Chapter 20

Yun Yin climbed the stairs, relying on her memory to find the original owner’s bedroom.

She pushed the door open.

The bedroom was unremarkable, looking as if it hadn’t been occupied in a long time. The lingering rays of sunset streamed through the window, illuminating dust particles floating in the air.

After scanning the room, Yun Yin walked to the peach-wood desk by the window. Remembering its layout, she pulled open the drawer beneath.

Inside lay a notebook and some documents.

Yun Yin picked up the notebook and casually flipped it open.

As she read certain entries, her heart began to pound noticeably faster.

A wave of intense disgust, resistance, and revulsion surged through her.

This wasn’t her own reaction, but rather the lingering consciousness of the original owner stirring within her.

Fleeting images flashed through her mind, too rapid to discern or grasp.

This wasn’t an ordinary notebook; it was the original owner’s diary.

Yun Yin closed the diary without reading further. Gripping the desk, she lowered her gaze, her mind swirling with countless thoughts.

Time passed unnoticed as Yun Yin closed her eyes, trying to suppress the turbulent emotions threatening to overwhelm her. But the resentment and despair only intensified, nearly consuming her mind.

“A Yin, come downstairs for dinner,” Zhao Yuqin’s voice finally snapped Yun Yin out of her daze.

Taking a deep breath, Yun Yin waited for her racing heart to gradually calm before responding.

By the time she descended the stairs, her face showed no trace of her inner turmoil.

In the living room, the three members of the Yun family were gathered around Pei Yu, engaged in conversation.

Pei Yu spotted Yun Yin and strode toward her.

“Something urgent came up at the company. I need to head back and handle it, but I’ll come back later to pick you up,” he said softly, standing before her and gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Yun Yin shook her head. “No need. I can go home myself later.”

Pei Yu keenly sensed something was amiss with her mood, but with others present, he refrained from pressing further. After smoothing her hair, he moved his hand to the top of her head and gave it a comforting pat. “Call me when you get back,” he whispered.

“Mhm,” Yun Yin murmured.

She had no idea what Pei Yu, Yun Cheng, and Yun Yang had discussed while she was upstairs. All she saw was the undisguised smiles on Yun Cheng and Yun Yang’s faces as they saw Pei Yu off.

It seemed Yun Cheng was very pleased with the outcome of their discussion.

Thanks to Pei Yu, the Yun family’s attitude toward her had become noticeably warmer.

With Pei Yu gone, the meal still had to be eaten.

As Yun Yin sat down, she surveyed the dishes on the table: boiled fish, Dongpo pork elbow, and shredded beef in chili oil—all heavily seasoned, spicy dishes.

Yun Yin frowned. Her delicate health made it impossible for her to eat such oily and spicy foods.

Only then did she belatedly realize that the Yun family’s ancestral roots lay in Rong City, where such bold flavors were the norm. The original owner of her body had left for university abroad and moved out after graduation, spending barely any time with the family. Given her poor health, how could she possibly eat these dishes?

Looking at the table, it was clear the Yun family had completely forgotten what the original owner liked or couldn’t eat, simply serving what they preferred.

No one noticed Yun Yin’s unusual demeanor. Yun Cheng, seated at the head of the table, glanced at her and said meaningfully, “It’s been a long time since our family has sat down to a meal like this. I’ve been too busy with work to make time, but you must understand that everything I do is for the betterment of the Yun family.”

“We all understand,” Zhao Yuqin replied with a timely smile.

Yun Yang chimed in, “Without you, Dad, we wouldn’t have this life. How could we possibly blame you?”

Yun Yin didn’t even lift her eyelids at these words.

The unspoken message was clear: they were trying to guilt-trip her.

Unfortunately for them, she wasn’t the original owner of this body, and their words stirred no emotion within her.

Seeing Yun Yin’s silence, Yun Cheng frowned imperceptibly, cleared his throat, and pressed on, “The future of the Yun family rests on you two siblings. Only when the family thrives can you thrive. A Yin, don’t you agree with what your father is saying?”

Only then did Yun Yin slowly raise her head to meet Yun Cheng’s gaze. “That’s the logic,” she replied calmly.

Yun Cheng smiled with relief. “Since you’re with Pei Yu now, I won’t arrange any more matches for you.”

Hearing this, Yun Yin knew the main event of the evening was about to begin: her father wanted her to secure Pei Yu’s support by marrying him.

Sure enough, Yun Cheng abruptly changed the subject. “You’ve graduated from university. It’s time to consider marriage. Your father still hopes you and Pei Yu can make things more official. After all, the Yun family isn’t some small, insignificant household.”

“The Yun family might be willing,” Yun Yin said, a faint smile playing on her lips, though her eyes remained cold. “But do you know if Pei Yu feels the same way?”

Yun Cheng had never shown genuine affection for his daughter, viewing her solely as a tool for strategic alliances. As long as he could secure faster and greater advancement for the Yun family, he didn’t care whom she married.

Except this particular match far exceeded his expectations.

