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

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

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

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

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

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My superstar brother picked me up from work, but the paparazzi snapped a photo and claimed I was a desperate simp chasing him. To mock me, my brother posted a fake medical report online, claiming I had a terminal illness and didn’t have long to live. He even asked people to Venmo him $50 to fund my funeral. Unexpectedly, in the middle of the night, my door was pounded on. Standing there, red-eyed and frantic, was the usually cold and untouchable movie god, Preston Shaw. “I’ll give you fifty million dollars. Please, just give her to me. Let me save her.” My brother raised an eyebrow. “You’re too late. She’s already gone.” I, having just returned from a midnight snack run, stood quietly behind the movie god, holding a bag of chips. “Who’s gone?” The next second, the movie god fainted. My brother: “Crap. I forgot he’s terrified of ghosts.” Me: “…?” 1 When I was seven, I accidentally stepped on a famous actress’s dress during a commercial shoot. The actress, known for her gentle public image, leaned down and hissed that I was finished. Since then, faced with a barrage of fake scandals and blacklists, I decided to smash the jar and go full villain. I embraced the “love-to-hate” route in Hollywood. By the time my biological brother, Chase Chen—a top-tier idol and rapper—returned from his music studies abroad, my reputation was unsalvageable. “Here’s the plan,” my brother, who shares my DNA, said. “We pretend we don’t know each other. Don’t drag me down with you.” “You said you’d help me when you got back!” “There’s no fixing this, sis. Delete your account and restart. Maybe ask Mom for a third child.” “?” Since then, he’s been my biggest anti-fan. If I get a papercut, he offers salt. If my foundation is cakey, he offers sandpaper. If I’m dieting, he eats a three-tier cake in front of me. End of flashback. Right now, I had just finished filming a variety show with the movie god, Preston Shaw. I was sitting in my brother’s car, admiring my makeup in the mirror. “You look happy. Did sparks fly with the movie god today?” Chase asked, driving with one hand, a lollipop in his mouth. “Physical sparks, maybe. This sweater is cheap polyester; the static electricity is insane. I zap everything I touch.” “Oh?” Chase was silent for two seconds, then chuckled. “So that’s what he meant.” “What?” Chase didn’t answer. He just handed me his phone. The trending topics were dominated by Preston Shaw. It was the first day of recording, so that was expected. But the hashtags were… weird. I clicked on #PrestonShawSparks. It was about a tweet he had just posted. Preston, who usually speaks in monosyllables, had written a whole paragraph: @PrestonShaw_Official: I heard that when two hearts get close, sparks fly. I didn’t believe it before. But after colliding thirteen times today, can we define this as destiny? “…Is he off his meds?” I stared wide-eyed. Was Preston possessed? He was notoriously cold. We hadn’t exchanged more than three sentences today, and I swore he was glaring at me half the time for being in his way. Chase shook his head. “Maybe the static shocked his brain.” 2 The next day, things got even weirder. #ChaseChenSecretGirlfriend #ChloeChenDesperateSimp #ChaseAndChloeCohabitation Turns out, the paparazzi caught Chase picking me up. They spun a tale about how I, Chloe Chen (the D-list villainess), was throwing myself at Chase Chen (the A-list idol), and how he eventually took me home. Me: “…” Guys, look at the names. Chloe Chen. Chase Chen. We look alike! A fool would ask if we were related! But the comments were brutal. “Don’t tarnish my oppa! Chloe Chen is a stage name! Her real name is Gertrude!” Me: “…?” “No way, twenty years ago when she did that commercial, wasn’t her name Mary?” Me: “…??” “Wait, I know this! I’ve been a hater for ten years. Her real name is Sally Ann DeOpsva, she’s half-Russian!” Me: “…???” Hold on, bro, you know too much. I scrolled down, face darkening. No one got it right. Instead, they dug up the incident from twenty years ago. “Who cares what her name is? She’s been a liar since she was seven.” “True. I feel so bad for Lydia Quinn. She took care of that ungrateful brat, only to be backstabbed.” “Lydia Quinn hasn’t been active in years. Is she retired?” “I hope she comes back just to slap Chloe in the face!” Slap. I placed my phone face down on the table. Lydia Quinn. The first celebrity I ever met, and the architect of my ruin. Because of one sentence—”You’re lying”—directed at a seven-year-old, I had carried a label of dishonesty for twenty years. She used my “betrayal” to gain sympathy and win her Best Actress award. Meeting her again? Honestly, I was kind of looking forward to it. Buzz buzz. My phone vibrated. A notification from Twitter. Chase had posted. @ChaseChen_Real: I can’t hide it anymore. She has a terminal illness. She almost fainted on the road, so I brought her home to die in peace. She’s gone now. Venmo me $50 for a Cyber-Funeral (Deluxe Edition). Attached was a fake diagnosis report he pulled from who-knows-where. My brother is quiet only when he’s plotting evil. “Hey, you’re eating my blood buns (profiting off my misery)!” I walked into the living room, rolling my eyes. “Shh, I’m fishing for a big catch.” Chase typed furiously on his phone. I kicked him. “Is there food? I’m starving.” “Sis, it’s 1 AM. Aren’t you a female celebrity? Don’t you diet?” “The celebrity is dead. I’m a ghost now.” I scratched my messy hair. “Forget it, I’ll go buy something.” The convenience store was close. I walked back with a bag of snacks and saw a tall figure standing at our door. A stalker fan? I knew living with Chase was risky. I crept closer and saw Chase leaning against the doorframe, looking bored. “…She’s already taken her last breath,” Chase said solemnly. Huh? I squinted and stepped