Qinghe University was buzzing, just like it was in her first life.Only this time, Luo Xinyi wasn't here to blend in.
She walked through the courtyard like she belonged—because she did.Every step she took echoed with intention.Every glance she received? She returned it with eyes that didn't flinch.
This life wasn't a second chance.
It was hers. And she wasn't here to be forgotten again.
"Why do I feel like you're about to punch anyone you meet?" Yan Shuang whispered beside her as they passed a group of loud students.
Xinyi smirked. "Because I might."
Shuang laughed, but Xinyi's eyes were sharp, scanning the crowd.
And then—she saw him.
Leaning near the courtyard wall, arms crossed, head tilted like the world bored him.
Zhou Hao.
He was alone, but he looked like he belonged to the shadows.Same scar, same jawline, same detached aura that screamed untouchable.
But Xinyi didn't hesitate.
She didn't look away.She didn't turn back.She walked right toward him.
He noticed her before she reached him. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to place her again. But there was still no recognition.
Just guarded indifference.
Until she stopped—two steps away—and looked him dead in the eye.
"You followed me earlier," she said, her tone even. "And left something in my bag. Coward move."
His expression barely changed, but his jaw tensed.
"You shouldn't be here," he said flatly.
Xinyi tilted her head. "Funny. I was about to say the same about you."
Zhou Hao's eyes sharpened. "You're not part of this family."
"Not by your definition." Her voice didn't rise, but her words hit like iron. "But we share the same blood. Or did that get filtered out with your pride?"
A few students slowed down near them, sensing tension.
He glanced at them, then back at her. "You don't know anything about me."
"But I do." Her gaze didn't waver. "I know you like fighting more than fixing. That you ran from family dinners and showed up when no one expected you. I know you hated that house… and everyone in it."
Zhou Hao stiffened.
"Who the hell are you?" he asked quietly.
Xinyi stepped forward. "I'm the ghost your family tried to erase. And I'm done being quiet."
That night, back in her dorm, she dropped her bag on the floor and sat on her desk chair, adrenaline still buzzing under her skin.
Shuang peeked in. "Tell me that look on your face is from winning an argument and not punching someone."
"I didn't punch," Xinyi said calmly. "But I made him listen."
Shuang blinked. "You're glowing. Like... violently."
Xinyi smiled.
She took out the folded note from earlier:
You shouldn't be here.
She stared at it again, then calmly tore it in half.No drama. No tears. Just peace
"He told me not to come back," she said.
Shuang tilted her head. "And?"
Xinyi looked up, fire gleaming in her eyes.
"So I showed up louder."