After Swapping Bodies with My CEO Husband, I Blew $3 Million to Make My Favorite Actress a Star She bashfully resisted yet yielded, coyly saying, “Mr. Mitchell, let’s talk about this…” At this critical moment, my CEO husband kicked open the door. Wearing my face, he exuded a chilling aura as he said, “You dare to cheat on me?” 0 I made my favorite actress a star. That night, a photo of her gazing lovingly at business tycoon Lucas Mitchell on the awards stage went viral. The media jumped on it, dubbing her the most likely celebrity to marry into wealth this year. What they didn’t know was that Lucas Mitchell was already married. To me – Chloe Quinn, the controversial A-list actress with a less-than-stellar reputation. A week ago, while getting my makeup done, the stylist accidentally knocked over some electrical equipment. I was electrocuted and passed out. When I woke up, I found myself sitting in Lucas Mitchell’s spacious office. His secretary was asking with her head lowered, “Which of these candidates do you want as our brand ambassador?” I immediately spotted my favorite – Zoe Young. Without hesitation, I pointed and said, “It has to be her.” The secretary then asked, “What’s the budget?” “The more the better.” The company executives tacitly agreed and poured $3 million into promoting her. Now, she was famous. And the rumors were flying. I had been hiding out for three days, not daring to go home. At that moment, “Chloe Quinn” popped up on my phone screen. The vibration felt like a knife hanging over my head. I nervously answered the call. My own icy voice came through the speaker: “You have 30 minutes to get back here.” How is it that when Lucas Mitchell uses my body to speak, he can make even a woman’s voice sound so chilling? To be honest, Lucas Mitchell had always been quite cold towards me. My best friend once analyzed the reason: “Lucas Mitchell comes from an elite family with a strict upbringing. Your face, on the other hand, doesn’t exactly scream ‘proper lady’.” “?” She continued, “You look like a seductive vixen who could suck the life out of men.” I admit, at first I didn’t have pure intentions about marrying him either. It was my entertainment company’s CEO who gave me the idea. He said Lucas Mitchell was our company’s arch-nemesis and told me to seduce him. If I succeeded, our company would become the industry leader, and I’d be their top star. But on the day we planned to execute this scheme, something went wrong and I ended up getting drunk. I woke up sprawled on top of Lucas Mitchell in a compromising position, caught red-handed by his mother. So Lucas Mitchell had no choice but to marry me. He probably didn’t like me much either. Bound by his upbringing, he married an embarrassing trophy wife and left me to fend for myself in the entertainment industry. My CEO told me to hang in there, and when the time was right, he’d rescue me. I waited for three years, relying on controversy to become an A-list actress, but still couldn’t escape. Three days ago, Lucas Mitchell and I switched bodies, and our lives were thrown into complete chaos. 0

The quiet suburban neighborhood was silent in the dead of night. I reluctantly returned home. As soon as I turned on the lights, I saw the gorgeous actress “Chloe Quinn” sitting cross-legged on a chair in the living room, directly facing the door, with a condescending look. Those snow-white legs, that long slender swan-like neck, that one-in-a-million face. Damn, I’m really beautiful. The next moment, I caught his murderous gaze and my knees went weak. I fell to the ground with a thud. Lucas Mitchell let out a cold laugh. “Chloe Quinn, did you enjoy spending that $3 million?” I swallowed hard. “I’ll earn it back for you?” “How?” “By stirring up some gossip, of course.” I crawled up from the cold floor, pulled up a small stool, and sat down in front of Lucas Mitchell with an ingratiating smile. “Think about it, now’s the perfect time for you to stir up some rumors with Zoe Young. If we do it a few times, take some endorsements, shoot some magazine covers – the money will come rolling back in, right?” Lucas Mitchell gave me a meaningful look. “Chloe Quinn, I’m married to you.” “Yeah, so what’s the prob-” I suddenly stopped short. Oh right, the Mitchell family had strict rules. This kind of scandalous news was strictly forbidden. We couldn’t do it. “So what do we do?” I was stumped. Lucas Mitchell pulled out my phone and calmly called my agent: “Are there any dating reality shows? I want to participate.” My face turned green. “Are you trying to get me hated to death?” Lucas Mitchell glanced at me sideways. “What do you mean?” I hung my head and fell silent. My agent had repeatedly warned me that with my face, everything I did seemed calculated. I attracted hate easily, and my mouth was faster than my brain, so I should never go on reality shows. Last year I didn’t believe him and went on a reality show. I gained over 100,000 anti-fans. Even now, people still flood my social media calling me brainless. “You have to go too,” he added. I looked up in confusion, seeing the innocent “Lucas Mitchell” through “Chloe Quinn’s” eyes. He smiled, his slender index finger gently lifting my chin. “If I stir up rumors with you, it won’t violate family rules.” Faced with this drastically changed version of myself, I suddenly blushed, my nose growing hot. “Um, I have another question.” “Go ahead.” “When you showered… did you look at my body?” Surely my perfect waist-to-hip ratio and killer curves must have captivated him? “…I didn’t look,” he answered, his voice a bit stiff. I shyly said, “Then I’ll go take a shower too-” Before I could finish, my face started heating up, my gaze unconsciously drifting downward. Lucas Mitchell quickly held my chin, tilting it back up. “No showering. Go to sleep.” “But I’ll stink.” “Then stink.” 0

It’s safe to say this was the most star-studded cast ever assembled for a dating reality show. The red-hot newcomer Zoe Young, the controversial A-lister Chloe Quinn, and several other big-name actresses. For the men, there was even a real business tycoon participating. As soon as Lucas Mitchell’s name was announced, it instantly became the top entertainment headline. “I knew Zoe Young and Lucas Mitchell had something going on!” “Chasing his wife all the way onto a reality show – the ship I’ve been rooting for is becoming real!” “Calling it now, they’ll be married sooner or later.” “Chloe Quinn is the most beautiful!” One of my fans interjected randomly. “What are you butting in for? True fans follow their idol’s lead. Brainless.” Before heading to the set, I gave Lucas Mitchell a million reminders: “Don’t wear heavy makeup, don’t talk too much, be friendly to the other female contestants, and don’t stare at men randomly.” Lucas Mitchell sat in the van with his arms crossed and eyes closed, looking more like he was going to crash a party. I had no idea if he’d heard me or not. There was a big screen in the villa where everyone could see real-time comments from viewers online. As soon as I entered, I saw the screen filled with hearts floating by like flower petals scattered by fairies. “Zoe Young and Lucas Mitchell forever!” “Mr. Mitchell is here to chase his wife!” Just when the atmosphere in the comments was at its most heated, “Chloe Quinn” and Zoe Young entered together. Zoe Young wore a white fringed strapless mini dress, looking sweet and charming as she waved gracefully at the camera. Noticing me staring at her, she suddenly blushed from her face to her ears and hid a bit behind “Chloe Quinn”. The camera followed, immediately revealing a sour face on screen. Clearly, Mr. Mitchell hadn’t gotten over the body-swap nightmare and was equally disgusted with everyone. The comments instantly changed direction: “Get lost, stop blocking my baby’s screen time.” “Where did this corpse face come from? Scared me to death!” “Zoe baby, stay away from her!” Lucas Mitchell took in the audience’s reactions, giving the camera a very cold glance. “What’s with her expression? Looking down on us?” “No way, even Chloe Quinn is looking down on people now!” “Chloe is the best!” “Get out of here, hater.” I sighed inwardly. I was used to it by now. No matter what I did, I only attracted hate. I just hoped Lucas Mitchell could keep a low profile. If he didn’t say anything, I’d be grateful. But the next second, there was a ripping sound as Zoe Young’s dress tore open, the long skirt becoming a short one. The culprit was “Chloe Quinn’s” high heel. An awkward silence fell over the scene. “Damn, Chloe Quinn did that on purpose, right?” “She was pretty manipulative on that show last year too. Causing drama as soon as she arrives.” Zoe Young lowered her head. “It’s okay, I’m sure she didn’t mean to.” Lucas Mitchell looked her over thoughtfully, casually saying “Sorry.” The audience was displeased again. “What kind of attitude is that?” Afraid the situation would escalate and attract more hate, I quickly tried to smooth things over. “Zoe, why don’t you go change clothes?” Zoe Young turned and left, looking pitiful and wronged. Lucas Mitchell stood in place, silently watching me. This gaze made my heart inexplicably skip a beat. I thought about it, but there was nothing to explain. At a Mitchell family banquet last year, his female business partner Victoria Xu bumped into me, spilling red wine on herself. As she wiped it off, she said, “Miss Quinn is new here, it’s understandable if she doesn’t know how things work. I’m fine.” And I, like an idiot, stood there holding an empty wine glass, trying to explain to Lucas Mitchell: “She bumped into me.” Lucas Mitchell seemed not to hear, and just said to me: “If you’re done eating, you should head back soon.” If there was a bit of liking at first, after that night, I never thought about a future with him again. I still remember it was New Year’s Day, and it was snowing heavily. After leaving the Mitchell house, instead of going home, I flew to another province that night to film, and didn’t return for several months. The current situation was surprisingly similar to that day. Lucas Mitchell probably thought of what happened that day too, and tried to explain: “The dress accidentally got caught.” The comments went wild: “Chloe Quinn, have some shame.” I sighed. “I know. Be more careful next time.” 0

Zoe Young quickly changed into a new outfit, and everyone tacitly agreed not to mention the incident again. While making dinner, Zoe Young came over cradling a bowl of rice. “Lucas, let’s make rice together!” When she smiled, there was a small dimple at the corner of her mouth, sweet enough to melt hearts. Back when I used a secret account to vote for her, Zoe Young was still an unknown little actress. Now she had finally made it to the big screen and caught everyone’s attention. I felt gratified. Before I could answer, the number of comments suddenly skyrocketed. “Oh my god, has Chloe Quinn gone crazy? What is she doing?” Seeing the comments, my heart skipped a beat and I turned to look. I saw the curvaceous beauty holding a knife in her right hand and a rack of lamb in her left, raising it high and bringing it down hard. Accompanied by the sound of the cleaver hitting the cutting board, blood and bits splattered everywhere. My ribs ached in sympathy. Viewers: “Run! She’s a real butcher!” Chloe Quinn’s true fans: “Chloe, I genuinely like you, please stop embarrassing yourself.” The show’s crew, never ones to miss drama, pushed the camera in closer, capturing my full face. In those black pupils, the shattered lamb was reflected. Her expression was cold, extremely serious and confident. “She’s pretty efficient at this.” “Putting everything else aside, this girl’s skills are legit. She takes her acting seriously too.” Zoe Young cleared her throat. “Sister Chloe, I remember you were on a show last year where you didn’t know how to cook at all. Lamb is pretty expensive, won’t it go to waste?” With one sentence, she instantly turned the tide of opinion. “Yeah, don’t forget how she used to slack off.” “She’s just putting on an act, don’t take it too seriously.” That was when I got the most hate ever. I went with some seniors to gather firewood in the mountains. The path was slippery from rain, and I sprained my ankle. The firewood I had carried all the way down from the mountain was handed to another senior before the cameras started rolling. Everyone thought I hadn’t done anything. That night when we made dinner, my foot was swollen like a steamed bun. I could only watch everyone busy at work while I couldn’t help at all. Later, for the sake of ratings, the show editors cut things randomly. Plus I was naive then and spoke without filters, so I got labeled as “lazy and useless”. Zoe Young kept stirring the pot. “Lucas, why don’t you talk some sense into her?” I looked at Zoe Young sadly, thinking this daughter I had invested real money in all these years didn’t seem like a good person. What a waste. While Zoe Young turned her head to look for a bowl, I crouched down by the stove, hiding from the cameras as I tugged on his skirt hem, whispering: “Please save me some face…” With a thud, Lucas Mitchell stabbed the cleaver into the cutting board on the other side, smiling coldly at Zoe Young: “If I stop chopping, what will you all eat for dinner? Why don’t you take over?” After a brief moment of silence, the comments suddenly had someone cautiously post: “Why does she seem… kind of cool?” “I know right… this is totally girl boss energy.” My fans popped up again: “Ahhh, Chloe, just keep looking at me with that disgusted expression… I’m screaming, I’m melting…” “Someone call the psych ward, we’ve got a crazy one here.” Lucas Mitchell snorted and lowered his head again, chopping away at the lamb. I opened my phone and watched helplessly as a new trending topic slowly crawled up from the bottom, inching its way into the top 10, before finally reaching the peak. #CholeQuinn #ButcherBeauty# The carefully cultivated image of a refined celebrity actress that I had worked so hard on was ruined in an instant. The delicate female lead role I had fought tooth and nail for was probably going to fall through now too. At dinner, Zoe Young kept pouring me drinks and chatting with me. She talked about how difficult her journey had been all these years. As I listened, my eyes unconsciously welled up with tears. It’s true, as her top fan, of course I knew how much she had suffered. The show’s crew, never ones to miss drama, might as well have shoved the camera in my face. The comments all started egging us on. “Look, real feelings are developing.” “Mr. Mitchell is crying.” Little did they know, sitting across from us, “Chloe Quinn” cutting the lamb had darkened her face, coldly watching me. During the show’s intermission, I staggered out to the yard to get some air, fighting the effects of the alcohol. Lucas Mitchell was wrapped in a blanket, sitting in a wicker chair reading financial reports. The light cast my shadow onto the paper, and Lucas Mitchell paused his reading to look up. “Come here.” I reluctantly stood in front of him. “What?” Lucas Mitchell looked me over for a moment, then asked: “Have they always criticized you like this?” What is this? Sticking up for me? “I’ve heard much worse than this.” Our company was poor and couldn’t afford to hire PR teams. Plus with my unique way of becoming famous, they were extremely tolerant of haters. At first, I would hide under the covers and cry. Later, after being insulted so much, I felt like no one in the world liked me, so I simply stopped reading comments to avoid upsetting myself. As time went on, I grew numb to it. I sat next to him as we enjoyed the breeze. “The Mitchell family can afford good lawyers,” Lucas Mitchell said. Actually, I had looked into it before. When Lucas Mitchell wasn’t around, I was shut down in two or three sentences by his partner Victoria Xu – “Miss Quinn, the Mitchell family and someone from your entertainment background are simply not the same type of people. If Lucas gets involved in your affairs, it will only bring trouble to him and the Mitchell family. Please know your place.” I lowered my head, swinging my legs as I sat in the hanging chair. “There will always be people who find fault from angles you can’t predict. You can’t please everyone, so I just close my eyes and get through it…” After all, I’ve been on my own since I was little, relying only on myself for everything. If I had counted on Lucas Mitchell to stand up for me, I would have been finished long ago. The atmosphere fell into silence. Lucas Mitchell didn’t speak, but turned his head to carefully study me. I was the one who couldn’t stay quiet. “Mr. Mitchell, can I ask you for a favor?” I had never said the word “please” before. But tonight, I really couldn’t hold back anymore. As soon as I opened my mouth, I couldn’t help but start crying. “I don’t want to be the Butcher Beauty. Can you please not chop things tomorrow? I still want to play gentle female lead roles…” On my phone, the “Chloe Quinn Butcher” topic had already reached #1 on the entertainment rankings. “Why are they so fast…” I was a snotty, teary mess. “I’m supposed to be delicate and weak…” Lucas Mitchell pressed his lips together, his voice tight. “Stop crying. I’ll have them take down the trending topic.” He unlocked his phone and skillfully entered the first few digits of a number. The search bar popped up with “Victoria Xu”. “Hello? What is it?” Victoria Xu’s slightly arrogant voice came through the speaker. Lucas Mitchell froze for a moment, looking at me. I had tears streaked across my face, hiccuping as I used my own phone. It was a miracle I could even make the call. Lucas Mitchell frowned. “The #1 trending topic, please have it taken down as soon as possible.” After a brief silence, Victoria Xu’s light laughter suddenly came through the phone. “I’m sorry, Chloe Quinn. Even though you’re married to Mr. Mitchell, you don’t seem to have the authority to ask me to do anything.” With that, she hung up without hesitation. The night breeze blew freely, rustling the plastic vines overhead. The dial tone beeped mockingly. Lucas Mitchell furrowed his brow and asked: “Has she always treated you like this?” I wiped my face, stammering, “Not always. Sometimes I curse at her too.” “What do you call her?” I hung my head guiltily, like I had done something wrong. “Old duck…” “…” “She can’t out-curse me…” Seeing Lucas Mitchell’s inscrutable expression, I hurriedly added, “I’m sorry, I know I was wrong. I won’t curse anymore.” Lucas Mitchell slowly spoke: “It’s not that I’m against you cursing. I hope next time something like this happens, you’ll tell me.” Tell him what? Hello Mr. Mitchell, I’m about to start cursing? I absent-mindedly replied “Oh” and said, “I’m going to bed.” The show had prepared two rooms – one for the men and one for the women. Numbed by the alcohol, I pushed open the pink door without thinking. The scent of shower gel wafted over. “Oh my, Mr. Mitchell, what are you doing in here?” Zoe Young, wearing a bathrobe, bumped right into me, her little face quickly turning red. I came to my senses, my heart instantly leaping into my throat. Comments: “Whoa, what kind of plot twist is this?” “Mr. Mitchell, do you remember there’s a whole country watching on camera?” “Someone call the marriage registration office.” Alarm bells went off in my head. This is bad! “I’m so sorry, I went to the wrong room…” I tried to push Zoe Young away, but my tie suddenly tightened – Zoe Young’s hair clip had gotten caught on my tie clip. She clumsily fell into my arms, coyly resisting yet yielding as she clung to me saying, “Mr. Mitchell, let’s talk about this…” Things started developing in an uncontrollable direction. The show staff were also dumbfounded. The director was about to cut away when suddenly someone kicked open the door behind them. Lucas Mitchell, wearing my face, walked in exuding a chilling aura. “You dare to cheat on me?”

