Author: Momo Chan

After failing to win the male lead’s heart n times, I decided to just adopt him as my dad. I burst into the divorce proceedings of the main couple, flying through the air to hug their legs, tears streaming down my face. “Mom! Dad! I’m your daughter from the future!” Male Lead / Female Lead: “Where did this psycho come from?” Me: “Dad, are you sure you want to divorce Mom? She’s already pregnant with me!” The male lead looked at the female lead in shock: “You’re pregnant?” The female lead, whose “run away with the baby” plan had failed, remained silent. I nodded frantically beside her. “Yes, yes, yes! She’s really pregnant! Mom, Dad, I’m born!” 1 I am an awakened vicious supporting female character in an old-school angst novel. The System said that if the male lead’s affection for me reached 100%, I could leave this world and welcome a happy new life. But the male lead only had eyes for the female lead. After reloading the save file four times in a row, I decided to take a different approach and play a big game. I was going to pretend to be the daughter of the main couple. As the fifth attempt began, I stood at the scene of the main couple’s divorce, watching the male lead, Julian Ji, holding a fountain pen and speaking indifferently. “It was a contract marriage to begin with. I injected capital into your family’s company and helped handle your brother’s lawsuit. I’ve done all I can. You don’t need to act like you’ve been so wronged in this marriage.” The female lead, Chloe Zhang, had red eyes and nodded. The female secretary standing aside, Zoe Zhao, smirked. I strode forward, slid to my knees, and hugged the main couple’s legs. Julian Ji / Chloe Zhang: “…” I wept, “Mom! Dad! I finally found you! I’m your daughter who traveled back from the future!” Julian’s eye twitched. “Where did this psycho come from? Secretary Zhao, call security.” Me: “Dad, don’t drive me away! I know you still wet the bed when you were seven. You pretended to be calm on the surface, but secretly cried until you fainted in the closet because of the shame!” Julian’s pupils quaked for a second. Seeing her good deed being ruined, Zoe frowned and looked at Chloe, saying, “Ms. Zhang, is this an actor you hired? You really have many tricks. First getting drunk and sleeping with a man, claiming to be framed, and now hiring an actor to stop the divorce…” Chloe’s thin body trembled slightly. Unable to bear such slander, she immediately picked up the pen to sign the divorce agreement. I looked at the male lead and said, “Dad, are you sure you want to divorce Mom? She’s already pregnant with me!” Julian immediately looked at Chloe. Chloe’s eyelashes trembled as she continued to sign. Julian finally couldn’t help but stand up and hold Chloe’s hand. Zoe got anxious, “President Ji!” Julian ignored her and just looked at Chloe, asking, “Are you really pregnant?” Chloe didn’t speak. I nodded frantically beside them. “Yes, yes, yes! She’s really pregnant! Mom, Dad, I’m born!” 2 Julian took Chloe to the hospital. The results came out quickly; Chloe was indeed pregnant. She sat on a chair, looking at the report in her hand, her eyes filled with tears. Julian looked at Chloe and frowned, “Why are you crying? Is carrying my child so painful for you?” I thought to myself, You know nothing. Do you know how much grievance the female lead has suffered in this marriage! You only know how to act like a cold, domineering CEO, making her think you hate her. She doesn’t dare to tell you when she’s in trouble, and every few days, the evil villain trips her up and throws mud at her. Take the fuse of your divorce, for example. She was drugged and ended up in bed with the villain. Although nothing happened, she must have been scared and aggrieved. And the result? You just pretend to be cold and wait for her to explain herself. When she explains, you don’t listen. So why the hell do you ask! If you want her to hug you and loudly promise, ‘Husband, I only have you in my heart,’ then just say it! Sigh, forget it. After all, it’s an old-school angst novel, with this frustrating, breast-cancer-inducing flavor. Besides, the male lead really spends money on the female lead. So far, he has spent hundreds of millions on her. I can accept him living with her. Chloe wiped the tears from her face and said wearily, “I don’t plan to keep this child.” Julian’s pupils quaked again. Shutterstock The wife is too lazy to run with the ball and wants to abort directly. This is terrifying. But he is an old-school angst novel CEO. He only pretended to be calm and said indifferently, “That’s not up to you. The child isn’t yours alone.” Chloe’s lips were pale, her face bloodless. “We’re divorcing anyway. Do you want to give the child a broken home?” Julian finally decided to say something substantial. He said, “If you can prove that you were indeed innocent in that matter, I can agree not to divorce.” “That matter” Julian referred to was her lying in bed with the male villain after drinking. The CEO thought this counted as bowing his head, but he didn’t expect this to hurt Chloe even more. She casually threw the report into the trash can, stood up, and wanted to leave. I was about to die of anger. “Dad, are you crazy! You’ve known Mom for so many years, can’t you trust her character?” I grabbed Julian’s collar and roared, “You only know how to bully your own wife. What kind of man are you? I’m asking you, what kind of man are you!” Julian: “…” Although his hairstyle was messed up by my shaking, he didn’t lay a hand on me. Heavens, I should have used this move earlier. He didn’t even dare to let security really take me away, just because he didn’t want to offend me, his suspicious-looking future daughter. Zoe came over to pull me, angrily saying, “Miss, if you don’t leave, I’ll call the police.” I said, “Fine, call the police. I want to ask the police how many years you get for hiring someone to drug and attempt date rape? Secretary Zhao, you met that man at the Cloud Top Cafe at 8:35 PM on the 14th of last month. The surveillance footage should still be there. What shady things did you discuss? Also, why did you transfer him twenty thousand dollars? Are you a charity?” Julian and Chloe turned their heads together to look at Zoe. Zoe’s face instantly turned pale. Julian narrowed his eyes slightly and took out his phone, obviously wanting to find someone trustworthy to investigate this matter. Zoe swallowed and said, “President Ji, don’t listen to her nonsense. She must be someone Ms. Zhang hired.” Me: “Hehe, checking surveillance isn’t hard. Let my dad check. If you’re really innocent, what are you afraid of?” With that, I pushed the male lead away, hugged the female lead, and started crying. “Mom, don’t leave. If you leave, Secretary Zhao will find people to frame you in various ways. Your hand will also be injured, and you won’t be able to play the piano to make money anymore. You can’t bear to really hit me. Grandpa threatened suicide to make you take on his debt. We were destitute, living in a basement, hungry and cold, bullied by hooligans, with no money to see a doctor when sick, and…” Male Lead: “Stop, don’t say anymore!” 3 Surveillance and transfer records were retrieved, and the man who fled back to his hometown was also caught. Chloe wasn’t feeling well and was emotionally unstable, so she was sent home to rest first. There were only four of us in the office. The man said, “It… it was Zoe who made me do it. She guaranteed I wouldn’t be in trouble, at most just locked up for a few days. I needed money badly, so I agreed.” The man in front of us was somewhat handsome, which was why Julian was so angry when he caught them. He thought Chloe had hooked up with a toy boy. Julian’s expression was complicated. Regret, heartache. But I felt it wasn’t satisfying enough. Having caught a chance to watch the drama, shouldn’t I stir up bigger waves? I said, “What did Zoe say to you about my mom… ah no, about Chloe? Did she tell you her motive for doing this?” The man quickly said, “She said Chloe wasn’t good enough for President Ji, and that she might be Mrs. Ji in the future. Doing things for her would bring me benefits.” Julian was thoroughly enraged. Zoe had always shown a very professional attitude in front of him, and he trusted her. He had entrusted the task of dealing with this man to Zoe; otherwise, this man couldn’t have appeared before us intact. Zoe stood aside, legs trembling, crying until her makeup ran. “President Ji, President Ji, I’m sorry, please forgive me! I just couldn’t control my feelings. I really know I was wrong. Please forgive me, okay?” She knelt on the ground, hugging Julian’s leg. Julian pushed her away, his expression cold enough to freeze. “I don’t think you deserve my forgiveness.” The male lead of an old-school angst novel really looked scary when angry. Zoe cried even harder, crawled to Julian, and began begging frantically. I found it annoying. “Dad, handle it yourself. You don’t want Mom to know you’re soft-hearted and sympathetic towards your female secretary, pulling and pushing, staging an office play, right?” Julian was angry, “What pulling and pushing? Why do you just make things up? She hurt Chloe, of course I won’t let her off. You don’t need to worry about it here, get out!” I knew the male lead wouldn’t let the villain off. The villains in the later stages all had miserable ends. The male lead is a ruthless man, but I won’t be scared by him. I smiled and said, “You still don’t believe I’m your daughter, right?” Julian: “I’ve already arranged for an emergency paternity test.” Me: “Dad, I transmigrated as a soul. A paternity test proves jack squat. I know everything about you and Mom. Do you want to know what was written in Mom’s diary that was burned?” Julian’s affection value for me instantly became 30%. Speechless. Damn love brain. He looked at me and said in a deep voice, “What was written?” 4 The office was cleared, leaving only me and Julian. I sat; he stood. I said, “Do you really want to know?” Julian was dying of anxiety, but he wouldn’t admit it. He said, “I’m just asking casually. Say it if you want.” Me: “Okay, then I won’t say it. Taking a taxi, bye~” Julian: “…Don’t go.” Me: “So do you want to know or not?” Julian nodded with extreme difficulty. Hehe, mere old-school angst novel male lead. Controlled. I said, “This matter, my mom told me when I was thirteen or fourteen. She was afraid I’d date early and told me to be careful when choosing men, not to be like her.” Julian was unconvinced. “What’s wrong with being like her?” Me: “Being like her, suffering all kinds of grievances. On the wedding night, the groom didn’t come home. You didn’t touch the meal she prepared with care. She was wronged and injured, and still had to be divorced…” Julian said with extreme difficulty, “No, there are misunderstandings in these matters. You mean, she wrote all these things in her diary?” I shook my head. “My mom isn’t that petty. She wrote in her diary that when you ate together, you noticed she didn’t eat eggs, and eggs never appeared on the table again; you noticed she liked blue, and always gave her sapphires; you thought she was asleep and gently touched her face… Anyway, it’s small things like these. She felt happy, so she wrote them all down.” An old-school angst novel male lead was gently healed. His eyes were dazed as he whispered, “Really? She remembers all these small things?” Me: “Yes, but later you two lived like shit. She felt sad seeing those diaries, so she burned them.” An old-school angst novel male lead gently shattered.

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The sister who was switched at birth came back. My idiot college-student brother instantly turned into the fake heir. He hugged my leg, sobbing like a baby. “Sis, my one and only sis, how will I live without you?” Annoyed to death, I kicked him in the chest. “Act normal.” Just then, my new sister walked in and saw everything. She stormed over, furious and indignant. “How dare you bully him?!” Me: “???” Later I found out, she thought I was the one switched at birth. 1 The day I found out my brother was switched at birth, I was working overtime in the living room. My brother, Lucas, came downstairs and slid to my feet like a soccer player. Hugging my leg, he wailed, “Sis, my one and only sis, how will I live without you?!” I frowned in disgust. “What’s wrong with you now?” His voice trembled. “Sis, I’m not your biological brother.” I brushed him off. “Fine, fine, you’re not.” Just then, my dad called. “Cici, Lucas was switched at birth. Your biological sister, Mia, will be home soon.” I paused and looked at Lucas. “You weren’t joking?” He looked at me with mournful eyes. My dad continued, “Your mom and I are traveling and can’t come back right now. Please host her for us.” I refused immediately. “No time.” What’s so special about a biological sister? Is this family ever short of kids? My parents look harmonious now, but they’ve been playing their own games for years. Illegitimate children are everywhere. I have no affection for any of their kids. Plus, taking over the company meant I’d been working overtime for a month. I was in no mood for family bonding. Dad choked and started playing the pity card. “Cici, your parents are getting old…” I scoffed. “Save it. That doesn’t work on me. You won’t even take care of your own kids, why should I wade into this mess?” Seeing his trick fail, the old fox cleared his throat. “What do you want? Name your price.” Now we’re talking. I agreed instantly. “Done. What about Lucas?” Considering Mia’s feelings, shouldn’t Lucas find somewhere else to stay? Dad didn’t even think. “Up to you. I’m fine with whatever.” Me: “…” You really don’t care at all, do you? 2 I stared at the guy picking at the floor. He’s so dumb, if I threw him out, I’d probably get charged with manslaughter. At least he has a good face and body. Maybe send him to a club to be a host? Nah, it would ruin my reputation. I looked down at him. “What do you plan to do?” He thought for a moment, then put on a dramatic, effeminate voice. “Sister, perhaps you need a personal butler?” What kind of abstract art performance is this at a time like this?! I kicked him in the chest. “Get lost.” Lucas let out a “yep” sound and fell back. Tears streaming, he accused, “You’re so cold, so heartless.” I looked at him indifferently. “With that acting, only an idiot would believe you.” The next second, a figure rushed over, arms spread wide to shield him. “How dare you bully him?!” Me: “???” There really is an idiot. Wait, who is this idiot? 3 Silence filled the room. I looked at the girl with red-rimmed eyes, radiating a “resilient white lotus” aura. I was momentarily dazed. This is the switched sister my dad mentioned? She doesn’t look quite right in the head. What business is it of hers to question me right off the bat? I rubbed my temples, regretting taking on this mess. Over there, Mia helped Lucas up. “Brother, are you okay?” Lucas froze, pointing at himself like a fool. “M-me?” Meeting Mia’s concerned gaze, he blushed. “I’m fine. I can take a beating. I’m used to that force.” Mia scrutinized him. “She kicks you often? She does look like she has a bad temper.” Lucas nodded carefully. “She is fierce sometimes. Best not to provoke her, or you’ll suffer.” Mia looked arrogant. “Don’t worry. Ugly people act up for attention. As long as she doesn’t provoke me, I won’t interact with her.” Dissing me to my face, and so harshly? Does she think I won’t get mad? I spoke coldly. “Getting bold, aren’t we? If you don’t want your mouth, I can rip it off. No need to be annoying here.” Lucas shrank back, but Mia looked disdainful. “Don’t play tough with us. I’m not afraid of you.” I stared at her. This was the first time someone dared to provoke me like this. I smirked. “You’re pretty brave.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I kicked her suitcase, bursting it open. Bang! Stuff scattered everywhere. “My suitcase!” Mia screamed, running to pick up her things. I looked down at her. “I’m pretty tough too. Now you know.” Mia looked up at me with hatred. “You’re too much!” Me: “Oh, verbal attacks don’t work on me. I suggest you learn from me: if you’re unhappy, do something about it.” 4 I straightened up and called out, “Lucas, get your ass over here.” He immediately raised his hands in surrender and rolled over quickly. Fawning and eager, “Sis, what’s up?” I pointed at Mia’s suitcase. “Help her pack up this junk and find her a room.” Lucas agreed immediately. “You got it.” He squatted down to help Mia, but she brushed his hand away. She stared straight at me. “You broke it, you should pick it up.” I stared back. “You think I will?” Lucas tried to smooth things over. “I’ll do it, I’ll pick it up for you.” Mia blocked him, looking grim. “Is this how she’s bullied you all these years? Making you take the fall for her mistakes?” Lucas looked at Mia, touched. “After all these years, you’re the first person to speak up for me. You’re so nice.” Mia smiled gently. “It’s nothing, really. I just can’t stand seeing you bullied.” The way she said it made her sound so gentle and kind, and me so violent and evil. Lucas even chimed in, “You really are more understanding than our sister.” Heh. Haven’t been beaten in a few days, getting itchy skin? I cracked my knuckles. Lucas’s ears twitched, and he shut his mouth instantly. Mia was confused. “Why did you stop talking?” Lucas glanced at me cowardly. Mia sensed something and looked at me accusingly. “Are you threatening him?” I met her gaze and denied it flatly. “Of course not. I’m threatening both of you.” Mia’s fair face flushed red with anger. “We are humans, not your slaves. This is bullying.” Lucas looked at her with admiration. “You’re so brave.” I was baffled by her defense of Lucas. It looked more like I was the one switched at birth, and they were the close siblings.

