Fen was a sharp-eyed woman, incredibly shrewd and resourceful, always finding ways to turn even the smallest opportunities into profit. No matter how unconventional or challenging the venture, she was willing to pursue it if it meant money would flow her way.
Her business acumen eventually led her to another lucrative path: connecting wealthy men with the type of women they desired. If her sharp instincts identified a young woman who could bring her financial gain, she would stop at nothing to persuade the girl to accept her terms... except for a rare few who managed to escape her grip.
Her other decent business dealings extended to Aunty Rui, her husband's sister, who, like many others, only knew Fen as a respectable trader. Fen's true nature remained hidden, allowing her to maintain harmonious relationships with her neighbors and clients.
About a month ago, Fen had promised to help Aunty Rui with a small business loan. Fen, noticing Rui's diligence in supporting her family, gave her a starter stock of women's jewelry and accessories. To Rui's delight, the items sold out quickly, and she had already begun sending back profits.
Now, the stock had run out, and Fen had asked Rui to either visit or send someone to collect more. As luck would have it, Zhan arrived that very day. Aunty Rui paired him with Mei, her first daughter, and sent them to Fen's home.
It was just past 6 p.m., but the streets were lit with the glow of the evening lights. Mei led Zhan directly to Fen's house, where they greeted her staff and waited in the courtyard as Fen finished a meeting with a guest.
When Fen finally emerged, her sharp eyes immediately focused on Zhan. Something about him sparked an idea...a plan that promised her success. Beneath his simple clothing and tired demeanor, she saw what many might overlook. His tall frame, fair complexion, and natural elegance were obscured by the hardships of his life. To Fen, he was a diamond in the rough, waiting for the right polish to shine.
As always, Fen concealed her true intentions behind a warm smile. She greeted them warmly, offered cold drinks, and sent for the package Rui had requested. As an additional gesture, she gave Mei a small gift of a scarf and handed Zhan a pair of finely crafted wrist chain. Both left her home impressed by her generosity and kindness, unaware of the thoughts brewing in her mind.
As they walked back, Zhan kept touching the wrist chain, imagining how they might look on him. For a moment, he entertained the idea of beauty...a fleeting thought that surprised him.
And thus began Zhan's acquaintance with Fen, the start of a journey filled with twists and turns, one that no one could have predicted.
"Where did you get this wrist chain?"
Yan asked that evening after Zhan returned home. He was lying on their bed, twirling the chain in his hand, thinking about how delighted Aunty Rui had been with Fen's thoughtful gift and her kindness. Meanwhile, Yan was standing near the wardrobe, where she had taped a mirror to its door after breaking several others.
Yan was putting on makeup, carefully applying lipstick for her date with Chang, one of her persistent suitors. Zhan often found their endless discussions frustrating. That evening, even though Yan had just returned, it was clear she'd had a minor argument with Ning. Yan later explained, "Ning wanted her boyfriend to visit too, but I told her mine already planned to come over. She said I should ask him to come tomorrow instead. Of course, I refused. That's what started the fight, and Mama had to intervene. Mama told me to wait at the neighbor's porch!"
Yan mimicked Mama's voice, "As if I could stand the stench from their house! I'd rather wait outside with Chang."
Zhan didn't comment; he rarely got involved in their disputes, knowing they would resolve themselves eventually.
"It was Aunty Rui who sent me on an errand. The woman at the house gave me this wrist chain as a gift, and Mei got a scarf," Zhan explained.
Yan, now focused on the chain, turned from the mirror, admiring it.
"Wow! This is amazing. It must have cost a fortune. Can I borrow it for my date tonight?"
Zhan hesitated, unsure. Yan's tone was polite, but he knew her well. If he refused, she wouldn't show outright anger but might withdraw support when Mama scolded him in the future. Yan was often his only defender. Reluctantly, Zhan handed the chain over, feeling a pang of doubt as he wondered why he thought it suited him in the first place.
"By the way, Yan, when are we checking our exam results? I met Ai earlier, and she said she already checked hers."
"Everything costs money, Zhan," Yan replied dismissively. "Each scratch card cost a lot. Why waste that much on results?"
As she finished her makeup and admired herself in the mirror, she added, "Don't sleep yet. Tonight, we're having KFC chicken!"
