After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 1

“Three hundred thousand in bride price, and Li Qiao is yours.”

“No, that’s too expensive!”

“Three hundred thousand to buy her a lifetime of servitude—she’ll take care of your idiot son and bear your grandchildren. You’re getting a steal, sister.”

“She’s so thin a gust of wind could knock her over. She doesn’t look fertile. Li Man seems like a better choice.”

“You old hag, don’t even dream about it! My Manman would never marry a fool! If you don’t agree, get lost. Plenty of people want to buy Li Qiao.”

“Brother, don’t be so hasty. Let’s discuss this properly.”

Their haggling voices reached Li Qiao’s ears word for word.

Bound at the limbs, she lay on the ground and sighed softly.

She—the sixtieth-generation abbess of Xiangyun Temple—had been betrayed by her own sect, died, and then transmigrated into an unfinished novel, becoming the cannon fodder side character with a tragic ending.

In the original story, Li Qiao had been picked up from the snow by Granny Li. After the old woman passed away, Li Qiao lived with Granny Li’s son, Li Dazhi, and his family, enduring a life of constant fear—beaten, scolded, and often left starving.

When she turned eighteen, her biological parents came looking for her. But during the reunion, Li Man stole the heirloom jade pendant and took Li Qiao’s place as the wealthy family’s true daughter. Leaving the village, Li Man never returned, while the real Li Qiao remained trapped. Sold by Li Dazhi for 300,000 yuan to a fool, she was eventually beaten to death.

Back then, she had pitied this character deeply.

Who would’ve thought she’d wake up as the doomed cannon fodder?

Judging by the timing, the Li family should arrive soon.

“Fine, 300,000 it is. I’ll take her now and send the rest later.”

Li Dazhi counted the cash with satisfaction. “Go on, take her.”

“I don’t agree!”

The door to the next room suddenly swung open. Li Man rushed out, her face pale, and stood protectively in front of Li Qiao.

Li Qiao: “???”

“Manman, we already agreed on this. What’s gotten into you?” Li Dazhi glared at her, furious. Was this idiot trying to ruin their plans? Selling Li Qiao meant money!

“I won’t allow it!” Li Man’s voice was firm.

Li Dazhi’s face darkened visibly, but he forced himself to stay calm. “Why not?”

“Is Li Dazhi home?”

A pleasant male voice came from outside.

Li Man’s eyes lit up with excitement.

The door was pushed open, revealing a distinguished middle-aged couple and a strikingly handsome young man. Their clothes and demeanor screamed wealth.

Li Dazhi’s eyes gleamed greedily.

“What do you want?”

“We heard the person wearing this jade pendant entered your house. Do you know where she is?”

The young man held up the pendant, and Li Dazhi’s eyes sparkled. “What do you want with her?”

“The owner of this pendant may be our long-lost daughter,” the middle-aged man said, his gaze shifting to Li Man.

A rich family looking for their daughter? This was a golden opportunity!

Li Dazhi’s face flushed with excitement.

Pointing at Li Man, he stammered, “She… she is… she—”

All three pairs of eyes locked onto her, immediately spotting the pendant around her neck. Their expressions grew eager.

Li Man panicked.

She quickly stepped aside and pointed at Li Qiao.

“She’s your real daughter. I’m my father’s child. I stole this pendant from her when we were kids. If you don’t believe me, ask Li Qiao.” She hastily removed the pendant and handed it to Li Qiao.

“Manman, what nonsense are you spouting? You’re not my daughter! That pendant has always been yours!” Li Dazhi was so furious he wanted to slap her.

Idiot! She was throwing away a life of luxury!

“Dad, the whole village knows I’m your daughter. Sir, Madam, look closely—doesn’t Li Qiao resemble the madam? Their eyes are identical. There’s no doubt—Li Qiao is your daughter.”

Li Man’s eagerness made Li Qiao suspicious.

This wasn’t how things went in the book. What was happening?

When the elegant woman saw Li Qiao, her eyes welled with tears. Her daughter looked just like her.

Sobbing, she rushed forward and pulled Li Qiao into a tight embrace.

“My daughter… Mom finally found you.”

Li Qiao stiffened awkwardly before patting the woman’s back.

The family reunion was a heartwarming scene—except for Li Dazhi, who watched bitterly.

Li Man, however, was relieved.

Li Qiao, you’d never guess… I’ve been reborn.

In her past life, she had stolen Li Qiao’s identity and returned to the wealthy family, expecting a life of happiness. But as a village girl, she could never fit into high society.

The elite mocked, humiliated, and ostracized her until she became a laughingstock. After the Li family went bankrupt, she was assaulted by enemies and died miserably in the rain.

Back then, she had kept tabs on Li Qiao, ensuring she never appeared before the real family—because that face was too much like the madam’s.

But then, Li Qiao’s luck turned. Her adoptive father struck gold with an orchard, becoming the province’s richest man. She even saved a mysterious man who later protected her, giving her a life of comfort.

All of that should’ve been mine!

Now that she was reborn, she would seize every opportunity meant for Li Qiao. Let the real daughter return to that doomed family. She’d wait for Li Qiao’s downfall, for her suffering.

“Thank you for raising my daughter. Here’s 300,000 as compensation.” The middle-aged man handed over a card.

Li Dazhi grinned and reached for it—but Li Qiao snatched it away first.

“Li Dazhi, you have no right to this. Weren’t you just selling me for 300,000 to her idiot son?” she mocked.

“You tried to sell my daughter?” The man’s face darkened, his authoritative aura making Li Dazhi cower.

“A misunderstanding! I just wanted to find her a good husband—Ow! Stop hitting me!”

Li Qiao’s older brother had struck, his punches ruthless.

“Li Qiao, our family raised you for eighteen years! Aren’t you going to stop this?” Li Man snapped.

Trash, all of them! Don’t hurt my future rich dad!

In the original story, Li Qiao had died at Li Dazhi’s hands. This time, he’d never have good fortune.

“Karma always comes back around.”

Li Man and Li Dazhi scoffed. What nonsense from a country bumpkin.

Before leaving with her real family, Li Qiao turned back to Li Man, a faint smile on her lips.

“Li Man, I’ll be watching how your stolen life turns out.”