I have lived in Cambodia for seven years.

The sun in West Harbor is scorching and fair – never sparing in burning every inch of land.

My skin tanned prematurely, becoming dry, rough, and dark.

The numerous scars on his arms are the only medals he has earned over the past seven years.

People call me A Ninh.

No one remembers my name is Ha Ninh anymore.

Even I had almost forgotten about it.

Seven years ago, I was tricked into coming here by my then-boyfriend.

My passport was confiscated, and I was detained in an industrial zone.

At first, I knew how to cry, how to scream, and I even dreamed of running away.

Later, only paralysis remained.

Fear is a luxury.

Numbness is my armor.

In this area, a human life is worth less than a dog’s.

I’ve seen too many people with their legs broken, left on the side of the road to fend for themselves.

I’ve also seen too many people being sold off, then vanishing from the face of the earth.

I survived thanks to the Wei army.

He was the right-hand man of the industrial park boss, known for his ruthlessness.

He is also my husband.

Of course, there was no wedding ceremony, no blessings, not even a marriage certificate.

The boss threw the woman he no longer needed to him like trash.

That woman is me.

Wei Jun didn’t love me; in fact, he hated me.

He considered me a burden, a dirty object that had been used by others.

He never hid that disgust.

When you’re in a good mood, treat me to a meal.

When people are unhappy, fighting is commonplace.

A slap landed, my head reeled, and my mouth was filled with the metallic taste of blood.

I couldn’t avoid it, much less resist it.

All they could do was cower, cover their heads, like a dog enduring its ordeal.

That was until a year ago, when the twins were born.

An An and Nhien Nhien.

My An An, my Nhiên Nhiên.

The two babies were wrinkled, like two newborn kittens.

Their cries brought a glimmer of life to this silent room for the first time.

It also brought a little joy back to my heart.

I started to fear death.

I want to see them grow up.

Even in this hellish place.

Wei Jun’s feelings for his son could hardly be called affection.

I would just stand by the cradle occasionally, looking at it for a while.

His gaze was complex, as if he were looking at two objects that didn’t belong to him.

As for me, he still beat and scolded me as usual.

Just don’t hit him in the face anymore.

He said he was afraid of scaring the child.

The atmosphere in the industrial park is particularly tense today.

The air felt like a storm was brewing.

Even Wei Jun returned earlier than usual.

He reeked of blood and gunpowder.

He kicked the door open and walked in, without even glancing at me or the children.

Go straight into the bathroom and let the water run for a long time.

When he went out, he was only wrapped in a towel.

His muscular body now bore several new wounds.

I was holding Nhiên Nhiên, trying to lull her to sleep, and I didn’t dare breathe loudly.

An An lay in her cradle, her dark, grape-like eyes wide open, curiously looking at him.

Wei Jun stepped forward, rarely reaching out to gently touch An An’s face.

His fingers were rough and full of calluses.

But An An wasn’t scared at all; instead, she grinned widely.

Wei Jun recoiled as if burned, pulling his hand back.

He turned his head and gave me a cold stare.

“Watch the children carefully, and don’t make any noise at night.”

I bowed my head and mumbled “yes.”

Late at night.

I was awakened by a frantic knocking at the door.

That’s Wei Jun’s room.

My room is just a storage room.

I immediately covered the children’s mouths, my heart pounding.

In this area, knocking on a door at midnight often means death.

The door was kicked open.

I looked up in panic – it was Wei Jun.

He was covered in blood, with a deep gash across his face, his skin and flesh torn open.

He was breathing heavily, his eyes bloodshot.

It was a look I had never seen before.

Not cruel, not violent.

It’s fear, that’s it.

02

Wei Jun stormed in.

He locked the door and threw a heavy black suitcase forcefully in front of me.

The suitcase was so heavy that it made a deep, muffled “thud.”

“Take it.”

His voice was hoarse, like a broken gong.

I hugged my two children, trembling and huddled in the corner.

“What is that?”

“Money.”

He replied curtly.

Then he pulled a neatly folded piece of paper from his chest and slipped it into my hand.

“And this one.”

I could only see clearly thanks to the faint light coming from the window.

It’s a train ticket.

From West Port, the destination is Singapore.

My heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest.

Train tickets?

For seven years now, I’ve dreamed of leaving this place.

But now, with that ticket in my hand, I feel a bone-chilling cold.

“Why?”

I asked nervously.

Wei Jun leaned against the door, breathing heavily.

From the hallway came the sounds of chaotic footsteps and curses.

“Go quickly! Take the child with you!”

He roared, his eyes glaring intensely at me.

“Tomorrow, this place will be raided, no one will survive!”

A sweep operation.

No one survived.

Those eight words struck me like a sledgehammer to the heart.

I got it.

I understand everything now.

No wonder the atmosphere is so strange today.

No wonder my brother smells so strongly of gunpowder.

It turns out, the end of the world has arrived.

I hugged An An and Nhiên Nhiên tightly, tears streaming down my face.

The two babies were uncomfortable being held so tightly by me that they started sniffling.

I quickly loosened my embrace and gently patted their backs.

I have to go.

For my child’s sake.

I looked up at Wei Jun, trembling as I asked a question.

“What about you?”

He wiped the blood from his face, mixed with sweat and mud, making his face look even more ferocious.

But he laughed.

It was the first time in seven years I’d seen him smile.

It wasn’t a scornful laugh, nor a cold laugh.

Rather, it was… the smile of liberation.

“Me?”

He repeated it as if he’d heard something funny.

“I will go and fight for a clean future for our children.”

A clean future.

Do people like us… deserve a future?

Is it still clean?

My heart felt like it was being squeezed.

He’s not a good person.

He is a devil, a butcher, his hands are stained with blood.

He was never a good husband either.

He beat me, cursed at me, and never treated me like a human being.

But at this moment, looking at him – the man willing to die for his child – I can’t bring myself to hate him.

“It’s crowded outside… how can we get through?”

I clung to a faint glimmer of hope.

Maybe this is just a nightmare?

“Do you remember the dog road behind the mountain?”

He asked.

I shuddered.

That dog-infested road, I discovered it when I first arrived here.

I’ve planned to escape through there many times.

But they failed every time because they were being monitored by the Wei army.

How did you know?

“I always knew.”

He seemed to read my mind and replied softly.

“I intentionally left that path there, specifically for today.”

I started crying again.

It turns out he knew everything.

He knew I wanted to escape.

I knew this day would come soon.

“Stop crying!”

He muttered angrily, his voice low and irritated.

“Will crying save you? Get out of here!”

