Doomsday Paradise

**Chapter 1: Cinderella’s Fear** *"I think... my boyfriend might be trying to kill me."* The Sunday McDonald’s was packed with parents and their children. The play area echoed with shrieks and laughter from kids sliding down the plastic tubes. In such a lively atmosphere, Zhu Mei could hardly take her friend’s words seriously. *"Stop talking nonsense! Even if you two had a fight, don’t make him out to be some monster."* The plump, fair-skinned Zhu Mei laughed and scolded her lightly. Then, after a pause, she raised an eyebrow hesitantly. *"...You guys don’t get physical when you argue, do you?"* Sitting across from her was a woman in her twenties. Though pretty, her features weren’t exceptionally striking in this bustling international city. What stood out most were her large, slightly upturned eyes—their light amber hue reminiscent of a cat just roused from sleep. Lin Sanjiu shook her head and didn’t elaborate. No wonder Zhu Mei didn’t believe her. The moment the words left her mouth, even she found them absurd. Maybe it was just the lack of sleep lately, making her paranoid... She took a sip of Coke, forcing her expression to relax as she joked half-heartedly, *"If the police ever come asking who I might have enemies—"* *"Oh, shut up!"* Zhu Mei’s playful tone instantly dissolved the faint concern on her face. She waved a hand dismissively. *"Seriously, you’re complaining about having it too good! Tell me, what flaws does Ren Nan even have?"* Lin Sanjiu had heard this countless times before. Like the wind, the words blew past her ears without registering. Just then, her gaze flicked to the window—and the line of her jaw tightened. She quickly lowered her head and took a bite of her burger. The moment her teeth sank into the bun, the noisy McDonald’s fell silent for a few seconds. The light at the entrance dimmed as a tall man stepped inside. Several customers in line instinctively stepped aside, clearing a path for him. A tailored iron-gray shirt, its Armani silhouette accentuating a trim waist, exuded understated luxury. Crisp, perfectly pressed trousers without a single wrinkle—as if a personal valet attended to him at all times. Paired with the near-mythical "nine-heads-tall" proportions and striking features rare among Asians, Ren Nan looked like he’d just stepped off a high-fashion shoot. No wonder heads turned as he walked through a fast-food joint. The air carried a faint trace of Davidoff Cool Water as he took a seat. *"Eating this junk again?"* He nodded at Zhu Mei before affectionately ruffling Lin Sanjiu’s hair, his Patek Philippe watch half-buried in her dark locks. *"I was planning to take you to that Japanese place tonight."* *"I was hungry when we passed by, so..."* Lin Sanjiu forced a smile, avoiding his eyes as she picked up a fry. Her hair slid forward, shielding her expression. —Zhu Mei was right. Ren Nan had no flaws. He was the kind of man who seemed ripped from a romantic drama. Within months of dating, his impeccable charm had won over all her friends—let alone Lin Sanjiu herself. No, it wasn’t just charm. His looks, wealth, personality... everything about him was flawless. He was everything a woman could dream of. Everyone said she’d hit the jackpot. In the early days, she could hardly believe her luck. She’d wake up smiling, greeted by the dazzling new world Ren Nan brought into her life. Until... the joy began to fade. ...When had she first noticed something was off? Zhu Mei’s cheerful voice yanked her back to the present. *"I’ve monopolized Xiaojiu all day—I won’t intrude on your couple time! She mentioned she’s tired anyway, so you two head home—"* Lin Sanjiu snapped back to reality. Ren Nan’s voice, smooth and ever-polite, interjected: *"Let us drive you. It’s too hot lately."* Zhu Mei, ever the child at heart, grinned. *"Well, I won’t say no! It’s scorching today—I’m drenched just from walking..."* Her back was still damp with sweat. Having no appetite anyway, Lin Sanjiu stood with them as they left McDonald’s. Outside, the afternoon heat swallowed them whole. Despite it being October, the relentless summer clung to the city like a tyrant. Pedestrians shielded themselves with umbrellas or wiped sweat from their brows, faces twisted in discomfort—this heat was worse than midsummer! Zhu Mei, especially heat-sensitive, was already glistening with sweat after a few steps. Lin Sanjiu felt her own hair sticking to her neck. The clammy discomfort made her ask, *"Where’s your car parked?"* Ren Nan nodded ahead, his skin flawless and dry. *"Just up there."* He paused, his demeanor effortlessly elegant. *"I’ve told you before—not having a car is inconvenient. Now that you’ve got your license, would you like to buy one?"* Zhu Mei gasped in envy. *"You’re buying Xiaojiu a car? Wow, rich and handsome indeed... My boyfriend just got me a stuffed bear for my birthday..."* Lin Sanjiu mumbled vague replies, her mind elsewhere. Fortunately, Zhu Mei’s chatter kept Ren Nan occupied, masking her distraction. ...Three months ago, after relentless persuasion, Lin Sanjiu had sweetly relented and moved into his penthouse downtown. Friends and coworkers who visited her new home were green with envy. *"Xiaojiu, a man like this—you’d better hold on tight!"* *"Does Ren Nan have brothers? Single friends? Hook me up!"* *"You should talk marriage soon..."* Their excited voices still echoed in her ears. Back then, her own joy and anticipation had dwarfed theirs. But after living together, the love-struck haze began to lift. She started noticing details. Now, she couldn’t pinpoint why— But she was afraid of Ren Nan. ---