Ji Yuying and Shunya lived in a poorer community on the outskirts of the city.
Even properties in suburban communities could cost a fortune—especially for people like them.
City Lin was one of the most economically prosperous cities in the entire nation. Here, real estate prices skyrocketed every year, even in neighborhoods far from the city center.
Forget about affording property in the main districts—owning a home there was a dream within a dream for people like Ji Suyin and Shunya.
But Ji Yuying didn't care. Now that she had regained her abilities, along with the knowledge and common sense from her mortal life, she had made a decision.
Her family would live in a palace.
A treasure land the likes of which this world had never seen.
In fact, Shunya had already sold all of his ancestral land and house in the village just to buy a modest two-story house in this lower-class district.
That morning, Ji Yuying stepped out of the house with Shunya beside her.
Their neighbors—who were outside watering plants or going about their morning chores—were stunned to see the woman they had all believed was on the verge of death.
"Is that Ji Suyin's daughter?"
"Oh heavens, did she recover? She doesn't look sick anymore!"
"More than that—look at how beautiful she is! Was she always this pretty?"
"Yes! I remember. Both mother and daughter were always beautiful. If not for her poor health, she would've outshone those actresses on TV."
Ji Yuying ignored the murmurs and whispers as she climbed into the taxi. Shunya followed silently and sat beside her.
His mother-in-law had warned him to avoid unnecessary interactions with neighbors—especially Aunt Li, whose grandson had once tried to drag Shunya into a shady gang operation. Ever since then, Ji Suyin made sure he kept his distance from anyone remotely suspicious.
Nosy people, Ji Yuying thought. Always watching, never helping. Only good at finding trouble.
The husband-and-wife duo left the community compound in the taxi, leaving behind the buzzing whispers of curious neighbors.
However, the taxi didn't get far. Within twenty minutes, they were stuck in traffic.
"Is this the only route to Ling Hospital?" Shunya asked, visibly worried for his wife—even though she looked calm.
"Yes," the driver replied, though he kept glancing at Ji Yuying through the rearview mirror.
A woman like her—cold, composed, and mesmerizing—was unlike anyone he had ever seen.
A dirty thought crept into his mind. He smiled to himself, scheming.
> My boss loves beauties… and this woman? She's worth more than anything I've ever seen. Marrying such a goddess to that oaf? Heh. What a waste. She'll be honored to serve my boss...
Suddenly, the driver said, "Wait—I just remembered a shortcut. If you're in a hurry, I can take you through there."
Shunya smiled politely, but Ji Yuying didn't respond.
She didn't need to open her eyes to know something was off.
A mortal trying to be clever? How amusing. Let's see what he has planned…
The taxi made a U-turn, and the driver grinned slyly as he took them toward the so-called shortcut.
Before long, Shunya noticed they were passing through a wooded area. He began to feel uneasy and glanced at his wife, who appeared to be sleeping.
In truth, Ji Yuying was fully alert—her eyes closed only to wait for the driver to make his move.
Earlier, the driver had already sent a message. Within minutes, two large Land Rovers flanked the taxi on both sides.
Shunya's heart sank at the sight of the intimidating black SUVs.
"Hey mister, where are we going? I don't think this is the road to Ling Hospital," Shunya said cautiously.
The driver laughed mockingly. "We're just taking a detour. My boss will be very pleased to meet you. He gets lonely sometimes, you know?"
He cast a lustful glance toward Ji Yuying's seemingly sleeping figure.
Shunya tensed and instinctively reached for his wife's hand.
"I suggest you stay quiet," the driver warned coldly. "We wouldn't want anything bad to happen to your pretty wife… right?"
Shunya's jaw clenched. He gripped Ji Yuying's hand tighter, glaring at the driver's reflection.
Eventually, the taxi pulled into what looked like an abandoned cottage. The Land Rovers stopped beside it, and four massive, thug-like men stepped out—each one looking like a professional enforcer.
The driver parked and turned toward Ji Yuying again, eyes gleaming with lust and greed. He still thought she was asleep—completely unaware of the silent fury simmering just beneath her calm exterior.
Shunya realized that trying to escape now might put Ji Yuying in more danger. He decided to wait—maybe he could reason with their so-called "boss."
"Yinyin…" he whispered.
Ji Yuying slowly opened her eyes. Unlike Shunya's panicked expression, her gaze was calm and cold—though a hidden rage stirred beneath the surface.
"I'm sorry, Wife," Shunya said, turning toward her with determined eyes. "Looks like we're in serious trouble. But don't worry—I'll protect you, no matter what."
The driver overheard and burst out laughing.
"Protect your wife? Do you know who my boss is?! He's an ancient martial artist! A monster who can kill dozens of men with his bare hands!"
He pointed a knife toward them.
"Now get out of the car and follow me. We don't have all day!"
Shunya stepped out. Ji Yuying followed silently.
One of the goons reached for Shunya's hair, attempting to drag him out—
But the arm that reached forward… suddenly flew through the air.
Splurt.
Blood sprayed across the dirt path.
Everyone froze.
The second bodyguard—who had been about to grab Ji Yuying—stopped mid-step, his face pale with fear.
The once-confident driver, who had been grinning just moments ago, collapsed onto the ground, trembling.
Drip.
Drip.
A crimson trail slid down from Ji Yuying's delicate fingertips.
Her half-lidded eyes burned with a cold fury.
"Dare to touch my husband…?"
Her voice was icy.
"Courting death."
The driver trembled on the ground, staring up at the woman he had tried to kidnap.
"B-Boss!!!"