Chapter 7: The Storm

Shen Zhaoyue's livestream went viral, painting me as a spoiled heiress tormenting Xie Yao out of unrequited love. My old art account, where I'd posted comics about our past life, was flooded with hate. "Stalking someone's fiancé?" "Obsessed rich girl!" My mother offered a vacation to escape, but I refused. I wasn't that fragile anymore.

I posted a statement: "I had a crush on Mr. Xie in high school, but that's long over. No sabotage here." Xie Yao responded vaguely, praising Shen Zhaoyue's fiery nature and wishing me well, sidestepping the lies. I countered with receipts—bank transfers I'd sent him over the years. Classmates confirmed my family's quiet charity. The tide turned. Netizens mocked Xie Yao's ingratitude.

Chapter 8: Moving Forward

My company thrived, taking on parts of my mother's business. Xie Yao's startup, Yaoyue Tech, faded. He could still make money with his past-life knowledge—stocks, real estate—but his dream of listing his company was dead. Qi Wensheng became a frequent presence, trading his playboy ways for strategy sessions. His older brother's return pushed him to secure my alliance.

Over dinner, we heard Shen Zhaoyue and Xie Yao arguing nearby. She accused him of using her to smear me; he denied it, claiming she misunderstood. He called my gifts to him "voluntary," not debts. She stormed out. Xie Yao saw me, hesitated, but Qi Wensheng kissed my cheek, smirking. Xie Yao left, his face blank.