Long Fantasy Romance Novel〈The Reissued Youth〉4

11. Returning Home to Xiaoliuqiu

In the afternoon, sunlight bathed the winding coastal road that circled Xiaoliuqiu Island. A sea breeze drifted in from the distance, carrying the distinctive salty scent of the ocean. Coconut trees lining the roadside swayed gently in the wind, and from time to time, scooter riders passed by, completing a familiar yet long-missed island scene.

Cai Shinan drove his sedan slowly along the rolling road. As he watched the familiar scenery pass outside the window, an indescribable emotion welled up inside him. Twenty years ago, he had left this island for the Hsinchu Science Park to pursue his career dreams. Now, fate had brought him back to the starting point of his life in an unbelievable way. This time, however, he was no longer the young engineer who only knew how to put on a hard hat and charge ahead with blind determination. His body had returned to its youth, but his mind carried twenty years of life experience.

After the car rounded a bend, his childhood home came into view. Cai Shinan slowed down and froze for a moment. Before him still stood the old brick courtyard house with its gray-tiled roof. The red brick walls bore the marks of time. Clothes his mother had hung out to dry swayed beneath the eaves, and several familiar potted plants still sat in the yard. He stopped the car and remained in the driver's seat for a long while without getting out.

"How could this be...?"

Staring at the old house, he murmured softly,

"Even the three-story concrete house we rebuilt later has reverted to its original form."

He remembered it clearly. Five years later, after his career had become stable, he had used part of his savings to rebuild the old courtyard house into a comfortable modern home for his mother. But now everything remained exactly as it had been in the past. He reached out and touched the steering wheel, confirming to himself once again,

"This isn't a dream. I really came back..."

The sound of the engine alerted the people inside the house. His mother, Qiu Xiuduan, and his younger sister, Cai Shifen, heard the noise and came outside curiously. When they saw the brand-new sedan parked in front of the courtyard, both of them paused in surprise.

Cai Shinan opened the car door and stepped out.

Qiu Xiuduan looked the car up and down, a mixture of surprise and delight spreading across her face.

"Anan, is this the car you just bought with a loan?"

She reached out and patted the body of the car.

"What an impressive car!"

Looking at his familiar mother, at the face that had not yet been worn by time, a wave of sorrow rose in Cai Shinan's heart. Twenty years later, she would already be an old woman. But now she stood before him, full of energy and vitality. This time, he would cherish every moment.

Suppressing the emotions surging inside him, he simply replied,

"Yeah."

Qiu Xiuduan noticed nothing unusual about her son. She only asked with concern,

"Have you eaten yet?"

Cai Shinan nodded.

"Yeah. I ate at a highway service area."

At that moment, his younger sister Cai Shifen, who happened to be off work that afternoon, noticed her brother carrying two large suitcases out of the car. She walked over for a closer look and frowned.

"Bro, haven't you only been working at Hsinchu Science Park for a little over half a year? Why are you suddenly bringing home such big suitcases?"

Cai Shinan had already prepared an explanation. Pretending to be completely relaxed, he said,

"Well... there was a major earthquake recently. The company suspended operations, and then there were layoffs. Since I don't have a job anymore, I figured I'd move back home for now."

After hearing this, the smile gradually disappeared from Qiu Xiuduan's face. She frowned as she looked at her son.

Cai Shifen could not help letting out a quiet sigh as well.

The reactions of both mother and daughter filled Cai Shinan with sadness, because they had no idea that this seemingly unemployed son returning home had actually brought back the means to change the fate of the entire family.

The two suitcases were extremely heavy. Qiu Xiuduan and Cai Shifen worked together to lift one of them and struggled up the steps.

"That's strange..."

Panting, Qiu Xiuduan asked curiously,

"What on earth is inside? Why is it so heavy?"

Cai Shinan's heart skipped a beat. He knew he could not let his mother discover that the suitcase contained NT$50 million in cash. So he forced a smile.

"Oh, just my laptop. And some work-related books."

