Lovely Made From Love

The scorching sun evaporated the water on the ground. The entire land was like a steamer, burning everyone in sight. People yelled out in pain and frustration as they walked across the pavements.

At the back door of the Hilton Hotel was the famous JS Park in H Country. Their colorful pavilions, their intricate sand plates, and their beautiful carvings imitated the Ancient Greeks. It was one of the most magnificent parks in H Country.

Impatiently, Vana Gu leaned against the water dispenser. As her thought flashed back to what had happened at the banquet, she frowned in annoyance.

"As long as Dad and Mom get better, you can come back, sister. If you feel uncomfortable, I- I can go."

Vana Gu sneered. "Oh? Will you leave the Gu Family? Do you have any other relatives to rely on?"

Emily Gu didn't expect that Vana Gu didn't ask her to stay. It seemed that the woman in front of her had grown out of her gullible phase.

"I don't have any other relatives, but for your sake, I'm willing to leave my hometown and go anywhere, even to the countryside."

Vana Gu was tempted to tear the woman's face apart. Anger began building up in her chest when the pictures of that incident happening at the banquet appeared in her mind.

A dirty old man approaching her, his fingers running down her skin, and his putrid scent invading her nostrils... Just the thought of it made her want to scream.

Vana Gu clenched her fists.

Everything that had happened four years ago was still vivid in her mind. She knew for a fact that all of these had something to do with Emily Gu, but she didn't know how her adopted sister could calculate all of these incidents so perfectly that nothing could be traced back to her. If it wasn't for that kidnap, Vana Gu wouldn't have been thrown abroad. A part of her had doubts, so the moment she returned, Vana Gu quickly confronted Emily Gu about the incident.

"Nice try, Emily. Do you think I will buy it? Tell me, where did you find the man? With so many women around that party, why did he only approach me?"

Vana Gu narrowed her eyes. Astonishment was painted all over Emily Gu's face. If Vana Gu didn't know her any better, she would've thought that Emily had nothing to do with this.

After all, she looked so innocent.

"Sister, how could you say that I was responsible for that? I don't even know where he came from."

"Bullshit." Vana scoffed. "You didn't bring him in then, so you accidentally clicked on the web page when you showed me a picture using your mobile phone. The web page was about sex slaves, and now, you've stirred the matter into saying how I've worked as a sex slave for the last four years. Is that what you want to see, sister? Do you want me to be humiliated so bad that you could take over my place?"

"What are you talking about?"

Vana just couldn't take it anymore. Without another thought, she raised her hand and slapped Emily on the face. The sound echoed across the park.

"Vana!"

someone called. Vana blinked back, staring at Emily's reddening cheek. Emily leaned against the stone pillar, whimpering like a lost puppy.

Billy He got close to the two sisters. He shoved Vana away and held Emily in his arms. "Didn't you know how she knelt outside Uncle's study for a whole day just so that you could return? She even got sick for you! And you slapped her to thank her for it?" His eyes flashed in anger.

Vana laughed at his words, snorting. Did he really know what Emily was capable of?

Emily didn't want her to go back to the Gu Family at all. Instead of drawing her away directly, Emily wanted to act like a damsel in distress who had been hurt by her own sister. This way, everyone would be able to see how 'crazy' Vana had become.

"Turns on Vana's been a sex slave for four years!" "You remember the naked woman in the glass tank right?

The one in Africa. They said that it was Vana!" "The robbers sent the Gu Family photos of their daughter

in rather obscene positions. How despicable!" "It was said that the second daughter was kidnapped by overseas gangsters.

She'd suffered so much, and now she's mentally unstable. It said that one mistake would send her crazy! The poor lady!"

"The Gu Family is ultimately disgraceful! Their daughter is just immoral!"

The shocking scandal broke out. Carl Gu and Cathy Xu were so angry that they had to be sent to the hospital due to their palpitations. Vana wanted to go to the hospital and take care of her parents but Emily stopped her.

