She remembered that in the book after Gu Xuezhen reunited with her birth family, Shi Yating became her loyal sidekick, joining in on bullying her.

Now, seeing Gu Yingying looking disheveled Shi Yating recalled her first impression of her—like a delicate doll, instantly stirring jealousy. Back then, out of respect for the Gu family, she’d had to act nice. But now, watching Gu Yingying fall from grace, she couldn’t be happier.

“Of course it’s my business. Some people just don’t know when to let go. Sixteen years of playing pretend, and now that the real Gu daughter is back, you’re still clinging to the Gu family. Anyone would think you’re just after their wealth, isn’t that right, Xuezhen?”

Shi Yating sneered as her arm draped over Gu Xuezhen’s shoulder, relishing the opportunity to mock Gu Yingying.

Gu Xuezhen eyed Gu Yingying, unable to deny a twinge of jealousy. This girl had lived her life for sixteen years, and even now, with everything set right she still felt that Gu Yingying didn’t belong with the Gu family.

“I will leave the Gu family.” Gu Yingying had never intended to stay. She glanced at Gu Xuezhen, knowing that she’d already been whispering in the Gu parents’ ears. It wouldn’t be long before they asked her to leave. Rather than being thrown out, she’d go on her own terms.

“Oh? Some people are all talk. If you truly wanted to leave, you’d have done it a month ago. Acting noble now, are we? Look at you—your dress, your tuition, all paid for by the Gu family. Your real parents—one’s a gambler, the other a street sweeper. You think they can support you? Face it, Gu Yingying, you’d better get lost and stay out of First Experimental High!”

Shi Yating let go of Gu Xuezhen and swaggered over to Gu Yingying, pointing at her with smug satisfaction. Imagining Gu Yingying’s fall from wealth to squalor made her feel triumphant.

Gu Yingying ignored her. She wasn’t interested in dealing with someone who’d barely last three chapters in the story. As she walked past Shi Yating Gu Xuezhen stepped forward, blocking her path.

“You say you’ll leave the Gu family. Is that right?”

Gu Xuezhen’s expression was cold, her high-arched brows and sharp eyes exerting an unspoken pressure. Unlike Gu Yingying’s soft, sweet appearance, Gu Xuezhen bore a striking resemblance to Mother Su Keming’s regal beauty, exuding a commanding presence in both her look and tone.

“…Of course I will.”

Meeting the heroine’s gaze, Gu Yingying understood that Gu Xuezhen was determined to get rid of her. But this time, she wouldn’t have to push her out—Gu Yingying would leave on her own.

“It had better be that way.” Gu Xuezhen withdrew her hand, willing to give her this chance, otherwise, she’d have taken matters into her own hands.

Gu Yingying didn’t hold any grudge against her. After all, they were just naturally at odds. She nodded at Gu Xuezhen and walked away from the field.

Back in Class 3 of her second year, Gu Yingying took her seat and pulled out her magic mirror again. She looked at her reflection—delicate, vulnerable, easily bullied. Her Senior Brother probably wouldn’t like this look, and she worried he might not recognize her.

Her Senior Brother, Shen Yubai, was the most gifted immortal on Anlan Continent, graceful and extraordinary. Compared to him, her own skills were insignificant. But Gu Yingying was certain he’d also come to this world. She had glimpsed his presence through the mirror and felt sure he’d find her soon.

To ensure her Senior Brother recognized her immediately, Gu Yingying placed the mirror at the center of her desk, letting it reflect her constantly. This way, her appearance would become even more beautiful, so that when he found her, he wouldn’t be disappointed.

As the bell rang, the English teacher entered the classroom, and Gu Yingying realized an immediate problem—over 800 years had passed, and she’d long forgotten everything she’d learned in English! Listening to the teacher felt like deciphering a foreign language, and soon enough, her head was spinning.

Thankfully, the teacher didn’t call on her otherwise, she’d have been in real trouble.

 After class, Gu Yingying slumped over her desk like a wilted eggplant, dreading the upcoming monthly assessment at Experimental High. The thought of this looming test nearly drove her to despair; it felt even harder than finding her family. Maybe… she could just drop out once she found them?

Surrounded by academic prodigies at First Experimental High, Gu Yingying felt immense pressure.

While she was mired in her own misery, a lot of students had their attention stolen by a sleek black cat that had somehow leaped onto the windowsill. Its fur gleamed like polished ink, and its sapphire-blue eyes glinted like jewels. The cat gracefully jumped from one desk to another, moving with nimble elegance until, to everyone’s surprise, it landed right on Gu Yingying’s desk.

Stunned, Gu Yingying froze for a second before, under the cat’s disdainful gaze, she grabbed it up in her arms.

“Bastet! How did you get here? Where’s Senior Brother?”

>>>