NovelToon NovelToon

A HEART BEHIND A MIRROR

HOMECOMING

Bai Yujia waited anxiously at the airport arrivals gate, scanning the crowd for her friend's familiar face. "Xiao Hua's late again!" she chuckled to herself.

(Bai Yujia is a 20 year old girl, very beautiful, has long hair and a very nice skin, her dad is Bai Jian, the biggest and popular business man in the US, she majored in Biotechnology and is back to china after 14 years.)

Just then, Liu Xiao Hua emerged from the crowd, looking frazzled. "Yujia, sorry I'm late! Traffic was a nightmare!"

Yujia laughed, embracing her friend. "I'm just glad you're here. How was your week?"

As they chatted, they walked through the airport, unaware of the person passing by them - Zhou Junjie, wearing a mask to avoid attention. He was greeted by his friend Xiao Lin, who was waiting for him at the gate.

(Zhou Junjie is a 24 year old young man from the Zhou family, he's one of the most handsome man in China, he owns the biggest in leading company in China name Junjie Corporation. He is also know as the Youngest successful business tycoon in the whole world. His elder brother is the CEO of their family company Zhou corporation. He studied at abroad for 10 years and just returned back to China )

"Junjie's back!" Xiao Lin exclaimed, embracing him warmly.

Junjie smiled, his eyes crinkling behind his mask. "Missed you too, Lin."

Yujia and Xiao Hua walked by, oblivious to the brief encounter. They entered Xiao Hua car, chatting about their plans.

As the car started, Xiao Hua turned to her. "So, what's the plan for tomorrow? Want to grab breakfast together before heading to your old neighborhood?"

As she was sitting in the car, her thoughts drifted to her dad, Li Jian, in the US. She wondered what he was doing at that moment, and whether he was thinking of her too.

Zhou Junjie walked into his office, greeted beside his Xiao Lin, who had picked him up from the airport earlier. " Junjie, welcome back. How's your day going so far?"

Junjie smiled, taking a seat behind his desk. "It's going well, thanks for asking. Your timing was perfect at the airport. I was worried I'd have to deal with a bunch of reporters."

Xiao Lin chuckled. "I've got your back, Junjie. So, what's the plan for today? You must be exhausted from your trip."

Junjie shook his head. "I'm fine, just a bit jet-lagged. I need to catch up on some work and respond to a few urgent emails."

Xiao Lin nodded. "Okay, I'll leave you to it then. But don't forget, we need to discuss the Smith account soon. They're getting anxious for an update."

Junjie nodded, already focused on his work. "I'll get to it, thanks for reminding me."

As Xiao Lin left Junjie's office, he couldn't help but feel a sense of concern for his friend. Junjie had been working non-stop for months, and it was taking a toll on his health.

Xiao Lin decided to check in with Junjie's assistant, Chen Menxin, to see if she could persuade Junjie to take a break. "Menxin, have you seen Junjie's schedule for the day?" he asked.

Chen Menxin nodded, "Yes, he has a packed day ahead of him. But I did manage to squeeze in a lunch break for him. Maybe you can convince him to take a walk outside?"

Xiao Lin smiled, "I'll try my best. Thanks for looking out for him, Menxin."

Just then, Junjie's phone rang. He answered, listening intently before responding, "I'll be right there."

Xiao Lin raised an eyebrow, "Everything okay?"

Junjie nodded, "Just a meeting with the marketing team. They need my input on a new campaign."

Xiao Lin nodded, "Okay, I'll let you go. But don't forget to take that lunch break, Junjie!"

Chen Menxin watched as Junjie hurried out of the office, his determination palpable. She turned to Xiao Lin and whispered, "He's really doing it, isn't he? He's going to make a name for himself without relying on his family's company."

Xiao Lin nodded, a hint of admiration in his voice. "He's been working towards this for years. He wants to prove to his father that he's capable of succeeding on his own terms."

Just then, Junjie's phone buzzed on his desk. Chen Menxin picked it up, answering, "Junjie's office... Ah, Mom!"

Xiao Lin's eyes lit up with a warm smile, knowing how much Junjie's mother meant to him.

Chen Menxin listened for a moment before responding, "Yes, he's doing well. Just busy with work. I'll tell him you called."

Xiao Lin could sense the concern and love in Chen Menxin's voice as she spoke with Junjie's mother.

Chen Menxin hung up the phone and turned to Xiao Lin. "His mom just wanted to check in and see how he's doing. She's worried about him working too hard."

Xiao Lin nodded understandingly. "We'll keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn't burn out."

