**Mijia Apartment - Xueer's Room, 9:30 PM**
"Is that you, Chengxian? What's going on? Why aren't you saying anything?" Xueer exclaimed, her voice laced with concern upon receiving the call.
As she continued to watch the video, panic surged through her.
"Zaikang! Stop it! Chengxian!" she yelled, her heart racing.
Zaikang was gripping Chengxian's hair tightly.
"He's the one asking for trouble! I warned you, if Song Chengxian comes around again, I won't let him off easy! What do you propose I do with him?" Zaikang fumed.
"Zaikang, this isn't a game!" Xueer pleaded.
"Believe me, I could break his back right here in front of you and leave him half-paralyzed!" Zaikang retaliated vehemently.
Just as Zaikang was about to strike the unconscious Chengxian, one of his subordinates rushed over.
"Boss, we have a situation! Mr. Song and a man named Steven are outside with some police. What should I do?" the subordinate reported, anxiety evident in his voice.
Xueer overheard everything through the phone.
"Bring Song Chengxian up! Return him to Mr. Song. We can't afford to anger that old man," Zaikang commanded.
"Understood, boss," the subordinate replied.
Chengxian was dragged into the living room, unconscious.
**Living Room, 10:00 PM**
"Song Guofeng, you need to warn your son. He must not trouble my future fiancée again. Otherwise, I can't guarantee his safety," Zaikang asserted.
"An Zaikang! Don't be so arrogant!" Steven shot back, anger in his voice.
"Hurry! Get the young master to the hospital!" Guofeng ordered.
**Busan - Central Hospital, Outside the Emergency Room, 10:30 PM**
"Uncle Song, has Chengxian faced this kind of trouble before with An Zaikang?" Steven inquired.
"It wasn't as severe back then. That scoundrel nearly broke Chengxian's right foot and shot at him twice," Guofeng replied.
"An Zaikang is extremely ruthless. Isn't Xueer in danger?" Steven pointed out.
"That's why Chengxian worries about her. You know that her safety is more important to him than his own life," Guofeng noted, concern etched on his face.
"Did they really part ways because of An Zaikang?" Steven asked.
"Xueer married An Zaikang for Chengxian's sake, but how could he ever accept that?" Guofeng responded.
An hour later, the doctor emerged from the emergency room.
"Doctor, how is my son?" Guofeng asked anxiously.
"Mr. Song is stable. He has only sustained minor injuries," the doctor assured him.
"Doctor, my son suffers from schizophrenia; could you please restrain him?" Guofeng requested.
"Schizophrenia? What's the matter?" the doctor inquired.
"I'm worried that when he wakes up, he might seek revenge. He was attacked during the kidnapping," Guofeng explained.
"Very well, I will make the necessary arrangements," the doctor agreed.
**In the Ward, 11:30 PM**
"Uncle Song, even if you restrain Chengxian, he'll still find a way to escape," Steven remarked.
"There's little we can do," Guofeng replied.
"I have an idea. Don't worry, Chengxian won't bother Xueer again," Steven assured him.
"Alright, if you have a plan, go ahead," Guofeng conceded.
**The Following Morning, 8:00 AM**
**Mi's Apartment - Xueer's Room**
Xueer called Steven.
"Hello, Xue'er," Steven answered.
"Brother Steven, how is Chengxian?" Xueer asked.
"He's in the hospital. Don't worry; his injuries are minor," Steven reassured her.
"Please ensure he doesn't come to me again," Xueer implored.
"Rest assured, I'll keep an eye on him. Just be cautious. No matter what, Chengxian and I will be there to protect you on your wedding day," Steven promised.
"I hope that day comes," Xueer replied.
**Busan Central Hospital, 9:30 AM**
Chengxian stirred awake, his voice filled with agitation.
"What's happening!? Why am I tied up!? Let me go!" he shouted.
"Calm down, son. We did this for your own safety. Don't go looking for An Zaikang again!" Mrs. Song responded sharply.
"Mom! I have to save Xue'er! She can't marry An Zaikang! He's a scoundrel!" Chengxian declared angrily.
"Song Chengxian, you lack the skills to fight back! You need to train," Steven advised.
"You're right! Once I'm better, I'm going to train hard! I'll return to Seoul! I'd do anything for Xue'er," Chengxian vowed, a renewed determination in his voice.
**A Week Later - Chengxian Returns to Seoul**
Steven introduced him to a retired police officer.
**Seoul - Kang Family Mansion, 10:00 AM**
Chengxian and Steven arrived at Jiang Shihao's home.
"Wow! A former police officer is quite affluent!" Chengxian exclaimed.
"Of course! He runs a security company," Steven replied.
**In the Living Room**
"Are you the famous star, Song Chengxian? I'm Mike Jiang," he introduced himself.
"I'm no longer a star, so there's no need to flatter me," Chengxian replied modestly.
