STEAMY & BILLIONAIRE'S THIRSTY

On a strange street swept by a cold, bitter wind, a few sanitation workers in orange uniforms were busy cleaning up the road.

Not far from the school gates, a small cart was selling Swiss rolls, the sweet and sticky aroma drifting over.

Sunny sniffed the glutinous scent in the air and couldn't help but swallow. Her stomach felt like it was home to a little cat that scratched and clawed whenever it was hungry-completely restless.

Clutching her stomach, she walked up to the Swiss roll cart and pitifully said to the vendor, "I'd like one, please."

"Alrighty! Five dollars."

The vendor handed her a steaming hot Swiss roll.

Sunny hesitated for a moment, then pulled out the only bill she had left and handed it over.

The vendor turned the bill over a few times, frowning. "What kind of money is this? I've never seen it. Is it fake?"

"It's not fake," Sunny quickly explained. "Just... if you keep this bill for twenty years-no, ten years tops-it'll be usable, I promise."

The vendor gave her a strange look, as if she were crazy. But seeing her fair skin, clean and delicate features, she looked like some pampered daughter from a wealthy family-not exactly the scamming type.

In the end, he didn't take her money.

"Running away from home is not a good idea. Go back to your parents. They must be worried sick."

"Um... thank you!"

Sunny took the warm Swiss roll and leaned against a wall, devouring it in big bites.

This was her third day after being reborn. There was nothing cool or overpowered like in the novels. Right now, she was just starving-and surviving was already a problem.

That car accident had led to her rebirth. She thought she had traveled back to her own fifteen-year-old self-ready to study hard, ditch the spoiled rich-girl persona, learn some real skills. That way, when her dad eventually got screwed over and went bankrupt, she could actually help him instead of being useless.

But no... she didn't go back to her own fifteen. She went back to her dad's fifteen!

Chicago was still the same old Chicago. The streets were familiar, but not a single person here knew who Sunny was.

Because... she hadn't been born yet.

Sunny, as an unregistered, unborn "three-nothings" person, had wandered the streets of early-1950s Chicago for three days-experiencing, for the first time, what it really meant to beg for a living.

Even when her dad went bankrupt and she fell from being a rich girl to a penniless nobody, she'd never been this down and out.

If she couldn't find her young dad Lucas soon, she might actually starve to death on the street.

Sunny had asked around and made her way to Lucas's old school-Chicago No. 3 High School.

Chicago No. 3 High School was one of the oldest schools in the city. Even when Sunny was born, it was still up and running, and eventually became a national key high school.

Sunny had attended this school too. Her dad often talked about it-how it held the wild memories of his reckless youth.

Sunny had gagged many times over those words.

Now, standing in front of the school's green-painted gates that screamed vintage, she actually felt a bit excited.

How many of those unforgettable, shameful wild memories were hidden inside?

She waited outside the school for three days-and still didn't see a trace of Lucas.

"Excuse me," she asked a student, "Do you know Lucas?"

"You mean Master Lucas? He doesn't come to school much."

"Where could I find him, then?"

"Maybe on Entertainment Street, hanging with his gang. I'd advise you not to go there-it's a mess."

"..."

Still, Sunny chose to wait outside the school. She was in a very delicate situation-not exactly safe to wander around.

Three days at the school gate, and still no Lucas. Apparently, this "Master Lucas" skipping school was a regular thing.

Thinking of her future cold, strict, CEO dad, she just couldn't reconcile him with this wild delinquent people kept describing.

Sunny sat by the street, bored out of her mind, not noticing a few girls nearby staring at her.

She was pretty-especially that tiny waist, so slim it looked like you could wrap one hand around it. In her past life, she'd been crowned "campus goddess" her freshman year, turning countless nerds into fans.

Even now, at just fifteen, Sunny's beauty was enough to stir up jealousy-and that turned into instinctive hostility from the other girls.

"I heard she's here every day now."

"She keeps asking people about Lucas."

"Ugh, shameless. She's even hanging outside the school gates."

...

Sunny knew that teens from her dad's time were way more conservative-drawing lines between boys and girls, blushing just from eye contact.

Her bold, straightforward actions outside the school probably seemed scandalous to them. Plus, Lucas was extremely popular.

So yeah, she was basically a walking headline.

