Prologue
Various camera flashes. In a podium where hundreds of reporters from all over the world, stood a young man in white suit.
"Mr. Jhin Herangel, can you tell us the secret of your success? How you become a billionaire at such a young age."
Hearing the question, the young man paused. He contemplated for a moment before smiling, "It was because of my goal, and the promise I made. When I was still sixteen, I was penniless and clueless, but it all changed when I met the love of my life. To pursue her, I changed. To make her say yes, I did my best. And after we're together, I made a promise. And it all happened in the span of almost four years. Now, I'm one step closer to realizing that promise."
The moment he finished speaking, all the reporters went into frenzy. If not for the guards blocking the stage, all the reporters would have had rushed towards the young man. They were so excited to obtain such a great catch. To think that the youngest and most successful man who bought the "Tower of Clouds and Snow"- the tallest hotel in the entire world, has a woman behind his success.
And true to that, a blonde-haired reporter hurriedly shouted, "Can you share us what's the promise is all about?"
"Haha…" Jhin awkwardly laugh. "I won't tell, but I will show you in the next 3-5 years. And right! Let's end the conference here. Goodbye and thanks for your hard work."
Without waiting for the reporters to react, Jhin hurriedly sauntered out of the conference room. Around him were two sturdy men in black suit, guarding his side and clearing the obstacles on the way as they headed towards the elevator.
"To the rooftop." Jhin said as he entered.
"Yes sir!" One of the guards nodded and pressed the button upwards.
While waiting, Jhin took out a box from his pocket. He opened it, revealing the two diamond rings inside. He took out rings and stared at it closely.
"Hehe, the time has finally come." Jhin excitedly uttered. Burning passion was evident from his eyes, he couldn't wait to open the elevator's door.
Ding!
After almost two minutes, the door of the elevator finally opened.
"Guard the place, allow no one to enter." He said before rushing out himself. He arrived next to the rooftop's door and with a deep breath, he opened it.
The instant he did so, the loud and harmonious sound of a playing orchestra filled his ears. Jhin smiled in satisfaction and entered the rooftop.
…
Underneath the moonless starry sky were two shadow-like figures rhythmically dancing. Their footsteps created a sharp clanking sound as it synced with the hurried beat of the instruments.
Laid below them were innumerable ant-like buildings emitting vibrant lights. It was surreal scenery. A sight only seen when one stood at the top of a skyscraper.
Suddenly, the orchestra's beat changed. From its fast and tense rhythm, it transformed into a soft and mellow one.
The two figures slowed their pace before abruptly stopping. One bent on one knee, while the other stood in front. They maintained such a position until a ray of light fell from the sky. Illuminating the two of them.
"Why?" The half-kneeling figure asked. His voice was quivering while blood was seeping out of his mouth. His slightly raised fist was clenched, revealing the veins hidden underneath.
"Farewell Jhin~" Replied by a soft voice, caressing one's soul like a mother's embrace. However, these same words when they landed on Jhin's ears caused him to shiver inside.
Splurttt!
Blood sprayed into the air. Jhin's originally clenched fist loosened, and two glistening rings fell on the ground, they were painted by his blood.
"Why? WHY!" Jhin shouted causing the blood to burst out like fountain from his chest. However, he didn't mind the pain. All his attention was focused on the woman in front of him. "I… I have given my everything to you. So Why?"
However, instead of a reply, he was greeted by her cold and indifferent gaze. Staring at those eyes, Jhin felt his world crumbling. He couldn't help but recollect the countless scenes, the times he spent with her. Their happy moments, the laughter and farts they shared together.
"Was it all a lie?" He questioned himself. The numerous hardships he encountered throughout his journey just so that he could reach here and obtain the fruits of his labor. He even specifically chose an auspicious date, the night of a lunar eclipse. Yet despite all these, all he received was a stab on his back. A stabbed that pierced through his heart. And he knew that there's no turning back.
Jhin couldn't accept it. He had given his all, he loved her to his very best. However, his blurring vision and the excruciating pain on his chest proved that he was indeed betrayed.
With all his strength, Jhin forcefully opened his eyes wide and stared at her… The woman he held hands with and danced his last.
Tears started pouring down his face. His eyes reflected the blood-soaked dagger in her dainty hand while atop her head perched the blood moon, cascading its scarce moonlight around the two of them.
Great sorrow consumed his being as he engraved this scene to his mind. Then, a certain thought flashed inside his head, and he regretfully mumbled, "In the end… The biggest investment I made failed…"
The last lunar eclipse of the year, and the last lunar eclipse of his life.
Accompanied by his dying breath was the last strum of the orchestra; he died with his eyes wide opened. A deafening silence enveloped his being. He completely lost his consciousness. But before he completely died, he heard a whisper inside his head.
"Do you wish to sign the contract?"
If there’s a title for a prologue, I would call it “Cloudless Rain”
Dear Readers of Mine,
From now onwards, the theory of no turning back would be applied to this novel. One thing is for sure, this novel is full of unknowns, even for me as the writer. Let's have a good journey together! Editing is done and you may now read it.