forward. “Who took their last breath?” The figure spun around. Before I could see his face, he collapsed onto the floor. Thud. “Crap. I forgot he’s afraid of ghosts,” Chase said, looking at me. “Sis, wash your face. You look like a zombie from the night shift.” “Yes, yes, your majesty.” I squatted down to check the body. When I saw the face, I nearly fainted too. “Preston… Preston Shaw?!” 3 “…” “…” Silence. Finally, I broke it. “Chase, are you trafficking men now?” “I’m a legitimate businessman.” “What is going on?” “I don’t know! He ran to our door screaming he’d give me fifty million to hand you over. Am I the kind of brother who sells his sister?” “Holy crap, is that a Black Card in his pocket?” “Where? Where?!” I glared at him. “…Cough.” Chase composed himself. “I really don’t know. Ask him when he wakes up.” “Okay, but why did we drag him into my bed?” “Your sheets are pink. He probably likes pink.” “And you say you aren’t trafficking him.” “I’m straight.” Chase frowned. “It’s fine, I texted his agent. They’ll pick him up soon. Can’t believe a six-foot-two man is scared of ghosts…” I rubbed my chin. “You sound like you know him well.” “Know him? I hate him. People who approach me with ulterior motives are the worst. Especially since his motive is my biggest trigger.” “Then why did you—” Ding dong. The doorbell rang. Creepy at this hour. Chase stood up. “Must be his agent. I’ll get it. Watch him.” I rolled my eyes. Once he left, I turned back to Preston Shaw. And locked eyes with a pair of deep, ink-black pupils. Crap, when did he wake up?! I opened my mouth but found no words. Preston just stared at me, slowly reaching out a hand. I watched, frozen, as his finger reached for me. Zap. Static electricity sparked where he touched me. “…” I am throwing this sweater away. But Preston acted like he didn’t feel it. He gripped my wrist, his expression tragic. “Are you really with Chase Chen?” Me: “…?” Huh? Bang! A loud slam from the front door. The next second, Chase stormed in, grabbed Preston by the collar, and hauled him up. “Why is she here?” Confusion flashed in Preston’s eyes. “While I still have patience, get out of my sight.” “What happened? Who was at the door?” I asked, bewildered. Preston seemed to realize what Chase meant. He looked at me with a complicated expression, then slowly stood up. “Did you step in glue? Move!” Chase snapped. Preston sighed and walked out. “What is your problem? You’re so rude. I’ll go see him out—” “Sit down.” Chase pushed me back onto the bed. “?” I slapped his hand away. “Did the static fry your brain too?” Ignoring his dark expression, I walked out. The front door was open. Preston stood there, radiating a chill colder than Chase’s anger. I peeked around him. A woman stood in front of Chase. It was dark, but as I walked closer, our eyes met. My blood froze. …Lydia Quinn. Even with the marks of time, her beauty was undeniable. I would never forget those eyes. She saw me. Just as she opened her mouth, the door was slammed shut in her face. Slam. Louder than before. I turned around. Chase was looking at me. “It’s okay. You don’t have to hold back your tears at home.” 4 The next day, I arrived at the variety show recording with swollen eyes. I was late, so I tried to sneak to the edge of the lineup. But when I stopped, everyone was staring at me. Strange. Usually, I’m background decoration. I turned my head and met a pair of familiar smiling eyes. “…Chase?” My brother, who was asleep when I left, was now standing next to me, dressed to the nines. And he was holding a child’s hand. Wait, a child? I widened my eyes. The kid blinked back. He looked familiar. This was my nephew, Leo! My cousin, a rapper who debuted with Chase, went off the rails after Chase went abroad. He left a trail of broken hearts and, eventually, a baby. When the mothers teamed up to cancel him, he dumped the kid on us and begged us to hide him. He shaved his head and swore to reform. I hadn’t seen him or the kid since. Why was Leo here? With Chase? I looked at Chase. He winked at me repeatedly. I nodded thoughtfully and asked politely, “Did your contact lens slip, Mr. Chen?” “…” Chase rolled his eyes and looked toward a screen displaying the live comments. [Holy crap, Chase and Chloe actually have a kid?] [LOL ‘contact lens slip.’ Chase is winking at a brick wall.] [So the rumors are true? Cohabitation and a secret child?] [Why does that kid look familiar…] [Why is everyone focused on them? Look at Preston Shaw in the middle. His face is terrifyingly dark.] I looked back at Chase. He had the face of a man ready to sacrifice himself. Just as I was about to signal him, a tall shadow separated us. Preston Shaw, who was standing in the center position, had walked over and stood wordlessly between me and my brother. I was even more confused. The host finally recovered. “Welcome to Saturday Night Frenzy! By popular vote, we have Chase Chen as our special guest! This episode is live!” “Hello everyone, I’m Chase.” “Welcome! We noticed you brought a cute little guest. Who is this?” I realized the situation. I looked at Chase, but Preston blocked my view completely. I moved left, he moved left. I moved right, he moved right. I frowned. My cousin must have dumped the kid on Chase again. We couldn’t reveal his identity yet. What would Chase say? Thinking this, I saw a finger point at me. “Ask her.” Me: “…?” Excuse me? The misunderstanding skyrocketed. The comments went wild. [Wow. ‘Ask her.’ That’s basically saying ‘Go ask your mother.’] [OMG… but why is Preston squeezing in there?] [Wait, wasn’t there a rumor that Preston and Chase had a thing? Is Preston jealous of the sister-in-law?] I opened my mouth to explain, but Preston suddenly grabbed my nephew’s other hand. With a solemn face, he announced: “The child is mine.” Me: “?” Chase: “??” Comments: “???” [WHAT?] [Preston, wait. Yours and WHOSE?] [Mom, the fanfiction is coming true.] [So the rumor about Preston and Chase having a secret love child in London is real?] Chase’s brain clearly short-circuited. The host, a professional, laughed nervously. “Haha! What a joke! Let’s start the games!”

