After a delightful day filled with laughter and camaraderie, the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. As the group strolled back to the hostel, the lightness of the day hung in the air, and Danni felt a warm glow in her chest, particularly when she exchanged playful banter with CK.
Just as they reached the entrance, CK's phone buzzed sharply in her pocket. She glanced at the screen, her expression shifting from relaxed to serious in an instant.
"Is everything okay?" Danni asked, noticing the change.
CK didn't respond right away. She stepped aside, her brows furrowing as she read the urgent message from her father.
Dad: Chen Ke, we need to talk. It's time for you to start working at the company. Your future there is important, and we need you. Your grandfather is counting on you to take over.
The weight of her father's words crashed over CK like a cold wave. She felt a mix of anxiety and frustration; the last thing she wanted was to be thrust back into the rigid expectations of her family.
"CK?" Danni called softly, stepping closer.
CK took a deep breath, forcing herself to maintain a calm exterior as she returned to the group. "I have to go home. There's something urgent I need to handle."
The playful atmosphere deflated slightly. Yao Yao tilted her head, concern creasing her brow. "Everything alright?"
CK nodded, though the uncertainty flickered in her eyes. "Yeah, just... family stuff."
"Do you want us to come with you?" Yuan Yiqi asked, always ready to support her friend.
"No, it's fine. I'll handle it." CK forced a smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. She felt a pang of disappointment at the thought of leaving the warmth of the day behind, especially after finally starting to enjoy herself.
Back at her family's house, CK entered the spacious living room, where her father was waiting, his expression stern. She took a seat, bracing herself for the conversation.
"Chen Ke, it's time for you to step up," her father began without preamble. "You've enjoyed your time at university, but your future is here with us. The company needs you."
"Dad, I—" CK started, her voice steady but her heart racing. "I'm still studying. I need more time."
Her father's gaze hardened. "You are the future of this company. Your grandfather is counting on you to take over when the time comes. This is not a discussion."
"But I want to explore other things! I have interests outside of the company!" CK protested, frustration bubbling up.
"Interests?" her father scoffed. "You have a responsibility. This is a legacy. You can't just turn your back on it because you feel like enjoying life."
CK clenched her fists, feeling trapped. She didn't want to abandon her dreams, the joy she had started to find in her friendships—especially with Danni.
As the conversation progressed, CK's emotions swirled—anger, frustration, but also a deep sense of guilt for not wanting to follow the path laid out for her. She thought of the laughter at the beach, the lightness of being with friends, and how Danni had begun to make her feel alive again.
"Dad, I just want a chance to figure out who I am outside of the family's expectations. Can't you understand that?" CK's voice softened, desperation creeping in.
