The transformation began at a mid-tier beauty salon in the city center. Xia Yu had chosen it carefully—reputable enough for quality work, but not so exclusive that she'd draw unwanted attention. With her adoptive father's bank card in hand, she felt a sharp satisfaction at using his greed against him.
She sat in the chair, staring at her reflection as the stylist's hands worked through her dull, uneven hair. "Cut it shorter, layer it, and dye it a deep chestnut brown," she instructed calmly. "Something elegant but practical."
The stylist raised an eyebrow at the sudden decisiveness from the plain girl who had walked in, but nodded. Hours later, Xia Yu emerged with silky, shoulder-length waves that framed her face softly. Next came the skincare treatment—facials, acne treatments, and a bag full of high-quality products. By the time she left the mall with new clothes—simple but well-fitted jeans, blouses, and a sturdy jacket that could double for rough travel—people were actually glancing her way.
She no longer looked like the girl who hid from the world. She looked like someone ready to face it.
Standing before a full-length mirror in a changing room, Xia Yu studied herself. The acne scars were fading under the new regimen she had planned. Her posture was straight, her eyes sharp. A small, cold smile curved her lips.
*This is just the beginning.*
She spent the rest of the afternoon making discreet purchases. Non-perishable foods in bulk—rice, canned goods, dried fruits, and protein bars. She bought them from multiple small stores to avoid suspicion. A large backpack, a durable tent, basic first-aid supplies, and a few knives that could be justified as "kitchen tools" for now. She also withdrew a significant amount of cash, hiding most of it in her new belongings.
In her previous life, the first weeks after the apocalypse had been chaos because no one was prepared. This time, she would have a hidden stash at the second villa. She would also research the dark web for missions that could earn her quick money and information once things got dangerous.
As evening approached, Xia Yu walked toward the second villa, a modest but private property her adoptive father rarely used. The air felt lighter, the city still blissfully ignorant of the horror coming in a month.
Her train of thought shattered when a tall figure stepped directly into her path.
"I am Fu Chen," the man said, his voice deep and smooth, carrying an undeniable authority. He was strikingly handsome—sharp jawline, intense dark eyes, and an aura that screamed wealth and power. "May I know your name, beautiful maiden?"
Xia Yu froze. She remembered this voice from the edges of her memories, but in her last life, their paths had barely crossed before everything fell apart. Now he stood before her, studying her with open interest.
"Xia Yu," she replied cautiously, keeping her expression neutral.
Before she could step back, Fu Chen closed the distance and pulled her into a firm hug. The sudden warmth of his body and the faint, clean scent of his cologne caught her completely off guard.
"You smell nice," he murmured against her hair, sounding almost surprised.
Xia Yu stiffened, her hands pressing against his chest. "What are you—"
"Let's get married in three days."
The words hung in the air like a bomb. Xia Yu pulled away sharply, staring at him in disbelief. "Excuse me?"
Fu Chen's lips twitched with faint amusement, though his eyes remained intense. "You heard me. Three days. I've seen what I needed to see."
This was the mysterious fiancé her adoptive father had been pushing. In her last life, the marriage discussions had dragged on, and she had foolishly resisted because of Qin Bai. Now, this man was proposing on the spot after one hug?
Xia Yu's mind raced. Marrying into a powerful family could give her resources, protection, and a shield against Qin Bai and Yang Ling. But marriage meant complications—trust, intimacy, sharing secrets. Could she afford distractions when revenge and survival were her priorities?
"I don't even know you," she said coolly, though her heart beat faster. "And I have no intention of marrying anyone right now."
Fu Chen tilted his head, unfazed. "You will. My father arranged this, but I chose to see for myself. You're different from what they described. Stronger. I like that." His gaze swept over her new appearance. "And the change suits you."
Xia Yu narrowed her eyes. "You've been watching me."
"Observing," he corrected. "There's a difference."
A black car idled nearby, with men in dark suits standing at a respectful distance. Fu Chen was clearly no ordinary young master. In the coming apocalypse, someone with his background could be an invaluable ally—or a dangerous complication.
She stepped back. "I need time to think. Three days is impossible."
"Take tonight," he said, handing her a sleek black card with only a phone number engraved on it. "Call me when you're ready. But Xia Yu… the world is about to change. You feel it too, don't you?"
His words sent a chill down her spine. Did he know something about the coming apocalypse? Or was it just the arrogance of the rich?
Fu Chen turned to leave, but paused. "One more thing. Stay away from Qin Bai and Yang Ling. They're not what they seem."
With that, he disappeared into the car, leaving Xia Yu standing on the sidewalk, heart pounding with a mix of suspicion, intrigue, and something dangerously close to hope.
She clenched the card in her fist.
*Revenge first. Everything else… we'll see.*
---
Back at the second villa that night, Xia Yu locked the doors and began organizing her supplies in a hidden corner of the basement. She updated her mental list: more weapons once the red rain warnings started, information on ability orbs, and a plan to expose Yang Ling and Qin Bai before the world ended.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Yang Ling.
**Yuyu, let's meet tomorrow? Brother Qin Bai wants to see you too. We miss you! ❤️**
Xia Yu stared at the screen, her eyes turning icy.
*Perfect. Let the games begin.*