But what could she do? She was an unborn, undocumented nobody. She needed food.

Besides her dad, she had no one to turn to. She couldn't go to the police-they'd either toss her in a welfare home or a mental hospital.

She couldn't help overhearing the girls' gossip...

"She's so persistent, waiting every day. Doesn't she know Lucas already has a girlfriend? And she's the school beauty!"

Sunny's ears perked up. She listened carefully.

So Lucas already had a girlfriend? Could it be... her mom?

"Wait, I heard Amelia and Lucas already broke up."

"What? But weren't they super close? Amelia's gorgeous. They looked perfect together!"

"Just rumors, but apparently Amelia's been getting close to... him."

"Him who?"

"Alexander."

"..."

The girls went dead silent for half a minute.

"She's nuts. Why would she mess with him?"

"That guy gives me chills just thinking about him. So gloomy."

"Plus, he's poor. How's he supposed to support someone like Amelia?"

...

Sunny shivered at the name Alexander, cold sweat breaking out on her back.

Alexander-the future power player of Chicago, who would, after years of scheming, ruin her dad's business and step all over him.

She was terrified of him.

She didn't expect Alexander and Lucas-those two future enemies-to actually be high school classmates.

And based on the gossip, Lucas's school beauty girlfriend might've dumped him for Alexander?

"Shh! Quiet, Lucas is coming out!"

Sunny looked up and saw Lucas riding a motorcycle, followed by a group of rebellious-looking boys.

He wore a white shirt with the collar slightly open, sleeves rolled up to the elbows, showing off his tan arms.

His features were handsome and defined, but what really caught attention were his flirtatious, upturned peach blossom eyes-charming and wild.

Sunny had inherited those same eyes. People used to joke that both father and daughter were "born heartbreakers."

But seeing Lucas now, Sunny felt her dad was way more of a flirt than she ever was.

Lucas was the heartthrob of Chicago No. 3, a rich kid with style and charm, effortlessly drawing attention on the 1950s street.

Sunny couldn't believe that her future calm, composed dad was once this flashy.

As his bike passed by, she jumped forward and blocked his way.

Lucas slammed on the brakes. The tires screeched to a stop just half a meter away from her.

"Are you crazy? You trying to die?!"

Seeing her dad up close, and thinking of all her recent misery, Sunny's eyes welled up instantly.

The word "Dad" was right there on the tip of her tongue, thick with tears.

"You're crying now? You trying to scam me or something? If I really hit you, I'd be the one crying! Move!"

Sunny didn't budge, gripping the handlebars tightly.

"Oh, so you're not moving? Fine." Lucas pulled out his wallet and started flipping through bills. "I'm in a hurry. Name your price. How much for you to scram?"

He had all the arrogant energy of a spoiled rich brat.

His friend, Leo, patted him on the shoulder. "Don't be so harsh, man. She looks scared. It's probably not about the money."

He handed Sunny a dark handkerchief. "Here, kid. Wipe your face."

"Thanks, Uncle Leo, but I'm good."

Leo, ...

Uncle?

Sunny smoothly accepted the cash from Lucas, then grabbed his hand and started bawling. "Dad, Sunny's starving... I haven't eaten in two days. Please, be kind, give me a bit more!"

Lucas, ...

What the actual-?

They stared at each other for a moment. Lucas sighed and handed her a few more bills. Sunny sniffled and said, "It's not about the money, really. I need to tell you something important."

Lucas twitched. You scam me for money and now say it's not about the money?

Sunny suggested, "Let's go to a diner and sit down. I'll explain everything."

"Oh, so now you want a meal too? You've got no shame, huh?"

Sunny turned to Leo for support. "Uncle Leo, help me out here!"

Leo looked at her-just fourteen or fifteen, sweet, with delicate features, smooth brows, and long lashes wet with tears. She was incredibly endearing.

And, to be honest, she really did look a lot like Lucas.

Leo glanced at Sunny, then back at Lucas.

Lucas growled, "What are you staring at!"

Leo muttered, "Lucas... she looks just like you."

Lucas finally gave her a proper look. Sunny raised her chin and tucked her hair behind her ear to show off her full face-definitely his daughter, no doubt about it.

She had a soft, snowy face, and her earlobes were red from the cold.

Lucas, when agitated, also had red ears.

