Stolen Freedom

As the concert's energy lingered in the air, Xin Yi and her friends strolled back to the hotel, still lost in the night's excitement. Mei, Lan, and Li Wei laughed and rehashed their favorite songs, voices bubbling with enthusiasm. But as they stepped into the lobby, an unexpected tension replaced their joy. Their teacher was waiting for them, her expression firm but tinged with unease.

"Alright, everyone, listen up," the teacher called out, motioning for the students to gather around. Her voice was calm but carried an edge. "Due to some unexpected issues, our bus back has been rescheduled for tomorrow morning. We won't be leaving tonight as planned."

A murmur of concern swept through the group. Some exchanged worried glances, while others immediately reached for their phones to notify their families.

The teacher continued, "I've already called most of your parents to inform them about the delay." Her gaze moved down the list on her clipboard until she stopped on a name. "Xin Yi," she said, looking up with a slight frown. "I tried reaching your mother several times, but she didn't answer."

A pang of worry hit Xin Yi, though she kept her face composed. Her mother hadn't picked up her calls yesterday either, but she'd told herself it was nothing—just her mom being busy. Now, with her teacher confirming it, her unease grew sharper. She forced a reassuring smile, not wanting to worry her teacher or friends. "It's fine," she said quietly, her voice steady. "She's probably just occupied. I'll try calling her later."

Yet her mind whirled with anxiety. She'd lost her phone in the market earlier, which only added to her helplessness. She tried to push aside her worry, telling herself there had to be a simple explanation, but the unease gnawed at her.

With a sigh, the teacher added in a frustrated tone, "I warned you all about coming back in the evening, but you insisted on going to the concert. Now we'll all have to wait until morning."

The students exchanged glances, some sheepish, others slightly defiant. The teacher's words stung, but they all knew she was right. For Xin Yi, though, the delay wasn't the only thing weighing on her mind. Her thoughts were already miles away, imagining home and hoping her mother was okay. The morning couldn't come soon enough.

*****

Meanwhile, at the Yi family mansion, an extravagant feast was underway. Yi Chen sat at a table, looking over the opulent scene with his usual disinterest, while his sister, Yi Ru Xuan, sat beside him, her face a mirror of his bored expression. The only difference between them was the subtle yet constant annoyance flickering in her eyes, a trait she shared with her brother. She despised these kinds of social events and, as usual, found herself at odds with the lavish displays.

Zihao, their younger brother and Ru Xuan's twin, was sitting beside them, his gentle demeanor a stark contrast to the steely attitude of his siblings. They were twins, but their personalities couldn't have been more different—where Ru Xuan was fierce and critical, Zihao was soft-spoken and kind, a fact that seemed to place him at odds with the rest of their formidable family.

As Yi Chen excused himself from the table, Ru Xuan and Zihao remained, quietly observing the other guests. Before long, a small group of their well-dressed, haughty cousins slid into seats around them, their eyes gleaming with smug amusement. Their leader, a cousin with an infuriatingly polished smile, leaned back, directing a thinly veiled taunt at Zihao.

"So, Zihao," he drawled, his voice dripping with feigned curiosity, "still choosing that… ordinary field of study, hmm?" He let the word "ordinary" hang in the air as if it left a bitter taste. Another cousin jumped in, glancing over at Ru Xuan. "Everyone's out making their mark—doctors, lawyers, and then there's our shining star Ru Xuan. Top medical college in Germany. Now that is something."

The cousins chuckled, satisfied with their little jabs, while Zihao's face flushed slightly. He shifted uncomfortably, his eyes lowering as he tried to brush it off, but the sting cut deep. They always made him feel like his choice was beneath the family's standards, a waste of the Yi name.

One cousin sneered, "Didn't you say he'd be better off as a 'nepokid,' just coasting off the family fortune without actually contributing anything back?"

Zihao clenched his jaw, willing himself to keep calm despite the growing resentment. But before he could respond, Ru Xuan's voice cut through the air like a whip—smooth, calm, but laced with icy sharpness.

