Li Ting was still standing there, her gaze fixed ahead as if she were lost in her own thoughts. After a few moments, she finally blinked, took a deep breath, and turned away. Without saying a word to anyone, she stepped out onto the street, raised her hand, and stopped a taxi. Quietly, she got inside and told the driver her address. The ride home felt unusually long, her mind filled with questions she couldn't answer.
Meanwhile, Li Hang was sitting in her room, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone when it suddenly rang. She glanced at the screen and saw that it was her school friend, Ji Yan. A small smile appeared on her face as she answered the call.
"How are you, Ji Yan?" Li Hang said.
"I'm fine. You tell me—how are you? After going there, it's like you've completely forgotten me!" Ji Yan replied in a half-joking, half-complaining tone.
Li Hang sighed lightly. "No yaar, it's not like that. I've just been so busy that I didn't even get time. I was actually thinking of calling you today, but you called first."
"Hmm, sure," Ji Yan said teasingly. "Anyway, do you know that the school topper is again going around telling everyone that she's Zhou Ming's girlfriend?"
Li Hang sat up straight, clearly annoyed. "What? Again? I swear, I'll come and fix her attitude myself. When are you coming back?"
"I'll come after the vacations now," li hang replied.
"Well, there are only a few days left until the vacations end anyway," Ji Yan said. "By the way, did you find out where Zhou Ming went for vacation?"
Ji Yan paused for a moment. "No… he doesn't even pick up my calls."
"If he doesn't want to talk to you, then why do you keep calling him?" Ji Yan said
"Are you on my side or his? Tell me today," li hang said angrily.
"I'm on your side," Ji Yan replied calmly, "that's why I'm advising you to stop chasing him and find someone better for yourself."
"There is no one better than him in this world," li hang insisted stubbornly. "And I will make him mine, you'll see."
"Fine. We'll see whether he becomes yours or not. Anyway, I have some work to do, so I'll hang up now."ji yan said.
Without waiting for another response, she ended the call.
"I don't know what she thinks of herself…" Li Hang muttered under her breath. "I will make Zhou Ming mine, and then I'll show her that I did it."
At the same time, Zhou Ming had just reached home.
"Dad, where are you? I'm here," he called out as he entered.
"My son, you're here," his father said, stepping forward and hugging him tightly. His voice carried both relief and fear. "They've reached here. They're looking for me."
Zhou Ming held him firmly. "Dad, stay strong. I'm here now. Those people can't harm you."
"Come inside. Let's sit and talk."
They both went inside and sat down.
"Did your mother say anything when you were coming here?" his father asked.
"No," Zhou Ming replied. "She was just a little upset about why I was leaving so suddenly."
"I know," his father said softly. "She loves you very much. After your school ends, you should stay there for at least two or three months. You didn't tell Momo anything, right? She'll get worried."
"No, Dad. I didn't tell her anything," Zhou Ming said. "Now you tell me—what should we do? What if those people come looking for you at home?"
His father sighed deeply. "I can't even go to another country. And what about our business?"
"It's our business," Zhou Ming said firmly. "We should handle it together."
"But son, you're still young," his father replied. "And what about your studies?"
"It's my vacation right now," Zhou Ming said confidently. "And when my school starts, I'll manage everything."
His father looked at him carefully. "Son, saying it is easy, but doing it is just as difficult."
"You keep guiding me on the phone," Zhou Ming said. "I'll learn everything with time."
His father nodded slowly. "Time does teach… but first, you have to face many difficulties."
Zhou Ming's expression became serious. "Dad, I'm ready to face every difficulty for you. Nothing is more important to me than your life. And you'll see—I'll soon free you from this life of hiding. Then you'll be able to live freely again, just like before."
His father's eyes softened. "I have complete faith in my son. You and Momo are the only reasons I'm still alive… otherwise…"
"Dad, please don't say things like that," Zhou Ming interrupted gently. "Quickly pack your essentials—I'm booking your flight."
"Son, think about it once more," his father said. "I hope you don't regret your decision later."
"Dad, don't worry. Just focus on packing," Zhou Ming replied.
His father nodded and went to his room. After some time, he came out carrying a suitcase.
"Have you finished packing?" Zhou Ming asked.
"Yes," his father replied.
"I've booked your flight to Japan. It's in one hour," Zhou Ming said.
"Son, don't tell anyone at the office where I've gone," his father instructed. "I'll call the manager and say I have to leave the country for work. I'll tell him to explain everything to you."
"By the way, Dad," Zhou Ming added, "you were living here under a different identity, so they won't find you easily. But they might have my picture… they could try to find me through it."
His father looked concerned but nodded. "Alright. I'll leave now. Take care of yourself. If anything happens, call me."
"Dad, should I come to drop you off?" Zhou Ming asked.
"No, son. It's very late. You stay at home," his father said.
Zhou Ming forced a smile. "Don't worry. I'll handle everything."
His father smiled back, placed his hand gently on Zhou Ming's head, and then turned to leave.
Later that night, Zhou Ming lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"I should call Li Ting… what if she tells everything to Momo?" he thought.
He picked up his phone and called her. After a few rings, she answered.
"How are you? You weren't asleep, right?" he asked.
"No, I was awake," Li Ting replied. "I'm fine. You tell me—what happened to your dad? Is he okay?"
"He has gone to Japan," Zhou Ming said quietly.
There was a brief silence.
"What about your business now?" she asked.
"I'll handle it."
"Have you ever even been to the office?" she asked, surprised.
"Yes," he said. "I used to go there with Dad when I was a child. Then I got so busy with my studies that I didn't have time."
"How will you manage everything?" she asked.
"I'll learn everything with time," he replied.
Then he added, "Also, don't tell Momo anything about why I came here. I told her that Dad is unwell."
"Don't worry," Li Ting said softly. "I won't tell her anything."
"Alright," li ting said. "It's very late. We'll talk later."
"Okay Bye."he replied.
Zhou Ming ended the call and set his phone aside. His eyes slowly closed, but his mind was still awake—filled with responsibilities, fear, and determination for what was about to come next.