Rebirth as a Rich Family's Heiress

During the day, City C bustles with endless streams of people and vehicles, but under the veil of night, it appears somewhat tranquil, albeit unable to conceal its opulent and indulgent aura. Amidst this city that deeply irritates me, there's a place that remains brightly lit in the late hours, serving as the perfect sanctuary for many wanderers reluctant to return home. Within Light, the earsplitting electronic music is accompanied by a frenzied dance of a group of enthusiasts, while dazzling, multicolored lights flicker back and forth, further heightening the disorienting atmosphere of this hedonistic night. I sit at the most inconspicuous corner of the bar, gently swirling the Old Fashioned that Howar has just handed me. The crisp clink of ice against glass always manages to alleviate my gloomy mood slightly. "You'll leave after finishing this drink, right?" Howar looks at me with a smile, his hand continuing to polish a tall glass. I place the glass on the black lacquer countertop, lean on my elbow, squint, and smile back at him, "Trying to chase me away?" "Not really." The man chuckles lightly, "I'm just afraid I'll have to call an ambulance for you." At his lackluster response, I roll my eyes and glance down at the drink, greeted by the sweet scent of orange peel. A sip reveals that the initial sweetness gradually turns heavy; by the time I realize it, the whiskey, infused with the tang of orange peel, burns my mouth, akin to the tug between dreams and reality. "Howar, I truly envy you." His slightly curly bangs casually rest on his forehead, his wheat-colored skin appearing youthful and vibrant. Hearing my words, his small, single-lidded eyes curve into crescents, "Miss Mu, I envy you too." Knowing he's just politely responding to my sentiment, I continue, "I truly envy your freedom, being able to do what you love." He turns around, hanging a highball glass upside down on a hook above his head, then grabs an orange-colored liqueur and a box of lemon slices. "...Freedom?" he murmurs, pouring the orange liqueur into a shaker, adding some ice, sealing it, and shaking vigorously. Once the cocktail reaches the right temperature, he skillfully pours the contents into one of the freshly polished glasses, garnishing it with a lemon slice. Howar laughs heartily, "Perhaps as you said, I'm so used to being free that I've forgotten what freedom truly is." "Let's not talk about me." He swiftly tidies up the materials he's taken out, takes a sip of the freshly made cocktail, and asks, "What's troubling you? Worrying over your sweetheart... or scared of death?" I scoff, about to reply when a man suddenly sits beside me. He's handsome, with fair skin and an understated elegance, a refreshing presence amidst Light. The moment I lay eyes on him, I'm drawn to his enchanting eyes. "Miss Mu, it's our first meeting. I'm Han Che. I apologize for intruding so abruptly." Han Che? The young master of the Han Corporation? After politely addressing me, he gestures to Howar, "The usual, thank you." Howar promptly gets to work, and soon, a Martini appears before Han Che. Howar winks at me with a smile before turning to tend to other customers. Observing their interaction, is he also a regular here? I can't help but steal a glance at his cocktail, feeling a strange sensation in my heart. Frowning slightly, I ask, "Do you know me?" "Miss Mu's reputation in the industry is well-known; how could I not? I've heard you often grace Light with your presence, and today, I'm fortunate enough to meet you. It must be fate." After his barrage of flattery, I turn away, too lazy to entertain him, chuckling, "I had no idea my fame had spread so far." "These words naturally come from others' mouths..." "Like, the granddaughter of the Jiangxue Group's chairman?" This two-faced man is clearly trying to pry information from me. Impatiently, I say, "Cut to the chase; you have a reason for seeking me out, right?" Despite my slightly impolite remark, he smiles politely in response, "Miss Mu is indeed as smart as the rumors suggest..." His finger lightly brushes the rim of the glass before he takes a small sip of his Martini. "Summer Group is no longer as illustrious as before. Your mother manages two companies alone; aren't you afraid she might become overwhelmed?" Finally revealing his true intentions, I sneer, "What are you implying?" He smirks slightly, "What am I implying?" "The Han Corporation may not be among the top enterprises in the country, but it has numerous investors and a certain level of recognition overseas. Its industries are not dissimilar to those of Summer Group..." His exquisite eyes then take on a hint of ambiguity as they meet mine, "Moreover, Miss Mu has recently lost someone dear. Don't you want some company to comfort you?" Unable to tolerate his clumsy ploy, I laugh, turning away, "You clearly know my identity... Are you suggesting I keep you as a gigolo?" "I've met plenty of men, whether they genuinely pursue me or are like you, seeking personal gain." Saying this, my eyes fill with disdain as I look at him. "But who do you think you are?" "A two-faced fox like you doesn't even deserve a night with me." Han Che is momentarily stunned by my ruthless words. Expecting him to react like other privileged children, feeling humiliated and lashing out, I'm surprised when he instead laughs lightly, his handsome face betraying no sign of displeasure. "Mu Xiayun, your character truly matches the rumors; I'm delightfully surprised." After his laughter, the humility and warmth in his eyes vanish, replaced by cold indifference, and the previous ambiguity vanishes swiftly. Hearing him finally address me by my real name and reveal his true colors, I slightly ease my****, taking a sip of my cocktail. "It wasn't my intention to seek you out today. My earlier words were disrespectful; please don't take them to heart." Staring thoughtfully at him, observing his unmasked demeanor, I respond coolly, "I'm not that petty." "The son of the Han Corporation's chairman, right..." "Even if you're acting on someone's behalf, coming here tonight means you've investigated my background... Then surely you know about my illness." "I'm a person who stepped into a coffin the moment I was born. Every day, the first thing I do upon waking is confirm if I'm still alive. I never... know if I have a tomorrow." Hearing this, he turns to me in surprise, having been lost in thought staring at his glass. "That's why, Han Che, I particularly envy people like you but also despise you." I mockingly laugh. "You're not afraid of having no future, so even if manipulated like puppets, you never resist." "But when you're as close to death as I am, you'll regret it—deeply." Speaking sincerely, I finish the entire cocktail. "My advice: live your life to the fullest." Leaving these words behind, I rise from the bar, forgetting to bid farewell to Li Anna and Howar, and exit Light alone. In late autumn, early winter, City C is bitterly cold, especially at midnight. The wind howls fiercely, and my thin skin reddens easily, resembling a rash, so I quickly wrap my collar around my cheeks and get into the car as soon as the driver arrives. Expressionless, I look outside the car window. Despite the late hour, several shops remain open in the city, their bright lights stinging my eyes. Eventually, I avert my gaze. Back home, Aunt Lin predictably waits at the villa's entrance for my return. Glancing at her, I turn away in annoyance. Upon seeing me, she hurries over, "Madam, where did you go today? Why are you back so late..." Ignoring her questions, I enter the villa, noticing an extra pair of shiny leather shoes in the foyer. Surprisingly, that person has returned home tonight. Not my concern, I calmly ascend the stairs, pausing halfway to glance at his room before entering mine. I toss my bag on the floor, remove my coat, ponder where to put it, and end up carelessly dropping it as well. Predictably, Aunt Lin's voice sounds from outside. "Madam, have you eaten? Would you like some midnight snack..." Closing my eyes tightly, I try to ignore the frustration swelling within me. "Mad—" "Don't ask! I'm not hungry!" I lose control, yelling. I've failed; my anxiety and depression overflow. Silence ensues outside, lasting for a while before Aunt Lin speaks again, "Alright, Madam, rest well..." followed by footsteps retreating. Frustrated, I tug at my hair, taking deep breaths before turning towards the bathroom. In front of the sink mirror, I freeze, my eyes dimming.