If Yun Yin married Pei Yu, the Yun family’s status would naturally rise along with his. It was a guaranteed win-win situation, and Yun Cheng had no intention of letting it slip through his fingers, especially after tasting the benefits of their previous collaboration.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Yun Cheng retorted, his face twisted in disapproval. “Everyone in Capital City knows you’re with Pei Yu. If you don’t marry him, what will people think of you? What will they think of the Yun family?”

Yun Yin lowered her gaze, her eyes devoid of warmth.

Now isn’t the time to burn bridges, Yun Yin told herself.

After a moment, she said softly, “I understand.”

Faced with Yun Yin’s compliance, Yun Cheng adopted the demeanor of the family patriarch. “The group needs your support now more than ever. Stay close to Pei Yu and don’t act childishly…”

Yun Yin remained silent, leaving Yun Cheng’s voice to fill the dining room.

In the novel, the Yun family had indeed squeezed into the inner circles of Capital City’s elite through their partnership with the Male Lead.

But with the Capital City suburban project now reassigned, it was uncertain whether the Yun family could weather this storm.

She wouldn’t need to lift a finger; the Yun family would crumble under its own weight.

One shouldn’t be too greedy. If you want something, you must take it.

After the meal, Yun Yin ignored Zhao Yuqin’s pleas to stay. She went upstairs, packed the original owner’s diary and some documents, and immediately called for a driver to take her home.

She felt no affection for the original owner’s mother. Weak-willed and lacking any independent thought, Zhao Yuqin was the epitome of a woman who lived for her husband and son, constantly urging her daughter to be as docile and obedient as she was.

If Yun Cheng was the murderer of the original owner, then Zhao Yuqin was his accomplice.

Stepping into the Yun family home, Yun Yin felt a tightness in her chest, a shortness of breath, and a faint discomfort in her heart.

She couldn’t bear to stay in this place a minute longer.

Yun Yin leaned against the car window, her eyes closed in an attempt to rest. She clutched the file folder tightly in her hand, and it took a while for her negative emotions to gradually subside.

The car smoothly entered Yunman Lake. The driver got out and opened the door for Yun Yin, noticing her pale complexion. “Miss Yun, are you alright?” he asked worriedly.

Yun Yin shook her head. “I’m fine.”

As she entered the living room, Aunt Lin greeted her. “Miss Yun, would you like something to eat now?”

“No, thank you,” Yun Yin replied, pressing her chest, which felt slightly uncomfortable. “I’ll take a bath first.”

Aunt Lin sensed something was off in Yun Yin’s voice and noticed her pallor, but she refrained from pressing further. “Miss Yun, the bathroom is ready. The water is drawn and the temperature is set.”

Over time, Aunt Lin had grown familiar with Yun Yin’s habits. The first thing she did upon returning home was always to bathe. The driver had even called ahead to inform her of Yun Yin’s arrival.

Though feeling unwell, Yun Yin mustered a weak “Thank you.”

Even when unwell, Yun Yin’s first act upon reaching her bedroom was always to bathe.

The bathroom was filled with steamy warmth. The bathtub had been pre-filled with hot water and gardenia-scented aromatherapy oils, their sweet, non-cloying fragrance lulling Yun Yin into a drowsy state.

Soaking in the tub with her eyes closed, she listened to soothing music and finally felt some relief.

Gradually, her eyelids grew heavier, and her thoughts drifted into an endless darkness.

Yun Yin had a long, vivid dream:

…Her condition… the family needs to prepare themselves.

Who else would accept a sickly thing like you?

Your parents have been so good to you. When it’s your turn to repay them…

You’re nothing but a pawn.

Perhaps only death can bring release.

…

The words and sobs echoed endlessly in her ears, accompanied by fragmented images flashing through her mind.

In a cramped, dark room, a pale woman lay on a bed, large beads of sweat glistening on her forehead. Her brow was furrowed tightly, and she muttered repeatedly, “Let go!”

“Don’t touch me!”

Suddenly, Yun Yin’s eyes snapped open. She clutched her chest, gasping for breath.

The original owner’s diary still haunted Yun Yin.

Yun Yin wished it were all just a dream.

But it wasn’t.

Later in the story, the original owner had offended the antagonist and been abandoned by the male lead. Yet the Yun family refused to let her go. Publicly severing ties, they secretly plotted to sell her off for profit.

The original owner refused to compromise. Instead, she dragged her tormentor into the sea with her.

This wasn’t written in the book, but it was the original owner’s final fate.

She hadn’t been thrown into the sea; she had chosen to jump herself.

Throughout her life, she had never escaped the Yun family’s control. Only in that final plunge into the ocean did she find true freedom.

Yun Yin calmed her racing heart and took a deep breath.

After a long moment, she climbed out of the bathtub, rinsed off quickly, and wrapped herself completely in a bathrobe.

Standing before the mirror, the steam-blurred glass obscured her reflection.

Suddenly, she laughed.

True freedom wasn’t only found in death.

—

The night deepened.

Feeling unwell, Yun Yin went to bed early. The bedroom was lit only by a dim, amber bedside lamp.

After an unknown amount of time, Yun Yin was jolted awake by a sudden, violent palpitation. She sat up abruptly, her face as pale as if bleached by moonlight. One hand clutched her chest, while the other gripped the bedsheets tightly.