So now, between the two of them, four cherry-red earlobes were on full display. The resemblance was uncanny-not to mention the matching features.

Lucas's expression shifted slightly. He suddenly thought of his little sister who'd been kidnapped two years ago. She'd be about the same age now... and she looked like this too...

Right then, his Nokia beeped.

Lucas glanced at the screen and his eyes darkened. "Sh*t. That bastard Alexander is already at the pool hall!"

The boys revved their bikes to leave.

Sunny looked at him helplessly. "Dad, what about me..."

Lucas, with full big-brother swagger, waved her over, "Hop on. We're going to throw hands first-then we'll deal with your stuff."

And so, under the watchful eyes of countless envious and jealous girls, Sunny got on the back seat of Lucas's motorcycle.

It was the ultra-cool Hamlet motorcycle, a flashy French fashion brand.

In the whole school, only the rich second-gen Lucas owned such an expensive motorcycle-countless girls dreamed of riding it and taking a spin around campus.

Even Lucas's girlfriend Amelia had never ridden it-not for any particular reason, but because she was proud and aloof, unwilling to be gossiped about as someone clinging to a rich boyfriend.

So by pure coincidence, Sunny became the first lucky girl to sit on the back of Lucas's bike.

The girls watching were so jealous, their lips were almost bleeding from being bitten.

Lucas taking her away was purely because she resembled his long-lost little sister. He planned to finish his business and then take her home to see if his father could recognize her.

Facing the setting sun and the breeze, Sunny's mood lightened. She admired the street scenery along the way.

Scenes she had only seen in period dramas were now appearing vividly before her eyes. The feeling was surreal.

Naturally, Sunny hugged Lucas's lean waist and rested her cheek against his back.

Growing up, her dad had never once given her a ride on a motorcycle-her family always had cars, and she was usually chauffeured in luxury vehicles.

And her dad was always busy with work, rarely spending time with her. He only rushed to school when she got into trouble, scolding her fiercely, sometimes even hitting her.

Her mother had passed away in an accident when she was very young. It was Lucas, this grumpy dad, who raised her with hardship and discipline. She had taken many beatings when she was little.

But as Lucas reached middle age, his temper finally mellowed. He started showing some fatherly qualities.

Sadly, just as he was learning how to be a father, his daughter had already grown up.

Being able to see her father in his youth actually made Sunny quite happy.

"Lucas, what's your girlfriend like?"

"Why are you asking that?"

"No reason, I just want to know what my mom was like. After all, she died before I was even born."

Beside them, Leo couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Hahaha, your mom died before you were even born! Hahahaha!"

Lucas didn't laugh. His expression grew more complex.

The little sister who went missing from his family back then was mentally disabled.

Maybe this girl was really his kidnapped, intellectually disabled little sister.

He answered nonchalantly, "My girlfriend is the purest woman in the world."

"Wow."

Mom was always a painful subject for Dad. After she died, he was depressed for years. He never spoke about her-not a word. She was his most treasured memory.

Sunny had always been so curious about what her mother was like. A woman who could leave such a deep mark on Lucas for so many years.

Wait a second... Something didn't add up. Her mother's name wasn't Amelia. That "world's purest" girlfriend Amelia-wasn't her mom!

Lucas glanced at his watch and sped up, racing toward the pool hall.

Twenty minutes later, a group of rough-looking teens showed up at the entertainment street's pool hall.

This entertainment street had a retro vibe. In Sunny's time, places like dance halls and pool halls had long disappeared, replaced by trendy bars. Sunny often partied there with her wild friends.

She never expected that her young dad used to be a big shot on this street.

Different times, but the same fiery youth.

Back then, the pool halls weren't as regulated. The air inside was smoky, with people arguing, smoking, flirting-you name it. Mostly rowdy young people or rebellious students who came after school to hang out and act tough.

Lucas led Sunny through a narrow underground passage. The small-time gangsters around couldn't take their eyes off her, their gazes swirling.

She looked so delicate and pretty. In an era when most girls didn't even know how to care for their skin, she stood out like a swan-her fair, soft skin practically glowing. It was hard not to be noticed.

Sunny clung to Lucas's jacket, scared.

Lucas didn't want to lose this girl who might be his missing sister, so he put an arm around her thin shoulders and guided her through the chaotic crowd to the pool hall.