He walked over and picked up the suitcase.

Another hand roughly pulled me to my feet.

“Speed!”

He pushed me back, leading me towards the window.

The warehouse window was very small, overlooking a steep, slippery hillside.

Outside, sporadic gunshots began to ring out.

Getting closer and closer.

Wei Jun’s expression became even more unpleasant.

He opened the window and threw the suitcase down first.

Then I took Nian Nian from my arms.

The little girl, who was fast asleep, was woken up and made an unpleasant whimpering sound.

Wei Jun held the little girl tightly, his movements clumsy like a machine.

He bent down and quickly kissed his daughter’s forehead.

Then he handed the little girl over through the window.

“Catch it!”

I climbed out, my feet touching the muddy, slippery ground.

I trembled as I took my daughter in my arms.

Next up is An An.

Likewise, he gently kissed his son’s forehead.

He only poked his head out the window after I had the two children in my arms.

“Run east, and don’t look back.”

“There are people waiting at the dock. The ship’s name is ‘Hai Xa’.”

“Once you’re on board, you’re safe.”

He gave detailed instructions, as if he were making his last wishes.

“Remember this, don’t tell them later that they have a father like me.”

After saying that, he tried to pull his head back inside.

“Wei Jun!”

I don’t know where I got the courage from, but I shouted his name.

He paused, turning his head to look at me.

In the darkness, his eyes were vacant.

“Live well.”

I heard myself say it.

He froze, then forced a crooked smile.

“I know, stop talking so much.”

He closed the window.

It also brought to an end seven years of hell between me and him.

03

The sound of gunfire became increasingly frequent.

Like fireworks suddenly exploding on New Year’s Eve.

The only difference is, these fireworks… take people’s lives.

I didn’t dare stop for even a second.

With one arm carrying a child and the other dragging a heavy suitcase, I hurried towards the back of the mountain.

The two children probably sensed the stifling atmosphere and suddenly became extremely quiet.

No crying, no screaming.

She just snuggled her little face tightly against my chest.

Their weight is a sweet burden.

But right now, that’s the biggest obstacle on my escape route.

The suitcase is too heavy.

I dragged it along the muddy mountain path, each step incredibly difficult.

Several times, I nearly slipped and fell.

I gritted my teeth and wrapped the suitcase strap around my wrist.

Very quickly, bloodstains appeared on my wrists.

Painful.

But that’s nothing compared to the wounds Wei Jun inflicted on me.

Nothing compares to the pain in my heart right now.

I don’t know how long I’ve been running.

My lungs felt like they were about to explode.

My legs feel as heavy as lead, I can’t lift them.

Finally, after getting past a patch of grass as tall as my waist, I found the familiar dog hole.

The entrance to the pit was very small and covered with vines.

Unless you deliberately look for it, you absolutely won’t find it.

I tossed the suitcase down first, then carefully helped the two children through.

Then he struggled to squeeze himself out.

Beyond the pit entrance is the industrial park’s landfill.

The air was thick with a foul, sour smell that made one want to vomit.

I didn’t dare stop.

With her child strapped to her back and a suitcase pulled by her hand, she continued running forward.

Behind them, in the direction of the industrial zone, flames blazed fiercely.

Gunfire, explosions, and agonizing screams… blended together into a hellish symphony.

I know that Wei Jun is in that inferno.

He is risking his life, fighting his way through the bloodshed to save my three children and me.

Tears blurred my vision.

I didn’t dare turn around.

Wei Jun said, “Don’t look back.”

Dock.

I have to get to the dock before dawn.

A ship named “Sea Serpent” has been found.

I was like a mother animal cornered, unleashing unprecedented strength.

Finally, as the horizon began to lighten with a pale white light, I saw the sea.

I saw the old, dilapidated dock that reeked of fish.

On the dock, a few fishing boats were moored.

Among them was one with a dim oil lamp hanging from the bow of the boat.

Under the lamplight, a man wearing a conical hat is smoking.

My heart fluttered slightly as I carried my child and walked over.

“Are you ‘Sea Serpent’?”

I inquired.

The man lifted his head, revealing a sun-tanned face, cracked and chapped from the sea breeze.

He glanced at me, then at the baby in my arms and the suitcase behind me, and nodded.

“Get on the boat.”

His voice was hoarse and raspy, exactly like Wei Jun’s.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

Carrying her baby, she walked onto the swaying plank to board the train.

There were already a few people in the compartment.

At first glance, everyone looks like someone who’s escaped from an industrial zone.

Everyone’s face bore an expression of terror and numbness after surviving.

Everyone was wary of each other, and no one spoke.

I found a corner and held my two children tightly in my arms.

The suitcase was placed right at his feet.

The boat departs.

The engine roared, and the boat shook violently.

I looked out the window.

The land where I lived for seven years is getting further and further away.

That sea of ​​fire has now become just a tiny red dot.

Then they completely disappeared behind the horizon.

Goodbye, Wei Jun.

If there is an afterlife, I hope we… never meet again.

The boat drifted on the sea for two days and two nights.

The air in the cabin remained stiflingly hot.

I leaned against the suitcase, shielding my child in front of me, and barely closed my eyes.

I didn’t dare to sleep.

I’m afraid this is just a dream.

I’m afraid of waking up and being back in that dark storage room.

Early on Tuesday morning, the boat slowed down.

Someone outside shouted: “We’ve arrived! We’ve arrived in Singapore!”

The entire compartment immediately erupted in commotion.

Everyone rushed to the bow of the boat, gazing at the harbor brightly lit in the distance.

Their faces showed undeniable excitement and longing.

I also picked up my baby and stood up.

But just then, a man blocked my way.

It was the boatman wearing the conical hat.

Behind him were two sailors.

Three men surrounded me in a small corner of the compartment.

The man spat the cigarette butt from his mouth, his cloudy eyes fixed on the suitcase at my feet.

He bared his teeth, revealing a set of yellowed teeth.

A greedy smile.

“Sister, this suitcase looks quite heavy.”

“If you don’t mind, could you open it up so we can all broaden our horizons?”

04 – Escaping Hell My heart sank to the bottom of the abyss.

I hugged the two children tightly, slowly leaning against the cold compartment wall behind me.

The cold helped me retain some sense of sanity.

I looked at the three men in front of me.

Their eyes were like they were looking at a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

Naked, blatant, full of lust and greed.

I got it.

From the very beginning, they had no good intentions.

Perhaps Wei Jun was also deceived.

Or, he had no choice but to cling to a blade of grass for survival.

But this blade of grass now wants to strangle me to death.

My mind was racing.

Cry?