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After my SAT scores came out, my friend and I were on the subway heading to our hotel. When we tried to exit the station, my phone showed “insufficient funds.” Stuck at the turnstile, I called my mom: “Mom, why can’t I pay for anything all of a sudden?” A cold voice replied from the other end: “I cancelled the family plan.” “I thought you’d definitely score a 1550, so I paid for your trip. You only got a 1540. What face do you have to be out playing?” Just then, text notifications started popping up on my phone. [Your hotel reservation has been cancelled.] [Your flight booking has been cancelled.] [Your ticket purchase has been refunded.] 1 I panicked and tried to explain: “Mom, I checked, 1540 is enough for my target college.” “When we checked the scores this morning, you didn’t say I couldn’t go.” “Mom, please unblock it first, I’m stuck inside the subway station.” Outside the turnstile, my friend Chloe waved at me. I pointed at the phone, and she nodded in understanding. Mom scoffed: “Sierra, remember this. My condition for this trip was you scoring 1550.” “You never said that beforehand.” “I estimated around 1550 back then. I said I might not hit 1550, and you said it was fine, go have fun.” Mom suddenly raised her voice: “You didn’t have the ability to get those extra 10 points, so don’t blame me for changing my mind.” “I worked hard to put you through school, and now you want to negotiate with me? Do you know how hard it is to make money?” “Consider this your first life lesson. In society, only those who work hard and produce results deserve to enjoy themselves.” “Otherwise, you get nothing. Understand?” People rushed past in the subway. Standing in the corner, my eyes welled up: “Mom, please. I’ll get a job when I’m back and pay you back.” “Playing the victim won’t work.” Click. She hung up. More notifications popped up. [Your hotel reservation has been cancelled.] [Your flight booking has been cancelled.] [Your ticket purchase has been refunded.] 2 Seeing my pale face, Chloe walked over: “What’s wrong, Sierra?” My hands wouldn’t stop shaking: “Chloe, my mom cancelled the family payment plan.” I remembered my savings card with my red envelope money (lucky money) was taken by my mom before I left. Her excuse was: “I’m paying for the trip. Don’t touch your savings. I’ll keep it safe for you.” “Wait, I can use my savings.” I switched payment methods, but it still declined. I checked my banking app. Balance: $0.00. Furious, I called my mom again. No answer. I texted her. [Mom, at least give me back my savings.] Chloe actually looked relieved and smiled: “Is that all? I have money. We can just pay at the service counter.” Apologetic, I held up my phone: “No, my mom cancelled our hotel and tickets too.” We left the subway and went to the hotel. The receptionist asked politely: “I see your three-day, two-night reservation has been cancelled. Would you like to rebook?” Holding onto a shred of hope, I asked: “Can we rebook at the original price?” The receptionist’s smile froze for a second: “Sorry, prices fluctuate dynamically. I can’t do that.” When Mom booked a month ago, this star-rated hotel was $200 a night. Now it’s peak season, and the price has jumped to $600. Chloe and I exchanged awkward glances. Chloe said: “Let’s find another hotel.” I felt terrible, repeating “I’m sorry” over and over. Chloe covered my mouth: “Stop apologizing.” “But… my money can only cover a cheap motel and food. What about your flight home?” 3 We searched online for ages before finding a cheap but remote motel. After all this hassle, I lost all mood for fun, filled with anger and guilt. Chloe didn’t mind, but if this hadn’t happened, we would have been happily exploring all morning. Mom still didn’t reply or answer calls, so I called my dad. At home, Mom wore the pants, and Dad listened to her. But surely he’d help his daughter this time? Dad answered, his voice cautious: “Hello, Sierra.” “Dad, Mom cancelled all the bookings. Can you send me some money? Or give me my savings back.” Dad sighed: “You almost gave your mom a heart attack. Of course she cancelled it.” From Dad, I learned the reason for Mom’s sudden change. Turns out, Mom’s coworker, Auntie Wang, was her nemesis. Her daughter took the SATs this year too. Mom swore her daughter had good grades and often used scores to taunt Auntie Wang about not knowing how to educate her kid, saying her daughter would have to rely on marriage to climb the social ladder. Auntie Wang, having a short fuse, made a bet with Mom. The whole office knew. Results came out. Auntie Wang’s daughter scored 1550. That 10-point difference made Mom lose face at work. I didn’t know my scores were betting chips for adults. No wonder when we checked scores at midnight, Mom wasn’t thrilled but still told me to take lots of photos. Dad continued: “Sierra, I can’t help you this time, or I’m done for too.” “Borrow some money from your friend and come back to apologize to your mom ASAP.” 4 So that’s why Mom was posting on Facebook these past few days, bragging about sending me on a trip. She was just putting up a front to provoke Auntie Wang. It all made sense now. Chloe was indignant: “That’s too much. What kind of mom is so utilitarian?” “If I scored 1540, my mom would be grinning from ear to ear.” “She’d brag to everyone, even the neighborhood dogs would know how well I did.” Her words made me laugh through my tears. She picked up her phone: “How about this, I’ll ask my parents to buy you a ticket. We’ll be frugal these few days and deal with it when we get back.” I stopped her hand: “No, Chloe. Your parents work hard too.” Chloe’s family wasn’t as well-off as mine. I really didn’t want to burden them. “I’ll ask other relatives.” Just then, my phone buzzed with messages. In the “Happy Family” group chat, Mom posted a screenshot of my score. Auntie (Dad’s sister): [Sierra is amazing, such a high score!] Mom: [@Everyone Sierra’s performance this time is very disappointing.] [She’s traveling with a friend now. I’ve cut off her allowance.] [If I find out anyone gives her money, we’re cutting ties.] [@Auntie Don’t spoil the child.] Mom always had the final say in the extended family. She had a stable job and connections. Relatives often asked her for favors, so no one dared offend her easily. I typed quickly, posting the screenshot of Mom promising the trip. Me: [Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, I did my best. This score is the result of my hard work.] [Mom proposed this trip. Now she cancelled my hotel and flight without warning. I’m stranded.] Fingers still typing, suddenly, a message popped up. You have been removed from the group chat. 5 Tears of grievance fell. I wanted my grandma. She would help me unconditionally. But she didn’t have a smartphone. Chloe threw a pillow on the bed in anger: “What kind of mom is that? Failing to get 1550 gets you the death penalty in your house?” Outside, the clouds parted, and the sun came out. Sitting here wouldn’t solve anything. I wiped my tears and stood up. “Forget it. Let’s go out. Walking around sightseeing is free anyway.” We wandered through historic alleys, looked at old architecture, and walked by the quiet river. Tired, we sat by the riverbank. My stomach growled. Chloe laughed: “Hungry? Come on, lunch is on me.” While I hesitated, a message popped up. Cousin Rain: [So mad!! How could Auntie do this!!] [Sis has money. Sending you $200 first.] [Venmo transfer: $200.] I held my phone, almost jumping up in excitement. [Love you, Cousin! But do you have enough for yourself?] [Relax, your cousin is a corporate slave now. I have this much.] [Thanks Cousin, I’ll pay you back after my summer job.] [Hehe, take it. Just between us.] [Also, don’t listen to Auntie. I only got 1350, didn’t stop me from being a corporate drone alongside master’s grads.] [Our future isn’t defined by a test score. Besides, you’re the best scorer in our family’s history.] I accepted the transfer and hugged Chloe: “I have money! Lunch is on me.”

