I Loved My Wife Since Childhood, But She Suddenly Began To Hate Me And Kidnapped Me - Manhwa Recap

I like my 10-year-old childhood friend Liu Ruyan. Suddenly, her old book Heroine resurfaced, and I realized she'd be with the heroine of this story in the future, leaving me out in the cold. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands, sort things out, and keep moving before the media took sensational photos and she spent the night at the heroine's house. The next day, leaving a strawberry kiss mark on her neck, I blocked all her contacts and sent her the engagement ring I had given her in the early years of our relationship. Having conveyed everything to the heroine and wished them happiness, I left for abroad without even saying goodbye. A few years later, I had to return to China due to work projects. When I got off the plane, I was intercepted and literally dragged to the car. Liu Ruyan's hand was clenched tightly into a fist. Her palm was torn and bleeding. Her eyes were red, and her gaze was dispassionate, prejudiced, and insane. "Long time no see," she said. The main news headlines were full of familiar names: Liu Ruyan, strawberries, scandalous photos, and sensational details. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt completely helpless. With a trembling finger, I tapped the notification, opening a screen with intimate photos, but for a moment, I couldn't bring myself to look. Still, I forced myself to look at the big picture. Secretary Lee was nearby, his pale appearance betraying his concern for my reaction, but I only smiled bitterly at my own stupidity. I turned off the screen, a heavy sigh escaped my chest. "I called him last night, but he didn't answer because he went to see Bo Jinchuan." Secretary Lee's words sounded awkward. After all, he was Liu Ruyan's personal secretary and was trying to gloss over the obvious. Last night was the birthday celebration of young master Bo Jinchuan. He reminded me that Bo was the grandson of Grandpa Liu's comrade, and Liu Ruyan simply had to rescue him on the spot. He himself couldn't really explain anything. He just asked me to help him get to bed. Secretary Lee was silent for a moment, and his first sentence sounded rather unconvincing. It's all tabloid rumors, don't worry. After all, you and Mr. Liu are engaged. Before I could hear him out, I burst out laughing. He didn't need any explanation. After all these years, I hadn't received any clear explanations, and I was sick and tired of it. He and Bo Jinchuan had been friends since childhood, and I'd had enough. But this time, he crossed the line, hitting me where it hurt most. Secretary Lee gave me an awkward direct look, and the atmosphere in the car instantly became empty. Having lived through half of this story, I felt reborn. So many years have passed, and even the strongest heart can be completely broken. "Li Mei, I'm so tired. Tell Liu Rui'an, may she live happily with Young Master Bo." I said, taking off my wedding ring and placing it on Secretary Lee's finger. "This ring no longer belongs to me. Please return it to Young Master Bo." Maintaining an icy expression, I waited for Secretary Lee to exit the car before locking the doors. The moment the door slammed, I allowed myself to brush away my tears. I told the driver to turn around and go to my apartment to get my things. After throwing my suitcases in the trunk, I immediately bought a ticket for the next flight. After everything I'd been through, I leaned back in my seat and sighed heavily. I've been trying to fix everything for so many years. Today, it finally comes to an end. Liu Rui'an and I have been friends since childhood. I was 2 years older than him, and we had been close since childhood. But at the same time, Liu Rui'an had survived a traumatic kidnapping by enemies of the Liu family. No one could have imagined the abuse he had to endure until I returned and found him. I saw that his legs were covered in terrible bruises. After what he had experienced, he became withdrawn and fearful. Other children avoided him and were afraid of him, and I remained the only exception in his isolated world. My father was very happy because I became so attached to him. As the eldest brother, I had to take care of him. That's when the butler first brought Bo Jinchuan out to us. Liu Ruyan continued to act strangely, lost in his own thoughts. The atmosphere at the table instantly became awkward and quiet. Bo Jinchuan's eyes were filled with tears, his lips trembled, and his pitiful appearance was repulsive. The butler's face turned white with fear. It was completely pale, frightened. I had no choice but to justify myself as if elder Liu had simply miscalculated. I didn't like him at all, and I wanted him out of here immediately. Liu Ruyan's eyes blazed with fierce hostility. He seemed ready to tear this wolf cub to pieces for daring to offend Bo Jinchuan. I was afraid his wild nature would frighten those around him again. Fortunately, Bo Jinchuan only held on to me tentatively. "Welcome. If anything's unclear in the future, please contact me," he said, looking up at me and nodding. His glance kept stealing glances at Liu Ruyan. I didn't suspect anything wrong then, at least until that evening when Bo Jinchuan knocked on my door. He constantly asked me about my tastes and habits, and I knew his difficult character well. I tried to keep my answers brief, cutting off my sentences mid-sentence, but Bo Jinchuan's eyes were unusually innocent. "But I think Ruyan treats you very well. That means he's a good person. I really want to be friends with him. Brother Fu Shengxing, you'll help me, right?" These words left me speechless. Last night, I had a strange dream. In it, I saw the vivid and cruel world of a romantic novel. Liu Ruyan was the main character in this story, and Bo Jinchuan turned out to be that very savior fulfilling his mission. I fell into this trap without the right to choose. I was cast in the unenviable role of a classic villain, that notorious antagonist who always gets in the way of the protagonists in Liu Rui'an's dream. Had a cruel and cold character, but eventually thawed thanks to the radiant Bo Jinchuan. I, being a villain with an old marriage contract. He looked like a pathetic clown trying to prove his rights to Bo Jinchuan. If you recall the middle of the plot, Liu Rui'an betrays me, my legs are crippled, I end up in prison, and my entire family dies. And all this against the backdrop of an endless cold rain outside the window. Until the very end, I remain true to my feelings, clinging to my last strength, asking him with tears in my eyes, "Have you ever loved me?" But in response, I saw only an indifferent, empty look. "If I could do it all over again, I'd rather never have met you." That phrase echoed in my head long after I woke up. The dream was frighteningly clear, and I was no longer afraid to face the truth the next day. Real life unfolded exactly as scripted. I drifted along in this terrifying dream, making no attempt to change it. And every time I had to unwittingly help Bo Jinchuan, I was tormented by a strange feeling of guilt, even though I saw that his true nature was far from angelic. "I only like you," he told me, assuring me he hated Bo Jinchuan and wanted to leave with me as soon as possible. But behind that cold gaze lurked a frightening hypocrisy. I no longer intended to blindly believe in the fate that had been prepared for me. I deliberately turned the plot upside down, but then came endless punishments, paternal misunderstanding, and the slow decline of Liu Rui'an's position. And then, at the very last moment, I fell into the water together with Bo Jinchuan, and Liu Rui'an didn't even look in my direction. Only Bo Jinchuan was overcome with panic and hysteria. And then the bitter realization of reality finally dawned on me. I nearly drowned forever. In the end, I was pulled out by that same nondescript boy no one had ever taken into account. After that, I fell into a long, heavy sleep. The endless dreams invariably brought a strange comfort, but I couldn't open my eyes.

