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Open this link if you have any issue . Emoji English Meaning Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese 😀 ( Grinning Face ) A broad, happy smile representing general happiness 笑臉 笑脸 😁 ( Beaming Face ) A big, toothy smile showing joy or excitement 燦爛的笑容 灿烂的笑容 😂 ( Face with Tears of Joy ) Laughing so hard you're crying 笑到流淚 笑到流泪 😊 ( Smiling Face with Smiling Eyes ) A gentle, warm smile 微笑 微笑 😇 ( Smiling Face with Halo ) Innocent or angelic smile 天使的笑容 天使的笑容 🤣 ( Rolling on the Floor Laughing ) Extremely funny, laughing hysterically 笑翻 笑翻 😃 ( Grinning Face with Big Eyes ) A big, cheerful smile 開心的笑臉 开心的笑脸 😄 ( Grinning Face with Smiling Eyes ) A cheerful smile with happy eyes 開懷大笑 开怀大笑 😅 ( Smiling Face with Sweat ) Nervous or relieved smile 緊張的笑容 紧张的笑容 😉 ( Winking Face ) A playful or cheeky smile, often flirty 眨眼的微笑 眨眼的微笑 😍 ( Smiling Face with Heart-Eyes ) Love-filled smile, expressing adoration 愛心眼的微笑 爱心眼的微笑 🤩 ( Star-Struck ) Amazed, awestruck smile 星星眼的笑容 星星眼的笑容 🥰 ( Smiling Face with Hearts ) A smile showing affection or love 心滿意足的笑容 心满意足的笑容 😘 ( Face Blowing a Kiss ) A flirtatious smile with a kiss 吻臉 吻脸 😜 ( Winking Face with Tongue ) A silly or playful smile 調皮的笑臉 调皮的笑脸 🤪 ( Zany Face ) A crazy or goofy smile, full of fun 瘋狂的笑容 疯狂的笑容 😎 ( Smiling Face with Sunglasses ) A cool and confident smile 酷酷的笑容 酷酷的笑容 🤭 ( Face with Hand Over Mouth ) Laughing quietly or shyly 偷笑 偷笑 🫠 ( Melting Face ) A smile that's awkward, embarrassed, or overwhelmed 融化的笑容 融化的笑容 🤤 ( Drooling Face ) A smile expressing desire or hunger 垂涎三尺的笑容 垂涎三尺的笑容

Open this link if you have any issue . 1. Hit the road Question:  What does "hit the road" mean? Answers: a) To start a journey. b) To hit something on the road. c) To repair a road. d) To block the road. Correct Answer:  a) To start a journey. Meaning: English:  To leave or begin traveling. Traditional Chinese:  出發或開始旅行。 Simplified Chinese:  出发或开始旅行。 Examples: It’s getting late; we should hit the road before traffic gets worse. After saying goodbye to everyone, they hit the road for their vacation. 2. Kick the bucket Question:  What does "kick the bucket" mean? Answers: a) To die. b) To kick a literal bucket. c) To quit a job. d) To give up easily. Correct Answer:  a) To die. Meaning: English:  A humorous or informal way to say someone has died. Traditional Chinese:  死亡的幽默說法。 Simplified Chinese:  死亡的幽默说法。 Examples: He left a fortune for his kids after he kicked the bucket. Everyone was shocked when they heard the old man kicked the bucket last night. 3. Piece of cake Question:  What does "piece of cake" mean? Answers: a) Something very difficult. b) Something very easy. c) A delicious dessert. d) A reward for completing a task. Correct Answer:  b) Something very easy. Meaning: English:  A task that is very easy to do. Traditional Chinese:  非常簡單的事。 Simplified Chinese:  非常简单的事。 Examples: Solving this math problem was a piece of cake. Cooking pasta is a piece of cake if you follow the instructions. 4. See eye to eye Question:  What does "see eye to eye" mean? Answers: a) To physically look at each other. b) To agree completely. c) To argue continuously. d) To avoid eye contact. Correct Answer:  b) To agree completely. Meaning: English:  To completely agree on something. Traditional Chinese:  完全同意某事。 Simplified Chinese:  完全同意某事。 Examples: We see eye to eye on the new marketing strategy. It’s rare for them to see eye to eye, but they agreed this time. 5. Throw in the towel Question:  What does "throw in the towel" mean? Answers: a) To give up. b) To clean something. c) To throw a towel at someone. d) To help someone. Correct Answer:  a) To give up. Meaning: English:  To admit defeat or quit something. Traditional Chinese:  承認失敗或放棄。 Simplified Chinese:  承认失败或放弃。 Examples: After trying for years, she finally threw in the towel on her business. Don’t throw in the towel just yet; you’re almost there. 6. Jump the gun Question:  What does "jump the gun" mean? Answers: a) To act too soon. b) To fire a gun. c) To be late. d) To prepare in advance. Correct Answer:  a) To act too soon. Meaning: English:  To start something prematurely. Traditional Chinese:  過早開始某事。 Simplified Chinese:  过早开始某事。 Examples: Don’t jump the gun by making a decision without all the facts. He jumped the gun and submitted the report before it was ready. 7. Hit the sack Question:  What does "hit the sack" mean? Answers: a) To go to bed. b) To punch a sack. c) To sleep on the floor. d) To feel exhausted. Correct Answer:  a) To go to bed. Meaning: English:  To go to bed or sleep. Traditional Chinese:  上床睡覺。 Simplified Chinese:  上床睡觉。 Examples: I’m so tired; I’m going to hit the sack early tonight. After a long day of work, he hit the sack as soon as he got home. 8. Break the ice Question:  What does "break the ice" mean? Answers: a) To destroy ice. b) To start a conversation in a tense situation. c) To stop talking. d) To play with ice. Correct Answer:  b) To start a conversation in a tense situation. Meaning: English:  To make people feel more comfortable in a social setting. Traditional Chinese:  打破緊張的氣氛。 Simplified Chinese:  打破紧张的气氛。 Examples: He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting. The host broke the ice by asking everyone to introduce themselves. 9. Fit as a fiddle Question:  What does "fit as a fiddle" mean? Answers: a) Very healthy. b) Very sick. c) Very musical. d) Very strong. Correct Answer:  a) Very healthy. Meaning: English:  In excellent health. Traditional Chinese:  健康狀況非常好。 Simplified Chinese:  健康状况非常好。 Examples: Despite his age, he’s as fit as a fiddle. After the surgery, she’s back to being fit as a fiddle. 10. Break a leg Question:  What does "break a leg" mean? Answers: a) To perform well. b) To injure your leg. c) To run fast. d) To quit a performance. Correct Answer:  a) To perform well. Meaning: English:  A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance. Traditional Chinese:  一種祝別人好運的方式。 Simplified Chinese:  一种祝别人好运的方式。 Examples: Break a leg at your audition tomorrow! The director told the cast to break a leg before the show started. 11. The last straw Question:  What does "the last straw" mean? Answers: a) The final problem that causes a reaction. b) The last straw of a haystack. c) A moment of relief. d) A random event. Correct Answer:  a) The final problem that causes a reaction. Meaning: English:  The final issue or problem in a series of difficulties. Traditional Chinese:  壓倒駱駝的最後一根稻草。 Simplified Chinese:  压倒骆驼的最后一根稻草。 Examples: The constant delays were frustrating, but losing the package was the last straw. She quit her job after her boss yelled at her; it was the last straw.

Chapter 1: The Discovery Lian, now in her late twenties, finds herself at a crossroads. It’s been two years since her fiancé Wei passed away suddenly, and despite her engagement to Zhang, she feels a sense of emotional distance from him. She’s haunted by memories of Wei, memories that seem to eclipse everything in her present life. Zhang, though kind and patient, can’t seem to reach her, and Lian wonders if she’ll ever be able to truly love again. Her life seems to be defined by a constant undercurrent of grief, as though she’s always living in the shadow of Wei. Lian’s mother, Mei, passed away just a few months ago, adding another layer to her sadness. Lian is now sorting through her mother’s belongings, unsure what to keep and what to discard. She finds it difficult to part with any of Mei’s things. There’s a sense of wanting to hold onto the past, as if keeping these objects close will somehow bring her mother back. In the far corner of a drawer, Lian uncovers a box that’s slightly dusty but sealed with a ribbon. Inside are bundles of old letters, each one carefully folded and tied with twine. The paper is yellowed with age, and the handwriting is elegant, beautiful in its simplicity. As she reads the first letter, Lian realizes that these letters were written by a man named Jun, and they are addressed to Mei. The letters span several years, from the time Mei was in her twenties, long before she met Lian’s father. Lian is shocked. She never knew her mother had a past like this—a passionate, secret love affair. The letters speak of deep affection, of longing and heartache, and of a love that seems to have been thwarted by circumstances. The more Lian reads, the more fascinated she becomes with this man, Jun, who was so important to her mother, but who was never mentioned to Lian or anyone else. Why had Mei kept these letters hidden? And why had Lian never heard of Jun? The mystery gnaws at her, and she becomes fixated on understanding the depths of this love that her mother had once experienced. Chapter 2: The Past Unfolds The love letters stir something within Lian—a sense of wonder and sadness. She is captivated by Jun’s words, which speak of a connection that transcends time and space. His love for Mei is palpable in every sentence. The letters speak of stolen moments, quiet conversations, and a love so strong that even separation could not sever it. Jun writes of the pain of being apart and the regret of not being able to be together. As Lian reads more letters, she starts to imagine her mother, Mei, as a young woman. Mei was vibrant and full of life, much like Lian had been when she was in love with Wei. Lian’s mind begins to merge the past and present—she wonders if her mother’s love for Jun was as intense as her own love for Wei. But there are differences. Mei and Jun’s love was marred by circumstance; they had to part ways due to unforeseen events that left them both with unresolved feelings. Lian, on the other hand, had been robbed of any closure with Wei. He had been taken from her too soon. The letters stir a deep sense of longing in Lian, and she feels an intense connection to Jun, despite never having met him. She becomes obsessed with these letters and the story they tell. Why did Mei never speak of Jun? Was it out of love for Lian’s father? Or was it a painful part of her past that she wanted to forget? Lian begins researching Jun, but there are no traces of him in her family’s history. Her father refuses to speak about him, and when Lian asks her relatives, they either become silent or offer vague answers. Some seem uncomfortable, as if there’s something they’re not telling her. Lian grows more determined to understand who Jun was, not only for her mother’s sake but for her own. If Jun’s love for Mei was real, what kind of man was he? Was his love something Lian could understand, something that mirrored her own? In the midst of her confusion and sorrow, Lian begins to question her relationship with Zhang. She feels disconnected from him, emotionally distant. She realizes that she is still grieving Wei and that she has never fully allowed herself to heal. The love letters to her mother stir a desire for closure, not just for her mother’s past, but for her own heart as well. Lian begins writing to Jun, telling him her own story—how she lost Wei, how she’s still unable to let go, and how she’s trying to rebuild her life. She hopes, in a way, that Jun can help her make sense of the love stories that have shaped her life. Chapter 3: The Mystery of Jun Lian’s obsession with Jun deepens as she continues to read the letters. Each one provides a new layer of insight into the depth of Mei and Jun’s love, and Lian finds herself captivated by the passion they shared. But there’s a mystery—Jun seems to have disappeared from Mei’s life. The letters, though passionate and full of longing, hint at a separation that neither party ever truly understood. Jun writes of having to leave, of being forced into a decision that tore them apart. Lian becomes determined to find out more. She digs through old family records, searching for any trace of Jun. She even visits old family friends and distant relatives, hoping to uncover some piece of information that will shed light on this man. But every attempt is met with silence or vague references. No one seems willing to talk about Jun, and Lian is left frustrated. She writes Jun a letter, pouring out her heart, asking him why he left Mei and why he never came back for her. She asks him to explain what happened. In her letter, Lian admits her own struggles—her inability to move on from Wei and her uncertainty about her future with Zhang. She hopes that Jun’s response will offer some clarity, not only for her mother’s past but also for her own life. The response arrives weeks later. Jun writes back, acknowledging that he had never intended to send another letter, but something about Lian’s words moved him. He tells her that he understands her grief, for he has lived with his own for many years. He writes that, even now, he has never stopped loving Mei, and that her memory has haunted him all these years. Jun tells Lian that he had to leave because of circumstances beyond his control, but he never stopped thinking about Mei. His life, though filled with other relationships, was never complete without her. Jun offers Lian a chance to meet him in person. He suggests they talk face-to-face and share their stories, as though their lives have been intertwined through their love for the same woman. Lian is hesitant. What would it mean to meet Jun? Could this help her find closure, or would it complicate things further? Lian isn’t sure, but she knows she has to find out. Chapter 4: A Parallel Journey As Lian prepares to meet Jun, she reflects on her own grief and the parallel paths their lives have taken. Jun’s story, though different in many ways, mirrors her own. Both he and Lian have experienced the loss of a great love—Jun with Mei, and Lian with Wei. Both of them are left with unanswered questions, unresolved emotions, and a deep sense of longing for something that cannot be. Lian writes to Zhang, telling him about the letters and the upcoming meeting with Jun. Zhang, though supportive, expresses his concern. He wants Lian to move forward, to allow herself to heal, but he understands why she feels the need to understand her mother’s past. He urges her to take whatever time she needs, but he also asks her to be honest with herself about her feelings for him. The emotional distance between Lian and Zhang grows as she prepares for the trip. She feels guilty for not being fully present in their relationship, but at the same time, she knows that she cannot move forward without confronting the past. She decides that meeting Jun might be the key to unlocking her own healing. Chapter 5: Letters from Jun When Lian arrives at Jun’s town, she’s filled with anticipation and fear. What will this meeting be like? Will it bring her closure or just open up more wounds? As she waits in the café, she feels a sense of nervous excitement. She imagines what Jun might be like—older, yes, but still carrying the memory of Mei in his heart. Finally, Jun walks in. He is a man in his late 60s, with silver hair and a calm demeanor. He greets her warmly but with an air of sadness, as though he’s been waiting for this moment for a long time. The meeting is both intimate and awkward, as they exchange pleasantries before diving into the depths of their conversation. They talk about Mei, about the love they shared, and about the ways in which time and distance separated them. Jun speaks with great affection for Mei, recounting their happiest moments and their deepest regrets. He admits that his life was never the same after Mei, that he never truly moved on, but that he also respected her decision to marry someone else. Lian is struck by Jun’s words, by the pain and love that still exists between him and Mei, even though they were never able to be together. She asks him why he never came back, why he didn’t fight for her. Jun takes a deep breath, his eyes clouded with regret. “There were so many things that kept us apart, Lian. I thought that by staying away, I was doing the right thing. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that I never truly let go of Mei. Even after all this time, I carry her with me. I think we both made choices—hard choices—because of the circumstances we faced. But neither of us was ever truly happy after we parted.” Lian listens intently, feeling both sympathy and sorrow. She can feel the weight of his words, as though he’s been carrying this burden alone for decades. In a way, it mirrors her own struggle with Wei’s death. She had never been given the chance to say goodbye or to understand why their love was so abruptly cut short. The lingering questions have haunted her, just as Jun’s regret has haunted him. “I never knew Mei had such deep feelings for you,” Lian says quietly. “She never spoke of you, not once. And now, reading your letters, I can feel her pain, her longing, her love for you. But it’s all so distant, so mysterious.” Jun nods solemnly. “I knew it would be painful for her to remember me, so I stayed away. I thought if I let her live her life, she would find peace. But I was wrong. She never forgot me, and neither did I.” He looks at Lian with a mixture of affection and sadness. “Your mother had a love that was rare. It wasn’t just the kind of love that you see in movies or books—it was deep, life-altering. And I know it left her with a piece of her heart that could never be filled.” Lian can’t help but feel a pang of guilt. She has always thought of her mother’s life as perfect—she had a husband, a family, a successful life. But now, listening to Jun, Lian realizes that her mother’s life was not as complete as she thought. Mei’s love for Jun had been real, and it had shaped her in ways that Lian had never understood. “Do you ever wonder,” Lian asks, her voice soft, “if you and Wei would have ended up the same way? That maybe we would’ve been left with memories instead of a future?” Jun’s face softens, and he looks down at his hands, folding and unfolding the napkin in front of him. “I think the pain of losing someone you love never really goes away. But it changes. It becomes something you learn to carry. I lost Mei, but I didn’t lose everything. I had a life to live, and eventually, I had to accept that. I believe Wei would’ve wanted you to find happiness, just like Mei would’ve wanted me to.” Lian feels a deep, sudden understanding flood her heart. The years of grief, the endless questioning—it all begins to make sense. She hasn’t been grieving just for Wei, but for the version of herself that could never be. The version of herself that would have lived in the world she imagined with him. But life is never like that, Lian realizes. It’s a mix of losses and gains, regrets and decisions, and sometimes, we need to make peace with the things we cannot change. Chapter 6: Reconnecting with the Present After the conversation with Jun, Lian feels an overwhelming sense of clarity. She realizes that the past, no matter how deeply intertwined with her emotions, cannot dictate her future. Jun’s words, although painful, helped her see that both he and Mei had moved on—albeit in their own ways—and perhaps it was time for her to do the same. As Lian heads back to her apartment, her thoughts turn to Zhang. She had been so distant from him, too focused on the past and her unresolved grief. But as she reflects on her encounter with Jun, she realizes that Zhang is a part of her present, and maybe it’s time to stop living in the shadow of the past. The next day, Lian calls Zhang. Her voice is tentative at first, but there’s a sincerity to her words. “Zhang, I’ve been thinking about everything. I’ve been so caught up in my grief that I didn’t see what I had in front of me. I’m sorry.” Zhang, though surprised by her sudden openness, responds with warmth. “I understand, Lian. You’ve been through so much, and I’ve been trying to be patient with you. I just want you to know that I’m here for you, no matter what.” Lian smiles, her heart a little lighter. “I know. And I think... I think it’s time I started moving forward.” They agree to meet for dinner that evening, and Lian feels a sense of anticipation she hasn’t felt in a long time. She’s ready to embrace the present, to let go of the past and the painful memories that have held her hostage. The conversation with Jun has not only helped her understand her mother’s love but has also made her realize that she is not alone in her grief. Others, too, carry their burdens, but it doesn’t mean they should stop living. Chapter 7: The Unspoken Truth Back at home, Lian finds herself thinking about the future, and about the life she wants to build. The meeting with Jun gave her a sense of peace, and now she’s ready to focus on the things that matter—her relationships, her career, and the joy that she has been neglecting. But there is one more thing that Lian needs to face: the truth about her own feelings for Zhang. While she knows that she is ready to move forward, she also realizes that her heart has not completely healed. She has a long way to go, but it doesn’t mean she has to do it alone. Zhang has been there for her, even when she pushed him away, and that’s something worth acknowledging. The evening before their dinner, Lian sits down and writes another letter—not to Jun, but to Wei. She writes about the journey she has taken over the past few months, about the discovery of her mother’s letters, and about how those letters led her to realize that love, in all its forms, is complicated. She tells Wei that she will never forget him, that he will always be a part of her, but that she has to let him go in order to move forward. In the letter, Lian writes, “You were the love of my life, Wei. I know I can never replace what we had, but I have to find my way now. I hope you can understand. I hope you’re at peace, and I hope I can be, too.” Chapter 8: A New Beginning As Lian arrives at the restaurant to meet Zhang, she feels a sense of calm she hasn’t experienced in a long time. When she sees him, she feels a warmth in her chest. He’s still the same kind, caring man, and she realizes that perhaps, in his own way, he’s been grieving too. Their relationship has been filled with pauses, silences, and unspoken words. But now, it’s time to fill those silences with the possibility of something new. They sit down together, and the conversation flows more easily than it has in months. They talk about their lives, their dreams, and their struggles. Lian feels an old connection rekindling, and while it’s not the same as what she had with Wei, it’s something new—a new love, built on understanding and patience. It’s a beginning, not an end. And as Lian looks into Zhang’s eyes, she finally understands what it means to heal. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means learning to live with the past, to embrace the present, and to look forward to the future. With the letters from Jun, Lian has unlocked a deeper understanding of her mother’s love and of her own heart. It’s time to move forward—not with regret, but with hope. The story ends with Lian and Zhang walking out of the restaurant, hand in hand, ready to face the future together, knowing that the journey they are about to embark on is just beginning. Epilogue: The Letters Live On Years later, Lian returns to the box of letters her mother had written to Jun. She smiles, feeling a sense of gratitude for the gift her mother had left behind. It’s a reminder of the love that transcends time, and it continues to inspire Lian to live her life with love, not just for others but for herself as well. As she sits in her office, preparing for another busy day, Lian writes a letter—not to Jun, but to her own daughter, passing on the wisdom she’s gained from the letters and from her own experiences. She writes about love, loss, and the importance of living fully, no matter what life throws your way. The letters, like the love they represent, continue to live on, passing from one generation to the next.

