Our Love In Reverse
Death and Rebirth
[Night – Lin Xue’s apartment, dimly lit]
(Her ex-girlfriend, Jing Wei, steps closer, face twisted with anger.)
Jing Wei
You really thought you could leave me, Lin Xue? After everything…
Lin Xue
Jing Wei, please… we’re over. I can’t keep doing this.
Jing Wei
Over? Hah. You think I’d let you go that easily? You’re mine. Always.
(Lin Xue’s heart races. She backs toward the window.)
(Suddenly, Jing Wei lunges. A sharp pain in Lin Xue’s chest. She gasps, blood blooming over her shirt.)
(Everything fades. Lin Xue collapses. Darkness.)
(Lin Xue blinks open her eyes into a vast, ethereal space. Light shimmers around her. A floating, glowing orb-like spirit appears.)
Spirit
(playful, teasing)
Spirit
Well… this is awkward. You really did it this time, didn’t you?
Lin Xue
Who are you? What… is this?
Spirit
Oh, me? I’m your friendly neighborhood “You-died-but-you-get-another-chance”
Spirit
counselor. But you… you look like you could use a hug. Maybe a new wardrobe too.
Lin Xue
(thinking, sarcastic)
Lin Xue
Great. A sassy voice in my last moments of consciousness.
Lin Xue
I’m dead, aren’t I?
Spirit
Technically… yes. But rules are weird, and apparently, someone upstairs likes a good plot twist. So… you get a redo. Lucky you.
Lin Xue
A redo? After… after I was stabbed by her?
Spirit
(softening, noticing her hurt)
Spirit
Okay… okay, I see it.
Spirit
You’re… well, heartbroken, stabbed, betrayed, and now dead. That’s a lot. Dialing down the sass.
Lin Xue
Finally… someone normal.
Spirit
(gentle, still teasing)
Spirit
But don’t get too comfy.
Spirit
You get one chance back in your life. One. Screw it up, and it’s permanent this time.
Lin Xue
And… I’m going back… where?
Spirit
Earth. Your old life. Only difference? You’re now that rich, glamorous actress you were before.
Spirit
Lucky combo: fame, wealth, and a university degree to boot.
Lin Xue
(sarcastic, weak smile)
Lin Xue
Oh, fantastic. Death, betrayal, AND a full social calendar.
Spirit
Exactly. You’re welcome. Now… breathe. And no fainting this time.
(Lin Xue hesitates, then exhales. A warm glow surrounds her, and she feels her body restoring, stronger, alive.)
Spirit
Try not to mess it up. Also… keep your wings under control this time, yeah?
Lin Xue
…Wings? Great. Just what I needed.
Spirit
Ready? Back to Earth in 3… 2… 1…
(Light envelops her. She feels herself being pulled into a familiar body.)
[Morning — Lin Xue’s Mansion]
(Lin Xue opens her eyes to sunlight streaming through a luxurious bedroom. Her reflection in the ornate mirror shows her flawless actress self.)
(Her phone buzzes nonstop with university notifications, photoshoot schedules, and social media alerts.)
Lin Xue
Photoshoot at 10… lecture at 2… charity gala at 6…
Lin Xue
Well, second chance… I’ll survive this.
[Morning — University Classroom]
(Lin Xue walks into a bright, modern classroom. Students whisper and glance at her.)
Student 1
Isn’t that Lin Xue? The actress?
Student 2
Wow… she’s even prettier in real life…
(Lin Xue notices Tang Mei, a stunning and graceful girl, popular in class. Lin can’t help but admire her but quickly pushes the thought away.)
Lin Xue
…Focus, Lin Xue. Not now.
(Lin Xue walks toward her seat, distracted. She accidentally bumps into Tang Mei.)
Lin Xue
(apologetic, flustered)
Lin Xue
Sorry… I… didn’t see you there.
Tang Mei
(slightly amused, teasing)
Tang Mei
Hmm… careful there, new girl. Don’t trip over my aura.
Lin Xue
(coldly, muttering)
Lin Xue
My fault. Won’t happen again.
Tang Mei
Oh? Cold and serious… I like that.
(Other students giggle. Tension fills the air, but it’s not hostile — just a clash of personalities.)
Professor Shen
(sighing, annoyed)
Professor Shen
Lin Xue! Tang Mei! Enough. Step outside and resolve it.
(Both girls stand, slightly flustered, following the teacher out. A subtle spark of rivalry and curiosity forms.)
Flashbulbs & Familiar Eyes
[After Class — University Courtyard]
Tang Mei
You seriously just walked out like that? You didn’t even apologize properly.
Lin Xue
I said sorry once. That’s enough.
Tang Mei
(rolling her eyes)
Tang Mei
Wow. Must be nice to be rich and cold.
(Tang Mei glares but can’t hide her amusement. Lin Xue smirks and walks off, phone buzzing with messages.)
Assistant Rui
“Miss Lin, your car is ready. Photoshoot in 30 mins.”
Lin Xue
Back to the circus.
[Luxury Car — En Route to Photoshoot]
(Her assistant, Rui, sits beside her, juggling schedules.)
Assistant Rui
You’ve got an endorsement shoot, a brand meeting, and an interview tonight.
Assistant Rui
Also, the tabloids are already talking about your “university comeback.”
Lin Xue
Of course they are. Because heaven forbid an actress gets an education.
Assistant Rui
(laughs nervously)
Assistant Rui
You’re trending again, though. Hashtag “#ColdBeautyReturns
Lin Xue
Perfect. Just what I needed — more nicknames.
(Her phone pings again — this time, a private message from an unknown contact.)
