Lin Banxia opened her mouth wide in shock, finding it hard to believe that she hadn't drowned in the ocean, but instead time-traveled back to 2013?
This was simply unbelievable.
Could it be that even the heavens felt her death was unjust? Did they grant her an opportunity to start over?
"Ah..." Lin Banxia finally couldn't hold back and covered her mouth, letting out a joyful shout.
Aunt Lan was startled and asked with increasing concern, "Miss, why did you suddenly shout? What on earth happened?"
Lin Banxia turned around, ran over, and hugged Aunt Lan, tears streaming down as she shook her head. "I'm fine, I just encountered something truly wonderful."
Aunt Lan patted her shoulder and said with a smile, "It's because you're about to marry the second young master of the Huo Family. Of course, that's something monumental."
Marry Huo Qinglin?
Ha. He shouldn't even dream about it. Even if she spent this lifetime alone, she'd absolutely never stoop to picking up that kind of trash.
"Aunt Lan, I'm heading home now. Thank you for taking care of the pear garden. I will properly repay your kindness." Lin Banxia struggled to articulate the exhilarating joy she felt at this moment. She merely gave Aunt Lan a cryptic response as guilt swirled within her.
Aunt Lan found it curious as well—what's gotten into the young miss today? She really seemed like she had stumbled upon a life-changing event.
Grasping her phone tightly, Lin Banxia grabbed her nearby backpack and walked step by step down the glazed stairs.
With each step, it felt as though she was walking on clouds—illusory yet so real it almost brought her to tears.
Three years ago, come the beginning of spring, this pear garden that her grandparents had safeguarded for an entire lifetime would be bulldozed by merciless machines and turned into flat land. Soon, the Huo Family's financial hub would rise here, and within three years, this place would be unrecognizable.
The previous version of herself had been too naive, too foolish, thinking that trading this pear garden could bring her lifelong happiness.
Now, with life restarting anew, she was determined to protect the most precious thing her grandparents had left her.
No one would be allowed to take it from her.
Beyond the antique-styled gate was a small, two-door Mercedes car that Lin Banxia used for commuting.
Lin Banxia opened the car door and sat inside.
From the car window, she gazed outward at the ancient and elegant gate of the pear garden, weathered by history's storms, carrying a solemn weight of the past.
"Grandpa, Grandma, forgive your granddaughter for having done such foolish, unforgivable things. I'm certain it was your protection from above that granted me this chance to start over. Rest assured, no matter the cost, I will protect the pear garden and ensure it remains intact." Lin Banxia murmured softly as if making a vow to her late grandparents.
Then, she started the car.
If her memory served her right, tonight was the night to finalize her engagement to Huo Qinglin.
A faint smirk of mockery appeared at the corner of Lin Banxia's mouth. Huo Qinglin, your hypocritical face isn't worth a glance in my eyes.
The Lin Family's villa was situated within the luxurious estates of the affluent district. Beyond Lin Banxia, the eldest daughter, the Lin Family also included one son and one daughter.
Lin Kunhuai had married a second wife less than six months after Lin Banxia's mother passed away. The new wife brought a ten-year-old daughter into the family, and later gave birth to the Lin Family's only son.
Lin Banxia had tried her best to stop her father, but her protests didn't dissuade his determination to remarry.
For three whole months, she cried until her eyes were near blinded, and all she got in return was Lin Kunhuai accusing her of being unreasonable.
When her tears ran dry, she stopped crying. Her grandparents, fearing that she would be bullied in the Lin Family, brought her to live at the pear garden. Five years ago, both grandparents passed away in succession, leaving behind a will. The pear garden's inheritance solely belonged to Lin Banxia.
Thus, with the pear garden's property rights in her hands, Lin Banxia's position within the Lin Family had never been truly threatened.
No matter how much her stepmother Cheng Rouyin couldn't stand her, she didn't dare force her out of the Lin Family.
Then there was her younger stepsister, who, when Lin Banxia was seven years old, had a severe bleeding accident after falling. Only then did Lin Banxia learn that her stepsister wasn't Cheng Rouyin's daughter from her previous marriage but was, in fact, Lin Kunhuai's biological daughter.
After hearing this revelation, Lin Banxia was nearly on the brink of collapse.
From this, it became clear—her father had been having an affair with Cheng Rouyin while her mother was still alive.
Otherwise, why would her stepsister Lin Shiyi turn out to be her father's biological daughter?
From then on, Lin Banxia harbored deep resentment toward her father, and even greater hatred for the mistress-turned-stepmother Cheng Rouyin. At home, she hardly spoke a word to her.
Cheng Rouyin loathed this arrogant eldest daughter to the core, constantly scheming against her. Unfortunately for her, with two elders still shielding Lin Banxia, her plans to harm her were never successful.
Lin Shiyi also detested her; at school, she would gossip maliciously behind her back, tarnishing her reputation. In retaliation, Lin Banxia had slapped her across the face twice. Lin Shiyi immediately complained to Lin Kunhuai, tearfully claiming that half her ear had been struck deaf and insisting on going to the hospital for tests.
From then on, Lin Banxia lost her standing as a proper daughter in her father's eyes.
At the Lin Family villa's entrance, Lin Banxia spotted a Bentley—it belonged to Huo Qinglin.
He actually showed up. Predictable. She almost forgot, Huo Qinglin was eager to acquire the pear garden from her hands, so naturally, he'd be exceptionally attentive at this time.
Her lips curled into a cold smile, recalling the sexless marriage that spanned three years, his indifference, and betrayal.
No matter what, Lin Banxia would never let Huo Qinglin get his way so easily.
Locking her car door, Lin Banxia stepped into the house.
Just as she entered, a gentle and low voice greeted her, "Banxia, you're back. Went to the pear garden again?"
Lin Banxia turned around and saw Huo Qinglin, dressed in a deep navy-blue suit, walking toward her with an air of sophistication.