In the mist-shrouded city of Aethelburg lives Liang Tao, a brilliant 28-year-old man trapped in a spiral of chaos and loneliness due to past trauma. His lavish apartment mirrors his disordered soul: dirty dishes pile up, clothes are strewn everywhere, and an unfillable void resides within him. Caught in a cycle of hedonistic parties with his friend, Leo Blackwood, and sex workers like Mei Ling and Xiao Han, Liang Tao seeks escape from his suffering, only to return to an even deeper sense of emptiness and guilt.
Fate brings him to Elara Finch, a naive and desperate 25-year-old woman who arrives in Aethelburg only to be defrauded and left with nothing. In despair, Elara pleads for work, offering to clean and cook, provided Liang Tao offers her shelter. Liang Tao, though initially hesitant and typically self-centered, eventually takes her in. Elara's arrival slowly transforms Liang Tao's life. His home becomes tidy, breakfast is always ready, and Elara's presence brings an unexpected warmth.
However, their bond is tested. Julia, Liang Tao's ambitious and possessive colleague, also has feelings for him. Julia, with the help of her secret lover Robert, fabricates lies, poisons Liang Tao, and falsely accuses Elara of theft to remove her from the picture. Elara, expelled and shamed, is forced to return to her humble village in Albury. Heartbroken by Elara's departure, Liang Tao, aided by Leo who finally believes in Elara, embarks on a desperate search.
In a twist of fate, they discover that Elara is actually Catherine, the daughter of Liang Tao's parents' former chauffeur, whom the Liang family had been looking for. Amidst the lies, intrigues, and destructive passions, Liang Tao realizes that what he truly seeks is not fleeting pleasure, but the sincerity, simplicity, and love he found in Elara. This novel is an emotional journey of redemption, sacrifice, and the discovery of true love amidst the shadows of a dark past.
In the mist-shrouded city of Aethelburg lives Liang Tao, a brilliant 28-year-old man trapped in a spiral of chaos and loneliness due to past trauma. His lavish apartment mirrors his disordered soul: dirty dishes pile up, clothes are strewn everywhere, and an unfillable void resides within him. Caught in a cycle of hedonistic parties with his friend, Leo Blackwood, and sex workers like Mei Ling and Xiao Han, Liang Tao seeks escape from his suffering, only to return to an even deeper sense of emptiness and guilt.
Fate brings him to Elara Finch, a naive and desperate 25-year-old woman who arrives in Aethelburg only to be defrauded and left with nothing. In despair, Elara pleads for work, offering to clean and cook, provided Liang Tao offers her shelter. Liang Tao, though initially hesitant and typically self-centered, eventually takes her in. Elara's arrival slowly transforms Liang Tao's life. His home becomes tidy, breakfast is always ready, and Elara's presence brings an unexpected warmth.
However, their bond is tested. Julia, Liang Tao's ambitious and possessive colleague, also has feelings for him. Julia, with the help of her secret lover Robert, fabricates lies, poisons Liang Tao, and falsely accuses Elara of theft to remove her from the picture. Elara, expelled and shamed, is forced to return to her humble village in Albury. Heartbroken by Elara's departure, Liang Tao, aided by Leo who finally believes in Elara, embarks on a desperate search.
In a twist of fate, they discover that Elara is actually Catherine, the daughter of Liang Tao's parents' former chauffeur, whom the Liang family had been looking for. Amidst the lies, intrigues, and destructive passions, Liang Tao realizes that what he truly seeks is not fleeting pleasure, but the sincerity, simplicity, and love he found in Elara. This novel is an emotional journey of redemption, sacrifice, and the discovery of true love amidst the shadows of a dark past.