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I’m eighty years old this year. My husband passed away early, but my pension is substantial, and my health is excellent. Life has never been happier. Until one day, my granddaughter called me to help her catch a cheater. I grabbed my cane and ran out the door. Dammit, I always knew that boy had shifty eyes and wasn’t a good person. 01 When I arrived at the hotel, I saw my granddaughter arguing with the front desk. “I’m Jason’s wife. I already showed you our marriage certificate. Why can’t you tell me the room number?” “This involves customer privacy.” “What privacy? I came with Jason today, we just forgot the key card.” “There is no check-in information under your name.” The receptionist even added: “A wife should be more understanding of her husband. Being suspicious only harms your marriage.” My granddaughter’s face turned red with anger. I slammed my cane onto the front desk and lay down directly on the floor. Wriggling my body left and right like a caterpillar, I slowly crawled on the ground, moving from the front desk all the way to the main entrance, shouting as I moved: “This is a black-hearted hotel.” “They won’t reissue a room card.” “Bullying an eighty-year-old woman.” “Everyone, don’t stay here.” Halfway through shouting, I choked on my own saliva. I coughed while still remembering to wriggle. Several customers who had just entered the hotel were scared away by my antics. The manager rushed over, and the receptionist explained the situation to him. The manager squatted down and said to me: “Grandma, we really can’t tell you the room number. If your granddaughter can’t control her man, you can’t make trouble for our hotel.” What kind of nonsense is that? I don’t want to hear a word of it. Twenty-year-old me might have been helpless, but eighty-year-old me has plenty of tricks. I accelerated my wriggling towards a nearby customer, scaring him into screaming and running away. The manager’s face darkened: “Grandma, if you keep this up, I’m calling the police.” I nimbly changed direction and headed towards another person who had just entered the hotel. I deliberately used my feet to push, arching my back, crawling in an even more bizarre posture. “Call the police then. I’m almost a hundred years old. If the police let me out, I’ll just come back and lie down in your hotel.” “Let’s see if I die first or your hotel closes down first.” While the manager hesitated, I scared away two more customers. The manager, helpless, had to tell me the room number. My granddaughter hurriedly helped me up. After getting up, I felt a wave of dizziness and leaned on my cane to rest for a while. Sure enough, getting old means getting tired after crawling on the ground for a bit. As soon as my granddaughter and I arrived at the room, we heard laughter coming from inside, with a coquettish female voice being particularly prominent. My granddaughter’s eyes instantly turned red. Heart aching for her, I knocked on the door and shouted: “Housekeeping.” Jason grumbled as he came to open the door. My granddaughter slapped him right in the face. “Emily, why are you here?” My granddaughter pounced on him and started hitting him. I observed for a while, seeing she had the upper hand, and walked into the room. I saw a woman in her early twenties wrapped in a quilt, leaning against the headboard, looking at me in terror. “Girl, why are you being a mistress at such a young age? Are you Jason’s colleague?” The girl shook her head hurriedly and explained, “I just met him today. I provide door-to-door massage services.” Hearing this, my contempt for Jason deepened. Another man who can’t control his lower body. At this time, the dispute at the door became more intense. Slap! Seeing the crowd of onlookers growing, Jason slapped my granddaughter in exasperation. My granddaughter didn’t react, frozen in place, big tears falling straight down. Furious, I rushed forward and hit Jason on the head with my cane. Caught off guard, Jason knelt on the ground clutching his head. I hit his limbs and back indiscriminately, and he couldn’t straighten up from the pain. “Rebelling, are you? Cheating and daring to hit your wife.” “Let’s see you hit your wife again.” Someone called the police. Four officers arrived and pulled us apart. The police looked at me sternly, and I was a bit scared. Seeing Jason lying on the ground crying about pain, I was even more afraid of being at a disadvantage. So I also lay on the ground with a constipated look on my face. No matter what the police asked, I just said I hurt all over. Helpless, the police had to take us all back to the station first and call our families to pick us up. My son, Mike, rushed over and asked nervously: “Mom, are you okay?” I put on an expression of excruciating pain, then whispered: “I’m fine. That son of a bitch Jason hired a prostitute. Get them divorced immediately.” Using the excuse of taking me to the hospital for a checkup, Mike took me home to rest first. On the way, Mike promised me repeatedly that he would handle this matter well. Who knew that half a month later, during the Dragon Boat Festival, I was preparing a big table of food, waiting for the family to come home for a reunion. My granddaughter called me from outside. As soon as I opened the door, I saw Jason hugging my granddaughter, standing at the door with a smile. 02 Bang. I thought I was dizzy from cooking and hallucinating, so I subconsciously closed the door. The wind slammed the door against the wall with a heavy thud. A few seconds later, I opened the door again. Outside still stood my granddaughter and her whoring husband, only now their expressions were a bit stiff. I sighed and let them in. Looking at this situation, they had reconciled. I returned to the kitchen, chopping vegetables on the cutting board with a clang clang, getting more annoyed the more I worked. Before I retired, I was a chef. My cooking is delicious, and I enjoy it, so I’m always the head chef during holidays. But thinking that part of the food I worked so hard to make today would end up in Jason’s stomach made me angry. I’m eighty years old; I do what I want. So I quit. I went to the living room. My son and daughter-in-law had arrived, and they were chatting happily with my granddaughter and grandson-in-law, as if the hotel farce that day was just my personal hallucination. “I hurt my arm swinging my cane a while ago. It hurts especially today, can’t cook anymore.” “Jason, you go do it.” Jason stood up, face full of hesitation. My son wanted to speak for him but was silenced by my glare. Seeing no one helping him, Jason hesitated for a while but still went into the kitchen. On the sofa, seeing my displeasure, my granddaughter leaned on me, red-eyed, and said: “Grandma, I’m pregnant. The doctor said if I abort this time, I might not be able to conceive again.” “Grandma, I’m sorry for making you worry.” Looking at my granddaughter on the verge of tears, my anger vanished instantly, leaving only heartache. “So you’re not pursuing the matter with Jason?” “Mom, I talked to Jason’s family. That was a moment of confusion for him. He promised it won’t happen again,” my son explained. “Yes, he even wrote a guarantee letter by hand.” My granddaughter took a piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to me. I didn’t even bother to look. Even emperors’ edicts can be revoked; what credibility does a guarantee letter from a whoremonger have? I held my granddaughter’s hand tightly and said, “Your pregnancy is a good thing. As long as you’re happy, Grandma is happy.” My granddaughter’s eyes reddened again, ready to cry. At this time, Jason shouted from the kitchen that the food was ready. Looking at the plates of black, unrecognizable food on the table, I barely picked at some to eat. Ugh. Disgusting. “Jason, Emily is pregnant now. With your cooking skills, what will you do for meals?” I asked. “Grandma, we’re thinking about that too,” Jason replied. “I hired a cook last week, but her cooking was too heavy-handed; we weren’t used to