SCENE 4: Memories of a Past Humiliation
That night, Han Yue lay in bed, one hand resting over her abdomen, where warmth still lingered from her earlier ordeal. Her thoughts drifted — not toward the pain, or the black residue, or even her newly awakened abilities.
They returned to the party.
Not the upcoming banquet in three days… but the one from her past life.
Her welcome party.
It had been grand and dazzling, with dozens of distinguished guests: business partners, extended family, wealthy friends of the Han clan, and plenty of curious eyes eager to see the long-lost real daughter make her return.
She had worn a soft cream-colored dress back then. Simple, but elegant — at least by her standards. She'd been quiet, overwhelmed, unsure of her place in such a lavish setting.
That was when Feifei, her third uncle's daughter, struck.
She had been carrying a tray of bright red fruit punch. Just as Han Yue was about to greet some distant aunt, Feifei "tripped" and spilled the entire tray on her.
Her dress had been drenched in red.
Han Feifei gasped and apologized loudly, playing the pitiful, clumsy younger cousin.
The crowd stirred. Some guests chuckled. Others looked on with subtle interest.
"Will she throw a tantrum?"
"No, she's the real daughter. Surely she'll be forgiving…"
"Feifei's younger, after all. It would be so petty to make a scene."
Han Yue had said nothing.
Then, her good sister, Han Jiaojiao, appeared like a savior.
"Feifei didn't mean it," Jiaojiao had said sweetly. "Come, Yueyue, I prepared a spare dress for you. You can go change."
The adults praised Jiaojiao for her thoughtfulness. How considerate. How prepared.
But when Han Yue changed into the offered dress, she realized it was one of Jiaojiao's old, out-of-fashion pieces — plain, unflattering, the type that screamed "last season." It swallowed her slender frame and washed out her features.
She looked… average. At best.
A poor girl trying too hard to fit in.
She remembered trying to stay composed, her fingers clenched tight as whispers followed her every step.
Later, she had slipped out to the poolside for a moment of air.
And that was when it happened.
Jiaojiao had come up beside her, smiling, talking — then suddenly, they both slipped.
They fell into the water together.
"Ahhh! Save them!"
There was a scream. Splashing. Panic.
Han Jun, her older brother, leapt into the pool. His eyes scanned the water — and went straight to Han Jiaojiao.
He pulled her out first.
Han Yue remembered the weight of her soaked dress dragging her down, her vision blurring, lungs burning. She was about to lose consciousness when someone — a stranger — dived in and pulled her to safety.
Even after she was rescued, all attention remained on Jiaojiao.
"Yueyue, I'm sorry!" Jiaojiao had cried. "I didn't mean to slip…"
Then came Feifei's voice from the crowd, sharp and loud:
"I saw it! Han Yue pushed Jiaojiao in!"
Gasps followed. Accusing stares turned to her like knives.
Han Jun had grabbed her arm.
"You're jealous, aren't you?" he'd snapped. "Because Jiaojiao is more beautiful, more elegant — so you wanted to drown her?"
She hadn't even defended herself.
She'd been cold. Shivering. Empty.
She was sent back to her room in disgrace.
Only later did she hear whispers that the man who rescued her had quietly spoken up — saying it was Jiaojiao who slipped first and dragged Han Yue in.
But by then, the damage was done.
Her image was ruined. Her return mocked.
No one took her seriously after that.
They all thought she was a plain, petty, poor girl with a weak temper and no sense of presence.
Her father had even introduced her identity at the party — revealed to the world that she was the real daughter, the true heiress, and a 10% shareholder in the Han family business.
But even that had felt hollow. The attention had shifted away from her before the announcement had time to settle.
Han Yue opened her eyes slowly.
This time, she wouldn't stay quiet.
This time, she wouldn't play the part of the shamed, helpless girl.
"Three days," she whispered.
"Feifei, Jiaojiao… go ahead and scheme. I'll be ready."