Category: English

The day I coughed up blood during my mukbang stream, my viewer count hit 100,000 for the first time. My brother burst into the frame and slapped me across the face. My boyfriend stood by and said, “She’s just faking the blood to get more views.” Because of this, I was cyberbullied. Some people even made voodoo dolls of me. But what they didn’t know was that I had been diagnosed with stomach cancer two months ago. Later, I livestreamed to let everyone witness my passing. The viewer count skyrocketed to 3 million. My brother and boyfriend raced to the hospital at 200 mph. … I guess it was because I ate too much, but I couldn’t control myself and coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood. The viewer count quickly soared past 100,000. The comments were filled with concerned messages. It seems there are still people in this world who care about me. I was happy. With high viewership like this, I could make it to the top rankings and get the bonus. Then I could arrange a nice funeral for myself. Just as I was about to speak, a hard slap landed on my face. For a moment, I thought I had already ascended to heaven. After all, I was seeing stars. “She’s just faking the blood to get more views,” Lucas’s voice rang out. I turned to look at him. His face was cold and indifferent, while my brother Jack stood beside him, glaring at me angrily. He was the one who had slapped me. “That’s right, don’t believe her. Go follow Tiffany instead. She doesn’t fake things like this.” How ridiculous. I’m coughing up blood, and they’re still promoting Tiffany. “I’m not faking it,” I said, trying hard to speak through the stabbing pain in my stomach. But by now, the tone of the comments had completely changed. The viewers who had been concerned for me just moments ago were now hurling insults. [Damn it, I really thought she was sick.] [She’s so disgusting. Let’s go watch Tiffany’s stream instead.] [Yeah, everyone go like Tiffany’s stream!] Soon, my viewer count dropped by more than half. Then my stream was shut down. Someone had reported me for fraud. I wouldn’t be getting the bonus today. My dream of arranging a nice funeral for myself was shattered. “Hurry up and clean that blood off you. It’s disgusting to look at!” my brother Jack said, looking at me with revulsion. Of course, Lucas wouldn’t show any concern for me either. Because in their eyes, I was just faking the blood. “Ruby, Tiffany’s mom is sick. She needs this bonus money more than you do. Don’t blame us for being harsh today when you’re trying to compete with her,” Lucas said, his voice cold as ice. Who would have thought that this was the boyfriend who had been with me for five years? The one who used to constantly profess his love and promise to marry me. Now he was speaking up for my so-called best friend. After they left, I coughed up another mouthful of blood. The white floor tiles were covered in bright red blood. Suddenly, I remembered what the doctor had told me two months ago. “Don’t you have any family members?” he had asked. “They’re all dead to me,” I had replied nonchalantly, sucking on a lollipop as I looked at the doctor. He seemed taken aback. He wasn’t the first person to react that way. Every time, people thought I was joking. But in my heart, my family and friends might as well be dead. My best friend had hooked up with my boyfriend in my own room. Then she hooked up with my brother. After that, she told them that I had nearly gotten her killed to win a streaming bonus. They all believed her and felt sorry for her. Even my mom thought she was more suitable to be her daughter. Because she was considerate and thoughtful. While I was useless at everything and had even caused my dad’s death years ago. Everyone hated me, so I might as well consider them dead. I was sick, and I didn’t want to bother them. “You have stomach cancer. You have six months at most,” the doctor had said gravely. “But there’s still hope if you start treatment aggressively.” I bit down on the lollipop, crushing it. At that moment, my mom sent me a message on Snapchat. [Today is the anniversary of your father’s death. I don’t want to see you. Don’t come home.] I couldn’t help but laugh. I’ve always been a sinful person. Might as well just die then. Later, Tiffany somehow found out about my illness. It was my birthday. She came to my room, smiling viciously. “You have cancer, don’t you? Were you planning to tell them? Just watch, I’ll make everyone hate you!” Then, during dinner, she told everyone she had seen me hiring someone to forge a stomach cancer diagnosis. She showed them the forged document. My mom, brother, and Lucas all believed her.

My mom was so angry she slapped me right then and there. My brother threw the cake he had bought for me into the trash. Lucas said, “You’re disgusting.” From then on, they all thought I was a lying bitch. I tried to explain, but they wouldn’t believe me. “We’re going out to eat,” Lucas suddenly came back in and said. He saw the blood on the floor and frowned deeply. “Ruby, can you stop pretending? It’s only going to make us hate you more.” I looked up at his chiseled face. We had grown up together, been childhood sweethearts. We went to college together, started working together. He used to say, “I want to be with Ruby for the rest of my life.” But not long ago, he had hooked up with Tiffany. In my own room, the two of them were tangled up together. I was so disgusted I kept throwing up, but his explanation was that it was just a drunken mistake, he didn’t mean to cheat. “Lucas, let’s break up,” I said calmly as I wiped the blood from my mouth. His pupils constricted as he rushed over and gripped my shoulders. “Is it because I interrupted your stream today?” “Ruby, can’t you be more kind? You’re so fortunate – you have a brother, you have me, and your family is well-off.” “But Tiffany has nothing. She even has a sick mother.” I laughed bitterly. Me, fortunate? My brother hates me, my boyfriend betrayed me, and even if I told my mom I was sick, she wouldn’t give me money for treatment. Is that what you call fortunate? “I still want to break up with you,” I continued. The pain in my stomach was getting worse. Last week, the doctor had told me I couldn’t keep binge eating like this. Otherwise, I’d be dead within a month. But I still needed money. Before I died, I just wanted to use this body to earn a bit more. I wanted to hold a grand funeral for myself. I never had a good life, so I wanted to leave this world in style. It would be my final gift to myself. “Fine. If that’s what you want, we’re done,” Lucas said as he stormed out. A moment later, I received a Snapchat message from Tiffany. [How did it feel today?] [Haha, the people you love most all turned against you.] I didn’t reply. I just took a screenshot of our chat history. My photo album was already full of our chat logs. I hoped that one day, everyone would see the truth. … I cleaned myself up and went to a house. Whenever I felt down, I would come here. This is where my adopted 10-year-old sister, Chloe, lived. Her name had “pearl” in it, just like mine. She was pitiful, abandoned by her family at an amusement park. I felt we were similar, so I adopted her as my sister. “Big sis, you’re here! I got my final exam results. I got perfect scores!” she exclaimed, throwing herself into my arms as soon as I opened the door. I patted her head. “Chloe is so smart. Do you want big sis to take you out for a nice meal?” She didn’t know I had stomach cancer. I didn’t want her to know either. Telling people about these things only makes everyone unhappy. “Yes! Let’s go to KFC!” “Okay.” Whenever I rewarded her, we always went to KFC. But I would never take her to McDonald’s. Because I couldn’t eat there. I would never be able to eat there again. After we arrived, I placed our order. Not long after ordering, my brother and Tiffany suddenly walked in. Tiffany saw me and covered her mouth in surprise. “Oh my god, Ruby, you have a child?” I really wanted to sew her mouth shut. It was so foul. My brother walked over and angrily demanded, “Whose child is this?” “Hello, I’m big sister’s little sister, Chloe. She adopted me,” Chloe answered politely. Hearing this, they fell silent. But my brother quickly started mocking me again: “You’re always saying you’re sick, but here you are eating KFC. Ruby, you really are just a lying bitch.” With that, he left with Tiffany. Halfway through the meal, my stomach suddenly started hurting badly again, and I coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood. “Ah! Big sis, what’s wrong?” Chloe cried out, quickly hugging me. I was in so much pain, I felt disoriented. “I… I’m fine,” I managed to say. Just then, I saw my brother rush over to check on me. How ridiculous. Didn’t he think I was faking it? Why would he come to check on me now? The next time I woke up, I was in the hospital. As soon as I opened my eyes, I was slapped hard across the face again.

I opened my eyes to see my brother glaring at me furiously. “Had enough of your act yet?” “You knew Tiffany and I were going to KFC, so you deliberately coughed up blood in front of us, right?” “Don’t hit my big sister!” Chloe rushed over and pushed him away. “Chloe, come here,” I called out softly. Chloe obediently took my hand. Then I looked up at my brother, who had come from the same womb as me. My face stung from the slap, and my heart felt like it was shattering. I had been rushed to the hospital, yet no one had told him about my condition? He was a doctor too. If he had examined me carefully, he would surely have seen how ill I was. “Get out,” I said quietly. He gritted his teeth in anger. “Ruby, you’ve really gone too far this time!” He raised his hand to hit me again. “Brother,” I called out to him. He froze. I hadn’t called him that in so long, not since Tiffany had slandered me. This was the first time I had called him “brother” in a long time, and it would be the last. “Let’s cut ties.” “In your eyes, I’m a sinner, I’m a liar, so I don’t want to upset you anymore.” I never thought there would come a day when we’d be like this. After all, he used to cherish me above all else. Everyone knew that the Gu family had a rough son, but he was incredibly gentle when it came to his sister. He really was good to me back then. When I had a fever, he would stay up all night to take care of me. He would buy me whatever I wanted. Once on my birthday, I casually mentioned wanting to go to Nanjing Road in Shanghai, and he drove me there overnight. He used to tell me, “Ruby, big brother will protect you for life.” Until Tiffany appeared, and everything changed. “Say that again!” my brother clenched his fists in anger. “I said, let’s cut ties.” “From now on, I don’t have you as a brother, and you don’t have me as a sister.” I don’t need family, and I don’t want family like them. “Fine. You said it,” he stormed out, slamming the door. Just then, a young man in a white coat walked in. I glanced at the name tag on his coat. He was an intern named Dr. Sean. He came over and adjusted my IV drip to slow it down. “This should make you feel a bit better,” he said. “Thank you,” I replied. Then I looked at Chloe beside me. Her eyes were red, and her face was full of concern. “Big sis, are you really sick?” Tears welled up in my eyes uncontrollably. “Big sis is fine. Can you go home first? I’ll come back soon, okay?” She was always obedient. She nodded and left with her backpack. After she left, Dr. Sean sighed. “Your condition isn’t good right now. You need to be hospitalized for chemotherapy, otherwise you won’t have much time left.” “Then I’ll do the chemo,” I said. I had originally planned to use the bonus money to find a place to end things myself. But now the bonus was gone. That night, Lucas came to see me. He was holding a bag of my favorite fruits. “I heard from the doctor that it’s nothing serious. Come home, and stop fighting with your brother.” I had told Dr. Sean not to tell anyone about my condition without my permission. So he hadn’t told Lucas either. I used to want them to know so badly, but now I didn’t want them to find out too soon. “First of all, we’ve already broken up.” “Secondly, what does my relationship with my brother have to do with you?” His face darkened. “Ruby, everyone has been so good to you. Why do you have to be so difficult?” Good to me? How laughable. Was that what they called being good to me? “Can you just get out?” I said. “Looking at you makes me sick.” Seeing him just reminded me of how he and Tiffany had been kissing passionately in bed. It was truly disgusting and nauseating. As soon as I said this, my brother suddenly burst in. “Ruby, you’ve really gone too far this time,” he shouted as he rushed over and slapped me again. The force was strong this time, and my ears rang for a moment. My brother never used to hit me or even raise his voice at me. But at some point, he had become quick-tempered and started getting physical with me. “We’ve already given you a way out, and you’re still throwing a tantrum.” “Fine. You don’t want me as your brother? I don’t want you as my jinx of a sister either.” Lucas shook his head at me in disappointment and left. The people who used to treat me so well were now leaving me one by one. It doesn’t matter. I don’t want them anymore either. The next day, my brother came again. He was wearing his white coat and holding a McDonald’s bag. When I saw the McDonald’s logo, my face turned pale. “Get out. I’m not eating that,” I said. But he replied, “Today is the anniversary of Dad’s death. Didn’t you always love eating McDonald’s on this day? I’ll let you eat your fill.” Then he rushed over and started shoving the food into my mouth. The greasy fried chicken slid down my throat and into my stomach. I was reminded of what happened years ago. Without warning, I vomited a mouthful of fresh blood. I desperately pressed the emergency call button. Dr. Sean quickly rushed in and punched my brother hard. “Are you crazy? Don’t you know she has stomach cancer?” he yelled.

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The heiress who was supposed to marry me fell for a bad boy. She raced cars, got into fights, and defied her parents for him. She even got pregnant. She said it was love, the most beautiful memory of her life. I was innocently caught up in it all, and her delinquent boyfriend broke my arm. I went abroad for treatment for six years. When I returned, she knelt before me begging for forgiveness. I sneered, “Then go break his arm too.” After six years, I saw Isabellaagain at a family gala. She held a wine glass, the red liquid swirling gently. Her perfect profile, cold and alluring, stood out among the crowd of handsome men and beautiful women. She had become even more beautiful, her eyes like deep pools, rippling with indifference. To the guests who came to toast her, she only nodded and uttered a curt “Good” or “Okay.” Perhaps only in front of Jake could she let down this facade. I sat in the corner, wearing an out-of-place down jacket, still not used to the temperature here after just returning from France. “Aren’t you going to say hello?” my best friend asked. I shook my head with a smile, “No need, we’re not that close anymore.” My friend put his arm around my neck, “If that incident hadn’t happened back then, you’d probably be the one by Olivia’s side now.” “There are no ‘ifs’ in this world.” Looking at her stunning figure in the crowd, my friend clicked his tongue, “I heard her family recently got a new daughter, so Olivia’s been pushed aside, not as favored anymore.” I’ve never been one for gossip, especially about someone I’d cut ties with long ago. I put my glass back on the tray indifferently and stood up, “I’m leaving. Call me if anything comes up.” As I was about to open the door, I felt an intense gaze on my back. Turning around, I saw Isabellastaring at me in disbelief, a wine glass shattered at her feet on the luxurious carpet. Her gaze was so intense it felt like it could burn holes through me. “Adrian…” she called out, her voice tinged with disbelief. I didn’t answer, opening the door and walking out. In my peripheral vision, I saw her pushing through the crowd, her steps quickening as she ran towards me. As the door closed tight, I heard her call my name again. I must have misheard, because I thought I detected a pleading tremor in her voice. I got into the car my family had prepared, watching Isabellaanxiously searching outside the main entrance, occasionally calling out my name. “Home, please,” I told the driver. As the car slowly pulled away, memories of Isabellaflooded my mind.

Isabellaand I were a year apart. Both our families were in real estate, so we were close. For convenience, I went to school with Isabellafrom a young age. Her mother always told her to take care of me, her “little brother,” and she did. She was a genuine prodigy. Her precociousness made her feel like everyone around her was a fool. While we were in elementary school classes, she was already learning foreign languages and taking dance lessons with private tutors. No matter where she was, as long as Isabellawas there, she was always the most dazzling. She was like a star in the sky, out of reach. Never short of suitors, she ignored everyone’s affections. Of course, Isabellahad every right to be proud. She came from a wealthy family, had exquisite looks, and even the school we attended was built by her family. She wore a look of disdain in front of everyone, only showing patience and calmness around me. We’d been together since childhood, going to and from school together. We lived in the same gated community, so we could always find each other. During holidays, either I’d go to find her, or she’d come to play with me. Olivia’s mom often liked to pinch my cheek, saying she might as well let Isabellabe my wife in the future. Isabellawould hook her arm through mine, smiling like a flower in bloom. I’d blush and say nothing, but inside I couldn’t have been happier. Who wouldn’t like someone as beautiful and gentle as Olivia? Only a fool wouldn’t. Back then, Isabellamade no secret of her preference for me, making other boys envious and jealous. I cherished this favoritism too, taking her mother’s words as a goal for the future. My father and Olivia’s father also had the intention of arranging our marriage on the day of our coming-of-age ceremony. But unfortunately, fate likes to give people a heavy blow when everything seems peaceful. In our senior year of high school, her family’s company launched a one-on-one charity program, donating to children of employees working at the Li Group. Jake appeared, with his dyed yellow hair and earrings, standing out among the donation recipients. To put it bluntly, he was a delinquent. I went to help as a representative of the Xu family, and it was the first time I’d ever seen such a “unique” person. Jake came up and asked when he’d get the money. I was momentarily speechless. Isabellatold me to switch with her, worried I might be bullied. She always appeared when I was most indecisive. I gave up my position. It was this action that I regretted immensely.

