《Stolen Life of the Poor Girl, Top Luxury Family's Group Favor》


 Chapter 1: The Young Master Arrives in the Small Mountain Village

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    The Li Family Vige was bustling with activity today.


    Many cameras were set up in the vige. The vige chief was sending his granddaughter to the big city to record a TV show, and he even set off tworge firecrackers for the asion.


    The cameras quickly finished filming the scene of the car leaving, and things should have quieted down by now.


    "What should we film?" the director asked.


    "Let''s film that little girl. She''s quite pretty. Why isn''t she the one going to record the show?" the cameraman said.


    "Oh, you mean Li Xiaoya? She is pretty... but the people of Li Family Vige say she''s stupid and greedy, likes to steal things, always lies, has a foul mouth, and no manners at all," the director shook his head.


    The cameraman stared at the girl in the frame, unable to help muttering to himself.


    Stupid and greedy?


    It doesn''t seem like it.


    In the small viewfinder, the child called Li Xiaoya was being jostled about by the vigers.


    She had to grip her basket tightly, her fingers turning white from the effort.


    If one were to look closer, they would see many scars on her hands. Those were left behind from repeated blistering and bursting.


    Soon, the vigers gradually dispersed, and Li Xiaoya, carrying herrge basket, walked off in another direction.


    The cameraman couldn''t help but wonder, where is she going? Where are her parents?


    *


    Li Xiaoya went to pick mushrooms.


    They could sell for three yuan.


    Autumn came early to Li Family Vige, and after several days of rain, many mushrooms had sprung up.


    If there were any rotten mushrooms, she could take them home to make soup.


    Li Xiaoya walked along the muddy path, swallowing ingloriously.


    Meanwhile, the director was greeting the camera: "Hello everyone, in about ten minutes, the other protagonist of our show, Sheng Yuxiao, will arrive at Li Family Vige."


    This reality show, called "Exchange Lives," was broadcast live, allowingizens to interact via bulletments at any time.


    Theizens were already getting restless.


    [Damn, no wonder they say bad environments breed bad people! Such a pretty child, yet with such a terrible character]


    [Never mind the child! Young Master Sheng! Young Master Sheng ising!]


    The Sheng Yuxiao they spoke of was the heir to the Sheng Corporation.


    He came from a good family and was handsome, but his personality was quite terrible. That''s why his mother personally signed him up for this show, wanting him to experience the hardships of life and improve his character.


    At this moment, the young master was sitting in a blue Bugatti sports car worth 40 million yuan.


    The driver was from the production team.


    He carefully kept an eye on the young master beside him...


    Sheng Yuxiao''s face was full of resentment, not saying a word.


    Upon closer inspection, one could see a bone stud embedded in his brow bone, topped with a white diamond.


    Dazzling and sharp, just like him.


    The driver felt that even looking at him for a moment longer would result in being cut by his sharpness, so he hurriedly averted his gaze.


    It was this moment of distraction.


    "There''s someone ahead," Sheng Yuxiao spat out a few words.


    The driver sharply turned the steering wheel.


    They barely grazed past the person.


    To avoid the car, that person had also fallen into the ditch by the roadside.


    "Are you blind?" Sheng Yuxiao spat out three more words, then opened the car door and walked out first.


    The driver broke out in a cold sweat, his first thought being, thank goodness the cameras weren''t set up here! Otherwise, if this was livestreamed, wouldn''t he be cursed to death?


    Sheng Yuxiao was seventeen years old this year, but he already stood at 180 centimeters tall.


    With his long legs, he strode to the edge of the ditch in just a few steps, cursing without looking back, "Are you all idiots? Get the person out!"


    Only after cursing did he squat down to look at the person in the ditch.


    It was a child.


    Sheng Yuxiao was taken aback.


    The child was lying on her back in the ditch, a basket on her back. She looked like an overturned turtle, struggling but unable to turn back over. Her small arms and legs were iling uselessly.


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help butugh out loud.


    Hearing thisugh, the production team members were stunned.


    No wonder people called Young Master Sheng a hellraiser. There had just been a traffic ident, and they didn''t even know if the person was dead or alive, yet he could stillugh...


