The soft melody of a wedding tune echoed through the grand hall. AnAn (Fang Wu) stepped inside, dressed in a stunning white gown that shimmered under the golden lights. Her smile bloomed like spring as her eyes found Yichen waiting for her at the altar. Every step she took toward him was filled with joy and dreams finally taking form.

As she approached, she paused just a few steps behind him, her voice tender and filled with emotion.

“Yichen... finally, the day has come. We’re really getting married now. I’ve always wondered what this moment would feel like, and now that it’s happening, it’s more beautiful than I ever imagined.

Yichen... I love you. I’ve always wanted us to be together, and now we are. Tell me, do you feel the same? Or... maybe even something more?”

She chuckled softly. “Yichen, say something… Yichen?”

With a gentle smile, AnAn reached forward and placed her hand in his, stepping in front of him—only to freeze in horror.

Yichen’s eyes… they weren’t the warm, soft gaze she had known. They were blood-red, almost lifeless. Her eyes drifted downward, and a scream caught in her throat. A deep wound bled heavily near his abdomen. His white suit was soaked in crimson.

“Yichen!? What happened?! How did you—who—?!”

Before she could finish, Yichen’s knees buckled. His body collapsed to the ground with a lifeless thud.

“Nooooo!” she screamed in anguish.

Thud!

The sound jolted Hua Wu awake. Alarmed, she rushed to her daughter’s room and flung the door open. There, she found AnAn collapsed on the floor, pale and trembling.

“AnAn! Are you alright? Did you fall? Did you hurt yourself?” her mother cried as she knelt beside her.

AnAn opened her eyes slowly, breathless and drenched in sweat. The familiar surroundings of her room came into focus. Her mother’s anxious face loomed above her. Relief swept over her like a wave.

“Mama… I’m alright. Don’t worry. I… I just had a terrible dream.”

Meng Wu studied her daughter’s pale face, concern, tightening her brows.

“What did you dream about?” she asked gently.

AnAn shook her head quickly. “Nothing important, Mama.”

But her mother knew better. She could sense something deeper troubling her daughter, something she wasn’t ready to share.

Instead of pressing further, Meng Wu simply smiled and stroked her daughter’s hair.

“It’s okay. Dreams are just dreams. Not all of them come true. Get up and freshen up, I made your favorite breakfast.”

AnAn managed a grateful smile. “Thank you, Mama.”

As she tried to stand, her legs gave way a little. Her mother quickly supported her again.

“Are you sure you're fine?”

AnAn nodded with more steadiness this time. “Yes, I’m absolutely fine now.”

She made her way to freshen up, the remnants of the dream still clinging to her heart.

At the Dining Table

The morning sun bathed the dining area in warm light. AnAn came, her voice bright and cheerful.

“Good morning!” Mama, baba.

Her parents smiled at her warmly.

“Good morning,” her mother replied. “Here, have some.” She handed AnAn a serving of her favorite beef dish.

“Thank you, Mama.”

Her father, Liang Wu, cleared his throat, setting down his newspaper.

“AnAn, have you decided which university you’re applying to?”

“Hmm… Based on my college entrance scores, and the field I am interested in, I’m thinking about Tsinghua University.”

“Good, very good,” he nodded approvingly. “Just let me know once your plans are finalized.”

“Yes, Baba,” AnAn replied sweetly.

“And if you need any help, your brother is always there. Don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Um, okay! No worries, Baba.”

She smiled, but somewhere deep in her mind, the image of Yichen’s bloodied eyes lingered like a shadow—one she couldn't quite shake off.

[To Be Continued...]

After finishing her breakfast, AnAn slowly made her way to her room. The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, but her heart was far from calm.

She sat down on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the wall.

(In her thoughts)

Was that really a dream? Or just some illusion? Will it ever turn into reality—or maybe, none of it will happen at all…

She sighed deeply.

Yes… it was just a dream. Nothing to worry about. Mama always said, not all dreams come true.

But despite trying to reassure herself, an uneasy feeling gnawed at her.

Then why… why does my heart feel so heavy? Why is there a knot I can’t untangle?

Her brows furrowed with concern.

No... I can’t keep feeling this way. I need clarity. I’ll go crazy otherwise!

