Time Flies Like a White Colt
Time passed swiftly like a fleeting white colt, and before anyone realized it, July had arrived. Jiangzhou's scorching summer was unbearably dry, especially in the past half-month, where every day had been cloudless and the outdoors felt like a natural oven.
Coincidentally, it had also been exactly half a month since Qin Dayong lost Qin Xi to Yang Chen in a bet.
Initially, Yang Chen had assumed Qin Dayong would seek out Qin Xi and Qin Yi, but to his surprise, the man had vanished after leaving King's City that day, never to be seen again.
---
**Jiangzhou City, People's Square.**
The crimson morning sun slowly rose, casting gentle light across every corner of the earth.
Qin Dayong, lying on a leisure bench in a secluded corner of the square, seemed to sense the sunlight. He rubbed his eyes and sat up slowly, stretching his stiff limbs.
He walked to the artificial lake by the square and splashed water on his face. Staring at his own haggard reflection in the water, his heart filled with sorrow. At this moment, countless memories flooded his mind—especially of his two daughters.
Ever since the Qin family had kicked him out of the company, he hadn't bothered looking for another job. Yet, his daughters never once reproached him. Instead, they gave him enough living expenses every month, allowing him to live carefree.
And yet, he had gambled away such a precious daughter. The words of the masked man echoed in his mind—*you'll never see Qin Xi again.*
If his life could buy back Qin Xi's freedom, he wouldn't hesitate for even a second.
Over the past half-month, he had searched for work every day, but no company would take him. Not even small roadside eateries would hire him.
Unconsciously, tears streamed down his face, dripping into the lake.
Finally unable to suppress his anguish, he broke down into loud, unrestrained sobs.
But crying was just a release. Once he had wept his fill, Qin Dayong washed his face again with the lake water and stood up.
*"Xi'er, Dad will find you!"*
The only thought keeping him going now was to pull himself together, work hard, earn money, and find a way to rescue Qin Xi and restore her freedom.
For the rest of his life, he would no longer live for himself—only for his two daughters!
---
Under the blazing sun, the streets were nearly empty. The few pedestrians who did pass by carried parasols.
Days of hunger had left him gaunt, his face sickly pale, his lips cracked and peeling.
His hair and beard had grown long, and his unwashed clothes reeked of sweat. His entire appearance was disheveled. Passersby wrinkled their noses and hurried away, but Qin Dayong seemed oblivious.
Chin up, he strode forward with determination, his eyes scanning the small ads pasted on lampposts, searching for any job opportunity.
*"Bang!"*
While looking around, he accidentally bumped into a parked car.
*"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"*
Qin Dayong panicked and bowed repeatedly in apology.
Just then, the car window rolled down, revealing a familiar face.
*"Yang Chen?!"*
Qin Dayong was stunned, but soon, guilt washed over him. His eyes reddened as he said hoarsely, *"Yang Chen, I'm sorry. It was my fault… I lost Xi'er to someone else."*
Yang Chen wasn't surprised by his reaction. He had been receiving daily reports about Qin Dayong's struggles.
*"But don't worry,"* Qin Dayong continued, his voice firm. *"I'll work hard, earn money, and search every corner of the world if I have to. I'll find Xi'er and set her free."*
With that, he turned to leave without even considering asking Yang Chen for money.
*"Dad!"*
Suddenly, two choked voices called out from inside the car. Qin Xi and Qin Yi, who had been silently weeping at the sight of their father's wretched state, could hold back no longer.
Qin Dayong froze mid-step. His entire body trembled, but he didn't dare turn around—afraid that the voices were just another cruel illusion.
But then, the car doors flew open. The two sisters rushed out and threw their arms around him, not caring in the least about his stench.
Only then did Qin Dayong realize this wasn't a dream.
Especially Qin Xi's voice—he had thought he would never hear it again.
His stunned expression melted into overwhelming emotion. Tears streamed down his weathered face as he hugged his daughters tightly, the three of them crying together.
*"Dad was wrong… Dad was so wrong…"* Qin Dayong sobbed like a child.
Watching from the car, Yang Chen smiled faintly. He had worried this plan might not work, but the results spoke for themselves.
---
Qin Dayong was practically dragged into the car by his daughters. The three of them sat in the back, the vehicle filled with his odor, but neither Qin Xi nor Qin Yi showed the slightest disgust. They clung to his arms, resting their heads on his shoulders.
Yang Chen drove to a bathhouse. After parking, he handed Qin Dayong a stack of cash.
*"Dad, go take a bath first. Then we'll buy you new clothes."*
In his current state, Qin Dayong would likely be chased out of any clothing store the moment he stepped inside.
Though embarrassed, Qin Dayong accepted the money with a solemn nod. *"I'll pay you back once I find a job and earn enough."*
Without waiting for a response, he got out of the car.
Yang Chen chuckled, then turned to Qin Xi, whose eyes were still red. *"Don't be sad. Dad suffered for half a month, but he's changed. He won't live that aimless life anymore."*
*"Yang Chen, thank you."* Qin Xi looked at him gratefully. *"Without you, I don't know what would've happened to Dad."*
Qin Yi, also teary-eyed, added, *"Brother-in-law, my sister is really lucky to have married you. I wish you both happiness."*
Yang Chen grinned. *"Damn right!"*
---
Meanwhile, Qin Dayong had entered the bathhouse.
*"Stinky beggar! Who let you in? Security! Throw him out! He reeks!"*
The two women at the front desk immediately covered their noses, shouting in disgust.
*"I'm not a beggar. I'm here to bathe. I have money!"*
Qin Dayong hastily pulled out the cash Yang Chen had given him.
Several security guards rushed over, rubber batons in hand. The leader pointed at Qin Dayong and barked, *"You think a piece of trash like you can just waltz into Yellow River Bathhouse? Get lost before we beat you senseless!"*
*"I really just want to bathe—"*
*"Screw you!"* The burly guard, easily over 200 pounds, didn't let him finish. He kicked Qin Dayong square in the chest.
Weak from half a month of hunger, Qin Dayong couldn't withstand the blow. He flew backward, crashing through the bathhouse's front doors and landing hard on the pavement outside.