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I woke up one morning to find my husband had turned back into his seventeen-year-old self. He refused to believe we were married. Blushing furiously, he gritted his teeth and said: “I’d rather die than marry a… trashy woman like you.” But before he could finish, a man who looked exactly like him walked in, his face dark as a storm cloud. I looked at the newcomer and said softly, “Hubby, hug.” 1 Waking up in the morning, I sensed something weird beside me on the pillow. Exhausted from last night’s activities, I wasn’t fully awake yet, so I just whined in protest. Habitually, I hugged the person next to me, nuzzling into his embrace like a clingy koala. “Hubby, let’s sleep a bit longer.” Unexpectedly, my usually gentle and considerate husband yanked his arm away and pushed me off. “Hubby?” I opened my eyes, confused. Only to realize the person beside me wasn’t Caleb. No, wait. He was Caleb. Just a carbon copy, shrunk down to a younger version. Sunlight danced on the ends of his messy hair. Unlike his usual sharp, cool demeanor, his youthful, fair face was flushed with the rosiness of just waking up. He frowned, radiating low pressure. Meeting my gaze, a flicker of darkness passed through his cold eyes. His voice was raspy. “Who are you?” “Why are you dressed like that… in my bed?” I didn’t speak, rubbing my sleepy eyes. Am I still dreaming? The Caleb in front of me was at least ten years younger. He looked like a high school student who hadn’t yet been tainted by the world. I wrapped the blanket tighter around my chest, leaning in curiously to examine him. “Hubby, you seem to have shrunk.” Hearing my address. His long eyelashes trembled slightly. He pursed his lips, dodging my touch as if avoiding a virus. Then, he looked at me with a gaze that could only be described as cold. “Don’t talk to me in that disgusting tone. I’m not your hubby.” Something was wrong. Very wrong. I propped up my weak body slowly. Habitually, like countless times before, I opened my arms for a hug. My oversized T-shirt slipped off one shoulder, revealing a patch of pale skin. Despite having seen similar scenes countless times, Caleb reacted like it was his first. He jerked back as if electrocuted, his back hitting the wall with a soft thud. The tips of his ears turned red instantly, but his eyes were fixed on me. His face remained icy, but his eyes clearly betrayed panic and shyness, along with a trace of curiosity he didn’t even notice himself. It was completely different from the mature, steady man in my memory. “Indecent!” “Stay away from me!” I was a bit dazed. I vaguely remembered last night, when I was half-asleep, he was the one who put this shirt on me, saying something about wrapping me in his scent. Everything was fine then. Why was he acting like a different person today? Before I could speak. He sneered, his gaze turning colder. “Did the old man send you?” “What, kicking me out of the house wasn’t enough? He has to ruin my reputation too?” He paused, hatred pouring out from his trembling fingertips. Then, word by word, he said with loathing: “You people are disgusting.” Caleb would never speak to me like that. And he would never look at me with such cold eyes. He looked exactly like Caleb, but the ruthlessness and despair seeping from his bones made me realize clearly—this was absolutely not the man I spent five years desperately redeeming. My sleepiness vanished completely. 2 My mission in this world was to save the villain, Caleb. In the original book, he was the most vicious, gloomy villain. Abused by his family since childhood, his personality became extremely twisted. After reaching adulthood, he would turn dark for various reasons. Not only would he kidnap and imprison the female lead, but he would also destroy the male lead’s career and orchestrate a car accident to cripple him. And I was the wealthy fiancée forced to marry him. To prevent him from turning dark, the System tasked me with teaching him what love is. But all I knew how to do was act cute, spend money, and be clingy. Since arriving in this world. I followed him around all day, calling him “hubby” non-stop. Our families had arranged our marriage since we were kids, so calling him hubby seemed justified. But he always reacted strongly, covering my mouth as if he couldn’t stand it. “Don’t call me hubby.” “Just tell me what you want.” I blinked, cleverly changing my tune: “Brother Caleb, I want to buy a bag.” He opened a supplementary card for me decisively, his attitude impatient: “Don’t appear in front of me in the future. I don’t like materialistic women like you.” I agreed readily, then turned around and moved into his house. Not only did I bring my luggage, but I also went on a shopping spree with his card. Every day, I dressed up like a little cupcake and barged into his black-and-white world. He was gloomy and sullen; I was lively and cheerful. Whenever he resisted me, I cried. The System mocked ruthlessly: “The villain is cold by nature. He was indifferent even when his own mother died. He’s an emotionless monster.” “Do you really think shedding a few crocodile tears will move him?” Is that so? Then what was that thing poking me from behind when he got drunk before? And who was the one stealing kisses while I was asleep? I said nothing, just cried. Tears streamed from my big, watery eyes. I didn’t make a sound, just looked at him with a pouting, aggrieved face. One second. Two seconds. He sighed helplessly, resignedly picked up a tissue to wipe my tears, and coaxed in a low voice: “Why are you crying again?” “So delicate.” “Didn’t you like that new bag at Ginza the other day? Ask Uncle Li to take you to buy it. And that mochi ice cream you were crying for yesterday, I bought it and put it in the fridge. Ask Auntie Qiu to thaw it for you later.” “Stop crying, okay? You’ll blame me if your eyes hurt later.” The System was dumbfounded. “I thought he was a gloomy villain? How did you train him into a sugar daddy boyfriend?” Who knows? Maybe spoiled women really do have the best lives. Two years passed. Not only was I not kicked out of the Caleb household, but I also married Caleb and became his reason for living in this world. The System announced his darkness value was cleared and he wouldn’t disturb the protagonists’ lives anymore, then disappeared. Now, I had to summon the System again. “System, what’s going on?” It arrived late, reacting slowly: “Sorry, host. There was a problem with the villain in the previous timeline, causing him to turn dark prematurely. If left unchecked, the whole world would collapse, so I had to temporarily send him to this timeline.” “What you see now is seventeen-year-old Caleb. His darkness value has reached 99%.” “If possible, please save him again. Please.” 3 I transmigrated to this world five years ago. At that time, Caleb had already become the tyrannical CEO feared by everyone in the capital. The Little Caleb in front of me had the makings of a villain, but was clearly much greener. He didn’t believe me, even sneering: “Married? Me and you?” His gaze swept over me, his expression changing from unnatural to extremely unnatural. Still not daring to look at the key areas, he forced an imposing air and snorted coldly: “I’d rather die than marry a frivolous woman like you!” Before he could finish, the door was violently kicked open. A man who looked exactly like him strode into the room, a dark aura instantly filling the space. It was the real Caleb. System: “Crap, I forgot your husband is still here.” Surprised and delighted, I called out in my usual sweet, soft voice: “Hubby!” Seventeen-year-old Caleb’s ears turned red instantly. Blushing, he retorted impatiently in a low voice: “I told you I’m not your hubby!” “She was calling me.” Caleb picked me up with a dark face, his low, raspy voice wrapped in undeniable authority and unconcealable anger. “Who called you? Flattering yourself.” In the shadows, his gaze clashed with the teenage Caleb’s. Invisible sparks seemed to fly. I obediently wrapped my legs around his waist, buried my face in his neck, and hooked my arms around him. But I could feel the two burning gazes clashing. The smell of gunpowder in the air made breathing tense. “Baby, go to the next room and put some clothes on.” Caleb patted my butt lightly, planted a gentle kiss on my forehead, then looked at Little Caleb with a flash of hostility in his eyes. “Let’s chat alone.” 4 I don’t know what Caleb talked about with him. When he came out, the boy looked disgruntled. But the strange scene before him forced him to believe he had really traveled ten years into the future. After all, there was no second person in the world who looked exactly like him. And this “frivolous” woman really was his wife. I looked at the two Calebs, one big and one small. I poked the big one secretly. Then, thinking I was whispering, I said: “Hubby, he’s so small. Still a little baby.” But I underestimated the sensitivity of a teenager in puberty. The already low-pressure person exploded at the slightest touch. His face was terrifyingly dark, with “I’m very upset, apologize to me” written all over it. His displeasure lasted until noon. While eating, he frowned and clicked his tongue, throwing his chopsticks on the table irritably. “Enough, you two. Do you have to be like this even when eating?” “Disgusting.” Caleb was deboning fish for me. Ever since a small bone got stuck in my throat last time, he never let me eat fish by myself. Seeing this, he glanced at him indifferently. “If you don’t like it, get out.” So he really got out. His face was blacker than the bottom of a pot when he left, slamming the door angrily. Once he left, I sighed in relief: “Hubby, you had such a bad temper when you were seventeen.” Caleb put the deboned fish in my bowl. “Don’t treat him as me.” I wanted to say more, but he blocked my mouth himself. “Mmph…” After a long while, he stopped. His gaze was dark as he rubbed my lips vigorously. “Baby, shouldn’t you explain to me?” I wanted to cry but had no tears. How do I explain this? It’s all the System’s fault! Caleb knew about the System. I never thought of hiding it from him and confessed everything after we got married. Seeing my expression, he guessed most of it. Pausing, he asked: “Is it the System?” I nodded quickly, hugging him and chattering about my grievances. Hearing the word “redemption,” his eyebrows raised. “I’ll figure this out. Don’t listen to the System.” When mentioning others, Caleb was always indifferent. Including himself. I hesitated: “But, that’s you after all…” “No, baby.” “I can’t let you do risky things. Besides, I know very well that only pain can make a person strong. How can he take revenge later without experiencing this? He’s not that fragile.” “I’m going abroad for a business trip soon, for at least a month. During this time, ensure your own safety first, can you do that?” I nodded. Caleb smiled with satisfaction. He reached into my clothes, felt the slight bulge of my tummy, and picked me up to carry me to the bedroom. I hugged his neck, trying to salvage the situation. “But hubby, he really looks so pitiful.” His eyes were obscure. He lowered his head and bit my shoulder. “I’m more pitiful than him. Touch if you don’t believe me.” Me: … I knew this man had no good intentions. Turning every topic into something dirty. “Caleb! Didn’t we just… yesterday!” I grabbed his hair, speaking urgently. “Don’t bite!” A chuckle. It was as if he had returned to that villain with a terrible personality. He looked up slowly, his lazy voice mixed with huskiness, carrying a low trailing note that made my heart tingle. “Why keep mentioning him? This is punishment for a disobedient baby.” I wanted to cry. How can someone be jealous of themselves? 5 When I woke up, Caleb was gone. The System urged me to hurry up with the mission. “Hurry, hurry! While your husband is away, take down this Little Hubby!” …What Little Hubby, Big Hubby. It made me feel guilty, like I was having an affair. … Afraid of others noticing something wrong. Before leaving, Caleb gave everyone in the house a long vacation. He also ordered a month’s worth of home-delivered meals from the best restaurant in town, ensuring I wouldn’t starve. I called Little Caleb downstairs to eat. He waited for ages, only to see a table of exquisite takeout. His face stiffened instantly: “Just eating this?” “Yeah.” I looked at him innocently and shrugged. “I can’t cook.” Since marrying Caleb, I hadn’t even entered the kitchen. The only time I tried to bake egg tarts following an online recipe, I barely did anything and the air fryer exploded. Since then, I was strictly forbidden from approaching the kitchen. “You can’t even cook?” Little Caleb was incredulous. He couldn’t understand how an adult couldn’t even manage basic survival skills. But my matter-of-fact expression suddenly reminded him of something, and his face turned ugly. Obviously, the person who spoiled me to the point of not lifting a finger was himself. What made him collapse was far more than this. Everything in the house was in pairs. The walls were covered with photos of me and Caleb. He stared blankly at the toothbrush on the sink, unable to believe that with his aesthetic, he would use baby blue toiletries. Seeing him looking like his soul had left his body, I didn’t have the heart to tell him. Baby blue was mine; baby pink was his. He muttered: “Impossible… how could I marry a woman like her…” I couldn’t help but find it funny. If he knew he was the one kneeling and begging me to marry him back then, wouldn’t he collapse even more? But I didn’t say that. Seventeen-year-old Caleb seemed less steady than the Caleb I first met, but more irritable.

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After marrying my childhood friend, we treated each other with polite respect. He was a man of few words, and I was cold. We hadn’t even consummated our marriage yet. What I didn’t know was that my childhood friend could hear my thoughts. In the bedroom, I looked at him, freshly showered, with a blank expression. But inside, I was thinking: [Will I faint if we “make pancakes” together?] 1 [It would definitely feel amazing. How did that book Peach showed me describe it… something about losing focus.] [I think it was even “pan-fried with water.”] Caleb slipped and almost fell. I stepped forward to steady him: “Are you okay?” [Why doesn’t the towel fall off? Why wrap it so tight? One look won’t kill me.] [He’s got great muscles, and long fingers too.] “I’m fine.” Caleb spoke quickly, as if urgently trying to stop something. He tugged at his towel: “Sorry, I couldn’t find my bathrobe, only this towel…” [Of course you couldn’t find it.] [I threw it away.] [It should be getting shredded at the dump right about now.] [Tomorrow, I’m tossing the towel too.] I let go and said calmly: “Be careful next time.” “…Okay.” 2 Caleb changed into pajamas and got into bed. I flipped through my book, my peripheral vision drifting towards him. He was wearing dark pajamas, long sleeves and pants. [Tank tops are better, easier to cop a feel. Pity I only dare to touch a little, afraid he’ll wake up.] [Sigh, I really want to drug him with sleeping pills.] [Then I could do whatever I want.] I stared blankly at the words on the page. Just as he sat on the bed, Caleb lifted the covers and got out again. I was puzzled: “Aren’t you sleeping?” “Haven’t been sleeping well lately. Going to take a sleeping pill.” I didn’t think much of it and continued reading. When Caleb returned, he had changed clothes. He was wearing that tank top. He explained: “Too hot.” I replied indifferently: “Mmh.” Caleb lay down. Maybe it really was too hot; the blanket only covered his navel. One arm rested under his head, his broad chest and defined muscles impossible to ignore. Better than a manga protagonist. He fell asleep quickly. Thoughtfully, I turned down the AC. After reading a bit more, I turned off the light and went to sleep. In the dark, Caleb silently opened his eyes, looking at Lily beside him with a complex expression. She was fast asleep, eyes closed tight, breathing shallowly. No copping a feel, no “pan-frying.” Just Caleb staring until dawn. The next day, I walked out of the bedroom bleary-eyed. Auntie Wang was making breakfast. The delicious smell woke up my appetite. I sat down obediently. Today it was sweet potato pancakes and soy milk. Auntie Wang asked with a smile: “Is it good?” My mouth was too busy to answer, so I nodded vigorously. “Don’t choke.” She brought me a cup of soy milk. “My kids don’t like my cooking.” Talking about her children, Auntie Wang couldn’t help but sigh. I comforted her: “They don’t know what’s good.” Auntie Wang genuinely liked Lily. Although she looked cold, every time she ate something delicious, her eyes would light up instantly. It gave her a sense of accomplishment. “By the way, where’s Caleb? He’s not up yet?” “He took a sleeping pill last night.” Sleeping pill? Auntie Wang recalled cleaning up this morning. The sleeping pills in the medicine cabinet didn’t look touched. But the lid on the instant coffee wasn’t screwed on tight. 3 I didn’t expect Caleb to sleep until the afternoon. Sleeping so long, yet he still had dark circles under his eyes. [His sleep quality really sucks. Good thing I didn’t touch him last night, or he would have slept even worse. I better behave in the future.] Caleb, who had his back to me, suddenly turned around, staring at me darkly for a long time: “I slept very well.” “?” [What’s it to me?] Caleb ignored me. [Men are so complicated. Annoying.] Caleb slammed the door shut. Bang. In the evening, the high school group chat became active. The class monitor was organizing a reunion. My best friend Peach called: “Lily, you’re going, right?” “Yeah, I happen to have time.” Peach and I met in high school and coincidentally went to the same college. We’ve always been close. “What about your husband? Is he coming?” The phone volume was loud. I looked up at Caleb opposite me. He opened his mouth. [Don’t say yes. I don’t want to bring him.] Caleb closed his mouth. He shook his head gently. I replied to Peach with satisfaction: “He’s not going.” Peach seemed relieved on the other end. “Good that he’s not coming. Jake is coming too. You remember him, right? Your high school boyfriend. He’s been single since you broke up. Heard he still wears the bracelet you gave him.” Peach’s voice came through clearly. “…It’s fine.” I replied dryly. “Okay then, next Tuesday at 7 PM. Be there or be square.” The call ended. Seeing Caleb calm and composed, the faint unease in my heart vanished. [What am I worrying about? Even if I really cheated, he wouldn’t care. How could he get upset over such a small…] “No!” Caleb’s face suddenly turned cold. Startled, I stared at him blankly. [What’s his problem?!] Meeting my gaze, Caleb’s brow twitched, and his expression relaxed: “I meant Auntie Wang’s cooking isn’t good today.” Auntie Wang, rushing over with a spatula: “?” 4 Before leaving on Tuesday. Caleb spent forever preening in front of the mirror. From head to toe, everything was exquisite. He was already good-looking with a model’s figure. Dressed up like this, he was even more eye-catching. [Peach says when men dress up, 80% chance they’re cheating.] Caleb paused, hairspray in hand. He awkwardly put down the spray. Turning back, his gaze fell gloomily on my bare shoulders. “It’ll be cold tonight. Take a shawl.” “It’s 85 degrees tonight.” “…Drive safe.” When I arrived at the reunion, the private room was full. Peach waved me over. I sat next to her. She nudged me, signaling me to look sideways, whispering: “Look at his hand.” Jake had shed some of his youthful awkwardness, chatting confidently with others. As he raised his glass, his sleeve slipped, revealing that worn bracelet. It was a trinket I bought across the street from our school years ago. In high school, Caleb was in the class next door. Our relationship was average, barely maintaining the bond of growing up together. We hardly interacted at school. But Caleb’s mom often asked him to bring me things, and he waited for me outside my class every day. Eventually, everyone knew about us. And misunderstood our relationship. I explained a few times, but no one listened, so I stopped bothering. Later, those rumors disappeared. Because of Jake. He clarified for me whenever he could, more actively than I did. Under his incessant nagging, classmates got annoyed or bored and gradually stopped gossiping about me and Caleb. After school, to thank Jake, I treated him to bubble tea across the street. That was the first time I didn’t go home with Caleb. Hearing my words, Caleb didn’t say much, just nodded slightly and left. Jake and Caleb were complete opposites. He was enthusiastic and outgoing, never hiding his emotions. Happy was happy, unhappy was unhappy. At eighteen, he confessed to me. I didn’t really understand what liking was or wasn’t. But on his thirty-fifth confession, I said yes. Jake pestered me to say I liked him. Worn down, I said: “Yeah, I like you.” After saying it, I saw Caleb. He stood against the light at the door, his handsome features shadowed. His black hair looked fluffy and soft in the sunset, gilded with gold. His expression was indifferent, unreadable. I felt a bit embarrassed. Jake stood with one hand in his pocket, holding my bag with the other—the bag had a bunny plushie Caleb gave me. He smiled brightly and recklessly: “Caleb, Lily and I are together now. I’ll walk her home from now on. Thanks for before. Lunch is on me sometime.” Caleb stared unblinkingly at Jake, lips pressed into a straight line. Even someone as dense as me sensed the tension. I walked over, took Jake’s hand, and said to Caleb: “Caleb, I’ll be home late. Tell my parents.” “…Okay.” After that, I never went home with Caleb again.