Zhan smiled faintly, already imagining the chicken. It had been nearly two years since he last enjoyed some, as even last year, their father couldn't afford one for the holidays.
What Zhan and the rest of the family didn't realize was that this would be no ordinary night for their family. By 9:30 PM, their lives would be forever changed.
---
Later that evening
The blare of a car horn echoed through the night, persistent and loud.
"Peng, are you crazy? How do you expect anyone to move with the traffic light keeping us all stuck?" Zang, Peng's friend, scolded from the passenger seat as Peng kept honking.
Suddenly, the door of the car ahead swung open, and a young man stepped out, visibly furious.
"Are you insane? Can't you see everyone else is stuck too? What's your problem?"
Peng leaned out of his window, equally enraged. "You're the one with the problem! Move your car or get out of my way!"
"Get out of your way? Over my dead body!"
"You want to try me? Do you know who I am?" Peng shot back.
"Hah! Do you know who I am?"
Zang, attempting to mediate, pleaded, "Peng, please, calm down. This isn't worth it."
Ignoring him, Peng reached for his door handle, ready to escalate. Fortunately, bystanders intervened, separating the two before things got physical.
Peng, still fuming, got back into his car, exhaling sharply and running a hand through his hair. His frustration was evident.
"Calm down, Peng," Zang said, trying to soothe him. "I told you we'll find her. She hasn't gone far. No one reported seeing her leave the area."
Peng gritted his teeth. "When I find that girl, I'll make sure she regrets messing with me! Two thousand—no, two thousand and thirteen Dollars! She dares to steal from me? Does she think I'm a fool? even if I slept with her whole family relative, I can't gave her that amount." I'll show her what happens when you cross me!"
"Relax," Zang replied. "She won't get far. Trust me, we'll find her."
As the car engine roared, Peng gripped the wheel tightly, weaving through traffic with such intensity it seemed like he might run over anything in his path. His heart pounded wildly, a mixture of desperation and anger fueling his every move. He needed to get to his destination....no matter what it took.
Earlier that day, after receiving a call from Qian his mother at the hotel that had become his second home, Peng wasted no time. He jumped into the shower, dressed swiftly, and shoved a stack of fresh cash...totaling a hundred thousand yuan—into his pocket. His original plan was to give only fifty thousand to his prostitute, but something about the situation made him take it all, knowing he might need leverage if things went south. He grabbed his bag and set off, determined to face whatever awaited him.
The house his mother had mentioned wasn't new to him—it was the place where she often scolded him if he failed to visit, their Mansion. However, he had no interest in seeing Shi Lei, his father, until late that evening. By then, David, his assistant, had already prepared all the necessary documents and details about the family's oil and gas business, giving Peng enough material to answer any of Shi Lei's probing questions. Peng didn't understand why his father seemed unusually cheerful that night, but he didn't care to ask. As long as he could placate his parents about the business, he was satisfied.
Running the family business was a responsibility Peng accepted out of obligation, not passion. Shi Lei controlled the finances tightly, ensuring Peng played a visible role in the company. His mother, ever watchful, would criticize him relentlessly if he slacked off. To avoid their scrutiny, Peng pretended to embrace the role, delegating most of the actual work to others while keeping up appearances.
Unlike his friends, who lived carefree lives racing cars and burning through their parents' money, Peng felt trapped. Despite his father's wealth far surpassing that of his peers' parents, Peng was the only one burdened with responsibilities. And now, with over two million dollar missing....funds he'd painstakingly saved for a car he dreamed of—Peng's patience had reached its limit.
Last night, after returning home, he opened the bag he'd brought back from the hotel, intending to retrieve his savings. To his shock, the crisp stacks of foreign notes and even two of his prized watches were missing. Panic set in, but he forced himself to sit and think. He called Zang, his trusted confidant, and explained the situation, though his words were frantic and barely coherent. Zang, equally distressed, immediately suspected the girl Peng had met recently, believing she had taken the money.
Zang had been helping Peng track her down ever since, and that evening, one of their friends confirmed her location: at her sister's house in central city. Peng and Zang jumped into the car, speeding towards their destination. Despite Zang's attempts to take the car from Peng, he refused, claiming it wouldn't get them there fast enough.
"I've told you before, Zang," Peng said, his tone sharp. "This is why I avoid dealing with these types of women—greedy and cunning. Give them a little money, and they'll demand more."
