Dilapidated old houses, foul-smelling streets, and crowded alleys—all exuding the struggles of the city's lowest rung of life. Towering buildings surrounded them on all sides, but this one small stretch remained broken and worn.
Cheng Anya pulled her small suitcase, weaving through the cramped street.
"Anya, be good in the UK with your aunt. Don't worry about Dad. Focus on your studies. I'm sorry, Anya…" Her father's eyes were swollen from crying all night. Ever since marrying Lin Li's mother, guilt toward Anya had haunted him. "I'm a useless man, muddling through life, unable to give you anything. Thank goodness your aunt is taking you abroad. At least you won't have to suffer with me. I can finally look your mother in the eye."
"Dad, don't say that." Cheng Anya hugged him tightly. "I'm just going to the UK, not disappearing forever. Don't worry. I'll come back, and when I do, I'll make sure you live a good life."
"Brother-in-law, don't worry," Aunt Gu Meiling said kindly. "I'll take good care of Anya."
"Dad, listen—Lin Li's up to no good outside. She owes a lot of people money. Don't get involved, okay? Just live your own life. She's a grown woman. Let her handle her own mess. You're not responsible for her. Got it?" This was what Cheng Anya worried about most.
Her father nodded solemnly.
After returning home that day, Cheng Anya had beaten Lin Li up. Don't be fooled by her sweet appearance—she had a fiery temper underneath. Lin Li had no choice but to confess everything. She still hadn't given up and had even tried to sell Anya to an underground auction. Luckily, her aunt took her away in time. Otherwise, who knew what might've happened? But her heart still clung to worry for her father.
As the taxi pulled away, Cheng Anya's eyes welled up, watching her father's hunched figure fade in the distance.
Dad, wait for me. I swear I'll come back and give you the life you deserve.
At a red light, a silver sports car idled. Ye Third Young Master's temper had been horrible lately. He was about to return to the U.S., and he still hadn't found that girl.
That damn girl—if he ever caught her, he'd skin her alive. No one had ever dared toy with Ye Chen like that. Even if she fled to the ends of the earth, he'd track her down and make her pay.
Those bright, vivid eyes… so unforgettable.
Her taste… even more addictive.
Damn girl!
Ye Chen couldn't let it go. He couldn't believe things between them would end like that. A voice deep inside kept whispering—She's the one. It's her. That rare, heart-racing feeling… he didn't reject it.
His sharp eyes narrowed—wait. Was that… her?
Inside the taxi, Cheng Anya was staring blankly at the protective charm her father had given her, completely unaware of Ye Chen's gaze.
The light turned green. The cars surged forward. It was rush hour—traffic was heavy. Ye Chen had no choice but to follow carefully, afraid of losing her.
But driving like that was dangerous.
On a fast curve, trying to overtake the taxi, Ye Chen lost control. A truck barreled in from behind and slammed into his car. The silver sports car flipped over again and again…
Don't go…
Ye Chen's final thought before losing consciousness—raw, desperate.
In her taxi, Cheng Anya suddenly froze. A sharp pain stabbed her heart. She turned around in confusion. Was someone calling her?
"There's been an accident on the highway," the driver muttered.
Unease twisted in her chest, refusing to settle for a long time.
As the ambulance rushed Ye Chen to the hospital, Cheng Anya was already boarding her flight to the UK.
The girl beamed, waving proudly.
"Glorious Motherland, wait for me—I'll come back and honor you!"