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My boyfriend Jason insisted on a platonic relationship, believing physical desire was sinful. When I simply kissed him, he sent me away for “spiritual purification.” The purification was successful. I no longer felt any desire for him. But my desire for other men doubled. Later, when he noticed the kiss marks on my collarbone, he started ranting in public again. “Must you fall into the abyss of sin?!” he yelled. His friend pulled me onto his lap and kissed my hand, laughing: “I’ve sinned. Why don’t you call the police and arrest me?” 0 The day I graduated from the spiritual purification program, I gave a speech as an outstanding graduate in front of the other students and their families. “I believe true love is the communion of souls. It shouldn’t be bound by physical constraints or driven by desire…” My boyfriend Jason was sitting in the audience. I stared at his face, maintaining a polite smile, but inwardly I felt sick. The reason I was standing here was all thanks to him. Three months ago, we had kissed. It was our first kiss. He had pulled me into his arms, called my name with a drunken voice, and kissed me. I didn’t push him away. After all, we had been dating for five years. And he wasn’t calling someone else’s name when he kissed me. But when he sobered up and realized it was me, his eyes instantly filled with disgust. I was pushed to the ground. Jason went to rinse his mouth. I stood at the bathroom door, staring at his actions, my fingers gripping the doorframe tightly. “Jason, was kissing me that disgusting?” He looked up at my reflection in the mirror, his gaze ice cold. “I’ve told you before, I’m platonic. I find this kind of intimate behavior repulsive.” “You were the one who kissed me,” I softly retorted. “Then why didn’t you push me away?” He pressed his palms on the counter, his fingertips turning white, sweeping everything onto the floor. I froze for a moment, then turned and left. I didn’t answer him. Because it was too absurd and laughable. By the time he came out of the bathroom, I had already packed my things. “Jason, let’s break up.” He walked past me, giving me a casual glance. He only said three words: “No need to.” “There is a need. I don’t accept your platonic relationship. I want to have a normal relationship.” I looked at his back, enunciating each word: “A normal relationship. With sex.” As soon as those words left my mouth, Jason lost his mind. I wasn’t able to break up with him smoothly. Instead, I was sent to a spiritual purification program abroad. They promised that in just three months, they could purify my desires. The students sent here were all young, beautiful girls. Most of their partners were elderly rich men, or wealthy men with hidden ailments. The so-called purification program was actually to prevent women dependent on men from cheating. I was an anomaly here. Because there was nothing wrong with Jason in that department. When we kissed, I could feel his reaction. He clearly had a physical response. But every time I showed any desire for intimacy, even just watching TV together, it would make him furious. Even on the day my mother passed away, Jason didn’t show up. I endured the funeral and memorial service alone, wanting to ask him for a comforting hug. He still refused. To avoid me, he even went out in the middle of the night. The next day, I received an anonymous text message. It was a photo of a woman sitting on Jason’s lap. Just thinking about it made me vomit in front of everyone. Jason immediately stood up from the audience. 0

I was helped off the stage by a teacher from the purification program. Jason came over and asked what was wrong. I said I was just too nervous. Once the door closed, the teacher took out a small bottle of blue reagent. I quickly drank it, suppressing the nausea. “Sophia, you’ve always performed excellently. How could you recall such things in public?” The purification program had specially assigned an English-speaking teacher for me. I smiled helplessly: “Teacher, I didn’t. I just thought about my boyfriend cheating.” The teacher sighed as well. The purification program presented itself as psychological courses to the outside world. But what actually worked was the consumption of drugs that forcibly suppressed desire. As soon as you had intimate fantasies about your designated partner, you would immediately start vomiting uncontrollably. At first I was very resistant, but after trying to fantasize about other men and having no reaction, I became indifferent. I didn’t care about Jason, I just wanted to leave early, so I took a lot of the medication. I don’t know if there were any side effects. When I opened the door, Jason tried to take my hand, but I instinctively avoided it. He froze for a moment, then withdrew his hand and curved his lips into a smile. He was very satisfied with the results of my “learning.” Jason decided to take me back home. The purification program gave him a course of medication. “If Sophia’s condition becomes unstable, you can administer it according to the instructions.” Jason asked, “What do you mean by unstable?” But the teacher didn’t explain, only giving vague answers. “Some students may experience withdrawal symptoms. Taking the medication will help.” Jason took me back to the country. He kept me locked up in a villa, with people monitoring me 24 hours a day. But I showed no abnormalities. Half a month later, he took me out. In a spacious private room, the contoured lights flowed, each face appearing and disappearing. This was the first time I met his friends. “How come you finally brought her out?” Jason sat down, patting the seat beside him. I sat next to him. “Sophia just got back from abroad. I was worried she’d be bored at home.” The light swept across the face of the girl opposite us. She was the female lead in that photo. Fiona, Jason’s childhood sweetheart from a suitable family background. She handed me a drink, asking curiously: “I’ve heard about this kind of thing before. I mentioned it to Jason. Can it really purify desires?” So it was her who had instigated Jason to send me away. And apparently everyone knew about my trip abroad. I downed that glass of wine, looking at Jason. I put the glass upside down on the table. “It can. I no longer have any desire for Mr. Xu.” 0

“What do you mean?” Jason stood up. “I’m saying, let’s break up.” Fiona whispered, “Is she not cured yet?” Jason frowned. He grabbed my wrist, pulling me into his arms. His other hand fell on my waist. The physical reaction came quickly. From my stomach to my throat, I couldn’t stop the violent convulsions. I suddenly pushed him away, barely covering my mouth in time as vomit spilled through my fingers onto the carpet. Everyone was shocked. Including Jason himself. Only I was already used to it, grabbing some tissues to wipe my fingers clean. “Are you satisfied now?” Jason’s face grew even darker. “You can’t even have normal contact with men now, and you still want to break up with me?” “Yes. Even so, I want to break up.” I turned to leave. This time Jason didn’t stop me. Maybe because I had passed the physical test, his emotions stabilized. “Sophia, no one else will accept you except me.” “If you walk out that door today, don’t ever beg me to take you back!” I never looked back. I leaned against the wall in the hallway, my vision blurring under the swaying lights, growing increasingly dizzy. I immediately realized Fiona’s drink had been spiked. Someone was following me from behind. I forced myself to stay alert, walking quickly forward without showing any signs. Just as I turned the corner, I crashed into a man’s arms. I tried to push him away, but then I stopped. I just waited quietly for a moment. The physical aversion reaction didn’t come. In fact, I felt the relief of the drug’s effects being alleviated. “Sophia, how long are you going to hug me?” The man’s backlit features held a teasing smile. It was Ethan, the heir to the Qin family. He used to be friends with Jason and had even spoken up for me before, but I heard they had a falling out later. Ethan felt my forehead with his hand. “Looks like you’ve been drugged. I’ll take you to find Jason.” “No, we broke up,” I looked at him steadily, my voice calm. “Besides, he can’t help me.” Ethan tilted his head, staring at me with a smile, his hand hovering near my waist. “Then what do you suggest we do?” His voice was soft, but to my ears, it was incredibly alluring. With my last bit of strength, I wrapped my arms around his neck. My lips brushed against his cheek, slowly stopping at his ear. “Ethan, can you… help me?” His arm tightened forcefully around my waist. Ethan looked down at me, his eyes dark with meaning. “Sophia, you’re not even asking if I’m willing, just if I can?” “I can’t take it anymore, please.”

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I fell for the cute guy busking on the street corner. Every time I listened to one song, I’d tip him a dollar. As it became a habit, I’d send him money even when I didn’t go. He’d send me private audio clips of his singing. “Here you go, beautiful.” I thought to myself, this puppy’s taking the bait. Until that day, when I overheard three handsome guys at my music store. “You still haven’t sealed the deal with that dollar-tipping cougar?” “The bet ends in three days. Loser pays five grand!” “Screw off. That old lady? I could have her eating out of my hand in no time.” That’s when I realized they had a bet going about me. Later, I made a bet of my own. I wagered I could sleep with all three of them within a month. 0 After my divorce, I developed a new hobby – keeping toy boys. Of course, not actual toy boys. I mean the kind that are handsome, docile, naive, and a bit stupid. So I moved my music store next to the local college. Ready to catch one on the spot. I already had someone in mind. It was this cute busker I’d been crushing on lately. He was tall and slim, sitting cross-legged on the ground with his guitar, barely looking up as he played, yet still drawing crowds of girls. The first time we met, I tossed him a coin to make him look up. Deep brown curls, long lashes, deep voice – super hot. “Carrying around dollar coins these days? You’re quite the character, miss,” he said. He flipped the coin with his thumb, and it landed right in my… well, let’s just say it went down my shirt. Embarrassingly, my neckline was rather low that day, so it went straight in. The hottie jumped up in a panic. “I’m so sorry, I really didn’t mean to do that!” I looked down at myself, then back at him. “Well, looks like you won’t be getting that dollar back anytime soon.” His cheeks turned bright red. I sent him a dollar via PayPal. That night I got a SnapChat friend request. His name was Lucas, a music student at the college. Not many gym selfies on his profile, and no photos with female friends. Seemed pretty innocent. After that, I’d make sure to pass by his corner every day after work. Each time I’d listen to one song and tip him a dollar. Lucas asked why I always tipped exactly a dollar. I said it was because he sang love songs. “Don’t you know why I sing love songs?” he asked. I knew, but I didn’t say. Ever since adding me on SnapChat, he’d been posting shirtless pics almost daily. “Because they’re popular?” I suggested. He responded with silence. As time went on, I gradually stopped going to see him perform, but I’d still send him money even when I didn’t go. That dollar was my emotional anchor for him. Lucas would send me private audio clips of his singing. “Here you go, beautiful.” “Sounds great.” “I thought you’d gotten bored of me.” “Just been busy.” “You used to come by all the time last month.” “Things change.” The push and pull of adult flirtation needs no explanation. One day, I deliberately “forgot” to send him money. Lucas waited all night, then lost it and got angry. “You’re just bored of me!” He angrily refunded all the money I’d sent him. Two months, about $60 total. What an idiot, letting me play him for so long. I hadn’t spent a cent. 0

He’d suffered enough, time to give him a taste of sweetness. I had a surprise planned for Lucas. My new music store was deliberately opened near his school. To maintain my air of mystery, I’d never told Lucas what I did for work. The identity of a music store owner should impress him. I told him I’d see him today. The new store was busy with students and teachers on opening day. I might run into Lucas by chance. Suddenly I overheard three guys talking. “You still haven’t sealed the deal with that dollar-tipping cougar?” “The bet ends in three days. Loser pays five grand!” “Screw off. That old lady? I could have her eating out of my hand in no time.” That deep, magnetic voice was unmistakable. Lucas walked in with two other guys. The three of them had their arms around each other’s shoulders – clearly close friends. They were all pretty handsome. Lucas had the purest, most innocent face. The one who called me “dollar-tipping cougar” looked a bit wilder. The last one wore glasses and had a calm, studious look, like he stepped out of an anime. Birds of a feather flock together, I suppose. Handsome guys stick together. “Who was it that said they could seal the deal in three months?” “Buy me a piano and we’ll call it even.” Lucas smirked, waving his phone at them. “See this? I get mad once, and she’s coming to find me!” I hadn’t expected Lucas to have this side to him. I thought he was an innocent puppy, but turns out he’s a sly dog. Making bets about sleeping with me in three months? What a nasty game. But I… kind of like these kinds of bets. I bet I could sleep with all three of them in one month. 0

The three of them were eyeing a piano. Lucas stood by it, pressing a few keys with one hand while texting me with the other. “How’s this sound? I’m at a music store. When are you coming to see me? I’ll play for you when we meet.” “On my way,” I replied. Lucas’s lips curled into a smile. “She’s really coming to find me! Hurry up and buy if you’re buying, don’t keep me waiting.” The three suddenly became very efficient, quickly asking about the price. “Boss, how much is this one?” I went over to help them personally. When I appeared, their expressions all changed. Lucas froze, looking uneasy. The wilder-looking one leaning against the piano subconsciously adjusted his posture. Even the one sitting at the piano looked startled for a moment before standing up. I maintained a gentle smile. “Hello, I’m the owner. Would you like me to introduce this piano?” I spoke confidently, exuding charm. Lucas stared at me the whole time. When I finished, Lucas nervously opened his mouth: “Beautiful, when did you get here?” The other two exchanged glances, realizing who I was. “Just arrived. Didn’t you say you’d play for me when we met?” I didn’t expose him. Because the game had to go on. Lucas played the piano nearby. I brought glasses of water to the other two guys. The wild one was called Zack, the studious one Ethan. As I handed the glass to Ethan, I deliberately let our fingers touch, leaning close to his ear. “You played better than him earlier.” Ethan glanced at me and pulled his hand back: “You…” The paper cup suddenly fell to the ground, spilling water all over my dress. The music stopped. Lucas had been watching us closely and stood up to look at Ethan. “What are you doing? Can’t even hold a cup steady?” Ethan hesitated without speaking. I smiled. “It’s fine.” I went to the bathroom to clean up. As I came out, I ran into the troublemaker. “I saw everything. You were hitting on Ethan.” I smiled at him. “I wasn’t.” One sentence hardly counts as flirting, does it? Zack put his hands in his pockets and smirked, looking a bit roguish. “I wasn’t going to get involved! But Lucas and Ethan are my bros. What if you mess things up between us?” It seemed Zack was the leader of the three, Ethan the youngest, which made Lucas the middle one. Zack stepped closer, lowering his head: “If you keep hitting on Ethan, I’ll tell Lucas.” I looked up at him, almost touching his nose, my voice lilting. “So if I hit on you instead, would you tell?” Before he could react, I grabbed his neck and kissed him. It all happened so suddenly. Zack was stunned as I pushed him against the wall. He stared down at me, forgetting to push me away. Until Ethan’s cool voice came from nearby. “Zack, what are you two doing?” 0

Zack finally snapped out of it, prying my arms off. There was still lipstick on his lips. “You!” He was furious. I patted his cheek. “Keep it a secret, okay?” Zack’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he breathed rapidly. His face was so hot. Lucas quickly came over. “Why are you all gathered here?” Zack looked strange and didn’t dare speak. I obediently walked to Lucas’s side, glancing at Ethan. “Ethan came to apologize, right?” Ethan pressed his lips together and gave a slight nod. But his expression was clearly unhappy, especially when looking at Zack. Big bro not only did something bad in secret, but made me cover for him. Lucas glanced at Zack. “You’ve got lipstick on your mouth.” Panic flashed in Zack’s eyes for a moment. “Uh, I put on makeup before going out today.” Lucas frowned but didn’t say anything more. The three chose a piano, with Ethan as the buyer. I kept his contact information. Lucas and I went to see a movie. In the flickering light of the big screen, he secretly took my hand, his palm slightly sweaty. “Your hand is so soft.” I turned to look at him. In the dim light, his delicate features were even more captivating. He really was my type. I leaned close to his ear and whispered, “I want to feel your abs.” Lucas hesitated, biting his lip. “We’re in public.” I pulled my hand back, losing interest. Halfway through the movie, I went to the bathroom and texted him saying I had an emergency and had to leave. When Lucas chased after me, I was already in the elevator. Back at the store, my phone kept ringing. “You left just because I wouldn’t let you touch me?” “You’ve got some nerve!” “I only said we were in public, not that I wouldn’t let you…” “Beautiful, can you give me another chance?” “…I’ll do whatever you want.” The long fingers that had been playing the piano stopped. “Aren’t you going to reply to him?” Ethan’s lashes were long. I bent down to look at him. “No need. I’d rather hear you play.” Asking for something likely to be refused is the best way to escape. I left the theater and called Ethan, telling him the piano they bought earlier had a defect and needed to be exchanged. “But I’m fighting with Lucas and don’t really want to see Zack either. Can you come alone?” Ethan hesitated for a moment. “Alright.” I took him to the second floor of the music store. It was quieter up here, better for getting closer. The piano music slowly faded. I sat down next to him, casually pressing some keys. “About earlier, Zack came looking for me.” Ethan stood up. “That has nothing to do with me.” I grabbed his wrist. “It does. I said one thing to you, and he said I was hitting on you and threatened to tell Lucas. I was worried it would affect you, so I kissed him.” I let go of him. “If you don’t believe me, ask Zack.” Ethan called Zack. It was pretty much as I’d said, except Zack claimed I kissed him first. Zack also quietly asked a favor: “Ethan, don’t tell Lucas about this. He’s really into that woman right now.” “Got it.” “By the way, when are you coming back to the dorm? Lucas is back and going crazy again.” “I’m tutoring off campus.” Ethan hung up and looked at me coldly. I pressed my lips together, my eyes full of grievance. “Of course he’d say that. He forced me to kiss him. And is complimenting your piano playing really hitting on you?” Ethan stared at me steadily, his voice flat: “Yes, it is.” I was stunned. 0

Ethan sat down next to me. His long fingers covered my hand, gently pressing down on the piano keys, producing a monotonous sound. “I know you’re trying to seduce me.” Ethan turned to face me, his expression blank. “Not just earlier, but now too.” Meeting his cold eyes behind those thin glasses, my palms started sweating nervously. Apparently the ones who seem the most well-behaved and innocent are actually the most dangerous to mess with. I unconsciously leaned away. Ethan lowered his gaze slightly, noticing this. The corners of his lips curved into a barely perceptible smile. He suddenly grabbed my waist firmly, pulling me onto him, and stared intently at me. “So, why did you kiss Zack if you were trying to seduce me?” My mind was in chaos, thoughts racing, but I still told the truth. “I just didn’t want him to tell Lucas.” Ethan calmly accepted this explanation. He leaned in closer, his breath falling on my face. “Stop playing with Lucas. Play with me instead.” He slowly moved to my ear. “I’m more fun than he is.” Ethan was telling the truth – he was way more fun than Lucas. Right there on that piano, he kissed me breathless. My hands wandered who knows where, our breathing getting heavier and heavier. “Mmm…” A seductive sound escaped Ethan’s throat. Like a kitten purring, enticing you to pet its head. My phone suddenly rang. I glanced at it – Lucas was calling. I didn’t answer. Ethan saw and reached over to hang up. But Lucas kept calling. After a while we just ignored it, only focused on kissing. Ethan pulled me onto his lap to kiss me. We were lost in it, completely absorbed. Suddenly an angry voice thundered from the doorway. “What the fuck?! Ethan, is this your fucking tutoring session?!” Lucas kicked the door open. Zack’s voice followed right after. “Lucas, calm down… Holy shit! Ethan, you dog!” 0