Begging?

Futile.

In this lawless place, tears are the cheapest thing.

Resist?

I’m just a woman, and I’m carrying two newborn babies.

How could I possibly fight off three burly men?

The only option is to use strategy.

My gaze stopped at the suitcase at my feet.

That’s my death curse – and also my trump card.

I took a deep breath, suppressing the fear in my heart.

Forcing a smile looks even worse than crying.

“Brother, making a living isn’t easy, I understand.”

My voice trembled, but I tried to make it sound steady.

“There was indeed money in the suitcase.”

“My boss asked me to bring this out so he can take care of some business in Singapore.”

I lied.

But I have to take the risk.

I bet they still have reservations about the industrial zone and are wary of Wei Jun.

The man wearing the conical hat squinted.

“Your boss?”

“Who is it?”

“Wei Jun.”

I articulated each word clearly.

In West Port, in the industrial zone, the name Wei Jun is a golden sign.

A plaque stained with blood and lives, symbolizing brutality and power.

As expected, the moment they heard that name, the expressions on the faces of all three men changed.

Hesitation flickered in the eyes of the man in the hat.

“Wei Jun? I heard the area was attacked?”

“He… he must be dead, right?”

He was probing.

It felt like a stab in my heart.

He’s dead.

Yes, it’s highly likely he’s dead.

But I can’t admit it.

I sat up straight, giving a cold laugh:

“Those worthless guys, how could they possibly touch the Wei army?”

“He’s just taking the opportunity to escape his physical body.”

“Otherwise, how would my sister and I have gotten out?”

“How did this suitcase full of money get out?”

My words are half true and half false.

But like stones thrown into their hearts, they created countless ripples.

Greed is gradually being replaced by suspicion and fear.

The name of the conical hat remains silent.

The two sailors behind him exchanged glances, not daring to advance further.

The atmosphere in the cabin became tense and confrontational.

I hugged my child, my hands clenched so tightly they turned white.

My back was drenched in cold sweat.

I know this gamble has reached a decisive point.

Win or lose – it’s decided in a single moment.

I slowly sat down, placing An An and Nhiên Nhiên at my feet, resting them on my thighs.

Then, I reached out and placed my hand on the combination lock of the suitcase.

“If you don’t believe me, open it up and see for yourself.”

“But, let me warn you.”

“These guys are already waiting for the Wei Army’s men in Singapore.”

“If you dare touch a single penny, or cause me any delay…”

I didn’t say anything further.

But that gaze, as cold as steel, is something I learned during seven years on the edge of a knife.

That’s the kind of look only people who live in industrial zones have.

Like the gaze of a wolf cornered.

The man in the conical hat stared at me, then at the suitcase.

He swallowed hard.

I know he’s struggling.

Greed and fear were battling fiercely within him.

Time is ticking by, second by second.

Each second feels like an eternity.

The boat has docked.

I can hear the noise of the harbor out there.

It is the sound of life.

The sound I’ve been longing for for seven years.

When I could barely take it anymore.

The man in the hat suddenly took a step back.

He roughly pushed the two sailors away.

“Let her go!”

He shouted in a hoarse voice.

The other two men paused, but reluctantly moved aside.

The tight rope in my heart finally snapped.

I won.

I dare not delay.

She hugged her two children, grabbed her suitcase, and ran out of the compartment without looking back.

The moment my feet touched the solid ground of Singapore, my legs trembled, and I nearly collapsed.

The sunlight was so blinding that I couldn’t open my eyes.

The air was no longer filled with the stench of blood and decay from West Port.

Instead, there was a clean, gentle sea breeze.

I survived.

I rescued my child from hell.

I turned around and took one last look at the “Sea Serpent” ship.

The man in the hat remained standing at the bow of the ship, watching me from a distance.

A complex expression in his eyes.

I hugged my child, pulled my suitcase, and without a second thought, turned around and blended into the bustling crowd at the harbor.

Everything behind me is no longer relevant.

From today onwards, I am no longer A Ninh.

My name is Ha Ninh.

I am the mother of An An and Nhien Nhien.

A completely new person – Ha Ninh.

05

The opulence of Singapore was like a giant net, enveloping and trapping me.

Skyscrapers towered high, the streets were clean and tidy, and elegantly dressed men and women hurried past.

All of those things made me feel alienated, and… a little insecure.

I bowed my head and looked back at myself.

The cheap clothes were faded from too many washes, stained with mud, and full of wrinkles.

Dry, frizzy hair like a patch of weeds.

Her face bore the ravages and calluses left by seven years of hardship.

In my arms were two newborn babies wrapped in a tattered old blanket.

Next to him was a bulky black suitcase, completely out of place amidst this bustling scene.

I looked like a deformed creature that had just crawled out of a garbage dump.

It attracted countless glances—some curious, some disdainful.

I instinctively hugged my children tightly, burying their faces in my chest.

I couldn’t let them see those cold eyes.

I need a place.

A place where my three children and I can temporarily stay.

A safe place, where no one will disturb you.

I dragged my suitcase along, like a disoriented fly, wandering aimlessly through the streets.

I didn’t dare call a taxi, for fear of being questioned by the driver.

I also didn’t dare step into any luxurious hotels.

The marks on my body were too obvious.

I was afraid of being identified as an illegal immigrant and then being reported to the police and arrested.

I don’t know how long I’d been walking, but my legs were so tired they felt like they were about to break.

An An and Nhiên Nhiên were also starting to cry because they were hungry.

My heart felt like it was being squeezed, the pain was so intense I could barely breathe.

Just when I was on the verge of despair, I saw a small alleyway.

At the entrance to the alley hung a neon sign with the words “Guesthouse” written on it.

The lights were dim, and the sign was old and dilapidated.

But for me, it was paradise.

I carried my baby, pulled my suitcase, and walked in.

The receptionist was an old man, dozing off, wearing reading glasses.

Woken up by me, he frowned in annoyance and lifted his head.

Seeing me, he frowned slightly.

“Rent a room?”

He asked the question in English with a strong local accent.

I nodded slightly.

I didn’t dare speak Chinese, for fear of revealing my origins.

“Identification documents.”

He held out his hand.

My heart skipped a beat.

Documents?

I do not have.

My passport was confiscated seven years ago.

I am completely without status or identity.

Seeing me standing there frozen, his eyes became wary.

“No papers, no stay.”

As he spoke, he prepared to dismiss me.

I was terrified.

I can’t let my child sleep on the streets.

I unzipped my suitcase, pulled out a few crisp dollar bills, and slipped them into his hand.

