She smiled warmly and said,
"Your dad got a promotion, honey! He's been promoted to Regional Operations Director in the National Research Department. We'll be moving to a better neighborhood this week."
Shen Hao stood still for a moment, the news slowly sinking in. A mix of shock and happiness swirled inside him—hope had found its way back. Life hadn't been easy for them, not by far.
Without wasting a second, he rushed upstairs to his father's room and congratulated him. Then, the question he'd been itching to ask finally escaped his lips.
"Dad, what does a Regional Operations Director actually do?"
His father raised an eyebrow, surprised but proud. It had been a while since Shen Hao showed interest in something serious. Taking a deep breath, he explained with a gentle smile:
"I'm glad you asked, son. A Regional Operations Director is a high-ranking position in the National Research Department. My job is to monitor Earth's geological activities—things like tectonic plates shifting, earthquakes, changes deep within the planet's crust and core, and any other strange movements underground. It's complicated... but important work."
Shen Hao's eyes sparkled with curiosity. Ever since he was little, science and the mysteries of the universe fascinated him. Now, even the secrets beneath Earth caught his attention. Something inside him stirred, a spark he hadn't felt before.
---
Weeks passed.
They moved to their new home—a house that felt more like a villa, even a small mansion by their old standards. The neighborhood was quieter, safer, with bigger cars and better streets. Despite the option to change schools, Shen Hao chose to stay. He was used to his old high school, and though the bullying had once been bad, things had finally calmed down. People kept their distance but no one pushed him around anymore.
His father adapted quickly to the new job, excelling every day. For once, life was flowing smoothly.
---
Until...
Something happened.
Something no one saw coming.
No one could explain it.
---