Lian Yue headed straight to her father's room and knocked gently.
"Come in," Chairman Lian Cheng's deep voice rumbled from inside.
She stepped in and closed the door behind her. "Father, is it alright if I sit?"
He glanced up briefly from his papers. "Go ahead."
After a brief silence, his expression hardened. "I called you here today because it's time for you to select your groom."
Lian Yue's eyes darkened slightly. So, it begins again.
Her father opened a drawer and placed three photographs on the desk. "You'll choose one of these men."
Even though he knew she loved Wei Jun, he still included two others. On the polished surface lay the faces of Wei Jun, Zhao Ming, and Rian Zhao.
Chairman Lian's gaze softened with expectation. He assumed her hand would reach for Wei Jun — the man she'd adored.
But her fingers brushed past his photo and stopped on Rian Zhao's instead.
She lifted the picture with calm precision and handed it to her father.
His brows shot up. Then, a small, satisfied smile curved his lips. "Good. The ceremony will be held in three days."
Lian Yue rose. "Can I leave now?"
"You can," he replied.
As she stepped into the hallway, her phone vibrated. The name flashing across the screen made her pause — Lin Xinya.
She answered.
> "Yue! There's a school get-together today," Lin said cheerfully. "You're coming, right?"
Lian Yue's lips curved faintly. "Of course. I'll be there."
In her past life, she'd gone eagerly — only to be humiliated.
But this time, things would be different.
She turned to Mei Rong. "Prepare my clothes. We're heading out soon."
Mei blinked in surprise. "We, madam?"
"Yes," Yue replied with a knowing smile. "You're coming with me."
---
At the Event Hall
After dressing elegantly, Lian Yue and Mei Rong arrived at the venue.
At the doorway, they ran into Wei Jun's friends.
> "I heard you chose your groom today," one said with a smirk. "Who'd you pick?"
Another chuckled. "Obviously Wei Jun. She's obsessed with him."
In her past life, she would have blushed and confirmed it — only to be mocked.
Now, her voice was cool and steady.
> "You'll find out in three days," she said, walking past them with Mei Rong following close behind.
As she entered, the chatter dimmed. Heads turned. Every gaze followed her — the woman reborn, exuding quiet power.
Once, she would have rushed to Wei Jun's side, eager for his attention.
Now, she chose a quiet seat with Mei Rong instead.
Moments later, Lin Xinya appeared, bright and sweet.
> "You're here!"
"Yes," Yue replied softly.
> "I'll get you something to drink," Xinya said with a smile before turning away.
Lian Yue's eyes followed her. I remember this part.
In her past life, Xinya had "accidentally" spilled wine on her — turning her into a laughingstock.
When Xinya returned, glasses in hand, Yue shifted slightly in her chair.
Just as Xinya pretended to stumble, Yue stepped aside.
The glass shattered on the floor, shards slicing Xinya's hand.
> "Ah!" Xinya cried, clutching her bleeding palm.
Wei Jun rushed to her side and glared at Yue.
> "This is your fault!"
He raised his hand to strike her — but Mei Rong moved swiftly, catching his wrist.
> "Don't you dare," she said coldly, letting his hand drop. "I saw everything. She tried to spill the drink on my boss, and it backfired."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Wei Jun's jaw tightened.
> "There'll be no one to protect you next time."
In her past life, those words had broken her.
This time, she simply watched him walk away, calm and unshaken.
A classmate sneered.
> "Aren't you going to run after him?"
Laughter echoed across the hall.
> "No," Yue said lightly. "I'm here for the get-together, not for him."
The laughter stopped.
She turned toward the drinks table. As she reached for a glass, another hand brushed hers.
She looked up — and froze.
Tall. Poised. Eyes sharp enough to cut glass. Rian Zhao.
Her pulse stilled. He was even more striking than she remembered.
> "You can take it," he said flatly, stepping aside without meeting her eyes.
She smiled faintly. "Rian Zhao—"
But he walked away without a word.
She turned quickly to follow, but her dress snagged on her heel. She stumbled, expecting him to catch her —
He didn't.
She fell straight into Mei Rong's arms.
> "Madam!" Mei gasped, steadying her.
Yue glanced toward the doorway where Rian Zhao had vanished. A faint, dangerous smile touched her lips.
> "Still the same cold man," she murmured. "Let's see how long that lasts."