Ready to boost your English skills? Test your knowledge and improve your fluency with our English Quiz ! Whether you're learning for fun, preparing for business meetings, or just looking to expand your vocabulary, our quiz provides the perfect chance to challenge yourself and learn something new. Tags #ImproveYourEnglish #BusinessEnglish #EnglishVocabulary #ESLLearners #OnlineQuiz #LanguageLearning If you want to improve your English together, please follow us in social media or subscribe our blog. Click this link if you'ave any issues. 1. Cut to the chase Question : What does the phrase "cut to the chase" mean? A) Stop cutting paper B) Get to the main point without unnecessary details C) Run very quickly D) End a conversation abruptly Correct Answer : B) Get to the main point without unnecessary details Explanation : "Cut to the chase" means to go straight to the main topic, skipping unnecessary details. Traditional Chinese : 直接進入主題 Simplified Chinese : 直接进入主题 Examples : "We don’t have much time, so let’s cut to the chase and discuss the project’s main challenges." "After some small talk, she cut to the chase and explained why she was there." 2. Cut corners Question : What does "cut corners" mean? A) Make sharp turns B) Skip necessary steps to save time or money C) Decorate a room D) Start a new path Correct Answer : B) Skip necessary steps to save time or money Explanation : "Cut corners" means to do something in a quicker or easier way that results in lower quality. Traditional Chinese : 偷工減料 Simplified Chinese : 偷工减料 Examples : "The company cut corners on quality to increase their profit margins." "Don’t cut corners with safety; it could lead to serious consequences." 3. Cut it out Question : What does "cut it out" mean? A) Finish cutting paper B) Stop doing that C) Start over D) Turn the lights out Correct Answer : B) Stop doing that Explanation : "Cut it out" is an expression used to tell someone to stop doing something that is annoying or inappropriate. Traditional Chinese : 停止 Simplified Chinese : 停止 Examples : "The kids were making too much noise, so I told them to cut it out." "If you keep bothering her, she’s going to ask you to cut it out." 4. Cut back Question : What does "cut back" mean? A) Go backwards B) Reduce the amount of something C) Trim a tree D) Leave the house Correct Answer : B) Reduce the amount of something Explanation : "Cut back" means to reduce or decrease the amount of something, such as spending or consumption. Traditional Chinese : 減少 Simplified Chinese : 减少 Examples : "We need to cut back on expenses to save more money." "He’s trying to cut back on his coffee intake." 5. Cut down to size Question : What does "cut down to size" mean? A) Make clothes smaller B) Reduce someone's perceived importance C) Lose weight D) Chop trees Correct Answer : B) Reduce someone's perceived importance Explanation : "Cut down to size" means to show someone that they are not as important or powerful as they think. Traditional Chinese : 讓某人認清現實 Simplified Chinese : 让某人认清现实 Examples : "The new manager was cut down to size after the board meeting." "He needed to be cut down to size after bragging too much." 6. Cut through the noise Question : What does "cut through the noise" mean? A) Use scissors on something noisy B) Be noticeable among distractions C) Cut through the sound waves D) Silence everyone Correct Answer : B) Be noticeable among distractions Explanation : "Cut through the noise" means to stand out and be heard in a crowded or cluttered environment. Traditional Chinese : 在雜音中脫穎而出 Simplified Chinese : 在杂音中脱颖而出 Examples : "Her innovative ideas helped her cut through the noise in a competitive market." "The campaign was designed to cut through the noise and reach more viewers." 7. Cut someone off Question : What does "cut someone off" mean? A) Stop providing them with resources B) Let them pass C) Remove them from a group photo D) Introduce them to others Correct Answer : A) Stop providing them with resources Explanation : "Cut someone off" means to stop supplying or supporting someone, often abruptly. Traditional Chinese : 中斷聯繫 Simplified Chinese : 中断联系 Examples : "The landlord cut him off after he missed three rent payments." "Her parents cut her off financially when she dropped out of college." 8. Cut your losses Question : What does "cut your losses" mean? A) Sell everything you own B) Stop investing in a failing project C) Keep working harder D) Cut down a tree Correct Answer : B) Stop investing in a failing project Explanation : "Cut your losses" means to stop pursuing something that is no longer profitable to prevent further loss. Traditional Chinese : 止損 Simplified Chinese : 止损 Examples : "After months of poor sales, they decided to cut their losses and close the store." "You need to cut your losses before you lose more money." 9. Cut ties Question : What does "cut ties" mean? A) Mend broken relationships B) Sever relationships or connections C) Join a group D) Tie a knot Correct Answer : B) Sever relationships or connections Explanation : "Cut ties" means to end a relationship or association with someone or something. Traditional Chinese : 斷絕關係 Simplified Chinese : 断绝关系 Examples : "After the scandal, he decided to cut ties with the organization." "She cut ties with her former employer after a dispute." 10. Cut the crap Question : What does "cut the crap" mean? A) Clean up a mess B) Stop talking nonsense and be serious C) Start telling stories D) Stop doing chores Correct Answer : B) Stop talking nonsense and be serious Explanation : "Cut the crap" is an informal expression used to tell someone to stop speaking nonsense and get serious. Traditional Chinese : 別胡扯 Simplified Chinese : 别胡扯 Examples : "We’re running out of time, so cut the crap and tell me what happened." "Cut the crap and get to the point; we need to make a decision." 11. Cut in line Question : What does "cut in line" mean? A) Leave the line B) Join the line at the front without waiting C) Stand quietly in line D) Cut the line with scissors Correct Answer : B) Join the line at the front without waiting Explanation : "Cut in line" means to unfairly move ahead of others waiting in line. Traditional Chinese : 插隊 Simplified Chinese : 插队 Examples : "It’s rude to cut in line; everyone should wait their turn." "He got angry when someone cut in line at the concert." 12. Cut a deal Question : What does "cut a deal" mean? A) Refuse to negotiate B) Negotiate and agree on terms C) Cut a piece of paper into a specific shape D) Break an agreement Correct Answer : B) Negotiate and agree on terms Explanation : "Cut a deal" means to negotiate and come to an agreement or arrangement. Traditional Chinese : 達成協議 Simplified Chinese : 达成协议 Examples : "The company cut a deal with a major supplier to reduce costs." "They managed to cut a deal that satisfied both parties." 13. Cut the mustard Question : What does "cut the mustard" mean? A) Use mustard in cooking B) Meet a required standard or expectation C) Make a mustard sandwich D) Fall short of expectations Correct Answer : B) Meet a required standard or expectation Explanation : "Cut the mustard" means to meet or exceed the necessary standards or requirements. Traditional Chinese : 達到標準 Simplified Chinese : 达到标准 Examples : "He couldn’t cut the mustard in his new job, so he resigned." "If you want to make the team, you need to cut the mustard." 14. Cut one's losses Question : What does "cut one's losses" mean? A) Double the investment B) Stop investing time or money to prevent further loss C) Start over D) Keep trying harder Correct Answer : B) Stop investing time or money to prevent further loss Explanation : "Cut one's losses" means to stop investing in a failing project to avoid greater loss. Traditional Chinese : 止損 Simplified Chinese : 止损 Examples : "After realizing the business wasn’t profitable, they cut their losses and closed it down." "It’s better to cut your losses now before you lose even more money." 15. Cut someone some slack Question : What does "cut someone some slack" mean? A) Be strict with them B) Give them a break and be lenient C) Leave them out of a task D) Make them work harder Correct Answer : B) Give them a break and be lenient Explanation : "Cut someone some slack" means to be less critical and more lenient with someone. Traditional Chinese : 體諒 Simplified Chinese : 体谅 Examples : "I know he made a mistake, but cut him some slack—he’s new here." "Cut her some slack; she’s been under a lot of pressure lately." 16. Cut both ways Question : What does "cut both ways" mean? A) Be double-edged or have both positive and negative effects B) Cut through two objects C) Be indecisive D) Fail at a task Correct Answer : A) Be double-edged or have both positive and negative effects Explanation : "Cut both ways" refers to something having both positive and negative consequences. Traditional Chinese : 兩面俱有影響 Simplified Chinese : 两面俱有影响 Examples : "The new policy could cut both ways; it may save money but also reduce employee morale." "Being famous cuts both ways—you gain popularity, but you lose privacy." 17. Cut and dried Question : What does "cut and dried" mean? A) Simple and straightforward B) Complicated and unclear C) Half-finished D) Always changing Correct Answer : A) Simple and straightforward Explanation : "Cut and dried" describes something that is clear, unambiguous, or decided. Traditional Chinese : 明確的 Simplified Chinese : 明确的 Examples : "The rules are cut and dried—no room for negotiation." "The decision to close the store was cut and dried." 18. Cut a rug Question : What does "cut a rug" mean? A) Dance enthusiastically B) Destroy furniture C) Clean a carpet D) Argue loudly Correct Answer : A) Dance enthusiastically Explanation : "Cut a rug" is a playful idiom meaning to dance, usually with energy and joy. Traditional Chinese : 舞動身影 Simplified Chinese : 舞动身影 Examples : "The music was so good that everyone wanted to cut a rug on the dance floor." "She loves to cut a rug at weddings and parties." 19. Cut to the bone Question : What does "cut to the bone" mean? A) Reduce to the bare minimum B) Perform surgery C) Make a sharp cut D) Be deeply hurt emotionally Correct Answer : A) Reduce to the bare minimum Explanation : "Cut to the bone" means to reduce something as much as possible, often to a painful extent. Traditional Chinese : 減到最少 Simplified Chinese : 减到最少 Examples : "The company had to cut expenses to the bone to stay afloat." "Her criticism cut to the bone, leaving him deeply affected." 20. Cut loose Question : What does "cut loose" mean? A) Set free or act without restraint B) Cut a rope C) Become wealthy D) Behave cautiously Correct Answer : A) Set free or act without restraint Explanation : "Cut loose" means to let go, act freely, or separate from restrictions. Traditional Chinese : 解放自己 Simplified Chinese : 解放自己 Examples : "It’s time to cut loose and enjoy yourself on the weekend." "The boss decided to cut the underperforming employee loose." 21. Cut out for Question : What does "cut out for" mean? A) Be suited for something B) Leave abruptly C) Quit a task D) Start a new hobby Correct Answer : A) Be suited for something Explanation : "Cut out for" means to be naturally suited or qualified for something. Traditional Chinese : 適合 Simplified Chinese : 适合 Examples : "She’s cut out for teaching; her patience and passion are unmatched." "I don’t think I’m cut out for a desk job." 22. Cut in Question : What does "cut in" mean? A) Interrupt a conversation B) Make a cake C) Create something new D) Stop a machine Correct Answer : A) Interrupt a conversation Explanation : "Cut in" means to interrupt someone while they are speaking or doing something. Traditional Chinese : 打斷 Simplified Chinese : 打断 Examples : "He always cuts in when others are speaking—it’s so rude." "I was explaining my point when she suddenly cut in with her opinion." 23. Cut no ice Question : What does "cut no ice" mean? A) Have no effect or influence B) Slide on ice C) Make a sharp comment D) Ignore someone Correct Answer : A) Have no effect or influence Explanation : "Cut no ice" means to fail to make an impact or impression. Traditional Chinese : 毫無影響 Simplified Chinese : 毫无影响 Examples : "His excuses cut no ice with the principal, who demanded immediate action." "Your complaints cut no ice with me—I won’t change my mind." 24. Cut corners Question : What does "cut corners" mean? A) Do something cheaply or quickly by omitting details B) Drive around corners C) Take a longer route D) Avoid obstacles Correct Answer : A) Do something cheaply or quickly by omitting details Explanation : "Cut corners" means to save time or money by skipping necessary steps or using shortcuts, often resulting in lower quality. Traditional Chinese : 偷工減料 Simplified Chinese : 偷工减料 Examples : "If you cut corners during construction, the building might not be safe." "The company was accused of cutting corners to increase profits." 25. Cut a long story short Question : What does "cut a long story short" mean? A) Skip unnecessary details to summarize a story B) Tell a detailed story C) Start a new story D) Forget about the story Correct Answer : A) Skip unnecessary details to summarize a story Explanation : "Cut a long story short" means to condense a story by focusing only on the main points. Traditional Chinese : 長話短說 Simplified Chinese : 长话短说 Examples : "To cut a long story short, we missed the train but managed to get a taxi." "She started explaining, but he asked her to cut a long story short." 26. Cut the cheese Question : What does "cut the cheese" mean? A) Pass gas (informally) B) Slice actual cheese C) Take a shortcut D) Finish quickly Correct Answer : A) Pass gas (informally) Explanation : "Cut the cheese" is a humorous way to refer to passing gas. Traditional Chinese : 放屁（幽默） Simplified Chinese : 放屁（幽默） Examples : "Who cut the cheese? It smells terrible in here!" "The kids couldn’t stop laughing after someone cut the cheese." 27. Cut through the red tape Question : What does "cut through the red tape" mean? A) Bypass bureaucratic obstacles B) Ignore laws C) Avoid work D) Use a red ribbon Correct Answer : A) Bypass bureaucratic obstacles Explanation : "Cut through the red tape" means to overcome excessive bureaucracy or formalities to accomplish something. Traditional Chinese : 剪除繁文縟節 Simplified Chinese : 剪除繁文缛节 Examples : "The new policy aims to cut through the red tape and speed up the process." "They hired a consultant to cut through the red tape and secure the permit." 28. Cut one's teeth Question : What does "cut one's teeth" mean? A) Gain initial experience in something B) Lose a tooth C) Start speaking D) Learn about dentistry Correct Answer : A) Gain initial experience in something Explanation : "Cut one's teeth" means to gain experience or develop skills in a particular field or activity. Traditional Chinese : 磨練經驗 Simplified Chinese : 磨练经验 Examples : "She cut her teeth in the publishing industry before starting her own company." "He cut his teeth as a junior reporter before moving into investigative journalism." 29. Cut someone off Question : What does "cut someone off" mean? A) Interrupt or block someone B) Assist someone C) Continue a conversation D) Ignore rules Correct Answer : A) Interrupt or block someone Explanation : "Cut someone off" means to interrupt them while speaking or to block their way physically. Traditional Chinese : 打斷/阻擋 Simplified Chinese : 打断/阻挡 Examples : "She got frustrated when he kept cutting her off during the meeting." "A car suddenly cut me off on the highway, and I had to brake." 30. Cut to the quick Question : What does "cut to the quick" mean? A) Hurt someone's feelings deeply B) Finish something quickly C) Start over D) Take a shortcut Correct Answer : A) Hurt someone's feelings deeply Explanation : "Cut to the quick" means to wound someone emotionally or offend them deeply. Traditional Chinese : 深深刺傷某人的感情 Simplified Chinese : 深深刺伤某人的感情 Examples : "Her harsh words cut him to the quick, leaving him speechless." "The betrayal cut her to the quick, and she couldn’t forgive him."

