Chapter 37

In recent years, the scandals among the elite families of Beijing have been countless, as numerous as fish in a river.

However, none have captured public interest as much as the entanglements of the Yan and Ji families. Three years ago, Yan Mingkou, the eldest son of the Yan family, fell into a vegetative state after an accident. The recent investigation revealed that the incident was linked to an affair involving his young stepmother.

Middle-aged Yan Zong was left disgraced, scrambling to maintain appearances. While no one dared openly criticize him, mocking laughter was inevitable behind closed doors.

As for the Ji family, their story was even more bizarre.

Everyone in Beijing’s socialite circle shared a common adversary—the eldest daughter of the Ji family, Ji Dai Ning.

If asked how disliked Dai Ning was, the socialites could pen an entire book of insults about her. She was arrogant, self-centered, and unapologetically wild.

Unlike other heiresses, who resorted to gossip and petty schemes when at odds, Ji Dai Ning confronted her enemies head-on. Anyone who dared spread rumors about her faced her wrath, often leaving chaos in her wake.

Adding to their frustration was the fact that, despite their efforts, no one could outargue her. Worse still, Ji Dai Ning was stunningly beautiful, making her the target of envy and fear—no one wanted her stealing their men.

Once, a young lady was enraged after an argument with Dai Ning, only to notice her boyfriend staring at Dai Ning with awe. The girl turned pale, her anger compounded by humiliation.

Thus, despite their rivalries, the socialites united in their disdain for Dai Ning, seeing her as their number-one enemy.

They envied her wealth, her beauty, and most of all, her audacious confidence. For such a femme fatale, they secretly wished for her downfall.

Three years ago, their wish came true. Ji Dai Ning was shot and disappeared from public view.

Rumors spread: some believed she had died; others speculated she was in a vegetative state like Yan Mingkou; still others thought she might have gone abroad.

No one knew the truth. Even when asked, her younger brother, Ji Mojue, remained silent, swirling his wine glass without a word.

Further probing often resulted in a beating.

Over time, people stopped asking and gradually forgot about Ji Dai Ning, this once-in-a-lifetime beauty. Her absence left a void in the socialite circle, prompting them to resume their petty rivalries over fashion, boyfriends, and social blunders.

Then, three months ago, a major event shook the Ji family—they found their long-lost illegitimate daughter, the second Miss Ji!

This news reignited public interest, with memories of Ji Dai Ning’s striking face resurfacing.

The socialites, forgetting their own feuds, scrambled for information about the second Miss Ji, fearing the emergence of another Ji Dai Ning.

The second Miss Ji, named Ji Tian, was the result of a past affair by the late President Ji.

When found, she was destitute and scarred. The details of her plight were murky, whispered about but never clarified.

It was said that Ji Tian was timid and reserved. Out of concern, the Mr. Ji kept her identity a secret until last night, when they held a welcome banquet in her honor.

Ji Tian’s appearance stunned everyone. With delicate features and a soft, bashful demeanor, she greeted everyone with a shy smile.

During the banquet, a servant accidentally bumped into her. Instead of reprimanding them, she gently reassured them.

Had it been the unruly Ji Dai Ning, the scene would have devolved into chaos.

The only point of contention about Ji Tian was her origins. But in elite circles, some matters were left in the shadows—every family had its skeletons. Criticizing her outright was out of the question.

Thus, despite any private gossip, Ji Tian quickly gained a stellar reputation.

Kind, gentle, and gracious, the second Miss Ji became a hot topic in Beijing’s socialite circle.

As night fell on an April evening, rain began to drizzle.

Ji Tian struggled to carry a heavy wooden basin when a servant offered assistance.

She smiled and shook her head. “It’s okay, I can manage. Besides, you don’t know how to massage. I’m better suited for this.”

The girl’s gaze lifted—this was the former “Du Tian,” now Ji Tian.

At 21, she had matured significantly compared to her 18-year-old self. Her refined features and captivating eyes made her even more striking. Carrying the basin, she knocked on the Mr. Ji’s door.

“Come in.”

“Grandpa, it’s time for your treatment.”

The elderly man set down his book and smiled. “You’ve worked hard, Tian.”

“It’s no trouble.”

Ji Tian knelt and placed his legs into the herbal-infused water, massaging them with care.

The family butler, Mr. Li, chuckled. “The master is truly fortunate. Second Miss is skilled, thoughtful, and so filial—I’m quite envious.”

Ji Tian smiled modestly, a hint of shyness in her expression.

Mr. Ji added, “Tian is indeed considerate. If only that rascal Mojue were half as well-behaved, I’d have fewer worries.”

“The young master has been improving lately. Please don’t worry too much.”