At first, Isabellafrowned as she talked to him, but gradually, Jake must have said something because Isabellastarted laughing too. Her gaze towards him was no longer contemptuous, but admiring and even showed a hint of youthful infatuation. The two forgot themselves and chatted away. Olivia, who had always been aloof, was for the first time talking so happily with a stranger besides me. Jake, who hung out on the streets, might not have had other talents, but he knew how to quickly win a girl’s heart. After the charity event, Jake slipped Isabellaa note, winking at her. Isabellacarefully put it in her bag without telling anyone. Perhaps it was during that time when everyone seemed to come from the same mold that his appearance broke Olivia’s constraints, bringing a different kind of spark to her monotonous life. If not for this opportunity, the two would never have crossed paths in this lifetime. One was a noble heiress, both in public and private, while the other was Jake, living at the bottom of society with only a gambler for a father. Later, I learned more about Jake. He had been expelled from his original high school for skipping classes and fighting. He spent his days racing motorcycles with the loiterers in front of the bubble tea shop, and had dated almost every delinquent girl in the area, none lasting more than three days. From that day on, Isabellaand I still went to school together, but as soon as school was out, Jake would ride his motorcycle to the school gate to pick her up. She would sit on the back of his bike, excited in a way I had never seen before. Jake even brought his buddies to lay out a heart shape with cheap flowers on the ground. In front of the whole school, he climbed up the teaching building like a monkey to confess his love to Olivia. I thought she would refuse, but to my surprise, Isabellaran all the way down, throwing herself into Jake’s arms, her face beaming with an enchanting smile. Many people felt it was a pity, the cream of the crop being snatched by a delinquent was something no one could accept. All I felt was heartache and nothing else. Olivia’s mother was furious about this and forbade her from going out, locking her at home and bringing meals to her door every day. I went to see her, but she asked me to help her sneak out. At first, I didn’t agree. She must have learned it from somewhere, but she started rubbing her chest against my arm, begging me to take her out. I didn’t agree and even felt a bit heartbroken. How had the pure and intelligent girl from before turned into this nauseating sight? She took advantage of the moment when I was chatting with her mother to jump out of the bathroom window. She even broke a bone in the process, but she had no regrets for the sake of love.

When Olivia’s father and mother found her, she was lying on a cheap motel bed, making love with Jake. Olivia’s father, a retired military man, personally beat Jake half to death and was about to drag him to the police station. Isabellaheld a knife to her own throat, forcing her father to let Jake go. After this incident, Olivia’s father and mother rarely interfered with her anymore. She and Jake became even more unrestrained, always cuddling together, either kissing or hugging. In the second half of our senior year, news that Isabellawas pregnant exploded in our social circle. On the day she filed for a leave of absence, many at school pitied this former star student. But she didn’t care at all, gently caressing her unborn child with a tender expression, like a real mother. Her father declared that if she dared to keep this bastard child, she should never return to the Li family. This was the second time Isabellaargued with her father. She said Jake’s child wasn’t a bastard but the crystallization of their love, and if the child was gone, she wouldn’t want to live either. Her father was so angry he was hospitalized. I often saw her and Jake lingering and kissing near her home. When they saw me, they would provocatively beckon to me. They still rode that cheap motorcycle, not considering the child in her womb at all. Finally, just before the college entrance exam, they had a car accident. They were driving illegally when the tail of their motorcycle was hit by a car. Because the impact was on the rear of the motorcycle, Jake wasn’t badly hurt, but Olivia, sitting in the back, was thrown off. She bled a large pool of blood on the spot, and lost the baby. Jake’s first reaction wasn’t to help Olivia, but to check on his motorcycle. Even when Isabellawas hospitalized, he only came to see her briefly once. He didn’t come, but I did. My family ordered me to bring some nutritional supplements for Olivia. I first encountered Jake in the hospital stairwell. He was on the phone, discussing with his father how to marry into a wealthy family. I recorded the entire conversation and played it for Isabellain the hospital room. I admit I still had some affection for this girl I had grown up with. After all, a relationship of over a decade is hard to sever completely. More than that, I wanted to pull her out, to pull her out of the quagmire. To stop her from being obsessed with a scumbag and ruining everything. But this action made her completely crazy.

Isabellahadn’t even finished listening before she started cursing loudly. She cursed me for being a villain trying to break them up, for not seeing the good in them, for making her feel nauseated. In her unstable emotional state, she slapped my hand away, and my phone slid to the door. Jake, who had just opened the door, punched me without a word. Isabellajust watched me being beaten, without a word of intervention. I left, enduring the pain, feeling like a fool. During this time, many people tried to persuade her, whether teachers or former classmates, all received the same treatment as me. She seemed bewitched, loving Jake crazily. At the family gathering for high school graduation, Isabellaeven pulled Jake onto the stage, countless spotlights shining on them. On such an occasion, everyone was in either suits or formal dresses, only Jake wore a studded leather jacket. He seemed a bit uncomfortable, but seeing the exquisitely beautiful Isabellabeside him gave him courage. The two kissed in front of everyone, kissing passionately as if no one else was there. Olivia’s father’s face immediately darkened, and her mother fainted on the spot. Doing such a thing on such an occasion was undoubtedly slapping the Li family’s face. In future discussions about the Li family, the phrase “poor family values” would definitely come up. I watched the two from below the stage, feeling both sad and ridiculous. After a brief silence in the banquet hall, laughter erupted like a flood. Jake, embarrassed, turned to leave. He wasn’t looking where he was going and bumped into me, knocking himself to the ground. Although I was annoyed, I still showed extreme gentlemanly manners, extending my hand to help him up. Unconsciously, we became a huge contrast in the scene. One was a well-known young master in the upper circles, the other was a bottom-feeder. The poisonous gazes of those around focused on us. Jake slapped my hand away, looking at me with intense hatred in his eyes, then got up clumsily and ran away. I shrugged indifferently. Isabellastared at me with cold eyes as if looking at a stranger: “I thought we knew each other so well after all these years, that you would congratulate me. I didn’t expect you to look down on people like the rest of them!” I didn’t say a word, letting her go after Jake. In my heart, I was thoroughly disappointed with Olivia. How could such a person still deserve even the last bit of friendship from me? After letting go of Olivia, I immersed myself in my studies, and finally received an admission email from my dream university after much effort. The day before I was to report to school, I received a message from Isabellasaying she was feeling down and wanted me to accompany her for a walk. At first, I didn’t respond, until she sent a string of over a dozen messages that I finally went out to meet her. I also wanted to take this opportunity to make a clean break with her, to stop all contact. But when I arrived, I had a vague feeling that something wasn’t right. Isabellawasn’t there, only Jake was.

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I Woke Up Trending, Labeled as the “Heartless Player” by the Entire Internet At night, the superstar I “abandoned” pinned me down. “Darling, you can’t escape this time…” 0 “Hello?” I answered the phone irritably. After spending the whole night out with friends, being woken up by a phone call left me with a splitting headache and in a foul mood. “Oh my God, young master, check the trending topics right now!” “What’s going on…” I mumbled as I opened the trending page. The top topic instantly jolted me awake. #AlexFosterComesOut #AlexFosterHeartbroken What!? My heart skipped a beat as a familiar handsome face flashed in my mind. Everyone knows that I, Zack Harrison, am a notorious spoiled rich kid in the capital city. Young but ruthless, I’ve built my own business empire at a tender age. Of course, I’m also quite the playboy. But no one knows that eight years ago, Zack Harrison was just scrounging for food in dumpsters, struggling to find his next meal, barely surviving. It was during one of those dumpster dives that I found Alex. I was 19, and he was 17. “Come with me,” I said to Alex. My mentally ill mother had committed suicide by jumping off a building when I was 16, leaving me with nothing but scars all over my body and a run-down house for shelter. Perhaps I saw a reflection of my former self in Alex. I didn’t ask where he came from or why he was there. I only asked his name before taking him home. 0

At 16, Alex still needed to continue his education. I paid his tuition fees. It turned out he was an excellent student. I couldn’t understand what his parents were thinking. It was already difficult enough to support myself, and now with Alex, I had to work multiple jobs every day. Alex didn’t say much, but he somehow managed to find ingredients to cook. Every time I returned home, there was always a hot meal waiting for me. Used to eating leftover takeout from restaurants, I suddenly felt this broken-down house become much warmer. After dinner, Alex would dutifully start washing the dishes. Looking at his skinny frame, I noticed that Alex was tall – even at 16, he was already slightly taller than me. But he was just too thin, seemingly malnourished. However, this didn’t detract from his handsomeness. As a first-time guardian, I made a mental note to ensure the kid got a balanced diet. I was actually starting to take on the role of a parent. At first, Alex didn’t like to talk much, and I didn’t force him. Sometimes I would just chat away, and gradually Alex began to open up. We weren’t that far apart in age and had similar experiences, so living together, we didn’t feel so lonely anymore. “Alex, call me brother,” I said with a grin, a cigarette dangling from my lips. Alex was doing his homework nearby, the dim light casting a glow on his handsome face. He looked up, frowning slightly, and walked towards me. That handsome face zoomed in before my eyes, and I froze. But Alex just took the cigarette from my mouth, put it out, and tossed it in the trash. I finally reacted, “Hey, what are you doing?” “Smoke less, it’s bad for your health,” Alex said without looking back, returning to his desk to continue his homework. I rebelled, “Who are you to tell me what to do?” Alex looked up, his beautiful eyes gazing at me, and simply said, “Brother.” That was enough to render me speechless. I mumbled as I quickly tried to escape the situation, “Fine, I won’t smoke.” Little did I know, Alex smiled after I turned my back. 0

Although both Alex and I were very frugal, money was still a headache, especially with Alex’s school fees and various expenses. To cover these costs, I took on as much work as I could. I was smart, young, hardworking, and not picky about jobs, so many middlemen liked working with me. But unknowingly, this started to infringe on some people’s interests. Every day, I was thinking about Alex – what to feed him to improve his nutrition, buying new clothes for him as the weather turned cold, getting some milk because he seemed stressed with his studies lately… Little did I know, I had already been targeted. Once, while serving food, a customer found a toothpick in their dish. They immediately slapped me across the face. I had been working so hard lately, day and night, that this slap made me see stars. My fair cheek immediately swelled up. But I kept apologizing with my head bowed. The manager came out to handle the situation, and in the end, the customer’s meal was comped. Back in the kitchen, the manager frowned as he questioned me, finally saying that the cost of the customer’s meal would be deducted from my wages. I looked up, “Why? It’s not entirely my fault, is it?” The manager, irritated by my defiance, shouted, “If you can handle it, stay. If not, get out!” I could only silently endure it. After the night shift ended, I confronted a few people who had been sabotaging me, “It was you guys, wasn’t it?” They laughed it off, but stopped when they saw me in the darkness. The leader spoke bluntly, “Working so hard, thought we’d teach you a lesson.” I smiled, which confused them. I suddenly charged out from the darkness, swinging a brick at them. It was several of them against just me, but having grown up fighting, I held my own. Finally, they couldn’t take it anymore. The leader gritted his teeth, “Damn, we’re done. You got lucky today!” But I wasn’t in great shape either, my injuries no better than theirs. I felt dizzy and worse than before, sitting down to rest with my eyes closed. “Are you okay?” A voice woke me up. It was a female student. I recognized the uniform; Alex had the same one. The student was very concerned about me and even bought some medicine from a nearby pharmacy to help bandage me up. I waved her off, “It’s not necessary.” “No, your injuries…” Our conversation was suddenly interrupted. “Zack.” A familiar voice. I looked up, and there was Alex, his face full of anxiety. Was it my imagination, or did his expression seem a bit cold? The girl blushed when she saw Alex and softly said, “Alex.” I frowned. Alex took me home and crouched down to help bandage my wounds, silent all the while. I felt something wet on my hand. Alex was crying. The usually strong and quiet Alex was crying. I was at a loss, “Don’t, don’t cry. It’s not like you’re the one who got beaten up.” Alex suddenly pulled me into his arms, using all his strength, as if trying to meld me into his bones. He cried on my shoulder, saying between sobs, “I won’t go to school anymore. I’ll get a job, I’ll earn money…” I got angry, “Don’t even think about it. Your brother is working so hard just so you can study. You can’t just decide not to go to school. It’s not possible…” Before I could finish, my mouth was covered. Alex pressed his lips against mine. I was stunned. The bitterness of tears exploded on my taste buds, and my mind exploded too. 0

After that kiss that day, I started avoiding Alex. Alex seemed to sense it, and we both tacitly agreed not to disturb each other. The nightclub was a kaleidoscope of flashing lights and writhing bodies – the most famous club in the capital city. I was quite satisfied with my new job. The patrons were either rich or powerful. With my good looks and sociable nature, I always got the most in drink commissions and tips. Although I occasionally had to put up with some groping, thinking about how this money could help Alex and me live better, I endured it. I just treated it like being bitten by a dog. Alex’s birthday was coming up, and it was his coming-of-age celebration. I had my eye on a watch that cost several thousand dollars, but I was worried about how to afford it. “Zack, take this to Room 302,” the manager called me over. I picked up the bottle and headed to Room 302. Seeing the people in the room, I knew I could make a lot of money today. They were all dressed expensively, each with beautiful men and women on their arms. They clearly weren’t short on cash. I started drinking games with the people in the room. If I drank ten bottles, they’d give me $5,000. Not bad, $500 a bottle. This money was too good to pass up. My alcohol tolerance was incredibly high, built up over time. I downed five bottles in a row, not noticing that the expressions of the leading men had changed as they watched me. But by the seventh bottle, I couldn’t take it anymore. My mouth burned, my stomach churned, and I could barely stand. But looking at the three bottles left, I gritted my teeth, opened the cap, and started pouring it down my throat. “That’s enough, you don’t need to drink anymore,” a refined voice said. “I can still…” I thought the man was trying to back out of the deal. The man interrupted me, “No need to drink more. Five thousand, I’ll still give it to you.” Only then did I put down the bottle. The man gave me five thousand and shooed me out. Although I was confused, I had the money in hand, so I didn’t think much of it. But as I walked, I felt something was off with my body. I felt weak all over, and there was a strange heat burning through my entire body. I hid in the bathroom, unbuttoned a couple of buttons, and splashed cold water on my face. But it didn’t help at all; instead, I felt even hotter. I leaned against the cold tiles, panting. “Zack—” A familiar voice. Seeing Alex was like seeing a lifeline. I didn’t even wonder why Alex was here. I threw myself at him, my voice trembling, “Alex, help me, help your brother…” I saw Alex’s eyes darken, “Okay.”

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My boyfriend’s the heir to a corporate empire. He’s pretending to be a poor college student with amnesia, freeloading at my place. My best friend’s told me a hundred times to dump this pretty boy. I always say no. No way I’m breaking up with him. Then one night, I overhear his secretary: “Now that these fish have taken the bait, it’s time to reel them in.” “What about Miss Williams? How will you handle her?” “She’s just a gold digger. A check will be enough to get rid of her.” I almost laugh out loud. I’m finally going to strike it rich. Ethan’s been sneaking out a lot lately. Before he goes, he always cooks me something delicious. Calls me pet names. After I fall asleep, he quietly gets dressed and slips out. What he doesn’t know is I’m not really asleep. Day and night, I’ve been waiting for him to betray me. Tonight, after wearing me out, he puts on his clothes and leaves. It’s the tenth time this month. Even I’m getting impatient. While Ethan’s gone, I throw on some clothes and follow him out. I hide in the stairwell, pressing my ear to the door. Ethan’s voice comes through: “Those old fogies at the company are getting antsy. Time to reel them in.” Another man responds respectfully: “Then young master, how do you plan to deal with Miss Williams?” My heart skips a beat when I hear this. After freeloading off me for so long, using my money and sleeping with me, he better not be planning to just up and leave. Ethan says in a low voice: “She’s just a gold digger. A check will be enough to get rid of her.” The man seems surprised by Ethan’s answer: “Miss Williams has taken care of you for so long. Isn’t it a bit cold to just give her a check?” Ethan sounds annoyed: “What else then? Should I bring her back as your young mistress? Her? A nobody from a no-name school who got a dead-end job at a worthless company? Is she worthy of the Blackwood family?” The man asks again: “Then how much should we write the check for?” Ethan just throws out four words: “Whatever she wants.” Hearing this, I tiptoe back to the room. I can barely contain my excitement as I kick the air a few times. “Whatever she wants” This is truly the sweetest thing I’ve heard in two lifetimes.