第一章：信的開始 蓮從未想過，母親的秘密會以這種方式展開。那封未送達的情書，無論是對過去的回憶還是對失落的愛情，都深深吸引了她。當她打開那個尘封的箱子，發現母親多年前寫的那些信件時，仿佛回到了過去，回到了那個她一直未曾了解的時光。 這些信是母親在年輕時寫給一個名叫君的男人的，但這段情感從未被告訴過蓮。她一直以為，母親的愛情故事只是與父親平靜而穩定的婚姻，然而，這些信的內容徹底顛覆了她對母親過去的認知。 蓮捧著那封摺疊整齊的信，細細讀著母親的文字。信中透露著一段深刻的愛情，這份愛情似乎從未消逝，甚至在多年後，仍然帶著不可言喻的痛苦與悔恨。每一個字，每一行都如同敲打著蓮的心，她感受到母親在信中所承載的情感和未竟的愛。 然而，蓮也感受到一種深深的失落。她曾經認為自己是母親生活中的一切，卻忽略了母親心中那段未被實現的愛。她開始質疑，自己對母親的了解是否太過狹隘，或許她從未真正了解過母親。 蓮緩緩放下信，心中彷彿被無數疑問填滿。為什麼母親從未提起這段過去？她是否遺忘了君？還是說，她選擇將這段回憶深埋在心底，永遠不再提起？ 這些問題像潮水般湧來，蓮無法忽視。她的心情變得沉重，因為她發現，母親的愛情不僅是她生命的一部分，也深深影響著她的成長和世界觀。這不僅是一封信，而是一段歷史，一段被隱藏的真相。 這時，蓮聽到門鈴聲響起。她站起來，將信放回箱中。她知道，無論自己有多少疑問，答案不會這麼輕易得來。她決定先冷靜下來，或許與外界接觸，能幫助她理清自己的思緒。 當她打開門，看見站在門外的君，她的心跳不禁加快。這是她第一次見到這個在母親的信中出現過的男人。君微微一笑，眼神中帶著一絲熟悉的溫柔。 “你就是蓮吧？”君低聲問。 蓮點了點頭，心中充滿了不安和期待。她並不知道，這次會面的後續將改變她的一生。 第二章：命運的相遇 蓮與君坐在餐廳的角落，桌上一杯杯茶冒著熱氣。他們都沉默著，像是在消化彼此的存在和這場不期而遇的會面。 “我不知道該如何開口，”蓮終於打破沉默，她低頭看著杯中的茶，“我只是想知道，您對我母親的信是什麼感覺？這些年來，她似乎從未忘記過您。” 君抬起頭，眼神深邃，彷彿正回憶那些埋藏在記憶深處的日子。“梅——你的母親，她是我這輩子唯一真正愛過的人。但命運並沒有讓我們在一起。那時候，我們年輕，生活中充滿了不確定性和困難。她選擇了一條她認為更穩妥的路，而我……我沒有能力挽留她。” 蓮的心不禁為母親揪緊。她可以感受到君的痛苦，也能想像母親當時的掙扎。她想問更多，但又害怕揭開更多的傷痛。 君微微一笑，帶著一絲淡淡的苦澀。“我很驚訝你找到那些信，也很感激你願意和我見面。梅可能從未告訴過你我們的故事，但那是我一生中最珍貴的回憶。” 蓮點了點頭。“我一直以為母親的生活只有我和父親，沒想到她曾經有這麼深刻的愛情。我想了解她，也想了解您。” “那麼，讓我告訴你我們的故事吧。”君看著窗外，眼神彷彿穿越了時光，回到了那個青春年少的年代。 第三章：青春的秘密 君的聲音柔和而深沉，彷彿每一個字都帶著回憶的重量。 “那是我們在大學時代認識的時候。梅很特別，她有一種讓人無法忽視的光芒。她聰明又堅強，但也帶著一絲害羞。每次看到她的笑容，我都感覺自己被治癒了。” 蓮微微一笑，她能想像年輕時的母親有多迷人。從小到大，她就一直覺得母親是一個完美的典範。 “我們一起參加了很多活動，也有許多共同的朋友。但有一件事讓我們的關係特別——那是一場雨。”君的嘴角浮現一抹懷念的笑容。 “那天，梅忘了帶傘，而我剛好經過。她站在校門口，看起來既尷尬又無助。我走過去，把我的傘遞給她。從那天起，我們開始交談，也開始互相了解。” 蓮感到一股溫暖湧上心頭，彷彿君的話語帶她回到了母親青春的歲月。 第四章：遺憾與選擇 “然而，”君的聲音低沉下來，“並不是所有的故事都有完美的結局。我們相愛，但生活的現實讓我們不得不做出艱難的選擇。那時候，我家裡的經濟狀況不太好，而梅的父母對她有很高的期待。” 蓮皺起眉頭，她開始理解母親為什麼會選擇父親，也理解君內心的掙扎。 “我曾試圖說服她與我一起離開，開始新的生活。但她說她無法放棄家庭，也不想讓她的父母失望。我知道這對她來說很痛苦，但我尊重她的選擇。” 蓮點了點頭，低聲說道：“這麼多年過去了，您有後悔過嗎？” 君看著蓮，眼中閃爍著複雜的情感。“後悔？或許有，但更多的是懷念。每當我想起她的笑容，我就知道那段愛情是真實的。即使我們無法在一起，那些回憶也成為了我生命中的一部分。” 第五章：君的信 蓮回到家中，翻看著母親留下的信件。那些文字充滿了愛情的熱烈與失落，彷彿每一行字都在述說著母親心底最深處的秘密。 “親愛的君，”信中寫道，“我不知道你是否還記得我們在一起的日子。對我來說，那些回憶就像燈塔，在我迷茫的時候為我指引方向。即使我們無法在一起，我依然感激生命中有你的存在。” 蓮輕輕合上信，眼中充滿淚水。她感受到母親對君的思念和愛，這份情感超越了時間，深深地烙印在她的靈魂中。 第六章：未寄出的情書 蓮無法停止翻閱母親的信件。每一封信都像是一個秘密窗口，讓她窺見母親內心深處那些從未被揭開的情感。信件中充滿了母親對君的愛意與遺憾。 其中一封信特別觸動了她的心： 「君，當你讀到這封信時，我可能已經不在你的生命中了。這些年來，我一直試圖說服自己遺忘你，但每當我閉上眼睛，你的笑容總會浮現在我腦海中。這是痛苦的，但也是美好的，因為這讓我知道，我曾經愛過。如果可以重來，我願意選擇跟隨我的心，但生活從不給我們重來的機會。即使如此，我仍希望你能幸福，因為你的幸福，對我來說比什麼都重要。梅」 蓮讀完信後，手微微顫抖。她感受到母親內心的掙扎，也明白了母親為何從未提起過君。這些信或許是母親的寄託，但也是她無法面對的遺憾。 第七章：與君的對話 幾天後，蓮再次與君見面。他們坐在一間小咖啡館裡，蓮將那封信帶給了他。 君接過信，雙手微微顫抖。他讀完後，久久無語，眼角泛起了淚光。 “她一直愛著你，”蓮輕聲說，“即使她選擇了另一條路，她的心從未離開過你。” 君深吸一口氣，將信輕輕放在桌上。“我以為她已經忘記我，過上了她的幸福生活。但現在我知道，她的愛情比我想像的更深刻。” 蓮看著他，心中充滿了複雜的情感。“我想知道，對她來說，這樣的愛是否值得？這些年的痛苦是否能被那些回憶彌補？” 君低聲說：“愛情從來不只是關於結果，它更多的是關於過程。雖然我們沒有在一起，但我們的愛情是真實的。這就足夠了。” 第八章：母親的回憶 蓮開始整理母親的舊照片和日記。她發現了母親與君在年輕時的合照，照片中的母親笑得燦爛，眼中閃爍著幸福的光芒。 在一本日記裡，蓮讀到了一段文字： 「今天，我又想起了君。我以為時間會抹去一切，但我錯了。愛情不會隨時間消逝，它只會藏得更深。我希望他過得好，這是我唯一的願望。」 蓮輕輕觸摸著那頁日記，彷彿能感受到母親內心的悸動。她開始明白，母親的愛情不僅塑造了她的過去，也深深影響了她的未來。 第九章：重拾遺失的片段 蓮和君決定一起走訪母親與君曾經去過的地方。他們來到一個小湖邊，君告訴蓮：“這是我們第一次約會的地方。我記得那天她穿了一條白色的洋裝，笑容比陽光還要明亮。” 蓮微笑著聽著，彷彿透過君的描述看到了母親年輕時的模樣。 “她說她喜歡這裡的寧靜，”君接著說，“所以每次我們吵架後，我都會帶她來這裡平靜下來。” 蓮感受到一股暖流流過心頭，這些故事讓她與母親的距離拉得更近，也讓她重新認識了母親作為一個女人的另一面。 第十章：新的開始 在整理母親的遺物後，蓮決定寫一封信給君，代表母親表達未盡的情感。 “君，雖然母親已經不在了，但我相信她會希望你知道，她從未真正離開過你。你們的愛情雖然沒有完美的結局，但它是真實的、永恆的。 現在是時候放下過去，開始新的生活了。母親一定也希望你能幸福，因為那是她最大的願望。 蓮” 君收到信後，對蓮說：“謝謝你，蓮。你讓我重新面對自己的感情，也讓我找回了內心的平靜。” 蓮微笑著點頭，感受到一種前所未有的釋然。她明白，母親的愛情雖然充滿遺憾，但它也教會了她如何珍惜當下，如何去愛。

第一章：舊宅 當四個兄妹走到那座老舊的房子時，空氣中彌漫著濕潤的泥土氣息，秋天的微風輕輕拂過。他們的父母早已去世，這座家傳的老房子成了他們唯一的聯繫。兄妹們在這裡度過了童年的時光，每一個角落都蘊藏著回憶。今天，他們回來了，但這不再是他們熟悉的家。 蘇婷是長姐，總是承擔著重任。她步伐堅定地走向房子，雖然她的心裡感到一陣沉重，但她知道這是她的責任。"我們要把這個家修復好，"她看著弟弟妹妹們說，語氣中透露出一種不容置疑的決心。 建明，蘇婷的哥哥，站在一旁，皺著眉頭看著那破舊的房子。"這麼老舊的房子，我們真的能修好嗎？"他的語氣中有些不安，畢竟，他這個人天生比較謹慎。 美慧則是最敏感的那個，她靜靜地走向屋前，觸摸著一塊長滿青苔的石板。"這房子曾經擁有過很多美好的回憶，"她輕聲地說，似乎在與這個老宅進行一場無聲的對話。她總是能夠在破碎的事物中看到美。 最小的俊，則有些不耐煩，站在屋外的圍欄旁，輕鬆地撐著欄杆，顯得有些漫不經心。"這只是座房子而已，別太當回事。"他的語氣雖輕鬆，但眼中的陰影卻透漏出他心中的不安和無助。 四個人站在這裡，面對這個承載了太多回憶的家，每個人都有著不同的情感交織在心中。最終，蘇婷再次開口："我們不能讓這座家再繼續衰敗下去，我們要重建它，為了我們，也為了父母。" 第二章：發現記憶 在修復房子的過程中，每一個房間、每一個角落似乎都在述說著過去的故事。蘇婷負責整體的規劃與指導，她總是力求完美，毫不妥協。建明則負責修繕那些結構性的問題，屋頂塌陷，窗戶破裂，這些他一個人默默地解決著。美慧則像一個考古學家，翻開家中的舊照片和信件，每一張照片、每封信都讓她不禁回想起與父母度過的時光。 然而，真正的突破來自於他們清理閣樓時的一個發現。蘇婷無意間翻到一箱舊信封，其中有一封是母親寫給父親的信。信紙泛黃，上面寫著：“親愛的，這些年來我們為了孩子們拼搏了那麼多，但我常常擔心，是否能夠給他們最好的生活？我不怕艱苦，只怕我們無法一起度過這些難關。” 蘇婷低頭看著那封信，眼眶濕潤了。她一直以為父母的選擇是為了他們的未來，而她從未真正理解過母親心中的壓力與掙扎。這封信讓她深刻地感受到了母親當時的無奈與堅持。 建明走過來，看到蘇婷手中的信，沉默片刻後說：“我們一直覺得他們的愛很堅強，但其實，他們也承受了很多。” 美慧輕輕放下手中的舊照片，眼神微微茫然。她從來沒有真正了解過父母的難處，只覺得他們是無所不能的存在。現在，她開始意識到，這些年來，父母的愛與付出並不是那麼簡單。 俊這時走過來，看到大家都在沉默，他有些不耐煩地撇了撇嘴：“你們不覺得這些都太沉重了嗎？我只想修好這房子，回到我們曾經的生活。” 然而，正是這些回憶，才讓他們明白，這座房子不僅僅是一個住所，更是父母的期望和曾經的夢想。 第三章：修復之路 隨著修復工作進行，四兄妹各自分工合作。蘇婷負責監督所有的修繕工作，她的要求總是非常高，但也因為這樣，大家都能夠更快地完成任務。建明在屋頂上忙碌，汗水從額頭滑落，卻不曾停下。他知道，這份工作不僅是為了修好這座房子，更是為了修補自己與父母的關係。 美慧則負責整理家中的舊物，每一件舊家具、每一個小物件，她都小心翼翼地清理著。她總是能從這些破碎的物品中感受到父母的愛與關懷。俊則時常帶著相機，拍下每一個修繕的過程，雖然他表面上對這一切並不關心，但內心的真實感受卻是難以言喻的。 在一天傍晚，當四人坐在一起休息時，蘇婷提出了下一步計劃：“我們需要做更多的事情，不僅僅是修補房子。這房子是我們的根，我們要讓它成為我們的家。” 第四章：記憶的回歸 在修復的過程中，四個人發現自己不僅在重建房子，還在重建對過去的理解。蘇婷開始思考，她與父母的關係並不如她所想的那樣簡單。她回憶起當年離開家時，母親那句無言的叮囑：“無論你去哪裡，記得回來。” 這句話仿佛是一道無形的鎖鏈，將她與這座家緊緊相繫。她意識到，自己從未真正理解母親的孤獨與堅強。 建明則逐漸理解了父親過去的辛勞。他曾經覺得父親冷酷無情，但現在，他明白了父親背後的深沉與無言的愛。 美慧則開始接納自己曾經忽略的那些小細節，她開始明白，母親對她的期望並不僅僅是學業上的成功，而是希望她能夠擁有一個幸福的家庭。 俊最終也放下了對這一切的抗拒，他發現，這座房子對他來說，並不只是過去的回憶，而是未來的一部分。他開始更珍惜與兄妹們的每一刻，也更加努力地去理解他們。 第五章：父母的秘密 在修繕過程中，四兄妹發現了更多父母留下的秘密。他們從舊信件、相片中發現了母親對父親的深情，而這些情感的流露，使得他們對父母的了解更為深刻。蘇婷不禁思索，父母的每一個選擇，背後都是他們對家庭、對孩子們的愛與責任。 他們開始重新審視自己與父母的關係，並在修復這座房子的同時，也在修復自己與過去的關聯。 第六章：再度團聚 隨著房子的修復逐漸進行，四兄妹的關係也悄然發生著變化。他們之間曾經有過不少的隔閡，隨著時間的推移，每個人都找到了各自的生活方式，彼此的聯繫逐漸減少。然而，在這座老房子裡，他們重新找回了曾經的默契，甚至開始重新理解彼此。 蘇婷開始反思自己作為長姐的角色，她常常過於強勢，覺得自己應該承擔起所有的責任，甚至忽略了弟弟妹妹們的感受。她察覺到自己對建明、俊和美慧的控制欲，無意中讓他們感到壓力山大。每當她提出決定時，總是想著「這樣是對的」，卻忽略了他們每個人的想法。 建明從未表達過自己對蘇婷指揮的抗拒，但他內心的矛盾逐漸浮現。他總是默默承擔自己份內的工作，卻發現蘇婷對一切的掌控讓他感到無形的束縛。他開始思考自己的角色——是否真的應該這麼依賴她？他開始學著表達自己，甚至在某些時候，提出一些反對的意見。 俊則是整個過程中最不願意表露情感的人。他覺得自己只要完成任務就行，並且希望自己能遠離那些沉重的回憶與情感糾葛。他開始對家人漠不關心，甚至在他們忙碌的時候，偷溜出去拍一些外面的風景，或是到附近的小咖啡館待一會。儘管如此，他心底其實一直有著無法言喻的焦慮，那就是，當他回到這個家時，他不知道自己究竟應該擁有什麼角色。 美慧一直是四人中最為感性的一個，她總是以一種不顯山露水的方式，默默關心著每個人。她擔心的是，雖然他們修復了房子，但是否也能修復彼此之間的隔閡？她努力理解每一個人的情感需求，卻始終無法釋懷過去父母的離世所帶來的傷痛。她開始記起母親臨終時的模樣，那種無奈和堅強的眼神，讓她至今無法忘記。 然而，正是在這樣一個過程中，四兄妹在一起工作、一起生活，彼此的默契重新建立。他們開始打破過去的防備和隔閡，學會了如何在這個家庭中找到彼此的位置。 第七章：家的重建 房子的修復工作進入了更為細緻的階段，蘇婷提出了一個新的提議——不僅要重建房子，還要重建這個家的意義。她希望能夠創造一個新的家，而不是單純地恢復過去的生活。 「這不僅僅是修理一棟房子，而是讓它成為我們的家，」蘇婷說，語氣充滿了堅定，卻也隱隱透出一絲焦慮。她開始重新思考過去與父母的關係，思考自己與這個家的關聯。她知道，這不僅是一次物理上的修復，更多的是心靈上的重建。 建明則在這個過程中發現了自己真正想要的生活。他曾經被家庭責任束縛，習慣性地迎合父母的期望，卻始終未曾想過自己真正的夢想是什麼。修復房子的過程讓他明白，他不需要再把自己困在過去，他可以去追求屬於自己的生活。他開始與蘇婷談論自己的未來，不再只是依附於家庭的角色。 美慧也終於決定，無論如何，她都要面對母親的過世。她將母親留下的信件和照片整理好，並將它們放在家裡一個專門的地方。每次走過那裡，她都能感受到母親的存在，彷彿她的愛依然在這個家中。 俊開始變得更加開放，雖然他依然不喜歡談論過去的痛苦，但他開始理解自己對這座房子的情感。他不再只是將這裡看作一個過去的象徵，而是將它視為他生命的一部分。他開始主動與兄妹們分享一些自己的想法，漸漸不再那麼冷漠。 第八章：衝突與理解 隨著重建工作的深入，兄妹之間的衝突也漸漸浮現。蘇婷的領導方式讓大家產生了疲勞感，尤其是建明，他開始越來越不滿蘇婷的專斷。在一次討論中，建明忍不住發火：“你怎麼老是這樣決定一切？難道我們都不應該有話語權嗎？” 蘇婷愣住了，她沒想到建明會這麼直接表達自己的不滿。她的臉上露出了一絲愕然，然後慢慢放下手中的工具，深吸了一口氣：“我...我只是不希望你們辛苦，所以才一直試著替大家分擔。” 建明冷靜下來，看著蘇婷的眼睛，心裡的怒火逐漸熄滅：“我知道你的用心良苦，但我們不是小孩子了，我們有自己的選擇和看法。”這一刻，建明明白了，自己不應該只是扮演一個默默承擔的角色，而應該發聲，表達自己的意見。 俊也終於敞開了心扉，對美慧說：“我知道你們一直在努力把家變回來，但我從來沒想過這些。我...我一直覺得無論怎麼做，都沒辦法讓一切回到從前。” 美慧聽後，眼中帶著柔和的光，她輕輕拍了拍俊的肩膀：“我們每個人都在走自己的路，過去的已經無法改變，但現在的選擇才是最重要的。” 第九章：告別與成長 隨著時間的推移，房子修復得越來越好，四兄妹也在這個過程中各自成長。蘇婷開始學會放下自己對家人的控制，願意讓每個人都有自己表達的空間。建明則決定放下對家庭的過分責任，選擇追求自己一直想做的事——他開始嘗試開設自己的小企業，挑戰自我。美慧終於放下了對母親的過度依賴，學會獨立面對自己的情感，並且開始寫作，將她內心的痛苦化為文字。俊則學會了在這個家庭中找到了自己的位置，他不再只是外面的旁觀者，而是積極地參與其中，為這個家付出自己的努力。 這座房子不再只是過去的回憶，它已經被重新賦予了新的意義。每一個角落都承載著兄妹們的成長與改變，這個家，終於重新找回了它的生命力。 第十章：新的開始 在家修復完成的那一天，四兄妹一起站在門前，回望著這座曾經破敗的房子。他們都知道，這不僅是物理上的重建，更是對彼此過去的修復和對未來的憧憬。 蘇婷站在最前面，對兄妹們說：“我們每個人都經歷了各自的痛苦與迷茫，但現在，我們終於走到了一起。” 建明點了點頭，眼中透出一絲堅定：“這座家，不僅屬於我們，也屬於過去的父母。它承載著我們的記憶，並且將繼續見證我們未來的故事。” 美慧微笑著看向每個人：“我們已經不是過去的我們了，這是我們的全新開始。” 俊則沉默不語，但他眼中的堅毅，已經不再像當初那般迷茫。他知道，這個家將永遠是他與兄妹們一起成長的地方。 隨著夕陽的光輝灑落在這座房子上，他們知道，無論未來如何，這個家的重建，將是他們新的起點。

Are you prepared to elevate your English language abilities? Assess your knowledge and enhance your fluency with our English Quiz ! Whether you're studying for enjoyment, getting ready for business discussions, or simply aiming to broaden your vocabulary, our quiz offers an ideal opportunity to challenge yourself and discover something new. Tags #ImproveYourEnglish #BusinessEnglish #EnglishVocabulary #ESLLearners #OnlineQuiz #LanguageLearning If you want to improve your English together, please follow us in social media or subscribe our blog. Click this link if you'ave any issues. 1. Hold back Meaning : To restrain oneself or prevent something from happening. Chinese : 克制 (Traditional/Simplified: 克制) Example : She had to hold back her tears during the farewell speech. 中文例句 : 在告別演講時，她不得不克制自己的眼淚。 2. Hold on Meaning : To wait or remain in place. Chinese : 等一下 (Traditional/Simplified: 等一下) Example : Hold on for a moment, I’ll be right back. 中文例句 : 稍等一下，我馬上回來。 3. Hold up Meaning : To delay or stop something temporarily. Chinese : 延誤 (Traditional/Simplified: 延誤) Example : The bad weather held up our flight. 中文例句 : 惡劣天氣延誤了我們的航班。 4. Hold out Meaning : To last or resist, especially in a difficult situation. Chinese : 堅持 (Traditional/Simplified: 堅持) Example : The soldiers held out until reinforcements arrived. 中文例句 : 士兵們堅持到增援部隊到來。 5. Hold down Meaning : To maintain control or suppress something. Chinese : 控制住 (Traditional/Simplified: 控制住) Example : He managed to hold down his emotions during the argument. 中文例句 : 他在爭論中設法控制住了自己的情緒。 6. Hold off Meaning : To delay or postpone something. Chinese : 延遲 (Traditional/Simplified: 延遲) Example : Let’s hold off making a decision until tomorrow. 中文例句 : 我們把決定推遲到明天再做吧。 7. Hold in Meaning : To suppress emotions or reactions. Chinese : 忍住 (Traditional/Simplified: 忍住) Example : He tried to hold in his laughter during the meeting. 中文例句 : 他在會議上努力忍住不笑。 8. Hold forth Meaning : To speak or discuss something extensively. Chinese : 滔滔不絕地講 (Traditional/Simplified: 滔滔不絕地講) Example : She held forth about her recent travels. 中文例句 : 她滔滔不絕地講述她最近的旅行經歷。 9. Hold together Meaning : To keep unified or cohesive. Chinese : 維持團結 (Traditional/Simplified: 維持團結) Example : The team leader worked hard to hold the group together. 中文例句 : 團隊領袖努力讓小組保持團結。 10. Hold true Meaning : To remain valid or accurate. Chinese : 仍然有效 (Traditional/Simplified: 仍然有效) Example : The saying still holds true today. 中文例句 : 這句話在今天仍然有效。 11. Hold dear Meaning : To value or treasure deeply. Chinese : 珍惜 (Traditional/Simplified: 珍惜) Example : She holds her family dear. 中文例句 : 她非常珍惜她的家人。 12. Hold out for Meaning : To insist on waiting for something better. Chinese : 堅持等待 (Traditional/Simplified: 堅持等待) Example : He’s holding out for a higher salary. 中文例句 : 他在堅持等待更高的薪水。 13. Hold fast Meaning : To remain firm or unwavering. Chinese : 堅守 (Traditional/Simplified: 堅守) Example : They held fast to their beliefs during the crisis. 中文例句 : 在危機中，他們堅守自己的信念。 14. Hold in high regard Meaning : To respect and admire greatly. Chinese : 高度敬重 (Traditional/Simplified: 高度敬重) Example : The teacher is held in high regard by her students. 中文例句 : 這位老師受到學生們的高度敬重。 15. Hold one’s own Meaning : To maintain one’s position or perform well. Chinese : 保持立場 (Traditional/Simplified: 保持立場) Example : She held her own in the competitive debate. 中文例句 : 在激烈的辯論中，她保持了自己的立場。 16. Hold fire Meaning : To delay taking action or making a decision. Chinese : 暫停行動 (Traditional/Simplified: 暫停行動) Example : The committee decided to hold fire on the final decision. 中文例句 : 委員會決定暫緩作出最終決定。 17. Hold court Meaning : To captivate and entertain a group of people. Chinese : 吸引眾人注意 (Traditional/Simplified: 吸引眾人注意) Example : He held court at the party with his jokes. 中文例句 : 他在派對上用他的笑話吸引了眾人的注意。 18. Hold sway Meaning : To have control or influence. Chinese : 影響 (Traditional/Simplified: 影響) Example : The new manager holds sway over the entire department. 中文例句 : 新經理對整個部門產生了影響。 19. Hold one’s tongue Meaning : To remain silent or refrain from speaking. Chinese : 保持沉默 (Traditional/Simplified: 保持沉默) Example : He wanted to argue but decided to hold his tongue. 中文例句 : 他想爭論，但決定保持沉默。 20. Hold up against Meaning : To withstand or endure when compared to something. Chinese : 經得起比較 (Traditional/Simplified: 經得起比較) Example : This product holds up well against its competitors. 中文例句 : 這款產品在與競爭對手的比較中表現得很好。