it.” “Then find another one. Anything is better than takeout.” “Grandma, we were thinking,” Jason stammered, “could you come to our house to help cook? Your cooking is delicious, and you know Emily’s taste.” I was shocked. I’ve seen people leeching off their parents, but never seen leeching off grandparents. My granddaughter hurriedly added, “Grandma, I’m on leave to rest for the baby recently. It’s boring being home alone, and I hope you can come keep me company.” I took a big gulp of water and asked, “How much did you pay the previous cook a month?” “$400 a month, responsible for lunch and dinner.” “Fine. I’ll also be responsible for your breakfast. I’ll give you a discount, $550 a month.” “That price can hire a very good cook on the market,” Jason questioned. “Then spend the money to hire one,” I rolled my eyes. “I’m an old bag of bones. I should be enjoying my retirement, yet I have to help you young people.” “You didn’t originally think of not paying a cent, did you?” “Grandma, no problem, I’ll transfer the money to you,” my granddaughter replied. “You’re pregnant and on leave, where would you get money?” I said to Jason, “You transfer it to me. Pregnancy is 10 months in total, transfer $5,500 to me now.” Jason’s face turned green, but with our whole family staring at him intently, he succumbed to the pressure and transferred the money. Counting the amount received in my bank account, I said, “This money is just for cooking fees. I’ll ask you for grocery money every week.” 03 After staying at my granddaughter’s house for three months, exercising in the park every morning and square dancing at night, I knew the surroundings like the back of my hand and made a group of friends. One day, while preparing lunch as usual, I found that a commonly used seasoning had run out. Recently, my granddaughter became obsessed with Thai flavors, especially loving the refreshing yet slightly sour taste. Jason’s mother was overjoyed to hear this, constantly talking about “sour for boys, spicy for girls,” convinced that my granddaughter was carrying a son. Therefore, she specially sent a bottle of seasoning sauce, saying a friend brought it from Thailand. My granddaughter loved it and put this sauce in almost every dish, so it was consumed very quickly. I visited all the nearby stores in the past two days but couldn’t find the same sauce. Just as I was worrying, my new friend, Mrs. Fang, said her family also ate it often, and it was sold in an import supermarket 6 miles away from our community. After getting the news, I rushed to the supermarket by bus. Just as I was about to pay after buying the sauce, I saw Jason’s mother in front of the next aisle. I was about to greet her when I heard a young female voice talking to her: “Mom, we’re running out of Thai seasoning sauce at home, let’s buy some.” I remembered Jason is an only child; does he have sisters? Seeing them about to walk towards me, I subconsciously hid in a blind spot. At this time, I saw the girl’s face. I was struck by lightning, frozen in place. She was actually the masseuse from the hotel that night! She definitely couldn’t be Jason’s sister! What on earth is going on? Why did she call her “Mom” just now? It wasn’t until they paid and left that I reacted. No matter what, I have to follow them and see. I hurriedly finished paying; luckily, they hadn’t gone far. I ran a few steps first, then followed them from a distance, watching them affectionately holding hands and shopping. My heart beat like a drum as a terrible guess formed in my mind. Until they walked into a nearby community together. The community required access cards, so I couldn’t enter. But I remembered this community; Jason had mentioned his parents lived here. Is the masseuse living with Jason’s parents as their daughter-in-law now? I felt the world spinning. My legs had been walking intensely just now to keep up with them. Now that I finally stopped, I had to lean against a roadside tree to support my body and keep from collapsing. I thought of my granddaughter’s four-month pregnant body, her slightly protruding belly; I thought of a few months ago, my granddaughter telling me with red eyes that Jason promised to be loyal to the family in the future; I thought of a year ago, my granddaughter’s happy smile at the wedding. On the wedding day, thousands of flowers adorned the venue. I held Emily’s arm through the crowd, accompanying her up the stairs, her trailing white wedding dress shining with fine light. I watched her and Jason exchange rings and complete the ceremony. The ceremony concluded, countless ribbons burst forth. Under the ribbons were two happy faces. At that time, I thought they could be happy forever. For the first time, I hated my old age. I should have grabbed Jason’s mother and the masseuse by the collar, beaten them up, and made them give Emily an explanation. But I could barely keep up with them. A passerby handed me a tissue and asked softly, “Grandma, are you okay? Do you need help?” Turns out, unknowingly, my face was full of tears. I thanked the passerby and forced myself to return home. No matter what, I have to pull myself together. I have to let my granddaughter know about this. 04 When I returned home, it was already dark, and Jason had come home from work. Seeing me back, he sat on the sofa and pointedly said: “Grandma, you still need to cook earlier in the future. I’ve been hungry for an hour, and you just got home.” “Irregular meals are bad for Emily too.” Watching his hypocritical face, I almost threw up. I held back the urge to scold him and walked into the kitchen. Jason stopped me and handed me three bottles of Thai seasoning sauce. “I found we were running out at home. Since Emily likes it so much, I asked Mom to get a friend to buy a few more bottles from Thailand.” What Thailand, what friend. He asked his mistress to buy it at the supermarket at the community entrance, right? Disgusting. As soon as Jason left, I threw these sauces into the trash. At the dinner table, my granddaughter suddenly said: “Why does the curry chicken taste a bit different?” I tasted it; there was indeed a difference. Before, it was a sourness that stimulated the top of the head, now the flavor was much milder. “Grandma, did you not put the seasoning sauce today?” Jason asked. I frowned, suddenly feeling strange. Why does Jason care so much about the seasoning sauce? He never enters the kitchen at home usually; why could he discover the sauce ran out in time? These subtle doubts made me feel faintly uneasy. Usually, I would think this is Jason’s concern for my granddaughter. But since I’ve discovered his cheating, this excessive concern is extraordinarily unusual. “A friend gave me a bottle of Thai seasoning sauce today, didn’t use the one you gave. So the taste is a bit different,” I said half-truthfully. “Grandma, mine is the most authentic from Thailand, very expensive. Bought specially for Emily,” Jason said seriously. “The one given by others might have problems. Don’t give it to Emily anymore; she doesn’t like it either.” Bullshit. What problem could seasoning sauce have? It was obviously bought in the same store as yours. I was about to refute but suddenly realized something. “Okay, I’ll use the one you gave next time,” I pretended to agree. Jason nodded with satisfaction. After dinner, I dug through the trash and retrieved those three bottles of sauce. From the appearance, these three bottles were no different from the ones I bought today. Even the color of the juice was similar. I dipped my finger and tasted it. The taste was completely different. One was overly sour, while the other was slightly sour with a fragrance. The difference in the curry chicken taste today was indeed due to the sauce. How can identical appearances have different tastes? Could this really be the “authentic Thai” one Jason mentioned? But I clearly saw Jason’s mother buying the same sauce as me. I only felt my thoughts were chaotic and complicated. It seemed I was wandering in front of the truth, infinitely close, but unable to find the door.