Zang didn't respond. He knew Peng was right. Peng preferred simple girls who were easy to manage, but this one had been different...too bold, too entitled.
When they reached center city, their friend was waiting at the roadside. He directed them to the house, and Peng didn't wait for introductions. He stormed to the gate and pounded on it until an older woman opened the door. The resemblance between her and the girl confirmed his suspicions.
This time, Peng wouldn't leave without his money—and without ensuring this girl understood the consequences of crossing him.
:-*:-*:-*:-*:-*
Central Business District (CBD)
At 9:30 PM, Aunty Dan looked at Peng's mother and asked, "Why are you so certain something happened on this trip?"
They were sitting in the living room surrounded by piles of silk fabrics and organza delivered by Dan's dealer from Guangzhou. Two young women were helping sort the materials into bundles.
Peng's mother took a bite of cake from the small plate on the side table, then placed the fabric she was holding onto the floor. "I just have a feeling, Dan. Like all his other sudden trips, no one knew about this one until the last minute. Even Joshua and the others said he only told them on the day of travel. They didn't have much to add—just their usual fake smiles and reassurances."
"Well, let Yibo come back," Dan replied, sipping her mango juice. "You'll get all the answers then."
"I hope so," Peng's mother said. "He's my pride and joy. That's why I never want anything to come between us."
Dan raised an eyebrow. "Have you ever found out where he's actually from?"
"I know his parents passed away, and he's been living with his brother here. Beyond that, I don't know much. But one thing I do know is that he was raised well."
Dan nodded in agreement. "He's a good boy, no doubt about that. Even Peng admires his work ethic. Honestly, if you play your cards right, you could keep him close forever."
Peng's mother smirked knowingly. "That's exactly what I'm trying to do. But my stubborn daughter Mei refuses to cooperate. All she cares about is her studies."
"What about Yun?" Dan asked.
Yun was coming down the staircase just as Aunty Dan asked the question. Without hesitation, she headed toward the exit through the living room.
"Where are you going?"
"The toilor is outside; he brought the clothes we gave him to sew."
"Alright, tell him to wait. I'll send him my fabric too."
"Okay, Momma."
She turned to one of the younger girls.
"Na-na, take that fabric and the one next to it, then give it to him. Tell him it's mine."
The girl quickly gathered the materials and followed Yun, who was already by the door. Just as she reached out to open the handle, the door swung open. The addictive scent of Yibo's signature ambergris cologne filled the air even before she saw him. It was a scent that always seemed to elevate his presence, enhancing his charm wherever he went.
"Big Brother!" she exclaimed with a leap, trying to hug him.
Yibo raised a single finger, gently pressing it to her forehead to stop her.
"How many times do I have to tell you you're not a kid anymore, Yun?"
She pouted slightly.
"But I haven't seen you in three days! It feels like forever!"
From her seat, Qian saw the faint smile that crossed his lips before he replied.
"Well, you're seeing me now, aren't you? That should make up for it. Where are you off to?"
Yun's excitement bubbled over as she answered.
"I'm just heading to the courtyard to collect the clothes. Wait for me; I have so much to tell you!"
Yibo chuckled, then playfully bumped fists with her before she ran off, her excitement still palpable.
"Yun will never grow up, will she, Dan? You're starting to act like her too," Qian said, shaking her head as Yibo stepped fully into the living room.
"Welcome, Yibo! I've been looking out for you all day," Qian Peng's mother said warmly as he removed his shoes at the edge of the carpet. One of the younger girls quickly picked them up and set them aside before he took a seat.
Scratching the bridge of his nose, Yibo said, "Aunty, you know how trips go...there's always a lot to handle. Today was no exception. We even had to stop by the factory in Baotou before coming back. We've been on the road all day."
Qian nodded knowingly. "I figured as much. Your Uncle hasn't stopped making calls since yesterday. I knew there was work to do."
"But thankfully, everything went smoothly this time. It wasn't as chaotic as our last trip," Yibo reassured her with a faint smile.
"That's good to hear," She said, still smiling. "What should I serve you? There's rice and Pasta."
"Let's start with the rice," Yibo replied with a nod, his voice light.
Qian laughed heartily. "Always the refined one, Yibo. That's so like you!"
"By the way, where's Peng?" Yibo asked, taking his first bite of the perfectly cooked rice.