Ethan and I snapped back to reality. He let go of me. Looking down, he started buttoning up his messy white shirt. Lucas’s eyes were red with anger as he rushed over and punched Ethan. “Have you no fucking shame?!” Ethan’s lip started bleeding from the punch, but he didn’t fight back. He stood firm, slowly raising his eyes to stare at Lucas. His voice was muffled: “She’s not your girlfriend.” Lucas was taken aback. It’s true that we weren’t officially dating. But it still felt like Ethan was in the wrong here. “I met her first! I introduced her to you, and then I get abandoned at the movies while you’re here making out with her! Fuck, I’m gonna beat you to death!” Zack wrapped his arms around the enraged Lucas. “Lucas, calm down! Ethan’s our bro, I’m sure he didn’t mean to!” Lucas turned to look at him in shock. “Are you fucking kidding me? How can this be an accident?! What kind of bro kisses his friend’s date?” Zack fell silent for a moment. There was also him. He had kissed her too. I turned to leave. Lucas immediately pushed Zack away and grabbed my wrist. “Don’t go! Where are you going? Didn’t you come to see me today?” I was quiet for a moment, then opened my palm. “I’m going to wash my hands. I just touched…” I trailed off suggestively. Lucas took a second to process, then let go of my hand in disgust. He turned to glare at Ethan, gritting his teeth. “You… fucking… bastard!” Zack looked at Ethan too, his face twisted in pain. “Ethan! What’s wrong with you? Are you sick?” Ethan’s expression remained calm. “I have my advantages.” Zack didn’t understand. “What fucking advantages?” He turned around to find Lucas looking for something to hit Ethan with. “Being shameless, that’s what!” Lucas actually found a stick. He raised it high. I rushed over to shield Ethan. “That’s enough. This has nothing to do with him.” Lucas met my eyes for a moment, then lowered the stick, looking rather hurt. “I wouldn’t let you touch me, so you came back to touch him? He’s so easy, and you’re still protecting him?” Ethan frowned. “You wanted to touch him too?” I stayed silent. Zack took two steps back, glanced at me, and quietly covered himself. Lucas turned on Ethan again. “You dare speak? Who the fuck do you think you are? Homewrecker!” Ethan coldly repeated: “She’s not your girlfriend. We should compete fairly.” Lucas laughed bitterly. “Compete with what? If Zack and I had come a bit later, you’d have your pants off already. I’ll fucking compete with your…” He got angrier as he spoke, picking up the stick again. “I’m gonna kill you today!” Zack went to hold him back again. “Enough! Lucas, Ethan was tricked by this woman! I can testify, she was hitting on Ethan earlier when you were still here.” I narrowed my eyes at Zack. How dare he betray me. He’s dead meat now. Lucas froze in disbelief. “So before I even turned you down, you were already into him?” I sat down calmly. “Because I overheard.” I looked Lucas in the eye. “You made a bet about me. Betting you could sleep with me in three months, for five grand.” All three of their expressions soured. “Lucas, you’ve already lost that bet.” I kept smiling. “But I’ll add five grand and bet I can sleep with all three of you in one month.” Ethan’s face instantly turned cold. Lucas pressed his lips together tightly. “How can you bet on something like that?” I leaned forward, raising an eyebrow slightly. “Why not? If you guys can do it, why can’t I?” Only Zack walked over to Lucas, confidently putting a hand on his shoulder. “Take the bet! What are we afraid of? We’ll definitely win! I don’t believe it – go ahead, try and force yourself on me!” Lucas glanced at Ethan, sighed, then turned to look at Zack. “Bro, are you sure you can handle it?” Zack leaned forward, meeting my eyes. He pointed one finger at his crotch. “Let me tell you, if I can’t keep this under control, I’ll fucking cut it off myself!” Lucas was startled. “Bro, you don’t need to…” I immediately stood up, smiling with curved eyes. “Perfect! It’s settled then! Ten grand, plus your… trophy.” Zack quietly pulled the other two in front of him. “Protect me.” He looked at Lucas and Ethan again. “Never mind, I’ll have to protect myself.” 0

I chuckled softly, looking down. Zack grabbed Lucas with one hand and Ethan with the other, ready to drag his bros away. Lucas shook him off, staring at me intently, his tone pleading. “Beautiful, what about us…” Zack’s face darkened. “Seriously, bro?” “Lucas, I did consider dating you seriously before. But you made a bet about this first, so I don’t think I’ll consider you as boyfriend material anymore.” My response was sincere. Over these two months, I’d put a lot of effort into pursuing Lucas. Not to mention the 70+ different “cool older sister” outfits I’d worn. Every day I’d walk 500 meters in 4-inch heels to the street corner instead of driving, covering over 30 kilometers total. My feet would ache when I got home. And I’d even chosen this location for my new store because of him. But he made a $5000 bet about me. $5000 isn’t even enough to buy me a pair of shoes. Lucas looked at me dejectedly, his eyes reddening slightly. “I’m so sorry, beautiful. I really didn’t mean to, I wasn’t the one who suggested it.” Zack couldn’t take it anymore. He grabbed Lucas’s hair and yanked him away. “Stop with the ‘beautiful’ already. Look at your bro instead.” Ethan gave me a cool glance before turning to leave. I picked up my phone and chased after him to the door. “Wait. Can I add you on SnapChat?” I stared at him quietly, my heart pounding. It was my first time actively asking for a guy’s contact info. Ethan’s expression was cold. He didn’t say anything. Zack’s confusion was obvious, his tone uncertain. “You let her touch you down there but won’t give her your SnapChat… Is SnapChat that private?” Lucas suddenly ducked out from under Zack’s grip, baring his teeth at Ethan. “I just remembered! That day when I went back bragging about meeting this hot older woman, he insisted she wasn’t into me and was just treating me like a beggar. That’s how the bet started. This was all his jealous scheme!” I was stunned, looking at Ethan. Ethan took out his phone. “Sure.” Lucas almost lunged at me. “Don’t add him!” Zack grabbed him in a bear hug. “Stop with the conspiracy theories.” After the three of them left bickering, I was surprised to discover something – I’d already added Ethan on SnapChat three years ago. But there was no name, no group, no chat history. I had no memory of it at all. Not wanting to change the subject, I ignored this and sent him a message. “Almost there?” After a while, my screen lit up. Ethan: “Mm.” I stared at that emotionless “Mm”, biting my lip hard as my heart raced out of control. He really knew how to play. “Can I ask you out?” “To win?” “Doesn’t hurt.” “I’ll give you $20,000 if you leave Zack alone.” “Sounds like you think I’ll win.” “You’ll be unhappy if you lose.” I couldn’t help but smile. Such a thoughtful thing to say – does that mean he’s agreeing? After a long while, Ethan sent another message. “I’ll be unhappy if you win.” My fingers froze over the screen. I frowned slightly. Was he rejecting me? “Is that a no?” Ethan: “What, do I look that easy to you?” “Mm.” I hadn’t seen anyone who seemed easier than him. “Oh, I just wanted to show you I’m bigger than them.” 0

I spit out my water. Complete silence. Excuse me, who asked you that? Who asked you? Does anyone here care? Who exactly is asking about your rankings? I quietly typed: “You mean age?” Ethan: “Playing dumb.” Attempt at small talk: failed. After this pointless conversation, I ended up being the one blushing, feeling like I’d done something naughty. Lucas was sunny and cute, while Ethan seemed cold and aloof, but talking to Ethan turned out to be way more interesting than Lucas. Since I couldn’t get Ethan to meet up, I had to think carefully about how to win this bet in a month. First, buy Zack a pair of scissors. Then take a selfie with the scissors and post it: [Yay!] Lucas and Ethan both liked the post. Suddenly Lucas added me to a group chat with three people, named “Totally Useless”. A message popped up. [Starting today, we have 30 days until the bet with the cougar is settled. Report daily – have you lived up to the group name?] [Why are there four people? Lucas, who did you add?] I recognized Ethan’s avatar: [It’s that woman.] [Lucas, are you insane?] [Didn’t you tell me to add everyone?] Lucas chimed in. So the first one must have been Zack. Lucas quickly sent another message: [Welcome beautiful big sis! Throwing flowers! Hearts!] The group went quiet for a moment. After a while, Ethan copied and pasted Lucas’s message. Zack: [Well, since you’re here! Face us head on, watch yourself march towards inevitable defeat!] I stared at the chat, frowning deeply. After hesitating for a moment, I sent my first message. [Are you all virgins?] That can’t be right, all three of them are too handsome… The group suddenly went silent. A full ten minutes passed with no one saying anything. I apologized first: “I’m sorry.” Ethan: “Technically, I don’t count. I engaged in foreplay yesterday.” Lucas: “Fuck, if it wasn’t for you, you bastard, I wouldn’t be anymore!!” Zack: “In this day and age, are we still shaming virgins? Scientific research has shown that virgins live longer than non-virgins…” He posted a whole essay, some fake science clearly copied from somewhere. Oh, I suddenly realized. Zack spent those ten minutes searching for that essay to post. Zack continued rallying the troops. [Brothers united! Our strength can cut through metal! Let’s resist the evil woman together!] Ethan and Lucas copied and pasted after him. [Brothers united! Our strength can cut through metal! Let’s resist the evil woman together!] [Brothers united! Our strength can cut through metal! Let’s resist the evil woman together!] The three of them were quite passionate about it. Meanwhile, the “evil woman” they spoke of received a message. It was from Lucas. “Beautiful, I’m your inside man, hehe.” Accompanied by a happy puppy wagging its tail emoji. I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and smile. Looks like Lucas will be easy to get a date with. 0

But whether I could win this bet depended on the most unwilling of the three. Besides Lucas, Ethan and Zack were both reluctant, especially Zack. He had bet everything, so there was no way he’d agree. I had to dispel his wariness. If I managed to get Lucas, Zack would definitely panic. So I needed to make him feel safe. I had a staff member call Ethan. “Hello, the piano you ordered is packaged. Shall we have it delivered?” Ethan gave the address. “We’ll need someone to sign for it. Are you home now?” Ethan’s voice was gentle and pure. “I’m not, but someone’s there. I’ll have them sign for it.” After hanging up, I got the address and went to deliver the piano. Zack and the others weren’t living in the school dorms, but renting a large apartment off campus. I rang the doorbell. The door opened to reveal Zack, shirtless and wearing only boxers. Wow, what a great body. My eyes widened involuntarily. Zack had a toothbrush in his mouth. Seeing me, he cursed and slammed the door shut! When he opened it again, he had put on a shirt and sweatpants, arms crossed as he looked at me. “Damn, you really dared to come here? I’m not like those two, acting like they’ve never seen a woman before! Please leave! I’m very sorry for any loneliness I may have caused you.” He finally finished speaking. I stepped aside, gesturing behind me. “I’m here to deliver the piano. Didn’t Ethan tell you?” Zack finally noticed the delivery men waiting silently behind me. He was stunned. “He did.” Stepping inside, the view opened up immensely. A river view stretched before us, the decor exuding luxury. They had an enormous music room with special soundproofing. There were quite a few instruments – guitars, violins, cellos, drums, and a piano… “You already have a piano, why buy another?” “That’s Ethan’s old one, he wanted to buy…” He turned to look at me. “None of your business! Why so many questions!” The piano was set up. Zack dragged me out. “Go, go, get out!” Everyone else left, but I sat on the living room couch. Zack kept his distance from me. “Why aren’t you leaving?” “Ethan told me to wait for him.” I leaned back comfortably. Zack’s eyes were highly alert and full of confusion. “What does he want you to wait for?” I propped my chin on my hand, winking at him. “Maybe you know.” Zack was stunned for a moment. When he realized, his face contorted. “Ah— Ethan’s not that kind of person! You seduced him onto the wrong path! You shameless woman!” With that, Zack really ran away. The sound of him locking his door was clearly audible. As if I could really do anything to him. Thirty minutes later, I knocked on Zack’s door. He only opened a crack, taking off his headphones. “What? Is Ethan back?” I smiled, holding up the takeout in my hand. “You haven’t had breakfast, right?” Zack looked down, swallowing. “Not hungry.” He was about to close the door, but I quickly grabbed the edge. “Don’t be like that. Take it in and eat, I won’t come in.” Zack stared at me, his tone hesitant. “You’re so insistent. Did you drug it?” I was speechless. No wonder he’s single. “No drugs. Just rice porridge and shrimp dumplings.” I went back to the living room to play on my phone. The takeout I’d left at the door was pulled inside by a hand. Not long after, Zack came out. “How much? I’ll transfer you the money.” I didn’t look up. “No need. Consider it payment for that kiss.” Zack’s voice came from above, suppressing anger. “My first kiss was only worth a breakfast?”

I was stunned. So that was his first kiss. No wonder it was so bad. I looked up at him honestly. “Uh, given the experience, it wasn’t even worth a breakfast.” If it had been Ethan’s kissing skills, I’d buy him a building, really. Zack froze, mumbling. “The experience wasn’t good?” He seemed devastated, sitting on the couch with his elbows on his knees, fingertips supporting his chin. “You’re saying the experience wasn’t good?” I was silent for a moment, then poked his shoulder. “Stop repeating yourself. Are you okay?” It was just a one-second lip touch, what kind of experience could it be? Zack suddenly turned to look at me. His expression went from disbelief to sudden realization. He burst out laughing. “I get it! You’re doing this on purpose. You’re trying to provoke me into kissing you again so you can seduce me and achieve your nefarious goals!” I was startled, leaning back, accidentally falling off the couch onto the floor. “Ah—” “Tsk, such tactics.” Zack put his hands in his pockets, looking down at me. Just then, the front door opened. Ethan stopped in the entryway, expressionless as he looked at us, his thin lips pressed into a straight line. Zack casually stepped back. “Ethan, you’re back. Why did you have her wait here? She just tried to seduce me, but luckily I have an iron will!” Ethan’s eyes narrowed slightly, his tone cool. “Mm, I told her to wait for me.” As he walked over, he took off his coat, crouched beside me, gave me a cool glance, draped his coat over my legs, put one arm around my waist and the other under my knees, and lifted me onto the couch. I instinctively put my arms around his neck, all my attention on Ethan. From this upward angle, his skin really was pale, his Adam’s apple moving silently, his collarbone disappearing into the shadows of his shirt. His eyes behind those thin glasses were intensely focused, and his body temperature was just right. As he was about to set me down, his movements gradually slowed. He lowered his head, coming close, his voice barely audible. “No matter what, I’m happy to see you when I got back.” His warm breath brushed past my ear. It felt like something collapsed inside me. I stared up at him, my fingertips unconsciously gripping his coat tightly. Ethan’s lips curved. He set me down and turned to look at Zack, his voice displeased. “Don’t push her to the ground.” So he thought Zack had pushed me… Zack protested on the spot. “I didn’t push her, she’s faking it!” Ethan ignored him and poured me a glass of water. “Why did you wait for me? Have you decided?” I sat beside him, holding the glass with both hands, my heart pounding non-stop. “The piano arrived. Don’t you want to try it?” He turned to look at me, his expression cool. “Together?” With that, he walked away. I stood up, staring at his back, downed the water, took a deep breath, and followed him into the music room. As soon as we entered, he pressed me against the wall and kissed me. Something cold touched my chest. His tall figure loomed over me, firmly gripping my waist as he kissed me hard. I don’t know how long it lasted, but we were both breathless when Ethan finally let go. In the dim room, I leaned against the door, looking up at him, breathing heavily. “Really… waited for you…” He looked down at me intently. “You knew I wasn’t here.” I tilted my head, smiling ambiguously. “I didn’t do anything you wouldn’t like with him.” Ethan’s fingers twirled my curls, his eyes narrowing slightly, his thin lips moving. “You’re so bad.” Yes, I am bad. Giving him a little favoritism, but without any commitment. Pure teasing. I reached out to touch his head. Ethan smiled, leaning forward to bury his face in my neck. Just as I was happily petting him, someone started banging on the door. “Ethan, you and that… uh, what’s her name again?” “Get lost! Ethan, I heard the lady’s here! Did you bring her in there? Open up! Open the door!”