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One week before the college entrance exams, I, the top student predicted to be the valedictorian, stabbed a needle into my own eye. In my past life, during the last mock exam, my boyfriend’s childhood friend, Chloe, accused me of copying her. When the teacher compared our papers, he found our essays were identical. He criticized me on the spot and warned me not to do it again. However, during the math exam, Chloe accused me of copying her again. After checking, our answers were identical once more. The teacher scolded me harshly for being unrepentant and sent me home to reflect. I couldn’t understand it. I clearly didn’t cheat. Yet, whether it was English or Math, my answers were nearly identical to Chloe’s. As the college entrance exam approached, I had to suppress my doubts and enter the exam hall. After finishing the English paper, I thought I was safe. Unexpectedly, Chloe stood up again to accuse me of cheating. I tried to defend myself, but the answers on my paper were still identical to hers. In the end, I was disqualified from the exam and kicked out. Moreover, I was banned from taking any national educational exams for two years due to cheating. In despair, I jumped from the roof. When I opened my eyes again, I was back one week before the college entrance exam. 1 “Mia! Why did you copy Chloe’s exam paper? Even the essay is word-for-word identical!” “You’re the top student in the grade!” The homeroom teacher’s angry shout exploded in my ears. I looked up, meeting his eyes filled with anger and disappointment. I turned my head blankly to look around. I saw Chloe glaring at me viciously. She curled her lip and shrieked, “Mia, you’re so shameless, even copying my essay!” I trembled all over, struck by lightning, finally realizing I had been reborn. Reborn to the moment Chloe first falsely accused me of copying her. In my past life, the school organized the last mock exam a week before the college entrance exam. Near the end of the English exam, Chloe, sitting next to me, suddenly raised her hand and shouted: “Teacher, Mia is copying my paper!” The homeroom teacher looked shocked, and I found it absurd. I had consistently ranked first in the grade for years; why would I copy her paper? Chloe glared at me, eyes certain, provoking, “Teacher, if you don’t believe me, compare our papers.” I handed my paper to the teacher first. Chloe was my boyfriend Tyler’s childhood friend. Ever since I got together with Tyler, she had found fault with everything I did. I thought this was just another one of her tricks against me. I was used to it and didn’t take it to heart. But after the teacher finished reading the papers, the look he gave me instantly turned into utter shock. “Mia, what are you doing? Why did you copy Chloe’s paper!?” My mind went blank. How could I have copied Chloe’s paper? Chloe lifted her chin, face full of triumph, “Mia, don’t deny it. Look for yourself, even the essay is copied. You’re despicable!” I took the paper and looked; it was exactly as she said. 2 Even the essays were identical. I was confused and shocked. How was this possible!? I clearly did the paper myself. I tried desperately to explain, but no one believed me. After all, the two papers were identical. The teacher thought I was under too much pressure as the exams approached. He comforted me with a few words and told me not to do it again. During the math exam in the afternoon, Chloe raised her hand again. “Teacher, Mia is too shameless, she’s copying my paper again!” After checking, the teacher found my answers were identical to Chloe’s again. His face darkened immediately, scolding me for being unrepentant and sending me home to reflect. During those days at home, I racked my brains. But I couldn’t figure out why, even though I didn’t cheat, my answers for both English and Math were identical to Chloe’s, even the essays. In the college entrance exam hall, I cleared my mind and focused on answering. With the exams being so strict, it was impossible for the previous situation to happen again. After finishing the English paper, I felt confident. But as soon as the bell rang ending the exam, Chloe, sitting to my left, raised her hand. “Proctor, I want to report the student next to me for copying my paper!” Two proctors immediately stepped forward to check. Once again, my answers were identical to Chloe’s! The punishment came quickly. For two years, I couldn’t take any national educational exams. Born into a poor family, the college entrance exam was my only chance to change my destiny. Losing this chance meant I had no future. In despair, I jumped from the roof. But unexpectedly, God let me live again. This time, I will rewrite the ending! Seeing my silence, the teacher thought I had tacitly admitted it. He tapped my desk, heartbroken. 3 “Mia, I know the pressure of the college entrance exam is huge for you, but your grades are excellent. As long as you perform normally, getting into an Ivy League school is no problem. You don’t need to do this at all.” I snapped back from the immense shock, frowning deeply, just nodding slightly without defending myself. Like in my past life, no one would believe me even if I spoke out. After all, Chloe and I had identical essays. Chloe raised her eyebrows and sneered, “Maybe all of Mia’s previous exam results were copied, and I just happened to catch her this time.” As soon as she finished speaking, the surrounding students looked at me differently, full of suspicion and disdain. The teacher gave me a deep look but didn’t say anything more. Reborn, I must find a way to cope. For the second exam, Math, in the afternoon, I planned to hand in a blank paper. As long as I didn’t answer, she couldn’t accuse me of copying her. Seeing I hadn’t moved my pen, the teacher stood beside me to remind me. Chloe glanced over, seeing my paper still blank. She immediately mocked, “Teacher, I was right. Mia must have copied before. Now that you’re watching, she can’t answer!” Meeting her contemptuous gaze, I picked up my pen, took a deep breath, and scribbled nonsense on the paper. If I wrote nonsense answers, she couldn’t possibly say I copied. “Fifteen minutes left until the end of the exam, please hurry up.” As soon as the teacher finished speaking, Chloe beside me raised her hand again. She glared at me, gritting her teeth, and shouted, “Teacher, Mia is too shameless, she copied my paper again!” The teacher’s face darkened, picking up our papers to compare. I glanced at Chloe; her plan was going to fail this time. My answers were completely irrelevant nonsense. Bang! The teacher was furious, slamming the test paper heavily on my desk. “Mia!” A bad premonition rose, and I quickly picked up the two papers. Even my fabricated answers were identical to what was written on Chloe’s paper. Word for word! I was dumbfounded again. I clearly wrote nonsense, how could it still be identical to hers? 4 The teacher’s face turned red with anger, and he said sternly, “Mia, you are truly incorrigible! Go home and reflect immediately, don’t come to school before the college entrance exam!” I numbly packed my things, ready to go home. I really couldn’t figure out why the answers I wrote casually were still identical to Chloe’s. Before leaving the classroom, Chloe stopped me. She had a smile on her face, but it was sinister and terrifying. “Mia, it seems all your previous grades were copied. What will you do for the college entrance exam?” “The college entrance exam is the only chance for a poor person like you to change your fate. If you can’t copy, you’re dead meat!” She finished speaking and strode away with a malicious smile. Chloe was right; the college entrance exam was my only chance to change my fate. Missing this opportunity meant a dead end for me. So I absolutely cannot repeat the same mistakes! Just as I walked out of the school gate, an urgent voice came from behind. “Mia, stop right there!” I turned around sharply and saw my boyfriend Tyler looking livid. He rushed up to me, pointed his finger at me, and raged: “How can you be so shameless? I always thought you had good grades and were a good student. I didn’t expect your grades were all copied.” “Of all people to copy, you copied Chloe. Mia, who gave you the nerve!” I sneered. I was blind to have liked him in my past life. Seeing my silence, he threatened viciously again, “I warn you, if you dare bully Chloe again and copy her paper, I’ll dump you!” I rolled my eyes directly and said coldly, “Wrong, I’m dumping you now. Stay away from me!” With that, ignoring his stunned expression, I turned and left. Now I’m busy saving my life, no time to entangle with him. Back home, I stayed indoors, preparing for the upcoming college entrance exam. Soon, the day of the exam arrived, and I came to the exam center. Just about to enter, a hand suddenly grabbed me. By the familiar feeling, I knew it was Chloe. Her usual sharp sneer rang in my ear. “Mia, you’ve copied for so many years. This is the college entrance exam, I want to see how you copy me!” Followed by Tyler’s viciously disdainful voice: “The exam is so strict, let’s see how you copy Chloe’s paper. You’re dead!”

