**Chapter 20**
9:23 AM
Nigeria, located in Africa.
Dry, hot.
But Riley was very lucky. She was rescued by a kind local family.
That day, the moment she got off the plane, she collapsed unconscious.
It was a ground staff lady working at the airport who brought her home, where her mother carefully nursed her.
A month passed, and her injuries had healed significantly. Although it was still very painful, there were at least signs of recovery.
This kind African auntie didn’t speak English, but she was very amiable, always making gestures with her hands, trying to reassure her and
tell her not to be afraid.
Humans, even without language,
e, can convey information through expressions and actions.
That evening, the ground staff lady returned.
She was also happy to see Riley’s improvement and asked in English, “Are you feeling better? The hospitals here are very expensive, and I can’t afford them. But my mother knows some traditional remedies; she can treat illnesses. Poor people from nearby often come to her for help.”
Finally able to communicate smoothly with words, Riley was also very happy.
“Thank you for saving me.”
“You’re welcome. My name is Amanda. What’s yours?”
Riley thought for a moment. “You can call me Reborn.”
Amanda chuckled softly. “Reborn? That’s a strange name. Is it a name from your country?”
Reborn, as in, to be reborn.
Leaving that old life behind, she was no longer the old Riley. She had met wonderful people in this small African country who nursed her back to a new life.
Amanda said, “Oh, by the way, there’s a man in our village who looks a lot like you, also with yellow skin and black eyes. I’ll go call him over. Maybe you two can talk!”
Amanda soon returned with someone-
A tall, very handsome young man.
He tentatively asked in Mandarin, “Are you Chinese?”
OPEN
In a foreign land, hearing her native tongue, Riley immediately burst into tears. “Yes, hello.”
“My name is Leo Gu. I’m a reporter based in Africa, I came to Nigeria this time because there was a major earthquake here recently. After finishing my work, I voluntarily stayed to help the villagers with post–disaster reconstruction.”
Riley nodded. “I see.”
“What about you? Why did you come to this remote village?”
Riley didn’t want to say much, only stating, “By chance.”
Leo respected her wishes and didn’t press further, merely saying, “You’re too badly Injured. Africa isn’t like back home. The hygiene conditions here are limited, and there are many pathogens. I’ll send you to my brother. He’ll help you.”
That evening, a black luxury car arrived in the village. A Chinese man in a suit and tie stepped out of the car.
9:23 AM
<
C
*
That evening, a black luxury car arrived in the village. A Chinese man in a suit and tie stepped out of the car.
He had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and an extraordinary presence.
Leo dutifully called out, “Brother, this girl is severely injured. Please help her.”
The man sighed helplessly. “You’re always so soft–hearted. So many injured people in the earthquake zone, and you want to save them all
“This girl is different! She’s Chinese! Look-”
The man walked closer. Riley, with Amanda’s help, had managed to put on one of Amanda’s dresses.
It was a very simple dress, self–stitched by Amanda’s mother from fabric.
Her skin was fair, her features delicate, and her long black hair was braided into a side plait, resting on one shoulder.
She had a very typical gentle beauty of an East Asian woman.
In Africa, he had seen passionate and free–spirited Western women, and primal and wild African women.
Suddenly seeing a gentle and graceful girl, Caleb was also slightly astonished.
Riley’s voice was soft as she quietly apologized, “I’m sorry, Mr. Gu, for causing you trouble.”
Caleb snapped back to attention, clearing his throat lightly. “It’s alright. We’re compatriots. Don’t worry, I’ll help you.”
