Bai Zhiqi stood alone in the rooftop garden, the city sprawling beneath her like a canvas of lost dreams. The sunlight cast a warm glow, but she felt nothing; her heart was heavy as she gazed at the massive billboard adorning the skyline.
There it was—Bai Lanyue, radiant and flawless, showcasing that perfect smile. The image was a facade, a polished illusion of success that concealed the depths of betrayal beneath. Bai Zhiqi folded her arms tightly, as if to shield herself from the memories flooding back.
This girl,she thought bitterly. The perfect girl who ruined my life.
Five years ago, the courtroom had been a stage, and Bai Lanyue had played her part flawlessly. With each lie that dripped from her lips, Zhiqi's world had crumbled. They had promised her that once the deed was done, her family would acknowledge her mother, her legacy. But once the verdict came down, they had turned their backs, leaving her to rot in a prison of silence.
The memories of that day came crashing back—the joy on her family's faces as Lanyue walked free, while she was shackled by the weight of a crime she didn't commit. The injustice burned in her veins, and she felt the familiar sting of anger rising within her.
"Am I really not going to get my revenge?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the distant sounds of the city.
Just then, Ji Yanluo stepped into the garden, his presence cutting through the haze of her thoughts. His gaze fell on her, and for a moment, he paused, taking in the sight of her standing there, vulnerable yet resolute.
"Zhiqi," he called softly, but she didn't turn.
"Am I really not going to get my revenge?" she repeated, the words a plea laced with desperation.
"Why do you say that?" he asked, stepping closer, concern etched across his features.
"It's Thursday. Three more days to go. And we are heading nowhere," her voice was a whisper, filled with a haunting despair. "Am I really going to be labeled the bad person for life?"
Ji Yanluo felt a pang in his chest. The woman before him was not someone to be easily defeated, yet she appeared to be succumbing to fate. He could see the flicker of determination in her eyes, but it was dimmed by the shadows of her past.
"Don't worry. I have this under control," he assured her, his voice firm but gentle.
Finally, she turned to face him, and for a split second, he was taken aback. Her face was pale, as if the very life had been drained from her. Her lips were devoid of color, as though she had been touched by an icy hand.
"Bai Zhiqi," he called, taking a step closer, compelled by an instinct to protect her.
"Answer me. Am I really going to be labeled the bad woman after this Sunday?" she asked again, her voice fading as despair overtook her.
Before he could respond, her legs buckled, and she fell to the ground. Without thinking, Ji Yanluo dashed forward, catching her just in time. Her body was cold, like a shadow cast by winter.
"Bai Zhiqi!" he exclaimed, panic coursing through him as he gathered her into his arms. He could feel the chill radiating from her skin, and a sense of dread began to take root in his gut.
"Han Su!" he called, urgency lacing his voice.
"Call the doctor!" he instructed, his heart racing as Han Su sprinted away. Every second felt like an eternity as he held her, the weight of her fragility sinking in.
As he carried her from the rooftop, Ji Yanluo's mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming banquet—the event that marked both a celebration and a reckoning. The stakes had never been higher, and he knew that the time for revenge was nearing.
But as he cradled Bai Zhiqi in his arms, he couldn't shake the feeling that the true battle lay ahead—not just against Bai Lanyue, but against the demons that haunted them both.
In that moment, Ji Yanluo vowed to protect her, to ensure that she would not be labeled the villain any longer. The world would see the truth, and he would make sure of it.
With each step, his resolve solidified. There would be no more hiding in the shadows. The time for vengeance was drawing near, and he would stand by her side as they faced whatever storm awaited them.