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I was born with a dual personality. Normally, I’m a gentle, good girl. But three drinks in, I switch to a ruthless, bloodthirsty monster. When I was seven, at my aunt’s wedding, I sneaked three glasses of wine. When I woke up, my hands were covered in blood. At my feet lay a dozen skinned tabby cats and a massive hunting dog that had been strangled to death. My parents, shaking with fear, threatened suicide to make me swear I’d never touch a drop of alcohol again. But now, at my fiancé’s birthday party, his childhood sweetheart, Felicity, insists I drink. I shook my head, claiming an alcohol allergy. Felicity, glass in hand, teared up: “Ethan, I knew she looked down on me. What did I do wrong?” Ethan, my fiancé, snapped impatiently: “Felicity is toasting you. It’s just a drink. Will it kill you?” He grabbed my chin, forcing the high-proof liquor down my throat. “Be good! Drink three as punishment. Apologize to Felicity.” 1 One glass of white liquor burned its way down my throat. Watching Ethan pour the second, I shook my head, trying to stay lucid. My voice was raspy. “I really can’t drink. Something bad will happen.” Felicity looked wronged. “Ethan, I think she just doesn’t welcome me. I should go.” Ethan grabbed her to comfort her, then turned to me with thinly veiled anger. “Anna, why do you have to be so difficult?” I smiled bitterly. Once upon a time, Ethan would block every drink for me. I remembered him holding my hand under the table, defending me: “My Anna is allergic to alcohol. I’ll drink for her…” I took a deep breath. Standing up, I stumbled. A buzzing sound filled my head, like a pair of eyes slowly opening in the dark. Ignoring everything else, I staggered to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face, desperate to stay awake. “Pathetic. Didn’t you say you were allergic? Why are you fine?” Felicity stood nearby, arms crossed, eyes full of mockery. Her tone dripped with sarcasm. I clenched my fists. Bad. The alcohol content was too high! I gritted out through clenched teeth: “Get out!” Instead of leaving, Felicity smirked and stepped closer. “You don’t know, do you? Ethan and I set this up just for you. You’re drinking whether you like it or not.” “Because Ethan is going to get you drunk and give you away as a toy.” I snapped my head up, eyes wide with disbelief. “Impossible!” Ethan and I had been together for three years. We were engaged. I couldn’t believe it. But the moment I stepped out of the bathroom, Ethan walked towards me with a dark face and a glass of wine. “Two more glasses. Drink up, Anna. Apologize to Felicity!” I looked at him, my heart sinking. I can’t drink! The memory of those skinned cats from when I was seven was etched into my brain. I promised my parents. No more killing. I rushed to the door, turned the handle, but it was locked tight. “Open the door! I’m leaving!” Ethan advanced on me, holding the glass. “Anna, show some class. You haven’t finished your apology drinks. Where are you going?” I almost growled. “Open the door! If you force me to drink again, you won’t be able to handle the consequences!” Ethan sneered. “Anna, who are you scaring? You always say you’re allergic, but look, you drank one and you’re fine. Just two more, and we’re good.” Ethan’s buddies chimed in. “Exactly. In this day and age, who doesn’t drink? Stop being dramatic.” Felicity smirked at me, her smile widening. Seeing no escape, I exhaled, staring Ethan down. “Felicity said you’re going to get me drunk and give me away. Now you’re forcing me. Explain.” Ethan’s face changed instantly. 2 He looked at Felicity disapprovingly. “Felicity, why did you tell her beforehand?” Felicity shrugged. “Ethan, what are you afraid of? She can’t escape today anyway.” My head buzzed. A white light exploded like lightning. My voice trembled. “Ethan, are you really doing this?!” “I’m your fiancée!” “Anna, listen. Felicity wants to get into the film industry. There’s a director willing to give her a chance, but the condition is… you. He likes your innocent look.” “Anna, don’t worry. Even if you sleep with another man, I won’t mind. The wedding is still on.” I watched Ethan’s mouth move, dazed. Was this the man who fought thugs for me? Why did everything change the moment Felicity appeared? “Ethan, do you hear yourself? Did you forget your proposal vows?” “And why should I, Anna Feng, sacrifice myself for Felicity’s career? Who the hell is she?” Ethan looked increasingly impatient. “Felicity is like a sister to me. You’re my woman, so you’re her sister-in-law. What’s wrong with helping her? Don’t be so selfish!” He stepped closer. “Anna, I know you wouldn’t agree if you were sober. Be good. This liquor is strong. Two more glasses and you’ll be drunk. You won’t feel pain. When you wake up, it’ll be over.” “You’re disgusting!” I trembled all over, teeth chattering. Tears flowed freely, cold on my face. Ethan, dark-faced, grabbed my hand like usual and pulled me into his arms. But the next second, he pinched my chin and poured the liquor down my throat without hesitation. “Anna, relax. It’ll be over soon.” I gagged and teared up, but Ethan squeezed harder, forcing the alcohol down. When the glass was empty, the eyes in my mind opened completely. Cold and cruel. I panicked. It was happening again. My memory would cut out, and then… blood. Everywhere. The smell of iron filling the air. I screamed hysterically: “No more! If I drink again, you’ll all die!” “Ethan, we’re done! Unlock the door and let me go!” Felicity laughed, her eyes full of contempt. “Ethan, Anna is really drunk. Saying we’ll all die? Who is she scaring?” She smiled sweetly. “Anna, my future depends on you. Take good care of Director Deng.” Ethan saw my grief and tightened his grip, his voice softening slightly. “Anna, stop fussing. You’re my fiancée, just help me, help Felicity. One more glass, and you’ll be out.” My heart felt like it was being sliced open. The first night I looked forward to was my wedding night with Ethan, not a sacrifice to a stranger I’d never met. Just then, the doorbell rang. Felicity lit up. “Director Deng is here!” The man who entered was short, bald, and his belly jiggled when he walked. He leered at me immediately. He asked Ethan, “Is this your fiancée? You’re really willing?” 