded and replied: “Okay.” After hanging up, I went to wash up. Back in bed after washing, I picked up my phone and found a message from my friend. [Serena, are you okay? Today’s gathering was meant to set you and Asher up, I didn’t expect…] I sent a cheerful emoji to indicate I was really fine. After thinking, I sent another message. [I’m really engaged. I won’t have anything to do with Asher Sterling in the future.] “Typing…” appeared on my friend’s side. After a while, she replied: [As long as you’re okay with it.] I twitched the corner of my mouth, exited the chat, and scrolled through my social media feed. The latest post was from Asher. [Let me introduce my new little girlfriend, love her the most~] The photo was of Asher and Chloe. The tone of the text and the emoji clearly showed it wasn’t posted by Asher himself. It’s funny to think about. In the three years I was with Asher, he never let me touch his phone. Let alone post on his social media. But now… It has nothing to do with me. I fell asleep shortly after turning off my phone. But I was woken up by a ringing phone. Squinting, I fumbled to answer, and the next second, Asher’s voice rang out: “Serena, I’m drunk, come pick me up…” I woke up instantly, cursing internally. Should have blocked him! Seeing I didn’t speak, Asher laughed: “Still angry? Saw the post? Hmm?” His voice rose at the end, sounding cheerful. “Lost a game, just fooling around. I’ll delete it in three days.” I said coldly: “None of my business.” But I don’t know which nerve this touched; the amusement in his voice deepened. “Alright, stop throwing a tantrum. I’ll buy you those soup dumplings you love from the east side tomorrow morning. Save your stomach, be good.” The last word made me nauseous. I hung up directly, blocked him, turned off the phone, and went back to sleep. 4 Early the next morning, I arrived at the classroom. Chloe was sitting in her seat eating breakfast. Seeing me, she smirked at me and spoke to Asher, who was sleeping on the desk next to her: “Ash, thank you for running to the east side early in the morning to buy me soup dumplings. I’m so happy.” Asher lifted his eyelids: “If you like it…” He stopped abruptly when he saw me. I passed them without looking sideways, sat in my seat, and started reading. Until class ended and I went to the restroom, Asher blocked me in the corner. “Serena, Chloe said her stomach hurt this morning, so…” “Oh.” I interrupted Asher with a nod before he could finish, trying to bypass him. Asher frowned and grabbed my wrist: “Serena, don’t be so petty. If it were you encountering a classmate feeling unwell, you would do the same.” I shook him off, a sneer curling my lips. This kind of thing has happened many times. Chloe always used various reasons to snatch things Asher promised me. She was innocent and gentle as water. Every time she would apologize to me with red eyes: “Serena, I’m sorry, it’s my fault…” In contrast, I was unreasonable, bad-tempered, and liked to make a fuss. Asher rubbed his brow: “Alright, don’t be angry. I’ll take you out of town this weekend, dinner and a movie.” Whenever our conflict escalated in the past, he would do this. Never apologizing, never solving the problem. Just taking me to a movie or dinner, glossing over it easily. I ignored him and walked away. 5 Early the next morning, when I woke up, the Thorne family car was already waiting downstairs. I was slightly surprised because they didn’t intend to wake me up. Just as I was about to say something, I received another text from Asher. Sent from a new number. [Serena, something came up this weekend, can’t take you to the movies. Be good, take care of yourself, remember to eat well. If I find out you’re not listening, I’ll spank you!] [Also, unblock hubby’s number!] Asher’s words made me gag, almost vomiting. Such bad luck early in the morning! I think I need to get a completely new SIM card when I have time!

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The system tasked me with saving the destitute male lead, but I’m a spoiled, high-maintenance heiress. Walking into that damp, run-down apartment, the system urged excitedly: “Hurry, warm his heart, heal him!” Instead, I covered my nose and pointed arrogantly at the gloomy man. “You, come here and change my shoes.” 1 I’m precious. I only drink water that’s exactly 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. I only eat food fed to me. My parents raised me like a princess, yet the system wants me to save a poor male lead. I refuse to accept this. 2 Stepping into that dark, damp apartment building in my lambskin heels, my frown was deep enough to trap a mosquito. The system chattered in my ear. “The male lead lives on the sixth floor. He’s so pitiful, you must save him!” Pitiful? I looked up at the endless stairs, clutching my small pink purse, thinking I’m the pitiful one. “Go in quickly! He didn’t lock the door; he’s lost the will to live!” I pushed the door open grumpily. My gaze fell upon a room even shabbier and darker than the hallway. In the corner slumped a handsome man. His eyes were dull and lifeless, black hair falling over his brows, lips pale, and body bruised. Light from the hallway spilled in. He looked over, his breathing weak. “So beautiful.” “So angels look like princesses in fairy tales…” What is he mumbling about? My feet were sore from climbing all those stairs. I walked in. Heels clicking on the concrete floor, clack clack clack. The room was so damp. I sat on the sofa, covering my nose, my diamond-encrusted manicure sparkling. The system was excited. “Quick, redeem him, apply medicine to his wounds!” Instead, I pointed a finger at the gloomy male lead, arrogant and commanding. “You, come here and change my shoes.” The man froze, motionless. I glanced at him. “Hey, are you deaf?” He seemed to snap out of it, slowly pushing himself up, hesitating before walking toward me. I hadn’t realized while he was sitting, but standing up, he was incredibly tall. Nearly 6’3″, yet incredibly thin. Like a bamboo pole. He stopped in front of me. Dark eyes stared straight at me. I didn’t like being scrutinized like that. I ordered coldly. “Squat down.” He hesitated for less than three seconds before kneeling on one knee. “What’s your name?” “Caleb.” He looked up at me, voice hoarse. That’s right, I deserve to be looked up to. I nodded in satisfaction. “Listen well, my name is Vivienne. From now on, you are my servant.” The system slowly typed a question mark. “Shouldn’t you be warming his heart, saving him? Why are you making him your servant?!” Ignoring the system, I pulled a card from my wallet. “Take this. There’s ten thousand dollars on it. In the days to come, you must take meticulous care of me.” Caleb held the card, a flicker of light in his eyes. “Why…” “Why help me?” I just crossed my legs, swinging the tip of my shoe in front of his eyes. “What are you waiting for? Change my shoes.” Caleb’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He lowered his eyes and grasped my ankle. His hands were cold. He leaned down, silently undoing the buckles. My sore feet finally relaxed. There were no slippers, so I simply rested my feet on Caleb’s knee. His hands were nice enough—distinct knuckles, pale and slender. When he exerted force, veins popped on the back of his hand. Perfect for… Giving me a foot massage. The system looked skeptical. “The male lead hasn’t eaten in days, and instead of taking him to eat, you’re making him massage your feet!” “Besides, having not eaten, where would he get the strength!” I just hummed lightly and kicked Caleb’s shoulder. “Gently! You’re hurting me!” Caleb’s hand paused. He lowered his eyes and apologized softly. “I’m sorry.” System: ? Looks like he has plenty of strength to me. 3 While Caleb massaged my feet, I asked the system about the plot. “Caleb is a destitute and pitiful male lead. His parents died in a car accident due to brake failure. Without money, he had to drop out of college. He worked odd jobs but got stiffed on wages and was beaten up. When you found him, he hadn’t eaten for almost three days.” “I detected he had lost the will to live, so I found you to save him.” I asked the system why me. The system said it didn’t know; the program just indicated it so. “Maybe this is destiny.” Seeing my lack of interest, the system quickly added. “Caleb is the male lead. Being by his side will keep you beautiful, rich, healthy, and long-lived.” I looked at Caleb, who was meekly massaging me, and my mood improved slightly. “Fine.” After a while, my feet finally felt better. I ordered Caleb to put my shoes back on. Then told him to come home with me. Before leaving, I took a candy from my bag and handed it to Caleb. And told him to eat it. The system was very gratified. “You’ve finally started the redemption arc.” But fell silent the next second. Because I ordered Caleb to carry me down the stairs. “So you gave him candy because you were afraid he wouldn’t have the strength.” Leaning on Caleb’s back, I retorted to the system. “Yeah, if he drops me, it’ll hurt.” Caleb carried me down six flights of stairs. When he put me down, he was panting, face flushed. Like he was exhausted. The system popped up. “The male lead looks so pitiful, praise him.” I looked disdainful. “Panting just from going downstairs, how can you be so useless?” Caleb lowered his head in shame. 4 The driver took Caleb and me back to my villa. Getting out, the driver opened the door for me. Caleb stared, deep in thought. I walked ahead, ignoring him completely. Because I was hungry. I sat at the dining table, Caleb standing silently aside. “This doesn’t taste good, you eat it.” I took one bite and put down the cutlery. Caleb didn’t hesitate, devouring everything like a wolf. His face looked less pale. I directed the butler in formal attire. Told him to teach Caleb how to be a servant and treat his wounds while he was at it. After giving instructions, I went for my beauty sleep. Caleb stared at my retreating back. It was a long time before he looked away. The next day, when I saw Caleb, he was wearing a suit. He looked much better than yesterday. He pulled out the chair for me. “Miss, breakfast is ready.” The food today was much better than yesterday’s. I ate a few more bites and saw Caleb’s brow relax. So Caleb made this meal. He had worked in a restaurant before. “You’re somewhat useful.” Caleb pursed his lips. “I’m glad Miss likes it.” After eating, I took Caleb to afternoon tea. 5 In the socialite circle, I have a nemesis. We compete over everything. If I bring ten bodyguards, she brings eleven. If she buys a new Hermès, I give that model to my maid. And so on. This afternoon tea was bound to be another battle. Sure enough, when I arrived, Tiffany was showing off her new boy toy. “Isn’t he handsome? Look at that nose, those eyes.” “Just average. Worse than my new servant.” I pulled Caleb forward. Tiffany stared at Caleb’s face and sneered. “So what if he’s good-looking? Probably not clean! My new guy is a virgin.” I looked at Caleb. Caleb lowered his eyes and spoke, ears turning red. “Miss, I am also a virgin.” I became arrogant again. “Hear that? He’s a virgin too.” Tiffany pulled her boy toy closer. “Not only is he a virgin, but he’s also a student at C University. What about his education?” Caleb pursed his lips. “Miss, I’m sorry…” Tiffany smiled triumphantly. “Vivienne, your servant is just so-so.” The boy toy wanted to join in the mockery. Tiffany glanced at him. “Since when is it your turn to speak between us?” Despite that, my face darkened. I stomped away in my high heels with Caleb in tow. As soon as we were out the door, I pointed at Caleb’s face. “You made me lose today.” Caleb spoke cautiously. “Miss, I used to study at A University, but I dropped out.” A University is better than C University. My anger suddenly vanished. I immediately arranged for Caleb to go back to school. Preparing to slap Tiffany in the face next time. The system popped up. “If Caleb goes back to school, he’ll meet the female lead. What if he falls in love with her?” I examined my manicure, unconcerned. “What’s it to me? I’m saving him, not dating him!”

