Chapter 5 Confirming the Charge

Song Baozhu was someone who had been reborn after death.

In her past life, there was one moment she would never forget—
That time on the street when she saw Song Youyou.

At the time, Song Baozhu was 40 years old, but the hardships of life had aged her into what looked like a frail old woman in her sixties. Meanwhile, Song Youyou, also 40, looked like a beautiful young woman in her early twenties.

It was as if time had treated her with special kindness.

She was dressed in elegant, fashionable clothes. Whether walking or standing, she exuded a kind of beauty that sparked jealousy in others.

Not only that—at the time, Song Youyou was a military officer’s wife and the mayor’s daughter. She had status, and traveled around in a chauffeur-driven car that everyone envied.

That day, Song Baozhu had fainted from hunger right beside Song Youyou’s car.
Song Youyou crouched down to ask if she was alright.

Her voice was warm and gentle—completely different from the loud shrill voices of the village women.
And under the sunlight, her skin was pale and tender, even a fellow woman like Song Baozhu couldn’t help but envy her.
She looked as if she radiated an otherworldly glow, untainted by the grime of mortal life—blindingly radiant.

Just one glance, and Song Baozhu knew:
This woman had never done farm work.
She’d never worked the fields.
Never carried manure.
Never scrubbed pigsties.

She was overwhelmed with jealousy.
Why?!
Why did she get such a perfect life, while I lived in misery?

Hah. It was all just because of her better birth, wasn’t it?

—

Later, Song Youyou took her home and nursed her back to health.

But because of a distinctive birthmark, the Song family recognized her as their long-lost daughter.

In that moment of revelation, Song Baozhu felt a madness of joy—but beneath it, a hatred so cold it pierced the bone.

So it turned out…
Her tragic life was all because of this adopted orphan who had stolen her rightful, noble life.

She was supposed to be the mayor’s daughter!
She was supposed to marry He Wenqing, that handsome military officer!

Song Baozhu hated Song Youyou until the day she died.

But now—heaven had given her a second chance.

So she stole all her adoptive parents’ savings, ran off to the city, and deliberately showed her birthmark to Song Mother. She was recognized and accepted into the Song family early this time.

From now on, that noble, enviable woman—
Would be her.

Sure, her father wasn’t mayor yet, and He Wenqing was just a minor officer for now.
But she knew—they would all rise.
And her status would rise with them!

Song Baozhu’s expression flickered from sorrow to joy, an unsettling and strange look flashing across her face.

Song Father felt a worsening headache just looking at her.

—

Meanwhile, in her room, Song Youyou changed out of her half-dry clothes, packed two sets of clean ones, and got ready to leave.

She took nothing but some spare clothing.

Only now did she fully realize—there was nothing in this house that truly belonged to her.
Even her former job had been taken away from her, and she hadn’t gotten a single cent in return.

—

Downstairs in the living room—

Song Baozhu, who showed no signs of ever having nearly drowned, was lounging comfortably on a reclining chair, sipping tea and enjoying life.

When she saw Song Youyou coming down with only a small bundle, her smile grew even wider.

“Jiejie~” (big sister)

“Oh—wait! I guess I can’t call you that anymore~
After all, from now on, you’re no longer part of the Song family~

Aiya~ Who told you to be so wicked? Trying to harm me, trying to push me into the water~”

Her tone was pitiful, but the look in her eyes was smug beyond belief.

Song Youyou’s face remained calm, completely unaffected by the taunts and mockery.

After being reborn, now that she knew the extent of Song Baozhu’s malice, she could’ve chosen to play along and scheme—win back favor in front of Song Mother and Father.

She could even have manipulated things to take back the love and attention.

But she didn’t want to.

Time was precious, and she had no interest in wasting it on revenge.
This life, she wouldn’t waste a single breath entangled with the Song family.

She wanted a different path.

However, when Song Baozhu brought up being pushed into the water, Song Youyou’s brow arched.

Ah, she’d nearly forgotten about that.

Just because she didn’t want entanglement didn’t mean she was a pushover.

If someone wrongs her, she will repay it immediately.

—

Song Youyou walked up to the reclining chair.

Song Baozhu looked even more triumphant, her lips curled high.
If she had a tail, it would’ve been wagging in the air.

Then—Song Youyou gave a cold smile.
Suddenly, she shoved the chair and let it go.

CRASH—
The old-fashioned recliner instantly flipped over.

“AHHH—” Song Baozhu screamed.
“Song Youyou! What the hell are you doing?!”

Song Father and Song Mother leapt to their feet, glaring furiously.

“I told you I didn’t push her into the water. But since you all insist on blaming me—”
Song Youyou said coldly,
“—then I might as well make it real.”

—

Outside the door, Gu Xiao was leaning lazily against the wall, waiting for his future wife to come out.

Whatever he was daydreaming about, it had him grinning ear to ear.
He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.

But then, he heard the commotion from inside.
His body instantly straightened, laziness gone, replaced by a sharp, imposing aura.

In two quick strides, he ran toward the source of the noise.

At the door, he saw this scene:

His sweet girl stood calmly to the side,
while the Song parents glared at her.

Song Baozhu, toppled over on the ground, was bawling.
Tea leaves and water were all over her face—
she looked utterly ridiculous.

“Youyou, are you okay?!” Gu Xiao rushed over and stood protectively beside her.

He carefully scanned her up and down, only relaxing when he saw she wasn’t hurt.

Then he turned toward the others—his gaze like knives.

“And who the hell do you think you are, trying to bully her?”

Every word was sharp and dangerous.
The wild, untamed energy pouring from him made him look arrogant and terrifying.

“Who gave you the balls to lay a finger on my girl?”

“I didn’t…”
Startled by his overwhelming presence, Song Baozhu instinctively shook her head and waved her hands.

But the pain in her head reminded her—
She really hadn’t done anything wrong this time!

She gulped, pointed at the poised and unbothered Song Youyou, and said:

“It was her! Song Youyou pushed me!”

Oh.
So Youyou was the one doing the pushing—not the one being bullied.

Gu Xiao’s expression relaxed.

He looked down at her, eyes cold and commanding, and said with certainty:

“Then you must’ve done something truly unforgivable for Youyou to push you.”

“???”