The past that I don't want to recall.

The girl's trembling fingers gently traced the crisscrossing scars, as if afraid that even a slight touch might cause pain.

Thinking about how much suffering her brother had endured in the dark and hopeless times, her heart ached even more.

"It's not a big deal," Lu Han said calmly, holding the girl's shoulder. "I was tricked to Myanmar's northern region when I wasn't thinking straight. I suffered a lot during that time, and these scars are from those days. Fortunately, I managed to escape."

Though he spoke lightly, recalling those unbearable memories still filled him with anger, despite the passage of time.

Initially, like many others who were deceived, he worked in telecom fraud within so-called industrial parks.

Failing to meet targets meant no food or water, and severe beatings every few days.

He tried to escape several times but was always caught and brutally punished.

The first time, he was hung on iron bars for three days and nights.

The second time, he was locked in a water dungeon for 15 days, submerged in foul water for eight hours each day. He only escaped the torture after agreeing to sell his blood.

For four consecutive days, they drained his blood without knowing how much, and on the last day, he passed out from exhaustion.

The third time, he was again locked in a water dungeon for 32 days. But just before death, he was rescued because his kidney matched a buyer's needs.

The following days were probably the most comfortable period in Myanmar for Lu Han, where he was well-fed and taken care of, like a pig being fattened for slaughter.

Ironically, his health improved, but the buyer fell to his death from a building, infuriating the higher-ups.

Less than a week later, Lu Han and 99 others were dumped on a deserted island for a real-life battle royale game. Bored bosses bet on who would be the last one standing.

Lu Han survived and earned the favor of a powerful figure.

From fighting illegal boxing matches to working for this boss, he not only took revenge but also made a few lifelong friends.

Two years ago, China finally couldn't tolerate the rampant telecom fraud in Myanmar. The four major crime families were dismantled overnight, allowing Lu Han and his friends to escape back home.

Even Lu Han didn't expect to end up in a city he randomly chose on a map. Two months ago, while attending a party as a staff member, he unexpectedly found his biological father.

Despite their initial strained relationship, his intention was to propose to Chu Ruoyan before returning to the Lu family. But in the end, he came back alone.

The painful memories flashed through his mind like slides. Lu Han didn't want to elaborate further.

Why bother explaining? It sounded like he was seeking sympathy, which felt meaningless.

Still, Lu Xue cried uncontrollably.

"Brother, it will be okay," she sobbed, wiping her tears. "Modern medical aesthetics can remove these scars."

She tried to comfort him, but deep down, she had little hope. Scars became harder to treat over time, and even if physical wounds could heal, what about the psychological trauma?

"No need for scar removal; I'm used to them anyway. As long as I don't scare you," Lu Han declined her offer. He wasn't a woman and didn't care about aesthetics.

"I'm not scared; I just feel heartbroken for you," Lu Xue buried her head in his chest, rubbing her soft cheek against his skin. She realized why he reacted strongly whenever she tried to massage him—fear of revealing his scars and scaring her.

Her heart softened, feeling almost melted. "Lu Han, you said the people who hurt you abroad are dead. What about those in China?"

Lu Zhensheng's eyes reddened with rage. "Who tricked you into going to Myanmar?"

Lu Han paused, then replied, "I remember him as Luo Wei, but it's likely a fake name."

After returning from Myanmar, one reason he chose to live in Jiangcheng was to find this man. Unfortunately, he hadn't found any useful clues yet.

"Whoever he is, I'll make sure he knows what living hell feels like!" Lu Zhensheng declared, determined to dig him out, even if it meant turning the earth upside down.

Then he'd skin him alive and feed him to dogs!

Lu Zhensheng had never hated anyone so much. After saying this, he suddenly realized he didn't know what else to say.

Having experienced such emotional deprivation and physical torment, Lu Han had become somewhat cold and indifferent but also incredibly strong mentally. Any words of comfort seemed powerless.

If he couldn't console him, he could at least compensate him. And by all means, no compensation would be too much.

But sadly, Lu Zhensheng realized he could only offer money and material things.

"Lu Xue, come out for a moment. I need to talk to you," Lu Zhensheng called his adopted daughter outside. "You have the best relationship with Lu Han. Please take good care of him. If anything happens, don't hide it from me, okay?"

"Dad, don't worry. I know what to do," Lu Xue nodded obediently, then anxiously added, "If there's nothing else... can I go back to Brother?"

"Go ahead," Lu Zhensheng thought the best decision he ever made was adopting this girl.

Watching her rush back to Lu Han, he suddenly felt regretful.

"If I knew they'd get along so well, I wouldn't have looked for Su Qingli as a daughter-in-law. They're not siblings; they could have been even closer."

Walking away, he wondered which lucky guy would eventually win Lu Xue's heart.

Inside the room, Lu Han suddenly felt an itch in his nose.

"Achoo!"

He sneezed, and Lu Xue quickly handed him a tissue, chiding gently, "Brother, dry yourself properly after showering. Are you catching a cold?"

Before he could respond, his phone rang—it was Shen Luoyan.

Lu Han remembered that the next day was Wednesday, the day he agreed to meet her.

...

...