Although Qiu Xiuduan found it odd, she did not ask any further questions.

After returning to his room, Cai Shinan placed the two suitcases on top of the camphorwood wardrobe. Once he had confirmed that no one was around, he quietly opened one corner of a suitcase. Inside, stacks of one-thousand-dollar banknotes were neatly arranged, their surfaces reflecting a faint sheen under the light.

This money was an important bargaining chip for starting his life over.

More importantly, he never wanted his mother to live a hard life again.

He changed into a set of casual clothes and splashed some water on his face in the bathroom. Looking at his youthful reflection in the mirror, he still found it unbelievable.

But this time, he was no longer flustered.

He would live his life over again, armed with twenty years of experience.

That afternoon, the family sat together in the living room.

Qiu Xiuduan brought over some tea and looked at her son, her eyes filled with concern.

"Shinan, what are you planning to do from now on?"

Leaning back in his chair, Cai Shinan appeared calmer and more composed than he had ever been before. Smiling, he replied,

"I'll take a break for a while first. Then I'll think things over and see if there's any business I can start."

Qiu Xiuduan looked at her son. Although she was still somewhat worried, seeing that he was not discouraged, she simply nodded.

"That's fine. Taking care of your health is more important."

Hearing those words, Cai Shinan felt a slight tremor in his heart.

Because twenty years later, his health would become the thing his mother worried about most.

Outside in the courtyard, the brand-new sedan had attracted the neighbors' attention. Several of them stood by the entrance, peering over curiously.

"Ah-Duan!"

One of the older women called out with a smile.

"Did your son Anan buy this car?"

Qiu Xiuduan walked into the courtyard, collecting the clothes from the clothesline as she answered with a smile,

"He bought it not long ago. Anan says he's thinking about going into business instead."

The woman nodded.

"That's good. As long as young people are willing to work hard, being your own boss is better than working for someone else."

The other neighbors nodded in agreement.

Standing inside the house, Cai Shinan listened to their conversation. Looking out the window at the familiar home before him, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

Twenty years ago, he had left this place to pursue an unknown future.

Now he stood once again at the starting point of his life.

This time, he was not returning only for his career.

He had come back to protect his family—

and to find the one person fate had destined for him.

12. Reunion on Campus

After the 921 Earthquake, although Xiaoliuqiu had not suffered severe damage, the island's schools were still affected to some extent. In the early morning, the sound of students reading aloud drifted out from the classrooms. The old banyan trees beside the playground swayed gently in the sea breeze, while sunlight filtered through the branches, casting mottled shadows across the ground.

The computer classroom on the first floor of the teaching building, however, was unusually quiet. Rows of computers were neatly arranged on the desks, and many of their monitors remained dark.

Cai Shinan crouched beside one of the computer towers, carefully inspecting the wiring inside. Although he had been away from the school for many years, his expertise in information engineering had not faded with time. On the contrary, after twenty years of professional experience, he was even more skilled and composed than he had been in those days.

Holding a flashlight, he shone it into the computer case and examined every connection carefully. A moment later, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

"Found it."

He pointed to one of the loosened cables.

"The violent shaking must have pulled the wiring inside the computer, causing a partial short circuit and a poor connection. That's why the whole machine wouldn't start."

Standing beside him, Zhang Yahui leaned in for a closer look. She taught art and was unfamiliar with computer hardware, so she could only stare at the complicated components and cables with a puzzled expression.

"So that's what happened..."

she said with a smile.

"No wonder I kept pressing the power button yesterday, and nothing happened."

Cai Shinan opened his toolbox and took a screwdriver from the upper compartment. Carefully, he removed the computer's side panel. His movements were efficient and focused. Disassembling, inspecting, replacing parts—every step was carried out with practiced ease.

Zhang Yahui stood quietly beside him, watching.

The man before her seemed somewhat different from the one she had met during their matchmaking meeting. Back then, Cai Shinan had been young and capable, but he had also carried a touch of youthful inexperience and an eagerness to prove himself. Now, however, there was an added maturity and steadiness in his eyes.

