Chapter 3: The Fall from Splendor

Even if you are frightened, in pain, and lost, do not give up hope, for the future, happier you is waiting for the present, fearful you.

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In the summer dusk, on a street still bright with lingering daylight, rows of neon lights had already flickered on. The black car glided past the bustling cityscape, sinking deeper into its splendor.

By the time the car reached its destination, the others were already waiting. A fleet of sleek black vehicles lined the gravel-strewn roadside, crowding the hastily paved cement path.

The car door opened, and polished black shoes touched the ground, sending up a faint swirl of dust.

“Mr. Lu.” Assistant Chu Ci, leading the group, approached with confidence.

The team of highly professional evaluators, faced with this undeveloped land, had already begun a succinct introduction, outlining the vast profits its future promised.

Perhaps the evening heat had not yet dissipated. Dressed only in a white shirt, Lu Huaining draped a silvery-gray jacket over one arm. Standing before this untouched “raw jade,” his eyes brimmed with unwavering confidence, lending his gentle elegance an imposing air of command.

“If the plans are completed, in three years this place will become the new hub of economic fashion.”

Yet before the enthusiastic appraiser could finish, a blaring burst of music shattered the scene’s composure.

“Well! Excellent, truly excellent.” Surrounded by bodyguards, a man in a black suit strolled toward Lu Huaining, shaking his head and applauding. “I never thought you’d have such ambitious people on your team, Mr. Lu. But it’s a pity—such a vast piece of land, such a juicy prize—aren’t you afraid you’ll choke trying to swallow it all by yourself?”

Lu Huaining glanced sideways at the faces, once familiar, now approaching. His sharp, eagle-like eyes betrayed only disdain.

“Zhang Qikun, you petty villain, you hypocrite! What right do you have to speak to Mr. Lu? Get lost—” The outburst from behind Lu Huaining, provoked by the traitor’s arrogance, could no longer be contained. The youthful ire in the speaker’s voice sent Zhang’s bodyguards striding forward in an instant.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. I’m speaking with Mr. Lu—who do you think you are? Step aside.” With a false smile, Zhang Qikun curbed his bodyguards’ aggression. His veiled insults only further enraged Lu’s entourage.

“A piece of land with such promising prospects—at the bidding conference, Kunpeng and Shengtian will surely stage a high-stakes gamble! Don’t you think so, Mr. Lu?” Zhang Qikun looked at his rival’s calm certainty with irritation. The business world is ever-changing, the outcome uncertain—what makes you so arrogant, Lu Huaining?

Lu Huaining, unfazed by Zhang’s insincere grin, murmured a few instructions to his assistant. But as he passed Zhang, his eyes darkened, and his voice, though quiet, carried a weight of anger: “Mr. Zhang, don’t forget—no matter how high the roc soars, it can never escape the sky.”

“You—”

Lu Huaining merely patted the man’s shoulder with easy nonchalance. “Best of luck to you.”

The scent of disinfectant lingered among the flow of people. The red glow of the surgical lamp burned harshly overhead, like a persistent, unyielding fog.

In front of the closed operating room doors, a bowed head glanced up, catching sight of that piercing red light, only for the gaze to drift away again, fingers twisting nervously in silent torment.

A soft but heavy click marked the extinguishing of the lamp. Sensitive and tense, Xue Zuining rushed toward the opening doors, not even waiting for the weary doctor to remove his mask before clutching his sleeve in desperation, her questions coming in a torrent. “Doctor, how is my mother? Doctor!”

“Miss, please calm down. The patient’s condition is basically stable.” The doctor gently disentangled her hand, which had unconsciously clenched his arm. “May I ask your relationship to the patient?”

“I’m her daughter.” The stone lodged in her throat finally eased a little. She knew well her mother’s heart was weak; the surgery years ago had never truly cured her.

“Since you’re a direct relative, as the physician I must inform you: this episode was not caused by the previous bypass surgery, but by an unexpected new condition within the heart, which led to her fainting without warning.”

“A new condition?” Xue Zuining was stunned. “What is it? Does she need surgery again?”

“I’m sorry. Due to limited hospital equipment, we have only ruled out certain illnesses and cannot yet determine the specific condition. I hope you understand.” With those words, the doctor bypassed the petrified Xue Zuining and headed for the elevator.

Undetermined! The word exploded in her mind like thunder, leaving her thoughts utterly blank.

“The family of Zhong Yilan! Who is the family of Zhong Yilan?” The nurse’s call echoed down the corridor. Xue Zuining snapped back to herself just in time to see her mother, still unconscious, being wheeled out of surgery. Her wan face was furrowed in pain.

“Mom.” Xue Zuining tried to hold her mother’s hand, but the needles bristling from both arms left her at a loss.

“You’re the patient’s family? Please bring the necessary documents to register for admission and pay the surgery fees.” After her mother was settled in the ward, a young nurse arrived with a stack of forms.

Xue Zuining took them, her fingers tightening involuntarily as she stared at the long string of numbers. The nurse, adjusting her black-rimmed glasses, took one look at Zuining’s student-like attire and kindly reminded her, “Remember to bring the patient’s insurance card—some medical costs can be reduced. But don’t delay too long.”

“Thank you.” Numbly, Xue Zuining nodded her apology. As the nurse left, she reached for her phone to call someone, only to see countless missed calls—every one from Chen Sang. Only then did she realize it was already past seven. By now, he should be on the flight to France.

She replied with a brief message, then scrolled through her contacts, suddenly struck by how small her social circle had become. Besides An Xin Yi, she could find no one she could truly call a friend. No wonder—she had long since learned that the drama academy was a place of ruthless competition and fleeting ties.

Once she was sure her mother was asleep, Xue Zuining sought out two nearby ATMs, managing to gather just enough for the current hospital expenses. With the thick wad of cash in her bag, she quietly made plans for the future. It was already the second half of her senior year. Her performance major’s so-called “internship” had started early. From now on, as long as she was willing to work hard, even as a body double, she would be able to provide for her mother—no matter what it took.