Bai Yujia smiled wearily as she stepped into her apartment, her eyes fixed on Liu Xiao Hua, who was carrying her suitcase. "Thanks for picking me up from the airport," she said, feeling grateful.

Xiao Hua set down the suitcase and wrapped her arms around Yujia. "Of course, I'm always happy to see you," she replied, smiling.

Yujia leaned into the hug, feeling a mix of exhaustion and happiness. She had missed Xiao Hua so much during her time in the States.

As they pulled back, Xiao Hua examined Yujia's face. "You look tired. How was your flight?"

Yujia nodded, feeling the weight of her journey. "It was long. But I'm happy to be here with you now."

Xiao Hua smiled and took Yujia's hand. "I'm happy to have you here too. Let's get you settled in and rested."

Yujia's eyes were fixed on the TV, but her mind was elsewhere. She was deep in thought.

Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. She picked it up, seeing a message from Jun Yun, her secret assistant.

"Zhou, Ju, and Meng families were closest to them," the message read.

Yujia's grip on the phone tightened, her heart racing with anticipation. This was the lead she had been waiting for. She had asked Jun Yun to find out who were the closest allies and friends of the victims.

She typed out a quick response, her thumbs flying across the screen. "Dig deeper. I want to know everything about their relationships."

Yujia's eyes narrowed, her determination renewed. She was one step closer to uncovering the truth. And she wouldn't rest until she found justice.

On the other side of town, Zhou Junjie sat confidently in the conference room, surrounded by his team of executives. He was addressing a potential investor, pitching his company's latest project.

"...and as you can see, our projections indicate a significant return on investment within the first year," Junjie said, gesturing to the presentation screen behind him.

The investor nodded thoughtfully, taking notes. "I'm impressed, Mr. Zhou. Your company has a reputation for delivering results."

Junjie smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride. "We strive for excellence in everything we do. I believe this project has the potential to be our most successful yet."

As the meeting drew to a close, Junjie's phone buzzed discreetly in his pocket. He ignored it, focused on sealing the deal.

Zhou Junjie stepped out of the conference room, feeling satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. He dialed his mother's number, and she answered on the first ring.

"Junjie, dear, how was your meeting?" she asked, her voice warm and familiar.

"It went well, Mother. I think we've secured the investment," he replied, smiling.

"Excellent! I'm so proud of you. Now, don't forget about the family dinner tonight. Your aunt and uncle will be there, and we're having it at...actually, it's at the Golden Dragon restaurant. Yes, that's right. I'll text you the address."

Junjie nodded, even though she couldn't see him. "I'll be there, Mother. What time?"

"7 pm sharp. Don't be late!"

Meanwhile, at Bai Yujia's apartment, Xiao Hua was snuggling up close to Yujia on the couch. "Hey, how about we go out for dinner tonight? I heard about a new restaurant that just opened up downtown."

Yujia hesitated, her mind still on the investigation. But Xiao Hua's suggestion was tempting. A night out might be just what she needed to clear her head.

"Okay, sure. That sounds nice," Yujia said, smiling at Xiao Hua.

Zhou Junjie arrived at the famous Golden Dragon Restaurant, his family already seated at a large table in the private dining room. His father, Zhou Cheng, was sipping tea, while his mother, Liang Mei, chatted with his aunt and uncle. His elder brother, Zhou Jiansen, was engaged in a heated discussion with their father about business strategies.

Junjie took his seat, exchanging nods with his father and brother. "Sorry I'm late," he said, smiling at his mother.

Liang Mei patted his hand. "You're right on time, dear. We were just about to order."

The waiter arrived, and they began to order their dishes. Junjie opted for the signature Peking duck, while his brother chose the spicy Szechuan hot pot.

As they waited for their food to arrive, the conversation turned to business. Zhou Cheng discussed his latest venture, a new real estate development project, while Junjie shared his success with the investor meeting earlier that day. Jiansen was feeling irritated by his brother's success

Their food arrived, and they dug in, savoring the delicious flavors. Junjie glanced around the table, feeling grateful for his family's support and love.

As the dinner wore on, Zhou Junjie's father and brother began to taunt him, their words laced with jealousy. "Oh, look at Junjie, always bragging about his company's success," Zhou Cheng sneered. "As if anyone doesn't know that Junjie Corporation is the leading company in China."

Zhou Jiansen snorted. "Yes, and I'm sure it has nothing to do with your exceptional leadership skills, little brother. You just got lucky."

Junjie's face tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. "At least I built my company from scratch, without relying on Father's connections or wealth," he shot back.