She asked Vana 'kindly' to not show up first till they got better.

Vana turned to Billy only for him to condemn her the minute he saw her. His face was filled with disgust and hatred.

"Billy, it's not her fault. In fact, it's mine. I was worried that my parents would be emotional if they see her, so I told her that she shouldn't see them for the time being... I–I promise to let her see them once they get better... I'll even leave my hometown for her! But...she still doesn't want to let it go." Emily lowered her voice to a whisper. Her hands were trembling. Vana sneered. She'd give her the Golden Globes Award for being the best actress, that was for sure.

"Emily, don't say that. You've already done so much for her. If someone deserves to leave this place, it's her."

Vana sneered, finally looking up at him. He was the man who claimed to have known her so well four years ago. Why didn't he believe her now?

Vana clenched her fists as Billy He held Emily steady. The coldness in his eyes was like a prick to her heart.

"Vana, considering the kindness you've shown when you saved me from those kidnappers, I know that what happened to you also has something to do with me. But today you've shown me that you're no longer who you used to be. The Vana I knew wouldn't act like this. In fact, she would've been...she wouldn't be like this! You're not my friend...not anymore. I advise that you don't go home for now."

Without giving her a chance to reply, Billy He left with Emily by his side.

What Vana couldn't understand was how Billy He concluded their friendship for seventeen years for someone who he had only gotten to know for four years! He just told her that she shouldn't come home...

But if she didn't...then where will she go?

Vana's life forever changed when she was eighteen-years-old.

Before she turned eighteen, she was the Gu Family's precious little gem. She was the woman that everybody was envious of. However, the moment she turned eighteen, her entire life had changed for the worse.

Four years ago, Emily informed her that Billy had been kidnapped. When Vana went to the place where it all happened, she'd been taken hostage in exchange for Billy. Before she knew it, she was dragged into an even darker room where she was continually insulted by these men.

A mysterious phone call saved her life. Before she knew it, she was being smuggled abroad and sold to Eritrea. Wars were happening continuously as everyone ran back and forth with guns slung to their hips. Although she wasn't being harassed by these men anymore, she was still scared out of her mind.

After four years of surviving, she finally had a chance to return home, only to be exposed to thousands of scandals. Now, she had nowhere to hide.

A part of her was afraid that she wouldn't be able to stay here anymore.

That was fine. A part of her hated this place anyway, but she couldn't leave her parents. They had taken care of her and treated her whole heartedly for so many years. She didn't want to leave her grandfather who treated her so kindly throughout the years. She also didn't want to leave Billy, who grew up with her and even promised to marry her when the time was right.

Back then, she was their precious jewel. But now, she was a stain they wanted to remove.

Vana wandered outside, having nowhere else to go. In the evening, she finally returned to her company dormitory.

She was now working under the company that her grandfather, Edwin Gu, had founded for her. It was a jewelry business under the Song Group, and it had many branches locally and abroad. The SS Jewelry was now favored by many celebrities and A-listers.

"May my deep love guard you forever." That was the one-liner they used to advertise the SS Jewelry, and it was that one line that had embedded itself in everyone's hearts. Charles Lu, an A-lister, even said how the SS Jewelry was a must for socialites.

Four years ago, Vana had greatly admired Renee Song, the Song Group's top designer and decision maker. She was also the wife of Andrew Deng, the legend in the business circle.

If someone were to speak of the couple, all kinds of luxury and high-end brands would flash to mind. They were a power couple, who meant to rule the jewelry business.

Vana had always admired the creative pieces that Renee Song designed.

Five years ago, at the fairy palace fashion ceremony, the Song Group launched the 'Classic Series'. They were called the 'XS Jewelry', showcasing the highlights of Renee Song's work. From XS01 to XS12, they all displayed the intricacies and effort that Renee Song put in to design them.

