Rage

Ch- 1Encounter

'Go away...'

'Go away...'

Xiao Fang's mother yells in agony. Fang sniffled at her plight, in denial of abandoning the one person she had loved her entire life. "What exactly are you waiting for?" Don't let me lose this golden opportunity to flee from this misery she cries out of. Leaving you in this condition is not an option for me. Before that, anyone could say more. A bullet-like object was fired in their direction, and a painful wail penetrated her ear. She looked back to behold the most terrifying scene of her life. Laying the cold dead body of the mother, she used to get reprimanded for being stubborn, but seeing her absolutely lifeless doesn't get descriptions of the fact. Her mother actually sacrificed herself in that scene. Each tear trickled down her cheek as she recognised that the world had stopped. The officer's stern voice echoed in her ears, but she couldn't tear herself away from her mother's lifeless form. The world around her seemed to fade away as she focused solely on the woman who had given her life. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the dirt and blood that strained her mother's skin. She clung to her as if, by sheer willpower alone, she could bring her back. The pain in her heart was unbearable—a raw ache that threatened to consume her. Through her sobs, she made a vow to her mother. She made a promise that she would not let this injustice go unpunished. She would fight for justice, not just for herself and her mother but for all the people who sacrificed their lives here.

Fang did not waste any time staying there. She ran as fast as her legs would allow. The bag she uncovered previously was where her mother hid some cash for emergencies. As the girl sprinted through the dense forest, her heart pounded in her chest, matching the rhythm of her hurried footsteps. The cold night air filled her lungs, fueling her determination to escape the prison camp that had held her captive for far too long. Fear and adrenaline coursed through her veins, pushing her forward despite the exhaustion that threatened to consume her. But amidst the chaos of her escape, a pang of sorrow gripped her heart. She realised that, in her desperate bid for freedom, she had lost her mother. The thought of leaving her behind weighed heavily on her conscience, but she knew that she had to keep moving if she wanted to survive.

"Tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled the last time she saw her."

It wasn't long before she sought out a modest rental hotel, eager to find a place to cleanse the remaining blood stains from her body. Finally, she would be able to wash away the grim reminders of her time in that prison.

Feeling a sense of relief, she sinks into the warm water, allowing the stress and exhaustion of her journey to melt away. The soothing sound of the water fills the small room as she closes her eyes, finally able to relax. As she emerges from the bath, she wraps herself in a soft towel and glances at her wristwatch once again. Realising that she has lost track of time, a wave of panic washes over her. She quickly dresses in the clothes she purchased earlier, slipping into a comfortable pair of jeans and a cosy sweater. With her heart pounding, she rushes out of the tiny room and bustling streets of Guangzhou. The vibrant city engulfs her senses, with the aroma of street food wafting. Time flew by, and she once again lost count of it. As she descended the steps into the underground station, the familiar hum of the trains reverberated in her ears. The bustling crowd hurried past, their footsteps echoing against the tile walls. She stood on the platform, waiting for the train to arrive, her mind filled with anticipation and a sense of adventure. The train finally pulled into the station, the doors sliding open with a hiss.

Stepping inside, she found a seat by the window, eager to watch the world whizz by. As the train began to move, she felt a surge of excitement course through her veins. The rhythmic clacking of the wheels on the tracks provided a soothing soundtrack to her thoughts.

The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels against the tracks created a soothing background noise as she sat by the window, gazing out at the urban landscape unfolding before her. The city revealed itself in fragments, each station offering a snapshot of its unique character.

At one station, a group of hurried commuters rushed onto the platform, briefcases in hand and faces etched with the determination of another workday. A fleeting image of corporate life, where time seemed to be in constant pursuit.

The next station presented a different scene. Families with children, laughter echoing as they disembarked, perhaps heading for a day of exploration or a weekend adventure. The contrast was striking, showcasing the diverse tapestry of lives woven together in the vast cityscape.

As the train gained speed, the buildings stood taller, and the neighbourhoods transformed. A graffiti-covered station marked a hub of artistic expression, a testament to the city's vibrant cultural undercurrents. Murals adorned the walls, telling stories of creativity and dissent.

Through each window, she witnessed the ephemerality of these moments—a glimpse into the lives of strangers, all interconnected in the web of urban existence. The city unfolded like a novel, each station a chapter with its own characters and narratives.