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On the day we submitted our college applications, I knelt at home, while Caleb knelt at his company. Two days and two nights, just to beg our parents to call off the arranged marriage. Everyone was confused, but only I knew the truth. In my past life, after marrying Caleb, I worked tirelessly for our family, standing with him at the peak of the business world. Yet, he forced me to take the fall for the fake heiress, Layla, and go to prison. He looked down on me with indifference. “If you hadn’t forced me to get engaged to you right after you got into Harvard, my wife would have been Layla. You deserve to pay for your greed.” My parents chimed in, “Fiona, you always stole Layla’s things. Now, you finally get your karma!” The engagement was clearly demanded by both our parents. I vomited blood and died of anger. After my death, my body rotted in the morgue while they held a grand wedding banquet at a five-star hotel to celebrate their union. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day of college application submissions. In this life, I decided to let them have what they want. Chapter 1 The homeroom teacher pushed the application form towards Caleb and me, pride evident in his voice. “The Harvard admissions office called. You two tied for the highest score in the city. You can apply anytime.” “I don’t want to go to the same university as Fiona.” Caleb twirled his pen nonchalantly, his eyes arrogant. “I’m going to apply to the same school as Layla.” The teacher stood up abruptly, glasses sliding down his nose. “Are you crazy?” “Layla’s score isn’t even enough for a decent state college! Caleb, you’re joking with your future!” Caleb ignored him. He stood with one hand in his pocket, back straight, exuding an air of aloofness. “Teacher, Layla’s SAT score might be low, but she’s more excellent than Fiona. She has special talents, just wait and see!” Saying this, his gaze went past me and settled on the office door. Layla was standing there, timidly twisting her fingers. I noticed Caleb’s eyes soften instantly, a tenderness he never gave me. “As for Fiona,” he withdrew his gaze, his voice returning to its usual indifference, “she is excellent, but too conventional. I want a soul that can stand equal to me, not a nerd who only knows how to study.” The teacher was shaking with anger: “Do you know what you’re saying? Everyone says you and Fiona have a good relationship. Isn’t it great for you both to go to Harvard?” “Even if you don’t go to Harvard together, there’s no need to lower your standards. The difference between a community college and a top-tier university isn’t just about the faculty.” Caleb adjusted his collar, his every move radiating the arrogance of a top student. “Fiona treats me well, but our relationship is average.” “I only want to be with someone who has real talent and learning, to create our own world together. Layla is the one I want.” His gaze followed Layla at the door, eyes shining with a fervor I couldn’t understand. At this point, I understood. Caleb was reborn like me. In his past life, he didn’t get enough time as a couple, so in this life, he’s eager to start over with his true love. If it were my past life, I would have been heartbroken, but now, my heart is exceptionally calm. The teacher was furious, “Do whatever you want, just don’t regret it later.” Caleb was confident, glancing at me, “Choosing Layla is something I will never regret.” He left side by side with Layla. Only then did I speak slowly. “Teacher, are you really not going to interfere with Caleb’s application?” The teacher patted my shoulder, sighing. “Fiona, I know you like Caleb. Do you want to go to the same university as him?” “But forced love isn’t sweet. The university he wants for Layla is too much of a downgrade. You don’t need to go to a community college for him.” I was stunned for a moment, then laughed, my eyes clear and firm. “Teacher, you misunderstood.” “I won’t give up my future for anyone, nor will I be anyone’s sidekick.” The teacher paused, nodding with relief. “Good! Good! I knew you were always the most sensible one.” I smiled, put the application form into my folder, and left the office. On this day in my past life, Caleb and I applied to Harvard together. Our parents clamored for us to get engaged. He didn’t object, so I thought he agreed. Who knew he loved Layla? His parents just required his wife to be someone who could stand equal to him. Layla later shone at the International Youth Art Exhibition and was specially admitted to Harvard, missing him just barely. Because of this, he hated me for ten years. And made me take the fall and go to jail for his beloved. In this life, I won’t have any involvement with him. I’ll let them be. Walking to the grove, I suddenly heard Layla and her best friend laughing. “Layla, you’re amazing!” “Not only did you steal the love of Fiona’s parents at home, but now even Caleb is devoted to you.” Layla scoffed: “What’s that? Why does that nerd always get first place?” “It’s also my nanny mom’s fault for being soft-hearted back then. She swapped us, but why didn’t she just sell that little bitch Fiona to the mountains?” “If she were in the mountains, the Lin family definitely wouldn’t have found her back, and she wouldn’t be fighting me for the position of the Lin family daughter!” So, we weren’t “accidentally switched at birth,” but maliciously swapped. My blood froze instantly, a chill running down my spine. I remembered my foster mother’s belt after drinking, my foster father’s lecherous gaze, and the tuition fees that could never be gathered. These sufferings I shouldn’t have endured. Because of her and her mother’s greed, their desire for a good life, they pushed me into hell. If I hadn’t been ambitious, getting into a key high school from a small town and reuniting with the Lin family, I might never have found my biological parents. Hatred surged like a tide. I clenched my fists, nails digging deep into my palms. Just as I was about to step forward, a hand grabbed my arm. “Fiona, looking for trouble with Layla again?” Caleb had walked up to me at some point, frowning, eyes full of disgust and impatience. I looked up coldly: “Did you hear what she just said?” His gaze swept over Layla not far away, “What could she say? That she and I will be together soon, and you’re jealous?” Looking back at me, his tone carried a warning. “Layla is kind-hearted. If you’re angry about the college application, take it out on me, don’t harass her!” Kind-hearted? I almost laughed out loud. “Caleb,” I stared into his eyes, “are you blind and deaf?” His face darkened, tone arrogant: “Fiona, don’t think good grades give you the right to be arrogant. In three days, you’ll know who truly deserves to go to Harvard!” Seeing my eyes turn red, his tone softened inexplicably. “Of course, if you still can’t let go of me, after we start college, I can discuss with Layla to spare a day each month to accompany you.” I looked at him quietly, suddenly finding it laughable. The boy I once looked up to was now full of arrogance, stupid beyond belief. “Caleb,” I smiled slowly, “you make me sick.” His face changed drastically, but I didn’t bother to look at him again, shaking off his hand and walking away. At the corner, I made a call: “I want all birth records from City Central Hospital on June 15th eighteen years ago, including surveillance and duty rosters.” After hanging up, I dialed another number: “Principal Zhang, about this year’s International Youth Art Exhibition, I’m participating.” I looked at the WeChat moment Layla just posted. She and Caleb holding hands, captioned “Destined encounter.” I laughed softly. Layla, don’t you love stealing my things? Caleb, don’t you think she’s pure and kind? Good, very good. Then I will tear off your masks in front of the whole school. I will make you ruined and forever wanting what you can’t have. Chapter 2 Three days passed quickly. What Caleb told me to wait and see was this year’s International Youth Art Exhibition. Ostensibly an exhibition, it was actually a chance for the Harvard School of Art to specially admit talented painters. Every student with some painting talent in the country was there. In my past life, Layla shone at the exhibition with a painting titled “Spring Day,” earning a personal meeting with the Dean of Harvard Art. She then received a special admission qualification to Harvard, bringing glory to the Lin family. It also made my parents and Caleb look at her with new eyes. They didn’t hesitate to criticize and neglect me for her. Finally, they took revenge on me. I walked into the exhibition hall with a calm expression and a straight back. Everyone’s eyes fell on me. Whispers around me were clearly audible. “Isn’t that Fiona? Heard she scored much higher than Layla in the SATs, but her parents spoil Layla more.” “She’s pitiful too. The biological daughter of the Lin family, but lost for years. No matter how capable, she can’t compare to the fake heiress raised by the parents for so many years.” “Not just the Lin parents, Caleb also ignores the top student to revolve around Layla all day. Strange.” “You don’t understand. Layla’s grades are average, but she has artistic talent. Heard this exhibition is aimed at her.” Ignoring these discussions, I walked straight to my booth. Just as I finished arranging my paintings, Caleb walked over with Layla. “Fiona, you’re participating too?” “Well, that’s fine. When Layla’s painting gets selected later, you can share some of the glory.” Without looking up, I adjusted the frame and said indifferently: “Caleb, you spread the news everywhere that Layla is a genius painter, using my grades to build momentum for her. You really put in a lot of effort.” “But have you ever thought, the higher you lift her, the harder she falls?” “It’s fine if she succeeds, but if she fails, she’ll probably become a laughingstock.” Caleb looked at me sideways and sneered. “You think she’s you? What can you do besides taking exams?” “Let me tell you, Layla’s painting has already been chosen internally. She will be the genius specially admitted to Harvard Art, the focus of everyone.” “I know you’re jealous of Layla, but for the sake of being classmates, I advise you to be polite to her.” He pointed at my painting: “Or, admit now that Layla is better than you, and I won’t hold your past actions against her against you.” “I can even tell Layla to allow me to spend two days with you when I’m free.” People around couldn’t help whispering, many watching for the drama. I knew what they were discussing. Sophomore year, the student council president confessed to me. I said I only liked Caleb. Even if his grades were bad, I was willing to be with him. Since then, everyone thought I was Caleb’s simp. Willing to be a spare tire just to be with him. Someone in the crowd jeered: “Fiona, just admit it. Don’t make Caleb angry, or he won’t play with you anymore.” Layla couldn’t hide her smugness, then looked at me, considerately saying: “Everyone, don’t make it hard for my sister. She’s the top student after all, how dare I compare with her.” Caleb hugged Layla’s shoulder, heart aching for her. “You’re just too kind. You are clearly the most dazzling one, no need to yield to her.” Watching them singing the same tune, trampling on me wantonly, I couldn’t help laughing. “Since you’re so confident, I’m curious about three questions.” “First, Layla, do you dare to compare real talent and learning with me?” “Second, Caleb, what makes you think I still like you?” “As for the third, do you really think the guaranteed admission spot for this exhibition belongs to Layla?” Everyone looked at me, instantly silent. Seeming to ponder the meaning of my words. At this moment, a teacher from the organizing committee walked over. “Student Layla, the Dean has seen your work and would like to invite you for a detailed talk.” The surroundings exploded. “Layla is being met privately by the Dean, looks like she really has talent!” “Caleb has a keen eye, spotting the pearl from the fish eyes immediately. Many get into Harvard, but few get specially admitted for art.” “If I were Fiona, I’d admit defeat and leave now to save face.” Caleb and Layla glanced at me coldly. Layla left triumphantly. Caleb looked at me, tone arrogant. “I told you Layla is a genius, but you wouldn’t believe it.” “Alright, since it’s come to this, as long as you admit Layla is better than you,” “After graduation, I can give you one of my children as a reward.” The crowd roared with laughter. As if the exhibition result was settled, and I was the pitiful loser. My best friend Summer stomped her foot in anger: “Fiona, I’ll go call the homeroom teacher to uphold justice!” I shook my head calmly: “No need, someone will come for us soon.” Just as I finished speaking, the organizing committee teacher came over again: “Student Fiona, the Dean wants to see you.” I didn’t move, just asked: “Teacher, could you ask the Dean to come here? Some things need to be clarified in public.” Soon, the Dean came personally. Holding two paintings, he frowned. “Student Fiona, why is your work so similar to Student Layla’s?” Red-eyed Layla stared at me, voice choked. “Sister, I trusted you so much, I didn’t expect you to plagiarize my work!” I stood my ground calmly. This scene was expected. Because in my past life, Layla used my painting to participate in the competition. And was specially admitted to Harvard because of it. In my past life, worried that sisters turning against each other would embarrass our parents, I didn’t expose the truth. Unexpectedly, it became the fuse that killed me. Now, I don’t need to wrong myself anymore. “In this world, playing the victim doesn’t make you right.” “Accusing me of plagiarism, do you have evidence?” Layla bit her lip and looked at Caleb. He immediately said coldly: “Dean, I can testify. Last week I went to the studio to find Layla and saw Fiona sneaking around Layla’s easel.” “She must have peeked at Layla’s work then!” The Dean looked troubled: “Student Caleb, we can’t conclude based on just that…” Caleb said decisively: “Because I know Layla, she has real talent and learning.” “As for Fiona, although her grades are good, her artistic talent can’t compare to Layla’s at all.” I looked straight into the Dean’s eyes, “In that case, why not ask the judging panel to set a topic on the spot, and let us paint right here to see who is better?” Layla’s face changed drastically, panic-stricken as she tugged at Caleb’s shirt. But he responded confidently: “Just what I wanted.” “Save you from constantly slandering Layla.” In my past life, for Caleb’s so-called “peace,” I willingly hid my talent and gave the opportunity to Layla. But in return, I got betrayal and contempt from everyone. Reliving this life, I just want to live for myself. With this commotion, several senior professors from Harvard Art arrived and set the topic. “Impromptu creation on the theme of ‘Youth’, time limit 30 minutes.” Hearing the topic, Layla visibly relaxed, a smug smile curling her lips. She picked up her brush and started painting fluidly on the canvas. Caleb watched from afar, face full of pride. Time’s up. Layla displayed her work first. A charcoal drawing drew gasps of admiration from the crowd. When it was my turn, the canvas was empty. Whispers erupted around us. Caleb sneered: “I told you, Fiona only knows how to study, what artistic talent does she have?” Layla looked at me, “Sister, it’s okay if you can’t draw.” “I can overlook the plagiarism, after all, we are family.” “When we get into Harvard, I’ll ask Caleb to look after you too.” Onlookers also advised me to admit defeat. “How embarrassing. If I were Mr. Lin, I’d leave all the family property to Layla.” “Exactly. Even though she’s not the biological daughter, at least she’s generous, presentable, and promising.” Caleb’s eyes suddenly lit up. “That’s a good idea.” “Fiona, let Uncle and Auntie leave the inheritance to Layla, and we’ll pretend today never happened.” Layla pretended to say: “Caleb, I don’t care about that. As long as I can continue painting and bring glory to the Lin family.” “But if sister is willing to reconcile this way, I can accept it.” I laughed too, no mirth in my eyes. I looked into the distance and saw Summer bringing in a middle-aged woman. My smile became genuine. Finally here. I looked at Layla, “You should know this head nurse, right? Eighteen years ago, your mother gave her ten thousand dollars to switch my birth certificate with yours.” “So you could live the life of a rich young lady, while I had to grow up in the slums.” Layla’s face turned pale instantly, the brush in her hand falling to the ground with a clatter. “You’re lying!” “Sister, I know you’re jealous of me, but you can’t fabricate such lies!” Caleb’s expression changed slightly, “Fiona, you’ve gone too far! To win a competition, you’d tell such a lie?” The Dean picked up the microphone to speak. I calmly held up a document: “This is the birth record from back then, the head nurse’s testimony, and a recording of Layla letting it slip.” “She hates me, blaming her mother for not throwing me into a ditch, ruining her good fortune as a rich girl.” The crowd was in an uproar. Caleb turned to look at Layla in shock. She was full of panic, trying desperately to explain. I walked to the center of the stage and picked up the microphone. “Dean, regarding today’s competition, I have one more thing to explain.” “Layla’s painting ‘Spring Day’ is actually my work from last year.” Under everyone’s gaze, I slowly raised the sketchbook in my hand: Opening it, inside was a striking charcoal drawing. In the drawing, a girl knelt before an easel, but the brush in her hand was broken; Behind her stood two blurry figures, laughing triumphantly. “The title of this painting is ‘Stolen Youth’.” My voice was clear and firm. “The painting ‘Youth’ Layla just submitted is a plagiarism of this work—” Chapter 3 Caleb was completely confused, scrambling to pick up the drawing paper on the ground to examine it closely. But after looking for a long time, he couldn’t see the problem, so he could only look to the Dean for help. The Dean signaled the staff to project the painting onto the big screen. At first, the students in the audience were as confused as Caleb: “Isn’t this painting pretty good?” “The composition and colors are very professional!” Seeing that no one could spot the flaw, Layla grew bolder. Red-eyed, she said to the Dean: “Dean, let’s put aside my sister slandering me for now.” “But this painting was indeed created by me on the spot. Every stroke is my heart’s blood.” I looked at the professors on the judges’ bench with solemn expressions and reminded softly: “What the Dean wants to ask is not about painting skills.” “But the creation time of this painting.” Layla glared at me viciously, turned her head and vowed: “Of course it’s an on-site creation! The topic was just given by the Dean, how could I prepare in advance?” The Chair of the