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Life Swap
墨書 Inktalez
The crystal lights cascaded down, illuminating the room with opulence, yet failing to brighten the void within me. The dazzling glow seemed to veil my vision with a thin layer of gauze, hazy and dreamlike, yet it pierced my nerves with a stark reality.
Tonight marks my fortieth birthday, a meticulously planned celebration that feels more like a grand social spectacle. The atmosphere is lively, but it cannot mask the emptiness I feel inside.
Confucius once said, "At forty, one is no longer confused," suggesting that by this age, one should have gained insight into the world and no longer be swayed by desires. Yet here I am, ensnared in another kind of "no longer confused"—not due to the fading of desires, but because of the absence of three crucial elements in my life: no parents by my side, no husband to support me, and no children’s laughter to fill the air. This form of "no longer confused" leaves me feeling hollow and lost, as if I am alone in facing the solitude and loneliness amidst this extravagant feast.
The guests are adorned in fine attire, their laughter and chatter echoing like puppets wearing masks, performing a charade of hypocrisy on stage. Each person wears a facade—insincere and polite—like actors playing their roles. Yet I cannot see through these masks to discern the truth beneath. The cacophony suffocates me, like a bird trapped in a gilded cage, yearning for freedom but powerless to escape.
I, Lin Wei, stand at the center of the crowd, accepting the blessings showered upon me like a star in orbit around the moon, yet I feel like a marionette, smiling stiffly. My heart is barren, akin to a speck of dust in this bustling metropolis—small and helpless.
"Happy Birthday, Weiwei," my "best friend" Su Qing says as she holds up a glass of red wine, her smile radiant as a flower. That smile is so perfect it seems painted on, yet it carries an unsettling aura that makes me wary—like a serpent poised to strike, exuding danger. She remains as graceful as ever, her every gesture radiating an enviable brilliance as if she were the center of this world. Meanwhile, I am merely a dim shadow—a presence that barely matters. How can a firefly compete with the brilliance of the full moon?
"Thank you, Qingqing," I reply with a smile that tastes bitter on my tongue like swallowing a sour plum. This smile feels more painful than tears. As I look at her, she suddenly seems unfamiliar. That once-familiar face now appears distant as if shrouded in thick fog; I cannot see her true self. Like a demon cloaked in angelic guise.
A chill rises from deep within me, causing me to shudder; my champagne glass nearly slips from my hand. I sense something ominous looming ahead—something bad is about to happen. It feels like the oppressive calm before a storm, suffocating and heavy.
As the party concludes and guests disperse, the vast apartment falls silent in an instant—like an empty tomb echoing with stillness that amplifies my solitude. I feel like an orphan abandoned by the world—utterly alone.
I sit on the sofa by myself, removing my heavy earrings and rubbing my aching temples, feeling utterly drained. This birthday party felt more like an exhausting performance that left me physically and emotionally spent.
I slowly rise and walk to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the flickering neon lights. The colorful glow fails to illuminate my inner darkness; instead, it deepens my sense of isolation—like a traveler lost in a desert without direction or hope.
This city is so vibrant yet has nothing to do with me. It feels like watching from afar as others bask in happiness while I can only lick my wounds in darkness.
"Ding!" A cold voice abruptly pierced through my thoughts like a needle breaking this silence and shattering my numbness. The voice carried no warmth; it felt distant and devoid of humanity—a chilling presence that sent shivers down my spine like ghostly whispers lingering at my ear.
"I am the Life Correction System; you may call me Destiny AI." The voice echoed again in my mind—still cold and emotionless—as if it were an unfeeling machine reciting its programmed lines.
“System? What system?” I furrowed my brows, feeling a deepening confusion as if I had fallen into a vast whirlpool, lost and disoriented. It was like plunging into fog, unable to find my way.
“Your fate has been altered, your life trajectory deviated. This system is responsible for correction.” The cold voice struck me like a heavy hammer, making my breath quicken. It was as if a bolt of lightning had jolted me awake from a dream. An inexplicable panic surged within me, leaving me breathless, like a drowning person struggling desperately yet sinking deeper.
“Altered? Deviated?” I murmured to myself, feeling as though I were listening to an incomprehensible text, completely unable to grasp what it meant. My mind was blank, like a white sheet of paper, left for the system to scribble upon. I felt like a lamb waiting for slaughter, at the mercy of others.
