Chapter 8

They set the wedding date for a week later. Xia Xue had no real concept of what marriage meant—only boundless, romantic dreams.

For Wang Xing, settling for second best didn’t make him happy, but it didn’t leave him completely dejected either.

Xia Xue could hardly wait to handwrite the wedding invitation for Lin Wanting herself and even called again to ask her to be a bridesmaid.

If it weren’t for the risk of ruining her own plans, Lin Wanting would never have spoken to Xia Xue again in this lifetime. The betrayal had cut her too deeply, and at this moment it all still felt unreal.

“Miss, it’s a call from Xia Xue.”

“Tch, like a ghost that won’t leave me alone. Let’s see what trick she’s up to now.”

“Wanting, a week from now Wang Xing and I will be getting married in the countryside. You have to come! I was even thinking—if you don’t mind—maybe you could be my bridesmaid?”

“Sure, I’ll definitely come. But bridesmaid? Forget it. I’d outshine the bride, and really, why bother?”

Lin Wanting was determined to return to the place she had lived for seven years. The place where she had fallen was exactly where she would stand up again.

Xia Xue couldn’t be more delighted. She felt like her luck had finally turned. And lately, she had heard a few troubling rumors about the Lin family, which made her bold enough to approach Lin Wanting like this.

Xiao Min asked Xia Xue, “What do we need to prepare? I’ll go buy it right now!”

“You know this stuff better than anyone. Whatever nice things Lin Wanting normally uses, buy those for me.”

The point wasn’t whether they worked well—it was that they had to be things Lin Wanting had once used.

Soon, the wedding day arrived. The plan was to hold it first at Wang Xing’s home in the village, and later again in the city.

Lin Wanting dressed to kill in what she believed was the most stunning outfit there—a white lace cut-out dress, high heels, and a handbag—confidently making her way to Wang Xing’s wedding.

She had also asked Gu Qingqing to bring along a pair of flats; some of the mountain paths would be hard to walk, and without heels the dress would lose some of its impact.

“Miss, why are you even going to their wedding? A simple congratulations would be enough.”

“Congratulations?” Lin Wanting would never truly give them her blessing. Once they had sealed the deal, her plan for revenge would begin.

She had once been soft-hearted toward Xia Xue. But now, she could see clearly—Xia Xue had never treated her like a real friend. In her last life, she had been so stupid, kept in the dark for years. Xia Xue had even pumped her for details about her married life with Wang Xing.

No one from Xia Xue’s family came to the wedding. Wang Xing went to fetch her himself—on a bicycle, no less. In the countryside, a bicycle wedding was still a big event.

The road was bumpy. Xia Xue clung tightly to Wang Xing. This was the path she had chosen, and she would see it through no matter what.

As Lin Wanting stepped back into the village, her feelings were a tangled mix. She was thankful she had no children, no other ties—otherwise, she would never have adjusted so quickly after her rebirth.

Seeing familiar villagers brought back vivid memories of her own wedding day. People were waiting for the couple’s arrival. Wang Xing, exhausted, had given up pedaling, and the two were now walking the last stretch.

“Sorry to keep you waiting!” Wang Xing said to the gathered neighbors.

Xia Xue followed with a polite smile, though her cold expression behind it made her seem unapproachable.

Then Wang Xing saw her—Lin Wanting. This was the first time they had met since breaking up.

Xia Xue tugged him toward the waiting area—it was almost time to make their entrance.

Lin Wanting’s face was expressionless. Back then, these same people had watched her wedding like a spectacle. Now, they were here to watch Xia Xue’s.

Wang Xing stole a glance at her, feeling a pang of regret. He hadn’t married his first choice, but her best friend—who had practically thrown herself at him.

Taking the chance, Lin Wanting decided to visit her old neighbor, Granny Li. In her past life, Granny Li had been especially kind to her, often sharing what little she had. Lin Wanting had never gotten the chance to thank her.

Now was that chance. Granny Li looked both familiar and unfamiliar. Even if it had all been a dream, the memory still unsettled her.

On stage, Wang Xing and Xia Xue drank their wedding toast. Wang Xing seemed distracted, which irritated Xia Xue. She stepped in to block his view, while Lin Wanting quietly said goodbye to her old self.

Here in the countryside, couples usually got their marriage certificate before the wedding celebration. Wang Xing and Xia Xue had registered two days ago.

Lin Wanting took Granny Li aside. “Granny, can I use your bathroom?”

Granny Li studied her face. “Girl, you’re not from around here? I don’t remember seeing you before.”

“No, Granny, I’m not.”

Once inside, Granny Li warmly welcomed her, just as she had in the past. Lin Wanting treasured the moment. She pulled out a jade bracelet she had prepared in advance and offered it to the old woman.

“Granny, you remind me of an old friend. Please take this.”

Granny Li waved it off, saying she was heading next door to join the feast, but Lin Wanting insisted.

When they returned, the newlyweds were making their rounds to toast each table.

Xia Xue proudly poured wine for Lin Wanting, while Wang Xing kept glancing away. He didn’t want to meet her eyes—especially now, when she looked even more beautiful than before, her once-round face now delicate and refined.

“To my best friend since childhood,” Xia Xue said brightly. “We both toast you.”

Lin Wanting didn’t lift her glass. She was here to end a friendship of over ten years. Her gaze locked directly on Wang Xing.

He downed his wine in one gulp and quickly moved on. That told Xia Xue everything she needed to know—he still had feelings for Lin Wanting.

Lin Wanting arched an eyebrow in smug challenge. Well? Now you know what it feels like to be me back then.

“Lin Wanting, you really are such a—” Xia Xue stopped herself, unwilling to say the word on her wedding day.

“Xia Xue, you’d better keep a close eye on your husband.”

Your hard days start now. Savor them. I’ll hit you with an even bigger blow soon—and I’ll strike first.

Wang Xing called Xia Xue over. She stomped her foot. Truthfully, she had invited Lin Wanting for another reason—to see how much money she’d give.

On the surface, Xia Xue was cheerful today. Inside, she was full of contempt. The elderly guests were wearing patched clothes, and most of all, Wang Xing’s family home was bare and shabby—so poor even a mouse would cry.

Lin Wanting felt half her resentment lift. If they thought she would hand over money, they were dreaming. Showing up in person was already generous.

“Granny, I’m leaving now. Take care of yourself.”

Granny Li was still baffled by the encounter, but watching Xia Xue, she thought the bride seemed completely out of place here.

Lin Wanting walked away without looking back. This was the true start of her rebirth.

She would not be soft-hearted again. She had spent all her mercy in the past few days. From now on, there was only the road of revenge—Xia Xue and Wang Xing could be ready for what was coming.