Chapter 14 : The Spark of Revenge
“If I’d done this sooner, it’d be over. At least my heart would be free of burdens.”
She gently closed the door, a rare lightness in her chest.
Proof: before a certain age, minds were immature—of course, not hers.
This conclusion came from realizing someone was far easier to handle than she’d thought.
Using her attitude toward grown Xu You on the current one was flawed.
Same person, different life stages—treat as two personalities.
She should rethink if revenge still mattered; this also negated her own persistence.
“…”
“Softening…?”
Mirror-self gazed back, eyes unusually lost.
She urgently needed answers.
About carrying hate from another world here.
Privately post-rebirth, she’d tried convincing herself otherwise, but recalling past losses… unforgivable.
No one ever avenged her; only she could.
Thus, no heavenly justice—just her hands making others pay.
Root cause: her weakness, failing to protect what mattered…
“Xu You…”
“Past life’s debt—you’ll repay this time!”
Mirror-her: ice-cold, lips bitten in reluctance and grievance, eyes deep with resentment.
Meanwhile, in his room, Xu You felt a ghostly chill, shuddering.
“This feeling again…”
“Whatever, back to gaming.”
Yet distracted, eyes on screen, mind on a frail figure.
He recalled years ago: a little tagalong sweetly calling “brother,” now sparing no kind glance.
When did he lose that…?
“Lost again.”
“…Can’t all be my fault.”
Night, bathroom—
Xu Jiu half-undressed at the vanity, nearby tub filled by Mom.
She stared at the mirror, dazed.
“…Is this okay?”
Gaze drifting down, cheeks faintly red.
“Seen it so many times, why still not used to…”
Body tense with mindset; it was hers, yet shy.
Just this—if she removed underwear, could she handle it?
What if she fainted?
“Huu…”
“Fine… have to eventually.”
Biting her lip, apologetic, she shed the last cover.
Pure white fabric fell; she stood truly bare.
Cold urged her into the tub; no lingering—she knew her state.
Warm water enveloped skin; redemption-like, she moaned in relief.
“This is bathing… no more wiping. Mm~”
Recalling recent towel scrubs by others, she felt liberated.
Too shameful—unseen but felt, sensations new as a former boy.
Especially Mom’s thorough cleaning for health; embarrassing.
Places unexplored by her, casually seen—unacceptable for conservative mind.
Only after accepting Mom did she numb to it, but…
Head low, curious peek at rippling body: snow skin pink-tinged, lower belly blocked by gentle swells, hiding her curious gaze.
“What’s wrong with me… tch, stop looking!”
Self-scolded, she draped a towel over.
Water droplets slid like rain on a pond.
Simple wash sufficed—no sweat, AC on.
Except one unexplored idea she dared not.
Restraint: what if it opened Pandora’s box? Her heart couldn’t take it.
Deathly real.
“Feels empty inside…”
“Sigh, born missing some joy…?”
Towel-wrapped exiting, she glanced again: post-bath glow, lingering flush adding allure.
Forget men—even she felt stirred.
Pity it was herself; past life with such a partner, maybe no emotional collapse… wait.
Stepping out, she froze, turned back, blinked—idea struck.
Regret… lover, revenge… wound the heart…
Keywords chained into a plan; eyes cleared of confusion.
“Right… why didn’t I think before.”
“If nothing important to him, become the most important.”
Rare genuine smile.
“Xu You, don’t blame me. Today’s your past life’s due, young master~”