That’s right, two lifetimes. Because I’ve been reborn. In my previous life, I also met Ethan pretending to have amnesia at the hospital. Seduced by his good looks, I brought him home. I fed him, clothed him, slept with him. We did spend some happy times together. I thought love was everything back then. Ethan pretended to have amnesia from a car accident due to company infighting. He used this chance to hide and overhaul the Blackwood Group. The day the Blackwood family sent people to pick Ethan up, over a dozen Rolls-Royces drove into my run-down neighborhood. It was quite a spectacle. All the neighbors gathered to watch. I saw Ethan change into a tailored suit and put on a Rolex. He handed me a $5 million check, saying it was to thank me for taking care of him. Back then, I was so focused on Ethan that love was more important than anything. I refused that check. I only wanted to be with Ethan forever. I still remember the look in his eyes. Like he was looking at a stray dog. Contempt. Confusion. Ridicule. Later, Ethan broke up with me. I couldn’t accept it and went to the media to expose our relationship. This gave Ethan a reputation for being cold and unfaithful. As the controversy grew, it caused new turmoil in the Blackwood Group. In the end, under pressure, Ethan proposed to me in public and married me. On the second day of our marriage, I saw headline news of Ethan entering a hotel with a famous model the night before. In the days that followed, Ethan tortured me daily. He said outright that seeing me made him sick. He even bought the media company I’d leaked the story to. He revealed to the public that I was the original whistleblower. In an instant, I went from being seen as a kind-hearted wife to a scheming social climber. Ethan’s cruelty and the online abuse drove me to depression. In the end, I killed myself at home.

When I woke up again, I found myself lying in the same hospital where I first met Ethan. I’d fainted from low blood sugar. Seeing Ethan sweetly calling me “sis”, I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly fell out of my head. This life, I’m going to get that $5 million that’s rightfully mine! Others who are reborn seek revenge. Not me. I just want the money. Sure enough, Ethan did the same as before. He claimed to have amnesia and fell in love with me at first sight. Looking at his chiseled, devastatingly handsome face, I could practically see the words “$5 million” written on it. I rubbed my hands together gleefully and brought him home. Luckily, everything proceeded smoothly along the same path as before. We naturally got together. I was even more attentive to him than in my previous life. Baby’s tired? I’ll give him a shoulder massage. Baby’s hungry? I’ll cook him some food. Baby’s out of money? I’ll transfer him some. Baby wants to sleep with me? No problem, come on then! Even my best friend said I was throwing her under the bus for a man. Seeing how I took care of Ethan, my neighbor went home to complain to his wife that he wasn’t getting enough love. Under my daily affection, my relationship with Ethan heated up. Unlike my past life, Ethan also started learning to cook and take care of me. He often brought me lunch at work, making all my coworkers envious of my attentive puppy boyfriend. Heh, attentive my ass. The dog part is true though. Ever since taking in Ethan and deciding to get that money, my career had been on the rise. I got promoted three times. But I didn’t care about this small change. I wanted that $5 million. My phone suddenly lit up with a message from my best friend, Rachel. This was the 101st time she demanded I break up with Ethan. “Sophie! You have to dump that pretty boy, or we’re not friends anymore! Look at yourself now, obsessed with love. Do you remember our dream of getting rich?” In my past life, Rachel had sent me a similar message. I refused her then because I loved Ethan. This life, I still refused Rachel, but it was for the sake of getting rich! “Rachel, I love Ethan, trust me. But that doesn’t stop us from getting rich. Hurry up and pack your bags, get your passport ready. Your girl’s about to take you flying.” After sending the message, I heard a noise outside the door. Ethan was back. I quickly put down my phone and pretended to be sound asleep. I felt the familiar scent from the side of the bed as he quietly lay down, wrapping his arm around my waist before falling asleep. He may sleep soundly, but I was too excited to sleep because of those four words – “whatever she wants.” The day has finally come! My days of being a slave are over! I’m going to flip the script and sing the song of the common folk!

I had been waiting for this day, watching the stars and counting the months, and another month passed. In my previous life, Ethan had already gone back by this time. Why hasn’t he made a move in this life? When I got home from work and opened the door, I was stunned for a moment. Flowers, balloons, candlelight, food, and music. Um… what’s this? “Sophie, today is the one-year anniversary of our meeting,” Ethan said. I looked at Ethan, all dressed up, not understanding what he was doing. Seeing that I hadn’t reacted, Ethan waved his hand in front of my face. “Sophie, Sophie, what are you thinking about?” I coughed lightly, “I’m thinking about you, of course. Thinking about how much effort my baby put into preparing this surprise for me. I’m so touched I could cry.” I pretended to be deeply moved, nestling into Ethan’s arms and planting a kiss on his chin. Ethan held me tight, rubbing his chin on the top of my head. “For you, this is all I should do.” I pinched my palm hard, the pain bringing tears to my eyes. I looked up at Ethan with misty eyes, “Will you ever not want me? After all, I’m just a nobody from a no-name school, working a dead-end job at a worthless company.” “How could that be possible!” Ethan said firmly. Looking at Ethan’s determined expression, I found it laughable inside. These were the very words you once said. Now you’re putting on this act of undying love, who are you trying to fool? It’s disgusting, truly disgusting to the core. “Really? You really won’t look down on me? Will you marry me? Will we get married?” I pressed on. Hearing my words, Ethan froze for a moment. Heh, man, caught you off guard, didn’t I? “Of course we will,” Ethan replied. I didn’t expect Ethan to agree. If he found me so repulsive, why keep up this charade? He should have gone into acting instead. I lowered my head, pretending to be happy, and buried my face in Ethan’s chest. Ethan pushed me away gently, picking up an exquisite velvet box from the table. Seeing the box, my eyes suddenly lit up. At least the kid knows what he’s doing. It wasn’t all for nothing that I played along with him for a year. Judging by the box, the contents must be quite valuable. “This is for you,” he said. I accepted it with great joy, but when I opened it, I saw a plain red string bracelet. What the hell? Where’s my knife? Is this what the heir to a corporate empire does? Is this how the successor to the Blackwood Group treats me? Are you kidding me? If it weren’t for the habit I’d developed of wearing a fake smile in front of Ethan, I really might have slapped him. “What’s this?” I asked, looking confused as I carefully picked up the red string, examining it closely. Well… it really was just a red string. Not even a gold bead, let alone a silver one. “This is a safety knot I got for you from the temple today. Wear it, and it will keep you safe and sound,” Ethan said. Go to hell! I was cursing Ethan’s eighteen generations of ancestors in my mind, but my face still maintained a touched expression. “Really? I love it so much. You’re so good to me,” I said, hooking my arms around Ethan’s neck and planting a kiss on his lips. Ethan took the opportunity to capture my lips, slowly savoring them like jelly. Another sleepless night followed. In the last moment before I lost consciousness, I was still thinking, this man is so stingy, will he even give me that check?

The next day, I was woken up by a buzz of discussion. I sat up in bed, but Ethan was already gone. I got up, nursing my sore waist, and walked to the window. A whole row of Rolls-Royces downstairs dazzled my eyes. Finally! Finally! The day has come at last. Suddenly, my waist didn’t hurt anymore, my legs weren’t sore anymore, I felt like I could climb five floors in one go. I didn’t even have time to put on my shoes before I flew downstairs. I saw that Ethan had already changed into a well-fitted black suit. His black-rimmed glasses had been replaced with gold-rimmed ones, and on his wrist was a diamond-encrusted Rolex. A crowd of people had gathered in circles around the entrance to the apartment building. Several men dressed as bodyguards approached Ethan, bowing respectfully. Finally, they’re here. You’re finally here. I was so excited I could almost cry, but I still controlled myself, pretending to be scared: “Who are you? Where are you taking my boyfriend?” A man dressed as a secretary pulled my arm away from Ethan. “Miss Williams, please show some self-respect. This is the young master of the Blackwood family, the heir to the Blackwood Group. As a token of appreciation for your care of Mr. Blackwood over the past year, here is a check. You may fill in any amount you wish. Consider it a small gesture from the Blackwood Group.” This voice was the same one I had heard during Ethan’s late-night secret conversation. My lips trembled slightly, tears streaming down uncontrollably. I looked every bit the image of a wife abandoned by her husband. I put my hand back on Ethan’s arm. “Ethan, are you… are you leaving me?”

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One year after my unnatural death, my husband brought his new girlfriend to visit my grave. A neighboring ghost patted my shoulder to comfort me, saying that everyone needs to move on. But I was trembling with fear. Because his new girlfriend… was using my heart. 1 It’s been a year since I died. Lucas would make time every week to visit me, bringing lots of offerings and even flowers. The neighboring ghosts remarked that such devoted men were rare these days. I could only respond with a bitter laugh. Lucas tenderly traced my photo on the tombstone with his thumb, his eyes full of deep contemplation and longing. Who would have thought? This man, who once slept clutching my tombstone, had found a new girlfriend just one week after my death. And they seemed to be getting along splendidly, inseparable. I had seen his new girlfriend before – she was one of his patients, a pretty young woman. When I was alive, she would visit Lucas almost every day. When her heart wasn’t feeling well, she’d come for treatment. When her heart was fine, she’d come for an ECG. She liked Lucas, and continued to pursue him even after learning he was married. Once, while using Lucas’s phone to look something up, I saw a message pop up from her. [Dr. Lin, would you mind having another girlfriend?] Lucas immediately snatched the phone from my hand and replied expressionlessly: [Yes, I would mind.] Lucas wouldn’t cheat during our marriage – I was confident about that. Because he had devoted all his energy to medicine since childhood. It took a lot of effort on my part to finally win him over. During that time, I never saw him fall for anyone else, male or female. Including me. Lucas didn’t love me, I always knew that. He agreed to my proposal only because he was used to having me by his side. But now, Lucas had seamlessly transitioned to a new girlfriend. The girl got out of the car. Her fingernails and lips were no longer purple, so it seemed her congenital heart disease had been cured. They stood hand in hand before my tombstone. “Olivia, I have some good news to tell you. Lucas and I are getting married next month.” “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of him for you.” “I hope you’re happy and at peace over there.” I sat on my tombstone, grinding my teeth in frustration. Lucas was no longer the Lucas I knew. He took a wet wipe from his pocket, lifted the girl’s hand, and carefully cleaned a speck of dust from her index finger. He actually couldn’t bear to let even a single grain of dust from my tombstone touch her. I pinched my arm, feeling sorry for myself. Lucas only stood there for ten minutes before leaving. As they brushed past me, I felt a familiar sensation. It didn’t come from my body, but from Lucas’s new girlfriend. I moved closer to her. I heard a familiar heartbeat – one, two, three… The neighboring ghost patted my shoulder to comfort me, but I froze in place. Because the heart beating in Lucas’s new girlfriend’s chest… was mine. 2 My death wasn’t natural, but only I knew that. On my way from the suburbs to the hospital, someone deliberately crashed into my car. I avoided the first attempt but couldn’t escape the second. It felt like every bone and muscle in my body had been rearranged. Blood was everywhere. With shaking hands, I called Lucas. “…Lucas, I…” “I have an emergency surgery. Can we talk later?” “Goodbye.” I called five or six times, but each call was shorter than the last. Finally, he got impatient and turned off his phone. I was about to die. I wanted to tell him that. But unfortunately, in his heart, I couldn’t compare to one of his surgeries, couldn’t compare to his medical career. He was a doctor who saved lives. He could save everyone, except me. My body was taken to the crematorium by the perpetrator that same day. Two hours later, I was reduced to a handful of ashes. The whole process went unusually smoothly. It wasn’t until after I died that I learned his emergency surgery that day was a heart transplant, and the patient was that young girl. Which meant that in the operating room that day, the beating heart Lucas held… was mine. I watched his gradually receding figure. Suddenly, I was curious. If Lucas knew that in that surgery, he had personally sewn my heart into someone else, would he suddenly break down? 3 The girl had a pretty name – Melody. She chatted excitedly with Lucas, not at all like someone who would say such disturbing things. “Lucas, let me walk the rest of the path with you. I’m sure Olivia would agree.” She raised her hand to cover her heart, smiling smugly. “It’s a good thing I got this. Look, now I not only have a healthy body and a healthy heart, but I also have you.” Lucas smiled at her. I was smiling too, but it was a cold smile. Because my heart wasn’t actually healthy. I had a hereditary heart condition. Only Lucas knew about this, and he had been treating me for it. Under his treatment, my heart pain went from once a week to once a year. By my calculations, Melody should be due for an attack soon. The car quickly stopped at the entrance to their apartment complex. They went home together. It was a 2000 square foot apartment with a cat and a dog – practically my ideal complete home. As soon as the door opened, the cat and dog rushed over. I bit my lip, suddenly feeling worthless. When we first got married, I wanted to keep pets too, but Lucas talked me out of it. He said it was too much work, that I didn’t have time to take care of them. Later, when I found a stray cat, he advised against keeping it too. He said the cat had feline distemper and ringworm. But now, Lucas was gazing at Melody playing with the cat and dog, lost in thought. I don’t know if it was my heart responding to my emotions, but Melody suddenly pressed her hand to her chest. Her face turned a bit pale. “Lucas, I feel like I can’t breathe properly.” Lucas snapped out of his daze. He tilted his head quizzically and offered an explanation. “Could it be because the cat is shedding heavily?” He pointed at the ragdoll cat on the floor. I looked at him in surprise. Lucas had a PhD and was practically an expert in his field. Moreover, he had always known the symptoms of my attacks. How could he say something so unprofessional? Melody stood up from the floor and moved away from the cat, trying to take deep breaths. But it was useless. After the chest tightness came radiating pain from the heart. Sure enough, Melody hunched over, her brows furrowed tightly, afraid to move. She had never experienced this kind of pain before. Tears streamed down her face. She panicked: “Lucas, my whole chest hurts so much now.” “Is there something wrong with my heart?” Lucas walked over unhurriedly. He came to Melody’s side and comforted her. “It’s nothing, don’t overthink it.” “In your condition, it’s just a stitch. It’ll pass on its own in a while.” I was even more surprised. This kind of pain would indeed disappear after a while, as Lucas said, but without medication, it would hurt again the next day. Lucas couldn’t possibly not know this. A few minutes later, Melody’s pain did subside. Lucas gave her a white pill. He wiped the sweat from her brow. “It’s a sedative. You’ve only had your heart transplant for a year, you need more rest.” Melody took the pill and went to bed. I saw Lucas standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, playing with a white pill bottle in his hand. I recognized it, even knew it well. Because that pill bottle contained my heart medication, which Lucas had given me back then. Could it be that he had discovered the heart in Melody’s chest was mine? 4 The next day, Melody woke up. “Lucas, it’s so good to have you. I love you so much.” I saw her stand on tiptoe, as if wanting to kiss Lucas, but the next second she pressed her left chest again. Ten hours had passed, and she was having another attack. No matter how slow she was, she should realize by now that these symptoms were very similar to mine. The white pill bottle had long been thrown into the trash by Lucas and sent to the garbage station, but he didn’t seem to be in a hurry. Instead, he gently patted Melody’s back. When she felt a little better, he suggested, “Let’s go to the hospital for a check-up.” Lucas drove. They left at 9 AM and didn’t arrive at the hospital until 1

