My roommate had the ability to project her thoughts into other people's minds. In my past life, she crafted an image of pure innocence, using her inner voice to spread rumors and tear me down. I was despised and ostracized for no reason, even harassed by thugs she manipulated. It wasn't until the moment I died that I realized she had been broadcasting lies about me the entire time. Reborn, I found myself bound to a "Modification System." During a class meeting, my roommate projected a fake "worried" thought to everyone: (Daisy is working as an escort again... it's just not right for her to do that.) I scoffed internally and used the system to rewrite what everyone heard: (Ugh, it feels itchy again. Maybe I should go strip at the club tonight to scratch the itch.) 1 "Bitch, playing hard to get, huh?" A drunk thug lunged out of the darkness, grabbing me by the throat and slapping me across the face. I was stunned by the blow. In that moment of daze, my roommate, Bella, shoved me hard to the ground and used the distraction to run away. I couldn't move. A piercing pain shot up from my ankle. The drunk, acting like a madman, grabbed my collar and rained another fist down on me. I opened my mouth to scream for help. Realizing what I was doing, the thug clamped a hand over my nose and mouth, dragging me toward a dark alley. As I struggled, my strength faded, and my breathing grew shallow. On the verge of death, I saw Bella hiding nearby. She was holding up her phone, recording, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Noticing my pleading gaze, she smiled, her lips moving silently. I barely made out the words: "Die, you bitch." My strength finally gave out, and I suffocated in the darkness. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in my dorm room. ... I sat at my desk, hand raised in confusion, when the door swung open. Bella walked in, pushing a suitcase, flashing that same innocent, sweet smile. "Hi there! Are you Daisy? I'm Bella. We're going to be roommates!" Looking at her beaming face, a storm raged inside me. I had actually gone back to the first day of college. Just like in my past life, Bella was incredibly warm to me right from the start. But remembering her betrayal made my stomach turn. I responded with a lukewarm greeting. Bella acted like we were soulmates, completely ignoring my coldness. She clung to me all day. Just as I started to wonder if my rebirth was just a dream, night fell. I lay in bed, and Bella's angry voice suddenly rang in my ear. (Ugh, what a pretentious bitch.) I frowned, about to tell her to keep it down since I was trying to sleep. But a second later, her voice continued: (Daisy, that little slut. If I didn't need to steal her luck, who would bother with her? Acting all high and mighty.) I froze. That wasn't spoken aloud. It was her inner voice. A stream of insults and curses flooded my ears. Hearing these thoughts, my feelings were complicated. This was the first time we had met in this life. Just because I was a little cold, she hated me this much? I sat up and looked at her bed. Sensing my gaze, Bella sat up too. Her voice was soft, her smile gentle. "What's wrong, Daisy? Can't sleep?" But her inner voice was full of disgust: (What is she looking at? Did she hear me? Impossible. I didn't choose to let her hear my thoughts.) Looking at her two-faced performance, I stayed silent for a moment, then shook my head and lay back down. That night, I had a dream. I watched Bella from a third-person perspective. Finally, I understood why, in my past life, people who were initially friendly started looking at me with disdain and disgust shortly after school started. Even the counselor became biased against me. I gritted my teeth. It was all Bella. She was using her ability to project her thoughts into others' minds, spreading rumors about my "chaotic" private life. In her broadcasted thoughts, I was a gold-digger with a nasty personality who badmouthed everyone behind their backs, slept around, and stole other girls' boyfriends. Everyone could hear her thoughts—except me. People assumed that since they were "accidentally" overhearing her inner monologue, it must be the truth. Naturally, they didn't suspect she was fabricating it. Because of her "thoughts," everyone quietly distanced themselves from me. Bewildered by the isolation, I had no choice but to cling to Bella. This made her look like the innocent, kind-hearted flower being deceived by me. In everyone's eyes, I was the leech attached to her. And then later... Bella repeatedly "accidentally" walked past thugs outside campus, projecting thoughts that I had a crush on them but was too shy to make a move. Hearing this over and over, the thugs believed it. Whenever they saw me, they would harass me, getting handsy and making lewd comments. I couldn't take it anymore and called the police. But after getting out of the station, one of the thugs got drunk and came looking for revenge. That led to the final tragedy. Bella pushed me down to save herself, then recorded my assault. She used that video to "confirm" the rumors of my loose morals, ensuring that even in death, I was spat upon. I woke up from the nightmare drenched in