Rebirth in a Sweet Trap

The golden sunshine of early autumn spread over the campus of Thanh Xuan High School, but in Lin Xia’s heart, there was a chilling wind. Sitting in the classroom, she gently gripped the bag of strawberry-flavored breakfast milk that the Class Beauty, Qin Shi Shi, had just placed in front of her.

“Xia Xia, here is today’s breakfast milk, it’s strawberry, drink it while it’s still warm,” Qin Shi Shi said, her face full of sweet concern.

Laughter and harsh sarcasm immediately erupted around them.

“Qin Shi is truly a good person, worrying about Lin Xia every day.”

“Isn’t Lin Xia embarrassed? She’s so fat and still eating? Dragging down the appearance of the whole class.”

Qin Shi Shi, who was standing at the peak of beauty and admiration, merely nudged the bag of milk into Lin Xia’s hand. Her eyes flashed with a hint of smugness that only Lin Xia could perceive.

If this were the previous life, Lin Xia would have been moved to tears, believing this was the most sincere friendship. But a wrongful death had torn away the veil of secrecy. Lin Xia in this life had Reborn. She knew clearly: Qin Shi Shi was not a friend, but a thief in an angel’s guise.

In the previous life, Qin Shi Shi was linked to a Beauty Exchange System. That bag of breakfast milk was the conduit, allowing her to use it to exchange for Lin Xia’s beauty. She grew more beautiful day by day, becoming the School Beauty, and then stepping into the entertainment industry. Lin Xia, on the other hand, went from being the recognized campus belle to having her appearance wither: obesity, small eyes, rough skin, and finally, she was pushed into the river and drowned by the people Qin Shi Shi instigated.

Reborn, Lin Xia made a decision: If she wants to exchange beauty, then let her exchange it to her heart’s content!

She gave a faint smile, lifted her head, and said coldly to Qin Shi Shi: “Qin Shi Shi, didn’t you hear what everyone said? Everyone told me I should lose weight. I dare not ruin the class’s image anymore. I won’t drink this milk. But your kindness shouldn’t be wasted. Anyone who wants to drink it, come and take it.”

Qin Shi Shi’s face immediately changed. She shouted: “No! I bought this for Lin Xia!” But it was too late. A crowd of male students and snack-loving girls rushed to grab it, leaving Qin Shi Shi speechless with anger, her face red with frustration.

In that moment, a bold thought flashed through Lin Xia’s mind: What if the exchange system still works even if someone else drinks it?

Qin Shi Shi immediately burst into tears, trying to evoke sympathy: “Lin Xia, it’s okay if you don’t drink it, but why trample on my feelings like this? What you’ve done is no different from the snake in the story of the farmer and the snake!”

Indeed, a beautiful woman crying moves people’s hearts. All angry glances instantly turned towards Lin Xia: “Lin Xia, are you crazy? Apologize to Qin Shi Shi now. This damned pig deserves to have no friends. Qin Shi Shi treats you so well, and you do this. You have to drink all this milk today, or don’t blame me for taking action.”

Just as the tension peaked, a group of student council members appeared in the corridor. The one leading them, with dark brown short hair, sharp eyebrows and eyes, and skin as cold and white as winter snow, was Lu Hang Zhi—the School Idol, who had once shared the top rank in the entrance exams with Lin Xia.

Lu Hang Zhi entered the classroom, announcing the “School Beauty of the Year” contest. The winner would have the chance to sign with a famous entertainment company.

Qin Shi Shi did not miss the opportunity. She immediately stepped out, flashing her most beautiful smile, intentionally leaning forward so her fragrant long hair brushed against Lu Hang Zhi’s exposed arm. He stiffened, reflexively stepping back two paces. Qin Shi Shi continued her innocent act: “Student Lu, could you tell me the rules of the contest? I’m a bit confused, I hope you can guide me.” Lu Hang Zhi’s face flushed red, and he pursed his lips and nodded.