Inside, a dozen pool tables were lined up. It was crowded. Bright overhead lights shone directly onto the tables, while the surrounding area was dim.

A teenager named Alexander, wearing a cardigan and shirt, stood at the table, calmly arranging the balls in a triangle.

His fingers were long and slender, the backs of his hands fair with faint blue veins running up his forearms.

Alexander kept his head down as he worked, unaware that the room had suddenly gone quiet.

A few strands of hair fell over his forehead, and his dark brown eyes were half-shadowed under his brows, making them look even deeper.

Under the stark white light, his handsome features were sharply defined.

Even as a teen, Alexander had an overwhelming presence just standing there, let alone years later, when he would command the kind of invisible but undeniable aura that comes with maturity.

He was a legend in the Chicago business world. From nothing to vast wealth-it took him only ten years.

...

Lucas saw Alexander and was immediately enraged. He grabbed a stool and stormed toward him, ready to swing.

Alexander caught the stool with one hand. Lucas tugged a few times but couldn't get it back.

Alexander had built real strength from years of labor. Lucas, a spoiled rich kid, couldn't compare.

"Alexander, let go, you bastard!"

Alexander looked up at him with a cold gaze. "If you break the chair, you'll have to pay for it."

His voice was low and smooth, calm and unfazed.

Lucas pulled out his wallet, flung a few bills on the table, and said arrogantly, "Today I'm here to settle things with you. Anything that gets broken, I'll pay for it!"

Alexander glanced at the cash, his eyes turning cold.

The world was so unfair-some starved, while others squandered...

He clenched his fists, knuckles turning white.

Just then, a delicate white hand darted out and snatched the bills off the table.

Both Lucas and Alexander turned to see Sunny carefully folding the money and tucking it into her pocket.

When everyone stared at her, she blinked her long lashes and awkwardly put the money back.

"Leo, get this girl out of here," Lucas shouted.

Leo came over to pull Sunny aside. "Stand back, don't get hurt."

Sunny tugged at Lucas's jacket. "Dad, don't fight-you can't beat him."

Lucas, ...

Sunny knew well her dad wasn't Alexander's match-not in business, not in schemes, not even in a physical fight.

Her dad's life had basically been a long story of being crushed by Alexander.

Lucas glared at him. "Alexander, let's forget the past. But are you even a man, seducing my girlfriend like that?"

"I don't know who your girlfriend is."

"Amelia!"

Alexander said flatly, "Don't know her."

"Everyone's saying it-you still won't admit it?"

"You done?" Alexander's eyes remained calm. "I have to work."

Lucas's face twitched in anger, his fists clenched.

"Work? Think I'm joking around?" Lucas grabbed the triangle rack from him and threw it aside.

Alexander's face darkened. Veins popped on his forehead, but he said nothing, just stared at Lucas. "Pick it up."

"I won't."

Lucas walked over and patted Alexander's cheek. "Don't get cocky. You're still ten years too early to compete with me."

That line-ten years too early-turned out to be prophetic.

It took Alexander ten years to catch up, and ten more to crush Lucas beneath his feet.

Maybe... Alexander's ruthless revenge against the Wilson Group all began because of this young humiliation?

Though Sunny knew she should be on her dad's side, she couldn't stand seeing him bully people like this. She broke free from Leo, just as someone yelled,

"Cops!"

"Run!"

The whole pool hall erupted in chaos. Voices shouted from outside,

"Stop right there!"

"Don't run!"

"Lucas, you brat-it's you again!"

...

Sunny got separated from Lucas, swept up in the crowd. She stumbled toward the exit.

She didn't want to be caught-those boys might get off with one night in detention, but she had no ID. Who knew where they'd send her?

The stench of sweat and body odor around her made her dizzy. She tripped and fell to the ground.

Someone stepped on her left hand. She screamed, "Ah! Don't step on me!"

No one heard her. Just as more people surged toward her, a tall figure blocked her view and shielded her.

Sunny looked up and saw Alexander's neck, veins showing clearly.

From below, his sharp features looked even more sculpted. Faint stubble lined his jaw.

Alexander braced his hands beside her, his shirt sleeves brushing her arms. She clutched at his shirt.

