There was a man named Felin, who lived a rough life with his wife and three young sons: Celin, Melin, and Kelin. Although life was difficult, Felin loved his family dearly. However, he was hiding a dangerous secret—he was a wanted man in the Red Cult. His wife and sons had no idea about his dark past.
Despite the challenges, Felin tried his best to provide for his family. One day, fearing for their safety, he decided to leave the city and escape to San Jamb City, hoping to start over and find work. Unfortunately, luck wasn't on his side. After searching endlessly for a job with no success, he was forced to beg on the streets with his sons.
Life became even harder, and the little money they made begging wasn't enough to feed them properly.
One fateful day, Melin, the eldest son, was wandering the market, begging for money, when he caught the attention of a boy around his age named Jack. Jack, who was part of a gang, noticed Melin's worn-out clothes and tired eyes and felt pity for him.
"Hey," Jack called out. "What's your name?"
Melin looked up cautiously. "My name is Melin. Any problem with that?"
Jack shook his head. "No, I just feel like being your friend."
Melin raised an eyebrow and replied coldly, "You want to be friends with a beggar? I'm not the kind of boy you just walk up to and make friends with. That's impossible. Sorry."
Without another word, Jack left, and Melin stood there in silence. A wave of sadness came over him, but then he remembered something his father always said:
"Don't be sad. Be happy, no matter what life throws at you."
Encouraged by those words, Melin went home and told his family what had happened. His father smiled and said, "If that boy really wants to be your friend, don't push him away. Accept his friendship. You never know what it could lead to."
The next day, Melin returned to the market, searching everywhere for Jack. He walked through the busy stalls and crowded alleys but couldn't find him. Disappointed, he decided to go back to begging as usual.
As he passed by the largest hotel in San Jamb City—an enormous and beautiful building—he suddenly saw Jack standing near the entrance.
Without hesitation, Melin ran up to him.
"Hey Jack, how are you doing? What are you doing here?" Melin asked.
Jack turned and smiled. "I came to visit my dad. He's the owner of this hotel. And you—where are you going?"
"I was actually looking for you," Melin admitted. "I wanted to talk... maybe be friends. You know, I really didn't have a choice yesterday. I'm sorry about how I acted. I had to follow my dad's instruction."
Jack raised his eyebrows. "Wow, you're really still your dad's son. That's... kind of amazing."
Melin gave a small smile.
"Come on," Jack said warmly. "Let's go eat some pizza inside. We can talk better there."
Melin was shocked by everything he was seeing—the gold-painted walls, the sparkling lights, the grand staircase. It was the first time he had ever stepped into a hotel, let alone the most luxurious one in the city. His heart raced with happiness and nervousness.
What Melin didn't know was that Jack's father, Mr. Fedrick, was not just the hotel owner—he was also a senior figure in the Red Cult. He had a complete file on Felin and his family, including their photographs. When he saw Melin standing next to his own son, he was stunned.
Out of curiosity and concern, Mr. Fedrick approached them.
"Hey, son," he said to Jack, then turned to Melin. "And you must be Melin."
Melin looked up in surprise. "Yes, sir."
"My name is Fedrick," he said with a calm smile. "That's my son standing beside you. I'm the owner of this entire complex. You don't need to say much—my son has already told me plenty about you."
Melin stood there speechless, unaware of the deeper connection their families had—and the storm that might be coming.
Melin didn't know what to say. He wanted to tell his father, but something held him back. He remembered their poverty, and although he didn't want to be greedy, he accepted a few things and headed home.
As Melin was leaving the hotel, something caught his eye. A golden chain around Fedrick's neck—it looked exactly like the one his father used to wear. It made him suspicious.
"I'll tell Dad about this," he thought to himself.
Fedrick also had thoughts of his own. At first, he considered kidnapping Melin, but he knew Jack cared deeply for him. In the end, he let both of them go. That evening, Jack even followed Melin home.
When they arrived, Felin was shocked to see his son standing with a stranger. He never wanted anyone to know where they were hiding. But he had no choice. Melin loved Jack—partly because of the kindness he showed, but also because Jack lived a life Melin had only dreamed of. Riches, food, and luxury—things Melin had never seen or touched before.
That night, Melin shared the gifts he brought home. Felin didn't ask where they came from, though something felt strange in his heart.
Meanwhile, Felin's wife, once a loving and strong mother, had been left deaf from the gunfire of the war they escaped. She had survived, but the trauma stayed with her—and now, the past might be catching up with all of them