Chapter 25: Replacing Your Life (25)

“What are you saying?!” Yu Yurou struggled to control her emotions, silently repeating to herself: He’s the heir of the Ye Family, my boyfriend, and my stepping stone across social classes. Even if there’s something wrong with his mind, I must endure it—yes, just bear with it!

Ye Huan was feeling extremely distraught. Although he had anticipated that his actions would hurt his girlfriend, being so firmly dumped still caused him overwhelming feelings of loss and pain.

But what choice did he have? Could he risk pitting the Ye Family against both the Song Family and Ye Xu indefinitely? Ye Huan didn’t want to see the Ye Group destroyed under his watch. To avoid sacrificing his girlfriend, he could only sacrifice this woman before him instead. He justified his decision internally; after all, she seemed driven by materialistic desires. Whether she ended up with Song Xingyi or Ye Xu, she wouldn’t be at a disadvantage financially.

“From now on, you will be my girlfriend, Yu Yurou,” Ye Huan declared, deciding to strike a deal with Miss Yu. “I’ll help integrate you into high society circles, granting you everything you desire, provided—”

“You must meticulously imitate your sister, from her clothing and appearance to every gesture and expression. Your current attempt is too poor; anyone slightly familiar with Yurou would see through it instantly. I need you to convincingly pass as her, do you understand?”

Song Xingyi and Ye Xu were different from others; they knew Yurou far too well. Ye Huan didn’t believe they could be easily deceived, so this woman before him needed to perfect her imitation further, with his assistance along the way.

“Have me mimic… myself?” Yu Yurou’s eyes widened, as if she had heard some absurd joke. With a twitch at the corner of her mouth, she exclaimed, “Ye Huan! Look closely, I am Yu Yurou herself!”

“I know you were deceived by Yu Ling, mistaking her for me. But I’ve been away for just over half a year - how can you not even recognize me now?”

Initially, when she heard that Ye Huan chose her over Yu Ling and referred to Yu Ling as a mere substitute, Yu Yurou thought he had come to his senses. To her shock, not only was Ye Huan not lucid, but his condition seemed to have worsened significantly!

Shen Man! It’s all that woman Shen Man! Not only did she tear Yu Yurou and Ye Huan apart, but she also arranged for Yu Ling to be with him, causing Ye Huan’s perception to become distorted, unable to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

Ye Huan examined the woman strangely from head to toe. “Did Lu Yue not explain it clearly? We brought you here to impersonate your sister.”

Is there something wrong with this woman? From her behavior, it seemed as if she genuinely believed herself to be Yu Yurou. He had assumed Lu Yue would have clarified they were merely acting out a charade.

Yu Yurou recalled what Lu Yue had told her. He said she needed more patience, urging her to approach Ye Huan just like before, gradually changing his perceptions…

Judging by Ye Huan’s demeanor, convincing him wouldn’t happen anytime soon. Suppressing her displeasure, Yu Yurou managed a gentle smile. “I understand you can’t believe me right now, but it’s okay. I’m willing to help you remember our shared past together.”

Ye Huan frowned. “Don’t smile like that; it doesn’t look like her when you do.”

Yu Yurou nearly lost control of her expression, desperately wanting to drag Ye Huan straight to a psychiatric evaluation.

“I know you like imitating Yurou, but when facing me, try to act more normal. Remember your role and don’t yearn for what doesn’t belong to you.” Ye Huan issued a slight warning before preparing to reshape this woman’s behavior. “Let me first tell you some of Yurou’s habits and preferences, as well as differences in her gestures and expressions compared to yours. For instance, that smile just now—Yurou’s gaze is incredibly charming; her smile could melt one’s heart…”

As Yu Yurou listened to Ye Huan’s explanations, her thoughts began to drift elsewhere, feeling somewhat disengaged.

Is there truly any hope left for this boyfriend? Should she give up on Ye Huan and find another target instead?

Ye Huan bombarded Yu Yurou with phrases like “Yurou does this,” “Yurou would do that,” painting a picture of “Yu Yurou” as a noble, pure, delicate yet deeply melancholic woman—a portrayal that had absolutely nothing to do with the real Yu Yurou!

Attempting to share their past love story, Yu Yurou said, only for Ye Huan to immediately respond, “Did Yurou tell you all these things?”

