Chapter 2 - 002: Enter the Wolf’s Den, Slay the Wolf

Words : 1269 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Yu Zhi didn't bring much with her to the Yu Family: a laptop, a deep blue round glass jar, and two palm-sized porcelain bottles. She arranged her belongings neatly on the desk, opened the laptop, and selected a purple-wrapped candy from the glass jar. She peeled off the wrapper and popped the candy into her mouth. As the sweet yet subtle grape flavor filled her palate, she crossed her legs and nestled into the chair, her mood markedly improved. A few seconds later, on the computer screen, the image of a two-dimensional girl hugging a teddy bear emerged, blending seamlessly with her desktop background of a vast starry sky. Yu Zhi pressed a few keys, and numerous red circles began to rise around the animated girl. When they gathered to form a heart, a young woman's face appeared immediately thereafter. Ruan Yuan was wearing a deep blue wetsuit, seated on the beach with her back to the sea. Her features possessed an exotic allure—high-bridged nose, deep-set eyes—distinctly striking and memorable. "Looks like you've arrived?" "Hmm." Ruan Yuan teased with a laugh, "I really don't understand you. Why insist on walking into that wolf's den?" "To slay the wolf." Yu Zhi peeled a red-wrapped candy, her gaze slightly lowered as she toyed absentmindedly with the wrapper. Her long, curled lashes cast shadows on her lower eyelid, obscuring the emotions hidden in her eyes. Yu Zhi wasn't actually from this world; she originated from the Interstellar era in 2099. Three years ago, during an invasion by the Insect Clan, she died amidst the ensuing chaos. When she reopened her eyes, she had been reincarnated into the body of another "Yu Zhi" who shared her name. She saw the cause of "Yu Zhi's" death but hadn't fully received her memories. Although she wanted to do something for her, the Yu Family's vast empire made resistance impossible for a newcomer like her, which had delayed her efforts until now. Ruan Yuan didn't press further and changed the subject. "The broken dish you asked me to find has been located." Yu Zhi: "..." She sighed lightly, correcting her, "It's called the Ru Kiln Sky Blue Glaze Plum Blossom Wash, not a broken dish." "Alright, alright, whatever you say," Ruan Yuan waved a hand, unwilling to argue further. In her eyes, anything with a crack in it might as well be trash. "Where is it?" "In the Imperial City's Shi Family." Ruan Yuan leaned back, her hand resting on a surfboard. She asked, "Are you going?" Yu Zhi's movements paused. She raised her gaze, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "I'm going." "Need me to find a hacker to assist you? The Shi Family's things... won't be easy to take." "That won't be necessary." She alone was enough. After the video call ended, Yu Zhi closed the laptop and walked unhurriedly into the bathroom. Water streamed and splashed around her ears as she placed both hands on the sink, staring at her reflection in the mirror. The face in the mirror, identical to the one she used to have, unsettled her slightly. It felt as if she truly belonged to this world and her twenty-one years in the Interstellar era had all been nothing but a dream. Yu Zhi lowered her gaze and rolled up the sleeves of her sweater, revealing the silver strap on her wrist. Her long and slender fingers brushed across the circular watch face, which glowed blue. A Yellow Star beamed a smile at her. She tapped on it lightly, causing a bubble to manifest above the Yellow Star's head. Yu Zhi blinked, her light brown almond eyes shimmering with melancholy brilliance. "Not a dream, huh?" She removed the watch strap, turned to the bathtub, shut off the tap, and submerged herself into the water. ** At five in the afternoon, Uncle Fang knocked on Yu Zhi's door. "Miss Zhi, dinner is ready." Yu Zhi stepped out of her room. As she walked to the stairway, she heard the sound of laughter and conversation rising from downstairs. She raised her eyebrows slightly and glanced dispassionately through the gaps in the spiral staircase. Next to Yu Baisheng sat a woman in her thirties wearing a purple cheongsam and a pearl necklace, her refined appearance exuding an air of elegance. This was her stepmother, Yuan Li, who brought her pair of children to marry into the Yu Family two years after her own mother passed away. Her straightforward and gentle disposition, along with her soft-spoken words, had won Yu Baisheng's favor. When Yu Zhi descended the stairs, the chatter in the living room abruptly ceased. To ease the awkward atmosphere, Yuan Li immediately stood up, her face beaming as she waved her over. "Little Zhi, come here." She pulled out the chair next to her, the necklace around her neck swaying gently. Under the lamp's glow, it reflected a pale radiance. Yu Zhi let her gaze sweep across the other seats at the dining table before ultimately sitting beside Yuan Li. As soon as she sat down, Yu Xinman, who was seated across from her, spoke up. "Sister, welcome home." She pulled out a white gift box from behind her. "Knowing you'd come back today, I specially picked out a present for you." Her bright face bloomed with a sunny smile, radiating warmth like a sunflower. Yu Zhi accepted the gift box and nodded slightly in thanks. "Thank you." She didn't open it but instead placed it on the empty chair next to her without a hint of curiosity. This dampened the light in Yu Xinman's eyes, which briefly dimmed in disappointment. "Sister, you walked so much your feet are blistered shopping for that gift, but some people don't even appreciate it—they won't even take a look!" Yu Cheng'an's mocking voice cut through the air. Yu Zhi turned her head and studied him with an emotionless gaze. The boy, thirteen or fourteen years old, wore a studded denim jacket adorned with dark accessories on his wrists and neck. His entire demeanor screamed rebellion. Her first impression of him: defiant, unfiltered, and prickly. "Yu Cheng'an! Stop spouting nonsense!" Yuan Li scolded him, anger flashing in her eyes. "How many times have I taught you to behave properly?" Despite her displeasure, her voice remained soft, devoid of any real authority. Yu Cheng'an was about to retort when someone tugged at his sleeve. Yu Xinman shot him a look, which he reluctantly accepted, swallowing his words. The room fell into silence, and the previously lively atmosphere dissolved completely. Yuan Li turned her head and forced a smile. "Little Zhi, don't mind that kid. We've spoiled him too much." "I didn't take it to heart." Her cool, languid voice carried an air of indifference, devoid of emotion. Yu Zhi crossed her legs and leaned against the backrest of the chair. One hand rested on the table, its fingers drumming absentmindedly. Her fingers, slender and well-groomed, glistened unnaturally white under the chandelier's light. Yu Baisheng looked at his familiar yet unfamiliar daughter, discomfort stirring in his chest. Just as he was about to speak, Yuan Li quickly redirected the subject. "Baisheng, have you arranged a school for Little Zhi yet?" According to records, Yu Zhi had only attended the local middle school for two years before stopping altogether after transferring. She had received no formal education for the past three years.

Chapter 2 - 002: Enter the Wolf’s Den, Slay the Wolf

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