Chapter 1: The High-Risk Deal Li Ming, a brilliant lawyer, has always been known for his sharp tongue and fearless approach in the courtroom. His reputation as a tough, no-nonsense legal expert has made him one of the most sought-after lawyers in the city. However, beneath his confident exterior, Li Ming hides a painful past: he once lost a high-profile case that led to the fall of a popular celebrity, and ever since, he has been determined to ensure that such a mistake never happens again. One day, Li Ming receives an unexpected call from a famous entertainment mogul, Zhang Mingguang. Zhang has been involved in a bitter dispute with a popular actor, Tang Jie, who has been accused of serious misconduct. Zhang is eager to have Li Ming represent him in the case, claiming that Tang Jie has tarnished the reputation of his entertainment empire. Li Ming, known for his expertise in high-stakes cases, agrees to meet with Zhang to discuss the situation. At the meeting, Zhang presents the case in detail: Tang Jie, once a rising star in the entertainment industry, had been involved in an extramarital affair that resulted in a public scandal. Zhang insists that Tang Jie’s actions have caused irreparable damage to his company’s brand, and he is prepared to take extreme legal action to ensure that Tang Jie is held accountable. Li Ming, however, starts to feel that there’s more to this case than meets the eye. Something about Zhang’s insistence on destroying Tang Jie’s career doesn’t sit well with him. As Li Ming begins to investigate the situation further, he uncovers a series of shady dealings that suggest Zhang’s motives may be far from pure. Despite his reservations, Li Ming decides to take on the case. But as he dives deeper into the legal battle, he realizes that he’s stepping into a web of manipulation, deceit, and corporate power that could threaten not only his career but also his life. Chapter 2: A Tangled Web As Li Ming digs deeper into the case, he begins to uncover unsettling details about Zhang Mingguang’s personal and professional connections. While Zhang presents himself as a victim of Tang Jie’s scandal, Li Ming starts to suspect that the mogul’s motives aren’t as transparent as they appear. Through his investigation, Li Ming learns that Zhang has been involved in several dubious business dealings over the years, with questionable financial transactions that point to a much larger network of corruption. Tang Jie, it turns out, isn’t the only one with a tarnished reputation. Zhang’s entertainment empire is riddled with hidden secrets—dirty money, blackmail, and manipulative contracts with other celebrities. Li Ming begins to question whether he’s been drawn into a battle between two equally untrustworthy parties. As he speaks with some of Tang Jie’s former colleagues, he uncovers disturbing rumors: Tang Jie’s fall from grace may not have been as self-inflicted as everyone believed. There’s evidence suggesting that Zhang himself played a significant role in orchestrating the scandal, using it as leverage to force Tang Jie out of the picture and take control of his career. The deeper Li Ming gets into the case, the more dangerous the situation becomes. Anonymous threats start to surface—phone calls in the middle of the night, shadowy figures lurking outside his office, and even suspicious accidents that almost seem too perfectly timed. It’s clear that someone wants to prevent him from uncovering the truth. Li Ming knows he can’t back down. Despite the growing threats, he decides to confront Zhang. But when he meets with the mogul once again, he realizes just how far Zhang is willing to go to protect his empire. Zhang offers Li Ming a bribe, attempting to buy him off in exchange for dropping the case. But Li Ming refuses, and the stakes are raised even higher. Chapter 3: Unveiling the Past Li Ming’s refusal of Zhang Mingguang’s bribe only serves to fuel the mogul’s wrath. The tension between them escalates, and Li Ming realizes just how dangerous this case has become. As he continues his investigation, he discovers an unexpected ally in Li Tingting, a former lover of Tang Jie, who has vital information about the actor’s past. Li Tingting reveals that she and Tang Jie were once in a passionate relationship during his rise to fame. However, their romance ended abruptly when Tang Jie’s career began to soar, and he became more focused on his ambitions than his personal life. Despite the breakup, Li Tingting and Tang Jie maintained a friendship, and she still holds a deep understanding of his character. As Li Ming and Li Tingting meet in private, she starts to open up about some of the darker aspects of Tang Jie’s career. She explains how Zhang Mingguang had tried multiple times to manipulate Tang Jie into making decisions that would benefit Zhang’s empire. Li Tingting also reveals that Tang Jie had received numerous threats from Zhang over the years, especially when he began to show resistance to Zhang’s control. The most shocking revelation, however, comes when Li Tingting describes a mysterious event that occurred just before Tang Jie’s scandal broke. She recalls seeing Zhang in an unusual meeting with Tang Jie—one that seemed more like an intimidation session than a business discussion. Li Tingting believes that Zhang had been blackmailing Tang Jie, coercing him into participating in the affair that would ruin his career. This discovery sets off alarm bells in Li Ming’s mind. He now realizes that the case is not just a matter of a personal scandal—it’s part of a much larger conspiracy. Someone is trying to destroy Tang Jie, and Li Ming is determined to find out who and why. Chapter 4: The Hidden Power Li Ming's investigation into the scandal takes a surprising turn when he uncovers evidence of a hidden power behind Zhang Mingguang's empire. He tracks down several former employees of Zhang’s company who have all quit under mysterious circumstances. Each of them, though reluctant to speak, hints at a web of shady dealings, from blackmail to corporate espionage, all of which appear to be orchestrated by a mysterious figure—Chen Hao. Chen Hao is a name that had never come up in the public eye, but as Li Ming digs deeper, he discovers that this man is the true mastermind pulling the strings behind Zhang Mingguang’s empire. Chen Hao was once a powerful entrepreneur with vast connections in both the business and entertainment sectors. However, his fall from grace was quick and brutal—he was linked to several high-profile corruption scandals and forced into hiding. Despite this, it seems that Chen Hao’s influence never truly disappeared. He has continued to control key figures in the entertainment industry, using his vast resources and shadowy dealings to maintain power. Li Ming uncovers documents that link Chen Hao to several of Zhang Mingguang’s most controversial business decisions. These connections suggest that Zhang and Chen have been working together for years, with Zhang acting as the public face of their operations while Chen remains in the shadows, controlling everything from behind the scenes. Li Ming is shaken by this discovery. He realizes that the case against Tang Jie is not just a personal vendetta—it is part of a much larger, more dangerous game, with far-reaching consequences. As Li Ming confronts more of Zhang’s associates, he finds that Chen Hao’s influence runs deeper than anyone could have imagined. Even some of the top celebrities in the industry are tied to Chen’s schemes, and many have been silenced or manipulated to keep his activities hidden. At the same time, Li Ming starts to receive more direct threats. Anonymous messages warn him to stay out of the case, reminding him that some truths are better left buried. But Li Ming is undeterred. He begins to realize that the only way to expose Chen Hao’s influence and put an end to Zhang Mingguang’s manipulations is to go after the true source of power. Chapter 5: The Undercover Operation Determined to expose Chen Hao’s shadowy grip on the entertainment industry, Li Ming decides to take a more direct approach. He understands that to bring down such a powerful figure, he’ll need more than just evidence; he needs to infiltrate the underworld of corporate corruption. The task is dangerous, and Li Ming knows it will require allies. He reaches out to an old friend, Gao Yang, a seasoned investigative journalist who specializes in exposing corrupt businessmen and criminal networks. Gao Yang has an impeccable reputation for getting to the truth, but his methods are often risky. Li Ming proposes a partnership: Gao Yang will help him gather more dirt on Chen Hao and Zhang Mingguang, while Li Ming will provide legal expertise to protect them from the inevitable backlash. The two form an unlikely team, and the investigation accelerates. Gao Yang goes undercover, posing as a low-level associate looking for work in Zhang Mingguang’s company. His goal is to get close to the people who work for Chen Hao and Zhang, while Li Ming uses his legal position to access court documents and corporate records that might reveal more about the hidden dealings. As Gao Yang dives deeper into the company’s operations, he uncovers even more startling information. He finds that Zhang Mingguang has been using his media empire to manipulate public perception, creating fake news stories to damage the reputations of anyone who stands in his way. He also uncovers evidence