Haohao sobbed hysterically, tears streaming uncontrollably down his face. His voice was intermittent, as if the pain he had suppressed for so long had finally erupted. His shoulders shook violently, and his face was soaked with tears, making him appear incredibly fragile.
This was the first time since that night that Haohao had broken down in front of others. Deep within him lay countless contradictions and struggles, like a cacophony of voices screaming wildly in his mind. He didn't know whether he truly resented Anthon or if he was simply venting his frustration at everything onto him due to feeling utterly powerless. His heart was filled with despair and helplessness, as if he could no longer find a way out.
Haohao's thoughts were a jumbled mess, with countless images flashing through his mind: the nightmare from last night, the repeated humiliations, and the indelible feeling of filth that threatened to overwhelm him. He wanted to escape it all but found no place to run. Inside, he felt as if he were being torn apart by countless blades, suffering immensely, as if he might completely shatter at any moment.
Anthon stood nearby, silently watching Haohao, afraid to approach him any closer. He knew Haohao's emotions were extremely fragile at that moment; any unnecessary words or actions could hurt him further. All he could do was accompany him in silence, his eyes shimmering with pain and guilt.
Haohao's cries sounded particularly desolate amidst the bustling night market. Anthon listened to the intermittent sobs, his heart filled with anguish and helplessness. How he wished he could share some of Haohao's pain, to make him feel less alone and desperate.
"Haohao," Anthon finally spoke softly, his tone filled with infinite tenderness and concern. "I know that nothing I say can comfort you right now, but please believe that I will always be by your side. We will get through this difficult time together; no matter what happens, I will not leave you."
However, these words struck Haohao like daggers. His heart was filled with countless questions and resentment. As he listened to Anthon's voice, it felt as though those gentle words were sharp knives deeply cutting into his soul. He couldn't understand why Anthon would say such things at this moment, why he seemed so helpless when Haohao needed help the most.
In Haohao's mind, countless voices screamed: "Anthon, do you really know what I've been through? Do you truly understand how much pain I'm in right now?" His inner despair and anger made it impossible for him to remain calm; all he wanted was to escape it all but found no way out.
Anthon watched Haohao's pained expression, filled with helplessness and guilt. He knew he couldn't help Haohao escape his suffering at that moment, but he remained determined to do whatever it took to help Haohao reclaim his happiness and freedom.
Tears continued to flow from Haohao's eyes as his body trembled, as if on the verge of collapse. His heart was filled with resentment and powerlessness towards Anthon, yet deep down he knew that no matter what happened, he needed an outlet—a reason to stand up again. Perhaps that reason could only be found slowly over time.
About two hours later, Da Shewan and Pig's Feet returned as well. The group silently got into the car, preparing to head back to Pingtung. The vehicle slowly pulled away from the night market under the cover of darkness; inside was a heavy silence that felt stifling. Even Da Shewan, who usually talked the most, had fallen silent—perhaps exhausted from walking around for so long; his large frame had consumed a lot of energy, and soon enough he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Anthon sat beside him and quietly glanced at Haohao. Haohao looked utterly worn out; his eyes were hollow and clearly showed signs of having not rested properly for too long. As soon as the car merged onto the highway, Haohao leaned against his seat and soon fell into a deep sleep.
Anthon looked at Haohao's haggard face, filled with worry and heartache. He knew Haohao was in a terrible state, but he also understood that there was little he could do. The air inside the car felt heavier, as if Da Shewan's slumber had cast a shadow over everyone. Anthon silently prayed that Haohao could rest well, even if just for a short while.
As night deepened, the silence in the car hung like a thick darkness, enveloping each person's heart. Pig's Feet drove, occasionally glancing at the rearview mirror, his eyes reflecting a hint of gloom and complex emotions. He knew this night would not be peaceful, yet all he could do was continue driving steadily toward Pingtung.
The stillness inside the car felt particularly eerie against the dark road; the scenery outside blurred into obscurity, illuminated only by the car's headlights on a small stretch of pavement. The low rumble of the engine and the sound of tires against the road pierced through the silence of the night. Anthon sat in his seat, feeling a chill creep up his spine.
The air inside was heavy and oppressive, as if something terrifying could happen at any moment. Da Shewan's breathing was steady and rhythmic, indicating he had fallen deeply asleep. His large frame occupied much of the space, making the atmosphere inside even more cramped.
Pig's Feet sat in the driver's seat, gripping the steering wheel tightly, his gaze flickering between the road ahead and the rearview mirror. He confirmed that Da Shewan was soundly asleep before stealing another glance at Anthon through the mirror. Pig's Feet swallowed hard, as if wanting to say something but hesitating to speak.
The tension in the car grew thicker; Pig's Feet's eyes reflected a struggle and hesitation, as if he were making some internal decision. Anthon sensed this unusual pressure; his instincts told him that this moment of silence concealed some danger. He tensed up, alertly watching every movement within the car.
The dark road stretched endlessly ahead, and the silence and oppression inside seemed never-ending. In such an atmosphere, everyone fell into their own thoughts, waiting for that moment that could change everything.
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