hands, sort things out, and keep moving before the media took sensational photos and she spent the night at the heroine's house. The next day, leaving a strawberry kiss mark on her neck, I blocked all her contacts and sent her

the engagement ring I had given her in the early years of our relationship. Having conveyed everything to the heroine and wished them happiness, I left for abroad without even saying goodbye. A few years later, I had to return to China due to work projects.

When I got off the plane, I was intercepted and literally dragged to the car. Liu Ruyan's hand was clenched tightly into a fist. Her palm was torn and bleeding. Her eyes were red and her gaze was dispassionate, prejudiced, and

insane. "Long time no see," she said. The main news headlines were full of familiar names: Liu Ruyan, strawberries, scandalous photos, and sensational details. Tears welled up in my eyes and I felt completely helpless. With a trembling finger, I tapped the

notification, opening a screen with intimate photos, but for a moment I couldn't bring myself to look.

Still, I forced myself to look at the big picture. Secretary Lee was nearby, his pale appearance betraying his concern for my reaction, but I only smiled bitterly at my own stupidity. I turned off the screen, a heavy sigh

escaped my chest. "I called him last night, but he didn't answer because he went to see Bo Jinchuan." Secretary Lee's words sounded awkward.

After all, he was Liu Ruyan's personal secretary and was trying to gloss over the obvious. Last night was the birthday celebration of young master Bo Jinchuan.

He reminded me that Bo was the grandson of Grandpa Liu's comrade, and Liu Ruyan simply had to rescue him on the spot. He himself couldn't really explain anything. He just asked me to help him get to bed. Secretary Lee was silent for

a moment and his first sentence sounded rather unconvincing. It's all tabloid rumors, don't worry. After all, you and Mr. Liu are engaged.

Before I could hear him out, I burst out laughing. He didn't need any explanation. After all these years, I hadn't received any clear explanations and I was sick and tired of it.

He and Bo Jinchuan had been friends since childhood and I'd had enough. But this time, he crossed the line hitting me where it hurt most. Secretary Lee gave me an awkward direct look and the atmosphere in the car instantly became

empty. Having lived through half of this story, I felt reborn. So many years have passed and even the strongest heart can be completely broken. "Li Mei, I'm so tired. Tell Liu Rui'an, may she live happily with Young Master Bo." I said,

taking off my wedding ring and placing it on Secretary Lee's finger. "This ring no longer belongs to me. Please return it to Young Master Bo." Maintaining an icy expression, I waited for Secretary Lee to exit the car before locking the

doors. The moment the door slammed, I allowed myself to brush away my tears. I told the driver to turn around and go to my apartment to get my things. After throwing my suitcases in the trunk, I immediately bought a ticket for the next

flight. After everything I'd been through, I leaned back in my seat and sighed heavily. I've been trying to fix everything for so many years. Today, it finally comes to an end. Liu Rui'an and I have been friends since childhood.

I was 2 years older than him and we had been close since childhood. But at the same time, Liu Rui'an had survived a traumatic kidnapping by enemies of the Liu family.

No one could have imagined the abuse he had to endure until I returned and found him. I saw that his legs were covered in terrible bruises. After what he had experienced, he became withdrawn and fearful. Other children avoided him and

were afraid of him and I remained the only exception in his isolated world. My father was very happy because I became so attached to him. As the eldest brother, I had to take care of him.

That's when the butler first brought Bo Jinchuan out to us. Liu Ruyan continued to act strangely, lost in his own thoughts. The atmosphere at the table instantly became awkward and quiet. Bo Jinchuan's eyes were filled with tears, his lips trembled, and his pitiful

appearance was repulsive. The butler's face turned white with fear. It was completely pale, frightened. I had no choice but to justify myself as if elder Liu had simply miscalculated. I didn't like him at all, and I wanted him out of

here immediately. Liu Ruyan's eyes blazed with fierce hostility. He seemed ready to tear this wolf cub to pieces for daring to offend Bo Jinchuan. I was afraid his wild nature would frighten those around him again.

Fortunately, Bo Jinchuan only held on to me tentatively. "Welcome. If anything's unclear in the future, please contact me," he said, looking up at me and nodding.

His glance kept stealing glances at Liu Ruyan. I didn't suspect anything wrong then, at least until that evening when Bo Jinchuan knocked on my door.

He constantly asked me about my tastes and habits, and I knew his difficult character well. I tried to keep my answers brief, cutting off my sentences mid-sentence, but Bo Jinchuan's eyes were unusually innocent. "But I think Ruyan treats you very well. That means

he's a good person. I really want to be friends with him. Brother Fu Shengxing, you'll help me, right?" These words left me speechless.

