Chapter 2

This path was undeniably challenging, but regardless of how tough it might get, I was determined to give it a shot. I had faith in myself!

I overheard Yvonne boasting to someone, "Oh, come on, Nash is just a guy others hype up. In reality, he doesn't know anything; he's just a bit of an art geek.

"On that note, if it weren't for the fact that he's participated in so many competitions, his reputation, and the fact that he's reasonably good-looking, who would be willing to be with him?"

A fellow classmate chimed in, "Cut it out, Yvonne. If you're going to brag, at least be realistic. He's a top student. Do you really think he'd be interested in you? You're probably just a fun distraction for him because you have the reputation of being a campus hottie."

Yvonne snorted, "You guys are just jealous. Who cares if he's a top student? I can win him over anytime.

"To prove whether he's genuinely interested in me or not, that's simple. Just wait and see."

The classmate added, "I heard he's about to participate in an international art competition. If you're as talented as you claim, why don't you try to stop him from going?"

I sat right beside her, fully aware of how crucial this competition was for Nash and how much effort he had invested in it.

As expected, even without my interference, the pivotal moments from my previous life were unfolding once again. In my previous life, I knew that Yvonne was dating Nash casually.

I tried dropping hints to Nash a few times, but he always believed I was trying to stir trouble and ruin their relationship. So, after much hesitation, I chose to inform his parents.

Due to their intervention, things escalated significantly. Nash and Yvonne were compelled to break up. Nash's mother kept a watchful eye on him during the competition, but due to his less-than-optimal condition, he missed out on the first-place prize.

Not long after, his parents sent him overseas.

He harbored a grudge against me for many years, a grudge so deep that he was willing to destroy me in that manner.

As I regained my composure, Yvonne was already standing directly in front of me. She casually rested her arm on my shoulder and asked, "Wendy, you're not going to rat us out, are you?"

I lowered my head, opened my book, and made a solemn promise, "Don't worry, I didn't catch a word of it."

In my previous life, Nash himself imparted a lesson to me: to let go of playing the hero and to respect the destinies of others.

The first time I encountered Nash after my rebirth was right at my doorstep. It marked our initial meeting since my reincarnation. Reflecting on his actions towards me in my prior life, my palms couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

I suppressed my revulsion and glanced down. Empty cans were scattered on the ground, and he still held an unfinished beer can in his hand. When he noticed me, he swiftly rose from the ground, his eyes bloodshot, and he clutched my shoulder.

"Wendy, aren't you in the same class as Yvonne? Could you do me a favor and get in touch with her? She wants to break up with me.

"I can't bear to let her go. She doesn't like me drawing, and I can give up drawing. Please convey to her that I'll stop drawing. Can you do that for me?

"I'm really out of options. I love her, and I can't bear to lose her. I'm willing to sacrifice anything for her."

I silently gazed at the disheveled young man before me, reeking of alcohol. He had lost the radiance he once had. He appeared different from the Nash I remembered.

His hands had always been well-proportioned and well-kept; he cherished them dearly. He once said he was grateful to the heavens for blessing him with hands capable of crafting captivating works of art. He took great pleasure in the process of turning landscapes and people into art with his adept touch.

However, now his hands, once meticulously maintained, were smeared with dirt, and yet, he remained oblivious to it all.

In his eyes, no one could hold a candle to Yvonne anymore.

I couldn't help but shake my head.

Indeed, the unattainable Nash that I used to admire could only exist in memories; even if the actual Nash himself were to appear now, it wouldn’t work.

"Wendy, why aren't you speaking? Are you willing to help me or not?"

Seeing Nash's hopeful expression, I pulled out my phone and dialed Yvonne's number.

Willing? Of course, why wouldn't I be? How else would I get to witness this drama unfold?

"Yvonne, Nash has passed out drunk at my doorstep, shouting your name. Can you come over for a moment?"

Nash stared anxiously at the phone, barely taking a breath.

Yvonne chuckled and asked me, "What does it have to do with me if he's passed out at your doorstep? You must have called the wrong person."

Nash's face grew even paler by the moment. These two couldn't break up, so I immediately stepped in.

"Yvonne, did you two have an argument? Couples don't break up after just one fight. Why not hear Nash out or let him apologize to you?

Yvonne scoffed, "Apologize? There's no need for an apology. If you want me to stay with him, ask him if he's truly willing to do anything for me."

I switched on the speakerphone, and as soon as Nash heard Yvonne say that, he immediately nodded in a panic.

"Yes, Yvonne, I'm willing to do anything for you. I'm sorry, it's my fault for making you upset."

Yvonne appeared satisfied, "Good then. In that case, don't go to the competition."

After that, she abruptly hung up the phone.

Nash stared at my phone in bewilderment. I observed Nash, curious to see how he would choose in this life without my intervention.

Nash stood there, rigid and with his head bowed. I understood that matters of love and dreams could be quite complex.

After a while, he lifted his head with a bitter smile and asked, "Wendy, does giving up the competition prove how important she is to me?"

He posed the question to me, but I sensed he already knew the answer in his heart. I didn't have much to add, considering my previous life's experiences.

I watched as his despondent figure slowly receded from view, step by step.

Indeed, Nash didn't participate in the competition due to an injury on his hand. Something must have happened after leaving my place, as a substantial abrasion had appeared on the back of his hand. Even the slightest movement caused it to bleed.

I couldn't help but admire the power of love, driving him to self-sacrifice to honor his promise to his girlfriend. Their reconciliation was nothing short of a miracle.

They walked home hand in hand, enjoying sweet and happy moments every day. Nash no longer displayed the despair of that night; instead, his eyes radiated tenderness and affection for the girl at his side.

As they strolled past the alley they used to take on their way home, Yvonne took a deep drag of her cigarette, exhaling the smoke slowly into Nash's face. He lovingly caressed her hair, then leaned in to kiss her deeply.

He placed his arm around her waist and walked into a nearby internet cafe. Once inside, a group of local young people greeted him, and he casually accepted the cigarette they offered, engaging in a lively conversation.

I shook my head, turned away, and became a complete bystander.

It wasn't until Nash's mother found us in our classroom that everything changed.

Mrs. Xander was a well-known fashion designer, and she had always been kind and gentle. In my memory, she never had any conflicts with anyone, giving the impression of a very contented life.

Mr. Xander’s company had also been quite successful, which was why in my previous life, when Nash took over the company, he had the power to place me in the bed of a business partner.

Nash excelled in his academic subjects, and he had remarkable talent in art as well. He was what parents often referred to as the "golden child" who excelled in everything.

His parents never pressured him to focus solely on academics; they fully supported his pursuit of interests and hobbies. Nash certainly lived up to their expectations, winning numerous awards over the years. Upon high school graduation, he received acceptance letters from prestigious foreign universities.

This competition was his gateway to a prestigious art school. Nash could have enjoyed a splendid life, basking in the limelight and receiving applause and flowers from everyone.

However, he willingly chose to forgo all that glory and opted to rot in the gutter with Yvonne.