Stolen Freedom

The hum of excitement buzzed in the air as Yi Chen stopped his car at the back gate of the concert hall, the low rumble of the engine fading into the distance. As soon as he pulled up, Zihao's manager approached, already eager and pacing.

"Thank goodness you're here," the manager said, glancing anxiously toward the main hall. "Rio, all your fans are inside and waiting for you. Everyone's been asking when you'll be on stage."

Yi Chen raised an eyebrow, looking at Zihao with an amused smirk. "Well, 'Rio,' your fans are clearly dying for you," he teased, placing an emphasis on Zihao's stage name. "By the way, what kind of name is 'Rio'? Sounds a bit dramatic."

Zihao grinned, adjusting his jacket. "Brother, it's my stage name. Every singer has one, you know? You wouldn't get it."

Yi Chen rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Fine, Mr. "Rio", go on then."

As Zihao started toward the hall, he called back, "Just remember, pick me up at 7:00! Don't forget, okay?"

Yi Chen's brows knitted, feigning annoyance. "Am I some kind of part-time chauffeur now?"

Zihao turned, pouting playfully like a child. "Come on, please, brother. Just this once?"

Yi Chen shook his head, letting out a sigh. "Fine, I'll pick you up at 7:00. Just don't keep me waiting."

With a final wave, Zihao dashed off toward the entrance. Once he was gone, Yi Chen took a deep breath, watching as the doors closed behind his younger brother. He started the car and made his way to his next destination—the orphanage.

The orphanage was nestled on a quiet street, its garden filled with blooming flowers, a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Yi Chen parked his car and walked through the familiar gates, met by the joyful cries of children running up to greet him.

"Uncle Yi Chen is here! Uncle Yi Chen brought presents!" they cheered, reaching for his hands.

He chuckled, reaching into the car and retrieving bags filled with toys, clothes, and treats. "Of course I did," he said, his voice warm. "You didn't think I'd come empty-handed, did you?"

The children's faces lit up as they received their gifts, chattering excitedly. He watched them with a rare, soft smile, taking in the happiness his presence seemed to bring.

After a while, Yi Chen made his way inside to meet with the head of the orphanage, an older woman named Auntie Lian.

Auntie Lian led Yi Chen through the corridors of the orphanage, her warm smile never fading. She paused near a small sitting area and gestured to a cozy, timeworn sofa. "Please, Yi Chen, have a seat. Would you like some tea? It's my special recipe; the kids here love it."

Yi Chen nodded politely. "Thank you, Auntie Lian. That sounds wonderful."

As she poured the tea, she began talking about the children's daily lives, their routines, and their aspirations. "This place is their home, you see," she said with a hint of pride, "and I do my best to give them all the love and support they need. I hope it fills some part of the void in their lives."

Yi Chen took a sip of the tea, appreciating the subtle warmth of the flavor.

Auntie Lian's gaze softened. "Yi Chen, have you... spoken to your mother recently?"

Yi Chen's expression tightened, his hand freezing momentarily on the teacup's handle. Why couldn't they just leave it alone? The thought pressed heavily on him. He sighed, looking away. "There's nothing left to say," he replied, though a flicker of something unresolved lingered in his gaze. It was always hard to face Auntie Lian's gentle reminders, the unspoken hope that maybe, just maybe, he might find it in himself to let go.

"I'm sorry, Yi Chen. I don't want to hurt you…" Auntie Lian began, her voice soft, almost hesitant. "But it's not you who should be seeking forgiveness. The one who sold her son..... for a little money, without thinking of the consequences… she's the one who needs forgiveness."

Yi Chen's jaw clenched as he looked away, avoiding her sympathetic gaze. There was that familiar ache again, the one he'd carried for as long as he could remember. What was the point of dwelling on it now?

Seeing his expression, Auntie Lian sighed, a gentleness in her eyes. "Ever since you were little, I've watched you carry this weight, Yi Chen.… you've suffered so much."

He gave a polite nod, though his gaze remained averted. "It's in the past, Auntie. Better left there."

Auntie Lian placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Yi Chen, forgiveness isn't a gift you give to others," she said softly, her hand resting on his shoulder. "It's something you give yourself. Sometimes, we hold onto bitterness like a shield, thinking it will protect us. But it only weighs us down. Everyone deserves a chance to explain."Yi Chen shrugged. "Some things aren't worth forgiving.Her chance was lost 15 years ago."

He spoke coldly, yet deep down, her words lingered, stirring something he'd tried to bury. But as quickly as the feeling came, he brushed it away, unwilling to let it take root.