Art Department pushed his glasses and asked in a deep voice: “Are you sure it’s an on-site original?” Layla nodded decisively: “Absolutely true! Including my painting ‘Spring Day’, it was also created on site. Many classmates can testify for me!” Just then, the Dean took out a portfolio from his briefcase and slammed it on the exhibition stand. “What a coincidence!” “Your ‘on-site creation’ has the exact same composition as last year’s International Youth Art Exhibition winning work ‘Rite of Spring’!” “Even the color matching is exactly the same!” Layla’s face instantly turned pale. Of course she recognized that portfolio. It was the collection she stole from my room. Caleb stood far away and couldn’t see the contents of the portfolio clearly. Thinking Layla was scared, he hurriedly stood up to defend her: “Dean, artistic creation inevitably has similarities. This could be a coincidence.” “Coincidence?” The Dean sneered. “What’s more coincidental is that the judge of that competition last year happened to be me!” “Caleb, do you know what kind of liar you are defending?” Caleb froze, looking at Layla in disbelief: “Layla, what is this?” Layla shook her head in panic: “No, Caleb, listen to my explanation…” I said: “Do I need to tell everyone why Layla knows these paintings?” “Because last month she secretly sneaked into my dorm and took photos of all my works.” Layla retorted shrilly: “You’re lying! Do you have evidence?” My roommate suddenly raised her phone: “I can testify! I went back to the dorm to get something that day and took a picture of Layla rummaging through your desk.” The big screen immediately showed irrefutable evidence. Layla was holding a phone, taking pictures of my portfolio. The audience was in an uproar. Caleb stood there dumbfounded as if struck by lightning. Layla had collapsed on the floor, her carefully prepared dress stained with paint. “There’s more.” I opened another file. “About the baby swap case in the hospital eighteen years ago…” At this moment, the judges’ bench interrupted me. “Wait, I have something to say.” Everyone’s eyes focused on the judges’ bench. The Chair of the Art Department slowly stood up and pushed his glasses: “I can verify the facts stated by student Fiona.” “Last year, when the Dean and I served as judges for the International Youth Art Exhibition, we saw the original work of ‘Rite of Spring’.” “At that time, the signature on the painting was indeed Fiona.” The scene erupted. Layla’s face was white as a sheet, lips trembling but unable to speak. Caleb looked at the judge in disbelief: “This, this is impossible! Layla she!” The Department Chair interrupted him coldly: “Even more ridiculous is that student Layla’s so-called ‘on-site creation’ painting has the exact same brushstrokes and details as the original.” “This is no coincidence, but a blatant copy!” Layla finally broke down crying: “No! I just, just wanted to win too much.” She suddenly turned to Caleb, grabbing his arm: “Caleb, believe me! I did this to go to Harvard with you!” Caleb shook off her hand as if burned, voice trembling: “So you’ve been lying to me all along?” “Genius painter, guaranteed admission qualification, all fake?” Just then, my phone chimed. I tapped the screen, corners of my mouth raising slightly: “Thank you, Chair, for being my witness.” “Just in time, the DNA test results are out.” The big screen displayed the test report: “DNA comparison confirms biological parent-child relationship between Sample A Layla and Sample B Nanny Liu Qiuhua.” I looked calmly at Layla paralyzed on the ground: “Now, do you still want to argue?” Layla looked like death, but still struggling: “Sister, I know I was wrong! Please forgive me.” “We lived together for a while after all!” Caleb suddenly rushed to me, tone urgent: “Fiona, Layla knows she’s wrong, just forgive her.” “As long as you’re willing, I, I can pursue you again!” I sneered: “Caleb, do you think I still care about your choice?” “Now, it’s time to settle another account.” I turned to the Dean: “I have submitted all evidence regarding Layla’s mother swapping babies in the hospital eighteen years ago to the police.” Just then, the auditorium doors were pushed open, and two police officers walked in: “Student Layla, please cooperate with us in investigating a baby abduction case from eighteen years ago.” The hall went silent. Caleb stood dumbstruck, while Layla had collapsed on the floor, unable to utter another word. Chapter 4 Perhaps the scene was too chaotic. Caleb stopped abruptly, looking at Layla in shock: “Did you really swap Fiona’s life?” Layla’s face was pale as paper, lips trembling in defense: “It wasn’t me. I was just a newborn then, how could I?” Caleb seemed convinced by her, turning to me: “Fiona, Layla has a point. How could a newborn baby mastermind such a thing?” “I know you found this evidence just to prove her plagiarism.” “Now that the truth is out, stop being so aggressive.” Seeing Caleb failing to distinguish right from wrong, I was completely disappointed in him. I finally understood that some people never change. The sunny boy from my past life, Died the moment he chose to stand by Layla. Now he is just a confused fool blindly protecting the wrong person. Unwilling to entangle with him further, I said to the head nurse: “Please repeat the situation back then.” The head nurse nervously clutched her clothes: “That night, when I was on night shift, Layla’s mother stuffed a thick envelope into my hands.” “She said the money came from trafficking children, and if I didn’t take it, she would frame me as her accomplice and drag me to prison with her.” Layla suddenly seized the loophole in the head nurse’s words, interrupting eagerly: “That’s just her side of the story!” “Who can prove what she says is true?” She turned to the judges, teary-eyed: “Teachers, my mother passed away years ago. Dead people tell no tales.” “My sister fabricated this lie to frame me because she’s jealous of my relationship with Caleb.” The Dean and several professors exchanged helpless glances. They knew that the head nurse’s testimony alone was indeed insufficient to conclude events from years ago. Seeing this, Caleb sighed in relief and said to me: “Fiona, I understand your feelings, but this might really be a misunderstanding.” “If you really can’t accept Layla, I can reduce my contact with her in the future.” Before he could finish, the auditorium doors opened again. My adoptive father walked in supporting an elderly woman with a cane. Seeing the visitor, Layla’s face turned ashen, legs giving way, nearly kneeling. I supported the old woman and introduced her to everyone: “This is Auntie Wang, the hospital cleaner back then.” “Also, the only witness who saw the entire swapping process.” The Dean looked at the old woman’s blind eyes in shock: “Your eyes.” My adoptive father’s voice choked: “Not just her eyes, her right hand was also crippled.” “Just to stop her from telling the truth!” The audience was in an uproar. Caleb looked at Layla in disbelief: “This, your mother did all this?” Auntie Wang tremblingly raised her crippled right hand, pointing straight at Layla: “It was her mother, to silence me.” “But I will always remember the scene that night when she swapped the two babies.” Layla finally broke down, screaming hysterically: “No! They made it all up!” “Caleb, believe me!” But no one believed her anymore. Caleb stumbled back a few steps, As if truly seeing the girl in front of him for the first time. And right then, Two police officers stepped forward: “Student Layla, please come with us immediately.”

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Since I was young, I was skilled at using my kind-hearted childhood friend. I relied on him for errands and pocket money. He never complained, always spoiling me endlessly. Until the day we got engaged, and we both “awakened” at the same time. I was the cannon fodder in a novel, and he was the male lead, destined to fall in love and live happily ever after with the heroine. I was stunned and wanted to back out, but he gritted his teeth in anger, grabbed me, and dragged me straight to get married. “To hell with the novel and the script! All I know is I love you, and I’m going to grow old with you!” After marriage, he was meticulous in his care for me. We built our careers together, becoming a famous power couple in the business world. The events of the book faded into memory, and my love for him deepened. Three years later, the youngest daughter of a real estate tycoon came to interning at our company. That day, a fire broke out in the office. In the chaotic escape, the girl knocked over a shelf, sending it crashing straight towards my husband. Without thinking, I blocked the fatal blow for him, blood instantly gushing from my head. The girl, scared and disheveled, fell to the ground screaming, “Brother Alex, help!” My husband’s face paled in horror. He ignored everything and sprinted towards her: “Elaine!” I was struck dumb, the color draining from my face. The heroine of the book was named “Elaine”. 1 Alex’s frantic shouts echoed in my ears, my heart feeling like it was being sliced into pieces. Blood streamed from my head, but I ignored the pain, my eyes following him. I saw him holding Elaine tightly, panic written all over his face. “Is your leg hurt? Elaine, don’t be scared, just hold on, I’ll take you to the hospital right now!” My wound wouldn’t stop bleeding, my breathing grew heavy. Enduring the pain, I gasped weakly: “Husband… help, help me…” However, the man so close to me seemed not to see me at all. Anxiously, he picked up Elaine and rushed downstairs. “Someone’s hurt, call an ambulance!” Only when his figure disappeared did I feel like I had fallen into an ice cave, pierced through the heart by an arrow. In the face of danger, my husband abandoned his wife, who had taken a fatal blow for him, and ran off with the person he cared about. People around me were fleeing in panic, no one paying attention to my situation. I was abandoned in a corner, helpless. The pain intensified, my eyelids grew heavier. I bit my lip until it bled, desperately telling myself: “Fiona, you can’t sleep, you have to hold on…” I swallowed the metallic taste surging in my throat and screamed with all my might. “Help… help…” What felt like a heart-wrenching scream was actually incredibly faint. My vision blurred. Before I fainted, for some reason, I remembered our wedding day. Witnessed by friends and family, Alex knelt on one knee, devoutly proclaiming his love. He hugged me tightly, promising: “I don’t believe in fate. I only know that you are the love of my life.” The affection of the past was vivid in my mind, yet now he had abandoned me without hesitation for another woman. I didn’t understand. Is this so-called “fate” truly irresistible? Driving him to fall in love with Elaine regardless of everything? Pain shot through my body. I couldn’t tell if it was heartache or the wound. Darkness fell before my eyes, and I completely lost consciousness. When I regained consciousness, I found myself lying in a hospital bed. My best friend, Chloe’s familiar voice rang in my ears. “Doctor, doctor, she’s awake!” Then she looked at me with red eyes, “You stupid girl, how did you get hurt so badly? Do you know there’s a huge hole in your head!” I was too weak to respond. At this moment, Assistant Lee rushed over with a young doctor. His eyes held the unique clear stupidity of a college student, a large intern badge hanging on his chest. Chloe exclaimed: “Why an intern? Where’s Dr. Chen?” Assistant Lee looked embarrassed: “Mr. Miller had the director call all the chief physicians for a consultation on Miss Elaine. I looked for other chief physicians, but they were all unavailable.” “What?” Chloe was dumbfounded: “Did you tell him Fiona is seriously injured and needs immediate treatment?” “I did.” Assistant Lee said awkwardly: “Mr. Miller said… Miss Elaine fell and hurt herself. She’s delicate and weak, he’s afraid of lasting effects, so he wanted the experts to give her a thorough check-up.” The assistant looked at me with increasing pity. I felt exposed and cold all over. Alex and I were a famous loving couple in our circle, partners working side by side. Everyone knew Alex treated me like his life. Once when I was kidnapped, he went alone to exchange himself for me. Even with blood streaming down his head, he shielded me without hesitation. No one could understand why the person who would give his life for me would now ignore me completely. Even worse, knowing I was seriously injured, he took away all the chief physicians. Only I knew why. Because Alex had fallen in love with Elaine, just like the plot in that book. The male lead prioritizes the heroine’s needs above all else. My heart ached as if being torn apart. My breathing became rapid, heart rate fluctuating violently. “Not good, the patient is critical,” the young doctor said anxiously. “We can’t wait, we must operate immediately!” I was pushed into the operating room. Disinfectant washed over my wound, burning and stinging like fire. I couldn’t help but groan. It hurt, it really hurt. The young doctor comforted me gently while stitching: “Hold on, it will be over soon, you’ll be fine.” The surgery lasted ten hours. Medical staff went in and out, critical condition notices issued one after another. And I had long lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in the ward. Chloe looked distressed: “You’re finally awake, how do you feel?” My body ached, mouth dry. I instinctively wanted to ask if Alex had come to see me, but on second thought, I felt there was no need to humiliate myself. But Chloe understood my hesitation and said angrily: “That scumbag stayed by Elaine’s bedside for a whole day and night, never once coming to see you. He’s not human!” Chloe realized she misspoke and fell silent, then said: “The soundproofing in the VIP ward is very good. I think maybe Alex has bad hearing and didn’t hear the assistant. I’ll go ask him!” I spoke weakly: “No need. It doesn’t matter if he comes or not.” Chloe looked at me with heartache: “But you’re hurt so badly. Your head was injured, full of blood. The doctor said if the surgery was any later, you might have become a vegetable…” I lowered my eyes, “Mm, lucky.” The events of that day made me realize clearly that it was time for Alex and me to end. That shelf didn’t just hit my head; it smashed my love-struck brain. I was bloodied, a mess. In the afternoon, I leaned back in bed, resting my eyes. Two young assistants were whispering. “I really envy Miss Elaine. The boss is so handsome and loves her so much!” “Yeah, Miss Elaine just got a small scratch, and all the good doctors in the hospital went to see her. Such a big fuss!” “More than that, this morning Miss Elaine wanted pastries from Sweet Tooth. Mr. Miller drove there without a word. You know how hard it is to buy from that shop.” “Sigh, Fiona’s life is bitter too. If she wasn’t lucky, she would have died in that fire. Mr. Miller usually likes Fiona so much, but when something happens, he completely forgets his wife. Fiona is pitiful.” The voices faded away. I smiled bitterly. I had been waiting for Alex to come see me, to hear him say he fell in love with someone else, to hear him ask for a divorce, or even an explanation. An explanation of when the person who swore eternal love had a change of heart, and how he got involved with Elaine. Unfortunately, I never expected that he wouldn’t even remember me, running off to buy pastries for his “white moonlight.” In that case, I’ll be the one to let go. I called Assistant Lee: “Draft a detailed divorce agreement. Tell Alex I want a divorce.” Assistant Lee looked surprised, “Okay.” Not long after, I received a call from Alex’s assistant. He greeted me respectfully, then conveyed Alex’s message. “Fiona, Mr. Miller says Miss Elaine is the daughter of a major client. Entrusted by others, he naturally has to prioritize the company’s interests. He hopes you won’t throw a tantrum or mention divorce just because he saved someone.” “Yesterday, Mr. Miller wanted to explain to you in person, but you weren’t in the office, so he went to handle business.” “Today he has to follow up on other cooperation matters, so company affairs will trouble you to helm. Mr. Miller said he will apologize to you personally when things settle down.” Hanging up the phone, I laughed in anger. He didn’t even know I was injured! Not only that, he didn’t know I was critically injured, fighting for my life in the hospital. And on top of that, he thought I was playing the jealous wife card, threatening divorce. It was truly absurd, absurd to the point of speechlessness. But I couldn’t suppress the heartache, tears falling like rain. This time, I was completely disheartened with Alex. The doctor said I must rest well, or there would be lasting effects impacting my life. I wanted to live a few more years! Fortunately, I had a piece of warm jade that was good for health. Before I could rejoice, Alex’s assistant came again, this time eyeing the jade in my hand. “Fiona, it’s hard for me too. Mr. Miller said to give Miss Elaine whatever she wants.” “She’s in poor health and wants that piece of jade to nourish her body…” Elaine was that important in Alex’s heart. I almost lost half my life this time and urgently needed this warm jade to recover. And he, regardless of everything, wanted to snatch my things to give to Elaine to play with! With his wealth today, what couldn’t he get? Why did he have to target my things? I darkened my face, tone unfriendly: “I need the warm jade for my health. If he wants it, let him come get it from me himself.” Alex’s assistant nodded and turned to leave. A moment later, Elaine pushed open my ward door and walked in. She wore a loose patient gown, radiating a delicate pitifulness. But her words were very rude, “Fiona, Alex sent me. Give me the item, I need it for my health.” I looked at her, “Why should I give you my things?” “Because I am the one Alex holds dear.” She looked at me mockingly: “I tried so hard to start that fire. Pity, your life is tough, even that didn’t kill you!” My heart sank. That fire was her doing! “Aren’t you afraid I’ll call the police?” Elaine was fearless: “Do you have evidence?” “Let’s put it this way, from the first moment I saw Brother Alex, I knew he was the one I’ve been waiting for!” “And he knows clearly that I am the heroine of his life, and he can’t do without me!” “With his protection, I can naturally be safe and sound.” I knew she was telling the truth and fell silent. Alex was deeply in love with her now, as if bewitched. For her, he could abandon colleagues who fought alongside him, travel thousands of miles just for her smile, and for her, give me up. She glanced at the wedding diamond ring on my hand disdainfully: “Brother Alex gave you that, right? Pity, the diamond is gone.” “The wedding ring is broken, your relationship with Brother Alex is about to end too. I advise you to be sensible and leave Brother