Qingtong Street

Ning City, located in the eastern province of Zhejiang within the Huaxia coastal delta, might not exude the nobility of the capital nor match the prosperity of Shuzhou. However, its level of industrial development and wealth accumulation far surpassed both.

Consequently, following the trend of "Beijing drift", there emerged a new trend known as "Hui Ning".

Every year, a large influx of people poured into Ning City, viewing it as a paradise to chase their dreams. Successful individuals were few and far between, while those who faced disappointment were aplenty.

The escalating housing prices were enough to intimidate locals, let alone migrant workers from other areas.

Renting became the preferred option.

Over time, several streets and alleys in the city transformed into settlements for newcomers, with Qingtone Street being one of them.

This street boasted the most famous nightlife scene, attracting people from all walks of life. One could casually encounter a billionaire or a fugitive on the street.

Qingtong Street was both intricate and perilous.

Upon hearing these words, the taxi driver couldn't help but cast an extra glance at Shen Wan, moving his lips but ultimately saying nothing.

The car smoothly pulled away.

Upon reaching the intersection of Qingtong Street, Shen Wan requested, "You don't need to go in. I'll alight here."

After much internal struggle, the driver hesitated but couldn't bear it any longer. He offered a reminder, "This place isn't very safe. You're a young girl; take care."

He didn't advise her not to go; it was just a few words from his conscience, going above and beyond.

"Thank you. This is for the fare; keep the change." Shen Wan handed him a hundred yuan bill.

With that, she opened the door and swiftly disappeared around the corner.

During the day, QingtongStreet appeared normal. The cobblestone road gleamed immaculate under the sunlight. While revisiting the place held bitter memories from her past life, Shen Wan's heart remained unperturbed.

She knew things were different now.

The Shen Wan from her past life and the Shen Wan of her current existence were inherently different. Just as the Zhou Chi of the past suffered from having his legs amputated, the Zhou Chi of this life managed to remain unharmed, largely due to her foresight.

The self-sacrifice that day was not merely a momentary impulse; it was a clash against fate. Shen Wan was eager to know whether her presence could alter the predetermined path of destiny.

If it could, that would be the best outcome.

If it couldn't, well, she was going to die anyway. She'd rather be hit by a car than experience the feeling of being dissected by a surgeon's knife again.

Without her organs, she wouldn't survive either. Escaping the entanglement appeared to be a favorable outcome.

And the fact was, she didn't die, and Zhou Chi wasn't disabled— a man's will overcomes fate!

The events of the past life were beyond reach; the current life was just starting.

Guided by memory, Shen Wan found the entrance to the apartment building. She ascended to the second floor and halted before a rusty iron door.

Behind the iron door was another wooden door, its original color faded to a burnt yellow.

The corridor walls were plastered with small advertisements offering locksmith services, drain cleaning, plastic surgery, and treatment for infertility.

At first, Shen Wan knocked on the wooden door, receiving no response. She then knocked on the iron door.

Bang, bang, bang!

"Who is it?" A faint roar emanated from inside, followed by the sound of hard-soled slippers smacking against the floor.

Soon enough, the wooden door creaked open, revealing a tousled head.

Describing it as tousled was fitting, considering the unruly hair resembled a chicken coop.

Yawning, Zhou Chi, his eyes still sleepy, muttered, "Hey, who are you..."

The next second, Shen Wan turned around, locking eyes with him.

A teasing smile curled on the corners of her lips.

Zhou Chi's eyes widened, and all traces of sleepiness vanished. "H-How is it you?!"

"Where's my bag?" On that day, before Shen Qian arrived at the hospital, Zhou Chi left ahead of time. Following Shen Wan's instructions, he took her bag with him.

"It's inside..."

Raising an eyebrow, Shen Wan's smile grew broader. "Why? Aren't you going to invite me to go in to have a seat?"