Chapter 2

"Today, I'm announcing my exam category to everyone! It's the Certified Senior Real Estate Broker Exam! This is my 23rd day of studying, and the exam is just one week away!"

My body tensed as those familiar words echoed from the live stream on my phone.

I instantly realized: I'd been reborn.

When Chloe revealed her exam choice, the live chat exploded.

"OMG! Isn't that exam notorious for its ridiculously low pass rate? Like, one percent?"

"The streamer's lost her mind! People who've prepped for years wouldn't dare take that, and she thinks she's ready after a month?"

"Subscribed! Can't wait for the meltdown when she posts her results."

Most of the comments were skeptical, mocking Chloe for being overconfident.

"Seriously? What's wrong with these people, hating on Chloe like this?"

Noah, my boyfriend, was fuming, frantically reporting every single comment that trashed Chloe.

"They just don't know how smart Chloe is!"

I couldn't help but sneer. Anyone who'd ever studied for it knew.

No matter how brilliant you were, passing the Certified Senior Real Estate Broker Exam with only 30 days of study was impossible.

In my past life, Chloe was a travel blogger who never really took off. Riding the wave of the booming real estate market, she loudly declared online that she was determined to pass the lowest-pass-rate Certified Senior Real Estate Broker Exam after just 30 days of studying.

It definitely drew a ton of attention, but just like now, it was almost all hate.

But when the results came out, Chloe–who'd been traveling the whole time–actually passed the exam on her first try and got her license. It caused a sensation! She gained millions of followers.

Meanwhile, I, the one whose qualification she'd swapped, ended up in prison for exam fraud.

I pleaded my innocence everywhere, only to be met with sneers like, "You're just desperate to pass!"

Lost in thought, Chloe approached me after ending her stream, asking curiously about the exam category I'd signed up for.

Before I could even speak, Noah jumped in to answer.

Chloe feigned surprise.

"Cassie, we actually signed up for the same Certified Senior Real Estate Broker Exam!"

"You've been preparing for a year, and you even aced the mock tests. You're definitely going to pass and land a great job earning a million a year!"

Noah said, his face full of adoration.

"That's not necessarily true. Chloe, you're naturally smart and pick things up fast. Who passes first is still up in the air."

Chloe covered her mouth, giggling delicately.

I clenched my fists. In my last life, I was so stupid, I didn't even notice their secret affair.

Chloe pulled a set of practice questions from her bag and handed them to me.

"Oh, Cassie, these are practice questions for the Certified Senior Real Estate Broker Exam. Study hard, and you'll definitely be fine."

Noah's eyes were filled with admiration.

"Chloe, you're seriously too kind! You're rivals, yet you're willing to share. Cassie, aren't you going to thank Chloe properly? You're getting such a good deal."

I was getting a good deal? Chloe just wanted to make sure I passed the exam smoothly, to ensure her plan went off without a hitch.

I saw right through her. I sneered.

"I don't need them."

Chloe stood there awkwardly. Noah, unable to stand Chloe being upset, immediately snapped at me.

"Chloe was kind enough to share her materials with you, and that's your attitude?!"

"Apologize to her right now!"

Chloe's eyes welled up as she explained.

"Cassie, are you upset because Noah is going with me on a trip to another state tomorrow? It's okay, I can go by myself."

Noah instinctively frowned and retorted.

"No way! You're a girl traveling alone; how could I be at ease?"

I almost forgot about this. In my previous life, during the week leading up to the exam, Chloe didn't study. Instead, she took advantage of her growing follower count to film videos everywhere.

Noah, ever the 'protector,' insisted on accompanying her.

Worried about affecting Noah's study routine, I pulled out all the stops to stop him from going, making sure he focused on studying. In the end, Noah passed the exam and got his license, while I was left with nothing but resentment.

Now, if he's so determined to ruin himself, why should I stop him?

"But..." Chloe hesitated, glancing at me, feigning difficulty.

"Perfect, I'm actually planning to go out too," I said calmly.

Noah looked at me, annoyed.

"You're going to tag along with us? Cassie, don't be so pathetic! Chloe and I have known each other for over a decade. If anything was going to happen between us, do you really think it would have waited for you?"

I tore up my Certified Senior Real Estate Broker Exam admission ticket with a swift motion and tossed it into the trash, a smile playing on my lips.

"Don't get the wrong idea. Whatever you two do has nothing to do with me. I'm going out on my own."