Her Ex-Boyfriend’s “Dad” Is About to Take Over

Gu Xi spent her final years in a psychiatric hospital, abandoned by the man she loved, Bai Yuzhou, who dismissed her illness as a nuisance and refused to visit. After dying alone from the flu, she woke up ten years in the past, back in her university dorm. The rebirth gave her a second chance to undo the mistakes of her previous life. In her past existence, she had devoted herself entirely to Bai Yuzhou, ignoring his repeated betrayals and emotional abuse until she lost her mind and her freedom. Now, with clear memories of the future, Gu Xi resolved to sever her ties with him completely and reclaim her own life.

The core conflict begins immediately when Gu Xi confronts Bai Yuzhou after learning he is cheating on her with a woman named Song Rumeng. Instead of crying or begging for explanations as she did before, she coldly slaps him, declares their engagement over, and demands the return of a jade pendant she had given him years ago. Bai Yuzhou, accustomed to her submissive behavior, is stunned by her sudden change but attempts to manipulate her with empty promises. Gu Xi remains unmoved, leaving him to realize that his usual tactics no longer work on her. She retrieves the pendant from his home, symbolically cutting off the last emotional tether between them.

While Gu Xi rebuilds her independence, Bai Yuzhou’s family dynamics come into focus. His adoptive father, Bai Shulin, is a cold and ruthless businessman who views Bai Yuzhou as a disposable tool rather than a son. Bai Shulin discovers Bai Yuzhou’s infidelity and strips him of his position at the company, using the incident to assert control. Meanwhile, Gu Xi reconnects with Grandpa Bai, her grandfather’s old comrade who raised her with genuine affection. She informs him of the breakup, and while he initially hopes for reconciliation, he eventually respects her decision. Gu Xi also mends her relationship with Fang Pingping, a roommate she had neglected in her past life, and begins working as an extra in the entertainment industry to find her own path.

A key turning point occurs when Gu Xi encounters Bai Shulin, the man who would become her tormentor in the previous timeline. Unlike Bai Yuzhou, Bai Shulin is dangerous, controlling, and vindictive. Their interactions are tense; he notices her independence and seems intrigued by her refusal to submit to his authority. Gu Xi recognizes the danger he poses but also sees an opportunity to navigate her new reality with caution. She avoids falling into the same traps that led to her downfall before, instead focusing on her studies and career.

As the story progresses, Bai Yuzhou struggles to understand why Gu Xi has changed so drastically. His attempts to win her back fail, and he faces increasing pressure from his father and the collapse of his relationship with Song Rumeng. Gu Xi, however, remains steadfast in her resolve. She accepts a supporting role in a drama production, where she meets new people and gains confidence. Her performance catches the attention of industry professionals, opening doors she never considered in her first life. The narrative shifts from a tale of romantic obsession to one of personal empowerment, as Gu Xi learns to value herself outside of any relationship with Bai Yuzhou or Bai Shulin.

The story direction points toward Gu Xi establishing a successful career and a supportive friendship with Fang Pingping, while Bai Yuzhou faces the consequences of his arrogance and poor choices. Bai Shulin’s interest in Gu Xi introduces a new layer of tension, suggesting that her past trauma may not be entirely behind her. However, armed with the wisdom of her previous life, Gu Xi is prepared to face these challenges on her own terms. The narrative concludes with her stepping away from the toxic dynamics of her past, choosing instead to build a future defined by her own ambitions and boundaries.