Li Chengxiu took a deep breath as he stepped onto the quiet streets, the weight of years of emotional chains lifting from his shoulders. The night air was crisp, and for the first time in a long time, he felt truly alive.
He had no plan beyond leaving. His suitcase felt heavier with every step, but his heart felt lighter. He boarded a bus to a distant city—anywhere but here.
As dawn broke over the unfamiliar skyline, Li Chengxiu found himself standing outside a small café, exhaustion gnawing at him. A kind-looking woman behind the counter offered him a warm smile. "Long night?"
"You could say that," he admitted, taking a seat by the window.
A voice interrupted his thoughts. "New in town?"
Li Chengxiu turned to see a man sitting at the next table. He had an easy-going smile, warm eyes—nothing like Shao Qun. "Yeah. Just... starting over."
The man extended a hand. "I'm Yan Rui. If you need any help settling in, let me know."
Li Chengxiu hesitated before shaking his hand. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something new.