"Are you done?" She raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking over the group with cold disdain. "Because I certainly didn't know my brother's choices were up for debate. Or is it that you all just need the thrill of punching down to make yourselves feel… relevant?"

The cousins faltered, their smiles fading, but Ru Xuan wasn't finished. She leaned forward, her voice soft but steely. "And let's be clear about something: titles like 'lawyer' or 'doctor' don't make you brilliant. They make you skilled at following instructions. Real intelligence is knowing what matters—and it certainly isn't stroking your ego by tearing down people who don't follow your mold."

One cousin, clearly uncomfortable, scoffed and muttered, "Well, at least we're not freeloading."

Ru Xuan's lips curved into a sly smile, her voice dropping to a tone laced with menace. "A freeloader? Last I checked, it takes more than a title or a fat paycheck to make someone worth anything. But keep thinking otherwise if it helps you sleep better."

The cousins exchanged glances, their bravado quickly crumbling under her words. She didn't even need to raise her voice—the cold, quiet confidence in her tone was enough to silence them.

She leaned back, folding her arms with a small, mocking smile. "Now, unless you've got something more meaningful to discuss, I suggest you leave this table. I'd hate for you to catch something as 'ordinary' as humility."

The cousins exchanged one last, helpless look before muttering excuses and hastily scattering, their earlier smugness replaced with barely concealed embarrassment.

As the last of them walked away, Zihao turned to Ru Xuan, his face a mixture of relief, gratitude, and admiration. She met his gaze, her expression softening only slightly.

"Don't let people like that get to you," she said quietly, her voice warm but firm. "Strength isn't in flashy labels or empty status—it's in knowing who you are and standing by it."

With a dismissive shrug, she returned to her usual stoic demeanor, as if the whole exchange had meant nothing to her. 

*****

As the feast continued, the atmosphere in the grand hall grew livelier. Yi Chen found himself reluctantly drawn into a conversation by one of the guests—a young woman with a delicate face,"Bai Ning Jing". her flawless makeup, and an elegance that seemed perfectly curated. She was the granddaughter of Chairman Yi's old friend, and a known favorite within the family. She wore an elegant, deep teal dress with off-shoulder drapes that gracefully framed her shoulders, paired with thin straps that added an extra touch of sophistication. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, with the fabric falling in soft, graceful folds and a subtle slit that gave her an air of refined allure. Long, silver earrings glinted as she moved, and her hair was styled in loose waves that framed her delicate features. She was the picture of elegance, her look perfectly curated and flawless.

"Yi Chen," she said with a demure smile, brushing an imaginary strand of hair behind her ear, "it's been so long since we've had the chance to talk. I was worried you might have forgotten me."

Her words were light, almost teasing, but there was an unmistakable intent in her gaze. Her tone, too, was sweet, almost coy, as if she expected her charm to work effortlessly. But Yi Chen couldn't help but sense something practiced about her demeanor, an air of polished perfection that somehow felt contrived. Her composure was perhaps too perfect, her smile just a little too calculated, as though she had rehearsed every gesture and glance.

Yi Chen responded politely, keeping his expression calm, but he allowed his gaze to wander across the room whenever she wasn't directly looking. Despite her carefully crafted persona, he found himself detached, unaffected by her attempts to engage him.

At a nearby table, Yi Ru Xuan and Zihao were watching the pair, and Ru Xuan made a face of pure disgust.

"Ugh… yuck," she muttered, just loud enough for Zihao to hear. "I feel like I'm going to be sick."

Zihao chuckled, giving his twin sister a puzzled look. "Come on, she's a nice girl, Ru Xuan. Why are you always so harsh on her?"

Ru Xuan rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. " She's playing a game, and it's as transparent as glass. Does she think Chen ge going to fall for that act?" Her tone was sharp, her words laced with the disdain she could never quite hide.

Zihao smirked, stifling a laugh. "I don't know, maybe she does think he's that gullible."

As the conversation wore on, Ning Jing's attempts to engage Yi Chen grew more insistent. Her voice took on a sweeter, almost flirtatious tone as she leaned in closer.

"You know," she said with a soft giggle, "people say we'd make such a cute couple. I mean, we've known each other for so long... isn't that fate?" Her words were playful, but her gaze was intense, filled with unspoken meaning.

