Chapter One: A New Beginning

In an upscale café in City X, the melodious strains of a violin drifted through the air. Golden tiles gleamed brilliantly under the gentle embrace of sunlight. Each set of seats was separated by lush greenery, forming entirely private spaces.

In the western corner, half-hidden by the café’s luxurious décor, a young woman sat rigidly, her duckbill cap pulled low. She listened to the man across from her, occasionally letting out a muffled grunt. Had one been able to see her face directly, they would have noticed her beautiful, clear eyes—wide open, defiant pride barely concealing her vulnerability. She stirred her now-cold coffee, her proud, upright posture drawing every glance.

“Miss Rong, I’ve said all I need to say. If you agree, contact me within three days.” The man in the suit lightly adjusted his gleaming glasses, and with the air of a consummate professional, handed over a gilded business card.

Rong Qing did not reach out to take it. Her trembling arm, hidden by her sleeve, betrayed her inner turmoil, though her face remained calm, like a solitary eagle defending its dignity and strength.

The suited man rose and left, his movements crisp and without a trace. Only when he disappeared from view did Rong Qing’s tense body finally relax. Her sharp, beautiful eyes lowered, betraying a hint of fatigue beneath their rims—she hadn’t slept since the day before yesterday. Her nerves were stretched so tight, it felt as though the slightest jolt would snap them. Propping her weary head on one hand, she curled herself into a corner, drawing her limbs close, as though only in this cocoon could she drive away the chill and the shadows looming over her life.

After some time, her curled form gradually unfurled. She exhaled the pent-up gloom from her chest, her spirit clearing. She tidied her messy hair, pulled her cap down a little further, slipped the business card into her bag, and left.

Rong Qing took a taxi to an old, run-down neighborhood in City X. Vines covered much of the building, weeds grew unchecked, as if the place hadn’t been tended in years. Yet, for such an ordinary area, the afternoon was lively: elders gathered around stone tables playing chess and laughing, ancient trees shaded the courtyard, and the autumn breeze carried the sounds of people practicing tai chi together.

“Qing, you’re back!” The neighborly old woman’s bright greeting was as warm as winter sunlight.

Rong Qing forced a smile, her tone cheerful. “Yes, I’m back.”

“That’s good! You should come back more often. Old Zhang was just talking about you yesterday. No matter how hard work is out there, this is your home!”

“Grandma, I’m going upstairs to tidy up. I’ll visit you and Grandpa Zhang tomorrow.”

“Alright, don’t wear yourself out. Look at you, so thin! Come by tomorrow, I’ll make pig’s feet soup to nourish you.” The elderly lady, wrapped in a dark red coat, spoke kindly, as if the girl before her was her most cherished granddaughter.

She pushed open the door, dust coating its surface. Stale air filled the house—how long had it been since she’d returned? Three months, four… or perhaps longer? All her thoughts had been poured into that man and her career. She’d had no energy left for this house, her late parents’ old home, and the memories closest to her heart seemed doomed to fade away as well.

Her once-bright eyes welled up, lashes fluttering like butterfly wings before the tears slowly receded. Tossing her luggage aside, Rong Qing rolled up her sleeves and set about cleaning the house.

“So tired…” she muttered, collapsing onto the freshly made sky-blue sheets. Kicking off her heels, she buried her face in the plush blanket, wrapping herself up like a caterpillar. Soon, soft breathing filled the room. Yet as nightmares returned, her brows furrowed, and her slender body curled up again in helplessness.

Rain poured outside, lightning split the sky, thunder roared. Her seven-centimeter heels clicked sharply on marble, echoing her mounting dread. From the half-closed door, heavy breathing could be heard—each step weighed with foreboding.

“Ah… Hao, slow… slow down…” A woman’s sharp, pleading cry pierced the silence. With a push, the door swung open, revealing the scene inside.

On the bed, a tall man seemed oblivious to the intrusion. His powerful body moved forcefully, and even the most experienced woman beneath him was left limp, sprawled in delirium. The sight before her filled Rong Qing’s cold, piercing gaze with disgust; even the once-beloved purple-red sheets now seemed repulsive.

The man, satisfied, lit a cigarette, then turned savagely to the exquisite girl behind him. “We’re done.”