Alex proactively!” She glanced at me sideways, showing off her not-yet-showing belly. “Besides, I’m pregnant with Brother Alex’s child.” “You haven’t gotten pregnant after being married to Brother Alex for so long. Maybe your marital life isn’t very harmonious. But it’s normal. After so many years, even the best food gets boring. No wonder Brother Alex says holding your hand is like holding his own left hand with his right.” After speaking, she covered her mouth and laughed loudly. To my surprise, she had slept with Alex and even had a child! My chest prickled with pain. I stared deadly at the triumphant Elaine in front of me, enunciating each word: “Is being a mistress something to be proud of?” “In the whole city, who doesn’t know that I, Fiona, am Alex’s wife? If I release word that you are the mistress destroying my marriage.” “Do you think you and your Brother Alex will be like rats crossing the street, everyone shouting to beat them?” Elaine’s smile froze on her face. She glared angrily, bluffing: “You dare! Aren’t you afraid Brother Alex will get angry?” I smiled brightly: “You can try and see if I dare.” Elaine glared at me resentfully and left unwillingly. Just as she went out, she ran into Alex returning. She frowned and cried like a pear blossom bathed in rain. “Brother Alex, I’m so sad. The doctor said warm jade can nourish the body and is good for me.” “I was just curious to see if that warm jade is really that magical. But that person refused and scolded me out.” “Boohoo, if she doesn’t give it, fine, why scold me!” Alex’s face darkened immediately: “Who dares to bully you like this? I’ll stand up for you!” He pulled Elaine, striding towards my ward. “How much is that warm jade worth? Name a price, I’ll pay double. But you must apologize to my woman!” Before entering, Alex’s interrogation came through the door. “I also want to see who is so arrogant to touch my person!” He embraced Elaine and pushed the door open decisively. He saw me sitting on the hospital bed, cooperating with the nurse cleaning my wound— 2 “Fiona?!” Alex subconsciously let go of Elaine, looking at me in surprise. “Why are you injured?” His expression didn’t look like he was lying, but I found it laughable! We were husband and wife, yet he knew nothing about my situation. “We were at the fire scene together. How do you think I got hurt?” When the shelf fell, I protected him without thinking. If not for me, he would be the one in the hospital bed now. Alex looked at me in panic, then strode to me, nervously checking my injury. My wound reopened, bloody and terrible. Alex was heartbroken, wanting to touch but daring not to, afraid of hurting me again. “Fiona, Elaine was injured at the time. I was anxious and didn’t think much…” Look, Elaine. How affectionately he called her. Even right in front of me, he didn’t know to avoid it, or maybe he didn’t think he needed to. I glanced at him with a faint smile: “I think you didn’t even remember I existed.” “No… I just thought you’ve always been disciplined and healthy, while Elaine is delicate and weak, needing more care, so…” He carefully explained the reason, but I found it incredibly piercing. His high-sounding excuses turned into swords, ruthlessly piercing my riddled heart. I clutched my chest, unable to hold back tears amidst the dense pain. Just because Elaine is weak, I deserve to be abandoned by him without looking back? But I am his lawfully wedded wife, the one Alex promised to grow old with. Most heartbreakingly, how did Elaine get inserted into the company by Alex without anyone noticing? HR rules are strict, the manager was promoted by me. How much effort did Alex spend to achieve this? Moreover, his current rhetoric, no matter who he tells it to, no one would really believe it. I don’t understand. Since the person in his heart has changed from me to Elaine, why bother weaving lies to deceive me? Maybe he forgot, I was never a flower raised in a greenhouse. I have the ability to distinguish right from wrong. I’ve always been strong, never willing to show weakness. When I stayed up all night modifying design plans only to have them stolen, I laughed it off. Accused of plagiarism, I gritted my teeth and opened new chapters, speaking with capability. Even hospitalized from a car accident, I remained calm and composed. But these days, experiencing these things forced my tear point ridiculously low. My eyes haven’t been unswollen since the accident. Alex knew my nature well. Seeing my reddened eyes, he panicked completely. He nervously took out tissues, gently wiping my tears, deep affection in his eyes. “Fiona, why are you crying? Don’t be like this, it’s all my fault. Hit me, just don’t get sick from anger!” I looked at him, tears falling drop by drop. This was the person I loved for so long! But at this moment, he was unrecognizable, terrifyingly strange. Not far away, Elaine stared at me with a cold face, while I was immersed in my own world, unaware. Sadness aside, I didn’t forget his original intention of bringing Elaine to find me. I couldn’t understand him. At this point, was it necessary to be hypocritical in front of me? I stared at him silently, patiently waiting for his explanation. Alex looked away first, unable to hide the guilt in his eyes. He knew what I wanted to know, just as I was clear about his distraction. We confronted silently for a long time before he spoke. “Back when I returned to school for a speech, by chance, I saved Elaine who was being harassed.” “Since then, she got my contact info from somewhere and kept pestering me to chat. If I ignored her, she would cry heartbreakingly. I softened and…” “She graduated a while ago, fought with her dad claiming independence. She was alone outside, I was afraid something would happen to her, so I let her work in the company.” Returning to school for a speech was two years ago. So they had contact that early, and shamelessly entangled behind my back. And Alex hid all this seamlessly. I don’t understand. Is the plot’s magic really irresistible? Even though I made so much effort, even tried hard to miss the node of their meeting. Even so, I couldn’t stop them from meeting, nor stop them from falling in love regardless. As a CEO with assets over hundreds of millions, Alex had so many ways to settle someone. But he chose to do it himself, which meant he couldn’t let her go, nor did he trust anyone but himself to take care of her. So, they had an affair under my nose and created a life. I was in a trance. Is this fate? No, I don’t accept it! The lover who held me, promising “three thousand waters, only taking one scoop,” finally turned into a bubble and vanished without a trace. And I, having accumulated enough disappointment, completely gave up. Heartbroken to the extreme, I felt unprecedented exhaustion. The past was vivid, but I had no strength to love him anymore. I pushed his hand away distantly and firmly, saying seriously: “Alex, let’s divorce.”

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1 I had just donated an entire building to the university campus of my son’s private school to serve as their new gymnasium. But the very next day, my son ran home crying, telling me he’d been beaten up by a pair of twin college athletes from the university division. I took my son straight to the school and demanded the Dean pull the security footage. I never expected the two college jocks to smirk and pull out two identical black credit cards. “Dean, how about we each donate a hundred grand to the school? Maybe the security cameras could just… happen to malfunction?” The Dean hesitated. My son was furious. But I smiled. Those two supplementary cards were the ones my wife had begged me for a while back. She said she liked the new card design and asked for two of them. It turns out it wasn’t the card design she liked; it was the twin brothers holding them. I turned away with a cold sneer and immediately called the bank to freeze those two cards. Then, I sent a message to my company’s legal department: “My son was assaulted. Get a team down here immediately. I want them to pay a heavy price.” “Also, pull the prenup. Draft a divorce agreement. Serena gets nothing.” “Spending my money to keep a couple of toy boys and letting them bully my son? Keep dreaming.” … Right in front of me, the Carter twins, Jax and Jace, each handed a sleek black card to the Dean. The students gathered around gasped. “Holy cow, I’ve never seen real Centurion Cards before. And they have identical ones!” “Those require a massive spending history and liquidity. You need millions in cash just to qualify!” The Dean swallowed hard, respectfully taking the two cards with trembling hands. My son, Lucas, was crying tears of rage. “Dean Miller, you can’t just let them get away with beating me because they have money!” Dean Miller hesitated, his hand hovering in mid-air, caught between greed and duty. Jax and Jace looked at us with pure disdain. “Dean, even if you pull the footage and prove we beat him, what’s the worst that happens? We pay some medical bills.” “But if the cameras ‘break,’ we donate that money to the school instead. Isn’t that a win-win?” Other students, desperate to suck up to the wealthy twins, started lying through their teeth. “It was Lucas who started it! I saw it!” “Yeah! I was there too. Lucas threw the first punch!” Lucas was shaking. First, he gets beaten, and now he’s being framed and isolated. He couldn’t swallow this injustice. “This is unfair! If this happens to me today, it could happen to any of you tomorrow!” Lucas shouted. But Jax and Jace just laughed maniacally. “Fair? Kid, fairness is a luxury for the rich.” “Your dad is broke, and so are you. That’s fairness! Wait until you graduate; I’ll give you a job as a doorman at our Sugar Momma’s company. We’ll teach you all about the real world then!” Lucas wanted to argue, but the surrounding students told him to face reality. The Dean, hearing this, made up his mind. He praised the students for being “sensible” and swiped Jax’s card through the machine. But the moment he swiped it, the machine let out a harsh, mechanical beep. “Transaction Denied. Account frozen due to suspicious activity.” He tried again. Same result. The Dean looked at Jax awkwardly. Jace immediately handed over his card. “Use mine.” Beep. “Transaction Denied.” The twins looked confused. “Impossible. The school’s machine must be broken!” The crowd agreed. It had to be the machine. The finance director was called in with a new terminal. Swipe. Beep. Denied. Sweat started to bead on the twins’ foreheads. The Dean’s attitude shifted instantly. He glared at them. “You two punks, did you bring expired cards to play games with me?” Jax snorted. “These cards belong to our… god-sister. We’ll call her and ask what’s going on!” They pulled out their phones to video call their “god-sister.” The call connected. I glanced at the screen. The woman on the other end was my wife, Serena. 2 They started putting on a show, cooing and flirting with the rich woman on the screen, completely ignoring everyone else. The Dean and the students, though internally judging them, understood the rules of the game. Money talks. Listening to the ambiguous flirting, everyone knew the money was coming one way or another. What they didn’t know was that my wife, Serena, used to be a housewife. Every cent she gave these twins was money she had wheedled out of me. After hanging up, the twins shot me a provocative look. A minute later, my phone rang. It was Serena. Her tone was icy, as if she were my boss, not my wife. “Leo, I just finished lunch with the girls. I tried to pay, and the card declined!” “Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was? Go to the bank right now and fix it!” I sneered internally but kept my voice calm. “Our son got beaten up at school. I’m handling it. I’ll go to the bank when I’m done.” “Lucas? He’s a boy, he’s tough. A few bruises won’t kill him. Go to the bank now!” She hung up on me. I clenched my jaw. The urge to destroy her was overwhelming. Since marrying me, I supported whatever she wanted to do. Money flowed like water. She wanted a title, so I let her be the figurehead General Manager of one of my subsidiaries. I even jokingly called her “The Duchess” because of her spending habits. The nickname stuck. Now half the city called her “The Duchess.” And this is how she repays me? Cheating on me, neglecting our son, and funding two college bullies? A moment later, the twins shouted at the phone again, calling out “Sis, Sis!” My phone started blowing up with calls and texts from Serena. I ignored them all. I stared coldly at the twins. I wanted to see exactly how they planned to pay. But then, the twins held up their phones triumphantly. “Look! The money’s here!” “Dean Miller, we weren’t lying! Forget a hundred grand; we can drop a million right now!” The Dean immediately bowed and scraped, a disgusting smile plastered on his face. He waved me away impatiently. “There is no footage! They didn’t hit anyone! I’m the Dean, and what I say goes!” The twins looked at me, then at Lucas. “Kid, you’re kinda cute. I know an investor who likes young boys like you…” Lucas’s chest heaved with anger. The crowd immediately started sucking up. “As expected of the campus kings. Handsome, rich, and connected!” A chill radiated from my eyes. I pulled out my primary Black Card and handed it to the Dean. “Five million dollars.” Everyone froze. The Dean took the card. The silence in the room was deafening as he swiped it. Ding! “Approved.” The crowd gasped. “Lucas’s dad is the real tycoon!” The Dean’s face turned pale. “The footage! Yes, the footage is available! Our surveillance system is top-notch, donated by our esteemed alumnus, Mr. Leo Sterling!” I smirked. I am Leo Sterling, you idiot. The twins’ faces turned ugly. They frantically texted their “god-sister.” Then, they both held up their phones, showing bank transfer screenshots. One million each. The crowd gasped again. “They just matched two million!” “Maybe Lucas’s dad isn’t as rich as the Duchess after all!” “I mean, look at them. Tall, athletic… I can see why a rich female CEO would sponsor them.” Serena really had some nerve. Spending my money on boy toys without blinking an eye, letting them bully my son. But this is all marital property. Every cent they took, I will make them vomit back up. But for now, I needed to humiliate these parasites. The Dean looked at me nervously. He knew if I didn’t outbid them, the cameras would “break” again. I raised my card again. “Double it.” 3 The entire office went dead silent. “Double? That’s ten million dollars! Ten million for a security tape?” I glanced at the twins. Ten million was nothing to me. It was the price of a business dinner. But for these college kids? That was a lifetime of debt. Students started whispering. “Justice prevails! These twins have bullied so many people. Finally, someone is stopping them!” Jax gritted his teeth. “You’re spending ten million for a video? Even if it proves we hit him, the medical bills are only a few thousand!” Before he could finish, the Dean’s terminal beeped. “Ten million dollars approved.” I looked at them coldly. To them, this was about money. To me, this was about my son’s dignity. Jax and Jace weren’t giving up. “Our money comes from the Duchess! Your money is probably your life savings, old man!” Lucas looked up, face beaming with pride. “My dad makes millions while he sleeps. He doesn’t care about this pocket change!” He wasn’t wrong. But that five million I just spent? I’m going to make sure the twins spend the rest of their lives paying it back to me. The Dean was trembling with excitement. He rushed over to shake my hand. “I had no idea we had such a titan of industry among our parents!” He turned to the twins, his face stern. “Are you going to outbid him?” “Our school has strict rules. If you really beat up a minor, you will be expelled immediately!” The threat was clear. Pay up or get out. The twins gritted their teeth. “We’ll add more!” They looked at my faded t-shirt and jeans and seemed to regain confidence. “Our god-sister is ‘The Duchess’ Serena! No matter how rich you are, you aren’t richer than her!” “See the donor wall outside? She’s a distinguished alumna. That’s our sister!” “You better take your kid and run. If you offend her, you won’t just leave this school; you’ll be run out of the state!” The crowd murmured. “I wondered who that mysterious female donor was. It’s Serena!” “The library and science center were donated by her!” “This dad and son are screwed. Why mess with the Duchess?” The Dean’s face flipped again. He poured water for the twins apologetically. Then he turned to us. “Kids lie because parents teach them poorly! Accusing these fine young men of violence today, accusing someone of murder tomorrow!” The crowd swayed like grass in the wind. ” Flashing a few million when you’re up against real old money? Pathetic.” “You offended a big shot. You better kneel and apologize to the twins now!” I laughed. “My son and I will wait right here for this ‘Big Shot’.” The money Serena donated to the school was money I gave her to build a reputation. I never thought it would be used as a weapon against our son. The twins called Serena, whining and exaggerating the situation, begging her to come save them. Before hanging up, they threatened me: “Our sister is coming. She has a security team like the Secret Service. They’ll chop you two up and feed you to the dogs!” Hearing Serena was coming, the Dean organized the students into a welcoming line. He even sent someone to buy flowers. I watched the circus act, suppressing a laugh. Soon, Serena walked in, wearing a tight designer dress and high heels, radiating authority. As soon as she entered, everyone bowed. “Hello, Sister Serena!” 4 The twins ran to her, faces full of fake grievance. As expected, Serena didn’t even notice me in the corner. She rushed to them, looking concerned. “Who dared to bully you? I’ll handle them!” Damn it. Her own son was beaten, and she didn’t care. Two boy toys spend money fighting, and she’s heartbroken. Lucas recognized his mother immediately. But he didn’t run to her like usual. Instead, he looked at me with teary eyes. “Dad, is that Mom? Why is she hugging the bad guys who hurt me?” I patted his back, whispering that I would make it right. Seeing “The Duchess” in person, the students went wild. “She’s so beautiful and young!” “No wonder the campus kings are fighting over her attention!” After the praise, Jax and Jace flanked Serena, pointing at me. They put on whiny voices. “It’s those two! They don’t know their place. They claimed we beat up his kid!” “He forced the Dean to pull the tapes and wants us expelled!” “Sister, destroy him!” Serena straightened up, eyes flashing with anger. “Who has the audacity to bully my boys?” Following their fingers, she looked past the crowd and finally saw us. The arrogance on her face vanished instantly, replaced by pure shock and gray fear. “Leo… what are you doing here?”