“You need the truth, and I can provide it.” My heart raced suddenly, an intense unease washing over me like an invisible hand tightening around my throat. It felt as if I sensed the approach of death; fear and despair consumed my heart. I had a premonition that this truth would completely upend my world. I feared knowing the truth, standing at the edge of a cliff, terrified that one misstep would send me plummeting into an abyss.
“What truth?” My tone grew urgent, my heart pounding violently in my chest as if it were trying to break free from my ribs. I sensed that this truth would change my life forever. Was I ready for it?
“Your life has been stolen by Su Qing. She established a connection with you through some ritual, akin to a marital bond, thereby siphoning your fortune.” The voice struck me like thunder, shattering the fragile peace of my life and obliterating the already precarious world I inhabited, plunging me into an endless abyss.
I felt my world collapsing around me, like a sudden flood sweeping away everything in its path.
Su Qing?
I froze instantly, my mind blank as if all the air had been sucked out of it—unable to think or breathe. The entire world seemed to stand still, leaving only me and this cruel truth. I could not accept it.
“Su Qing? How could this be?! She can’t… We are sisters! I am her best sister!” My voice trembled with disbelief, as if an invisible hand had gripped my throat, nearly choking off any sound. I couldn’t believe that my most trusted friend would betray me in such a way.
“Fate has been altered… Su Qing has stolen my life…” I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible. A torrent of memories surged in my mind; those images felt like sharp daggers stabbing at her heart.
“Host, please calm down,” the system’s cold voice echoed again. “Excessive emotional fluctuations will impair your judgment.”
“Calm down?” I shot my head up, my eyes bloodshot. “How can you expect me to be calm? For twenty-four years, I’ve lived like a joke! I thought I was just unlucky, but now you tell me this is all someone’s deliberate doing?”
The system remained silent, but its silence weighed heavier than any response.
I took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the surging anger and despair in my chest. Closing my eyes, I tried to clear my thoughts. Yet those memories clung to me like a nightmare—Su Qing's bright smile, the gradually distant gazes of my parents, her helplessness after repeated failures…
“If all of this is true,” I spoke slowly, my voice low and hoarse, “then it means she not only stole my destiny but also destroyed my family, right?”
“Yes,” the system replied coldly. “According to data analysis, Su Qing manipulated your life trajectory through various means, including but not limited to gaining your parents’ trust, undermining your academic performance, and stealing resources that should have belonged to you.”
These words struck me like a hammer, almost taking my breath away.
“What exactly did she do?” I gritted my teeth and asked, each word seeming to squeeze out from my throat.
After a moment of silence, the system responded in a mechanical yet precise tone: “The following are some key events in retrospect—” As the system spoke, fragments of memories flooded Lin Wei’s mind once more. The images were so vivid that she could even smell the air and hear the voices around her.
--- At sixteen years old, within the Lin Family Villa, a birthday party was underway. The hall was brightly lit, guests adorned in fine attire. However, in a corner, a frail girl with her head down carefully navigated through the crowd with a tray. That was sixteen-year-old Lin Wei.
“Weiwei, take this glass of juice to the guest,” her mother said from nearby, her brow slightly furrowed. “Hurry up; don’t keep everyone waiting.” Lin Wei nodded and jogged over to deliver the juice to a lady. However, as she turned around, she accidentally bumped into a boy. Juice spilled everywhere, staining the boy’s expensive suit.
“Why are you so clumsy?” the boy shouted angrily, drawing attention from those around them.
“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry…” Lin Wei apologized in a panic but noticed her mother quickly approaching.
“Sorry about that, Xiao Yu; it’s my daughter’s fault for being thoughtless.” Her mother wore a smile on her face, but when she looked at Lin Wei, her gaze was icy and piercing. “Go clean that suit right now!”
Lin Wei lowered her head, unable to refute, and could only leave silently. Just as she turned around, she caught sight of Su Qing standing not far away, watching her with a meaningful gaze. In that look, there was pity, mockery, and a hint of deeply hidden triumph.
On the day the college entrance exam results were announced when Lin Wei was eighteen, she sat in her room refreshing the webpage over and over again. Filled with hope, she was met with disappointment time and again—the score was a full twenty points below the cutoff line, leaving her without even the qualification to apply to a key university.
"How could this happen..." she murmured, tears streaming down her cheeks.
At that moment, footsteps approached from outside. Su Qing pushed the door open, holding two cups of hot milk. "Sister, don’t be sad. I believe you will find another way," Su Qing said gently and considerately, but her eyes sparkled with an unusual light.
