Nuan Nuan's world narrowed to the confines of her prison. Chenheng's brutality left her physically and emotionally shattered.
Days blurred together in a haze of pain and despair. Nuan Nuan's thoughts fragmented, her mind struggling to cope with the trauma.
She replayed memories of her past, searching for strength. But even happy moments with her mother now seemed tainted by Chu Anxin's betrayal.
One day, an unfamiliar maid, Ling, brought food and whispered words of encouragement. "You're not alone, Miss Nuan Nuan. There are those who care."
Nuan Nuan's tears fell, a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. Ling's kindness ignited a spark within her.
Determined to survive, Nuan Nuan began to rebuild her resilience.
Meanwhile, Si Kong grappled with his own demons. Patriarch Gu's ghost haunted him, fueling his guilt. He self loathed himself with every passing day, somedays he couldn't even breath properly.
Si Kong's door burst open, shattering the silence. He sprang from bed, instantly on high alert. "Who's there?" he demanded, his voice firm and commanding.
Flicking on the light, he faced a masked figure. A laugh escaped his lips. "What kind of joke is this? Who still wears masks to prank people these days?"
The masked man strode forward, his voice low and measured. "Captain Si Kong, we finally meet. I'm sure you're smart enough to know I've been following you for a few days."
Si Kong's amusement vanished, replaced by wariness. "What do you want?" he growled, his hand instinctively reaching for his dagger.
"I'm here to propose a deal," the masked man replied, his eyes glinting behind the mask.
Si Kong raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "Oh? What's that?"
"Let's join forces to crush Pei Chenheng," the masked man said, his voice dripping with conviction.
Si Kong's expression froze, unsure how to respond. He studied the masked man, searching for clues. What motivated this mysterious figure?
The masked man turned to leave. "I'll return in one week for your answer. I'm pretty sure you want to eliminate Chenheng as much as I do."
With those words, he vanished into the night, leaving Si Kong perplexed and questioning his intentions.
Si Kong's mind whirled with possibilities. Who was this masked man? What drove his hatred for Chenheng? And could Si Kong trust him.