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After being reborn, I submitted my resignation, left the medical examiner’s office, and broke away from the Foster family who raised me, bearing the infamy of being an ingrate. Why? Because in my past life, Julian Foster, the police chief’s only son, lost the love of his life, Bella Han—a woman supposedly born with “Yin-Yang Eyes”—in an accident while chasing a suspect. I married him and became the chief’s daughter-in-law. For twenty years, Julian and I fought side by side. I deciphered the dead’s last words; he quelled their grievances. Together, we solved every cold case in Cloud City from the last fifty years. But at my award ceremony, Julian, the man I thought was my soulmate, publicly denounced me for fraud. He claimed all the key clues in the cases I solved came from the notes Bella left behind using her “Yin-Yang Eyes.” “Elara Lin, you stole the life that belonged to Bella.” Even the son I raised looked at me with disdain. “Mom, I can’t believe a medical examiner like you got ahead using superstition.” Under their scornful gazes, I collapsed at the station entrance. Every case I handled was investigated. He found “negligence” everywhere, sending me to prison. There, criminals I helped catch tortured me until I was eventually hanged. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day the department was selecting a medical examiner for the Major Crimes Unit. 1 Chief Foster sat in his office, expression grave. “Julian, for the Major Crimes Unit ME spot… Elara or Bella?” Colleagues chimed in teasingly: “Is that even a question? Julian and Elara are childhood sweethearts. Who else but her?” I grew up in the Foster household. I was their designated daughter-in-law, so naturally, this position was mine to lose. But this time, Julian interrupted anxiously. “Dad, let’s keep personal matters private. Selection should be fair. It’s not my call.” I realized instantly: He was reborn too. Since he was still hung up on his unrequited love for Bella, I decided to grant his wish. “Uncle Foster, I know I’m not capable enough. I don’t deserve Julian or the Major Crimes Unit.” I grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled “Resignation Letter” in bold letters. Seeing this, Julian turned and ran out without a word. In our past life, right at this moment, Bella was surrounded by angry family members refusing an autopsy. In the chaos, a frantic relative injured Julian’s wrist, ending his surgical career as he tried to protect her. Reborn, he naturally rushed to take that hit for her again. Chief Foster was furious, pushing my resignation letter back. “Elara Lin, what nonsense is this!” “I taught you everything hand-in-hand, and now you want to quit?” Uncle Foster, who raised me like a father, looked at me with pure disappointment. I met his gaze, wanting to explain, but instead bowed deeply. “Uncle Foster, I’m sorry. I will leave the Foster family. I’ll find a way to repay your kindness later.” “Julian has someone else in his heart. Forced love isn’t sweet. Please let them be. He and I aren’t meant to be.” Chief Foster wanted to argue, but remembering the rumors about his son and Bella, he swallowed his words. I packed my things and moved out of the Foster home completely. The day I left, Julian stood in the yard, glancing at me from afar. Twenty years of past life bonds ended there. Once the handover was done, I’d never have to see them again. News of their engagement spread through the station. Red invitations sat on every desk, piercing my eyes. People whispered in the hallways, glancing at me. Everyone knew I had chased Julian for over a decade. From a teen crush to a forensic expert, everyone thought I’d be the one in the wedding dress. But I just glanced indifferently at the gold-stamped invitations and buried my head in case files. Bella loved to brag in the office lately, voice raised just enough for me to hear. “Julian bought me another necklace yesterday, to match my wedding dress.” “He says after our honeymoon, he’ll let me handle even bigger cases.” I ignored her showing off, focusing entirely on autopsy reports. Until that day, I heard arguing from the Chief’s office. “Dad, Bella should lead the Serial Killer case. You’ve seen her ability.” Chief Foster sounded displeased: “Julian, Elara has been on this case for a long time. Switching now is risky. Bella is new; she lacks experience.” Julian persisted, “But Bella has her unique gift! She can crack this! Dad, you can’t favor Elara just because of personal feelings!” I remembered this case clearly. In my past life, I pieced together tiny clues from the bodies to solve this city-shaking serial murder. The whole department got credit, and I became famous as the “Beauty ME,” my career skyrocketing. Reborn Julian knew this. He just wanted Bella to steal that glory in this life. Thinking this, I pushed open the office door and handed over all the files. “Uncle Foster, here are all the materials and reports.” Chief Foster looked at my calm face, eyes complicated, before hesitantly taking the files. “Elara, the Foster family has wronged you.” My voice was steady. “It’s fine, Uncle. You raised me. Consider this repayment.” Chief Foster looked up, eyes full of guilt. He raised me like a daughter. But I couldn’t compare to his own son. The scale tipped to Julian. 2 Julian’s face flashed with shock when I voluntarily handed over the reports. He probably expected me to fight, to cry. He didn’t expect me to let go so cleanly. These files were my blood and sweat, nights of work. Every page held my expertise. “Elara, don’t think playing hard to get will catch my attention.” Julian quickly recovered his cold mask, tone disdainful. “You’ll never compare to Bella. You should have realized that long ago.” Right. He always believed Bella’s “Yin-Yang Eyes” nonsense. I died never knowing what was in that notebook that made him so sure I rode her coattails. Julian shoved the thick report into Bella’s hands. Bella took it, flipping through eagerly, but her face soured. “Julian, these are just procedure logs. Where are the conclusions?” she asked, panicked. I chuckled, a hint of sarcasm in my voice: “Conclusions? Shouldn’t be hard for Bella, right? With your unique gift and all.” Hearing my tone, both scoffed and left. I watched them go, shaking my head with a smile. Bella was a rookie who hadn’t even done an independent autopsy. How could she analyze complex clues? I waited to see how Julian would make his beloved famous now. At the joint autopsy, as expected, Bella humiliated herself. “ME Han, scalpel for cartilage, please.” Bella handed a cranial saw to my old partner, Dave. “Not that! ME Han, can you not tell a saw from a scalpel? That’s basic!” Bella’s voice trembled: “I… I’m just not familiar with the layout here.” Julian immediately jumped to her defense: “Dave, watch your tone! Bella just took over. You’re all Elara’s old colleagues, biased against her. You haven’t seen her true ability.” Dave sneered like he heard a joke. “Ability? What ability? Is Captain Foster saying she solves cases with superstition? Yin-Yang Eyes? I’ll believe it when she summons my dead mother for a chat!” Other MEs whispered, faces skeptical. Seeing the tension, I walked in, interrupting coolly. “Dave, I’m here to pack my things.” The room went silent. All eyes on me. I packed my desk items one by one. Bella watched, face darkening. When I picked up the photo of me and the Fosters, she knocked the box out of my hands. “Elara, are you proud of yourself now?!” Crash. The box hit the floor. The photo shattered. The ceramic doll Julian gave me for my 18th birthday broke into pieces. A sharp edge cut Bella’s finger. Blood welled up. Julian’s face paled instantly. He blew on it carefully, voice aching: “Bella, are you okay? Let me see! Don’t move, I’ll treat it!” “Elara Lin, face reality! You have nothing to do with the Foster family or the station anymore!” 3 I looked at the shards of my youth on the floor. The last bit of bitterness in my heart vanished. Good riddance. As I turned to leave with my few belongings, Bella grabbed me. “Since you’re not a Foster anymore, shouldn’t you leave Julian’s things behind?” “Julian, isn’t that right?” I looked at the couple. Bella gloating, Julian defending her before I could speak. “Bella is right. Leave the things our family gave you.” I laughed at their shamelessness. Everything I wore was indeed bought by Mrs. Foster. “Julian, what do you want me to leave? Do you plan for me to walk out of here naked today?” Chief Foster rushed over and slapped him. “Bastard! Even if she’s not your wife, she’s your sister! Is this how you treat her?!” Seeing Julian’s gaze full of disgust, I smiled. “Uncle Foster, they’re right. We should settle accounts.” I raised my hand, pointing at Julian from head to toe. “That watch, I bought it with my first bonus. Remember? You said you liked it.” “Your cufflinks, limited edition from Germany. I hunted them down for you.” “Those shoes, I ran across the city to order that color.” “From head to toe, what isn’t bought with my salary?” Julian’s face turned ugly. He gritted his teeth. He actually started unbuttoning his shirt, taking off the watch, kicking off the shoes. Threw them all on the floor. Bella pointed at me triumphantly: “Then return what the Fosters gave you! That necklace, those earrings, your clothes—didn’t the Fosters pay for them?” I ignored her barking, not even looking down. My eyes stayed on Julian, voice calm but heavy. “Three years ago, the West City dismemberment case. I spent ten sleepless days piecing together the victim from a pile of rotten meat. Uncle Foster got promoted to Chief because of that.” “Two years ago, if I hadn’t come back early from my trip, Mrs. Foster would have died from that gas leak…” I stepped closer, staring him down. “Julian, I saved your mother’s life. I paved your father’s career. How do you repay that?” “And now, you want me to strip off these so-called ‘Foster things’?” Julian retreated, eyes darting, unable to meet my gaze. Finally, he squeezed out: “One thing doesn’t cancel another.” I laughed loudly. Laughing at the Fosters’ so-called grace, laughing at my past stupidity. “From now on, I owe the Foster family nothing. We are strangers.” Bella jumped in: “Stop your smooth talk! Take off the clothes!” I started removing the necklace, earrings, bracelet. They hit the floor with crisp clinks, like my once-broken heart. I placed them neatly on the desk, changing into my old, yellowing lab coat. I thought living two lives made me tough. But looking at his familiar face, tears still fell. I wiped them dry and walked to the door without looking back. Whispers followed me out: “Heard she wasn’t resignation, but fired.” “Tsk, head ME falling this low.” “Chief’s son is ruthless, didn’t even spare his childhood friend.” I paused but didn’t stop. Just as I was about to exit the gate, Julian called out: “Elara.” I stopped, not turning. “I’ve made calls. No place in Cloud City will hire you as a medical examiner.” So, not just ruining my name, but cutting off my livelihood. Cruel, Julian. I strode forward, vanishing from his sight. Around the corner, I saw a police car. I opened the door and got in. “Chief Chen, congratulations on finally getting what you wanted.” She turned, shaking my hand with a smile. “Elara Lin, happy cooperation.” 4 I moved to the Capital quickly, joining their ME team as the lead. The office was decorated with a banner: “Warm Welcome to Team Leader Elara Lin.” The whole team gathered, faces excited. “Dr. Lin… is it really you? I read your paper on the West City case. Textbook reconstruction!” “Leader Lin, we’re your soldiers now!” “Been waiting for you!” Chief Chen walked over with tea, smiling satisfied. “Elara, regret it now? Should have come earlier instead of wasting your youth in that backwater Cloud City.” I looked at her, smiling with relief. “You joke, Chief. Better late than never. Now is the perfect time.” In this life, it’s time to live for myself. Soon, I saw news about Bella. She was eloquent in front of the camera. The headline screamed: “Genius ME Emerges, Cloud City Forensics Reaches New Heights.” Talking about her predecessor (me), she hinted heavily that I was “fired” for major errors. “Bullshit!” Chief Chen snatched the phone, furious. “Who does she think she is? Stepping on you isn’t enough, she has to ruin your name? Julian Foster is blind; that woman will ruin him.” I laughed at her anger, taking the phone back and closing the video. “Chief, don’t be mad. Let her be.” “How can I? She’s destroying you!” I shook my head, eyes cold: “She won’t last long. Some people just love digging their own graves.” Sure enough, two days later, comments on Bella’s interview turned. The families of victims I helped became my strongest shield. “Genius ME? Without Dr. Lin’s attention to detail, my daughter’s killer would still be free! What does this Bella know?” “Exactly! Dr. Lin solved my brother’s case! Our family owes her everything! Who is this Han to slander her?” “Heard about the ‘511 Serial Murders’ in Cloud City? The killer is brutal, yet this ‘Genius’ has done nothing? Can she only buy trending topics?” Public opinion backfired. The tricky 511 case pressed on Bella like a mountain. Julian sat in his office, brow furrowed over the 511 files. He desperately tried to recall memories from his past life, but the names escaped him. Bella entered, pale. “Julian, any progress?” Julian put all hope on her. “Bella, your Yin-Yang Eyes…” “Julian, I’m… not in good condition lately. The Eyes need a special trigger. I can’t see the victims’ memories right now…” Chief Foster barged in with a group of leaders. “Five dead! The city is in panic! And you tell me you’re waiting for a trigger? Julian, is this the talent you fought to keep??” Julian’s face shifted colors under his father’s scolding. He knew his dad meant he was blind to drive away Elara, the one who could actually read clues. Under the pitying or mocking gazes of colleagues, Julian stood up, looking his father in the eye. “I take full responsibility.” “If I don’t catch the killer in three days, I, Julian Foster, will strip off this uniform and never be a cop again!” Bella opened her mouth but couldn’t say a word.

