The Ling Family estate was quiet that afternoon, wrapped in the serene elegance of ancient architecture fused seamlessly with modern luxury. Blossoming plum trees lined the courtyard, their petals drifting lazily as the wind swept through.
Ling Fei stood alone beside the koi pond, dressed in a soft white hanfu-inspired gown, sipping herbal tea while her gaze remained unfocused. She wasn't truly admiring the scenery — she was thinking.
Hutton… Jake… Vivian… Veronica… Kenneth…
A part of her chest tightened.
Even though she hid it well, the things she experienced from the U.S. had shaken her deeply. The incident at Blinding Town, the massive media coverage, the military presence… and Hutton suddenly deciding on separating from them.
She pressed her lips together.
'How are they doing now? Did they escape? Did they regroup? Is he—'
"Fei'er."
The calm, deep voice broke her thoughts.