Last night I had a strange dream. In it, I saw the vivid and cruel world of a romantic novel. Liu Ruyan was the main character in this story, and Bo Jinchuan turned out to be that very savior fulfilling his mission. I fell into this

trap without the right to choose. I was cast in the unenviable role of a classic villain, that notorious antagonist who always gets in the way of the protagonists in Liu Rui'an's dream.

Had a cruel and cold character, but eventually thawed thanks to the radiant Bo Jinchuan. I, being a villain with an old marriage contract. He looked like a pathetic clown trying to prove his rights to Bo Jinchuan. If you recall the

middle of the plot, Liu Rui'an betrays me, my legs are crippled, I end up in prison, and my entire family dies. And all this against the backdrop of an endless cold rain outside the window.

Until the very end, I remain true to my feelings, clinging to my last strength, asking him with tears in my eyes, "Have you ever loved me?" But in response, I saw only an indifferent, empty look.

"If I could do it all over again, I'd rather never have met you." That phrase echoed in my head long after I woke up.

The dream was frighteningly clear, and I was no longer afraid to face the truth the next day. Real life unfolded exactly as scripted. I drifted along in this terrifying dream, making no attempt to change it. And every time I had to

unwittingly help Bo Jinchuan, I was tormented by a strange feeling of guilt, even though I saw that his true nature was far from angelic. "I only like you," he told me, assuring me he hated Bo Jinchuan and wanted to leave with me as

soon as possible. But behind that cold gaze lurked a frightening hypocrisy. I no longer intended to blindly believe in the fate that had been prepared for me.

I deliberately turned the plot upside down, but then came endless punishments, paternal misunderstanding, and the slow decline of Liu Rui'an's position. And then, at the very last moment, I fell into the water together with Bo Jinchuan, and Liu Rui'an didn't even

look in my direction. Only Bo Jinchuan was overcome with panic and hysteria. And then the bitter realization of reality finally dawned on me. I nearly drowned forever. In the end, I was pulled out by that same nondescript boy

no one had ever taken into account. After that, I fell into a long, heavy sleep. The endless dreams invariably brought a strange comfort, but I couldn't open my eyes. In the dim light of the room, someone was sitting next to

me. It was Bo Jinchuan. I heard his broken whisper like a bitter cry, "Why are you stuck here? Wouldn't it be easier for you to return all the pain to me? There are so many punishments. The main thing is to say the right words and

the system will change your ending." My closed eyelids immediately moistened with tears. I felt the tears soaking into the pillow, but I continued to grit my teeth. I didn't want to feel sorry for myself. I was thinking about my

parents. Could this nightmare really be repeated on their broken and miserable streets? Time passed and finally I heard my own voice speaking of the most intimate things. As if watching from the sidelines, I heard myself say, "Okay, I

get it. I'll just tell everyone I'm getting married." The Liu and Fu families could never find peace. So, I deliberately defected to Liu Rui'an's side and began actively plotting. I did everything I could to bring him together with Bo Jin- chuan. Even though Liu

Rui'an sometimes went crazy trying to justify not saving me back then, the iron grip of the plot inexorably pressed its course. Finally, he pulled away and coldly told Bo Jinchuan, "I'm not sad at all. I knew how it would end from the

start. I was just playing my assigned role in front of everyone." By buying up media shares and striking at the top of influential families, I achieved my goal. My father finally announced the cancellation of the engagement. Business interests and stock prices preoccupied

him far more than any family ties. I unlocked my phone and saw a short message of just six characters, "Thank you for your permission." I ate the cold food I'd ordered from Sam's and without a moment's hesitation, threw away the

very same bank card I'd received on the plane on my way overseas. After landing, I transferred to another vehicle. From afar, I noticed the silhouette of a person in a long black skirt, a soft smile illuminating her face. My hand was

shaking nervously from the sweat that had broken out. Removing my sunglasses with clean fingers and peering at the documents he held out to me, I cried out in amazement, "Lin Tianyu, what brings you here?" Lin Tianyu merely chuckled

with his thin lips, handing me an envelope from Liu Jin. "Here are the contact details of that designer you've always dreamed about. I think you'll need them now." As I accepted his business card, my eyes stung. Ever since I was a child, I

dreamed of becoming a designer. But with the arrival of Bo Jinqiu, my life had spiraled downward. I abandoned collecting glossy magazines, stopped studying professional literature, and abandoned drawing. Every day became a desperate, exhausting struggle against a forced narrative and a fatal fate. After

so many years, I almost forgot how madly I loved design as a child. I once seemed soft and vulnerable to everyone, but I've been left alone for too long. Liu Rui'an betrayed and trampled my feelings, turning me into nothing more

than a convenient tool in my father's hands. Faced with this, I'd grown accustomed to wearing a mask of indifference. But now, when someone showed me genuine kindness for the first time, I felt confused and panicked, unsure how to react. I felt like a

beaten dog who flinches even from a bone thrown to him, panicking at the thought of showing his emotions, and therefore only awkwardly joked it off. "Thanks for helping me out back then, but why did you come here? You weren't trying to spy

on me, were you?" Lin Tianyu flicked my ring finger with a slight grin, replying with the air of a seasoned connoisseur, "What a naive question. Someone just donated a tidy sum to a Milan design school before leaving, not even

realizing the grant went to an old friend of mine. He accidentally saw your photo on my social media and told me everything. I was planning to help him with his presentation, but instead I'm listening to your paranoid reproaches."

