The first light of dawn painted the sky in soft apricot as Lin Anran guided Gu Jinci and Su Jian'an down the hewn‑stone path from the seaside villa toward the waiting car. The Atlantic breeze still whispered through the pines lining the cliff, carrying salt and renewal. This morning, they were not fleeing but returning—to the heartbeat of the city, the bustle of Gu Tower, and the promise of their new joint venture.
Jian'an trotted beside them, fox‑backpack straps hugging his small frame. He gazed up at Anran with sleepy excitement. “Mama, I'll miss the cliffs."
She knelt to smooth a curl behind his ear. “We'll be back to visit, love. But today, our mountain home sleeps; the city awakens us to new adventures."
Gu held the trunk open as Anran and Jian'an loaded their suitcases—three bags
