The day in Kaohsiung was drawing to a close. After finishing the filming, Da Shewan suggested they unwind at Liuhe Night Market and take a stroll. His tone carried an undeniable hint of insistence that left everyone feeling helpless. Though reluctant, they could only nod in agreement.
The car quickly found a parking spot near Liuhe Night Market and came to a stop. Da Shewan stretched happily in his seat and then playfully said, "Alright, everyone, let’s get out!"
Haohao forced a smile as he followed Da Shewan and Pig's Feet out of the car, his eyes still vacant, clearly not in the best state of mind. Anthon walked silently behind them, his gaze filled with anxiety and concern. He knew it wasn't the time to express emotions; he could only endure the inner turmoil and quietly observe everything around him.
As they walked, Da Shewan cheerfully introduced the various delicacies and features of the night market: "Liuhe Night Market is one of the most famous night markets in Kaohsiung, with plenty of delicious food. Everyone can relax and enjoy themselves."
Pig's Feet walked alongside, coldly eyeing Anthon with a hint of mockery in his gaze. Anthon felt a wave of discomfort but knew it wasn’t the moment to confront Pig's Feet; he could only endure silently.
The night market was bustling with crowds, the aromas from various food stalls wafting through the air. Yet for Anthon and Haohao, everything felt particularly jarring and oppressive. Their moods couldn't truly relax; instead, they became more tense due to Da Shewan's presence.
With a bright smile, Da Shewan approached a stall selling oyster omelets and enthusiastically called out to everyone, "Come on, let’s all have some oyster omelets! This is one of the specialties of Liuhe Night Market!"
Haohao managed to force out a smile and nodded, but his eyes remained hollow. Anthon noticed this and felt a surge of worry and helplessness. He knew Haohao was on the verge of breaking down and needed to find a way to lift his spirits.
Pig's Feet quietly picked up the camera, capturing this scene with a glint of coldness in his eyes. He seemed to relish the oppressive atmosphere, enjoying Da Shewan's control over Haohao.
Da Shewan looked at Haohao and Anthon with satisfaction before continuing to introduce more delicacies: "Here we have large intestine wrapped in small intestine, stinky tofu, and salt-and-pepper chicken—these are all very famous snacks that you must try!"
Seeing Haohao's pained expression, Anthon couldn't help but speak up: "Um... Da Shewan? Well... I think today’s schedule is about done? The filming is complete, and it seems like Haohao isn’t feeling well; maybe we should let him rest?"
Beside them, Pig's Feet had already lowered his camera. Da Shewan shot a sharp glare at Pig's Feet but refrained from losing his temper due to the crowd; after all, he was also a public figure. He then changed his expression to one of feigned cheerfulness and said, "Hahaha! Alright... since you’re not feeling well, Haohao, why don’t you take a break? After all... this night is still long."
"Da Shewan," he said with a lewd grin, his eyes glinting with a hint of malice. Upon hearing Da Shewan's words, Haohao's face turned even paler, a flicker of fear crossing his eyes.
Seeing this, Pig's Feet immediately chimed in, "Da Shewan... why don't we take a stroll for a bit and let Haohao rest?" As he spoke, he exchanged a knowing glance with Anthon, as if signaling that this was an opportunity to take care of Haohao.
Da Shewan nodded slightly, though displeasure stirred within him, he could only agree. "Alright then, you two take a break. Pig's Feet and I will go for a walk."
Anthon seized the moment to support Haohao, softly saying, "Haohao, let's find a place to sit down and rest." Haohao weakly nodded, gratitude flickering in his eyes.
The two found a relatively quiet corner to sit down. Haohao leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes and striving to calm himself. Anthon watched Haohao's haggard appearance, filled with pain and anger.
"Haohao, are you alright?" Anthon asked quietly, concern lacing his tone.
Upon hearing Anthon's question, Haohao suddenly burst into a manic laugh, tinged with bitterness and despair. "Me? Am I alright? Do I look alright to you?" His frantic laughter cut through the noise of the night market, drawing the attention of several passersby.
Anthon felt a sharp pang in his heart at Haohao's words. He looked at Haohao's exhausted and pained expression, filled with pity and guilt. "Haohao, I..."
Haohao interrupted him, his voice brimming with anger and anxiety. "Anthon, don't bother me! I'm really not feeling well; do you understand?"
Anthon was taken aback by Haohao's reaction. Seeing him so furious and extreme made his heart ache. He wanted to comfort Haohao but didn't know how to help him feel any better.
Haohao's gaze was filled with resentment and disappointment towards Anthon as he continued, "You have no idea what I've been through; you don't know how much I'm suffering right now!"
Anthon looked at Haohao, overwhelmed by helplessness and pain. He reached out in an attempt to soothe him, but Haohao pushed him away in disgust. "Don't touch me, Anthon! You only make it worse!"
Haohao's words struck like a sharp blade, piercing deeply into Anthon's heart. He felt as if he couldn't breathe, and his eyes began to well up with tears. He wanted to help Haohao, but he found himself powerless.
"Haohao, I just... I just want you to know that I will always be by your side," Anthon said softly, his voice filled with pain and helplessness.
Haohao closed his eyes, fighting back tears, and sighed. "Anthon, I know you mean well, but right now, I really just want to be alone."
Anthon nodded, a flicker of anguish crossing his face. He understood that Haohao needed time to heal, but he also knew that this period would be incredibly difficult for her. He could only silently pray that Haohao would find the strength to endure this dark time.
The lights of the night market remained bright, and the surrounding noise continued unabated, but in that moment, Anthon and Haohao seemed isolated from the bustling world around them. They could only rely on each other's support to find a glimmer of light in the darkness.
Da Shewan and Pig's Feet gradually moved away, the lights of the night market casting long shadows behind them. Anthon silently vowed to find a way to protect Haohao, to free her from Da Shewan's control, and to reclaim the peace and freedom that belonged to them.
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