3 Ethan gritted his teeth and pushed me towards the greasy man. “Director Deng, we have a deal. After tonight, Felicity is the lead in your new movie.” Director Deng pinched my waist, his fat face trembling with a smile. “Deal. But let’s be clear. I hate trouble. After I’m done with her, I don’t want any issues.” Ethan replied matter-of-factly. “Don’t worry. She’s my woman. She listens to me. She won’t make a scene.” He turned to me, commanding: “Anna, serve Director Deng well tonight. I promise to give you the grandest wedding.” I struggled furiously, eyes spitting fire. “Ethan, you bastard! Who gave you the right to decide for me!” Director Deng looked displeased. “Can you handle this or not?” Felicity got anxious, grabbing Ethan’s arm. “Ethan, Anna doesn’t seem willing to help me. What do we do?” Ethan glared at me, quickly pouring another glass, smiling apologetically at Director Deng. “Director Deng, relax. One more glass and she’ll be docile.” The greasy man nodded, gesturing for speed, then added: “I should warn you. I have some… special hobbies. I like it rough.” He pulled out his phone, showing pictures of women whipped until they were bloody. I was struggling against Ethan, but hearing this, my pupils shrank. A chill ran down my spine. “Ethan, are you trying to destroy me?” “Have you forgotten everything between us?” He paused. Felicity immediately whined, “Ethan, I don’t want to be a background actor anymore.” Ethan’s grip tightened instantly. “What’s a little suffering for Felicity? Being a sister-in-law means sacrifice!” “Be good! Drink this. The whipping won’t hurt as much when you’re drunk. Anna, I’m doing this for you.” My heart plummeted, turning to ice. I stared at him dead on. “Ethan, I really can’t drink. Three glasses and I turn into a homicidal maniac! Last chance. Let me go now, and we’re done.” With the alcohol accumulating, dizziness set in. I felt the string about to snap. The eyes in my mind were gleaming with cold, murderous light. She was stirring. I couldn’t hold her back much longer! “Anna, what nonsense. A maniac? Who’d believe that? Everyone knows you’re gentle.” Ethan dismissed my warning completely. Director Deng was impatient, reaching out to grab me with greasy fingers. Felicity watched with glee, her eyes full of disdain. I scanned these demons living among humans and suddenly grinned. Using the last of my strength, I snatched the bottle from Ethan. To everyone’s shock, I downed the entire bottle. The high-proof alcohol burned through every sense. “Ethan, you’re right. Drinking takes the pain away.” Surprise vanished from Ethan’s eyes, replaced by a satisfied smile. “That’s right. Glad you figured it out, Anna.” Felicity giggled. “Thought she was so chaste. Turns out she’s easy.” Director Deng grabbed my shoulder, fingers wandering. “Fucking obedient. Good girl!” My eyelids drooped, then snapped open. I spat out: “Useless trash! Should’ve let me out sooner.” Director Deng looked eager. “Yeah, you’re my little snack today. Feed me!” Felicity joked, “Director, go easy. Anna is fragile.” My gaze lingered on their necks. The arteries pulsing underneath. I licked my lips. “So thirsty!” The man hugged my shoulder, laughing lewdly, dragging me towards the bedroom. “I’ll feed you right now!” In the living room, Felicity stared at the closed bedroom door, snuggling into Ethan’s arms, smiling broadly. Now Ethan was hers. The lead role was hers. Anna Feng was just a stepping stone. She didn’t believe Ethan would want a used woman. She looked up and kissed Ethan’s cheek, speaking softly. “Ethan, thank you so much for today.” Ethan smiled. “Silly girl, you’re like my sister. I’ll try to give you whatever you want.” He lowered his head to deepen the kiss when a blood-curdling scream erupted from the bedroom! Felicity’s eyes lit up, but she said, “Oh my, Anna must be suffering! Ethan, does your heart hurt?” Ethan frowned, surprised. “Wait, that’s a man’s voice. It’s Director Deng!” 4 When Ethan and Felicity rushed in, they found the greasy man naked and hogtied. His neck was a bloody mess. He was paralyzed with fear, fat face trembling, muttering: “Don’t kill me, don’t kill me…” I looked away from the pile of lard, shaking my hand. Fresh blood dripped from my fingertips. I tilted my head at the dumbstruck pair in the doorway. Felicity seemed slow to process, eyes wide. “Director Deng is into this?” Hearing voices, Director Deng kicked his bound legs, screaming: “Did you set me up?! Trying to kill me?!” “Get this crazy woman away from me!” Ethan pointed at me furiously. “Anna, what are you doing? Do you know the consequences of offending Director Deng?” Felicity snapped out of it, exasperated. “Anna, how can you be so evil? You offended Director Deng, what about my lead role? I just asked you to service him a little, and you seek revenge!” She stomped her foot. “Ethan, look at her! She did it on purpose! She can’t stand seeing me succeed!” Ethan’s temple throbbed. He grabbed my wrist, gritting his teeth. “Didn’t you agree just now? Now you’re ruining it for Felicity? How can you be so vicious?! Believe it or not, I’ll announce our engagement is off tomorrow!” Messy hair covered my eyes. I slowly looked up, my gaze chilling to the bone. Ethan shuddered under my stare, then barked: “Anna, I’m talking to you! Cut the act!” “Apologize to Director Deng now! Let him play however he wants. Soothe him! Felicity’s lead role can’t be lost, she’s a future movie queen, hear me?!” His voice dropped, anger rising on his face. “Anna, if you still want me to marry you, obey! Or I’ll dump you in a second!” “Noisy!” I tilted my head, spat out a mouthful of blood, grinned to show bloodstained teeth, and fixed my eyes on Ethan’s neck. “Acting tough? I know you. A spider on the street makes you jump.” Ethan looked at the man on the bed, fawning. “Director Deng, don’t worry. I’ll tie Anna up for you later. I guarantee you’ll have fun!” He didn’t notice the man on the bed wouldn’t even look at me, shivering at the mere mention of my name. Ethan looked around for rope. Just as he turned, I spoke. “Looking for this?” His eyes landed on the rope in my hand. He reached for it, but the next second, I looped it around his neck. In an instant, he was choking, eyes bulging, fingers clawing at the rope. Voice tight: “Anna, what are you doing? Let go!” Felicity lunged, trying to pull the rope, slapping my hand frantically. “Anna, are you crazy? You dare hurt Ethan? Let go!” I rolled my neck, tightening my grip, lowering my eyes to leisurely admire the struggle beneath my hands. The more he struggled, the better I felt. That’s right. Trash, you should have let me out sooner. Ethan’s face turned purple. He squeezed out: “Anna, let go!” I smiled, letting go abruptly. He gasped, sucking in air greedily. Pointing at my nose, he cursed: “Anna, you just tried to kill me! I’ll kill you today!” But the next second, he couldn’t speak.