    "Just like the turtle my mom keeps," Sheng Yuxiao said with a sneer. The young master, for once condescending, braced one leg on the other side of the ditch, then reached out and pulled the child out of the ditch.


    Due to the continuous rain, there was quite a bit of water umted in the ditch.


    The child was soaked from head to toe.


    Now she stood in front of Sheng Yuxiao, shivering, but still clutching her basket tightly.


    "Mushrooms, mushrooms..." she said a bit sadly.


    They were freshly picked.


    All of them had fallen into the ditch.


    Soaked in water, ruined, unseble. The three yuan was gone. The mushroom soup was gone too.


    "Mushrooms? What mushrooms?" Sheng Yuxiao was puzzled.


    The staff members had all gathered around by now. Seeing such a small girl, they felt even more anxious and hurriedly asked a flurry of questions:


    "How old are you?"


    "Where are your parents?"


    "What''s your name? Do you know your parents'' phone number?"


    "Where does it hurt?"


    The child didn''t answer, only leaning over the edge of the ditch, trying to reach for the mushrooms that had fallen into the water.


    Sheng Yuxiao naturally lowered his gaze.


    He noticed that even though autumn had arrived, the child was wearing thin clothes and a pair of sandals with broken straps on her feet. The shoes didn''t fit well, as if they had been picked up somewhere.


    With her pant legs rolled up, one could see that her fair calves were covered in insect bites.


    It was as if Sheng Yuxiao''s brain had been struck by a heavy hammer.


    Poor... poor thing.


    This thought popped into his mind.


    Sheng Yuxiao turned his head to look at the group of idiotic staff members who were still asking questions, and frowned: "Why are you just standing there like idiots? Help her pick them up! She wants to pick up the mushrooms!"


    The staff members immediately stopped their barrage of questions and hurriedly imitated the child, bending over the edge of the ditch to pick up the mushrooms.


    Sheng Yuxiao still felt dissatisfied.


    He simply kicked the driver in the buttocks, sending him into the ditch: "You drove the damn car, you go down there and pick them up!"


    The driver''s face turned red and blue, but he didn''t dare to argue. He could only obediently bend down to pick up the mushrooms.


    After all the mushrooms were picked up, the child finally seemed toe back to her senses. She looked up at Sheng Yuxiao and said in a soft voice, "Thank you, big brother."


    Sheng Yuxiao had no sisters at home, not even a cousin. Hearing someone call him that for the first time was like an electric current zipping through his brain.


    It felt tingly.


    Sheng Yuxiao grinned: "I''ve done plenty of bad things, but this is the first time someone''s thanked me."


    The child lowered her head, seeming to think seriously for a moment.


    Then she looked up earnestly and asked, "What''s a bad thing?"


    Sheng Yuxiaoughed. "You''re too young. It''s not for your ears." He paused, then asked, "What''s your name?"


    "Li Xiaoya."


    Seeing the two chatting away, the production crew couldn''t take it anymore. "Young master, we''re already half an hourte. They''re waiting for you over there."


    Sheng Yuxiao, ever the rebel, smirked. "Oh, well, let them wait another half hour then."


    The crew grew anxious. "But, but... Alright, even if you don''t care about the show. This child, she''s soaked to the bone. If we don''t take her home, she''ll surely catch a fever!"


    Sheng Yuxiao took off his outer coat.


    He wrapped it around Li Xiaoya.


    "Are you still cold?" he asked.


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, bewildered.


    The production crew felt their vision go dark.


    That coat on the young master was a custom-made piece! Wrapping it around that child, getting it covered in mud��how could it be salvaged?


    "We''ll go to your ce first," Sheng Yuxiao said, looking at Li Xiaoya.


    *


    Jin City.


    Li Qingqing, the vige chief''s granddaughter, stepped off the ne.


    She approached the camera held by the staff, showing no signs of nervousness, appearing poised and natural.


    The distant, brilliant lights seemed to wee her new life.


    No one knew she was a person who had been reborn.


    In her previous life, Li Xiaoya had gone to record a show called "Exchange Lives," been adopted by a wealthy family, and from then on reached the pinnacle of sess.


    Li Qingqing''s eyes sparkled.