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After graduation, my arch-nemesis handed me a note with an unnatural expression on her face. Written on it was a simple sentence. Even a slacker like me could understand those few words. “NO ONE LIKES YOU.” Heartbroken, I tore up the note and left the country the very next day. Years later, I returned, accomplished. The day I came back, a storm was raging, delaying my flight. And my arch-nemesis stood in the rain, holding an umbrella, waiting for me all night long. 1 Flight delays are annoying enough. What was even more annoying was that as soon as I got off the plane and my phone regained signal, a trending topic popped up. [Shocking! Heiress of the Sterling empire waits in the rain for a mysterious man all night.] Clicking on the news, the photo showed a woman with a perfect profile, long eyelashes slightly lowered, hiding her dark eyes. A sense of melancholy was palpable. I suppressed my anger and scrolled through the comments, all filled with “heartbroken for my queen” sentiments. This attention seeker! Yes, the person in the photo was none other than my childhood nemesis, Bella Sterling, the culprit who caused my breakdown and departure. While I lived a miserable life as an international student, struggling with academics and terrible food, she was sailing smoothly back home. A random photo from a banquet could go viral, making her famous for her beauty and wealth. Comments were full of people calling her “wife,” praising her cool goddess vibe. In my eyes, she was just a hypocrite. Doesn’t she have a car? Or an assistant? Standing in the rain acting pitiful for whom? Scrolling further down, some people were even cursing the man who made her wait. ? Excuse me? After the note incident years ago, I unilaterally cut ties with Bella Sterling, blocking all her contacts. Feeling ashamed, I didn’t tell my family. Given our families’ long-standing friendship, when my mom called today saying Bella was picking me up, I could only silently agree. Who knew she would pull this stunt? Luckily, I had foresight. Putting on sunglasses and zipping my jacket to the top, I sneaked into the taxi I had booked in advance. The driver was startled by me, probably thinking I was a terrorist. His voice trembled: “Young man, confirm the last digits of your number.” After confirming I was a passenger, he sighed in relief and started chatting cheerfully. “I’ve been to the airport three or four times today. This girl has been standing here the whole time, don’t know who she’s waiting for.” The driver gestured with his chin for me to look out the window. I looked at Bella Sterling standing in the rain, like a wet bamboo stalk, her calm, deep eyes staring straight at the airport exit. As if finally tired, thinking I wouldn’t come, she sighed and turned to leave. Her disappointed look was indeed captivating. I frowned, an unknown emotion pressing on my heart. In a trance, that note appeared before me again. I heard myself say coldly: “Sir, can you drift?” The driver was stunned. “To be honest, that person is my ex. She was abusive before, but always acts affectionate in public.” Afraid the driver would be reluctant, I quickly added, “I can give you a tip.” The driver was indignant. “Young man, no need for extra money! Bad women like that deserve a lesson!” With a beautiful drift, water from the ground splashed all over Bella’s expensive custom suit. Seeing her drenched and wretched appearance, I felt a secret thrill. That’s what you get for pretending! You cold, sharp-tongued woman, I will never forgive you! 2 Bella Sterling and I shouldn’t have reached this point of incompatibility. Even the title of “arch-nemesis” was unilaterally bestowed by me. Our parents were close friends and business partners. When we were little, at family gatherings, our parents even joked about arranging a marriage for us. I always liked good-looking people since I was a kid. Back then, the expressionless, chubby-cheeked little Bella was even chased and kissed by me a few times. But my parents, smiling on the surface, would start comparing me to her as soon as we got home. Saying I wasn’t as good as Bella in this or that. I wanted to escape, but my parents put us in the same class from kindergarten onwards. I lived in Bella’s shadow until graduation. A friend whose family was also rich, and a fellow slacker like me, we had a lot in common. He asked me: “Oliver, are you going abroad or to a private college here?” Did he even need to ask? Although going abroad meant attending a subpar school, a domestic private college would be even more embarrassing for my family. But looking at the fresh and pretty back of Bella’s head during high school, the words that should have slipped out lingered on the tip of my tongue. “…I haven’t decided yet.” Maybe because it was time to part ways, and the burden of exams was finally lifted, everyone became active. Confession scenes were everywhere on campus. A pile of notes appeared on Bella’s desk. Every now and then, a boy would shyly drop one and run. I sorted through the few confession letters in my desk, feeling uninterested. In high school, grades were the real halo; looks were just bonus points. Thanks to my parents for giving me a good face. This time I still lost to Bella, but at least not with a zero score. I was ready to leave when the surroundings suddenly quieted down. Looking up, Bella’s face always dazed me. Her expression was a bit strange, at least I had never seen it before. A small note was handed to me. Classmates started cheering. My head spun even more, my face numb from shock. With trembling hands, I opened the note. It was a sentence in English. Short, simple. Even a slacker like me could understand. [NO ONE LIKES YOU.] 3 A bone-chilling cold invaded me. I woke up from the dark dream. The AC had been on at 60 degrees all night, and I had kicked off the quilt. Checking my phone, a message from a pinned contact. [Got over the jet lag?] I sneezed and typed slowly: [Jet lag is mostly gone, but caught a cold…] The sender was an online seller recommended by a friend, who occasionally helped students buy things abroad. Back then, I swore not to return until I achieved something. In my miserable life, this seller lady helped me a lot. Plus, we had many common topics, and unknowingly became good online friends. [Take some medicine first, and drink plenty of hot water.] The seller lady had a great personality, just very straightforward. Wonder how she does sales with that. I secretly roasted her. But precisely because of her straightforwardness, I told her many troubles. [Last night I dreamed of that day again…] The other side showed “typing” for a while. [Did you meet her? The one who made you feel bad.] I felt a bit guilty. Being told no one liked me was shameful, so I was vague about the note’s content. I only told her that seeing that note made me feel like the sky had collapsed. Seeing my long silence, she sent another message. [If you want to completely walk out of the nightmare, escaping blindly is useless.] I hesitated and typed: [But… meeting her makes me feel ashamed.] Instant reply. [She made you feel uncomfortable; she should be the one ashamed.] Like fog clearing, I suddenly saw the light. Right, I may not be smart, but I’m good-looking. Why say no one likes me? A smile appeared on my face. This is why I like chatting with the seller lady. I don’t need mere comfort and “hugs.” I’m truly happy someone can tell me how to solve problems. 4 Since returning home, my family kept urging me to meet Bella. Their filter on my “friendship” with Bella was too thick. Finally, my mom spoke again. “Ollie, your uncle opened a new restaurant on the top floor next to our company. Go support it with Bella.” I looked calm: “Sure, I’ll go tonight.” My mom beamed. I rummaged through boxes to find those confession letters from high school. Plus the crooked Chinese notes written by foreign girls when I was studying in the UK. Ever since Bella humiliated me saying no one liked me, I accepted every confession seriously, then politely declined with a return gift. This time, I was going to throw these letters in Bella’s face. I, Oliver Vance, am not disliked by everyone! With this ambition, I straightened my back, lifted my chin, and walked elegantly into the restaurant. Bella was already waiting at the reserved seat. Seeing me, her eyes lit up. She stood to pull out a chair for me, speaking gently. “Long time no see.” Wait, there’s a waiter right here, why do you need to do that? I hummed lightly, curling my lip in disdain. Pretentious. Bella was beautiful today, a different kind of beauty from high school. I even smelled the faint perfume on her. Future female CEO vibe is different. I thought sourly. Looked kinda impressive. I ignored her. She didn’t get angry, good-naturedly handing me the menu to order. Opening it, the names of the dishes killed my enthusiasm. Damn, can’t escape the torture of British food even back home. I schemingly picked many dishes I thought were the worst. Closing the menu, I put on a fake smile. “Bella Sterling, let’s talk.” She looked me in the eye: “Go ahead.” Beauty trap? I won’t fall for it. My eyes drifted up, tactical throat clearing. “About the note you gave me back then.” I pulled out that thick stack of letters and notes from my clutch. “This is my response.”

