Chapter 1 — The Flight of No Return

The moment I decided to return to his hometown with my boyfriend, I heard the harrowing screams of my plane ticket. My boyfriend had been eager to take me back to meet his parents, having purchased the round-trip airfares well in advance.

My parents have already prepared gifts, he had told me with a reassuring smile, they are just waiting to meet you.

I smiled, my lips parting to voice my agreement, when the plane ticket clutched in my palm suddenly shrieked aloud. Do not go, if you go you will die! My hands began to tremble violently. The voice pressed on mercilessly. You will be locked away there until you perish! When your life is snuffed out, you will be merely twenty-eight years old! A strange haze clouded my thoughts. I had just celebrated my twenty-seventh birthday. A routine medical examination earlier this year confirmed my body was in pristine health, everything entirely normal. Yet barely a year from now, my life would end? I nearly convinced myself I was suffering from auditory hallucinations. But the agonized wails continued to pierce the air. Absolutely do not go with him! Phong is deceiving you! He does not care for you at all; he only approached you to lure you back to his native village! His home is buried deep within a labyrinth of jagged mountain ranges! He is tricking you into accompanying him so he can imprison you in that remote hamlet and reduce you to a shared wife for the villagers! I went with him once before! That very evening, he drugged me and unlocked the door for an old man to walk right in!

The voice was piercingly desolate, carrying a strange, haunting familiarity. I wanted to flee, I wanted to call the police! But he chained me up like a stray dog! Each time I tried to slip away in secret, he shattered my legs with a heavy rod! The agony was excruciating, so agonizing... My family tried desperately to track me down, but the villagers protected one another like a fortress of thieves. Not only were they unable to find me, but my parents were brutally beaten when they came looking...

The plane ticket grew scorching hot in my grip, blistering to the touch as if it might sear my flesh. No one will ever rescue me! They locked me away in the dark, and every single person there tormented me relentlessly... Every night, strangers would creep into the room... And Phong simply abandoned me, slinking back to the city where he latched onto the daughter of a wealthy executive! He brought his parents out to civilization, while I was left behind forever in that subterranean prison. At twenty-eight years old... I drew my final breath down in that damp cellar.

The sobs grew increasingly clear and distinct. With a jolt of horror, I recognized the voice as my own. Every single word was a blood-soaked accusation laden with tears. The destination printed clearly on the ticket matched the remote village of Phong. I had foolishly believed he was taking me home to introduce his bride, to spend the rest of our lives together in quiet devotion. I never imagined a labyrinth of malice lurked behind his gentle facade. He intended to strip me of my life.

Nhan Thu, why are you spacing out like this? I am talking to you. We need to leave for the airport at seven o'clock tomorrow morning.

Noticing my prolonged silence, Phong betrayed a flicker of impatience.

I am not going anymore.

I snapped back to reality, shoving the plane ticket firmly back into his palm. He froze in utter astonishment.

What do you mean? We already agreed to make this trip together, how can you suddenly change your mind at the very last minute?

He reached out, his fingers wrapping tightly around my wrist.

I already told my parents the good news. When they heard you were finally coming to visit, they were beside themselves with joy. The entire village knows I have secured a city girlfriend, and everyone is waiting to celebrate our engagement feast! If you back out now, how am I supposed to face the villagers?

That harsh, hoarse female voice rang out inside my head once more. Do not trust him, under no circumstances should you believe his lies!

I stared fixedly into his eyes. Already told his parents, the entire village knows. Spoken in a tone that outwardly suggested I held immense importance in his life. Yet it only sent a freezing shiver cascading down my spine. I drew in a deep, steadying breath.

I have other commitments; I simply do not have the time.

His eyes widened, a dark, sinister shadow flashing across the depths of his pupils.

What could possibly be more important than meeting my parents?! Can it not be postponed?

It cannot.

I jerked my arm away from his grasp. Frustration twisted his features into an ugly, distorted grimace.

Nhan Thu, what on earth is your game?! Do you even intend to marry me or not?!

I looked straight into his eyes and countered with a question of my own.

