Chapter 1

Wracked with agonizing pain as I lay dying, I chose "Yes" in my mind without hesitation.

[Selection confirmed. Return procedure initiated. Countdown: 72 hours.]

[Because you overstayed in this world against the rules, you must fulfill certain conditions to activate the return procedure.]

[Within 72 hours, your mother must perform a dance for you, your father must spend money on you, and your brother must name an experiment after you.]

My body's intense rejection of the artificial heart drained the vitality from my body.

I dragged my broken body back home one slow step at a time.

The Langford family was holding a party to celebrate Carrie's return.

I appeared at the door in blood-stained hospital gown, instantly becoming the center of attention.

When my mother saw me, the smile on her face immediately faded.

"Jasmine Langford! It's just a minor surgery, so stop acting like it's a big deal! Carrie had surgery too and is already healthy enough to attend the party!"

I stared fixedly at her, my body so weak that my lips trembled.

My mother used to be just an ordinary dancer whom everyone in the dance troupe looked down on.

She practiced until her feet were a bloody mess, yet she was still relegated to a background role on stage.

I sacrificed my body's coordination and sense of rhythm, turning myself into a clumsy idiot who couldn't even walk properly in exchange for a supreme talent for her, which skyrocketed her to the pinnacle of the world dance scene.

She danced across national and international stages, winning countless awards. At the peak of her career, she announced her retirement to spend more time with me as I grew up.

Perhaps because my gaze was too lifeless, my mother's expression softened a little.

"Jasmine, stop trying to compete with Carrie. She's suffered so much and has finally returned to us after all these years. As long as you behave, we won't mind your little temper tantrums."

I gathered all my strength and hoarsely pleaded, "I won't try to compete with her anymore. Mom... can you dance for me one more time?"

As soon as I said that, Carrie pouted unhappily.

"Jasmine, how can you be so selfish? Mom's dance is an art that belongs to the whole world. It doesn't just belong to you."

I smirked and used reverse psychology to anger her, "But she retired to spend time with me."

Carrie's eyes turned red, and she tugged on Mom's sleeve, looking pitiful.

"Mom, I didn’t have you by my side growing up. Even watching you dance was a pipe dream for me... Jasmine has everything. Why does she still want to compete with me..."

My mother's anger was instantly ignited. She scolded me sternly.

"What makes you think you can make me dance for you whenever you want? I've spoiled you rotten, Jasmine! You want to see me dance? Fine."

As she said that, she dragged me to the center of the banquet hall roughly, ignoring the fact that I had just undergone surgery.

"Since you want to see me dance so badly, then watch closely!"

The music started. It was her famous piece, "Warfire Rose", known for its intensity and explosiveness.

A whip kick sent blood gushing from my mouth and nose, the newly stitched wound in my chest ripping apart.

Another spin, and her heel slammed hard into my ribs, and I clearly heard a crack.