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During finals week, my crush happened to sit across from me. On the surface, I was studying. Internally, I was screaming “Hubby.” [Hubby’s Adam’s apple is so big, I wanna kiss it. Speaking of big, I wonder if Hubby’s…] [Gray sweatpants really do show everything!] [Ugh, studying is torture. I just want Hubby to punish me.] What I didn’t know was that my aloof crush could hear every thought. 1 College finals week. In the library. My brain was fried from cramming. Open book— [Napoleon and Josephine.] Close book— [Napoleon married Josephine?] [Wait, wasn’t Josephine also involved with someone else? Imagine the drama back then. History is basically a soap opera.] [Ahhh, I’m going crazy! This is why I didn’t study for the first sixteen weeks, isn’t it? Too much celebrity gossip! Ugh, brain, memorize this! I really don’t want to fail!] [College wins. I didn’t even care this much about the SATs, but college finals are mandatory passing? Someone set me up.] “Tsk, who is that? Can you shut up?” Sitting opposite me, the campus heartthrob, Paxton, slammed his book on the table. He stood up slowly, frowning as he scanned the room coldly. The other students were instantly silenced, too scared to even breathe. After all, the Pei family donated five lab buildings to the school. No one messed with the eldest son of the Pei family. Being closest to him, my mind went blank for a second. [Huh? Was someone talking and disturbing Hubby? Why didn’t I hear it? Did my mental reciting bother him?] [But I was reciting in my head! I didn’t make a sound!] [Forget it, maybe I flipped the pages too loudly and annoyed Hubby’s eyes. I should move. It would be a disaster if Hubby hated me.] While thinking this, I packed my books into my bag and stood up to leave. Paxton narrowed his long, handsome eyes, glanced down at me, a flicker of darkness passing through his gaze. “Sorry, miss. I must be hallucinating from stress. Didn’t scare you, did I?” He called out to stop me. 2 I froze, shaking my head slightly. I lowered my head, face burning, not daring to speak to him, only sneaking glances. Inside, I was fangirling hard: [Ahhh! Hubby talked to me first!] [Guess Hubby wasn’t talking about me. No need to move, yay!] [Hubby looks even hotter when he’s angry (＾－＾)! Must look more while I can! Profit! Hehe.] [Good thing it’s hot today. Hubby is wearing a thin white shirt. Broad shoulders, narrow waist, huge Adam’s apple—all on display. Drool. Hubby’s Adam’s apple is so big, I wanna kiss it.] [By the way, speaking of big, I wonder if Hubby’s…] My gaze drifted downward. Paxton’s tall, lean body suddenly stiffened. A flush spread from his handsome cheeks to his ears. He grabbed the black windbreaker from the back of his chair, put it on quickly, and zipped it all the way up, covering exactly what I wanted to see, before sitting back down. Seeing this, I quickly sat down too. Afraid someone else would take the seat if I was a second late. After all, the line of girls chasing Paxton stretched from school to his villa. Don’t know what luck I had today. There were plenty of empty seats when he came in, but he chose the one opposite me. Lucky day! His roommate sitting next to him whispered: “Pax, aren’t you afraid of heatstroke bundling up like that?” Paxton stared absently at his textbook, his peripheral vision drifting towards me. His thin lips pressed into a line as he replied coolly: “Mm, AC is too cold.” My mood instantly plummeted. Mechanically taking out my books, I pretended to study while zoning out: [Boohoo, heard men are afraid of cold because of kidney deficiency. Such a pity for Hubby’s god-tier face if he’s useless.] [Wait, Hubby’s roommate is on the basketball team too. Not as hot as Hubby, but at least functional. Should I switch husbands?] [So many hot guys in the world, if this one fails, I’ll switch. As long as the new one is good enough, I’ll forget the old one~] With some regret, my gaze shifted from Paxton to his roommate. [Damn, we college girls need to look at jock pecs to survive finals week.] But before I could appreciate the view. Zip. Paxton unzipped his jacket quickly, taking it off as if urgently trying to stop something. 3 My eyes were drawn back to him. Maybe because of the heat, his pale face was now flushed like he was drunk. At the same time, his long fingers undid the buttons of his white shirt, one by one. “Eh? Pax, weren’t you cold? Why take off the jacket? And unbuttoning?” His roommate looked at him weirdly. “Honestly, you look like you’re stripping…” Paxton lifted his eyelids lazily, glancing at me imperceptibly. His lips curved slightly as he interrupted: “Felt hot with the jacket on.” A breeze blew from the window. “Achoo.” The roommate sneezed unexpectedly. “Then lend me the jacket, I’m suddenly cold.” Paxton unbuttoned slowly with one hand, throwing the jacket to him with the other, sneering: “So afraid of cold… kidney deficiency?” “Screw you.” The roommate put on the jacket and punched him. Paxton unbuttoned three buttons before stopping. Then, he picked up his pen casually and started working. But when he leaned forward, his broad, pale chest was exposed right in front of me. Below the sharp collarbones were firm, looming pecs. Combined with that alpha face, it was so hot I couldn’t look away. This face, this body, definitely better than any top idol! My heart pounded, hand trembling as I held my pen, swallowing saliva uncontrollably: [Boohoo, wanna touch Hubby’s pecs, wanna make Hubby eat me out.] [Wait, if I drop my pen on purpose and bend down to pick it up, I can peek at Hubby’s…] [No, no, isn’t that too obvious? If Hubby catches me, he’ll hate me. But I really wanna see…] Just as I was thinking this. Paxton’s hand shook, and the pen in his hand fell to the floor, rolling right to my feet. [Ahhh! God! Am I your favorite granddaughter?! You spoil me too much!] Next instant, Paxton slowly looked up at me, his eyes dark: “Um, miss, could you pick up my pen for me? Thanks.” For some reason, his usually cold, noble voice sounded inexplicably husky and deep. “O-okay.” I nodded blankly, brain fried by his beauty. Trying hard to suppress a grin, I pretended to be expressionless, bent down slowly, reached for the pen, but my eyes naughtily drifted towards a certain place. [Gray sweatpants really do show everything.] [Boohoo, finals are so hard, I’m breaking down, I want Hubby to punish me.] “Pax, I’m going to the bathroom, you coming?” The roommate nudged the upright Paxton. Paxton’s handsome lips curved up almost imperceptibly: “No, it’s… inconvenient for me to get up right now.” “Fine, I’ll go myself.” Low voices came from above the table. I snapped back to reality, grabbed the pen quickly, sat up blushing, and handed the pen to Paxton guiltily. “H-here, y-your pen.” “Mm, thanks.” Paxton reached out slowly. My hand shook, accidentally touching his cool fingertips. [I’m dead, I’m dead, I’m dead. What luck today, I touched Hubby’s hand!!!] [AHHHHH!!!] Dizzied, warm blood flowed from my nose unbidden. I reached out to wipe it blankly. But the more I wiped, the more it flowed. Paxton grabbed the tissue box, pulled out a few sheets, and handed them to me. “Miss, are you under too much pressure from finals?” His slightly aggressive gaze fixed on me, Adam’s apple rolling: “Do you need me to… help you relieve some stress?” Re-relieve? G-God, what kind of dirty talk is this?! I was so shocked my nosebleed stopped. Meanwhile, Paxton slipped a black-gold card into my hand, voice husky and low, carrying a hint of danger: “Miss, if you need anything, find me anytime.” Before I could react, he packed up and left without looking back. I looked down. The black-gold card was a key card for the five-star hotel near campus! My face burned instantly. Wait, does he mean what I think he means? Who started the rumor that he was abstinent?! Some people even guessed he was gay because he rejected the school beauty on the first day. Didn’t expect Paxton, who looked like a gentleman, to be so wild… The library closing bell rang abruptly. Startled, I looked up at the clock. Just past nine. What? Why is the library closing two hours early today? No time to think, I packed up messily and left. 4 Following the room number on the card, I took the hotel elevator nervously. Even my toes could guess what would happen tonight. I clutched the box of ultra-thin 0.01 XL condoms I just bought, heart racing. Wonder if this box is enough? Seven times a night… Can I handle that? Lost in thought. Before I knew it, I was at the door of the presidential suite at the end of the top floor hallway. Faint sound of running water came from inside. Paxton is showering?! Heart pounding deafeningly, I told myself to stay calm. But when swiping the card, my hand shook so much it wouldn’t open. Deep breath, ready to try again. Click. The heavy mahogany door was pulled open by a large hand. Fresh mint soap scent mixed with clear male hormones hit my face. I looked up blankly. Paxton stood there in a very open white bathrobe, leaning lazily against the cabinet. The belt was loosely tied around his lean waist. His massive pecs rose and fell slowly with his breath, making me dizzy. He looked down at me casually, grabbed a water bottle, and drank. Water droplets fell from his hair, sliding down his rolling Adam’s apple, over his defined pecs, abs, v-line, all the way down… I gulped, feet nailed to the floor. “What? Not coming in? Standing guard?” Paxton stared at me with a half-smile. I snapped back. My brain, dazed by beauty, cleared up a bit. Thinking about what comes next. I suddenly felt cowardly. Subconsciously turned to run. Us college girls are like this. Talk big game about guys, making everything sound dirty. In reality, lives as bland as water, living like nuns, zero combat experience. A pair of hot hands grabbed my wrists from behind. Turned around. Bang. Paxton slammed the door shut. One hand on the door, the other loosely around my waist: “Trying to run? Too late.” Tone flirty and mean, eyes full of aggression. I looked up at him in disbelief. Wait, isn’t the legendary ice prince supposed to be restrained? Why so wild?! “W-what do you want?” “Late at night, alone together…” He chuckled, leaning in, deep eyes locking onto my face: “What do you think I want?” Too close. His hot breath drowned me, cold mint scent overwhelming me. I stopped breathing, body stiff as ice. Paxton smirked, lifted me with one arm, and strode towards the large round table in the suite. “On, on the table? I-isn’t that bad?” My face burned. Accidentally said my thoughts out loud. He turned to look at me, his dark eyes scary hot: “Where else?” “The bed?” Choked by his bluntness, I looked away in panic. Paxton put me on a chair, opened my… backpack, and placed my textbooks on the table one by one, neatly. I looked at him confused, thoughts flying wild: [What? Why take out textbooks?] [Is this some kinky roleplay? Teacher-student play?] [As expected of him, plays hard.] [How do I cooperate?] [Boohoo, Mr. Pei, no, don’t, gentle, slow down, please Mr. Pei~] [Wow, so shameful, so exciting, I like it.] While fantasizing. A pen was shoved into my hand. Paxton pulled out a chair, sat next to me, and opened the calculus textbook slowly with his long fingers: “Miss Ning, which problem can’t you solve? Come, Mr. Pei will teach you.” Tone serious. Fantasy shattered. Wait? This kind of teacher-student play? I looked up at him in disbelief: “Y-you said relieve stress, you meant teaching me calculus?” He blinked his peach blossom eyes, looking innocent: “Yeah, what else?” “If you learn it and aren’t scared of the final, no stress, right?” Did I really think wrong? Still unwilling to give up, I questioned him logically: “Wait? Can’t teach calculus in the library?! W-why bring me to a hotel room?! A-and dressed like this?! Who teaches calculus dressed like this?!” “Library would disturb others. Just showered, what else would I wear but a bathrobe?” Paxton flicked my forehead, tone helpless: “Miss Ning, I must remind you, if you keep thinking about nonsense and don’t study, you’ll really fail.” Heh, couldn’t tell. The usually selfish Young Master Pei is quite considerate. Actually caring if I, a stranger classmate, pass calculus?! Who understands the redemption of crush turning into calculus teacher? I don’t. Calculus! Go to hell!

