His Caged Bird

Chapter 2 New Life

I used to believe that I had nothing and no reason to live. But watching the survivors weeping on the shore, I suddenly wanted to live again.

I left the shore, not intending to return home. I sold the watch Christian had given me and settled down in this city.

The news reported the shipwreck. I didn't know what Christian was doing now, but it didn't matter to me anymore.

I found another job at a milk tea shop, saving money so I could one day continue my studies. The day-to-day busyness made my days as a kept woman feel like a dream.

Would Christian remember me? Probably, but not for long.

Time flew by. More than half a year had passed since the shipwreck. Snow began to fall, Christmas was approaching, and the festive atmosphere grew stronger. I heard that people often placed flowers by the shore, commemorating those who had perished in the shipwreck, those who wouldn't have another Christmas.

Having survived the disaster, I bought a bouquet of flowers after work and rode my electric scooter to the seaside.

Indeed, many flowers lay on the shore, their vibrant colors muted by the night, as if their souls had been taken.

There were many people there. One man in a black coat caught my attention.

While most people had brought chrysanthemums or other flowers typically used for memorials, he held a bouquet of bellflowers.

More importantly, after placing the flowers, he set a cup of milk tea beside them.

After he left, I went over for a closer look. It was a cup of brown sugar bubble tea, and there was a card on the bouquet.

"Lil', I'm sorry."

The winter wind was biting. Riding home, my mind was elsewhere.

Who had left those flowers? Could that "Lil'" be me?

'Bang!' A firework suddenly exploded somewhere, making me jump. My tire skidded, I swerved, and crashed into a car.

I was thrown a few meters. The headlights blinded me. I raised my hand to shield my eyes. The fireworks continued to burst. My ears rang as I saw a black supercar.

'I'm done for,' I thought. 'Why was I distracted while riding? How can I afford this?'

The car owner immediately ran towards me.

"Are you alright?"

Such a familiar voice.

I lowered my hand. Blood trickled down my forehead. I saw shock in his eyes, and then everything went black.

My boss had told me repeatedly to wear a helmet while riding. I found it bothersome. Now I was paying the price.

Fortunately, it wasn't too serious, just a mild concussion. But…

What a coincidence! I had crashed into Christian's car!

Seeing my awkward silence, he initiated the conversation.

"Long time no see."

"Long time no see."

I didn't know what to say. Although we were familiar, I didn't really know him.

Christian wanted to compensate me, I wasn't sure if it was for the shipwreck or the car accident.

Since he brought it up, I didn't refuse.

"Give me some money."

"Hmm?"

"I need money."

I didn't feel embarrassed. We met because of money, and besides, I had saved his life.

Christian gave me a card. I didn't know how much money was in it, but judging by his generosity, it was probably enough for me to live on for the rest of my life.

Not only that, after I mentioned wanting to study, he had me move into one of his vacant villas, hired a housekeeper, found a tutor, and began to take full responsibility for my life. The housekeeper had even been with him since high school. He transferred her to take care of me.

"Let me know if you need anything else."

"Nothing else."

"I'll come visit you often."

I casually asked where he went to university and learned he was an Ivy League graduate.

Thinking about it, it made sense. He was so wealthy; naturally, he would have received a better education. One needed brains to earn that much money.

"Study hard. I'll recommend you to my alma mater."

"Okay."

I accepted his generosity without any qualms. After all, my needs were small, just a little bit of money.

But he not only gave me the house but also bought me piles of things. Material possessions aside, he also took great care of me in my daily life.

He would ask the housekeeper if I was eating well, communicate with the tutor about my studies, and even once, when I had a fever, I opened my eyes in the middle of the night to find him by my bedside.

"When did you get here?"

"Are you feeling better?"

"Much better."

I gave him a faint smile and didn't say anything more. Christian tactfully left.

That afternoon, I received an unexpected call from Christian, inviting me to dinner.

He never invited me to those kinds of occasions. After all, we weren't in a relationship.

But surprisingly, he invited me this time.

I guessed he must be drunk.

When I arrived at the dinner party, no one seemed surprised.

I figured Christian had already informed them.

When he introduced me, he said, "My little creditor, everyone, be nice to her. Don't make her drink too much."

It wasn't until the cake was brought out that I realized it was his birthday.

At the dinner party, everyone's gifts were extravagant. I felt a little embarrassed, as I wasn't obligated to give him a gift.

But still, everyone has a heart. Even though I had saved him, he had treated me well. So, I whispered to him, "I'll get you a gift later."

He smiled and habitually took out a cigarette. But suddenly realizing I was there, he put it away. Some people at the table exchanged glances.

"Chris, really quitting? Your girl is amazing." The man gave me a thumbs-up, holding back laughter.

I had noticed that many people wanted to tease me, but Christian had clearly warned them beforehand. So, no one had mentioned it. This person probably had a more playful personality and couldn't resist.

Christian, perhaps tipsy, didn't contradict him, so the man pressed further.

"So, Chris' girlfriend, how old are you?"

I knew I looked young, especially without makeup, and didn't fit in with the people at the table.

"I'm not his girlfriend."