In the distance, ethereal music seemed to drift. Fu Nianyu’s eyes stared straight ahead, probing into the darkness at the end of the long street outside the gate. Behind him, a loud shout suddenly rang out: “Nianyu, Nianyu! Quick, someone has snatched Dandan away!”

Madam Fu—Niu Zhiying’s—shrill scream shattered Fu Nianyu’s stupor like a giant hammer. He immediately rushed back into the house and followed his wife to the rear courtyard. In the rear courtyard stood a century-old locust tree. Fu Nianyu opened his eyes wide. Crouching on the branches of the ancient locust was a man draped in a black cloak. Most of his face was concealed by the black cloak, revealing only a pair of ghostly green eyeballs staring at him, his throat emitting a hoarse gasping sound.

In the black-cloaked man’s arms was the sleeping Fu Dan.

Fu Nianyu shouted loudly: “Release my daughter!” After shouting, Fu Nianyu rushed to the base of the tree but was helpless, not knowing how to climb it. Fu Nianyu stepped back, but unexpectedly caught a whiff of an inexplicable fragrance.

The black-cloaked man suddenly leaped, vaulting from the tall ancient locust over the wall. Fu Nianyu was stunned for a moment, then rushed to the long street outside the gate, but the black-cloaked man along with his daughter had already vanished.

On the long street, a woman’s mournful wailing echoed for a long time, heart-wrenching, gradually spreading outward…

Fifteen years ago, I walked out from here. Alone.

Fifteen years later, I returned to this place. Still alone.

This is the ancestral residence and old estate that has locked up my memories for fifteen years. Inside are fragments belonging to two people—two children with sweet smiles. I reach out my hand. Memories are stirred into chaos. The dryness in my eyes gradually transforms into long-absent moisture.

Wan Xiang… my younger sister… I have returned.

Calling out that name, my cheeks twitch. In the declining night, I am as fierce as a beast.