Ye Huan’s gaze turned cold. “Don’t project these petty thoughts onto me!”

His icy and indifferent expression chilled Yu Yurou to the core.

What was there to cling to in a man who couldn’t even recognize his own girlfriend, someone who wanted her to mimic another woman?

Yu Yurou did enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, and it was true that she had initially been drawn to Ye Huan’s wealth. However, this didn’t mean she lacked genuine feelings for him. But those emotions couldn’t withstand such constant erosion. After just a short time together, she felt immense distress, and much of her desire to marry into the Ye family had already faded.

If there were better options available, Yu Yurou wouldn’t have waded into this murky situation.

However, this wasn’t the only disheartening event unfolding.

Upon returning home, Yu Yurou finally discovered why her room seemed different.

As soon as Mother Yu saw her, her face darkened, as if confronted with something repulsive. “Why are you back? And dressed like that?”

“Did you spend a lot of your sister’s money? Sending you abroad for education wasn’t meant for you to pick up bad habits out there. Remember, everything you eat, use, and wear is provided by your sister. No extravagance or wastefulness, do you understand?”

Never before had Yu Yurou been treated like this by her own mother. Enraged, she shouted, “Mom! It’s me, Yurou! I’m not Yu Ling!”

“Even Ye Huan might be excused, but you’re my real mom—how could you not recognize me!” The pent-up resentment inside her erupted all at once. “Everyone keeps saying such nonsensical things. I just went abroad for a while, how did everything change so drastically?”

“You’re Rourou?” Mother Yu was visibly startled by Yu Yurou’s outburst and eyed her daughter suspiciously. “But it was Yu Ling who went abroad in place of Rourou; our Rourou still lives in the grand villa. Just recently, your father and I visited her there—it’s truly massive and luxurious. Rourou even said she’ll bring us to live with her someday…”

As Mother Yu continued speaking, she became more convinced that the daughter living in the villa was the true Yu Yurou, while the one before her was merely an imposter.

“Yu Ling, after going abroad, you’ve certainly become quite cunning, daring to impersonate your sister!” Mother Yu scolded angrily. “And what kind of attitude is this? How dare you speak to me like that?”

“Why did I ever give birth to you, you troublemaker? You’re determined to make my life miserable!”

In the past, when Mother Yu scolded Yu Ling like this, Yu Yurou never found anything amiss. Now that the verbal abuse was directed at her, she suddenly realized just how cruel her mother could be.

“Mom, are you sure you don’t recognize me? Or is it simply about who gives you the big mansion, making them your favorite daughter?” Yu Yurou knew her mother’s true nature all too well. In fact, one could argue that her own obsession with wealth and social status stemmed directly from her mother’s influence.

Mother Yu had always been a materialistic and superficial person. However, due to Yu Yurou’s charming demeanor and intelligence since childhood, which consistently brought her pride in public, Mother Yu favored Yu Yurou greatly. She would give her the best of everything and constantly remind her, “Rourou, Mom relies on you for our future; you must strive for success.”

With her mother’s favoritism, Yu Yurou enjoyed a comfortable life. Her pretty face combined with her persuasive charm made her universally liked by everyone. In stark contrast stood Yu Ling, who seemed inconspicuous and often trailed behind like a shadow or a tagalong. Occasionally, Yu Yurou would bring her along merely to appear as a caring older sister, ensuring others knew she looked after her sibling.

However, her seemingly useless younger sister, Yu Ling, was naturally gifted with intelligence. Whenever Yu Yurou encountered academic difficulties, Yu Ling effortlessly provided solutions.

Despite being unassuming, this younger sister consistently outperformed her in exams. Yu Yurou couldn’t help but feel jealous, but soon she devised a plan.

Yu Yurou began having Yu Ling do her homework and take tests on her behalf. With just a few sweets and kind words, Yu Ling eagerly complied.

How could Mother and Father Yu remain unaware of such proxy exam-taking? Yet neither of them intervened, as they believed Yu Yurou had greater prospects.

On the day Yu Yurou received her acceptance letter from Jing University, she knew her opportunity had arrived.

Attending a prestigious university like Jing University meant building valuable connections for the future. Skilled at networking, the more influential people Yu Yurou befriended, the more her parents valued her.

