It wasn’t a mirage, it was real.

Lu Hanbing stepped outside, leaning against the cold brick wall of the corridor, his body sinking into its support as if the weight of his world had finally collapsed on him. He ran a hand through his dark hair, strands falling messily over his forehead. His chest tightened with an overwhelming sense of helplessness. He felt like he had spent years meticulously building a sandcastle, sculpting it with careful hands, only to watch it crumble before his eyes in an instant, swept away by a wave he hadn't seen coming.

His fingers drifted to his temple, rubbing circles as he squeezed his eyes shut. The throbbing headache he'd been suppressing returned with a vengeance, pounding against his skull. He took in a shaky breath, trying to steady his racing mind.