Trash to Treasure, Friend to Foe

Chapter 1

It took me three days and three nights, sifting through the putrid mess of a waste transfer station with my bare hands, to recover the billionaires treasured, limited-edition watch, worth millions. The billionaire, in a show of profound gratitude, immediately offered me a downtown apartment and a ten-million-dollar annual salary. But when my best friend, Summer, found out, she exploded. "Are you out of your mind? We might be poor, but we have our dignity."

"Accepting charity like thathow is that any different from a beggar?"

In my past life, brainwashed by her insidious words, I not only rejected the billionaire but also swore never to accept any handouts. From then on, I turned down all internship opportunities from prestigious companies, ending up in odd jobs after graduation. Later, unable to pay rent, I begged her to take me in. Instead, she laughed and started a livestream.

"Look, everyone, isn't this my best friend, the one who rejected millions to uphold her dignity? Look how miserable her life is now."

The video went viral, turning me into a universally mocked, self-righteous clown. She climbed over my ruins, becoming an inspirational influencer championing modern female independence. On that rainy night, evicted by my landlord, I swallowed pills and ended my life.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back at the moment I was about to return the watch.

Chapter 2

Outside the waste transfer station, two men in dark suits blocked my path.

Ms. Lin, the watch did you really find it?

I nodded, holding up the watch Id just unearthed from the trash heap. Before I could speak, the billionaire in front of me, Mr. Fletcher, grew visibly emotional.

This was the last thing my mother left me before she passed. Ms. Lin, I truly thank you.

I handed him the watch, about to say, Youre welcome. Suddenly, my best friend, Summer, rushed forward and yanked me behind her.

Autumn! Are you insane?! She glared at me. Are you really going to give it to him? Have you no shame?

Those familiar words hit me like a lightning bolt. Only then did I realize I had been reborn. In my previous life, she had stopped me in the exact same way. But all I could think about was returning the item to its rightful owner. Besides, before I even started looking, I hadnt expected any reward. I never truly bought into her poor but righteous nonsense, so I had returned the watch to Mr. Fletcher. I just hadnt expected him to then offer me a downtown apartment and a ten-million-dollar annual salary.

When Summer found out, she furiously accused me of selling my soul for money, shaming independent women of our era. Eventually, after her manipulative gaslighting, I rejected all the rewards. That very decision ultimately led to my death. Thinking of this, my anger flared. Summer, what are you doing?

Im here to return what belongs to him.

Summer flinched, surprised by my defiance. She lifted her chin, her gaze fixed forward. Return what belongs to him? Dont make it sound so noble.

We might be poor, but we dont accept handouts!

She sighed, adopting a pained expression. Autumn, Im doing this for your own good.

Dont you know how much these rich people look down on us? If youre so eager, theyll just think youre cheap.

Hearing this, Mr. Fletcher immediately grew agitated. Young lady, Ms. Lin helped me recover my deceased mothers keepsake. Its only right for me to thank her. This is not charity.

Summer scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Thanks? Frankly, isnt it just about money?

Autumn, youre really good at giving them an easy out.

You sifted through trash for three days, all for this paltry sum? Have you no integrity?

As she spoke, she reached for me again. I coldly swatted her hand away. I know whether I have integrity. I dont need you to teach me.

Mr. Fletcher, please keep the watch safe.

Mr. Fletcher understood my meaning and immediately signaled his secretary with his eyes. The secretary understood.

Ms. Lin, this is Mr. Fletchers token of gratitude: the deed to a downtown apartment and an offer for a ten-million-dollar annual salary with our group.

Mr. Fletcher looked at me. Ms. Lin, please accept it. Otherwise, I wont feel at ease.

Summers eyes burned red when she saw the offer. She lunged forward, swatting away my outstretched hand.

Bribery! This is blatant bribery! She pointed an accusing finger at Mr. Fletcher. Do you think you can buy our dignity with a house and a job?

She then pointed at me. Autumn, youre hopeless.

If you accept this, arent you admitting youre a commodity with a price tag?

How are you any different from those who sell their bodies for money?

Her eyes suddenly reddened, and she cried to our housemates, who had been drawn by the commotion. Look, everyone, Im trying to help her, and shes talking to me like this.

For money, shes even throwing away years of our friendship.

Housemate A advised me, Autumn, Summer means well. For us girls, our reputation is most important.

Housemate B echoed, Thats right, acknowledging the gesture is enough. If you really accept it, how will others look at you?

I looked at them, a cold laugh escaping me. If you feel it compromises your dignity, youre welcome to never touch it.