They all understood that their talented daughter would eventually marry into wealth, ensuring a prosperous life for the entire family.

While Yu Yurou didn’t fault their aspirations, it would be appalling if her own mother disowned her solely for the sake of acquiring a luxurious villa.

Her suspicion cut deep, leaving a painful wound.

Upon hearing this, Mother Yu clutched her chest and wailed dramatically, “You ungrateful child! How dare you speak like that!”

Father Yu quickly supported Mother Yu, scolding Yu Yurou, “Apologize to your mother immediately! Look at the nonsense you’re spouting!”

“Since Yu Ling is more useful than me, you don’t want me anymore.” Fuming, Yu Yurou stormed into her room and began tossing out items one by one, as if purging anything that didn’t belong there. “I wondered why my room felt off—whose things are these? Are they Yu Ling’s? Did you let Yu Ling stay in my room?”

Yu Yurou furiously wrecked her room amidst loud crashes, seething, “I despise anyone taking what’s mine; even if I don’t want it, she shouldn’t get it either!”

Watching this scene unfold, Mother Yu murmured, “She’s gone mad… This isn’t my daughter…”

“Hmph,” Yu Yurou scoffed at her mother’s reaction. “Mom, do you really think choosing Yu Ling will secure a better life for you?”

“Don’t forget how you treated her all those years. Who would remain undeterred by constant belittlement and abuse, still showing respect despite such mistreatment? Just wait, I’ll make sure you both understand that fake remains fake. She can never escape being just my shadow, no matter what!”

After saying this, Yu Yurou picked up her suitcase and strode out of the house.

Mother Yu stared blankly at Yu Yurou’s departing figure before unsteadily walking to the sofa and sitting down.

Beside her, Father Yu whispered, “Was that Rourou?”

Mother Yu’s gaze shifted uncertainly. ”…I don’t know.”

“How could Rourou be like that?” Father Yu patted his chest, still shaken, “It was utter nonsense!”

Mother Yu nodded. Yes, their daughter was elegant and beautiful, destined to become the wife of a top aristocrat someday. She could never be an uncultured woman.

Lu Yue had arranged for Yu Yurou and Ye Xu to meet at a serene coffee shop with a tranquil ambiance.

Feeling deeply disappointed in Ye Huan, Yu Yurou naturally considered switching her target. Aside from Ye Huan, Ye Xu was the most suitable candidate for her.

Initially, Yu Yurou planned to replace her phone SIM card and then contact Ye Xu by phone. However, she discovered that her identification documents were invalid, preventing her not only from obtaining a new SIM card but also plunging her into the predicament of lacking legal identity.

Fortunately, Lu Yue stepped in to assist, promising to arrange a meeting with Ye Xu. He even went a step further, finding her a hotel room since she had left home, showing the same unwavering care and consideration as always.

After facing disappointments from Ye Huan and her parents, Lu Yue’s attentive care naturally endeared him to Yu Yurou. However, despite her subtle hints, Lu Yue showed no interest in her. It seemed as though his heart was solely devoted to Yu Ling, with no one else able to sway his affections.

This left Yu Yurou intensely jealous, wondering what charm her younger sister possessed to captivate even such a notorious playboy.

Yu Yurou couldn’t speak ill of her sister in front of Lu Yue, knowing he loved Yu Ling deeply. But it irked her that Lu Yue constantly asked about Yu Ling’s past experiences whenever they were together.

“What was Lingling like when she was young? Given how exceptional she is, must’ve been quite spoiled at home?” Lu Yue’s questions invariably revolved around Yu Ling, his eyes filled with adoration for her. “If only I had met Lingling earlier, I would have ensured she never faced any hardships.”

Yu Yurou forced a smile. “Little Ling wasn’t very talkative from a young age; I often took care of her since she’s my younger sister. Naturally, everyone in our family tended to indulge her more.”

“Is that so…” Lu Yue continued, “Then, how did you take care of her, Yurou?”

Yu Yurou felt uneasy, suspecting that Lu Yue’s questions were targeted somehow. Could it be that Yu Ling said something to him? But his expression didn’t seem indicative of that…

“Little Ling doesn’t have many friends; I’m usually with her,” Yu Yurou interjected, eager to change the subject away from Yu Ling. “When is Ye Xu arriving?”

