Xiao Rou's heart was still racing as she tried to process the mysterious call. Who was on the other end of the line, and what did they want? She thought back to her past, trying to recall anyone who might be calling her after all these years.
As she sat in the café, sipping her coffee and trying to calm her nerves, Xiao Rou couldn't shake off the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't control.
She decided to ignore the call for now and focus on her day. After finishing her coffee, Xiao Rou paid the bill and left the café. She walked aimlessly through the streets, trying to clear her mind.
As she turned a corner, Xiao Rou stumbled upon a small art gallery. The window display caught her eye, featuring beautiful paintings and sculptures. On a whim, she decided to step inside.
The gallery was quiet, with soft music playing in the background. Xiao Rou wandered through the exhibits, admiring the artwork and feeling a sense of peace wash over her.
That's when she saw it – a painting that seemed to speak directly to her soul. It was a beautiful depiction of a sunset, with colors that seemed to dance across the canvas. Xiao Rou felt a lump form in her throat as she gazed at the painting.
"Ah, you've found the gem of our collection," a voice said behind her.
Xiao Rou turned to see a woman with a kind smile and a paint-splattered apron. "This is beautiful," Xiao Rou said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The woman nodded. "I'm the artist. I'm glad you like it."
As they talked, Xiao Rou learned that the artist's name was Lily, and she was a local talent. Xiao Rou felt drawn to Lily's warmth and creativity.
As Xiao Rou and Lily talked, Xiao Rou found herself opening up about her life, her past, and her fears. Lily listened intently, her eyes filled with empathy and understanding.
"I know exactly what you mean," Lily said, nodding. "Sometimes, I feel like I'm just going through the motions, you know? But then I pick up a brush, and everything changes. The world comes alive, and I feel like I can breathe again."
Xiao Rou smiled, feeling a sense of connection with Lily. "I know exactly what you mean," she said. "I've been feeling stuck lately, like I'm just drifting through life without a purpose."
Lily nodded. "I think that's where creativity comes in. When we create, we're tapping into something deeper within ourselves. It's like our soul is speaking to us, telling us what we truly want and need."
Xiao Rou's eyes widened as she listened to Lily's words. She felt like she was hearing the truth, like Lily was speaking directly to her soul.
As they continued to talk, Xiao Rou learned more about Lily's art and her passion for creativity. She found herself feeling inspired, feeling like she wanted to explore her own creative side.
"Would you like to take a class with me?" Lily asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I teach painting classes on the weekends. It might be just what you need to tap into your creative side."
Xiao Rou hesitated for a moment, unsure if she was ready to take on something new. But then she thought about the mysterious call and how it had shaken her. Maybe this was exactly what she needed – a chance to tap into her creative side and find some peace.
"Yes, I'd love to," Xiao Rou said, smiling.
Lily beamed with excitement. "I'll sign you up for the next class. You won't regret it!"
As Xiao Rou left the gallery, she felt a sense of hope and excitement. Maybe this was the start of something new, something that would bring her joy and fulfillment.
But as she walked away, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched. She looked around, but there was no one suspicious in sight.
Shrugging it off, Xiao Rou continued on her way, feeling a sense of anticipation for the painting class and what it might bring.
Little did she know, her life was about to take a dramatic turn...
"Mr. Lee," Xiao Rou replied, trying to keep her tone neutral. "What brings you here?"
Mr. Lee smiled, but his eyes seemed to bore into her soul. "Just admiring the artwork," he said. "Although I must say, I'm surprised to see you here. I didn't know you were interested in art."
Xiao Rou felt a shiver run down her spine. She didn't like the way Mr. Lee was looking at her, like he was trying to uncover a secret.
"I'm exploring my creative side," Xiao Rou said, trying to sound casual. "I find it... relaxing."
Mr. Lee nodded, his smile growing wider. "I see. Well, perhaps we can discuss this further over dinner? I have a business proposition that might interest you."
