Lila Ming hurried through the crowded corridors starlight city college,her heart pounding with anticipation as she rushed to her morning class. her friend Xiao xi walked beside her, chatting animatedly about their plans for the weekend .

As they entered the lecture hall, Lila felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. She stumbled and reached out to steady herself, but it was too late .the world spun around her, and before see new it darkness closed in.

Lila!" Xiao Xi's voice echoed in her ears as she felt herself slipping away.

When Lila regained consciousness, she found herself lying on a hospital bed, surrounded by worried faces. Xiao Xi was by her side, her eyes red-rimmed with tears.

"Lila, are you okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Lila tried to speak, but her throat felt dry and scratchy. She managed a weak nod, her head still spinning from the ordeal.

The doctor approached, his expression grave. "You fainted, Miss Ming," he said, his tone serious. "But you're going to be just fine. It seems you hadn't eaten breakfast this morning, and your blood sugar dropped too low."

"Xiao Xi let out a sigh of relief, her hand reaching out to grasp Lila's tightly. "Thank goodness you're okay," she whispered.

As Lila lay in the hospital bed, her mind raced with thoughts of what could have happened. She felt a pang of guilt for worrying Xiao Xi and vowed to take better care of herself in the future.

Just then, the door to the hospital room opened, and a familiar figure stepped inside. It was Zang, Lila's childhood friend and fellow college student.

Held a bag of food in his hands, a concerned expression on his face.

"I heard what happened," he said softly, placing the bag on the bedside table. "I brought you some food. You need to eat.

"Lila nodded gratefully, touched by Zang's thoughtfulness. She reached for the bag and began to eat, feeling the warmth of the food spreading through her body.

As they sat together in the hospital room, Lila and Zang talked about everything and nothing, their conversation meandering from studies to hobbies to their shared memories of growing up in Starlight City.

When the time came for Zang to leave, Lila thanked him sincerely for his kindness. "And about math," she said sheepishly, "I could really use your notes. My grades aren't so great in that subject."

Held a bag of food in his hands, a concerned expression on his face." I heard what happened," he said softly, placing the bag on the bedside table. "I brought you some food. You need to eat." Lila nodded gratefully, touched by Zang's thoughtfulness. She reached for the bag and began to eat, feeling the warmth of the food spreading through her body. As they sat together in the hospital room, Lila and Sang talked about everything and nothing, their conversation meandering from studies to hobbies to their shared memories of growing up in Starlight City. When the time came for Zang to leave, Lila thanked him sincerely for his kindness. "And about math," she said sheepishly, "I could really use your notes. My grades aren't so great in that subject."

Zang smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Lila. I've got you covered. We'll study together and get those grades up in no time.

"As he left the room, Lila felt a sense of gratitude wash over her. In the midst of her fainting spell and the chaos that ensued, she had found comfort in the presence of a friend.

And as she drifted off to sleep, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would face them with the support of those who cared about her most.

Lila Ming's days had returned to a semblance of normalcy after her fainting episode. She was back in her classes, determined to catch up on her studies, especially math, where Zang's notes had become a lifeline. Yet, a nagging sense of unease lingered, a feeling that something was about to change.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting Starlight City in hues of orange and pink, Lila sat in the college library, poring over her math textbook. The equations danced before her eyes, refusing to make sense. She sighed, pushing the book away and rubbing her temples.

Hey, Lila,” Zang's voice broke through her thoughts. He approached her table with a smile, holding two cups of coffee. “Thought you might need a break.”

Lila smiled gratefully, accepting the cup. “Thanks, Zang. Math is really kicking my butt.”

Zang chuckled, taking a seat across from her. “It’s just a matter of practice. You’ll get the hang of it. Here, let me show you this problem.”

As they worked through the equations together, Lila felt a warmth spreading through her. Zang’s presence was comforting, a steady rock in the chaotic sea of college life. She couldn’t help but feel thankful for his unwavering support.

After an hour of studying, they decided to take a walk around the campus to clear their minds. The cool evening air was refreshing, and the campus was alive with the chatter and laughter of students unwinding after a long day of classes.

Zang, do you ever feel like there’s more to life than this?” Lila asked, looking up at the stars twinkling above.

Zang glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. “What do you mean?

l don’t know… Sometimes I feel like I’m meant for something more, something beyond just going to classes and studying for exams,” Lila said, kicking a pebble along the path. “Like there’s a bigger purpose out there waiting for me.”