Lucas was back. Ethan raised his head, his expression cold, his eyes darkening. He used his fingertip to wipe my lips, about to open the door. I grabbed his hand, tilting my chin down, lowering my eyes to indicate. “Your glasses.” Ethan glanced down, his breathing slightly unsteady. He looked away, slowly reaching in to grab his thin-framed glasses, quickly turning around. I pressed my hand to my chest, smiling ambiguously at him. He was so bold putting them in, but now he’s shy taking them out… “Damn it, open up or I’ll kick the door down!” The door opened. Ethan’s expression was back to normal. “We were trying out the piano.” Zack held Lucas back. “I told you Ethan wouldn’t betray us!” Lucas lowered his raised foot and walked up to us, scrutinizing every detail. “Trying the piano? Or trying each other?” He suddenly leaned in close, staring at me intently, gritting his teeth. “Her lipstick’s all gone, you’ve practically kissed her bare-faced!” Bare-faced? My full makeup! I covered my face with my hands. Ethan pulled me behind him. “Lucas, you’re scaring her.” Lucas glared at him hatefully. “We agreed to resist together. What do you call this? Do you know what you’re doing?” He pulled Zack over. “Tell me, does kissing count as resisting?” Ethan stared at Zack. Zack stared at Ethan. I peeked out from behind, also staring at Zack. Lucas urged, “Say something, bro!” Zack stammered, “I guess it counts.” Lucas stumbled back two steps. “How can that count?” His brain seemed to be racing, finally reaching a blank state. “Then what are we resisting?” Ethan offered to take me home, but Lucas said he wanted to. “You taking her is like a fox guarding the henhouse. What’s the difference?” I raised my hand, weakly interjecting. “The difference is, I’m not a chicken?” Lucas turned to me, clasping his hands together, apologizing frantically. “I’m sorry, beautiful. I didn’t mean to insult you. It’s just that he can’t take you!” Ethan pressed his lips together, sighing. “Then how are you any different from me?” Lucas told me to choose one person to take me home. I looked at Ethan – I liked him but couldn’t pin him down. Then I looked at Lucas – I could handle him but… “I choose Zack.” Zack, observing from a distance, widened his eyes, doubting his hearing. “Me?” Lucas looked at me, about to say something. Ethan covered his mouth from behind, tilting his head to give me a faint smile. “Then let him take you.” I followed him downstairs. Zack told me to wait by the road. I waited in the wind for a long time before the disguised Zack arrived at lightning speed. I was silent for a minute, utterly dumbfounded. “What the hell! You’re taking me on a motorcycle?!” In the dark night, Zack took off his helmet, revealing sharp features, looking at me lazily. “Miss, this is a superbike. Very expensive.” My face turned black as night. Zack tossed me a helmet, resting his elbow on the bike, his tone extremely impatient. “Hey, are you getting on or not? You’re the one who insisted I take you!” I held the heavy helmet, looking at him with a complicated expression, but still voiced my concern. “Can we take the bike lane?” Zack was silent for a moment. “Have you asked the people in the bike lane?” I guess not. I swung my leg over, resigned to my fate. But my skirt wasn’t long enough, exposing a long stretch of leg. Zack looked back at me, the corner of his mouth curling up, his tone provocative. “Wow! If you don’t cover those legs, we’ll cause a pile-up on the road.” He produced a jacket from somewhere and had me tie it around my waist. Zack helped me put on the helmet, raising an eyebrow slightly as he tapped the top. “Hold on tight later! This has nothing to do with the bet, got it?” I looked at him through the helmet, thinking I’d call the police. I leaned forward, putting my arms around his waist. Midway, my foot slipped and I wobbled. Zack looked back down, his tone serious. “Take off your shoes.” I took off my high heels, holding them in my hand, looking around. “But where do I put them?” “Give them to me.” Zack unzipped his jacket, took my heels, and tucked them inside, zipping back up. I was stunned for a moment, then put my arms around his waist, thinking this rich boy was quite practical. I recognized Zack’s bike – it cost over a million. But there were plenty of rich kids at the music school, so it wasn’t that surprising. When Lucas was busking in the underground passage, he sang with an air that said he didn’t need money, which is why I deliberately tossed him a dollar. Not to mention Ethan’s top-tier aura – just talking to him made my body tingle. Zack looked straight ahead, lowering his helmet visor, the corner of his mouth curling slightly. “Let’s go.” In an instant, the engine roared to life. He was going too fast! The wind whistled in my ears. I clung tightly to Zack’s back, clearly feeling the young man’s spine. I couldn’t help but lower my head, tightening my arms around him, my heart in my throat. If I had a life bar above my head, it would probably be flickering by now. At several red lights, I crashed into his back. Zack glanced back at me. “Tsk.” Me: “…”

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The prince was searching the entire city for the girl who lost a glass slipper. My stepsister stole my shoe, claiming she was the one who danced with the prince last night. She didn’t know that the prince had killed someone that night. And I was the only witness. “Sister, please, give me back my shoe.” I clung to Victoria’s leg, begging desperately. Victoria grabbed my hair and spat in my face viciously. “Pfft, you filthy wretch! How dare you covet His Royal Highness? Go back to the attic where you belong, that’s your rightful place.” Madame Tremaine and Isabelle each grabbed one of my arms, pushing me towards the attic. I struggled fiercely, trying to lunge for the glass slipper. “You can’t take it out! You really can’t!” A few days ago, I suddenly found myself in a twisted version of the fairy tale, becoming Cinderella. At first, I thought, how bad could a fairy tale world be? Until I saw the prince slice open the Chancellor’s belly with his sword. After the murder, he stood calmly, using his long blade to lift up a section of the Chancellor’s intestines, admiring it in the moonlight. “Ah, how beautiful.” The bright red intestines dripped blood, and the prince’s eyes gleamed with an eerie, bloodthirsty light. I hid in the bushes, tightly covering my mouth, my whole body shaking uncontrollably with fear. I must have been shaking too hard because the prince suddenly turned his head in my direction, his gaze sharp and piercing like a hawk’s. “Who’s there? Come out!” I gasped, picked up my skirts, and ran. The prince chased after me, sword in hand. The palace was magnificent, with expensive crystal chandeliers hanging from the pillars on both sides, illuminating everything clearly. The prince laughed softly behind me. “Oh, it’s the beautiful girl who danced with me tonight—” His tone was sinister. I turned my head to look; the prince’s face was twisted with malice, his long sword still dripping blood, leaving a trail behind him. I was terrified, running faster than I ever had before. But the white jade steps at the palace gate were too long, and no matter how careful I was, I still lost one glass slipper. I knew he wouldn’t let me go. Sure enough, the next day, news of the Chancellor’s death spread throughout the country. The king was furious and ordered the guards to catch the real culprit. Along with the obituary, another piece of news spread across the country: the prince was looking for love. The prince had fallen in love at first sight with a beautiful girl at the ball. He announced that whoever could wear the glass slipper left behind by the girl would be the next princess. All the women in the city went crazy. Victoria and Isabelle started dressing up early in the morning, soaking their feet in milk, praying for this lucky glory to fall upon them. It wasn’t until Victoria came to my room to look for jewelry that she accidentally found the other glass slipper.

“You filthy wretch, how dare you sneak off to the ball behind our backs! If you’re so desperate for a man, we’ll marry you off to a stable boy tomorrow!” Madame Tremaine grabbed my hair and slapped me hard across the face several times. Victoria clutched the glass slipper to her chest and kicked me hard in the stomach. The attic door opened, and I fell down. Victoria giggled. “Thinking you could be a princess? You should look in a mirror first. “Stay here like a good girl. If you make a sound, you’re dead.” With a loud bang, the attic door was locked. I pounded on the door above my head, my face filled with despair. This is bad. If they take out this shoe, the prince will surely know I’m here. He’ll kill me! Soon, I heard Madame Tremaine’s fawning voice from above. “Oh my, Lord Roderick, why have you come personally— “No need to try it on, this shoe belongs to our Victoria. Victoria, show the other shoe to Lord Roderick.” Lord Roderick’s face was stern as he held a fine velvet cushion with a sparkling glass slipper on top. “Everyone must try it on. Oh—indeed, they make a pair. Noble lady, please come with me to the palace so the prince can see for himself.” The other maids and guards all offered their congratulations. Victoria excitedly hugged Isabelle and spun around. Soon, a flurry of footsteps gradually faded away, and silence fell once again overhead. I slumped to the ground, my face filled with despair. My sister’s foot was bigger than mine. Once they entered the palace and the prince discovered she couldn’t wear the shoe, he would soon come to my house. I had to escape before that happened. But the attic door was locked, and there wasn’t even a window. I had no way to escape. There were many tools in the attic. I found a hammer and started chipping away at the wall. After an hour, I had only managed to scrape off a thin layer of plaster. Covered in sweat, I angrily smashed the hammer against the wall a couple of times before throwing it to the ground. A mouse in the corner was startled and scurried to the other side, squeaking. Looking at that mouse, my eyes lit up as an idea suddenly came to me.

In my impression, Cinderella was always mistreated by her stepmother and forced to do chores. Whenever the housework became too overwhelming, she would start singing, and then many birds and small animals would come out to help her. This was a special ability of Disney princesses. Now that I had become Cinderella, shouldn’t I have this ability too? I cleared my throat. “Ooooh ooooh ooooh~ Aaaah aaaah~” No response. Maybe I was doing it wrong. I continued singing. “Eeee eeee eeee~ Oooo oooo~” I sang repeatedly for half an hour, until my throat was dry, but I didn’t give up. Finally, that mouse crept out from the corner again. I was delighted and crouched down to look at it. “Are you here to help me?” The mouse squeaked, its limbs twitching, and fell to the ground. Me: “…” I sat on the ground hugging my knees. Just as I was at a loss, I heard chaotic footsteps from above and Madame Tremaine’s shrill voice. “Oh my, Prince Henry, you’ve come personally! Heavens!” I looked up through the cracks in the wooden floor. The prince still carried that long sword from last night. He smiled and gestured for his attendant to press Victoria onto a chair. “Beautiful Lady Victoria, is this pair of glass slippers yours?” Victoria’s face turned red, and she nodded shyly. The attendant tried to put the shoe on Victoria’s foot, but her foot was too wide and wouldn’t fit no matter how they tried. Victoria became anxious. “I… I’m a bit swollen today.” “Is that so? But you must wear the shoe to become my princess.” The prince’s expression was cold. Hearing this, Victoria desperately tried to squeeze her foot into the shoe, her instep turning red from the effort. The prince laughed coldly and raised his sword. “Let me help you—” The prince’s blade fell, cutting off half of Victoria’s foot. She screamed and rolled on the ground, clutching her leg.

Everyone was terrified, but the prince acted as if nothing had happened and calmly turned to look at Isabelle. “Beautiful lady, is this pair of shoes yours?” Isabelle’s face was pale, but unable to suppress her desire to become a princess, she still nodded. This time, the prince cut off her heel. Blood sprayed everywhere, dripping through the cracks in the wooden floor. I was terrified, looking around frantically but finding nowhere to hide. Madame Tremaine screamed and went to embrace her two daughters. The prince put his sword to her throat. “Are there any other daughters in your house?” Madame Tremaine’s lips trembled. “No, no more…” Despite their severe injuries, both sisters gritted their teeth and insisted there was no one else in the house. The resolve of the mother and daughters to prevent me from becoming princess was unexpectedly strong. Thank you all. “What about young maids? None of those either?” Madame Tremaine continued shaking her head. The prince laughed and sat down in a chair, using a clean white cloth to wipe his long sword. “Well, isn’t that interesting!” The prince waved his hand, and his attendants scattered to search the house. Soon, Lord Roderick ran to the prince’s side. “Your Highness, the attic door is locked.” The prince looked at Madame Tremaine. “This is your last chance to live. Open the door.” The prince’s eyes were sharp, his tense jawline showing that his patience had reached its limit. Seeing Madame Tremaine standing still, Lord Roderick drew his sword. “Kill her. You all, go break down the door.” Only then did Madame Tremaine react, screaming and crawling towards the attic door. “I’ll open it, I’ll open it, don’t kill me—” The sound of keys and chains clashing rang out, and the attic door was forcefully pulled open. A beam of light shone diagonally into the attic. In the dusty beam of light, the prince stood before me with a wicked smile. “Ha, found you.”

The next moment, the smile froze on the prince’s face. My face was covered in ash, my eyes were crossed, and I asked him with a toothy grin: “Who ya lookin’ for, mister?” Prince: “…” The prince took a big step back in disgust. “Who are you?” “I’m the maid, Cinderella. Ain’t you a handsome fella, hee hee hee—” I reached out to touch the prince’s face. He frowned and swatted my hand away. “Someone, bring her up.” Two guards jumped down into the attic and hauled me up. Thanks to my stepmother’s mistreatment, I was wearing old clothes patched all over, my hair was full of straw, and my face had several red handprints, which indeed matched the image of a maid. Lord Roderick looked disappointed. “Your Highness, this girl doesn’t seem to be the one.” I had just breathed a sigh of relief when I heard the prince coldly order: “Put the shoe on her.” Damn it, he still suspects me. Where’s the basic trust and respect between people? I was pressed into a chair by several guards. Lord Roderick knelt on one knee, holding up the glass slipper. As soon as he lifted my long skirt, Roderick turned his head away in disgust. My feet were pitch black, covered in ash, with my five toes spread wide like sea anemones. The prince laughed coldly. “What happened to your feet?” I smiled ingratiatingly: “My toes are deformed, they’ve been like this since I was little.” “Is that so?” The prince paused for a moment, then suddenly reached out and pinched my calf hard. “Ah—” I screamed in pain, and my toes instinctively curled up. The prince sneered. “Look, all better now.” “Thank you, you’re so kind.” I wanted to cry but had no tears left as I watched Roderick stuff my foot into the glass slipper.

Of course, it fit perfectly—not too big, not too small, not too long, not too short. The glass slipper on my pitch-black foot looked as if it had been custom-made for me. Roderick looked awkwardly at the prince. “Your Highness, are you sure this girl is the one you’re looking for?” The two sisters, who had been rolling on the ground clutching their legs, hurriedly crawled over and said in unison: “There must be a mistake, she didn’t go out last night!” Madame Tremaine nodded along. “Yes, this is my maid. I locked her in the attic last night; she couldn’t possibly have attended the ball. Your Highness, she absolutely cannot be the girl you’re looking for.” The prince stared at Madame Tremaine for a while, then curled his lips into a smile. “Liars must swallow a thousand needles. “Roderick, bring out that box of needles.” What kind of psychopath carries around boxes of needles? Watching Roderick stuff silver needles as long as a pinky finger into Madame Tremaine’s mouth, I was so scared my legs went weak. Amidst the wailing of the mother and daughters, I was escorted onto a carriage by the guards. As the wheels rolled, two guards watched me vigilantly from the side. I couldn’t find any chance to escape. Soon, the majestic palace appeared before my eyes. “My dear Henry, have you found your beloved girl?” Queen Eleanor came out to greet us enthusiastically. Seeing my ash-covered face, the queen paused, a flash of horror crossing her eyes. “This is—” “Someone, take her away to clean up.” The prince acted as if he hadn’t seen the queen and ordered the people beside him. The queen circled around the prince, asking if his journey had been tiring and chattering endlessly. The prince coldly waved her away, turned to Roderick, and instructed: “Clean her up and bring her to see me.”

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When my mother asked me to choose between inheriting the family’s $3 billion trust fund or receiving a monthly allowance of $1,500, I didn’t hesitate to choose the $1,500 allowance. I wasn’t panicking, but my rich roommate, Vanessa, was going crazy. In my previous life, after I chose to inherit the $3 billion, Vanessa stole my family’s trust fund and invited the entire class to Las Vegas. Overnight, the $3 billion was squandered, the family business went bankrupt, and my mother passed away from a heart attack in a fit of rage. When I confronted Vanessa about repaying the money, she hid behind my boyfriend, looking innocent and wronged. “Aria, you can’t blame me just because your family went bankrupt,” she said with a pitiful expression. My boyfriend, Lucas, even kicked me, breaking my ribs, and accused me, “Aria Johnson, it was clearly you who spent recklessly and got addicted to gambling. How dare you accuse Vanessa! Have you no shame?” When I was about to hire a private investigator, I was run over by a car and killed. My boyfriend and the entire class testified for Vanessa, insisting that I had intentionally thrown myself in front of the car because I couldn’t cope with the bankruptcy. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day I chose to inherit the family fortune. 1 On the eve of graduation, someone in the class suggested going to Las Vegas to celebrate. “Everyone, let’s go to Las Vegas for a trip before graduation. I’ll cover all the expenses!” Vanessa’s words sent a shiver down my spine, the pain of broken bones still lingering. Suddenly, I realized I had been reborn! As soon as Vanessa finished speaking, the whole class cheered. “Vanessa, you’re awesome! As expected of a rich girl!” “Since we’re going to Vegas, we have to hit the casinos! I’ve only seen them in ads, never been there myself!” Vanessa smiled brightly, “Sure, let’s go to the casino then!” She then turned her gaze towards me and walked to my side. “Aria, I heard your family has VIP status at the casino. Can I borrow your VIP card? Let everyone enjoy the top-tier service.” My face turned cold. In my previous life, the tragedy of my family’s downfall all started with Vanessa borrowing my card. Back then, under the pretext of borrowing the card, she secretly took away the $3 billion trust fund bank card my mother had left for me at the Swiss Bank. When the court called my phone to inform me that the company had gone bankrupt, I realized that the money Vanessa had used to treat the entire class was my family’s trust fund. When I went to Vanessa’s house to ask her to repay the money, she hid behind my boyfriend, looking wronged. “Aria, you can’t blame me just because your family went bankrupt,” she said. My boyfriend, Lucas, even kicked me, breaking my ribs, and accused me, “Aria Johnson, it was clearly you who spent recklessly and got addicted to gambling. How dare you accuse Vanessa! Have you no shame?” When I was about to hire a private investigator, Vanessa directly ran me over with her car, repeatedly crushing me until I was dead. Afterwards, Lucas and the entire class testified for Vanessa, saying that I had become suicidal after the bankruptcy and intentionally threw myself in front of the car. My mother also passed away due to a heart attack triggered by extreme emotions. I mechanically reached into my bag, my fingertips touching the cold metal card, gripping it tightly. Seeing no reaction from me, Vanessa affectionately linked her arm with mine. “Aria, don’t be so stingy! Just let everyone use it, you won’t lose anything!” “Sorry, that card belongs to my mother. I can’t lend it out casually,” I said, stuffing the VIP card back into the deepest part of my bag. Hearing my words, Vanessa’s face showed displeasure. “You’re going to inherit your mother’s company anyway, why be so particular about it?” Lucas suddenly snatched my bag and emptied all my belongings onto the ground. My phone, tablet, and the camera I had just bought scattered all over the floor. Lucas immediately spotted the golden card and picked it up, handing it to Vanessa. “Here it is. Just take it and use it!” As Vanessa took it, she meaningfully caressed Lucas’s hand. “Lucas is so sensible. Aria, you should learn from your boyfriend.” Suddenly, her eyes lit up, fixating on the camera on the ground. “Oh, isn’t this the Hasselblad camera I love? I heard it’s sold out everywhere. I’ve been trying to get one but couldn’t!” Lucas, noticing Vanessa’s longing gaze, immediately bent down to pick up the camera and stuffed it into Vanessa’s arms. “You can have it too. Aria’s already bored with it anyway.” “Thank you, Lucas,” Vanessa’s face immediately bloomed with a smile. I frowned deeply and snatched back my camera and VIP card. “Sorry, I’m not lending either of these!” Lucas immediately showed an annoyed expression and grabbed me, scolding harshly, “Aria Johnson, when did you become so stingy?!” “Me, stingy?” I angrily slapped him across the face. 2 Slap! The crisp sound of the slap echoed in the classroom. Lucas staggered back two steps, holding his face. His wide eyes were full of disbelief. “Aria Johnson! You dare to hit me!” I shook my tingling hand and sneered, “This slap is to teach you about boundaries. What gives you the right to give away my things to others?!” The classroom immediately erupted into chaos. “Aria Johnson, are you crazy?” “It’s just a camera, what’s the big deal?” “You even hit your own boyfriend!” “Think you’re all that because you’re rich?” Vanessa hurriedly supported Lucas, then turned to glare at me angrily. “Aria, Lucas was just trying to do something nice for everyone. What’s with your attitude!” I bent down to pick up my scattered belongings, calmly putting the VIP card back into my pocket. “My attitude is very clear. I’m not lending it!” Lucas suddenly broke free from Vanessa’s hand and rushed over. “Aria Johnson! Give the card back to Vanessa right now and apologize to us, or we’re breaking up! I don’t want my girlfriend to be someone so ill-mannered!” “Give it back? It’s my thing to begin with, who am I giving it back to?” I dodged his outstretched hand, a smile curling at my lips. “If you want to break up, fine. It’ll save me the breakup fee!” This statement was like poking a hornet’s nest. Lucas trembled with anger. “You… you think I care about your money?” “Don’t care?” I raised an eyebrow, looking at the Cartier watch on his wrist. “Then give back the birthday gift I gave you last week?” His face instantly turned pale, unconsciously covering his watch. The expressions of the surrounding classmates immediately became strange. Emma Thompson, the class president, suddenly stood up angrily and slammed the table. “Aria Johnson, you’re too selfish! Vanessa is kindly inviting everyone to Las Vegas, can’t you consider the group for once?” “That’s right,” the study representative also chimed in, “You always act so agreeable, but when it really matters, you show your true colors.” I looked around at these familiar yet strange faces. In my previous life, it was they who unanimously testified in court that I had committed suicide by throwing myself in front of a car. “Vanessa is inviting you to Las Vegas, so go ask her. Why are you asking me?” Vanessa stepped forward again. “If we use your VIP card, won’t it raise your VIP status at the casino? It’s a win-win situation!” Lucas stood intimately beside Vanessa, the pain on his face seemingly vanished. “Vanessa, you’re so considerate. Aria is being so difficult, yet you’re still thinking of her.” “Since you all want to go to Las Vegas so badly…” I slowly pulled out a card from my wallet, “I’ll lend it to you then?” Vanessa’s eyes lit up, her hand reaching out to take it. I flipped my wrist, revealing the full card—it was my student meal card. “Are you mocking me?!” Vanessa’s face turned ashen. “Pot calling the kettle black,” I spun the meal card on my fingertip. “Aren’t you all trying to emotionally blackmail me?” Lucas suddenly grabbed the chalk box from the podium and threw it at me. “Aria Johnson! I must have been blind to be with you!” I dodged to the side, and the chalk scattered on the ground. 3 Seeing that I wouldn’t hand over the VIP card, Vanessa’s face instantly darkened. She gave a look to the surrounding classmates, and several girls immediately surrounded me. “Aria Johnson, don’t be so stubborn,” Vanessa lowered her voice, her eyes sinister. “It’s just a card. Do you have to make such a scene?” I let out a cold laugh, holding my bag in front of me. “What, planning to rob me if I won’t lend it?” “Rob? We’re just trying to make you ‘come to your senses’!” Emma suddenly pushed me from behind. I stumbled a few steps and crashed into a desk. My bag fell to the ground with a thud, its contents once again scattered all over the floor. Lucas stood by, a mocking smile on his lips. “Serves you right.” A few girls took the opportunity to kick away my textbooks. One of them deliberately stepped on my camera, and the device cracked with a snap. “What are you doing?!” I suddenly stood up, but my shoulder was forcefully pressed down. “Aria, don’t be so stingy,” Vanessa said with a fake smile, her hand reaching for my pocket. “We’re all classmates, what’s wrong with borrowing a card?” I slapped her hand away. “Get lost!” This action thoroughly angered Vanessa. Her face darkened, and she suddenly grabbed my chin with her nails. “You want to do this the hard way, huh?” The surrounding classmates, instead of stopping her, started to cheer: “Teach her a lesson! Think she’s all that because she’s rich?” “Stop pretending, it’s just a stupid card!” Seeing that I wouldn’t back down, Vanessa directly swung a slap towards my face. I dodged to the side, grabbed her wrist, and twisted it hard. “Ah!” She cried out in pain and staggered backward. Seeing this, Lucas shouted angrily, “Aria Johnson! How dare you fight back?!” He rushed forward to grab my hair, but I pushed him away and quickly took out my phone from my pocket, dialing 91

