This memory had already been hypnotically suppressed, so why had it been inexplicably unlocked on the first night of her rebirth? Could it be that a different soul has triggered these repressed memories to surge forth once more? Who is that woman in the dream? The woman wouldn't let those men touch her, yet she condemned me to live forever amidst the Nightmare Demon. Such a shameless and venomous woman—I will definitely find her. And those men?
She took several deep breaths to calm the panic in her heart, then once again entered the space, eating a few sweet fruits. A warm sensation flowed through her body, slowly dispelling the fear. Following the incantations from the first level of the Medicine King Canon, she slowly began to practice. I'm very weak now, so weak. I have to keep improving myself to fight against these people.
"Miss, I've made your favorite Ginseng Porridge. Doctor Li said you're not in good health and need to supplement your diet. Are you up yet?" Caring words came from outside the door. Shangguan You emerged from the space. "Thank you, Auntie Zhang."
After taking a bath, Shangguan You dressed in her school uniform and put on glasses to conceal her appearance before stepping out of her room. She gave Auntie Zhang a gentle smile; in her memories, Auntie Zhang was the person who had treated her best, aside from her family.
Auntie Zhang's eyes crinkled as she smiled and approached, pulling out a chair and serving a bowl of fragrant, hot porridge. Today's Miss was a little different; she even smiled at her. The Miss of the past was introverted, seldom spoke, and rarely smiled.
"Thank you, Auntie Zhang."
Bowing her head, she started eating, taking small bites.
"As long as Miss is well, Auntie Zhang is happy. Let the driver take Miss to school in a bit." Auntie Zhang was pleased that Miss was willing to speak to her proactively. Although Miss wore glasses, her face somehow seemed clearer, and Auntie Zhang's smile deepened. Miss hadn't smiled much since the incident a year ago. To Auntie Zhang's delight, Miss was different today and even initiated conversation.
It seems I have to share this great news with Madam and Master; they will surely be overjoyed.
"No need, Auntie Zhang, it's still early. I'll walk there myself. Goodbye, Auntie Zhang."
Auntie Zhang watched Miss walk out the door, still not quite recovered from her surprise. Miss's personality had suddenly become so much more lively. This was indeed wonderful news. She had to tell Madam.
Lotus Villa was close to City B First Middle School, just two streets away. It had been chosen for the convenience of Shangguan You's schooling. Carrying her schoolbag, Shangguan You couldn't help but sigh deeply. She never expected to suddenly become ten years younger at twenty-six, and a whirlwind of emotions churned within her.
Being young is a good thing, but why do I have to carry a schoolbag and relearn all the knowledge I've already studied?
"Youyou!" As she entered the school gate, an excited voice called out from afar. It was Zhu Li, who, upon seeing Shangguan You, ran over with a beaming smile.
"Zhu Li." She stopped and waited for the person running breathlessly up behind her.
"I finally caught up! Thankfully, I'm not late. Hey, it's the same face, the same outfit, but why do I feel that Youyou seems a bit different?"
Looking at Shangguan You before her, Zhu Li felt she suddenly seemed more radiant. Her deep eyes emitted a cool glow. There was a certain coldness about her, yet her skin seemed to have improved. Now, under the sunlight, it even shone with a faint luster. An imposing Spiritual Energy radiated from her body.
Meanwhile, a BMW and a Bentley arrogantly pulled up at the school gate. Han Yachu, dressed in black casual wear, stepped out of his car. His tall figure and handsome face, framed by messy hair and highlighted by deep eyes and strong features, sent the crowd into a frenzy of screams. Han Yachu exuded an unruly aura.
With his backpack slung carelessly over his shoulder, Han Yachu flicked his somewhat disordered hair, ignoring the screaming girls, and walked confidently toward the school entrance.
With such a stunning face, like Rukawa Kaede's, no wonder the typically withdrawn me fell for him so hard. Shangguan You's cold eyes glanced at Han Yachu, then lazily shifted away. Hmph, that blockhead. I'm not interested. Men are all scum. With that thought, Shangguan You mentally dismissed all men in one fell swoop.
"Youyou, it's Han Yachu, it's Han Yachu!" Zhu Li's face flushed with excitement as she tugged at Shangguan You's hand, shrieking.
"I know," Shangguan You answered coldly, rolling her eyes and turning to walk inside. He's just a man, a handsome one, sure, but what's there to be so excited about?
From another car, the siblings Feng Shao'an and Feng Shaomei got out and headed straight towards Han Yachu. The slap print on Feng Shaomei's face was no longer visible; no wonder she was at school. If the mark were still there, she would likely be hiding at home, too ashamed to show her face.
"Youyou, wait for me!" Zhu Li finally snapped out of her daze and shouted, chasing after her.
"'You idiot, just you wait!'" Feng Shaomei glared resentfully at the receding silhouette.
"Sister, let's go. Someone will take care of her soon enough." Feng Shao'an glanced at the departing figure. It's clearly the same face, but why do I get the feeling she's like a different person?
"Mhm," Feng Shaomei responded hatefully and followed the crowd into the school.
Han Yachu's cool gaze followed the retreating figure thoughtfully, a hint of puzzlement flashing in his eyes. Every time Shangguan You saw me before, she would blush, lower her head, seeming naive and a bit dim, always trailing far behind me. I didn't expect that after being hit by that ball, she'd seem to have completely changed. Interesting, very interesting.
「In the classroom」
Shangguan You and Zhu Li sat in the last row. Due to her previously withdrawn nature and psychological trauma, her grades had always been in the lower-middle range, so her seat was always at the back.
"Youyou, did you finish yesterday's homework?" Zhu Li whispered. Every morning, Youyou would copy her homework. But today, Youyou was unusually quiet and particularly cold—a chill that seemed to emanate from her very core.
"No."
"Then hurry up and do it! If the old man comes and finds out you haven't, he'll punish you again." Zhu Li took out her homework and placed it in front of Shangguan You. Why isn't she worried at all? I'm almost frantic for her!