Watching their synchronized performance, I found it absurd. I bent down and, under their stunned gazes, picked up the deed and the offer from the floor.

If you find it disgraceful, you can avoid it your entire life.

Mr. Fletcher, thank you for your generosity. Ill accept it.

Mr. Fletcher breathed a sigh of relief. Glad to hear it. Glad to hear it.

Summer trembled with rage. Fine, Autumn, youre so righteous! Youre so clever! Dont you dare regret this later!

Seeing I ignored her, she placed her hands on her hips and looked at Mr. Fletcher with disdain.

Her lack of integrity is her problem. I, Summer Davies, am different! What I despise most in this life are rich people like you, who think they can buy people with money!

With that, she turned and ran off. I paid her no mind, taking the offer, ready to go check out the apartment. But just as I reached the apartment building, Mr. Fletchers secretary called.

Im very sorry, Ms. Lin, your move-in procedures might have to be temporarily postponed.

Chapter 3

My heart sank. What happened?

The secretarys voice was apologetic. We received a report from building management saying your identity is questionable, suspected of fraud. So your access card has been frozen.

Fraud?

I immediately understood. This had to be Summers doing. I hung up the phone and turned to walk towards the management office. Sure enough, through the glass door, I saw her earnestly speaking to the property manager.

Summer saw me and immediately feigned surprise. Autumn, why are you here?

Im clarifying things with the manager. It must be a misunderstanding. Dont worry.

The property manager sized me up, then said sternly: Miss, Ms. Davies kindly informed us that the origin of your apartment is unclear.

For the safety of other residents, we must verify this.

Summer seized the opportunity to grab my hand. Autumn, lets go. Dont embarrass yourself here. Look, everyones staring at you.

I shook off her hand, staring at her hypocritical face. Summer, what exactly do you want?

She immediately stepped back. I dont want anything. I just did what any good citizen should.

I cant just stand by and watch you get scammed and bring shame to our school.

Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for everyone in the office to hear.

Think about it, who would just give a student a downtown apartment for no reason? There must be something fishy going on.

I couldnt be bothered with her nonsense, so I directly called Mr. Fletcher.

Hello, Mr. Fletcher, this apartment you gave me its not fake, is it?

Now someone is accusing me of fraud, and the building management has frozen my access card.

Of course not, Ms. Lin. Please dont worry, Ill be right there.

Summers face instantly paled, and she reached out to snatch my phone. But I simply shifted slightly and evaded her. Seeing she couldnt grab it, she instead shouted at the property manager: Did you hear that? Theyre contacting him directly! If their relationship was clean, who would believe it? The property managers gaze grew even more hesitant.

I looked at her almost frantic demeanor, a cold laugh escaping me.

Youre trying so hard to prove theres something wrong with me. Is it because you also desperately want this problematic gift?

Youre talking nonsense! Summers voice immediately rose. Ive always viewed money as dirt; how could I want something so tainted?

Look at yourself now. How are you any different from a kept woman?

Youve completely shamed all independent women of our new era!

She grew more animated, suddenly grabbing a wad of cash from her bag and throwing it at me.

You like money, dont you? Is this enough? Stop debasing yourself!

Hearing those familiar words, my blood ran cold. In my previous life, I believed her lies, not only refusing my parents living allowance but also working three grueling jobs every day. Yet all my hard-earned money was taken by her under the pretense of safekeeping, so you dont spend it foolishly. When I was finally destitute, unable to even pay rent, she actually told me it was a test. Truly strong women rise from hardship!

Recalling my past foolishness, I now felt only disgust. Just as I was about to retort, a call from the school counselor came in. His tone was unpleasant. Autumn Lin, where are you?

How dare you fake your eligibility for financial aid!

Get to my office immediately!

Chapter 4

Hearing that, my mind went blank. Financial aid was my entire hope for next semester; without it, I couldnt even pay tuition. Summer saw me frozen in place and smiled triumphantly. What, dumbfounded? What did I tell you? Karmas here.

I had no time for her taunts and turned to rush back to school. All the way, she kept nagging in my ear: Autumn, see, I told you theres no such thing as a free lunch. Now look, the whole school knows.

In the counselors office, as soon as he saw me, he slapped a complaint letter on the table.

Autumn Lin, a student has formally reported that you live a lavish lifestyle, receiving large sums of money from various people by selling your body.

How dare you still apply for poverty student aid?

Selling my body? I hadnt even processed it when Summer immediately interjected, Professor, I wrote that letter.

I couldnt just stand by and watch her go astray.

Financial aid is so precious; it should go to truly principled students.

