**February 14, 2002 - Busan**
**Shila Hotel - Party Scene, 7 PM**
Hand in hand, Zai Kang and Xueer made their entrance to the party.
"An Zaikang! Why did you bring me here? Was this your plan all along!?" Xueer exclaimed, her voice laced with anger.
At that moment, Steven and Yanger exchanged surprised glances as they observed Xueer and Zaikang.
"Xue'er!? How can you be with Mr. An? What's happening here? Please, tell me!" Yang'er asked, bewildered.
"Ah, you must be Miss Mi Yang'er, Xue'er's sister. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Xue'er's fiancé, An Zaikang," he introduced himself calmly.
In the distance, Chengxian caught sight of them, prompting Guofeng to pull him aside.
"Son, remember, you are the center of attention tonight. Stay composed!" Guofeng urged softly.
"But Dad, this is our hotel. What could possibly go wrong?" Chengxian replied, frustration creeping into his voice.
"Look around you. His men are everywhere. We stand no chance against him," Guofeng explained.
"Are we really going to let that scoundrel continue unchallenged?" Chengxian retorted, anger boiling within him.
Steven overheard the tense exchange between father and son.
At 8 PM, Guofeng and Chengxian took to the stage.
"Dear guests, I am pleased to announce that my only son, Song Chengxian, will assume the role of vice president at the Song Group. A business graduate from the National University of Singapore, he will soon oversee hotel projects in Busan, Shanghai, and Singapore," Guofeng announced proudly.
"Hello everyone, I'm Song Chengxian. This hotel marks our fifth establishment in South Korea, with plans for more in Shanghai and Singapore. Your support means everything. Thank you!" Chengxian added, casting a glance towards Xueer. As Zaikang engaged with a familiar client, Chengxian seized the opportunity to approach Xueer, leading her to the outdoor garden. Steven, noticing their departure, followed discreetly.
**Shila Hotel - Roof Garden, 8:15 PM**
Chengxian and Xueer reached the top floor garden, where Steven concealed himself in the shadows.
"Chengxian, you're gripping my hand too tightly. Let go!" Xueer demanded, annoyance evident in her tone.
"Xue'er! Why would you choose to be with An Zaikang? I would rather die than let that happen!" Chengxian shouted, frustration evident.
"Chengxian, are you out of your mind? An Zaikang won't allow you to leave! Why are you even in Busan?" Xueer replied anxiously.
"Xue'er, let's return to Seoul or Singapore and start anew. I'm no longer a star; you're all that matters to me," Chengxian implored earnestly.
"Chengxian, don't provoke An Zaikang. He's dangerous, and I can't bear to witness another incident like that night. You nearly lost your life," Xueer said, tears brimming in her eyes.
Chengxian enveloped her in a tight embrace.
"Xue'er, please don't leave me. I can't survive without you," he pleaded.
"I can't imagine life without you either. Seeing how An Zaikang treats you nearly breaks me. Chengxian, it's over. I am set to marry An Zaikang in November. Please, do not pursue me," Xueer cried.
Suddenly, Chengxian knelt before her.
"Xueer, please accept my ring. I will wait for you, no matter what," he implored.
"Chengxian..." Xueer responded softly.
They shared a passionate kiss, unaware that Zaikang was watching from a distance.
"Oh, the fun is just beginning. Song Chengxian, you dare challenge me in Busan? Not a chance!" Zaikang murmured to himself.
Steven overheard Zaikang's words and rushed toward Chengxian, pulling them apart.
"Chengxian, are you insane? Get away from Xueer! An Zaikang is watching!" he warned urgently.
"Just watch! I, Song Chengxian, have never backed down!" Chengxian declared defiantly.
"Chengxian, return the ring. You will have your chance to place it on my finger someday. I'm leaving now," Xueer said.
"Xue'er! Xue'er!" Chengxian called after her.
Steven attempted to restrain him.
"Chengxian, let her go," he insisted.
Chengxian retaliated with a punch aimed at Steven.
"Let me go! You don't understand! Xue'er was forced to be with An Zaikang! I cannot bear to lose her!" he shouted, fury in his voice.
"Chengxian, An Zaikang is a madman! He could kill you at any moment!" Steven replied, exasperated.
"Then take my life! Why do you insist on keeping us apart?" Chengxian cried.
"Calm down. Let's just leave for now," Steven urged.
Meanwhile, Zaikang and Xueer returned to the villa.
**An's Private Villa - Xueer's Room, 9 PM**
Zaikang struck Xueer hard across the face, causing her to stumble onto the bed.
"How dare you think I wouldn't notice you and your old lover? I saw how he held you! If I see that pretty boy again, I'll break his legs!" Zaikang seethed.
"An Zaikang! Stop this! I'm only complying with your wishes," Xueer replied.
**July 10, 2002 - Wedding Dress Fitting**
**Busan - Magie Bridal Shop, 11 AM**
Xueer was trying on a wedding dress while Chengxian secretly observed from outside.
Within the fitting room, Xueer was adjusting her dress when her phone buzzed.
"My dear, take your time with the fitting. I have a meeting today and can't make it," Zaikang's voice came through.
"I understand," Xueer replied, her heart sinking.
Unable to contain himself, Chengxian stepped into the fitting room just as Xueer struggled to fasten the chain behind her back.
"Xue'er, let me help you," he offered.
"Chengxian, what are you doing here? You need to leave now!" Xueer urged, anxiety etched on her face.
Chengxian closed the door and kissed her forcefully. Overwhelmed, Xueer clung to him, tears streaming down her face.
"You look stunning in that dress! I've missed you so much!" Chengxian sobbed.
"I've missed you too, Chengxian!" Xueer cried in return.
"Miss Mi! Have you tried on your dress? Do you need assistance?" a sales associate inquired.
"No, thank you," Xueer replied, her mind racing.
Xueer peeked out of the door, noticing the sales associate walking away.
"Chengxian, I must step out. You have to leave immediately after. Kang's men are everywhere," Xueer cautioned.
"Xueer, I promise to rescue you on your wedding day. I won't let An Zaikang marry you," Chengxian vowed.
"Chengxian, please don't do anything reckless," Xueer implored.
As Chengxian exited, he was spotted by Kang's men. Following their orders, Ou Bo contacted Zaikang.
"Boss, Song Chengxian is causing trouble again. What should we do?" Ou asked.
"Follow him. Send a few men to teach him a lesson tonight, then bring him to my private villa," Zaikang instructed.
**8:30 PM - Busan - Movie Street**
Chengxian sat alone at a small stall, enjoying rice cakes and beer. Unbeknownst to him, Kang's men watched from the shadows.
Just as he was about to leave, they ambushed him, rendering him unconscious and transporting him into a vehicle.
**8:30 PM - An's Private Villa - Underground Floor**
Chengxian found himself locked in a cell, his phone ringing with Steven's name flashing on the screen.
"Hang up that call!" Zaikang commanded sharply.
Moments later, Chengxian regained consciousness.
"What do you intend to do with me? Xue'er is marrying you; why are you holding me captive?" he demanded angrily.
"It would be far easier if you simply died," Zaikang replied coldly.
"Then kill me," Chengxian shot back defiantly.
"Beat him up and record it on your phone," Zaikang ordered.
The men began to assault Chengxian.
"Please… just give me my phone back," Chengxian pleaded softly.
**- Chapter End -**