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Working alone until midnight, I was just about to head home when a barrage of bullet comments suddenly floated across the sky. [Is this the lucky girl chosen by the male lead to be escorted home? She’s so average. If I saw her on the street, I wouldn’t even look twice.] [Yeah, totally. The male lead is handsome and rich. An average girl like her getting the chance to be pampered by him for free? Her ancestors must be blessing her from the grave.] [Stop being jealous upstairs. The male lead is just a knight protecting girls. He won’t stop for any woman. He’s the male lead for all women, destined to conquer them all.] I froze, stopping my hand from pushing the main door open. Calling harassment “knightly escort”? The audacity! Escort me? Does he even deserve to? I immediately dialed my three brothers. But just as the call connected, a man suddenly rushed toward me. 1 “Hi there! My name is Jayden Huang. I’m doing a challenge to walk 100 girls home safely at night. You’re the 20th lucky girl I’ve picked! Congratulations!” His voice pitched up, like I’d just won the lottery. But I just stared at him warily, head down, fingers flying across my phone screen to send my location to my brothers. Seemingly dissatisfied with my reaction, he shoved a camera in my face. “So, miss, how do you feel about being chosen by me?” He deliberately leaned in close, creating an ambiguously intimate angle. Too close. I smelled the cloying cologne on him. After working until midnight, my brain was already foggy. That smell made me want to puke. Suppressing the nausea, I took a big step back. “I don’t need you to walk me home. My family is already on their way. Please leave immediately!” I thought I made myself clear enough for him to back off politely. But he suddenly laughed out loud. And then, he reached out and affectionately bopped my nose. “It’s midnight. If someone was picking you up, they’d be here by now.” “Come on, I know you’re just shy and lying because you’re worried I’m a bad guy. Don’t worry, I don’t blame you. But I’m really not a bad guy. I just saw a girl alone this late and worried about your safety. I want to protect you and walk you home. Give me a chance?” “Relax, I’m just doing a challenge. I’ll be your knight and give you the most wonderful night. Just trust…” Before I could answer, he suddenly grabbed my hand, tilting his head and acting cute. Feeling the heat from his hand on my arm, a wave of disgust hit me. I yanked my arm away violently. After shaking him off, I scrubbed my arm with a tissue, hard enough to almost break the skin. Jayden’s hand froze in mid-air, disbelief written all over his face. The bullet comments exploded. [No way, no way. This basic girl actually rejected our handsome male lead? Does she own a mirror? Does she have the right to be picky?] [I don’t think it’s rejection. She’s probably playing hard to get. Doing this just to make our male lead remember her. After all, the harder it is to get, the more he’ll want it.] [I think so too. Aren’t women all like this? No means yes~] Come to think of it, he is the male lead in a harem novel. The author’s setting makes him practically irresistible to women. Jayden’s face darkened for a second, but he quickly reverted to his gentle persona to apologize: “Sorry, I crossed a line and scared you. But I really just want to walk you home to complete my challenge. Beautiful, can you help me out?” He rubbed his hands together, wheedling: “Please, pretty sister? I promised my fans I’d do this task. Just help me out~” Goosebumps erupted all over my skin. Gross. “No. My brothers will be here soon. Leave now.” “If you want to challenge walking someone home, find someone else. Not me.” I stopped looking at him and opened Candy Crush on my phone to kill time. Just as the “UNBELIEVABLE” sound effect played, Jayden walked dejectedly toward the main gate, hugging his helmet. Watching him leave, I let out a long breath. Luckily, there were surveillance cameras here. He wasn’t crazy enough to force me right here. I quickly exited the game and opened the chat with my brothers. Usually, when I worked late, they’d pick me up. Tonight, knowing I’d be working until midnight, I didn’t want to disturb their sleep, so I planned to Uber home. But because of this stranger-escorting Jayden, I didn’t dare take a car alone anymore. From here to the main road, there was a 500-meter blind spot with no cameras. If something happened there, even the police wouldn’t find me. The only safe option was to wait under the surveillance cameras for my brothers. Just ten more minutes, and they’d be here. But just then, Jayden came back. 2 He was holding a bouquet of flowers, walking toward me with deep affection in his eyes. I was completely grossed out. I didn’t expect him to be this persistent. “Didn’t I tell you to leave? Why are you back!” I grabbed the pepper spray in my bag, watching him warily. If he made any move, I’d let him have it. But Jayden just held the flowers out to me. “Miss, this is a token of my sincerity. Please accept it. I disturbed you so late at night. Once you take this, I’ll leave immediately.” His eyes were full of sincerity, as if he really just wanted to apologize. Thinking of those street-snap influencers I’d met before who were also persistent but just doing their job… My heart softened slightly. Maybe I was thinking too badly of him. I hesitated for a moment, preparing to reach out. The bullet comments appeared again. [Bros, here it comes! Another highlight moment for the male lead. Every time he gives flowers, no girl refuses. Waiting for the female lead to slap her own face.] [Haha, she’s gonna be sticking to the male lead like glue soon.] [All material girls. Can’t look away once they see flowers. Women are so cheap.] My heart tightened. I held my breath and took several large steps back. Only when I was a meter away from him did I let go of my nose and exhale. As long as he gives flowers, no girl refuses? How could there be such an effective method? My sixth sense reminded me of news about “obedient water”—drugs that make you compliant just by smelling them. “I don’t want your flowers! Get out!” Jayden’s face changed, explaining aggrievedly: “What’s wrong, sister? I’m just giving you flowers to apologize. Did you misunderstand something?” “Is it because you don’t like roses? Are you allergic to pollen? If you don’t want them, that’s fine. Don’t be angry. I’ll leave the flowers here and go.” The panic in his eyes wasn’t fake. For a moment, I wondered if I was overthinking it. But suddenly, dizziness surged in my brain, and I almost lost my balance. Jayden, who had just turned to leave, exclaimed: “Miss, are you okay?” He tried to come forward to support me. I gritted my teeth and shouted: “Get lost! Take your flowers and get lost!” Instead of leaving, he moved closer. I panicked: “I told you not to come near me! Do you not understand human language?” “If you don’t leave, do you want to wait for the police?” I glared at him fiercely, holding up my phone with “911” dialed. “Or do you want them to check what you sprinkled on these flowers? What dirty stuff are you hiding? Are you sure you can still be an influencer if this gets investigated?” At this, panic flashed in Jayden’s eyes. He seemed surprised that I knew. Seeing his expression, I knew I guessed right. I just wanted to bluff him, but he exposed himself. This is the so-called male lead in the book? Disgusting. There were no girls willing to be with him; they were all tricked. He used girls’ soft hearts to achieve his goals step by step. The dialing tone sounded, and Jayden’s face changed. I pressed the phone to my ear, glaring at him viciously: “Hello, I want to report a crime. Someone is…” Seeing I was serious, Jayden grabbed the flowers and ran away in a panic. Once he was gone, I collapsed onto the bench. My brain was heavy, my whole body weak. That drug was too strong. I only took a whiff, but it still got me. I looked at my phone, which had just died, and smiled. Luckily, I bluffed Jayden before it shut down. Otherwise, it would have been dangerous. I slapped my cheeks hard three times to stay awake. Now, I could either go back to my office on the 25th floor to charge my phone or walk 500 meters to the security booth to use their phone. Thinking it over, I decided to go back to my office. I was afraid Jayden hadn’t gone far and was waiting outside. The security booth was 500 meters away. Clenching my fists, I walked slowly toward the lobby elevator. Pressed 25. The elevator doors began to close. I leaned against the wall to rest. But the moment the doors were about to shut, a large hand blocked them. I snapped my eyes open. Jayden, holding the flowers, tilted his head and smiled sinisterly: “Sister, I thought about it. I still need to give you these flowers.” “Look at you. Phone dead, can’t reach your family. How can you go home alone? I still need to walk you. It’s safer that way…” I was struck by lightning, daring not to move. I didn’t expect him to stay and figure out my phone was dead. Immense panic engulfed me. In the enclosed space, the smell from the flowers grew stronger. The dizziness worsened. My whole body went limp. Jayden’s voice sounded distant. “Sister, come with me. I know you’re a good girl. You’ll say yes, right?” He reached out his hand to me. My remaining consciousness screamed to refuse, but my hand raised uncontrollably. Tears streamed down my face. My mind was fuzzy. Just as I was about to touch his hand, I bit my tongue hard. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth, giving me a moment of clarity. I grabbed the pepper spray from my bag and sprayed it right in his eyes. The spicy smell filled the air. Jayden let out a blood-curdling scream. He never expected me to fight back, so I succeeded. I grabbed my bag, smashed him away with all my strength, and ran. Just then, a security guard was patrolling. I ran towards him. “Help! Help! Someone’s trying to kidnap me!” 3 The security guard was a middle-aged man in his 40s. We’d met before; he’d helped me with packages. Hearing my cry, he picked up his phone to call the police. “Misunderstanding! It’s all a misunderstanding! Uncle, she’s my girlfriend. We just had a fight. It’s a lovers’ quarrel. You need to understand the situation before calling the police, or it’s filing a false report, and you’ll be responsible.” The guard thought he made sense and hung up. But he still tested him: “You say you’re this girl’s boyfriend. Tell me her name, what she does in the company, when is her birthday…” Jayden fell silent. I rejoiced. “Uncle, look, he can’t say it. I have nothing to do with him, I…” “Her name is Jane Huang, birthday April 20, 1997. She’s a video editor for a media company. She’s off late tonight because her colleague called in sick tomorrow, and she…” He squinted, reciting everything about me word for word. Even the details of my work were accurate. I felt like I’d fallen into an ice cave. How did he know all this? After hearing these details, the suspicion in the guard’s eyes faded significantly. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and grumbled: “I really don’t understand you young couples nowadays. Dating in an office building late at night? Go home quickly, stop wandering around outside.” Hearing this, Jayden nodded repeatedly: “Yes, you’re right. Sorry to delay your work. If I hadn’t run to buy flowers, we wouldn’t have been delayed so long.” He deliberately held up the roses. The guard, who still had a sliver of doubt, saw the flowers and patted Jayden’s shoulder. “You kid are quite romantic. Just be more considerate of the girl in the future…” Listening to these words, a wave of despair rose in my heart. I wanted to run, but my body had no strength. What if I ran out into the blind spot and got caught? But now the guard didn’t believe me and wouldn’t call the police. My phone was dead too. Did I have to go with him? No, never! I took a pen from my bag and held it to my throat. “Uncle, you know me. Please, help me call the police. He really isn’t my boyfr…” Before I finished, I fainted into Jayden’s arms. He intimately arranged my hair. “Really, you’re so old, yet so willful. Alright, alright, I’ll order that bag you wanted later.” I wanted to speak, but my mouth wouldn’t obey. I couldn’t make a sound. I could only see the bullet comments surging in the sky. [See, see? I told you this woman was playing hard to get. A gold digger…] [Acting. Still acting. Didn’t she fall into our handsome, dashing male lead’s arms in the end?] [Worthy of being a harem novel male lead. Just charming.] Jayden’s tone became even gentler. One hand on my waist, the other waving goodbye to the guard: “Uncle, we’re leaving now. Sorry to disturb your work.” Watching the guard’s back getting further away, despair welled up inside me. Tears fell like broken pearls. Jayden leaned into my ear, whispering so only we could hear: “It’s useless, Ms. Huang. I promised my fan I’d deliver you to his house. He paid me 200k. I’m taking that money, and as for you, I’m definitely delivering you.” I couldn’t speak at all. He took me to his motorcycle. He picked up the helmet prepared for me. Just then, familiar shouting came from ahead. My three brothers got out of a car. I tried to wave, but the helmet was jammed on my head, and his jacket thrown over