"Did you incur some trouble in Busan? Do you need help with protection?" Mike asked.
"My girlfriend is being forced to marry Ahn Jae-kang from Busan. I plan to take her away on their wedding day," Chengxian stated.
"Steal the bride!? Song Chengxian, are you serious? The An family is the most powerful in Busan. You're risking your life! However, I have my own reasons to help you," Mike chuckled.
"Do you have a plan to deal with An Zaikang?" Chengxian inquired.
"Yes, but it comes at a cost. You could lose your life. Think it over," Mike warned.
"Are you truly willing to proceed?" Steven asked, concerned.
"Even if I end up in jail, I'd do it. An Zaikang will regret crossing me," Chengxian affirmed.
"Alright! We'll commence your training today," Mike agreed.
From that day on, Chengxian trained rigorously under Mike's guidance.
**November 10, 2008 - Mike's House, 6 PM**
"Master Song, your determination is commendable. Your marksmanship has improved tremendously in four months. When is their wedding?" Mike inquired.
"It's on the 30th of this month. I'm heading to Busan early to find a black market where I can procure a firearm," Chengxian replied.
"I'll give you the address for a seller named Li Ao," Mike said, jotting it down.
**Two Days Later - On the Train to Busan, 10:00 AM**
"Xueer, wait for me! I'll rescue you soon," Chengxian whispered to himself.
As he drifted off to sleep, memories of meeting Xueer for the first time flooded his mind.
**February 20, 1998 - The Bund**
Xue'er and Yang'er strolled along the Bund when Chengxian, out with friends, noticed a thief snatching Xueer's purse. He bravely chased after the thief.
"Thief! Stop!" Chengxian shouted.
Together with Steven, they managed to catch the pickpocket.
"Miss, here's your wallet," Chengxian said, handing it over.
"Thank you," Xueer replied gratefully.
"You should thank Brother Song, Song Chengxian." Steven added.
**November 12, 2008 - Song Family Mansion, Chengxian's Room, 2 PM**
Chengxian called Xueer.
"Hey, Xue'er. Can we meet tonight?" he asked.
"Chengxian! Where have you been? Are you alright?!" Xueer queried, worry evident in her voice.
"I'm fine. Just back in Seoul for training," Chengxian assured her.
"Training for what?" Xueer pressed.
"To learn how to save you from An Zaikang," Chengxian replied confidently.
"Chengxian! This is too dangerous! I won't let you take such risks!" Xueer protested angrily.
"Don't worry; I'm not the same weak Chengxian anymore. I'm learning martial arts to protect you," he reassured her.
"Chengxian! An Zaikang has many bodyguards; this is reckless!" Xueer insisted.
"Meet me at Busan Tower Park at 2 AM tonight," Chengxian said resolutely.
"Okay!" Xueer replied, her heart hopeful.
**Busan Tower, 2 AM**
Xueer waited for Chengxian beneath the tower, her heart racing.
"Xue'er! I've missed you so much!" Chengxian exclaimed as he approached.
"I've missed you too!" Xueer cried, embracing him tightly.
"You must trust me. I will rescue you on your wedding day. Just wait for me," Chengxian vowed earnestly.
"Chengxian, please don't be reckless. I don't deserve this. An Zaikang hasn't harmed me; it feels like he has other motives. Have you upset anyone recently?" Xueer asked.
"Are you suggesting he has ulterior motives?" Chengxian questioned.
"Yes, I'm concerned that others may align with An's family against you," Xueer warned.
"Go back now. I need to investigate," Chengxian replied.
**November 20, 2008, 9 PM**
**An's Villa - Kang's Study Room**
During a video conference with Kangzai, Zaikang spoke.
"Mr. Jiang, we have successfully captured him. What's next?" Zaikang inquired.
"No matter the plan, I want Song Chengxian imprisoned and ruined!" Thomas declared.
"You're related to President Jiang, yet you two seem to have a poor relationship," Zaikang noted suspiciously.
"That's none of your business," Thomas replied curtly.
**Weeks Later - Wedding Day of Xueer and An Zaikang**
Chengxian and Mike arrived at Mi's house.
**Near Mijia, 9 AM**
"I'll handle An Zaikang's men. You focus on getting Xue'er out," Mike instructed.
"Understood," Chengxian affirmed.
Armed, Chengxian stepped outside Mi's house, spotting Zaikang holding Xueer's hand. He aimed his gun at Zaikang's head.
"An Zaikang! Release my wife!" Chengxian shouted.
"President Song is quite the showman now! Get someone else to distract my men. You think you can escape so easily?" Zaikang retorted angrily.
"An Zaikang! I'm here for you! I'll save Xue'er, even if it means going to jail!" Chengxian declared fiercely.
In a moment of desperation, Chengxian shot Zaikang in the back.
**- Chapter End -**