chapter 5

Linda and I continued our conversation on the rooftop, the sun setting behind us. As we talked, I felt a sense of comfort in confiding in her. It was refreshing to speak to someone who didn't see me as just another rich kid.

But as we chatted, my mind drifted to my own personal struggles. Despite my family's wealth, I felt immense pressure to succeed in my own right. My parents expected a lot from me, and I didn't want to disappoint them. I wanted to make them proud and prove that I could be successful on my own terms.

I shared these thoughts with Linda, who listened patiently and nodded in understanding. "It sounds like you have a lot on your plate," she said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "But just remember that you're not alone. You have friends who care about you and believe in you."

I smiled at her words, feeling grateful for her support. But my moment of peace was short-lived, as a group of guys suddenly appeared on the rooftop, led by a familiar face.

It was Michiel, who had a smug grin on his face. "Well, well, well, look who we have here," he sneered. "It's the little rich boy, pretending to be something he's not."

I felt a knot form in my stomach as the group of guys surrounded us. They clearly weren't here to make friends. "What do you want?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Michiel stepped forward, his eyes glinting with malice. "We know who you really are," he said. "And we're going to expose you for the fraud that you are."

I stood my ground, feeling a sense of panic rising in my chest. How could I possibly defend myself against these guys? But then I remembered Linda's words: I wasn't alone.

Summoning my courage, I stood up to Michiel and his gang. I may have had insecurities, but I was still a force to be reckoned with. The fight that ensued was intense and thrilling, as I used my wits and strength to take down my enemies.

In the end, we emerged victorious, with Michiel and his gang retreating in defeat. As we caught our breath, I turned to Linda, feeling a newfound sense of confidence.

"Thanks for believing in me," I said, smiling. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Lin Wu nodded in agreement. He felt a sense of relief knowing that Linda would be safe, but also a sense of guilt for involving her in his family's dangerous affairs.

As they were walking back to the car, Lin Wu felt a sharp pain in his stomach. He doubled over, clutching his abdomen. Linda caught him and helped him to the car.

"What's wrong?" Linda asked, her face full of concern.

"I think I got hit during the fight," Lin Wu said through gritted teeth. "It's nothing serious. I just need to rest for a bit."

Linda looked at him skeptically. "Let me take a look," she said, reaching for his shirt.

Lin Wu hesitated, then reluctantly lifted his shirt to reveal a large bruise on his side. Linda sucked in a breath at the sight of it.

"We need to get you to a hospital," Linda said, her voice firm. "You could have internal bleeding."

Lin Wu shook his head. "No, I'll be fine," he said, but he couldn't hide the pain in his voice.

Linda was not convinced. "I'm taking you to the hospital," she said, already starting the car. "And don't argue with me, Lin Wu. You need medical attention."

Lin Wu didn't protest any further. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, feeling Linda's concern radiating off her in waves. Despite the pain, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and gratitude towards her.

At the hospital, the doctors confirmed that Lin Wu had a few broken ribs and a ruptured spleen. They operated on him immediately, and Linda waited anxiously outside the operating room.

When the surgery was over and Lin Wu was in the recovery room, Linda went in to see him. She pulled up a chair next to his bed and took his hand in hers.

"You scared me," she said softly. "I was so worried about you."

Lin Wu managed a weak smile. "I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to scare you."

Linda leaned in closer. "You know," she said, her eyes sparkling. "You're not as useless as you pretend to be."

Lin Wu raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Linda said, a mischievous glint in her eye. "That you're actually kind of badass."

Lin Wu laughed, wincing at the pain in his chest. "I don't know about that," he said.

"No, I'm serious," Linda said, a smile spreading across her face. "You saved my life, Lin Wu. You stood up to those guys and you protected me. That takes a lot of courage."

Lin Wu felt a warmth spreading through him. He had never felt so proud of himself before. Maybe Linda was right. Maybe he wasn't as useless as he had always believed.

"Thank you, Linda," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "For everything."

Linda squeezed his hand. "You don't have to thank me," she said. "I'll always be there for you, no matter what."

Lin Wu smiled. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he had a true friend. And maybe, just maybe, he was beginning to understand that being rich wasn't everything. That sometimes, it was the people in your life that mattered the most.