Return of the Antagonistic Lady Boss

Yu Mingxi’s singing filled the entire auditorium. Nobody remembered that a man had just been howling off-key; some even wondered if he was an inmate guest starring, perhaps rewarded for good behavior by getting to perform with a celebrity?

Either way, everyone was enjoying the lively atmosphere. She turned the place into her home ground.

The song ended, and thunderous applause erupted from the audience as one person nudged their neighbor.

"Hey! Why aren’t you clapping? She sang so well."

The person who was nudged snapped back to reality, looking at the stage with tears in their eyes, nodding vigorously.

"Yes, truly wonderful."

After so many years apart, who would’ve thought she would become so outstanding now.

The audience kept shouting for an encore, the atmosphere was lively. Instead of rushing off stage, Yu Mingxi grabbed the microphone and started speaking.

"I have witnessed the struggle of a butterfly breaking out of its cocoon. Pity and aid in adversity are useless; only through one’s own efforts can hardships be overcome. That’s the way to transform into a mature and healthy butterfly. I hope everyone here seizes the opportunity to better themselves, face themselves, and reshape themselves. Take active steps for redemption, and strive to return to society early to reunite with your families. On this special day, I would like to request an additional song for you all. May the music accompany you, and may everyone carry a heart full of gratitude to become a helpful person to society."

Hai Zhao’s heart skipped a beat. Damn, this girl isn’t going to sing that decadent song in this setting, is she? That would really mess things up!

You sing appropriate songs for the occasion. People here are special, and they should naturally listen to some positive energy songs. That song is really inappropriate.

Moreover, Hai Zhao himself also found it irritating.

Why should the woman he holds dear shed tears for another man? It hurt just to watch.

"Next, I present the song ’Youthful Ambition Knows No Worries’ to thank the prison guards for their steadfastness. Thank you for devoting your youth without regrets when facing a special group. Youth must be guarded to truly live with a youthful heart."

Whew, thank goodness it’s not a decadent song! Hai Zhao breathed a sigh of relief. This song is pretty good, especially full of positive energy, very fitting for the occasion.

There was no accompaniment for this song. The host hurriedly discussed with the staff as Yu Mingxi had already made the decision on stage. How could they cooperate?

At this point, the event organizer smacked his forehead. "Quick! Get 1107 over here and have him play the piano on stage! Everyone’s emotions are high right now, perfectly fitted for the rehabilitation teaching atmosphere. Don’t miss this chance for a celebrity performance!"

This was to thank everyone through song. Everyone was waiting to hear it. These little lyrics were so uplifting, expressing their heartfelt gratitude!

Prison guards can only accompany these lost souls within these high walls. They have paid a lot to rehabilitate them, burning their energy to contribute to society. With a wall in between, people outside can’t see in or understand much about their world. Now that someone speaks of their hardships, how can we not let them finish the song?

No one called by names here; everyone went by their numbers. 1107 is Sun Xia.

Watching Sun Xia come up on stage, Xiaoxi curved her lips into a smile, nodding at him, though her eyes remained calm.

She knew that by doing this, she would bring him on stage. Seeing him up close was enough.

He had changed significantly, looking much older, like someone approaching fifty, lean and thin. The scholarly air of his long flowing hair was gone after shaving.

Yet her heart felt at peace.

Qian was right. Many people go through hardships, but not all will turn bad. He had paid the price for his actions, and she had spent years in her own torment. Now, she would use this song to thank him for bringing her into the music world, and with this song, sever all ties between them.

The beautiful melody began, and Xiaoxi performed this inspiring song with a completely different demeanor than when she sang "The Wandering Songstress," moving many in the audience.

Sun Xia accompanied with tears, knowing this was Xiaoxi’s song to him.

Encouraging him to reform seriously and return to society early, to become a useful person.

For the smile of a mother, for the harvest of the land, what fear is there in turbulent times? As long as there is heart, after atonement, one can always return to society, just starting over.

Yu Mingxi’s two songs brought tears to many eyes.

Don’t wait until you’ve lost freedom to regret your actions. Everyone pays a price for their mistakes. If only they had known then what they know now. Life offers no regret medication, only the courage to take responsibility.

Sun Xia had brought Yu Mingxi into a colorful world of music, gifting her a decadent melody. She returned him a vigorous anthem for the police profession. Even with him playing and her singing, the feeling was wholly different.

Over the years, she grew up and moved on from the past; no one stays in one place forever.

Xiaoxi finished the entire song with Sun Xia’s accompaniment. This time, Hai Zhao was already by her side.

Yu Mingxi stepped off stage, Hai Zhao asked sourly.

"Satisfied?" He remembered; wasn’t this guy the annoying one from before? Just over a decade had passed, and he’d aged so much, he got what he deserved. But he didn’t expect Xiaoxi to have remembered him all these years.

"Yes, that’s enough." Yu Mingxi had achieved her purpose. Now her heart was at ease, feeling the burden lifted.

May this song ignite Sun Xia’s drive, encouraging him to reform and start anew.

"Xiaoxi!" Sun Xia came over, accompanied by someone.

This was the precious five-minute meeting he had fought hard to get, knowing this would be their final farewell. Yu Mingxi would never return.

"Long time no see." Yu Mingxi stood still as Hai Zhao bristled like a hedgehog, blocking her. What was this guy up to?

"Hai Zhao, long time no see, you’ve grown up." Sun Xia finally remembered who he was.

That kid could punch really hard, almost broke his ribs back then.

"Hmph. Same to you, you’ve gotten old too."

"I apologize for what I did back then, Xiaoxi, I’m sorry!" Sun Xia bowed to Yu Mingxi, a long-overdue apology.

"Why?" Yu Mingxi didn’t understand why he was apologizing.

"Forget it, let’s go!" Hai Zhao pulled Xiaoxi, not wanting Sun Xia to bring up the past.

"Let me finish, Xiaoxi. Back then, I lied to you. I said your grandfather spoke harshly to me, but I didn’t tell you that I’d used your family’s name to negotiate for a promotion to a teaching director. When your family found out and refused, I said many bad things under your name. That’s why your grandfather was so angry when the school dismissed me."

"Ah?!" Yu Mingxi was shocked.

There was so much she didn’t know about back then? Sun Xia was so shameless?