Qian's expression shifted slightly at the mention of Peng, her tone taking on a hint of frustration.
"Peng is… well, let's just say he needs prayers, Yibo. His behavior has been all over the place lately. He barely comes home, and when he does, it's late at night. Your brother, as always, refuses to let me know exactly what's going on. He just keeps making excuses, and I know he's not being truthful."
Yibo listened attentively, nodding. "Don't worry, Aunty. I'll talk to him. I'll try to guide him and keep an eye on things."
"Thank you, Yibo. May you always be rewarded for your efforts."
Yibo smiled warmly, looking at her. "Aunty, you don't need to thank me. It's my duty to do my best for this family, because I'm being paid."
What Qian doesn't know is, Yibo mean it... When he said he's doing everything because he was being paid.
She laughed again, her frustration over Peng momentarily fading as they continued their conversation.
Later, Yun returned, eager to share her plans about convincing Momma to let her attend a friend's wedding in England. Yibo listened patiently, the same way he always did, making people feel trust and valued.
Despite his calm demeanor, Yibo couldn't help but think about his Uncle, Shi Lei. No matter how much effort Yibo put into their relationship, there was always an unspoken distance. His Uncle was a man of secrets, and today had been no exception. Even after following him discreetly during the trip to Dong guan, Yibo had uncovered nothing substantial.
As Yibo stepped out of the compound after bidding farewell, his phone rang. He reached into his pocket and pulled it out. Guang's name flashed on the screen. He answered and brought the phone to his ear.
"If your heart tells you you've got no one to call, just remember, we'll never stop reminding you."
Smiling, he rubbed the bridge of his nose with two fingers.
"Come on, Guang! If I ever forgot about you, where would I go? You know my work schedule better than anyone. And as for my responsibilities, well, they're on my shoulders like always."
On the other end, Guang chuckled warmly.
"Well, you've redeemed yourself with that speech. So, how are you? Work? Life? Everything?"
"You know me...I don't really have a 'life' right now. Honestly, I'm exhausted. Work's been slow. Sometimes, I feel like I can't do it anymore."
"Now, that doesn't sound like you. Are you going to break our perfect record? You know how I brag about you to everyone, saying my friend never fails an assignment."
This time, Yibo chuckled, leaning against his car as the cool breeze from the compound's trees and plants brushed against his skin.
"So, how's the family? And your little one?"
"The 'little one' who's now in school and knows her A-Zs? You're still calling her a baby?"
"Does that mean we're close to finding her a suitor?"
Guang burst into laughter.
"Come on, you're still at that? You need to step up!"
And so their conversation flowed, as it always did when they went a while without talking. Eventually, Guang passed the phone to his wife and daughter. Yibo greeted them warmly, realizing that the little girl was growing up fast. Her gibberish was evolving into proper words.
By the time the call ended, Yibo's heart felt lighter. Guang always seemed to fill every gap in his life with warmth and encouragement. Yibo knew that if ever asked to name one person he truly trusted in this world, it would be Guang without hesitation.
"The universe won't fail you, Yibo. Every challenge you face is part of a plan that's been set for us since the beginning. Hold on to that forever, do you hear me?"
He recalled her face when she said those words...a peaceful morning long gone. She had dressed elegantly, her smile radiant even when life changed her name to 'memory.'
He had looked at her then, a younger version of himself filled with innocence and wonder, while their mother knelt in prayer behind them.
The image shifted. Suddenly, the room became chaotic, filled with people, and her screams echoed in his ears. He saw a stranger overpowering his mother, while he, a mere child, was helpless against the scene unfolding before him.
Everything blurred as his lips whispered, Mumy" the only words he could muster for strength.
Snapping back to the present, Yibo opened the car door and slid inside. A storm of emotions swirled within him, his chest tight. All he wanted was to get home and bury himself under the covers.
But fate had other plans.
He turned the key and tried to start the car. It refused. Again and again, he tried—seven times in total—before the engine finally roared to life.
Without delay, he reversed and headed toward the gate, making a mental note to find a mechanic first thing in the morning.
Little did he know, that small, frustrating moment would be the beginning of a journey he hadn't planned for—a chain of events that no human could have foreseen.
---
With this chapter, we've tied up all the loose ends.
Now, let's dive into the drama!
I promise you, this is where everything truly begins.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