of large bribes paid to influential politicians and law enforcement officials to keep their activities under wraps. One evening, Gao Yang narrowly escapes an ambush when he’s discovered by one of Zhang’s hired goons. It becomes clear that the stakes are much higher than Li Ming anticipated. Chen Hao’s network is vast, and the people involved in it will stop at nothing to protect their interests. Despite the danger, Li Ming and Gao Yang press on, knowing that the truth must come to light. As the pieces begin to fall into place, Li Ming starts to see a larger, more sinister picture: Zhang and Chen are not just trying to destroy Tang Jie—they are using the scandal to eliminate any competition and take full control of the entertainment industry. Chapter 6: The Price of Truth As the investigation intensifies, Li Ming and Gao Yang begin to close in on the true extent of Zhang Mingguang and Chen Hao’s control over the entertainment industry. They uncover an intricate network of puppet organizations, shell companies, and blackmail schemes that have allowed the two men to manipulate the careers of countless celebrities and corporate leaders. But with every new revelation, the danger surrounding them grows. Li Ming is confronted by his own internal struggle. As a lawyer, he’s always prided himself on following the rules and maintaining professional ethics, but now, faced with such widespread corruption, he begins to question whether the system itself is broken. Should he continue down this path of exposing the truth, even if it means risking his own life and career? Or should he back away, allowing the powerful to continue their reign of deception and control? Meanwhile, Gao Yang is becoming increasingly reckless. After narrowly escaping another close call, he dives deeper into the heart of the conspiracy, hoping to find the final piece of the puzzle. But his obsession with exposing the truth begins to take a toll on his mental state. He’s unable to trust anyone, and the constant threat of being discovered leaves him on edge. Li Ming, who is starting to see just how dangerous this investigation is becoming, tries to rein in Gao Yang’s impulsive behavior. However, Gao Yang refuses to back down. He’s determined to bring the story to the public, no matter the cost. One night, after a tense meeting with a whistleblower who claims to have firsthand knowledge of Zhang and Chen’s illegal dealings, Li Ming and Gao Yang are ambushed. The whistleblower is murdered, and both men narrowly escape with their lives. This act of violence serves as a stark warning that those in power will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. In the aftermath, Li Ming realizes that they are no longer just fighting for justice—they are fighting for survival. With enemies closing in on all sides, the stakes are higher than ever. Li Ming decides that they must confront Zhang and Chen directly, but he knows that doing so will require a carefully orchestrated plan, and he’ll need all the help he can get. Chapter 7: The Showdown With their lives at risk, Li Ming and Gao Yang prepare for the final confrontation with Zhang Mingguang and Chen Hao. After the assassination attempt on the whistleblower, the urgency of the situation becomes undeniable. Li Ming knows that exposing the truth is no longer just a matter of legal integrity; it’s a matter of survival. They gather all the evidence they’ve collected over the past few weeks—documents, recordings, witness testimonies—and begin to build a strategy. Li Ming’s plan is to corner Zhang and Chen by leveraging the media. He knows that if they can get the evidence into the hands of influential journalists and public figures, it will be impossible for the duo to suppress it. But doing so will require timing, precision, and a bold move. They decide to hold a press conference, where Li Ming will reveal everything he knows about Zhang and Chen’s illegal activities, with the evidence to back it up. Gao Yang works on contacting trusted journalists, while Li Ming prepares the legal documents that will expose the corruption and fraud. The stakes are high, and the consequences of failure are dire. If they fail, it could mean the end of their careers—or worse. On the day of the press conference, Li Ming and Gao Yang are ready. The room is packed with reporters, media moguls, and curious onlookers. As Li Ming steps up to the podium, he feels the weight of the moment. This is it—the culmination of everything they’ve worked for. As he starts to speak, he lays out the full extent of Zhang Mingguang and Chen Hao’s criminal empire, showing the world how they’ve manipulated the entertainment industry for years. The audience is stunned as the evidence is revealed, and a wave of shock and disbelief washes over the room. Just as Li Ming is about to deliver the final blow, Zhang Mingguang and Chen Hao make their move. Security personnel storm the building, attempting to seize control of the situation. But Li Ming is prepared. Gao Yang, hidden in the crowd, triggers a backup plan by broadcasting the press conference live on social media, ensuring that the truth is exposed to the world, no matter what happens. In the chaos that ensues, Zhang and Chen’s attempts to silence the truth are futile. The public outcry is immediate, and the pressure from both the media and the authorities grows too great for them to handle. As the scandal unfolds, their empire begins to crumble. Zhang is arrested, and Chen Hao is forced into hiding once again. For Li Ming and Gao Yang, the victory is bittersweet. The truth has been exposed, but the cost has been high. They’ve lost friends, faced life-threatening situations, and risked everything to bring justice to light. But as they watch the downfall of Zhang and Chen, they know that they’ve done what was right. Chapter 8: The Aftermath In the wake of the press conference, the city is in shock. The entertainment industry is reeling as more and more revelations about Zhang Mingguang and Chen Hao’s illegal activities come to light. The public’s perception of these powerful figures has been forever changed, and many of their allies begin to distance themselves from the two men. Li Ming’s role in exposing the scandal elevates his status in the legal community, but it also brings unwanted attention. As the media hounds him for interviews and praise, Li Ming finds himself in an uncomfortable spotlight. He didn’t get into law to be a celebrity, and he feels conflicted about the public attention. His primary goal was always justice, not fame. Gao Yang, on the other hand, revels in the success of his work. His journalistic reputation skyrockets, and he begins to receive offers from major news outlets. However, the emotional toll of the investigation has left him drained. He’s lost sight of the reasons he became a journalist in the first place, and he struggles with feelings of emptiness now that the case is over. For both men, the fallout from the case is far-reaching. Zhang Mingguang is sentenced to prison, and Chen Hao is exposed for his vast network of criminal enterprises. Several other influential figures in the industry are also implicated, leading to multiple arrests and scandals. The entertainment world is forever changed. But the victory feels hollow to Li Ming. He realizes that, while they’ve dismantled a corrupt empire, the system that allowed it to flourish still exists. There are still other powerful people who operate in the shadows, manipulating events for their own gain. The fight for justice isn’t over—it’s only just begun. Chapter 9: A New Beginning Months after the downfall of Zhang Mingguang and Chen Hao, Li Ming and Gao Yang find themselves at a crossroads. The public’s attention has moved on to other scandals, and the immediate danger has passed. Li Ming’s career has been forever altered by the case, but he remains committed to his work. He is no longer the lawyer he once was, but he knows that his sense of justice has only grown stronger. Gao Yang, too, is starting to re-evaluate his life. After months of dealing with the fallout from the case, he decides to take a step back from the relentless pace of investigative journalism. He wants to find a balance between his passion for exposing corruption and living a life that doesn’t come at the cost of his personal well-being. He takes a break to travel and reconnect with the world outside the newsroom. Despite their different paths, Li Ming and Gao Yang maintain their friendship, knowing that they’ll always be linked by the case that changed their lives. They’ve come to understand that their fight for justice was never about the end of a single case—it was about challenging a corrupt system and giving a voice to those who’ve been silenced. As Li Ming reflects on everything they’ve been through, he realizes that his journey is far from over. The world may seem quieter now, but corruption is never fully eradicated. There will always be more battles to fight, more truths to uncover, and more people to stand up for. And as the sun sets on their tumultuous journey, Li Ming and Gao Yang know that they’ve made a difference. For the first time in a long time, they both feel a sense of peace, knowing that their work has brought about a new chapter—not just for them, but for the world. Chapter 10: The Legacy of Truth Years pass, and Li Ming’s reputation as a lawyer and advocate for justice only continues to grow. He becomes a mentor to younger lawyers, teaching them the importance of fighting for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable. His experiences with Zhang Mingguang and Chen Hao serve as a constant reminder of the power of truth, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. Gao Yang, too, has found his place in the world. After his time away from journalism, he returned with a renewed sense of purpose, focusing on investigative reporting that seeks not just to expose corruption but also to inspire change. He writes a best-selling book about his experiences with Li Ming, chronicling their journey and the lessons they learned along the way. Though their paths have diverged, Li Ming and Gao Yang remain close. They meet regularly, sharing stories and reflecting on how far they’ve come since the days of exposing Zhang and Chen’s empire. They both know that the fight for justice is never truly over, but they take comfort in the fact that they’ve made a lasting impact on the world. In the end, their legacy is one of courage, determination, and unwavering belief in the power of truth. It’s a legacy that will inspire future generations to stand up against injustice, no matter how powerful or insurmountable the forces may seem.

