Chapter Two: A New Beginning
As soon as the maid left with an expression that showed her displeasure, Li Xinyue found herself in an unexpected silence, interrupted only by the faint sounds of the hospital's bustling corridors. It was surreal being here, in another person's body, with another's memories crowding her mind. She turned toward the small hand mirror that sat on the hospital bedside table and slowly lifted it to see herself.The face staring back at her was strangely familiar, the resemblance was eerie. Her high cheekbones, the sharpness of her jawline, even the subtle arch in her eyebrows—it all reminded her of the face she had left behind in her past life. Yet there was a slight difference here: a hint of fragility, like a flower too delicate for its surroundings. She was used to seeing strength reflected in her own face; this new version seemed like a shadow, as if her soul had crossed over into a shell that wasn't yet her own.
Li Xinyue's reflection in the hospital's small mirror showcased striking features that immediately commanded attention. Her skin was flawlessly smooth, with a natural, creamy fairness that almost seemed to glow under the soft, hospital lighting. Her face was elegantly structured—high cheekbones that gave her a refined, aristocratic look and a delicate yet sharply defined jawline that exuded a quiet strength.
Her almond-shaped eyes were framed with naturally long lashes, dark and slightly curled, adding a touch of mystery to her gaze. The irises were a deep, captivating shade, almost like dark chocolate, that seemed to hold hidden depths of intelligence and a fierceness unknown to the timid girl whose body she now inhabited. Beneath gracefully arched brows, her eyes sparkled with an intensity that hinted at a steely determination—qualities that no one in the Zhang family could have expected from her.
A slender nose led down to her soft, rose-pink lips, perfectly shaped with a natural fullness that held a subtle, confident smile. When she tilted her head slightly, a faint dimple would appear at the corner of her mouth, lending an enchanting warmth that softened her otherwise imposing beauty. Her dark, silky hair fell in gentle waves past her shoulders, framing her face like a luxurious, inky waterfall, adding depth and elegance to her overall look.
Altogether, her beauty was unforgettable—feminine yet fierce, delicate yet formidable. It was the kind of beauty that hinted she was someone not to be overlooked, the kind of woman who could stand her ground and command respect. Even though her features were similar to her past life, they now held a new resilience and depth—a testament to the trials she had endured and the strength she'd gained in both lives.
Li Xinyue's gaze remained fixed on her reflection, studying her features with a cold detachment. Despite the beauty she saw staring back at her, there was a stark emptiness in her eyes. It was the eyes of someone who had experienced too much—someone who had died and returned, only to find herself in a body that was never truly hers.
The maid's footsteps echoed in the hallway, but Li Xinyue did not turn to face her immediately. She remained still, her thoughts swirling in a mix of confusion and anger. After a moment, she exhaled slowly, as though releasing the weight of her thoughts, and finally turned to look at the maid, who had just entered the room.
"Make sure my things are taken care of before you leave," Li Xinyue said, her voice cold, each word laced with a chilling finality. The maid flinched, a slight tremor running through her as she met Li Xinyue's unyielding gaze.
The maid had been the one to come to clear the hospital bills, a reminder of the debts the Zhang family had left her with. There was no sign of compassion in her eyes, only indifference. She was here to do a job, nothing more. But Li Xinyue wasn't interested in playing the role of the weak, obedient daughter anymore.
Her words hung in the air, leaving the maid silent for a moment before she quickly nodded, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere in the room. "Of course, Miss Xinyue," she stammered, eyes lowered in respect—or perhaps fear.
Li Xinyue's gaze softened just for a moment, a cold smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You'd better," she added, her voice just above a whisper, as if to remind the maid of the consequences of neglecting her orders.
The maid hurried out of the room, not daring to look back, leaving Li Xinyue alone once again with the empty feeling that had settled in her chest. She was no longer just the girl who had been discarded by her family. She had returned, not just to reclaim what was rightfully hers, but to rewrite her story. And no one, not even a maid, would stand in her way.
With one final glance at her reflection, Li Xinyue turned toward the bed, her mind already moving forward to the next step in her new life—one that would no longer be defined by weakness, but by power and determination.
Li Xinyue exhaled and stood up, feeling a sense of purpose tightening her resolve. The memories of her past life and those of the original owner, layered and distinct, had now formed a single, determined identity. She'd seen enough in her previous life to know that power, respect, and survival required strength, and she wasn't about to let herself be trampled in this new one. The Zhang family might think she was weak, expendable even, but they had no idea who they were dealing with now.
Taking a deep breath, she adjusted her posture and walked toward the door. The Zhang family might not realize it yet, but they had just brought a storm into their lives.
In the sleek, gleaming corridors of Jinling Central Hospital, whispers spread as Li Xinyue strode past, her chin held high. She noticed the faint glances, the whispers, doctors and nurses muttering in confusion about how a girl who'd been declared dead had somehow returned. A ghost, they seemed to think. She held back a smirk, enjoying the power her presence now commanded—even if for entirely different reasons.
By the time she reached the hospital's main exit, she saw the family car waiting, yet there was no maid in sight. Without a word, she walked past it, refusing to look back. The place they'd prepared for her, close to First High School of Jinling, might be a small concession from the Zhangs, but it would serve as her starting point. She'd begin her new life there, on her terms. And from that day forward, her name—Li Xinyue—wouldn't be one they could ignore or look down on.
As she crossed the threshold into the bustling streets, a strange sense of exhilaration filled her.