What she did not know was that this change came from a lifetime of experiences known only to Cai Shinan himself.

Not long afterward, he installed the new component and reassembled the computer case. He pressed the power button.

The monitor, which had been completely dark, flickered for a moment before displaying the familiar startup screen.

Looking at the successfully booted computer, Cai Shinan smiled with satisfaction.

"It's fixed."

Zhang Yahui walked over to the monitor. Seeing the computer operating normally again, her eyes lit up.

"It really works!"

She turned toward Cai Shinan and laughed.

"You really are an expert. You told me before that you knew how to repair computers, but I didn't expect you to be this good."

As Cai Shinan packed away his tools, he smiled and shook his head.

"It's not that impressive. I just happened to find the problem."

Watching him put away the toolbox, Zhang Yahui thought for a moment before taking out her wallet.

"Then how much should I pay you? I'll cover it first and then apply to the school for reimbursement."

Cai Shinan quickly shook his head.

"No need."

He pointed to the small replacement parts in the toolbox.

"I only replaced a few small components. They didn't cost much."

Zhang Yahui looked at him.

"How can that be? You made a special trip here and spent all this time helping us."

Cai Shinan smiled.

"Really, it's fine. When I was a student here, the teachers took good care of me. I'm just coming back to lend a hand."

Hearing this, Zhang Yahui's expression softened slightly.

She suddenly remembered that the man before her had always been like this. He seemed quiet on the outside, but he was kind-hearted and warm by nature.

The two of them walked out of the computer classroom.

The afternoon sunlight poured across the corridor, while the cheerful voices of students during recess echoed in the distance.

Zhang Yahui stopped walking, as though she had suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, right. Since you've made the trip back..."

She looked at Cai Shinan with a smile.

"Let me treat you to lunch."

Cai Shinan was taken aback.

"That's really not necessary. I don't want to trouble you."

Zhang Yahui shook her head.

"How can I let that be? You repaired so many computers for the school. The least I can do is buy you a meal."

After a brief pause, she added,

"At my staff residence. I'll cook."

Cai Shinan looked at her.

In that instant, the matchmaking meeting from twenty years earlier flashed through his mind. Back then, they had come so close to becoming husband and wife, yet fate had caused them to miss each other.

Now he had returned to this point in time once again.

The Zhang Yahui standing before him was still as gentle as ever, and he was no longer the young man who cared only about pursuing his career.

He remained silent for a moment before finally nodding.

"All right. Then I'll have to trouble you."

A bright smile spread across Zhang Yahui's face.

"It's no trouble at all. Come on."

The two of them walked side by side along the school corridor, with the sunlight falling behind them.

As Cai Shinan looked ahead, another figure appeared in his mind—

Lin Daihua.

He knew that although his life had begun anew, the choice that fate truly wanted him to face was only just beginning.

13. Memories in a Glass of Wine

That afternoon in Xiaoliuqiu, sunlight streamed through the windows of the teachers' residence. The Japanese-style room, located near the back gate of the school campus, was not large, but it was tastefully arranged. The tatami mats gave off a faint scent of woven grass, and several framed sketches hung on the walls—some depicting the island's seascapes, others portraying the daily lives of its residents.

After stepping into the room, Cai Shinan's attention was immediately drawn to the paintings. Standing before the wall, he examined each one carefully. The Xiaoliuqiu portrayed in the paintings showed fishing boats returning to shore at dawn, the gentle colors of the sea beneath the setting sun, and innocent children running through the island's streets. He could tell that these works did more than simply depict scenery—they also expressed the artist's emotions.

Zhang Yahui came out of the kitchen carrying a freshly cooked fish soup. Seeing Cai Shinan absorbed in the paintings, she could not help smiling.

"Everything's ready, Shinan."

She placed the soup in the center of the small square table.