The atmosphere at the table grew tense, the air thick with unspoken resentments.

Meanwhile, across town, Bai Yujia laughed and chatted with Xiao Hua, enjoying a wonderful dinner at a cozy little restaurant. They shared stories, joked, and savored each other's company, oblivious to the drama unfolding at the Golden Dragon Restaurant.

As they finished their meal and prepared to part ways, Yujia smiled at Xiao Hua. "Thanks for tonight, I really needed this."

Xiao Hua smiled back. "Anytime, Yujia. You deserve a break from...whatever it is you're dealing with."

The Golden Dragon Restaurant erupted into chaos as Zhou Junjie, his brother Jiansen, and their father Cheng engaged in a heated argument. The air was thick with tension, their raised voices echoing off the walls.

Just as it seemed like the argument would boil over, Liang Mei intervened, her voice firm but calm. "Enough! This is not the time or place."

The men glared at each other, their faces red with anger, but eventually, they subsided, the argument left simmering like a pot left to boil.

Meanwhile, across town, Bai Yujia's eyes locked onto a figure lurking in the shadows, a mask obscuring their face. Her instincts screamed warning, and she excused herself, her heart racing.

With a swift motion, she palmed a knife from her bag and followed the figure into the alley. In a flash, she pinned them against the wall, her blade pressed against their neck.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice low and deadly.

The figure struggled, but Yujia held tight, her grip unyielding. The mask glinted in the dim light, but Yujia's eyes burned with a fierce determination.

And then, everything went black.

A NARROW ESCAPE

"Who are you?" Yujia demanded, her knife still pressed against the masked figure's neck.

The figure hesitated, then slowly pulled off the mask, revealing a familiar face. "I am Jun Yun, your secret assistant, Miss Yujia."

Yujia's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't lower the knife. "What are you doing here, Jun Yun? And why were you spying on me?"

Jun Yun swallowed hard. "I came to deliver important information, Miss Yujia. About the Meng family and the victims. They had a heated argument on the day Dr. Baili was framed for killing a patient."

Yujia's grip on the knife tightened. "What kind of argument?"

Jun Yun took a deep breath. "It was about a business deal gone sour. I have documents and recordings, Miss Yujia. Proof that the Meng family is involved in something big."

Just then, Xiao Hua emerged from the restaurant, concern etched on her face. "Yujia, what's going on? I saw you sneak out and I got worried."

Yujia quickly hid the knife and turned to Xiao Hua. "Nothing, I just... uh... needed some fresh air."

Xiao Hua's eyes narrowed. "You're shaking. What happened?"

Yujia forced a smile. "Really, it's nothing. Let's go back inside."

As they turned to leave, Yujia discreetly nodded to Jun Yun, who remained hidden in the shadows, watching as they walked away.

Zhou Junjie stormed out of the Golden Dragon Restaurant, his anger simmering just below the surface. He pulled out his phone and dialed Xiao Lin's number. "Hey, I need a ride. I left my car at the company."

Xiao Lin's voice was calm and soothing. "What happened? You sound upset."

Junjie took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "It's just family stuff. Pick me up and let's go get some chocolate for your mom's birthday."

Xiao Lin agreed, and they decided to meet at the chocolate shop on Main Street.

Meanwhile, Bai Yujia and Xiao Hua had finished their meal and were strolling down Main Street, enjoying the evening air. As they turned a corner, they spotted the same chocolate shop. "Hey, let's go get some chocolate!" Xiao Hua exclaimed.

Yujia smiled, and they pushed open the door, unaware that Junjie and Xiao Lin were already inside, browsing the shelves...

Yujia's eyes scanned the shelves, her fingers trailing over the colorful wrappers. Suddenly, a familiar shape caught her eye - a chocolate rabbit, just like the one her childhood friend, Jun'er, used to love.

"Where are you, Jun'er?" she whispered, a nostalgic smile on her face.

As she reached for the chocolate, she accidentally bumped into someone.

As Yujia's feet tangled, she felt herself falling, but before she could hit the ground, a strong hand grasped her elbow, steadying her. She looked up, her eyes locking onto the stranger's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.

The stranger's gaze was intense, yet gentle, and Yujia felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. She had no idea who this man was, but she felt a strange connection to him.

Yujia's face flushed as she realized the commotion she had caused. She tried to step back, but the stranger's hold kept her in place.

"I'm so sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The stranger smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No need to apologize," he said, his voice low and smooth.

As they stood there, frozen in the moment, Yujia's heart skipped a beat. There was something familiar about this stranger, something that made her feel like she'd known him forever...

