Who could it be?
Could it be a debt collector?
Yun Zhennan frowned as he picked up the call.
Xiang Man's voice, almost tearful, came through the receiver. "Uncle Yun, Zhizhi's in trouble… it seems like there's something wrong with her memory."
The Yun and Xiang families used to be neighbors.
Ever since Xiang Man's family fell on hard times and her father was imprisoned, the estate next door had been auctioned off.
Xiang Man now lived in a small apartment sponsored by Yun Zhiyi.
Yun Zhennan, who used to be good friends with Xiang Man's father, hadn't seen her family in a long time. Receiving this call suddenly left him momentarily stunned.
"Zhiyi's in trouble? Where is she?"
"Qingyou Apartments, Unit 302."
"Alright, I'll head over right away." He hung up and stood to leave.
Just as he was about to go, Ding Mei clutched her belly and cried out in pain.
"Oh… Zhennan, hearing about Zhiyi's trouble stressed me out too much… I think it's affecting the baby…"
Ding Mei was indeed experiencing some discomfort, her six-months-pregnant belly visibly tensed with anger at the mention of Yun Zhiyi's name. That wretched girl was still alive? She had actually made it back!
Yun Zhennan couldn't ignore the situation—his son was more important. He rushed over to support Ding Mei and called for the housekeeper to summon a doctor.
Su Shen managed to keep a calm facade, feigning concern as he said, "Uncle, please don't worry. Leave Zhiyi to me; I'll go check on her right away."
An Yirou followed him out, clearly shaken by the news, her voice trembling with worry.
"Brother Shen, what about my sister…"
Su Shen was already in his luxury car, ready to leave.
"Don't worry. I'll go find out," he said, pressing the gas pedal and speeding off.
Yun Zhiyi hadn't just survived—she'd actually come back.
Su Shen's face darkened as he drove through the night, pushing the pedal to the floor.
An Yirou was no better off, her face twisted in fury. Where had their plan gone wrong?
How had that vile woman managed to escape from such a dangerous forest?
Why hadn't she been torn apart by wild animals?
Night in Jin City was bound to be anything but calm.
After what felt like an eternity, there was a knock on the apartment door.
Xiang Man quickly opened it. "Young Master Su, you're here! Zhizhi's been looking everywhere for you."
"She seems to have some memory issues. Aside from me, you, and Uncle Yun, she doesn't remember anyone else."
At these words, the menace in Su Shen's eyes softened slightly.
Yun Zhiyi had memory loss? It made sense—after flipping down such a steep road, it wouldn't be surprising if she'd damaged her brain.
"Zhiyi," Su Shen said, as if nothing had happened, quickly making his way into the living room and asking Xiang Man.
"What happened to her?"
Xiang Man followed behind him, shaking her head. "I'm not sure. It looks like she took a fall. She just returned to the country, and as a young woman alone, she may have run into trouble with some lowlife."
"Zhizhi doesn't want anyone else; she keeps calling your name, Young Master Su. She really loves you."
Yun Zhiyi was curled up on the sofa, mumbling, "Ah Shen, I'm so scared… they hurt me…"
"Zhiyi, don't be afraid. I'm here for you."
Su Shen sat beside her, lifting her chin to examine her face and expression.
It was as if he were testing her, scrutinizing her.
But no matter how hard he looked, he couldn't find the hatred that he'd once seen in her eyes.
All he could see was fear, distress, and endless tears.
This Yun Zhiyi was someone he'd never seen before.
The old Yun Zhiyi was proud and defiant, never allowing him to look at her like this.
But the woman in front of him was weak, helpless, like a lamb to the slaughter, looking at him with admiration and a desperate sense of security.
Such a dramatic change could only mean one thing: her mind really was broken.
He reached out, running his fingers through her loose hair, a smile tugging at his lips. "Zhiyi, let's put the past behind us and start fresh."
Yun Zhiyi fought the urge to vomit as he pulled her into his arms.
But she remained still, letting Su Shen hold her.
She knew Su Shen preferred submissive, obedient women he could control.
If she wanted to earn his trust, she would have to play along.
Secretly, she would gather evidence, planning to return his cruelty tenfold.
"Zhiyi, let's go home."
Su Shen moved to lift her, intending to take her from the apartment.
With sharp eyes, Yun Zhiyi subtly shifted back.
Noticing, Xiang Man stepped in to intervene. "Young Master Su, Zhiyi isn't well. You can't take her away."
Su Shen let out a cold laugh. "I've already proposed to her father. We're set to marry on the 15th of this month. She's my fiancée. Why can't I take her to the Su residence?"
Xiang Man clarified, "That's not what I meant. The Su family is a powerful and respected household, and no doubt an excellent place for her. But right now, Zhiyi's emotional state is unstable, and I worry she won't adapt well to a new environment."
"You care deeply for her, Young Master Su, so I'm sure you're more worried about her condition than anyone."
"Of course. Zhiyi is my most precious treasure."
Yun Zhiyi could barely stand listening to it.
Feigning a mental breakdown, she suddenly wrapped herself in a blanket and ran to the balcony.
Her eyes darted outside.
Hovering nearby was a strange, small drone.
Yes, it was a remotely controlled drone.