The shockwaves from Lu Ze's cheating incident had yet to subside. The disciplinary action of being placed under school observation and the stain on his integrity record loomed over him like two heavy mountains, crushing his future. He not only lost the opportunity to enter the system or large corporations, but even slightly better job prospects turned him away upon seeing the marks on his record.
Once a favored child of destiny, he now struggled to find any respectable employment. Father Lu was utterly disappointed in him, cutting off most of his financial support and leaving him with only basic living expenses. Without the protection of family and lacking any notable achievements or skills, Lu Ze's life became exceedingly difficult.
He moved out of the upscale apartment he had previously shared with Lin Weiwei and returned to the school dormitory. There, his classmates either avoided him or mocked him coldly. He grew increasingly reclusive and sullen, exuding an air of defeat.
Meanwhile, Lin Weiwei, who once professed deep feelings for him, had flitted away like a butterfly into a new embrace. She seemed to have completely forgotten Lu Ze, dressing up flamboyantly every day and pairing up with her new boyfriend, continuing to cultivate her delicate "princess" persona.
Whenever I encountered Lu Ze on campus, he would always have his head down, walking hurriedly with averted eyes, no longer the proud and spirited person he once was. His hunched figure resembled that of a stray dog.
Seeing him like this filled me not with pity but with a sense of satisfaction at the karmic retribution he faced. This was the price he paid for his actions in the last life and for his foolish choices in this one.
In stark contrast to Lu Ze's miserable downfall was my own smooth and flourishing life. I successfully completed all my studies and graduated with outstanding grades. At the graduation ceremony, I spoke as a representative of excellent graduates, standing in the spotlight while receiving congratulations and applause from teachers, classmates, and family.
At that moment, I caught sight of Lu Ze’s face in a corner of the audience, filled with resentment and jealousy. But his gaze no longer affected me; we were already people from two different worlds.
My parents thrived as their company prospered, leading to an increasingly affluent household. More importantly, my father remained healthy while my mother was cheerful, completely free from the gloom that had overshadowed our lives in the last life. Seeing them happy and well was my greatest comfort since my rebirth.
My good friend Zhang Qi also found a job he desired. We promised to keep in touch frequently and support each other.
Everything felt so wonderful.
Shortly after graduation, I embarked on a journey to study abroad. Walking along the tree-lined paths of an Ivy League campus, breathing in the fresh air of freedom and feeling the rich academic atmosphere around me, I knew a brand new world was unfolding before me.
Here, no one knew my past; no one recognized Lu Ze or Lin Weiwei. I could completely shed the shadows of my past and focus on my studies and future.
I joined my mentor’s laboratory and became involved in cutting-edge research projects. My abilities and efforts were quickly recognized as I learned, competed, and progressed alongside outstanding peers from around the world.
My life felt as if it had pressed an acceleration button, racing toward higher and further goals.
Occasionally, I would hear bits of news about Lu Ze from Zhang Qi. I heard that after graduation he faced numerous rejections while job hunting and eventually ended up in a small private company doing menial work for meager pay while often being scolded by his boss.
I heard that he tried to contact Lin Weiwei, but she blocked him on all platforms.
I also heard that one time he got drunk and caused a scene on the street, crying and repeatedly muttering my name, saying some words of regret.
Upon hearing this, I could only smile. Regret? If only he had known this day would come, why did he act as he did back then?
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