In three years, the baleful energy within him would dissipate. He would have to live in isolation for those three years, avoiding any contact with others. Yang Xi did not know where to go; he only wanted to find a quiet place to rent a farmhouse, or perhaps take up farming and rent a few plots of land to grow crops—that would suit him well.
Along the way, his thoughts were in turmoil as he constantly pondered what path his future should take. Although his heart was filled with confusion and unease, he told himself that, no matter what, he had to leave the Xingnan Province area. He was terrified—terrified that Wan'er might find him.
He knew clearly that if Wan'er were to discover even the slightest trace of him, she would stop at nothing to track him down. Such a situation would undoubtedly be the worst-case scenario. He did not want to drag anyone else into his troubles, especially Wan'er, a girl as pure and kind as she was.
Reflecting on what had happened before, he felt a deep sense of guilt. Because of his own mistakes, he had already hurt an innocent woman—Xiali. He could not bear the burden of hurting anyone else, so he decided to leave this place and distance himself from everyone and everything connected to his past.
Yet, deep down, he could not help but think of Wan'er. He knew her feelings for him ran deep, and he held special affection for her as well. For now, however, he could only bury these feelings in the depths of his heart, hoping that time would heal all wounds.
He made a silent vow: "If, after three years, I can truly recover and lead the life of an ordinary person, and if Wan'er is still willing to wait for me, I will not hesitate to choose her as my life partner." At the thought of this, a warmth washed over him, as if he had found a glimmer of solace in his life.
As the car continued forward, he gradually drifted into a state of deep contemplation.
He had heard that one could buy a vast estate in Bear Country for a few million, enough to raise cattle and grow crops. That should work. Having made up his mind, Yang Xi drove toward Zhonghai City, the nearest major metropolis. He ate quick, simple meals along the way without stopping for long. Checking his phone, he looked up several "labor export" agencies. One company, Hua'an, seemed to have good credentials and a decent reputation. "Right, this is the one," he decided.
Yang Xi dialed the company's number. "Hello! Hua'an, happy to be of service!" a pleasant, professional voice answered. "Hello, I would like to arrange for labor export to Bear Country through your company. What are the requirements?"
"Sir, we need you to provide your phone number, your original ID card, and your original passport at our headquarters to process the application. Our headquarters is located at 117 Yunling Avenue, Zhonghai City, Anhua Co., Ltd., Third Floor, Business Department. I will text these details to you shortly." "Understood, thank you." Yang Xi hung up and drove straight to Yunling Avenue, arriving at the Anhua company offices shortly after.
The process went smoothly. After paying the 200,000 agency fee, he was told he could depart as soon as his visa was issued. With everything settled, Yang Xi exhaled in relief. He drove his BMW X6—which he had bought for 790,000—to the second-hand market and sold it for 450,000.
The agency was highly efficient; the visa was ready by the afternoon. He had a flight booked for 10:00 p.m. the following night, flying directly from Zhonghai to the capital of Bear Country, Sinokos. Yang Xi was a smart man who learned things quickly. He had once planned to travel to Bear Country with his late wife, and in preparation, he had spent three months teaching himself the Bear Country language. He was, in fact, quite proficient in it.
The time for departure arrived quickly. The moment he sat on the plane, Yang Xi bid a final farewell to his past. He would return in three years to a new life, and in an instant, the hope for survival was rekindled within him.
Such is fate. Yang Xi was leaving with the intention of returning in three years, but who could say what unknown opportunities and challenges awaited him during those three years?