Yunyun left on a morning that felt deliberately ordinary.

  No dramatic goodbyes. No tears in public.

  The sky was pale and overcast, the kind that pressed everything into softer edges. Zhuqing stood beside her at the airport terminal, hands loosely folded, posture relaxed.

  Yunyun clutched her documents like they might disappear if she loosened her grip.

  “I still feel like I’m dreaming,” she said quietly. “Studying abroad… me.”

  “You earned it,” Zhuqing replied.

  Yunyun hesitated. “Are you sure I shouldn’t thank that… person again?”

  Zhuqing shook her head. “They didn’t want recognition.”

  That much was true.

  At least on the surface.

  Yunyun looked at her for a long moment, eyes complicated with gratitude and unease. “I don’t know how to repay this.”

  “You don’t have to,” Zhuqing said calmly. “Just live well.”

  The boarding announcement cut through the air.

  Yunyun inhaled, squared her shoulders, and finally smiled. “Then I’ll do my best.”

  She left without looking back.

  Zhuqing watched her go until the crowd swallowed her whole.

  A clean break.

  That was good.

  University life began without ceremony.

  Zhuqing moved into the dorms quietly, her suitcase light, her habits already pared down to efficiency. No family visits. No lingering calls. Just a new schedule and a new environment.

  Her major was approved without issue.

  Pharmaceutical Engineering, with a secondary focus on Biomedical Sciences.

  Dense textbooks. Clinical terminology. Research papers thick with citations and cautionary language.

  She liked it.

  Lecture halls smelled faintly of paper and disinfectant. Professors spoke in careful phrases, as if every word carried liability. Zhuqing sat near the front, took notes by hand, and asked questions that were precise but never showy.

  In the evenings, she read medical journals until the dorm lights dimmed automatically.

  No drama.No distractions.

  Her life was cleanly segmented now.

  Liu Mengmeng’s life was not.

  Liu Mengmeng tried her best to revolve around Jason.

  During the day, her name was still registered at the Liu family estate. Her room remained untouched—clean sheets, neatly arranged clothes, everything exactly as it should be. She returned there to sleep when appearances required it.

  But her real life began every evening.

  The moment Jason got off work, Mengmeng would already be waiting.

  Sometimes outside his office building.Sometimes at a nearby café.Sometimes simply walking beside him, as if they were already husband and wife.

  “You don’t have to come every day,” Jason said once, loosening his tie awkwardly. “It’s tiring.”

  Mengmeng smiled and shook her head. “How can I not? You’re working so hard.”

  She said it gently, but her fingers tightened around her bag strap.

  Hard? she thought.This is nothing compared to what you’ll become.

  They walked together to his family home—a narrow apartment tucked between older buildings, stairwell dim and smelling faintly of oil and damp concrete.

  Jason’s mother was usually already there.

  “You’re back,” she said, glancing up from the stove. Her eyes swept over Mengmeng automatically, assessing. “Did you eat?”

  “Not yet,” Mengmeng replied immediately. “I’ll help.”

  She tied an apron without being asked.

  Jason frowned. “Mom, she doesn’t need to—”

  “She’s not a guest,” his mother interrupted calmly. “If she wants to marry into this family one day, she should get used to it.”

  Mengmeng lowered her head obediently. “It’s alright. I want to learn.”

  Jason’s mother nodded, satisfied—but not pleased.

  Later, while chopping vegetables, Mengmeng spoke casually.

  “Jason,” she said, “have you thought any more about starting your own company?”

  Jason paused. “Again?”

  “I mean it,” she said softly. “You’re talented. You can’t stay at this job forever.”

  He sighed. “Starting a company isn’t easy. Capital alone—”

  “I can provide it.”

  The knife stopped.

  Jason turned to her sharply. “Mengmeng.”

  “I’m serious,” she said, meeting his eyes. “I have savings. And my family—”

  “I don’t want your family’s money,” he said immediately, pride flaring. “I’ll do it myself.”

  Mengmeng smiled, patient. “I know. But this is just support. A temporary push.”

  Inside, her thoughts were frantic.

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  In my previous life, you succeeded because you took the chance.Why are you hesitating now?

  That night, after dinner, she stayed late as usual.

  Jason’s mother watched her carefully.

  “You’re very attentive,” she said, folding laundry. “But business isn’t something women should interfere in too much.”

  Mengmeng’s smile didn’t falter. “I only want what’s best for Jason.”

