Better to Die Than Lose Freedom

In the enclosed space, red flames illuminated the white walls, waves of scorching heat threatening to roast anyone inside.

Han Xi had never considered the house’s size a problem.

But as she entered the building engulfed in flames, she realized how difficult it was to reach the second floor.

Wrapped in an emergency fire blanket and wearing a gas mask, she struggled through the fiery maze, led by security personnel, climbing stairs to the second floor.

The situation on the second floor was worse than the first.

Perhaps because it was the fire’s origin, the heat was suffocating.

Even with a gas mask, the smell of burning and smoke was overwhelming.

Han Xi’s heart felt scorched, both painful and itchy.

Despite her protective gear, she was in agony.

She couldn’t imagine Fang Zhou’s condition, trapped alone.

Fear and regret gripped her, a giant invisible hand squeezing her heart, making it hard to think.

Seeing the flames and realizing the location, it was too late.

Security had rushed to inform her that the power outage disabled the locks.

They were trying to break in, but the Han family’s doors were too sturdy.

The guards urged Han Xi to stay downstairs, assuring her they’d handle it.

But she couldn’t wait for potentially devastating news.

She’d rather be with Fang Zhou.

The path was treacherous, with burning items like paintings, lamps, ceilings, and plaster falling.

Falling debris was more dangerous than the flames.

Reaching the second floor, she encountered the first wave of rescuers, crawling to escape.

Seeing Han Xi, they panicked, trying to explain.

“Sorry, Ms. Han, we can’t break the door. We can’t stay here without protection; we’ll die.”

“I can’t do this, Ms. Han, sorry!”

“I can’t stay either; life is more important than money!”

Han Xi nodded, understanding, stepping aside to let them pass.

Fortunately, she’d brought another team. Together, they finally broke the door.

But the heat was unbearable, and she had the only fire blanket.

Smoke filled the room, visibility low, making it nearly impossible to find someone in the large bedroom.

The guards, seeing the hopeless scene, wanted to give up.

“Ms. Han, we should wait for firefighters. Our extinguishers can’t handle this!”

“Maybe he jumped from the second-floor window!”

Han Xi shook her head; Fang Zhou couldn’t jump.

The room was designed to prevent her mother’s escape.

It had only a small vent, no window for escape.

Fang Zhou had to be inside.

Worse, she’d had Dr. Hu sedate him; he might not be awake!

“Leave your gear and go; don’t worry about me.”

She grabbed a small extinguisher and another gas mask, entering the room.

Dry ice created white smoke, mixing with the black smoke from burning items, like battling beasts.

It provided a path for Han Xi.

She searched the bedroom for Fang Zhou.

“Fang Zhou, where are you!”

In desperation, she forgot his alias, calling his real name.

Her voice, muffled by the mask, was hoarse and urgent. Inhaling too much carbon monoxide, her thoughts slowed, vision blurred.

Sweat dripped from her forehead, and the surrounding flames seemed ready to consume her.

In the vast room, she couldn’t find Fang Zhou!

“Fang Zhou! Cough!”

“Brother Fang Zhou, where are you? Answer me!”

Voices echoed in the corridor; they were searching room by room.

Han Xi paused, shouting, “He’s in this room, help me find him!”

Together, they could achieve more.

In that moment, past grievances were forgotten.

They shared a goal: find Fang Zhou and get him out.

They spread out, enduring heat and smoke, until Chu Xinran exclaimed.

“Someone’s sitting there!”

They rushed to her, finding a figure against the wall.

He sat motionless, head bowed, seemingly unconscious.

“Fang Zhou!”

Han Xi moved, but his raspy voice stopped her.

“Don’t come closer.”

“Leave me here; I don’t want to go.”

His words were a thunderclap, shocking the room.

“What do you mean, you don’t want to leave? Are you waiting to die, Fang Zhou?”

Qiao Sisi was furious, exhausted, driven by sheer will.

But now, even his will was gone.

“You aren’t me; you can’t understand being manipulated, controlled, without freedom or dignity.”

“I’m a living person, not a puppet.

I can’t stand having my freedom taken, my wings clipped, living in a cage.

If that’s the case, I’d rather die.”