Yi Chen's patience, already wearing thin, finally snapped. He could feel the heat of her gaze like a weight on his chest. He took a deep breath and cut her off, his voice low but firm.

"Ning Jing" he said, the sharpness in his tone making her pause, "you shouldn't say my name like that, especially not in public. People might get the wrong idea."

Her smile faltered for a split second, her cheeks coloring with a hint of embarrassment. "Oh... I didn't mean anything by it," she stammered, trying to regain her composure.

Yi Chen's eyes were cool, unwavering. "Regardless, we're adults now, and it's important to be mindful of how we present ourselves."

Ning Jing 's face fell, but she quickly masked her discomfort with a light laugh. "You're always so... mature, Yi Chen."

Across the room, Ru Xuan and Zihao exchanged a look. Ru Xuan couldn't contain her laughter and let out a sharp, almost silent laugh. "Look at his face! Poor Chen ge, stuck in 'pick-me' girl purgatory."

Zihao chuckled quietly, casting a sympathetic glance at Yi Chen. "I almost feel bad for him... almost."

Yi Chen shot them both a pointed look, his expression darkening slightly. You'll pay for this later, the silent message conveyed clearly. But his siblings only laughed harder, Ru Xuan wiping away a tear as she tried to stifle her amusement.

Yi Chen, regaining his composure, turned back to Ning Jing, his smile returning to its neutral, polite state. "I should get back to greeting guests," he said, his tone gentle but final, before politely excusing himself.

Ning Jing stood there for a moment, flustered, unsure how to respond as Yi Chen stepped away, making his way toward his siblings.

****

The sharp ring of the telephone cut through the silence, piercing Hua Li's pounding head. Her vision blurred as she forced her eyes open, her head throbbing from the wound she'd suffered. She quickly realized she was tied to a chair, her wrists and ankles bound tightly with ropes. Panic seized her as she took in her surroundings—a cold, dim room—and the two men standing menacingly in front of her.

"Let me go!" Hua Li shouted, struggling against her restraints, her voice hoarse with fear and frustration.

One of the men remained silent, watching her with cold indifference, while the other answered the phone, pressing the speaker button to allow her to hear.

A familiar voice crackled on the other end of the line, tinged with irritation. "Hua Li, you said she would be back from the school trip this evening. I've been waiting at the capital bus station all day, but there's no sign of her. I spoke with the station manager, and he has no information about student's return."

Hua Li froze as the words sank in, her heart sinking. Her entire plan—the effort she'd put into sending Xin Yi on that school trip, carefully orchestrating it all to ensure her daughter would be safe—had unraveled. The trip had been her only hope to get Xin Yi away from these people, to buy herself time to deal with them alone. But now they knew about her... Xin Yi's safety was slipping through her fingers.

Desperation surged within her. She needed to warn them, to stop Xin Yi from coming back home, from walking right into the danger Hua Li had tried so hard to shield her from. "No... no... please!" she cried, her voice breaking as she tried to shout a warning. "Find her! Don't let her come home!"

But before she could say anything more, the man holding the phone ended the call with a click, the line going dead. Hua Li screamed, her voice echoing through the room, raw with despair and helplessness.

"No! No, please!" She struggled against the ropes, her body shaking with sobs. Her only thought was of Xin Yi, her precious daughter, who was now exposed to the very dangers Hua Li had tried so desperately to keep her away from.

The two men looked down at her, unmoved by her cries. One of them sneered. "So, this was your plan? Sending her away on a little school trip to save her?"

Hua Li glared at him through her tears, her voice filled with defiance. "She's innocent. She has nothing to do with this. Let her go."

The man chuckled coldly. "Innocent? You think that will protect her? She's valuable, whether you like it or not. And thanks to you, we know exactly who and what she is.""So... it's true, isn't it?" the scarred man murmured, his tone almost gleeful. "Your precious daughter... she's none other than that experiment, isn't she? The one who was never supposed to survive, the object that was stolen from under our noses 18 years ago."

