Chapter 7

 Chapter 7: Released from Prison

Torment often feels unbearable at first, but over time, it dulls, leaving only numbness in its wake. Self-comfort becomes a necessity, a shield against the harsh reality. Two years in prison—what was it compared to the five years already endured?

The day he was released, the rain poured heavily, drenching the gray sky. It felt eerily familiar, like the downpour seven years ago. The world exuded a suffocating silence, and an inexplicable loneliness gnawed at his heart.

He knew he should be happy. Freedom was supposed to feel liberating.

"Meng Fu."

A voice called out, cutting through the steady rhythm of raindrops. It was clear, distinct, and came from behind him.

He turned, the rain blurring his vision, and saw a red sports car parked nearby. A woman in high heels rushed toward him, holding an umbrella.

"Meng Fu," she called again, breathlessly.

He recognized her. "Xie Zhenzhen."

"Yes, it’s me. I’m glad you still remember me."

She lifted the umbrella over his head, struggling slightly due to his height. "You’ve grown taller," she said with a faint smile.

Meng Fu took the umbrella from her hands, ensuring their fingers wouldn’t touch.

Xie Zhenzhen let her hands fall to her sides, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. "Come on, let’s get something to eat."

He glanced at her car—a red sports car, sleek and unfamiliar. It wasn’t the same as the one from seven years ago, but the sight of it stirred an old fear. His body stiffened involuntarily.

Reluctantly, he walked toward the car, opened the door for her, and closed it once she was inside.

"Why aren’t you getting in?" she asked, her tone sharp with confusion.

He shook his head. "No need. You go ahead. Keep the umbrella—I’ll manage."

Before she could protest, he turned and walked away.

Moments later, the sports car sped past him, splashing water onto the already drenched pavement. He didn’t look back. He knew Xie Zhenzhen was angry, but wasn’t that what he wanted? To be left alone?

From afar, a black car sat unnoticed. Inside, a man watched, his gaze cold and calculating. A smirk tugged at his lips.

"Mr. Gu, should we keep following him?" his driver asked.

"No," Gu Ze replied, his tone laced with malice. "Let him enjoy his freedom for now. The pain will taste sweeter when it returns."

---

Meng Fu eventually arrived at his aunt’s house. He knocked repeatedly, the sound almost drowned by the relentless rain.

"Auntie! Uncle! Brother Ye Yan!"

No one answered. He sat on the damp steps, waiting. The rain soaked through his clothes, but he didn’t care.

When the door finally opened, his aunt stood there with her family—uncle, cousin Ye Ting—but no sign of the one he sought.

"Meng Fu, you’re back. Are you out of prison?" his aunt asked, her tone flat.

Meng Fu’s eyes darted past her. "Where’s Xiao Yi?"

"At home," she replied, ushering him inside.

As he stepped in, she added curtly, "Take off your socks. Don’t track water into the house."

Embarrassed, he complied. His socks, worn thin and riddled with holes, were a grim reminder of the years gone by.

A few moments later, his aunt brought Xiao Yi downstairs.

"Meng Meng!" Xiao Yi cried out, rushing into his brother’s arms. "You’re back! I missed you so much! Can we go home now?"

Meng Fu’s heart ached. Home? Xiao Yi still remembered their home after all these years.

With little time for pleasantries, Meng Fu prepared to leave, his aunt eagerly handing him a suitcase.

"These are Xiao Yi’s clothes," she said coldly. "He doesn’t have anything else to wear."

Meng Fu forced out a "Thank you," though the words scraped against his pride.

As they left, Xiao Yi clung to his brother’s hand, his joy palpable. "We’re going home, right, Meng Meng?"

Meng Fu nodded, though inside, he felt lost. Their house was long gone, sold off for promises of treatment Xiao Yi never received.

---

On the streets, Meng Fu wandered aimlessly, unsure of where to go. Xiao Yi’s cheerful chatter was the only thing keeping him grounded.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out. "Where are you going?"

Meng Fu turned to see Gu Ze standing before him, his expression unreadable.

"Home," Meng Fu replied tersely.

"Where’s home? Let me give you a ride," Gu Ze offered, though the mockery in his tone was unmistakable.

Meng Fu shook his head. "No need."

But Xiao Yi tugged at his sleeve. "Brother, I’m tired. Let him take us, please?"

Meng Fu hesitated but ultimately refused. "We’re almost there, Xiao Yi. Be patient."

They finally found refuge in a run-down hotel. As they ascended the stairs, Gu Ze remained below, watching silently. His smirk returned as he turned back to his car.

"Mr. Gu, is this where Meng Fu is staying?" his secretary asked.

"Yes," Gu Ze replied, his tone dripping with disdain. "A place like that suits him perfectly."

---

Night fell at Meng Yu’s house.

"Mom, where’s Meng Yi?" Ye Yan asked, noticing the absence of his cousin.

"His brother took him," Meng Yu replied nonchalantly.

Ye Yan felt a strange mix of relief and emptiness. No one to bother him anymore, yet the house felt quieter, lonelier.

In the stillness, he changed the channel from cartoons to sports, trying to ignore the void left behind.

END OF THE CHAPTER