me. “Damn it. If it weren’t for that accident causing a traffic jam, we wouldn’t have been stuck so long. And Jane’s phone isn’t going through.” Big Brother looked anxious. “Jane couldn’t have gotten into trouble, right? She said she was being harassed, and now she’s missing.” Second Brother was also frowning. “Let’s split up and look. Ask people around.” “Okay, split up.” Third Brother ran in my direction. But Jayden remained calm, provoking me as if for revenge: “Believe it or not, even if you were right in front of him, he wouldn’t recognize you. Who would think I’d be this bold?” He clamped my waist, mocking: “But since you want to greet your brother so much, let’s say hi before we go.” After speaking, Third Brother’s voice was right next to my ear. “Bro, have you seen a girl, about 165cm, big eyes, wearing a blue shirt, white skirt, oh right, and black-rimmed glasses?” Jayden shook his head with that “nice guy” look again. “Just got here myself, taking my girlfriend for a ride. Didn’t see her.” Hearing “girlfriend,” Third Brother looked at me. The helmet was so heavy I couldn’t turn my head. My mouth was numb; I couldn’t speak. I wanted to reach out, but Jayden held my hand tight. Third Brother looked at my jacket and quickly looked away. “Alright, won’t disturb you and your girlfriend then. Thanks.” Jayden smiled friendly, adding: “No problem. Hope you find your sister soon. Hope she’s safe.” Hearing me mentioned, Third Brother’s voice softened. “Thanks, bro.” Seeing Third Brother leave, Jayden stopped pretending. He sighed: “Jane Huang, oh Jane Huang. If you just agreed to let me take you, nothing would have happened. You had to resist. Now, my fan is anxious. You’re going to suffer.” The engine roared. I was utterly hopeless. I didn’t know who this fan was or why they were doing this to me. I closed my eyes, unable to accept my fate. If this was my future, I’d rather drag him down to hell with me. Just as I decided to headbutt him, a black Mercedes blocked the motorcycle. Big Brother got out. Second Brother held a bat. Third Brother gripped a brick. They were all glaring at Jayden. “Put my sister down right the f*ck now! Who said you could touch my sister?” Seeing the situation turn bad, Jayden pushed me off the bike and prepared to flee. But as soon as he turned, sirens wailed. The security guard was blocking the way with the police. I lay in Third Brother’s arms and passed out. 4 I woke up in the hospital. My parents and three brothers surrounded me. Seeing them, I couldn’t control my fear anymore and threw myself into their arms. Who would have thought I’d be targeted just for working overtime? Thinking of Jayden’s hateful face, I couldn’t stop shivering. “Brothers, where is that guy? Is he locked up?” Meeting my gaze, they all looked away. “Jane, according to the surveillance video, it only shows him pestering you, giving you flowers, you leaning in his arms, and leaving with him. He didn’t cause you substantial harm. The police just lectured him; they can’t charge him.” “How can they not charge him!” I was furious: “Bro, he went against my will, insisting on taking me home. I refused, so he drugged the flowers, knocked me out, and took me away. I…” “Right, the flowers! Just test the flowers, it proves he drugged me.” “Useless!” “He destroyed the flowers. We have no evidence.” Big Brother clenched his fists, panting heavily, and punched the wall. “That animal gave you flowers on purpose to pretend to be a suitor. Even if caught later, he can just claim it’s a relationship dispute.” “Who would have thought he’d drug the flowers? Without evidence, and with him being an influencer with 500k followers, if he uses public opinion, he could turn it back on us…” “Yeah, we suspect this isn’t his first time. Otherwise, how could he be so skilled?” Second Brother also frowned tightly. I looked around and saw my parents peeling oranges, Big Brother and Second Brother, but Third Brother was missing. “Where’s Third Brother? Mom, Dad, Brothers, where did he go?” He spoiled me the most; how could he not be here? Dad’s eyes turned red instantly: “It’s that animal. He tried to take you, so your Third Brother punched him a few times! He demanded an injury assessment, claimed he didn’t fight back, and demanded the police detain your brother for assault. He’s locked up.” “What! Third Brother just got first place in the civil service written exam. If he’s detained, how can he be a civil servant? What do we do?” I wiped my tears. “Third Brother prepared for a year for this job. I saw how hard he worked. It’s all my fault. I dragged him down.” “Why blame yourself? Blame that animal. If only we could find leverage on him…” Big Brother’s words struck me like lightning, clearing the chaos in my brain. I grabbed their hands and said: “Mom, Dad, Brothers, we might actually be able to find leverage.”

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When it came time to commit to a college, I rejected a full-ride offer from MIT and chose Harvard. The reason? My online crush goes there. Or so I thought. After I locked in my deposit, my crush texted me: “That’s crazy, a girl with a perfect 1600 SAT score just turned down an offer from our department.” 1600? What a coincidence, that’s my exact score. I was just about to text back a consolation message when he added: “If it were you, you would have kept our promise and come to MIT, right?” ??? MIT?! Wait… I thought he was at Harvard?! 1 Junior year was a disaster. I hit a wall in AP Physics C. My grades were stuck in the low B range, which was basically a death sentence for the Ivy League dreams I harbored. In a fit of anxiety, I was doom-scrolling TikTok when I found an account called [PhysicsPhreak]. This guy speed-ran the entire AP Physics exam in 60 minutes and scored a perfect 5 without even checking his work. I was shook. I binged every video on his profile and smashed that follow button. For the next two months, I liked every post and left a comment: “Understood. Thanks, OP! 🙏” I loved the way PhysicsPhreak explained things. He made the most dry, complex concepts sound fascinating. One day, I left a specific comment: “Hey OP, can you break down Maxwell’s Equations? I’m dying here.” I didn’t expect a reply. The next day, he posted a new video. The topic? Exactly what I asked for. As usual, it was just a GoPro angle of his hands and his voice—calm, deep, and methodical. He even pinned a comment: “If anyone has questions, drop them below. I’ll reply when I see them.” Was he talking to me? What a saint. Under his tutelage, I finally aced that unit. 2 That interaction broke the ice. We moved from comments to DMs. Whenever I got stuck, I’d message him. By the next video, he’d have an explanation woven into his content. I spent my breaks watching his videos—it was my only form of relaxation that also felt productive. By the time midterms rolled around, I scored a 98 on my Physics final. I excitedly DM’d him: “OP! I got a 98!” “Not bad. Keep it up.” Initially, I was just happy he saw it. But then I realized… he replied! I was buzzing with adrenaline. My grades skyrocketed across the board. Even my teachers were stunned. My desk mate, Zoe, looked at my test paper like it was an alien artifact. “Did you get a brain transplant? Spit it out! Did you hire a private tutor?” “No, just found someone online to answer a few questions.” “Who? Wait… are you e-dating?” She gasped. I shook my head frantically. “No, no!” We weren’t there yet. At most… it was a crush? I’m a sucker for intelligence. PhysicsPhreak was a genius; it was normal to admire him. I just wished I knew which university he attended. Maybe one day, we could meet up and compare notes in person. 3 Of course, that was just a fantasy. Our interaction was strictly limited to the internet. Until one day, I was logged into League of Legends. “Little N?” Who’s poking me? I squinted at the avatar. My eyes went wide. “PhysicsPhreak?!” [PhysicsPhreak]: “…I’m not a teacher, you can just call me by my handle.” I sent a panicked sticker. I didn’t realize this game had a “friends from other platforms” sync feature. He asked why I was gaming. “It’s a holiday,” I typed. He didn’t reply immediately. I mustered up the courage to send another message. “Phreak, you haven’t been posting videos lately.” [PhysicsPhreak]: “Been busy.” Oh… The chat went silent. Just as I thought he didn’t want to talk to me, he initiated a new topic. “How’s your physics coming along?” Me: “Great. Got a 96 on the last mock.” [PhysicsPhreak]: “What grade are you in?” Me: “Senior year is coming up.” “Mm. College apps soon then.” Well… not that soon. [PhysicsPhreak]: “If you have questions in the future, just ask.” I was flattered. I sent three grateful emojis in a row. Even after logging off, I felt lightheaded. I was chatting with my idol! And he followed me back! I just forgot to ask which university he went to. Whatever, there’s always next time. 4 The opportunity came sooner than expected. During a long weekend, I hopped back on League. “Little N?” Phreak again? Fate is crazy. He sent a message: “Since you’re here, want me to give you two physics problems to solve for fun?” […] Me: [Please spare me. I’m trying to relax.] He paused for a second. “Just kidding. Duo queue?” [Let’s go.] And just like that, I was in a party with PhysicsPhreak. He turned on his mic and introduced me to the lobby. “This is Little N. A friend I met recently. She’s still in high school, so take care of her.” “For sure! Hey, Little N, what role do you play?” Another guy with the handle [EinsteinFanboy] chimed in. “ADC.” And so, I played my first game with him. Turns out, Phreak wasn’t just a god at physics; he was a god at League too. He carried me so hard I felt weightless. “You’re amazing!” “Alright, that’s it for today,” Phreak typed. [EinsteinFanboy]: “Bro, why are you dipping so early? One more round!” [PhysicsPhreak]: “The kid needs to sleep. She’s growing. Needs to study.” “Oh, right, forgot haha. Little N, study hard. Come to our school when you graduate!” EinsteinFanboy said over voice chat. I caught the key info immediately. Our school? Phreak is still a student?! “Wait, you guys are students too? Which uni?” [PhysicsPhreak]: “Just a regular one.” Regular? I didn’t buy it. Sure enough, [EinsteinFanboy] lost it. “Bro! You’re at the top university in the country, quit the humble-bragging! Get out, get out!” Then they both logged off. I didn’t get the specific name, but I could guess. The top universities in the US. It’s either Harvard or MIT. Phreak is a physics god. My brain, in its infinite wisdom, decided: Harvard. It has to be Harvard. Everyone knows Harvard is the best overall, right? Fine. I’m going to Harvard. 5 With a target locked in, I grinded harder than ever. By the time senior year started, my scores were consistently in the Ivy League range. Before the semester began, I messaged Phreak. I told him I’d be offline for a while to focus on applications, so I wouldn’t be able to like his videos instantly, but I’d catch up later. “No worries. I only post occasionally anyway. If you’re stuck, you can still ask. Good luck.” “Mm! I will! I’m going to get into the same school as you!” “You know which school I’m at?” “Of course.” “EinsteinFanboy told you?” Eh, sort of. Since we started gaming together, EinsteinFanboy—who had zero filter—added me to their group chat. I not only confirmed Phreak was at a “Cambridge, MA school,” but I also gathered intel that Phreak was single. If I got into Harvard, I’d have a shot. Just the thought made me giddy. “Okay. Good luck. I’ll wait for you.” With that encouragement, I was unstoppable. Hard work paid off. When SAT scores dropped… 1600. Perfect score. My guidance counselor called me, screaming. I was Valedictorian material. Recruiters from both Harvard and MIT were already blowing up my email. I excitedly texted Phreak: “Phreak, I did it! I’m in!” He wasn’t online. My mom called me downstairs; the recruiters were literally at my house (or requesting Zoom calls immediately). 6 The guidance counselor wasn’t lying. The Harvard and MIT reps were fighting over me. “Maya, come to Harvard! We have the legacy!” “MIT! Come to MIT! We have the tech!” Before this, I had already made up my mind. “I want to go to the Physics department… at Harvard.” The Harvard rep looked smug. “Wait, wait, hold on,” the MIT rep interrupted, refusing to give up. He pulled out an iPad. “Look at this.” “Ethan Yan. He’s a senior, also had perfect scores. He’s currently the lead of the MIT Undergraduate Physics Competition Team.” “In the last few years of competitions against Harvard, he’s always been…” The MIT rep gave a thumbs up. “…Number one.” “If you come to MIT Physics, you’ll be working with the best.” That impressive? I squinted at the iPad. It showed the team profile. The guy in the center—Ethan Yan. Standard ID photo. Blue background, white shirt. Sharp features, gentle eyes, but with a hint of ‘don’t touch me’ coolness. Before I could get a good look, the Harvard rep blocked my view. “Oh please! Using the ‘handsome senior’ trap again? Every year with this tactic, aren’t you tired?” “Hey, it works!” They started arguing again. Finally, they both looked at me. I stood my ground. “Sorry. I’ve decided on Harvard.” “Can I ask why?” The MIT rep looked crushed. I blushed slightly. “My… online boyfriend is at Harvard.” I want to go find him.