****

Back at the concert hall, Xinyi and her friends found their seats, surrounded by the electric energy of the crowd. Hours on the bus had all led to this moment, and now she was here, ready to experience the excitement she'd only dreamed of. The lights dimmed, and an anticipatory buzz rippled through the audience, snapping Xinyi out of her thoughts. The bass thumped like a heartbeat, and the electrifying cheer of the crowd washed over her, making her pulse race.

"Rio! Rio! Rio!" the fans chanted, and the stage lights pulsed to the rhythm of the music.

As the spotlight focused, Zihao appeared, transformed into the bold, charismatic performer Rio. Gone was the shy young man from the Yi mansion; here, he was every bit the star he aspired to be, exuding confidence and energy.

Zihao's outfit was striking, combining boldness and elegance. He wore an eye-catching ensemble with a red-and-white color scheme, a glossy red jacket layered over a white top, and matching pants with red accents. Chains glimmered across his chest, and the belted details added a modern, edgy touch to his look. His high white boots gave him an almost regal stance as he moved effortlessly across the stage, fully immersed in his performance.his hair tousled and his eyes shining with energy,His usual glasses were replaced by contact lenses, and his confidence was electric.

Seeing him in person, Xinyi couldn't help but think he was even more dazzling than the posters. There was something electric, almost unreal, about him now. Mei nudged her, eyes wide with excitement. "Oh my god, he's even more handsome in person! And that stage presence… wow!"

Zihao leaned into the microphone, his voice smooth yet powerful. "Are you all ready to have some fun ?" he shouted, his voice echoing through the hall. The crowd went wild, waving their arms and cheering as he began his first song.

****

Auntie Lian offered yichen a gentle tour of the orphanage, guiding him from room to room. Each space was filled with cheerful decorations and the children's artwork, lending warmth to the building. They passed the playroom, where a group of kids looked up, waving shyly at Yi Chen. He returned their waves, a rare soft smile on his face.

After spending time with the children and observing the lively atmosphere of the orphanage, Yi Chen said his goodbyes. He sat in his car and took out his phone,He checked the time. It was nearing 7:00, and he had told Zihao he'd be back to pick him up. Dialing his brother's phone, he heard it ring twice before someone answered.

"Hello? Is the concert over? Should I come to pick you up?" Yi Chen asked, slightly annoyed when he didn't get an immediate response.

"Ah… This is Rio's manager speaking," the voice on the other line replied. "He left his phone with me. He's still busy at the concert."

"Busy, huh?" Yi Chen muttered, rolling his eyes. "When does this 'busyness' end?"

The manager chuckled. "It's his first concert since debut, so it's running a bit longer. Why don't you come to the hall? I'll arrange a VIP seat for you."

As Yi Chen drove to the concert hall, his mind lingered on the children's laughter and Auntie Lian's words. It was strange how places filled with life and innocence like the orphanage could feel so heavy. With a slight shake of his head, he refocused on the road ahead.

A few minutes later, Yi Chen arrived at the concert hall, where the manager greeted him warmly and guided him to a reserved seat, strategically placed with a clear view of the stage. As he settled in, the hall buzzed with anticipation, and the lights began to dim. The sudden swell of music filled the space, vibrant and alive, pulling Yi Chen into the electrifying atmosphere.

When the spotlight focused on the stage, Zihao stepped out, transformed into his onstage persona, Rio—the confident, charismatic performer he aspired to be. Though still a rookie with an average fan following, he held the audience's attention as if they were all there just for him. His energy filled the room as he waved to his fans, flashed bright smiles, and made heart poses that earned enthusiastic cheers.

Yi Chen watched closely, fascinated by the transformation. The shy, reserved Zihao from the Yi Mansion seemed to have vanished, replaced by this radiant figure. Here, under the lights, Zihao looked completely at ease, as if he belonged in the spotlight. His movements were natural, smooth, and expressive—he waved to his fans, formed hearts with his hands, and even winked at a few girls in the front row, prompting delighted screams.

Seated nearby, two girls leaned in toward each other, their eyes shining. "Rio is so handsome! He's like a dream come true!" one gushed, barely containing her excitement.

"Look at that smile! I'm swooning," the other replied, clutching her friend's arm...

Yi Chen chuckled softly, shaking his head at the irony. If these fans ever saw the real Zihao—the quiet, often nervous young man pacing in their living room before a performance—they would hardly believe he was the same person dazzling them now. The thought brought an amused smile to his face, and for a brief moment, a hint of pride flickered within him as he watched Zihao command the spotlight.

As he continued to observe, Yi Chen realized that maybe, just maybe, there was more to his little brother than he'd ever acknowledged.