He looked around, searching every corner, but she was nowhere to be seen. The moment she vanished; a strange emptiness settled in his chest. Unable to give up, he stepped outside and continued scanning the university grounds — the garden path, the old buildings, even the parking lot — but she was gone.
Just then, Secretary Lin Shan approached.
Secretary Lin Shan: "Young Master, what's wrong?"
Jawlong Hua: "I saw her."
Secretary Lin Shan: "Who? Who did you see?"
Jawlong Hua: "Xiao Yufan."
Secretary Lin Shan's expression froze.
Secretary Lin Shan: "Young Master… Her Highness passed away long ago. You couldn't have seen her. It must be a hallucination."
Jawlong lowered his gaze.
Jawlong Hua: "Maybe…"
Before he could say more, his phone rang.
Jawlong Hua: "Hello? Father—… Yes, I'm coming."
He ended the call abruptly.
Jawlong Hua: "Hurry. We need to get to Central Hospital."
They rushed to the car.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city—
Yu Chan was running around, breathless and anxious.
Yu Chan: "Has anyone seen Xiuying?"
But no one had.
Worried, she finally went to the nearby park. There, she found a lonely figure sitting quietly on a bench.
Yu Chan: "So you were here? I searched everywhere! Why do you always disappear without telling me?"
Xiao Xiuying: "I…"
Yu Chan: "Do you know how worried I get? I'm your best friend, Xiuying."
Xiao Xiuying: "I'm sorry. I just needed some fresh air."
Yu Chan grabbed her hand— and froze.
Yu Chan: "What—?! Your hand… It's bleeding!"
Dark red stains covered Xiuying's palm.
Yu Chan: "How did you get hurt again?"
Xiao Xiuying: "I was attacked. Someone tried to kill me… again."
Yu Chan: "That's it. We're going to the hospital right now."
They hurried towards the road.
Central Hospital – Room 325
Jawlong Hua rushed inside.
Jawlong Hua: "Father, what happened to Mother?"
Mr. Li Chu Hua: "She was in an accident. The driver and secretary were seriously injured. Their condition is critical."
Jawlong frowned deeply.
Jawlong Hua: "A sudden accident in perfect weather… This doesn't feel normal. Secretary Lin Shan, contact Officer Liu Xiatian. Tell her to investigate."
But Mrs. Nuwa Hua interrupted.
Mrs. Nuwa Hua: "No need. It was just an accident. I'm fine now. Don't trouble the authorities."
Jawlong softened.
Jawlong Hua: "As you wish, Mother. Please recover soon."
Mrs. Nuwa Hua: "Find me a new assistant."
Jawlong Hua: "Yes. Secretary Shan, announce the vacancy for assistant and secretary."
Secretary Lin Shan: "Of course. We should return to the company — there's a lot of pending work."
Mr. Li Chu Hua: "Go, my son. I'll stay with your mother."
Jawlong nodded and stepped out. At the reception counter, he suddenly froze. He saw her.
Xiao Yufan — walking away. He called her name… but she didn't turn around. He hurried after her — but again, she disappeared.
Secretary Lin Shan: "Mr. Hua? What are you looking for?"
Jawlong Hua: "I saw her again… It was her. Xiao Yufan."
Secretary Lin Shan: "…But she's gone."
Jawlong clenched his jaw.
Jawlong Hua: "I'm meeting Mr. Ah Kum tomorrow. Clear my schedule."
Secretary Lin Shan: "Yes, sir."
In the OPD Room
Yu Chan: "Doctor, how is her injury?"
Doctor: "Fortunately, it's only a minor wound this time. You may leave."
Xiao Xiuying: "Thank you, doctor."
They were about to exit when Zhou Xiaolu entered.
Zhou Xiaolu (Yu Chan's bodyguard): "Miss, the Master wants to see you."
Yu Chan: "Alright. We'll drop Xiuying on the way."
The three of them left the hospital.
Meanwhile, in Shine On…
The meeting room—
To be continued.