Pressed against his chest, she could hear his steady heartbeat and smell his faint scent-smoke and a trace of bitter herbs.

When the rush passed, Alexander stood, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her toward the back door.

His strong hand held her delicate wrist tightly, and she followed him like a puppet, forgetting about her dad entirely.

He unlocked a gate and led her into a damp alleyway.

They twisted and turned through backstreets for ten minutes until the noise faded.

Night fell.

Alexander stopped and let go of her.

She had slender wrists and a thin frame. Her black hair brushed her pretty collarbones.

When she looked at him, there was fear in her eyes.

Alexander, ever perceptive, noticed her defensiveness.

Girls were always afraid of him.

He wasn't the kind of man people liked.

Sunny had reason to fear him-he'd once nearly destroyed her father's company with cold efficiency.

He flicked a lighter, lit a cigarette, and took a drag. The way he moved was bold and cocky.

Without looking at her, he asked, "Lucas's girlfriend?"

"N-no. I'm his... sister."

"Sister?" Alexander echoed casually, then turned to leave.

"Uncle Alexander-no, Alexander, wait!" Sunny caught up, pulling out the cash Lucas had given her.

She gave him three bills, hesitated, then gave the last two as well-including the rare red one.

"My brother wrecked your place. This is compensation. He really shouldn't have done that. I apologize on his behalf."

Alexander was surprised. Lucas had such a reasonable sister?

Her eyes were clear, brows upright-she looked like a genuinely honest girl.

And Alexander had long lost the ability to be genuine. He said what people wanted to hear.

Not everyone has the luxury of living truthfully.

At least, not him.

But he felt oddly comfortable around her.

"I used to not understand why you hated him so much," she said. "Now I get it. He went too far. Please, don't hold a grudge."

She shoved the money into his pocket.

Alexander looked at the bills, a flash of irony in his eyes.

Thanks to Lucas, he'd probably lose his job.

Sunny knew that Alexander was prideful, ruthless, and vengeful-this bit of money probably couldn't buy his forgiveness.

She even braced herself for him to throw the money in her face.

But instead-

Alexander gave a cold laugh, carefully folded the bills, and tucked them into his shirt pocket.

The world was cruel. After years of hardship, who could afford to turn down money?

As his tall figure disappeared into the dark alley, Sunny waved goodbye.

But he didn't look back.

As the evening lights flickered on, the entertainment street's various dance halls also began to come alive.

Sunny hugged her knees, squatting on the damp street corner after the rain.

A street vendor nearby was grilling skewers. She sniffled-her stomach was rumbling again.

She regretted being too honest and handing all her money over to Alexander. Now she was penniless, and dinner had once again become a problem.

Lucas and all his gang had been taken away by the police, and now she had no idea where to find her dad.

With a sigh, Sunny stood up, patted her belly, and walked into the nearest dance hall.

Back then, dance halls were somewhat similar to today's nightclubs or bars, just with simpler facilities. The floor was laid with patterned tiles, the ceiling adorned with twinkling star lights, and a spinning glass ball scattered colorful light spots.

There were booth seats and private rooms along the edge of the dance floor, furnished with foldable tables and chairs. A few oscillating fans lazily turned in the background.

People danced in the middle of the floor-not wild dancing like today's clubs, but proper ballroom dancing.

Sunny found the dance hall manager and asked if there was any job she could do.

The manager asked, "Can you sell drinks?"

Sunny blankly shook her head.

"Can you do accounting?"

Still shaking her head.

"Then what can you do?"

"I can sing," she said.

The manager was busy entertaining customers and didn't bother with her. "We're not short on singers."

Sunny looked at the woman twisting her body and singing on stage and said honestly, "I sing better than her."

The moment those words left her mouth, the manager glanced back at her. Seeing her ragged clothes and destitute look, he laughed, "Don't flatter yourself. Nancy is our professional singer here. Who do you think you are, saying you sing better than her? Know your place. Go, go, go-don't get in my way."

A few waiters nearby sneered and looked at Sunny like she was a joke-

"Nancy's our most popular singer. Saying she's better than Nancy? Isn't that picking a fight?"

"She's probably just bluffing."

"Put her on stage and she'd probably choke before saying a word."

Sunny ignored their mockery. She never liked arguing.