Coming back to his senses, Cai Shinan turned and sat down beside the tatami table. Several home-cooked dishes had already been prepared: fresh fish, vegetables, a few side dishes, and beside them stood two glass bottles of homemade wine. Looking at the simple yet thoughtfully prepared lunch before him, Cai Shinan suddenly felt a warmth he had not experienced for a long time. Twenty years later, he had become accustomed to the fast-paced, hectic life of the city and had long forgotten that a meal could be so peaceful and comforting.

The two of them sat facing each other on the tatami.

Picking up her chopsticks, Zhang Yahui smiled.

"When I come back to the residence, there's usually no one to talk to."

Cai Shinan glanced around the room.

"Oh? Are you the only one living in this whole row of residences?"

Zhang Yahui nodded as she ladled him a bowl of fish soup.

"That's right. All the teachers who are married have bought houses on the island and live there."

She paused and looked out the window.

"I'm the only one still living here."

Although her voice remained calm, it carried a faint trace of loneliness.

Looking at her, Cai Shinan suddenly recalled their matchmaking meeting. Back then, Zhang Yahui had sat quietly and shyly in the restaurant. Now she was still gentle, but she possessed the composed grace that comes only with maturity.

He picked up his chopsticks but could not help glancing at the paintings again.

"I was looking at your paintings just now."

He paused slightly.

"I think your freehand style is quite distinctive."

He smiled faintly.

"There's something very poetic about it."

Zhang Yahui was momentarily taken aback. Looking up at him with surprise, she asked,

"Oh? You know something about painting too?"

Cai Shinan smiled.

"Just a little."

Looking at the dishes on the table, his tone became somewhat reflective.

"Actually, painting used to be one of my hobbies. Before high school, I loved drawing. If I hadn't had to consider my family's financial situation, I might have chosen to pursue art instead."

Hearing this, Zhang Yahui smiled knowingly.

"So you had an artistic dream too."

She let out a gentle sigh.

"But choosing art isn't necessarily an easier path. I might have ended up just like I am now, teaching at a school."

After saying that, she laughed softly.

"Enough about that. Come on, let's eat first. I made all these dishes myself, and this wine was homemade too."

She picked up a wine glass and poured Cai Shinan a glass of wine. The pale ruby-colored wine shimmered warmly in the sunlight.

Accepting the glass, Cai Shinan smiled.

"Fine food and fine wine. Your life is truly full of poetry and artistry. It feels very refined."

Embarrassed by the compliment, Zhang Yahui lowered her head with a shy smile.

"Thank you for helping the school solve this problem."

Cai Shinan shook his head.

"It was just a small favor. It was nothing."

Looking at the wine in his hand, he suddenly gave a wry smile.

"As for me..."

"People outside all call me one of the new elite in the tech industry. But when it comes down to it, I'm nothing more than an overworked employee who spends all his time working overtime."

Looking at him, Zhang Yahui could hear a trace of weariness in his voice.

"I can tell."

"You're not really happy."

She raised her glass slightly toward him.

"Come on, have a drink. I made this wine myself. It may not truly wash away every sorrow, but at least it can help you relax a little."

Cai Shinan smiled and clinked glasses with her. The clear sound of the two wine glasses touching echoed softly through the quiet room.

He took a sip.

The wine was pleasantly sweet, carrying a delicate fruity aroma.

"It's sweet."

He nodded.

"Excellent wine."

After a moment of silence, Zhang Yahui suddenly set down her glass and looked at him.

"Shinan... don't let what happened during our matchmaking meeting weigh on your mind."

Cai Shinan was briefly taken aback before laughing.

"Haha. I think I'm the one who should be saying that to you."

Zhang Yahui shook her head.

"Actually... it was all my father's idea."

"He always wanted to find a son-in-law with excellent qualifications."

She lowered her head.

"To be honest, I didn't like him arranging my life that way."

Cai Shinan remained silent for a moment.

"I can understand your father's way of thinking. Parents always hope their children will have a good life."

Looking at him, Zhang Yahui asked,

"But he wanted you to marry into our family. For a man, that must have hurt your pride, didn't it?"

