"Ah—."

Ning Xia screamed and woke up from her slumber, staring blankly at the stark white ceiling for a while before she realized she had that nightmare again.

Damn it, five years had already passed, yet everything from that night still haunted her like a nightmare, and she could never recall the man's face.

But the pain from that time seemed to be branded on her body to this day, refusing to fade away.

If she knew who that man was—the one who destroyed her innocence, caused her to become pregnant before marriage, and tarnished her reputation—she would make sure his lineage ended with him!

-

Night.

A grand and opulent club was hosting a banquet, its lights dazzling the eye, the guests dressed in glamorous attire, all smiles and laughter.

Today's banquet was held by the Bo Family, welcoming back the family's sole heir, Colonel Bo Siyan.

The Bo Family was an aristocratic lineage that could trace its roots back to the Ming Dynasty. Each generation was wealthier and more powerful than the last, a myth in Chicheng that stood unattainable, with Siyan naturally being the little overlord.

He was of marriageable age, and all the refined ladies of the city had gathered, putting their best foot forward to attract the young master's attention.

Two exquisitely dressed and elegant ladies disdainfully glanced at Ning Xia, who followed behind them in a simple white dress. Her elder half-sister, Ning Wei, didn't mince her words, "I really don't understand why dad insisted on bringing her. Does he actually think Colonel Bo would fancy someone like her?"

The second sister, Ning Xiao, sneered coldly, "It's all because of the pillow talk from her foxy mother. Dad's becoming senile too. Get lost, and don't follow us."

Ning Xia looked at them timidly and said in a submissive tone, "Understood."

Ning Wei and Ning Xiao didn't bother to look at her again, sashaying away with swaying hips. The moment they turned their backs, the corners of Ning Xia's lips lifted slightly, and her eyes shimmered with cunning light—nothing like her meek appearance.

Who would want to follow them? With their big breasts and empty brains, they were just decorative vases. Colonel Bo wouldn't give them a second glance either, right?

Ning Xia didn't want to face the facade of every single face in the hall, so she walked toward the courtyard. Suddenly, she heard a splash near the pool and saw a tall figure tumbling into the water.

Someone fell into the water?

She waited for a dozen seconds but didn't see anyone come up, so without a second thought, she dashed forward.

She leaped into the water, hooked one arm around the man's neck and swam upwards with the other. It took a great deal of effort for Ning Xia to drag the man ashore.

Gasping slightly, she squatted beside the man and when she saw his pale face, her black eyes tightened—it was none other than Colonel Bo.

Even though it had been many years since she saw him, his handsome features and the arrogant air between his brows remained unchanged.

Watching him with eyes shut tight, she quickly placed her hands on his chest to perform CPR.

"Hey, wake up!"

She called out while pressing, but there was no response. Ning Xia furrowed her brows, wondering if she needed to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Though saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story stupa, because of her past trauma, she was extremely averse to men—especially Colonel Bo, and she really couldn't bring herself to do it.

Yet she couldn't just watch him die, and there was no one else around...

Ning Xia hesitated for half a second but ultimately couldn't bear to let someone die without helping. She took a deep breath, raised her hand, and pursed her lips.