By the time they did the physical examination, Melody’s heart pain had long subsided. The test results also showed that her heart was healthy. With Lucas personally overseeing the examination, Melody was reassured. I watched as Lucas, with infinite tenderness, raised his hand to caress Melody’s cheek. But what he said next was unexpected. “Melody, since everything’s fine, you should go home first.” “I have to do rounds later, and there’s a surgery in the afternoon.” “Your heart still needs rest. On our wedding day, I’ll definitely make our relationship public.” I was stunned. Lucas hadn’t made their relationship public. But that made sense. After all, becoming romantically involved with your patient would be quite unethical for a doctor. Melody’s eyes dimmed. She left, looking back every few steps. Lucas was indeed very busy after that. He went with several doctors to check on patients in various wards. After finishing in the morning, Lucas hurriedly ate lunch and was about to go into surgery. I followed him into the operating room, seeing for the first time what he looked like holding a scalpel. I had always known that his hands were called “miraculous”. Every surgery he performed had never failed. But now, these holy hands trembled slightly at the moment of suturing. 5 The surgery was successful. I heard others discussing quietly. “Did Dr. Lin’s hand shake just now? Is he too tired?” “Luckily nothing went wrong.” “You newcomers don’t know. A year ago around this time, Dr. Lin’s wife was killed in a car accident. He had just finished surgery and ran to the funeral home without even changing his clothes.” “So many people have tried to set him up, but he refused them all. Ah, it’s the first time I’ve seen such pure love in real life.” I laughed at how young and naive they were, thinking everyone was capable of pure love. Lucas wasn’t refusing others, he had already found someone. For example, right now, as soon as the surgery was over, he eagerly opened his phone. The latest message was from Melody. [Lucas, which hotel are we going to tonight? I’m waiting for you.] Followed by two shy emojis. They were both adults. A year was enough time for them to develop a more intimate relationship. But to my surprise, Lucas replied: [I’m tired. I’m going home first.] He meant our home. The door opened. The furniture in the room was still the same as before, even the photos hanging on the wall were still there – all pictures of me and Lucas traveling to various places. I stared at them, lost in thought. But he showed no emotional reaction. The house still used smart lights. As soon as the door opened, the lights automatically turned on. The aroma of food wafted through the entire living room, seemingly from nowhere. Lucas casually took off his coat and hung it on the rack. He blurted out: “Sister, I’m home. What’s for dinner tonight?” I was stunned. So was he. I was two years older than Lucas. Due to my heart condition, I started school two years later than him. Lucas liked to call me “sister”, and I loved his cool voice when he did. But now, I was angry. How had I never realized before? Although he called me “sister” verbally, combined with what he said next, how was it any different from calling out “Mrs. Wang”? Lucas was silent for a moment. He raised his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose. His eyelashes, like crow feathers, lowered, concealing the emotions in his eyes. The lights in the room were warm, but he stood at the doorway, his back slightly bent, his tall figure giving off a sense of lonely silence. If I had seen him like this before, I would have felt heartbroken. But now, I just wanted to laugh coldly. After all, I had lost my life. Shouldn’t he be sighing and reminiscing every day, heartbroken for a lifetime? 6 Lucas’s emotional change was very brief. In the following days, he returned to being the steady, emotionless Dr. Lin that people knew. Melody often came to see him, and sometimes they would go out on dates at night. Melody’s smile grew brighter each day. She was about to get married. “Lucas, are you coming to my place tonight?” She hooked her finger into Lucas’s palm. “My dad wants to discuss our wedding plans with you.” Lucas nodded in agreement. The car stopped in front of a mansion. The driver opened the door, and a butler came to greet them. I suddenly understood. Melody was rich, a wealthy heiress. She had the financial means to give Lucas better resources. But I was different. Lucas and I were both from orphanages, with no money or background. We even had to fight for the opportunity to study. During the most difficult times, we ate instant noodles for a month in our rented room. Fortunately, I later earned some money, enough to cover our expenses and financially support him through his master’s, doctorate, and studies abroad. But this money ultimately couldn’t compare to that of a rich heiress. What I thought was the sweetness after bitterness was just what he considered a matter of course. Melody’s father was a kindly old man. After dinner, he patted Lucas’s shoulder, gesturing for him to go to the living room to discuss matters. Melody held Lucas’s hand, full of reluctance. The old man chuckled: “Don’t worry, I’m just borrowing your lover for a bit. Your dad is leaving too, how come you’re not reluctant to see me go, you little ingrate.” Melody bit her lip sheepishly. I followed them to the living room. The old man smiled: “Lucas, I heard that a year ago in the operating room you performed surgery on, my daughter had a massive hemorrhage. You stood there for six hours straight and saved her life. I’m very grateful.” “It was my duty.” After Lucas stated his position, the old man didn’t beat around the bush. But their next conversation shocked me. “Your ex-wife didn’t have heart disease, did she?” “Little Melody cried and insisted on having her heart, and she happened to be a universal donor, so I found someone to… But you also benefited from misfortune. My daughter fell for you. Once you marry into our family, you’ll have plenty of money and power in the future.” “No one will look down on you for being an orphan anymore.” They were essentially laying all their cards on the table. Half of Lucas’s face was hidden in shadow. The light and shadow on his face outlined his features, making his expression seem both angry and indifferent. He slowly raised his hand. The old man stared at him unblinkingly, wanting to know what his attitude would be. I stared at him too, wanting to know how he would react. 7 Lucas raised his hand and placed it in front of the old man. His back was slightly hunched. “Father-in-law.” The old man laughed heartily, saying “good” several times. I knew reality wasn’t like novels. Many people discard their conscience for money. I just never thought Lucas would be one of them. He had completely abandoned his professional ethics as a doctor. The young man I loved no longer existed. Lucas knew about my unnatural death. I thought he would at least report it to the police, considering our 30-year relationship. But not only did he not do that, he even joined the team of murderers who killed me, becoming their son-in-law. Lucas might have felt guilty. He left the Johnson house and drove to the cemetery. He stood in front of my tombstone, doing nothing, just standing there. As night fell, many mourners had already left the cemetery, but Lucas sat down on the ground. He hugged my tombstone and fell asleep like this. The first time he did this was five days after I was buried. At that time, seeing him sleep all night hugging my tombstone, I felt both heartbroken and happy. I thought that after 30 years of persistence, I had finally broken through his cement-like exterior and touched his heart. I didn’t expect that he was just feeling guilty, because that day was when he got together with Melody. Now he was using the same trick again. But this time, I only felt disgusted and upset.

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My boyfriend and his cousin were kidnapped. The kidnappers said they could only save one. I laughed on the spot. In my previous life, when my sister and I were kidnapped, my boyfriend chose to save my sister. This time, history repeats itself. As for who I would choose, isn’t it obvious? In the European-style banquet hall. Glasses clinked, and the air was filled with the scent of perfume and expensive clothes. My father and I stood on the podium, greeting guests with smiles. The butler quietly informed me: “Miss, all the guests have arrived. Please start the opening dance.” Today is my 18th birthday. My father has organized a grand birthday party for me, with all the elite of our social circle in attendance. I looked at the crowd below, but my designated “dance partner” was nowhere to be seen. My father leaned in and asked: “Where’s Jason? Where did he go? Doesn’t he know he’s supposed to dance the opening number with you?” Jason Sullivan, the eldest son of the Sullivan family, my boyfriend. He was also my “original dance partner” for tonight. I scanned the room. As expected, my half-sister “Rachel Wright” was also absent. If my memory serves me correctly, today was their first meeting in my previous life. Jason had gone to the garden for some fresh air and met Rachel, who was uncomfortable in high-society gatherings. They hit it off immediately, beginning an entanglement that couldn’t be cut or reasoned away. In my previous life, upon discovering Jason’s absence, I immediately rushed out to find him. As a result, I saw him chatting happily with Rachel, and in a fit of jealousy, I slapped Rachel. The consequences were being despised by Jason, scolded by my father, and gossiped about by the guests. Living this life again, I won’t make the same mistake. A dance partner? As if the young lady’s birthday party couldn’t go on without Jason Sullivan? My gaze coldly swept through the crowd. A young man in an oversized suit caught my eye. He was standing dejectedly by a pillar, lost in thought. The young man had picturesque features, a slender figure, skin as white as snow, and an elegant, noble air. Standing alone in this lavish, extravagant banquet hall, he seemed out of place. I lifted my dress adorned with handcrafted crystals and, to everyone’s surprise, walked towards him. Seeing me approach, the young man’s rosy lips parted slightly, his face full of uncertainty. “Liam, would you like to dance with me?” I extended my hand, adorned with a rose gold bracelet. Liam’s eyes flickered, pointing at himself in disbelief: “Amelia… are you asking me?” “Who else would I be asking?” I smiled brightly, playfully asking: “Do you know how to waltz?” “Yes…” Liam nodded, overwhelmed by the honor. He reverently took my hand, allowing me to lead him to the center of the dance floor. The guests automatically made way. The band immediately began playing the lively “Tales from the Vienna Woods.” Liam carefully placed his hand on my waist, and we began to dance. He was two years younger than me, not yet in his growth spurt, only slightly taller than me. As we glided across the floor, I admired his shy expression. A blush crept up his fair face, like a ripe peach. “Relax, I won’t eat you,” I teased. Liam’s palms were sweating, and his steps were a bit unsteady. “S-sorry…” Liam apologized awkwardly. In my previous life, I only cared about Jason, following his lead in everything. Influenced by Jason, I had a very poor impression of Liam. But I’ll never forget that in my previous life, when I fell from a tall building and was shattered, it was Liam who, without hesitation, knelt in the blood and performed CPR on me as I was dying. Only after dying once did I see clearly who was human and who was a ghost. I pulled back my wandering thoughts and continued to tease Liam: “Is this your first time dancing with a girl?” “Yes…” “Then I’m quite honored.” As I was bantering, my eyes met a pair of shocked eyes over Liam’s shoulder—

Jason Sullivan stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of the banquet hall, staring at me intently. Behind him was the shy and delicate Rachel. It seems they had just returned. Jason probably didn’t expect that I wouldn’t wait for him and would directly choose Liam, whom he looked down upon the most, for the opening dance. I had returned to this life yesterday, and the moment I regained my new life, I vowed that this time I must live for myself. I am no longer anyone’s second choice, nor will I be anyone’s appendage. Ignoring Jason’s murderous gaze, I continued to “gaze lovingly” at Liam. “Liam, if you ever need help in the future, you can come to me. Your big sister will take care of you,” I said sincerely. Liam was not favored in the family due to his mother’s humble background. Just for what he did for me before I died in my previous life, I will repay him well in this life. “Thank you, Amelia…” Liam’s eyes misted over, his voice seemingly tinged with bitterness. As the song ended, Liam retreated to the corner. The guests paired up and successively entered the dance floor. While I exchanged pleasantries with the guests, I walked towards the buffet table and got myself a glass of juice. “What do you mean by this?” A voice laced with barely concealed anger sounded from behind me. I turned around to face Jason, whose face was frosty. I calmly took a sip of the sweet and sour orange juice and asked in return: “What do you mean?” “Didn’t you ask me to be your dance partner?” Jason tugged at the bow tie around his neck, accusing me first: “Are you playing games with me?” I couldn’t help but smile. How novel, the Jason of my previous life would never take the initiative to talk to me. Let alone use this complaining tone to question me. I retorted: “If I remember correctly, I only asked you one-sidedly if you wanted to be my dance partner. And Mr. Sullivan didn’t agree to me, and when it came time for the opening dance, Mr. Sullivan was nowhere to be found. Did I have to dig three feet into the ground to find you before the party could continue?” He stared at me as if he didn’t recognize me, surprised by my sarcastic tone. I used to never speak to him like this, and I had always called him “Jason” since we were young. This “Mr. Sullivan” sounded cold and distant, as if we were mere acquaintances. Taking advantage of his stunned silence, I added another sentence: “How old are you? Don’t you even understand this basic etiquette? Today is my birthday, don’t ruin my mood.” I left with these words, not looking back. As I turned away, a playful male voice echoed in my mind: “Congratulations, host! You have successfully humiliated the male lead, the system rewards you with 100 humiliation points. Collect 100,000 points to obtain the resurrection armor. Good luck!” Ah, yes, not only have I been reborn, but I’ve also been bound to a humiliation system. The system said that I had already passed away, but due to my strong desire, it gave me a chance to revive. But this doesn’t mean I’ve truly come back to life. I need to humiliate those who hurt me in my previous life, gain 100,000 humiliation points, to truly revive. And the time left for me is not much, I need to complete the task before the time of my death in my previous life. In my previous life, I died at the age of 24 at the hands of kidnappers. I have 7 years left, I must change my fate! In my previous life, I was solely focused on marrying Jason, only thinking about being the Sullivan family’s daughter-in-law after graduation. I sneer at my past self. Rather than supporting his lofty ambitions, it’s better to earn my own fortune. After my rebirth, my goals are clear. Besides ensuring my own survival, I also need to take over the family business, absolutely not letting the empire built by my birth mother and father fall into others’ hands. My father and my birth mother had an arranged marriage, a powerful alliance that multiplied the scale of the Wright family’s business several times over. Unfortunately, my father was an unfaithful man. Shortly after my mother became pregnant with me, he rekindled an affair with his first love, resulting in a secret pregnancy. This first love was Rachel’s mother. A year ago, my mother passed away due to illness, and she brought Rachel to our home, suddenly becoming the new mistress of the Wright family. My father, out of respect for my mother’s family, didn’t dare mistreat me. However, his heart had long since strayed. After returning to school, I began to work hard. To improve my grades quickly, I hired top university graduates as tutors at a high price. I also attended numerous prep classes, dedicating all my time outside of basic necessities to studying. During lunch break, I was in the classroom eating lunch prepared at home while silently reciting chemical formulas. Two girls who were usually quite friendly with me came over. One of them, named “Megan Parker,” showed me her phone. I glanced at it disinterestedly. The video was shot on the rooftop of the teaching building. From the angle, it was clearly taken secretly. A boy and a girl were sitting in the shaded area of the rooftop, eating boxed lunches together—

Who else could it be but Jason and Rachel? Rachel was sharing her food with him, and Jason, who claimed to have germaphobia, accepted it without hesitation. I looked away without changing my expression. Megan said indignantly: “This Rachel is so shameless. She knows the school heartthrob is your boyfriend, yet she still throws herself at him.” Another classmate named Lucy also gritted her teeth and said: “Like mother, like daughter. No wonder she’s the daughter of a homewrecker.” Megan immediately suggested: “Amelia, let’s teach her a lesson. Let’s lock her up and scare her a bit!” The whole school knew that Rachel’s mother was a homewrecker. In my previous life, although I disliked her, I initially only isolated her and didn’t cause her any actual harm. It wasn’t until I discovered she was getting closer to Jason. I overturned the vinegar jar, and with the instigation of some ill-intentioned people, I joined with several classmates to bully Rachel. Come to think of it, my untimely death in my previous life was also self-inflicted karma. I finished my meal, closed the lid of my lunchbox, and said leisurely: “Let them be. The mock exams are coming up soon, there’s no need to waste energy on idle people.” My response took them by surprise. Especially Megan, who pressed on: “Amelia, are you really going to let her off like this? Isn’t that too easy on her?” Lucy chimed in: “Yeah, Rachel is so bold, daring to steal your man. You can’t just let her get away with it.” I sighed and emphasized again: “Jason and I are just neighbors, we were never a couple. How can you call it stealing? He can be with whoever he wants, it’s none of my business. I just want to study hard now, I don’t have time for anything else.” Megan and Lucy looked at each other, unable to accept my change in attitude. I advised them: “Focus more on your studies. Nothing is more important than improving yourself.” Megan said unhappily: “We’re just looking out for you, and not only are you ungrateful, you’re lecturing us.” I couldn’t be bothered to argue with her, so I just put away my lunchbox and took out my chemistry notes to review. Seeing my cold attitude, Megan angrily dragged Lucy away. I thoughtfully glanced at her, recalling some things… The first class in the afternoon was a chemistry test. After the chemistry teacher came in, he looked around the classroom and asked: “Where’s Rachel?” Only then did I realize Rachel hadn’t come back. The classmates all said they didn’t know. The chemistry teacher turned his gaze to me. “Amelia, do you know where she went?” I said frankly: “Teacher, I haven’t left the classroom since the break. I don’t know.” After hearing my explanation, the chemistry teacher didn’t pursue it further and started handing out the test papers. Chemistry was my strong suit, and with the recent tutoring showing results, I finished the entire test in just half an hour. I double-checked my answers twice to make sure there were no mistakes. I looked up at Rachel’s seat, but she still hadn’t returned. Could something have happened? I frowned slightly. The chemistry teacher was also worried, pacing back and forth on the podium, occasionally looking towards the door. I decided to be a good person for once and raised my hand: “Teacher, I’ve finished my test. May I go look for Rachel?” The chemistry teacher was more than happy to agree. After leaving the classroom, I didn’t go directly to find Rachel, but instead turned to the neighboring classroom— “Excuse me, teacher, I need to speak with Jason Sullivan.” I stood outside the door, addressing the history teacher on the podium. The history teacher was slightly taken aback, and the students in the classroom immediately started buzzing. Jason looked at me with a stern face, while various teasing and mocking voices arose. The history teacher called for them to quiet down, then asked me: “What do you need him for?” I said calmly, without blushing or breathing heavily: “Rachel from our class hasn’t returned for class. Someone saw her eating lunch with Jason during the break, so I came to ask.” As soon as I finished speaking, the classroom erupted again. Jason’s expression became even more colorful, with anger and humiliation flying together. He stood up abruptly without waiting for the teacher’s signal. “I don’t know where Rachel went!” he said loudly. I raised my chin and said: “Anyway, she’s missing. Why don’t you come with me to look for her?” The other students joined in the commotion. The history teacher couldn’t take it anymore and impatiently shooed us away: “Jason, go with her to look! Come back when you find her!” I turned and left without waiting for Jason. He complained behind me: “Amelia Wright, what’s wrong with you? Every day, can’t you stop causing trouble for me?”

