Li Xinyue walked through the main gates of the residential complex, pulling her coat tighter around herself. The security guard stationed there gave her a once-over and smirked, muttering, "Oh, it's the 'fake heiress' herself. Lost your way?"
Ignoring him would have been easy, but the disdain in his tone was unmistakable. She stopped, her gaze cold as she stepped closer to him. "Say that again," she challenged, her voice low and dangerous. The guard chuckled, not realizing his mistake until her grip closed around his wrist, a swift, painful twist. With a sickening crack, he let out a howl of pain.
"Remember this," she said in an icy tone that sent shivers down the spines of the other guards watching. "I might not have the title, but don't test me again." She released him, and he clutched his broken wrist in shock, wide-eyed. Satisfied, she stepped into the building and pressed the elevator button, ignoring the murmurs behind her.
Inside the elevator, she punched in the code for the eighth floor, even though she remembered that the original owner lived on the fourth but for a reason which she didn't know yet because some memories are a bit blurred. She didn't plan on following her predecessor's footsteps too closely—this was her life now. The elevator chimed, and she stepped out into the hallway, locating her apartment. She swiped the passkey and pushed open the door, only to be met by a scene of utter chaos.
The place was unrecognizable. The TV lay shattered on the floor, chairs ripped apart, and other furniture left in shambles. Her eyes darkened as she took in the destruction. Her chest tightened, and she felt a faint ache—the emotions of the original owner slipping through. With a quick breath, she steadied herself. "Don't worry," she murmured softly, "I'll make them pay for this."
She stepped cautiously into the bedroom and found it in no better condition. Clothes were strewn everywhere, cosmetics slashed, and schoolbooks torn to shreds. She felt a surge of anger—clearly, someone had taken their time to send a message. She knew instantly who was behind this mess: Zhang Yujin, the true heiress.
While sorting through the clutter, she heard a faint ringing sound. She moved a few things aside and spotted a phone buried among the debris. When she picked it up, the screen showed "Mom" calling. She smirked, knowing it was Madam Liu, the woman who'd adopted her for the Zhang family's convenience. The call went unanswered the first time, but it started ringing again. By the fourth call, she gave in and answered.
"What were you doing, why weren't you answering?" came a cold, impatient voice. Madam Liu's tone was devoid of warmth or concern. "Get to the Zhang residence in thirty minutes. I won't tolerate lateness."
The line went dead before Li Xinyue could respond. She looked at the phone, bemused. "Nice to hear from you, 'Mom,'" she muttered sarcastically. The ache in her chest flared up, echoing the original owner's hurt. She took a deep breath, promising silently, Don't worry—I'll make them regret treating you this way.
Wanting to feel more in control, she rummaged around the apartment to see what was still useful. In a hidden drawer, she found a brand-new laptop, untouched. She smiled; at least one good thing remained. In her previous life, she was an expert hacker on the dark web, known by her alias "ShadowFrost." She powered on the laptop and frowned at the lack of security protocols. "This won't do," she murmured. With practiced ease, she set up a triple-layer IP protection, ensuring she'd remain untraceable.
Her stomach rumbled, and she realized she hadn't had a proper meal since she left the hospital. She headed to the kitchen, only to find it in a mess as well. She sighed, clearing a small spot to work. After a quick look around, she found some noodles, eggs, prawns, and a few leftover vegetables.
With her skill, even these simple ingredients could be transformed. She began chopping the vegetables and prawns, then boiled the noodles until they were al dente. In a hot pan, she quickly stir-fried the vegetables and prawns with a bit of garlic, soy sauce, and a dash of chili. She tossed the noodles in, letting them soak up the flavors, and made a simple broth to go with it. The rich aroma filled the kitchen, and a hint of a smile crossed her face. At least some things haven't changed—good food can still make me happy.
Just as she was about to sit down and eat, the phone rang again. This time, the screen showed "Dad." She let it ring, dismissing it. "Nothing's more important than food," she muttered. Li Xinyue was a bit of a foodie and didn't like interruptions when eating. Finally, with chopsticks in hand, she started her meal, eating quickly yet with precise table manners, a habit honed from years of disciplined training.
She finished her meal, cleared the dishes, and took a short nap. When she woke, she felt refreshed and ready. Gathering her things, she found a few documents, including an ID card, a bank card, and a stash of $400 in cash in the original owner's wallet. She added these to her bag along with the laptop and phone, making sure she had everything she needed.
She changed into a simple outfit she'd pieced together from the remaining clothes: a gray pair of shorts and a plain white shirt. Standing before the mirror, she took a moment to assess her appearance. Her long, slender legs, dark almond eyes, and waist-length black hair made her look effortlessly striking, like a "cold and hidden beauty." This will do, she thought, satisfied.
When she exited the building, the security guards barely recognized her. In the past, the original owner favored flashy designer pieces, but Li Xinyue had a subtler style that made her seem like a completely different person. The guards watched her, dumbfounded, and she enjoyed their shocked expressions as she walked past them.
Once she reached the main road, she hailed a taxi, giving the driver directions to the exclusive "Zhenyuan Estate," where the Zhang family lived. Her lips curved into a faint smirk as she settled into the backseat. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter—and she would ensure the Zhang family regretted every slight, every injustice.