Do you truly wish to marry me?

He faltered, caught off guard.

Of course I do! Why else would I go through all this elaborate trouble to arrange this trip?

His recovery was swift. Yet that momentary hesitation laid bare the truth—that his heart harbored entirely different intentions. I spoke calmly.

If we are genuinely serious about marriage, there is no need to rush into things overnight. Let me sort out my professional affairs first, and we can discuss it later.

I turned on my heel, intending to walk away. But he lunged forward, snagging my arm with a heavy, ominous tone in his voice.

I care nothing about what is running through your head. Everything has already been arranged, and you are coming home with me this time, whether you like it or not!

Gazing into his eyes, I felt a chilling sense of absolute alienation. He has already struck a bargain with the villagers. The moment he delivers you back, they will pool together thirty thousand yuan as his reward! He promised to hand you directly over to them by tomorrow...

The desolate weeping echoed hauntingly in my ears. A tremor wrung my heart. Thirty thousand yuan... For a paltry sum of thirty thousand yuan, the man I loved had traded me away like livestock. I mustered all my strength and wrenched my arm from his grip.

Phong. I have already made myself clear. If I say I am not going, then I am not going. How you choose to explain yourself to your villagers is entirely your own concern.

Phong’s complexion turned ashen. He radiated an inexplicable, frantic desperation.

Nhan Thu, where on earth have I crossed the line? We had an agreement, and now you back out at the eleventh hour? How do you expect my parents to view you? Or do you simply look down on me for being a country boy, refusing to lower yourself by visiting my roots?

In the past, he had frequently resorted to this exact phrasing. Back then, I foolishly imagined he was merely plagued by deep-seated insecurities, naive enough to fancy myself his savior. Whenever he played that card, I would readily yield to whatever demand he made. But now, the veil had been torn away. He was merely putting on a pathetic, manipulative act.

You are entirely right.

I replied coldly:

I do look down on you, and I certainly despise your background.

He never anticipated such a blunt retort, standing paralyzed in shock for several seconds.

Nhan Thu!

Humiliation drove him to sudden rage.

How can you be so callous? You were never like this before! You explicitly told me you did not care about my background...

I cut him off mid-sentence.

I did not care in the past, but I care a great deal now. I have no desire to marry someone from the countryside, nor do I wish to bury myself in some desolate village and degrade my standard of living. Is there something wrong with that?

He ground his teeth together, a vein throbbing at his temple.

Nhan Thu, take back those words right this instant! If you dare speak to me like that again, do not blame me for ending things between us!

I looked at him, and a sudden, bitter amusement bubbled up inside me.

Then let us break up.

He stood frozen, completely derailed by my answer.

What did you just say?

We are through.

Dropping those two final words, I turned and strode toward my car. He did not give chase. Once I arrived home, residual shivers still rippled through my frame. Finding me return alone, my parents inquired about Phong’s whereabouts. I remained silent. Noting my grim expression, my mother gently took my hand.

Did the two of you not plan to set off for his hometown tomorrow? Surely you did not quarrel over something like this?

I sniffled softly, fighting back the rising panic.

I am not going anymore, Mom.

My parents exchanged glances, both registering profound surprise.

Did you not say those were Phong’s parents, and visiting them was simply a matter of basic courtesy? Why would you suddenly call it off at the last moment?

In the past, they had occasionally cautioned me against traveling to overly remote regions, voicing a vague dread of unforeseen dangers. Yet my blind devotion to the three years I had shared with Phong caused me to brush their warnings aside. I had fully believed that journey would lead to my happily ever after. I never suspected it was a gateway straight to hell.

I simply refuse to go, that is all.

I lowered my gaze, offering no further explanation. Sensing my distress and harboring their own lingering misgivings, my parents wisely pressed no further. Shortly past eight o'clock that evening, a knock echoed against our front door. My mother went to answer it. Phong stood on the threshold, his hands laden with bulky gift bags, an expression of profound remorse painted across his features.

Auntie, I let my temper get the better of me earlier today and upset Nhan Thu. I came by to offer her my sincerest apologies.

