Jing Chu immediately sensed that something was amiss the moment she saw the text message. Hence, she quickly called Tang Zhijing, only to discover that his mobile phone was switched off.

Without hesitation, she handed Pei Ling over to the nanny, after which she hurriedly got dressed and left the house.

She instructed the chauffeur to drive her to Tang Zhijings modeling company because she had no idea where Tang Zhijings parents lived. She then went through painstaking means to find out their address from the employees at the modeling agency.

To her dismay, Tang Zhijings parents refused to allow her to enter when she arrived at their home. Hence, she had no choice but to show the text message to the guards at the door and instructed them to relay the message to Mr. and Mrs. Tang.

They finally allowed her to enter. By the time she stepped foot inside, Mr. and Mrs. Tang had already gone to the room.

They arrived before Jing Chu and the bodyguards did.

Jing Chu was flabbergasted. She stared in disbelief at Tang Zhijing, who had hung himself using a makeshift rope that he had made by shredding his clothes into pieces.

Mrs. Tang held his lifeless body in her embrace and bawled loudly in agony while Mr. Tang stood beside them with a look of moroseness and misery on his face.

There was a red welt on Tang Zhijings neck and he was as pale as a sheet, no longer breathing.

Tears welled up in Jing Chus eyes and eventually rolled down her face.

She was terribly upset.

She did not blame Tang Zhijing for taking the easy way out by ending his life, because she knew that he had a lower threshold for torment compared to her.

Although they seemed to be in the same boat and he seemed to have it better than she did, they were, in fact, in very different predicaments.

Reminded of the reason behind his decision to commit suicide, she walked into the room and stared at the grief-stricken Mr. and Mrs. Tang.

Not feeling a tinge of sympathy for them at all, she said, You guys can stop him from contacting me. Were just friends anyway. However, do you know what his dreams were? Do you know what the life that he yearned to lead is like? Is money of paramount importance, so much so that it trumps your sons happiness? You guys can finally focus entirely on making money now. Youre not the only ones who value money more than your children anyway. Are you happy with how things had turned out? Tang Zhijing was denied the freedom and right to choose the life he wanted to lead. He told me that he had lost the will to live and found life and wealth to be completely meaningless. Have you guys ever showed your concern for him and his mental health? I reckon his death is the only way he can exact revenge on you guys.

Jing Chu turned around to leave as soon as she finished speaking.

She leaned back against the backseat and began tearing up silently while on the way home.

All the memories she shared with Tang Zhijing began to flood her mind.

She was completely caught off guard by the sudden news. She was extremely appalled and horrified, for she had never expected him to take his own life.

It had also never crossed her mind that their friendship would be affected by her marriage to Pei Yi.

In hindsight, its only understandable. Im considered to be a part of the DK Organization now, and so is Pei Ling. From now on, I cant contact Sis Qiao An and the rest anymore, lest I bring them trouble and implicate them. I mustnt stay in touch with Sis Xiaoning anymore either.

Jing Chu was stuck in a dilemma. She wanted Pei Yi to leave the DK Organization. However, she knew clearly that there was no turning back for Pei Yi now that he had already delved so deep.

If chaos were to break out, they might just be killed in a mass execution carried out by the governments of several nations. She could not help but feel worried and anxious at the thought of it.

She could not let her guard down even though life seemed to be rather peaceful for the time being.

She decided that she had to come up with a solution and strategy to deal with the potential threats.

She returned to Mount Qingping and informed Fat Lass of Tang Zhijings death. Fat Lass teared up miserably and told Jing Chu, I saw him popping some sleeping pills before. He must have been suffering from insomnia and depression

Carrying Pei Ling in her arms, Jing Chu said, Perhaps this is the only way he can reach his utopia. Since this is his chosen path, we can only respect it. I understand how he feels.

Having overheard what she said, Pei Yi asked casually, Whose feelings can you understand?

Fat Lass exited the room while Jing Chu answered, Tang Zhijing.

Did you cry?

Yes, I did.

Why?

I cried because of Tang Zhijing.

Pei Yi asked with raised brows, Youre telling me that youre crying because of another man?

Master Pei, hes dead.

Why did he die? Pei Yi asked in surprise.

He hung himself.

What was the reason?

He had emotional issues. His parents had never shown him any love or concern ever since he was a child, and they never allowed him to make his own decisions. I heard from Fat Lass that he had been heavily reliant on medication and even suffered from insomnia. I think he must have been diagnosed with depression.

Pei Yi put an arm around her shoulder and said, Thats his choice.

If theres a way to leave DK unscathed, are you willing to live a peaceful life with me and our son?

Pei Yi answered, Yes, Im willing.

Jing Chu asked, Would you still be willing if the living conditions are tough?

Home is wherever you and our son are.

You said that yourself. You cant go back on your word.

Why would I go back on my word? You and Pei Ling are my only kin left in this world.

Let me go to that forest, then, said Jing Chu, who had already made up her mind.

Pei Yi refused vehemently. No.

Knowing that he definitely wouldnt give in easily, Jing Chu said, I can communicate with animals, and Ill bring the appropriate weapons with me in order to protect myself. Dont be so pessimistic. Im not as weak as you think I am. There definitely is a place for us in this vast world. I wont be satisfied until I go and take a look myself. I feel that its the only way for you to make a clean break with DK.

No, my decision is final. I wont allow you to go to such a dangerous place.

Jing Chu said, Arent we living in a dangerous place as well? Menacing beasts may devour humans, but humans will cause harm to other humans as well. Master Pei, I dont know what I might face when I get there, but Im not afraid at all. Id like to go take a look. Perhaps itll really be the safest place we can go to. Ive already made up my mind. If you wont allow me to go, lets not be together anymore. If you insist on forcing me, Ill kill myself.

Pei Yi knew how stubborn she was, but not to such an extreme extent. However, he had no idea how desperately she wanted for him to leave the DK Organization and for the three of them to live in peace forever. Her determination was evidence of how strong her desire was.

Why are you so stubborn? Youre just a weak and helpless woman. Wouldnt you be digging your own grave by going to that forest? How can I let you put your life at risk?

Will I definitely die just because Im weak and helpless? Theres no certainty. No matter what happens, Ill never regret my decision. If I die, that just means that Im destined to. Likewise, if I dont, it just means my time isnt up yet. Its all Heavens will.