Having said this, Lin Tianyu waved his hand coldly, but looked at me with a warm smile. I silently put the business card in my pocket. Overwhelmed with emotion, I shared the news with Lin Tianyu, and he immediately handed me the

sedative I needed. The quiet, cozy corner proved to be the perfect place to finally catch my breath. Having settled all my post-flight business, I nodded, tired but relieved. The nights became calm, my dreams undisturbed. The cool northern nights dragged on, but the

years passed as usual. Under Lin Tianyu's wing, I studied with Mr. John himself, a world-renowned master with an eccentric character. At first, his harsh demands frightened me, but I stoically followed my teacher at his heels. I sat on a park bench listening to the sound

of the surf near the runway or simply lay on the Swiss Alpine grass, letting the wind blow across my face. Finally, I felt free and happy. The more I let go of my fear of tomorrow, the brighter my

life became. I traveled a lot alone. Over time, that turbulent, destructive love and hatred gradually dissolved into the daily grind. I thought less and less about Liu Ruyan and Bo Jinzhuan. In a new city surrounded by the care of my weakening

mother, my thoughts rarely returned to the past. I thought the storm was over, but when the teacher unexpectedly asked me to return home to work on a new major project, I began to doubt myself.

Memories of Liu Ruyan and old acquaintances still echoed with a dull resistance. Friends assured me that Bo Jinzhuan and Liu Ruyan were now living happily ever after, meaning I was safe.

Gradually, the knot in my chest began to unravel. Besides, the doctor reported that my mother's health was deteriorating, and my father was too angry for me to count on his help. I didn't want my mother to worry about me.

I was determined to take her with me, and to do that, I had to return to China. Having made my final decision, I signed a contract with the teacher.

I flew back to China completely alone. The September air in the city was already chilly. The cloudless sky was a piercing blue, and only a thin strip of cirrus clouds showed on the horizon like a stray scratch. My plane had just

landed at the airport. The assistant came to pick up my suitcase, and I obediently followed him to the parking lot. But as soon as I saw the familiar outline of a parked black car, my heart skipped a beat and my anxiety

skyrocketed. I clenched my fists, instinctively slowing my pace. Recognizing the license plate, I immediately turned sharply, preparing to run. But the figures of five or six bodyguards silently appeared behind me.

The next second, a dry click was heard. The car door swung open. I turned around and saw him, dressed in a dark suit with crimson and gold highlights. He was leaning leisurely against the hood. I forced myself to sit up straight and

look forward with a cold, detached expression, knowing full well that there was no turning back. Taking a deep breath, I tried to pull myself together.

Liu Ruyan silently tossed the very same wedding ring I'd once left with Secretary Li into my palm. His heavy, piercing gaze instantly brought me back to the harsh reality. Liu Ruyan's gaze never left me. His manner had become

even more reserved and commanding than it had been a few years ago. Nowhere had that youthful gentleness gone. Now his every movement radiated the pressure of absolute mastery. Sitting across from him on the sofa, I caught only the dark

glint in the depths of his pupils. All these thoughts of the bird escaping back into its golden cage seemed a pathetic illusion. I knew Liu Ruyan was a good person deep down, but I was afraid to anger him further with my appearance,

especially after I'd abandoned him so many years ago to help Bo Jinzhuan. What was the point of pursuing me now? I decided to keep my mouth shut. Holding onto the remnants of my pride, I was the first to break the silence. "Xiao Yan,

long time no see." Liu Ruyan was lazily fingering the diamond ring in his palm.

Suddenly, he waved his hand sharply, and the heavy door slammed shut with a dull thud. Absolute silence reigned all around. I could clearly hear the frantic beat of my own heart. He stared at me for a long moment. His cold eyes turned

red. There was no mistaking it. He had finally spoken. His voice was unusually soft, but beneath the deceptive tenderness pierced a madness and a morbid obsession that was unavoidable.

Long time no see, he whispered. It seemed I was a prisoner once again, kidnapped by my own sworn brother. I had no idea where I was, but the luxurious decor of this villa was eerily reminiscent of the old Liu family

mansion where we lived as children. My bedroom was furnished with frightening precision down to the last detail. Even the bed linens were exactly the way I liked them. What was Liu Rui An trying to achieve by locking me here when right

now in another mansion, he should be discussing his wedding with Bo Jin Chuan. The plot was falling apart at the seams, completely defying all laws of logic. They're getting married, marrying the main character. So, why the hell is

he dragging me, the villain who should have disappeared from this story long ago, back into his fold? What a shame I don't have my own reality control system. But, all my thoughts remained with me here in this isolated room. Even

the bodyguards kept a vow of silence. My phone was confiscated by Liu Rui An long ago. No one in the world will know if I die quietly in this damned villa. It seems his mental illness has progressed too far over the years. It was early

morning when Liu Rui An finally returned. I was sitting on the sofa, huddled in a ball, when my gaze accidentally fell on the coffee table in his office. There lay the very sword I had once given him with my own hands, a

prop blade from his favorite childhood anime, the one he had treasured so much before all those terrible events. He'd absent-mindedly pulled it out of its sheath every now and then, and I'd naively assumed it was our little secret. But, with Bo Jin Chuan's

arrival, the sword had vanished, and I was certain he'd thrown it away. I never expected he'd been carefully storing it in a secret box all these years. Liu Rui An, what the hell were you doing bringing me here? I'm here to meet my

fiance. How else can I tie this knot? Liu Rui An removed her gold glasses, sank heavily onto the sofa, and looked completely exhausted. A heavy, oppressive atmosphere hung around her.

We've been separated for a long time and don't communicate. I don't agree with this. Liu Ruyin's helpless demeanor frankly irritated me. As soon as I fell silent, all I heard in response was cold reproaches. Several years had passed

since our last meeting, and had she really become so unbearable? News of her affair with Bo Jinchuan had been swirling in the press for the last 3 days, and what was I supposed to think now? Couldn't she forget her past? Had

she decided to lock me up here and make me her tame lover? Liu Ruyin remained silent. After waiting out the storm, she calmed down and said, "I have everything under control." This time I really lost my temper.

Jumping up abruptly, I grabbed the first thing I could find from the tea table and threw it at the wall. "What does Bo Jinchuan have to do with this?" "That strawberry lipstick mark you left before you left was fake. I erased it myself.