I ignored him. Actually, I knew where Rachel was. In my previous life, after I found out she was having lunch with Jason, I joined with Megan and others to teach her a harsh lesson. In this life, I’ve awakened and let her off, but that doesn’t mean others will leave her alone. I headed straight for a certain girls’ bathroom on the top floor. This floor was high up and rarely frequented. As soon as I reached the door, I could hear muffled sobs from inside. I rushed in without hesitation and, as expected, the door of the stall furthest in was tied shut with a rope. The rope was knotted tightly, and without a knife, I couldn’t undo it. Jason peered in from outside the bathroom: “Is she in there?” Before I could answer, Rachel, locked inside, called out: “Jason! Is that you? I’m in here!” As Jason hesitated, I crossed my arms and said: “What are you standing there for? Go be the hero and save the damsel. Can’t you kick the door down?” Provoked by my words, Jason finally strode into the girls’ bathroom. He raised his foot and kicked hard— Bang! Bang! Two loud thuds The bathroom door was kicked open. Rachel threw herself into Jason’s arms, crying her eyes out. Jason awkwardly held her shoulders, keeping her at a distance. “Who locked you in here?” Jason asked while glaring at me suspiciously. Rachel sobbed: “I-I don’t know… A girl I didn’t recognize said she left something in here and asked me to help look… As soon as I went in, the door was locked… sob I thought I’d never get out…” Jason turned on me fiercely: “Amelia Wright, you did this, didn’t you?” I calmly picked at my nails, giving him a cold glance: “Evidence.” “What?” I pointed at the surveillance camera in the hallway: “You say I did it, do you have any evidence? Why don’t we check the surveillance footage?” In my previous life, Rachel was locked up until almost the end of school before Jason rescued her. Jason used his status as the son of a school board member to demand the school check the surveillance footage. In the end, it was proven that I was behind it, and from then on, Jason became increasingly disgusted with me. Now, Jason was left speechless by my question. I sneered: “Don’t accuse me without evidence.” “If you didn’t do it, how did you know she was here?” Jason’s suspicion was not unfounded. I remained composed and said coolly: “In the entire school building, this is the most suitable place to lock someone up. Next time someone locks you up here, I guarantee you’ll be crying for help with no one to answer.” Without waiting for Jason’s reaction, I turned to Rachel: “There’s 40 minutes left for the chemistry test. If you don’t want to turn in a blank paper, you’d better hurry back.” Rachel looked utterly miserable, sobbing as she followed me back. I led her back to the classroom. The chemistry teacher was relieved, asked her a few questions, and then let her return to her seat to take the test. As I walked past Megan, I clearly saw her eyes flickering, her face showing dissatisfaction. Jason did end up checking the surveillance footage later and found out who was behind it. It was Megan. She had always had a crush on Jason but didn’t dare pursue him because of my presence. That day, after learning that Jason and I had “fallen out,” she thought about removing Rachel as an obstacle. Little did she expect it would backfire. After the incident came to light, Megan became a pariah that everyone avoided. And Jason was once again humiliated by me, this time even more severely than at my birthday party. The system rewarded me with 200 humiliation points, bringing my current total to 300 points. In this life, I focused all my energy on studying and no longer targeted Rachel. Jason and I also grew apart, and rumors spread among classmates that we had broken up— In reality, we had never even dated. Without me interfering and with her getting closer to Jason, Rachel gained quite a few girlfriends. Time flew by, and another half semester passed. One day, we had a PE class, and our class was having a basketball match against Jason’s class. When Jason took the court, the whole place erupted in applause. Rachel and her friends sat on the sidelines, cheering him on. Their disloyal behavior annoyed the boys in our class. I stood in the shade of a tree, silently reciting from flashcards filled with knowledge points. Cheers kept coming from the basketball court as Jason scored several baskets in a row, earning applause from the crowd. I dug at my ears, annoyed by the noise. Just as I picked up a flashcard to check, I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in the corner of my eye.

I squinted to look. It was Liam Harrison, whom I hadn’t seen in a long time. He was two grades below me, not on the same floor, so I rarely encountered him. He was walking towards the small woods by the sports field, where there was an old equipment room. I curiously watched for a few more moments and saw several boys standing in front of the equipment room door. One of them roughly grabbed Liam’s collar, and the others immediately surrounded him. Seeing the situation turning bad, I stuffed the flashcards back into my pocket and quickly ran over. I hadn’t gone far when I heard shouts behind me. “Jason!” Jason’s teammates were calling for him. I didn’t pay attention and continued running towards Liam. Before I could reach him, he was already knocked to the ground by those boys. I took the initiative, shouting as I ran: “Teacher! Over here! There’s a fight over here!” Upon hearing this, the bullies scattered in fear. I helped Liam up from the ground, covered in dust. His face was bruised, and his blue sportswear was stained with footprints. “Amelia…” he called out awkwardly. “Are you okay? Who were those people?” I asked with a frown. Liam shook his head and explained: “A few days ago, a girl in class gave me a love letter. Her admirers weren’t happy about it and came to cause trouble for me.” I thought to myself, can’t these young people care more about their future? They’re barely grown and already fighting over love. “We should report this to the teacher,” I said. Liam shook his head again. “It’s fine… It’s not a big deal, it’s happened before.” Despite both being Sullivan family sons, Jason was the school’s popular heartthrob, while Liam’s treatment was the complete opposite. Both at home and at school, he was targeted maliciously because of his background. I encouraged him: “Study hard, and when you grow up and become successful, you can really show them!” “Mm, thank you, Amelia…” “If they go too far, you still need to tell a teacher, or you can tell me too.” “Okay…” Liam agreed, but with his personality accustomed to being bullied, he had long lost the courage to fight back. “I’ll take you to the infirmary,” I said, supporting Liam as we walked towards the teaching building. Liam hurriedly declined: “No need to trouble you, Amelia. Don’t you have class?” I spoke frankly: “Watching boys play basketball is extremely boring. I have nothing better to do anyway.” Liam then obediently followed me to the infirmary. As I was supporting him inside, I unexpectedly saw Jason sitting there. Two male students were with him, and the school nurse was crouched beside him, spraying his knee with an antiseptic spray. His knee was scraped and slightly swollen. When I left earlier, I heard his teammates calling him. He must have fallen then. Seeing Liam and me, Jason’s expression changed dramatically. I ignored him and addressed the nurse directly: “Nurse, this freshman was beaten up by some students. Could you please check him?” The nurse said: “Wait a moment, I’m not done here yet…” Jason glared at us fiercely. Liam noticed his hostile gaze. He looked pitiful, his eyes reddening as he said: “Amelia, I’ll be fine on my own… Why don’t you go back…” “No need, I’m not in a hurry. I’ll see this through,” I insisted. Our conversation finally provoked Jason’s displeasure. He said sarcastically: “Miss Wright sure is charitable, even willing to skip class to help others.” I thought to myself, I haven’t even provoked you, why are you trying to assert your presence? I retorted: “Isn’t Mr. Sullivan supposed to be a basketball star? You got injured in a small inter-class match, have you been lacking exercise lately?” Jason’s face immediately darkened. His friend came to his defense: “Amelia, how can you talk like that? Jason got distracted when he saw you leave and was knocked down by a boy from your class.” Jason said angrily: “Shut up!” I snorted coldly, not taking it seriously: “He carelessly fell on his own, why blame others?” “You…” Jason’s friend wanted to say more. Liam beside me suddenly inhaled sharply. “Ouch…”

My attention returned to him, and I quickly asked: “What’s wrong?” He covered his cheek and said: “It’s nothing…” “Does it hurt a lot?” I moved his hand away and saw that half of his face was swollen. With the nurse’s permission, I got an ice pack to apply to Liam’s face. Jason’s friend couldn’t help but interject again: “Why don’t you care about Jason? Aren’t you boyfriends?” Jason remained silent, seemingly agreeing with his words. I remained quiet, casting a cold glance at them while continuing to apply the ice pack. Liam spoke in a barely audible voice: “Amelia… you don’t need to take care of me. I’ve dealt with injuries on my own before… You should go check on Jason… He needs you more…” This sounded a bit manipulative. But the young lady isn’t falling for this trick. No wonder men like these “green tea bitches,” who could resist this? I patted Liam and said: “Silly boy, you’re clearly the one who’s been wronged, yet you’re bottling it up. He has so many people around him, does he really need me too?” Ignoring the angry faces of Jason and his friends, I said solemnly: “Jason Sullivan, you’ve always claimed to be the embodiment of justice, so why do you turn a blind eye when your own cousin is bullied at school? If either of these two friends of yours were beaten, you wouldn’t stand idly by, would you? How come when it comes to your own flesh and blood cousin, you have this ‘not my problem’ attitude? Isn’t that the definition of a hypocrite?” In my previous life, when Rachel was bullied and I didn’t help her, this was exactly how Jason berated me. Apart from that one time I locked Rachel in the bathroom, I never bullied her again. It was always those who admired Jason who did things in my name. In my previous life, I knew Jason didn’t like malicious women, so I had already restrained myself from targeting Rachel. But Jason, without investigating, would blame everything that happened to Rachel on me. “When your own flesh and blood sister is bullied, you have this ‘not my problem’ attitude? Isn’t that the definition of a hypocrite?” These were his exact words to me back then. Now I’m throwing them right back at him, tit for tat. Jason was rendered speechless by my outburst, flushed with anger and frustration, unable to utter a word in rebuttal. His two sidekicks were also left dumbfounded. The nurse, feeling awkward, tried to mediate: “Alright, Jason’s injury isn’t serious. Go back and rest, avoid strenuous exercise, and it’ll heal in a couple of days.” Jason was helped away by his friends, one on each side. As soon as they left, the system came online:

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “294550”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #重生Reborn #校园School #浪漫Romance #魔幻Magic #现实主义Realistic #励志Inspiring #后宫Harem #玄幻Fantsy