After Lu Hang Zhi left, the entire class buzzed with talk about his wealth and purity. Qin Shi Shi, with an arrogant look, whispered to herself: “My nose isn’t high enough, my chest isn’t big enough yet. I must make Lu Hang Zhi make the first move.” She turned to look at Lin Xia, just as the bell rang, and only had time to yell: “Don’t forget to drink the milk!”

“Of course,” Lin Xia replied.

She looked out the window where a woman with messy hair, a distorted face, a deviated mouth, a squinted eye, and covered in scars was rummaging through the trash. The ugly beggar at the school gate. Lin Xia thought: She must be hungry and thirsty, and perhaps she also yearns for a decent-looking face.

After school, Lin Xia found the woman and gave her the bag of strawberry milk and a bun. The woman stared in disbelief, then quickly took them and began to devour them. As Lin Xia turned to leave, the woman called her back, stuffing a handful of wrinkled change into her hand: “Take it. Thank you. Thank you so much, little sister. I only have this much.”

Lin Xia’s heart suddenly constricted. This was a sincere thank you that she had not received for a long time. She quietly took out 200 yuan, forced the woman to accept it, and ran away.

Running to the small shed behind the school garden, Lin Xia felt her face itch slightly. She took out a mirror and was astonished: The big moles on her face had vanished without a trace! Her chin was also much smaller, faintly revealing her former features. The exchange system had transferred the beauty, but not to Qin Shi Shi!

From that day on, Qin Shi Shi became even more eager to use the system, giving Lin Xia two bags of breakfast milk every morning under the pretense that Lin Xia needed nutrition for studying. Lin Xia happily accepted, and every noon, she gave them to the woman. Lin Xia’s figure gradually became slender, and her facial features, from her eyes to her eyebrows, became clearer, but she kept it a secret and wore a mask.

While Qin Shi Shi devoted all her energy to pursuing Lu Hang Zhi and preparing for the School Beauty contest, Lin Xia buried herself in her studies, eager to fulfill her unfinished college dream. She understood: Beauty is merely a tool; knowledge is the eternal weapon.

One morning, at the bookstore outside the school, Lin Xia was unexpectedly pushed from behind. She turned around to see Qin Shi Shi standing with Lu Hang Zhi.

“Xia Xia, what a coincidence running into you here. Why are you wearing a mask? Take it off quickly.” Qin Shi Shi reached out to take off Lin Xia’s mask, but Lin Xia quickly stepped back.

Qin Shi Shi intentionally spoke loudly in front of Lu Hang Zhi: “Xia Xia, are you dieting and losing weight lately? You look at least five or six kilograms lighter. Share your experience with us. I think I’ve been eating with Hang Zhi too much lately and he’s fattened me up. Now I’m worried.” (Indeed, her waist had thickened).

Lu Hang Zhi, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke, his voice grating: “Lin Xia, you’ve always secretly clashed with Shi Shi, and now you don’t hold back in front of everyone. Don’t you know any etiquette? Apologize to Shi Shi now.”

Lin Xia was stunned. “Clash with her? What did I do that I have to apologize for? Why?”

Lu Hang Zhi looked at her, his eyes filled with disgust and disdain: “Aren’t you jealous of Shi Shi getting more and more beautiful, stealing the class beauty title? That’s why you badmouth her, ignore her kindness, and instigate others to isolate her. Why is your heart so malicious? Let’s go, Shi Shi, no need to get tangled up with someone like her. A person like her truly reflects the saying: Appearance is born of the heart (Tướng do tâm sinh).”

He took Qin Shi Shi’s hand, intending to leave. Lin Xia stood in front of them, sneering: “That’s funny. Appearance is born of the heart, right? Lu Hang Zhi, I hope you will always remember those four words. I’ve never been jealous of anyone, because I’m confident I am the best.”

In her agitation, the mask slipped a little, just enough to reveal her completely recovered eyes. Lu Hang Zhi briefly froze, but then hugged Qin Shi Shi and left.

A few days later, the monthly exam results were posted. Lin Xia’s name was at the top of the ranking, not only first in class but also first in the entire grade. The second place belonged to Lu Hang Zhi.