“Officer, I’m at XX University, 3rd floor of the teaching building. Someone is trying to rob me, deliberately damaging my property, and assaulting me.” Lucas’s face changed dramatically. He lunged forward. “Are you crazy?!” He snatched my phone and, without even looking, threw it out the window. Crack! The phone smashed onto the cement ground below, its screen shattering. The classroom fell silent for a second. But to their surprise, in less than ten minutes, the sound of police sirens echoed from below. When the police entered the classroom, Vanessa and Lucas’s faces instantly turned pale. “Who called the police?” the lead officer asked, looking around. “I did,” I raised my hand. “They tried to rob me and smashed my phone.” The officer looked at the scattered items on the ground, then at my broken camera and the smashed phone outside the window. His brow furrowed. “What happened here?” Vanessa immediately put on an innocent act. “Officer, it’s a misunderstanding! We were just playing around!” Lucas quickly chimed in, “Yeah, yeah, it was just a joke between classmates!” Other classmates also started to testify. I coldly scanned the room. These people were exactly the same as when they gave false testimony in my previous life. The officer let out a cold laugh. “Smashing phones and hitting people, you call that a joke?” Mr. Wilson, our counselor, rushed in upon hearing the news, his face ashen. “What’s going on?! How could you cause such a scene at school?!” The officer briefly explained the situation. After listening, Mr. Wilson glared at Vanessa. “You again!” Vanessa tried to argue, but the evidence was irrefutable. In the end, under the mediation of the police, Vanessa and Lucas had to compensate me for my phone and camera, and apologize publicly. As we left the office, Lucas lowered his voice, gritting his teeth, “Aria Johnson, you just wait and see!” Looking at his twisted expression, I suddenly smiled. “Sure, I’ll be waiting.” When I returned to the dorm to pack my things, I felt like someone had gone through my stuff, but nothing was missing, so I didn’t pay much attention. Just as I walked out of the school, a black Maybach stopped in front of me. “Miss Johnson, Madam has an important matter and needs you to return home immediately.” Butler James didn’t let me speak, directly pulling me into the car. That evening, my mother pushed two documents in front of me, her gaze sharp as a knife. “Aria, this is your last chance to choose. The right to inherit the family’s $3 billion trust fund, or a monthly allowance of $1,500.” “The $3 billion has already been deposited into your Swiss Bank card. As soon as you sign, you can access that money and take over the family business.” The crystal chandelier behind my mother refracted a dazzling light. I squinted, momentarily seeing that car rushing towards me again, hearing the crisp sound of bones being crushed. Vanessa’s triumphant sneer from my previous life still echoed in my ears. “I choose the monthly allowance of $1,500.”

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My mom kept hounding me to get married. With no other choice, I put on a meek and docile facade. I never expected that a remote blind date would get me noticed by a refined-looking, mixed-race guy studying abroad. He’d been living overseas for years and rarely came home. “I’ll give you a six hundred sixty thousand dollar bride price. No dowry needed. The condition is, you take care of my daughter back home.” He looked composed, yet he spoke so casually about having an illegitimate daughter. I feigned composure, but inside, my heart soared. Rich, a house, and instant motherhood with none of the pain. The marriage was settled immediately. From then on, I was back to my favorite games – Call of Duty, Apex Legends – and racing, with my little shadow in tow, living my best life. Until one day, my expat husband called, asking what talent our daughter could perform at her preschool parent-teacher conference. I looked at the keyboard in front of me: “Maybe… play the… keyboard?” He laughed heartily on the other end, then sent me a media video— A neon race car sped across the finish line. I opened the door, pulled off my helmet, tossed my hair, and flashed a wild grin. “Wife, are you a gentle, docile painter, or a rebellious, flamboyant race car driver?”

I froze first. Then I cleared my throat and said in a saccharine-sweet voice, “All I know is I’m your good wife!” I tried to laugh it off, brushing him away. As I spoke, my eyes darted around: the luxurious decor of the mansion, the top-of-the-line computer setup, and the cabinets full of snacks within reach. This life was pure bliss. I remembered ‘docile’ was one of Jax’s conditions for marriage. My head instantly throbbed. I quickly added, “Honey, you have no idea how scared I get when I drive. I just need your warm chest to comfort me.” “Instead of saying that, why don’t you just come home sooner and be with me?” I whined playfully, my throat constricting from the effort, and immediately hung up. I shook my head, trying to stay calm. This race was just a regional competition. How did Jax get news of it? Unless… I secretly glanced at my four-year-old daughter, who was playing house in a pile of toys. Then, I immediately dismissed the thought. That little girl listened to me more than anyone. If that was the case, how on earth did Jax find out?

A year ago. My mom was relentlessly pressuring me to marry, even going as far as showing up at my racing club, interrupting my regular training. With no other choice, I dyed my hair black, straightened it, put on a dress, and started going on blind dates. In the remote video call, Jax wore gold-rimmed glasses, looking refined and easy to handle. And from the pictures he’d sent, he was one of those guys who looked slim in clothes but muscular when stripped down. He was supposedly an American expat, making extra money working freelance on foreign film sets. His biggest quirk? He had an illegitimate daughter. She was notoriously quiet and had already scared off several nannies. But I was an expert at charming people, and lying didn’t make me bat an eye. I could be a perfect hostess and an amazing cook, not to mention great with kids. Jax was very satisfied with me. He immediately flew back to the States overnight to officially tie the knot. As for my mom, she’d already been blinded by the sheer amount of money. The first day I moved into the mansion, I was mentally prepared. I was afraid that the rumored little terror would jump out from somewhere and attack me. But before I could even knock, a soft, tiny little one walked out from inside.

The little girl’s hair was loose, and her innocent doe eyes stared straight at me. She was wearing loose, pink pajamas. It felt like she was… a little neglected. I frowned. “Chloe, Auntie will make you something delicious, okay?” With that very first sentence, I had the little girl hooked. Jax said she had a strange temper, but all I saw was this tiny pink bundle devouring her food, looking utterly adorable. I fed her meal after meal every day, completely winning her over. However, there was one exception. My thoughts spun back. Chloe had abandoned her toys at some point and stood in front of me, pouting innocently. I smiled, reaching out to pinch her cheek. How could Chloe be the one who leaked it? Jax must have found out from somewhere else. Looks like I need to pay attention to security cameras next time. “Sweetie, are you fussy about bedtime again? Auntie will tuck you in!” It was like a switch had been flipped. The child scurried around the house like a little mouse. She ran and yelled, “Oh no, the witch is coming!” I fought to keep my lips from twitching— “Chloe, why aren’t you being good!” After hearing me, she dug out the toy AK I’d bought her from the toy pile: “Look, a gun!” The little rascal must have loaded a fake bullet without me noticing. “Oof—” It stung when it hit me. I rubbed my forehead, speechless, looking at the way she held the gun. Isn’t this exactly how my Call of Duty trainees hold theirs? Great. If Jax found out I wasn’t just racing, but also teaching his daughter how to “fight” at home… Would he divorce me and demand the bride price back?!

I knelt in front of the little one. “Chloe, you can’t point a gun at your teammates. From today on, the gun is confiscated!” I rarely called her by her full name, and my usual smiling face was gone. The little girl froze, her innocent gaze filled with a mix of curiosity and confusion. I took the gun, but then cut her a small piece of cake. “Sweetie, you need to sleep! You’re still growing.” I patiently wiped the cream from her lips. This child had only one flaw: she hated sleeping. In the first few days I was at Jax’s house, she’d sway from exhaustion but refuse to get into bed. The discomfort of being sleepy made her wail. So, when Jax said the previous nannies couldn’t stand her crying, it wasn’t entirely Chloe’s fault. Because of this, I had to pull out all the stops to coax her to sleep. I read her fairy tales, and she’d say, “Why did the Little Mermaid have to die for the prince? Was he really that handsome?” I put on sleep-inducing cartoons, and she’d say, “Are they mute? Why aren’t they talking?” It wasn’t until I put on a classic old movie that she started to snore before she could even complain. This little one was… interesting. But even classic old movies eventually end, and Chloe wasn’t easy to fool, so I put on a long-running historical drama for her. She slept, alright, but then I started binge-watching shows all night. Everything from historical epics and family sagas to modern romances and thrillers. It was normal for me to love watching them, but as for Chloe— “I’m looking for my dad!” Jax? My expat husband, living it up overseas, how could he appear in a TV show? I pulled Chloe into my arms: “Sweetie, if you miss Daddy, we can FaceTime him.” The child shook her head. “Daddy has to go to heaven and earth, he doesn’t have time to answer the phone.” I raised an eyebrow, my lips twitching. Jax really could say anything, couldn’t he? He should be more realistic when coaxing a child. If he could go to heaven and earth, I’d be the Queen of the World. After that conversation, my gaze softened towards Chloe even more. Her mother was nowhere to be found, and her dad was full of empty promises. As her stepmom, I had to give it my all. My attention to Chloe became almost 24/7. But kids have their secrets too. “Why are you fiddling with your watch and hiding from me?” I teased Chloe, who was crouched in the corner. Her face was full of surprise, one hand covering her smartwatch, the other covering her mouth. She shook her head frantically. Thankfully, I wasn’t interested in uncovering a child’s secrets. It just made me feel even more anxious whenever Chloe left my sight.

My internal clock hadn’t adjusted yet, and by midday, my eyelids were already drooping. “Auntie, why don’t you go sleep?” I waved my hand. “No way. This mansion is too big to leave a kid alone.” “But Daddy said you’d become the biggest danger in the house if you kept getting so little sleep.” I rolled my eyes. “He’s got a sharp tongue, doesn’t he?” “Wait…” Chloe and I stared at each other, her eyes wide. She was clearly flustered. She avoided my gaze. “Daddy calls me sometimes.” “Good for him. He has a great daughter back home, he should call often.” I didn’t think much of it, my drowsiness at its peak. “Sweetie, time for a nap.” The two of us, one big, one small, squeezed onto the pink bed. I quickly drifted off to dreamland. So, I was completely unaware of the rustling sounds coming from the living room outside. Chloe, sleeping beside me, immediately opened her eyes and sat up. Her face was filled with wariness. Two years ago, she was still in a country full of foreigners. Her dad left early and came back late every day for filming. She lived in a big house with her nanny, Amy. One night, she was woken by sounds outside. Peeking through the door crack, she saw Amy and a tall man engaging in highly inappropriate behavior on the dining table. Just then, the front door opened. It was her exhausted father, home at last. Even if her dad could go to heaven and earth, in his fatigued state, he was quickly subdued by the man, who was much taller than him, and the large Amy. In the deep gloom of the night, Chloe, through the door crack, met her struggling father’s gaze. Her dad suddenly stopped resisting. Tears welled in his eyes, and his lips moved, soundlessly mouthing, “Don’t speak.” The two bad people dragged her dad into the garden outside. After a choked scream, hurried footsteps grew closer and closer. Chloe, terrified, scrambled back into bed. In the darkness, Amy and the burly man walked in. Chloe tightly shut her eyes. Only when the footsteps completely faded did Chloe dare to peek out. That night left Chloe with a nightmare, a deep imprint. From then on, she couldn’t sleep, or if she did, she couldn’t sleep deeply. The terror buried deep within her never truly faded. Chloe glanced at me, biting her lip. She tiptoed to the door and immediately locked it. During this time, Chloe’s feelings for me had grown increasingly complex. Her mother had died in childbirth, and the care I gave her was something she had never experienced since birth. My affection came with guidance and education. This time, she didn’t want to be a coward anymore. “Chloe.” A deep male voice sounded from outside the door. Chloe’s face lit up with surprise. She opened the door and threw herself into the man’s arms: “Daddy Jax!” Jax glanced into the room at the sleeping woman. He picked up Chloe and then carefully closed the door. They sat cross-legged on the sunny balcony. Jax carefully examined the little person in front of him. “You’ve put on a little weight, and your hair is tied up properly now!” Jax smiled fondly, feeding a peeled orange segment to Chloe. Chloe smiled sweetly: “Are you really planning on coming back to the States?” “I’m thinking about it.” Jax nodded with a smile. He was currently preparing for Director Alpha’s new film. As the only Asian face in it, and a mysterious character whose identity hadn’t been revealed yet. There was constant speculation about him. If he was lucky, this movie would be his breakthrough work to establish himself in Hollywood. But now… Jax’s gaze shifted to the nearby bedroom door. During these past days, Chloe had been sending him many pictures and videos of his new wife through her smartwatch. Chloe, usually quiet and highly cautious, had, through their daily interactions, been influenced by his new wife and gradually opened up. Compared to her initial dotting wife persona, her dashing and bold appearance on the race track made Jax even more curious. He had worked hard on foreign film sets for years, meeting countless people, but only his new wife’s vibrant energy completely captivated him. As for acting, Jax still had some confidence. “Auntie is very good.” Chloe wrinkled her nose at the sour orange but obediently swallowed it because Auntie said it was rude to waste food. Jax curved his lips into a smile. He nodded. “Yes, she truly is good.” A wave of emotion swelled in his chest. He pulled Chloe into his arms. “Chloe, did you think about the past again?” “Mm…” The little girl’s voice trembled slightly. Jax gently patted her back. “It’s safe at home. For the next week, I’ll be here, and Auntie will be with you too.” While Cassidy napped, Jax went back to the master bedroom to change out of his windbreaker jacket. The hot shower washed away the fatigue of a ten-hour flight and jet lag. As he stepped out of the bathroom, I happened to wake up and walk into the kitchen— “Sweetie, Mom will make you some afternoon snacks, okay?” Chloe, perhaps intentionally, smiled and said yes, without mentioning Jax at all.