Xiao Rou's instincts screamed at her to say no, to get as far away from Mr. Lee as possible. But something about his words sparked her curiosity.
"I'd like to hear more," Xiao Rou said, trying to sound confident.
Mr. Lee's smile grew even wider. "Excellent. I'll send a car for you at 7 pm tonight. Shall we say... dinner at the Golden Phoenix?"
Xiao Rou hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I'll be there."
As Mr. Lee walked away, Xiao Rou felt a sense of unease. What had she just gotten herself into?
She pushed the thoughts aside and focused on getting home. She had a few hours before dinner, and she needed to get ready.
As she entered her mansion, Xiao Rou was greeted by the sound of silence. The house was empty, except for the staff. Jian was still at work, and the kids were at their after-school activities.
Xiao Rou went to her room, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She had a few hours to herself, and she was determined to enjoy them.
But as she changed into a new outfit, Xiao Rou couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched. She looked around her room, but there was no one there.
Shrugging it off, Xiao Rou finished getting ready. She was determined to face whatever Mr. Lee had planned, head-on.
At 7 pm sharp, the car arrived, and Xiao Rou got in, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves. The Golden Phoenix was a luxurious restaurant in the heart of the city, known for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine.
As she arrived at the restaurant, Mr. Lee greeted her with a smile and led her to a private room. The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air.
"Please, sit down," Mr. Lee said, pulling out a chair for her.
Xiao Rou sat down, feeling a sense of unease. Something about this didn't feel right.
"So, Mr. Lee," Xiao Rou said, trying to break the ice. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
Mr. Lee smiled, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "Ah, yes. Business. Let's get straight to it, shall we?"
He poured her a glass of wine, and Xiao Rou hesitated for a moment before taking a sip. She wasn't much of a drinker, but she didn't want to be rude.
"Xiao Rou, I've been watching you," Mr. Lee said, his voice low and serious. "I know you're not happy in your marriage. I can offer you a way out, a way to start fresh and live the life you deserve."
Xiao Rou's eyes widened in shock. What was Mr. Lee talking about? And how did he know about her marriage?
"I don't know what you're talking about," Xiao Rou said, trying to play it cool.
Mr. Lee chuckled. "Don't play dumb, Xiao Rou. I know all about your situation. And I'm willing to help you, for a price."
Xiao Rou's instincts were screaming at her to get out of there, to leave now. But something about Mr. Lee's words sparked her curiosity.
"What do you want from me?" Xiao Rou asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Lee's smile grew wider. "I want you to do something for me. Something that will benefit both of us."
Xiao Rou's heart was racing. She didn't like the sound of this.
"What is it?" she asked, trying to sound brave.
Mr. Lee leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I want you to spy on Jian. Find out what he's hiding, and report back to me."
Xiao Rou's eyes widened in shock. Spy on Jian? What was Mr. Lee thinking?
Xiao Rou's mind was racing. Spy on Jian? What could Mr. Lee possibly want that would involve betraying her husband's trust?
"I don't know if I can do that," Xiao Rou said, trying to sound firm.
Mr. Lee's smile never wavered. "I think you'll find it's in your best interest to cooperate," he said. "After all, you don't want anything to happen to your precious children, do you?"
Xiao Rou's blood ran cold. How did Mr. Lee know about her children? And what did he plan to do with that information?
"I'll do it," Xiao Rou said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Lee's smile grew wider. "Excellent choice," he said. "I'll expect regular updates. And remember, Xiao Rou, I'm always watching."
As Xiao Rou left the restaurant, she felt like she was trapped in a nightmare. What had she just gotten herself into?
As she walked out of the restaurant, she saw Jian standing across the street, looking at her with a mixture of anger and disappointment.
"Jian, what are you doing here?" Xiao Rou asked, trying to sound casual.
But Jian's eyes locked onto hers, and Xiao Rou felt a chill run down her spine.
"I know what you're doing something," he said, his voice low and menacing.
And with that, everything went black.