Marry him if you have no other choice, but be gentle with him. Trust me, okay?

Give me a couple more years and I'll sort everything out, including Bo Jinchuan." Liu Ruyin's eyes turned bloodshot. There was a pitiful note in her voice. "What lack of choice? I am not you." I laughed coldly, but the

laughter echoed within me. She claimed she had no choice. Was she really trying to say she'd orchestrated this plot herself? But even if it was a deliberate act, what difference did it make? The pain she'd caused me hadn't gone away.

No, Lin Tianyu, had I really drowned in it back then? I'd already decided I had no use for this man anymore, and I certainly didn't intend to guess how far this plot would deviate from Bo Jinchuan's insane drama. What was my

mother even planning to do? I didn't work so hard and overcome so much just to end up here. It's unbearably cold here. Come to your senses and let me go, Liu Ruyin. Stop making everyone look like complete idiots. Liu Ruyin smiled softly. The

hardness in the depths of her eyes momentarily gave way to something resembling warm affection. A few years ago, I simply couldn't protect you for a variety of reasons. I had to let you suffer, go abroad, and get caught up in

this whole mess with Lin Tianyu, but now I'm in control. I'm never leaving Yan again. Always be with me, just you and me. Is that so bad? Liu Ruyin's eyes turned red. She pulled out the very ring we never got around to giving each other

for our wedding and tried to slip it onto my finger. I couldn't contain my rage any longer. Liu Ruyan, you've completely lost your mind. I jumped up and hit her across the ear with all my might, grazing her temple. My hair was

slightly disheveled, strands falling into my eyes. My skin was pale. I swung and hit her again 10 times harder, so hard that her cheeks instantly flushed.

My palm left bright red marks on her white skin. In the dim light, her expression seemed strange. She stuck out her tongue, seemingly oblivious to everything around her then caught my numb hand and gently blew on it, warming

it with her breath. I felt wounded and incredibly tired from the collision, barely able to move my legs, when suddenly I heard someone's strange, sharp voice with a slight pinkish tint.

I had no idea how long Secretary Liu had been standing by the door. Upon entering the room, she took in everything, apparently witnessing the beating of her own boss while simultaneously assessing my level of professionalism. "Carefully collect all the shards from the floor

and then call the cook from the neighboring restaurant," I ordered. "Little Shangson simply loves the food he cooks." Secretary Liu nodded and immediately hurried away. I tried my best to keep Liu Ruyan's eye on me at all times. When I passed out again and

came to, only Li Mishu remained in the villa. "Li Mishu, how do I get out of here?" I demanded. Hearing me, Li Mishu replied with a bow, "Mr. Fu, please don't make things difficult for me and stop trying to escape. Mr. Liu was

afraid you'd be uncomfortable, so he removed the guards from sight. But didn't Mr. Liu warn you that you wouldn't be able to leave here anyway?

You know Liu Ruyan very well and are devoted to her to the core. As for me, I'm just an obedient son, currently tied hand and foot." Li Mishu's humble smile simply oozed blind devotion. "Otherwise, why would you need to don a police

uniform to detain me? And how did you even end up in Liu Ruyan's clutches?" At these words, Li Mishu became visibly nervous and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Without another word, I resolutely headed for the villa's exit.

Secretary Lee silently blocked my way. I wasn't allowed to step outside. I wonder who gave her the right to detain me anyway.

By the way, you know those mountains across the road are perfect for a windy stroll, right? Secretary Lee followed the direction of my finger. That same night, Liu Rui'an returned to the villa.

With a terrible headache, I mentioned to her that I was going for a walk to those mountains to catch some wind. Liu Rui'an looked at me with a long, thoughtful gaze. After all, I didn't even have a cell phone with me.

"Are you afraid I'll run away? I'll leave quietly without making any noise." I looked her straight in the eye as I climbed the stairs. Liu Rui'an immediately sensed my irritation.

She blurted out that she'd be back right after the business meeting. "You're weak. You can't stand the wind for long." However, the very next day, Liu Rui'an, along with Secretary Lee and a dozen bodyguards, personally dragged me to those mountains.

I was just walking to a picturesque place to catch my breath when suddenly I heard some noise nearby. Liu Rui'an and I were just discussing a poem when she suddenly noticed a group approaching. It was Bo Jinzhuan, Lin Tianyu, and a

couple of other mutual acquaintances. She gave me a frown and muttered, "You have your phone with you. How am I supposed to contact them? It seems Bo Jinzhuan missed you." I sniffed, but the smell seemed fake to me, like a cheap counterfeit. Turning

around, I met Liu Rui'an's gaze, whose eyes were still feverishly red. Bo Jinzhuan and Lin Tianyu stared at the cold faces of Liu Rui'an and me. I noticed Bo Jinzhuan's expression instantly change, as if he were playing the noble hero. Unable to contain

myself, I chuckled, "Wow, Brother Fu Shengxing, long time no see. Where have you been all these years? Why didn't you even call when you got back?" However, I really didn't want to listen to her hypocritical trills. The plot has

long since reached the point where the main characters finally get married and I'm terribly tired of pretending to care. I didn't even bother to nod in response to Lin Tianyu, merely shaking my head slightly at old acquaintances I

hadn't seen in ages. Bo Jingchuan's face looked simply disgusting. Biting her lip and demonstratively sitting down next to Liu Ruyan, she took her hand and cast a mocking glance at me. So many years have passed. Fu Shengxing, are you still

angry with me? And what exactly is your fault? I gave her a disdainful look while Bo Jingchuan stared daggers at Liu Ruyan. Watching the circus from the sidelines, I felt like I was eating popcorn in the front row. Lin Tianyu's

eyes gradually filled with tears. I know sister Ruyan was originally engaged to you and it was I who took your place.

