Reborn to Make Them Suffer and Regret

The day before the college entrance examination, the class beauty’s birthday arrived.

Ethan Montgomery, the class beauty’s boyfriend, proposed that the entire class go to a bar to celebrate her birthday and lift their spirits before the big exam.

Shockingly, the top students of our Rocket Class—all known for their strict discipline and academic focus—voted in full support.

In my past life, I was a student committee member. I firmly opposed such a reckless suggestion. I said we should be resting and preparing mentally for the most important test of our lives, not partying and drinking the night before.

Ethan looked at me coldly and said, “You’re just jealous again.”

My classmates followed up with sneers and mocking laughter: “Oh, acting so high and mighty again? You’re just bitter that Ethan dotes on the class beauty and not you.”

I ignored their contempt and implored them sincerely not to go. That night, I even called them one by one, making sure they stayed home and got enough rest.

The next day, under the sweltering heat of early summer, I arrived at the testing center early. I called them again, urging them to leave home on time and wishing them good luck.

They all did well. Their exam results were excellent—some even achieved recordbreaking scores.

But just as we were celebrating, devastating news arrived.

The class beauty, Sophie Bennett, had gone to the bar alone that night. She got drunk, was assaulted, and left traumatized.

Unable to bear the shame and emotional collapse, she attempted suicide by slitting her wrists.

Ethan received her final phone call. Upon hearing her last words, he went completely mad.

The very next day, he and several classmates cornered me on the school rooftop. Without hesitation, they pushed me off. I fell and died on the spot.

When the police conducted an investigation, they all gave matching false statements:

“She warned us not to help Sophie.”

“She said anyone who went to the bar would be disqualified from the exam.”

“Out of fear of failure, she jumped herself.”

They twisted everything—the calls I made that night, the surveillance footage showing who left for the testing center. It was all used to frame me.

Then came the online outrage. Netizens, blind with fury, doxxed me, harassed my family, and painted me as a cold, jealous monster.

One night, someone poured gasoline on our home and set it ablaze. My parents died in that fire.

Ethan, who lived next door, stood silently on his balcony, watching the flames with folded arms.

He heard my parents scream for help, but didn’t lift a finger until it was over. Then he called the fire department—as if nothing had happened.

I didn’t know until I was dead that all of it—every part—had been orchestrated by Sophie.

When I opened my eyes again, I was reborn. It was the same timeline, the same people, the same conversations.

Ethan stood proudly with Sophie, announcing, “See you all at the bar tonight!”

This time, I simply grabbed my bag, turned my back, and walked away.

Let them do whatever they want.

Let them dance, drink, and pretend to be happy.

I won’t waste my breath trying to stop them.

Never again will I sacrifice myself for the sake of those who never deserved it.

——

After I died, Sophie opened a livestream. In front of tens of thousands of viewers, she cried pitifully:

“Even though she bullied me and wouldn’t let others help, the dead deserve respect. I forgive her.”

She sniffled dramatically, wiping invisible tears.

“But I’ve developed a psychological shadow from what happened. I can’t take the college entrance exam anymore. I’ve decided to go abroad instead. I’m sorry I couldn’t fulfill my dream of getting into Yale University.”

Sophie had always sold herself as a “genius beauty,” a future Yale scholar.

Now that she said this, netizens were moved.

“You’re so brave and forgiving.”

“You’re still a role model!”

“You’re amazing, Sophie!”

Her followers skyrocketed by millions overnight.

But when the camera turned off, her mask dropped.

She curled up in bed with a strange man, her voice gleeful:

“I’ve always cheated to get high scores. If I’d taken that exam, I would’ve been exposed for sure.”

“Luckily, I thought of this plan—it covered up my pregnancy and gave me a perfect excuse to skip the test.”

“I was going to lure Ethan to the bar and frame him too, but that bitch Emma Carter ruined everything. Still, it worked out. Now, Ethan’s so guilty he says he’ll take responsibility for me and the baby.”

She laughed wildly, a sound sharp enough to scrape the soul.

I wanted to lunge at her, strangle her, make her pay.

But before I could move, I heard a familiar voice, cutting into my thoughts:

“Emma, why are you always so angry?”

“Sophie invited everyone to her birthday, even you. Can’t you be a little more grateful?”

“You act like you’re above everyone else just because you study hard. So what? Sophie gets more attention than you just by being an influencer.”