cold sweat, shaking with rage. Bella was fast asleep. I wanted nothing more than to strangle her right then and there. Digging my nails into my palms, I forced myself to calm down. I didn't know why I was reborn, but if Bella continued her tricks, I stood no chance. What was I supposed to do? Grab people and yell, "Bella's thoughts are fake, don't believe them"? That was unrealistic. I furrowed my brow, desperately thinking of a solution. Bella had targeted me from the start for my "luck." It was clear she wouldn't let me go easily this time either. Just as I was racking my brain, a mechanical voice sounded in my head. "Luck Thief detected. Scanning special ability... Ability confirmed: Thought Projection." The voice paused, as if loading. "System adjusting based on Thief's ability. Beep... beep... beep..." "Modification System customized. Binding in progress..." Before I could react, the voice spoke again. "Beep. Binding successful." 2 I swallowed hard and tentatively thought, "Are you... a system? What does 'Luck Thief' mean? Is it Bella?" The mechanical voice replied instantly. "Yes. Detection confirms the individual near you—Bella—is a Luck Thief. A Luck Thief is someone who, after accidentally acquiring a special ability, uses it to destroy others' destinies and steal their luck for their own benefit." The system continued in a monotone. "These actions cause immense resentment in the victims. This System exists to sanction selfish individuals like the Luck Thief." I nodded and asked, "So what is the Modification System? What can it do?" "The Modification System is specially customized to counter Bella's ability. You can use this system to modify the content of Bella's projected thoughts heard by others. Additionally, whenever Bella uses her ability, the Host will be able to hear it." My eyes lit up. Talk about perfect timing. Thinking of the pain and humiliation of my death, and the slander that followed, my expression turned cold. A plan for revenge began to form. ... I thought Bella would act quickly. But for several days, her emotions were stable, and I didn't hear any thoughts. She hadn't projected anything to anyone. I asked the system uncertainly, "Has Bella not used her ability lately?" After getting a confirmation, I frowned. Just then, Bella approached me with a smile, chatting about some interesting things she'd seen. If I didn't have my memories, I would have believed we were truly close friends. I pushed her away coldly, deciding to provoke her. "Why are you always clinging to me? Don't you have anything else to do?" "Huh?" Bella's face stiffened for a second, then she stood there looking helpless and wronged. "Daisy, I just wanted to be good friends with you..." Her pitiful act was incredibly convincing. If not for the violent thoughts flooding my ears, I might have softened. (Little bitch, do you think I enjoy being around you? Once I steal your luck, I'll kill you. After today, when everyone avoids you like the plague, you'll come crawling back to me.) Catching the key information, I smirked imperceptibly. I pretended to be moved, patting her hand apologetically. "Sorry, Bella. I've just been really stressed lately. I didn't mean to snap at you." "Oh... it's okay, Daisy. You can talk to me if you're upset. I can comfort you." On the surface, she was understanding. Inside, she was venomous. (Stressed? You'll have plenty more to stress about later when I expose all your secrets.) Her eyes sparkled with concern, as if she truly wanted to help. Knowing her true nature, it was chilling. I smiled faintly and changed the subject. "Class meeting starts in half an hour. Let's go." I walked out first. ... In the classroom, Bella chatted familiarly with everyone. With her sweet smile and easygoing nature, she made a good impression. She pulled me over and playfully joked with the class president, Sarah. "Sarah, you look so pretty today! Simply radiant." She turned to me. "Don't you think so, Daisy?" I smiled slightly but didn't answer. Who doesn't like compliments? Sarah waved her hand, smiling. "You're cute too." After the pleasantries, everyone settled down. The counselor went over some freshman orientation points. As the meeting was wrapping up, the crowd got a bit noisy. Bella's inner voice rang out: (Daisy is going to work as an escort again tonight. It's just not right for her to do that.) She sighed internally. (Ugh, so worrisome. What if the counselor finds out?) The moment Bella's thoughts appeared, the Modification System kicked in. I sneered and rewrote the broadcast: (Ugh, it feels itchy again. Maybe I should go strip at the club tonight to scratch the itch.) 3 The noisy room fell silent instantly. Suddenly, countless eyes turned toward us, filled with bizarre and uncomfortable looks. Bella assumed those gazes were directed at me. She rested her chin on her hand, blinking innocently, and broadcasted again. (Should I tell Sarah that Daisy has a crush on her boyfriend? Sigh, both are my friends. Who should I help?) My lip twitched. She really dared to lie. I didn't even know Sarah had a boyfriend. Well then, let Bella taste her own medicine. Silently activating the system, I modified the message