She pondered the transience of these scenes, knowing that the train would carry her away, leaving behind the snippets of life she had witnessed. Yet, in those fleeting moments, she felt a connection to the pulse of the city—a silent observer in motion, immersed in the symphony of urban life.

. The train carried her deeper into the underground labyrinth, towards the terminus of the line. The journey seemed to stretch on indefinitely, as if time itself were suspended in this subterranean world. Yet, she didn't mind. The moments of solitude allowed her to reflect and observe, to detach from the hectic pace of the surface world. It was during these underground expeditions that she found solace and inspiration, as if the hidden depths of the city held secrets meant only for her.

As she approached the nearing end of the tube station, her eyelids were heavy with exhaustion, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at the sight of an empty seat. The long day had taken its toll on her, and the prospect of a few moments of respite before reaching her destination was enticing. With a yawn escaping her lips, she stumbled towards the vacant spot and settled into it, her body sinking into the cushioned seat. Little did she know that this moment of tranquilly was short-lived. As the doors of the train closed, a surge of commuters flooded in, jostling for space and frantically searching for a place to sit. Within seconds, she found herself shoved into a corner, her once comfortable seat now an inconvenient space that barely accommodated her presence. She sighed, resigning herself to the reality of the crowded journey ahead.

As she stood up abruptly, an air of curiosity filled the room, and all eyes turned towards her. The odd looks that she received were not a result of her sudden movement alone but also because of her choice of attire. Clad in drab clothes, she stood out amidst the vibrant hues and fashionable outfits of those around her. It was as if she had deliberately chosen to defy the norm, embracing simplicity and understanding elegance in a world that often prioritises extravagance. In a society that often equates beauty with opulence, her choice to dress in drab clothes spoke volumes about her character and individuality. While others may have dismissed her appearance as mundane or unremarkable, there was undeniable magnetism in her presence. It was as if, by standing out of the crowd, she had captured the attention and curiosity of everyone in the train. At the same time, the young lady was being unfairly judged. An outsider regarded her as someone of low class who had broken into their high-class society. Where money is valued more than a person's feelings.

"extravagance," "prestige," and "status" are being thrown around casually. It became clear that the event was more about showcasing wealth and social standing than celebrating any genuine connection or shared joy. The young lady couldn't help but feel like an outsider, not just because of her perceived lower status but also due to her lack of familiarity with this abundant world.

As she continued to navigate through the grand venue, she overheard snippets of conversations that further reinforced the stark contrast between her reality and theirs. Phrases like "elite circles," "exclusive memberships," and "privileged upbringing" created an invisible barrier, isolating her from the rest of the attendees. The judgmental glances and hushed whispers intensified, making her mission to complete the assignment increasingly challenging.

Despite the discomfort and the judgmental atmosphere, the young lady remained determined to fulfil her responsibilities. She found a quiet corner where she could concentrate on her work, trying to blend into the background. The watches, however, seemed unrelenting in their scrutiny, making every keystroke and movement feel magnified.

As she immersed herself in her assignment, the significance of the situation started to dawn on her. This wasn't just about completing a task; it was about breaking through societal barriers and proving that worth goes beyond wealth and social standing. The young lady realised that her presence challenged the established norms of this exclusive gathering, and this realisation fueled her determination to finish her assignment with even greater diligence.

In the midst of the grandeur and superficiality, she quietly worked on her task, hoping to demonstrate that genuine value comes from one's abilities, character, and dedication rather than the size of one's bank account. The watches, perhaps unknowingly, witnessed a subtle yet powerful act of resilience and self-affirmation amidst a sea of privilege and judgement.

"Kesong-li is coming; team up, team up!

Hurry up, hurry up!

We are running out of time."

Fang found herself immersed in the perplexing swirl of excitement surrounding the enigmatic figure known as Kesong-li. As a member of a corporate team diligently organising a lavish event for this individual, Fang grappled with her own scepticism about the world of fame and wealth. In her eyes, famous people were often labelled as money-minded and indifferent to the struggles of those less fortunate, a sentiment she firmly held as a person of more modest means. She questioned the necessity of such extravagant affairs, believing that if Kesong-li truly understood the plight of the impoverished, they wouldn't partake in such ostentatious events for personal glorification.

