He Jumped into the Sea

Su Hua left.

Members of the Shadow Organization appeared and tossed a sum of money to Kristy. "This is your payment for completing the mission."

Kristy clutched the money in her hands, her eyes filled with excitement.

"Great... This is great! My sister's illness... now there's hope!"

However, the money in Kristy's hands was quickly noticed by a group of dark-skinned individuals. They swarmed her, snatching away every last bill she had just tucked into her pocket.

"My money! The money to save my sister!"

Kristy sat alone in her seat, breaking down into uncontrollable sobs.

---

In the medical room of the Shadow Organization, Lin Xuan lay quietly on the hospital bed, his eyes closed as if asleep.

"Professor," a female assistant beside him asked curiously, "Is he starting to regain his memories now?"

Derkson glanced at his watch. "It's about time."

Noticing Lin Xuan's furrowed brows, he smiled. "No—it seems he’s already begun recovering them."

"You're amazing, Professor," the assistant couldn’t help but praise.

Derkson replied, "Let’s go rest now. These dreams of his won’t be over so quickly—it’ll take months."

"Yes."

The assistant followed Derkson out, leaving Lin Xuan alone in the medical room.

---

On the bed, scenes from Lin Xuan’s lost memories played in his mind.

Years ago, he had been surrounded by a group of people in a bar, forced to drink heavily. Back then, he wasn’t much of a drinker and quickly got drunk. Worse, the alcohol seemed laced with something—soon, he collapsed onto the bar floor.

He vaguely remembered being dragged out of the bar.

Before his eyes shut completely, he caught a glimpse of Lin Li standing before him, wearing a triumphant smirk.

Lin Li leaned close and whispered, "Lin Xuan, you never should have returned to the Lin Family. Wasn’t life at the orphanage good enough? Did you really have to come back and compete with me for Mom, Dad, Sister, and the family fortune?"

"Since you’re so stubborn, don’t blame me. From now on, I’ll make sure you never step foot in the Lin Family again."

"Hahaha! Lin Xuan, enjoy what’s coming next."

Enjoy a life as a slave—trapped forever.

Lin Li’s laughter rang with cruel satisfaction.

Lin Xuan wanted to get up and punch him, but his body was powerless. He couldn’t even muster the strength to open his eyes.

Soon, he blacked out completely.

When he woke up, he found himself on a ship, surrounded by boys around his age—some even younger.

Lin Xuan realized Lin Li had sold him off.

He couldn’t just wait to die!

Determined to escape, Lin Xuan focused on rubbing the ropes binding his wrists against a sharp corner of a table.

Finally—

The ropes snapped and fell to the ground. He was free.

But before he could celebrate, another bound boy pointed at him and shouted, "His ropes came off! He’s trying to escape!"

The commotion drew the attention of their captors.

A muscular, menacing man strode toward him.

Panicked, Lin Xuan ran.

He was chased to the stern of the ship—nowhere left to retreat.

"Heh, kid, let me make this clear: there’s no escape."

The broad-shouldered man grinned. "Don’t worry, we won’t kill you. We’re just selling you off as slaves. You’ll spend your whole life serving others, living in darkness."

"Lucky for you, you’ve got a pretty face. Your life will be better than the others—as long as..." The man smirked maliciously. "...you please those wealthy women. Keep them happy, and they’ll spoil you. At least until they grow tired of you."

The man eyed Lin Xuan with satisfaction.

This kid was young and handsome—he’d fetch a high price.

Lin Xuan’s blood ran cold.

So this was their plan.

"Kid," the man said, "come here quietly. If you behave, I won’t punish you for trying to run."

He needed that face unharmed to get a good deal.

Lin Xuan clenched his fists. "I’m not going with you!"

"Still resisting?" The man laughed. "Look around—where can you even go?"

Lin Xuan scanned his surroundings, despair creeping in again.

It was true.

Nothing but endless ocean in every direction.

Nowhere to run.

As the man advanced, Lin Xuan stepped back—until his foot hit the ship’s edge.

He lost his balance and fell backward.

"Damn it!"

The man lunged, grabbing only a torn piece of Lin Xuan’s sleeve.

"Rip—"

The fabric tore away.

Clutching the scrap, the man could only watch as Lin Xuan plunged into the sea.

He quickly threw a rope into the water, yelling, "Grab the rope!"

Lin Xuan’s lips curled into a bitter smile.

At the Lin Family, his parents and sister had never cared for him. In this world, no one would miss him.

Better to die here than endure a life of humiliation.

When Lin Xuan made no move to grab the rope, the man assumed he hadn’t heard.

"Grab the rope!" he shouted again.

Still, Lin Xuan didn’t react.

He didn’t even struggle—just spread his arms and shut his eyes tightly.

Finally, the man understood.

This kid had given up.

"Crazy... You’re insane! Throwing away a chance to live!"

The man scowled.

Diving in after him was too risky. Lin Xuan might drag him down in a death grip.

No way was he dying for this brat.

Fine. Let fate decide.

What a waste, though—that face could’ve made him millions.

The man turned and walked away.

The ship sailed on, leaving Lin Xuan behind.

Lin Xuan’s body relaxed, floating on the surface instead of sinking.

Twenty minutes later, he drifted into unconsciousness.

A piece of driftwood buoyed him up.

When Lin Xuan woke again, he found himself washed ashore on a deserted island—a beach surrounded by wild grass, trees, and a mountain. No signs of human life.

---

(A/N: Hey lovelies, just a quick note—my writer’s block isn’t intentional. Feels like every stopping point is a struggle lately (⊙︿⊙). Gotta dash now, exams in two weeks!

Special thanks to Yuan Fang is Nine for the explosive support!

And to Li Ze who loves braised potatoes, Mountain Breeze, Ao Zi, and others for the gifts! ♡)