She truly did sing better than the woman on stage-it wasn't bragging. Her sweet voice was undoubtedly a gift from heaven.

In her past life, she went viral after performing a folk song on a livestream, and many talent agencies tried to sign her. But Lucas firmly objected.

He even went so far as to lock her up.

Sunny argued, protested, even went on a hunger strike, but... Lucas was resolute.

Uncle Leo once said Lucas's hatred for the entertainment industry was likely related to her mother's death.

She recalled countless long nights seeing Lucas smoking alone on the couch. In the end, she gave up arguing.

She gave up her dream. Gave up doing what she loved most.

Being reborn in 1950 might be her chance to rekindle that dream.

As Sunny was lost in thought, the "most popular singer," Nancy, ran into a problem. Some guests interrupted her performance-

"Why do you keep singing the same old songs? Can't we hear something new?"

"We're sick of these songs. Play something fresh."

Nancy, annoyed at being interrupted, frowned at them. "What do you want to hear then?"

"Something fresh!"

"These are the songs on the list. If you want something new, go up there and sing yourself."

That lit the fuse. The customers began yelling, "What's your problem? If we sing, what are you here for?"

Nancy, used to being adored, was quick to show attitude. She slammed the mic down, "Listen or don't. I don't care."

The hall was about to descend into chaos when the manager, anxious like a cat on hot bricks, spotted Sunny still standing nearby. He rushed over, "Didn't you say you could sing? They want new songs-can you sing those?"

New songs? She had a ton. All the songs that had gone viral on her past livestreams were "new" by current standards.

"Sure, but didn't you say I was overestimating myself?"

The manager was desperate. "Ah, as long as you can save the show, you can name your price for tonight's commission."

If it had been the old Sunny, she might've thrown in a snarky remark at this guy who looked down on her, but right now she was starving. So, she simply got up on stage.

The manager asked, "What kind of accompaniment do you need? We've got everything."

"I don't need any. You wouldn't have the kind I need anyway."

Sunny spotted a piano on stage, walked over, and sat at it, adjusting the sound.

Nancy looked on, her expression complicated.

She was the main act here-if she refused to sing, the place wouldn't come alive.

She expected them to beg her back. But to her surprise, the manager had found a replacement so quickly. And not only that-the girl could play the piano?

In this era, being able to play the piano wasn't common-it was something only rich, well-educated young ladies could do. Not some random girl off the street.

Sunny finished adjusting the keys and began to sing a few of her favorite love songs. Everyone in the room-men and women alike-turned to look at her.

These were truly new songs. They were hits from the internet in her past life, widely popular among young people.

And most importantly-no one here had ever heard them before.

Sunny's clear, sweet voice, paired with the piano's lively rhythm, sent the dance hall into a frenzy of excitement-more than it had ever seen.

Alexander happened to be passing by the entrance of the hall, leaning against the doorframe, staring at the girl playing piano center stage.

She wore a sweet smile, two dimples curling at the corners of her lips. Her brown eyes sparkled with innocence and joy.

Just one glance and he could tell-this was a pampered rich girl who had never suffered. Only those raised with love could have such brightness in their eyes.

Not like him. Even when he smiled, there was always a layer of cunning beneath it.

Alexander looked away and lit a cigarette.

The manager paid Sunny thirty dollars for her performance-a hefty sum in an era when a bowl of noodles cost only two or three bucks. Enough to live on for days.

The manager was ecstatic, as if he'd struck gold. He offered Sunny a permanent gig with flexible pay.

Sunny glanced back at Nancy, who looked furious but helpless, and smiled as she politely declined. She said she might come back to perform part-time if she had time.

The manager happily agreed and said talent scouts often came by the hall. With her heavenly voice, she'd definitely get discovered.

But for now, what mattered most was-finding her dad!

Sunny took the money and went to a late-night food stall, ordered a bowl of lamb noodle soup, and started slurping it down.

She figured she could afford to stay at a cheap inn tonight-no need to sleep on the streets.

Come to think of it, this little thirty bucks was her first earned paycheck in this new life.

She thought about how, in her past, going out with her besties to clubs meant dropping four or five figures on a whim. Life had been extravagantly luxurious.

It all felt like another world now.

Just as Sunny was reminiscing, several motorcycles roared to a stop outside the food stall.