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Sylas lost his memory. He looked at me warily and asked who I was. With the pure, malicious intent of destroying his cultivation path, I smiled sweetly and replied, “I’m your wife.” He didn’t believe me, but I knew him like the back of my hand. He liked dark colors, drank strong tea, and practiced his swordplay every morning at 7 AM sharp. After a thousand years as sworn enemies, I knew every mole on his back. He had no choice but to believe me and quickly accepted the role. But… who wrote this “doting husband” script? Why is it that the moment I break character and show a little anger, he flips his robes and kneels?! And uses his tongue to please me in every way… Sylas, where is your backbone?! 1 Sylas and I were sworn enemies. Mortal enemies. How exactly we became enemies is lost to the ages. Cultivating immortality takes a long time, and my memory isn’t what it used to be. I just remember we never got along. Couldn’t stand the sight of each other. I was pure Yin, he was pure Yang. People used to ship us. But we fought so fiercely that eventually, no one dared to utter such death-wish nonsense. Our dojos were both in the East, and our disciples occasionally clashed. A thousand years of friction built up into a big one, so as the grandmasters, we stepped out to fight it out. Under the eager gazes of disciples from both sides, he and I stood in mid-air, sizing each other up for weaknesses. To be fair, Sylas was extremely good-looking. Sword-like eyebrows slanted towards his temples, eyes pure black like a cold pool reflecting stars under thick lashes—deep and chilling. A high nose bridge, thin lips that hinted at unquestionable killing intent when pursed. If he would just smile, he’d be a dashing gentleman like the bright moon and fresh breeze. Unfortunately, his aura was too heavy, radiating an inhumane coldness. In his black Daoist robes, he had the imposing presence of a towering mountain. His stare made my heart race. I didn’t know if I’d win or lose this round. He was a Lightning Heavenly Spiritual Root, cultivating the Ruthless Dao. I was a Chaos Five Spiritual Root, cultivating the Carefree Dao. He had one sword to conquer heaven and earth; I mastered every unorthodox trick in the book. After a long standoff, Sylas swung his sword. I tapped my toes, drifting back like a flowing cloud. Using the “Ripple Steps” taught by the Ripple Fairy, his majestic sword energy didn’t even touch the hem of my clothes. “Move one.” I held up a finger, a formation disk already silently dropped from my sleeve. Instantly, fog rose, hiding killing intent. Sylas sneered. “Xu Fang’s Confusion Formation? Unorthodox tr—” Before he could finish, three blood-red sword energies shot out from the formation—Xu Fang’s improved Three Talents Deadly Formation. He blocked hastily, but his sleeve was still sliced open. Twang! I took out the Hook Moon Pipa, ten fingers flying. Demonic music rose, weeping and complaining. Si Miyuan’s Soul-Breaking Tune echoed in the formation, specifically targeting the clear Dao heart of a sword cultivator. Sylas faltered slightly, fine sweat beading on his forehead. “Move two.” I held up another finger, throwing out seventy-two talismans while his mind was shaken. Boom boom boom! Gongsun Che’s Explosive Sound Talismans covered the sky, blasting the clouds away. Sylas’s face finally changed. His sword danced like a rainbow, yet a talisman still grazed his cheek, leaving a scorch mark. “Well?” I stood with my hands behind my back, a pill pouch from the Pill Sect at my waist, a hidden crossbow from the Weapon Sect in my sleeve, and Void-Breaking Talismans from the Talisman Sect on my boots. “Does Sword Saint Sylas still think these are just unorthodox tricks?” He wiped the blood from his face and suddenly smiled. “Interesting.” His sword stance changed abruptly, manifesting thousands of sword shadows. My heart tightened. I quickly formed a hand seal, barely executing the Puppet Sect’s Golden Cicada Shell Shedding. The substitute puppet I left behind was shredded by sword energy. “Move three is mine.” Sylas’s voice suddenly rang in my ear. I leaned back sharply, a gleam of sword light grazing my nose. I was about to counterattack, but realized the ties of my pill pouch and hidden crossbow had been cut by sword energy at some point. “You…” “Jack of all trades, master of none.” With a light flick of his sword tip, my last talisman shattered in mid-air. “But indeed…” When his long sword pointed at me, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. “Disgusting enough.” “You lose,” he said flatly. I tilted my head and smiled. “Sword Saint Sylas might want to look at his feet.” He looked down. Seven Bone-Penetrating Nails hovered in the air, pinning the hem of his robe. Each nail was connected to a nearly invisible Heavenly Silkworm Thread—the Tang Sect’s most insidious Seven Star Soul Lock. “A draw?” I blinked. “Or mutual destruction?” Sylas stared at me for a long time, then suddenly sheathed his sword. As he turned, I distinctly saw his mouth twitch. “Fu Yunqian, your methods are truly…” “Disgusting?” I supplied. “…Interesting.” Watching his figure receding on his sword, I realized my back was soaked in cold sweat. Collecting the scattered debris, my fingers trembled slightly. If his sword had advanced half an inch more, or if I hadn’t set the hidden weapons in time… A breeze blew, scattering the talisman paper and remnant formations. Looking at the sword light disappearing into the sea of clouds, I suddenly laughed out loud. His sword couldn’t touch me, my tricks couldn’t trap him. But the post-war losses were severe. Calculating the cost, I was overcome with grief. Formation disks broken, pipa smashed, talismans depleted, robes sliced with holes big and small. Since becoming an ancestor, when had I been this pathetic? Not even a thousand years of rest later, those brats in my sect caused trouble again. Big trouble. Negotiations turned into shouting matches, and then the two of us were up again. I was truly annoyed. Every fight destroyed a batch of magical treasures; repairs couldn’t keep up with the damage. After a few rounds, looking at the pile of broken treasures in the warehouse, my heart bled. Both at the Immortal Venerable realm, our fights shook the earth and wasted resources. I didn’t know about him, but I was going broke. Building the Clear Music Palace wasn’t easy. Starting as a rogue cultivator, my ascension was arduous. Without good techniques, one is an ant in the Upper Realm, disdained by all. I stole techniques everywhere, learning from hundreds of schools, barely gaining a foothold. After untold hardships, I finally occupied a dojo and passed down my teachings. Was it easy for me? No. The Heavens are cruel to me! Alas! “Master, stop chanting…” “Sigh… Zizhen, we need a permanent solution. If this nemesis doesn’t die, my heart won’t rest.” Xu Zizhen fanned me while leaning in to offer advice. After muttering for a long time, we looked at each other and simultaneously revealed a dirty smile. 2 Immortal Venerables have thousands of incarnations. Kill him, and there will be another Sylas. But the Ruthless Dao has a fatal flaw: one cannot be moved by emotion. Make him fall in love, destroy his Dao foundation, and thousands of incarnations will meet their end together. I wasn’t the first to try this. The Eastern Sword Saint was frosty as the moon, aloof, restrained, and abstinent. Who wouldn’t want a night with such a handsome man? Not to mention his Immortal Essence was pure Yang—tens of thousands of years of virgin vitality. Every female cultivator drooled, but all returned in defeat. The Ruthless Dao forbids lust and love. It was like winking at a blind man. Some tried force, but the Resoluteness Sword Technique was no joke. Drug him? Stabbed. Ambush him? Stabbed. His Dao heart was so firm that not a drop of Yang essence had leaked in all these years. Soft or hard, he wouldn’t bite. Tricky… Luckily, I recently acquired a new technique. My main body stayed in the Clear Music Pool, while I created a True Immortal clone to infiltrate the Bright Soul Sect and learn a secret art. This art allows viewing others’ memories without discomfort. Even deleting or sealing a segment. If I sealed Sylas’s memories of cultivation… No matter how stone-hearted he is, surely he was easier to handle as a child? Under my instructions, Zizhen caused chaos. Sylas came out with his sword again. He met my eyes once and chased relentlessly. Fighting and retreating, I lured him into an illusion array under the cover of clouds. Mist formed into my likeness, attacking from all sides. I manifested as many clones as I knew secret techniques. Though illusions, hacking through them all exhausted him. I waited patiently for a hundred years. His sword was still sharp, but his spirit was exhausted. Clear notes hooked the soul. I teleported behind him, concealing my presence, fingers lightly touching his temples. A flying sword attacked rapidly, blocked by my defensive treasure. He turned, grabbing my wrist tightly, his gaze sharp, a sword at my neck again. “It’s okay… have a good sleep, it’s okay…” Lips parting slightly, I blew bewildering smoke into his face. He faltered for a moment, and I seized the chance, my divine will piercing his mind. He shook his head, struggling, then fell straight into my arms. “Despicable, falling right onto my chest.” I slapped him twice casually. While he slept, I sealed all his memories of cultivation. 3 Sylas woke up staring at me warily, brows furrowed, radiating coldness. I wondered if the amnesia worked when he asked, “Who are you?” Really amnesiac. As expected of me. I smiled sweetly. “I’m your wife. You hit your head just now, does it still hurt?” My hand reached out but was blocked. “Nonsense. I never had a wife.” I clutched my chest, acting heartbroken. “We’ve been married for two years, always loving. How can you say such things, husband?” He looked around. I had used illusions to build a civilian house here. Modeled after his hobbies, the yard had my favorite flowers and a place for him to practice swordsmanship. A large rock on one side was covered in slash marks. He stroked the sword marks, believing three-tenths of it. Then I coaxed him to sit and eat. He liked strong liquor but wasn’t greedy; I poured him half a cup. His taste was light, mostly bamboo shoots and fish. Poor me, having not cooked for tens of thousands of years, the taste wasn’t great. He took a few bites. “You usually cook?” I bit my lip, shy and annoyed. “If you weren’t injured, who would cook for you?” Sylas’s brows relaxed. He tested me constantly; I was watertight. After thousands of years as enemies, I knew him inside out, down to the moles on his back. “I believe you. Actually, seeing you for the first time, my heart raced and palms sweated. I must have had deep love for you.” That… I looked away guiltily. That was probably deep killing intent… In the days that followed, he did the cooking, negotiating with the fake people I created to buy groceries. Seeing him unsuspicious, I smirked. My illusion arrays were getting more realistic. “Yunqian, how about steamed bass today?” I shuddered, forcing a perfect smile. “Sure, whatever husband makes is delicious.” Once he entered the kitchen, I almost puked. Since believing we were married, he cared for me in every way. Calling me “Yunqian” and “Wife” made my scalp tingle. The sacrifice was great, but thinking of his shattered Dao heart and him at my mercy, I endured. At night, I tugged his sleeve, swaying and acting coquettish. He repeated, “Memories haven’t returned, cannot be improper,” and took a candle to the study. I lay lazily on the bed, yawning. I knew it. Sylas was rigorously, even pedantically, proper. No way he’d really sleep in the same bed. I just found his awkwardness amusing and wanted to tease him. Seeing the usually cold Eastern Sword Saint flustered and shy was truly interesting. 4 As time passed, I checked his Dao heart every night. Stable as a tortoise shell. I tried harder—holding hands, acting cute, almost burrowing into his arms. That damn Dao heart remained firm. Maybe… he didn’t like my type? I looked in the mirror. Peach blossom eyes, ripples of charm in a smile. Unbeatable allure. Clothes were a bit conservative, but I was reluctant to sacrifice that much. Why not send someone else? Isn’t it said a wife is worse than a concubine? So one day, a pure, fragile woman tripped and fell towards him. He retreated quickly. The beauty hit the ground hard. Hiding in the dark, my heart ached. That puppet was made of top-tier materials. That night, I remolded her face—flamboyant, bright, in red robes. Failed again. I tried repeatedly. He ignored them and walked away. Are puppets just puppets, lacking soul? I hooked her chin. She gave me a weeping, complaining look that melted my heart. My puppets were absolutely fine. Is he the problem? Does he like men? That’s easy. I summoned Xu Zizhen, forcing him to change clothes until one look satisfied me. Ethereal white robes, tight waist, handsome and jade-like. I stroked my chin, scanning him. Xu Zizhen hugged his arms, shivering. “Master… what are you doing? I’m your own disciple…” “My dear disciple, settling my lifelong enemy depends on you.” So Xu Zizhen entered the city as a distant cousin and stayed with us. Sylas didn’t reject him but wasn’t warm either. A day passed with no progress. I called Xu Zizhen to discuss tactics. While the two strategists whispered, Sylas suddenly pushed the door open. “Food’s ready. Yunqian must be hungry.” I exchanged a guilty look with Zizhen, then gauged Sylas’s expression. He probably didn’t hear much. During the meal, Xu Zizhen winked at me, signaling: “Sylas cooks pretty well.” I glared at him: “Focus on business!” Sylas was oblivious to our eye signals. But that night, he didn’t go to the study. “Your cousin is here. If I sleep in the study, he’ll think we’re discordant.” He walked towards the bed. My fake smile almost cracked. This… this… “What’s wrong, Yunqian? You look pale.” He leaned over, gently stroking my cheek, thumb rubbing the corner of my lips repeatedly. Hidden darkness in his eyes, staring at me dead on. My hackles rose. “Nothing… just used to being alone these days…” “Is that so…” His eyes still probed, even aggressive. Is he suspicious?! How much did he hear? His thumb pressed heavily on my lips, grinding. A test… I endured the discomfort of violation. “Husband, you’re hurting me.” I dodged lightly, but he grabbed my jaw and turned me back. His lowered lashes trembled, but his fingers were worse, probing inside. “These days… I’ve wronged you, wife.” He leaned in slowly, eyes fixed on me, and kissed. Numbness shot up my spine. Being kissed by a nemesis—the impact was intense. I gripped the sheets, controlling my expression, resisting the urge to push him away. At first just rubbing, then he started nibbling, biting my lips lightly. Filled with aggression, like a beast confirming its prey’s scent. Seemingly thirsty, he sucked like drawing water, changing angles, kissing harder. I struggled, only to be lifted and placed on his lap, him burying his head to kiss. Breathing heavily, the assault intensified, tongue tip trying to enter. I clamped shut. He pinched the back of my neck, coaxing: “Yunqian, open up, let me in.” Heartbeat in chaos. Meeting his eyes burning with dark fire, I felt danger. “Didn’t Yunqian say we were a loving couple? Why reject intimacy?” … Just a kiss! I’m not afraid of his pure Yang body. I kissed back with the resolve of death. Oof… teeth clashed. “Silly Yunqian…” He chuckled, holding my neck and kissing, breath scorching, demanding endlessly. My lips were swollen, clothes rumpled. Checking his Dao heart again… still stable… SYLAS!!!

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