When Ji Yunxi opened her eyes, the world around her felt strange.
The scent of expensive perfume and disinfectant filled her nose. She was lying in a pristine, white-draped hospital room, the steady beeping of a heart monitor echoing in the air.
She blinked once, twice. This wasn't her world.
Before panic could set in, a cold, mechanical voice rang inside her mind:
[ Ding! System binding successful. ][ Welcome, Host Ji Yunxi. ]
Her pupils contracted. System?
The voice continued without pause, clinical and precise:
[ World One initialized. Identity assigned: "Ji Yunxi," daughter of the prestigious Ji family. ][ Original Fate: Labeled as a fake heiress, abandoned by her family, reputation destroyed by the true daughter's return. ][ Mission: Correct the fate of this world. Survive, thrive, and slap those who trample on you. ]
Ji Yunxi's lips curved slightly, though her expression remained calm. "A fake heiress, is it?"
So that was the role she was given. How fitting.
The system's voice chimed again.
[ Reminder: Completing missions grants points. Points may be exchanged in the System Mall for items, skills, or boosts. Failure results in punishment—mission restart or erasure. ]
Ji Yunxi chuckled softly, a sound filled with quiet disdain. "Punishment? Fine. But whoever dares step on me will regret it first."
The door burst open.
A girl with delicate features and tear-filled eyes rushed in, followed by several older relatives dressed in luxury brands. The girl clutched the hand of an elegant woman.
"Mother, I'm finally back! I've found my way home after so many years!" she cried, throwing herself into the woman's arms.
The woman's eyes filled with tears of joy. "My poor Xinyue, you've suffered so much. We finally found our real daughter."
Gasps and whispers filled the room. Everyone's gaze shifted toward Ji Yunxi, who still sat calmly on the hospital bed.
So this was the so-called "real heiress."
"Fake daughter," someone sneered, "how dare you sit there so shamelessly after stealing Xinyue's place all these years?"
Ji Yunxi lifted her gaze. Her eyes were sharp, carrying a calm authority that silenced the whispers.
"Stealing?" she repeated softly, her lips curling. "Funny. I didn't know a child abandoned at birth had the power to choose where she ended up."
The room fell silent.
Lin Xinyue, the newly-returned daughter, bit her lip and lowered her head, her pitiful expression igniting the protective instincts of everyone present.
"Elder Sister," Xinyue said timidly, "I don't blame you. After all, it wasn't your fault. But you must understand, my rightful place… is here."
Whispers of agreement stirred again.
Ji Yunxi narrowed her eyes, her cold smile never faltering.
[ Ding! Side Task Triggered: Defend your dignity. Reward: +50 points. ]
Her voice was light, but each word carried weight. "If you want your place back, then take it. But don't stand in front of me pretending to be merciful. I despise hypocrisy."
Lin Xinyue's face paled, her act cracking ever so slightly.
The Ji family matriarch frowned. "Ji Yunxi, don't make trouble. You should know your identity by now. From this day forward, you will step aside for Xinyue."
"Step aside?" Ji Yunxi's laugh was low and dangerous. "I'm afraid, Madam, you're mistaken."
Her gaze swept the room, unhurried yet sharp as a blade. "Whether as daughter, student, or heir, no one gets to decide my place but me."
The room buzzed with shock at her audacity.
But in Ji Yunxi's mind, the system chimed again.
[ Task Progress: 10%. Points earned: 50. ]
She tilted her head slightly, her expression calm, even amused.
So this is how it begins, she thought. Fine. If they want a game of identity, I'll show them how a real heiress slaps faces.
And somewhere in the crowd, leaning lazily against the doorway, a tall young man in a dark school uniform watched her with an unreadable gaze. His lips curved slightly, as if amused by her defiance.
Mo Liancheng.
Though she hadn't yet realized it, their fates were already entangled.