Ji Tian quietly listened while massaging. Mr. Ji suffered from chronic leg pain, especially on rainy days.

Having studied medicine, Ji Tian volunteered to treat him with herbal baths. Initially hesitant, he relented when she insisted, touched by her sincerity.

Whether the treatments worked or not, her dedication moved the entire family.

“Grandpa, it’s done. Please rest early. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Go ahead.”

The servants quickly cleaned up, leaving Ji Tian to wash her hands. Her smile faded, replaced by a frown. She scrubbed her hands repeatedly, suppressing a wave of nausea, before finally returning to her room.

Gazing at the luxurious surroundings, Ji Tian exhaled softly.

The past three months felt like a dream—unreal, even now.

For three years, she had been on the run, evading the maniac Zhao Yu, who relentlessly hunted her. During those years, “Du Tian” had lived a miserable existence, culminating in the recent death of Du Yuexiang.

Yet fate had a twist: her identity turned out to be Ji Dai Ning’s half-sister, the second Miss Ji!

Now, she lived as an heiress, with every comfort meticulously arranged. Her once-rough appearance had transformed into one of polished elegance.

Ji Tian looked down at her hands.

Though some scars had healed, the marks of hardship remained—a stark reminder of her past suffering.

Clenching her fists, she felt a surge of triumph.

Ji Dai Ning had been dead for three years. Now, she was the celebrated heiress of the Ji family. Zhao Yu might rage, but without evidence, he couldn’t touch her in the Ji household. Ji Tian knew the rumors and was confident—Ji Dai Ning was long gone.

Now, Dai Ning’s grandfather was her grandfather. Dai Ning’s brother was her brother. All the love and luxury that had once belonged to Ji Dai Ning were now hers.

Ji Tian had suffered enough and learned her lessons. She would never repeat her past mistakes.

In these months, hadn’t she managed the Ji family well?

Late that night, Ji Mojue returned home, loosening his tie. He snapped his fingers. “Bring me something to eat.”

The kitchen promptly served a fragrant soup.

Ji Mojue stirred it. “Did Ji Tian make this?”

The servant nodded. “Second Miss said you might be hungry and prepared it in advance. The kitchen kept it warm.”

This had become routine over the past months. No matter how late he returned, something was always ready.

Initially, Ji Mojue despised this illegitimate sister, but her cautious, respectful demeanor and genuine care began to wear down his resistance.

In the past, his twin sister, Ji Dai Ning, had been a proud and headstrong little princess who never backed down.

This new sister was the complete opposite, with a docile temperament.

Rubbing his temples, Ji Mojue conceded—human hearts could soften. Watching her tirelessly care for their grandfather, he couldn’t keep rejecting her.

After eating, he passed by Dai Ning’s old room and paused.

The true heiress, Ji Dai Ning, had been gone for three years. Her arrogance, her beauty, and even her charm were gradually fading from memory.

Now there was a new girl in the house. If she were still alive, would Dai Ning have accepted her sister—or flown into a rage?

He remained silent for a long moment before running his fingers through his hair lazily and heading to his room.

The next morning, Ji Mojue washed up and came downstairs for breakfast.

Grandpa Ji and Ji Tian were already seated at the dining table, with Ji Tian accompanying the old man in conversation.

Ji Mojue slumped into a chair, crossing his legs and casually eating a few bites.

“Sit properly!” Grandpa Ji reprimanded. “Have some manners!”

Ji Mojue reluctantly straightened up, losing interest. After finishing his meal, he got into his car to head to school. Ji Tian hurried after him, mustering her courage to ask, “Brother, can I go to school with you?”

Seeing her anxious expression, Ji Mojue didn’t refuse this time. “Get in.”

Ji Tian’s heart leapt with joy. She knew her months of softening him up were starting to pay off.

The Ji family had a history of being academic underachievers. Old Master Ji was accustomed to spending money and pulling strings, so adding Ji Tian to the mix didn’t faze him. The two siblings attended the same prestigious university. Ji Mojue, a junior, was famously handsome and wealthy, known by everyone on campus.

Today, the sight of a girl stepping out of his luxury car caused a stir.

“Did Ji Mojue get a new girlfriend?”

“No, no, haven’t you heard? That’s his biological sister, Miss Ji.”

“Wow, a genuine heiress.”

“She’s pretty average-looking, though, and doesn’t resemble him much.”

“Stop being jealous. Does it matter what she looks like? Her monthly allowance could last you a lifetime.”

…

In class, Ji Tian received three confessions in one afternoon. Naturally, she politely turned them all down.

As the golden hues of sunset enveloped her, Ji Tian admitted to herself that she had never felt this free, either before or after her transmigration.