Her throat was parched, and each breath triggered an uncontrollable fit of coughing.

Simultaneously, her heart pounded wildly, like a caged beast thrashing futilely against its bars.

Another wave of excruciating pain surged through her chest, as if a massive hand were squeezing her heart, stealing her breath. All color drained from her face, and fine beads of sweat dotted her smooth forehead.

She lowered her head, trying to cradle her chest and ease the agony. But the pain only intensified. In her panic, her hand brushed against something cool.

It was her phone, resting on the bedside table.

With trembling hands, she fumbled for the device, her eyelids fluttering. Her fingers shook uncontrollably as she opened her contacts and dialed the first number.

The phone rang for an eternity, unanswered.

If no one answers soon…

I’m going to die from this pain.

Even at night, the Yu Jiang Building, located in the heart of the financial district, remained brightly lit.

In the president’s office, Pei Yu sat behind his computer, facing Lu Lin, who was reporting on his work.

The screen of a phone lying to the side lit up, but no one noticed.

“That’s the current situation at the new East City port,” Lu Lin concluded his report. Only then did he glance down and see the phone screen flashing incessantly.

“President Pei, a call.”

Pei Yu picked up the phone and saw a missed call displayed.

At this hour, she should be asleep.

His brow furrowed slightly. Could something have happened?

Thinking this, Pei Yu tapped the missed call and dialed back.

The call was answered within seconds.

“Pei Yu.”

A weak voice came from the other end, not her usual clear tone, but a breathy whisper.

“What’s wrong?” Pei Yu frowned, immediately standing up from his chair.

“…I’m having an attack.”

“My heart… it hurts so much.”

Her voice grew fainter, punctuated by heavy, labored breaths, as if she might lose consciousness at any moment.

Pei Yu heard the strange tone in Yun Yin’s voice. His grip on the phone tightened abruptly, and his face turned cold.

“Yun Yin?”

“Yun Yin?”

“A Yin!”

“Mmm.” After several calls, a faint, breathy sound finally came from the phone.

Hearing her response, Pei Yu’s tense nerves relaxed slightly, and his voice softened instinctively. “Wait for me. I’m coming back right away.”

He hung up and turned to Lu Lin beside him. “I need to leave first. We’ll decide the rest when I return.”

Without even grabbing his coat, he strode out of the office with unprecedented urgency.

Throughout the journey, he tried to speak to Yun Yin again, but she remained unresponsive.

Pei Yu pulled out another phone and immediately called Aunt Lin.

“Aunt Lin, go to Yun Yin’s room right now.”

“Is Miss Yun alright? She seemed a bit—”

“Just go! I need to know her condition immediately!” Pei Yu interrupted before Aunt Lin could finish.

Hearing Pei Yu’s strained voice, Aunt Lin dared not waste another moment. She hurried upstairs.

Aunt Lin pushed open the bedroom door, rushed inside, and switched on the light. She found Yun Yin curled up on the bed, her face deathly pale, completely drained of color, with beads of sweat glistening on her forehead.

Aunt Lin’s expression darkened. She rushed to the bedside and repeatedly called out, “Miss Yun, Miss Yun.”

Hearing the voice, Yun Yin slowly opened her eyes and murmured a faint response.

At the same moment, Pei Yu’s voice came through the phone: “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just a sudden attack,” Yun Yin whispered, her voice so frail it seemed it might dissipate with the slightest breeze.

“Wait for me. I’m coming back right now.”

“Mmm.” With that, Yun Yin closed her eyes again.

Just as Yun Yin had felt herself slipping into unconsciousness, she remembered the emergency medication she had stored in the drawer. Struggling, she had swallowed the pills, and the near-death sensation had gradually subsided.

Even after taking the emergency medication, she still felt terribly unwell.

Half an hour later, the bedroom door swung open.

Aunt Lin saw Pei Yu enter and immediately felt a wave of relief.

“Mr. Pei, you’re finally back! Miss Yun’s condition looks terrible,” Aunt Lin said, hurrying to her feet, her face etched with worry.

When she returned that evening, Miss Yun had clearly been unwell, but Aunt Lin hadn’t paid close enough attention.

Pei Yu approached the bed. Yun Yin lay curled into a small ball, her face pale. Her usually bright, peach-blossom eyes were tightly shut, her brow furrowed, and her lips moved slightly, murmuring unintelligible words.

In the next moment, he bent down, gently scooped her up from the bed, and cradled her in his arms like a child. Feeling her trembling, Pei Yu’s expression softened. His large hand gently patted her back in a soothing rhythm.

“I’m back,” he murmured.

As if sensing a familiar presence, Yun Yin instinctively burrowed deeper into his embrace, seeking comfort and security. Her trembling gradually subsided.

Seeing her in this state, Pei Yu realized her condition was worse than he had imagined. Wasting no time, he urgently called for the driver, then carried her to the car and sped to the nearest hospital.

Having contacted the hospital in advance, the doctor took one look at the patient and, without a word, immediately wheeled her into the operating room.