The night was serene, filled with the chirping of summer cicadas.
On a hospital bed lay a frail, emaciated boy, his face pale, his hollow eyes fixed on the stark, disinfectant-scented ceiling, letting out a helpless sigh.
This was his fifth year in this hospital.
Orphaned early and afflicted with an incurable disease, his life, burdened with every possible misfortune, had long since stripped him of hope.
His throat was parched.
The boy turned, struggling to reach for the water glass on the table, but in his weakness, he knocked it over.
Crash.
The glass shattered, and his heart sank.
His vision blurred, overwhelmed by an unknown fear and a wave of dizziness.
Beep, beep, beep—
The faint fluctuations on the ECG monitor flattened into a single, unyielding line.
He felt himself falling into boundless darkness.
How much time passed, he didn’t know.
The weightlessness gradually faded, replaced by an indescribable sensation enveloping his entire body, followed by an inexplicable, wondrous transformation.
Some time later.
The girl stared at herself in the mirror, slightly dazed.
Long, dark hair cascaded naturally over her shoulders, with neat bangs framing an already delicate face, making it even more adorable.
Her petite frame evoked a sense of fragility, stirring pity in anyone who saw her.
Her skin was fair, smooth, and flawless, dressed in simple loungewear, her slender, well-proportioned legs exposed.
A picture-perfect beautiful girl.
So, she had truly been reborn, hadn’t she?
Just moments ago, she felt the agony of death, and now she had become this captivating, adorable girl.
Fate was indeed a fickle thing…
She studied her slender fingers for a long time until her arm ached slightly from being raised, then pursed her lips and lowered it.
Perhaps others reborn as a girl might feel uncomfortable or awkward, but she felt none of that.
Because this was a healthy body.
She tried a few vigorous movements, feeling her heart pound strongly in her chest, her mind flashing back to the days when she could only lie in a hospital bed, counting sheep to pass the time.
Huff…
Letting out a heavy breath, as if casting away her past entirely, she began to observe the small rental apartment she found herself in.
It was a tiny space, bare except for essential furniture.
Her phone on the table buzzed incessantly.
Picking it up, she glanced at the screen.
[This month’s rent is still due. Please pay soon.]
Scrolling down.
[Jiang Ling, your tuition fees are overdue. Please settle them as soon as possible.]
She carefully read through all the messages, missed calls, and social media notifications, piecing together the fragmented memories in her mind to understand her new identity.
Jiang Ling, a freshman in the music department at A University, an orphan, living in a rented apartment, and currently looking for part-time work to make ends meet.
Not so different from her past self, after all.
Jiang Ling quickly checked all her bank accounts and found that a recent student loan had been disbursed, but it was barely enough for tuition and daily expenses.
Rent remained a significant problem.
Without overthinking, she walked to the wardrobe, grabbed a loose black hoodie, threw it on, snatched her keys, and headed out the door.
She couldn’t just sit and wait.
Perhaps the heavens had taken pity on her, granting her this chance to start over.
Though some details were different, Jiang Ling cherished it deeply.
Money could solve most problems, and right now, she needed it badly.
So, she set out to find a part-time job.
To balance her studies, she considered various options.
After careful thought, she realized most of her free time was after dinner.
Lost in thought, Jiang Ling suddenly bumped into someone, a soft, elastic sensation rippling through her body from her chest.
She nearly twisted her ankle but instinctively lowered her head, apologizing repeatedly.
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going, sorry…”
Before she could finish, she met a pair of sparkling eyes.
It was a cute girl with short pink hair, dressed in a dazzling stage outfit, a large bow tied around her waist, and ultra-short skirt revealing long, fair legs.
She held a stack of flyers, with words like “recruitment” and “join us” printed on them.
“Hey, wanna join us?”
Jiang Ling, hastily looking away, heard the girl ask in an almost eager tone.
Confused, suspecting a street scam, she was about to flee when the girl cleared her throat, her demeanor shifting instantly, and spoke in an irresistibly sweet voice.
“Underground idol group NOVA is officially recruiting for our new season! Free food, free lodging, and a base salary. We’d love for you to join!”
Jiang Ling froze in her tracks.
Free food, free lodging, and a base salary?
It would be rude not to be tempted!
Her hands trembled as she took the flyer, scanning it quickly.
“I’m Mo Ran. If you’re interested, why don’t we head back together to learn more?” Seeing Jiang Ling’s interest, Mo Ran added with a warm, gentle smile.
Jiang Ling pursed her lips, letting out a barely audible sigh.
Well, might as well give it a try.
“Ta-da! I brought someone back!”
Mo Ran cheerfully led Jiang Ling to a place resembling a bar.
Pushing open the door revealed a large stage, flashing lights, electronic screens, and a host of unfamiliar equipment.
Jiang Ling swallowed hard, a twinge of nervousness in her chest.
This felt like stepping into a strange new world.
While she stood there, dazed, Mo Ran slipped behind the curtain, calling out, “Bai Xuexue~ I brought someone! Let’s go!”
With that, she left without looking back, leaving Jiang Ling staring blankly at a sign on the doorframe that read “Temporarily Closed.”
“Are you the new recruit Ranran brought?”
As the voice drew closer, Jiang Ling saw a tall, striking woman approaching.
She wore a stage outfit similar to Mo Ran’s but with a completely different vibe.
If Mo Ran was like a sweet strawberry cake, Bai Xue exuded the elegance and allure of red velvet.
Her curvaceous legs, prominent chest, and haughty gaze as she looked down due to her height all radiated a unique charm.
“I’m Bai Xue, NOVA’s leader and, well, sort of the person in charge.”
Bai Xue sized Jiang Ling up and down, then flashed a satisfied, radiant smile, her tone languid.
“Quite the promising talent.”
Hearing this, Jiang Ling relaxed slightly, her lips parting as she spoke in a dry voice.
“Thank you, Bai Xue… sister?”
Unsure of the woman’s age, she figured Bai Xue was likely older.
Before she could finish, Bai Xue’s eyes lit up, a faint spark of excitement flickering in them.
She subtly stepped closer.
Until they were almost too close.
Jiang Ling felt hot breath on her face, slightly ticklish.
She shrank back, but the woman grabbed her wrist.
Her hand was cold, making Jiang Ling frown instinctively.
“Cold…”
Bai Xue seemed oblivious, her gaze fixed on Jiang Ling’s slightly reddened eyes, a suppressed emotion flaring up again.
She licked her lips, her other hand lifting Jiang Ling’s delicate, adorable face, her voice dripping with ambiguity.
“Call me ‘sister’ again.”