The next morning, the entirety of Xanvoria—their home country—was smoldering with chaos and grief as the shocking news of Rong Xinghe's brutal incident spread like wildfire. Several news stations and media outlets whizzed with a barrage of headlines, each more haunting than the last:
"Famous Young Singer Rong Xinghe in Coma After Tragic Accident!"
"Heiress to the Rong Family Empire Pushed Down a Running Train in Ilveria."
"Murder or Accident? Xanvorian National Youth Icon in Coma."
"Thousands of Fans Mourn the Pain of Rong Xinghe: Candlelight Marches Light Up Cities Overnight!"
Rong Xinghe was not just a singer. She was a symbol of hope, resilience, and dreams. In just one year, her rise to fame through her reality show had captured the hearts of millions. Broadcasted in over 112 countries, she had become a global sensation—a face that represented youth, passion, and unyielding ambition. Her voice had been the solace for the broken and her smile, a warmth for the hopeless.
But now, that light seemed to be dimming. Rumors swirled—was it an accidental slip? Or was it something far darker, more sinister? The authorities had yet to name any suspects, but the whispers of conspiracy danced in every corner.
In the streets of Xanvoria, fans flooded the roads, clutching banners that screamed for justice and answers. Some held candles; their faces etched with raw pain, while others wailed openly, their hearts crushed. These were not just spectators; these were people who had built their lives around her music, her words. Overnight, her name had transformed from one of victory to one of catastrophe.
The journalists covered every angle, including the unexpected involvement of the Business Princes in this case. They relayed how her sworn brothers, Lu Wei, and Zhi Xi, known as the "Knights" of the business world, had immediately flown back from their ventures abroad the moment the news reached them. Their arrival brought not only an aura of strength but of icy wrath. Known for their ruthless dominance in the business realm, the sight of their sister in that weak, frail state had splintered something deep within them.
Lu Wei, the elder of the two, paced back and forth across the hospital corridor, his fists clenched. He had always been the calm strategist, the man whose every decision was calculated to perfection. But now, there was no strategy to calm the fury burning through his veins. The moment his sister had been pushed off that train, a line had been crossed—one that no one could walk back from.
Zhi Xi, the younger but no less formidable, sat silently by her side, his eyes fixated on the machines that beeped softly beside her bed. The hum of the hospital was consumed by the roar of his thoughts, twisted and unforgiving. No one touched Rong Xinghe and lived to tell the tale. He had made that promise to himself when she was a child, and he wasn't about to break it now. Someone was going to pay for this. Dearly.
The remaining four men were just as enraged and vengeful as their elder brothers. Su Rogguang had locked himself in the boxing ring with a few friends who didn't mind taking his brutal punches, while Mo Zixuan vented his frustration by smashing every piece of glassware in his apartment, though the brief satisfaction did little to soothe him.
Zhi Al had fully immersed himself in hacking, taking over the hospital's administrative office and tracing the route of his Kiddo's train that night, determined to access CCTV footage from the major stations. Meanwhile, Zhi Bo focused on pressuring Ilverian railway authorities, threatening them for passenger details to find out if anyone suspicious had boarded her recent train. Though they suspected the Rongs, they needed proof—a name. And their princess was... not responding to them.
Outside the hospital gates, the media persisted in hounding the hospital, their cameras flashing like vultures waiting for scraps of news. Every whispered update, every quiet conversation between the medical staff was being analyzed, speculated upon, and broadcasted to a world that was on edge.
Because if—when Rong Xinghe woke up—and the Six brothers were determined that she would—there would be hell to pay. The world had only just begun to understand the fire that lay beneath the surface of her Six brothers' anger. And those responsible would soon learn that there was nothing more dangerous than a family united by rage.
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Ilveria, 10:30;
The doctors informed the girl's brothers that the first three months would be the most critical and probable window for her to awaken from her coma. They also mentioned that she could be transferred from Ilveri to Xanvoria- if they wished. For the six men, this fragile thread of hope was all they needed to make their decision.
Without hesitation, they agreed. Holding onto that last sliver of possibility, they mobilized every resource they had to bring her home, determined to be by her side no matter the cost. Two days later, they arrived in Xanvoria, where, with Zhi Xi and Lu Wei's vast influence, they arranged for her to be admitted to a high-profile hospital with a reputation for keeping media and external security threats away. Privacy, safety, and a fighting chance—that's all that mattered to them.