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The serial murder case I spearheaded was overturned eight years later. The victims’ enraged families cornered me outside my parents’ house and stabbed me multiple times, demanding my life as payment. My own family, ashamed of the scandal, cut ties with me. I served an eight-year sentence for gross negligence in the performance of my duty. After my release, I sought refuge in the quiet coastal town of Port Willow, making a meager living as a fisherman. Finally, there was a measure of peace. But that hard-won serenity shattered the moment my ex-wife, Seraphina “Sera” Albright, arrived. She was now the celebrated Police Commissioner of Cresthaven, famed for her string of high-profile cases. A relentless storm lashed the coast, and a swarm of reporters pressed against my small wooden cabin, shouting. “Mr. Kincaid, sources say the Commissioner remained unmarried for eight years, waiting for your return!” I stared at her, standing there in her rain-slicked glory, and the urge to laugh was overwhelming and bitter. No one knew that the one who had manufactured the case, built the evidence, and pushed me out to take the fall—all to elevate her lover, Brandon Cole—was this very same “devoted” Commissioner Albright. 1 The cabin door remained locked, and the reporters, seeing this public snub, were audibly sympathizing with Sera. She, however, appeared perfectly composed. The rising volume of the crowd finally drew Frankie, the owner of the fishing boat, out of the cabin. He approached Sera, visibly terrified, bowing slightly. “Commis— Commissioner Albright, we’re all honest, hard-working people here,” he stammered. “This town can’t handle a person of your stature. If you and all these cameras don’t leave, we’ll lose tomorrow’s haul.” He then turned toward the cabin and called out, a plea in his voice: “Rhys Kincaid! The Commissioner came all this way for you. Just step out and talk to her!” “That won’t be necessary. Don’t pressure him,” Sera’s cool voice cut in. At the sound of her voice, my hands froze. The sharp nylon mesh of the net sliced a deep, ragged line across my index finger. Even after all these years, hearing her voice—that practiced, even tone—still stripped away my hard-won tranquility. I knew her better than anyone. The possibility that she was here out of some lingering affection was as absurd as the sun rising in the West. I knew she wouldn’t leave until she got what she came for. Thinking of Frankie, and the small kindnesses he’d shown me, I let out a long, heavy sigh. I put down the net and stepped out of the small shack. The instant I appeared, the reporters swarmed. A barrage of questions. Rapid fire. “What’s it like, going from decorated Detective to dockside fisherman?” “Is your avoidance because you still resent the Commissioner for exposing your negligence?” “We hear your former protégé, Brandon Cole, has proposed to her multiple times. Any comment on that?” The manic energy pushed them forward. Microphones jabbed my face. My eyes sought hers—Sera was standing a few feet away, watching the spectacle with a cold, assessing gaze. I felt a chill lock up my muscles. Question after cutting question hit me, but I couldn’t form a single word. My throat was dry. Nothing. The reporters, frustrated by my silence, grew more aggressive, nearly shoving me over. Then, Sera moved. She pushed through the crush of bodies and stood directly in front of me, shielding me. Her voice was low, yet commanded instant silence. “Everyone,” she said, “this is a private matter between Mr. Kincaid and me. We won’t be answering any questions.” She gestured toward the docks. “They have work to do. Let them get back to it. Clear out.” The crowd dispersed grudgingly. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding, ready to bolt back inside. “Rhys Kincaid,” Sera said. I forced myself to meet her eyes, my body rigid. “Is there something else, Commissioner Albright?” She flinched, just a hairline tremor at the formality of the title. She took a moment, then asked, her voice soft, “Have you… been well? All these years?” The question, coming from her, was so wildly, obscenely ridiculous I almost laughed. But the moment wasn’t for humor. She took a step closer, lifting a hand toward me. My body reacted instantly. I stumbled back, not noticing the metal bucket beside my feet. CLANG! I fell hard and gracelessly, flat on my back. The fresh cut on my finger struck a jagged rock, and bright blood welled up and ran down my palm. Sera rushed forward, her face a mask of concern, reaching for me. “Are you hurt? Let me help you up.” I scrambled away from her touch, bracing myself against the rough wood of the cabin to stand. “I’m fine.” Ignoring Frankie’s stunned gaze, I hurried to dismiss her. “Commissioner Albright, if that’s all you came for, I need to get back to work. I’m out on the water before dawn.” Sera’s expression fractured into something that looked convincingly like pain. She reached out again. “Rhys, do we really have to be this cold to each other? You don’t know what I’ve been through these past years—” A new voice cut her off. “Mommy! Dad and I missed you so much!” A boy, maybe nine or ten, barreled straight into Sera’s arms. Brandon Cole approached, steering my parents—Robert and Susan Kincaid—by the elbow. He gently took the hand Sera had extended to me, pulling her closer with a proprietary air. “Sera, why didn’t you call me when you came to see the Master?” he chastised, but his tone was light. “Mom and Dad were frantic when they heard you came out to this remote place alone.” He glanced at me, a condescending smirk playing on his lips. “Don’t mind us, Rhys. The boy missed his mother. And with her being pregnant again, we all have to be extra careful.” My eyes drifted, involuntarily, to her flat stomach. The irony was a punch to the gut. Eight years unmarried, waiting for me? She had two children with Brandon, one already nearly ten. I thought back. Before my arrest, she’d been injured in the line of duty, claiming she needed a year at a specialized recovery clinic. That must be when it happened. They were already intertwined, already a family. And I, the fool, had been oblivious, throwing myself into solving just one more case, chasing one more bonus, to make sure she had the best care possible. Before I could even process the assault of emotion, my parents’ accusations began, a torrent of righteous anger. “Rhys Kincaid, you have the nerve to still be breathing!” My father, Robert, spat the words. “You shamed us beyond repair!” My mother, Susan, cried out, “Your father had a stroke three years ago! If Brandon hadn’t been checking on us, if he hadn’t rushed your father to the hospital—your father would be dead and buried!” I looked at their graying hair and the deep lines of their aged faces, and despite everything, a wave of hollow regret washed over me for the years of care I couldn’t give them. But watching them cling to Sera and Brandon, the sting of betrayal intensified. If they knew the truth—that the people they were thanking, the people they cherished, were the ones who had framed me for a crime that cost innocent lives—what would that do to them? My father looked at me with open disgust. “Sera, that boy is a disgrace. He isn’t worth your worry.” He shook his head. “If I had committed such a horrific wrong, I would have had the decency to disappear forever! You shouldn’t have come for him!” My mother chimed in, pure contempt in her voice. “That’s right. We disowned him eight years ago. Don’t worry about hurting our feelings. What good is a son like that? We only recognize you and Brandon as our family now.” Frankie was watching the exchange, his eyes wide and beginning to look wary. There was nothing left to say. My subtly trembling hands were the only thing that betrayed the cold fury churning inside me. Sera noticed the tremor. With a look of practiced sympathy, she explained, “They’ve had to endure public scorn for years, Rhys. Try not to blame them.” She gently soothed my parents, then turned back to me before leaving. “What happened back then… I still owe you for it,” she murmured. “My number hasn’t changed. Call me if you ever need anything.” I simply nodded, refusing to speak. Seeing my non-committal nod, Sera finally seemed satisfied and departed. Call her? I thought. I wanted to run from them, not beg for the scraps of charity she might condescend to throw my way. After my parents and the entourage were gone, Frankie walked over and clapped my shoulder, his expression unreadable. He didn’t say anything, but I knew. Something had shifted. The next day, I was assigned to the oldest, most dilapidated boat, given the back-breaking tasks. Frankie shuffled his feet, avoiding my eyes. “Rhys, it’s not that I don’t want to look out for you,” he mumbled. “Look, after the spectacle yesterday… and, well, everyone knows you did time.” He looked miserable. “No one wants to share a boat with you. You’ll have to work alone.” I nodded silently, shouldered the heavy fishing net, and walked toward the small boat that looked painfully frail against the churning waves. A wave of crushing sadness washed over me. The fragile illusion of peace—Sera had personally destroyed it.

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