She glanced at her phone.

Maybe if I talk to Yichen… yes! Hearing his voice will make me feel better.

She dialed his number. The line rang… and then connected.

AnAn:

“Hello, Yichen… how are you? What are you doing?”

Yichen (voice sharp, unusually cold):

“AnAn, why did you call me?”

Startled by his tone, she tried to brush it off.

AnAn:

“Why? Can’t I call my boyfriend? Or are you so busy that you’ve forgotten you even have one?”

Yichen:

“It’s not like that. I haven’t forgotten. And yes, of course you can call me… But AnAn, I’m really busy. I’ve got so many assignments and projects. It’s my final year—you know how crucial this time is. Plus, I’m also job hunting... so—”

Thud! Thud!

A loud crashing noise interrupted him.

AnAn (worried):

“What was that sound?”

Yichen (quickly):

“Nothing. Just... I was making some noodles. Anyway, you were saying?”

AnAn:

“Yichen… I know you’re busy. I truly admire how hard you’re working—for yourself, for your future, and for us. But… it’s been so long since you called or messaged. You didn’t even reply to any of my texts. I’ve been so worried about you.”

(pauses)

“I’m not asking for hours. Even a minute with you… hearing your voice… means everything to me.”

Yichen (calm but distant):

“I know, AnAn. I understand you’re worried. But I’m okay, really. I’m not a kid, I can take care of myself.”

AnAn (softly):

“I’m not treating you like a child. It’s just… today, I have this strange feeling in my heart. Something’s off, and I don’t know what it is. Can you promise me one thing?”

(pauses, voice tender)

“If anything troubles you… anything at all… promise me you’ll tell me. I want to be there for you, always.”

Yichen:

“I’m really fine, AnAn. There’s nothing wrong. Just… a lot of work lately.”

AnAn:

“Alright. I understand. Just… please take care of yourself. Don’t overwork, okay?”

Yichen:

“Okay. I have to go now—more work to do. You take care too.”

AnAn:

“Yi—”

Click.

Before she could say goodbye, the line went dead.

She stared at the phone in disbelief.

AnAn (to herself, murmuring):

Sigh… why did Yichen sound so strange today? He’s never spoken to me like that before.

(pauses, then forces a smile)

Anyway… at least he’s okay. That’s what matters. No more overthinking. Yichen is working hard—I need to do the same! I can do this. Fighting, Fang Wu!

Meanwhile, on Yichen’s Side…

In a dark, cluttered room, Yichen’s tone turned venomous as he snarled at someone just out of sight.

Yichen (furious):

“Are you a fool? Do you even realize what you've done? What if she finds out?!”

He paced restlessly, voice low and threatening.

“If Fang Wu ever learns the truth… you’re dead. Do you hear me? DEAD. You won’t escape your sins, no matter what you try.”

He stepped closer to the unseen figure, eyes filled with malice.

“And don’t you dare make me lose control again.”

A twisted smirk curled on his lips as he muttered under his breath:

“Poor AnAn… she really thinks I love her. If only she knew the truth.”

(pauses coldly)

“She’s just a pawn in my game. Nothing more. Every word I say… every smile I give… all of it’s fake.”

(gritting his teeth)

“No matter what, I will get what I want. No one—not even AnAn—can stop me.”

[To Be Continued...]

It was a calm morning when a soft knock echoed in the hallway.

“Knock knock!!”

“AnAn.”

“Yes, Mama?” AnAn replied, walking out of her room with curious eyes.

Her mother smiled. “AnAn, your brother is coming home today.”

A bright glow lit up on AnAn’s face. “Really?” she exclaimed with excitement.

“Yes, he said he’ll arrive by afternoon.”

“That’s wonderful!” AnAn beamed.

But then her mother paused for a moment. “AnAn… there's something else I want to ask you.”

“Yes, Mama?”

“Are you sure you want to go to Tsinghua University?”

AnAn nodded gently. “Yes, Mama. You know how great the university is. It’s my dream.”

Her mother’s face showed a flicker of concern.

“Mama,” AnAn said softly, noticing her mother’s worry, “Are you afraid of something? Are you worried about who will take care of me there?”

