As Ming-Ling sat in her old room, surrounded by the familiar comforts of home, she couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. Her mother sat beside her, sharing cherished memories and laughter as they reminisced about days gone by. But just as Ming-Ling felt herself slipping into a state of blissful nostalgia, her phone buzzed with an incoming call, interrupting the peaceful atmosphere.
"Excuse me for a moment, Mom," Ming-Ling said apologetically as she reached for her phone, her curiosity piqued by the caller ID displaying her best friend Lin-Yang's name.
"Of course, dear," her mother replied, offering her a reassuring smile as Ming-Ling stepped out of the room to take the call.
"Lin-Yang, what's going on?" Ming-Ling asked, her voice tinged with concern as she answered the call.
"Ming-Ling, you won't believe what just happened, Lin-Yang exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "Zhang, he's been admitted to the hospital. They found him in the hotel where you were booked yesterday.
Ming-Ling's heart skipped a beat at the news, her mind racing with worry about her friend.
"Is he okay? What happened? She asked, her voice urgent.
I'm not sure of all the details yet, but it seems like he was involved in some kind of altercation, Lin-Yang explained, her words rushed and frantic.
But that's not even the worst part, Ming-Ling. Zhang's grandfather is behind it all.
Ming-Ling's breath caught in her throat at the mention of Zhang's grandfather, her mind reeling with the implications of Lin-Yang's words.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
It's a long story, but it seems like Zhang's grandfather has been pulling the strings behind the scenes, using his influence to manipulate the situation to his advantage, Lin-Yang continued, her tone filled with righteous anger.
He's even corrupted his local media company to erase you from their lives, Ming-Ling. It's treachery of the highest order.
Ming-Ling felt a surge of conflicting emotions coursing through her veins: sympathy for Zhang, anger towards his grandfather, and a sense of satisfaction at finally uncovering the truth behind the betrayal.
"I can't believe this," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.
"After everything we've been through..."
"I know, Ming-Ling. It's a lot to take in, Lin-Yang agreed, her voice softening with empathy.
"But we'll get through this together, I promise."
As Ming-Ling hung up the phone, she felt a storm of emotions raging within her, a whirlwind of anger, betrayal, and sadness threatening to consume her. But amidst the chaos, there was also a glimmer of determination, a resolve to uncover the truth and seek justice for herself and for Zhang.
Returning to her room, Ming-Ling found her mother waiting for her with a concerned expression.
"Is everything alright, dear?" her mother asked, reaching out to touch Ming-Ling's hand in a gesture of comfort.
Ming-Ling took a deep breath, her mind racing with the weight of the news she had just received.
"It's complicated, Mom, she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. 
"But I'll figure it out. I promise."
Her mother nodded understandingly, her eyes filled with love and support.
"Whatever you need, Ming-Ling, I'll be here for you," she said softly.
" Thank you, mom. " Ming-ling stated
" Could I ask you something? " Her mother inquired
" Yes, sure anything mom. " Ming-ling answered.
As Ming-Ling settled back into her old room, the weight of recent events pressing heavily upon her, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. Her mother's concerned gaze followed her every move, a silent question hanging between them like a heavy curtain.
Ming-Ling, her mother began gently, breaking the tense silence that had settled over the room.
Is everything okay? You seem... distant.
Ming-Ling forced a smile, her heart sinking as she realized the depth of her mother's concern.
"I'm fine, Mom," she replied, her voice strained with the effort to maintain the facade.
"Just tired from the journey, that's all."
But her mother's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a flicker of doubt crossing her features. Ming-Ling's heart plummeted as she realized that her mother could see right through her the walls she had built crumbling in the face of her mother's unwavering gaze.
Ming-Ling, her mother said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. 
I know when something's bothering you. You can't hide it from me, no matter how hard you try.
Ming-Ling's throat tightened with emotion as she struggled to find the words to answer. How could she admit the truth to her mother, the truth about Zhang, about the betrayal, about the pain that threatened to consume her from within?
But before she could speak, her mother reached out and took her hand, her touch gentle yet firm.
"You don't have to face this alone, Ming-Ling," she said quietly. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together as a family."
Tears welled up in Ming-Ling's eyes as she looked into her mother's eyes, seeing the depth of love and understanding that lay within. At that moment, she felt a surge of gratitude wash over her, a gratitude for the mother who had always been there for her, even when she had pushed her away.
"I'm sorry, Mom, Ming-Ling whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "
"We'll get through this, Ming-Ling," her mother whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Together."
" Thank you, mom, it's just I regret walking away from here, and I had to stay away from the two of you because of my stupidity. " Ming-ling stated as tears dropped uncontrollably down her cheeks. 
" It's okay dear, you are here and there is nothing to worry about," her mother stated as she offered her a shoulder.
I am sorry mom, I can't break this to you about him. I feel. I am so disgusted with myself. Ming-ling whispered in her thoughts as to collect her complexion back.
" It's okay, so tell me what you have been up to, when you were away. " Her mother inquired curiously as she comforted her on her shoulder.