“You suck up to the class monitor all day, but he won’t even look at you. Now that he’s celebrating Sophie’s birthday, you can’t handle it, can you?”

Their voices, once haunting me to death, were now ringing fresh in my ears.

But this time, I wouldn't fight them.

This time, I'd fight for myself.

I stood frozen, suddenly realizing—the scene in front of me was the night before the college entrance exam.

I pinched myself. It hurt. Tears fell instantly.

I had really been reborn.

The laughter around me faded. The ones who had just mocked me now fell silent.

“Did we go too far? She’s only doing this for our own good…” someone murmured.

Sophie’s eyes turned red as she choked out, “Emma, I didn’t know you hated me so much that you’d curse everyone to fail. We’re in the Rocket Class. How could we mess up just for celebrating my birthday?”

Ethan stepped up, shielding her protectively, his eyes full of disdain.

“Don’t worry,” he sneered, “we’re not like you—so scared of an exam you run to the toilet a dozen times, and then still do badly because of it.”

“It’s just the college entrance exam. Geniuses like us can breeze through it.”

The class burst into laughter.

I clenched my fists. My chest tightened.

During the class placement exam in our second year, the pressure wrecked my stomach. I kept needing the bathroom, constantly interrupting my concentration. I didn’t make the Rocket Class cutoff.

After the test, I hid in the library, silently crying.

Back then, Ethan had found me. He gently wiped away my tears, concern written all over his face.

“I asked Auntie to make you some porridge. I know you’re upset. But if you didn’t do well this time, you’ll do better next time. I’ll help you catch up. We’ll go to the same university.”

I truly believed our quiet romance would lead to something beautiful.

Then Sophie transferred in. Everything changed.

I took a deep breath and relaxed my hands.

Ignoring their laughter, I calmly packed my bag.

“You’re right,” I said quietly. “In that case, I hope you all have fun.”

They were stunned. I didn’t yell or cry like they’d expected.

The laughter froze. The room was quiet.

Some students awkwardly shrugged and changed the subject, discussing drinks.

“Fruit wine’s only three percent. No way that’ll mess up the exam.”

I scoffed silently.

That bar’s “fruit wine” could knock out a grown man with one glass.

Dad’s hospital had seen more than a few teens come in with alcohol poisoning—most from that place.

In my last life, I’d tried to stop them because of that.

In this one, I wouldn’t waste my breath.

I slung my bag over my shoulder, ready to leave.

To my surprise, Ethan didn’t look pleased—he frowned.

As I turned to go, he suddenly grabbed my wrist.

“No. You’re coming with us.”

The room went still. Everyone stared.

“Why would she go?” someone asked in disbelief. “She’ll ruin the mood.”

Sophie chimed in softly, eyes wide and voice full of gentle concern.

“What if Emma comes tonight and bombs the exam tomorrow, then blames me? That would be so unfair…”

Her tone was sweet, but her eyes betrayed her fear.

She was afraid I’d actually go with Ethan.

If I were there, how could she get him drunk and pin her pregnancy on him?

Ethan scoffed.

“Don’t forget who she is. Remember the Dragon Boat Festival? The English teacher forgot to assign homework, and she just had to call and ask for test papers—then messaged everyone one by one and ruined the holiday.”

The room went completely silent.

Several students glanced at me with mixed expressions—disdain, irritation, discomfort.

I smiled bitterly at myself.

That had been a practice test from a top provincial school. Last year, many of its questions appeared in the real exam.

Our teacher had gone out of her way to bring it to us to help improve our scores.

I was afraid no one else would know, so I contacted them one by one.

What I thought was responsibility—they saw as meddling.

What I thought was helping—they viewed as a nuisance.

I realized then how little they understood, how easily they twisted intentions.

This time, I wouldn’t try to be the hero.

Let them drink.

Let them celebrate.

Let them face the consequences they so eagerly invited.

I would choose myself.

This life, I would not waste it on people who never truly saw me.

Ethan raised his eyebrows. “Maybe this time she’ll call your parents again and tattle.”

I finally snapped. “I’m not that idle.”

I forced down the fury rising in my chest. “I swear—I won’t interfere, I won’t call anyone. Okay? I just want to go home, rest, and take the exam properly tomorrow.”

I reached for my bag, but he yanked it from me.