She then turned to me. Autumn, Im helping you too.

Cutting off this dirty money is the only way youll find yourself again.

My fingertips trembled with rage.

Summer, you steal my hope and then claim its for my own good?

The counselor frowned, tapping the table hard twice. Autumn Lin! Summer means well, whats with your attitude?

Tell me yourself, whats going on with the downtown apartment and that ten-million-dollar annual job offer?

I took a deep breath, suppressing my inner fury, and fully explained everything about Mr. Fletcher. But the counselor clearly didnt believe me. Even if what you say is true, for a student to accept such valuable thingsis that appropriate?

Besides, this incident has already created a very negative impression among students.

Summer continued to fan the flames. Exactly! Now the whole class knows, saying shed do anything for money. Our dorms reputation is almost ruined because of her.

Ive always said that rich peoples things are toxic. You insisted on taking them. Now you regret it, but its too late.

It was happening again! In my previous life, she used the same tactics to control me, making me reject all prestigious internships, which led to me only finding odd jobs after graduation. Thinking of this, I stared coldly at her. Summer, do you dare to confront me face-to-face? Lets invite Mr. Fletcher here and clear everything up.

Summers eyes flickered, but she quickly straightened her back.

Confrontation it is. Im upright, so Im not afraid of shadows, unlike some people who have something to hide.

The counselor immediately waved his hand. Nonsense! Bringing outsiders to schoolwhat kind of decorum is that?!

I didnt back down. Professor, this concerns my reputation and my studies. I must clarify it.

Summer suddenly shouted, Fine! You want to make a big deal out of it? Then lets verify everything.

Lets see if your apartment and offer are real or fake. Dont get fooled by fakes and treat them like treasure.

Her words were exactly what I wanted.

Good, its settled then.

If the apartment and offer are all real, you will apologize to me in front of all the schools teachers and students, and admit that you falsely accused me!

Chapter 5

Alright, but if the apartment and offer are both fake, and you made it all up, then youll withdraw from school yourself and stop embarrassing the institution.

The counselor initially tried to stop us, but seeing our firm stances, he eventually agreed. He called in a few student representatives as witnesses and laid down the ground rules. Youre the ones making a scene. Whatever happens, you deal with it. It has nothing to do with the school.

I didnt waste any more time, dialing Mr. Fletchers number directly.

Mr. Fletcher, I apologize for disturbing you, but theres a bit of trouble at school I need your help to clarify something.

I briefly explained the situation. The phone went silent for a few seconds, then his deep voice came through: Ill be there right away.

Less than an hour later, Mr. Fletcher appeared with his secretary and lawyer. We arrived at the apartment building in a grand procession. Summer tidied her clothes and spoke to Mr. Fletcher, neither humble nor arrogant. Mr. Fletcher, we just want to confirm if you would truly give such valuable things to a student with whom you have no significant relationship.

But Mr. Fletcher didnt even look at her; he simply nodded towards his assistant. The assistant immediately produced copies of the deed and the offer, beginning to display them to everyone. All documents have been notarized and are legally binding.

The counselor and student representatives gathered to examine them, their expressions slowly shifting from doubt to shock.

This this is real? A student representatives voice trembled. Summers face was a little pale, but she still stood her ground.

Who knows if the documents are real or fake? If youre so capable, then swipe the access card!

She pointed at the apartment door, her eyes fixed on me.

I held the key, and under everyones gaze, walked towards the access panel. Honestly, I was a bit nervous, especially since it had been frozen before. If something went wrong now, Id truly be unable to clear my name. I took a deep breath and placed the key card against the sensor.

Beep

The green light flashed, and the door opened. I breathed a sigh of relief, about to turn and demand Summers apology. Suddenly, Summer burst into laughter.

Hahahaha, Autumn! Did you see that? The door opened. Everything is real.

She turned to the counselor and students. Professor, students, you all saw it. I lost. Autumn wasnt scammed. She really did climb a social ladder.

She really would do anything for money.

Her words stunned everyone present. Summer took a few steps towards me and bowed deeply.

Autumn, I apologize.

My mistake was underestimating your methods. My mistake was thinking you still had dignity.

You werent tricked; you did this willingly.

I was bewildered by her barrage of accusations, completely unsure what she was trying to do. She had clearly lost, yet she acted as if she were the victor. Just as the surrounding students began to look at Summer with strange expressions, Mr. Fletcher frowned. But before he could take the employment contract from his assistant. Summer snatched the contract and handed it to me. My gaze followed her hand to the tiny print at the bottom of the contract.

I collapsed to the ground, unable to utter a single word.