Lin Xia stood in front of the full-length mirror, slowly fastening the last pearl button on her dress.
The gown was simple—ivory silk that skimmed her figure without clinging, elegant but understated. In her previous life, she would have chosen something flashy and expensive, desperate to catch Gu Yichen's eye at tonight's banquet. She had ended up looking like a try-hard clown next to Bai Lian's effortless grace.
Tonight, she chose differently.
Less was more. Let them underestimate her one last time.
Her long black hair cascaded in soft waves down her back, makeup minimal—just enough to highlight her clear skin and sharp eyes. Those eyes, once filled with timid love whenever they landed on Gu Yichen, now held only cold calculation.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
The maid entered, eyes widening slightly. "Madam, you look… beautiful. The car is ready. The Master has already left for the venue with Miss Bai."
Of course he had.
Lin Xia smiled faintly. "Thank you. I'll drive myself tonight."
The maid hesitated. "But the Master said—"
"I said," Lin Xia interrupted softly, voice still gentle but laced with steel, "I'll drive myself."
The maid swallowed and nodded quickly before retreating.
Lin Xia picked up her clutch, glancing one last time at the wedding photo on the dresser—her in a lavish wedding gown, smiling brightly; him beside her, face cold and distant, clearly forced into the marriage by his grandfather.
She walked over, opened a drawer, and dropped the framed photo inside face-down.
It was time to begin.
---
The Grand Pearl Hotel ballroom was ablaze with lights and chatter.
Crystal chandeliers glittered above circles of elite guests—business tycoons, celebrities, socialites—all gathered to welcome Bai Lian, the "beloved childhood friend" of the Gu family who had just returned from five years studying art in France.
Gu Yichen stood at the center of it all, tall and imposing in a tailored black suit. His features were sharp and perfect, the kind that made women breathless and men wary. Beside him, Bai Lian wore a soft lavender gown that accentuated her delicate frame. She clung lightly to his arm, smiling shyly as guests offered congratulations.
"She's so elegant. No wonder Yichen never forgot her."
"Poor Mrs. Gu… I heard she's plain and boring. How could she ever compare?"
Whispers floated through the crowd like smoke.
Gu Yichen's expression remained indifferent, but his gaze occasionally swept the entrance—as if waiting for someone.
He didn't know why he felt irritated that Lin Xia hadn't arrived with him tonight. She always obeyed before. Why suddenly act out today?
Just as he frowned slightly, the ballroom doors opened again.
Conversation dipped for a split second.
A woman stepped in alone.
The lighting caught the subtle sheen of her ivory gown, the graceful line of her neck, the quiet confidence in her stride. She didn't scan the room desperately for her husband like the old Lin Xia would have. Instead, she walked forward calmly, nodding politely to acquaintances, every movement refined.
Someone whispered, "Who is that?"
Another gasped. "Wait… isn't that Mrs. Gu?"
Heads turned.
Even Bai Lian's smile stiffened for a moment before she quickly recovered, tilting her head innocently.
"Yichen, Sister Xia is here. She looks so pretty tonight."
Gu Yichen's dark eyes finally locked onto the approaching figure.
Lin Xia stopped a few steps away from the circle surrounding them. She smiled politely—not too warm, not too cold.
"Good evening, everyone. Sorry I'm late."
Her voice was soft, but it carried clearly.
An older socialite recovered first. "Mrs. Gu! We almost didn't recognize you. You look absolutely stunning!"
Several others echoed agreements, curiosity burning in their eyes.
Lin Xia inclined her head gracefully. "Thank you."
Then her gaze shifted to Bai Lian.
In her previous life, she had rushed forward in panic, demanding why Bai Lian was holding her husband's arm, making a jealous scene that was secretly recorded and ruined her reputation.
This time, she only smiled faintly.
"Miss Bai, welcome back to the country. I hope your flight was comfortable."
Bai Lian blinked, clearly expecting hostility. She quickly lowered her eyes, looking fragile.
"Thank you, Sister Xia. I… I was worried you might not want me here. After all, I'm imposing by staying at the villa…"
The surrounding guests immediately looked sympathetic toward Bai Lian.
Lin Xia's smile didn't waver.
"Nonsense. The Gu villa has plenty of guest rooms. You're Yichen's old friend—how could I object?"
She turned to Gu Yichen, meeting his deep, unreadable gaze directly for the first time tonight.
"Husband, don't you agree?"
The single word "husband" spoken so calmly sent a strange ripple through him.
Gu Yichen stared at her. Something was different. The way she held herself, the way she looked at him—no pleading, no caution, just quiet indifference.
He found it… unsettling.
"Whatever you decide is fine," he said coolly.
Lin Xia nodded as if that was exactly what she expected.
"Then it's settled. Miss Bai, make yourself at home."
She turned to accept a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, effectively dismissing the topic.
Bai Lian bit her lip lightly, eyes glistening as if hurt by the indifference.
But inside, she was fuming.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go.
Lin Xia was supposed to make a scene. She had already arranged for someone to record it.
Why was that woman acting so… composed?
Just then, a well-known entertainment reporter nearby raised his voice slightly.
"Mrs. Gu, there's a rumor that you and President Gu sleep in separate rooms. Some even say your marriage exists in name only. Is that true?"
The crowd quieted, eager for drama.
All eyes turned to Lin Xia.
In her previous life, she had panicked and stammered, accidentally confirming the rumors and humiliating herself.
This time, she took a slow sip of champagne before answering.
She smiled lightly.
"My husband and I respect each other's privacy. As for our private matters—why should we report them to outsiders?"
Then she looked directly at the reporter.
"Or does your magazine now specialize in fabricating bedroom stories?"
A few guests choked on their drinks. Someone actually laughed out loud.
The reporter flushed red, unable to retort.
Gu Yichen's brow furrowed slightly.
Since when did Lin Xia speak like this?
Bai Lian quickly stepped forward, voice soft and conciliatory.
"Sister Xia, the reporter didn't mean any harm. Please don't be angry…"
Lin Xia turned to her, expression mild.
"I'm not angry. I'm just reminding certain people—some questions shouldn't be asked."
Her gaze lingered on Bai Lian for a split second longer than necessary.
Bai Lian felt a sudden chill, as if those beautiful eyes could see straight through her act.
Impossible. Lin Xia was just a stupid, lovesick fool.
She must be pretending.
The music changed to a slow waltz.
A young heir from a partner company approached Lin Xia with a smile.
"Mrs. Gu, may I have this dance?"
Before anyone could react, a deep, cold voice cut in.
"She's dancing with me."
Gu Yichen stepped forward, extending his hand toward Lin Xia.
His dark eyes were fixed on her, unblinking.
The entire ballroom seemed to hold its breath.
Lin Xia looked at his outstretched hand, then up at his face.
In her previous life, he had never once danced with her in public. He had always chosen Bai Lian.
Now, on the very first night of her rebirth, he was asking?
Interesting.
She placed her hand in his without hesitation, fingers light and cool.
"As you wish, husband."
His palm tightened slightly around hers—almost possessively.
As they moved onto the dance floor, whispers exploded behind them.
And under the dazzling lights, Lin Xia smiled secretly to herself.
The game had just begun.
And this time, she would be the one writing the rules.