Scene 4 – Black Markets, Public Masks, and Private Triumphs
After leaving the livestock market, Han Yue flagged a taxi and headed toward the city's underbelly—the hidden black market. The entrance was tucked behind a worn-down noodle shop run by a plump auntie with a kind face. Since she hadn't eaten all day, Han Yue stepped inside first, keeping her cap low and mask up. She ordered a steaming bowl of beef noodles, a side of dumplings, and a simple cup of water. The food was warm and comforting, but her mind was focused and alert.
After paying and slipping her mask back on, she exited through a side alley and entered the black market.
It was a hidden world beneath the city—dim, packed with stalls, and buzzing with activity. Under a flickering overhead light, vendors displayed everything from weapons and burner phones to fake IDs, USBs, surveillance tools, gas and fuel canisters, and even rare seasonings in bulk. One stall sold human masks so realistic they looked eerie. Another displayed exotic animals in cages.
Careful not to draw attention, Han Yue strolled confidently until she found the stall her past-life acquaintances had once described in detail. The man behind the counter was younger now, but the cold sharpness in his gaze remained the same. She purchased several items: three fake identity cards, matching bank cards, two burner phones with separate SIMs, a few unregistered USB drives, and three high-quality realistic human masks in varying styles. These were the tools she would need to become "invisible" in the world of big data and surveillance.
💸 The total cost: 180,000 yuan—steep, but worth every cent for her freedom and future.
By the time she exited the underground market, the sky was turning dark. She hailed another taxi and returned to the luxury gated community. The guard at the entrance frowned upon seeing a masked girl alone and asked her to identify herself. Calmly, Han Yue removed her mask. The guard immediately recognized her and made a call to the Han Family's chauffeur.
The car arrived minutes later, and she was escorted home—just in time for dinner.
The family was already gathered at the table when she walked in. Madam Lin beckoned her gently, "Come eat."
Han Jiaojiao, seated with a pitiful expression, gave Han Yue a fleeting glare before putting on a weepy face. "Sister," she said sweetly, "I'm sorry about yesterday. I really didn't mean harm. Someone must've filmed it and twisted the whole thing online… are you angry with me?"
Then she added dramatically, "Now I can't even go out in public anymore. Everyone is calling me a fake daughter and a scheming snake trying to harm the real daughter..." Her eyes welled up with tears.
Han Jun, her older brother, slammed his hand on the table. "Han Yue," he said with authority, "you need to clear this up immediately. Make a public post on Weibo, TikTok, and Twitter—tell everyone the truth. Jiaojiao's accounts are being spammed and harassed nonstop."
Madam Lin chimed in, "Yes, please help your sister. It was just a misunderstanding. Nothing serious happened to you, right? Let's not blow it out of proportion."
Han Yue lifted her head mid-bite, eyes wide with feigned innocence. "But… I don't have social media. I didn't have a phone at the orphanage, so I don't even know how to post things."
Madam Lin smiled awkwardly. "Then I'll get you one. I'll buy you a new iPhone tomorrow, okay?"
Han Yue's eyes lit up. "Really? Can I get the latest version? So I can help sister properly?"
Madam Lin agreed instantly. Across the table, Father Han Jifu remained quiet. But after dinner, he summoned Han Yue to his study.
He brought up the inheritance again. "Now that the internet knows you have a 10% share in the company, it's dangerous. What if someone tricks you? Why don't you temporarily transfer the shares to me for safekeeping?"
Han Yue blinked, faking confusion. "But… I've only read four pages so far. The legal terms are really hard. Can I finish reading it all first before doing anything?"
Han Jifu paused, then gave her a pleased smile. "Of course. Take your time."
Back in her room, Han Yue locked the door and immediately tried to enter the space.
It worked. Her body tingled, and in the next moment, she was inside—and her jaw dropped.
The dilapidated wooden hut had transformed into a sturdy brick house. The storage warehouse behind it had doubled in size and now had two floors. The black soil area had expanded fivefold, and the spiritual spring now flowed in a gentle trickle, producing enough for five cups of water at a time.
Even more shocking: a small forest had appeared near the back of the warehouse.
She suddenly remembered the baby bunny she had tucked away earlier. "Oh no!" she gasped and rushed toward the trees. Sure enough, the tiny rabbit was alive and well, hopping sleepily near the roots of a tree.
She scooped it up and gave it a few sips of spiritual water. The bunny curled up in her arms and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Han Yue chuckled and gently placed it under the shade of the trees. "Alright, little one. You'll live here from now on."
Her heart swelled with joy. Her space could now support living beings. That meant self-sustaining vegetables, fruit trees, and even fresh meat were possible.
Next, she pulled out the vegetable seed packets she'd bought earlier and began planting them in rows on the dark, rich soil. She used water from a newly formed river beside the forest to gently nourish them.
After hours of work, she left the space, returned to her room, and updated her digital notebook on her laptop. She now had the essential tools: burner phones, fake identities, storage space, and growing power.
She even adjusted her purchase list, noting specific shops and suppliers. As for the phone? Her "Dear Mother" would buy it tomorrow. That would make using social media easier for her… plots.
She also considered funding. The 2.5 million yuan in her space was not endless. She needed liquid assets.
She opened her browser and emailed the rival companies of the Han family across the border, offering to sell her shares in cash. It was easy to find their business contact info online. She disguised the tone as a desperate orphan girl unaware of the market value.
Then came a personal decision. She hovered over her phone—yes, a cheap one she had secretly bought before the welcome banquet—and stared at Long Yi Chen's contact.
After a moment's hesitation, she sent him a WeChat friend request. She used her main identity this time. After all, she wanted him to know it was her.
She smiled, powered everything down, and lay back in bed, heart racing. There was still so much to do—but she was ready.
For now, it was time to sleep.