Lin Wei stood before the mirror, carefully appraising herself.
The white sundress hugged her curves perfectly, her long hair cascading loosely over her shoulders, pure innocence mixed with a hint of allure. In her past life, she'd always gone barefaced, afraid that looking too beautiful would upset Lu Ze. Thinking back now, how utterly ridiculous.
She picked up her lipstick and applied it lightly—the crimson color brought her whole face to life.
"Today, I make the rules," she told her reflection.
Jiang Nan peeked through the doorway. "Wei Wei, are you going to see Lu Ze? Want me to come with you?"
Lin Wei turned, warmth flickering in her eyes. Jiang Nan was one of her few true friends—in her past life, she'd even been the one to claim her body. This time around, she would protect this kind-hearted girl.
"No need, I can handle it myself." Lin Wei patted Jiang Nan's shoulder. "But do me a favor—record something for me."
"Record?" Jiang Nan looked puzzled.
Lin Wei smiled mysteriously. "You'll see soon enough."
Stepping out of the dormitory, the June sunlight was blindingly bright. Lin Wei took a deep breath, exhaling her past life's fears and weaknesses along with it. Her heels clicked confidently as she strode toward the school gate.
She spotted Lu Ze from afar.
He leaned against a white sedan, wearing a sharp suit, every hair perfectly in place. At twenty-six, Lu Ze was in his prime—handsome features concealing a rotten heart.
Seeing Lin Wei approach, Lu Ze immediately flashed his signature gentle smile and hurried forward. "Wei Wei, you look beautiful today."
"Do I?" Lin Wei tilted her head, regarding him with a half-smile.
The look made Lu Ze pause. The old Lin Wei had always gazed at him with worship and dependence. Now her eyes held an inexplicable distance and... mockery?
"Of course, you're always beautiful." Lu Ze reached to wrap his arm around her waist, but Lin Wei deftly stepped aside.
"Let's talk in that coffee shop." She pointed across the street.
The café was fairly crowded, mostly with newly graduated students celebrating. Lin Wei deliberately chose a window seat where sunlight fell directly on Lu Ze's face, forcing him to squint.
"Wei Wei, I have great news," Lu Ze began eagerly. "My friend's entertainment company is hiring. I've already secured an assistant position for you. The starting point's a bit low, but there's huge potential for growth."
Lin Wei lifted her coffee, gently blowing on the foam. In her past life, she'd believed these exact words and joined that so-called "friend's company." In reality, Lu Ze was already a minor shareholder. He'd worked her like a slave before framing her for stealing company secrets.
"Lu Ze." Lin Wei set down her cup, her voice terrifyingly calm. "Let's break up."
The cup's base meeting the table rang out sharply in the quiet air.
Lu Ze froze for three full seconds before forcing a smile. "Wei Wei, are you joking? We've been together four years. We're about to discuss marriage..."
"Marriage?" Lin Wei laughed coldly. "With Su Xiaoxiao?"
Lu Ze's face instantly changed. "What are you talking about? Xiaoxiao is your best friend!"
"Yes, my best friend." Lin Wei pulled out her phone, opening a photo. "This was last night at eleven. Your car was parked outside her building. You didn't leave until 2 AM."
She'd made this up on the spot, but she knew Lu Ze had indeed gone to Su Xiaoxiao's last night. In her previous life, their relationship was already inappropriate by this time.
Sure enough, sweat beaded on Lu Ze's forehead. "I... I was helping her move things..."
"Into her bed?" Lin Wei's voice dripped with sarcasm.
People nearby were starting to notice them. Several girls whispered among themselves, pointing at Lu Ze.
Lu Ze panicked, reaching for Lin Wei's hand. "Wei Wei, let me explain. It's not what you think..."
*SLAP!*
The sharp sound echoed through the entire café.
Lin Wei stood, looking down at Lu Ze as he clutched his face. "Lu Ze, remember this—I dumped you."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for everyone nearby to hear.
"Scumbag!" someone called out.
"Serves him right!"
"That girl is badass!"
Comments rose and fell around them. Lu Ze's face flushed red—partly from the slap, but mostly from humiliation.