Chapter 1: The Return to the Old House The scent of dust and aged wood greeted them as they walked through the old house. The four siblings stood at the entrance, their gazes lingering on the familiar yet faded rooms. It had been years since they last stepped foot here, and in that time, much had changed—not just in the house, but in their lives as well. Suting, the eldest sister, walked in first. Her hands, once tender and protective, now held a firm grip as she surveyed the dilapidated house. She had never imagined that one day she would return to this place. For so many years, this house had felt like a relic from a past long buried, a past filled with both beautiful memories and painful ones. But now, it was all they had left. The house was theirs to restore. “Let’s start with the kitchen,” she said, her voice steady, though it trembled slightly. It was clear she had spent years suppressing the memories of this place. Jianming, the second eldest, looked around at the dust and debris. He felt conflicted—this house held his childhood, but it also represented the loss of his parents. “We’ll need to get a lot of things fixed,” he said, his tone practical, but tinged with sadness. He had always been the responsible one, the one who carried the weight of his family’s future. Yet, today, he felt a sense of uncertainty. Jun, the younger brother, stood near the doorway, leaning against the frame as if it were the only thing holding him upright. He had always been the least involved in family matters, preferring solitude. He wasn’t eager to revisit the past, but he had no choice. As the family gathered together again, something deep inside him stirred, a mixture of resentment and guilt. Meihui, the youngest, stood quietly by the stairs, her expression soft and contemplative. She wasn’t as strong as her older siblings, but there was a quiet strength in her too. The house had once been full of laughter and love. But now, it felt like a hollow shell of what it used to be. She didn’t know if the house could be repaired, but she knew she wanted to try. They all gathered in the living room. It was clear that this was more than just a physical project; it was a chance to rebuild their fractured family. The house, abandoned for years, now symbolized their shared past, but also the hope of a new beginning. Suting spoke again, this time with more emotion in her voice: “We need to bring this place back to life. We can do it, together.” It was an ambitious goal. They didn’t have much experience with construction or renovation, but they knew they had to try. The house, like their family, needed to heal. The journey ahead would be long and difficult, but at that moment, they made a silent pact: they would rebuild not just the house, but their relationships as well. Chapter 2: The Weight of the Past As the siblings stood together in the living room, they realized that the task ahead wasn’t just about fixing a house. The old memories, long suppressed, resurfaced with every crack in the walls, every worn-out corner. The house was a mirror of their lives, reflecting both the beauty and the pain they had all experienced. Suting, feeling the weight of the past, hesitated. She had always been the caretaker, the one who took responsibility for everyone. When their parents passed away, she had promised herself that she would hold the family together, no matter the cost. Yet, standing in this house, she questioned whether she had done enough. Had she been too controlling? Had she ignored her siblings’ needs in her efforts to protect them? “Do we really need to do this?” Jianming asked suddenly, his voice breaking through the silence. He had been quiet until now, but the tension was building inside him. The house, with its memories of their parents, felt suffocating. “We’ve been away for years. Is it really worth coming back?” Suting looked at him, her face tight with emotion. “We don’t have to, but I think we should. This house is all we have left of them.” Jianming’s eyes softened. He knew his sister was right. But he was torn. He had spent so many years avoiding this place, avoiding the memories of their parents’ deaths. Now, standing in the midst of it all, it felt like he was being pulled back into a past he had tried so hard to forget. Jun, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m not here just for the house,” he said, his tone flat. “I’m here because we need to fix what’s broken between us.” The others turned to look at him, surprised by his bluntness. Jun had always been the distant one, the one who kept to himself. It wasn’t like him to open up. But there was a rawness in his voice that made them listen. “I’ve been running away from everything for so long,” Jun continued. “I didn’t want to face it, didn’t want to deal with what happened. But we’re family. We need to face it together.” Suting felt a wave of relief wash over her. For the first time in a long while, she felt like they were all on the same page. This house, this family—it wasn’t just about the past. It was about moving forward, together. Chapter 3: Pieces of the Past The next few days were filled with hard work and long hours. The siblings divided the tasks between them, each taking on a part of the house that needed the most attention. But as they worked, they also began to confront the ghosts of their past. Suting, who had always been the protector, found herself struggling with the responsibility. She felt as if she were carrying the weight of her parents’ expectations, as if she had to make everything perfect. Yet, every time she looked at the house, she saw the cracks—both in the walls and in herself. Was she really doing what was best for the family? Or was she just trying to control everything to avoid the uncertainty of what lay ahead? Jianming, on the other hand, threw himself into the work with determination. He had always been the reliable one, the one who took care of things when no one else would. But now, he found himself questioning whether he was truly happy. Was this the life he wanted? Was he living for himself, or was he still living for his parents, trying to fulfill the expectations they had set for him? Jun, while working in the garden, found himself reflecting on his own choices. He had distanced himself from the family for so long, and now he realized how much he had missed. There had always been a part of him that wanted to fix things, but he had never known how. As he dug in the soil, he thought about the emotional walls he had built over the years. Could he really tear them down? Meihui, the youngest, seemed to be the most affected by the emotional weight of the house. She spent hours alone, sifting through old photos and letters, pieces of the past that her parents had left behind. Each photo, each letter, brought back memories of a time when things were simpler, when the family was whole. But now, she felt the loss more acutely than ever. How could they ever fill the emptiness left behind? As they worked together, they began to understand that the house was not just a place to restore—it was a mirror of their own emotional journeys. Each room, each broken window, represented a part of their own story. And as they repaired it, they were also repairing themselves. Chapter 4: The Silent Struggles The days wore on, and the work continued. But despite the progress they were making on the house, the tension between them was palpable. Suting found herself growing increasingly frustrated with her siblings. Jianming, who was usually so reliable, seemed distant, as if he were somewhere else entirely. Jun remained closed off, avoiding conversation at all costs. Meihui, though quiet, seemed lost in her own thoughts. One evening, after a long day of work, Suting sat down in the living room, exhausted. She had tried to keep everything together, to maintain some semblance of order, but it was becoming clear that her efforts were in vain. “Why does everything always fall on me?” she muttered under her breath. “Why can’t they see how hard I’m trying?” Jianming, who had been sitting quietly nearby, overheard her. He looked at her with a mixture of guilt and frustration. “You don’t have to do everything yourself, Suting,” he said softly. “We’re all in this together.” Suting turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise. “Then why do you always hold back? Why do you let me do everything?” Jianming hesitated, his expression troubled. “I don’t know. I’ve just... I’ve been trying to figure out what I want. What I need.” The conversation hung in the air, neither of them knowing how to continue. But for the first time, Suting felt a crack in the wall she had built around herself. Maybe, just maybe, they were all struggling with something deeper than the house, something they hadn’t yet acknowledged. Chapter 5: A New Perspective The next morning, the siblings decided to take a break from the physical work. They sat around the kitchen table, sipping coffee and discussing the future of the house. It was a rare moment of calm, a time to reflect and listen to each other. “I’ve been thinking,” Jianming began, his voice hesitant, “maybe it’s time we stopped pretending like everything’s fine. We’ve all been holding onto our own pain for so long, maybe it’s time to face it.” Jun, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. “I agree. We’ve all been pretending. Pretending we’re fine, pretending the past doesn’t matter. But it does. And we need to face it.” Suting looked at him, surprised by his openness. “What do you mean by that?” Jun took a deep breath. “I mean, we need to talk about our parents. About what happened. About how it’s still affecting us.” The room fell silent. For the first time, the siblings were confronting the one thing they had all avoided for so long: the death of their parents. Chapter 6: The Pain We Avoided The conversation was long overdue. The air in the kitchen felt thick as the siblings sat together, trying to piece together their emotions. Suting, Jianming, Jun, and Meihui all felt the weight of the past, but none had dared to address it until now. “I never realized how much I was avoiding it,” Suting confessed, her voice trembling. “I kept telling myself I was strong enough to hold it all together, but I never really dealt with what happened.” She looked at her siblings, her eyes full of unspoken words. “I couldn’t bear the thought of losing both of them, and I still can’t.” Jianming, who had been the most reserved about their parents’ death, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He had buried his emotions deep, focusing solely on being the responsible one. But hearing Suting’s words made him realize just how much he had been suppressing. “I thought if I just kept going, if I worked hard enough, I could make everything right,” Jianming admitted. “But it never felt like enough. It’s never been enough.” Jun, who had avoided the family for so long, looked down at his hands. “I never really let myself feel it. I thought if I shut everything out, it wouldn’t hurt. But I was wrong. I was just running away.” Meihui, the youngest, finally spoke, her voice soft yet filled with emotion. “I never understood what you were all going through. I was so focused on my own pain that I never saw yours. I thought I had to be strong, but I was wrong.” The siblings sat in silence for a long time. It was as though the floodgates had opened, and they were finally allowing themselves to feel the grief they had been avoiding. The loss of their parents had torn them apart in ways they had never fully understood. But now, sitting together in the kitchen, they could begin to heal. “Maybe the house can be a symbol of that,” Suting said quietly, her voice full of hope. “We’re not just fixing the house. We’re fixing ourselves. We’ve all been broken, but together, we can rebuild.” Chapter 7: The First Step Forward After their conversation, something shifted in the siblings. The weight of the past was still there, but now it felt manageable. They had finally acknowledged the pain they had been carrying for so long, and in doing so, they had taken the first step toward healing. The following days saw them working together with renewed energy. They approached the house with a new perspective, understanding that it wasn’t just about restoring the physical structure—it was about restoring their bond as a family. Suting took charge of organizing the work, but this time, she didn’t feel the same burden of responsibility. She allowed her siblings to contribute in their own ways, and together, they made steady progress. Jianming, for the first time in years, found himself enjoying the work. The physical labor gave him a sense of purpose that had been missing for so long. It felt like he was building something real, something that had meaning beyond just the walls of the house. Jun, despite his usual reticence, began to open up. As he worked alongside his siblings, he found himself talking more, sharing thoughts and feelings he had kept bottled up for years. It wasn’t easy, but for the first time in a long while, he felt connected to them. Meihui, the quiet one, found solace in the small tasks. She would often slip away from the group to work alone, but it wasn’t out of isolation—it was a way for her to reflect on the changes they were all going through. She began to understand that the house was more than just a place to live—it was a symbol of their resilience, their strength to overcome the past. As they worked together, they began to realize that the journey of rebuilding the house mirrored their own journey of healing. Each stroke of paint, each nail in the wall, brought them closer to the future they wanted to build, a future where they could truly move on from the pain of the past. Chapter 8: Tearing Down the Walls The days passed, and with every bit of progress they made on the house, the siblings began to feel a deeper sense of connection. It wasn’t just about fixing things—it was about breaking down the emotional walls they had built over the years. Suting, who had always carried the weight of responsibility, started to let go. She realized that she didn’t have to control everything. Her siblings were there for her, and they were in this together. She no longer needed to be the one holding everything together. Jianming, who had always put others’ needs before his own, started to focus on his own happiness. He spent more time talking to his siblings about his hopes and dreams, things he had never shared with anyone before. For the first time, he felt free to be himself. Jun, the most distant of them all, began to open up about his feelings. He started sharing more about his experiences and the reasons he had distanced himself from the family. It wasn’t easy, but with each conversation, he felt a little lighter. He began to understand that he didn’t have to hide anymore. Meihui, the youngest, learned to speak up. She realized that she didn’t have to be the quiet observer anymore. She had a voice, and it mattered. She began to take a more active role in the house’s restoration, using her creativity to bring warmth and life back into the space. As they tore down the physical walls of the house, they were also tearing down the emotional walls between them. For the first time, they were truly seeing each other—really seeing each other—for who they were and what they had been through. Chapter 9: The Bonds That Strengthen Us As the house began to take shape, so did the relationship between the siblings. The emotional distance that had once separated them was slowly closing. They spent evenings together, talking, laughing, and remembering the good times they had shared as children. It was a healing process, one that could not be rushed, but one that was necessary for their growth as a family. Suting began to realize that her role wasn’t to carry the weight of the family alone. She learned that it was okay to lean on her siblings, to ask for help, and to share the load. Jianming, too, began to see that he didn’t have to be perfect. It was okay to make mistakes, to admit when he was struggling. Jun, who had always been the most private, learned that he could be vulnerable with his siblings. He didn’t have to hide his emotions or shut people out. It was okay to need others. Meihui, who had often felt lost in the shuffle, began to find her own place within the family. She realized that her voice mattered, that her thoughts and feelings were important. She wasn’t just the youngest—she was a vital part of their story. Together, they were learning how to be a family again, not just through the act of rebuilding the house, but through the act of rebuilding their relationships. Chapter 10: A New Beginning The house was nearly finished, but the journey wasn’t over. The siblings had come so far, but they knew that the road ahead was long. They had rebuilt the house, but now it was time to rebuild their lives. It wouldn’t be easy, but they were no longer the people they were when they first stepped into this house. Suting stood in the living room, looking around at the completed space. It was brighter, warmer, more alive than it had ever been. The walls, once cracked and worn, were now fresh and solid. The house was no longer just a building—it was home. “This is our new beginning,” Suting said, her voice full of emotion. “We’ve come a long way, and there’s still more to do. But we’ll do it together.” Her siblings nodded in agreement. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: they were no longer defined by the past. They were building something new, something stronger, and they would face it together.