She watched as her tall, handsome dad got off a Harley, walked straight over, slammed his helmet onto the table, plopped down beside her, and ordered a bowl of lamb soup-no noodles, just meat.

"I've been asking around everywhere. Finally found you."

"Dad!"

Sunny was overwhelmed. She never imagined Lucas would come looking for her. He really was her dad after all!

Lucas grabbed her face, inspecting her left and right. He lifted her bangs to reveal her smooth forehead and studied her closely...

She really looked like her. Like the little sister he'd lost years ago-right down to the same vacant expression in her eyes!

Sunny blinked. "Dad, what are you looking at?"

Lucas patted her cheek. "Tell me-what's your name? How many people in your family? Do you remember anything from your childhood?"

Sunny looked confused. "I'm Sunny. It's just me and my dad. We've always lived together."

"Your dad?"

"That's you."

"......"

Lucas's expression turned complicated, like he was deep in thought. He didn't even touch the hot soup in front of him.

"You might be my long-lost little sister," he said seriously. "She wasn't too bright-was born mentally challenged. You really remind me of her."

Sunny, ...

She suddenly remembered-Lucas had indeed mentioned a younger sister once, her aunt.

There was a time Lucas had taken her to an amusement park, and she'd gotten kidnapped, never to be seen again.

Her disappearance had filled Lucas with guilt for years. After Sunny was born, he even named her after his missing sister-Sunny.

As she grew up, people often said she looked more and more like her aunt in her youth.

Sunny had seen the old, yellowing photos of her aunt-they really did look alike, especially the delicate, sparkling eyes.

So Lucas had mistaken her for his sister, which was why he had searched so frantically.

But Sunny couldn't let this misunderstanding go on. She had to be honest with him.

"Dad, I'm not your sister. I'm not your little sister. I'm Sunny-your only daughter in this world."

Lucas gave her a look like she was crazy, then turned to Leo and said, "It's her."

"Yeah. Looks just like your sister."

Sunny took a deep breath. "This might sound insane, but I have to say it-I died in a car crash when I was twenty and got reincarnated back here. I know it sounds impossible, but you have to believe me. I really am your daughter!"

She blurted it all out and looked at Lucas with hope.

He just ruffled her hair and said, "My sister's condition might've gotten worse."

Sunny, "...I'm not crazy!"

She quickly thought of a way to prove it. "Right-Dad, my mom's name is Andy! Do you know an Andy? She's my mom! You loved her so much!"

Lucas and Leo exchanged glances-no recognition.

"I've already got a girlfriend. Not who you're talking about," Lucas said, annoyed. "What's wrong with you, girl? Keep spouting nonsense and I'm leaving you here."

Sunny looked at him pitifully. "I'm not lying..."

Leo tapped his temple. "Didn't you say your sister wasn't all there? She can't explain anything clearly. Just take her home and do a paternity test-then we'll know for sure. Besides, isn't your dad practically going crazy missing his daughter? Even if she's not the real deal, she looks so much like her. Keep her as a goddaughter-you're not short on cash."

Sunny stared at Leo, then said dazedly, "Leo-uncle, you were already this clever when you were young?"

Leo scratched his head and chuckled. "Thanks, kid."

She knew Leo was a smart guy. When her dad broke away from his family, it was Leo who helped him build his empire from the ground up.

She remembered fighting with her dad a lot growing up. Once, after he called her useless, she yelled back, "You've spent your whole life just trying to prove to Grandpa that you're not a failure-who are you to judge me?"

That comment hurt Lucas for a long time.

Later, Leo told her, "You were wrong. Your dad didn't leave home to prove anything. He lived in basements, ate instant noodles-not for pride, but to become a rock for your mom and you."

Sunny gently pressed her hand on Lucas's.

It felt so good to be back.

To see her dad as a young man again-it was such a gift.

She looked up and saw Lucas's eyes were red.

Was he going to break down crying? Sunny wasn't even ready yet!

Lucas stared at her for a long time, then quietly led her out of the noodle shop and back to his Harley.

Having found the sister he'd grieved over for so long, his tormented heart could finally rest.

"Dad... are you crying?"

"I'm not crying!"

Lucas said, rubbing his reddened eyes. Then he put his helmet on Sunny's head, pulled her onto the back seat of his Harley, and said-

"Let's go home."