  “Hm,” his mother hummed noncommittally. “Ambition is good. But don’t rush him.”

  Don’t rush? Mengmeng clenched her hands behind her back.

  If she didn’t rush him, the opportunity might disappear.

  Every night ended the same way.

  Jason walked her to the door.She reminded him gently—again—about plans, opportunities, timing.He promised to think about it.

  Then she returned to the Liu family home, slipping into her untouched room like a visitor.

  She lay awake, staring at the ceiling.

  Why is everything slower this time?It should’ve started already.

  Her phone buzzed with messages from classmates showing off internships, connections, progress.

  She ignored them.

  Jason will surpass them all, she reassured herself.I just need to endure a little longer.

  One evening, she pressed harder.

  “Jason,” she said quietly, sitting across from him. “Do you trust me?”

  “Of course,” he answered without hesitation.

  “Then listen to me,” she said. “Quit your job.”

  He stared at her. “What?”

  “You’re wasting time there,” she said firmly. “I’ve already researched. This industry will explode soon. If you don’t move now, you’ll miss it.”

  Jason rubbed his temples. “Mengmeng, that’s risky.”

  “I’ll cover expenses,” she said quickly. “All of them.”

  Silence fell.

  Jason’s mother emerged from the bedroom, face dark. “Are you telling my son to quit his job?”

  Mengmeng stood immediately. “Auntie, I—”

  “Do you think money grows on trees?” his mother snapped. “You haven’t even married into this family yet, and you’re already making decisions?”

  Jason stood up. “Mom, calm down.”

  “I am calm,” she said coldly. “I just don’t want unrealistic dreams.”

  Mengmeng bowed her head. “I’m sorry. I spoke out of turn.”

  That night, she cried silently in the bathroom.

  But even as tears fell, her thoughts were stubborn.

  You don’t understand.In the future, he will be rich.I’ve seen it.

  By the time the engagement discussions began, Mengmeng was exhausted.

  Her smiles were practiced.Her patience stretched thin.

  And when she suggested the engagement happen sooner—

  It wasn’t romance.

  It was fear.

  If the Shaw family collapses before Zhuqing marries in…Then this life will finally return to the path I remember.

  She looked at Zhuqing’s empty seat at the table and felt a flicker of irritation.

  Why are you still so calm?You’re not supposed to matter.

  But somewhere deep down, a doubt crept in.

  What if… things really have changed? no it wont't ....I was reborn ... I'm the choosen one .things will go my way in this life.

  At dinner, she put her chopsticks down and spoke casually.

  “I think the engagements should happen on the same day.”

  Yun Wantang paused. “The same day?”

  “Yes,” Mengmeng said lightly. “It’ll look good. Sisters marrying together.”

  Mr. Liu frowned slightly. “That’s sudden.”

  “In my… understanding,” Mengmeng continued carefully, “timing is important. Especially for Zhuqing’s engagement.”

  Yun Wantang glanced at her. “What do you mean?”

  Mengmeng smiled. “Nothing. Just a feeling.”

  Inside, her thoughts churned.

  The Shaw family collapsed around this time in my previous life.If the engagement doesn’t happen now—

  She didn’t finish the thought.

  Mr. Liu considered it. “It might be… efficient.”

  Zhuqing wasn’t present so was informed later, via message.

  Engagement date confirmed. Same day. One month from now.

  She read it, acknowledged it, and returned to her notes.

  No opinion given.

  The Liu family residence was already filled before noon.

  The main hall had been cleared and redecorated for the occasion. Red silk drapes lined the walls, floral arrangements sat in careful symmetry, and long tables were placed near the sides to hold betrothal gifts.

  At the center, two seats had been prepared.

  The brides sat there.

  Liu Mengmeng wore a bright smile, posture straight, hands folded delicately in her lap. Her dress was carefully chosen—soft, flattering, designed to project warmth and promise.

  Beside her, Zhuqing sat quietly.

  Her expression was calm. Neutral. She did not fidget or adjust her sleeves. She looked like someone attending a formal lecture rather than her own engagement.

  Around them stood the Liu family’s event staff, moving with professional efficiency, and clusters of guests—business partners, acquaintances, and friends of Mr. Liu and Yun Wantang.

  These were people accustomed to measuring others in glances.

  They talked quietly at first.

  Then the sound of footsteps at the gate drew attention.

  “He’s here,” someone murmured.