"By the way," she said casually, "I heard that you seemed to have a fever the day before the exam? Did that affect your performance?"
Lin Wei froze for a moment before suddenly recalling—yes, the night before the exam, she had come down with a high fever and spent the night in agony with stomach issues. At the time, she thought it was just a coincidence, but now...
"Could it be...?" A terrifying thought surfaced in her mind but was quickly suppressed. "Su Qing wouldn’t harm me; she is my best friend..."
At twenty-four, after failing her first job interview post-graduation, Lin Wei sat alone in a café drowning her sorrows in alcohol. Her phone lit up with a message from her father: "Su Qing just got promoted to manager; you should learn from her."
Just those few words filled Lin Wei with bitter irony. Despite being their biological daughter, her parents seemed more concerned about Su Qing’s achievements while overlooking her own efforts.
At that moment, a familiar figure appeared at the door—it was Su Qing. Dressed in a well-tailored suit, she looked capable and confident. As soon as she entered, all eyes were drawn to her; when she spotted Lin Wei, she flashed a flawless smile.
"Sister, failed again?" Su Qing sat down across from her and spoke in a tone that hovered between concern and pity. "It’s okay; I can help introduce you to some job opportunities."
"No thanks." Lin Wei forced a smile but felt a storm churning in her stomach. "I can rely on myself."
The memories abruptly halted as reality hit Lin Wei like a tidal wave of tears. Those once-ignored or forgotten details now pieced together into a complete and cruel truth—Su Qing had never been the innocent and kind-hearted flower; she was a wolf in sheep's clothing. With sweet words and deception, she had gained trust and gradually devoured Lin Wei's life, claiming happiness that rightfully belonged to her!
“Why…” Lin Wei choked out, “Why does everyone choose to believe her instead of me?”
“Because the Fate Exchange Ritual changed not only your fortune but also others' impressions and attitudes towards you,” the system explained emotionlessly. “In people's eyes, she is the perfect one, while you are the untrustworthy one.”
Those words shattered the last barrier of my psyche. I covered my face and cried silently. But soon, I wiped my tears and stood up from the sofa.
“No, I can’t go on like this!” I declared. “I will expose the truth and let everyone know that I am the real victim!”
“Evidence has been sent, please check.” Images flashed through my mind like frames from a film—photos and documents racing by. Each scene felt like a sharp knife stabbing at my heart, causing unbearable pain. The evidence was so clear, so cruel.
In the photos, Su Qing was in a dimly lit room, chanting before a strange totem, like a witch casting a spell—ominous and terrifying. The documents bore my name alongside symbols and texts I had never seen before, resembling mysterious incantations hiding secrets unknown.
“This… this is impossible… Why would she do this?” Tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision. I felt immense grievance and unwillingness. Why? Why did she have to do this to me?
“She exploited your kindness, your trust, and the bond you shared that resembled a marriage to steal your fortune,” the system's response was cold and brutal. I felt myself on the verge of collapse. Why? Why me?
“A bond that resembles marriage? What do you mean?” I seized on that phrase, sensing something lurking just out of reach. I needed an explanation—something that could help me understand all of this.
“That so-called Blood Oath ritual was not an ordinary ceremony; it was an ancient binding ritual similar to marriage,” the system's voice hesitated as if weighing its words but ultimately revealed this shocking truth.
Marriage?
“Marriage?!” I exclaimed in disbelief. At sixteen, Su Qing and I had performed the Blood Oath on the mountaintop. We made promises under the starry sky to always be good sisters. We even drank wine as part of a ceremonial toast. At that time, it felt like childish play—naive and ridiculous. But now, it seemed that it might not have been a mere Blood Oath but rather a meticulously planned conspiracy!
The night sky was brilliant, dotted with stars like scattered diamonds on black velvet. A gentle breeze caressed the mountaintop, bringing a hint of coolness. We stood side by side at the peak, gazing down at the myriad lights below, our hearts filled with dreams for the future. In our youthful arrogance, we believed that the days ahead would be filled with sunshine and hope.
“Qingqing, we’ve finally decided to make a Blood Oath! From now on, we’ll be good sisters, supporting each other no matter what happens, right?” I exclaimed to Su Qing, my voice brimming with anticipation and joy. How innocent and naive I was back then.