After my nap, I felt completely refreshed. I was humming a tune, holding a rolling pin. Suddenly, a man’s low chuckle echoed in my ears. “CLANG—” All my expressions froze on my face. I looked upstairs, bewildered. I squinted, holding the rolling pin, and started walking upstairs. Chloe grabbed my hand. My nerves tightened as I turned to her. “Be a good girl, sweetie. Auntie’s just going to handle something. Don’t be scared!” The sound came from inside the master bedroom. I took a deep breath, gathered my courage, and pushed open the door. The next second, what I saw— Dark skin, broad shoulders, a narrow waist. His massive pecs rose and fell with each breath, and below them, a sculpted eight-pack made my heart pound. I subconsciously swallowed hard. My hand holding the rolling pin went limp. All I wanted to do was yank off that short white towel around his waist. My gaze moved up— “Hon… honey?” Instantly, I felt myself flush crimson from head to toe. After two dry laughs, I turned to leave, but his large hand wrapped around me, pulling me into the bedroom. He held me from behind, his strong body enveloping me. I could clearly feel his heart thumping against my chest. For a moment, it felt like our hearts were beating in sync. “Let go first! Jax, why didn’t you tell me you were coming back?” I was a little annoyed at being tricked. But he held me tighter, burying his head in my neck, his warm breath fanning against my collarbone. I couldn’t help but shrink my neck, but then I heard his soft chuckle. “Jax!” I snapped, trying to break free, but he held me in a vice-like grip. Without thinking, I lowered my head and bit Jax’s arm hard. Even his arm was pure muscle; it hurt my teeth. Jax laughed, his voice full of indulgence: “Alright, stop messing around! I just wanted to surprise you.” “Then where’s the gift?” The words popped out before I could stop myself, and I instantly regretted doing something so out of character. Jax smiled and nodded— “Of course, my dear Mrs. Cassidy.” His voice deepened, and he lowered his head, kissing my neck. I couldn’t help but let out a soft gasp. The temperature in the room instantly shot up. Jax exhaled raggedly, as if desperately suppressing something, and finally let go of me completely. His exposed skin was flushed crimson.

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After finally getting the ice-cold heartthrob I’d chased for ages to say yes, I discovered he had a major problem. I thought he was just too tired from work, so I gently reassured him it was fine. That was until I saw the floating comments: [He just doesn’t feel anything for the side character! With the heroine, he can go seven rounds a night!] Looking at Asher, who was feigning remorse, I quietly pulled the blanket over myself. The very next day, I broke up with him. He clung to me, losing control, when he saw another guy with his arm around me. “Just give me another chance, please…” he choked, begging. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I’m a fast learner, you know.” I lay in bed, staring blankly at the messages from Asher. [Quinn, can we meet?] [We need to sort out any issues right away.] [I want to explain everything in person.] Seeing I didn’t reply, he added another line. [Baby, I don’t want to break up.] Honestly, after reading his words, I wavered a little. But the moment I thought about what happened yesterday, I decisively blocked and deleted him everywhere. Asher, my ex-boyfriend. Rich, handsome, and usually treated me so well. There was just one thing that bothered me. He couldn’t perform. Yesterday was our one-year anniversary. We had a few drinks, sparks were flying, and we checked into a hotel. The instant the hotel room door clicked shut, my back hit the cold mirror. Asher’s hot breath, mixed with the smell of alcohol, caressed my neck: “Ready to try this?” “Asher…” I reached out to push him away, but my fingertips barely grazed his rapidly rising and falling chest before my hands were caught and pinned above my head. His eyelashes trembled as he kissed me, but his lips were cold. He kissed me fiercely and haphazardly, as if trying to prove something, pulling me toward the bed. The dull thud of his belt buckle hitting the carpet made me shiver. He buried his face in my shoulder, breathing heavily, his fingers freezing the moment they touched the edge of my lace. In the darkness, I distinctly heard his Adam’s apple bob. Cold sweat dripped from his tense jawline into the small hollow of my collarbone. I chuckled, thinking he was nervous. “Don’t move.” His voice was hoarse as he pressed down on my hand trying to reach for the light, his fingertips trembling. I reached out to touch his abs. His breathing hitched, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he turned his head: “Quinn, stop messing around.” I playfully bit his earlobe, chuckling, “What’s with the act? Your heart’s about to explode.” The next second, he flipped me over, pinning me against the headboard, and yanked his tie to bind my hands: “You asked for it.” But his kisses stopped abruptly at my collarbone. His body was taut like a drawn bow, yet he made no further move. Suddenly, lines of comments floated before my eyes. [Side character, run! The male lead is a jerk, his body can only be loyal to the heroine!] [Don’t be soft, girl, he’ll only drain your life force to empower the heroine!] [You’re just a catalyst! All your current sweetness is just to boost the male and female leads’ relationship!] I blinked in disbelief, my blood instantly freezing. Before, I never understood why I, Quinn Miller, a girl from a well-off family, cherished by my whole family, had to chase Asher for so long before he finally agreed to be with me. Now I understood. I was just the side character in a novel, and Asher was the male lead. He could only belong to the heroine. Asher was still stubbornly nibbling my earlobe. But his body, which should have been burning, grew colder and colder, and even his kisses became mechanical touches. I watched his feigned remorse and suddenly pushed him away, grabbing the bedsheet to wrap myself. Asher knelt by the bed, his tie askew around his neck. He looked down at his limp hands: “How could this happen?” “You should go.” I heard my own hollow voice. I snatched my jacket and rushed for the door, but he hugged me tightly from behind. Warm liquid dripped onto my neck, indistinguishable whether it was sweat or tears: “Just ten more minutes… just ten minutes…” He buried his face in my hair, sobbing. I quietly pushed him away: “Asher, let’s break up.” 3 I curled up in the bathtub, hot water lapping at my chin. Honestly, after breaking up with Asher, I was still a little sad. After all, he was the guy I’d chased for so long. I couldn’t help but feel a little regret. The comments floated in the mist above the water, like a bucket of ice water extinguishing my last bit of hesitation. [Side character, run! The male lead is waiting for you downstairs!] [Don’t waver, stay as far away from that jerk as possible!] [I’m so worried, I’m terrified she’ll get back together with the male lead!] It had been three days. Ever since I pushed Asher away in that hotel room, these bizarre words had haunted me. At first, I thought I was going crazy, until the comments mentioned Willow’s name. My phone vibrated wildly against the tiles. “Quinn, I’m downstairs.” Asher’s voice, raspy from the night wind, was barely recognizable, “Let me see you, just for a second.” I gripped the edge of the tub, hesitating whether to go downstairs. The comments suddenly erupted: [He’s in the rain! He’s in the rain!] [Side character, hurry and take him an umbrella! It’s what the plot demands!] [The one above is crazy? The heroine is having a fever at the art studio right now, the male lead should be going to give her medicine!] How laughable. My life, which had been smooth sailing for twenty-four years, was just a mere stepping stone in someone else’s story. [Side character, don’t go down. You can’t force true love.] Yes, you can’t force true love… I chased Asher for so long, thinking that after all the hardship, happiness would follow once we were together. But his heart was with Willow. I spoke: “Asher, we’re already broken up.” A wave of cheers from the comments. [Side character has awoken!] [That’s great, I was so worried!] [It’s okay, side character. Bye bye, boy. The next one’s gonna be a keeper!] The sound of fabric rubbing together came from the other end of the line. Asher roared: “Quinn, come out! Let’s talk this through face to face!” I wrapped myself in a bathrobe and walked to the balcony. Through the curtain of rain, I saw him slumped on the ground, his captivating eyes, which once mesmerized me, now bloodshot. I leaned on the railing and chuckled softly, “Asher, don’t make me look down on you.” 4 After that, I never saw Asher again. Today, I was having dinner at a restaurant. The couple at the next table had already finished their cream of mushroom soup, but my table still only had a glass of lemon water. I firmly turned off my phone screen, my fingertips tapping restlessly on the tablecloth. “Is table 23’s steak not ready yet?” A figure in a black and white uniform scurried out from the kitchen, her ponytail swaying gently as she jogged. Willow’s hands trembled as she held the tray, sauce drizzling onto the carpet along the edge of the plate. I frowned, about to speak, when the porcelain plate suddenly slipped, scraping against the table corner, and all the dark red sauce spilled onto my cream-colored skirt. “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry!” She dropped to her knees, vigorously wiping my dress with a wet napkin, “I didn’t mean it, please don’t report me…” I recoiled my leg as if shocked by electricity, her knuckles white as she clutched the napkin. “Get up first.” I reached out to help her, not understanding why she reacted so strongly when I hadn’t even said anything. Willow suddenly grabbed my wrist. “Ms. Miller, why do you have to make things so hard for me?” she looked up, her face swollen from crying, “I really didn’t mean it.” Blood rushed to my temples. “CCTV.” I spoke as calmly as possible, “Check the footage.” “Ms. Miller, please, I don’t want to lose my job.” Willow covered her mouth and began to sob. People around us started to whisper. Someone raised their phone to record. The back of my neck tingled. I could feel countless eyes glued to my spine. “These young girls nowadays are something else,” a middle-aged woman’s voice, lowered, came from behind me, “Dressed so nicely, what’s the big deal about bullying a server?” “Mom, keep your voice down,” a young girl quickly interrupted, “What if the server is the one with the problem…?” “What problem could she have? Didn’t you see her kneeling?” a man in a floral shirt across the diagonal deliberately raised his voice, “Rich people love to put on airs. A little sauce and they want to check CCTV, think this is a TV show?” I clutched my soaked skirt, my nails almost digging into my palms. The heroine’s aura was truly a terrifying thing. Willow’s crying intensified, and she shuffled forward on her knees, trying to grab my hand: “Ms. Miller, I’ll pay for your dry cleaning, I’ll give you this month’s salary…” [Original plot alert! The male lead should rush in to protect his white lotus heroine!] [Classic scene: Dominant CEO scolds the villainous side character!] [Warning! High-stakes scene ahead! Asher is about to scold Quinn!] “Quinn would never make things difficult for anyone.” A familiar cedarwood scent wafted from behind me. Asher pulled me into his embrace. His sharp suit looked out of place amid the mess on the floor. I thought Asher and I would never see each other again. I never imagined that at such a vulnerable moment, he would be the one to speak up for me. Willow’s sobs caught in her throat, and her entire body suddenly began to tremble. “Mr. Thompson, I…” Asher’s gaze fell on the stain on my skirt. He took off his suit jacket and tied it around my waist: “Good girl, go change in my car.” His movements as he shook out the suit were anxious; I’d never seen him like this. [OMG, the plot’s broken! Why is the male lead with the side character?!] [The heroine is crying so miserably, and the male lead is ignoring her??] [Ahhhh, he put his jacket on the side character! In the original, he clearly put it on the heroine!] “No need,” I brushed away his outstretched hand, ready to leave quickly, “Thank you for the offer, Mr. Thompson.” The male lead and the heroine had met; as the side character, I should gracefully disappear. Just as I was about to slip away, Asher grabbed my hand, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Quinn, don’t be like this.” Willow suddenly lunged forward and hugged his leg, her tears soaking his expensive suit pants: “Ms. Miller, it was my clumsiness, please don’t take it out on Mr. Thompson!” Amidst the commotion of the crowd, Asher froze like an ice sculpture. I looked at his hand hanging by his side, clenched tightly into a fist. Willow was still whimpering something, but her voice sounded as if it were behind a curtain of water. [Heroine, don’t kneel! Your main love interest is OOC!] [Help, the male lead’s fists are so tight, is he fighting against the original plot’s will?] [Side character, run! This love triangle showdown is going to break the timeline!] Asher suddenly grabbed my wrist, his body temperature alarmingly hot. “Come with me.” Seeing my reluctance, he added: “Just ten minutes.” 5 Asher’s fingers felt like they were digging into my wrist bone. He pulled me through the restaurant’s back door, and the damp, rainy air hit my face. “Ten minutes,” he repeated the number as he pushed me into the passenger seat, “You’ll at least listen for these ten minutes.” [OMG, is the male lead crazy?! This is kidnapping!] [Help, his grip is so strong, the side character’s wrist is already bruised!] [In the original, the male lead saved the heroine here. The plot’s so off, it’s unrecognizable!] The car air freshener was the citrus scent we’d picked out together, but now it stung my eyes. He held the steering wheel with one hand, his other hand gripping the gear stick tightly, knuckles white: “That night… I checked, it’s PTSD. I’m already in therapy…” “It has nothing to do with that.” I cut him off, my nails digging into my palms. In the rearview mirror, Willow was chasing after us, her slender figure swaying in the rain. He suddenly leaned over, grabbed my shoulders, and his cedarwood scent mixed with his trembling breath pressed down: “Then why break up? Last week you still said you wanted to go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights with me…” “Asher!” I violently pushed him away, the seat leather making a shrill scraping sound, “Do I have to spell it out? I don’t love you anymore, I don’t love you. Don’t you get it?” [Awakening value MAX! Queen behavior, sis!] [The male lead’s shocked expression is so satisfying!] [Let him taste what it’s like to be dumped too!] Asher’s pupils constricted abruptly, as if seared by my words. The dome light cast fragmented shadows beneath his eyelashes, and I saw his Adam’s apple bob painfully: “You’re lying.” “Quinn, you’re playing me, aren’t you?” I fumbled for the car door handle, the coolness of the metal creeping up my fingertips: “Just say I found you… lacking.” “Don’t say that word!” He suddenly slammed his fist on the steering wheel in a fit of rage, the horn blaring, “You know I’m trying! I have my third desensitization therapy next week, the doctor said…” “But I don’t want to wait anymore. Asher, I’m a normal person, I have needs. You trembled like I was poison every time you touched me…” “It just disgusts me.” He froze completely, his pale face slowly turning to me: “So that’s what you think.” In the blue light of the dashboard, he unbuttoned two shirt buttons, revealing the faint red scratch marks I’d just left below his collarbone. Intimate, yet heartbreaking. “Want to try now?” He grabbed my hand and pressed it to his chest, his heartbeat like a trapped beast pounding against my palm, “Right here, I’ll show you I’m not some useless piece of trash…” “You’re insane!” I yanked my hand back as if shocked, my back hitting the car door. A mechanical alarm suddenly blared, sharp enough to pierce my eardrums. [Warning! Timeline Correction Protocol Initiated!] I curled up in pain, my vision blurring. Asher’s alarmed face swayed in the distorted light: “Quinn? What’s wrong? I’ll take you to the hospital…” “Don’t touch me!” I slapped away his outstretched hand, my nails drawing blood on his knuckles, “Asher, we’re over. From now on, you go your way, I’ll go mine.” His hand, frozen mid-air, slowly clenched into a fist: “What if I refuse to let you go?” The sound of rain suddenly grew heavier. My head throbbed. I knew the will of this world was closing its net. “Asher, we ended a long time ago.” 6 I moved, and my best friend, Chloe, invited me for coffee that weekend. She pushed the coffee cup toward me, the bottom clinking against the glass table: “That godforsaken part of town north of here doesn’t even have a decent coffee shop. You might as well become a nun!”

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Julian Hayes dragged me into a compromising situation, busting me with his rival. A barrage of cameras and microphones were shoved into my face, completely ignoring my half-naked body. Julian spoke with a smug, confident tone, “So, Mr. Vance, are you so desperate for women that you’d dare to sleep with my wife?” “Wife, come here.” But I just laid out my divorce certificate and marriage certificate, linking my arm with Caleb Vance’s. “Excuse me, but we’re legally married.” “Julian, did you forget? We got divorced. You were the one who asked for it.” “You wanted me to orchestrate a fake divorce, using my reputation to set up Caleb?” Seriously? I *just* got remarried, thank you very much! Go back to him? Dream on! I stared at the antique clock on the wall. The hour hand pointed to nine. The elaborate dinner on the table had long gone cold, and the candles on the candelabra were burning down to their stumps. “Madam, should I clear the table?” Martha stood at the dining room entrance, hesitant to speak. I shook my head, my fingers unconsciously tracing the embroidery on the napkin. “Just a little longer. He said he’d be home early tonight.” It was my third wedding anniversary with Julian. I’d started preparing a month ago: booked his favorite restaurant, bought a new dress, and even secretly practiced the piano piece he’d been listening to recently, hoping to surprise him after dinner. My phone vibrated. I practically lunged to answer it. “Madam, Mr. Hayes asked me to inform you that he has an important client meeting tonight. He won’t be back for dinner.” It was Daniel, Julian’s assistant, speaking in a strictly businesslike tone. I bit my lower lip until I tasted a hint of blood, then released it. “Did he say… when he’ll be back?” “Mr. Hayes didn’t say. Is there anything you’d like me to relay?” “No, thank you.” I hung up, feeling my eyes sting, but no tears came. In the past three years, I had learned not to show weakness in front of others. Martha sighed and began clearing the table. I stood up to help, but she gently pressed my hand. “Madam, please go rest. I’ll handle this.” I knew she pitied me. Everyone in the Hayes household knew how Julian treated me. In three years of marriage, he’d been home a handful of times. Even when he did return, it was usually late at night, when I was already asleep. Sometimes, I even wondered if he deliberately avoided me. Back in the bedroom, I peeled off the expensive custom-made dress and tossed it onto a chair. The woman in the mirror had a beautiful face and figure, but her eyes were dim. I was only twenty-six, but I felt like I was already old. That rainy night three years ago suddenly flashed before my eyes. My father’s company had plunged into crisis overnight. Creditors blocked the doors, banks demanded payments. The Lin family had fallen from the heights of prosperity into the depths of despair. My father, out of options, humbled himself before the elder Mr. Hayes, desperately pleading for help. “I can help you, but I have a condition.” The elder Mr. Hayes was puffing on a cigar, his eyes sharp. That condition was me. Aurora Lin, the only daughter of the Lin family, would marry Julian Hayes, the heir to the Hayes empire. I still remembered the first time I saw Julian. He stood by the huge floor-to-ceiling window at the Hayes mansion, his back to me, his figure as tall and straight as a pine. When he turned, I was stunned by his handsome face, but his eyes were as cold as ice when he looked at me. “It’s just a business arrangement. Don’t expect me to fall in love with you.” That was the first thing he ever said to me.