Unknown
You really came back.
(Before she can reply, the car stops. They’ve arrived at the photoshoot.)
[Photoshoot Studio — Late Afternoon]
(Cameras flash. Stylists rush around. Lin Xue moves like clockwork — graceful, calm, used to the chaos.)
Photographer
Beautiful, Lin Xue! Eyes up! Perfect, hold that—
(Her expression sharpens, elegant and unreadable. The perfect phoenix mask.)
Photographer
Stunning! Absolutely flawless!
(She steps aside for a break, sipping water, scrolling through her phone again. The unknown contact texts again.)
Unknown
It’s been a long time, Lin Xue.
[Private Rooftop — Evening]
brand event. A familiar presence stands near the balcony — Lian Yue, sharp suit, calm eyes that could cut through glass.)
Lian Yue
Still dramatic as ever.
Lin Xue
You didn’t even say hello first.
Lian Yue
I didn’t have to. The moment I felt your aura… I knew it was you.
Lin Xue
You always did have a nose for trouble.
Lian Yue
And you always were trouble.
(They share a look — the kind that holds a thousand unsaid things. The city lights flicker around them.)
Lian Yue
Last I heard, that soul exchange meant if you died, you’d vanish completely.
Lin Xue
Yeah, well. Guess death got bored of me.
Lian Yue
Or maybe someone up there still finds you entertaining.
Lin Xue
Funny. That’s exactly what my “spirit guide” said.
(They pause. The air feels charged — nostalgic, a little sad.)
Lian Yue
So… are you staying this time?
Lin Xue
(with a small smile)
Lin Xue
Depends. Does the world still need me?
(She raises an eyebrow, surprised by his honesty. He looks away.)
Lin Xue
Careful, Lian Yue. Someone might think the great CEO actually cares.
Lian Yue
Don’t flatter yourself.
[Meanwhile — Outside the Venue]
(Han Zhi leans against a sleek black car, earpiece in, watching the building with sharp eyes. His tone is calm but guarded.)
Han Zhi
You’re sure it’s her?
Lian Yue
saw her soul. There’s no mistake.
Han Zhi
Then it’s confirmed. The phoenix broke the cycle.
(He pauses, scanning the crowd.)
Han Zhi
The council won’t like this.
Lian Yue
I know. Don’t report it. Not yet.
Han Zhi
Yue, if they find out we kept it quiet—
Lian Yue
I’ll handle it. She deserves peace.
(Han Zhi exhales slowly, glancing toward the city lights.)
Han Zhi
Peace doesn’t exist for creatures like us.
Crossed Lines
[Morning — University Hallway]
(Students rush to their classes, laughter echoing down the hall. Lin Xue stands by her locker, flipping through her notebook. Tang Mei approaches from the opposite side, arms crossed, clearly annoyed.)
Tang Mei
You changed the presentation layout again, didn’t you?
Lin Xue
It looked boring before. I improved it.
Tang Mei
Improved it? You deleted half my work!
Lin Xue
I streamlined it. You’re welcome.
Tang Mei
Streamlined?! It took me hours—
(Before the argument can escalate, two voices chime in from opposite ends of the hallway.)
Yu Xian
Whoa, déjà vu! These two fight like an old married couple already.
Mei Lan
Nah, couples at least pretend to like each other. This is more like a duel.
(Tang Mei glares at them both, while Lin Xue crosses her arms with a small smirk.)
Lin Xue
You two enjoying the show?
Yu Xian
Very much, thank you. I’d rate the tension a solid 9/10. Needs more drama, though.
Tang Mei
Don’t encourage her!
Mei Lan
Told you this university was going to be fun. One day in and we’ve already found entertainment.
Yu Xian
Yeah, I didn’t expect Glass Orchid University to be this lively.
[Teacher walks in with a stack of papers.]
Professor Shen
Since everyone’s here—yes, everyone—I’ve got news. Group project assignments are final.
Lin Xue and Tang Mei… still partners.
Professor Shen
And joining you two, since our groups are uneven—Meil Lian and Yu Xian.
Yu Xian
Oh, this is going to be fun.
Mei Lan
Or chaotic. Probably both.
Lin Xue
You can’t. It’s already printed.
Professor Shen
You’ll all present together next week. Good luck.
(The teacher leaves. Yu Xian throws an arm around Tang Mei’s shoulder instantly.)
Yu Xian
C’mon, partner! Let’s make this the best project ever!
Lin Xue
I suddenly regret coming back to school.
Tang Mei
Don’t worry, I’ll handle the hard parts.
Lin Xue
I don’t trust that confidence.
(Everyone laughs except Tang Mei, who’s still scowling but secretly trying not to smile.)
[After Class — Courtyard]
(The new group sits at a table under a tree, trying to plan the project. Lin Xue is scrolling on her tablet, Tang Mei is sketching, Meil Lian is half asleep, and Yu Xian is doodling hearts on her notebook.)
Tang Mei
Yu Xian, are you even listening?
Yu Xian
Mhm. Totally. You said something about… charts?
Lin Xue
She said “stop doodling hearts.”
Yu Xian
Oh. Those are for motivation.
Tang Mei
Motivation for what, exactly?
(Tang Mei groans and hides her face.)
Mei Lan
She’s right, though. You two have this whole slow-burn rivalry vibe.
Lin Xue
It’s not a rivalry.
(They both say it at the same time. Yu Xian and Meil Lian exchange knowing glances.)
Yu Xian
Sure, sure. Totally not.
(The tension softens into laughter. For the first time, Lin Xue smiles genuinely, surprising even herself.)
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