Echoes of Doubt

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.”