I agreed to the marriage. For my father, for the Lin family, I had no choice. The wedding was grand. The Hayes family valued their reputation, wanting even an unwilling marriage to be spectacular. Julian drank a lot that day. He didn’t even step into the bedroom on our wedding night. For three years, I tried to be a perfect wife. I memorized all his preferences, learned about his interests, and even endured his tabloid scandals. I naively believed that if I was good enough, one day he would finally look at me. The sound of water running in the bathroom broke my reverie. I froze. Julian was back? Pushing open the bathroom door, a rush of steam hit me. Julian stood under the shower, water droplets sliding down his muscular back. He turned off the water, grabbed a towel, and wrapped it around his waist. He frowned when he saw me. “You’re still awake?” “It’s our third wedding anniversary today.” I said softly, handing him another towel. He took it and dried his hair, his expression completely flat. “Is it? I forgot.” My heart felt like it was pricked by a needle, but I was used to the pain by now. “It’s okay. Work is important.” Julian walked out of the bathroom, pulled out pajamas from the wardrobe, and changed. I stood there, feeling like a useless decoration. “Right,” he suddenly said. “There’s something I need your cooperation with.” I looked up at him, surprised that he actually needed something from me. “Caleb Vance has been trying to snatch a crucial project from Hayes Corporation recently.” His eyes flashed with a hint of malice when he spoke Caleb’s name. “I need you to get close to him, and collect some… compromising information about him.” My eyes widened. “What do you mean?” “It’s simple.” Julian lit a cigarette, his tone as casual as if discussing the weather. “We’ll get a fake divorce first. That way, your approach to him won’t raise any suspicion.” “With your looks, seducing him shouldn’t be difficult.” I felt a chill run through me, unable to believe what I was hearing. “You… you want me to use my body?” “Don’t put it so crudely.” He exhaled a smoke ring, his eyes filled with indifference. “It’s just business strategy.” “After it’s done, we’ll remarry, and your father’s company will get more resources from Hayes Corporation.” I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms. Three years. In his eyes, I was nothing but a tool to be used, not even deserving of basic dignity. “What if I refuse?” I heard myself ask. Julian smiled, and the smile sent shivers down my spine. “Your father’s new government project… seems to have some funding issues, doesn’t it?” The threat was unmistakable. I closed my eyes, feeling a wave of dizziness. So, I didn’t even have the right to say no. “Fine, I’ll do it.” I opened my eyes, my voice eerily calm. Julian nodded, satisfied, and stubbed out his cigarette. “The lawyer will be here tomorrow to handle the paperwork. Remember, it’s just a plan. Don’t take it seriously.” He pulled back the covers and lay down, turning his back to me. I stood there, looking at the man who was legally my husband, and suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity. That night, I stood on the balcony, gazing at the distant city lights, and made a decision. Since Julian wanted to play this game, I would play it to the very end. Only, he would be the one to regret it in the end.

The lights of the charity gala hurt my eyes. I stood in a corner, my fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of my wine glass, my gaze scanning the room for Caleb Vance. Julian’s briefing material said he’d definitely be here tonight. “Alone?” A man reeking of alcohol leaned in, his eyes lingering unpleasantly on my exposed shoulder. I took a half-step back, forcing a smile. “I’m waiting for someone.” “Waiting for who? Why don’t you have a drink with me first?” He reached out to put his arm around my waist. “This lady clearly isn’t interested.” A deep voice came from my side. I turned, my breath catching in my throat. Caleb Vance was even more striking than in his photos. A chiseled face, eyes as deep as ink, and a perfectly tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. What surprised me most was the way he looked at me—with a restrained politeness, a stark contrast to the ruthless business shark Julian had described. After the drunken man sheepishly left, Caleb gave a slight nod. “Miss Lin, I hope you weren’t too startled?” He knew my name. My heart skipped a beat. “You know me?” “Who in the business world hasn’t heard of Mrs. Hayes?” A slight smile played on his lips as he offered me a handkerchief. “You spilled some wine.” Only then did I notice the red wine splashed on my wrist from earlier. As I took the handkerchief, I noticed a thin, long scar on his fingertip, strikingly different from Julian’s pampered hands. Wiping away the wine stain, I suddenly realized this was the perfect opportunity to approach him. “Might I have the honor of a dance, Mr. Vance? As a thank you.” Caleb raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised, but quickly extended his hand. “My pleasure.” The music started, and his hand rested lightly on my waist, maintaining a respectful distance. I’d expected to smell heavy cologne, but instead, I caught a hint of crisp cedar. “Miss Lin’s dance steps are quite professional,” he suddenly said. “I studied in college,” I replied casually, but then froze. How did he know I was dancing professional ballroom, not just a social dance? Caleb seemed to sense my confusion, letting out a soft chuckle. “A guess. Your way of following the rhythm is quite unique.” When the dance ended, he politely escorted me back to my seat, not lingering. I should have felt relieved, but a strange sense of disappointment washed over me. “How’s the progress?” Back at the Hayes mansion, Julian was waiting for me in the living room. “I’ve made contact. It will take more time.” I slipped off my high heels. My ankles were already chafed and bleeding. Julian frowned. “Too slow. Hayes Corp. has a private reception next week. Find a way to get an invitation.” He stood up and walked closer, his fingers pinching my chin. “Don’t tell me you’re getting soft? Remember, he might act like a gentleman, but he uses every dirty trick in the book behind the scenes.” I lowered my gaze. “I know.” Three days later, I used the excuse of following up on the charity project to arrange a meeting with Caleb at his company. His secretary led me to his office, but then informed me he had an urgent conference call. “Mr. Vance said you could wait here, or relax in the adjacent study.” The secretary said respectfully. I chose the study. The room was spacious and bright, with a wall-to-wall bookshelf filled with books and files. As I looked closer, I suddenly found a plain black photo album tucked away in a corner. Driven by an inexplicable impulse, I picked it up. Turning the first page, my breath hitched. It was me at eighteen, standing on a piano competition stage, smiling brilliantly. Flipping through, there were nothing but clippings about me: college debate champion, charity performances, even candid shots of me feeding stray cats on campus. “That was seven years ago.” Caleb’s voice came from behind me, startling me so much the album slipped from my grasp. He bent down to pick it up, gently brushing off non-existent dust. “You… why do you have these?” My voice trembled. He gazed at the photos, his eyes incredibly tender. “Because that day, your music made me want to live.”

That evening, Julian returned unusually early. The moment I stepped through the door, he dragged me into the study. He flung a gilded card at me, his eyes full of disdain. “The reception invitation. Friday night. Don’t mess it up.” I rubbed my aching wrist. “I’ll be ready.” “Ready?” Julian sneered. “You’ve only had coffee with him a few times in two weeks. Your progress is like a snail’s pace.” “I need evidence to ruin Caleb Vance, not to see you discussing some damn classical music with him.” He slammed a stack of photos onto the table. They were all candid shots of Caleb and me at a coffee shop. My stomach twisted in a painful knot. He had been having me followed all along. “I need time to build trust.” I tried to keep my voice steady. Julian grabbed my chin. “Listen, your father’s new project is signing the contract next week.” “Before that, I want to see results.” His thumb brushed my lips, but his eyes were cold as ice. “If necessary, use some… special methods. Understand?” I understood. Too well. For three years, I had learned to interpret the meaning behind his every threat. Friday morning, the sky was heavily overcast. I stood across from the Vance Tower, hesitating whether I should “accidentally” run into Caleb for lunch as planned. A drop of rain landed on my nose, and instantly, a downpour began. I hurried to take shelter under the eaves of a convenience store, watching the rain create countless splashes on the ground. It was twenty minutes before our scheduled time, but my clothes were already soaked through. “Looks like we both underestimated the weather.” A black umbrella opened above my head. Caleb had appeared beside me without me noticing. He took off his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders. The fabric still held his body heat. “My car is just ahead,” he said. The rain blurred my vision as I followed him into a discreet black sedan. “Address?” he asked. I instinctively gave him the address of the Hayes mansion, immediately regretting it. It was like telling him I was going back to my “husband’s” house. But Caleb just nodded and set the navigation. Soft piano music suddenly filled the car. My body tensed. It was a rare, obscure piece, an anodyne I often listened to when I couldn’t sleep. “This song…” My voice trembled. Rain streamed down the car windows. I gripped the towel tightly, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. He knew my coffee preference, remembered my phone’s ringtone, and now he was playing this almost unknown piece of music. Too many coincidences stopped being coincidences. “What exactly do you…” “We’re here.” Caleb cut me off, stopping the car a block away from the Hayes mansion, thoughtfully giving me room to explain. Caleb turned to look at me. The rain cast flowing shadows on the car window, making his expression hard to read. After a long moment, he reached out and gently brushed a drop of water from my hair, his voice soft. “Aurora, why haven’t you understood yet?” The civil affairs office door clicked shut behind me. I looked down at the brand-new divorce certificate in my hand, its red cover stinging my eyes in the sunlight. “Don’t make that face.” Julian adjusted his cufflink, his eyes full of mockery. “We’ll remarry in three months. This is just a formality.” I quickly composed my expression and shoved the divorce certificate into my bag.

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The day the zombie horde broke out, I tore up my assignment roster, forcing myself to stay behind in the doomed Zone C. I held on until dawn the next day, just long enough to hear Caleb’s loud broadcast: Celeste had found a new oasis. Her discovery, he claimed, would be humanity’s last hope. Only then did I finally breathe a sigh of relief. As the horde smashed through the doors, I detonated all my explosives. In my previous life, Caleb had made sure I drew the winning lot. He used my luck-boosting ability to easily find the oasis and become a leader. He promised me that as soon as I found the oasis, he would send away all the other women he was seeing. I believed him. But when I lit the bonfire signal, what arrived wasn’t his support, but betrayal. “Celeste has no powers, she needs my protection more. I just want her and her child to be respected by everyone in this apocalypse. But you, you try to steal even this little bit of credit.” “She got a fever, terrified by zombies, just looking for you. I’ll make you feel ten thousand times her pain.” He chained me to a car and dragged me until I was torn to shreds by zombies. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day the horde erupted. This time, I’d let them have their savior dream.

“Astrid! Get in the car!” “Any later, and the horde will completely surround us!” I looked into the distance. The energy shield around the perimeter of Zone C was weakening. Leo was so anxious, he was almost in tears. “Astrid! You’re the only one with powers in the entire base! Where there’s life, there’s hope! Don’t throw away your life!” I was about to speak. The steel door of the safe house was violently kicked open. Caleb’s personal guard roughly seized my arms, dragging me out without a word. Leo roared from behind, his voice gut-wrenching. “Let her go! Astrid’s pregnant, you’ll make her miscarry dragging her like this! You damn lackeys of the base leader!” They finally pushed me to the base’s central plaza. A pre-assault rally was being held there. In the center of the plaza, a dozen people were already kneeling. These people were all scapegoats, accused of various crimes. Some were charged with hoarding rations, others falsely accused of trying to steal a vehicle to escape. Then, the enforcement squad stepped out. They carried a large wooden bucket, walking up to each person, prying open their jaws. Spoon after spoon of black-green liquid was forcibly poured down their throats. That water was contaminated from the base’s failed purification system, filled with radiation. The entire plaza was instantly drowned in screams and sounds of retching. A man next to me convulsed violently, foaming at the mouth. “We just wanted to save some extra food for our kids… Why are you doing this to us?!” I wasn’t spared either. A full spoon of contaminated water was forced down, and my stomach cramped in excruciating pain. Blood gushed from between my legs. I let out a muffled groan of agony, which startled those around me. “That’s Astrid! The Commander’s wife! They’re pouring it down her too?” “Isn’t she our hero in Zone C? She led a team to reclaim a batch of medicine yesterday! What in the world is going on?!” The intense pain made my vision blur, and I crumpled to the ground. “Medic! Call a medic now! Someone’s going to die!” Just then, the noisy crowd automatically parted, creating a path. Celeste, dressed in a brand-new white combat suit, looked impossibly clean for this apocalypse. She clung intimately to Caleb’s arm, a saintly, yet pitying smile gracing her face. Caleb’s gaze swept over us, groaning in pain on the ground, his face grim. Celeste dramatically covered her mouth. “Oh my, why is everyone collapsed? Who could be so heartless as to shake our morale at such a critical moment, with the zombie horde surrounding us?” Before she even finished, Caleb’s face was filled with rage, and he violently kicked my stomach. “You vicious wretch!” He roared at me, “The moment I step away from the base, you dare to incite people and cause internal strife!” “You’re so consumed by jealousy that you’d try to steal Celeste’s credit for finding the oasis!” That kick left me unable to even cry out. I looked at Celeste’s face behind him, twisted with a triumphant smirk. I gritted my teeth and squeezed out a few words from my throat. “I didn’t… It was her…” “Still trying to lie your way out of it?!” Caleb bellowed. “This isn’t the first time you’ve been so unscrupulous for credit! This time, I will not let you off!”

He pointed at the struggling survivors on the ground and ordered them. “Each of you, give her one shot from a taser. After you’re done, I’ll personally escort you to the oasis, and your food and medicine rations will be doubled.” The personal guard dragged me up from the ground, completely ignoring my miscarriage. The survivors who had been forced to drink the contaminated water looked at me, their eyes filled with reluctance. A middle-aged man walked forward, tears in his eyes, and pulled the trigger. “I’m sorry, Captain Astrid… I have two children at home…” One person, two people… Blue electric arcs flashed again and again, scorching the life out of my unborn baby. Only after everyone had tasered me and left did Caleb, satisfied, take the water Celeste offered him. He took her hand and walked over to me. He looked at me, covered in dust, my cheeks bruised, and a flicker of something complex crossed his eyes. But the next moment, he coldly lifted my chin. “Don’t blame me for making them do it. I had to teach you a lesson, so you know this is what happens if you dare to be jealous, if you dare to harm others again.” “Save yourself the trouble of trying to steal Celeste’s credit again.” My whole body trembled, and I looked up at him. So, I wasn’t the only one who had been reborn. No wonder they found the oasis even without my luck. No wonder he said it wasn’t the “first time” I’d done this. Because in my previous life, he had similarly framed me and sentenced me to death for Celeste’s sake. My eyes reddened, and I wiped away my tears. “Astrid, playing the victim won’t work anymore. No matter how capable you are, it’s useless.” “I’ve already had the medical team give Celeste the top-tier genetic enhancer. Her powers will definitely upgrade, helping me become the leader.” I gave a bitter laugh, clutching my constantly cramping abdomen. “I already paved the way for you. But why did you have them force contaminated water on me? Why destroy Zone C and kill my teammates…?” He paused, his brows furrowed. “Don’t talk nonsense. You clearly led your team in a failed breakthrough yesterday, resulting in the entire unit being wiped out.” Sweat streamed down my face from the pain. I grabbed his pant leg, trying to make him look at Leo, the scout, who was still alive on the monitoring screen. His face was filled with disgust, and he impatiently kicked my hand away. “Stop acting. If you want to prove you weren’t trying to harm Celeste, then tomorrow, during the base-wide broadcast, you can personally admit that your abilities were insufficient, that your reconnaissance failed, and that you begged Celeste to share some of her credit with you.” “Then you’ll hand over all your merits and supplies to her and the child she’s carrying, and in the future, you’ll serve as her loyal deputy.” “If you dare to play any more tricks, if you dare to touch a single hair on her head, this time I won’t just deal with you and your useless team—Leo, the one you care about most, won’t get a single dose of anti-infection medicine either.” My eyes widened, staring at Caleb in disbelief: “Caleb, you bastard! Leo was scratched by a zombie while covering me, he’s a hero of the base! How can you threaten me with his life?!” Caleb looked annoyed. “As long as you obediently serve Celeste’s team and take good care of them from now on, I won’t touch him.” With that, he put his arm around Celeste, ready to leave. “Celeste, thank you for finding hope for the base. I’m going to reward you well.” I watched their retreating figures, warm blood continuously seeping from my lower body because of the miscarriage. Professor Albright, a researcher who treated me like his own daughter, rushed over, his face paling when he saw my injuries. “Quickly, get her to treatment! If anything happens to Astrid, I won’t let any of you off!” I was sent to the medical bay, but the healing medic never showed up. Professor Albright, enraged, demanded to know where the medical team assigned to me had gone.

Mia, the assistant, spoke with difficulty. “Professor Albright, all the healing medics in the entire base have been called to Captain Celeste’s room by the Commander. Miss Celeste scratched her finger while testing a weapon, and Commander Caleb is worried something might happen to her, so he’s keeping all the healing medics on standby.” “Right now, there are no healing medics in the entire base.” Professor Albright was furious, constantly making calls. “He’s gone mad! His own wife is critically injured and clinging to life, yet he calls away all her healing medics for some mistress, completely disregarding her fate!” The communicator finally connected after the twentieth attempt. “Is Astrid stirring up trouble again and making you call me to back her up?” Professor Albright shouted excitedly, “Astrid is bleeding internally and has fainted! Several of our brothers in the team are about to die! And you’ve taken away her healing medics! Do you want to kill the base’s elite unit?!” Caleb scoffed, “Did Astrid tell you to call me? Her check-up was perfectly fine, what’s this critically injured and dying act now?” “Alright, alright, I still have Celeste and her team’s victory banquet to attend. She wants healing medics, does she? I’ll send someone over.” Professor Albright hung up the call, gripping my hand tightly. “Don’t be afraid, Astrid, the healing medics will be here soon.” I felt my life force gradually fading. I thought of my previous life, how my teammates were similarly stabbed in the back by Caleb’s team, eaten alive by zombies. I trembled all over, pulling Professor Albright’s hand, and said with difficulty. “Professor Albright, you promised me you’d treat me like your own child. If Caleb didn’t treat me well, you’d help me get away from him.” “I just want to save Leo’s life, and then survive.” Professor Albright was already in tears, saying repeatedly. “After Caleb was saved by you, he loved you so much. It’s all that vile creature, Celeste’s, doing. If she hadn’t suddenly appeared, you two wouldn’t have ended up like this.” I gave a tragic smile. How could a life-and-death companion, who once fought alongside me, become like this? The man who, after repelling zombies, would blush and say he’d face life and death with me, swearing that if he ever betrayed me, he’d die a horrible death, with no corpse left behind. Now, for another woman, he abandoned me without a second thought. “Please, Professor Albright.” I gritted out each word. Listening to my plea, Professor Albright finally nodded. “Tomorrow, I will announce that you are the sole power-user of Zone C. As for that ungrateful beast, I will no longer assist him!” Professor Albright immediately left to deal with the matter. I lay on the medical bed, the sharp pain in my abdomen surging like a tide. Professor Albright’s young assistant, Mia, anxiously kept hoping the healing medics sent by Caleb would arrive. Finally, someone came. But it wasn’t a healing medic; it was a logistics orderly. Seeing the bloody scene in the medical bay, he handed over a few bandages and a bottle of expired disinfectant. “Commander Caleb said it’s just a minor injury, nothing life-threatening. He told you to deal with it yourselves and stop bothering him with such disgusting things.” Mia cried and smashed the box. “Astrid, I’ll take you and the brothers to another base right now. You have to hold on.” My vision went black, and I finally passed out. When I woke up again, it was to a bucket of ice-cold snow water being abruptly poured over me. Caleb’s face, full of disgust, loomed before me. “You’re awake, stop faking it.” He looked down at me. “You know I’m about to announce the oasis and Celeste’s achievements, yet you’re making a scene about going to my enemy base. You just want everyone to think Celeste is bullying you, don’t you?” Celeste, clutching a report, stood behind him, tears streaming down her face, looking utterly pathetic. “Astrid, I know you hate me. But it’s okay to get revenge on me, why did you have Professor Albright try to steal my credit?”