Hua Li's eyes widened, a chill racing down her spine. She said nothing, but her silence only confirmed what they already suspected.

The stocky man leaned in, his voice low and menacing. "You think we don't remember? How that female doctor helped you escape that night... the way you smuggled the lab's project out, risking everything. You must have thought you were so clever, hiding her all these years. But here we are, Hua Li. Back to where it all began."

Hua Li's voice trembled as she spoke, fury flashing in her eyes. "She's not a product or an experiment. She's a human being, and she's innocent. She has no part in your twisted ambitions."

"Please... leave her alone," she whispered, desperation filling her voice.

The scarred man shook his head slowly. "Not a chance. We've come too far to lose now. And soon, she'll be right back in the lab... where she belongs."

As they turned away, Hua Li screamed again, struggling against the ropes, her heart shattered. Her last hope was slipping away, and with every passing moment, the darkness closed in tighter around her and her precious daughter.The scarred man pulled out his sleek, black phone, glancing at Hua Li with a cold smirk as he dialed a number. He held it to his ear, waiting only a moment before the call connected. His tone shifted instantly, becoming respectful, almost reverent.

"Hello, Leader!" he said with practiced calm, but an undercurrent of excitement slipped through. "It's an honor to hear from you again, . I'm thrilled to know that you're returning to the country. The task you assigned me is nearly complete. We've secured her, but..." He paused, glancing at Hua Li with a sinister gleam in his eye. "...we didn't find any physical evidence of the experiment that took place 18 years ago. But there's something far more valuable than that."

The man leaned forward, as if savoring the words he was about to deliver. "Leader… the object is alive..... She survived."

On the other end, the Leader's voice was smooth and calculating, her tone deceptively calm. "hmm...Interesting," she murmured. 

The call ended, and the scarred man smirked down at Hua Li. "Your little game is over. We'll have her soon enough."

Hua Li's heart raced, her mind screaming with desperation. Her daughter was in grave danger. The very woman who had masterminded the experiment, who had stolen ten young girls' futures, was now closing in on Xin Yi. Everything Hua Li had done, all the sacrifices and years of hiding, had come crashing down.

"You'll never have her," Hua Li spat, her voice fierce despite her helplessness. "She escaped you once—she'll do it again."

But the men only laughed, unmoved by her defiance. The scarred man leaned in, his voice filled with cold amusement. "This time, she has nowhere to run."

As they left the room, Hua Li slumped in the chair, her body wracked with sobs. She'd fought so hard to protect Xin Yi, but it felt like the darkness was closing in, suffocating her hope....

-----***-----

The hotel room's silence felt thick and heavy, punctuated only by the soft breaths of her friends around her. Xinyi shifted under the covers, pulling her knees to her chest as she lay on her side, her mind racing with a mix of fear, confusion, and resentment.

Images replayed in her mind: the terrifying moment of the kidnapping, the rush of adrenaline and fear as she struggled, and then… the unexpected encounter with Yi Chen. How did he end up being there? And then there was Rio, who seemed to know him well. Every detail lingered, yet each piece left her with even more confusion.

Then, her mother's absence haunted her thoughts. The teacher had mentioned that they hadn't been able to reach her, and Xinyi's attempts had gone unanswered too. An uneasy feeling gnawed at her, whispering that something was wrong. Her mother never ignored her calls, not even once. Yet now, it had been two days since she'd heard from her. Xinyi bit her lip, trying to push the thoughts away, but the worry refused to fade.

Just when she thought her mind couldn't be more restless, another memory surfaced—the loss of her Polaroid camera. Because of that chaos in the market, she'd lost her most precious possession, the camera her mother had given her, the one she'd planned to use to capture memories of this trip. It wasn't just a camera; it held moments that she could never get back. Now, because of Yi Chen, it was gone.

She let out a quiet, frustrated sigh, cursing Yi Chen under her breath. "Of all the people… he had to ruin this trip for me," she whispered, feeling the weight of everything pressing on her heart....

Closing her eyes, she tried to push away the thoughts, to find even a hint of calm in the chaos of her mind. But it felt impossible. Every time she shut her eyes, the same images, the same questions, filled her mind again.....