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Before the SATs, I gave the whole class a list of key topics to study. To my surprise, I guessed 80% of them correctly. After the exams, I was accepted into Harvard, and everyone in my class got into their dream universities. But on the day my family was celebrating, a group of police officers stormed in. It turned out the class president had led a campaign to report me. She rallied the class, claiming I had obtained the answers in advance, which was why I became the top scorer. My admission was rescinded, and my mom was sent to prison because of me. People online called me shameless, saying I should die for cheating on the SATs. They came to my house, splashing paint and throwing rotten eggs. Someone even put a bounty on me on the dark web. Over the years, the relentless abuse drove me to severe mental illness. One dark night, I swallowed a whole bottle of sleeping pills. When I opened my eyes again, I was back before the exams. Facing the jeers of my classmates, I smiled. Predicting exam questions? That’s my specialty! This time, the accuracy will be 100%! 1 It was evening study hall in our senior year. The classroom was silent, save for the rustling of leaves outside the window. I was staring blankly at the “3 Days Until SATs” countdown when the class president, Hailey Miller, suddenly stood up. “Sophia, isn’t your mom on the SAT question committee? Do you have any inside scoop to share?” As soon as she spoke, everyone stopped writing. “Sophia, why didn’t you say so earlier! If your mom is making the questions, she must have given you the key topics. It’s not cool to keep it to yourself!” “I heard the Math section is brutal this year. Sophia, do you know what the essay prompt is?” “Yeah, and the Reading section! My comprehension sucks, I always go off-topic!” Looking at their eager eyes, I finally realized—I had been reborn! In my past life, I explained countless times. Although my mom was on the committee, she had been in sequester since March. I hadn’t been able to contact her for a long time, so there was no way I could know the questions. But my classmates didn’t care. They were convinced I knew the questions and was keeping them secret to be the top scorer. Three years of high school, studying desperately for this one exam. I saw their struggles. For the sake of their futures, I shared the key topics I had summarized over the year. Unexpectedly, I hit 80% of the actual questions. All thirty-nine students in my class got into top-tier universities. Hailey gave my desk mate, Lucas, a look. He immediately understood. “Sophia, your mom is an English teacher, right?” “The essay and grammar sections are worth a lot. If we can ace those, we can easily get a high score even if we mess up the rest!” Originally, the classmates were just grumbling, but hearing this, their eyes widened. “English is my weakest subject. If I can get a decent score, I can get into the Chemistry program at NYU! Sophia, have mercy. I’ll call you my godmother!” “One point on the SATs can mean a difference of thousands of rankings. If I get those forty points, think of how many people I’ll leave in the dust!” Hailey wouldn’t let up, adding fuel to the fire. “That’s just English. Sophia’s mom can definitely get the answers for other subjects too! If our whole class gets top scores, maybe Harvard and Yale will be fighting over us!” The quiet classroom exploded into chaos. “Alright, settle down!” The homeroom teacher slammed his book on the podium. “Sophia, your grades have always been good. You can’t just ignore your classmates’ futures to be the top scorer.” “We are a team. Stop hiding it. Share the key topics, and everyone will be grateful.” Grateful? I sneered internally. They wouldn’t be grateful. They would only resent me for not giving them all the key topics! In my past life, as soon as they got their acceptance letters, they turned around and reported my mom for leaking exam questions, led by Hailey! My mom was sentenced to five years. My scores were canceled, and Harvard rescinded my admission. The sudden trauma caused my dad to have a heart attack, and he passed away shortly after. While my family was destroyed, my dear classmates were celebrating the high scores they got because of my predictions! Unexpectedly, I opened my eyes and was reborn before the exams. With the experience from my past life, my prediction accuracy is 100%. But I won’t give it to them so easily. Facing the jeers of the class, I made a silent decision. “Yes, my mom said as long as I memorize the content in this book, I’ll definitely be the top scorer!” I patted the book on my desk and smiled. I dare to say the correct answers for every subject, but I wonder if you dare to write them down! 2 Hailey’s eyes lit up, and she ran over from the front row. When she saw the book in my hand was “SAT Prep 2024,” her face turned pale. “Sophia, if you don’t want to help, just say so. No need to play us like this!” She squeezed out a few tears, looking utterly wronged. Seeing her cry, Lucas immediately felt distressed. “Hailey is thinking about our future. Sophia, don’t be too much!” The classmates joined in. “Being antisocial is one thing, but bullying classmates? I say you’re just jealous Hailey is prettier than you!” “Exactly. Who wants your key topics anyway? Sophia, if you have a problem, take it out on us!” Hailey could barely suppress her smile. She raised an eyebrow at me, a clear provocation. Looking at Lucas’s dark face, my heart turned to ice. I had a crush on him for three years. For three years, I brought him breakfast and tutored him, but no matter what I did, he only had eyes for Hailey. It was fine if he didn’t like me. But after my mom went to prison, he tricked my dad into thinking I was suicidal, causing his heart attack and death! “Sophia, you must apologize to Hailey!” “Yes, apologize!” I looked coldly at these ingrates, refusing to say a word. Until the bell rang, the homeroom teacher said slowly, arms crossed, “If you don’t apologize to Hailey, everyone will stay here with you.” Complaints erupted around me. I bit my lip until I tasted blood, forcing out the words. “I’m sorry…” The students scattered like birds. I lay on my desk, sobbing. Hailey walked up to me slowly, dropping the act. “Good grades are useless; winning hearts is what matters! Let’s see if you dare to go against me again!” I looked up, sobbing, “I didn’t lie to you. I know the answers to every subject!” Shock flashed in her eyes but was quickly suppressed. “The essay prompt is about ‘legacy and innovation,’ the reading passage is from The Art of War, the answers are C, C, D, A, B…” With every sentence, Hailey’s expression grew more serious. “How can you prove this is real?” “The first exam is English. You’ll know if I’m right when you take it!” “Our city has never had a perfect score valedictorian. If you get a perfect score, you can pick any university and major in the country.” Hailey’s eyes darted around. She tore a page from my notebook and furiously wrote everything down. An hour later, the paper was filled with text. “Aren’t you trying to be the valedictorian? Why are you so kind to give me the answers?” “My mom gave me the answers. If I become the valedictorian, it would attract too much attention. I just need a score good enough for Harvard.” Hailey stared at me skeptically. After a long while, she raised her hand as if to hit me, and I instinctively covered my head. “If you dare play me again, watch how I deal with you!” I shrank back, timidly pulling her sleeve. “Promise me you won’t tell anyone. Leaking exam questions is a big deal; I could go to jail!” “I’m not that stupid. With this, the state valedictorian title is mine!” I sneered internally. Dreaming of being a perfect-score valedictorian with her mediocre grades? She really dares to dream. I want to see how she faces public scrutiny after the exams! 3 One day left until the SATs. Classes were suspended for self-study, with teachers available for Q&A. During the break, Hailey mysteriously called Lucas aside. When Lucas returned, he threw his textbook aside and went straight to sleep on his desk. I looked up at Hailey. Her desk was surrounded by people. A student in front whispered, “A set of La Mer skincare for five multiple-choice questions? That’s too expensive. Who knows if her inside info is real!” The student next to her nudged her, and she shut up in fear. I pretended not to see and continued with my practice test. Hailey was bold! She dared to sell exam questions. Wasn’t she afraid of being caught? And those students buying answers, if caught, their scores would be canceled. Unless… they wanted to use me as a scapegoat again! In that case, let’s blow this up! On the day of the exam, I was at home enjoying the AC and watermelon, while the class group chat exploded. They never expected the English exam to match Hailey’s predictions exactly! To get the answers for the next subject, parents visited Hailey with expensive gifts. The news was covering the exams on TV. Hailey was the first to walk out of the school. Facing reporters, she looked confident. “Thanks to three years of hard work, I thought today’s English exam was easy!” I bit into my ice cream and scoffed. Let’s see how long she can be proud! Soon, it was results day. Hailey livestreamed checking her scores. Seeing her scores were sealed (indicating a top ranking), she smiled shyly. Instantly, “School Beauty High School Valedictorian” trended. The next day, I went to school for paperwork, just as the honor roll was being posted. Hailey, fresh from an interview, tore down my photo. “Someone like Sophia doesn’t deserve Harvard!” I glared at her. “Hailey, watch your mouth! If you dare frame me, I’ll make you pay!” She glanced at me disdainfully, then said indignantly, “I just can’t stand people like you. The SAT is the fairest competition, but some people use their connections to cheat!” “Sophia, you know how you got your score!” Reporters swarmed like sharks smelling blood, thrusting microphones at her. “You don’t know? Her mom is on the question committee. Sophia had the answers long ago. Her score is dirty!” Hailey looked angrily at the camera, enunciating each word. “I am now formally reporting Sophia for cheating! I hope the authorities investigate her thoroughly and give millions of students a fair chance!” Reporters dropped their jaws. “What? All six subjects? She had all the answers!” “Cheating on the SATs? That ruins lives! Little girl, you’re bold!” A male reporter pushed his glasses. “Student, did you really cheat? Where did you get the answers? How did your mother get them? What do you have to say for yourself?” Instantly, all cameras pointed at me! The scene of being interrogated in my past life overlapped with this moment. I trembled uncontrollably. “You have no evidence. Why do you say I cheated?” “Oh, I have evidence! Solid evidence!” “Look, this is the paper where Sophia wrote down the answers!” Hailey pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and held it up to the camera. 4 The paper was covered in dense handwriting with answers for every subject. My mind buzzed. That was indeed my handwriting! But since my rebirth, all memories of the exam existed only in my mind. I never wrote them down. How did Hailey have this? Before I could think of a response, classmates arrived at the school, summoned by Hailey. Lucas stepped forward, standing first before the cameras. “I’m Sophia’s desk mate. She slept through classes all senior year and didn’t study at all. I absolutely don’t believe she could get into Harvard!” To prove it, he pulled out an old photo on his phone. In the photo, the whole class was listening attentively, except for me sleeping on the desk. “I can testify too! I’m the math rep. Sophia stopped handing in homework since senior year started. I reminded her daily, but she didn’t care, saying her admission was secured and she didn’t need to do homework. Her mom must have been planning to get her answers since then!” “Uncles and Aunties, this is our mock exam score. Sophia only got 300 points. How could someone with such scores be admitted to Harvard!” The classmates’ accusations were broadcast live. Netizens furiously commented. “There must be something fishy for someone like this to get into Harvard!” “Investigate! Must investigate! An exam committee member leaking questions, there must be a huge umbrella protecting them!” “She ruined others’ ten years of hard work. We small-town students have no hope left!” “Evidence is right there. How can she explain this? She should just die!” I gritted my teeth, staring stubbornly at Hailey. “That paper is fake. You’re all lying!” I slept in class because I had a high fever that day. I didn’t hand in homework because the math teacher allowed it. I missed the mock exam because I was participating in a math competition in the neighboring state! “This is clearly your handwriting. How can you prove it’s fake?” Hailey smirked. Relying on their numbers, they seemed sure I was speechless. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to calm down. I can’t lose my composure, or I’ll fall into her trap. “My mom is indeed on the committee. But she entered sequester in early March. You say my mom leaked questions to me, then tell me, how did we communicate!” The reporters finally realized something. “Right, committee members can’t have electronic devices and have no internet. How did the answers get out?” Hailey was stumped for a moment but reacted quickly. “Who knows how you communicated!” “Anyway, I have evidence. Reporting you is what any student should do. The rest is up to the investigators!” I looked at her and sneered. “But, I didn’t take the SATs at all!” “What did you say?” Hailey’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I was already admitted to Harvard early, so I didn’t take the SATs. There’s no way I cheated or leaked questions.” “Hailey Miller, accusing me and my mom without evidence is slander and defamation! I can sue you!” Hailey was shocked. She never calculated that I didn’t even take the exam. In my past life, when news of my early admission spread, she publicly shamed me for not being loyal and guilt-tripped me into giving up the admission to take the exam with them. After rebirth, I immediately contacted Harvard admissions. Thankfully, they gave me another chance and returned my application to withdraw.

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On the day of the college entrance exam, my fiancé, Liam, suddenly went crazy and tore up everyone’s test papers in the exam hall. The reason? His childhood sweetheart, Bella, was caught cheating and disqualified from the exam. At the same time, there was an issue with the backup exam papers, leading to the cancellation of one subject’s score for the entire class. Liam faced criminal charges. To save him, I arranged for everyone in the class to study abroad and covered all their tuition and living expenses. Later, Liam and I successfully got into the top university in the world. However, Bella was caught cheating again during her IELTS exam. Her cheating was exposed online, and suffering from depression, she couldn’t handle the cyberbullying and jumped off a building. Upon hearing this, Liam locked himself in his room for days. When he finally came out, he told me he had accepted it, that this was her fate. Until the day we were set to go abroad, Liam drugged me and pushed me out of our private jet. “You were always jealous of her since childhood, always trying to outdo her. You pushed her into depression.” “If you hadn’t framed her for cheating, she wouldn’t have died.” When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day of the college entrance exam. If Liam wants to go crazy, let him. This time, no one is going to cover for him. Chapter 1 Screams echoed through the exam hall. When I opened my eyes, Liam had already torn his way to the last row. Several proctors rushed in and pinned him down. As he was dragged away, Liam laughed maniacally, “If Bella can’t take the test, then no one can!” Twenty minutes later, everyone in our exam hall was ushered into the school’s large conference room. The school officials had gone to report the incident to the education bureau, hoping to activate the backup exam papers. While waiting for the result, everyone was cursing Liam. “Liam is a psycho. Bella can’t take the exam because she cheated. What does that have to do with us?” “Now we’ve all missed this subject. I wonder if we’ll get a retest. Every point in the entrance exam counts. If we don’t get a score for this subject, none of us will get into college.” “If we can’t retest, I’m going to smash Liam and Bella’s heads in.” “Shh, keep it down. Chloe is here too.” Hearing this, everyone glanced at me. The expressions on their faces were fascinating. Everyone knew Liam tore up the papers for Bella. But everyone also knew Liam was my fiancé, arranged by my father. I had been frail since childhood, prone to fevers with no identifiable medical cause. My father consulted a fortune teller who said my life force was weak and suggested finding a fiancé with a compatible horoscope to ward off bad luck. My father searched high and low in orphanages with the horoscope provided by the fortune teller and finally chose Liam. Bella was the daughter of our housekeeper. The three of us grew up together. Liam was my fiancé, but he cared deeply for Bella. Every time I brought this up, he would mock me: “You’re a rich young lady; how could you understand the feelings of orphans like Bella and me living under someone else’s roof? We are soulmates, kindred spirits. Don’t make everything sound so dirty.” In my past life, I truly believed this. Thinking my status pressured Liam, I constantly accommodated them. Over the years, Liam caused plenty of trouble at school. Usually, after he made a mess, I would immediately clean it up for him. But not this time. I took out my phone, ready to message my lawyer not to help Liam. Just then, the door pushed open, and the room fell silent as everyone looked towards the entrance. Liam walked in swaggering, holding Bella’s hand. The room exploded. “Liam, you dare show your face? Look at the mess you’ve caused!” “Why are you here with Bella? Shouldn’t you be waiting for detention at the police station?” Facing these questions, Liam smiled smugly, “I’m here to take the exam, of course. The police have cleared everything up. Bella and I did nothing wrong.” With that, Liam and Bella swaggered over and sat down next to me. No one believed their trouble had blown over so easily. But when eyes turned to me, everyone fell silent again. After all, my family’s business empire spanned wide, covering the entire city. Two-thirds of my classmates’ parents worked for my family’s group. Facing Liam, everyone dared to be angry but dared not speak out. After sitting down, Liam didn’t say a word to me but kept asking Bella if she was okay. “I was almost scared to death; my hands are still shaking.” Bella held out her slightly trembling hand. Liam held it without hesitation, comforting her, “It’s okay, it’s okay. After the exam, I’ll take you to the Maldives to relax and forget this unhappy event.” Only then did he deign to give me a look, “Chloe, did you hear that? You’re responsible for arranging this.” His tone was nasty, like ordering a servant. I ignored him and continued looking down at my phone. My lawyer sent a message. [Miss, Master Liam and Miss Bella’s matter has been handled.] Seeing this message, I paused. It turned out Liam had contacted the lawyer directly and settled the matter without even telling me. In my past life, the lawyer also bailed Liam out. But I was the one who called the lawyer, and I never bothered with Bella. Could it be that Liam was also reborn? Chapter 2 Whether Liam was reborn or not, I wouldn’t tolerate him using the Song family name to commit wrongdoings anymore. I messaged my lawyer, telling him not to respond to any of Liam’s requests without my permission in the future. Simultaneously, I messaged several people, cutting off Liam’s credit cards and informing everyone around me that I would no longer be responsible for him. The replies came quickly. Some simply acknowledged. Some were surprised. The old butler sent three crying emojis. [Miss, you should have stopped caring about that troublemaker long ago.] I touched my nose, feeling scolded. While Liam was still discussing with Bella which dress to wear to the Maldives, the door was pushed open. School officials walked in, telling everyone with grim faces. “The backup exam papers were leaked. There’s no way to retest this subject. Everyone’s score for this subject will be canceled.” The shorter the statement, the bigger the problem. After a few seconds of silence in the conference room. Breakdowns, screams, and cries erupted all at once. The school officials looked worried too. After all, with so many people missing a subject score, the school’s average would drop, not to mention a few potential Ivy League candidates were among them. Now, they all failed. Twelve years of hard work by everyone, ruined in an instant. Soon, everyone turned their attention to Liam. Ignoring his status now, several tall boys surrounded us, cursing at him and Bella. “Liam, are you satisfied now? You’ve ruined so many people.” “Bella, you cheated and got caught, fine, but why drag so many people down with you?” Someone even directed their anger at me: “Song, you’re not a good person either. Usually, Liam bullies classmates in school under your name, and you not only ignore it but indulge him. You three are birds of a feather!” They were all eighteen or nineteen, at an age full of vigor. After the cursing, fists started flying. Fortunately, I had learned kickboxing before. After dodging a few punches, I couldn’t help shouting: “They were the ones who did wrong! What does it have to do with me? I’m a victim too!” But their voices were too loud; my rebuttal disappeared in the cursing. I had to continue defending myself. