Suddenly, Ah Yu remembered the vow they had made together: to face any difficulties together and never give up. This vow, at that moment, was like a faint light illuminating his dark heart. He knew that Zhong Hua must also hope that he could uphold their relationship and work together to overcome this challenge.

However, the pressure of reality was like an insurmountable mountain, suffocating him. The medical expenses for Zhong Hua's mother were no small sum, and with his current abilities, he simply couldn't raise the money in a short time. While Gu Yanting's offer was despicable, it was the only way to save Zhong Hua's mother at the moment.

Ah Yu was caught in a deeper internal conflict. He kept asking himself, what should he choose? Should he sacrifice their hard-won relationship for the sake of Zhong Hua's mother's life, or should he hold fast to his love for Zhong Hua and watch helplessly as Zhong Hua's mother faced mortal danger?

Every choice meant a huge sacrifice, each one causing him immense heartache. He felt like someone trapped in a maze, bumping into walls everywhere, unable to find a way out. In this agonizing struggle, Ah Yu's body trembled slightly, his heart enduring unprecedented torment.

Time continued to relentlessly tick away, and Gu Yanting's patience gradually wore thin. "I'll give you five more minutes to consider. If you haven't given me an answer by then, don't blame me for being ruthless," Gu Yanting said coldly, a hint of impatience in his eyes.

Ah Yu knew that he didn't have much time left. He had to make a decision in these last few minutes, a decision that would change his and Zhong Hua's lives, and also determine the life or death of Zhong Hua's mother.

In those final few minutes, Ah Yu's mind was a complete mess. A jumble of thoughts, memories, and emotions overwhelmed him, making it impossible for him to think clearly. But amidst this chaos, a voice within him grew ever clearer: whatever choice he made, he couldn't let himself regret it, he couldn't let Zhong Hua down.

Finally, five minutes passed. Gu Yanting looked at Ah Yu with a hint of anticipation in his eyes, wanting to see what choice this young man would ultimately make. Ah Yu took a deep breath, slowly raised her head, and looked at Gu Yanting, the pain and confusion in her eyes gradually replaced by a firm resolve.

“Gu Yanting, I will not agree to your conditions. I believe there will always be other ways to save Zhong Hua’s mother, and Zhong Hua and I will not be easily defeated by you. Do you think you can control our fate with such despicable means? You are wrong!” Ah Yu’s voice was firm and powerful, as if he was declaring his determination to the whole world.

Upon hearing Ah Yu's reply, Gu Yanting's smugness vanished instantly, replaced by anger and surprise. "Don't be so stubborn! Do you think Zhong Hua's mother will live if you don't agree? You're just watching her die!" Gu Yanting roared.

“I won’t let that happen. I will save her in my own way, and I will protect Zhong Hua. Just you wait, your scheme will not succeed.” Ah Yu looked directly into Gu Yanting’s eyes without fear and said firmly.

After saying this, Ah Yu turned and left, leaving Gu Yanting standing there, furious. Although he had made this decision, Ah Yu knew that the road ahead would be incredibly difficult. He would face not only the enormous medical expenses for Zhong Hua's mother, but also the possibility of even more ruthless retaliation from Gu Yanting. But he had no way out; he had to persevere, for his and Zhong Hua's future, and for Zhong Hua's mother's life.

As Ah Yu left the café, his heart was filled with a mixture of sorrow and resolve. He knew the battle had only just begun, but he was prepared to face any challenge. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, he would not give up. He would stand with Zhong Hua, break through the darkness, and usher in the light that belonged to them.