The admiration from boys, the envy and chatter from girls—all of it filled her with immense satisfaction.

Her rebellious older brother no longer rejected her presence. Her grandfather, the butler, and the servants all had a favorable impression of her.

One of her dresses cost tens of thousands, a luxury Ji Tian could have never imagined before. The life of Miss Ji, the pampered heiress, came with boundless adoration and opulence.

Though delighted, Ji Tian wasn’t naïve. She had read the book and knew the storyline. The Ji family was destined for ruin. Before she became part of the family, she might have scoffed at Ji Dai Ning’s misfortune, but now, as “Ji Tian,” she had no choice but to plan for her own survival.

The old master wouldn’t live forever, and Ji Mojue, while adept at indulging in pleasures, was not capable of running the family business. There was no way they would entrust the company to her, a mere illegitimate child.

After much thought, Ji Tian remembered the story’s second male lead.

Three years ago, she had wanted to seek him out, but Zhao Yu, that cold and relentless man, hadn’t stopped hunting her. Ji Tian had been too busy running for her life, living like a rat in the gutter, to even think about finding this influential figure.

Now, things were different. The second male lead wouldn’t emerge for at least another year. Ji Tian had time, money, and resources on her side. Two weeks ago, she had already sent people to locate him.

Winning over everyone’s favor was just part of her strategy.

After school, Ji Tian didn’t leave with Ji Mojue. While he went off to party with friends or meet up with girlfriends, Ji Tian tactfully refrained from interfering or trying to dissuade him.

The Ji family driver came to pick her up. Just as she got into the car, her phone buzzed with a message.

Miss Ji, we’ve found him.

Ji Tian’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.

Fortune had finally turned in her favor.

She had wealth, perfect timing, and had now located the right person.

This time, nothing would stand in her way.

April by the sea was warmer than inland. Waves crashed against the shore, and tropical flowers bloomed vibrantly.

Spring breezes swayed the curtains as a maid pulled them aside, letting sunlight flood the room.

On a blue silk bed lay the most beautiful girl the maid had ever seen. Her lashes were long and delicate, her face tinged with a soft blush, and her lips were as red as roses.

The maid, Qiu Gunan, was 27 years old. She came from a rural village where her parents favored sons over daughters, and her life had been full of hardship. It wasn’t until she was hired to care for this girl that her circumstances began to improve.

Qiu Gunan was plain and sturdily built. Though she wasn’t conventionally attractive, her kindness and diligence made her stand out.

She opened the windows and began her daily routine, unchanged for three years—drawing water to bathe the girl.

Undoing the girl’s clothes revealed her pale, flawless skin. Despite being secluded in this remote location, Qiu Gunan had grown deeply attached to her charge, treating her like a sister or even family. She tended to her with utmost care.

The girl’s figure was exquisite, her curves almost otherworldly. Even as a woman, Qiu Gunan couldn’t help but blush.

Her beauty was something Qiu Gunan couldn’t bear to neglect.

Though the girl was unresponsive, Qiu Gunan meticulously cleaned her delicate hands and applied fragrant lotion before gently dressing her again.

…

In a desolate sea of consciousness, a small green orb huddled in a corner, letting out a weary sigh.

Over a thousand days had passed. At first, it had kept track with tally marks, waiting for its host to wake. Eventually, the tallies became too numerous to count. Giving up, the orb had spun a web for itself and lay quietly within it, resigned to its fate.

This little green orb had the power to alter time and space. Three years ago, Ji Dai Ning had made a deal with it, sacrificing a third of her soul to reinvigorate the orb’s energy in hopes of surviving a carefully planned accident.

But the plan had gone awry. Ji Dai Ning had unexpectedly saved Zhao An’an, taking a bullet straight to her heart. She had died completely.

A third of a soul was insufficient to reverse her fate. The orb had despaired, only to feel an overwhelming flow of fortune pouring into it.

It was the first time in its existence that the orb had tasted love—bitter, intense, and coming from Zhao Yu.

Fueled by this newfound energy, the orb had poured all its power into sustaining Ji Dai Ning’s body. Yet her fragmented soul remained dormant.

For three years, the orb had been trapped in this bleak consciousness with its unresponsive host, its existence stagnant.

Ji Dai Ning’s condition had become a medical anomaly. To protect her, Old Master Ji had her hidden in a seaside villa, her survival a secret even from Ji Mojue.

On an otherwise unremarkable day, the sea of consciousness began to shift. Gentle light dispersed the darkness, vibrant colors blooming in its wake. The once-lifeless realm was rejuvenated.

The wind of the conscious world lifted the green orb, playfully jostling it.

Stunned for a moment, the orb then began to wail, “Waaah! Ji Dai Ning, you’ve finally woken up!”