The woman on the garish sheets ran her hands over his chest, asserting her claim, lips curled in a mocking smile.

All of it stabbed at Rong Qing’s heart. Her beautiful eyes looked helplessly at the man who, just yesterday, had been her loving boyfriend. Only a day ago, they’d been so close—why, then, did her heart ache so much now?

Thunder crashed, shattering every dream. That night, the girl in her dreams packed her heavy luggage and walked out of their home. Rain slid down her hair—she was unyielding, not a single tear shed.

With a gasp, Rong Qing sat upright in bed, her pale face streaked with tears as the previous day’s events replayed in her dreams.

“Damn it!” she swore. Sweat had soaked the sheets beneath her—damn that man for still affecting her! She’d have to change the linen again.

Pulling back the curtains, she watched the sky lighten. Soon, morning sunlight would pierce through the dawn, and she’d see elders exercising below. Life, in all its vigor, was unfolding. This was her world—the life that belonged to Rong Qing alone.

Having cleaned the house the day before, Rong Qing changed into a sky-blue tracksuit and went downstairs. The familiar sky above, the familiar air—the weight on her chest seemed to lift. This place was far from the city center, inconvenient to reach; she rarely returned in recent years, so there was no fear of paparazzi or of her identity being exposed. The world of fame, the entertainment industry, and all its fleeting passions were far from her now.

That morning, her fresh, radiant figure drew countless glances as she jogged along the outskirts. Perhaps her student-like outfit made her unrecognizable; few realized she was Rong Qing, the actress so often seen on television. Dew beaded on the tip of her nose, her cheeks flushed charmingly, and after a long aerobic workout, her eyes shone all the brighter.

She let out a breath, feeling light and renewed. After two years of struggle in that tainted world, she was starting from zero again. Unbeknownst to her, a black Bentley had pulled up by the roadside, its mysterious driver’s gaze fixed on her for a long time.

Footsteps echoed in the stairwell. “Grandma Wang, it’s me, Qing!” Her sweet voice rang out, and soon the iron door rattled open. An elderly man, tears in his eyes, beamed at the young woman before him.

“Qing…”

“Grandpa Zhang…” Like a wronged child, Rong Qing threw her arms around him, her strength replaced by tears.

“You’re home. That’s all that matters…” The old man patted her back gently. Not his flesh and blood, but who could compare to a girl he’d watched grow up? He could still see her, eyes wide and sweet, calling him grandpa in her childish voice. From that moment, he’d treated her as his granddaughter. A dozen years had passed; she’d grown, become beautiful, but also weary.

“Come inside and tell Grandpa everything,” he said, ushering her in as the rich aroma of stew drifted through the air.

Surrounded by familiar faces, caring words, and gentle worry tinged with reproach, Rong Qing’s heart felt full and ached at the same time.

She shared her recent experiences with Grandpa and Grandma Zhang. Though they didn’t approve of her acting career, they hadn’t objected too strongly. In Grandpa Zhang’s eyes, his granddaughter should have been a top scholar, serving the people, not an actress mocked by the world. He couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Rong Qing knew her decision had been impulsive and willful. She’d passed the entrance exam to the nation’s top university, excelled as student council president for two terms, and had a bright future ahead. Why then had she chosen the turbulent path of show business? Though she didn’t regret it, after years of hard work in the entertainment industry, her status as a second-tier actress left her unwilling to accept defeat.

“Look at you, months without visiting, so thin… How am I supposed to face your late parents?” Grandpa’s face darkened as he saw the dark circles beneath her eyes and her frail frame. What kind of suffering had this child endured?

“Grandpa…” Her voice choked with emotion—she had no words, only guilt for making her elders worry.

“If you don’t take care of yourself…” He sighed deeply, eyes full of pain. “You break my heart.”

“It’s my fault, Grandpa. I’m sorry for making you worry…”

“Alright, let’s eat! I made bone broth, and your favorite pork knuckle. You old fool, the child’s finally home and you’re giving her a hard time—look, you’ve upset our precious girl!” Grandma Wang chided her husband, her love for their only granddaughter overflowing.

“Women spoil children rotten!” Grandpa muttered, rolling his eyes at his wife.

———Author’s note———
This is a modern novel, dear readers, please support it with your comments and votes. Your encouragement is my greatest motivation.