That’s the money Wei Jun left behind.

These are bloodstained coins.

The old man’s eyes lit up as he looked at the stack of money.

He counted briefly, then glanced at me again.

The initial skepticism gradually turned into understanding.

He didn’t ask any further questions.

He took a key from the drawer and tossed it onto the counter.

“Room 201, at the end of the hallway on the second floor.”

“Pay one upfront, stay three, cash only.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.

I took another wad of cash from my suitcase and gave it to him.

He accepted it and then continued to nod off to sleep.

I dragged my suitcase, carried my child, and struggled to climb to the second floor.

The hallway was dark and smelled faintly of dampness and mold.

But I didn’t mind.

I went to room 201 and used the key to open the door.

The room was small, with only a bed, a desk, and a private bathroom.

The equipment is old but clean.

I locked the door from the inside and used a table to wedge it shut.

Only after everything was done did I completely relax my body.

I slumped down onto the bed, hugging my two children.

An An and Nhien Nhien cried until they were exhausted, their little faces flushed red.

I kissed my child’s forehead with a heavy heart, tears streaming down my face.

“Don’t be afraid, children.”

“Mom is here. Mom won’t let you suffer anymore.”

I opened the suitcase.

The suitcase was overflowing with dollar bills, gleaming with a sinful light under the dim lamplight.

On top were several baby bottles and a few boxes of powdered milk.

It was Wei Jun who prepared it.

I don’t know how long he’d been preparing, or what kind of mood he was in.

I didn’t dare think any further.

I used the kettle in the room to boil water and awkwardly mixed milk for the children.

Watching them eagerly suckle, making satisfied “chut chut” sounds.

My heart was finally warmed a little.

Once the two babies were fast asleep after their feeding, I finally had time to examine the suitcase carefully.

Besides the money and milk, at the bottom of the suitcase, I felt a hard object.

I took all the money out and put it on the bed.

The discovery was a small box carefully wrapped in oilcloth.

My hands trembled as I peeled off each layer of paper.

Inside were a small USB drive, a key, and a piece of paper.

On the paper was the familiar, bold handwriting of Wei Jun.

Just one line: An address, followed by a name.

Lawyer Tran.

06

Lawyer Tran.

Singapore, Raffles Place, Hua Lian Bank building, 32nd floor.

I looked at the address on the paper, my heart churning with turmoil.

Wei Jun… what else are you planning?

Isn’t he a rude person?

A butcher who only knows how to use his fists and a knife to solve problems.

How did you even get to know a lawyer in Singapore?

And they even wrote the address so clearly?

My mind is in turmoil.

I looked at my two children sleeping soundly in bed, then at the piece of paper.

Regardless of Wei Jun’s intentions…

This is probably my only chance to survive in this strange city—and to live like a human being.

I have to go.

The next morning, I exchanged some local currency with the innkeeper.

Then I went to a nearby store to buy some clean clothes for myself and the children.

After changing into new clothes, I carried An An and Nhiên Nhiên, who were also wearing new clothes, out of that gloomy boarding house.

I feel like I’ve been reborn.

Even though I’m still an undocumented immigrant.

But I am no longer A Ninh, the lowly, mud-covered figure from the Cambodian industrial zone.

I called a taxi.

For the first time in seven years, I sat in a car that was so clean and comfortable.

I hesitantly gave the driver the address written on the paper in English.

The driver was an elderly Indian man, very friendly.

Seeing me carrying two children, the driver deliberately slowed down.

Through the window, the modern Singapore skyline whizzed past.

But I wasn’t in the mood to look around.

My heart was filled with anxiety and nervousness.

Very quickly, the car stopped in front of a magnificent skyscraper.

Hua Lian Bank building.

I paid the fare and carried my child out of the car.

Standing in front of the building, I looked up.

The sunlight shone through the glass wall, reflecting dazzling rays that blinded me.

I took a deep breath, hugged my child, and walked inside.

The air conditioning in the lobby was freezing cold.

Office workers dressed in sharp suits, their high heels clacking loudly.

Everyone exuded an air of confidence and professionalism.

I’m still an outsider here.

But I no longer feel insecure or afraid like I did yesterday.

I told myself: I’m here to work seriously.

I went to the reception desk to inquire about the Tran law office.

The receptionist was very professional, smiling and showing me the way.

I took the elevator up to the 32nd floor.

I found the office with the sign: “Tran Thi Law Office”.

I pushed the glass door open and stepped inside.

A young female assistant greeted me.

“Do you have an appointment?”

She asked politely.

I shook my head.

“I’m looking for lawyer Tran… it was Wei Jun who told me to come.”

I said the name.

The assistant paused, a serious expression briefly appearing in his eyes.

“Please wait a moment.”

She invited me and my children to sit in the reception area and kindly poured us water.

Then she went into the inner office.

Soon, a middle-aged man, around fifty years old, wearing a suit and gold-rimmed glasses, walked out.

He looked at me, and at the two children in my arms, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions: astonishment, pity, and understanding.

“You are Ms. Ha Ninh, aren’t you?”

He proactively extended his hand.

“Hello, I am Tran Chi Minh, a lawyer commissioned by the Wei Army.”

I was stunned.

How did he know my name?

I hesitated to shake hands.

“Hello, Lawyer Tran.”

“Please come in.”

He led me into the office.

Spacious, luxurious interior.

Through the large glass window, you can see the vibrant panorama of Singapore.

He invited me to sit down, then took a sealed file bag from the safe.

“These are the documents Mr. Wei entrusted to me for safekeeping a month ago.”

“He instructed me that if, after a month, a woman named Ha Ninh came to see me with twins, I should give this to you.”

“If it’s not her, or if he himself comes, then destroy everything.”

He pushed the file folder towards me.

My hands were trembling.

Wei Jun…

It turns out he had predicted everything all along.

He knew the industrial zone would be destroyed.

I also knew he might not be able to come back.

So they arranged everything for my three children and me.

I opened the file folder.

Inside were three brand-new passports.

One of the books is mine, the photo is of me seven years ago, but the name has been changed to “Lam Tieu”.

A gentle, ordinary name.

The other two books are by An An and Nhien Nhien.

Their names are “Lin An” and “Lin Ran”.

According to my family name, it’s Lam.

Besides the passport, there were also several bank cards and a thick stack of trust documents.

The beneficiaries are Lam An and Lam Nhien.

The amount of money in there… is so large I can’t even imagine it.

Enough so that my children will never have to worry about food and clothing for the rest of their lives, and can receive the best education.

Finally, beneath the stack of papers was an envelope.

The envelope did not have the sender’s name on it.