Cai Shinan smiled.

"To be honest, becoming a live-in son-in-law was indeed a condition I couldn't accept at the time."

Hearing those words, Zhang Yahui seemed to let go of a burden she had carried for many years.

She said softly,

"Hearing you say that makes me feel much better."

She paused.

"At least it wasn't because..."

Halfway through the sentence, she suddenly stopped. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

Looking at her, Cai Shinan could not help smiling.

"I know what you were going to say."

He set down his wine glass, his voice becoming gentler.

"Actually, only six months before our matchmaking meeting, I had just broken up with my college junior."

"At that time, I still hadn't completely recovered emotionally."

"Although I felt that we would probably get along well on the day we met, once I heard your father say that he hoped I would marry into your family, I..."

He did not finish the sentence.

But Zhang Yahui already understood.

Some opportunities are missed not because two people do not like each other, but because reality and misunderstanding drive them apart.

Looking at him, Zhang Yahui let out a soft sigh.

"So... we've been guessing each other's feelings all along."

She picked up her wine glass.

"If we hadn't talked things through today, perhaps we wouldn't even have remained friends in the future."

Cai Shinan looked at her and nodded with a smile.

Raising her glass, Zhang Yahui said,

"Come. Here's to you, Shinan."

They gently clinked glasses.

The moment the wine touched their lips, both of them felt something indescribable stirring in their hearts.

The bond they had missed twenty years earlier seemed to have found new possibilities at this point in time, rearranged by fate.

Yet Cai Shinan knew very well that another name still remained hidden in his heart—

Lin Daihua.

And this reunion might simply be another test that fate had placed before him after reshuffling the cards of his life.

14. Heartfelt Words Before the Wine Wore Off

That afternoon in Xiaoliuqiu, the sea breeze drifted through the streets, carrying the faint scent of the ocean.

After lunch, Cai Shinan had only intended to reminisce about old times. However, after drinking the homemade wine that Zhang Yahui had brewed herself, combined with the fatigue and emotions that had accumulated over the years, the alcohol gradually dissolved his usual composure. At first, he was still able to chat with Yahui with a smile, but by the time he left the teachers' residence, his steps had already become unsteady.

Seeing him swaying, Zhang Yahui could not help frowning.

"Shinan, are you all right?"

Cai Shinan forced a smile, trying to pretend that everything was fine.

"I'm... I'm fine."

But before he could finish speaking, his body wobbled slightly.

Zhang Yahui quickly reached out to support him.

"You can barely stand, and you're still saying you're fine."

She smiled helplessly.

"Let me take you home."

Zhang Yahui drove Cai Shinan's sedan back to the Cai family home along the familiar streets. When the car stopped outside the house, Qiu Xiuduan and Cai Shifen heard the sound of the engine and came outside curiously.

The moment they stepped out, they saw Zhang Yahui helping a visibly intoxicated Cai Shinan out of the car.

At the sight of him, Qiu Xiuduan immediately looked shocked.

"Anan! How did you end up so drunk?"

She hurried over, looking at her son with both concern and gentle reproach.

Leaning against Zhang Yahui's shoulder, Cai Shinan was still conscious, though his face was slightly flushed.

Zhang Yahui quickly explained,

"Auntie, I'm so sorry. Shinan helped the school repair the computers today, and afterward I invited him to have lunch at the teachers' residence. I had no idea he couldn't hold his liquor."

After hearing her explanation, Qiu Xiuduan immediately shook her head.

"Yahui, you've already gone to so much trouble."

Turning to her daughter, she said,

"Afen, come help me. Let's get your brother back to his room so he can rest."

Cai Shifen hurried over.

The three women worked together to support Cai Shinan into the house. Zhang Yahui and Cai Shifen each held one of his arms as they carefully guided him through the living room and back to his bedroom.

After Cai Shinan lay down on the bed, he closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep.

Cai Shifen pulled the blanket over her brother and could not help smiling as she looked at his sleeping face.