everyone heard: (Sarah is such a slut. How dare she dress better than me? Oh wait, her boyfriend looks kinda hot. Maybe I should hook up with him.) Sarah's face turned green. Recalling Bella's earlier compliment, it now sounded like pure sarcasm. Sarah shot a hateful glare in our direction. Since Bella and I were standing together, Bella probably thought Sarah was glaring at me. Many eyes darted between us and Sarah. I leaned into Bella's ear, feigning confusion. "Why do I feel like everyone is staring at us?" A smile threatened to break onto Bella's face, but she quickly suppressed it. "You're too sensitive. Don't overthink it." She comforted me casually. Many students lingered, sensing drama. The counselor walked over to disperse the crowd. "Why are you all gathering here? Go home if there's nothing else." Bella glanced at me quickly. I knew she was cooking up another bad idea. Sure enough, her inner voice sounded again. (Why is the counselor here? I definitely can't let her know Daisy called her an old witch behind her back.) But after my editing, the broadcast became: (Why is this old hag here? She's always looking for trouble. So annoying to look at.) Hearing this, the counselor's face darkened. She looked around but saw no one speaking. Bella continued her internal rant. Realizing the voice belonged to Bella, the counselor's expression turned grim. But since it was "thoughts," she couldn't scold her directly. The counselor glared. "Meeting adjourned. Stop loitering. Go back." "Hmph." Sarah led the way out, shooting a vicious look at Bella before leaving. The earlier sisterly vibe was gone. Bella still thought Sarah was mad at me and was bursting with schadenfreude. The counselor gave Bella a cold look and dropped a warning: "Stop causing trouble at school." Bella naturally assumed the warning was meant for me. Her thoughts, now closed to the public but loud to me due to her excitement, rang clear: (Great! Everyone must have a terrible impression of Daisy now. Get ready to be the outcast.) The remaining students whispered among themselves, casting glances at us. "Let's go," I said calmly, walking out first. "Daisy, wait for me!" Bella put on her pitiful act and trotted after me. Unbeknownst to her, scornful gazes followed her back. I walked fast, a smile playing on my lips. Bella had no idea. Her plan had failed at step one. The morally corrupt schemer in everyone's eyes was her. This was the first step of her karma. 4 I thought Bella's tactics were limited to ruining my reputation. But her malice exceeded my expectations. Back in the dorm, Bella presented me with a jar of face cream like it was a treasure. I accepted it with a smile, but I had no intention of using it. I wanted to see what she was up to. Bella didn't seem to care if I used her gift immediately. After I accepted it, she happily went to wash up. I watched her back suspiciously. I set the cream aside and reached for my own skincare products. "Beep. Harmful substances detected." The system's warning halted my hand. I looked at the jar Bella gave me. "Is there poison in this cream?" "Strictly speaking, aside from this cream, harmful substances have also been placed in your other skincare products. Long-term use will cause facial disfigurement." I ground my teeth. No wonder she didn't care if I used her gift. She knew pushing it would make me suspicious, so she tampered with my own stuff. I couldn't swallow this anger. But if I suddenly changed all my products, she would get suspicious. Calming down, I asked the system, "Can you transfer these harmful substances into Bella's serum?" "Affirmative." Surprised by the system's versatility, I watched it transfer the toxins. I waited until Bella came out of the bathroom, then applied the cream she gave me (now safe). I beamed at her. "You're done? This cream you gave me is really good. Thanks!" A flicker of contempt passed through Bella's eyes. She tried to hide her excitement. "I'm glad you like it." "I really, really like it." I scooped out a big dollop and applied it all over my face. Then, I leaned in close and playfully smeared some on Bella's forehead. Bella's face changed. She instinctively tried to wipe it off. I grabbed her hand, smiling innocently. "What's wrong? Aren't you going to apply some?" "It's nothing..." She explained dryly. "I haven't washed my face yet, so I won't put anything on..." I didn't expose her clumsy lie. I kept smiling brightly, as if genuinely happy about the gift. Turning around, I looked in the mirror. I saw Bella frantically wiping her forehead. She rubbed so hard her skin turned red. I sneered internally. So she knew fear. Whatever she put in there must have been potent. But there was one thing I didn't understand. I asked the system, "With such clumsy sabotage, if something actually happened to me, wouldn't it be easy to trace it back to her?" The system explained: "Destroying the Host's face reduces the Host's luck. As Bella steals all your luck, your presence will fade. Any unreasonable actions she takes will be ignored or even erased by the world's logic." I scoffed, my eyes cold. Too bad for her. Not in this life.
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