Just as they were about to speak, two voices rang out in unison: "That's my chocolate!"

Yujia's eyes widened as she recognized the argumentative pair - her friend Xiao Hua was standing toe-to-toe with a stranger, Xiao Lin. The two were engaged in a heated debate over a chocolate.

"Let go, I saw it first!" Xiao Hua exclaimed, her hands grasping for the chocolate.

Xiao Lin held firm, a stubborn glint in his eye. "No way, I had it first!"

Yujia rushed over to intervene, laughing. "Xiao Hua, what's going on here?"

Xiao Hua turned to Yujia, still fuming. "This guy won't let me have the chocolate!"

Just then, Zhou Junjie appeared beside Xiao Lin, a calm smile on his face. "Hey, Xiao Lin, what's the problem?"

Xiao Lin gestured towards Xiao Hua. "She won't let me have the chocolate!"

Zhou Junjie's eyes met Yujia's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between their friends palpable.

Zhou Junjie chuckled and clapped Xiao Lin on the back. "Come on, let's go. It's just a chocolate."

Xiao Lin reluctantly released the chocolate, still grumbling under his breath. Zhou Junjie steered him out of the shop, leaving Yujia and Xiao Hua staring after them.

Yujia turned to Xiao Hua, laughing. "Well, that was dramatic. What was that all about?"

Xiao Hua shrugged, still looking ruffled. "I don't know, but I wanted that chocolate!"

Yujia grinned mischievously. "I think we can find you an even better one."

As they continued shopping, Yujia couldn't help but wonder about the stranger who had intervened - Zhou Junjie. There was something about him that seemed familiar, but she couldn't quite place it.

Meanwhile, outside the shop, Zhou Junjie and Xiao Lin walked down the street, Xiao Lin still grumbling about the chocolate.

"Thanks for getting me out of there, Junjie," Xiao Lin said, clapping his friend on the back.

Zhou Junjie smiled. "Anytime. But next time, let's just buy two chocolates, okay?"

Xiao Lin laughed, and the two friends continued on their way, unaware of the unexpected connections they had just made.

Zhou Junjie hopped into Xiao Lin's car, his mind still reeling from the unexpected encounter with the mysterious girl.

"Who was that girl?" Xiao Lin asked, curiosity etched on his face.

Zhou Junjie shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "No idea, and I don't care. She's just some girl who can't even walk straight."

Xiao Lin chuckled. "Well, you seemed pretty interested in her back there. You even saved her from falling!"

Zhou Junjie snorted. "That was just reflex. I wouldn't have wanted anyone to get hurt, no matter who they are."

Xiao Lin raised an eyebrow. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that, Junjie."

Zhou Junjie shot him a warning glance, but Xiao Lin just laughed and started the car. As they drove away, Zhou Junjie couldn't shake off the feeling that their encounter was far from over...

Xiao Lin stormed into his apartment, still fuming about the chocolate incident. He tossed his bag onto the couch and flopped down beside it, replaying the argument in his head.

Xiao Hua, on the other hand, walked into her cozy apartment, her mind preoccupied with the arrogant boy who had argued with her over the chocolate. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she had seen him somewhere before.

Zhou Junjie settled into his sleek, modern apartment, his laptop open in front of him. He dove into his work, reviewing projects and making notes, his focus unwavering.

Meanwhile, Bai Yujia slipped into a secret room in her apartment, hidden behind a bookshelf. The room was dimly lit, with rows of pictures and a big board

Yujia's eyes remained fixed on the board, her mind racing with the connections she had uncovered. The Baili family, victims of a tragic event, were at the center of her investigation. She had discovered that Dr. Baili, the patriarch of the family, had been framed for malpractice, leading to his downfall and the family's ruin.

The argument between Dr. Baili and someone from the Meng family, which took place at the Meng's hotel, seemed to be a crucial piece of the puzzle. Yujia suspected that the Meng family, along with the Zhou and Ju families, were involved in a complex web of deceit and corruption.

As she worked, the names on the board seemed to stare back at her, a reminder of the powerful families she was up against. But Yujia was undaunted, driven by her quest for justice for the Baili family

IN THE MORNING

Zhou Junjie woke up with a start, his mind foggy from the vivid dream. He tried to recall the details, but they slipped away like sand between his fingers. He remembered arguing voices, his father's presence, and the luxurious surroundings of the Meng's hotel, but the specifics eluded him.

As he got out of bed and began his morning routine, Junjie couldn't shake off the feeling that the dream had been more than just a random firing of neurons. It felt...real. But whenever he tried to grasp the memories, they disappeared like smoke.

