In a quiet corner of the street, a man in dishevelled clothes was lying against the wall, gasping for his breath. His clothes were already tattered and his abdomen was soaked red with fresh blood. His face was covered in dust, he looked extremely disheveled.
"Miss, I will give you another chance, help me." Not far from him stood a lean and bony woman.
Han Annan looked at the man with disgust. She stepped back and shook her head: "No."
She was just released from prison today, had no place to stay, no money, even her own life was in question, how could she help this man?
Unexpectedly, she refused so decisively. Zhu Zhiyuan, clutching his wound, was panting heavily: "Miss, as long as you help me, you will definitely not suffer a loss. Whatever you want, I can provide."
After a careful look at this man, Han Annan realized that even the blood on him couldn't disguise his noble aura, especially that distinct angular face, which was terrifying to look at.
This man seemed like someone not to be messed with. If he dies without her help it's okay, but if he doesn't die...looks like he is the vengeful type.
Thinking about the little money in her pocket, Han Annan sighed and turned to leave.
Zhu Zhiyuan watched Han Annan leave helplessly, tugging at the corner of his mouth. He was a bit careless today and caught himself in this predicament. Hmph!
But those bastards definitely don't want him to make it back alive. Those who betrayed him, he will see to it that they would live worse than death... And this woman too, he swears that he won't let her go in the next life.
Just as Zhu Zhiyuan's will was gradually fading, a pair of cold hands helped him up from the ground. Barely opening his eyes, Zhu Zhiyuan sneered, "Didn't you leave just now? Why are you back to save me?"
"If you want to die, I don't mind letting you go now." But I'm afraid you'll come back and take revenge on me later. Han Annan didn't say the latter sentence out loud, as she silently carried him to the nearest station and expertly ripped his clothes to bandage his wound.
She wanted to just walk away, but when she went to the drugstore, she felt this man's gaze on her back. This made her realize that if she leaves this time, something bad will surely happen to her in the future.
With a playful little bow tied on Zhu Zhiyuan, Han Annan frisked him and found his wallet and phone: "You are quite rich, all are high-end brands."
But his taste was not so good. Apart from the high-end brands, everything was black, monotonous to the point of being aesthetically exhausting.
This face, although handsome, always frowns, looking fierce and fearsome.
Seeing how swiftly this woman took her things, Qu Zhiyuan seemed to realize why it was he could be rescued. His eyes flashed a hint of revulsion.
He averted his eyes, his voice laced with hesitation: "So what if you did?"
Taking out the money she had just used for buying medicines from her wallet and shoving the receipt in, Han Annan handed him his phone and wallet: "You look like you won't die now, so call for someone to pick you up."
That's it? Just used his money for her medicines?
Qu Zhiyuan called to stop Han Annan: "Stop, woman, you should tell me your name. I always honor my promises and will surely grant your wish."
"Are you Aladdin's magic lamp, granting people's wishes? If it wasn't for me today, you'd be long dead."
Without a moment of hesitation, Han Annan turned around and walked away. Qu Zhiyuan dialed a familiar number on his phone and, in no time, someone would come to get him.
Lu Zhi hastily arrived and seeing that Qu Zhiyuan's wounds were already bandaged, she breathed a sigh of relief. She quickly helped him into her car and drove to the hospital: "We were careless this time, didn't expect they would have backup plans. But how did you know it was a losing company?"
Knowing his subordinates' abilities, Qu Zhiyuan nodded: "Use your brains. Where's the old man?"
"The old man is fine. Let's get you to the hospital. It's really unlucky to get injured while discussing a business deal."
"No need." Qu Zhiyuan pulled out a jade pendant from his pocket and handed it to Lu Zhi, with a slight smile on his face, "Trace the origin of this jade pendant."
While he was being helped by Han Annan to the bus stop earlier, he secretly unclasped this from her neck. Thinking of the girl's arrogant demeanor, a sense of satisfaction welled up within Qu Zhiyuan.
However... Lu Zhi, looking at the jade pendant, suddenly realized something was amiss.
There's a saying: men wear Guanyin and women wear Buddha. This is a Buddha pendant, why would it be in Qu Zhiyuan's possession?
Quickly sensing something was amiss, Lu Zhi wore a smirk on her face.
"You've been stabbed and suddenly you've lucked out with love interest. Not bad. For a man in his thirties, it's about time you marry. Don't worry, for your lifelong happiness, I'll investigate and let you know as quickly as possible."
A lucky break in love?
Recalling the woman with a smile-less face, Qu Zhiyuan chuckled. Perhaps she's a good candidate.
However, thinking of her emotionless departure, Qu Zhiyuan sneered again, "It would be better if I never see that woman again."
...
"Auntie..."
Han Anan looked at the money being extended towards her, her face in shock, unsure how to react. This money felt like a hot potato, yet Han Anan's heart grew colder.
Madam Xia insisted on stuffing money into Han Anan's hand, her voice also tinged with harshness, "Miss Han, I didn't oppose your relationship with Jingcheng in the past, but times have changed. My husband is on the rise in his career and we can't tarnish our reputation. Please, take the money and go."
Touching the card in her hand, Han Anan found her heart as cold as it. She simply wanted to borrow a place to stay and had no intention to blackmail anyone.
Seeing she still wasn't leaving, Madam Xia sighed, appearing helpless, "I have gone to great lengths to be fair. I hope Miss Han has some self-awareness."
Self-awareness…
Han Anan gripped the card tightly, wishing she had the backbone to put it down and walk away like the protagonist in a drama, but in the end, she clutched it even tighter, bowing in thanks to Madam Xia before leaving.
When she was Miss Han of the Han family, she used to put on airs. Now, in a twist of fate, she became the one at the mercy of others.
After Han Anan left, Madam Xia heaved a sigh of relief, as if she had just resolved a mammoth problem. "That child Jingcheng always attracts the bad company, especially this Han Anan, she has no self-awareness. How could our prestigious and scholarly family be associated with her?"
The nanny on the side continuously nodded in agreement with Madam Xia's point of view, bouncing in from time to time to add a few words that comforted Madam Xia. "Madam is right. It has been ten years now. If the young lady from the Han family still cannot understand her status, it's because she's foolish."
Madam Xia, who had resumed sipping her tea and reading her book, was enveloped in the serene atmosphere of the music. Suddenly, she remembered the invitation that had arrived earlier today. She turned back to ask her nanny, "Enough about that. An invitation came today, didn't it? What is it for?"
"The engagement ceremony of Young Master Bai and Miss Zhou."
The son from the Bai family and that little lass Zhou...
Madam Xia gave a nod of approval, set her book aside, and turned to go upstairs, "Don't forget to call Jingcheng back for me. A 27-year-old girl who's still unmarried...I don't understand why she can't be like her brother and give me some peace."
Madam Xia was known in their circle to be kind and gentle. However, nobody was aware how cold and powerful this woman could be behind the scenes.
She could charities with enormous donations, but would steer clear of beggars in the streets. She had one son and one daughter, treasured and esteemed, but she secretly demanded more from her children than what met the eye and always wanted them to outdo others.
This time, she stopped Han Annan from meeting with Xia Jingcheng because of one critical reason– the Xia family was a noble clan. How could they associate with a fallen household? That would make them the laughing stock of others.
Han Annan wiped the droplet of water on her face, stared at the dilapidated house in front of her, hesitated for a moment, and then stepped in.
After searching for so long, she finally found it.