  Jason arrived with a small group of friends and coworkers.

  No motorcade. No formal procession.

  He wore a stiff suit that had clearly been worn only a few times. His expression was earnest, shoulders tense, as if bracing for impact. In his hands, he carried the betrothal gifts—carefully wrapped, modest in size.

  Behind him, only his friends.

  His relatives remained at home, preparing for the later celebration.

  The moment he stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.

  Eyes swept over him.

  Too slow.Too obvious.

  A man near the gift table chuckled softly. “Is that all?”

  Another whispered, not bothering to lower his voice, “At least he tried.”

  The gifts were placed on the table.

  They looked… out of place.

  Against polished wood and expensive décor, they seemed small. Earnest. Almost fragile.

  Mr. Liu’s jaw tightened.

  Yun Wantang’s smile remained fixed, but her eyes cooled.

  Before anyone could say more, Liu Mengmeng stood.

  She moved quickly, crossing the space to Jason’s side and taking his arm.

  “This is my fiancé,” she said clearly. “These gifts represent his sincerity.”

  Her voice rang through the hall.

  Some people raised their brows.

  Others exchanged glances.

  “Sincerity is important,” someone said smoothly. “But marriage also requires capability.”

  Jason flushed.

  Mengmeng tightened her grip on his arm. “He’s young. He has potential.”

  Potential.

  Again.

  Jason looked at her, startled—and grateful.

  Mr. Liu said nothing.

  Yun Wantang gave a strained laugh. “Let’s not rush conclusions. We’re all here to celebrate.”

  The murmurs softened, but the damage was done.

  Jason bowed stiffly to Mr. Liu and Yun Wantang, then stepped aside with Mengmeng.

  As he did, Mengmeng’s gaze drifted—briefly—to Zhuqing.

  She smiled faintly.

  “They haven’t arrived yet,” she said casually. “Maybe they don’t take this engagement too seriously.”

  Zhuqing didn’t respond.

  She didn’t even look at her.

  The waiting stretched.

  Minutes passed.

  Whispers began again.

  “Is the Shaw family really coming?”“Could it be a delay?”“Or regret?”

  Yun Wantang’s fingers curled into her sleeve.

  Mr. Liu’s expression darkened.

  Then—

  Engines.

  Not one.

  Many.

  The sound rolled in like a tide.

  Conversations died instantly.

  Outside, black cars lined the street with exact spacing, doors opening in sequence. Men in tailored suits moved with practiced coordination.

  The Shaw family insignia caught the light.

  Late.

  But overwhelming.

  The hall erupted.

  “Ah—so this is the Shaw family’s style.”“As expected of old money.”“No wonder they took their time.”

  Flattery bloomed instantly, as if rehearsed.

  Asmodius Shaw stepped inside.

  Tall. Composed. Unhurried.

  He approached Zhuqing directly.

  The shift was immediate.

  “Miss Liu,” someone said warmly, “you’re truly fortunate.”

  “What a fine match.”“The Shaw family values you greatly.”

  Zhuqing stood smoothly.

  Asmodius offered his arm.

  She accepted without hesitation.

  No smiles exchanged. No intimacy displayed.

  Just alignment.

  The contrast was brutal.

  Mengmeng watched, fingers digging into her palm.

  Zhuqing and Asmodius turned, walking toward the waiting cars as praise followed them like a wave.

  Behind them—

  Jason stood awkwardly.

  Then he cleared his throat. “We… we should go too.”

  Mengmeng forced a smile. thinking to herself enjoy it while u can zhuqing , later they wont be wealthy. maybe u will join them begging for food like i did in my last life

  She followed him outside.

  No cars waited for them.

  Only Jason’s motorbike.

  He handed her a helmet, embarrassed. “Sorry.”

  She hesitated—just for a second—before putting it on.

  As the engine started, she glanced back.

  The Shaw family’s cars disappeared smoothly down the road.

  Jason’s bike rattled to life and carried her away.

  At his home, the lights were already on.

  Relatives crowded the small living room, voices loud, laughter spilling into the hallway. Someone popped open cheap champagne. Someone else shouted congratulations.

  The house felt cramped.

  Hot.

  Airless.

  Mengmeng smiled as she stepped inside.

  She told herself—

  This is only the beginning.

  It will all be worth it.i will be the wealthy mrs smith in the future

  But for the first time, the thought didn’t settle properly in her chest.