The business at Yusheng's Private Sichuan Cuisine was booming.
It was already past nine in the evening, yet customers continued to stream in without end.
A Lamborghini pulled into a parking spot, and the passenger door swung open.
A woman with voluminous wavy hair stepped out in high heels, slamming the door shut with a loud "bang."
The car's dashcam, mistaking the impact for a collision, automatically snapped a photo with a "click."
The man from the driver's seat emerged with a dark expression. "Zhao Ziling, don’t push your luck!"
Zhao Ziling flicked her hair dismissively, not even sparing him a glance, and strode toward the restaurant entrance with her bag in hand.
Suddenly, she collided with a man in a baseball cap.
Her arm throbbed from the impact, and she snapped, "Are you blind? If you’re not using your eyes, donate them to a hospital!"
The man in the cap shot her a cold glare but said nothing before walking away.
Fuming, Zhao Ziling stomped her foot but decided it wasn’t worth arguing with someone dressed in shabby, foul-smelling clothes.
Her companion caught up and warned, "You’re representing the Huo family now. Have some dignity!"
Zhao Ziling bristled. "He was the one who bumped into me! Why don’t you gouge your own eyes out if they’re useless?"
The man’s patience evaporated. "Eat alone. I won’t embarrass myself with you anymore. I’m leaving."
Infuriated, she retorted, "Fine! I don’t need you to eat. I’m not a child!"
With her wavy hair swaying, she crossed her arms and stormed off in her heels.
As she entered, she brushed past a strikingly beautiful girl with delicate features.
Zhao Ziling paused mid-step a few seconds later.
That girl… she looked just like someone.
Lin Mo—her friend who had died eleven years ago.
She turned to get another look but noticed the man had followed her inside.
With a scoff, she continued forward.
People who resembled Lin Mo weren’t uncommon, but none matched her radiance.
A waiter greeted her, "Mrs. Huo! Let me show you to your private room."
As she followed, Zhao Ziling asked, "Any new dishes lately?"
Sichuan cuisine was her comfort food, especially when she was upset.
She and Lin Mo used to enjoy it together often.
"Yes, Mrs. Huo. Here’s the menu," the waiter replied respectfully.
Settling into the private room, Zhao Ziling flipped through the menu when a thought struck her.
If Lin Mo were still alive at twenty-nine, what kind of life would she be living?
Someone that vibrant and dazzling wouldn’t be trapped in a messy marriage like hers.
They had fought back then and stopped talking for a while.
The next news she heard was of Lin Mo’s death.
Countless nights, she had wept in her dreams, apologizing to Lin Mo.
But Lin Mo would never hear her.
Her eyes stung, and she sniffled. "The spicy blood tofu—extra hot, please."
Meanwhile, by the car, Xie Guanyan politely held the passenger door open.
Just as Lin Mo was about to step in, a glint of cold steel caught her eye.
A knife was thrust toward Auntie Zhen, who stood waiting for Shen Ji'an to open her door.
Auntie Zhen screamed in panic, "Ahhh!"
Lin Mo reacted instantly, kicking the knife out of the attacker’s hand.
The man’s wrist throbbed as the blade clattered to the ground.
Shen Ji'an spun around, fury blazing in his eyes. "You dare show your face again?"
His fists rained down on the man’s face like a storm.
The baseball cap flew off, revealing a face marred by a grotesque scar stretching from the brow.
His eyes burned with hatred, making him look utterly terrifying.
The scarred man collapsed under the blows but never took his eyes off Shen Ji'an.
Shen Ji'an had bought him, given him food and clothes.
And yet, he had stolen his woman.
All these years, he had searched for him.
Now, he would kill them both.
No one would live.
After being beaten last time, he had guessed they’d visit the hospital.
Tonight, he finally spotted them outside.
Revenge was his only goal.
Lin Mo didn’t join the fight. Instead, she held Auntie Zhen, who trembled uncontrollably at the sight of the scarred man.
But when Auntie Zhen saw Shen Ji'an brawling with him, she lunged forward.
Two hidden bodyguards hesitated—should they intervene?
The young man and Miss Lin seemed capable.
Then, in a flash, the scarred man scrambled up and charged at Lin Mo.
Another knife appeared in his hand, slashing toward her.
Lin Mo had been watching him closely.
She moved to pull Auntie Zhen aside—
But a figure in white suddenly shielded her.
A sickening "rip" echoed as the blade tore through fabric.
Lin Mo’s eyes widened in horror. "Xie Guanyan!"
