Stolen Freedom

The island was alive with color and sound as the festival kicked into full swing. Vendors had set up stalls all over the market, their bright banners fluttering in the gentle breeze. The rich aroma of grilled seafood mingled with the sweet scent of rice cakes, wafting through the air and beckoning festival-goers to indulge. Laughter rang out, mingling with the cheerful tunes played by local musicians, creating a vibrant atmosphere that enveloped everyone in its embrace.

Yi Chen stepped off the boat, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd like a predator on the hunt. His tailored suit, crisp and unyielding, contrasted sharply with the casual attire of the islanders. He felt out of place here, but the festive energy of the crowd was nothing but a distraction to him. Today was about business.

His men followed closely behind, their presence equally out of sync with the colorful stalls and merrymakers. They were a dark shadow in a world of light. As Yi Chen's gaze swept over the bustling market, he focused on his mission. The actress had evaded him for too long, and today would be the day he put an end to her games.

Yi Chen's car pulled up at the outskirts of the market. He stepped out, his demeanor commanding respect and fear in equal measure. His men gathered around him, eyes sharp and attentive. "She's here. In the market," he said, his voice low and controlled, but there was an undercurrent of urgency. The actress had caused enough trouble, and he wasn't about to let her slip through his fingers again.

One of his men shifted nervously. "What's the plan, Boss?"

Yi Chen narrowed his eyes, the corners of his lips twitching into a smirk. "Search the market," he ordered, his voice like steel. "Find her. I want her alive."

His men nodded, fear and excitement coursing through them as they dispersed into the throng of festival-goers. Yi Chen remained behind, his hand resting on the car door as he contemplated the chaos that would soon ensue. He relished the power he wielded in moments like this.

Meanwhile, across the island, Xin Yi and her friends reveled in the festival atmosphere. The villagers had been welcoming, encouraging the students to enjoy the vibrant culture, and it was a welcome distraction from the pressures of school. Laughter bubbled from Xin Yi's lips as she spun in circles, her dark hair flowing around her like a curtain of silk.

"Look, they have fortune tellers over there!" Mei exclaimed, pointing excitedly. "Let's go check it out!"

"Only if they promise to tell me I'm going to win the lottery," Li Wei joked, nudging Xin Yi playfully.

"I just want to know if I'll ever get a boyfriend," lan shot back, laughter dancing in her eyes.

As they approached the booth, Xin Yi's phone buzzed in her pocket again. She fished it out, her heart sinking as she read the screen—still no reply from her mother. Worry gnawed at her, but she pushed the thought aside, determined not to let it ruin the moment.

"Xin Yi, relax! You've been tense all day," Li Wei teased, his tone light. "Enjoy the festival. You can worry about your mom later."

"Yeah, I know. It's just…," Xin Yi started, glancing down at her phone. "She's usually so quick to reply. I just hope she's okay."

"Come on, let's have some fun!" Mei urged, pulling Xin Yi along as they joined the throng of festival-goers.

They wandered from stall to stall, soaking in the festive atmosphere. Xin Yi tried to immerse herself in the moment, admiring the handmade crafts and savoring the warm hospitality of the islanders. Yet, the knot in her stomach wouldn't loosen.

"What about that sky-blue dress?" Mei pointed to a flowing garment hanging from a stall. "You should try it on! You'd look stunning!"

"I don't know…" Xin Yi hesitated, but curiosity piqued her interest. "Maybe just for a second."

As they browsed through the stalls, Xin Yi's mind kept drifting back to her mother. "I'll catch up with you guys in a bit!" she finally said, waving them off as she took a few steps away, her heart still heavy.

She tried calling her mother once more, anxiety creeping into her chest. "Why won't she pick up? Her mind raced as she contemplated the possibilities.

Xin Yi stood at the entrance of the bustling market, her eyes darting between the glowing lanterns that decorated the festival grounds and her phone, which was still ringing in her hand. She had called her mother more times than she could count now, and the persistent silence on the other end gnawed at her. "Why won't she pick up? It's not like her..." she muttered under her breath, a tight knot of worry twisting in her chest.

She tried once more, holding the phone to her ear, hoping for a miracle. Suddenly, a figure collided with her, knocking the phone out of her hand and sending it skidding across the ground. "Oh! I'm sorry—" Xin Yi started, but the person—a woman—was already fleeing, barely sparing her a glance.

The woman's black briefcase thudded to the ground beside Xin Yi, its hard edges catching the light from the nearby lanterns. "Hey! You dropped this!" Xin Yi called after her, her voice tinged with concern. But the woman kept running, her hurried pace only adding to Xin Yi's confusion.

Instinctively, Xin Yi bent down to pick up the suitcase, the leather cool and smooth under her fingers. She straightened, glancing after the woman who was now weaving through the market crowd, almost disappearing from sight. "She must really need this…" Xin Yi murmured to herself. Her gaze lingered on the suitcase for a moment before she turned back toward the crowd. Something inside her urged her to chase after the woman.