“What are you doing?!” I shouted, panic crashing over me.

In the next second, he pulled out my admission ticket and held it up high.

My face went pale. I lunged at him. “You’re insane! Give it back!”

Ethan dangled the ticket just out of reach, like taunting a kitten. “I don’t trust you. Now that I’ve got this, you won’t try anything stupid. Don’t ruin Sophie’s birthday.”

My eyes burned with tears as my voice cracked. “Ethan, you bastard!”

The hatred in my eyes startled him. His expression faltered, and his voice softened:

“As long as you don’t rat us out, I’ll give it back. Didn’t we promise to go to the same university? Of course I’ll return it to you.”

“Just don’t mess up Sophie’s 18th birthday.”

I stared at him, heart sinking like a stone.

Eighteen years of childhood memories.

But my future meant less to him than Sophie’s birthday party.

I trembled, silently watching him.

He avoided my gaze, then gave a casual smile and turned to the others.

“Crisis averted. Everyone, enjoy the night.”

Sophie immediately wrapped herself around him, her voice sweet and delicate.

“Thank you, Ethan. This is the best birthday gift I’ve ever received.”

His ears turned red, but he didn’t push her away. Instead, he gently played with a strand of her hair.

“As long as you’re happy,” he said.

The class erupted in cheers, the noise nearly shaking the roof.

“Best gift isn’t the party, it’s clearly our class monitor, right?”

“Hey, we’re all officially adults tonight. A kiss wouldn’t hurt!”

Ethan chuckled. “Cut it out.”

But the flicker in his eyes was unmistakable.

I stood in the corner, watching it all unfold, my nails digging so hard into my palms I nearly drew blood.

Laugh all you want.

Let’s see if you’re still laughing tomorrow during the exam.

I didn’t even bother to grab my schoolbag. I turned and walked out.

But they weren’t done with me.

Ethan’s voice rang out coldly: “Lock her in the gym.”

“Let her out after the party.”

I froze, eyes wide. “You’re insane! Let me go!”

Several boys grabbed me, twisted my arms behind my back, and dragged me toward the old gymnasium.

They flung me onto the ground—pain shot through my arm as blood scraped across the concrete.

Ethan hesitated for a second, but then his face hardened with resolve.

He picked up my phone and stomped on it until the screen went black.

“Don’t be petty,” he said flatly. “Just stay put. I’m the class monitor—I’m just helping the class enjoy the night. If it were your birthday, I’d do the same.”

“Just wait here. I’ll come get you later.”

Then he closed the door.

The heavy iron slammed shut. Darkness swallowed me whole.

I lay there, calling for help until my throat went raw.

Time passed—minutes, maybe hours—before footsteps echoed outside.

I scrambled up, desperate. “Help me—!”

The door creaked open.

It was Dad.

He rushed inside, eyes frantic, and pulled me into his arms.

“Sweetheart? What happened? I couldn’t reach you. I called Ethan, and he said you were at a party...”

"How could you go out and party right before the college entrance exam? I knew something must’ve happened!" Dad’s voice trembled. "I ran out looking for you, but I never imagined you’d be locked inside the school!"

“Was it Ethan? I won’t let him get away with this!”

After two lifetimes, seeing my father alive and well in front of me again broke me. I threw myself into his arms and burst into tears.

Dad was startled, unsure how to comfort me. “It’s okay now. Don’t be scared. Tell Dad what happened.”

“I’m fine,” I whispered, wiping away tears and forcing myself to stay calm.

It would be far too easy to expose Ethan and ruin their celebration.

But that wouldn’t be enough.

I wanted them to regret it for the rest of their lives.

When Mom arrived and saw my bruises and scrapes, her expression changed instantly.

But I simply said, “I’m fine, Mom. I don’t want to stay here anymore. I want to go abroad to study—and settle down with you.”

In my past life, I gave up an offer from a prestigious foreign university, all for Ethan’s stupid promise: “Let’s go to college together.”

And what did I get in return? Humiliation, betrayal, and heartbreak.

This time, I wasn’t about to bet on him keeping my admission ticket.

I gave up the college entrance exam.

When we got home, I collapsed into bed and drifted in and out of sleep, haunted by the memories of my previous life.

When I woke again, my pillow was soaked with tears.

I took a deep breath, slid a SIM card into my old phone, and powered it on.