Amidst the backdrop of a small, bustling area, the noise from the surrounding road only intensified Fang's disquiet. Contemplating abandoning the scene, she felt a growing discontent. The chaos outside, punctuated by the raised voices of the crowd, fueled her frustration. Meanwhile, guards diligently dispersed the disorder, eagerly anticipating the entry of a figure named Kim.

When Kim finally arrived at the avenue, his pleasure at the tumult was palpable, and a malevolent grin played on his lips. The atmosphere crackled with tension, hinting at deeper complexities and tensions within the unfolding narrative.

The stark contrast between the experiences of the two individuals, one revelling in opulence on the red carpet and the other navigating the bureaucratic hurdles of a visa office, paints a vivid picture of social disparity.

On the red carpet, a person exuding wealth and privilege feels a profound sense of accomplishment, relishing the power they hold over others. This scenario reflects the class distinctions prevalent in society, where the upper caste showcases their elevated status to the populace.

In stark opposition, Fang finds herself in a visa office, seeking permission to travel to South Korea. However, the officer delivers a disheartening message, advising her to wait six months before applying for a permanent visa and insisting that she must remain in China during this period.

The mention of the Xinjiang campus triggers distressing memories for Fang. She recalls the grim reality of the place, describing it as hell on earth. The recollection of a guard sexually assaulting a 6-year-old child, merely for expressing innocence with the remark "She can't work," sends shivers down Fang's spine. At that time, Fang found herself in a position where the detention camp seemed like the only option for survival. The fear, the days of silence, and the arduous efforts to endure the harrowing conditions are etched into Fang's memory.

The narrative captures the profound disparities in power, privilege, and opportunity that exist within society, juxtaposing the luxury of the red carpet with the harsh realities faced by individuals like Fang, caught in the clutches of a system that often fails to protect the vulnerable.

The young lady had endured unimaginable hardship, surviving on meagre rations like a small slice of mudded bread as their main meal. Days went by without proper nourishment, and the dire conditions persisted for nearly two months. The facility she resided in was riddled with holes, deteriorated walls, and a lack of basic amenities like blankets, leaving residents exposed to harsh elements when it snowed or rained. Tragically, many lives were lost in these deplorable conditions.

Reflecting on those harrowing days, tears welled up in her eyes. Crying, however, was considered a crime, so she suffered in silence during the darkest hours of midnight. Even from her mother, she hid the depth of her anguish, choosing to endure the pain alone. Throughout these trials, she worked tirelessly to protect her one and only partner, navigating a world where she remained unaware of others' perceptions of her appearance.

In the midst of her suffering, the young lady found strength in her determination. Sobbing as she walked endlessly, she was on a mission to accomplish something crucial. Her goal was to thwart the plans of those she deemed evil, individuals who believed they held power and were willing to harm innocent lives with their nefarious actions.

The young lady, despite her vulnerability, harboured a fierce resolve. "No matter what happens," she vowed to herself, "I swear an oath. If I notice anything unfair, I will fight back." This declaration marked her commitment to stand against injustice and to protect the lives of the innocent, a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity.

Fang found herself the target of cruel remarks and actions, but she chose to respond with silence as a form of self-protection. Despite her inner rage, she recognised that engaging in a physical confrontation might only escalate the situation. One of the individuals mocking her even went so far as to label her deaf, adding a layer of mockery to the humiliation.

In an attempt to further humiliate Fang, one person dumped a pack of chips on her head, insensitively asking if she was hungry. To exacerbate the embarrassment, they wrote the word "loser" on her forehead. Displaying intelligence and composure, Fang decided to ignore the tormentors, treating them as if they were a contagious disease. She maintained her dignity, focusing only on eating the chip that had become entangled in her hair.

However, when the derogatory comments escalated to labelling her a slut, Fang's patience wore thin. In a furious tone, she confronted them, demanding that they watch their words and warning them that they were losing any hope of redemption. Undeterred, Fang continued to walk away in a laid-back manner, refusing to give them the satisfaction of a reaction.

The situation drew the attention of security guards, who arrived to investigate the chaos unfolding outside the event space. The guards intervened, bringing a sense of order to the scene and addressing the inappropriate behaviour of those who had targeted Fang.