I opened it, and there were only a few lines of text inside.

This is the handwriting of Wei Jun.

“Ha Ninh, forget about me.”

“Raise your children to live good lives.”

“Don’t tell them they have a father like you.”

“You don’t deserve it.”

Looking at those words, my tears finally flowed like a broken dam.

That devil beat, insulted, and tormented me for seven years.

The man gave me a glimmer of hope when I was at my most desperate.

In his own way, he gave my mother and me what he called a “clean future.”

He’s a bastard, a criminal, a complete scumbag.

But he is also the father of An An and Nhien Nhien.

In that moment, all the resentment I had harbored for seven years—vanished like smoke.

07

Clutching the still-hot stack of documents in my hand, I walked out of the Hualien Bank building.

Behind me was the cold air conditioning and the world of successful people.

Ahead lay the sweltering sunshine, imbued with the everyday atmosphere of Singapore.

I held An An and Nhien Nhien in my arms, feeling a sense of security for the first time as I set foot on this unfamiliar land.

I am no longer A Ninh.

My name is Lam Tieu.

A mother with legal status, vast wealth, and the means to protect her children.

The first thing I did was call lawyer Tran.

My voice no longer trembled and sounded as timid as it did yesterday.

“Lawyer Tran, I need a place to stay.”

“A truly safe place, with absolute security.”

“Money is not an issue.”

On the other end of the line, lawyer Tran was silent for a few seconds, then responded in his familiar, professional and calm voice.

“Understood, Ms. Lam.”

“I’ll send you the address and instructions on how to pick up the keys in half an hour.”

His work performance is truly amazing.

Less than twenty minutes later, I received a text message on my phone.

It’s one of Singapore’s most luxurious apartment complexes – Marina One Residences.

The security system is notoriously strict.

Following the instructions, I went to a designated locker, retrieved my room key and card.

Throughout the entire process, I didn’t meet a single person.

This private, bespoke service designed for the elite made me feel a sense of security I’d never experienced before.

When I swiped my card to open the door to that massive apartment, I was speechless.

Through the 360-degree panoramic glass windows, the dazzling Marina Bay unfolds before your eyes.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Merlion Park… all are within view.

The apartment is designed in a minimalist yet luxurious style.

The carpets are thick and soft, the sofas are comfortable, and the open kitchen is spotlessly clean.

There was even a nursery room decorated in a very cozy way.

Inside were two lovely cribs, surrounded by plenty of soft toys.

Sunlight streamed through the window, making the whole room warm and bright.

This place, and that dark, damp, hellish warehouse in Cambodia, are like two completely separate worlds.

On one side is hell.

On one side is paradise.

I closed the door to the room.

Step into the spacious, bright bathroom.

Turn on the shower.

Warm water poured down from above.

I took off my new, cheap clothes, letting the water wash away all the dirt.

Wash away those unsightly, crisscrossing scars.

Wash away all seven years of humiliation and shame, etched deep into my soul.

I crouched down on the floor, hugged my knees, and burst into tears.

Crying heartbrokenly.

It was as if she wanted to release all the tears she had held back for seven years.

After the crying spell, there was a feeling of relief I’d never experienced before.

I dried myself off, put on my bathrobe, and walked to the glass door.

Look out at the brightly lit city, and see your reflection in the glass.

The woman with the vacant eyes and covered in wounds – A Ninh – was dead.

She died in the Cambodian fire.

He died on the ship named “Sea Serpent”.

The person who is alive is Lin Xiao.

She is the mother of Lam An and Lam Nhien.

For my children’s sake, I absolutely must become stronger.

I raised the glass of water in my hand, toasting towards the endless night outside.

I also pay my respects to that man – the one who gave me a new chance at life, but who has now vanished from this world forever.

Wei Army.

Thank you.

Rest in peace.

08

The peaceful life lasted for a full month.

That was the only month in the past seven years that I truly lived as a human being.

I started studying.

Learn how to be a true mother.

Learn how to use smart home appliances.

Learn how to order food and shop by phone.

Learn how to hold your baby, take a stroll in your private garden downstairs, like a true lady.

An An and Nhien Nhien grew up quickly in this comfortable environment.

Two small, round, fair faces, with eyes that grew brighter and brighter.

The children know how to smile now.

Every time they saw me, they would grin, like two toothless little angels.

My children’s smiles are the brightest sunshine in my life.

Enough to dispel all the shadows of the past.

I thought life would continue to flow peacefully like that forever.

I had even started planning that, once the children were a little older, I would enroll them in the best international school.

Give them the best education so they can become outstanding individuals.

Completely different from their father.

Until that night.

The two children were asleep.

As usual, I turned on the TV.

Currently broadcasting an in-depth international news program.

Title: “Southeast Asia – The Slaughter Closes: An Investigative Report on the Campaign to Sweep Down a Transnational Cybercrime Organization.”

My heart suddenly sank.

The familiar gate of the industrial park appeared on the screen – a place I couldn’t be more familiar with.

Now it is nothing but a desolate, charred wasteland.

The reporter, reporting from the scene, spoke in a heavy voice.

“…According to information from local police, this operation yielded significant results, successfully dismantling a large-scale criminal network that had existed for many years.”

“Most of the key leaders were either killed or captured during the fighting…”

The screen displayed images of the ringleaders one by one.

Each face was familiar, fierce or deceitful.

I’ve met them all.

They are the devils at the top of the pyramid in the industrial zone.

Finally, the image stopped at a single photograph.

They are the Wei army.

In the photo, his eyes were still as cold as ever.

The announcer’s voice boomed: “Wei Jun, also known as ‘Jun Ge,’ one of the core pillars of the organization, detonated a grenade and died on the spot while resisting arrest.”

Self-detonating grenade.

Died at the scene.

My hand, holding the remote control, trembled slightly.

I knew early on he wouldn’t survive.

But when I heard this news with my own ears, my heart still ached as if it had been stabbed.

He chose the most tragic way to end his blood-stained life.

That’s good too.

For him, perhaps it was a liberation.

I’m going to turn off the TV.

But the host’s next words sent chills down my spine.

“…However, unfortunately, the real mastermind behind the scenes – a mysterious figure nicknamed ‘Brother Long’ – sensed the commotion before the action took place and managed to escape in time.”

“Information from informants indicates that ‘Brother Long’ has absconded with the last remaining funds from the organization’s account and his whereabouts are currently unknown.”

“The International Criminal Police Organization has issued a red notice for his arrest.”

A picture of a man appeared on the screen.

She was around forty years old, wearing a Chinese-style long dress and a string of prayer beads.

His face wore a gentle smile, but his eyes were as cold as a venomous snake.

It’s him.

I will never forget that face.

I met him in the industrial park.

He came to inspect it.

Everyone bowed their heads before him – including Wei Jun.

Wei Jun didn’t even dare to lift his head.

He was the real king of the industrial park.

It is the root of all evil.

But now, he’s escaped.

And he also took a huge sum of money.

My head exploded with a loud bang.

The money Wei Jun left me—could it be… part of the money Long Ge took with him?

Wei Jun betrayed him.

Before its demise, it turned against its owner with a fatal blow, leaving a large sum of money for me and my children.

So… will Brother Long forgive us?

Someone had the audacity to play cat and mouse with Interpol.

A monster holds in its hands a vast criminal network.

Is it easier to find a powerless, insignificant woman with two young children than to step on an ant?

My whole body felt frozen.

Everything I had just gained—the seemingly impenetrable security—collapsed completely because of the name “Brother Long.”

I rushed to the window and yanked the curtains down.

I have a feeling—among the myriad lights of the city, a pair of venomous eyes are watching me.

Stare at me.

And my two children.

That ghost… has tracked us down and found us.

09

That night, I didn’t sleep a wink.

I hugged An An and Nhien Nhien, sitting on the living room sofa, wide awake until dawn.

Even the slightest sound would make me jump and break out in a cold sweat.

Fear surged like a tide, rising in waves and engulfing me.

The feeling of helplessness and despair, which had been so deeply ingrained in my bones seven years ago, has returned once again.

An An woke up as soon as dawn broke.

The little boy reached out his tiny hand to touch my face, babbling meaningless sounds.

It was as if they were comforting me.

Looking into my child’s clear, innocent eyes, the fear in my heart was suddenly replaced by a more powerful force.

That was anger.

It’s also about determination.

I can’t continue to let people tear me apart like they did seven years ago.

I am no longer alone.

Behind me are my children.

Anyone who wants to harm them will have to step over my dead body first.

I picked up the phone and called lawyer Tran again.

“Lawyer Tran, it’s me, Lam Tieu.”

My voice was cold and calm.

“I’m in some trouble. Big trouble.”

“I need your help. No, that’s not right, I want to hire you and your team to do some work.”

“Money is still not an issue.”

Half an hour later, I arrived at lawyer Tran’s office.

I recounted everything I saw in the news report, along with my own speculations.

This includes Long Ca, and the origin of the suitcase full of money.

Lawyer Tran’s face grew increasingly serious as he listened to me.

After I finished speaking, he remained silent for a long time.

“Ms. Lam, your speculation is very likely correct.”

“If that’s true, then your situation and that of your children are extremely dangerous.”

“I’ve heard of that guy called Long. He’s a cruel, narrow-minded, cold-blooded man who seeks revenge to the very end.”

I nodded, looking him straight in the eye.

“Therefore, I cannot sit here waiting to die.”

“I have to fight back.”

A look of surprise flickered in Mr. Tran’s eyes.

He probably didn’t expect the frail woman in front of him to utter the words “counterattack.”

“I need your help with three things.”

I held up three fingers, emphasizing each word.

“First: upgrade the security system. The place I’m staying needs immediate, top-level protection. I need a team of professional bodyguards, on duty 24 hours a day without fail, and who are absolutely trustworthy.”

“Secondly: information. I want you to use your entire network to investigate Long. I need to know everything about him—his past, his network, his hiding places. I want to understand him, as he understands me.”

“Thirdly: myself. I need a completely new identity, one that has nothing to do with the name ‘Lin Xiao.’ An identity so clean that even Interpol couldn’t trace it. At the same time, I need to study. Study law, study finance, study combat. Study everything that can make me stronger, capable enough to protect my children.”

I looked at him, my eyes filled with an unprecedented determination.

“To put it simply, Lawyer Tran.”

“I want you to use the money left behind by Wei Jun to build me and my children the strongest shield in the world.”

“At the same time, it also forged in me the sharpest spear.”

Lawyer Tran looked at me for a long time without saying anything.

His expression shifted from surprise to seriousness, then to respect.

He stood up and bowed deeply to me.

“Ms. Lam, I understand.”

“I think this is exactly what Mr. Wei wanted most.”

“Please rest assured, from today onwards, Tran Law Office will dedicate all its efforts to serving you.”

As I stepped out of the lawyer’s office, the Singapore sun was as intense as ever.

But I’m no longer afraid.

I know, a war has begun.

A counterattack from a desperate mother.

Long ca.

It’s best if I don’t find him.

10

Lawyer Tran’s work performance exceeded my expectations.

It’s not the performance of a single person.

Rather, it is the performance of a massive, precise, and cold legal machine, operating solely for my sake.

The next day when I returned to my apartment, the doorbell rang.

I looked through the peephole—it was lawyer Tran.

Behind him were four burly men in black suits, their eyes sharp and piercing.

They stood tall, like four silent iron towers.

I opened the door.

“Ms. Lam.”

Lawyer Tran nodded slightly.

“This is the security team I hired for you. The person in charge is A Sơn.”

The man, with a small scar on his face and eyes as sharp as a hawk’s, nodded at me.

“Ms. Lam.”

Before its demise, it turned against its owner with a fatal blow, leaving a large sum of money for me and my children.

So… will Brother Long forgive us?

Someone had the audacity to play cat and mouse with Interpol.

A monster holds in its hands a vast criminal network.

Is it easier to find a powerless, insignificant woman with two young children than to step on an ant?

My whole body felt frozen.

Everything I had just gained—the seemingly impenetrable security—collapsed completely because of the name “Brother Long.”

I rushed to the window and yanked the curtains down.

I have a feeling—among the myriad lights of the city, a pair of venomous eyes are watching me.

Stare at me.

And my two children.

That ghost… has tracked us down and found us.

09

That night, I didn’t sleep a wink.

I hugged An An and Nhien Nhien, sitting on the living room sofa, wide awake until dawn.

Even the slightest sound would make me jump and break out in a cold sweat.

Fear surged like a tide, rising in waves and engulfing me.

The feeling of helplessness and despair, which had been so deeply ingrained in my bones seven years ago, has returned once again.

An An woke up as soon as dawn broke.

The little boy reached out his tiny hand to touch my face, babbling meaningless sounds.

It was as if they were comforting me.

Looking into my child’s clear, innocent eyes, the fear in my heart was suddenly replaced by a more powerful force.

That was anger.

It’s also about determination.

I can’t continue to let people tear me apart like they did seven years ago.

I am no longer alone.

Behind me are my children.

Anyone who wants to harm them will have to step over my dead body first.

I picked up the phone and called lawyer Tran again.

“Lawyer Tran, it’s me, Lam Tieu.”

My voice was cold and calm.

“I’m in some trouble. Big trouble.”

“I need your help. No, that’s not right, I want to hire you and your team to do some work.”

“Money is still not an issue.”

Half an hour later, I arrived at lawyer Tran’s office.

I recounted everything I saw in the news report, along with my own speculations.

This includes Long Ca, and the origin of the suitcase full of money.

Lawyer Tran’s face grew increasingly serious as he listened to me.

After I finished speaking, he remained silent for a long time.

“Ms. Lam, your speculation is very likely correct.”

“If that’s true, then your situation and that of your children are extremely dangerous.”

“I’ve heard of that guy called Long. He’s a cruel, narrow-minded, cold-blooded man who seeks revenge to the very end.”

I nodded, looking him straight in the eye.

“Therefore, I cannot sit here waiting to die.”

“I have to fight back.”

A look of surprise flickered in Mr. Tran’s eyes.

He probably didn’t expect the frail woman in front of him to utter the words “counterattack.”

“I need your help with three things.”

I held up three fingers, emphasizing each word.

“First: upgrade the security system. The place I’m staying needs immediate, top-level protection. I need a team of professional bodyguards, on duty 24 hours a day without fail, and who are absolutely trustworthy.”

“Secondly: information. I want you to use your entire network to investigate Long. I need to know everything about him—his past, his network, his hiding places. I want to understand him, as he understands me.”

“Thirdly: myself. I need a completely new identity, one that has nothing to do with the name ‘Lin Xiao.’ An identity so clean that even Interpol couldn’t trace it. At the same time, I need to study. Study law, study finance, study combat. Study everything that can make me stronger, capable enough to protect my children.”

I looked at him, my eyes filled with an unprecedented determination.

“To put it simply, Lawyer Tran.”

“I want you to use the money left behind by Wei Jun to build me and my children the strongest shield in the world.”

“At the same time, it also forged in me the sharpest spear.”

Lawyer Tran looked at me for a long time without saying anything.

His expression shifted from surprise to seriousness, then to respect.

He stood up and bowed deeply to me.

“Ms. Lam, I understand.”

“I think this is exactly what Mr. Wei wanted most.”

“Please rest assured, from today onwards, Tran Law Office will dedicate all its efforts to serving you.”

As I stepped out of the lawyer’s office, the Singapore sun was as intense as ever.

But I’m no longer afraid.

I know, a war has begun.

A counterattack from a desperate mother.

Long ca.

It’s best if I don’t find him.

10

Lawyer Tran’s work performance exceeded my expectations.

It’s not the performance of a single person.

Rather, it is the performance of a massive, precise, and cold legal machine, operating solely for my sake.

The next day when I returned to my apartment, the doorbell rang.

I looked through the peephole—it was lawyer Tran.

Behind him were four burly men in black suits, their eyes sharp and piercing.

They stood tall, like four silent iron towers.

I opened the door.

“Ms. Lam.”

Lawyer Tran nodded slightly.

“This is the security team I hired for you. The person in charge is A Sơn.”

The man, with a small scar on his face and eyes as sharp as a hawk’s, nodded at me.

“Ms. Lam.”

His voice was brief, forceful, and devoid of emotion.

I can sense the exact same scent on him as Wei Jun.

It’s not the smell of blood.

Instead, it was the smell of iron and fire.

It’s the smell of someone who’s walked through a battlefield, crawling out from a pile of corpses.

“From now on, we will work 24/7 shifts to protect you and your two children.”

“In addition, we will be upgrading the entire apartment security system tonight.”

“All customers entering and leaving, deliveries, and food shipments must go through a second screening by our team.”

As A Shan spoke, his eyes scanned the room.

That gaze wasn’t one of observation, but of analysis.

Analyze safe zones and vulnerable points in case of an attack.

I nodded slightly, feeling a little relieved.

“You guys have worked hard.”

Lawyer Tran continued:

“We have already selected the housekeeper you need.”

“There are three candidates in total; their applications have been sent to your encrypted email address.”

“They all signed the highest level of confidentiality agreements, have clean records, and are professional and trustworthy.”

“You can interview me anytime.”

I opened my phone to check.

The three files were so detailed they were chilling.

Family history spanning three generations, all social media accounts, spending habits, and even call history analysis.

Such investigative capabilities both frightened and reassured me.

“Regarding the study plan you mentioned yesterday…”

Lawyer Tran adjusted his glasses.

“Her team of personal tutors has also been established.”

“Finance, law, martial arts, languages, etiquette…”

“Starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow, they will arrive on time to teach.”

“I have attached the timetable to the email.”

I looked at lawyer Tran.

Look at that refined middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses.

For the first time, I understood how incredibly powerful knowledge can be when combined with money.

Wei Jun left me more than just a suitcase full of money.

But it’s a team of elites; nothing is impossible for them.

One key unlocks a whole new world.

“I got it.”

I took a deep breath, suppressing the emotions welling up inside me.

“Thank you, Mr. Tran, lawyer.”

“This is my job, Ms. Lam.”

He smiled.

“That was also Mr. Wei’s wish.”

When Wei Jun was mentioned, we both fell silent for a moment.

“What kind of person is he… really?”

Finally, I couldn’t hold back any longer and asked.

Lawyer Tran looked out the window, as if recalling something.

“In my eyes, he was first and foremost a genius.”

“A financial genius who rose from the gray areas of the world.”

“His understanding of human nature and his ability to manage risk are something I’ve never seen before.”

“He once told me that every step he takes is a preparation for the worst-case scenario.”

“What I leave behind for you and your children is not a moment of impulsiveness.”

“It was a Noah’s Ark that he had been secretly preparing from the very beginning.”

“It’s just that the only ticket on that ship—he gave it to her.”

After saying that, he left.

A Sơn and his team began the work, inspecting every nook and cranny, and installing new camera and alarm systems.

Their professionalism left me utterly impressed.

That afternoon, I interviewed three housekeepers.

I chose a middle-aged woman named Aunt Zhang, who looked the kindest and most patient.

When she saw An An and Nhiên Nhiên, the affectionate look in her eyes was undeniable.

That night, my apartment became a veritable fortress.

As solid as a fortress of bronze and iron.

I held my children in my arms, standing in front of the large glass window.

Outside, the Milky Way twinkles and the lights of the human world shine.

Inside was the first safe zone I created for the mother and her two children using money and Wei Jun’s last wishes.

I bowed my head and kissed An An on the forehead.

He kissed Nhiên Nhiên on the cheek again.

“Don’t be afraid, children.”

“From today onwards, Mom will be your strongest fortress.”

My gaze pierced through the glass, into the deep darkness of the night.

Long ca.

I don’t know where he is.

But I know for sure he’s hiding somewhere, watching me.

Like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to deliver a fatal bite.

Just come.

I am ready.

This time, I will never allow myself to be captured alive again.

11

The next morning, at exactly nine o’clock.

The doorbell rang right on time.

My teaching staff has arrived.

Leading the way was a woman in her late thirties, dressed in a neat business suit, exuding a decisive demeanor.

Her name is Lin Siyi, she’s a senior partner at Chen Law Firm, and also my mentor in law and finance.

“Good morning, Ms. Lam.”

Her gaze was sharp as a knife, carrying a hint of scrutiny, not unlike A Shan’s eyes.

“From today, I will teach you how to control the wealth and power you possess—instead of letting them consume you.”

Her first lesson wasn’t just theory; it involved flipping through the pages of the commission document that Wei Jun had left behind, analyzing every single word and sentence.

The confusing financial terminology and massive asset structures made my head spin.

It was then that I understood that what Wei Jun had left me was not just cash.

Rather, it is a global empire of assets.

Stocks, investment funds, real estate, and even original shares in some technology companies.

“Mr. Wei is a genius, but also a madman.”

Lin Siyi looked at the document, her voice filled with complex emotions.

“He used the most brutal methods to accumulate his initial capital.”

“Then they use the most sophisticated financial and legal tools to launder that black money—cleaner than snow.”

“Now, this entire empire is in her hands.”

“The first thing she needs to learn is how to keep it.”

My brain is like a dried-up sponge, frantically absorbing knowledge.

Dry, complicated, and cumbersome.

But I didn’t let my guard down for even a second.

Because I know this is my weapon.

It’s my asset to confront Long-ca.

In the afternoon, we have martial arts class.

My coach is A Son.

He changed out of his suit into a black training uniform.

His arms revealed well-defined muscles, covered in scars.

His training methods were simple, brutal, and effective.

There are no unnecessary movements.

Each move is a deadly blow.

On the first day, I only learned one move: escaping.

Being choked, how to escape.

Locked up from behind, how do I escape?

If someone grabs your wrist, how can you escape?

I was thrown to the ground countless times.

Each time, my bones felt like they were about to break.

His whole body was covered in bruises; he felt sorry for his husband.

At night, I held my child in my arms, my hands still trembling.

But I gritted my teeth and endured it, not uttering a single sound.

That little bit of pain is nothing compared to what I endured in the industrial zone.

Each time I fell, each time I struggled to get back up, I felt a raw, buried strength, dormant for seven years, slowly awakening within my body.

The evening consists of language and etiquette classes.

The teacher was an elegant elderly English lady.

She taught me to pronounce standard London English.

Teach me how to hold a knife and fork, how to appreciate wine.

Teach me how to use the most perfect smile to hide all my inner emotions.

She said, “Ms. Lin, from now on, the role you need to play is that of a Chinese lady from a prestigious family, who has received an excellent education since childhood.”

“You have to make everyone you meet believe it.”

“Her past must be buried completely.”

Days and months passed between such intense training sessions and classes.

I’m like a wind-up machine, constantly running.

I cut off my long, dry, frizzy hair and opted for a neat, short hairstyle.

I threw away all my cheap clothes and replaced them with high-end, simple yet expensive designer outfits, chosen by Lin Siyi.

My body started to develop more defined muscles.

My eyes were no longer vacant and hesitant.

Instead, there should be calmness and steadfastness.

His voice also became calm and decisive.

An An and Nhien Nhien grew up day by day under the loving care of Aunt Truong.

They already know how to crawl.

Know how to chase a colorful ball on a soft carpet.

They are my only source of comfort after each exhausting training session.

Holding their tiny, soft bodies, fragrant with the scent of milk, I finally felt—I was still a mother, still a human being.

It’s not a soulless revenge machine driven by hatred.

Three months later.

I’m practicing sparring with A Son in the gym.

As usual, he used a chokehold, squeezing so tightly that I couldn’t breathe.

The feeling of suffocation came over me immediately.

Everything went dark before my eyes.

Just when I thought I was going to give up, the image of Wei Jun’s ferocious face flashed through my mind.

The images of people whose legs had been broken and who were left abandoned by the roadside in the industrial zone also came to mind.

Then came Long’s face—a gentle smile, but eyes as venomous as a poisonous snake.

An unprecedented surge of power erupted from deep within me.

I mustered all my strength and thrust my knee into A Shan’s groin.

When he bent over in pain, I immediately used my elbow to strike him in the ribs.

At the same time, turn around to break free from the lock.

Taking advantage of the situation, he delivered a sweeping kick, knocking him down.

I pinned him down, pulled a training knife from my belt, and held it to his throat.

Every movement was decisive, seamless, and precise.

The entire gym was completely silent.

A Sơn lay on the floor looking at me, his eyes showing genuine astonishment for the first time.

I was breathing heavily, my chest heaving violently.

Sweat dripped from his chin onto his face.

I looked at myself in the mirror.

His short hair was soaking wet, and his eyes were sharp, like a wild animal that had just caught its prey.

Strange.

But it felt incredibly familiar.

The woman who once risked everything to survive in the industrial zone—A Ninh—has returned.

Are not.

To be reborn from fire.

I slowly stood up and extended my hand towards A Shan.

“Coach, have I met the requirements?”

A Sơn took my hand and stood up.

He looked at me and nodded solemnly.

“From today onwards, she no longer needs a coach.”

“She was a true warrior.”

12

Time is both the best medicine and the most potent poison.

It can heal wounds, but it can also fuel hatred.

In the blink of an eye, a year has passed.

An An and Nhien Nhien can now take their first steps.

He knew how to call me “mom” in a lisping voice.

My world has become complete and warm thanks to my two children.

As for me—Lin Xiao—over the past year, I have also undergone a complete transformation.

I was able to speak English fluently, with a standard London accent.

I understand complex financial reports and can even spot the smallest errors.

I can wear 12-centimeter high heels and take down a burly man in one move.

I run a massive business empire—though most of the work is handled by Lin Siyi and her team.

But I’m no longer the naive outsider.

I learned how to use money to expand resources.

Use the law to build a strong wall of defense.

I’ve even started to enjoy the feeling of being in control of everything.