He pushed the thoughts aside and focused on his day ahead. Yet, the sensation lingered, leaving him with a nagging sense of unease.

Meanwhile, Bai Yujia woke up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. She headed to her secret room, her mind still focused on the Baili family case. As she began to work, she couldn't help but wonder if she was getting closer to the truth.

Zhou Junjie immersed himself in his work, trying to push the lingering feeling of unease from his dream aside. He focused on the tasks at hand, his mind razor-sharp as he navigated the complexities of his business.

Meanwhile, Bai Yujia sat in her secret room, pouring over her plans to infiltrate the Meng's hotel. She had a hunch that the key to uncovering the truth about the Baili family's downfall lay hidden within the hotel's walls.

With a determined glint in her eye, Yujia began to assemble a disguise, her mind racing with scenarios and contingencies. She knew that sneaking into the hotel undetected wouldn't be easy, but she was driven by her quest for justice.

As Junjie took a short break to grab a cup of coffee, his gaze drifted out the window, his thoughts wandering back to the dream. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off, that his subconscious was trying to tell him something.

Bai Yujia, dressed in a short, sleek jumpsuit that accentuated her athletic physique, walked confidently into the Meng's hotel, the stolen identity card in hand. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she wore a nose mask and a hat to complete her disguise. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she made her way to the reception desk.

A mysterious person (Zhou Junjie), dressed in all black - a black trouser, a black T-shirt, a black hoodie, and a black mask that obscured his face - entered the hotel lobby, his eyes scanning the area with a mix of curiosity and caution. He had come to the hotel to uncover secrets from 14 years ago, secrets that might be connected to his own troubled past.

As Yujia began to work at the reception desk, the mysterious person approached the hotel bar, his eyes fixed on the bartender. He ordered a drink and struck up a conversation, casually asking about the hotel's history and any notable events from 14 years ago.

The bartender, a friendly old man with a wealth of knowledge, leaned in close and whispered, "There was a tragedy here, many years ago. A family was torn apart.

The bartender leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Fourteen years ago, the head of the Meng family and the head of the Baili family had a huge argument in this very hotel. It was a heated exchange, and everyone who witnessed it knew something big was going down."

Zhou Junjie's eyes locked onto the bartender, his interest piqued. "What was the argument about?"

The bartender glanced around nervously before responding, "We never knew for sure, but rumors swirled that it was about some sort of illegal activity. Whispers of smuggling, embezzlement, and worse. But nothing was ever proven, and the truth was never revealed."

"What happened after the argument?" the mysterious person (Junjie) pressed on, his curiosity getting the better of him.

The bartender hesitated before responding, "The two families went their separate ways, but the tension between them never dissipated. Some say it was the beginning of a bitter feud, one that would have far-reaching consequences."

Junjie's eyes narrowed, his grip on his drink tightening. A feud between the Meng and Baili families... this was getting more complicated by the minute

Yujia's ears perked up as she heard the workers whispering near the reception desk. "I'm telling you, it's weird," one of them said. "There's a room on the top floor, and no one's allowed in there except the Meng family members."

"Really?" another worker replied, curiosity etched in her voice. "What's in there, do you think?"

"No idea, but I've heard it's where they store their files," the first worker said. "Some say it's evidence of their... extracurricular activities."

Yujia's eyes widened as she processed the information. A secret room, hidden away from prying eyes... this could be the key to uncovering the Meng family's secrets.

She continued to listen, her heart racing with excitement, as the workers speculated about the room's contents. "Some say it's where they keep their dirty money," one of them whispered.

Yujia's grip on her pen tightened. She had to get into that room. But how?

As she pondered her next move, Yujia noticed the mysterious person watching her from across the lobby. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, she wondered if he was onto her plan.

Zhou Junjie made his way to the store room, his eyes scanning the hallway for any signs of surveillance. He had a hunch that the Meng family might be hiding something in there, and he aimed to find out what.

Meanwhile, Yujia excused herself from the other receptionist, citing a need to use the washroom. As she walked away, she subtly glanced around the lobby, ensuring no one was watching her.

Once out of sight, Yujia quickly changed direction, making her way towards the stairwell that led to the top floor. She had to find that secret room.

As she climbed the stairs, her heart pounded in her chest. What would she find in there? Evidence of the Meng family's wrongdoings? Clues to the Baili family's downfall?

Zhou Junjie, unaware of Yujia's parallel mission, reached the store room and began searching through the shelves. Files upon files of hotel records and receipts... but nothing that seemed directly related to the 14-year-old case.

