Chapter 3 Embracing a New Identity

For several days in a row, Lin Yue Shen spent all her time in her room. She refused to go downstairs for meals or step outside, barely moving from the bed, giving herself ample time to come to terms with reality.

Her husband, Ming Lang Luo, was deeply worried. He tried coaxing her out, suggesting they go shopping or that he buy her a new bag, but she declined every invitation. With no other choice, he began coming home early from work each day to keep her company, afraid she might fall into depression and do something rash.

It was during these days that Lin Yue Shen learned from the news that her husband—the devastatingly handsome, seemingly perfect man—was, in fact, Asia’s wealthiest tycoon. She herself was his secret wife, unknown to the public, and the house she lived in was the famous luxury residence, Hufu Manor.

All of this was so surreal that not even a television drama would dare spin such an unbelievable tale, yet it was happening to her, vividly and undeniably.

She also came across another news story: “Young Entrepreneur Gu Yiqiao’s Ex-Wife Commits Suicide,” followed closely by, “Young Entrepreneur Gu Yiqiao Soon to Remarry.” She had never been able to let go of Gu Yiqiao and An Ruier’s affair, but when she saw the news of their impending wedding, she felt nothing at all.

Today marked the fourth day her soul had inhabited Zhang Guoguo’s body. It was Friday, and as soon as she saw Ming Lang Luo leave for work, she went downstairs.

At the foot of the stairs stood an older woman with a cheerful smile. “Madam, is there anything you need?”

The woman before her wore her hair in a neat bob, dressed in a black housekeeper’s uniform, black-framed glasses perched on her nose, light makeup lending her a fresh, energetic look. This must be Sister Liu, the one Ming Lang Luo often mentioned as he spoon-fed her meals. Lin Yue smiled. “Sister Liu, I need to go out for a bit. Please have the driver bring my car around.”

She was dressed in a classic black Chanel sheath dress that hugged her figure, a delicate layered pearl necklace at her throat, distinctive Chanel earrings in her ears, and her long curls cascaded down her back. A casual toss of her hair revealed a collarbone that was devastatingly alluring.

The blue Aston Martin pulled up before her. As soon as the driver stepped out, she slid inside, closed the door, rolled down the window, and said politely to Sister Liu, “I’ll be back late tonight. If my husband asks, tell him I went out for some air.”

“Yes, madam.”

With those words, she donned her sunglasses, fastened her seatbelt, and drove out of the manor.

The estate was vast—it took five minutes by car just to reach the gate from the villa. Watching the scenery blur past in the rearview mirror, she smiled faintly.

At the Silver River Cemetery, she placed a bouquet of white roses before the tombstone marked “Lin Yue Shen.”

“Rest easy. All those old grudges, the love that was trampled on, the injustices you suffered—I will avenge them for you.”

“Who are you?” A familiar voice made Zhang Guoguo’s entire body tense. Composing herself, she slowly turned around and saw her grandmother. She nodded slightly in greeting. “I’m Lin Yue’s classmate from her time in America. My name is Zhang Guoguo.”

“Zhang Guoguo?” Grandmother Ruolan frowned, thinking. “I forget—Lin Yue had so many classmates. But you came, and on her behalf, I thank you.” Grandmother’s emotions were turbulent, tears streaming down her cheeks, making Zhang Guoguo’s heart ache. She wrapped her arms around her, listening as the old woman continued, “My Lin Yue was framed. She was so kind, yet she kept falling into that wretch’s traps. Right now, I wish I could tear An Ruier to pieces. If not for her, my Lin Yue wouldn’t have died so wronged.”

“Grandma, please don’t be sad. Evil never triumphs—retribution always comes, if not now, then later.”

She gently stroked her grandmother’s back, just as the old woman had soothed her when she was a child. Orphaned at a young age, she had been raised by her grandmother; though she came from a distinguished family, she’d always been neglected in the Shen household. Only her grandmother cherished her, giving her the best of everything. Yet now, all her grandmother’s devotion had become An Ruier’s bridal dowry. Truly, her death had been a most foolish one.