When Lily was first sent abroad, she was often on the verge of a breakdown. The psychologist Brooks found for her was driven away by her, leaving while complaining in English that she was a lunatic.
The second psychologist was introduced by Aria, who said it was Alistair's recommendation, a rather impressive expert. Unlike other psychologists, this one didn't engage in conversations that would only provoke her, nor did he try to pry open her secrets with a scalpel. Knowing she loved photography, he introduced her to a master photographer—her mentor, a world-renowned wildlife photographer.
Lily didn't know how the psychologist persuaded her mentor to take in someone with mental health issues like her. However, those years truly saved her barren, aimless life. She followed her mentor to chase wolf packs in northern Canada, track migrating caribou in the Alaskan wilderness, and capture wildlife in their natural habitats in Indonesia… facing life-threatening dangers more than once. Being terrified by wolves and having nightmares was the least of it; she was bitten by venomous snakes and attacked by rhinos while filming in India… Several times, she thought she was done for.
Fortunately, her mentor's team was experienced with these death threats, though they escaped in a sorry state, they survived. It was thrilling, playing with life and death. The more frequent these experiences, the more rebellious her body became—the more scared she was, the more passionate she felt.
That period was the most tumultuous she had ever experienced. Everywhere she turned, she faced severe challenges, yet they were new experiences, and that burning passion felt like her life was on fire, burning away old scars and growing new branches.
She once heard someone say that to be reborn, you have to die a few times. She had faced death several times. Although she still couldn't stop her medication, she was no longer prone to madness and could control her emotions.
The year before she returned home, she had a face-to-face encounter with a tiger in the deep forest. When she was rescued, she thought, how could anything back home be scarier than a tiger? If a tiger couldn't tear her apart, why should she fear Zoya? Borrowing the tiger's courage, she shattered the shadows and fears of her past and decided to return home.
They say great calamities bring great fortune. Having brushed so many times with death, she feared no one. Whoever provoked her, she'd bite back. Unfortunately, the tiger's claws, which had given her courage, hadn't shattered her romantic delusions.
The only variable then was Royce. She gave her last bit of patience to Royce. When Royce betrayed her, she stopped chasing animals and started chasing him. Her only regret was for her mentor, but he didn't blame her. When they parted, he gave her his camera.
"A little girl like you, always following us men to the brink of death, even if you didn't leave, I would have advised you to return to a peaceful life one day. You've already conquered your inner demons; my task is complete."
Her mentor said she was the second person who had followed him through such trials and overcome her inner demons. When she asked who the first was, her mentor only smiled and said it was a friend, without elaborating, but left her with one piece of advice.
"Girl, your life is your own. You can change your path at any time, but choose the path that suits you best. Don't get stuck in a rut, and don't choose a dead end."
… She changed her path and chose a dead end.
She switched from wildlife photography to landscape photography, focusing on natural scenery. When she initially changed paths, Aria suggested she move into the fashion industry. The suggestion stemmed from a favor Lily did for Aria's sister-in-law, a fashion magazine editor. One issue's theme was about protecting endangered wildlife, and they needed a cover featuring a popular actress with wild animals.
At that time, the photographer they had been working with had an emergency and couldn't come, and with the actress's tight schedule, they needed someone experienced with wild animals. Aria recommended Lily as a last resort. One was ready to give it a try, and the other was a brave soul with a "dare to shoot" attitude.
The shoot took place in the wild with cheetahs. The difficulty was high, but the results were surprisingly good. At that time, Lily was considering changing paths, so Aria encouraged her to venture into the fashion industry, offering to help with her connections. Lily didn't agree at the time, mainly because of Malika.
Malika was difficult. She loved cheongsams but not the flashy ones. She wanted her daughter-in-law to help her son's career but also expected her to stay home. She liked to judge others but couldn't stand being criticized. The fashion industry was complex, full of gossip and judgment. Despite their mutual disdain, Malika was Royce's mother, and for Royce, Lily didn't take that step, though she was interested.
She focused on stills and natural scenery. Initially, she was passionate, but the lack of perfection in her work due to various frustrations slowly eroded her enthusiasm and creativity. Over time, she learned to let go of the past and rekindled her passion, producing beautiful but soulless photos.
Apart from that incident from years ago, which still lingered in her blood, Lily had come to terms with everything else. She could pick up and let go of any other matter with ease. If one path didn't work, she'd choose another. She was still young, had time to explore, had money, and could afford to fail.
Listening to Aria's advice, she decided to venture into the fashion industry. If she succeeded, she'd gain fame and glory. If she failed, she'd just close the studio and live a simple life as a landlady. She was so outstanding, and Edmond was so perfect. Their genes were strong, so she'd have more kids, enjoy life, play with the children, collect rent, and live happily.
After Lily agreed, Aria was energized. Her connections in the fashion industry were through her sister-in-law, who was currently on vacation. Aria flew back to Yang City to seek advice. With Aria's work plan not yet ready, Lily found herself temporarily free.
When she was furious with Royce and Nadia, she had joined a rock climbing club. This month, the club had a competition, and she decided to participate to stretch her muscles. Franklin, who had accompanied her to the club and was also a member, asked if she was going. When she mentioned the competition, Franklin called her immediately.
"Hey, so you're finally free, huh?"
His tone was excited.
"Yes, I'm free for now. Why are you so happy?" Lily asked, puzzled.
"I'm not happy; I'm mad! Recently, Uncle Edmond has been getting close to a woman, and I suspect he's cheating!"
… Lily had been so focused on her work since opening the studio. Busy with all the fuss, it wasn't until she decided to switch paths that she stopped and realized it was already August. Time had flown by, and it had been two months since the Dragon Boat Festival.
She had neglected Edmond for two months.
During this time, she was either out or at the studio, coming home late, exhausted, taking a shower, and falling asleep like a log. She always felt something was off, but Franklin's call reminded her of what it was.
She and Edmond hadn't been intimate for nearly two months.
"…Recently, Uncle Edmond has been getting close to a woman, and I suspect he's cheating!"
Edmond cheating? Had she neglected him too long? Couldn't he bear the loneliness? If there was no food at home, he went out to eat? Oh no! Disaster! The house was about to be robbed! She was losing her support!
Hanging up the phone, Lily immediately went to her dressing room to choose a battle outfit.
After rummaging through her wardrobe, she finally chose a white cheongsam-inspired dress. Edmond liked seeing her in cheongsams, and he had custom-made several for her after she moved in, though she hadn't had a chance to wear them. For a woman who could anger Franklin enough to mention it, she had to be formidable.
So, she needed to captivate Edmond again. She'd also see which enchantress dared covet her man.
Franklin's call came at 9 AM, and Lily arrived at 11:30 AM. The Twin Towers, where Jingxiu Group's headquarters were located, stood at the heart of the city, in the financial district. Franklin told Lily to park at the East Building, Tower A.