The hospital room buzzed with whispers long after Ji Yunxi's cold words fell.
For the Ji family, the revelation that their real daughter had returned was cause for celebration. For Ji Yunxi, the one they now branded as an impostor, it was nothing but an execution order cloaked in silk.
"Yunxi," the matriarch said again, her voice sharp with disapproval. "Enough. Don't embarrass yourself. From now on, you will no longer be treated as the Ji family's daughter. All your privileges will be withdrawn."
Lin Xinyue lowered her head, tears brimming in her eyes. Her delicate voice trembled. "Please don't be harsh on Sister… She must feel very sad too. I only want to live peacefully with everyone."
Her pitiful act melted the family's hearts instantly.
"What a kind child.""Unlike that fake, who dares to talk back…"
Every word, every glance, was like a blade stabbing Ji Yunxi. Yet her face remained composed, her posture straight and unyielding.
[ Ding! Side Task Updated: Do not cower before the Ji family's judgment. Reward: +30 points. ]
Ji Yunxi smirked faintly. So even standing tall earns me points? Easy enough.
Two days later, she returned to school.
The news had spread faster than wildfire. By the time she stepped through the gates of Shenghua High, whispers chased her every step.
"That's her—the fake heiress.""Can you believe she acted high and mighty for years, only to find out she's nothing?""Compared to Lin Xinyue, she's trash."
Laughter rippled through the crowd. Some pointed, others sneered openly.
Ji Yunxi walked through it all without a change in expression. Her uniform was crisp, her long black hair flowing behind her. If anything, her calm indifference made her stand out even more—like a queen walking through a sea of ants.
But inside, she felt the system's steady hum.
[ Host, emotional stability detected. Mission success rate increasing. ]
Her lips curved faintly. Of course. Why should I waste energy on barking dogs?
At the entrance of Class 3-A, her path was blocked.
Lin Xinyue stood there surrounded by a group of adoring classmates. She looked like a delicate porcelain doll, all wide eyes and soft smiles, a living picture of innocence.
"Yunxi," Xinyue called sweetly, her voice loud enough for the class to hear. "I'm so glad we're in the same class. I hope we can get along despite… everything."
Gasps erupted around them.
"She dares to act so magnanimous even after being wronged!""Xinyue is truly kind. Ji Yunxi should be ashamed."
Every eye turned to her, waiting to see her humiliated.
Ji Yunxi's lips curved into a smile that did not reach her eyes.
[ Ding! Face-slapping opportunity detected. Would you like to accept? ]
"Yes," Ji Yunxi answered in her mind.
[ Confirmed. Points reward: +100 upon completion. ]
She stepped closer, her voice cool and clear. "Lin Xinyue, don't act so generous. No one has wronged you. From the moment you walked back into the Ji house, everyone treated me like a thief. And you—" she tilted her head, her eyes sharp as glass, "—you enjoyed every second of it."
The classroom fell into shocked silence.
Xinyue's smile faltered, though she quickly forced tears to her eyes. "S-Sister, I didn't—"
"Enough." Ji Yunxi's voice cut through the air like a blade. "If you want to be the saintly heiress, then act like one. But don't pretend to pity me while shoving me into the dirt. I don't need your sympathy."
Murmurs spread. A few students glanced uncertainly at Lin Xinyue, doubt flickering in their eyes.
And from the back of the classroom, a lazy chuckle echoed.
Everyone turned.
Leaning against the window frame, half hidden in shadow, was a tall young man in the Shenghua uniform. His posture was casual, yet his presence dominated the room effortlessly.
Mo Liancheng.
Rumors said he was the most untouchable person in Shenghua—brilliant, cold, and dangerous, with a family background no one dared to mention aloud. Teachers looked the other way when he skipped class; students never dared provoke him.
And now, his dark eyes were fixed on Ji Yunxi, amusement glinting within.
"She's right," he said lazily, his voice deep and smooth. "Hypocrisy is disgusting."
The class erupted.
"Mo Liancheng actually spoke?""And he sided with Ji Yunxi?!"
Lin Xinyue's face turned pale.
Ji Yunxi glanced at him, her gaze meeting his briefly. There was no gratitude in her eyes, only calm acknowledgment. Then she turned away as though his opinion was nothing more than a passing breeze.
Mo Liancheng's lips curved faintly. Instead of being offended, his interest deepened.
Interesting, he thought. This girl isn't ordinary.
The system chimed softly in Ji Yunxi's mind:
[ Ding! Mission Progress: 25%. Current Points: 180. ]
Ji Yunxi's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, her heart steady.
This was only the beginning.
And in this world, no matter how much they tried to bury her—she would rise higher, shine brighter, and make them choke on their own scorn.