Stolen Freedom

The air buzzed with activity as the grand birthday celebration preparations began at the Yi mansion, transforming it into a realm of elegance and opulence. Servants moved swiftly through the hallways, hanging elaborate silk banners embroidered with golden patterns, their colors vibrant against the rich wood paneling of the mansion's walls. Chandeliers sparkled above, casting a warm glow that gave every room a regal air, while soft music from a live quartet practicing in the corner filled the space with a harmonious hum.

In the main hall, fresh floral arrangements adorned every available surface, the sweet fragrance of peonies and lilies mingling with the polished scent of antique furniture. Lavish bouquets in tall crystal vases were placed at the entrance, where guests would soon arrive, each carefully arranged to reflect the refinement and wealth of the Yi family. Servants meticulously adjusted the flowers, ensuring each petal was perfectly aligned—a testament to the high standards the family maintained for even the smallest detail.

For the Yi family, this event wasn't just a birthday celebration—it was an opportunity to solidify alliances, impress potential investors, and reinforce the family's power within their industry. Elite guests, from prominent business tycoons to foreign dignitaries, had all received invitations, and the Yi mansion needed to radiate the prestige and influence that the family was known for.

***

In his room, Yi Chen was adjusting his cufflinks when he heard a soft knock. Zhao Lin, with her gentle but commanding presence, entered. She smiled, a blend of pride and expectation in her gaze.

"Yi Chen," she began, her voice warm and encouraging. "Like every year, I want you to make the donations to the orphanage and foster home on behalf of the family. It's more than just a tradition, you know. Those children look forward to it, and it brings them joy, even if just for a day. It reminds them that they're not alone." Her words lingered in the air, carrying a weight of significance.

Yi Chen nodded thoughtfully. Though he didn't show it often, he understood the importance of these gestures. It wasn't merely about giving; it was about connecting with people in need and sharing the family's blessings with those less fortunate. It was a lesson his stepmother had taught him early on—to lead with compassion, not just authority.

"I'll go," he replied with quiet determination, glancing down momentarily before meeting her eyes. "But I'll need someone to help carry everything."

She raised her eyebrows slightly, her smile widening as if she'd been waiting for him to ask. "Take Zihao with you, then. He's been pestering me all morning, saying he wanted to get out. I think he'd be thrilled to spend the afternoon with you. Besides," she added with a knowing glint, "he could use a little responsibility."

Moments later, Yi Chen found Zihao leaning against the car, tapping his foot impatiently. A grin broke across his face as soon as he saw him approach.

"Finally!" Zihao exclaimed, hopping into the passenger seat with a flourish. "I thought I'd never get out of there."

Yi Chen rolled his eyes as he started the car. "You sure put a lot of effort into your 'escape plan,' didn't you?"

Zihao smirked, brushing off the comment. "Oh, come on! I'm a genius. Concert wraps at 7:00, Grandpa's birthday kicks off at 9:00—plenty of time to slip away without getting caught. They should be thanking me for my brilliance."

"Just don't touch anything," Yi Chen warned, turning his gaze back to the road.

But Zihao's curiosity was already piqued. He gave an exaggerated nod, yet his eyes darted to the small backpack in the back seat. He barely lasted a minute before reaching back, grabbing it, and opening it with a smirk. His eyes widened as he spotted a compact mirror and a lipstick among a few other feminine items.

"Ah-ha!" he declared triumphantly, holding up the lipstick. "So this is why you didn't want me to touch anything! Yi Chen, is this yours? Or is there someone I should be asking about?"

Yi Chen shot him a sidelong glare. "Put that back. Now."

But that only fueled Zihao's amusement further. "Whoa, whoa," he said, pretending to examine the lipstick. "Pink… nice shade. So, who's the mystery woman, hmm? Stayed out late, did we?" He leaned in closer, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Brought her home, left her things in the car—what, you're keeping souvenirs now?"

Yi Chen's jaw tightened. "Zihao, I'm not in the mood—"

"Oh, I bet she's a real beauty," Zihao continued, his tone shifting into an exaggerated, romantic drawl. "What's she like? Classy and sophisticated… or maybe she's got that mysterious, wild side, huh? Is that why you're always coming home so late these days?" He raised an eyebrow, imagining aloud. "I'm picturing someone exotic… dark hair, that mysterious glint in her eyes…"

"Zihao," Yi Chen interjected sharply, narrowing his eyes. "I suggest you stop."

But Zihao was far too entertained to listen. He gasped dramatically, as though struck by a new idea. "Wait—what if Grandpa knew? Or Father? I can already see their reactions. 'Yi Chen, sneaking around with a secret girlfriend!'" He grinned widely. "Wouldn't that be a shocker for everyone?"

Yi Chen narrowed his eyes, his tone low and threatening. "Zihao, keep going, and I might just mention that little stash of comics you hide in your room. You know, the 18+ ones?"

Zihao's face paled for a split second, his teasing grin fading as he stammered, "You… you wouldn't."

"Oh, wouldn't I?" Yi Chen smirked, his expression razor-sharp. "Imagine what Grandpa or your parents would think if they found out what their innocent little Zihao is hiding."

Zihao leaned back, crossing his arms with a scowl but struggling to keep his composure. "Alright, alright! I'll shut up about the bag," he muttered, giving an exaggerated sigh.

"Good choice," Yi Chen replied smoothly, turning his focus back to the road, a hint of victory flickering in his eyes.

Zihao slumped in his seat, pretending to be deeply wounded. "Fine. But don't think you've won. I'll figure out who she is eventually, you know."

Yi Chen merely shook his head. "Keep dreaming."

****

Meanwhile, back in the capital, Xinyi and her friends were preparing for the concert. They'd finally arrived after hours on the bus, and the excitement was starting to build again. But even in the middle of all the excitement, Mei noticed the tension on Xinyi's face. She watched as Xinyi looked around, clearly troubled.

"It's been two days since I last talked to my mom," Xinyi admitted softly, glancing down as she fidgeted with her hands. Her voice was tinged with guilt and worry, her mind still half-anchored back home.

Mei stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "Hey, don't worry," she said kindly, her tone warm and reassuring. "It's the last day of our trip, and we'll be back before you know it. I'm sure she's waiting to hear all about your adventures."

Xinyi tried to smile, but her unease was hard to shake. Losing her phone at the market earlier hadn't helped. She kept wondering if her mom had tried to reach her and found her phone unreachable.

Xinyi nodded, attempting a smile as she took a deep breath, trying to let their words sink in. She didn't want to dampen the mood, especially when they had been looking forward to this trip for so long. The whole journey, all the excitement about seeing Rio perform live—it was something they'd all been counting down to for months.