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Liam tightly shielding Bella behind him. Even though I was thoroughly disappointed in this man, my heart still inevitably felt a prick of pain at this moment. With school officials present, they couldn’t really let these students beat Liam to death. The two sides were pulled apart. Liam’s mouth was bleeding from a few punches. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand and cursed, “You animals, dare to hit me? Believe it or not, I’ll sue you, and you’ll all go to jail.” Someone in the crowd turned red-eyed, voice trembling: “Liam, are you even human? So many people’s futures are ruined by you, and you can still say such things!” “We’re not like you, backed by the Song family. We are ordinary people, relying on the entrance exam to change our lives.” Hearing this, many felt it deeply and couldn’t help crying. Liam waved his hand, “Alright, stop crying. I’ll be responsible for you.” Someone glared, “Easy for you to say. Now that everyone’s exam scores are ruined, how can you be responsible?” “Life isn’t just about the entrance exam.” Liam smirked, “Don’t you want to study abroad?” Compared to the entrance exam, studying abroad was indeed a better path. Everyone quieted down, waiting for Liam to continue. He stood on a chair and announced loudly. “As long as you don’t hold me accountable for tearing up the papers today, I can help you study abroad. I’ll cover all tuition and living expenses.” Chapter 3 Hearing this familiar sentence, I was even more certain that Liam had been reborn. Because in my past life, I was the one who said these words. “Of course, for those who don’t want to go and want to stay and repeat a year to retake the exam, I will also give corresponding compensation.” Now, no one raised any objections. After all, even if they successfully took the exam and got into college this year, they wouldn’t make that much money after graduation. Liam turned from a target of public criticism to a star. People stopped waving fists and instead approached him fawningly to ask if it was true. Liam lifted his chin, “Of course it’s true. I never lie.” Everyone cheered. But no one noticed that I, Liam’s financier, hadn’t said a word. Even Liam didn’t ask for my opinion. Perhaps in his heart, whatever he said, I would agree to willingly. With the matter resolved, the school stopped holding everyone. The conference room doors opened, and Liam and Bella walked at the front like victorious generals. But as soon as they left the building, they were blocked by a group of parents. Naturally, these were the parents of the students whose papers were torn. Liam was surrounded again. The parents were even more agitated than the students, scolding him with particularly harsh words. Liam looked impatient. Seeing this, the students quickly stepped forward to explain for him, saying he had promised everyone a large sum of compensation. The parents naturally didn’t believe it, “He’s a poor student, where would he get the money to compensate so many people?” After all, the amount Liam promised totaled tens of millions. The students excitedly said: “He’s not an ordinary student; he’s Chloe Song’s fiancé, Liam. You know Chloe Song, right? The daughter of the city’s richest man, her family owns several mines.” They didn’t know my name, but my dad’s name was thunderous. Hearing this, the parents’ faces indeed looked better. After all, my dad truly had the ability to afford these expenses and was known for doting on his daughter. But adults think more than minors after all. They still surrounded Liam, not letting him pass, chattering that a verbal agreement was useless. “You say you can solve our going abroad, and it’s solved? There must be written proof. Without even a contract, how can we believe you?” Liam glanced at them coldly and bragged shamelessly, “You ordinary people are so troublesome. Isn’t it just a contract? I’ll call my lawyer to draft one right now.” His tone was condescending, as if he forgot he was also an ordinary person. He took out his phone and called his lawyer in public. However, he was slapped in the face; several calls went unanswered. The parents’ faces darkened, “I said kids’ words can’t be trusted. Do you really have a lawyer? Why doesn’t he answer your call?” Liam put away his phone, looked at me, voice harsh, “What’s wrong with Jason? Why isn’t he answering?” I sneered, “How would I know? Maybe he doesn’t want to talk to you.” Liam didn’t catch my sarcasm and ordered me: “Fire him tomorrow. If he can’t be on call 24 hours, he shouldn’t be my lawyer.” I found it a bit funny. Wanted to say he wasn’t your lawyer to begin with. Before the mockery left my mouth, the parents weren’t having it. “Stop making excuses. Without a contract, you’re not leaving today.” “Yeah, didn’t you say you’d be responsible for your actions? Be responsible with your mouth then.” Even if reborn, Liam couldn’t handle the interrogation of these adults. Within minutes, he was flushed and flustered. “Fine, you just want money, right? I’ll transfer the deposit to you first, okay?” Liam took out his phone and spoke to the parent shouting the loudest at him: “Come, give me your bank account number, I’ll transfer a hundred thousand.” The parent smiled, took out their phone, and read out the account number. Liam opened the app, entered the number, and input the amount of one hundred thousand. After clicking confirm. The interface displayed— [Insufficient Balance!] Chapter 4 Finding the first card empty, Liam remained relatively calm. Until the second, the third… he tried five cards, all empty. Liam looked up, frowning at me, “Chloe, where’s the money in the cards?” His cards were all supplementary cards to mine. If he couldn’t get money from his cards, it meant my cards had no money either. I answered truthfully, “I stopped the cards.” Liam flew into a rage, “Why did you stop my cards? Unfreeze them immediately! Don’t you see so many people waiting for money?” I spread my hands, “What does people wanting money have to do with me? They’re my cards; I stop them if I want.” Liam froze, finally noticing something wrong with me. Previously, I obeyed his words like edicts, but now my words were full of thorns. He pulled me aside, “Chloe, what do you mean?” I shook my head, “Nothing.” He looked at me for a long time, then suddenly sighed, speaking as if compromising: “Okay, are you unhappy because I tore the papers for Bella? I had no choice. If I didn’t do it, Bella would be labeled a cheater. You don’t want to blow this up either, right? After all, you’ll be the one hurt in the end.” This sounded funny. But I quickly remembered what Liam said when I died in my past life. “If you hadn’t framed her for cheating.” I thought it was strange back then. Although Liam favored Bella, he wasn’t without feelings for me. Yet he pushed me off the plane so cleanly, obviously because he knew something that made him hate me. And this matter was nine out of ten related to Bella’s cheating. I blinked, “What does her cheating have to do with me? Did I frame her?” Liam’s features twisted together. In the end, he said nothing, just urged me: “Quickly unfreeze the cards, or transfer the money to me!” I looked at him calmly, “I won’t. You caused the trouble yourself; solve it with your own money. What kind of skill is using my money?” Liam shouted, “Chloe, are you crazy?” Bella walked over this time, “Chloe, stop arguing with Liam. Look at those people; they look like they want to eat him. Don’t you feel sorry for him?” I crossed my arms, “Oh, you feel sorry for him? Then you pay for Liam. After all, he’s paying compensation to so many people for you.” Bella’s face turned pale instantly, “I… I don’t have money.” Seeing me making things difficult for Bella, Liam got unhappy. Shielding her behind him, his voice rose, “Chloe, so what if you’re rich? If you don’t give me money today, I can still solve this. But understand, if you don’t help me today, don’t ever think about managing my affairs again.” I understood; he was deliberately saying such things. After all, in the past, whenever he angrily said he wouldn’t let me care, I would cling to him shamelessly. Begging him not to ignore me. After speaking, he glanced at my face. Not only did I not show regret, but I also looked like I was enjoying the show. This made him even angrier. He wasn’t the only one angry; his high volume also reached the parents’ ears. Hearing no money, these parents weren’t having it. Grabbing his arm, they pulled him over like a chick. Fingers pointing in his face demanding an explanation. “Liam, you promised. If my child’s issue isn’t resolved, we’ll call the police. What you did today is enough for you to sit in jail for a few years.” “Exactly, you delayed so many people; you can’t just brush it off lightly.” In the struggle, Liam’s clothes were torn open. Several fingernails scratched his face, drawing blood immediately. Seeing he was about to be eaten alive by these people, Liam shouted my name. “Chloe, if you don’t help me, I’m breaking off the engagement!”

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I cheated way too hard on an exam and accidentally landed myself in the advanced placement class. As a result, the placement test exposed me completely. To avoid being kicked out, I confessed to my academic rival, the school genius: “Julian, I’ve liked you for a long time.” He slowly took off his glasses: “Oh? Let’s give it a try then.” Later, he pinned me down to grind through practice problems: “Keep count yourself. Get one wrong, get a kiss.” I was kissed until I was breathless: “I got this one right…” He chuckled low and kissed me again: “That’s a reward.” 1 “Our AP class is all about excellence. We weed out the weak!” Mr. Wang banged on the podium. “If your total score is below 600, it means you can’t keep up with our pace. You should go to the regular class to adjust! This is for your own good!” My head buzzed. I’m done for. Totally screwed. Last month’s exam, I got lucky and sat right behind Julian Sterling—the academic god who’s always at the top, his name practically glowing with holy light. Following my life motto of “take advantage when you can” and “copy if you can, copy more if it works.” My 20/20 vision worked overtime, and I “borrowed” heavily from his math and science answers. But I didn’t expect to “borrow” my way to a 600! For me, that score is like a miracle, a divine intervention! And now, I’m stuck in the AP class. That day, my dad cracked open his prized whiskey, and my mom excitedly broadcasted to everyone: “Oh my! Our Manny has made it! She’s in the AP class! That’s Ivy League material! Top-tier university guaranteed!” If they knew their “Ivy League material” was now shivering in the elimination zone… I shuddered. I couldn’t imagine the lecture and the grounding that would follow. “Manny, especially you! As a newcomer, you need to work harder!” Mr. Wang’s pained gaze locked onto me. “Don’t spend all day chattering with Xavier. It’s like you rented your mouth.” Xavier, my desk mate, had the honor of being second to last, just one point above me. Mr. Wang looked at us like we were dragging down the entire class’s IQ. “Recently, some students suggested we implement a one-on-one mentorship program. So, we’ll rearrange the seats. The last place sits with the first place, and so on.” First place? Isn’t that Julian? Who wants to sit with that annoying guy! “Julian! As her desk mate, help the new student out, even though it might be difficult.” Julian turned slightly, pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses—standard issue for the refined scumbag—and curved his lips into a calm smile: “I’m used to it. It’s fine.” I gritted my teeth and rolled my eyes at him. Pretentious jerk! Julian Sterling, my childhood friend, and the stumbling block, comparison point, and ultimate “neighbor’s kid” in my life. We’ve known each other since (probably) before we were born, and have been compared all the way up. He’s well-behaved; I’m a troublemaker. He gets perfect scores; I celebrate passing. He’s a walking wall of honor; I’m a living letter of apology. My mom’s classic mantra, “Look at Julian!”, is basically the main theme song of my life. Infinite loop, never muted. 2 After a math class, I felt my CPU was overloaded and smoking, my soul drifting miles away. Turning to look at Julian, this guy’s notes were flowing like water, and he even raised his hand to add a point or two occasionally. “Julian made a very good point.” The teacher smiled until his eyes were slits. “I hadn’t even thought of that solution.” The bell rang, and I slumped in my chair, feeling drained. “Manny!” My best friend peeked in from the back door, waving excitedly at me. I rushed out of the classroom like I was escaping. “How is it? How is it? Being in the AP class, bathed in the academic aura every day, did your IQ go up by 10?” Her eyes shone, the fire of gossip burning bright. “I feel like dying.” I said with a mournful face. “There’s another monthly exam next week. I’m definitely going to be last. If I get kicked out of Class 1, my mom will break my legs.” “What do I do? Should I go steal the answers from Mr. Wang’s office?” I was hopeless. “Isn’t there a ready-made answer sitting right next to you? Julian! Ask him to tutor you!” My best friend reminded me. I was speechless: “Him? Did you forget how he reacted when the class beauty from next door gathered the courage to ask him a physics question last time?” “‘You don’t even know the most basic formulas. I suggest repeating freshman year.’” Her eyes darted around: “I have an idea.” “Spill.” “Confess to Julian!” She lowered her voice, counting on her fingers to analyze for me. “Think about it! If it works, he’s your boyfriend! It’s only natural for a boyfriend to tutor his girlfriend, right? Would he dare have an attitude? You could make him kneel on a washboard in minutes! If he rejects you—” She giggled. “He’d feel at least a little guilty, right? You’re the childhood friend he grew up with! Once he feels guilty, and you ask nicely, can he still give you a hard time? Either way, you win, sister!” I was stunned. “Will that work?” “This is called finding life in death!” She patted my shoulder. “Think about your mom’s feather duster and your dad’s belt!” I shivered. “Besides.” She leaned in mysteriously. “I heard Julian has never dated anyone. Maybe he’s secretly in love with his little childhood friend?” “Give me a break.” I rolled my eyes: “What he loves is probably ‘5 Years of Exams, 3 Years of Simulations’ or that ‘Advanced Mathematics’ book thicker than a brick!” Last semester, the school beauty confessed to him, and he didn’t even look up, dropping a line: “Sorry, I don’t date anyone with a score under 700.” One sentence, driving away all suitors. However, although my best friend’s words were outrageous. But… it seems, maybe, possibly… there’s a tiny bit of logic? Right now, there’s no way out. I’ll bet on it! “Fine!” I gritted my teeth. “I’ll do it! It’s just a confession! Going all out!” “That’s the spirit!” My best friend patted my shoulder excitedly. “Show the passion you use when chasing your anime husband! Remember, sincere eyes! Deep tone! Go! The organization believes in you!” 3 Back in the classroom, Julian was reading a book. Sunlight spilled through the window onto his profile, outlining a perfect jawline. I have to admit, this guy is somewhat attractive. If you ignore that “strangers stay away, acquaintances get lost” aura. I took a deep breath, then another deep breath: “Ju… Julian!” His finger turning the page stopped. He slowly looked up. I squeezed my eyes shut and yelled with the determination of facing death: “I’ve liked you for a long time! Julian!” My voice was a bit loud; half the class went quiet. I realized it too late and covered my mouth, but it was done. One second. Two seconds. Three seconds. Dead silence, absolute dead silence. I peeked through a slit in my eyes. Julian’s expression… No expression. He looked at me like he was looking at a math problem he could solve in three seconds. He slowly put down his pen, took off his glasses, and rubbed his brow. “Oh?” He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth curling into a smile that wasn’t quite a smile: “Let’s give it a try then.” Me: “???” I froze on the spot, my mind going blank. That’s not how the script goes! Given Julian’s personality, shouldn’t it be “Are you worthy?” or “I suggest you get your brain checked at the hospital”? Try? Try what? How to try? My brain crashed completely. “What, changing your mind?” Julian put his glasses back on, a glint I couldn’t read flashing in his eyes behind the lenses. “Who, who’s changing their mind!” I stiffened my neck, feeling my face burning. “Try it is!” “Wait for me after school.” “What for?” I looked at him warily. The half-smile on his lips deepened as he clearly spat out one word: “Date.” D… date? I feel like I dug a pit for myself… 4 After school, only the two of us were left in the empty classroom. Julian pointed at my test paper with a score of 88, looking at it like it was a biological weapon: “Why did you choose B for this question?” I answered guiltily: “It looked pleasing to the eye.” “Math isn’t metaphysics.” He pushed up his glasses. “You should know the most basic function formulas. You shouldn’t have missed this one. I’ll explain it to you once.” He suddenly leaned close, and I smelled the faint scent of mint on him. I shrank my neck. His breath was too close, making my already scattered attention drift even further. “Look at the question.” He tapped the test paper, forcefully dragging my wandering soul back. “So, what’s the final answer to this question?” I stared at the steps he just wrote, my mind blank: “A??” He narrowed his eyes, the gaze behind the lenses becoming dangerous: “Why?” “Can’t I just guess!” Embarrassed by his stare, I got angry. I stiffened my neck and yelled back. The next second. He suddenly reached out. Crossing over my body, he braced himself on the edge of the desk on both sides of me. I was trapped between the narrow desk and chair and his warm chest! My eyes widened: “Julian, you you you… what do you want?” “Starting now.” He leaned down slightly, his deep voice carrying a hint of teasing and irresistibility: “Get one wrong, get a kiss.” He paused, as if to emphasize the fairness of the rule. Adding, “Keep count yourself.” What??? This dog! This is definitely premeditated revenge! Abuse of power! Refined scum! Beast in human clothing! Hypocrite! (Omitting ten thousand words.) “You… you’re being a pervert!” I stomped my foot in anger. “Didn’t you say you liked me?” He raised an eyebrow, his tone matter-of-fact. “Kissing my own girlfriend is only natural.” I was speechless. This lie came back to bite me hard.

