You can have him.

Wang's friend, who was standing by my side, interrupted me as I turned and started to walk toward the car.

"Zhan, can I talk to you for a minute, please?" he requested. I continued to walk without speaking.

"Zhan, who were you talking to?" I ignored him and walked towards the car. But I stopped, anger bubbling inside me. "Who I talk to is none of your business," I said.

"What did the person say to you that got you all riled up?" he asked, his words laced with superiority. "Your anger rolls off in waves."

His eyes turn a fiery shade of red as he stares at me, reminding me of Liu's eyes the day he spoke with my manager.

I felt my anger growing stronger, like a fire that had been burning for ages, slowly consuming me. I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth, feeling an overwhelming rage course through me. I was done with all of them; my tears were dry, and now all I have left is anger from every corner of my body.

"You know what? You can have him for all I care. I don't need a lying cheat like him in my life." If he wanted a one-night stand, he would have been upfront about it instead of pretending to love me. I sneered, my voice dripping with contempt. I turned away from him, not wanting to look at him anymore. I was done with him and with them all.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

I looked back at him, my eyes burning with rage. "I'm talking about Wang; I spat. "I'm done with him and all of you blood-sucking demons." I don't need people like that in my life."

His piercing gaze bore down on my soul as he grasped my hand tightly. His eyes, a fiery shade of red, emitted an otherworldly glow. "You will tell me everything now," he commanded, his voice filled with unyielding determination.

I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as he uttered those words. "I'm not telling you anything," I hissed. "Let go of my hand now before I break your jaw!" I shouted.

Shock was written all over his face. "What are you?" he asked.

I stared back at him defiantly, my eyes flashing. "I'm the one who will break your jaw if you don't let go of my hand," I replied.

While he decided whether to let go of my hand, I had had enough of him. I was done with the lot of them. I wouldn't let them intimidate me anymore. Without giving him time to respond, I unleashed a powerful punch on his jaw with all my might. As he stumbled and fell to the ground in shock at my ferocity, his hold on my hand loosened. "You should have let go when you had the chance," I said firmly, and I walked away.

I entered the cab, and the driver immediately started the car. As I settled into the back seat, my mind reeled from the adrenaline rush of what had happened. My surprise was palpable when I thought about how my punch landed a vampire on his ass. The sheer force behind my anger must have caught him off guard, I concluded. It was a rare, unexpected victory for me.

At that moment, I couldn't help but reflect on the frustration that had been building up inside me for a while now. Due to the constant demands and expectations of those around me, I had reached my breaking point. It seemed like everyone had their agenda and their own needs, and I had simply had enough.

As the cab sped through the streets, I gazed out of the window, lost in my thoughts. The familiar sights and sounds of the urban landscape blurred together, offering a temporary respite from the chaos that had consumed my life. I longed for a moment of tranquility, a chance to escape the suffocating weight of responsibility and the never-ending cycle of obligations.

The cab driver's presence was a constant reminder of the world outside, a reminder that I couldn't completely detach myself from reality. But for now, I allowed myself to drift away, letting the rhythmic hum of the engine lull me into a state of temporary peace. It was a brief interlude—a fleeting moment of solace amidst the chaos.

I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Would I find the strength to break free from the suffocating grip of expectations? Or would the overwhelming pressure to please everyone around me still consume me? The answers eluded me, but for now, I relished the fleeting sense of liberation that came with embracing my anger and asserting myself.

I vow to take control of my own life. No longer would I be a victim of circumstance or a slave to others' desires? It was time to forge my path, reclaim my identity, and embrace myself. The cab ride became a metaphor for my journey, a symbol of the choices I would make and live with.

As the cab stopped in front of our gate, I paid the fare and stepped out. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, rejuvenating my spirits. With newfound determination, I entered the house, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. I stepped into a future filled with possibility and self-discovery.

I went down to the basement. The stairs creaked beneath me, groaning under my decision. Once I reached the bottom, I found solace amidst the shadows. The air was heavy with old memories and forgotten dreams.

I lay down on my worn-out duvet, feeling its familiar texture against my tired body. The years of use had left their mark, and the fabric was now thin and frayed. Yet it had been my faithful companion through countless nights, witnessing my joys and sorrows.

Today marked the end of an era—the final day I would find comfort in this confined space. The walls, once a sanctuary, now felt suffocating. The basement, once a refuge, now held a bittersweet nostalgia.

As I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but reminisce about the moments spent in this humble abode. The laughter that echoed through its humble walls, the tears shed in moments of despair It had been a witness to my growth and transformation.

But now it was time to bid farewell. The world outside beckoned; a new chapter was waiting to be written. I knew it was time to leave this place behind and embrace the unknown that lay ahead.

Suddenly, my door creaked open, and I peeked through my duvet to see Uncle Hao, standing there. His eyes shot daggers at me.

I lay my head back on my pillow and pulled the duvet up to my chin. Looking toward Uncle Hao, I closed my eyes.

He yanked the duvet from my body and kicked me. "Get up and do your chores, you lazy brat!" he hissed. I rose to my feet, knowing I had had enough.

"Uncle Hao, you have hands, don't you? Aunt Ru does, and Mao too. I'm sure if you three share the chores, you will finish faster than I do." He glared at me in surprise, his eyes narrowing.

I moved closer to him and looked him in the eye. "Don't hit me again," I said firmly as I yanked my duvet back from his hand. He stepped back, surprised. I could see him trying to respond, but he said nothing.

Aunt Ru walked in; her face twisted in anger. "Why haven't you made breakfast yet? It's nearly eight a.m. She hissed.

"You have hands, don't you? I'm tired; please get out of my room," I said with a sigh. I had been up all night. I was exhausted and just wanted to rest.

"I was numb to the world, my emotions tucked away in a secret corner of my heart."

They both walked out, shocked to their bones, as the morning light lit the dingy walls of the basement.

I lay down on my duvet with a heavy heart. I drifted into restless sleep; my mind filled with uncertain dreams. Today brings new beginnings—a fresh start in a different place. But now, I would savor the last moments in this basement, cherishing the memories forever etched in my heart. Darkness envelopes me, providing closure. When I wake up, I will step into another world, leaving this basement and its worn-out duvet behind.

I must have dozed off for a few minutes, because the next thing I knew, I felt a sharp kick on my shin. I opened my eyes to find Uncle Hao standing over me. I rose to my feet, his face still red with anger and his eyes still blazing with rage. "You ungrateful bastard," he hissed, "you think you can talk back at me now?"

I stared at him, my anger rising within me. My hands balled into a fist as I fought the urge to punch him. I felt my pulse quicken as I glared at him, but I knew I had to remain calm. I held his gaze, unblinking, my anger slowly ebbing away.

"You know what? I'm out of here," I hissed. "You are the ungrateful one who uses me like a donkey without appreciating all my effort. Let's see how you will survive without me!"

I punched the wall, releasing my anger in a single act of frustration. I grabbed my mother's necklace and stuffed the few clothes I had into my small bag. I spun around and stormed out the door, determined never to look back.

Uncle Hao's face was red with anger, and his eyes burned. He stood in the doorway and shouted, "You think you can leave this family without consequences? You are wrong!"

"No consequences? I've seen worse! You believe you can treat me in this manner and expect me to stay? I won't take it anymore! I'm leaving, and I'm not coming back!" I yelled back, my voice firm and unwavering. With that, I stomped out of the room and out of the house, my bag slung over my shoulder. I didn't look back.