As I walked home, Abby hurled a burger at me, smearing cheese across my face. “Phony werewolf,” she sneered, her friends’ laughter ringing in my ears as they left me humiliated. Tina, once my closest friend, now delighted in my disgrace. Graduation was near, but with no wolf in sight, I was nothing but a target. My parents, though respected, were quietly disappointed by my failure to shift. With my eighteenth birthday looming, the future felt bleak. Deputy Dean Judi stormed into my math class, summoning me to her office while my classmates snickered. Tina blocked my path, smirking. “Father’s expelled you from the pack,” she hissed. I ignored her and entered the office, only to be soaked by a bucket of water. Soaked and humiliated, I stood as my mother arrived, her eyes locked on Tina. With a swift slap, she sent Tina fleeing in tears. “They’re not worth it,” my mother said, leading me to the parking lot where a moving van waited. “We’re starting fresh, up north.” “Are we kicked out?” I asked, nausea twisting in my stomach. “Yes,” my father said, lighting a cigar. “But don’t worry—we’re heading to a better pack.” “I won’t stay with a pack that rejects my daughter,” Dad said firmly. Guilt gnawed at me for uprooting them. Mom squeezed my knee. “Everything will work out. You’re just starting late. You’re still a werewolf.” “We’re heading to the Crescent Pack,” Dad continued. “Alpha Antony is offering us refuge.” “The Crescent Pack? The one at war with Mountain Ridge?” I asked, alarmed. “Yes, but Alpha Antony is a good man, despite his reputation,” Mom assured. “But he’s a monster,” I countered. “He’s infamous for slaughtering packs, even his own father.” “Don’t believe the rumors,” Mom said. “He must have had his reasons. Besides, no one else would take us.” Dad promised I’d be fine if I proved myself. When we arrived, the snow-covered landscape was breathtaking, but exhaustion weighed heavy. A beta with black hair and guards approached, his eyes narrowing at me. “Alpha Antony wants you at the packhouse immediately,” he said coldly. “Is this your daughter?” “Yes, this is Katrina,” Dad replied, offering his hand to shift the focus. “Beta Matthew,” he nodded curtly. “I hear you were a Beta at your old Pack. We could use your skills here.” Dad nodded, introducing Mom. “This is Dianna, my wife.” “Nice to meet you,” Mom said, shaking Matthew’s hand. His earlier hostility softened, though his wariness lingered. Matthew hurried us into his black Porsche. “Follow us.” We trailed him through the quiet town to the edge of the woods, arriving at a grand marble home with a snow-covered roof and ivy-clad walls. The house was stunning, a sharp contrast to the anxiety gnawing at me. Inside, the décor was opulent—marble floors, a portrait of Alpha Antony, and spruce wood trim. Mom admired it all, while I stood in awe and fear. Matthew led us to a guest lift, knocking on an office door. A deep, magnetic voice called us in, sending shivers down my spine. Dad entered alone. Mom stayed with me. “The Alpha will speak with each of us separately to verify our stories.” “What story?” I whispered, my heart pounding. “The story about me not being able to shift,” I said, fighting tears. “If he finds out, he might hurt us.” Mom hugged me tightly. “Shifting doesn’t matter to the Alpha. You’ll find your wolf eventually.” I nodded, terrified but resigned. Mom entered the office as Dad opened the door. “It’s not too bad,” Dad explains. “Just a small cut, mixing blood, and a pledge to bond with the pack.” A scream suddenly pierces the air—Mom’s. Dad rushes to the door as I hear the struggle and the handle rattle. Mom emerges, sobbing, clutching her head. Dad helps her, worry etched on his face. “Go on, Katrina,” Mom urges, her voice trembling. I shake my head, paralyzed with fear. Dad grips my arms. “We need this. Please, for us.” I nod, my heart racing. Dad opens the door to the Alpha’s office. Inside, Alpha Antony sits at his desk, his presence dominating the room. His jet-black hair, chiseled features, and intense gaze make him both handsome and terrifying. He eyes me coldly, sensing my lack of a wolf. “Come closer,” he growls. I shuffle forward, my blood running cold. “There’s a chair,” he says, pointing. I sit on the edge, my parents watching anxiously. “Your name?” he asks, his voice low and commanding. “Katrina,” I manage to reply. “You can call me Antony,” he says briskly. “How old are you?” “Just turned 17,” I answer, my voice barely steady. He examines my ID, confirming my age. “You haven’t finished school yet?” I nod, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. “I’m surprised you’re switching schools so soon,” Antony says, scrutinizing me. “Most students stay for academic reasons. You’ll finish your studies here with our pack.” I stay silent, letting Mom take the blame for the incident with Tina, though it wasn’t the real reason we left. “Your parents mentioned the trouble with the Alpha’s daughter, and your mother’s reaction?” Antony probes. I nod. “Good riddance to Nkosi,” Antony sneers, clear disdain in his voice. He stands and gestures for me to come closer. A shiver runs down my spine. “I promise, Katrina, I will never hurt you,” he says, though trust feels risky. He pricks my finger, letting blood trickle onto the table. “Sorry, it stings a bit,” he adds with a smile. He offers his wrist, and I realize the bond involves drinking his blood. Despite my fear, the taste is oddly sweet. He pulls me close, whispering, “Now, pledge your loyalty.” I nod, reciting, “In the name of Alpha Antony, I, Katrina, pledge everlasting loyalty and the fulfillment of all your wishes.” His scent overwhelms me, and when I nearly fall, he catches me, his grip firm. The bond snaps into place as the voices of my former pack fade. Antony smiles. “It’s done,” he says as I look up, dazed. His arms around me make me blush with embarrassment. My parents rush in as I pull away. Antony turns, and Dad tries to reassure me, though his words feel empty. “Tomorrow, Matthew will show you your new home. Katrina, start school tomorrow, and join pack training on Friday. Meet me Monday for your training.” “Pack training?” I ask, shocked. Antony’s gaze sharpens as Mom nudges me to stay quiet. “It’s mandatory,” he says. Mom steps in, shaking hands with Antony. “No problem.” Antony turns to her. “I’m interested in your experience with teens. Volunteer at the high school and keep an eye on Katrina.” Matthew leads us to a secluded cottage at the edge of town. As we approach, he offers the keys. “If it feels too remote, there are other options.” “This is perfect,” Dad replies. I stood on the lawn as Matthew curiously sniffed the air, his eyes narrowing. “You smell different from most wolves,” he remarked, making me tense. “I’m not sure what you mean,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “Your wolf scent is distinct, yet subtle,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “You smell… familiar.” Before I could respond, he continued, “Pack training is every Friday at 5:00. No pressure if you can’t make it this week, but the pack will feel more comfortable with newcomers who attend.” “We’ll be there on time,” my father assured him. I took my things and went upstairs. The house felt musty and dim, the rich brown carpet almost black, and the large fireplace dominating one wall. My mother opened the windows to let in fresh air and light. As we unpacked, Matthew gave precise directions for each room. My bedroom was at the far end of the house, overlooking the woods. It was peaceful, but the loneliness gnawed at me. Three days flew by as we settled in. On Monday, I woke up, dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt, and packed my bag with as many textbooks as it could hold. It was the first day of school. My stomach churned with anxiety as we approached the school. My mother watched me in the rearview mirror. “It’ll be fine,” she said softly. “Just keep your head down and behave.” I groaned and slipped out the back door, staring up at the brick building, dread settling in. How awful it would be if they found out I didn’t have a wolf. As soon as I entered the office, a striking woman in her mid-30s greeted me. Her jet-black hair brushed her shoulders, and massive oval glasses perched on the bridge of her perfectly straight nose. She had cherry-red lips, and her warm smile instantly put me at ease. Her dark eyes met mine as I approached. “You must be Katrina,” she said warmly. She scanned my ID, then handed me my schedule, student card, and locker key. The combination was written on the card, and my stomach flipped when I saw the daily training sessions listed. “Two hours of classroom teaching and one hour of wolf training each day,” she explained. Panic bubbled up—I couldn’t hide my lack of a wolf for long. I thanked her and hurried to my locker, dreading the week ahead. The locker opened easily with the right code. As I grabbed my books, I noticed a girl watching me. She had a nose ring, short black hair, and thick eye makeup. “Hey, welcome,” she said with a grin. “I’m Ella.” She glanced at my agenda. “Ah, Katrina.” She seemed nice, so I followed her as she offered to show me around. “Word is you’re from Alpha Nkosi’s pack,” she said casually. The rumor was already spreading. “Beta Matthew and Alpha Antony were talking, and you must have Beta DNA,” Ella smiled. “It’s surprising Alpha Antony allowed a move since he despises Alpha Nkosi. Your parents must be something special.” She paused at an open classroom door. “No new students in years. Mr. Swift, our English teacher, is nice.” The students inside were engaged in calm conversations, a stark contrast to my last pack. I joined Ella at her table, where many students glanced our way. “That group over there—total nerds, always studying. And Nina, the blonde—she’s the worst. Avoid her,” Ella whispered. The teacher didn’t single me out as a new student, which was a relief. During lunch, as students and teachers prepared the training grounds, I noticed my mom and Alpha Antony arriving, which made me uneasy. “Does our Alpha often help with training?” I asked. “Every day, unless he’s in meetings,” Ella replied. We watched as Nina clung to Alpha Antony, clearly infatuated. “She thinks she’ll be his mate,” Ella commented. It made me anxious seeing Nina so close to him, but I kept my feelings hidden. Ella might be right about her being rude. The age difference between Alpha Antony and my old Alpha, who was in his sixties, was striking. “At 31, Alpha Antony’s a great leader—stern but fair. Thankfully, he’s not as awful as his father,” Ella said. “He took over after his father’s retirement?” I asked. “No,” Ella replied, lowering her voice. “At seventeen, Alpha Antony had him killed and seized control. But everyone welcomed the old Alpha’s death. He treated women like animals and killed anyone who disobeyed, even his mate.” My stomach churned. “That’s terrible,” I murmured. Ella nodded. “He disgusted all the packs. But when Alpha Antony took over, everything changed. He allowed women to join self-defense classes. Maybe that’s why he wanted your family here—your Beta genes give you an edge.” “Maybe,” I said, unsure. At noon, Ella and I changed into workout clothes and headed to the training grounds. “You want to watch the training?” she asked. I nodded. Alpha Antony invited me to sit with him in the stands. I watched as he helped the trainees, offering feedback. When he returned, he asked, “What do you think of school so far?” Feeling uneasy, I forced a smile. “Everything’s fine.” My mom’s anxious glance made me wary of him. “How often do you train with your mom?” he asked. “She doesn’t want me to miss training,” I replied. He nodded. “Good. Rest today and tomorrow, but on Monday, you’ll join the team.” Nina, standing in front of me, stared intently, her presence unsettling. “Nina, focus on training and get back to the pitch!” Antony shouted. She pouted, “I was just seeing if you needed help, Alpha.” Her interest in him was obvious. She narrowed her eyes at me before leaving, and I knew she’d be trouble from the start. Antony turned to me. “I have to head back out there, Katrina. See you around.” He walked over to my mom, who was scolding Nina for leaving the pitch. After school, my mom grabbed my arm as soon as she saw me, pulling me away from the crowd. “Katrina, you need to stay out of sight, especially from the Alpha and his Beta,” she warned. “I didn’t seek him out, Mom. He came to me.” “That doesn’t matter,” she snapped. “Just because you’re my daughter doesn’t mean you can slack off. Now, get out there and start running.” “What? Mom, seriously?” I protested. Beta Matthew appeared beside us. “Is there a problem?” he asked. Mom lowered her head. “No, Beta.” She pointed to the field. “Get going, Katrina.” Reluctantly, I threw my jumper at her and started running. Her sudden strictness confused me. “Thirty laps,” she yelled. I groaned and rolled my eyes as I began. By twenty laps, my legs burned, and my lungs felt like they were on fire. I stopped to catch my breath. “Ten more, Katrina! I didn’t say stop,” she barked. “This is ridiculous,” I muttered. “Want more added?” Mom threatened. Shaking my head, I pushed through the final laps, aware that Antony was watching, clearly displeased. When I finally collapsed onto the grass, gasping for air, my mom looked down at me. “Remember, Katrina, everything I do is for your benefit. I might go easy on you, but the pack won’t.” I tried to calm my breathing with my arms above my head, water bottle in hand. The pain was so intense I whimpered. Alpha Antony approached, but I stayed still, embarrassed by my weakness. “I need to speak with you, Dianna,” he said, heading toward my mom. I averted my eyes, feeling self-conscious. Ella handed me water, and I managed to sit up, though my legs felt like jelly. After school, as I struggled to get to my locker, Nina confronted me. Her blonde highlights and sparkling chocolate eyes made her look attractive, but her harsh demeanor revealed her cruelty. She shoved me against the wall and yanked at my shirt. “Don’t mess with the Alpha or I’ll make your life hell.” I wriggled free, sarcastically thanking her, “Wow, thanks for the heads up!” “Nina, stop it,” I said. She grabbed my hair, pulling hard. I punched her in the back of the head, causing her to scream and cover her face. Following my mom’s advice, I slapped her, causing blood to spill down her chin. “What’s going on?” Beta Matthew appeared in the corridor. Tina, sobbing, said, “The whore attacked me!” Ella spoke up, “She grabbed Katrina’s hair and threatened her.” I stayed silent as my mom and Alpha Antony arrived. My mom looked at Tina and said, “You brought this on yourself. Behave, or you’ll face worse in my training sessions.” Despite her strictness, I respected and loved her. Watching Tina flee in tears, I felt a pang of pity but quickly moved past it. She had become more of a rival than a classmate. Mom shook her head, clearly frustrated. “Katrina, trouble on your first day—goodness.” Ella stepped in. “Tina attacked her first. Katrina was just defending herself.” That made me appreciate Ella more. Alpha Antony announced, “Katrina, both of you will have detention tomorrow.” I noticed Mom’s displeased expression, though I didn’t quite understand it. Ella peered curiously. “Beta Mathew will deal with Tina,” Alpha Antony said, nodding to Mathew. “Go ahead,” Antony added, and I packed up quickly, trying to keep up with my mom as she stormed down the hall. “Always drawing attention to yourself,” she fumed. I ignored her, saying, “But you told me to defend myself.” “Katrina, I meant it. Without this pack, we have nowhere else to go. Nkosi made sure no other pack would take us.” She sighed deeply. “It was a miracle Alpha Antony took us in.” On the drive home, Mom was silent, her frustration evident in the way she slammed the steering wheel and sped off. The next day, during detention, I tried to stay out of the spotlight. When I got home, Dad stopped me before I could head to my room. “How was your first day at school?” he asked. Mom had told him about the argument and the detention. “Did you win?” he asked, always eager to support me. I forced a smile. Dad asked Mom, “What did you do to my daughter?” “We got home late because she had to run thirty laps,” Mom replied. I slipped away, feeling miserable. Mom told Dad, “Tomorrow, Katrina will have detention with the Alpha alone.” Dad’s face tightened. “Detention? We mustn’t anger the Alpha. If he finds out you don’t have a wolf before we prove your worth, we’re in trouble.” I worried about the embarrassment and burden on my family if we were expelled. The idea of standing out or being kicked out was terrifying. “Can I go now?” I asked, desperate to escape. Mom said, “Even if you go, remember that packs don’t tolerate members without wolves.” Feeling overwhelmed by their constant supervision, I went to bed early, hoping for some peace. The next morning, Mom yelled at me to get ready. She handed me a pie for the ride, and I ate it as she lectured me on fitting in. I nodded along, pretending to be attentive. At school, Ella waved and called, “Katrina!” “Geometry first,” she said, and I grunted in response. Despite my good grades, the class was excruciatingly dull and gave me a headache. While Mom spoke with teachers, Ella and I made the most of the first period. When noon came, I dreaded detention, but Antony hadn’t specified where. At the bell, Alpha Antony stormed into my classroom. I was stunned and anxious, knowing I’d disappoint Mom. Ella gave me a sympathetic look as I hurried out, deciding to face the Alpha despite my fear. “Does geometry class drag for you too?” Alpha Antony asks with a grin. “Yeah, a bit. Why do you ask?” I reply. “I used to skip it and get punished. Your expression reminds me of that.” I force a smile, hiding that my pain is his fault. He barks, “Let’s go,” and heads out. As he opens my locker, he chokes me lightly. “I know everything,” I say, raising an eyebrow. “High pulse rate. Your parents’ story doesn’t add up. I bet they didn’t leave just because your mother hit the Alpha’s daughter,” he says, rubbing my back. I wince as his grip on my hand numbs my arm. “Um, Alpha, your grip…” I start to say. “Sorry,” he releases me, confused. “What’s detention like?” I ask, following him down empty hallways. “Don’t worry, you won’t get in trouble,” he reassures me as we enter the faculty lounge. I sit in his chair, breathing deeply to mask his strong scent. Mathew enters with a dish of roasted meat and places it on the desk, eyeing me curiously. “Lunchtime?” I ask, confused. “Detention can be different. What do you prefer?” Antony raises an eyebrow. “Not this,” I admit, surprised by the laid-back approach. The meat is surprisingly good. After we finish, Mathew clears the trays and asks, “How’s it going here?” “Pretty well,” I reply, trying to smile. Mathew drapes an arm over my shoulder, sniffing me. I glance at Antony, who seems uninterested. When I try to move, Mathew pulls me closer. “Hands off, Mathew!” Antony shouts. Mathew grins, raises his hands, and steps back, giving us space. “Before you go, I have a few questions,” Antony says after Mathew leaves. “Why did you really join our pack?” he asks. “I wonder why you allowed us to join if you think we have secrets,” I reply, feeling awkward. Antony continues, “I chose the best fighters from Alpha Nkosi. I’m curious about your potential.” I ask, “What if I don’t meet expectations?” “You’ve got Beta blood. Your mother is a strong fighter,” he says, making me worry about my secret. “Can I ask a question?” I ask. “Sure,” he replies. “Have you met your mate yet?” “No, I’m not eighteen.” Antony presses, “Why did your family move?” I feel tight and sweaty, but say, “What my parents told you is true.” Antony nods, “You can go, Katrina, but we’ll talk again.” Alpha Antony’s POV As I watched Katrina leave, I knew her family was hiding something. If she weren’t my mate, I might’ve reconsidered admitting them. The chance to end the feud with Nkosi was too tempting. It was odd that Philip and Dianna never mentioned their children despite their high status. Katrina seemed off, though she came from a strong family. Mathew entered through the back, as I’d instructed, to investigate her further. “She’s your mate, right?” he asked. I sighed, acknowledging it. “I want to spend time alone with her.” Mathew asked, “Why not ask her parents directly?” “I don’t want to upset them. She’ll hate me if I clash with them,” I explained. “What’s next?” he inquired. “I don’t want to seem like a freak around her,” I admitted. Mathew suggested, “Check on her tomorrow. A pack run will be held every Friday. Let her adjust to the group first.” “Fine,” I said. Mathew asked with a smile, “Are you planning to confront her?” “Nothing major. Tina’s been a nuisance, so I paired her with Katrina for training,” I said, irritated. “Are you trying to provoke me?” Mathew asked. “I’ll ensure Tina doesn’t overstep. Her skills are useful, but her dislike of Katrina complicates things,” I replied. Katrina is fierce, no question. Mathew says “She will get what it takes.” “You best hope so because if she gets wounded, you will be dead.” “Her father was Beta and her mother fought well. Nothing to worry about.” Tina fights unfairly, as I’ve seen in crew training. I knew my partner could handle herself even in her condition. Given her strength and stamina, it would be intriguing to watch her wolf transformation. I was excited to meet her wolf. Hidden among the spectators, I avoided detection. Mathew’s pairing was odd. Dianna seems to be conversing to her kid as she approaches the playground. Katrina seemed sick and sweaty. “What’s the deal, is she truly doing fine?” I see Katrina go to the closest garbage can and puke. Dianna’s mother is strict. After staring at her daughter for what seemed like a lifetime, she told her to return to fieldwork. Ella approaches and shakily touches Katrina’s arm. Ella is a great buddy, and I’m happy to have her. Besides Tina and her friends, she gets along with everyone. Dianna, Katrina’s mother, advises her to “get it together,” and she nods before leaving. Katrina shakes Ella’s arm sharply after telling her to leave. “Why don’t you see any problems?” Mathew leans forward when I tell him. “To me, she appeared fine.”He answers. I wait on the stairs edge to observe Katrina and Tina enter their square before descending. Tina stands steadfast while Katrina staggers from weariness. Katrina’s wolf growls, keeping its distance. As Tina lunges, Katrina rolls onto her back to dodge, then kicks Tina in the face, sending her stumbling away with a bleeding nose. Katrina, drenched in sweat, looks troubled. My wolf growls, “Wolfsbane,” and I catch the scent. Mathew notices, “Something’s wrong.” She moved before I could take two steps down the stairway. The Katrina Pov My mother took me into her office on my way to training. “You scared me to death.” Her expressionless, steely face stared at me coldly. “Where have you been?” “Place of confinement; where else?” “I went looking for you, and I found out that neither you nor Tina were in custody.” “At fact, I am in the Alpha’s office.” “This is the day when the wolves go through their training.” Mom remarked forcefully, appearing alarmed. I’ll tell them I’m unwell, she says, shaking her head. A pocket item she pulls gives me the willies; I haven’t seen it in years. “You have to go, “she continues, but “we can make up a tale for why you can’t alter your situation if you take one of them. ” “I’m sorry, Mom, but it just can’t happen.” “There’s no way around it; we can’t risk them finding out until you’ve shown your usefulness to the pack.” Although I had no wolf, my mother fed me nevertheless when I was younger to hide it from the Alpha. She then fed me them to get me used to them so I wouldn’t have any issues. Until my dad discovered it. He stopped thinking about it, and I stopped taking the most fatal medicine to werewolves. “Don’t tell your father.”She warns. I told her my dad will smell it on me since he’s done it before. She opens her black medicine container. She opens it and shows me the white tablets. She hisses quietly while clenching her teeth. She expects me to swallow it. “No! ” She looks disgusted when I tell her. “But just because you’re acting like a spoilt brat won’t mean I’m going to throw everything away.” “And how should I explain?” “Just say you ate it somewhere,” Mom says, shoving the tablet into my hand. I refuse the water. “Swallow it now!” she commands. I chew the tablet, feeling excitement and fear clash inside me. If the Alpha finds out the truth, I’m in trouble. Outside, pain hits hard. “Mum!” I scream, clutching my stomach. “Kick their ass, just like I taught you.” “No, Mom, they’re wolves.” “Don’t let me down,” she echoes as she drags me to the pitch. I stagger to the nearest trash can, clutching my aching stomach, blood, and sweat pouring from me. “What’s happening, Katrina?” Ella’s voice fades as I blur out, unable to respond. My mother and Tina’s shouts ring in my ears. I can’t keep up; my legs give out. Tina charges at me, and I barely dodge her punch. I kick her away, but everything starts to darken. My bones ache, and I reach out mentally, whispering to my mother, “I’m sorry, Mom. I feel so weak.” As claws and teeth rush toward me, I brace for the worst. I open my eyes to see the brown wolf, and then the Alpha, bloody from Tina’s attack.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “294566”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #浪漫Romance #玄幻Fantsy #狼人werewolf #擦边Steamy #励志Inspiring