Sister Ruyan always says it's not my fault, but I'm still incredibly sorry. Tears streamed down Bo Jingchuan's face, highlighting Liu Ruyan's touching innocence. At the same time, the gaze of both of these unfortunate people was riveted exclusively on me. Everyone

present looked so ridiculous that I was bursting with malicious glee. I was cold, but the spectacle was worth it.

For you, Bo Jingchuan is the love of your life, but for me, this trash is worthless. All that remained in my field of vision were these pathetic, fragile, innocent sufferers. He looked utterly righteous, but his eyes betrayed barely

contained resentment. Meanwhile, Liu Ruyan stared at me. White gold glittered brightly on his wrist. Thinking this psychopath was about to lose his temper again, I silently retreated further into the open air, escaping the stifling atmosphere.

The atmosphere at the table was tense. The guests clearly disliked Liu Ruyan, but they were helpless, hopelessly outmatched on all fronts. After a hearty lunch, one of our old friends suddenly suggested playing truth or dare. Then I drew the number four, deciding to play

fair. Who was the number four? I turned to the guy who had drawn the king card and and at him curiously.

Everyone exchanged glances trying to hide their embarrassment. Lin Tianyu slowly rose from her seat. She opened her palm revealing a card with a heart suit. I am number four. Her voice was soft and unhurried. The man with the

king's card clearly liked Lin Tianyu so he looked slightly nervous as he asked, "Well then, I choose the truth. Tell me, is there anyone in this group you really like?" Hearing this question, Lin Tianyu raised her clear and sober gaze towards him.

Everyone present held their breath. The tension reached its breaking point. "Hey, shut up already. Listen to Brother Ning." For a few seconds, there was absolute silence. And then we heard Lin Tianyu's quiet reply, "Yes." The atmosphere at the table instantly came

alive. Everyone around started looking at each other wondering who they were talking about. Liu Rui'an, still smoking, came up behind me silently and rested her hand on the back of my chair.

I was about to stand but he didn't even move merely casting a heavy glance around.

After one of my friends briefly explained the rules, he sat down next to me and began to draw something thoughtfully. The next round began. The king was the one to move again. This time I decided to take a risk and chose

to act. "Let players number three and number six kiss for one minute." he announced. Number three was me and number six was Liu Rui'an. We shared the same birthday and this coincidence seemed like a cruel irony. Liu Rui'an

leaned back on the sofa, a slight almost predatory smile playing on his lips. He looked straight at me. I didn't even consider obeying. I reached out and took the bottle of wine in front of me intending to simply remain silent and

drink. The next second, Lin Tianyu abruptly snatched the glass from me. "I'll take this punishment myself." she snapped.

Having drained the wine, she slammed the glass down on the table. The crowd around exploded with shouts and approving applause. Only Liu Rui'an sat motionless. His eyebrows raised slightly and his fingers lazily tapping the table. I knew him too well, the

darkness in his soul never completely dissipated. The next step unfolded exactly according to his script. Liu Rui'an was ready to play his trump card and I could barely restrain myself from grabbing Lin Tianyu by the throat and silencing him. I couldn't bear this

circus any longer and was ready to sever all ties with him. But Liu Rui'an's anger only flared up again. He decided to shift his trust to Lin Tianyu, allowing him to return to the city. I turned around abruptly and found Bo

Jinchuan standing right behind me. Fu Shengxing, I underestimated you after all. Walking toward the pavilion with Bo Jinchuan, he finally dropped his false mask of innocence. He laughed openly in my face. You ask why your plan failed?

Because you returned to the village too early. Why so confused? If not for my scheming, you simply wouldn't have had the time. Frankly, I hate using such dirty tricks. Without giving me time to recover, Bo Jinchuan pushed me hard in

the chest. I lost my balance and fell over the edge. Forgive me, but you must die so I can live, came from above as Bo Jinchuan smugly dusted off his hands. I tumbled down the rocky slope until I

crashed into a thick tree at full speed. Pain shot through my entire body, piercing my ribs and guts. Mustering my last shreds of strength, I struggled to my feet. I need to run before my friends above realized what had happened. But

Liu Rui'an and his bodyguard were already breathing down my neck. Given Liu Rui'an's character, if I tried to call for help from any of the guys, they would simply perish in these damned mountains. Seizing the opportunity, Bo Jinchuan rushed for the exit. I'd once

been to Africa and learned the basics of survival in the wild, so such difficulties didn't faze me.

I continued to descend the steep slope alone, completely unprepared for Liu Rui'an to personally lead the search party right here in the mountains. When the bodyguard, pale with fear, was finally brought back to the villa, Liu Rui'an himself continued combing the

mountains amid thunderclaps, rain, and piercing cold. Uncle Lin merely shook his head. He's personally keeping an eye on that guard. Liu Rui'an's case has gone too far. The night was oppressive.

The stars drowned in impenetrable darkness and the sky was split by lightning. I was sitting on the sofa in the living room, silently watching the rain pouring outside the window when Liu Rui'an finally returned. Uncle Lin immediately rushed forward to take his

wet coat from him. He stood in the piercing cold watching my every step, but now it was all over, buried forever.

I've already sent Bo Jinqiu and back. We can't touch him yet. I'll sort everything out in 2 weeks, Liu Rui'an said stepping toward me. His face was deathly pale, his eyes dreadfully dry.

The room was dark and only a faint silhouette loomed against the wall. Someone whispered, "Why couldn't the bodyguard move yet?" But Bo Jinqiu and knew the rules. The slightest attempt to help me would be met with severe punishment. In the thick heavy air, I

silently watched her come to her senses. "When did you wake up?" "Right after you were kidnapped by that boy Liu Yulin raised." Liu Yulin was Liu Rui'an's father. So, this plot was planned from the very beginning to hurt me. Liu

Rui'an knelt before me looking guilty. The night seemed endless and there was no escape from this insane plot. Since Bo Jinqiu and couldn't be dealt with, the only thing left was to deal with the bodyguard and lock me in this golden

cage. Liu Rui'an, you're not just crazy or a coward. The house was dimly lit. He lay on the floor surrounded by a pool of blood amid the sound of rain, but a smile still played on his lips. Slowly

raising my eyes, I realized I too was slowly losing my mind. But who is the true hero in your heart? Lin Tianyu. I merely nodded silently in response.