From that day on, Lu Hang Zhi’s gaze towards Lin Xia completely changed. He started paying more attention to her, constantly checking her social media profile.

At that time, Lin Xia felt strangely sleepy and decided to go back to the dorm for a nap. When the alarm rang, she groggily opened her eyes, instinctively reached for the mirror, and almost jumped up in excitement. Her face was completely restored. Her skin was white and flawless like porcelain, her eyes were bright and radiant, even more beautiful than before.

Her heart pounding, Lin Xia immediately picked up her phone and filled out the registration form for the School Beauty contest—today was the last day!

In the afternoon, as soon as Lin Xia entered the classroom, she felt the eyes of her classmates looking at her strangely. A video had spread across the school forum: the scene of Lu Hang Zhi defending Qin Shi Shi and criticizing her, accompanied by a post slandering her as the “ugly, malicious female student” who was jealous of her friend, insulted her, and plotted to disfigure Qin Shi Shi. Hundreds of hateful comments poured in, aimed at her.

Lin Xia jumped up, pulling out her phone to call the police. She would not accept this slander. Qin Shi Shi, who was also wearing a mask, was visibly panicked, only letting out unclear noises. Finally, the school disciplinary teacher intervened, and the post was deleted.

After class, Lu Hang Zhi unexpectedly appeared in Lin Xia’s class, his face looking deeply hurt.

“Shi Shi, I couldn’t reach you all day, you didn’t reply to my texts, and then I found out you blocked me… I don’t want you to hide and suffer alone. Tell me what’s going on, can I be by your side? I will protect you.”

The entire class was moved, believing that Qin Shi Shi was being threatened by Lin Xia and dared not tell the truth. Lu Hang Zhi believed the same. Qin Shi Shi panicked, trying to leave, but her classmates held her back.

In the ensuing chaos, someone violently pushed Lin Xia’s back. She leaned forward, reflexively grabbing Qin Shi Shi’s mask and pulling it down.

“What?!”

The entire class gasped in unison. Beneath the mask was a face full of freckles and acne, with rough skin and common features, with no trace of the former class beauty.

Lu Hang Zhi’s eyes froze. The gentleness from before vanished. He instinctively took two steps back.

Qin Shi Shi, panicking, burst into tears, trying to explain: “Hang Zhi, this is just an allergy… it will clear up in a few days.”

Without beauty, no matter how much she cried, it only made people feel repulsed. The classmates were bewildered, wondering if Lin Xia had really disfigured Qin Shi Shi.

Qin Shi Shi gritted her teeth, throwing all the blame onto Lin Xia: “That’s right, it’s all because of Lin Xia! Lin Xia, what did you do to me?”

She screamed and then suddenly ripped off Lin Xia’s mask. Qin Shi Shi originally wanted to use Lin Xia’s ugly appearance to highlight her own ruin.

However, when the mask fell to the floor, the smugness in her eyes immediately turned into unconcealable panic.

Lin Xia’s current face was no less than that of a true beauty queen, even more radiant and flawless.

Lin Xia gently bit her lip, tears welling up, her voice choked: “Shi Shi, I always had this face, but later I got sick and had to take hormone medicine, which caused me to gain weight. Now I’ve recovered, aren’t you happy for me?”

This world cruelly prioritizes appearance. Before, whatever Lin Xia said was met with scorn, but now the whole class immediately fell silent, listening intently.

The boys were the first to turn their allegiance. “Yes, yes, I remember. Lin Xia was indeed very beautiful before. Oh my god, that terrible disease ruined her like that. Thank goodness she has recovered!”

“Is Qin Shi Shi crazy? Our goddess is this beautiful, and she’s jealous of her? Ridiculous, anyone with eyes can see who the truly jealous one is!”

Lu Hang Zhi’s gaze was completely fixed on Lin Xia. He swallowed, wanting to say something but not knowing where to begin.

Lin Xia wasn’t going to let Qin Shi Shi escape easily: “Shi Shi, the post said I was jealous of you, but I’m too busy. I just want to reclaim my true appearance.”