Words couldn't describe how much Vana admired this outstanding woman.

She felt incredibly lucky to work for the SS Jewelry.

When Vana returned to the dormitory, her feet already numb from walking. Then she saw two girls chatting with each other.

They turned towards her, and their expression changed immediately.

"Vana, what are you doing here?" Petty Lin was about to grab cup of water, but she was frozen into place. She shot a look at the woman beside her.

Julie Zhu hid something behind her, laughing awkwardly. "Why don't you go back home? It's late. There are only two beds in the dormitory, you know. It's time you leave."

Vana raised her eyebrow as she glanced at Petty Lin, who looked incredibly calm. Julie Zhu was a different story. Her dodgy eyes betrayed her intention.

"Don't you have a day off tomorrow?" Vana crossed her arms. Something was up. They had no need to stay in the dormitory if they didn't have to go to work the next day.

"It's none of your business," Julie Zhu snapped. "Can't I live in the dorm? There are only two beds, Vana. You should leave."

"I'm on duty tomorrow, so you might as well get out." Without giving them a chance to reply, Vana walked directly to the single bed near the bathroom. She placed her handbag on the bed, declaring that it was hers for the time being.

"You– Shame on you!" Julie Zhu sputtered out.

Vana snorted, removing her heels as she tried to alleviate her numb feet from the pain. She walked barefoot in the room to find a pair of slippers.

After getting a pair from the cabinet, Vana turned her head subconsciously. Sure enough, the pair of women continued to stare at her. With a smile, she warned, "Don't try to put a needle on my bed. After all, you've never succeeded. Tamper with my shoes, and I'll make sure you won't be able to walk again."

The bathroom door slammed close.

Julie Zhu didn't stay for the night. Besides, there wasn't any use. Vana already figured out what they planned to do, and she was too lazy to plan again. Plus, the beds in the dorm were so small that it couldn't fit two people.

The next morning, Vana received a message from her grandfather, asking her to go fishing in the H Village for the weekend. It was a village up north of the city with a peaceful fish pond. It was a quiet place, perfect for taking a break.

However, just before she could respond, her phone started ringing.

Vana straightened her dress, crinkling her nose when she realized that her dress was starting to look lousy. Had she lost weight? She picked up the phone.

Before she knew it, someone screamed from the other end of the line.

"Auntie, have you read the message I've sent you? If you don't come to my school today, I'll be dead meat!"

It was her niece. Vana sighed, rubbing her forehead. "What did you do this time?"

Her niece had always been up to no good for the last ten years. Every time she got into trouble, Vana was always there to face the aftermath.

When Vana was a little girl, the relationship between her family and her older sister, Annie Gu, had been pretty stiff. Annie Gu had always devoted herself to her boyfriend, straying away from her own family in the process. When she found out that she got pregnant, they eloped secretly. After giving birth, Annie Gu and her husband fell in love with the idea of freedom. That was the reason why she sent her daughter back to live with her grandparents. At that time, Vana was still pretty young, so her parents didn't stop her from bonding with her niece. Even today, their friendship remained strong.

"I didn't start it! The bastard approached me and asked me to beat him up!"

Vana banged her fist on the desk. That was an even crappier excuse than before! "What the hell did you do?" she roared.

Her face had become incredibly monstrous that even Petty Lin couldn't help but tremble at the sight of her glare. Her thought flashed back to last night when she tampered with Vana's dress... Would she get in trouble for that?

Having foreseen the consequences, Petty Lin immediately rushed out of the way.

Half an hour after Vana hung up the phone, she arrived at the ZH High School where Lola Li was held.

She sighed, knowing fully well that her salary would pay the price for being late for work. Vana's fingers trailed down her dress, noticing how it was loose around her frame. It was already too late to change. Moreover, she had more important things to deal with, so she needed to get this over with.

According to the information Lola Li had given her, the administration office was located at the Junior High School Department. The school looked incredibly cozy, reminding her of the time she and Billy went to school.

