Still in a daze, Lu Shui Hua blinked twice, trying to absorb all the information the enigmatic woman had shared. He diverted his gaze from the door to his own body, meticulously examining the deep wounds that covered him. Strangely, not even the slightest hint of pain emanated from those injuries.
It was undoubtedly supernatural, but he was no longer surprised. After witnessing and experiencing the extraordinary, it would be difficult for his mind to revert to the mundane setting it had been accustomed to throughout his life. Yet, at that moment, his greatest concern lay with Jiangsu. They had never undertaken anything without each other or been separated without knowledge of each other's whereabouts.
Their bond had formed from their earliest days in the orphanage. While Lu Shui Hua was an outcast, shunned by everyone, Jiangsu was the only one who reached out to him, offering companionship, laughter, and a sense of belonging. From friends, they became best friends, and ultimately, brothers. When Cherry arrived at the orphanage at the age of five, Jiangsu was the first to approach her, making her feel at ease and integrating her into their little makeshift family. Trust and dependence grew between the three of them, creating a sense of family they had never experienced before. They became one another's support, pouring all the love they yearned for from a family onto each other.
When they turned thirteen, the orphanage ejected them, thrusting them into the world to fend for themselves. They wandered the streets in tattered clothes, without shelter, surviving on discarded scraps from dumpsters or meager earnings from menial jobs.
It was during one such pursuit of odd jobs that Lu Shui Hua was struck by a car, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent encounter with a stranger. When he regained consciousness, a man sat beside him, wearing a warm smile on his face. Apologizing on behalf of his driver, the man inquired about Lu Shui Hua's family. Though he was a stranger, Lu Shui Hua remained silent, still in shock and unable to speak. The man, sensing his state, took him to his home—a wealthy man who seemed to share Lu Shui Hua's sense of loneliness.
For days, Lu Shui Hua remained mute, and the kind stranger did not push him to speak. He exhibited great patience, engaging in conversation only when he had the time, making every effort to make Lu Shui Hua feel comfortable. Then, as time passed and a bond formed between them, Lu Shui Hua uttered his first words since the accident—his own name.
"Lu Shui Hua."
The man was astonished but managed to offer a smile.
"Is that your name?"
Lu Shui Hua nodded, his smile widening. "That's a beautiful name."
Their relationship deepened from that point onward. The man enrolled him in school and eventually adopted him. When Lu Shui Hua shared stories about his life, including details about Jiangsu and Cherry, the man set out to find them, driven by a desire to bring happiness to Lu Shui Hua's life.
Their reunion was swift, and they embarked on a fresh start together. They attended one of the world's finest universities, leaving a mark on history.
To think that this mission would be the most challenging of his life, separating him from his brother, seemed utterly surreal.
I need to escape.
I need to leave right now.
In an instant, he propelled himself from the bed, devoid of pain, effortlessly regaining his footing. Moving with his customary grace, he took measured steps toward the beckoning balcony. The harmonious symphony of bird songs resonated from the surrounding cherry blossom trees, while the caress of the wind enticed him further. Nature had always held a magnetic allure for him, drawing him into its captivating embrace.
He inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp air that permeated his nostrils, and rested his hands upon the gracefully curved wooden rail. The wind danced through his hair, sending a tingling sensation across his skin. In that moment, he felt a surge of vitality course through his veins, reviving his spirit. His gaze swept across the breathtaking scenery that unfolded before him, and he gradually comprehended that he resided within a grand mansion, perched atop one of the world's loftiest peaks.
Upon this realization, he retraced his steps, venturing back into the expansive chamber. Determination sparked within him, propelling him toward the door.
As he swung it open and prepared to venture outside, an invisible force suddenly jolted him backward, catching him off guard and leaving him momentarily disoriented.
He crouched to the ground, his brows furrowing in astonishment.
Struggling to rise, he approached the door once more, this time with caution. Each movement was infused with a heightened awareness, for the enigmatic forces of this mountain seemed to conceal their intentions.
With trepidation, he extended his hands, attempting to discern the presence of an invisible barrier. Yet, as his palms pressed against the door, a peculiar sensation engulfed him—he could not penetrate beyond its threshold.
Undoubtedly, something stood between him and the outside world. A formidable force barred his escape, leaving him pondering its significance. Did this imply that he was confined within this place?
Was he being held captive against his will? Questions swirled within his mind, demanding answers.
What did the mysterious woman want from him?