Chapter Thirty-Three: Becoming Friends

In the photograph, the girl wore a white dress, her hair styled in an adorable bun. Her features were exquisite, her complexion pure and unadorned like fine porcelain. Cradled in her arms was the massive head of an Alaskan Malamute, the dog grinning foolishly. The girl seemed amused by its antics, a gentle, sweet smile gracing her delicate face.

The group chat immediately erupted, not only in admiration of the girl's appearance but also her apparent background.

— Wow, she’s so beautiful. Those eyes, that skin… I’m so envious.
— As a girl myself, I have to say she’s stunning…
— I looked closely at the photo—she’s not even wearing makeup! Her skin is flawless.
— I never expected such a pretty girl in our class.
— Suddenly, I can’t wait for school to start. Anyone else feel the same?
— +1, I do too.
— Am I the only one who noticed the Alaskan Malamute?
— That dog’s expensive, and caring for it costs a fortune. Looks like she’s from a well-off family.
— Agreed.

...

Lin Yuexin glared at the messages, her heart nearly drowned in dissatisfaction and jealousy.

Hmph, always about family background. Why?

Why do you deserve everyone’s praise and adoration? You already have so much—why must you take what’s mine, too? Why?

School hadn’t even started, and Lin Yuexin already loathed this beautiful girl from the bottom of her heart. Yet, having suffered since childhood, she was acutely aware that she needed to conceal her jealousy. She had always known what others liked, and had shaped herself accordingly, even if she detested this false self.

Feigning friendliness, she followed along with the others:

Xinxin—Wow, this girl is really pretty. She must be the class beauty—maybe even the school belle.

As expected, her words sparked even more excitement; the girls grew sour, the boys enthusiastic.

The girl’s smile remained unchanged as she read the message. Of course, she thought, already painting a target on herself. Seems that in this life, Lin Yuexin’s schemes aren’t as deep yet.

Jiu Bao—Oh, don’t say that! Everyone here is adorable. You’re very pretty too, with a great figure—makes me want to be friends with you.

— Yes, everyone’s good-looking. Our class is amazing!
— Truly, our class produces beauties.
— Can’t wait for school to start.

...

Lin Yuexin gritted her teeth at the barrage of messages. No matter how unwilling she was, she couldn’t say anything, not when she needed to maintain her sweet, lovable image.

Xinxin—Hey, what’s your name? I want to be friends with you, too.

Ding. A reply came quickly.

Jiu Bao—Hello everyone, my name is Wei Jiujou. I’m delighted to meet you all—let’s take care of each other.

A great big heart emoji accompanied her message.

Another flurry of messages followed.

— Even her name is adorable.
— Of course! We’ll look after each other.
— I’m happy to meet you too.

...

Lying there, the girl shifted her position, watching the group chat in boredom.

So dull. Looks like Lin Yuexin has slipped away; perhaps I should leave too…

Just as she thought this, several friend requests popped up. Besides a few boys from class, one unexpected name appeared—Lin Yuexin.

Hmm. She just stirred up trouble in the group and now wants to add me as a friend? Does she think I’m easy-going?

Still, after a moment’s thought, she accepted. After all, friends are always needed in this life; whether genuine or fake is another matter.

And since Lin Yuexin was taking the initiative, she might as well see what she was after. Know your enemy, and you’ll never lose.

Her slender finger tapped ‘accept,’ and a message instantly appeared.

Xinxin—Hello, Jiujou, so nice to meet you~

Her face remained composed, but the coldness in her eyes deepened as she typed her reply.

Jiu Bao—Hello, I’m glad to meet you too.

Xinxin—Can I call you Jiujou? I felt such a connection the moment I saw you.

Jiu Bao—Me too! I liked you at first glance. Can I call you Xinxin?

Xinxin—Of course! Can we be friends? I feel like we must have known each other in a past life, haha…

Jiu Bao—Mm, I feel that way too. Fate brought us together, heehee.

Xinxin—That’s wonderful! Now we can hang out together.

Jiu Bao—Yes, I’m looking forward to it too.

Xinxin—Jiujou, my mom’s calling me. I have to go, bye.

Jiu Bao—Okay, bye.

The girl knew Lin Yuexin could no longer keep up her act. Despite her obvious dislike, Lin Yuexin had to pretend to be fond of her, eager to be friends.

Such forced humility—wasn’t it just to win her favor, to make her open up, spend money, and lend her connections? And in return? A few airy words of thanks, the pretense of sisterhood, while secretly treating her as a tool.

This hollow friendship—who would want it?

It was her own fault, she thought, for being so foolish in her last life—sold out yet still counting money for the one who betrayed her. Was innocence a guarantee for being deceived and used?

Her clear eyes darkened, a trace of mockery surfacing as she was pulled into a vortex of memories, spiraling ever deeper…

The system sensed her turbulent emotions and called out urgently, “Jiujou, wake up, wake up! That was your past life—it’s over. This time, you can change everything.”

“Look at Mu Zichen—he’s already completely in love with you. Mo Ziyuan and Mu Tingye treat you well too. Everything’s moving in a good direction…”

The system’s anxious voice was full of emotion, desperately trying to pull her back from the abyss.

It worked, at least a little; her consciousness slowly returned, her mind clearing. She knew she couldn’t go on like this, but memories from her past were hard to suppress.

“I’m much better now, thank you!” she replied silently.

“As long as you’re okay, but don’t do that again—you really scared me, and you can’t let anyone see.”

“I know, but I can’t control it… By the way, do you have any medicine or something to help?”

“Let me check… Ah, I do! Here’s an agate bracelet—wear it on your wrist and those terrible emotions won’t take over again.”

A lustrous agate bracelet appeared on her wrist, its color vivid and pure, obviously brimming with energy. It made her skin look even fairer and more delicate. Quite nice, indeed.

“Why didn’t you give me this sooner?” she teased.

The system shrank back, startled. “I—I forgot, and I thought you wouldn’t need it.”

She laughed, exasperated. Did the system really think she was that strong?

Hearing her thoughts, the system quickly added, “Of course, Jiujou, in my eyes you’re the most beautiful, the most powerful—no one compares to you.”

A blossom of laughter, as radiant as blooming crabapple flowers, spilled from her lips. “And I want to be the very best at playing innocent, too.”