第一章：初見的印象 在高中初期，安琪和浩然並不熟識。安琪是班級中的學霸，總是專心於學業，成績優異，總被老師和同學當作榜樣。而浩然則是一個頑皮的男孩，總喜歡開玩笑，成績雖然不差，但並不特別突出。他的存在常常讓班級氣氛充滿了輕鬆與活力。 有一天，老師安排了小組討論，安琪和浩然被分到了一組。初見的安琪對浩然的印象並不好，她認為浩然過於隨意，對學業不夠認真。浩然則對安琪有些排斥，覺得她太過刻板、沒有一點娛樂性。 討論開始時，浩然故意故障，假裝不懂問題，頻頻開玩笑讓安琪皺眉，但安琪依然堅持自己的態度，語氣認真地給他解釋。她不喜歡浩然的不負責任，並且覺得自己必須做得完美。然而，浩然卻逐漸被安琪的認真與堅持所吸引，他開始偷偷觀察她，並對她產生了些許好奇。 討論結束後，浩然慢慢開始放下對安琪的偏見，並決定要挑戰她，讓她有些不再那麼拘謹。 第二章：打破冰封的笑容 幾週後，浩然發現自己有點迷上了安琪的專注，特別是在班上集體活動的時候。每當安琪忙碌於學習或組織活動時，她總是專心而沉默，像是與外界隔絕。浩然心中產生了一股不知名的衝動，他決定再度挑戰這個冷漠的學霸。 一次語文課上，老師隨意提到了一個笑話，浩然立即抓住機會，大聲而誇張地講了起來，期待安琪會對他有些反應。然而，安琪卻仍然埋頭在書本裡，似乎根本沒有聽見。浩然輕輕一笑，對自己說：“好吧，這次我不給她台階下。” 不過，這一次他卻沒有得到自己預期的反應。安琪忽然停下了筆，抬起頭，看著他，眼神中的一絲輕微笑意讓浩然愣住了。她說：“你其實蠻有趣的，只是常常讓人覺得你不夠認真。” 浩然驚訝於安琪這句話，他不禁輕輕一笑，回應道：“那好吧，下次我試著讓自己認真一點。” 這一瞬間，安琪的心中閃過一絲複雜的情感。她開始發現，浩然不僅僅是一個愛開玩笑的男孩，還擁有一種與她不一樣的純真和幽默感。她忽然感到，或許自己可以放鬆一點，和他分享更多的笑聲。 第三章：意外的默契 隨著學期的進行，安琪和浩然的關係悄然發生了變化。在一次班級討論上，兩人意外地發現彼此的觀點竟然十分契合。安琪原本認為浩然不會在學業上有太多建樹，沒想到他卻提出了一個非常獨特的解釋方式，解決了他們討論中的難題。 這讓安琪對浩然的看法發生了翻天覆地的變化。她開始重新評價這個男孩，發現他並不如她最初所想的那麼浮誇和不負責任，而是有著一顆細膩的心。她漸漸地對浩然產生了好感，心中開始有了些微的波動。 浩然也察覺到了安琪的改變。儘管他仍然保持著一貫的幽默風格，但他開始在一些問題上更加認真，並主動與安琪討論學習上的問題。這種變化讓安琪感到驚訝，也讓她對浩然有了更多的好奇與期待。 第四章：心動的瞬間 隨著兩人越來越親近，班級裡的同學們也開始注意到他們之間不尋常的互動。浩然和安琪總是能夠在學習上互相協作，而在休息時間，他們也常常一起分享笑話和閒聊。這讓兩人之間的關係愈加密切。 某個午後，安琪正在圖書館讀書，浩然卻突然出現了。他帶著一杯咖啡走到她面前，輕輕放下，對她說：“嘿，學霸，這是你今天的獎勳，打破了我心中的學業神話。” 安琪抬頭看著他，心中突然湧上一股莫名的情愫。浩然的話語並不僅僅是玩笑，而是帶著一絲真心。安琪輕輕笑了笑，接受了這杯咖啡，內心的動搖越來越明顯。 她心想：“也許，這就是所謂的心動吧。” 第五章：友情的裂痕 然而，隨著彼此感情的增長，一些誤會和矛盾開始出現。安琪發現浩然有時候對學業的態度仍然不夠認真，這讓她產生了些許失望。而浩然則覺得安琪過於追求完美，總是對自己和他人過於苛刻。 一天，班上進行了一次重要的辯論比賽，安琪是組的隊長，而浩然則是她的小組成員之一。在比賽中，浩然因為放鬆了心態，失誤連連，這讓安琪感到非常生氣。比賽結束後，安琪忍不住指責浩然：“你怎麼總是這樣不負責任？這關乎我們的榮譽，你怎麼能這麼輕視？” 浩然愣住了，他並不是故意不認真，但聽到安琪的批評，他感到非常沮喪。這一刻，兩人之間的距離變得更加遙遠，誤會的裂痕逐漸擴大。 第六章：告白的預兆 時間過得很快，幾週後，兩人仍然保持著微妙的疏離。安琪的心情也開始變得複雜，她發現自己其實對浩然有著不一樣的情感，但同時又無法原諒他在學業上的態度。 一天，浩然在放學後主動找到了安琪。他看著她，語氣不再像往常那樣輕松：“安琪，我知道我做錯了，但我想讓你知道，我不想失去我們之間的友誼。” 安琪的心微微一顫，她看著浩然的眼睛，忽然明白，他其實並不只是個搞笑的男孩，而是一個有著真心的朋友。她輕輕地點了點頭，並沒有馬上回答，但內心的矛盾已經開始消散。 這一天，兩人之間的關係有了微妙的變化，仿佛一個新的起點。 第七章：畢業的離別 隨著高三畢業的日子一天天臨近，兩人終於在一次班會後面對面坐下。浩然突然對安琪說：“安琪，我一直想告訴你，我喜歡你，從小學開始。” 安琪聽後，愣住了，她的心跳加速，臉上微微紅了起來。她深吸一口氣，抬起頭，卻發現浩然的眼中充滿了真誠和期待。她沒有馬上回應，而是低頭，靜靜地思考了很久。 在她最終回應的時候，心中的情感早已無法掩蓋：“我也喜歡你，浩然，只是我一直沒勇氣說出來。” 兩人的笑容在那一刻定格，仿佛時間停滯了一般。

第1章：毒舌律師 李明的辦公室一如既往地凌亂，桌面上堆滿了案件文件和法庭的資料。他的辦公桌旁有一台高效能的筆記型電腦，鍵盤聲響清脆，似乎不管白天還是深夜，永遠都能聽見他忙碌的打字聲。他是一位著名的毒舌律師，以無所畏懼、直指要害的風格聞名。無論是法庭上的激烈辯論，還是對他人的犀利批評，李明總能將每一場戰鬥都打得天衣無縫，且每一回都能笑到最後。 今天，他剛接到一個看似簡單但背後暗藏危機的案件——幫助明星唐杰澄清性侵指控。唐杰的名字幾乎家喻戶曉，儘管他之前並不顯眼，但由於與一位知名導演合作後，事業突飛猛進。如今，因為一宗性侵案件被公佈，唐杰的名聲一落千丈。此事牽動了娛樂圈的神經，媒體紛紛猜測唐杰究竟是無辜還是心虛。 李明接受了這份工作，並未表現出太多情緒。對他來說，這只是一個商業交易，爭取最大利益的手段。他並未對唐杰的情況產生太多共鳴，畢竟他早已習慣了在黑白世界中游走。李明開始查看案件資料，翻閱唐杰的背景資料，並分析媒體的報導。他知道，這是一起「公關災難」，背後可能藏著更多的陰謀。他的目標很明確——找到真相，或至少利用漏洞贏得這場官司。 第2章：陰謀的蛛絲馬跡 李明開始對唐杰的過去進行深入調查。他發現，唐杰與被控性侵的女演員林小姐曾經有過非常親密的工作關係。林小姐不僅是唐杰的好友，還是他的事業起步階段的重要支持者。當唐杰的事業初見曙光時，林小姐一直在背後默默幫助，甚至不惜作出許多妥協與犧牲。然而，隨著唐杰逐漸成為明星，兩人之間的距離也逐漸加大。林小姐變得愈加冷淡，甚至公開批評唐杰的行為，指責他變得自私和功利。 李明與他的助理小楠仔細閱讀林小姐的指控，發現她的證詞有不少矛盾之處。她在媒體上說唐杰在某次派對上強行侵犯她，但當李明深入調查該派對的時間和地點時，發現當晚有許多人在場，且沒有人聽到過林小姐的求救聲或看到任何不當行為的發生。更有甚者，林小姐與唐杰的舊情仍然時有聯繫，這讓李明感到更加疑惑。究竟是唐杰的罪行，還是林小姐背後有人在操控她的行動？ 為了找出更多的線索，李明和小楠決定追蹤林小姐的過去，並發現她曾在某些場合與娛樂圈內的權勢人物有著隱秘的合作關係。這些人擁有極大的影響力，能夠輕易操控輿論，將事件引向不利的方向。 第3章：娛樂圈的黑暗 李明的直覺告訴他，這不僅僅是一場普通的性侵指控。唐杰與林小姐之間的矛盾背後，似乎隱藏著更多不可告人的秘密。李明開始深入了解娛樂圈的潛規則，他發現，娛樂圈的競爭遠比他想像的更加殘酷。在這個圈子裡，明星的形象與金錢、權力密切相關，一旦名聲受到損害，無論是公眾還是同行，都會毫不留情地對其進行打壓。 李明發現，唐杰的事業並非完全由他一個人支撐。事實上，唐杰在多年前曾經與一位名叫張明光的大佬有過深度合作。張明光控制著多家娛樂公司，是業界無人能敵的霸主。他的影響力滲透到每一個角落，無論是演員、導演，還是媒體，都無一不受他操控。 李明發現，在唐杰事業蒸蒸日上的同時，張明光卻選擇與他保持距離，將他推向了前台，享受名利的同時也要承擔風險。而在唐杰事業陷入低谷時，張明光卻毫不猶豫地切斷了與他的所有聯繫，將一切責任推到唐杰身上。這一切的轉變，無疑是一場精心策劃的陰謀，目的是要將唐杰從娛樂圈踢出局，並將他變成替罪羊。 第4章：不為人知的交易 李明深入研究案件的每個細節，並發現唐杰與張明光之間的合作並不僅僅是業務合作，背後涉及到一筆秘密交易。在這筆交易中，唐杰被迫接受了張明光的要求，為了保住自己的事業，唐杰不得不為張明光提供一些私人資料和許可，讓他能夠控制唐杰的未來。 這筆交易並未公開，而是通過暗中操作來進行。李明發現，這其中有許多不為人知的細節，這些細節讓唐杰的處境變得越發困難。他不僅要面對外界的誣陷，還要忍受來自張明光的操控與壓迫。李明通過一系列的調查，找到了證據，證明唐杰的指控背後並非單純的誤會，而是一次精心策劃的陰謀。 李明決定將這些資料公之於眾，他要揭露這一切，讓真相大白於天下。他知道，這場官司不僅是為了唐杰爭取清白，更是要打擊那些隱藏在陰暗角落裡的權力巨頭。 第5章：迷霧中的真相 在進一步追查的過程中，李明和小楠發現，唐杰的處境遠比他們想像的更加複雜。隨著案件的深入，他們找到了更多有價值的證據，這些證據揭示了唐杰與張明光之間的交易，並且指出張明光為了鞏固自己的權力，早已將唐杰視為一顆棋子。李明與小楠的調查逐漸揭開了娛樂圈內部的潛規則，這些規則讓每個人都不得不屈服於權力。 然而，李明發現，這些陰謀背後還有一個更大的棋局。他開始懷疑，這場風波並不僅僅是針對唐杰，還涉及到更高層次的政治與商業利益。他和小楠決定繼續追查，揭露這個迷霧中的真相。 第7章：背後的操控者 隨著案件的發展，李明發現自己陷入了一個更深的泥淖。每當他發現新的證據，就會有神秘力量試圖阻止他。某天，李明的辦公室突然遭到破壞，所有調查資料被竊取。更糟糕的是，李明還收到了一封匿名威脅信，警告他如果繼續揭發真相，將會面臨更大的危險。 李明並未因此退縮，他將所有精力集中在查找這些背後操控的勢力。他開始更加深入地調查那些與張明光有關的商業合作夥伴，發現其中有幾個跨國企業的高層也參與了這場陰謀。這些企業的利益與唐杰的事業密切相關，透過這些企業的合作，張明光可以更加輕鬆地控制娛樂圈內部的資源和人脈。 在一次偶然的機會下，李明得知了一個關鍵人物的名字——陳昊，這是一位曾經在商業界聲名顯赫的企業家，現在則成為了張明光的隱形合作夥伴。李明的直覺告訴他，陳昊才是背後最強大的操控者，而張明光只是他的一個棋子。 第8章：舊情人的重逢 在一次秘密的會議中，李明成功地接觸到唐杰的舊情人，李婷婷。李婷婷是唐杰早年的戀人，兩人因為事業的發展而分手，但一直保持著聯繫。李明知道，李婷婷擁有關鍵的資料和信息，能夠幫助他揭開案件的真相。 李婷婷的回憶對李明來說至關重要。她告訴李明，在唐杰事業初期，張明光曾經多次接觸過他，並試圖將他納入自己的勢力範圍。然而，唐杰並不願意成為張明光的傀儡，這也是兩人之間矛盾的根源之一。李婷婷透露，唐杰曾經收到過來自張明光的威脅信，警告他如果不聽從指示，他的事業將面臨重大危機。儘管唐杰當時選擇了反抗，但他並未真正擺脫張明光的控制。 李婷婷還透露了一個驚人的消息——陳昊其實早已在娛樂圈內部布局多年，他的目標並不僅僅是控制唐杰，而是希望能夠掌握整個娛樂行業的話語權。李明聽後深感震驚，這一切似乎比他最初預料的還要複雜。 第9章：最終的對決 李明決定將真相大白於天下。他與唐杰以及李婷婷一同策劃了一場最終的對決，打算在法庭上揭露所有的陰謀與背後的黑幕。為了準備這場對決，李明決定召集一個由專業律師、記者以及企業界專家的團隊，協同作戰，準備充分的證據，為唐杰辯護。 然而，當他們準備好一切並準備出擊時，李明突然遭遇了一場危機。他接到了來自陳昊的威脅，對方要求他放棄案件，否則將會面臨毀滅性的後果。這使得李明陷入了兩難的境地，他知道，這不僅僅是為了唐杰，也是為了揭開那些權力背後的秘密。如果他選擇放棄，則意味著那些陰謀將繼續蔓延，無數無辜的人將繼續成為權力的犧牲品。 但李明最終決定，無論如何，他都不能退縮。他深知，這一戰不僅是對自己職業生涯的挑戰，更是對正義與真相的捍衛。 第10章：光明的未來 在經過一場激烈的法庭對決後，李明最終成功揭示了背後的陰謀，並為唐杰贏得了無罪的判決。張明光和陳昊等人被揭發出來，並面臨了來自政府和司法機構的調查。娛樂圈內的格局因此發生了巨大的變化，唐杰的名聲得到了恢復，而李明則因為這一場勝利而成為了更具聲望的律師。 然而，這場官司帶來的不僅是事業上的成功，還讓李明對自己的人生有了新的認識。他開始反思自己過去的生活，曾經冷酷、無情的態度不再是他唯一的選擇。他學會了如何珍惜與人之間的關係，也開始尋找內心真正的平靜。 唐杰也從這場風波中吸取了教訓，他不再單純追求名利，而是希望能夠成為一個更真實的人，去面對自己過去的錯誤與未來的挑戰。故事的結局並不圓滿，但卻讓所有人都有了重新開始的機會。

Chapter 1: An Unexpected Choice Zhang Yisheng sat in the corner of his apartment, the deep night casting a gray hue over the entire room. His fingers lightly tapped on the job application form on the desk, his heart filled with unease and confusion. At that moment, he felt as if the whole world was slipping away from him. He had once had dreams—his life’s work for many years—planning weddings, creating the most beautiful memories for countless couples. Yet, a sudden business crisis had shattered his company, leaving his dreams broken like glass. The messages on his phone screen stung deeply—collaborators backing out, financial chains collapsing—each message a painful reminder that his career seemed to have hit a dead end. The work he once loved had now become a heavy burden on his chest. He set down his phone, stood up, and walked toward the window. Through the glass, he could see the lights of the city. On the streets below, people rushed about aimlessly, like busy ants unable to find their destination. Zhang Yisheng took a deep breath, knowing he, too, was trapped in this sense of confusion. At that moment, his gaze settled on an unfamiliar shop outside the window. It was a funeral service company, and the simple words on the sign strangely caught his attention. Wedding planning and funeral ceremonies—the contrast seemed vast, yet they didn’t feel so distant to him. He thought about his understanding of emotions from his years in wedding planning. Perhaps these experiences could help him step into a new field—a field both unfamiliar and challenging. In that instant, Zhang Yisheng made a decision. He picked up his phone and quickly searched for the company, determined to change the trajectory of his life. He knew this path would be full of uncertainties, but with nowhere else to turn, it might just be his only choice. Chapter 2: The First Collaboration A few days later, Zhang Yisheng arrived at Li Wendao’s funeral service company. Situated in an unassuming old building in the city center, the company’s exterior was simple, even a bit rundown. Stepping into the dimly lit lobby, the atmosphere felt cold and mysterious. Zhang quickened his steps, his heart filled with both nervousness and apprehension, as if he had entered an entirely new world. This place felt completely different from the wedding planning companies he used to know. The silence here carried an indescribable weight. The walls of the lobby were lined with black-and-white photographs capturing moments from past memorial ceremonies. The solemn expressions of the people in the photos—some bowed their heads, others stared blankly—made Zhang’s heart tighten. He was used to the laughter and joy of weddings, but here, every corner seemed to tell stories of loss and sorrow. The receptionist at the front desk noticed him but showed no particular emotion. Calmly, she asked, “How may I help you?” Forcing a small smile, Zhang replied hesitantly, “I’m here to apply for the funeral director position.” She glanced at him briefly before returning her gaze to her computer screen, seemingly unsurprised by his response. “Please wait a moment; Manager Li will be with you shortly.” Her tone was flat, lacking any warmth, which only added to Zhang’s unease. He suddenly felt as though he’d stepped into an entirely foreign world. Taking a seat, Zhang tried to stay calm, though his anxious thoughts were difficult to suppress. The air here felt heavy, as if every corner was braced for something significant to happen. The ticking of a clock on the wall added to the stillness, its sound amplifying the tension in the room. Zhang unconsciously tapped his fingers on the chair’s armrest, his heartbeat quickening in rhythm with the clock. Before long, a middle-aged man in a gray suit entered the lobby. His steady steps and composed demeanor exuded an air of confidence. Offering a slight smile, the man extended his hand. “Hello, I’m Li Wendao,” he said in a calm, reassuring voice. “Hello, Manager Li.” Zhang Yisheng stood up and shook his hand. Li glanced through Zhang’s résumé briefly before looking up, his expression serious. “From your background, your experience in wedding planning could be a great asset for this job. This role shares many similarities—it requires excellent organizational skills and a deep understanding of emotions.” Zhang nodded slightly, feeling a glimmer of hope. Though he knew almost nothing about the funeral industry, at least his experience with emotions and organization might prove useful. Putting down the résumé, Li’s tone grew more somber. “This job isn’t just about organizing funerals. Our role is to help people find solace during their most painful moments, providing emotional support alongside logistical services. It requires total commitment—not just managing tasks but guiding families through their grief.” Zhang felt a chill run through him. The work sounded far heavier than he’d imagined. Yet, he also knew he had no other choice but to press on. “I understand, Manager Li,” he said, his voice low but determined. Li nodded slightly. “If you’re willing, we’ll start you with simpler tasks so you can gradually learn the industry.” Zhang’s emotions were mixed. He knew this wasn’t just a career shift but a test of his resolve. Perhaps this would be his path forward—a road full of challenges and transformation. Chapter 3: The Test of Empathy Zhang Yisheng’s first task at the funeral company was assisting in preparing for a small memorial service. The client was an elderly woman mourning the loss of her husband. As Zhang entered her home alongside Li Wendao, he felt an inexplicable heaviness in the air. The living room was filled with photographs of the couple's happy moments, their smiling faces frozen in time. The widow sat quietly in a chair, her frail hands clutching a small photo frame. Her eyes, though red from crying, still held a distant tenderness. Li Wendao gently introduced Zhang. “Mrs. Liu, this is Zhang Yisheng, our new assistant. He will help with your husband’s memorial arrangements.” Mrs. Liu looked up at Zhang and nodded faintly. “Thank you for coming,” she said softly, her voice trembling. Zhang struggled to find the right words. He had once excelled at comforting nervous brides and stressed-out families, but now, facing such profound grief, he felt utterly inadequate. Li seemed to sense his unease and smoothly took over the conversation, asking Mrs. Liu about her preferences for the memorial. “What kind of flowers did Mr. Liu like?” he asked warmly. Mrs. Liu’s expression softened slightly. “Lilies. He always said they reminded him of purity and peace.” As Li continued to discuss details, Zhang quietly observed, taking mental notes on how Li managed to provide comfort without being intrusive. Later that evening, as Zhang and Li left the house, Zhang finally spoke up. “Manager Li, how do you always know the right thing to say?” Li smiled faintly. “It’s not about knowing the right thing to say; it’s about listening. Grief isn’t something you can fix—it’s something you guide people through. The more you listen, the more you’ll understand how to help.” Zhang pondered these words, realizing that his role here would be vastly different from his previous job. Weddings celebrated beginnings; funerals honored endings. But both required empathy, patience, and an understanding of human emotions. Chapter 4: Facing His Own Past As Zhang grew more accustomed to the work, he found himself reflecting on his own life. The stories of loss and love he encountered each day stirred memories he had long buried. One evening, as he organized photos for a memorial, he came across a family portrait that reminded him of his parents. It had been years since he’d visited their graves, too consumed by his career to make time. Now, surrounded by stories of loss, he felt a deep pang of guilt. Li noticed Zhang’s distracted demeanor and asked, “Something on your mind?” Zhang hesitated before replying, “I was just thinking about my parents. I haven’t been to their graves in a long time.” Li nodded understandingly. “Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, Zhang. Sometimes, it waits quietly in the background until we’re ready to face it.” Inspired by Li’s words, Zhang decided to visit his parents’ graves the next day. Standing before their tombstones, he felt an overwhelming mix of emotions—regret, sorrow, and a newfound sense of connection. For the first time in years, he spoke to them, sharing his struggles and hopes for the future. The experience left him feeling lighter, as if he’d taken a small step toward healing. He realized that helping others through their grief might also help him confront his own. Chapter 5: The Unexpected Request One rainy afternoon, Zhang Yisheng and Li Wendao returned to the funeral home after handling a memorial service. As they stepped inside, the receptionist approached them. “Manager Li, there’s a man waiting in your office. He says it’s urgent,” she whispered. Li raised an eyebrow but nodded, motioning for Zhang to follow. Inside the office sat a man in his 40s, his face pale and his eyes darting nervously. “Mr. Zhao, correct?” Li greeted, extending a hand. “Yes,” the man replied, his voice trembling. “I… I need your help. My wife passed away two weeks ago, but I—” He hesitated, as though grappling with words too heavy to utter. “I didn’t give her a proper burial. She’s still… at home.” Zhang’s eyes widened in shock, but Li’s expression remained calm. “I understand this must be very difficult for you, Mr. Zhao,” Li said gently. “Can you tell me why you waited?” Tears streamed down Mr. Zhao’s face. “I couldn’t let her go. She was my everything. But now…” He paused, visibly shaking. “I can’t bear to see her like this anymore.” Li placed a comforting hand on the man’s shoulder. “You’ve taken the first step by coming here. We’ll help you give her the farewell she deserves.” Zhang remained silent, observing how Li handled the delicate situation. This was unlike anything he’d encountered before. The balance between compassion and professionalism was a tightrope Zhang wasn’t sure he could walk. Chapter 6: The House of Shadows The next morning, Zhang and Li accompanied Mr. Zhao to his home to retrieve his wife’s remains. As they entered the dimly lit house, the air was thick with a musty smell. Zhang’s chest tightened with unease. In the living room, a covered figure lay on a makeshift bed adorned with wilting flowers and burnt incense sticks. Mr. Zhao knelt beside it, tears falling freely. “I couldn’t let her leave,” he murmured. Li knelt beside him. “You’ve honored her memory by keeping her close, but it’s time for her to rest peacefully.” With Mr. Zhao’s reluctant approval, they carefully prepared his wife’s body for transport. Zhang couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow for the man, whose love had turned into an agonizing inability to let go. As they left the house, Zhang asked Li, “How do you stay so composed? Doesn’t it ever feel… overwhelming?” Li smiled faintly. “Every case leaves a mark, Zhang. But if I let the weight of one stop me, I wouldn’t be able to help the next. You learn to carry it without letting it crush you.” Chapter 7: A Lesson in Letting Go The funeral service for Mr. Zhao’s wife was small but poignant. As the casket was lowered into the ground, Mr. Zhao stood with trembling hands, clutching a letter he had written. “Goodbye, my love,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I’ll cherish you forever.” Zhang watched as the man finally released years of pain. It was a moment of profound closure, both heartbreaking and beautiful. Later, Zhang approached Li. “I didn’t realize how much strength it takes to help someone through this process. It’s… humbling.” Li smiled. “You’re learning, Zhang. Empathy isn’t just about feeling—it’s about being there when someone needs you most.” Chapter 8: The Invitation Days turned into weeks, and Zhang Yisheng grew more confident in his role, though the weight of each story lingered in his mind. One quiet afternoon, as he was sorting through documents, Li Wendao approached him with an envelope in hand. “Zhang,” Li said, sliding the