He shot to his feet, glaring viciously at Lin Wei. "Lin Wei, you'll regret this! Without me, you won't last a day in the entertainment industry!"
"Really?" Lin Wei laughed lightly. "We'll see about that."
She turned to leave, but Lu Ze suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Who do you think you are? Just a poor student with no background, no resources! Without me, you're nothing!"
Lin Wei yanked her hand away, her voice suddenly rising. "Lu Ze, I'll say this once more—don't touch me!"
Just then, the café door opened and a tall figure entered.
The man stood at least six foot two, wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, radiating an unapproachable coldness. His features were like a masterfully sculpted work of art—sharp brows, piercing eyes, thin lips essed together. Just standing there, he commanded everyone's attention.
It was Gu Tingchen.
Lin Wei recognized him—a legend in entertainment circles from her past life, the helm of the Gu Corporation. At twenty-eight, he controlled a business empire spanning real estate, technology, and entertainment. In her previous life, she'd only seen him on television—an untouchable existence.
But now, why was he here?
Gu Tingchen's gaze swept the café before settling on Lin Wei. More precisely, on Lu Ze's hand gripping Lin Wei's wrist.
He strode over with long steps, each one radiating intimidation.
"Let go." The deep voice rumbled from his chest, carrying undeniable authority.
Lu Ze, overwhelmed by the presence, unconsciously released his grip.
"Who are you?" Lu Ze asked, trying to sound tough.
Gu Tingchen ignored him, turning to Lin Wei instead. "Are you alright?"
Lin Wei paused. She didn't know Gu Tingchen—at least, they'd had no interaction in this life. But she knew he wasn't the type to meddle in others' affairs.
"I'm fine, thank you," she replied politely.
Gu Tingchen nodded, then turned to Lu Ze, his eyes instantly turning icy. "Apologize."
"What?" Lu Ze couldn't believe his ears.
"Apologize to this lady," Gu Tingchen repeated, his tone even colder.
Lu Ze wanted to protest, but meeting Gu Tingchen's gaze, he felt an inexplicable fear. This man carried the bearing of someone in absolute power, making others instinctively want to submit.
"I'm... sorry," Lu Ze ground out the words.
Lin Wei's lips curved up. "Lu Ze, remember today. This is your first apology to me, but it won't be your last."
With that, she walked out of the café, head held high, heels clicking confidently.
Sunlight bathed her figure, her white dress floating gently in the breeze. She seemed to glow.
Gu Tingchen stood by the window, watching her disappear into the crowd, interest flickering in his eyes.
"Look into that woman," he told the assistant who'd suddenly appeared behind him.
"Yes, Mr. Gu."
Lu Ze slumped in his chair, face ashen. The surrounding chatter pierced his ears like needles.
"Totally deserved it, caught cheating."
"That girl was so cool, dumping him just like that."
"Who was that hot guy just now? Such a powerful presence!"
He pulled out his phone, dialing a number. "Xiaoxiao, the plan failed. Lin Wei... she's changed."
On the other end, Su Xiaoxiao's voice remained sickeningly sweet. "It's okay. The game's just beginning."
Meanwhile, Lin Wei walked down the street when her phone suddenly buzzed.
A message from Jiang Nan: "Recording done! You were SO cool just now! Lu Ze's expression was hilarious!"
Lin Wei smiled, replying: "This is just the beginning."
She looked up at the distant horizon, revenge burning in her heart.
Lu Ze, Su Xiaoxiao—I'll return the pain you gave me tenfold.
And that man who suddenly appeared... Gu Tingchen.
Lin Wei frowned. This hadn't happened in her past life. Had her rebirth changed something?
As she pondered, an image suddenly flashed through her mind:
Su Xiaoxiao in a white dress, tearfully throwing herself into Lu Ze's arms. "Brother Ze, how could Wei Wei treat you like this? Someone must have influenced her. Let me talk to her—we're best friends..."
The vision faded. Lin Wei smirked.
The green tea bitch was about to make her entrance.
She pulled out her phone, messaging Jiang Nan: "Prepare the second recording device. The prey is about to take the bait."