"My brother really has a terrible tolerance for alcohol. Every time he drinks, he gets drunk."

She straightened his clothes.

"But fortunately, he's a very good drunk. Even when he's intoxicated, he never causes trouble or makes a scene."

Standing beside the bed, Zhang Yahui looked quietly at the sleeping Cai Shinan.

Her gaze softened.

During the day, he had appeared calm and dependable whenever he spoke about work. But now, with all his defenses lowered, he looked like nothing more than an exhausted child.

She said softly,

"Let's let Shinan sleep for a while. We can talk outside."

The two women left the bedroom and walked into the living room.

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, and the house was so quiet that only the distant sound of the waves could be heard.

After sitting down, Zhang Yahui remained silent for a moment before speaking.

"Shifen, your brother told me that he broke up with his college junior only six months ago."

"I could tell... he seemed to be deeply hurt."

Cai Shifen let out a quiet sigh and glanced toward the bedroom.

"Yes."

"My brother's relationship wasn't easy."

She paused before continuing slowly.

"The young woman's father opposed their relationship. To separate them, he sent his daughter to the United States for further study."

She hesitated for a moment.

"He even mocked my brother, saying he was..."

She paused again.

"'A toad lusting after a swan.'"

"Those words dealt my brother a tremendous blow."

After hearing this, Zhang Yahui's expression became solemn.

She finally understood why their matchmaking meeting had taken such an unexpected turn.

"No wonder..."

she murmured.

"When I met your brother that day, we had been talking happily. I really felt that we got along well."

"But when my father mentioned that he hoped your brother would marry into our family, his expression changed immediately."

She lowered her eyes.

"At the time, I thought..."

"I thought he simply didn't like me."

"So it turned out that my father had touched the deepest wound in his heart."

Cai Shifen nodded.

"When he came home that day, my mother asked him what he thought of you."

"He only said one sentence."

Imitating her brother's tone of voice, she said,

"What gives rich people the right to be so unreasonable?"

Hearing this, Zhang Yahui could not help giving a bitter smile.

"So that was what had been weighing on his mind all along."

Cai Shifen continued,

"My mother understood."

"My brother didn't dislike you, and he didn't dislike your father."

"He simply felt that his dignity had been denied."

Looking toward the bedroom, Zhang Yahui's face showed a trace of guilt.

"If he hadn't talked everything through with me at lunch today..."

"I honestly wouldn't have known how to face your brother in the future."

Cai Shifen smiled.

"Yahui, my brother has always been like this."

"He's the quiet type."

"If you don't ask him, he can keep things bottled up inside for his entire life."

She paused, her tone becoming more serious.

"But the fact that he was willing to tell you about his former girlfriend means he truly trusts you."

"I think..."

"You could try officially dating him."

"My brother may be rather passive and slow to warm up to people, but he's very serious about relationships."

Listening to her, Zhang Yahui did not answer immediately. She simply looked toward the bedroom.

After a while, a faint smile appeared on her face.

"Shifen, thank you for telling me all this."

"Actually, I've always had a very good impression of your brother."

She spoke softly.

"Even during our matchmaking meeting, I felt he was someone with his own convictions and principles."

"He turned down your father because he wasn't willing to marry into my family."

She smiled gently.

"I actually think..."

"He's a man with integrity."

"Men like him are actually quite rare."

Outside, the sea breeze drifted past the windows.

Inside the room, Cai Shinan remained asleep.

He had no idea that, at this very moment, the two women were talking about his past and were beginning to understand his heart all over again.

Nor did he know that the relationship that had slipped away twenty years earlier was, under fate's new arrangement, slowly drawing close once more.

15. A Fateful Encounter

Donggang Harbor was as lively as ever that afternoon. The sea breeze fluttered the flags along the waterfront, carrying the salty scent of the ocean. The marketplace beside the pier bustled with people. Tourists carried bags of local souvenirs, vendors enthusiastically called out to customers, and the aromas of grilled squid, roasted corn, and fish ball soup drifted through the air, tempting passersby to stop.

