New Beginnings
Li Jin turned to his cousin, Ling
"Take care, cousin."
Gong Xu also said his farewell.
"You too, Li Jin. Stay safe."
The two shared a brief hug.
Han Yesi approached, her eyes shining.
"Thank you, Li Jin. For everything."
Li Jin smiled.
"Anytime, Han Yesi. You're family."
The other guards gathered, exchanging farewells.
Si Kong watched, his arm around Nuan Nuan.
As the goodbyes concluded, Nuan Nuan's composure crumbled.
Tears streamed down her face.
She stumbled, and Si Kong swept her into his arms.
"Shh, I've got you," he whispered.
Nuan Nuan buried her face in his chest.
"I don't want to go back home," she muttered.
Her voice barely audible.
Si Kong's grip tightened.
"You don't have to. You're safe now."
Nuan Nuan's body sagged.
She went limp, exhaustion claiming her.
Si Kong lifted her into his arms.
"I've got you," he repeated.
He glanced at Li Jin.
"Take care of yourselves."
Li Jin nodded.
"You too."
With Nuan Nuan secure in his arms, Si Kong walked away from the Pei Mansion.
Toward a new beginning.
....
A black car halted smoothly in front of them, its sleek design a stark contrast to the turmoil they'd just escaped. Si Kong opened the door and slid in, cradling Nuan Nuan's limp form in his arms.
The butler, Cheng, gazed at him through the rearview mirror, his expression a mask of professionalism.
"Sir, where should we go?"
Si Kong's voice was low and resolute.
"Shanghai."
Cheng's nod was almost imperceptible.
He shifted the car into gear and pulled away from the curb, leaving the Pei Mansion's darkness behind.
As they glided into the night, Si Kong's eyes never left Nuan Nuan's face.
Her pale skin and closed eyelids stirred a deep ache within him.
He adjusted his hold, ensuring her comfort.
The car's soft hum and Cheng's skilled driving lulled Nuan Nuan deeper into sleep.
Si Kong's thoughts turned to Shanghai.
To the safety and sanctuary of his family's estate.
To the promise of healing and rebuilding.