Chapter 3

Luna White set down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth. In her past life, her supernatural ability had awakened only in a life-or-death situation. This time, she had no choice but to gamble.

She had to obtain this power, even if it cost her life.

The risk was great, but worth taking.

Without strength to rely on, how could she protect her family? How could she make those who wronged her pay in blood?

She strode out with purpose.

The White family’s courtyard sat at the heart of the village. The image of Liupan Village from decades ago was still vivid in her mind—only the mayor and the security chief’s homes were made of brick, while the rest were mud huts that needed fresh plaster every year.

The backyard housed the pigpen, which also served as her "bedroom." The two pigs were the family’s most valuable assets, and she was probably the second most valuable "property."

The chicken coop in the front yard held a few hens—the family’s "little treasury." Feeding them was her chore, but she never got to taste the eggs.

Maya, Ethan, and Bai Zhuang each got one egg a day, while she didn’t even get the shells. On holidays when a pig or chicken was slaughtered, a bowl of vegetable soup with a few drops of oil floating on top was her greatest luxury.

Yet even that meager portion was something Clara White begrudged her, always finding excuses to send her away.

Just as she stepped out the gate, she ran straight into her grandmother, Uncle Jack, his wife, and Bai Zhuang, returning from the fields.

Bai Zhuang, twenty years old and as burly as his name suggested, cared nothing for Luna’s well-being. His only concerns were the harvest and Lisa Wilson—his future wife.

At the thought of Lisa, Luna’s eyes turned cold. In her past life, that lazy woman had bossed her around relentlessly, even making her wash menstrual rags. Later, she was sold off to a gambler—all because Lisa wanted the dowry money.

The moment Clara spotted Luna, her sharp eyes narrowed. "Worthless girl! Why aren’t you working? If you can stand, you’re coming to the fields this afternoon—or no food for you!"

Jack frowned. He was known as the village’s "nice guy," obsessed with his reputation.

"Luna," he said with feigned concern, "your grandmother only disciplined you for your own good. If you’re feeling better, join us in the fields this afternoon. It’s harvest season."

Luna smirked. This "kind uncle" was a master at playing the saint while letting others do his dirty work.

"Uncle," she said loudly, ensuring the nearby villagers could hear, "Grandmother beat me bloody yesterday. I spent the night in the pigpen, and I’m in pain all over. I need to see the doctor—I won’t be able to work this afternoon. Maya’s sleeping at home. Why not send her instead?"

She paused deliberately. "I wouldn’t want to die sick and bring shame on you for mistreating your niece."

Clara exploded. "You ungrateful brat! A few smacks and you need medicine? Do you think it grows on trees? If not for your uncle’s kindness, you’d have starved long ago!"

Jack’s face darkened. Since when had this girl become so sharp-tongued?