My boyfriend is the heir to a corporate empire, but he’s pretending to be an amnesiac poor college student freeloading at my place. After my best friend tried to convince me to dump this pretty boy for the 101st time, I still refused. There’s no way I’m breaking up with this pretty boy. Until one night I overheard his secretary’s conversation: “Now that these fish have taken the bait, it’s time for me to reel them in.” “And what about Miss Williams? How do you plan to deal with her?” “She’s just a gold digger. A check will be enough to get rid of her.” Hearing this, I almost laughed out loud. I was finally going to strike it rich. Recently, Ethan has been sneaking out behind my back a lot. Every time before he goes out, he always cooks a delicious meal for me, sweet-talking me with pet names. After I fall asleep at night, he quietly puts on his clothes and sneaks out. What he doesn’t know is that I’m not actually asleep at all. Because day and night, I’ve been waiting for him to betray me. Tonight, after thoroughly wearing me out, he put on his clothes and left. This is the tenth time this month. Even the most patient person would start to feel restless. Taking advantage of Ethan’s absence, I threw on some clothes and secretly followed him out. I hid in the stairwell, pressing my ear against the door. Ethan’s voice came from the other side: “Those old fogies at the company seem to be getting impatient. It’s time for me to reel them in.” Another man responded respectfully: “Then young master, how do you plan to deal with Miss Williams?” Hearing this question, my heart tensed up a bit. After freeloading off me for so long, using my money and sleeping with me, he better not be planning to just up and leave. Ethan said in a low voice: “She’s just a gold digger. A check will be enough to get rid of her.” The man seemed surprised by Ethan’s answer and quickly added: “Miss Williams has taken care of you for so long. Isn’t it a bit cold-hearted to just give her a check?” Ethan seemed annoyed: “What else then? Should I bring her back as your young mistress? Her? A third-rate student from a third-rate school who got a third-rate job at a third-rate company? Is she worthy of entering the doors of the Blackwood family?” The man asked again: “Then how much should we write the check for?” Ethan just threw out four words: “Whatever she wants.” Hearing this, I tiptoed back to the room. I could barely contain my excitement as I kicked the air a few times. “Whatever she wants” This was truly the sweetest thing I’d heard in two lifetimes.

That’s right, two lifetimes. Because I’ve been reborn. In my previous life, I also met Ethan pretending to have amnesia at the hospital. Seduced by his good looks, I brought him home. I fed him, clothed him, slept with him. To be honest, we did spend a very happy time together. And because we were so happy, I thought love was everything back then. Ethan pretended to have amnesia due to a car accident from company infighting, using this chance to hide in the shadows and completely overhaul the Blackwood Group. The day the Blackwood family sent people to pick Ethan up, over a dozen Rolls-Royces drove into my soon-to-be-demolished neighborhood. Such a grand spectacle drew all the neighbors to gather outside my door to watch. I saw Ethan change into a tailored suit and put on a Rolex watch. He lowered his head and signed a $5 million check for me, saying it was to thank me for taking care of him all this time. Back then, I was so focused on Ethan that love was more important than anything else. I refused that check, only wanting to be with Ethan forever. I still remember the look in Ethan’s eyes. It was like looking at a stray dog on the street. Contempt, confusion, ridicule. Later, Ethan broke up with me unilaterally. I couldn’t accept it and went to the media to expose the details of our relationship during the time Ethan pretended to have amnesia. This gave Ethan a reputation for being cold and unfaithful. As the controversy grew, it caused new turmoil in the Blackwood Group that had just settled down from internal strife. In the end, under my pressure, Ethan proposed to me in public and married me into the family. On the second day of our marriage, I saw the headline news of Ethan entering a hotel with a famous model the night before. In the days that followed, Ethan tortured me daily, saying outright that seeing me made him sick. He even acquired the media company I had leaked the story to and revealed to the public that I was the original whistleblower. In an instant, I went from being seen as a kind-hearted wife who stood by her husband through hardship to a scheming social climber. Ethan’s cold violence and the online abuse finally drove me to depression. In the end, I committed suicide at home.

When I woke up again, I found myself lying in the same hospital where I first met Ethan, having fainted from low blood sugar. Seeing Ethan sweetly calling me “sis” this and “sis” that, I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly fell out of my head. This life, I’m going to get back that $5 million that’s rightfully mine! Others who are reborn seek revenge, but not me. I just want the money. Sure enough, in this life Ethan did the same as before, claiming to have amnesia and falling in love with me at first sight. Looking at his chiseled, devastatingly handsome face, I could practically see the words “$5 million” written on it. I rubbed my hands together gleefully and brought him home. Luckily, everything in this life proceeded smoothly along the same path as before. We naturally got together, and I was even more attentive to him than in my previous life. Baby’s tired? I’ll give him a shoulder massage. Baby’s hungry? I’ll cook him some noodles. Baby’s out of money? I’ll transfer him some. Baby wants to sleep with me? No problem, come on then! Even my best friend of many years said I was a fair-weather friend who’d throw her under the bus for a man. Seeing how I took care of Ethan, my neighbor went home to complain to his wife that he wasn’t getting enough love and care. Under my daily affection, my relationship with Ethan gradually heated up. Unlike my past life, Ethan also started learning to cook, learning to take care of me, and often bringing me lunch at work, making all my coworkers envious of my attentive puppy boyfriend. Heh, attentive my ass. The dog part is true though. Ever since taking in Ethan and deciding to get that money, my career had been on the rise, getting promoted three times. But I didn’t care about this small change. I wanted that $5 million. My phone suddenly lit up with a WeChat message from my best friend, Rachel. This was the 101st time she demanded I break up with Ethan. “Sophie! You have to break up with that pretty boy, or we’re not friends anymore! Look at yourself now, obsessed with love. Do you remember our dream of getting rich?” In my past life, Rachel had sent me a similar message. I refused her then because I loved Ethan. This life, I still refused Rachel, but it was for the sake of getting rich! “Rachel, I love Ethan, trust me. But that doesn’t stop us from getting rich. Hurry up and pack your bags, get your passport and visa ready. Your girl’s about to take you flying.” After sending the message, I heard a noise outside the door. Ethan was back. I quickly put down my phone and pretended to be sound asleep. I felt the familiar scent from the side of the bed as he quietly lay down, wrapping his arm around my waist before falling asleep. He may sleep soundly, but I was too excited to sleep because of those four words – “whatever she wants.” The day has finally come! My days of being a slave are over! I’m going to flip the script and sing the song of the common folk!

I had been waiting for this day, watching the stars and counting the months, and another month passed. In my previous life, Ethan had already gone back by this time. Why hasn’t he made a move in this life? When I got home from work and opened the door, I was stunned for a moment. Flowers, balloons, candlelight, food, and music. Um… what’s this? “Sophie, today is the one-year anniversary of our meeting,” Ethan said. I looked at Ethan, all dressed up, not understanding what he was doing. Seeing that I hadn’t reacted, Ethan waved his hand in front of my face. “Sophie, Sophie, what are you thinking about?” I coughed lightly, “I’m thinking about you, of course. Thinking about how much effort my baby put into preparing this surprise for me. I’m so touched I could cry.” I pretended to be deeply moved, nestling into Ethan’s arms and planting a kiss on his chin. Ethan held me tight, rubbing his chin on the top of my head. “For you, this is all I should do.” I pinched my palm hard, the pain bringing tears to my eyes. I looked up at Ethan with misty eyes, “Will you ever not want me? After all, I’m just a third-rate graduate from a third-rate university, working a third-rate job at a third-rate company.” “How could that be possible!” Ethan said firmly. Looking at Ethan’s determined expression, I found it laughable inside. These were the very words you once said. Now you’re putting on this act of undying love, who are you trying to fool? It’s disgusting, truly disgusting to the core. “Really? You really won’t look down on me? Will you marry me? Will we get married?” I pressed on. Hearing my words, Ethan froze for a moment. Heh, man, caught you off guard, didn’t I? “Of course we will,” Ethan replied. I didn’t expect Ethan to agree. If he found me so repulsive, why keep up this charade? He should have gone into acting instead. I lowered my head, pretending to be happy, and buried my face in Ethan’s chest. Ethan pushed me away gently, picking up an exquisite velvet box from the table. Seeing the box, my eyes suddenly lit up. At least the kid knows what he’s doing. It wasn’t all for nothing that I played along with him for a year. Judging by the box, the contents must be quite valuable. “This is for you,” he said. I accepted it with great joy, but when I opened it, I saw a plain red string bracelet. What the hell? Where’s my knife? Is this what the heir to a corporate empire does? Is this how the successor to the Blackwood Group treats me? Are you kidding me? If it weren’t for the habit I’d developed of wearing a fake smile in front of Ethan, I really might have slapped him. “What’s this?” I asked, looking confused as I carefully picked up the red string, examining it closely. Well… it really was just a red string. Not even a gold bead, let alone a silver one. “This is a safety knot I got for you from the temple today. Wear it, and it will keep you safe and sound,” Ethan said. Go to hell! I was cursing Ethan’s eighteen generations of ancestors in my mind, but my face still maintained a touched expression. “Really? I love it so much. You’re so good to me,” I said, hooking my arms around Ethan’s neck and planting a kiss on his lips. Ethan took the opportunity to capture my lips, slowly savoring them like jelly. Another sleepless night followed. In the last moment before I lost consciousness, I was still thinking, this man is so stingy, will he even give me that check?

The next day, I was woken up by a buzz of discussion. I sat up in bed, but Ethan was already gone. I got up, nursing my sore waist, and walked to the window. A whole row of Rolls-Royces downstairs dazzled my eyes. Finally! Finally! The day has come at last. Suddenly, my waist didn’t hurt anymore, my legs weren’t sore anymore, I felt like I could climb five floors in one go. I didn’t even have time to put on my shoes before I flew downstairs. I saw that Ethan had already changed into a well-fitted black suit. His black-rimmed glasses had been replaced with gold-rimmed ones, and on his wrist was a diamond-encrusted Rolex. A crowd of people had gathered in circles around the entrance to the apartment building. Several men dressed as bodyguards approached Ethan, bowing respectfully. Finally, they’re here. You’re finally here. I was so excited I could almost cry, but I still controlled myself, pretending to be scared: “Who are you? Where are you taking my boyfriend?” A man dressed as a secretary pulled my arm away from Ethan. “Miss Williams, please show some self-respect. This is the young master of the Blackwood family, the heir to the Blackwood Group. As a token of appreciation for your care of Mr. Blackwood over the past year, here is a check. You may fill in any amount you wish. Consider it a small gesture from the Blackwood Group.” This voice was the same one I had heard during Ethan’s late-night secret conversation. My lips trembled slightly, tears streaming down uncontrollably. I looked every bit the image of a wife abandoned by her husband. I put my hand back on Ethan’s arm. “Ethan, are you… are you leaving me?”

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When my mother died from an asthma attack, locked in her room by my son’s prank, where was my doctor husband? He was at his ex-girlfriend’s performance with our son. I was devastated. I called my husband over a dozen times before he finally picked up. But before I could speak, he snapped, “What’s your problem? It’s just a performance with our kid. You’re calling non-stop like it’s a matter of life and death. Always lying and making up excuses to get me home. Stop calling!” My son chimed in, “Mom’s so annoying! I wish Emma could be my mom instead.” Emma took the phone, “Kids say the darndest things. You won’t take it seriously, right?” Fine, I’ll give you what you want. I addressed my son through the phone, “If you want her to be your mom, tell your dad to come back and divorce me.” My mom died with her eyes wide open. In just a few short hours, a living, breathing person turned into a box of ashes. The pain of losing my mother was soul-crushing. My phone pinged with a message. It was my friend forwarding Emma’s Instagram post. “Performance wrapped up perfectly! Check out our six-handed piano play with my two clingy fans. How’s our chemistry?” In the video, my son and husband flanked Emma like two bodyguards. The three of them played the piano in perfect harmony, looking every bit like a happy family. My husband even commented: “Calling us clingy already? You ungrateful little thing.” Emma replied: “Hmph! You know very well how grateful I am, especially after last night ;)” The pain in my chest spread through my entire body. While my husband and his ex were playing piano with our son, my mother was having an asthma attack, with no one to help her. While they were flirting shamelessly, my mother had already been taken to the crematorium, turned to ashes. They got their perfect moment, but what about my mom? Who’s going to bring her back to life? I was filled with so much hatred! When my mom called for help, I immediately called 911, but the ambulance couldn’t arrive fast enough. I drove home as fast as I could, desperately calling Jacob to go save my mom. Emma’s performance venue was close to our house. It would have taken him just a few minutes to go back and forth. But Jacob remained unmoved, thinking it was just an excuse to get him home. “Abigail, you know I hate being lied to!” His tone softened, “I don’t want to miss a second of Emma’s performance. Be good and don’t cause trouble now.” No matter how I explained, he wouldn’t listen. He was convinced I was lying. I pleaded, choking back tears, “For the sake of how my father once saved your entire family, I’m begging you to save my mom. I’m not lying!” But my words only angered him, “Enough! How long are you going to use your father’s life to emotionally blackmail me!” At this moment, our son urged him to hang up, “Dad, ignore mom. Look! Emma’s on stage!” I screamed desperately, “Don’t hang up! Jacob, I’m begging you, my mom is dying.” Jacob’s patience ran out, “Then let her die.” My mom died because she didn’t get help in time, while their six-handed piano video went viral online. Emma even gained a bunch of new followers because of it. After dealing with my mom’s funeral and forcing myself to sign the divorce papers, I finally collapsed into a deep sleep. My husband and son returned three days later. “Is dinner ready? I texted you earlier. Why are you still sleeping?” Jacob barged in, roughly yanking the blanket off me, his face full of disgust as he questioned me from above. I must look a mess, but I couldn’t care less. Lucas pinched his nose in disgust, “Dad, I’m hungry. Let’s go find Emma. Let this dirty mom sleep to death.” My heart felt like it had plunged into an icy abyss. This was the son I had risked my life to give birth to. I almost died from massive blood loss during his birth. After he was born, he cried day and night. I held and comforted him around the clock, fed him, completely worn out. I had worked so hard to raise him to this age, yet his birthday wish was for Emma to be his mother. My son truly took after his father, even fancying the same woman. Looking at this flesh of my flesh, my heart shattered. It was because of him that I lost my mother. Thinking of my mom who died with her eyes open, I could no longer contain my emotions. I grabbed Lucas hysterically, demanding, “You knew grandma had asthma. Why did you lock her alone in the room? Do you know you killed her!”

