My Lethal Man 2 [Yuan Shuai]

3- Crossroads of Truth

Leaving the phone in the capable hands of the shop owner, Yuan Shuai couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension. He knew that the outcome was uncertain, but he had come too far to turn back now. As he sat in anticipation, his mind drifted back to the photograph of Yan XingCheng and Shen Manning preparing for their upcoming wedding. It was a reminder of the happiness his friends had found, and a part of him longed for that same joy and stability in his own life.

Yuan Shuai: "Yan Xingcheng and Shen Manning... They've found their happiness, and I'm truly happy for them. But I can't let my own complications hinder their joy. I need to find my own path, my own truth."

Minutes turned into what felt like hours, until finally, the shop owner emerged with a smile on his face, holding the revived phone in his hand.

Shop Owner: "It took some work, but I managed to bring the phone back to life. It should be functional now."

Yuan Shuai's heart skipped a beat as he took the phone in his hands, the weight of its potential revelations settling on his shoulders. He knew that with the phone's revival, a new chapter of his journey was about to unfold.

Yuan Shuai: "Thank you!"

With the revived phone in his possession, Yuan Shuai felt a surge of happiness. He knew that he couldn't let fear or doubt hold him back any longer. It was time to face his past, his identity, and the truth that awaited him.

As he left the shop, his own phone came to life with a familiar ringtone. Startled, Yuan Shuai answered the call, his voice filled with a mixture of caution and curiosity.

Fang Xiang: "Yuan Shuai! Finally, you're alive! We've been trying to reach you. Are you okay?"

Yuan Shuai's heart skipped a beat. The voice on the other end belonged to Fang Xiang, his loyal friend who had always been there for him.

Yuan Shuai: "Fang Xiang, I'm sorry for not responding earlier. I needed some time to myself, but I'm okay. "

Fang Xiang: "We understand, Yuan Shuai. We've missed you a lot."

Touched by Fang Xiang's words, Yuan Shuai felt a pang of guilt for keeping his friends at arm's length.

Yuan Shuai: "Thank you, Fang Xiang. I appreciate your support. I promise I'll reach out soon. But right now, I need to focus on finding the answers I seek."

Fang Xiang: "Uh! What answers bro? Don't be so mysterious like you've always been just share it with us. Just know that we're here for you, no matter what. We've missed you a lot."

Yuan Shuai: "Oh it's nothing, Fang Xiang. How's everyone there? I saw that picture in the morning and-.."

Fang Xiang: "Oh Yeah! Just forgot to tell you that Mr. Yan and Miss. Shen are getting married next week. I am so excited! You'll come, right?"

Yuan Shuai disconnected the call without answering Fang Xiang which kind of startled Fang.

As he was about to unlock the door of the villa, his phone vibrated once again, indicating a new message. With a mix of anticipation and apprehension, he unlocked the screen and read the message.

Yan XingCheng: "Yuan Shuai, Fang Xiang just told me that you hung up on him. Please don't shut us out. We're your friends, and I wish to see you in my wedding."

The text lightened up the loyalty he had for Yan XingCheng but he couldn't return back to China any soon. With a heavy heart he texted back:

"Sorry, Boss! I can't be there."

Tears welled up in Yuan Shuai's eyes as he pressed send. With a pain in his heart, Yuan Shuai walked in to the old villa, ready to explore the revived phone and unravel the clues that would guide him closer to the truth. The road ahead would be filled with challenges, but he has to face it. Alone!

Finding solace in the familiar comfort of the old villa, Yuan Shuai entered and closed the door behind him. The silence enveloped him, amplifying the intensity of his emotions. He knew he had embarked on a journey filled with uncertainty and risks, but he was determined to discover the truth that had eluded him for so long.

Taking a deep breath, Yuan Shuai made his way to a dusty room where an old wooden chair stood against a cracked wall. He pulled the chair closer to a dimly lit corner, feeling a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. With trembling hands, he reached into his pocket and retrieved the revived phone.

The screen flickered to life as he pressed the power button. The device emitted a faint glow, casting a pale light on Yuan Shuai's face. As he navigated through the phone's menus, his heart raced with each tap of the buttons.

Finally, he found his mother's text messages, and his eyes locked onto a particular conversation.

Yuan Shuai: "Mom... What secrets do you hold?"Opening the conversation, Yuan Shuai read through the messages exchanged between his mother and a friend she had trusted. It became apparent that his mother had sought help from her friend to book a ticket back to China. Yuan Shuai's heart skipped a beat as the truth sank in.

Yuan Shuai: "She went back to China... Everything happened there."

He realized that the old villa held no answers. The incidents of his father's arrest and his mother's disappearance were rooted in their homeland. The fragments of their shattered lives were scattered across China, and that was where he needed to go to uncover the truth.

Sitting in the dimly lit room, Yuan Shuai felt a mix of relief and despair. He now had a direction to follow, but uncertainty still loomed over his mother's fate.

Was she alive?

Did she face danger?

These questions plagued his mind, reminding him of the lingering mysteries yet to be unraveled.

Yuan Shuai: "China... My old home... That's where the truth lies."

He knew that his journey was far from over but he still thought he would be able to do it alone. Soon, Yuan Shuai will realize that he can't continue this dangerous game alone. The time would come when he would have to seek help, confront his fears, and face the unknown.

~Just adding because Yuan Shuai used to put on such type of a glove in one of his hands.

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Author's Note:

Hey there, amazing readers! Can I just say, your enthusiasm for this story is off the charts! You've got me feeling like a superhero, but instead of a cape, I'm armed with a keyboard.

Unveiling Shadows is like a rollercoaster ride, so buckle up, hold on tight, and be prepared for twists, turns, and maybe even a hilariously unexpected loop-de-loop.

I'm beyond grateful for your incredible support and the feedbacks you've shared so far. You're the real MVPs of this adventure.

Stay tuned for the next update.

Remember, my friends, laughter is the secret ingredient that makes every story shine. So, keep those funny bones ready and let's have a blast together!]

-Alstreomeria