Chapter 1: Despicable Love
In the late autumn of the capital, the streets were bleak and desolate, a procession of black luxury cars moving in solemn grandeur. Dense clouds hung overhead, while wreaths piled high at the entrance of the hall on either side.
Today was the day of the funeral for the eldest daughter of the Zhong family, Zhong Huayan, heiress of the richest man in the city.
Amidst the clamor, a solitary figure entered the farewell hall, surrounded by the crowd. The man stood tall and aloof, like a lone mountain peak about to crumble, cold and imposing. His presence was clear and formidable, dignified even when lowering his gaze. He wore a black shirt with a diagonal collar, embroidered with classical cloud patterns and a crane on the right side—a garment that seemed both lonely and oppressive. A thin pair of glasses was clipped along the neckline.
“Fu Yanran! The Zhong family raised you to this age, and now that your wings have grown strong, you dare to forcefully marry your own sister! Because of you, she was forced to marry into the Xu family! Now she has been burned alive, her body and bones separated!” The lady speaking disregarded her dignity, sobbing as she clutched at his sleeve.
Fu Yanran now wielded immense power. But years ago, he had merely been a foster child, taken in by the head of the Zhong family.
Zhong Huayan had always been reckless and unruly, wild and free. Whenever she spoke, no matter how difficult the task, he could accomplish it. Whenever she fought, regardless of the situation, he would hand her the knife. Whenever she erred, he would rush before the old master, kowtowing and pleading to take the punishment for her.
Because of her bold character and status, outsiders dared not comment. Among the wealthy daughters of the capital, it was rumored that to pursue Fu Yanran, one must first win over his sister!
It was only when Fu Yanran, at thirty, cashed out a fortune from overseas companies, surpassing the Zhong family and becoming the new tycoon, that his true nature gradually emerged. The strict adherence to rules and decorum was all a façade. He defied ethics, changed his surname from Zhong to Fu, and directly proposed marriage to Zhong Huayan, his own sister!
The old master of the Zhong family was so enraged he refused chemotherapy, using his life to force Zhong Huayan into marrying the eldest son of the Xu family.
The secretary stepped forward, “Chairman Fu wishes to mourn privately.”
The hall was cleared, leaving only the sound of the wind.
She was frail as a wisp, reduced to bone, yet her features remained proud and her gaze unruly. His heart ached as he trembled, reaching out to touch her photograph.
Huayan had lived a kind life; before her wedding feast could be held, she was caught in a trap set by the Zhong and Xu families—two packs of cunning wolves—and burned alive.
“Those wicked people bullied us as children, and now they still want to harm us… Don’t be afraid. Your little brother has grown up. I’ll make them pay in blood, and send them all down to accompany you!”
He, usually reserved and unsmiling, suddenly spoke in a low voice, struggling to hold back a choked laugh.
“Ah Hua, I never got the chance to tell you—I love you! My love for you has nothing to do with family ties! No matter what it takes, I’ll bring you back to me! Whether as your brother or your lover, as long as you return to my side!”
His assistant felt the boss had lost his mind…
Fu Yanran pressed the celestial bead in his palm. Just the day before, he’d spent a fortune to consult a renowned Buddhist master, who left him with one sentence: If the departed’s fate is profoundly virtuous, there remains a chance for resurrection.
His own father had been driven to death by the Zhong clan’s parents; they adopted him, only to ostracize and humiliate him.
If not for his sister’s favoritism, he could never have survived, nor achieved what he had today.
But without you, what meaning is there in all this gold and power?
That day, his heart died with hers.
He lived as a Buddhist, praying for her blessings; as a demon, seeking justice for her wrongful death.
Fu Yanran mobilized billions in assets, building surveillance systems, factories, welfare centers, schools, bridges, and roads across remote regions.
Finally, during Spring Festival, the city welcomed a heavy snowfall.
Amidst the joyous and lively snow-filled night in every household, flames raged, scorching and devastating.
Every remaining descendant of the Zhong family perished in that great fire, their deaths horrific, their bodies obliterated.
With the direct and collateral bloodlines gone, Fu Yanran became chairman of the Zhong Group.
He rarely appeared in public, spending years secluded in temples, reciting lotus sutras.
———
Zhong Huayan tried to open her eyes. Her eyelids were dry, and the ceiling lights filtered through her lashes as she struggled to awaken.
She was surprised—she was alive?
Before she could react, a strange, urgent voice sounded by her ear, accompanied by sorrowful sobs.
“My little darling, you’re awake?”
She turned her neck and saw an unfamiliar face. Weathered hands clutched hers tightly.
“Who are you?”
Zhong Huayan realized her voice had become childish…
Anxiously, she glanced at the mirror beside the hospital bed.
This face only resembled her nine-tenths. Black straight hair to the shoulders, an oval face. The features had a classical charm, softer and more rounded—a spoiled child from the watery towns of Jiangnan.
The woman wept into a tissue, pulling at a nurse who came to change the dressing. “Please, check my precious daughter—what’s wrong with her?”
Soon, a doctor arrived with several nurses, performing various tests. “Her head suffered severe trauma. She should regain her memory after some time.”
Zhong Huayan conversed with the woman for half a day.
Only then did she fully understand—one blink, and three years had passed…
Her soul had transmigrated!
From the only daughter of the Zhong family, she now inhabited the body of a college student who looked like her.
The original owner of this body was named Li Yanyan.
Li Yanyan was born in a small town in Jiangnan, both parents were teachers, and she had three older brothers.
Now, after being bullied at school, she was hospitalized.
“My little darling! Tell Mama, is it that Xu Yuan bullying you?”
If not for finding your diary, our whole family would still be in the dark.”
Xu Yuan!
Her former fiancé’s younger sister.
Her murderers had been the Zhong family’s relatives and their allies, the Xu family!
“Arrange a driver. We’re going to find Xu Yuan now.”
Li’s mother paused in the middle of slicing an apple.
“Mom, I just paid for my sister…”
A man entered the ward, carrying a heap of food.
Seeing the revitalized girl, he embraced her without a word.
“Oh, what’s a grown man crying for?” She wiped his tears with a tissue, gently.
Her eldest brother was surprised. After hearing her story, he understood—his sister had lost her memory.
“Drive me to Xu Yuan’s birthday party.”
Zhong Huayan swore, this was the worst vehicle she’d ever ridden—a Yadea electric scooter.
He wanted to go in with her, but was stopped by security for lack of an invitation.
Zhong Huayan entered the hotel hall and saw lights, glasses, champagne, and roses.
But the display was far inferior to her own birthday celebrations.
Back then, anyone who saw her would address her as Master Zhong!
Because she was addicted to pleasure, lacking neither men nor status.
But whatever one gains, one must lose… She had never received warmth or freedom.
In the center stood a white Bechstein piano. The girl wore a custom spring-summer dress, playing a piano piece.
“Xu Yuan really is the best pianist at our school!”
“Yes, so talented—I couldn’t compose such a beautiful melody!”
The students below whispered, as all the lights shone on Xu Yuan.
Zhong Huayan’s lips curled in sarcasm—this piece was clearly her own composition…
She picked up a nearby champagne, slipping into the crowd under the dim stage lights.
Gathering her strength, she gripped the bottle tightly.
“Bang!”
“Ah!!!”
The piano’s final note rose sharply, then stopped abruptly!
Under everyone’s gaze, she strode forward and smashed the bottle onto Xu Yuan, who was playing the piano!
The bottle shattered, glass splinters scattering across the floor.