“That assistant was still screaming that I was a vile creature before they dragged her away, saying I didn’t deserve to be the savior’s partner…” I opened my mouth, but not a single word escaped my throat. I could only shake my head with all my strength, trembling as I pleaded, “I… I didn’t… Send me to the medical bay… The brothers… They can’t hold on much longer…” “You’re lying again!” Caleb impatiently furrowed his brow. “Professor Albright rallied her old subordinates overnight and even found the base’s records officer. Wasn’t it you instigating her from behind? You think by stealing Celeste’s credit, you can secure the second-in-command position at the base?” Celeste cried and pleaded in his arms, “Astrid, I beg you, please don’t separate Caleb and me… If you really insist on taking my credit, I’ll just run out of the base alone and die in the zombie horde!” She made a move as if to run, and Caleb immediately held her tight. He was enraged, and he kicked my stomach again. “How many times have I warned you not to bully Celeste, but you just won’t listen! Since that’s the case, I’ll have to resort to special measures.” He suddenly turned and coldly ordered his personal guard. “She forced Celeste to run into the zombie horde, so she should pay the price. Go, shut down Professor Albright’s lab’s purification system, and throw the people out of the research facility!” “Caleb!” I shrieked, tearing my throat. “You’re insane! That’s Professor Albright! Her research is for all humanity!!” “So what?!” Caleb scoffed. “To get you into the command structure, she forced me to marry you. Now you’re a captain, and I’ve even let you command your own unit. If you couldn’t find the oasis, that’s your own uselessness. I’ve repaid my debt of gratitude, I don’t owe you anything anymore!” “Do it!” I frantically lunged at the personal guard, trying to stop them, but I was brutally kicked to the ground. The wound on my abdomen, which had barely stopped bleeding, burst open from the violent impact, gushing like a broken dam, instantly staining the floor beneath me crimson. I screamed in agony, my throat raw, curling into a ball. Caleb was about to drag me further, but then he suddenly saw the pool of crimson on the floor, and his face went white. He instinctively stopped, turning to Celeste and demanding. “What happened?! I told you to take care of her and her pregnancy, why is she still bleeding?!” Celeste’s face also changed slightly. But her eyes darted, and she quickly squeezed out tears. “I’ve always taken good care of Astrid… This is the medical report they did for her yesterday.” She handed over the report, her voice choked. “The report says she only has superficial wounds, and her bodily functions and the baby are all perfectly normal.” Caleb snatched the report. He only scanned it once, and he believed it. The next second, he furiously lifted me from the ground and violently threw me onto the cold, hard metal floor. My head slammed down hard, and blood instantly gushed out. “You dared to lie to me?!” He growled, “To make me soft, you can even fake a miscarriage?! How disgusting, how utterly vile!” “You thought I’d fall for it this time? Dream on!” He raised his leg, kicking my abdomen mercilessly, again and again. Blood mixed with screams splattered with every impact. “Ah… no… no…” I pleaded, almost tearing my throat, but my body grew colder and colder. Until I had no strength left to even beg, only able to curl up in my own pool of blood. He wiped his blood-stained boots and turned to Celeste, his face full of apology. “I’m sorry, Celeste, for making you smell this disgusting odor. I’ll deal with her right away. Once it’s done, I’ll fly you to the oasis to see the scenery, as compensation for my mistake, okay?” Celeste, however, shook her head tearfully, her voice pitiful. “Forget it. Astrid hates me so much. What if you leave with me, and she immediately comes up with a new way to sabotage me?” “Otherwise, I’ll just take my team and leave. I’ll even let her have the credit.” She spoke cautiously, utterly wronged, yet it perfectly struck Caleb’s nerve. His face instantly turned as dark as night, his voice gentle but chillingly cold: “Don’t worry, I won’t give her any more chances to harm you.” He waved his hand: “Lock her in the containment cell outside the base. Once I officially announce Celeste as the discoverer of the oasis tomorrow, then release her.”

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At my younger brother Brandon’s graduation party, he was absolutely beaming, declaring he was going to make a fortune this summer. “I’m going to start a live stream and become an influencer! I’m going to take on the ‘one hundred girls home’ challenge!” Recently, many people were doing this challenge, and the views were great. Plus, Brandon had just been accepted into a top-tier university, so everyone rushed to flatter him, praising his intelligence and innovative ideas. But I’d seen those videos. They called it “escorting girls home,” but in reality, it was just stalking and harassment. In my previous life, I was the only one who disagreed. I tried to convince Brandon that chasing this kind of viral trend would seriously blow up in his face, and he might even get his university admission revoked. But my mom slapped me. “You’re just jealous your brother is smarter than you!” Brandon’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Sis, you just can’t stand that I’m more successful than you.” To stop him, I paid for and arranged a graduation trip for him, finally making him give up the idea. But just a few days later, those who took on the challenge blew up. Brandon started to resent me. He followed me after I finished working late, and under the cover of night, he pushed me into the river. I drowned. My parents claimed I’d accidentally fallen and drowned, then hastily buried me. After I died, my soul watched them laughing, celebrating that they had finally gotten rid of me, the obstacle holding them back from striking it rich. Reborn, I was back at Brandon’s graduation party. This time, I just offered a faint smile. “Oh, Brandon’s the smartest, absolutely.” 1 “Seriously? Didn’t you just say that was a terrible idea?” “What? Are you going to be so fake and wishy-washy even in front of your own family?” My mom looked at me with contempt, her voice dripping with scorn. My dad chimed in, sarcastically, “Oh, honey, just ignore her. This daughter of ours has no conscience. We might as well consider her a lost cause.” After dying once, I found myself much calmer than in my previous life. Before, I would have desperately tried to prove I was a good daughter and that I truly cared about Brandon’s well-being. But now, I just smiled politely. My brother, Brandon, saw my indifference and started wailing dramatically: “Everyone, she’s my own sister! Why is she so jealous of me? How can she be so cold-hearted?!” Encouraged by his performance, a chorus of relatives began to speak up: “Aster, you were indeed the only one who made it into a top-tier university in our family, but now Brandon is more promising. Don’t think you’re so special anymore!” “See? I told you. Girls just aren’t as good as boys; they’re not as smart and tend to be ungrateful leeches.” I looked around at them. They all seemed to have forgotten… When Uncle Ben was sick, I paid for his treatment; when Aunt Carol’s son needed money for a down payment on a house, I helped him raise it; when Aunt Sarah’s daughter couldn’t get into school, I pulled strings to find her a place. Even Brandon’s acceptance into a top-tier university was because I diligently tutored him for three years, helping him go from average to the top of his class. And anyway, if my dad hadn’t insisted I go buy fruit for Brandon on the day of my college entrance exam, how would I have been late? How would I, who was always number one in the entire city, have performed so poorly that my scores ended up being lower than Brandon’s? I closed my eyes. Before, I always lied to myself, convincing myself that they loved me too, maybe they just didn’t know how to express it. Sure enough, it’s hard for children to admit their parents don’t love them. I opened my eyes again. Thankfully, the Aster who craved family affection was already dead. I spoke calmly, almost nonchalantly, “Everyone…” I noticed my parents and Brandon staring at me intently, their faces full of schadenfreude. This scene was all too familiar. They often did this, blaming me back and forth, then watching me frantically try to defend myself like a lunatic. Then they could tell everyone I had mental issues, using it as an excuse to continue suppressing me. But this time, I offered a small smile. “Everyone, please don’t be upset. If Brandon wants to escort a hundred girls home, let him.” “You’re right. Brandon’s exam scores were higher than mine. He must be smarter.” 2 I noticed my mom’s expression instantly dimmed, and my dad pursed his lips. They were so disappointed that they hadn’t managed to drive me crazy and make a fool of me in front of everyone. My parents could still control their expressions, but Brandon couldn’t. He was too young. He looked a little flustered. “Aster, what do you mean by that?! Are you being sarcastic?! Do you think I won’t get famous?!” “I’m telling you, once I get famous and rich, everyone here today will be living the good life with me, except for you!” The relatives and friends present burst into laughter. Aunt Carol said, “Brandon, your aunt doesn’t want anything from you, but I just hope that when you make it big, you’ll help out my son’s kids.” Aunt Sarah smiled too. “Brandon, my daughter’s grades have always been a struggle. Why don’t you tutor her, perhaps?” “Your aunt won’t make you work for free. I’ll give you a red envelope.” Aunt Sarah pulled out a thick red envelope. Seeing this, many others also pulled out red envelopes for Brandon. These weren’t gifts for my parents; they were specifically for Brandon. Brandon held his head high, glancing at me triumphantly. My parents were also beaming with pride. I couldn’t help but remember my own graduation party a few years ago. Back then, no one valued me so highly, and no one gave me red envelopes. Instead, they all presumed I would become an ungrateful wretch, constantly reminding me to remember family affection and not to forget my family once I got a boyfriend. I still remember feeling like I was on pins and needles then. It was supposed to be a celebratory graduation party, but I was on the verge of tears from the injustice. I sneered inwardly. This time, I’d make sure they saw what a *real* ungrateful leech looked like. My parents and Brandon basked in others’ flattery, enjoying their moment of glory. Let them be proud for a while. I remembered clearly that not long after I died in my last life, those who were escorting girls home late at night did indeed face backlash. Many media outlets stepped in to criticize the phenomenon. If Brandon became one of them, would any university still accept him? After collecting all the red envelopes, Brandon turned to me. “Sis, where’s *your* red envelope?” I feigned surprise. “Why would you think I’d give you one?” “Don’t you know I’m cold-hearted? Don’t Mom, Dad, and all our relatives know I’m an ungrateful leech with no conscience?” This was the first time I had ever refused my family money. Everyone looked stunned, frozen in place. Before they could react, I stood up and walked away. I’d had enough of this place. As I reached the door, I heard Brandon’s furious roar behind me: “Aster! Don’t you ever think you’ll get a single dime from me in the future!” Everyone present started echoing his words. I scoffed. These people were flattering Brandon just to invest in a potential goldmine, hoping for double the profits. But trying to make money off someone with Brandon’s despicable character was like dancing with the devil. 3 Just a few days later, Brandon started his live streams. Brandon specifically targeted young, pretty girls, and the comments in his stream were utterly disgusting. But it was clear these girls didn’t want to be escorted by a stranger. They looked terrified, stumbling as they tried to run away, yet the number of viewers in his stream kept soaring. In the family SnapChat group, messages popped up one after another. “Brandon’s only been streaming for three days and he already has so many viewers!” My mom replied proudly, “Of course! He already has over ten thousand followers!” My dad also said, “Yeah! Brandon is just so much better than his sister!” How boring… I was about to turn off my phone when a private message from my mom popped up. “Your Grandma Rose is sick. If you still have any conscience, come see her.” My heart clenched instantly. When I was little, my parents were always busy. Grandma Rose raised me. But after Brandon was born, they suddenly weren’t busy anymore. When I felt lost because of my parents’ indifference, Grandma Rose was there, holding me, comforting me. Grandma Rose always said that no matter what my parents thought, she would always love me the most. I took a day off and went to Grandma Rose’s little house. Grandma Rose’s eyes welled up when she saw me. She said weakly, “Aster, Grandma is fine, just a little high blood pressure. You taking time off will just delay your work.” “It’s fine, Grandma. But your blood pressure was stable, wasn’t it? Why did it suddenly go up?” Grandma Rose sighed. It turned out that on the day of Brandon’s graduation party, Grandma Rose had seen me being bullied by everyone and was so anxious and angry that she fainted shortly after I left. My heart ached. Even for Grandma Rose, I had to find a way to get rid of these parasitic relatives. At dinner time, everyone at the table was loudly chatting. Brandon boasted to me, “Sis, I’m really going to blow up. Go check out my follower count now!” “Sis, I’ll let the red envelope thing slide from my graduation party.” “Now, if you give me ten thousand, I’ll use it to boost my content, and I’ll count you as an investor, how about that?” I shook my head. “I’m not interested.” “Brandon, if I really partnered with you, Mom and Dad would probably be worried sick every day, wondering if I, this ungrateful leech, would scheme against their precious son.” My dad slammed his fork down, ready to curse at me. But my mom glanced at a frail Grandma Rose and stopped my dad with her eyes. My dad quieted down, but Uncle Ben started acting pompous again. “Aster, everyone at this table is your flesh and blood, your closest family! You can’t be so petty with your own relatives!” “You young people nowadays are so selfish, not as righteous as us older folks!” Aunt Sarah chimed in, “My brother’s right. You have to have a spirit of dedication to your family. It’s just a little money you need to invest!” I was mindful of Grandma Rose and didn’t want to start a conflict with them. I mentally told myself to just pretend they were talking nonsense! Uncle Ben, with the alcohol kicking in, got even more excited: “What’s wrong with investing a little money in Brandon? Brandon isn’t an outsider!” “How many people in this world can truly treat you well? Only the few of us at this table, right?” “If you ask me, forget investing money! Even if Brandon loses it all, so what?! That’s family love!” I had reached my limit. I was about to retort… Just then, “Uncle Ben! Why don’t *you* invest in me then?!” Brandon’s eyes lit up as he looked at Uncle Ben. Uncle Ben froze instantly, his drunken eyes clearing up. “Uh… I…” Uncle Ben stammered. I almost burst out laughing. Brandon then turned to Aunt Sarah, who quickly looked down. But Brandon spoke anyway. “Aunt Sarah, you should invest a little too!” Aunt Sarah’s body stiffened. Brandon didn’t seem to care about their current awkwardness, talking to himself: “Thank you, Uncle Ben! Thank you, Aunt Sarah! I, Brandon, am so lucky! To have such loyal and devoted elders!” Uncle Ben and Aunt Sarah exchanged glances, their faces thunderous. At that moment, my parents quickly refilled Uncle Ben’s and Aunt Sarah’s glasses, ready to toast them. My dad said, “Our Brandon is a top-tier university student! You can invest with confidence! He’ll never lose it!” My mom wiped away fake tears. “Indeed, no one can be relied on but my own brother and sister! Not even my own daughter!” Uncle Ben and Aunt Sarah were completely cornered, gritting their teeth and nodding. At this point, Aunt Laura and Uncle Gary’s faces were even darker than the bottom of a pot. 4 I lowered my head, hiding the smile I couldn’t suppress. Just then, a sharp pain shot through my waist. My mom had pinched me hard. She leaned in close and whispered, “Even so, you still have to give your brother ten thousand!” “Otherwise, I’ll tell everyone you’re unfilial! You can just wait to be dragged through the mud and face online hate!” A chill ran down my spine. I didn’t care about what people said, but how much did she truly despise me? To go to such lengths against me? I vaguely nodded. Seeing my nod, she smiled with satisfaction. Ha, I just didn’t want to cause a scene in front of Grandma Rose. If I actually gave them money, wouldn’t I just sink deeper into this swamp of a family? After leaving Grandma Rose’s house, I immediately blocked all my relatives, including my parents and Brandon. And I didn’t forget to leave the family SnapChat group. Then, I quickly found a new place to live and moved in. After settling everything, my heart gradually calmed down. But I couldn’t understand why Brandon’s follower count was growing so fast and steadily. Did he even need to boost his content? And he’d received so many red envelopes at his graduation party, why did he still need so much money? Thinking this, I opened his live stream again. The girl Brandon picked this time looked quite young, still carrying a school backpack, probably only sixteen or seventeen. When she realized Brandon was following her, her face instantly turned incredibly pale. The girl quickened her pace. Seeing the girl try to escape, Brandon lunged and blocked her path. He smiled maliciously. “Why are you running, little sister? Do I look like a bad guy?” The girl tried to stay calm. “Get lost! I’ve seen enough creeps like you, and I’m not afraid!” The comments scrolled rapidly. “Good intentions wasted on an ungrateful person,主播 quickly teach her a lesson!” “This girl is such a jerk, can’t even take a joke.” Seeing that the girl had riled up the audience, Brandon smiled. “Little sister, I’m not a bad guy. I want to escort you home.” “I see you’re probably in high school, right? I just graduated from senior year.” He said smugly, “Plus, I’ve been accepted into a top-tier university. I could even come to your house and tutor you!” As Brandon said this, the comments exploded with excitement. “The streamer got into a top-tier university? This girl must be dumbfounded!” “This girl is so ungrateful! It’s an honor for a top-tier university student to offer to escort her!” The girl wasn’t buying any of it. She shoved Brandon hard and ran off. The comments became even more frenzied. “Hahahaha streamer, chase her! Chase her!” My anger flared. How pathetic must these people’s lives be to need to terrorize a girl late at night to prove their strength? Gift effects popped up one after another, and Brandon chased with increasing enthusiasm. I reached out and clicked “Report.” Just then, a sharp screech of tires pierced the air, and the girl fell to the ground. Brandon stopped abruptly, and his pale face was reflected on the screen. Comments scrolled wildly, and Brandon immediately ended the live stream. At that moment, I finally recognized the girl. She was the daughter of my company’s CEO, and he was the wealthiest person in the city. I quickly dialed 91 That night, I was sleepless. The next day at work, I found a layoff notice on the company HR computer that hadn’t been issued yet. My name was on it. Immediately after, my phone rang suddenly. It was an unfamiliar number. I answered, and the voice on the other end was harsh and shrill. It was my parents. Their numbers were blocked, so they had gotten a new one to call me. “Aster! Go find your CEO right now! Whatever you have to do! Fix this for your brother!” “That girl isn’t even dead! She just got a little hurt! Why should your brother’s future be ruined because of that?!” “Your CEO thinks so highly of you, doesn’t he?! Go sleep with him! You *have* to save your brother!” I hung up, my heart growing colder and colder. I no longer hesitated. I walked to the CEO’s office and knocked on the door. 5 After I went to see the CEO, Brandon really wasn’t held responsible, and I wasn’t fired either. Grandma Rose called me, extremely worried.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “297084”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance