Tina Tang never wished to cross paths with Leon Namgung again. The love she once harbored for him had turned into a hate that cut deep into her soul.
Exiting the Haicheng Prison with her personal belongings, Tina took a deep breath, resolving to forget all that had transpired. Whether it was love or hate, she was determined to start anew.
The world had changed drastically in three years, and so had Tina. She let out a self-mocking laugh, wondering who would care about her transformation. The only person who cared, her father, was no longer alive. From now on, she would have to fend for herself.
Hailing a taxi with the little money she had, she made her way to the city and found her fathers former secretary, Luke Liu. He handed Tina a key and a property deed.
Luke had offered Tina a place to stay with his family, but seeing the cold look on his wifes face, Tina politely declined. At least she wouldnt be homeless.
She soon arrived at her final sanctuary. Inside, she found a mobile phone on the table with a note: "Tina, Uncle secretly bought you a phone. If you need anything, call me. Ive saved my number in it. Theres $5000 in the envelope, use it for now. Dont worry about work, Uncle will figure something out."
Reading the note, Tina knew Luke had done this behind his wifes back. Tears streamed down her face; Luke, too, had been implicated by her father and had narrowly avoided prison. His kindness was a small comfort in her otherwise desolate life.
As dawn broke, Tina woke up, a habit formed from her three years in prison.
It took Tina over a month to find a job as a salesperson at a brand clothing store in Venture Mall. Her interviewer, Lily Liao, was fashionable and seemed like a woman with a story.
"Tina, a beautiful name and a pretty face. Work hard here, and your salary wont be lower than anywhere else," Lily said after the interview.
Lily introduced Tina to the store manager, Zhang, and asked him to teach Tina some sales techniques.
Before leaving, Lily gave Tina a meaningful look, telling her to reach out if she had any difficulties.
Tina couldnt believe she had found a job so quickly.
After a month of work, Tina received her first paycheck. She was happy, but then realized there was no one in the world to share her joy. Accepting the pay, she prepared to leave when her colleagues insisted she treat them to a meal. With a heartfelt smile, Tina agreed. The three on duty called three others who were off, and they all went to a KTV.
Exiting the KTV late at night, the autumn chill of Haicheng was piercing. Checking the time, Tina realized taking the bus was impossible. She went to the roadside to hail a taxi, but none came.
Suddenly, a familiar face appeared before her. Tinas heart raced, and she felt cold all over. It seemed she was fated to never have a peaceful life. The people and things she least wanted to face had finally caught up with her.
"Miss Tang, Mr. Namgung requests your presence."
Hearing the name, Tinas heart pounded fiercely, and pain spread rapidly!
"Im sorry! You have the wrong person! I dont know any Mr. Namgung!"
Tina shouted in a trembling voice and ran. She lacked the courage to face him.
The man grabbed her hand and coldly said:
"Miss Tang, no one dares to go against Mr. Namgungs wishes!"
The implication was clear; Tina was no exception.
Forced into a car parked nearby, she saw Leon sitting inside. Tinas heart skipped a beat.
Leon gazed at Tina with an eagle-like sharpness.
Three years had changed much, but this man before her remained unchanged, not just in his stern appearance and cold eyes, but most importantly, his domineering personality.
Tina closed her eyes, forcing herself to calm down. No matter how much she hated him, she wouldnt show her vulnerability in front of him. Even if she had told herself never to see him again, she couldnt resist him.
Tina tried to act like a stranger, but her voice was choked: "I dont know why Mr. Namgung is looking for me?"
Leon frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Tina, do you have to be like this?"
His tone sounded somewhat angry, which made Tina feel scared for no reason.
Three years ago, she had been deeply infatuated with him, loving him, and thus paid a heavy price.
After three years in prison, she thought she had forgotten him. But seeing him again, the reality was different; he could still easily move her emotions.
She hated herself for being so weak! Her fathers life was taken by the man in front of her and another woman. Even if she couldnt put them in prison, she should hate them. But she didnt...
"I have nothing to do with you anymore, and theres nothing to say!"
Tina said and tried to open the car door to get out. Staying in the car a minute longer was torture for her.
Leon quickly pressed the doors lock. His deep eyes stared straight at Tina, and the atmosphere became awkward.
"Ugh!"
Without any warning, Leon captured Tinas fragrant lips, ignoring her struggle.
Tina and Leon had been in love for three years. However, they had never even held hands. Now, this was her first kiss with Leon, initiated by him. Ironically, she was no longer the girl full of love three years ago, always hoping to be kissed by her beloved.
Tinas heart raced, but she felt ashamed. The image of him kissing that woman in bed three years ago suddenly appeared in her mind. Her stomach churned, and Tina forcefully turned her face away, vomiting on Leon.
Leon frowned and looked at Tina with concern. He checked her up and down to make sure she hadnt been drinking. An unpleasant thought flashed through his mind, and with a dark expression, he opened the car door and abruptly pushed Tina out. Then, the driver quickly started the car and sped off into the dust.
Daring to despise him? This woman still needed to be taught a lesson!