Mei Ling searched everywhere for Liang Wei.
Calls, messages, even retracing his usual routes—nothing.
This isn't like him, she thought, her chest tightening.
For the first time, she realized just how much she had relied on him—not just for relief, but for comfort. And now, without him, frustration bubbled up.
Zhang Kai noticed her distress.
"Mei Ling, what's wrong?" he asked softly, concern in his voice.
She shook her head, biting her lip. "Nothing… I'm fine."
But Zhang Kai didn't press. He just smiled and said, "I'll be by your side."
Meanwhile, Liang Wei had settled quickly into his new town. A small, modest room, a simple bed, nothing remarkable—but it was his space, free from prying eyes.
And yet… even in his freedom, something gnawed at him.
He couldn't stop thinking about Mei Ling.
In an attempt to fill the void, he turned to pornography. Each actress vaguely reminded him of her—her eyes, her hair, her face. But it was never enough. He couldn't forget her.
One evening, while browsing aimlessly, he stumbled across the dark web.
At first, it was just curiosity. All sorts of requests flashed before his eyes—bizarre, shocking, even grotesque. People were paying huge sums to humiliate, embarrass, or control others in ways he could barely imagine.
Liang Wei's eyes widened.
People are actually paying for this…?
Boredom mixed with intrigue. What if… I could make money from here?
The idea took root, dangerous and seductive.
For the first time since leaving Mei Ling, Liang Wei felt a spark of purpose—dark, thrilling, and entirely his own.
And just like that, a new path began to form before him: one of power, control, and opportunity.