Heading straight for him, Liu Rui'an roughly pinched my cheek forcing me to turn and look him in the eye. A loud roar erupted outside the window again.

I've spent so many years with you. Am I really not even a hero to you? What have we even been to each other all this time? Do you think I didn't see the way you looked at her today? The killing

intent was all too clear in his eyes. The pungent smell of smoke immediately made my nose sting. You don't dare touch her, Liu Rui'an. There's been nothing between us for a long time and I'm not going to run away anymore. Just promise

you won't hurt her, okay? Trying to sound gentle, I tried to calm the madman standing before me. Liu Ruyuan's eyes turned red and a terrifying dead smile appeared on his lips. The next moment, he scooped me up in his arms and carried

me into the bedroom. The room was warm, but his body felt icy cold. Goosebumps ran down my spine and a distinctly oppressive feeling ran down my neck as if I were being wrapped in the taut roots of a tree. Liu Ruyuan began to

wrestle with me again. However, outwardly he remained frighteningly calm. Liu Ruyuan, what are you doing? I didn't mean to provoke you. I just wanted you to stay here with me. But my words only served to further disappoint him.

Liu Ruyuan's tone remained icy. I've never been good at negotiating with subordinates, so I always do things my own way. Without listening to any objections, he threw me onto the bed.

Someone's heavy hand grabbed my throat in a death grip, squeezing with the force of an iron chain. I took a deep, shuddering breath. Inside, I felt a strange mixture of relief, bitter regret, and the desperate realization that nothing could be changed. The

feeling was painfully alien, but I continued to desperately fight my fear. But the cold, heartless woman across from me had no intention of retreating.

That night was drowning in darkness and thunder as if the elements had encircled the villa. I fell silent. Liu Ruyuan stood very close, completely filling the space around him, trying to please me in his own way. He ordered all my old

sketches to be moved to the villa. Looking around, I still felt completely out of place here on the very day of Liu Ruyuan and Bo Jinchuan's wedding. While Secretary Lee and almost all the bodyguards were gathered at the ceremony

site, I managed to knock down the door of Lin Tianyu's house and finally disappear. My heart had been scratching at me since morning, leaving a premonition of disaster. Just in case, I had already sewn a miniature beacon under the skin of my thigh. By making a

deal with Lin Tianyu, I ensured that he remained silent for a whole week heading directly toward my chip signal. That's why Lin Tianyu finally appeared in those mountains. But we both knew perfectly well that we wouldn't get off so easily.

He showed up there with Bo Jinchuan and a group of friends completely unaware that Liu Rui'an would be far more stubborn and wouldn't let anyone go. Lin Tianyu could only bide his time. We waited until the very last day. After

leaving the villa, we changed cars several times while Lin Tianyu acted alone distracting our pursuers and successfully threw off the remaining bodyguards. I was exhausted, but my plan still included stopping by the hospital and picking up my mother and fly abroad

directly. But in the hospital room, there was not a sound, only an eerie silence. Only my father who was supposedly attending Liu Rui'an's wedding was waiting for me. He was wearing a snow-white wedding dress.

"Your mother died a year ago. I just used that to lure you back and lie to you." He said coldly. My father didn't give me time to recover, his face beaming with triumph. I was shocked. My heart literally froze in my chest and my

breath caught in my throat as if it were being squeezed in a huge vise. Tears instantly sprang to my eyes. I opened my mouth but couldn't make a sound, continuing to stare madly at that white dress. "You're so cold. A girl named Liu

Rui'an would never give up her blood and family for nothing. The price at stake is 10% of her company's shares. That's how I covered up your mother's death.

With that stake, our Fu family would have become the capital's number one. You have a fine figure, but what good is family feeling when that kind of money is at stake? Bo Jinchuan has already been eliminated by the Liu family and

today is your wedding day." "Put on your dress. Liu Rui'an is already waiting for the ceremony." Father spoke in a completely dispassionate tone that reeked of falsehood. He had once been just a simple driver who had managed to win the

favor of the Fu family. The old boss of the corporation never approved of this unequal marriage, but it turned out not to be as strong as my mother. After the wedding, my father gradually seized power and wealth. but

once he'd secured his position, his true cruel nature, characteristic of a true scoundrel, came to the surface. He simply wore my mother down to the bone.

The pain and suffering she endured led to a severe mental disorder, which could only be managed with massive doses of pills. And now he dares to say he treated her well. That's why I tried my best to please both of them. I lived in

the old Liu mansion, agreed to the engagement, and obediently listened to any whims. However, my mother never got any peace.

The assistant abruptly threw open the room door intending to finish me off. Sobbing with tears blurring my vision, I grabbed the heavy scissors from the table and lunged at my father. You killed her. You killed her. How blind

and stupid she was. My hand slipped, but at that moment a bodyguard burst into the room and roughly injected me with a horse dose of sedative. Coming to in a daze, I found myself locked in Liu Rui'an's villa again. Only this time I

was wearing a wedding dress and an elegant bracelet on my wrist. He leaned over me and whispered, "You promised yourself you wouldn't try to escape again." Liu Rui'an's mother gently massaged my neck with her dry, warm palms. Her eyes

glittered feverishly with a painful, suffocating obsession. "You knew I'd run away from the start, didn't you? So you set this trap with my father." She merely smiled softly, radiating a false, frightening kindness. But it no longer mattered.

"I just wanted you to finally open your eyes. After all, you have no one left except me. And as for Lin Tianyu, I personally pushed him off the cliff and that guy in the car flew into the sea."