Dressed neatly in her nurse's uniform, Cai Shifen was enjoying a rare day off as she strolled through the market with her good friend, You Suru. Each of them held a freshly bought roasted corn and a grilled squid skewer, eating and chatting about recent events.

"Suru, this place is still just as lively as it used to be."

Taking a bite of her corn, Cai Shifen smiled as she watched the crowds passing by.

Wearing her government agency uniform, You Suru chewed on her grilled squid and nodded.

"That's Donggang. It's a place with real human warmth. It's nothing like the big cities, where everyone is busy with their own lives, and neighbors can live next door for years without even knowing each other."

As the two chatted happily, three young men wearing loud floral shirts walked toward them.

The one in front, Heigou, let out a whistle and looked the two women up and down.

"Hey! You two pretty ladies are really beautiful."

Grinning flirtatiously, he continued,

"My buddies and I would like to make your acquaintance. How about singing karaoke tonight and treating you to a good meal?"

The man beside him, nicknamed Muzei-zai, chimed in.

"Yeah, ladies. Don't be in such a hurry to leave. Give us a little face."

Cai Shifen frowned and took a step backward.

"Sorry, we have somewhere to be."

She reached for You Suru's hand, intending to leave.

But Muzei-zai shamelessly stretched out his hand, trying to put it on Cai Shifen's shoulder.

Just before his hand touched her, You Suru swiftly reached out and slapped it away.

Still chewing on a piece of squid, she glared at him coldly.

"Keep your hands to yourself."

Muzei-zai froze for a moment before breaking into a lewd grin.

"Oh? You've got quite a temper."

"We're only trying to make friends. Is there really any need to be so fierce?"

As he spoke, he reached out with both hands again.

The next second, You Suru suddenly spat the chewed squid from her mouth straight into his face.

Smack!

Completely caught off guard, Muzei-zai's face was covered with bits of squid.

"You..."

Furious, he wiped at his face.

The instant he lowered his hands, You Suru's eyes turned cold.

The bamboo skewer in her hand shot forward like lightning.

"Ah!"

Muzei-zai cried out in pain.

The skewer pierced his palm. Clutching both hands together, he groaned continuously.

The sudden turn of events immediately enraged the other two.

"You bitch! You're asking for it!"

Maniu roared as he grabbed You Suru by her ponytail with one hand while twisting one of her arms behind her back with the other.

Meanwhile, Heigou raised his right hand, preparing to slap her hard.

"You crazy woman! You really need to be taught a lesson!"

However, before his hand could come down, his wrist was suddenly seized in a powerful grip.

Heigou froze.

The next instant, a heavy punch slammed squarely into Maniu's face.

Bang!

Maniu staggered backward several steps, clutching his nose as blood streamed through his fingers.

The man who had struck him was You Sihai.

"Big Brother!"

Still shaken, You Suru cried out.

Standing nearby, Li Mingde also walked over.

Glaring at the three thugs, You Sihai shouted,

"Damn it! How dare you bully my little sister! Are you tired of living?"

Heigou tried to pull his wrist free, but Li Mingde twisted his arm behind his back, making his face turn pale with pain.

You Sihai then drove a kick into his stomach.

Heigou let out a muffled groan and dropped to his knees, clutching his abdomen.

Looking down coldly at the three men, Li Mingde asked,

"Who's your boss? How can he let you run wild in broad daylight, harassing young women on the street?"

Muzei-zai lowered his head, too frightened to answer.

Li Mingde sneered.

"Listen carefully."

"Our boss is You Sihai, the son of You Dacheng, the Secretary-General of the Fishermen's Association."

"Go back and tell your boss clearly."

"From now on, anyone who dares lay a finger on his sister can forget about making a living in Donggang."

The three thugs' expressions changed instantly when they heard You Sihai's name.

They realized they had picked the wrong people to provoke.

Amid the laughter and ridicule of the onlookers, the three fled in humiliation.

The surrounding crowd broke into applause.

