Life settled into a strange rhythm.
For the first time in years, everything felt almost normal.
Mei Ling was cheerful again—her usual radiant self. Gone was the one thing that had bothered her for years. Liang Wei watched quietly as she laughed, joked with friends, and moved through life with ease.
And whenever she needed him… she came to him.
A simple phone call, a brief visit—he was always there.
University had started for her. She was busy with classes, projects, and new friends. Liang Wei, on the other hand, had quit school. With no money for tuition and scholarships long gone, he focused on work. His dream had always been to become a chef. Now he spent his days in small kitchens, learning, chopping, cooking—slowly building a life from the scraps he had.
Despite their separate lives, the connection between them remained. Mei Ling's trust never wavered, and he never failed her.
One afternoon, while walking near the campus, Liang Wei saw them.
Zhang Kai and Mei Ling.
Walking side by side, laughing softly together.
And then—a quick, gentle kiss. Mei Ling resting her head briefly on Zhang Kai's shoulder.
Liang Wei froze. His chest tightened.
Why is he with her?
A storm of anger, jealousy, and dark curiosity churned inside him.
He followed from a distance, watching silently, as they disappeared down the path together.
For the first time, Liang Wei realized he didn't know how far he might go to ensure she remained close to him.
A cold shiver ran down his spine. That whisper in his mind… it would not go away.
And that whisper…
was dangerous.