Chapter One: Rebirth on the Eve of the Nightmare

As night fell, the manor halfway up the mountain was brightly lit. A group of men and women dressed in elegant attire stood chatting, their laughter and smiles creating a joyful atmosphere.

Even though she had been reborn for more than a day, Ning Huaizhi felt somewhat dazed upon seeing this scene.

In her previous life, it was at this very banquet that she was cast into the abyss.

She was the true daughter of the Ning family, found three months ago, yet no one accepted her. Her father showed no affection, her mother was indifferent, and both brothers openly expressed their disgust for her in front of everyone. Their only love was reserved for Ning Lebao, the fake daughter who had been raised for eighteen years.

Ning Lebao pretended to be close like sisters in public but bullied and humiliated her behind her back. Even when Ning Huaizhi told everyone about it, no one believed her.

In such an environment, she could only see her childhood sweetheart, He Mingyuan, as her salvation. But she never expected that Ning Lebao had already bribed He Mingyuan to stand in front of everyone at the banquet and falsely accuse her of pushing Ning Lebao into the water.

Ning Huaizhi tried to defend herself, but everyone was convinced she was guilty. Without any surveillance footage to expose Ning Lebao’s scheme, she bore the blame.

After this incident, the rest of the Ning family treated her even worse, and her life grew increasingly difficult.

She lost all hope in these so-called family members.

Through her own efforts, she completed four years of university despite countless traps set by Ning Lebao and gained a mentor who genuinely cared for her.

Just as she was preparing to pursue graduate and doctoral studies, the Ning family faced the brink of bankruptcy.

Her father suddenly remembered he had a daughter and planned to marry Ning Huaizhi off to a fifty-year-old man to seize a chance for a comeback.

Ning Huaizhi refused and tried to escape multiple times, but no one took her seriously. Her father even had her kidnapped and sent to the old man’s bed.

Her once promising life was shattered completely. Ning Huaizhi broke down utterly and, before the old man could violate her, smashed a vase to end both their lives, then took her own.

When she opened her eyes again, it was just a day earlier. She almost thought her suicide had failed and that she would have to face that miserable life once more.

Only when the servant brought her the dress for the banquet did Ning Huaizhi realize she had returned to four years ago, to the very beginning of the nightmare.

This time, she did not want to live the same life.

Thinking of the old man’s disgusting, lecherous gaze, Ning Huaizhi shuddered.

“Huaizhi, are you cold?” He Mingyuan asked gently.

“No…” Before she could finish, he draped a warm jacket over her shoulders.

His gentle eyes, as always, held a faint reproach. “If you’re cold, just tell me. Put this on first. Don’t catch a chill.”

Ning Huaizhi was silent for a long moment before nodding. “Okay.”

“Huaizhi, there are too many people over there. Let’s go this way.”

Ning Huaizhi glanced deeply at He Mingyuan, and when she saw his obvious nervousness, she looked away. “Alright.”

He Mingyuan almost thought she had noticed something.

He carefully scanned the people around them but saw nothing amiss.

He was just overthinking.

He pushed the matter aside and tried to take Ning Huaizhi’s hand, but she pulled away.

He was stunned for a moment.

“There are many people here; you should be careful,” Ning Huaizhi said, making up an excuse.

He Mingyuan didn’t press it and instead led her down a narrow path to the right.

Moonlight shimmered on the pool of water, casting a pale, eerie glow.

Ning Huaizhi’s eyes flickered.

It was this very pool that had marked the beginning of her nightmare last life.

“Huaizhi!” Ning Lebao’s domineering voice came, making her feel dazed and oddly nostalgic.

Ning Lebao wore a wine-red gown, adorned with luxurious jewelry that sparkled even in the dim light.

She strode over and said, “I have something to tell you.”

“What is it? Just say it.”

“Let’s talk over there.”

Ning Lebao reached out to grab her, as she had countless times before.

Ning Huaizhi sidestepped, her voice laced with contempt, “Say what you want right here. If you won’t, then don’t block my way—I have things to do.”

“How dare you talk to me like that?”

“What’s the problem?”

Ning Lebao looked at her with suspicion and disbelief.

Since when had Ning Huaizhi become so assertive?

When Ning Lebao remained silent, Ning Huaizhi lost interest and walked past her.

Ning Lebao gave He Mingyuan a meaningful glance.

He immediately understood and hurriedly said, “Huaizhi.”

Ning Huaizhi stopped.

“Your sister wants to see you. Maybe it’s important. Why don’t you go with her?”

“Fine.” Ning Huaizhi quickly agreed.

She hadn’t intended to do anything, but since these two scoundrels insisted on provoking her, she might as well indulge them.

Ning Lebao looked triumphant as she led Ning Huaizhi toward the pool.

“What do you want to say?” Ning Huaizhi asked as soon as she stopped.

“Why are you in such a hurry, sister?”

“We’re not related by blood. Don’t call me that—it’s disgusting.”

“You!” Ning Lebao’s expression changed slightly. She turned to look at the pool, her tone softening.

As she walked, she said, “Sister, there’s a hot spring near this manor. Do you think the water here might be warm?”

“If you’re really curious, why don’t you try it?”

Ning Lebao chuckled, but in an instant, her eyes turned cruel.

“Of course, I’m waiting for you to try it first.”

She pushed forward with all her strength, without hesitation, determined to shove her in.

Ning Huaizhi suddenly stepped back and turned aside, dodging the force.

Splash! Ning Lebao fell into the water.

She couldn’t swim and struggled wildly, shouting for help.

“Help me! Someone save me!”

Unexpectedly, Ning Lebao’s mind went blank, forgetting that she had already arranged for He Mingyuan to rescue her.

In the previous life, Ning Lebao had pushed Ning Huaizhi into the water first, then jumped in herself. He Mingyuan, who was in cahoots with her, went in to save them—saving Ning Lebao first, then Ning Huaizhi.

Though Ning Huaizhi was He Mingyuan’s rightful girlfriend, Ning Lebao had no relationship with him.

When others arrived, a woman questioned this, but He Mingyuan confidently declared that Ning Huaizhi was so cruel as to do such a thing. Since he was Ning Huaizhi’s boyfriend, they should bear the blame together, but only for this matter. From then on, he had no connection with Ning Huaizhi whatsoever.

Everyone praised He Mingyuan for his responsibility and decisiveness, caring little about Ning Huaizhi, who had been trampled upon to advance his position.

In the end, Ning Huaizhi was merely a sacrifice, unworthy of much attention.

“Huaizhi?” Hearing the cries for help, He Mingyuan came over and was surprised to see Ning Huaizhi still on the shore.

This was not what they had agreed upon.

Ning Huaizhi turned to him, her smile as gentle as ever, but her words sent a chill down the spine.

“He Mingyuan, Ning Lebao fell into the water. Aren’t you going to save her?”