You Sihai straightened his clothes and turned toward Cai Shifen.

The fierce expression from moments ago disappeared, replaced by a warm smile.

"You're Cai Shifen, aren't you?"

Smiling awkwardly, he said,

"My younger sister Suru talks about you all the time."

Still somewhat shaken, Cai Shifen glanced at You Suru.

Patting his chest, You Sihai said,

"If anyone ever bullies you again, just let me know."

"I'll stand up for you."

Cai Shifen smiled faintly.

"Thank you, Brother Sihai."

At that moment, a familiar figure emerged from the opposite end of the crowd.

Cai Shinan was carrying a drawing board on his back and an art supply bag in his hand.

He had originally come only to look for his sister.

Instead, the first person he noticed was You Sihai.

Instantly, the expression on his face changed.

Memories from twenty years ago surged back like a tidal wave.

The tragedy.

The pain his sister had suffered.

The shadow You Sihai had left over Shifen's life.

Those scenes flashed through his mind one after another.

"It's him..."

Cai Shinan clenched his fists.

"This time, I absolutely won't let the tragedy happen again."

He strode toward them.

Before You Sihai could react, Cai Shinan shoved him aside, pulled Cai Shifen behind him, and shouted,

"You Sihai!"

"Stay away from my sister!"

Both of them froze.

You Sihai looked utterly bewildered.

"What's going on?"

Cai Shifen hurriedly grabbed her brother.

"Brother, you've got it all wrong!"

But Cai Shinan was no longer listening.

He glared at You Sihai.

"I'm not mistaken!"

"You'll ruin her life one day!"

You Sihai looked completely confused.

He had never met Cai Shinan before, nor did he understand why he had suddenly become this man's enemy.

"Brother Cai... have you mistaken me for someone else?"

Cai Shinan stared at him coldly.

"You Sihai, I'm warning you."

"Stay away from my sister."

"I'm not afraid of people like you."

"If you dare keep bothering her, I'll fight you to the death."

You Sihai's expression gradually darkened.

Just as he was about to reply, You Suru quickly grabbed his arm.

"Big Brother, don't get angry yet."

"He must really have some kind of misunderstanding."

Li Mingde also stepped forward, standing between the two men.

"Brother Cai, you've really misunderstood."

"We stepped in because we saw your sister and Suru being harassed."

But Cai Shinan refused to listen.

He grabbed his sister's hand.

"Shifen, come home with me."

"Don't ever associate with people like him again."

With that, he led his sister away.

Left behind, You Sihai, You Suru, and Li Mingde stood there staring at one another in complete confusion.

You Sihai let out a bitter laugh.

"Brother Cai is really strange."

"I didn't do anything to Shifen."

"Why is he so angry with me?"

After thinking for a moment, You Suru replied,

"Maybe he really has some misunderstanding about you."

"I've met him a few times before."

"He's not normally this impulsive."

Li Mingde frowned.

"Boss, he warned you not to pursue his sister."

You Sihai was stunned for a moment.

Then he suddenly laughed.

"Now that's even stranger."

"How did he know I fell in love with his sister at first sight?"

Li Mingde's eyes widened.

"Seriously, Boss?"

You Sihai nodded matter-of-factly.

"Of course."

Turning to his sister, he said,

"Little Sis, you've got to help your big brother."

You Suru smiled helplessly.

"If you're truly sincere about Shifen, of course I'll help you."

"But right now, the most important thing is clearing up her brother's misunderstanding of you."

You Sihai scratched his head.

"The problem is... today was the first time I'd ever met him."

"How am I supposed to know what misunderstanding he has about me?"

Looking at the departing brother and sister, You Suru said softly,

"All right."

"I'll go find Shifen another day and ask her what really happened."

The sea breeze swept across Donggang Harbor.

No one knew that this confrontation was the point where fate had brought together two lives whose paths had become intertwined in the wrong way.

Nor did anyone know that the future Cai Shinan was trying to prevent was already beginning to change quietly.