Amidst the chaos, a security guard arrived on the scene, attempting to restore order and understand the situation. The aggressor quickly accused Fang of pushing him, feigning a weeping expression to garner sympathy.

The guard, discerning the need for clarity, questioned both parties about the incident. The aggressor claimed that Fang had pushed him to the ground after he refused to clean up a mess. Fang, however, immediately defended herself, pointing out that this was the same person who had previously made fun of her and was now falsely accusing her.

In a bid to unravel the truth, the guard decided to review the CCTV camera footage. After a brief examination, it became evident that the aggressor's claim was a fabrication. The guard chuckled at the absurdity of the situation and watched the video, revealing how the gang had harassed Fang publicly. The charade of innocence at a charity event minutes earlier was exposed, leaving the aggressors in a shameful light.

Realising the severity of the situation, Fang stepped in before the guard could escalate the matter further. She urged him not to bother anyone and stated her intention to handle the situation herself. Expressing gratitude for his understanding, Fang stopped the guard from reporting the incident to the supervisor.

Acknowledging Fang's wishes, the guard nodded in agreement. Fang thanked him once more and swiftly moved away, hoping to put the unfortunate incident behind her. The guard, having seen the truth on the CCTV footage, understood the gravity of the situation and respected Fang's decision to handle it privately.

Kim took the podium with a sense of purpose, addressing the audience about his plans for the event dedicated to homeless and underprivileged kids. He passionately spoke about the importance of welfare and expressed his commitment to making a difference in these children's lives. With a touch of personal connection, he revealed that he was the primary sponsor, emphasising that his own background and humble beginnings motivated him to support such causes.

As he shared his vision, a wry smile crossed Kim's face as he acknowledged that his commitment to this cause was driven by his own family history of poverty. He spoke optimistically about providing these children with a better education, expressing hope that they would someday achieve great heights. A cheerful smile lit up his face, radiating positivity and determination.

However, the mood took a sudden shift when a security guard approached Kim after he left the platform. The guard informed him about a disturbing incident that had occurred while he was on stage—an encounter with a bully gang abusing a lady. Kim, though disappointed by the news, maintained his composure. He assured the security guard that reporting such incidents was the right thing to do, and he praised the lady for not wanting to bother anyone.

In response to the incident, Kim took a firm stance, declaring that it had marred the occasion. He issued a directive to tighten security, making it clear that he wouldn't tolerate any harm coming to anyone under his watch. The stern warning conveyed his commitment to the safety and well-being of the event attendees, and it underscored his determination to ensure that such incidents would not tarnish the positive atmosphere he sought to create.

Kim, having asserted his commitment to the safety of the event, turned his attention to the bodyguards. "Count on my words," he said with determination, expecting them to prevent any future incidents. The bodyguards responded affirmatively, standing tall with a firm posture, assuring their boss that they would ensure such incidents wouldn't happen again.

Meanwhile, Fang, facing her own struggles, contemplated her situation. She needed to remain undetected for six months while residing in a particular place. Hunger added to her challenges, and she found herself questioning why some people couldn't take care of themselves, wondering if there were personal grievances against the underprivileged.

In the midst of her thoughts, Fang noticed a board advertising a job opportunity for a salesgirl. Determined to change her circumstances, she entered the store and expressed her interest in the position. The store owner, initially sceptical, questioned her commitment and willingness to work in such a place. Fang, desperate for employment, assured the owner that she would work hard and commit to the job for six months.

Satisfied with Fang's response, the owner offered her the position and even provided a solution to her housing predicament. Fang, without a place to stay, was offered accommodation by the kind store owner. Grateful for the opportunity, Fang started working at the store, finding solace in the companionship of the elderly woman.

As the six-month period progressed, Fang heard about Kesong-li, who was making financial contributions to a dam project benefiting makeshift residents. However, her perspective on Kesong-li shifted after learning about the fate of those residing in the dam project. This newfound information deepened Fang's aversion to the name, leaving her with a sense of unease about the situation.

"Mental health struggles can stem from challenges, grief, and misunderstandings. In such instances, addressing the root cause is crucial; healing the person rather than solely focusing on the situation or surroundings is paramount."