Just as Junjie was about to give up, he stumbled upon a hidden compartment in the back of the room. A small keyhole stared back at him, taunting him.

Bai Yujia arrived at the top floor, her eyes fixed on the two guards standing outside the secret room. She knew she had to act fast. With swift and silent movements, she took down the guards, her martial arts training serving her well.

As the guards slumped to the ground, Yujia slipped into the room, her heart racing with anticipation. She found herself in a dimly lit space, rows of filing cabinets and shelves stretching out before her.

Meanwhile, Zhou Junjie inserted the key into the hidden compartment's keyhole and turned it. The door creaked open, revealing a narrow passageway. Junjie stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the darkness.

As he moved deeper into the passageway, his footsteps echoed off the walls. Suddenly, he stumbled upon a sight that made his blood run cold. His eyes widened in shock, his mind struggling to comprehend what he was seeing.

But for now, Junjie remained frozen, unable to move or speak. The secrets that lay before him were too immense, too terrifying.

Yujia, oblivious to Junjie's discovery, began searching through the filing cabinets, her fingers flying through the documents. She was getting close, she could feel it

Zhou Junjie's eyes were fixed on the gruesome scene before him. Dead bodies, some decomposed beyond recognition, lay scattered around the room. A chill ran down his spine as he read the ominous message scrawled on the board: "Anyone who finds my secret must die."

His gaze fell upon a photo pinned to the board, showing his father, Mr. Meng Li, alongside two other men. Junjie's mind reeled as he tried to process the implications.

Meanwhile, Yujia's heart sank as she heard the hotel's alarm blaring to life. "Intruder alert. All guards and security, report to the lobby immediately." She knew she had to act fast.

With the pen drive clutched in her hand, Yujia sprinted out of the secret room, desperate to find a computer to access its contents. But as she emerged into the hallway, she was met with a sea of guards rushing towards the lobby.

She knew she couldn't risk being caught with the pen drive. Yujia swiftly hid it in her pocket and joined the stream of guards, trying to blend in.

As she descended into the lobby, Yujia's eyes scanned the chaos below. Where was that man? Had he found something too?

The guards were closing in on someone... but who?

Yujia's heart raced as she sprinted down the stairs, the guards hot on her heels. She had to think fast, or risk being caught. She weaved through the chaos in the lobby, dodging guests and leaping over obstacles.

Meanwhile, Junjie burst into one of the hotel rooms, slamming the door shut behind him. He leaned against the door, panting, as he heard the guards pounding on the other side.

Junjie quickly scanned the room, his eyes settling on a ventilation shaft in the wall. Without hesitation, he sprinted towards it and climbed inside, just as the guards burst into the room.

Yujia, still being chased, spotted a housekeeping cart and made a split-second decision. She dove into the cart, hiding among the linens and cleaning supplies.

The guards thundered past, unaware of her hiding spot. Yujia let out a sigh of relief, but knew she couldn't stay hidden forever.

As she caught her breath, Yujia wondered where that mysterious person was. Had he escaped the guards?

And what secrets lay hidden on the pen drive, still clutched in her pocket?

As Bai Yujia and the mysterious person were strungling to escape from the hotel Liu Xiao Hua stormed into the boutique, her mind still reeling from her earlier encounter. She needed a distraction, and shopping always helped. As she browsed through the racks, her phone rang. She ignored it, not wanting to deal with anyone right now.

As she reached for a dress, she accidentally bumped into someone, and they both fell to the ground. Apologetic, Liu Xiao Hua looked up to see a familiar face - Xiao Lin, the guy she fought with over the chocolate!

"You again!" they exclaimed in unison, followed by a heated argument.

"How can you be so careless?" Liu Xiao Hua demanded.

"And how can you be so chocolate-obsessed?" Xiao Lin retorted.

Their argument drew attention from the other shoppers, but they didn't care. They were too busy bickering.

Liu Xiao Hua couldn't believe she ran into him again. She was still thinking about him, wondering why she reacted so strongly to him. And now, here he was, looking more handsome than ever.

As they stood up, Liu Xiao Hua felt her heart racing. She tried to brush it off, but she couldn't deny the sparks flying between them.

Xiao Lin smiled, and Liu Xiao Hua's heart skipped a beat. "I guess we're destined to fight over everything," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Liu Xiao Hua rolled her eyes, trying to hide her smile. "I guess so."

As they stood there, the tension between them was palpable. Liu Xiao Hua couldn't help but notice the way Xiao Lin's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.

