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.

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