“Of course, Weiwei. We will always be good sisters,” Su Qing replied with a smile, her gaze gentle yet resolute, as if making the most sincere promise. Yet behind that promise lay deep deception and betrayal.
“Let’s make our vow to the moon,” Su Qing suggested, her tone imbued with a sense of sanctity and solemnity, as if we were partaking in some sacred ritual.
“Alright.” I nodded seriously, lifting my gaze to the bright moon above, my heart filled with reverence. I never imagined that this sincere vow would mark the beginning of my nightmare.
“O Moon Goddess, witness our friendship! From this day forth, Lin Wei and Su Qing shall forever be good sisters, never to part!” I proclaimed loudly to the moon, my voice clear and firm as it echoed through the valley. This vow now sounds so ironic and laughable.
Su Qing followed suit in making her wish; her voice was soft but carried an undercurrent of subtle cunning. Immersed in the joy of our Blood Oath, I failed to notice that glint in her eyes—like a serpent’s fangs—foreshadowing the misfortune that awaited me.
“Next, let’s drink from each other’s cups; it’s a traditional ritual of the Blood Oath that symbolizes our unbreakable friendship.” I took out the wine I had prepared in advance and handed a cup to Su Qing while holding one for myself. I thought this was a symbol of friendship, unaware that it was the beginning of my nightmare.
Su Qing accepted the cup, a flicker of something sharp passing through her eyes—like a hunter spotting its prey, greedy and cruel.
“Great idea,” Su Qing said. “But why don’t we add another step—worshipping heaven and earth? That way our Blood Oath will be even more formal and sacred.” Her tone was like a whisper from a demon, tempting my mind.
“Worship heaven and earth?” I asked in confusion. “Isn’t that a ceremony for weddings? We’re just making a Blood Oath as sisters.” A sense of unease crept over me, though I couldn’t pinpoint its source.
“Oh come on, what does it matter?” Su Qing dismissed my concern. “Heaven and earth are the source of all things; worshipping them can bring us more blessings and protection, making our friendship last longer. Besides, it’s also a sign of respect and commitment to each other, isn’t it?” Her words were laced with persuasion, like poison slowly eroding my will.
I was swayed by her reasoning; she seemed to make perfect sense. How naive I was to trust so easily—this was my greatest weakness.
"Well, you have a point," I nodded. "Alright then, let's perform the heaven and earth ceremony. But I won't know how to do it; you'll have to teach me." I placed my fate in the hands of this demon.
A flicker of barely perceptible satisfaction crossed Su Qing's eyes, as if everything was under her control. Like a spider weaving its web, she awaited her prey to fall into the trap.
"Not a problem," she said. Then, Su Qing began to guide me through the ceremony. She instructed me to face the east, put my hands together, and sincerely bow three times. Next was the west, followed by the south. In each direction, I bowed three times. At that moment, I found it all fascinating and fun, completely unaware of the deeper significance behind it. It was as if I were hypnotized, allowing her to manipulate me.
We drank from the cup of union, and I thought it symbolized the eternal bond of sisterhood between us. Little did I know, this was the key to Su Qing's plot succeeding. It was akin to signing a contract that bound my life to her.
"In our universe, only a marital relationship can evade the punishment of heaven's law. Su Qing exploited this loophole by establishing a connection similar to marriage through this ceremony, successfully stealing your fortune and diverting your life path from its original course," the system's voice echoed again, revealing deeper secrets to me. It was like parting the clouds to see the truth.
I suddenly realized that Su Qing's scheme was far more profound than I had imagined. She not only stole my life but also cleverly evaded heaven's punishment, making me an unwitting victim of her conspiracy—like a puppet stripped of its soul.
"Is my life really going to be ruined by her?" I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness and despair, like a trapped beast in a cage with no strength to struggle. My future lay shrouded in darkness. I felt as if I were about to be consumed. Was there any hope left for me?
"No, you still have a chance; this system will assist you in correcting your life," the system's voice finally carried a hint of warmth, like a beacon in the dark, giving me a glimmer of hope. It showed me a ray of light. I felt as if I had grasped onto a lifeline.
Correct my life?
"Correct my life?" Upon hearing those words, a spark of hope ignited within me, like a nearly extinguished flame reigniting. I seemed to glimpse a glimmer of dawn and saw hope for survival. I still had a chance.
"You need to accumulate Virtuous Ability to combat Su Qing's evil deeds and reclaim everything that belongs to you," the system's voice instructed.
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