Xiao Lin, too, was aware of the sparks flying between them. He had never met anyone like Liu Xiao Hua before - she was feisty, stubborn, and yet, somehow, utterly charming.

"Hey," he said, breaking the silence. "Want to grab a coffee with me? I promise I won't fight you for the last chocolate chip cookie."

Liu Xiao Hua raised an eyebrow, surprised by the invitation. But then, she shrugged. Why not? It's not like she had anything better to do.

"Okay," she said, trying to sound nonchalant. "But don't think this means I'm going to let you win next time we fight over chocolate."

Xiao Lin grinned, holding out his arm to gesture her forward. "I wouldn't dream of it."

As they walked out of the boutique together, Liu Xiao Hua couldn't help but wonder what other surprises lay in store for her...

Zhou Junjie swiftly found a back door and made his escape, just as he saw a figure running down the hallway, guards closing in. The figure, wearing a nose mask, didn't notice him as she darted towards the corner.

Without hesitation, Junjie grabbed the mysterious figure and pulled her into a nearby room, his hand covering her masked mouth to stifle any screams. They both froze, listening as the guards thundered past outside.

As they caught their breath, Junjie slowly removed his hand from the figure's mouth.

Yujia's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Why did you save me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Zhou Junjie shrugged, his mask glinting in the dim light. "I just felt like saving you," he replied, his tone nonchalant.

But before she could speak, he swiftly turned and exited the room, disappearing into the chaos.

Yujia stared after him, bewildered. Who was that masked man, and why had he saved her?

"Why do his eyes look like Jun'er's?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible.

She shook her head, focusing on her own escape. She couldn't afford to be caught now. With a deep breath, Yujia slipped out of the room, disappearing into the hotel's labyrinthine corridors.

As Yujia entered her apartment, she was met with a surprise. Xiao Hua, her best friend and confidante, was pacing back and forth in the living room, a look of worry etched on her face.

"Yujia, where have you been?" Xiao Hua exclaimed, rushing towards her. "I've been looking all over for you! I was so worried when I couldn't reach you."

Yujia sighed, relieved to be safe at home. "I'm sorry, Xiao Hua. I was just... taking care of some things."

Xiao Hua's eyes narrowed. "What kind of things? You know you can tell me anything."

Yujia hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But before she could respond, her phone buzzed with an urgent message from her dad" Bai Feng. "Yujia dear how are you coping in China , hope you are doing well ".

Meanwhile, at the Junjie Corporation, a group of directors gathered in the conference room, their faces stern and concerned. "We need to find Zhou Junjie," one of them emphasized. "He's the only one who can clarify the situation."

Another director nodded in agreement. "We've tried reaching him, but he's nowhere to be found. It's as if he's vanished into thin air."

The room fell silent, the weight of their predicament hanging in the air. Where was Zhou Junjie, and what did he know about the mysterious events unfolding around them?

As Zhou Junjie entered the conference hall, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to him, and the women in the room couldn't help but stare. His tailored suit accentuated his lean physique, and his chiseled features seemed to radiate confidence.

The women's gazes lingered on him, taking in the sharp jawline, the piercing eyes, and the hint of a smile on his lips. They were captivated by his charm and good looks, and for a moment, the room seemed to forget about the urgent meeting.

"Ah, Mr. Zhou, thank goodness you're here," one of the directors said, breaking the spell. "We've been trying to reach you urgently."

Zhou Junjie's eyes narrowed slightly as he nodded. "I apologize for the inconvenience. I was... indisposed."

 Zhou Junjie's eyes swept across the room, his gaze meeting the admiring stares of the women. He nodded graciously, his smile hinting at awareness of the effect he had on them.

As he took his seat at the head of the table, the room seemed to vibrate with his presence. The directors and executives leaned forward, eager to hear his words, while the women struggled to focus on the meeting at hand.

Zhou Junjie's gaze swept across the room, his eyes narrowing in thought. "I see," he said finally. "It seems we have a complex problem on our hands."

The room waited with bated breath for his next words, knowing that his decisions would shape the course of the company's future.

As he stood up, his movements fluid and confident, the room seemed to vibrate with his energy. "Let's get to work," he said, his voice firm and authoritative. "We have a lot to discuss and even more to accomplish."

The directors and executives nodded, scrambling to keep up with Zhou Junjie's rapid-fire instructions. The meeting was intense, with ideas flying back and forth across the table.

Meanwhile, in her own home, Yujia was oblivious to the storm brewing at the Junjie Corporation. She was lost in her own thoughts, her mind whirling with secrets and suspicions...

