Reborn to Redeem: Their Abusive Love-Chapter 48: Outsider

「A few nights before the party.」

Xu Si tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Perhaps it was the photograph, now back at her bedside, that was too jarring; whenever she closed her eyes, her thoughts were dragged back to the catastrophic rainstorm from four years ago.

Jet lag coupled with insomnia.

It wasn’t until three o’clock on Saturday afternoon that she finally woke, feeling listless. After washing up, Xu Si sat before the vanity mirror. She applied a light, clean makeup, using concealer to cover the faint shadows beneath her eyes and dabbing on a few highlights. She brushed her lashes until each one was distinct, further accentuating her already dimensional and captivating features.

When choosing a lipstick, her gaze fell upon the ones gifted to her by the young man. Habitually, she picked one up and brought it to her lips, then suddenly froze.

Four years had passed; the lipstick must have expired by now.

She swapped it for a new one from a different brand but in a similar shade. Only then did she finally lift her clear, bright eyes to study her reflection in the mirror.

This face, compared to four years ago, hadn’t changed much at all.

She studied her reflection for a few minutes before lazily rising and walking into the walk-in closet. From among numerous new dresses, she selected a haute couture gown from a luxury brand’s current season and put it on.

These brands favored the Xu Family, always sending new designs to the Xu Mansion first, regardless of whether she was on Hong Kong Island.

Finally, she adorned herself with accessories—a watch, earrings, and a necklace—then stepped downstairs in black high heels with red soles.

The party was at the farthest beach on Hong Kong Island, a three-hour drive that would leave one’s back sore. Fortunately, the island’s road conditions had improved significantly over the past year, so passengers wouldn’t feel dizzy.

Before setting off, the driver reminded Xu Si, "Miss, it will be a bit chilly tonight. Butler Ge has prepared a blanket."

"Mm, I know."

Xu Si sat in the back seat, gazing out the window, her thoughts inscrutable.

The driver dared not ask further.

He was new and didn’t know much about the significant events of four years prior, only sensing that Miss Xu was somewhat melancholic and taciturn.

「Upon arrival.」

Xu Si was dozing against the back of her seat when she heard the driver gently call out, "Miss." She slowly opened her eyelids. Her gaze landed on a broad parking lot where attendants stood by with standard smiles, inquiring if she had an invitation.

Xu Si pulled the black, gold-trimmed card from her purse and handed it to an attendant. He glanced at it, then bowed his head with a smile and said, "Miss Xu, please exit the vehicle and follow me."

Xu Si lowered her eyes, leisurely picked up her handbag, and said in a soft voice, "Can my people accompany me inside?"

"Sorry," the attendant said, shaking his head. "Only those holding an invitation may enter. We will address any needs you have inside and do our best to ensure your safety."

That rule hadn’t changed.

Xu Si nodded, glanced at the ghost face tattoo on the attendant’s hand, and silently exited the car. She followed him through arches and corridors. The lights illuminated her face, making it appear snowy white. Her figure was slender and exuded grace. Though her steps were soft and elegant, her aura was not at all fragile, making her seem aloof, proud, and unapproachable.

With each step, the hem of her black gown swayed an inch. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

Wherever she passed, the faint scent of cedarwood lingered. But with a gust of wind, it dispersed completely, impossible for anyone to retain.

「Upon reaching the beach.」

It was an opulent night, a magnificent gala steeped in luxury. Dazzling lights made it seem like daylight. A raised platform completely covered the fine sand, and every attendant wore white gloves, serving guests wine from special, narrow-necked vessels.

Many representatives from powerful families, recognizable faces, sat on sofas, toasting and conversing cheerfully.

Someone spotted Xu Si and greeted her.

"Miss Xu, come over and have a seat."

Xu Si accepted the wine flute from a waiter and raised it high above her head in a silent acknowledgment, but she didn’t go over to join them. Instead, she found a secluded corner to sit, quietly and relaxedly soaking in the sea breeze and the buzz of the lively party.

It was nothing more than a formality. Everyone knew this was a way for the Triad Society to keep them in check.

After all, at a normal social event, one wouldn’t find "just any waiter with a pistol tucked at their waist," nor would there be burly bodyguards standing watch with cold, hard rifles.

Luckily, Xu Si had witnessed such scenes too many times to appear startled.

She sat alone on the black and gold, wide-seated sofa, her legs crossed, calmly shifting her gaze to the sea.

Someone navigated the crowd and approached her leisurely. "Miss Xu, a pleasure to meet you for the first time. My name is Chen Mo."

The incessant sound of waves filled the air. In the dead of night, the sea beyond the lights was an expanse of unending blackness.

Xu Si looked at the newcomer. He was a man in his thirties with a gentle and refined air, standing over 1.8 meters tall, with a medium build and the demeanor of a businessman. His face bore a false smile, his seemingly kind eyes flickering with malice. Faint traces of a ghost face tattoo could be discerned on the web of his thumb.

No matter how well he feigned it, it wasn’t hard to see he belonged to the Underground City.

Her face betrayed nothing as she nodded with a smile. "Hello."

Chen Mo sat down beside her, his eyes hinting at exploration. "Miss Xu, why not take a stroll? The seaside is quite beautiful at night. Besides, most of the guests tonight are your acquaintances; surely you wouldn’t be short of conversation."

"There’s no need. I’ve seen enough of Hong Kong Island’s sea," Xu Si said, glancing up briefly, her tone indifferent. "It’s just the same old faces. Discussing things with them is uninteresting."

"If you prefer interesting things, then this is indeed quite dull," Chen Mo said, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe before smiling again. "If you get the chance, Miss Xu, you might want to visit the Underground City. That place is exceptionally interesting."

His implication was clear.

Xu Si’s gaze instantly shifted towards him. With just a slight turn of her head, she noticed a cruise ship had, at some point, moored on the sea not far behind him.

The cabin doors opened, and a group of menacing-looking individuals disembarked.

The man leading them stood silhouetted against the harsh light. He wore a long, black trench coat, and the lower half of his face was obscured by a black mask, making his features indiscernible. Only a few strands of silver-white hair lay on his shoulders, gleaming brightly against the dark fabric.

He moved swiftly, his powerful gait driven from his core, his entire being exuding an oppressive and sinister aura.

In the blink of an eye, he vanished at the end of the path.

Judging by its direction, the ferry came from the Underground City.

Xu Si froze for a moment, captivated by the fleeting figure, an irrational desire compelling her to follow and get a clearer look.

Unfortunately, the only path was now blocked by armed bodyguards, rendering it impassable.

She subtly rubbed her thumb and, with a captivating lift of her beautiful face, replied to Chen Mo, "I’ve never been to the Underground City. I’d like to visit sometime if I have the chance."

Indeed, she had never been there.

In her previous life, right after offending Pei Zhen, someone had informed her about the terrors of that place.

Unfortunately, before she could go, she’d been killed by a gunshot to the head.

Chen Mo narrowed his eyes, smiling casually. "Anyone can enter the Underground City. However, uninvited outsiders who enter can never leave. Outsiders hold no status there. Miss Xu should consider this carefully before going. If you’re truly curious, you can ask me. I’m free at the moment and quite willing to answer."

Xu Si raised her champagne flute, took a light sip, her gaze calm and unruffled.

Suddenly, she felt an urge to ask.

"I’m very curious," she said, "is the head of the Triad Society an outsider?"

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