envelope across the desk, “this came for us. It’s an invitation to conduct a ritual cleansing at an old estate in the countryside. The family specifically requested our services.” Zhang opened the envelope and scanned the letter. The handwriting was neat, almost too perfect, and the language formal. The family’s request seemed ordinary—an ancestral home needing a ritual to dispel lingering spirits—but something about the tone unsettled him. “Isn’t this… outside our usual scope?” Zhang asked hesitantly. Li nodded. “It is. But sometimes, tradition and respect for the deceased extend beyond funerals. I thought you might find it interesting. Care to join me?” Despite a nagging sense of unease, Zhang agreed. Chapter 9: The Forgotten Estate The estate was vast but shrouded in decay. Ivy crept up its walls, and the windows were fogged with years of neglect. As Zhang and Li approached, an elderly man greeted them. “Thank you for coming,” he said, his voice gravelly. “This house has been in our family for generations, but strange things have happened since my mother passed away. We believe her spirit hasn’t found peace.” Inside, the air was thick with an unsettling stillness. Family portraits lined the walls, their subjects staring blankly into the void. A chill ran down Zhang’s spine as they entered a room where the family had prepared an altar for the ritual. Li instructed Zhang to light incense while he recited prayers. The room seemed to darken as the ritual progressed, the flickering candlelight casting eerie shadows. Zhang could feel an inexplicable tension, as though the house itself was watching. Suddenly, the air grew colder, and the candles flickered violently. The elderly man gasped. “She’s here,” he whispered, clutching his chest. Chapter 10: The Unseen Presence Li remained calm, his voice steady as he continued the prayers. Zhang, however, was frozen in place, his heart pounding. A faint whisper seemed to echo in the room, a voice too soft to discern but undeniably present. The elderly man pointed to a corner of the room. “There! That’s where she always stood!” Zhang forced himself to look, but the corner was empty. Still, an overwhelming sense of sorrow enveloped him, as though the air itself mourned. Li finished the ritual with a final chant, and the room grew still. The oppressive atmosphere lifted, and the candles burned steadily once more. “It’s done,” Li said softly, turning to the elderly man. “Your mother’s spirit has moved on.” The man wept, bowing deeply. “Thank you. I feel… peace for the first time in years.” As they left the estate, Zhang couldn’t shake the experience. “Was it real?” he finally asked Li. Li smiled enigmatically. “Real or not, what matters is that we brought comfort to the living—and perhaps to the dead as well.” Chapter 11: The Uneasy Return The journey back to the city was quiet, each man lost in his own thoughts. Zhang Yisheng couldn’t escape the feeling that something was left unresolved. The ritual had been successful, at least outwardly, yet he felt as if he had glimpsed something in the shadows, something that didn’t quite belong. Li Wendao seemed unfazed, his stoic demeanor as calm as ever. “You’re thinking about the house, aren’t you?” he asked after a long silence. Zhang nodded. “Yes. There was something… strange. Even after the ritual was finished, I felt the presence of that spirit, like it was still watching me.” Li glanced at him, his eyes sharp but thoughtful. “You’ve been in this line of work long enough to know that not all spirits are easy to let go of. Some linger, even if they don’t have a place in this world anymore. It’s not just about the ritual—it’s about belief, about closure for both the living and the dead.” Zhang couldn’t shake the feeling that Li knew more than he was letting on. He had always been a man of few words, but his cryptic remarks had a weight that Zhang couldn’t ignore. Chapter 12: The Cryptic Message Two days after the ritual, Zhang returned to his office to find a new letter waiting for him. It was written on the same elegant paper as the invitation to the estate, but this one bore no return address. Inside was a short, chilling message: "The house is never empty. The one you helped is not the one who needed help." Zhang’s hands trembled as he read the words. He felt a wave of dread wash over him, but he couldn’t make sense of it. He showed the letter to Li Wendao. “This came today. Do you know who might have sent it?” Zhang asked, his voice betraying his unease. Li took the letter and examined it closely, his face unreadable. “I’ve seen this type of message before. It’s a warning. Someone is trying to make you second-guess your actions.” “Who would do such a thing?” Zhang asked. Li handed the letter back to him. “That’s the question, isn’t it?” Chapter 13: The Unseen Hand The message haunted Zhang for days, gnawing at his mind. He spent countless hours researching the history of the family from the estate, trying to uncover any link that might explain the cryptic warning. But every lead turned cold, and his frustration mounted. Then, one evening, as he walked home through the dimly lit streets, Zhang felt an odd sensation—he was being followed. His footsteps echoed in the empty alleyways, and he could almost hear the soft padding of another pair of feet behind him. He spun around, but there was no one there. Yet the feeling lingered, like eyes were watching him from the shadows. His heart raced as he quickened his pace, his mind racing with possibilities. Was it the spirit from the estate? Or was someone else trying to send him a message? Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness, stepping out of the alley in front of him. Zhang froze, his breath catching in his throat. “Looking for answers, Zhang?” The voice was cold, unfamiliar, yet there was an unmistakable edge to it. Zhang could only stare at the figure, the words dying in his throat. Who was this person? What did they know? Chapter 14: The Shadowed Truth Zhang’s heart thudded loudly in his chest as the figure stepped closer, the streetlight casting long, eerie shadows on the ground. The stranger was tall, dressed in a dark coat that blended into the night. The face, partially obscured by the brim of a wide hat, was unreadable. “Who are you?” Zhang asked, trying to steady his breath. The stranger’s lips curled into a faint, almost mocking smile. “Someone who has been watching you, Zhang Yisheng. Someone who knows exactly what you did.” Zhang’s mind raced. He had encountered many strange and dangerous people in his line of work, but there was something about this man that made the air feel heavier. “What do you want?” The stranger took another step forward, his boots scraping against the pavement. “I want you to understand the price of what you’ve done. You think the ritual ended the curse, but it only delayed it. There are forces you cannot control, Zhang.” Zhang’s gaze narrowed. “I did what I was hired to do. If there’s something else, then you’re wasting my time.” He took a step back, his instincts warning him to flee, but the stranger’s next words rooted him to the spot. “You’ve meddled with powers beyond your comprehension. The house you left behind is still its prison, and you are its key.” Zhang’s pulse quickened, but he held his ground. “What are you talking about? The spirit was bound. It can’t return.” The stranger’s laugh was dark and hollow. “The spirit was never the true threat, Zhang. The house—its very foundation—is cursed. It’s a vessel for something far older. Something that even death cannot bind.” Zhang’s mind reeled, the pieces of the puzzle not fitting together. He had thought that he had helped free the trapped spirit. But now… now he was unsure of everything. “Why are you telling me this?” Zhang demanded. The stranger’s smile deepened. “Because I need you to do something for me. Something that will ensure that the darkness you’ve awakened doesn’t consume everything.” Chapter 15: An Offer in the Dark Zhang’s mind raced. The stranger’s words gnawed at him, filling his thoughts with questions and dread. He wanted to walk away, to dismiss this man as another crackpot, but there was something in the man’s eyes—a glimmer of truth. “What do you want me to do?” Zhang asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. The stranger stepped closer, his face now fully illuminated by the flickering streetlamp. His eyes were cold, unblinking, as if they saw through Zhang’s every thought. “There is one final step to the ritual. One final action to ensure the house remains sealed. But it requires you to go back.” Zhang’s stomach twisted at the thought of returning to the estate, the memories of the spirit still fresh in his mind. He had thought that he was done with it, that his work there had been finished. But now, it seemed, there was more to uncover. “You want me to go back?” Zhang repeated, disbelieving. The stranger nodded. “Not just go back. You must complete the ritual. The one you didn’t finish.” Zhang’s brow furrowed. “You’re asking me to go against everything I’ve been taught. No one—no one—has ever spoken of such a thing.” The stranger’s lips twisted into a dark smile. “That’s because they don’t know. But you will. You’ve already seen the cracks. Now you must face them.” Zhang stood there in the silence, the weight of the man’s words pressing on him. The choice was his—walk away and pretend none of this ever happened, or confront the darkness that was pulling him back. His instincts told him to run, to escape the shadows that threatened to swallow him whole. But something deeper, something buried beneath his fear, told him that this was the path he had to take. “I’ll do it,” Zhang said, his voice firm despite the unease that coiled in his gut. “But I need to know more. What is it you’re asking me to do?” The stranger leaned in, his face inches from Zhang’s. “You’ll understand when you’re inside the house. When you confront what’s truly been lurking there.” Zhang nodded slowly, a sense of inevitability washing over him. The mystery was far from over. It was only just beginning. Chapter 16: The Return The night was still as Zhang stood at the gates of the estate once more. The house loomed ahead, dark and silent, its windows like eyes that watched him from the shadows. Every step he took toward it felt heavier, as if the ground itself was pulling him down. The stranger’s words echoed in his mind: “You must complete the ritual. The one you didn’t finish.” Zhang wasn’t sure what to expect when he entered the house. The air felt colder now, thicker with an almost tangible tension. The walls seemed to close in around him, and for the first time since he had entered the house, he felt the full weight of the curse pressing on his chest. As he made his way down the hall, his thoughts turned back to the ritual—the words, the gestures, the binding of the spirit. He had thought that was enough. But now, something told him that he had only scratched the surface. The final step awaited him. And only he could decide whether to face it, or leave the darkness behind. Chapter 17: The Hidden Chamber Zhang’s footsteps echoed through the silent halls of the estate, each step heavier than the last. The dim light from his lantern barely illuminated the vast, oppressive darkness surrounding him. The house, once a place of mystery, now felt like a prison, its walls closing in with every breath he took. He moved with caution, the weight of the stranger’s cryptic words pressing on him. “The ritual you didn’t finish,”  he repeated in his mind, but he had no idea what that could mean. He had done everything as instructed before, binding the spirit, ensuring it could never escape. Yet here he was again, summoned back to complete something that had been left undone. Zhang reached the doorway to the room where it all began—the place where the spirit had first revealed itself to him. The room was unchanged, its once-foreboding atmosphere now eerily quiet. The old wooden floor creaked beneath his feet, and the dust in the air seemed to dance around the lantern light. But it was what lay beyond the door that drew his attention now. A hidden door, nearly invisible against the dark wood of the far wall, beckoned him. It was as if the house had been holding this secret for centuries, waiting for him to return. His heart pounded as he approached it. Zhang placed his hand on the cool surface of the hidden door. His fingers traced along the edges, and he found a small, almost imperceptible latch. With a soft click, the door opened to reveal a narrow staircase that spiraled down into the darkness below. He hesitated, but something deep inside him urged him forward. The air around him seemed to thrum with energy, as if the house itself was alive, watching, waiting. Zhang took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down on him. He had no choice now but to descend. Chapter 18: The Ritual Unraveled The stairs led him deep beneath the estate, into a cavernous, subterranean space. It was unlike anything Zhang had seen in the house above. The walls were covered in ancient symbols and carvings, each one twisted and grotesque. A faint, flickering light came from a brazier at the far end of the room, illuminating an altar made of black stone. Zhang stepped closer, the air growing colder with each movement. On the altar lay a large, weathered book, its pages yellowed with age. The symbols on the cover matched the ones he had seen throughout the house. This was no ordinary book—it was a record of something far older than the estate itself. He reached for the book, his fingers trembling slightly as he opened it to the first page. The writing was in a language he did not recognize, but the symbols seemed familiar. As his eyes scanned the pages, something inside him stirred, a faint memory surfacing. The ritual… it was there, outlined in meticulous detail. But there was something he had missed. The book described a second phase of the ritual—a dark, forbidden act that could either seal the curse forever or unleash it upon the world. Zhang’s heart raced as he realized the truth. The spirit he had bound was merely a fragment of something far more dangerous—a force older than time itself, waiting for its moment to rise. Zhang closed the book with a snap, his mind reeling. He had made a terrible mistake. He hadn’t completed the ritual properly. And now, he was the only one who could stop it. The ground beneath him trembled, a low rumble that seemed to come from deep within the earth. The house was reacting to his discovery, the curse awakening once again. Chapter 19: The Unraveling The trembling intensified, the room shaking violently as if the very foundations of the estate were being torn apart. Zhang stumbled back, his mind racing. The ritual was incomplete, and the forces he had thought he could control were now slipping from his grasp. He glanced around, searching for anything that could help him. His eyes fell on the brazier, its flame flickering in a strange pattern. It wasn’t just fire—it was a conduit, a link to whatever ancient power had been trapped within these walls. Zhang approached the brazier, his pulse quickening. The symbols on the walls seemed to glow with an eerie light, their meaning now clear to him. This was the final step. He had to finish what he had started, or the darkness would consume everything. With trembling hands, Zhang reached into the brazier and took hold of the flame. It burned cold and sharp, but he didn’t let go. The pain shot through his body, but he gritted his teeth and focused on the task at hand. The symbols on the walls began to pulse, the room shifting around him. The air felt thick, charged with a power that threatened to swallow him whole. He began to chant the words from the book, the ancient language flowing from his lips despite the fear that gripped him. The room responded, the symbols on the walls shifting and swirling, the darkness pressing in closer. Zhang’s body trembled, but he didn’t stop. He had no choice. As he spoke the final words, a blast of energy surged through the room, and the house seemed to groan with the force of it. The ground cracked beneath him, and a deep, guttural roar echoed from somewhere deep within the earth. For a moment, everything went black. Chapter 20: The Price of Power Zhang awoke to silence. The trembling had stopped, and the air was still. Slowly, he sat up, his body aching, his mind clouded with confusion. The brazier was now cold, its flame extinguished. The altar, the symbols, the book—they were all gone. It was as if the house had swallowed them whole, erasing every trace of the ritual. But something was different. The weight of the curse had lifted. The oppressive atmosphere that had haunted the estate for so long was gone. The house, once a prison, now seemed… empty. The darkness had receded, leaving only the hollow remains of its presence. Zhang stood, his legs shaky, and looked around. The room was now bathed in a soft, warm light. He had done it. He had completed the ritual. But at what cost? As he made his way back up the stairs, he felt a strange sense of finality. The house had been sealed, its secrets buried beneath layers of time. But Zhang knew that the darkness had not been eradicated—it had merely been contained. The forces he had dealt with were too ancient, too powerful to ever be fully destroyed. And as he stepped out into the night, Zhang realized that he would never truly be free of the shadows. They would always linger, just out of reach, waiting for the next person to come along and awaken them once again.