---
The afternoon sun cast its soft glow over the faded apartment building, but there was no warmth in Lin Yue's heart as she stared at the six men at her door.
Their menacing presence turned her blood cold.
The one in front had a scar running from his temple down to his jaw, his arms crossed, eyes hard and unblinking.
Lin Yue's hand trembled slightly on the doorknob.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The men didn't answer.
Instead, Scarface shoved her aside with a rough hand and barged in like he owned the place.
The others followed, their boots thudding against her wooden floor.
She stumbled back, catching herself on the wall, clutching her stomach protectively.
---
The leader flopped onto her sofa with a grunt, legs spread, arms draped across the backrest as if it was his own.
"We're here to collect a debt," he finally said.
"Debt?" Lin Yue frowned, confused. "I don't owe anyone any money."
The man grinned darkly, yellow teeth flashing. "Not you. But someone said to collect it here."
Who was it? Taking loan then sending people to her door?
She thought of someone.
Could it be...
"Who?" Lin Yue demanded, arms folding protectively over her abdomen.
He shrugged. "Lin Chengbi."
Lin Yue's breath caught.
She really did guess.
That vile, cruel man who called himself her father.
The name made her stomach churn.
Her eyes narrowed. "I don't know such a person."
The leader's expression turned cold.
He stood, walking toward her until they were only inches apart. "Don't lie. We were told you're his daughter."
Lin Yue clenched her fists at her sides.
She could see it now—Lin Chengbi probably got into some kind of mess again and offered her like a pawn. Just like always.
And now, these animals were here, sitting on her sofa, treating her home like a slum.
"I'm not giving you any money," she said. "Go ask him."
He sneered, his voice sharp and threatening. "We were told you work and have savings. Don't test our patience."
She looked at them, at their cold, scarred faces. Reasoning wouldn't work. These weren't men who responded to logic.
She thought of her baby, curled in her womb.
She needed a plan.
She straightened her back, calm and composed.
With a bitter smile, she asked, "How much?"
The leader grinned. "Seven hundred thousand."
Lin Yue's legs almost gave way.
Seven hundred thousand?
What was wrong with that bastard?
What kind of gambling hole had he crawled into?
Did he gamble away his soul?
She closed her eyes briefly.
Rage simmered beneath her skin.
She couldn't allow her child to grow up with ties to people like that.
She forced herself to stay upright, her voice cold. "Fine. I'll pay. But on one condition."
The men exchanged glances, then the leader shrugged. "Speak."
"I want to see him. Lin Chengbi. I want him to face me as I give you the money."
He watched her for a moment, trying to decide if she was tricking them.
Then he gave a single nod.
---
Thirty minutes later, they were driving in a dented black van that smelled of smoke and sweat.
Lin Yue sat between two of the men, clutching her small bag.
Their eyes on her—hungry, vile.
Their stares scraped her skin, but they didn't say anything.
Not yet.
Maybe first the money, then maybe they'd speak their twisted thoughts.
She knew their kind.
They hadn't tried anything yet so she ignored them, resting her hand on her stomach protectively.
I'll end this. For you, little one. You won't grow up in a world like this. I'll protect you.
---
The ride felt eternal, every bump in the road jolting her tired bones.
But finally, they pulled up to the old neighborhood.
The van pulled into a dusty yard, the broken gate barely hanging on its hinges.
Lin Yue's eyes scanned the familiar filth, the piles of garbage, the peeling walls, and the patched-up windows.
It was the house she'd grown up in, but there was no warmth.
No memories worth keeping.
Her mother was outside, lounging on one of those chairs, lazily eating melon seeds.
Her nails were long and painted red, her eyes squinting against the sun.
She looked around.
Lin Yue's brother and sister weren't around.
Her father sat under the veranda, cigarette in his hand, his belly protruding over his waistband.
When they saw her, both stood up in surprise to see her.
"Lin Yue?" her mother spat, rising from her seat. "What the hell are you doing here with these people?"
"Little bastard!?" her father called, voice angry. "Boss Li, what's going on? Didn't she already pay?"
Boss Li scowled and turned to Lin Yue. "What the hell is this? You trying to play us?"
Lin Yue stepped forward, chin high, eyes cold. "I'll pay. But only if he signs something."
"What the hell are you talking about?" her mother snapped, storming closer. "You little bitch, what tricks are you trying to pull—"
"I'm not playing games," Lin Yue cut in.
She pulled a folder from her bag, eyes never leaving her father's face. "You want money, don't you? Then sign this."
She had asked the men to stop at a cybercafé on the way.
She had typed it out herself—her fingers shaking, her heart burning.
She handed the folder to Lin Chengbi.
He opened it—and froze.
His eyes scanned the page, and his face lost all color.
He staggered back as if he'd been punched in the gut.
His lips moved soundlessly.
Relationship Severing Agreement.
---