My feed was flooded with posts—classmates, Ethan, and Sophie all sharing their night.

In one photo, Sophie leaned against Ethan’s chest, face flushed, eyes twinkling with a coy smile. He looked gentle, indulgent.

But my eyes were drawn to the empty fruit wine cans stacked behind them.

They’d drunk that much? Forget exam performance—some might not even wake up in the morning.

Someone even uploaded a video.

“Give me a kiss!” a voice shouted, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Ethan wrapped his arms around Sophie, kissing her deeply like he couldn’t get enough of her.

I felt nothing but disgust and quickly shut the video off.

Then, I saw a new notification—Sophie had posted a story, set to visible only to me.

The moment I opened it, I was greeted by a series of breathy, suggestive gasps.

My stomach turned.

Even without looking closely, I knew the man entangled with her was Ethan.

Sophie’s voice came next, mocking and breathless:

“Emma, Ethan said he loves me and that he’s going to marry me when we get into college. Why would someone like you even try to compete with me?”

Then she posted a photo.

Shreds of paper—my admission ticket, torn into pieces.

“I told him to choose,” she continued. “He ripped your ticket up without hesitation. Said it was the perfect excuse to dump you and avoid going to the same college.”

“I can’t wait to see your face tomorrow. Enjoy your extra year in school. Happy senior year in advance~”

Even though I’d expected it—half expected it—it still hit like a punch to the gut. My chest tightened.

Three years of relentless studying… reduced to a pile of trash on the floor.

Just then, I heard the phone ring in the living room.

I stepped out to see Dad answering with a stunned expression. His voice rose with urgency.

“What? A student? A senior high schooler? Alcohol poisoning? Okay, I’ll head there now.”

His face had gone pale, and his forehead was glistening with sweat.

When he looked up and saw me, he must’ve thought I was worried about my classmates.

He tried to reassure me: “Don’t worry—it might not be someone from your class. I’ll go check. And even if it is, I’ll make sure they recover in time. They won’t miss the exam tomorrow.”

I looked at his concerned face and remembered how, in my past life, I had the same worry.

That night, I even dragged Dad to wait near the school bus stop—just in case any classmates were too hungover to show up, and he could help them recover quickly.

I never expected that in my past life, those ungrateful people would claim that my father threatened my classmates on my behalf.

That lie led to a wave of crazed netizens storming our home and killing my entire family under the guise of avenging Sophie.

But this time, I will never let my father get dragged into this mess again.

...

The next morning, I ate the breakfast Dad made and took the bus to school.

As time drew closer, the shuttle bus stop for the college entrance exam remained unusually quiet.

The teachers looked more and more anxious.

“What’s going on? Is the Rocket Class skipping the college entrance exam?”

Our head teacher walked over, looking haggard and drained, followed by a few students who were pale and shaky.

When they saw me, they avoided eye contact, shame and regret written all over their faces.

The principal looked grim. He listened to the head teacher’s stumbling report, and his fury exploded:

“I warned you again and again to watch your food and stay disciplined before the exam! But you all went drinking at a bar the night before?!”

“Now only five of you are able to sit the exam. The rest? Hospitalized for gastric lavage. Some are even in the ICU?!”

“Have you lost your minds? You’re destroying your own future—and dragging my career down with you!”

His outburst drew attention from nearby parents and the media.

“Oh my God, we’re extra careful just cooking meals these days, and these kids dared to drink until they poisoned themselves?”

“They had time to party and drink at a time like this? And are these supposed to be the top students? More like a gang of punks.”

“My kid’s grades may be average, but at least he’s responsible. The parents of those socalled geniuses must be losing it.”

“I’ve worked in media for years, and I’ve never seen an entire class drink so much before the college entrance exam that they couldn’t take it.”

Cameras clicked rapidly.

The principal’s face turned ashen. “It’s over. I’m finished. The school is finished.”

The American teacher, who’d always favored Ethan and Sophie, paled. “Where are Ethan and Sophie? They were our Yale hopefuls!”

The academic director hung his head. “We still haven’t reached them. We’ve reported it to the police.”

The principal staggered, clutching his chest. Then he looked at me—and hope suddenly flickered in his eyes.

“Emma is a good student. She stayed away from them. We still have a shot at placing someone at Yale.”

I lowered my eyes and said with fake remorse, “Ethan was worried I’d report him, so he took my admission ticket. He hasn’t shown up since. I probably won’t be able to take the exam.”