Zhou Junjie's eyes narrowed as he stared at the photo on his phone. He had almost forgotten about it, but now his curiosity was piqued. Who were the other two people in the picture with his father and Meng Li?

He quickly typed out a message to his trusted assistant, Chen Menxin. "Find out who the people in this photo are. I want to know everything about them."

Chen Menxin responded promptly. "Right away, sir. I'll do my best to identify them."

As Zhou Junjie waited for Chen Menxin's response, his mind raced with possibilities. Who were these people? And what did they have to do with his father's mysterious dealings?

The minutes ticked by, and finally, Chen Menxin's message arrived. "Sir, I've identified two of the people in the photo. One is Mr. Ju, a businessman with connections to several major corporations. The other is Dr. Baili, but I'm having trouble finding more information on him.

"Keep digging, Chen Menxin," he typed. "I want to know everything about Dr. Baili."

But as he waited for Chen Menxin's next message, Zhou Junjie couldn't shake off the feeling that he was getting close to something big. Something that could change everything.

Zhou Junjie's mind was racing with questions about Dr. Baili. He decided to reach out to his friend Xiao Lin, hoping he might know something.

"Xiao Lin, do you know anyone named Baili Feng?" Zhou Junjie asked, his voice low and urgent.

Xiao Lin's response was immediate. "Baili Feng? That name sounds familiar. Let me check."

Zhou Junjie waited anxiously as Xiao Lin searched for information. Finally, Xiao Lin's message arrived.

"Junjie, I found something. But it's not good. The Baili family was involved in a tragedy 14 years ago. They were accused of fraud and embezzlement, and their business empire was dismantled. The family was torn apart, and some members even went to prison."

Zhou Junjie's eyes widened in shock. "What happened to Baili Feng?"

Zhou Junjie's mind reeled as he processed the information. Could this be the same Dr. Baili in the photo? And what did his father have to do with the Baili family's tragedy?

Zhou Junjie's eyes widened in horror as Xiao Lin revealed the tragic fate of the Baili family.

"Dr. Baili, the head of the family, was accused of malpractice," Xiao Lin explained. "He was said to have prescribed the wrong medication to a patient, resulting in a fatal outcome. But before he could defend himself, he suffered a heart attack and died."

Zhou Junjie's grip on his phone tightened. "And what about his family?"

Xiao Lin's message was laced with sorrow. "Tragedy struck again. Three days after Dr. Baili's death, his house caught fire, killing his wife and children. The investigation concluded it was an accident, but many suspected foul play."

Zhou Junjie felt a chill run down his spine. The Baili family's downfall was shrouded in mystery and tragedy. He couldn't shake off the feeling that his father's association with Dr. Baili was more than just a coincidence.

"Why did my father have a photo with Dr. Baili?" Zhou Junjie wondered aloud.

Xiao Lin's response was immediate. "That's a question only your father can answer, Junjie. But be careful, my friend. The past is full of secrets, and some are better left unspoken.

Zhou Junjie's mind was racing with questions. The Baili family's tragedy seemed to echo in his memory, but he couldn't quite place it. He felt like he had heard the story before, but the details were hazy.

"Why does this feel so familiar?" he asked himself, rubbing his temples in frustration.

He tried to recall any conversations or news articles that might have mentioned the Baili family, but his memory drew a blank. The more he thought about it, the more elusive the connection became.

"Maybe it's just my imagination playing tricks on me," he thought, but the nagging feeling persisted.

Chen Menxin's message arrived, and Zhou Junjie's eyes widened as he read the revelation. "The four families - the Zhous, the Mengs, the Jus, and the Bailis - were close friends, sir. But what's more, the Baili and Zhou families were incredibly close. They were like brothers."

Zhou Junjie's mind reeled as he processed this new information. His father and Dr. Baili were more than just acquaintances - they were like family.

He thought back to his childhood, trying to remember any mentions of the Baili family. And then, a faint memory surfaced. He remembered his father mentioning the Bailis, speaking of them with a deep affection and respect.

"But what happened to end that friendship?" Zhou Junjie wondered. The tragedy that befell the Baili family must have created a rift between them, but he couldn't understand why his father never spoke of it.

He typed out a message to Chen Menxin. "Find out more about the friendship between our families. I want to know what went wrong.

Bai Yujia's curiosity got the better of her as she inserted the pen drive into her computer. She expected to see some documents or files, but instead, an audio file popped up on the screen. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should open it, but her curiosity won out.

As soon as the audio started playing, Bai Yujia's eyes widened in shock. She listened intently, her face pale and her heart racing. What she heard was clearly disturbing, and her expression changed from curiosity to horror.

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