Qin Shi Shi went mad: “Lin Xia, you’re pretending again. You’re jealous because Hang Zhi likes me. My face is like this because of you! Do you dare to pretend to be innocent?”

Lin Xia feigned innocence: “Shi Shi, don’t look at me like that, I’m scared. I remember you looked kind of similar to this in 10th grade. Could it be that you wore a lot of makeup then, and this is your bare face now? Oh no, did I say too much?”

A series of awakened “ohs” rang out. Qin Shi Shi officially went insane. She shoved Lin Xia violently, causing her to fall. If not for a quick-acting classmate, she would have physically assaulted Lin Xia. Lin Xia’s knee hit the corner of a desk hard, and blood immediately flowed profusely.

Lu Hang Zhi did not hesitate, immediately picked Lin Xia up, and ran straight to the infirmary.

This time, Lin Xia insisted on calling the police. The school was forced to expel Qin Shi Shi to suppress the scandal.

In the infirmary, Lu Hang Zhi’s eyes were red. He gently blew on the wound on Lin Xia’s leg: “Don’t be afraid. I just think your ankle is so beautiful, it shouldn’t be hurt like this. Everything about you is perfect, like an exquisite sculpture. I never thought a girl like you truly existed in real life. You are like a breathtaking scene.” He spoke without stopping, then bowed and took two steps back, seriously apologizing: “I apologize for the words I once said to you. I sincerely apologize. I know you may not want to see me now, I will leave. But I still hope you can give me a chance to get to know you again.”

Lin Xia remained silent. When he paused at the door, she still did not say a word, using silence as her answer. After he left, Lin Xia immediately adjusted her social media privacy settings so no one could search for or add her.

Two weeks later, the School Beauty Contest officially took place.

When Lin Xia stepped onto the stage, all the lights focused on her. The entire hall was so quiet that everyone’s heavy breathing could be heard. The big screen behind her showed her votes soaring non-stop. Lu Hang Zhi even abused his authority, leading the entire Student Council to hold up support signs for her.

Lin Xia surpassed everyone, undoubtedly claiming the title of School Beauty.

“Goddess, I love you! You’re breathtaking!” The shouts echoed.

Lin Xia inhaled the atmosphere of that night. This was the life she deserved. Filled with lights and applause, no more darkness, only a bright future.

As she stepped off the stage, a junior approached and told her a reporter was waiting in a classroom for an interview. Lin Xia planned to change first, but the student kept urging her, so she lifted her dress and followed the direction he pointed. But when she arrived, the room was empty. It was almost 10:00 PM, and the lights in the corridor were long out.

The sound of intentionally muffled footsteps echoed in the strange silence. A bad premonition struck her heart.

An arm suddenly reached out from the corner, grabbing her neck and pushing her into the classroom. It was the hateful gaze of Qin Shi Shi—her face looking even more horrifying than a few weeks ago.

“Bitch, I knew it! Why did Lu Hang Zhi suddenly distance himself from me? It was because you seduced him! When did you discover the system’s secret? Why did my face turn out like this?” Qin Shi Shi screamed and slapped Lin Xia hard across the face.

Lin Xia looked at her coldly: “It’s all because you sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. From the moment you laid hands on me, you should have known this day would come.”

“I’m not resigned!” Qin Shi Shi cried out wildly. “I was about to have Lu Hang Zhi. Everything was about to be mine. I was about to become the School Beauty, about to enter the entertainment industry, standing at the peak of life. Lin Xia, you bitch, you ruined everything!”

“I never wanted to steal anything from you because they were never yours to begin with,” Lin Xia calmly stated.

“You’re right, I’m crazy!” Qin Shi Shi gave a cold, malicious laugh. “Well, it’s come to this anyway. I’m cornered, I’ve lost everything. The river to the west has several drowning deaths every year… Lin Xia, if I throw you down there tonight, how long will it take for the current to wash your body away?”

As she spoke, a group of male students with red, blue, and purple dyed hair also walked into the classroom. They were the very hooligans who had knocked Lin Xia unconscious and thrown her into the river in the previous life.

Lin Xia finally saw their faces clearly. She was no longer afraid.