The Devil CEO’s Reborn Lover

The warm sunlight filtered gently through the curtains as the clock struck 2 PM. Wu Mei stirred in the bed, slowly awakening from a deep, dreamless sleep. She sat up, stretched her limbs carefully, mindful of her growing belly—four weeks into her pregnancy—and glanced at the empty space beside her. Qin Yangzhou was still asleep, his even breathing a soothing rhythm to her ears.

Smiling softly, Wu Mei rose from the bed, slipping into a light robe and stepping quietly into the garden just outside their home. The scent of blooming lilies and jasmine filled the air, and a soft breeze ruffled her hair. She stepped lightly over the stone path, taking in the colors of the flowers dancing in the wind.

Suddenly, the soft flutter of wings broke her tranquility. A white dove landed gently on the edge of the stone table in the garden, a small scroll tied around its leg. Wu Mei blinked, startled. She stepped forward and carefully untied the scroll. Unrolling it, she instantly recognized the elegant calligraphy. It was from Mo Qing—the mysterious woman who had saved her once in the forest.

"Wu Mei, I hope this finds you well. I have discovered something unusual and would deeply appreciate your presence. I believe only you can help me understand what I've found. Please come to me as soon as you can.

—Mo Qing"

A mix of curiosity and concern bloomed in Wu Mei's chest. Without hesitation, she walked back inside and penned a short reply.

"Dear Mo Qing, I will come. Wait for me."

She tied the note to the dove's leg and whispered, "Go back to her," watching as it soared into the sky. Wu Mei glanced back into the house. Qin Yangzhou was still fast asleep. She knew if he woke up and found her missing without explanation, he would worry—especially now that she was pregnant. So, she scribbled a quick note:

"Yangzhou, I'll be gone for a short while. I'll return soon. Don't worry. Love, Wu Mei."

She placed the note on the dining table where he was sure to find it and quietly left the house. After calling a taxi, she gave the driver the location of the forest where Mo Qing lived. The driver could only take her to the edge, as the rest of the journey had to be made on foot.

The forest loomed ahead, mysterious and green, but Wu Mei walked with confidence. It only took about thirty minutes before the familiar cottage came into view. Mo Qing stood waiting outside, her eyes shining with relief when she saw Wu Mei.

"Thank you for coming," Mo Qing said softly.

"Of course. What's this all about?" Wu Mei asked.

Mo Qing led her to the side of the cottage where a large, moss-covered stone had been moved. Beneath it, hidden from plain sight, was a circular opening with stairs spiraling downwards.

"I found this last night. There's a tunnel down there—ancient, forgotten. I didn't want to go alone."

Wu Mei, despite the flutter of nerves, nodded. "Let's go."

They grabbed two small backpacks with lanterns, ropes, and snacks, and descended into the darkness. Mo Qing led the way, with Wu Mei close behind. The air was cool and damp, echoing softly with each step.

They walked for nearly thirty minutes, with nothing but stone walls and winding passages. Just as Wu Mei's phone buzzed—Qin Yangzhou's name flashing on the screen—she realized she had no signal. She sighed and put the phone away.

Finally, the tunnel opened up into a hidden world: a lush, green field bathed in natural sunlight filtering through cracks above. An old abandoned house stood nearby, its wooden structure fragile but still standing. Surrounding the house were countless herbs and medicinal plants Wu Mei didn't recognize.

"This is... incredible," she whispered.

Mo Qing nodded, her eyes wide. "Like a forgotten world."

Wu Mei wandered around, drawn to a patch of bright red flowers that shimmered slightly in the sun. They were beautiful, exotic, their petals shaped like stars and ringed with delicate thorns. Without thinking, she plucked one and brought it to her nose.

"Don't!" Mo Qing shouted. "Those are poisonous!"

Wu Mei immediately dropped the flower. "I didn't smell anything."

"That's the trick. The poison isn't in the scent—it's in the thorns. They can puncture your skin without you realizing. Let me check your hand."

Wu Mei held up her palm. Tiny red marks dotted the skin where the thorns had brushed her. "I'm fine," she said quickly, pulling her hand away.

"You're pregnant, Wu Mei. We can't take chances."

"I feel fine," she insisted, though a slight dizziness tugged at the edge of her mind. Still, she waved it off.

They continued to explore the field. The strange flora and peaceful atmosphere almost made Wu Mei forget about the outside world. But far away, back at home, Qin Yangzhou had awakened.

The note she'd left was the first thing he saw. As he read it, his heart dropped.

"She left… alone?" he whispered, panic rising.

He immediately called her phone—no answer.

Pacing the house, panic growing with every passing minute, he called his assistant. "Mobilize everyone. Find Wu Mei. She's gone somewhere and I don't know where."

He didn't finish the sentence. His chest ached, his hands trembled and he said to himself. " I swear this time, when I find her, I'll never let her leave my side again."

He threw on his jacket, got into his car, and began searching every place he thought she might have gone. Nothing. Not even a trail. His heart was racing, torn between fear and guilt.

Meanwhile, in the secret field, Wu Mei rested against the wooden wall of the old house. Her breath was slightly shallow, and the small prickling on her hand had spread into a faint numbness.

Mo Qing, now concerned, insisted, "You need to get back to the surface. Those thorns might be affecting you more than you think."

Wu Mei nodded. "Let's go back."

As they started their return journey, Wu Mei's legs wobbled slightly. Her hand throbbed where the tiny thorns had pierced her skin, and though she smiled to reassure Mo Qing, her thoughts drifted to Qin Yangzhou.