She held her mother's hand warmly. “Don’t worry, Mama. I can take care of myself. And if I ever face trouble, I’ll always come to you first. I know you and Baba will always be there for me.”

Her mother let out a tender sigh. “I know you can take care of yourself, AnAn. It’s just... I’m your mother. No matter how grown up you are, I can’t stop worrying. Everything will be new for you there.”

“I understand, Mama. I promise, if anything troubles me, I’ll tell you right away.”

Her mother smiled, eyes glistening. “Okay, AnAn. That’s all I ask.”

Suddenly, AnAn clapped her hands. “Now let’s go to the market!”

“Market? Why?” her mother asked, puzzled.

“Mama, you just told me that brother is coming home! Didn’t you say that when he returns, you’ll pamper him and cook all his favorite dishes?”

Her mother gasped and laughed. “Ah! I totally forgot. My memory is really getting worse with age.”

“Don’t worry, Mama. If you forget, I’ll help you remember,” AnAn teased.

“So you’re saying I’m old now?” her mother asked, mock-offended.

“Are you not?” AnAn grinned mischievously, walking up close. “Let me see... Hmm… Mama!”

“What?” her mother raised a brow.

“I looked closely at your face and you know what I saw?”

“What?”

“That you’re still so pretty! You still look like a high school student!”

They both burst into laughter.

Her mother chuckled, “Okay, okay. Go get ready. We’ll go to the market and then head to the airport to pick up your brother.”

“Okay, Mama!”

A little while later...

“AnAn, are you ready?” her mother called out.

AnAn descended the stairs, radiant in a simple yet elegant white frock. Her long hair flowed freely over her shoulders, adorned by tiny butterfly earrings. Her dainty glass pump heels clicked softly against the steps, each step revealing the grace of a young woman blossoming into adulthood.

Her mother stared at her, stunned. “AnAn... you look so beautiful today.”

“Really, Mama? But not more than you,” AnAn smiled.

“Stop teasing me!”

“Okay, okay.”

“But still, you look like an angel,” her mother said softly.

Just then, her father’s voice rang from behind.

“Of course she looks pretty! After all, she’s my daughter!”

Her mother turned to him, squinting playfully. “Oh really? Your daughter? I remember when AnAn was little, one of your aunts asked why she looked so plain. You said she took after me—so she wasn’t pretty!”

“I said that?” her father chuckled nervously. “I don’t remember.”

“Then let me help you remember!” she said, picking up a cushion and chasing him playfully.

“AnAn, save me!” her father pleaded, dodging around the furniture.

AnAn crossed her arms. “Why should I? You brought this on yourself!”

“AnAn! Have you forgotten how many times I saved you when Mama got angry at you?”

“And haven’t I saved you too?”

“Okay, okay! Save me this one last time! I promise I won’t ask again!”

“Fine,” AnAn laughed. “But this is the last time.”

“Mama, stop! We’re getting late. And we have to pick up brother too!”

Her mother paused. AnAn added gently, “Also, it doesn’t matter who I take after. I’ll always be your daughter and Baba’s daughter. Didn’t you both give birth to me? So I take after both of you.”

Silence fell for a moment. Her parents looked at each other, their eyes softening.

“Mama? Baba? Did I say something wrong?”

They shook their heads and smiled. “No, AnAn. It’s just… you’ve grown up so fast. Just a few years ago you were our little girl, and now… you’re a beautiful young woman.”

AnAn stepped forward and held their hands.

“No matter how much I grow, I’ll always be your daughter. I’m lucky to have you both as my parents. And I want to be your daughter again in the next life too.”

Tears glistened in her mother’s eyes.

“We want the same, AnAn,” her mother whispered. “You’ll always be our precious daughter.”

Her father sniffed dramatically and said, “That’s right! And wife, if you want AnAn to be our daughter again, doesn’t that mean… you want me as your husband again?”

Her mother rolled her eyes. “Look at him getting sentimental just to brag!”

They all laughed.

“Now come on, Mama, Baba,” AnAn said, grabbing their hands, “Let’s go before your other child complains we abandoned him after having me!”

And with laughter, love, and joy in their hearts, the little family stepped out—ready to welcome home a son and embrace the beauty of a day filled with memories.

[To Be Continued...]