Bang! The principal collapsed on the spot.

Panic broke out. Some rushed him to the hospital; others herded the remaining students to the test site.

I got on the shuttle. The atmosphere was heavy—someone had already started crying.

“My dad’s gonna kill me… I shouldn’t have gone to that bar…”

“What do we do now? I can’t get into a top school… It’s all Sophie’s fault…”

I stared out the window, listening to their sobs with a blank expression.

Didn’t you all say you were geniuses? Was the exam just a formality?

So what are you crying about now? Afraid to fail?

When I arrived at the testing center, I was indeed turned away—I had no admission ticket.

A classmate overheard and looked at me guiltily. He whispered, “I’m sorry.”

After confirming I couldn’t enter, I turned around and left.

My father’s face was pale with rage. He felt sorry for me but cursed Ethan out loud.

Before we even left the premises, the incident had already blown up.

The parents of the Rocket Class’s top students launched a live broadcast, issued a joint statement, contacted the police, and hired lawyers—

They demanded accountability from the school, Ethan, and Sophie.

A scandal like this during the college entrance exam instantly set the Internet on fire.

Netizens flooded Sophie’s social media, furiously calling her a “walking disaster.”

After disappearing for a whole day, Sophie suddenly went live—Ethan, looking worn out, sat beside her.

Tears streaked her face, and she sobbed as she spoke: “I’m really sorry. I didn’t think it would end like this. We just wanted cake. It was our classmate Emma who insisted on ordering wine, saying it was light and we could drink freely.”

“Even though everyone had a bit too much last night, we got to the hospital in time and were fine. It was Emma who wanted revenge and got her dad—the hospital director—to deliberately misdiagnose us, which led to the alcohol poisoning.”

She nudged Ethan. “Aren’t you her childhood friend? You can back me up, right?”

Ethan froze. At her urging, he looked up. His eyes flickered with hesitation before he finally gritted his teeth and spoke.

“Yes. I can confirm Emma insisted on the wine. She was jealous of Sophie and the other high achievers. Also, her father really is a doctor at that hospital.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Had they lost their minds?

And somehow, people believed these lies.

Just moments ago, they were shouting to hold Sophie and Ethan’s families accountable.

Now they turned around and demanded answers from me and my dad.

Bang!

A car window shattered, and a Ulock struck my dad’s forehead—blood burst out instantly.

The car screeched to a stop. I slammed into the windshield, everything went black.

I could barely make out the thunderous voices around us:

“Kill this heartless pair! They sent my son to the ICU just to bully his classmates—they deserve to die!”

Another parent yelled:

“They had it coming! That doctor covered for his daughter—break his hands and see how he’ll treat patients again!”

I screamed desperately: “We didn’t do it! Check the CCTV—I never went to that bar! My dad wasn’t even on duty last night!”

Dad, in pain, crawled over and shielded me with his body. “Don’t be scared. Dad’s here.”

I sobbed uncontrollably and cried out, “You’ve been tricked!”

Just then, my phone lit up with a message from Ethan:

“Sorry Emma. Sophie’s family is poor. If she gets sued, it’s over for her. Your family’s welloff—you can afford the fallout. Once it’s over, we’ll repeat the year and go to college together, okay?”

I gave a bitter laugh. That was it.

Since Sophie couldn’t pay, the parents simply redirected their outrage at me;

Because my family had money, they wanted to rip a chunk out of us.

“Ethan, you scumbag! You should rot in hell!”

The parents dragged my bleeding father and me out of the car and beat us.

One of them raised his phone and started streaming the violence.

Sophie and Ethan, watching from afar, saw it too.

Sophie exhaled in relief, leaning against him flirtatiously. “Thank you for saving me, Ethan.”

Ethan forced a smile, but guilt and fear clouded his face. “As long as you’re safe, I’ll do anything for you.”

In the chaos, my mother stormed in and drove her parents away.

Standing between us and them, she roared, “Don’t you touch my husband and daughter!”

She held up her phone, her tone cold and commanding: “The real culprits behind the students’ poisoning are Sophie and Ethan. I’ve uploaded the evidence. If you don’t believe me, go see for yourselves.”

Everyone froze. Then, in silence, they looked down at their phones.

Onscreen, bar surveillance footage from last night began to play—