Looking at Jiang Songyun again, her name unsurprisingly appeared last in the class rankings.

Everything seemed to be developing in the direction I hoped for.

My grades were good, my mother was still alive, and Jiang Songyun and her mother couldn't cause any major trouble for now.

But when I returned home that day, before even entering the door, I sensed an unusual atmosphere inside.

Then came the sound of smashing objects. Mother sat on the sofa, her eyes closed in grief: 'Ji Song, you want a divorce?'

The inevitable couldn't be avoided after all - Mother had discovered his affair.

I rushed into the room, fetched the medication I'd prepared in advance, and hurriedly brought her water.

'Mom, please don't be angry. Take the medicine first, okay?'

Perhaps because I was unusually calm, she obediently took the medicine and followed me upstairs.

I turned to look at Ji Song. Though hatred burned in my heart, I still maintained a docile appearance: 'Dad, I'll persuade Mom properly.'

It wasn't time to confront Ji Song directly yet. I couldn't let Mother repeat past mistakes.

My attitude soothed the furious Ji Song. He suddenly seemed to remember something and rushed out the door.

Tonight wouldn't be peaceful for Chen Xiaoru either.

7

Mother sat numbly on the bed. When she saw me enter, her first words were: 'Xiao Mei, are you hungry?'

My nose stung as I hugged her: 'Don't be afraid, Mom. I'll always be with you.'

'You knew already, didn't you?'

She was smart and knew me well. She understood my recent good behavior must be related to this.

I nodded. Tears immediately streamed down her face. This always gentle and refined woman actually swore: 'That bastard Ji Song! How dare he expose you to this filth!'

Even in such moments, her first thought was always for me.

'Mom, I've grown up.' I handed her warm water.

In our past life, we'd been completely suppressed by Chen Xiaoru and Jiang Songyun. I'd almost forgotten my mother was once a strong woman.

'Look at this, Mom. I did really well this time.' I showed my prepared report card - sixth place.

'How did you improve so much?' Though confused, her joy quickly overwhelmed it.

'Mom, I think I've suddenly understood how to study recently. These problems are all easy for me, so...'

'And these messy life matters should be easy for us too, right?'

Mother's eyes reddened. Her forced composure broke as she covered her mouth: 'Xiao Mei, you're too young to know these things.'

She brushed hair from my forehead, tenderness in her eyes: 'Mom won't be afraid. I'll never let anyone hurt you!'

In our previous life, Jiang Songyun had already infiltrated our family through me, completely winning over my father. With Chen Xiaoru's support, she became domineering, even daring to call Mother directly.

But this time, Chen Xiaoru had timed her ambiguous text to Ji Song perfectly for Mother to see.

Fortunately I was there to contain Mother's anger. Ji Song wasn't stupid - he must have recognized Chen Xiaoru's ambition.

Yet the next day, Jiang Songyun came to school in high spirits, even acting haughty towards me.

When I called Ji Song's company, he wasn't there. Neither was Chen Xiaoru.

After school, I saw Jiang Songyun get picked up by a car I recognized from Ji Song's company.

As I tried to follow, Cheng Yuanzhi approached.

'Ji Mei, congratulations on your academic improvement.'

I ignored him, focused on chasing Jiang Songyun. He persisted: 'I heard you struggle with math. I could tutor you if you like.'

In our past life, Ji Song arranged his tutoring where I'd fallen for him.

I was about to refuse when an idea struck. I smiled sweetly: 'Sure, I don't mind.'

Considering carefully, few things could agitate Ji Song like matters involving Chen Xiaoru.

In our past life, how had she brazenly entered our home despite Mother's opposition?

Because she was pregnant - the doctor said with a boy.

Ji Song's obsession with a son made him overlook everything else.

But Chen Xiaoru miscarried at four months due to dog allergy - karma, as a stray puppy's touch caused allergic miscarriage.

This became my perfect revenge opportunity.

8

Ji Song returned home three days later, flushed with excitement, having forgotten the exposed affair.

Mother stared down from upstairs: 'Ji Song, we need to talk.'

Another fight erupted.

He seemed unbothered by the exposed affair. To Mother's accusations, he simply said: 'I want a son.'

'That woman is pregnant?'

Ji Song nodded, softening: 'Yueqing, she won't replace you. We'll let you raise the boy after birth, okay?'

In our past life, he never considered divorce while Mother lived. Shameless but image-conscious, he'd never marry his mistress.

Chen Xiaoru's desperation to replace Mother led to murder.

'Ji Song, you're insane!' As Mother's rage peaked, I rushed in.

Bringing pre-prepared medicine to the next room.

Ji Song looked guilty seeing me: 'Xiao Mei? Why are you here?'

I lowered my head: 'It's weekend. Mom, take this first.'