Not far behind, Yi Chen's men had been watching, their eyes sharp as they scanned the busy festival grounds. One of them nudged his partner. "Look," he whispered, pointing toward Xin Yi as she hurried after the woman. "She has the briefcase. That has to be her."

"Boss, I think we've found her," he whispered into the radio.

"Are you sure?" Yi Chen's voice crackled through the earpiece.

"She has the black suitcase, just like you said."

"Don't lose her," Yi Chen growled. "Bring her to the safe house.". I'll meet you there."

As he ended the call, his mind raced. Tai Jun had used this woman to stir chaos, but Yi Chen would put an end to it tonight. His grip tightened on the phone. Soon, it would all be over.

The two men nodded at each other and began to follow Xin Yi, weaving through the crowd in silence. Their dark clothes blended into the night, making them almost invisible among the festival-goers. As Xin Yi hurried through the narrow alley between two stalls, still holding the suitcase, they made their move.

Xin Yi slowed down, scanning the crowd ahead for the woman with increasing frustration. "Where did she go?" she muttered under her breath, looking left and right, but the actress had vanished into the sea of people. Sighing, she turned to leave, ready to give up.

Suddenly, she felt a rough hand clamp over her mouth from behind. Panic surged through her as she struggled, kicking and thrashing, but two men swiftly grabbed her, their grip unyielding.

"Stop moving!" one hissed, a cold edge to his voice. Xin Yi's heart raced, her screams muffled by the palm covering her mouth. Desperation clawed at her as she tried to fight back, but their strength overwhelmed her.

"Don't make this harder than it needs to be," the other man warned, wrapping thick rope around her wrists and binding them tightly behind her back.

"Let me go! What do you want?" she cried, her voice trembling against the hand pressed over her mouth.

"Just stay quiet, and you won't get hurt," the first man replied, his tone menacing.

As they dragged her away, Xin Yi's phone slipped from her pocket and hit the ground with a dull thud, the screen lighting up as her friend's name flashed across it.

"Don't do this!" she shouted, her voice muffled, but the words were lost in the chaos around her.

Meanwhile, in a small alley behind the market, the actress crouched down, her back pressed against the cool brick wall of an old shop. Her breathing was ragged, her heart racing. , her fingers trembling.

This wasn't supposed to happen, she thought, her mind spinning. I did everything he asked, but now...

With shaking hands, she pulled out her phone and quickly dialed a number. Tai Jun's number. It rang once, then twice, but there was no answer. Her heart sank. Pick up. Please, Tai Jun, pick up...

But the call went straight to voicemail again.

"Tai Jun!" she hissed under her breath. "You said if I did this, I'd get the role! You promised! Now answer me!"Tears of frustration welled up in her eyes as the voicemail beeped again, signaling the end of another unanswered call.

Tai Jun had promised her everything—a lead role in a blockbuster film, fame beyond her wildest dreams.

She had done everything Tai Jun asked—leaked false information, sabotaged events, and risked her reputation, all in hopes of securing the movie roles he dangled in front of her like a carrot on a string. But now, in her moment of need, Tai Jun was nowhere to be found. Desperation gnawed at her as she shoved her phone into her pocket and tried to blend into the crowd, but the festival was making it harder to stay unnoticed.

Yi Chen's men moved quickly, carrying Xin Yi through a narrow alley, away from the main festival area. Her mind was spinning, her thoughts a blur of panic and confusion. Why is this happening to me? she wondered as she struggled, her muffled screams going unheard.

"Get her in the van!" one of the men ordered, their urgency palpable as they pushed her into the dark interior of a black van.

Terror coursed through her veins as she was shoved inside, the door slamming shut behind her. The interior was cold and cramped, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the festival.

Xin Yi pressed her back against the cold metal wall, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. She felt the weight of panic settle in her chest as she realized her situation. Why is this happening?

The men climbed into the front, and the engine roared to life, shaking Xin Yi from her thoughts. She pressed her cheek against the wall, trying to calm her racing heart. What do they want with me? 

Her phone buzzed quietly on the floor, the screen still lit, showing a message from Li Wei: Where are you? We're worried!

The words felt like a lifeline, a reminder of the world she was being pulled away from.

"Help!" she screamed, her voice breaking as she banged her fists against the metal. "Somebody help me!"

But the sound of laughter and music faded further into the distance, swallowed by the night as the van sped away into the unknown.

Inside the van, Xin Yi's thoughts raced. Who were these men? Why me? Fear gnawed at her insides as she thought of her mother.The thoughts spun in her mind, each more terrifying than the last.

On the other end, Yi Chen's eyes flickered with satisfaction as he listened. "Good. Make sure no one sees you."

As he ended the call, Yi Chen stepped into his car, his expression cold and calculating. The actress may have caused chaos, but he had her now—or so he thought. The hunt was coming to an end, and soon, all the pieces would fall into place.