Three days later...
The midday sun poured through the dusty windows of the small coffee shop.
Ah Yan sat in his corner seat by the window, fingers loosely wrapped around a cup of steaming coffee.
The rich aroma filled the air, but his thoughts were far from present.
He was thinking about Lin Yue—about her future.
Or more.
...
He hadn't told her about the watch yet.
The weight of it sat heavily on his chest like a secret waiting to be unwrapped, but he didn't know how to begin.
Suddenly, Da Wei burst in, panting slightly, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Ah Yan! Bro! I have amazing news!" he nearly shouted, startling the few customers present, " Great news!!"
Ah Yan blinked, looking up. "What is it?"
Da Wei plopped into the seat across from him, pulling out his phone, trying to lower his voice but can't because of excitement. "The watch! It's sold. Three million. Three million, bro!"
For a moment, Ah Yan froze.
His brows twitched just slightly, the only hint of emotion on his calm face.
Inside, though, he was surprised.
'Three million... It was worth that much? I thought maybe a few hundred thousand... But now... With this and Yueyue's five million, she won't have to worry for a long time.Even if I never recover my memories, at least she won't suffer.'
He looked up, nodding slowly. "That's... good news."
Da Wei tilted his head. "You're not jumping with joy or anything. You're scaring me."
Ah Yan gave a soft smile. "I'm happy. I truly am."
His voice was soft, thoughtful.
Da Wei studied him for a moment longer, then shrugged, used to this quiet man. "Alright, man. Gimme your account number. The buyer wants to send it directly."
Ah Yan pulled out his phone and texted the digits.
Thankfully, Yueyue had been insistent about opening savings accounts.
Otherwise, it would have been troublesome with that kind of money.
A few minutes later, the ping of a message confirmed the transaction: three million yuan.
Without hesitation, Ah Yan transferred 5,000 to Da Wei.
"What—hey, what's this for?"
"A thank-you. You helped me."
Da Wei clutched his phone dramatically. "You're the kindest guy I know, Ah Yan. Seriously. Don't make me cry."
They shared a quiet laugh before Ah Yan stood. "I should go. I have something to do."
As he walked down the familiar streets, his thoughts swirled again.
How do I tell her?
Will she be upset that I sold the watch without asking her?
I just want her to be safe.
To have choices.
To never struggle again.
...
The soft chime of his phone pulled him back.
His salary had come in.
Perfect timing.
...
On the way home in the evening, he passed a boutique window.
A delicate silver necklace caught his eye—simple, with a tiny star-shaped pendant.
Just like her—elegant, quiet, and radiant.
Next to it, a pale blue dress hung on a mannequin.
It looked like it was made for her.
He stepped inside.
...
At home, Lin Yue was finishing up dinner.
The smell of spicy fish soup filled the air.
She hummed softly, her heart warm.
Life felt... peaceful.
She didn't notice Ah Yan until he quietly slipped beside her and helped rinse the last of the vegetables.
"You're back early. Sit. I'll finish up."
"I want to help you."
They moved in quiet harmony, cooking, plating, and sitting down to eat.
...
Afterward, when the table was cleared and the dishes washed, he took the small bag from the sofa.
"This is for you."
Lin Yue blinked. "Huh?"
"Open it."
Inside was the dress, neatly folded, and the necklace resting on top.
She gasped, fingers brushing over the fine chain.
"Ah Yan... this is... gorgeous!"
He gently took it from her hand and fastened it around her neck.
The star pendant rested against her collarbone.
"It suits you," he said simply.
She turned to him with a smile. "Thank you. I love it."
They curled up on the sofa, and she leaned against his shoulder.
"I've been thinking," she said softly. "I don't want to just sit around anymore. I'm not used to. I want to start something... maybe a small art studio or open a little gallery..."
"That sounds like something you'd be amazing at."
She tilted her head. "You really think so?"
"Yes. You have the heart of an artist."
Their hands found each other again, fingers intertwining.
The silence between them was soft, warm, filled with dreams.
...
Elsewhere, in the heart of the capital...
Inside a traditional mansion adorned with ancient calligraphy and relics of dynasties past, a middle aged man stood by his grand mahogany desk, staring at a delicate ink painting.
His posture was rigid, shoulders square beneath his silk robe.
The door burst open, startling him.
"Master!" a young man, mid thirties ,panted, eyes wide with excitement.
The master raised an eyebrow. "You forgot to knock. Again."
"Forgive me, Master. But we've found it."
"Found what?"
"A lead. A strong one."
The man turned slowly, eyes narrowing. "Speak."
"The young master's watch—the one the young master was wearing before he disappeared.It's been sold. Just days ago."
The man stiffened. "Where?"
"In a district just outside the capital. Not far."
The man closed his eyes, breathing deeply.
"Track it and bring me the news."
...
Somewhere else, in a hidden estate surrounded by bamboo forests and high stone walls, a man sat in a dimly lit room, face hidden in shadows.
A subordinate entered, bowing low. "Boss... we have news."
The man lifted his chin slightly. "Speak."
"He's not dead."
Silence stretched.
"What did you say?"
"We tracked movement. A watch—his watch. It was sold. Our source confirmed it."
The man sat forward slightly.
Though his face was still obscured, the air around him turned sharp.
"Find him."
The subordinate bowed slightly, leaving. "Yes, Boss."
As he left, the man leaned back in his chair, a dangerous smirk playing on his lips.
So... you survived.
And you've forgotten everything, haven't you?
But no matter where you hide... I'll destroy you first.
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