My face was white as chalk. I looked at her with a completely empty, burned-out gaze. "And when do you plan to finish me off next?" "Kill you? After everything I've done to be with you? I've already settled everything with Bo Jinchu and

System, helped him complete his task in exchange for a new identity. Now he's locked up in a mental hospital." That day when you were drowning, I swore to myself that I would pull you out at any cost, even if it meant going through

hell. And now I've finally done it. Now there are no barriers between us. An icy, bitter smile froze on his lips. Liu Rui'an, what makes you think anyone wants to be with you? Just kill me already. What are you waiting for? Our

gazes met in a heavy silence. Liu Rui'an leisurely peeled an orange and handed me a slice. Try it. Eat an orange since you're about to die.

I responded with cold silence. I want to see Bo Jinchuan, I finally said. Good, this neighborhood is lovely for strolling.

Bo Jinchuan was kept in the most terrible, isolated ward. Secretary Lee stood guard at the door. Bo Jinchuan lay on a blood-stained white sheet surrounded by doctors and some gruesome surgical instruments, some of which still bore traces of fresh blood.

Apparently, he had just undergone a major operation. Pain pierced his body, causing him to wince with every breath. Hearing the creak of the door opening, he winced. A glint of madness flashed in his eyes.

Upon seeing the newcomer, he immediately cried out with tears in his eyes, Sister Rui'an, you've finally come. Make those bastards let me go. The doctors hastily retreated and Bo Jinchuan continued to curse. But I immediately noticed Liu Rui'an's figure standing in the shadows.

Weren't you supposed to die in those mountains? How the hell are you still alive? At that moment, it was as if the interface of a lost system game unfolded before me. All of Bo Jinchuan's defense mechanisms collapsed one after another.

A single line froze on the virtual screen, understood leader, your mission has failed. You are subject to termination. Seeing this, Bo Jinchuan finally broke down. Tears of helplessness poured from his eyes. I'm the main character, Liu Rui'an, how

could you do this to me? This film was supposed to be a success. Why did it all fall apart? Sobbing in pain, he sank to the floor.

You you ruined my entire life." Bo Jin-Chuan jerked his head up, glaring at me with a crazed expression, then lunged forward trying to knock me down.

I met him with only an icy, contemptuous squint. The world before my eyes began to rapidly darken. Falling sideways, I found a surgical scalpel on the table and in a split second pressed the gleaming blade directly to Liu Rui'an's

throat. Secretary Lee rushed inside with a scream. "Young Master Fu, don't do anything stupid." The secretary screamed in panic, stumbling over nothing. What Bo Jin-Chuan had done was a nightmare, but Fu Shenxing's stunt threatened absolute disaster.

I only tightened my grip on the hilt, forcing the blade to cut deeper. Liu Rui'an looked at me completely detached, showing no fear. "Are you angry because I eliminated Lin Tianyu?" My fingers trembled with anger. Liu Rui'an's gaze

remained icy. Grabbing my hand with his cold one, he pulled the blade closer to his own carotid artery. "Go ahead, do it. If you're satisfied, let's get this over with." A gentle, maddened smile still played on his lips, but for some

reason I couldn't take that final step. Secretary Lee froze in horror just a few steps away.

The fingers continued to grip the metal. Biting my lip until it bled, I hissed, "Do you think I don't have the guts?" A wall of bodyguards immediately appeared at the door, but Liu Rui'an brushed them aside with a single brutal motion. "Kill

me. I gave you this chance myself." Am I really incapable of this? My own indecision made me break out in a cold sweat. I paused for a second, about to strike, but at that moment the world around me went dark. Someone roughly

pushed me away and I collapsed to the floor amid the sounds of terrified screams.

Looking up, I saw Bo Jin-Chuan, who, laughing madly, lunged forward with his knife raised. The blade swung downward, slicing through the air. Liu Rui'an didn't even flinch, but the bodyguards instantly sprang into action, deflecting the blow and pinning Bo Jinqiu into the

floor. Secretary Liu hastily pulled Liu Rui'an back while Bo Jinqiu and continued to gnash his teeth in frustration and silently wept, "I'll kill my father. I have to kill him, then everything will go back to normal and I

can finally return home." But no one listened to his ravings anymore. Liu Rui'an's warm, scarlet blood quickly soaked my clothes.

A crimson spot swam before my eyes, an ominous blur. I tried to rise, but Liu Rui'an grabbed my arm in a death grip, holding me close until the lies ran into the room.

We were nearly torn apart. Secretary Liu pushed me aside as I trudged half conscious behind the gurney out of the operating room. Liu Rui'an himself was seriously wounded. He was unconscious for a whole week. Secretary Liu insisted that I remain on duty at his bedside,

but just the day before I received a call from Lin Tianyu who had miraculously survived.

The police finally got on the case. There was nothing left to hide. Without a second thought, I left the clinic under cover of security. Later, the news reported that Lin Tianyu had indeed survived.

Having learned of his rescue, we arranged a meeting. He looked lousy, but soon we would be star witnesses at Liu Rui'an's trial. And then came the day of the verdict. The Fu Corporation collapsed after the Liu empire due to

its close financial ties. My father went to prison along with the others. I was sitting in a small, cozy cafe at the foot of a large mountain.

I haven't seen Lin Tianyu in ages. He's now established a successful career as a renowned designer and recently returned from Paris, presenting a collaboration with a French brand. We quickly hit it off and over a cup of coffee reminisced

about those wild days in the mountains. "By the way, who did you really like back then?" I asked, smiling. Lin Tianyu leaned back in his chair, looking intrigued.

Pretending to be thoughtfully reviewing his memories, he narrowed his eyes slyly. "That man, I still have to answer for him." For a moment, I froze, lost in the conversation, and a light Parisian breeze blew in from the street, bringing

the sweet scent of vanilla and spring rain.