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1 After my family went bankrupt, I was sent back to my biological parents. My CEO sister dropped her prayer beads when she saw my bleached blonde hair. “Are you here to collect protection money?” I whistled loudly, rolled up my sleeves to reveal the dragon on my left arm and the tiger on my right. “Hey sis! My family’s broke, lend me some cash to spend~” My adoptive parents, who cut their vacation short to rush back, nearly fainted when they saw my nose ring. Their expressions cracked: “Oh my god! How did our son turn into a delinquent?” My family went bankrupt because a rival set a trap and tampered with a contract. On the day the court sealed our property, my parents looked solemn and told me I was picked up from a dumpster, and now they had found my biological parents. They had told me this a thousand times before, and I always thought it was a joke. Because they also said my sister was a prize from a claw machine. And my little brother was a free gift with a recycling drop-off. It wasn’t until they dropped me off in front of my biological parents’ mansion that I realized they were serious! My sister, Cherry, held my hand reluctantly. “No wonder I’m Cherry, Little Brother is Chase, and you’re Charlie. Turns out we’re not the same breed.” My little brother, Chase, looked grave. “Second Brother, don’t forget us when you’re rich.” They didn’t hesitate for a second before dumping me and running. I stood in front of a mansion ten times bigger than our old apartment, completely confused. If I’m not mistaken, this is a property of the Sterling family. That multinational corporation worth billions. I can’t believe a wealthy family would throw me in a dumpster just because I’m a boy. Tsk! I pulled a piece of gum from my pocket, threw it in my mouth, and looked down at myself. Ripped jeans, skull T-shirt, hair bleached like corn silk, and a nose ring sparkling in the sun. I rang the doorbell. No answer. Rang again, still no answer. I squatted down to act like a mushroom, pulling out my phone to call my adoptive mom to see if she could take me back for a while. Just then, the door suddenly opened. An impossibly tall woman, wearing a high-end black dress, appeared in front of me. She was holding a string of expensive prayer beads, her features deep as a sculpture. The moment she saw me, the beads fell to the ground with a clatter. Ooh~ Isn’t this the “Buddhist CEO” from novels? I’ve finally seen one in the flesh! I heard these people love counting beads—eating, sleeping, pooping, always counting! More schemes in their heads than seeds in a lotus pod! “Are you… here to collect protection money?” Sarah’s voice was low, carrying a hint of confusion and shock. I whistled loudly, blowing a bubble with my gum until it popped. Then I rolled up my sleeves, revealing the temporary tattoos I applied yesterday. Left Green Dragon, Right White Tiger. “Hey sis! My family’s broke, lend me some cash to spend~” I deliberately used my most punk tone and winked at her. Her expression looked like she’d been struck by lightning, lips moving as if reciting sutras. “Sis, who is it?” A childish voice came from inside, interrupting my stare-down with Sarah. Sis? My eyes lit up again. Novels always have a standard setup. Where there’s a real son, there’s a fake son. The fake son is always beloved by all, while the real son is vicious and brainless, ending up dead or crippled! I narrowed my eyes, ready for battle. However, when the owner of the voice bounced to the door, my eyes nearly popped out. This is the fake son? I stared at the little boy with short hair in a black suit, my brain crashing on the spot. He’s five at most, right? Zack was looking at me curiously with big round eyes. This age doesn’t qualify for a fake son plot! Is there another one hiding inside? “Second Brother? Sis, is this Second Brother?” He looked at me in surprise. The atmosphere was a bit weird. 2 I decided to strike first, pulling a crumpled paper from my pocket and slapping it on Sarah’s chest. “I’m not a scammer!” Sarah forgot to pick up her beads. Seeing the paternity test, her face changed. It clearly showed a 99.9% probability of paternity between me and Mr. Sterling. I didn’t know when my adoptive mom did this behind my back, only shoving it to me before sending me out. I crossed my arms. “How about you give me a sum of money? Buy out this relationship, and I promise never to appear in front of you again! My lips are sealed!” Sarah looked like she’d been punched. She slowly folded the report, her voice low. “No.” I froze. What no? No money? So stingy? Isn’t the Sterling family rich? A little leak from their fingernails would be enough to pay off my adoptive parents’ debts. “A son of the Sterling family cannot be left wandering outside.” “You were deliberately taken and abandoned by a nanny sent by a rival.” “Dad got into a car accident looking for you and recuperated for half a year. Mom almost committed suicide. The family company nearly collapsed.” Sarah said word by word, her eyes reddening. They didn’t throw me away? The rival was so toxic, going straight for the heart by dumping a child?! Sarah not only refused to let me go but also called the Sterling couple who were traveling abroad. She asked the butler to take me to my room to drop off my luggage first. I wanted to refuse, but couldn’t think of a reason. The second-floor hallway was long, rooms on both sides. The butler stopped at the door at the very end. “This is your room, Second Young Master.” I pushed the door open and widened my eyes. This isn’t a room; it’s a prince’s palace! The whole room was decorated luxuriously and exquisitely. The corner was piled with gift boxes. Big and small, colorful, stacked from floor to ceiling. My tattered backpack looked out of place in such a room. “Is this… a mistake?” My throat tightened. “Madam personally arranged this for you, redecorating it every year according to your age.” Every year? I was shaken. So, even though I wasn’t here, they remembered me? Zack stood behind me at some point, holding an Ultraman toy. He pointed to the gift boxes in the corner. “Mom celebrates Second Brother’s birthday every year, buying lots and lots of gifts. Even though you weren’t here, I helped blow out the candles!” “You… you mean these are all for me?” “Yup!” He nodded vigorously. “Mom said Second Brother would come home one day, so she wanted to make up for all the birthday gifts!” My chest felt tight, like I’d been punched hard. Did they really look for me for so many years? “Zack. Tell me honestly, is there… an adopted brother in the house? Older than you?” Zack blinked his big eyes. “Adopted brother?” “Like…” I chose my words carefully. “While I was gone, did Mom and Dad adopt another boy to replace me?” Zack looked confused. “Mom and Dad do charity, but why would they raise someone else as a son?” I was stunned. No one? How can there be no fake son? Then who is my enemy? Isn’t that how novels are written? Real son returns, fake son sets traps. 3 My phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket. I took it out and saw a dozen messages popping up in the “Happy Family” WeChat group. Clicking into the chat, the latest was from Chase: [ @Charlie Did you see the fake son? Remember, don’t be like those vicious supporting characters in novels. We need to be independent men! ] I couldn’t help laughing. This kid watches too much TV. Then Cherry sent an eye-roll emoji: [ @Charlie, if you can’t survive there, come back. We’re having pickles tonight, won’t starve you anyway. ] Then she @’d our parents: [ @Mom @Dad When are you taking Chase and me to find our rich parents? ] [ We want to experience the high life too. ] Just as I was about to reply, Mom sent a voice message. I clicked it, and her loud voice filled the corridor. “You silly child, what rich parents! Look at those eyelids, those cheeks, exactly like mine! Obviously biological! Need to find who?” Zack tilted his head curiously, surprised. “Is that Second Brother’s family?” I nodded, a bit proud. My adoptive parents always treated me well. Sometimes, things Cherry didn’t have, Chase and I would definitely have. Cherry sent a disappointed emoji. Chase followed immediately. “What about me? I’m so handsome, Dad’s genes can’t be this good?” Mom sent another voice message. I could imagine her rolling her eyes. “Getting cocky? Look in the mirror. One takes after me, one takes after your stupid dad! Only Charlie is tall and fair. He was the face of our family, now only the ugly ones are left, can’t even show you off.” I burst out laughing, then felt my eyes heat up. This was the familiar family atmosphere. Roasting each other, yet indescribably intimate. I typed a reply. [ Mom, Sis and Bro will be sad if you say that. ] Cherry: [ The path to riches is broken! @Charlie, introduce me to a rich heir later. I’ll eat soft rice with my own ability! ] Mom: [ Rebellious daughter! Executed! ] Chase: [ Sis, take me with you. My teeth are bad too, can’t eat hard rice. By the way! Second Brother, how is it there? Really no fake son? ] I hesitated: [ Really none, just a five-year-old little brother. ] Cherry: [ Done for, so you’re inheriting the fortune? Don’t forget us! ] Dad suddenly popped up: [ @Charlie How do they treat you? ] How do they treat me? I don’t know either; the Sterling couple is still on the plane. So far, seems okay. Finally, I just replied: “Okay.” Cherry was relentless: [ What does okay mean? Gave money? How much? ] I rolled my eyes. [ Sis, can you have some ambition? ] Chase interjected: [ Second Brother, if they bully you, come back! ] Just as I wanted to reply, there was a gentle knock on the door. Sarah stood at my door, handing over a phone. “Charlie, put your number in.” I raised an eyebrow and took the phone. The screen was unlocked, open to the new contact page. I deliberately typed my number slowly, putting “Big Bro Charlie” as the name. Sarah took the phone back, saw the name, and the corner of her mouth twitched imperceptibly. She calmly deleted it and re-entered “Charlie” to save. Then she pulled a card from her inner jacket pocket. Black matte texture, gold lettering shining under the light. My eyes went straight. 4 Is this the legendary Centurion Card? “Take it.” Sarah handed the card over. “My personal welcome gift.” I took the card, fingers trembling a bit. At my adoptive parents’, my monthly allowance was at most three thousand, after much begging. This card supposedly could buy a plane, and she just gave it to me? “How much is in here?” I asked shamelessly. “Enough to buy the entire downtown villa district.” I immediately stuffed the card in my pocket, afraid she’d regret it. Fireworks were going off in my heart. This isn’t finding parents; this is winning the lottery! “Thanks, Sis!” I blurted out, then froze. I actually called her Sis? Sarah obviously noticed the address too. Her eyes changed subtly, but she quickly recovered. “Mom and Dad arrive at seven. Do you want to change first?” She left after saying that, leaving me at the door, touching the black card in my pocket, heart beating like I just ran a marathon. Change? Ripped jeans, black T-shirt, dragon and tiger tattoos, plus a shiny nose ring and blonde hair. What’s wrong with this look? So cool! But for the sake of the black card, I decided to tidy up reluctantly. I took off a pair of earrings and changed into a slightly more normal T-shirt. At least no skull pattern. Hair was hopeless for now. At 6:50 PM, I sat on the living room sofa, shaking my leg nervously. Zack sat next to me, his short legs shaking along with mine. “Second Brother, are you nervous?” He asked innocently. “Who, who’s nervous?” “I’m just, just hungry!” Zack nodded, suddenly pulling a candy from his pocket. “For you!” I took the candy, heart softening. How is this little guy so cute? Hearing car sounds outside, he jumped up. “Mom and Dad are back!” My legs shook even harder. First to enter was Mr. Sterling, in a sharp suit, radiating an aura that made one afraid to breathe loud. Behind him was Mrs. Sterling, wearing an elegant long dress, carrying a Hermès bag. The moment they saw me, they froze at the door in sync. Mr. Sterling tripped over his own feet, nearly falling flat. Mrs. Sterling gasped, holding the door frame. “This, this is…” Mr. Sterling’s voice trembled. Sarah nodded. “Dad, Mom, this is Charlie.” “Oh my god! My Charlie… how did he turn into a criminal?” Mrs. Sterling clutched her chest. I looked down at myself. Didn’t I tidy up? Compared to the first look, this is very restrained, okay! Zack ran over and hugged Mrs. Sterling’s leg. “Mom! Second Brother is super cool!” Mr. Sterling recovered, giving a thumbs up. “Has my style from back in the day!” Me?? Mrs. Sterling and Sarah turned to look at Mr. Sterling simultaneously, equally shocked. “David, you dyed your hair and got a nose ring when you were young? How did I not know?” Mrs. Sterling’s voice pitched up an octave. Mr. Sterling coughed, slightly embarrassed. “Not that, but I had long hair! And was in a band!” I stared wide-eyed at his sophisticated appearance. Hard to imagine my bio-dad was a rocker in his youth. Mrs. Sterling took a deep breath, turning her attention back to me, asking hesitantly. “Charlie, how, how many lives do you have on your hands?” I blinked, suddenly wanting to prank them.

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