I had never treated Lucas like this before. He was clearly scared, crying and hitting me, “Wah! Mom is so scary. I don’t want a bad mom. I want Emma!” Lucas’s fists kept landing on me. It didn’t hurt physically, but my insides felt like they were on fire. I cried back at him, “You don’t want me? I don’t want you either! Give me back my mom, and I won’t want anyone else. I just want my mom!” Lucas and I were both crying our eyes out. Jacob forcefully separated us, shielding Lucas behind him. He looked at me coldly, “Acting again, are we? Lucas was just playing around with your mom. It’s such a small thing, why are you scaring him like this?” Playing around? A small thing? That “small thing” killed my mom! I looked at him, grief-stricken and angry, “But my mom is dead!” “Enough! Your mom had her medicine in the room, how could anything have happened? I know you’re upset about me and Lucas going to Emma’s performance, but you don’t need to make up such lies with your mom! Aren’t you afraid of jinxing her?” Even now, he still thought I was jealous and deliberately using my mom as an excuse to make him feel guilty. The sorrow and anger made me want to laugh. At that moment, Emma called. Jacob answered and after a few words, he hurriedly prepared to leave. He spoke softly into the phone, “Don’t worry, I’ll be right there.” Lucas followed closely behind him. Looking at these two strangers before me. I suddenly laughed and handed Jacob the divorce papers on the table, “Before you go, sign these.” Jacob didn’t even look at them before mocking, “You’ve really gone to great lengths to get my attention, haven’t you?” “Divorce? You think you can live without me and Lucas? Stop these tricks, you’re just embarrassing yourself.” With that, he left with Lucas. In the past, every time we argued, no matter whose fault it was, I would always be the one to make up and apologize. But not anymore. As soon as they left, I quickly packed my things, dragged my suitcase out, and resolutely left. I returned to my mother’s old house. Family photos of the three of us still hung on the walls. But my beloved parents were gone. Ten years ago, my father died saving Jacob’s entire family in a mudslide. Back then, Jacob held me and said, “Don’t cry. You still have me. I’ll be with you for life.” Those words were deeply etched in my heart. Later, we got married and had a child. Jacob’s kindness made me believe we were soulmates. But everything changed when Emma appeared. He stopped sharing his daily life with me. He would often zone out, and inexplicably stare at his phone with a silly grin. On our wedding anniversary, Emma said she had a headache, and Jacob abandoned me to rush to her side. When I got into a car accident and needed his help dealing with threats, he was busy helping Emma dodge drinks. When I was sick and needed his care, he said he was busy washing Emma’s dog. No matter when or where, Jacob could drop everything and rush to Emma’s side at her slightest call or message. If I dared to question him, I was being unreasonable, emotionally blackmailing him, or trying to cash in on past favors. It was then that I realized, what was nectar to me was poison to him. What I thought was mutual love was, to him, nothing but an obligation to repay a debt. Even my son was often taken to meet Emma. Lucas no longer hugged my neck saying he loved me. Instead, he lamented why Emma couldn’t be his mother. Holding back my pain, I asked Lucas why. Eating the food I made, he said innocently, “Emma is gentler than mom. She and dad take me to eat things mom doesn’t allow. Her cooking is better than mom’s, and she can play the piano. She never scolds me and is very nice to me. Dad loves her too…” Lucas’s words hurt, but I thought it was just childish talk. I still tried to repair my relationship with him. But when Emma and I both fell into the water, my husband and son unanimously went to save Emma. My husband pulled her out of the water, while Lucas rushed to get towels and hot water. They fussed over her endlessly. I was invisible to them. At that moment, my suspended heart finally died. I decided to stop compromising myself. Just as I was about to divorce Jacob, my mom came from the countryside to visit. Her health wasn’t good, and I didn’t want to upset her, so I had to put off the divorce until after she left. But in this short time, they went too far, directly causing my mother’s death! I was grief-stricken and desperate! Not wanting my mom to be lonely on her journey, I asked the village uncles to help arrange a funeral for her. After the funeral, I returned home exhausted. The empty house was silent except for the ticking of the clock, a silence that bred despair. I called out of habit, “Mom, I’m home. What delicious food did you make for lunch?” But only endless silence answered me. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. Oh, that’s right. My mom is dead. Suddenly, the front door was kicked open with a bang. Jacob stormed in, his face cold as he glared at me fiercely. Emma and Lucas followed behind him. As soon as he entered, he began searching the house. Finally, he came back to me and asked, “Where’s mom?”

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My girlfriend was in a coma after an accident. I stayed by her side day and night, praying for her to wake up. When she finally regained consciousness, she was diagnosed with “post-traumatic stress disorder.” She had amnesia and forgot who I was. One day, I overheard her talking to a friend: “Amnesia? I’m faking it. I’m just bored and want a new boyfriend.” With no lingering attachments, I decided to have surgery to remove a brain tumor. The procedure would likely damage my memory, making me forget her completely. When we met again, she angrily confronted me: “Liam! Are you pretending not to see me?” I looked at her blankly: “Miss, do I know you?” After the breakup, I went home to pack my things. The person who opened the door wasn’t Sophia, but a young man I didn’t recognize. He seemed to know me but feigned confusion, asking, “Sir, who are you looking for? Can I help you?” “This is my home,” I said, immediately regretting my words. At least, it used to be my home. The apartment Sophia and I had shared for so long. I never imagined that right after our breakup, she’d bring another man home, acting like he owned the place. “Didn’t Sophia tell you I’d be coming to collect my things today?” I asked. The man put on an act of sudden realization. “Oh, so you must be Mr.Brown – I mean, Liam?” He smiled, his words laden with hidden meaning: “You know, since Sophia woke up, her memory hasn’t been great. It’s normal for her to forget some… unimportant things.” I nodded silently and walked past him into the apartment. Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice: “Maybe it used to be your home, but it’s not anymore.” I turned to see Sophia standing with her arms crossed. “Mr.Brown, even though I’ve forgotten many things, please have some self-awareness.” “When you’re packing, don’t try to take anything that doesn’t belong to you.” Her attitude was completely indifferent, as if she really had lost her memory. But I knew this was all an act. Why bother? If she no longer had feelings for me, she could have just asked for a breakup. I would have left on my own, without any fuss. Why put on this amnesia charade, making everything between us seem so disgraceful? This wasn’t just humiliating me; it was trampling on all the beautiful memories we once shared… I hid the pain in my heart and replied briefly, “I don’t have a habit of stealing.” With that, I walked into the bedroom and started packing. Sophia and her new boyfriend watched me like hawks. They flirted and joked around, just like Sophia and I used to do. She used to cling to me, acting cute, as if she couldn’t bear to be apart from me for a second. Now she was doing the same with someone else. I didn’t have many things – just a few clothes and some daily necessities. Amidst the heavy, sour emotions, I finished packing quickly. I stood up and asked Sophia, “Miss.Garcia, do you need to check my things?” She didn’t say anything, just waved her hand dismissively, as if shooing me away. I picked up my suitcase and walked straight out the door. The cold door closed behind me. I took a deep breath, my eyes burning. If I didn’t have those memories, would it be easier for me? I took out my phone, hesitated for a moment, and finally dialed the doctor’s number. “I’ve made up my mind. I’ll come to the hospital soon to discuss the surgery plan…”

Due to the tumor in my brain, I often had headaches. Not wanting to worry anyone, I didn’t tell a soul. The doctor said the tumor was currently benign but risked becoming malignant. It was best to remove it as soon as possible. However, the tumor was pressing on my nerves, making the surgery risky. There was a high chance of partial memory loss after the operation, and the doctor couldn’t be sure if I’d recover those memories. In the past, I valued my memories above all else, afraid of forgetting important people and events. But after breaking up with Sophia, I no longer had such concerns. Because it seemed I had nothing left worth being afraid to lose. I went to the hospital and confirmed the surgery plan with the doctor. Next, I needed to gather the money for the operation. I was an art major in college, specializing in fine arts, and later got into photography after graduation. With my skills in life drawing and portrait photography, I made a decent living, but the high cost of living in New York meant I hadn’t saved much in two years. Just as I was walking out of the hospital, worrying about money, I suddenly heard someone call my name, “Liam?” I turned to see Sophia and her new boyfriend, Chase, not far away. I nodded slightly in acknowledgment and was about to leave. But Sophia pressed on, “Are you sick?” I frowned and brushed it off, “No, just a routine check-up.” Sophia stared at me intently, her eyes showing concern and suspicion. Huh… Wasn’t she pretending to have amnesia? What act was she putting on now? Chase, sensing something was off, chimed in, “Sophia, I told you, it’s just a minor cold. You didn’t have to take half a day off work.” His words seemed apologetic but were actually boasting to me. See? She takes time off work even for my little cold. What about you? All alone and pitiful! I found it childish and didn’t bother to say anything. My head started to throb, and not wanting to show any weakness in front of Sophia, I turned to leave. Unexpectedly, Chase walked over and asked, “Mr.Brown, you don’t look well.” “Sophia’s planning to make some health supplements for me. Why don’t you come over to our place for dinner?” I was a bit surprised and couldn’t help glancing at Sophia. Of course, I knew she could cook, but I had never tasted her cooking. So I wasn’t worthy of it even during our most passionate times? “No, thanks,” I said and started to walk away. “Don’t be so distant,” Chase persisted, grabbing my arm. “Where are you headed? I can have Sophia drive you.” The pain in my head made me irritable. I jerked my arm away forcefully, “I said, I don’t need it.” I hadn’t used much strength, but somehow Chase stumbled and fell to the ground. He frowned, looking annoyed, “Mr.Brown, I kindly invited you for dinner and offered you a ride. You refused, which is fine, but why did you push me?” He had been showing off and clearly had no good intentions. Did he really think I couldn’t see through it? I couldn’t believe a grown man could be so shameless! “What are you doing?!” Sophia approached, her face cold as she questioned me. “I didn’t push him at all!” I retorted, refusing to back down. Hearing this, Sophia’s expression grew even colder. “Are you saying Chase threw himself down?” Even if that was the truth, who would believe it? I could see a glimmer of sly satisfaction in Chase’s eyes. “Apologize!” Sophia commanded me. “You know what will happen if you offend me…”

As the heiress of the Garcia family, Sophia had enough connections and power to make my life in New York impossible. Around us, several passersby stopped to watch. “This guy seems pretty ungrateful, doesn’t he? They kindly invited him, and he not only has a bad attitude but even pushes people?” “What a jerk! So disgusting!” “Hmph… I bet this guy doesn’t have many friends. Is he jealous of the happy couple?” Faced with the crowd’s condemnation, I clenched my fists helplessly. Chase got up from the ground, holding Sophia’s hand, and said, “It’s okay, it’s okay. I’m fine.” “I just didn’t expect Mr.Brown to have such a bad temper. It’s a good thing you broke up with him early, Sophia. I can’t imagine what might have happened otherwise.” Hearing this, the onlookers’ criticism grew even more intense, immediately labeling me as an “abusive boyfriend.” Sophia just looked on coldly, making no attempt to defend me. Instead, she sternly said to me, “Apologize!” Forced by the circumstances, I had to lower my head, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have pushed you…” I reversed black and white, trampling on my own character and dignity. “Is that enough?” I asked Sophia lifelessly, but noticed her brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. As I turned to leave, feeling dejected, she called out somewhat uncertainly, “Liam!” I heard her footsteps, but Chase held her back, “Sophia, I’m feeling a bit dizzy. Let’s go home.” Go ahead. You go to your home, and I’ll go to my rented room. It’s best if we never cross paths again. I was truly exhausted and didn’t want to have any more entanglements with Sophia. That day, my boss assigned me a big job. It required not only photography but also hand-drawing a portrait. In the entire studio, I was the only one capable of completing such a commission. According to my boss, this client was extremely generous. With the prospect of affording my surgery, I accepted without hesitation. But later, I discovered that it was Chase who had specifically sought out our studio and placed this order. I was to photograph them as a couple and draw a loving portrait of them…

Time flew by, and I arrived at the designated beach with my equipment. Out of habit, I knew exactly which angles would best capture Sophia’s beauty. No matter who she was posing with, I could take the most perfect shots. With this as a foundation, poses like gazing into each other’s eyes, embracing, and kissing became the icing on the cake. The entire photoshoot went very smoothly, with one sweet scene after another frozen in time as I pressed the shutter. Throughout the process, my heart remained as calm as a dried-up well, without a ripple or splash. As we neared the end, I needed to discuss with them which photo they wanted to use as the reference for the hand-drawn portrait. Chase took the camera and flipped through the photos. “Mr.Brown’s photography skills are really good, and your attitude is impressive too. You don’t seem affected at all.” I could hear the mockery in his words, but what did it matter? This was just work. “I’m glad you like them,” I replied neutrally. Soon, Sophia and Chase picked out a photo. “Let’s use this one for the oil painting,” they decided. In the image, they were facing away from the sunset, holding hands and smiling sweetly. The brilliant twilight painted everything in a beautiful glow. I couldn’t help but glance at Sophia. Back then, our first photo together also had a sunset as the backdrop. We were both so shy then, our awkwardness tinged with innocence and purity. I wondered if she still kept that photo. Never mind, whether she kept it or threw it away, it had nothing to do with me anymore. I packed my equipment into my bag and took a taxi home alone. Once I completed this commission and got paid, I could have the surgery. What would I forget then? I hoped it would be Sophia. I didn’t want to hurt anymore. It would be best if I never remembered her again for the rest of my life.

Chase had set a very tight deadline, frequently calling to rush me. On the phone, he deliberately used speakerphone so I could hear Sophia’s voice. Sophia played along with her new boyfriend’s showing off, speaking to him in sweet nothings, like an obedient kitten. As I worked on the portrait, uncontrollable images of her floated through my mind, down to the tiniest details like her slightly curled eyelashes and the wisps of hair moved by the breeze. The clearer the memories, the more my head hurt. I had to rely on painkillers to resist the urge to bang my head against the wall. The sunset was particularly challenging to capture. Mixing colors, applying ink, blending – the entire process was extremely tedious. For five days, I barely slept or rested. Meals were simple toast and milk. I was in a very poor state. When I put down the final brush stroke, I gazed at the completed work. In the oil painting, Sophia’s smile wasn’t exactly like the photo. It incorporated more of the beauty I remembered. Every stroke, every dot of paint was perfectly placed. I let out a long sigh, leaned back in my chair, and slowly closed my eyes, preparing to rest for a moment. On the table, my phone suddenly vibrated with an urgent ringtone. Ring ring!! As expected, it was a call from Chase. As soon as I answered, he pressed, “Mr.Brown, is our painting finished?” “Tomorrow is the deadline. If you can’t deliver on time, I’ll have to deduct from your fee according to our agreement.” My voice was hoarse from not speaking for so long. I had to cough a couple of times to clear my throat. “Ahem… Mr.Smith, the oil painting is complete. When would be convenient for you? I can deliver it to you.” Chase seemed surprised, pausing for a moment before saying, “Well then, how about now? Bring it to our home.” After agreeing, I hung up the phone. Since the painting had just been completed and the paint wasn’t completely dry, I had to take extra care in packaging it properly. When I stood up, my head suddenly spun. My legs weakened, and I nearly fell to the ground. I steadied myself against the table, shaking my head weakly, and muttered, “After I deliver the painting, I really need to get some good rest.” Carrying the canvas, I went downstairs, hailed a taxi, and gave the driver the all-too-familiar address. Leaning my head against the window, I unknowingly dozed off. The taxi stopped and started according to traffic lights, finally pulling over at the edge of a suburban area. “Sir? Wake up, we’ve arrived!” the driver called out. The brief rest didn’t make me feel any better; if anything, I felt even more lethargic. I groggily paid the fare and got out of the car, my steps unsteady. I forced myself to walk to the front door of the villa and raised my hand to press the doorbell. Ding dong— Ding dong— Whether intentionally or not, the doorbell rang for a long time with no one coming to answer. I could feel my breathing becoming rapid and my heart palpitating irregularly. My body was sending out warning signals. After an agonizing wait, the door finally opened. Chase was wearing a bathrobe, his hair wet as if he had just showered. “Sorry about that, Mr.Brown. I was just making love to my girlfriend,” he apologized, though his words were clearly meant to show off. I was completely indifferent now, my tone flat and emotionless. “It’s fine. I didn’t wait too long.” As I handed the painting over to him, I saw Sophia inside, wearing a thin nightgown.

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