C2 Rebirth

“Miss, wake up. Someone from the house is here to take you back.” Limo gently nudged the still-sleeping Lo Qiuli, tears in her eyes, yet she felt happy for her. After living in the mountains for so many years, it seemed like her hardships were finally over. She hoped this return would be permanent.

“Limo?” Lo Qiuli awoke at the sound of her name, shocked to see Limo by her bedside, wiping away tears. Wasn’t she supposed to be dead? Why was Limo here?

“Yes, Miss, someone from the house is here to take you back! Your hard days are finally over!” Limo continued to wipe her tears, seemingly unaware of the change in Lo Qiuli. As the only servant by Lo Qiuli’s side, this was the outcome she had truly hoped for.

Back to the house?

Lo Qiuli lay in bed, eyes filled with confusion. She was supposed to be in the afterlife, so why was she back in the past?

Could it be?

Thinking of a certain possibility, Lo Qiuli’s gaze darkened. She sat up and asked, trembling, “Is today July 7th?”

“Yes, why do you ask?” Limo was startled by Lo Qiuli’s sudden movement. She hesitated but answered truthfully.

Lo Qiuli’s body went limp, and she fell back onto the bed, tears slipping from her eyes and soaking into the dark sheets. She was overwhelmed with sorrow.

July 7th was supposed to be a beautiful day, but her father had pushed her into an abyss. She had thought that if the family hadn’t come to take her back, her life might not have been so dramatic, but it would have been ordinary and stable. Yet...

With this thought, Lo Qiuli’s eyes grew more determined. She wiped away her tears and sat up, asking Limo to help her change clothes.

Lo Qiuli stared at her reflection, startled by the unfamiliar face staring back. She could hardly recognize herself, having forgotten she once had such a delicate appearance. The birthmark on her face, however, added a touch of perceived imperfection.

Her youthful fingers traced the birthmark as a mocking smile played on her lips. This was her true face, after all—what could she do to change it? Yet, those who had brought her to this point would not escape her wrath in this lifetime.

Limo, still cheerfully helping Qiuli with her hair, didn't notice the flash of determination in Qiuli's eyes. Her slightly curved lips hinted at her good mood, as she dreamed of the wonderful life awaiting her mistress upon returning home.

Watching Limo's reflection in the mirror, Qiuli's deep, desolate eyes finally warmed. In this vast world, perhaps only this woman, who had willingly stayed by her side for over a decade, truly cared for her. The thought softened Qiuli's cold heart—it was time for her to protect Limo.

Once she was ready, Qiuli headed to the front hall to meet the nanny who had come to escort her home. As she passed through the courtyard, Qiuli paused. The crabapple trees she had planted were in full bloom, momentarily captivating her.

How long had it been since she last saw such beauty? Years of open and covert struggles had left her with little time to appreciate the world around her. Qiuli let out a bitter laugh, her hands clenching beneath her wide sleeves. It seemed she was still disconnected from this splendor, her heart blinded by hatred.

Heaven had granted her a second chance in this life, and she would not repeat her past mistakes. Those who had wronged her would pay tenfold, a hundredfold. With this resolve, Qiuli's eyes darkened, casting a chill despite the warm sunlight, making her seem unapproachable.

Front Hall.

The nanny sat idly, clearly bored. This old house, part of the Lo family estate, had fallen into disrepair over the years. The place was filled with signs of neglect, and a faint musty smell lingered in some corners due to dampness. She covered her nose with a handkerchief, her eyes filled with disdain.

Even the quarters for the lowest-ranking maids in the Lo estate were likely in better condition than this. However, considering Lo Qiuli's background, the nanny didn't find it too surprising. She just hoped Lo Qiuli would show up soon so she could take her back to the estate and fulfill her duty.

"What brings you here, Nanny?" Lo Qiuli asked, her eyes cold and distant.

Lo Qiuli knew exactly why the nanny had come. Years ago, she'd been thrilled by the nanny's arrival, thinking her father truly cared for her. But it turned out to be part of their scheme. She had carefully planned each step, only to end up in such a desolate situation. It was truly pathetic.

"Miss, the master has sent me to bring you back! You've stayed here long enough; it's time to return to the Lo estate," the nanny said, her disdain deepening at the sight of Lo Qiuli's birthmark. Yet, remembering the master's instructions, she pretended not to notice, taking Lo Qiuli's hand and speaking kindly, as if pleased by the master's supposed change of heart.

Seeing the nanny's feigned concern, Lo Qiuli almost laughed. How had she not noticed the contempt in this woman's eyes back then?

She had genuinely believed her father wanted to make amends, which was why he brought her back to the estate. Little did she know, returning would lead her straight into a trap.

In her past life, she often wondered if things would have been different if she hadn't returned to the Lo estate, if she hadn't married the Third Prince in her sister's place.

It must be different now. Who could truly understand what she went through all those years? Lo Qiuli gently closed her eyes, pushing down the waves of pain and anger. When she opened them again, she was the same calm and gentle Lo Qiuli. "Nanny, I'm fine here. I look so unsightly, I fear I would only be an embarrassment to my father. It's better if I don't go and cause any trouble."

"What!" The nanny was surprised. She had expected Lo Qiuli to be overjoyed at the prospect of returning with someone from the Lo family.

Limo, standing nearby, was also anxious. She gently tugged at Lo Qiuli's sleeve, trying to stop her from making a mistake. "Miss, what are you saying?"

Despite Limo's attempts to hold her back, Lo Qiuli stood there silently. Even if she returned now, things wouldn't go smoothly.

She had demands.

"Nanny, there's no need to say more. Please just inform my father," Lo Qiuli interrupted as the nanny was about to speak. The coldness in her eyes was enough to startle even the experienced nanny. All the wrongs from her past life, she intended to make them pay for, bit by bit.