“Soon.” Lu Yue glanced at the time. “He’s very punctual and never late.”

Just as he finished speaking, the coffee shop door swung open.

The man entering had an imposing presence, strikingly handsome in his formal attire. His appearance and demeanor drew immediate attention.

A hint of delight appeared on Yu Yurou’s face as she leaned forward and waved, calling out, “Ye Xu, over here.”

Ye Xu’s cold gaze swept towards Yu Yurou, a brief confusion flickering across his features. As he leisurely approached their table, his eyes fixed firmly on Lu Yue.

Understanding that Ye Xu expected an explanation, Lu Yue smiled and stood up. “Someone wanted to meet you, so I arranged this introduction.”

“You two can chat freely; I won’t disturb you anymore.” With those words, Lu Yue moved away from the table. Unnoticed by the others, he veered towards a partitioned area.

Each booth in this café was surrounded by potted plants, making it difficult for people outside to clearly see those seated within. This arrangement ensured a certain level of privacy.

Inside one such booth, Tong Ling aimlessly stirred her coffee, not even lifting her eyes as Lu Yue approached, seemingly indifferent to what transpired outside.

“You should be able to hear their conversation from here,” Lu Yue whispered softly. “Aren’t you curious if Ye Xu can recognize Yu Yurou or not?”

“I heard they’ve known each other since childhood, and Ye Xu’s feelings towards her are quite unique.” As Lu Yue spoke, he closely observed Tong Ling’s expression. “If Ye Xu supports her, your position will become precarious.”

Tong Ling took a sip of her coffee. “Didn’t you say you’d help me impersonate Yu Yurou? What, backing out already?”

“I’ve never taken our matters lightly,” Lu Yue said seriously. “If he truly believes Yu Yurou, I’ll step forward to expose her.”

Tong Ling chuckled lightly. “How come I didn’t hear you saying that to Ye Huan?”

Lu Yue looked resolute. “There’s no choice; only after you two break up do I have a chance.”

“Don’t you find it more thrilling to deceive your best friend?” Tong Ling reached out and gently traced Lu Yue’s jawline with her finger. “Too bad Ye Huan isn’t here; otherwise, he should really witness this scene of yours on his bed.”

Lu Yue’s heart raced at Tong Ling’s words, and he captured her hand, placing a kiss upon it. “My intimate moments are reserved only for you.”

Tong Ling withdrew her finger and wiped it along Lu Yue’s shirt collar. “Alright, let’s listen quietly to their conversation now.”

Lu Yue felt unsettled by Tong Ling’s sudden shifts between warmth and coldness. Seeing that she no longer paid him attention, he sullenly sat aside, emanating an aura of discontent.

The atmosphere between Yu Yurou and Ye Xu was far from pleasant.

As soon as Yu Yurou saw Ye Xu, she recounted her dire situation, “To prevent me from contacting people back home, Shen Man canceled my phone number right after I left the country. My social media accounts were all hacked, even my identification documents have become invalid.”

“Ye Xu, now Ye Huan still mistakes Yu Ling for me, and even my parents do the same. It feels like my entire life is being usurped!”

“Can you help me?” Yu Yurou looked expectantly at Ye Xu, pleading, “I want Yu Ling to disappear so she can stop impersonating me and deceiving everyone…”

Upon hearing Yu Yurou’s words, Lu Yue clicked his tongue disapprovingly, “She wouldn’t dare say such things in front of me; she doesn’t even bother pretending to be the good sister anymore.”

“Shh.” Tong Ling hushed Lu Yue and attentively listened for any sounds from the other side.

Silence.

The silent atmosphere seemed to freeze the air around them.

Yu Yurou’s expression gradually stiffened. “Ye Xu?”

Something was terribly off about Ye Xu! In the past, he would have readily agreed to all her requests without hesitation. She knew Shen Man was at fault, but she couldn’t bear the presence of Yu Ling. Strangely, Yu Yurou felt that if Yu Ling wasn’t made to disappear, her entire existence would be invalidated.

Ye Xu lowered his gaze, as if not hearing Yu Yurou at all, completely detached and unresponsive.

“Ye Xu!” Seeing no reaction from him, Yu Yurou reached out impulsively to touch him.