Zang nodded slowly. “I get what you mean. I think we all feel that way at times. But maybe we find our purpose in the small things, in the connections we make and the ways we grow.”

Lila smiled, appreciating his perspective. “You always know what to say.”

They continued their walk in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. As they passed the old oak tree near the edge of campus, Lila felt a sudden chill. She shivered, pulling her jacket tighter around her.

“Are you cold?” Zang asked, noticing her discomfort.

Just a little. Let’s head back,” Lila suggested.

As they turned to leave, Lila caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye. A shadowy figure stood beneath the tree, watching them. Her heart skipped a beat, and she grabbed Zang’s arm.

Did you see that?” she whispered.

Zang followed her gaze but saw nothing. “See what?”

There’s someone there, watching us,” Lila insisted, her voice steady with resolve.

Without hesitation, Lila stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the shadowy figure. “Who’s there?” she called out, her voice strong and clear.

The figure froze for a moment, then turned and bolted into the darkness. Lila didn’t waste a second. “Stay here!” she shouted to Zang as she took off after the stranger.

Lila ran as fast as she could, her heart pounding in her chest. She could hear the footsteps of the fleeing figure ahead of her, but the darkness made it hard to see. She pushed herself harder, determined not to lose sight of the mysterious person.

But the figure was fast and seemed to know the campus well. Lila chased them through the winding paths and under the shadowy trees, but eventually, they slipped out of sight, disappearing into the night.

Breathless and frustrated, Lila stopped and looked around, trying to catch her breath. The campus was eerily quiet now, the only sound her own ragged breathing.

She returned to Zang, who was waiting anxiously where she had left him. “Did you see who it was?” he asked.

Lila shook her head. “No, they got away. But why would someone be watching us?”

Zang frowned, his face troubled. “I don’t know, but we should be careful. Let me drop you home.”

Lila nodded, appreciating the offer. Zang's car was parked nearby, and they made their way to it. As they drove through the streets of Starlight City, the city's lights flickered past them, creating a surreal atmosphere. Lila leaned back in her seat, trying to relax.

Thanks for the ride, Zang,” Lila said as they pulled up to her house. It was an impressive mansion, reflecting her family's wealth and status.

“Anytime, Lila. Just take care of yourself,” Zang replied, giving her a concerned look.

“I will. Goodnight, Zang,” Lila said, stepping out of the car and waving as Zang drove away. She watched until his car disappeared around the corner, then headed inside.

At the same time, on the other side of the city, the shadowy figure met with Miss Qin, the person who had ordered him to spy on Lila. In a dimly lit room, he recounted everything he had seen.

Miss Qin listened intently, her expression cold and calculating. "You can leave now," she said. "The money will be transferred to your account. Continue spying on that Ming girl. When the right time comes, you'll take action."

At your service anytime, Miss Qin. And thanks for the money," the man replied before slipping out into the night.

Miss Qin watched him go, a sinister smile playing on her lips. "You bitch, Lila. I'll teach you a lesson soon. Just you wait. I'll take Zang away from you. He is only mine. Mine."

When Lila entered her home, she found her stepmother talking on the phone with a friend. She said nothing and quietly made her way toward her room, hoping to avoid a conversation.

Stop right there!” her stepmother’s voice rang out. “Don’t you know I’m here?”

Lila paused, feeling a surge of irritation. “So what?”

“How dare you talk back to me!” her stepmother snapped.

Lila said nothing, knowing any response would only escalate the situation.

“How dare you ignore me!” her stepmother continued, her voice rising. At that moment, Lila’s stepbrother, Kai, walked in, sensing the tension in the room.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Kai asked, looking between Lila and his mom.

I'm going to my room," Lila muttered, not meeting his gaze. But before she could leave, her stepmother interjected, her voice tinged with frustration. You girl don't know how to respect. Didn't your mother teach you how to respect?"

Lila's shout pierced the tense atmosphere. "Don't say anything about my mom!"

Kai stepped in, attempting to ease the tension. "Sister Lila, mom didn't mean to say anything bad about your mom," he said to Lila. Mom, sister may be worried about her test today. It's such an important thing; she didn't tell me."

But in Lila's mind, doubts brewed. "He must have done it on purpose," she thought, feeling betrayed by both her stepbrother and her stepmother. "Like mother, like son."

Just then, their father entered the room, sensing the escalating conflict. "What's going on here?" he asked, his tone firm.

Lila's stepmother seized the opportunity to voice her grievances. "Honey, you've come at the right time. See, your daughter does not respect me. She didn't even show me her test; she treats me like a stranger."