In the past, Vana and Billy were known as the most perfect couple. The two of them, whether in terms of family background or talent, were worthy of everyone's blessings.

Vana shook her head and pushed the door into the office.

The cool air came from the office. She relaxed instantly.

There were around ten teachers working inside the office. As she walked in, all of them turned to look at her.

"Lola, you're here." Vana walked into the room and closed the door behind her. She could feel everyone's gazes on her as she subconsciously pulled the hemline of her dress.

"Why are you so late?" Lola Li jumped up from her seat.

Vana remembered that Lola Li admitted to beating up somebody, so she wanted to apologize to him first.

Everyone was surprised at her penetrating gaze. The teachers pretended to return back to their work, averting their gazes from her.

She turned to the innermost reception area of the office. There were two people sitting on the sofa. Across from them, there were two teachers standing in front of them.

Upon looking closer, she saw that a little boy's face was covered with bruises. Although he looked completely beaten up, he proudly tilted his chin upwards, ignoring the other people in the room.

The man beside him looked dignified and serious.

He looked incredibly intimidating.

He was wearing a simple suit.

There was a pair of sunglasses on his left hand, and he was sporting the limited edition Armani shoes. From the looks of it, he looked like the type of man that enjoyed all the luxuries in life.

His face was also one to be reckoned with.

His features were regal and aristocratic. The curl in his hair emphasized his high cheekbones and dark eyes. There was something about his gaze that drew her in.

Upon gazing into them, it felt as if she was sinking down an abyss with no way out.

The two teachers were sweaty from the amount of nervousness they were forced to deal with. When they saw Vana enter, their shoulders sagged in relief.

"Are you Lola's parent? You look young," Jim Wang exclaimed. He was a forty-year-old man with almost no hair left on his scalp.

"I didn't expect that the Auntie Lola mentioned is such a beautiful woman. Your family has great genes. Lola's also vastly praised in school."

In an attempt to diffuse the situation, the two teachers acted over enthusiastically, confusing Vana when she entered the room.

"Although, Lola has to change her temper. It's getting harder for us to teach her."

Jim Wang was Lola Li's adviser, and he adored her. However, there were times when Lola Li would get into scuffles with her classmates. There were many teachers who had mixed feeling when it came to Lola. Although she was smart, she was also a troublemaker.

"It seems that I don't know your name yet. My name is Bob He. I'm the advisor for Class 9, which happens to be Ethan's class." Bob He motioned to the boy sitting on the sofa.

Vana bowed her head, quickly introducing herself. "My name is Vana Gu, and I'm Lola's legal guardian. Her parents have gone abroad, and her grandparents aren't capable of coming here, so please inform me if anything like this happens again in the future," she said softly.

"Okay. That's better. When we talked about the matter with two of her other guardians, they blamed her too harshly. Maybe a part of it was because of her parent's absence. It's better like this. Younger people are much easier to communicate with," Jim Wang smiled. "My name is Jim Wang. I am Lola's advisor."

Vana greeted him again. After a while, she knew all the details in communicating with these advisors. However, that still didn't ease the problem of Lola becoming more and more violent.

It was wrong for her to start a fight, and she never apologized. In fact, she would even defend it by saying how 'they started it first'.

'Lola came to beat him up. She only told me he started it to make me come to school.'

Upon hearing their explanation, Vana glared at Lola from across the room.

Vana looked incredibly graceful in her business dress. Even if her clothes were loose around her figure, she still remained charming and innocent.

Standing in front of the boy and his guardian, Vana bowed her head. "I apologize in behalf of Lola. We didn't educate her well enough. I hope that you'd give her a chance to change herself."

The teachers sighed in relief at Vana's humble attitude. They thought that everything would finally be able to blow over.

However, just as they were thinking that it was all over, the man's cool voice cut through the peaceful atmosphere. "Is that all?"