My mother ushered him inside. Catching sight of me, Phong hurried forward with eager steps.

Nhan Thu, I let my emotions run away with me this morning, please do not hold it against me. I am truly sorry. It was entirely my fault for failing to consider your feelings. I understand that accepting my background is not something you can manage overnight. But my parents have only me. They are desperately longing to meet you just once, to witness our happiness firsthand.

He reached out to clasp my hand, his gaze swimming with desperate sincerity.

Nhan Thu, can you truly not bring yourself to accompany me? I promise you, we will go strictly to fulfill the formalities. If you find yourself uncomfortable there, we can turn around and come right back the same day, how does that sound?

He cast an imploring look toward my parents. Please, Auntie, Uncle, help me persuade her. I know my family's circumstances are less than ideal, but I genuinely love her. We have built years of history together.

His delivery was masterfully polished. Every word cast him as the aggrieved party while painting my refusal as mere capricious stubbornness. My parents looked my way, weighing whether they should intervene. Do not yield to his sympathy! The villagers are forcing him to drag you back at all costs!

Nhan Thu...

Phong opened his mouth to press further. I forcefully swatted his hand away.

I already told you, I am not going.

His handsome facade twisted momentarily into a vicious scowl.

Nhan Thu, we have years of history together! Must you trample on me so ruthlessly? You are well aware of how deeply my parents are anticipating this meeting!

I refused to succumb to his emotional blackmail.

That is your family's concern, it has nothing to do with me. Furthermore, Phong, we have already broken up.

My parents stared at me in stunned disbelief. Phong looked as though he were on the precipice of madness. Yet, with a visible shudder, he reined in his temper and forced a calm exterior.

Nhan Thu, I was simply panicked earlier and spoke without thinking. Can you not forgive my foolish words?

I remained entirely unmoved. He ground his teeth, stepping back a fraction.

It was my fault for speaking recklessly, I apologize. Since you truly do not wish to go right now, we can postpone the trip until you settle your work commitments. Take all the time you need, and once you have thought it through, I am sure you will change your mind.

It was evident he had anchored his resolve. He leveled a heavy, lingering gaze at me. Without waiting for my response, he dropped the gifts near the doorway and departed. My parents immediately crowded around me, demanding an explanation. They knew how deeply infatuated I had been with Phong; what could possibly have triggered such an abrupt and absolute termination? Glancing at my father, a sudden thought struck me.

Dad, do you happen to have an old university classmate working within the municipal police bureau?

My father nodded slowly, a crease forming between his brows. Yes, I do. Why do you ask?

Lowering my voice, I spoke with deliberate urgency.

Could you ask him to quietly investigate Phong for me?

My father regarded me with bewildered suspicion. Yet, yielding to the desperate plea shining in my eyes, he agreed. He immediately retrieved his phone and retreated into the study to make the call. I stood out on the balcony, watching Phong’s retreating figure vanish into the gloom below, though the heavy knot of unease in my chest refused to dissipate. That desolate, raspy voice still echoed in the night wind, sounding terribly like the blood-curdling lament of a vengeful spirit. Never, under any circumstances, place your trust in Phong. Over the past few years, he has used this exact ploy to lure several young women back to his remote village one by one... Every single one of them was locked away deep in the mountains, reduced to an outlet for those men's base desires and turned into machines for breeding children! The monsters inhabiting that village are utterly devoid of human soul!

I gripped the wrought-iron balcony railing so tightly my knuckles turned stark white, the palms of my hands freezing cold. Over the following days, Phong maintained his relentless vigil, visiting our apartment daily bearing lavish gifts for my parents. He was the epitome of polite, attentive consideration, leaving no room for fault. He never once broached the subject of forcing me back to his hometown again. It was as though he had seamlessly reverted to the tender, doting boyfriend of our early romance. Yet the more immaculate his performance, the more profound my terror grew. Barely two days later, Uncle Liu, my father's old classmate, delivered his findings. They had indeed managed to dig up several interesting records concerning Phong, though they could not yet officially classify them as a criminal record.