Within the duration of the next few days, each of her sworn brothers made immense sacrifices, ensuring they could remain by her side at all times. Their lives shifted entirely, all for the sake of being close to her in her darkest hours. Lu Wei, who had been accepted into Harvard University, set aside his dream of studying there. Instead, he chose to fully immerse himself in running the family business, only appearing for exams to complete his Master's degree, prioritizing his sister over his ambitions instead. Zhi Xi, on the other hand, gave up his offer from Princeton.
Su Rogguang, who had already been pursuing post-graduation in Neuro Surgery, returned from abroad to continue his studies in Xanvoria, determined to use his skills to help her recovery. He only had final exams left anyway, so he could just schedule his flights according to the University agenda. Even Mo Zixuan, fresh from completing his Journalism course, made his way back without a second thought.
For each of them, she was the light in their lives, and now, they would do anything to protect that light from fading. Zhi Al and Zhi Bo also remained unwavering in their commitment, working behind the scenes to ensure that no stone was left unturned in finding out who had done this to her.
These Six men were not bound by blood to her, but by a deeper, unbreakable bond of love and loyalty. In giving up the "best" for themselves, they were choosing the best for her, their 13-year-old lady luck—the one they couldn't imagine a future without.
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Aelorion, Xanvoria, 06:30;
Two months had passed, marked by a strenuous routine for the six men who visited their beloved Rong Xinghe every day. With unwavering hope, they spoke to her, sharing stories of their lives and the world they were building for her, hoping against hope that their words might somehow reach her and pull her to them.
Lu Wei took charge of the family business, deftly navigating its complexities, while also preparing for his Master's exams. Zhi Xi devoted himself to ensuring that the company's legacy remained strong, knowing that Rong Xinghe's future was intertwined with their success. Meanwhile, Su Rogguang was busy with research work in Neuro Surgery, determined to learn everything he could to help her heal.
Mo Zixuan used his journalistic skills to investigate every angle of her tragic incident, while constructing his own media empire from scratch. On the other hand, Zhi Al and Zhi Bo delved into the shadows of the family that had tried to kill her, their suspicions firmly fixed on the Rong family.
Despite knowing their daughter was alive, the Rong family had chosen to remain absent, never once visiting their own flesh and blood. Their neglect only intensified the brothers' suspicions. The Rong family, however, was convinced that Rong Xinghe would eventually submit to her injuries, and hopefully... die. But they were sorely mistaken.
One fateful morning, the brothers rushed to the hospital, a blend of anxiety and delight swirling through their chests as the nurse had just informed them that their angel, their Xinghe, had regained consciousness. Heartbeats quickening, they hurried down the sterile corridors, the scent of antiseptic filling the air.
As they entered her room, the sight that greeted them stole their breath away. Rong Xinghe lay on the bed, her frail body noticeably thinner after two months, yet some of the bruises that had marred her skin had begun to heal. But it was her gaze that stopped them in their tracks—the same magical gleam.
She stared out at the sunrise, the golden light spilling into the room through the curtains, illuminating her features. The brothers exchanged glances filled with relief and joy as they struggled to catch their breaths.
"Kiddo!", Zhi Al called out nervously, his heart racing as the other five stood by, trying to process the fact that their beloved sister had finally returned to them.
As the familiar voice pierced the silence, Rong Xinghe slowly turned her head toward the entrance. There, soaked in the soft morning rays, stood the six figures she cherished. Their presence radiated warmth and love, a comfort only family could provide.
Though they weren't connected by blood, they shared a bond that ran deeper than any familial ties. In that moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of belonging, a strong affection for them that engulfed her fiercely.
Her eyes, filled with emotion, began to shimmer with tears. As they rolled down her cheeks, Su Rogguang rushed to her side, concern engraved across his face, "Where does it hurt, Kiddo?", he asked, his voice laced with concern and urgency, the doctor in him prepared to help.
Mo Zixuan stepped closer, his brow furrowed with rage, "Who did this to you?", he demanded, the protective instinct coursing through his veins.
Lu Wei shot him a disapproving look, his jawn ticking in irritation, "Why are you making her remember that?", he lifted his brows, his tone firm but gentle, wanting to shield her from any pain.
Zhi Bo nodded in agreement, adding, "Yeah, we can investigate it through other means."
Zhi Al sighed, his expression distressed, "Don't increase her pain, man."
Su Rogguang interjected, "Zixuan is right, though. This is what's troubling her the most right now. She needs to let it out."
Suddenly, putting an end to the Six men's heated argument, a soft yet raspy voice broke through.
"Rong Yufan!"
Tears streamed down Rong Xinghe's face, each second suffocating her, reminding her of that night. Only she understood the courage it took to speak out her cousin's name, the one who had harmed her months ago.