Before her hand could make contact, Ye Xu suddenly dodged back, his eyes deepening as he asked, “What did you say?”

Yu Yurou had always perceived Ye Xu as cold, despite his kindness towards her. This icy demeanor never waned, and now it felt even more pronounced, irritating her slightly. “My sister Yu Ling is supposedly my doppelganger on the surface, but in reality, Ye Huan mistook her for me. I believe her presence has driven Ye Huan mentally unstable.”

“Ye Huan even wants me to imitate her; I’ve had enough! Why should I mimic someone who pretends to be me?”

“Ye Xu, help me. For you, I am willing to do anything.”

Yu Yurou’s cheeks flushed slightly; this was the first time she had spoken so candidly to Ye Xu. She knew he harbored feelings for her, but previously, due to her attachment to Ye Huan, she never reciprocated. Now, determined, she decided that even if Ye Xu lacked the wealth of the Ye Family, she would still choose to be with him.

Considering such a significant sacrifice on her part, Ye Xu felt compelled to assist her no matter what.

However, Yu Yurou’s expectations were ultimately dashed.

Ye Xu seemed like a wooden figure, his response both peculiar and distant: “I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“Don’t understand?” Yu Yurou couldn’t help raising her voice. “How could you not understand? Ye Xu, are you refusing to help me?”

“I genuinely don’t know what you’re talking about.” A hint of coldness crept into Ye Xu’s refined features. “It seems you’ve approached the wrong person, Miss Yu.”

“Miss Yu? You call me…Miss Yu?” Confused by Ye Xu’s reaction, Yu Yurou asked, “Ye Xu, what’s going on with you?”

“She wouldn’t call me that.” Ye Xu clenched his fists, his inner turmoil contrasting with his seemingly calm exterior. “Do you want her to disappear? How could you harbor such terrifying thoughts?”

When Yu Yurou mentioned identity documents and phone numbers, Ye Xu immediately understood the situation.

He had personally provided those items to the girl he cared for; her transformation into “Yu Yurou” was directly linked to his assistance.

Ye Xu carefully compared the woman before him with the girl in his memories, realizing she had completely changed her appearance.

She wasn’t the real Yurou at all! Why should he help someone who isn’t even her, just to make his true girl vanish?!

Perhaps everything he heard earlier was lies. He shouldn’t have come here today, nor met this person!

“Have you seen Yu Ling?” Yu Yurou exclaimed, shocked. “Did you mistake her for me too?”

Are these men all insane? Ye Huan’s behavior was erratic, Lu Yue had suddenly changed character, and now Ye Xu feigned ignorance. Despite having a living person right before them, they valued the imposter more!

“Miss Yu, please refrain from claiming to be Yu Yurou in the future.” Ye Xu stood up, not sparing her another glance this time. “We’ve never met, and I don’t know what you’ve been saying. I hope you won’t harass her.”

Ye Xu decided to act as if nothing happened, ensuring no changes would occur.

Yu Yurou watched silently as Ye Xu walked away, remaining stunned at her seat for a long time, unable to recover.

Lu Yue was dissatisfied with this turn of events, especially when he saw Tong Ling’s smile; it left him feeling unbearably jealous.

“Ye Xu not acknowledging Yu Yurou’s identity makes you happy?” Lu Yue couldn’t control his rising emotions. It seemed that Ye Xu held more favor with Tong Ling than he did.

“Why wouldn’t I be happy?” Tong Ling’s eyes curved gently. “Ye Xu has never disappointed me.”

“Even before meeting me, Ye Xu had already assisted you. My ability to seamlessly assume Yu Yurou’s identity owes much to his help.”

Unaware of these details, Lu Yue felt intensely jealous, realizing that their interactions had deepened without his knowledge. He blurted out, “Hasn’t my assistance been just as significant?”

“Lu Yue, did I forget to mention,” Tong Ling said coldly, “there was never any real connection between us? Isn’t your jealousy and possessiveness rather misplaced?

“I don’t appreciate men who lack boundaries. Let’s avoid seeing each other for a while.”

Lu Yue’s face paled, hastily responding, “Didn’t you still need my help to test Song Xingyi?”

“There’s nothing left to test,” Tong Ling replied nonchalantly. “An unruly dog should simply be discarded, and people are no different.”