I. The Heavy Weight of Fate
Lin Wanqing stood quietly by the window. The night was as dark as ink, and the city's neon lights flickered, but they couldn't dispel the gloom in her heart. Downstairs, Zhong Hua and A Yu's figures looked so helpless and weary under the streetlights. Ever since the chaos at the engagement banquet, the three of them had been caught in an endless vortex, and each crisis was like a merciless whip of fate, lashing their already wounded hearts.
Zhong Hua, the resilient journalist, is now shrouded in the shadow of cyberbullying, her work and life hanging by a thread. She tirelessly tries to clarify the facts, only to be repeatedly thwarted; her weary face is etched with helplessness and despair. Ah Yu, facing an industry blacklist, stubbornly continues to gather evidence of Gu Yanting's commercial crimes, attempting a desperate counterattack, but every step is fraught with difficulty; the unwavering resolve in his eyes cannot conceal his profound exhaustion.
Lin Wanqing knew all too well that Gu Yanting was the mastermind behind it all. That man, blinded by jealousy and desire, would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Watching Zhong Hua and A Yu struggle in agony, Lin Wanqing felt as if countless needles were piercing her heart. She felt like an indirect contributor to this tragedy; if it weren't for her relationship with A Yu, perhaps Zhong Hua and A Yu wouldn't have suffered so much. This self-blame and guilt weighed on her like heavy shackles, making it hard for her to breathe.
II. Inner Struggle
Lin Wanqing turned and sat on the edge of the bed, unconsciously fiddling with the hem of her clothes. Images from the past kept flashing through her mind. The joy of recognizing Ah Yu as her sibling seemed like only yesterday, yet now it was shattered by reality. She remembered Gu Yanting's sinister eyes; every time she saw him look at her and Ah Yu, it sent chills down her spine. She knew Gu Yanting would never let them go easily; as long as she and Ah Yu were together, Zhong Hua and Ah Yu would never escape Gu Yanting's clutches.
"What should I do?" Lin Wanqing murmured to herself, tears welling in her eyes. If she chose to back down and continue to hide behind Ah Yu and Zhong Hua, she might be able to maintain her peace for the time being, but how could she stand by and watch them succumb to their suffering? But if she stepped forward and faced Gu Yanting alone, it would undoubtedly be like sending herself into the tiger's den; no one knew what crazy things Gu Yanting might do to her.
She thought about her future; if she confronted Gu Yanting head-on, she might lose her freedom, or even her life. But more than losing her freedom and life, she couldn't bear to see Zhong Hua and A Yu continue to suffer because of her. In the long, dark night, Lin Wanqing's heart lingered in pain and struggle; every thought was like a sharp blade, tearing at her soul.
III. Firm Resolve
After an unknown amount of time, a faint glimmer of dawn appeared on the horizon. Lin Wanqing looked up at the gradually brightening sky, as if she had found the answer in that light. She took a deep breath, a resolute glint in her eyes. She could no longer run away; she had to fight one last time for herself, for Ah Yu, and for Zhong Hua.
Lin Wanqing stood up and carefully straightened her clothes. Looking in the mirror, she forced a smile, though it was tinged with bitterness. She knew this would be a tough battle, but she was prepared. She took out her phone and dialed Gu Yanting's number. His familiar yet irritating voice came from the other end: "Lin Wanqing, you've finally come to your senses?"
"Gu Yanting, I'm willing to talk to you alone. Please don't make things difficult for Yu and Zhonghua anymore." Lin Wanqing tried her best to make her voice sound calm, but her slightly trembling tone still betrayed her inner tension.
"Haha, you think you're qualified to negotiate with me? But since you've come to me willingly, I might consider it." Gu Yanting's laughter was full of sarcasm.
Hanging up the phone, Lin Wanqing knew there was no turning back. She walked out of her house, her steps firm as she headed towards the place she had agreed to meet Gu Yanting. Along the way, she recalled every moment she had spent with Ah Yu and Zhong Hua; those beautiful moments became her driving force. She told herself that no matter the cost, she would free them from this nightmare.
IV. Farewell before surrendering
Before going to see Gu Yanting, Lin Wanqing decided to see Ah Yu and Zhong Hua one last time. She went to their usual park and saw Ah Yu and Zhong Hua sitting on a bench in the distance, their hands clasped tightly, as if drawing strength from each other. A pang of pain shot through Lin Wanqing's heart; she knew she was about to shatter this brief moment of tranquility.
"Ah Yu, Zhong Hua," Lin Wanqing called softly, her voice choked with emotion.
When Ah Yu and Zhong Hua looked up and saw Lin Wanqing, a hint of surprise and worry flashed in their eyes.
"Wanqing, what brings you here? You look terrible, is something wrong?" Ah Yu hurriedly got up, walked to Lin Wanqing's side, and asked with concern.
Lin Wanqing looked at Ah Yu and Zhong Hua, tears welling up in her eyes. "I...I have to go."
"Go? Where are you going? Wanqing, don't scare us." Zhong Hua also stood up and took Lin Wanqing's hand.
Lin Wanqing took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. "I've decided to turn myself in and take responsibility for what I should do. Only in this way will Gu Yanting stop bothering you."
"No, Wanqing, this is too dangerous. Gu Yanting won't let you off easily," Ah Yu said anxiously, gripping Lin Wanqing's shoulders tightly as if she would disappear if he let go.
“Yes, Wanqing, let’s think of other ways. We can’t let you take such a risk,” Zhong Hua also advised from the side.
Lin Wanqing gently shook her head. "There's no other way; this is the only way out. I can't bear to see you suffer because of me. I hope you can let go of everything and live a good life."
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