    Li Xiaoya, from now on, I''ll be living your life for you!

 Chapter 2: Slapped in the Face

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    "Exchange Lives" is a program where rich second-generation kids go to live in rural children''s homes, while rural children stay in the wealthy families'' homes.


    It allows them to experience each other''s lives.


    Li Qingqing was thus driven by the show''s crew to the Sheng family''s mansion.


    The Sheng family''s luxurious residence was surrounded by mountains on three sides, upying over 10,000 square meters. The three-story vi offered an effortless view of the nearby golf course and ocean.


    As soon as Li Qingqing got out of the car, she was enveloped by the overwhelming aura of luxury.


    It wasn''t just her; the onlinementers were stunned too.


    [Wow, as expected of the Sheng family! This mansion is so grand.]


    [Ah, this lucky girl must have umted good karma for several lifetimes to get such an opportunity. I''m so envious.]


    At this moment, a middle-aged man in a ck uniform walked over slowly: "Hello, Miss Li. You can call me Uncle Fang. The master and madam are not at home. Please rest for now."


    [Is that the butler? I''ve finally seen a real-life butler outside of novels!]


    [Fiction bing reality, I can only dream of this.]


    Li Qingqing in the camera frame actually looked a bit disappointed.


    The master and madam weren''t home... She had already nned how to win their favor beforeing.


    "This is a small wee gift from the master and madam for Miss Li," Uncle Fang said as he handed over a paper bag with the CHANEL logo printed on it.


    Li Qingqing''s breath caught, but she maintained herposure as she epted it, saying, "Thank you, uncle and auntie."


    [The youngdy is quite gracious andposed. She''s not even excited?]


    The onlinements were already praising her.


    Uncle Fang showed no expression, thinking that the rural child probably didn''t recognize luxury brands.


    He had a maid lead Li Qingqing inside, and the interior luxury came into view for the audience.


    [Living here is almost like being a princess. Suddenly curious, when the young master Sheng moves from a ce like this to live in the countryside, wouldn''t that be like ying a survival game on extreme difficulty?]


    The camera then cut to Sheng Yuxiao''s perspective.


    The image shook twice before focusing on a dpidated house.


    It could hardly be called a house anymore, with half of it copsed, held up only by wooden beams. It looked particrly precarious in the sudden downpour.


    [It really is like a survival game...]


    [Is Li Qingqing''s family this poor? How pitiful.]


    The camera then panned to Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao stared in disbelief: "...This rundown? Is this really the ce?"


    [Young Master Sheng indeed can''t handle it.]


    Suddenly, Sheng Yuxiao crouched down in front of the camera, at eye level with Li Xiaoya.


    Above them, the staff held an umbre, shielding them from the rain.


    "Is this your home? You live in a ce like this?" Sheng Yuxiao''s brows were so tightly knitted they could kill a mosquito.


    [Who is Young Master Sheng talking to?]


    The camera moved down, and the audience saw��


    A shivering child standing in front of Sheng Yuxiao, wrapped in an expensive custom-made coat. She nodded slightly, her eyes particrly striking, misted by the rain.


    The audience''s gaze lingered.


    [What a beautiful child. Who is she? Why is Young Master Sheng at her house?]


    [Isn''t that Li Xiaoya, the one who lies, has no manners, and steals things?]


    [Is that Sheng Yuxiao''s coat she''s wearing?]


    [Ah, Young Master Sheng, don''t talk to her! She''s just a little con artist! Be careful she doesn''t steal from you!]


    "Would you like toe in for a drink?" Li Xiaoya looked up and asked. Her voice was soft, and she spoke slowly, giving a gentle impression.


    Sheng Yuxiao twisted his lips. Forget about drinking, he didn''t even want to enter this rundown house.


    But as the words reached his lips and he met Li Xiaoya''s bright eyes, he couldn''t bring himself to say it.


    "We''ve arrived at her home, shall we head back now?" a staff member suggested.


    This intervention only served to trigger Sheng Yuxiao''s rebellious streak.


    Sheng Yuxiao ced a hand on Li Xiaoya''s back, pushing her forward, saying, "Let''s go in."


    Li Xiaoya walked carefully through the wind and rain, while Sheng Yuxiao took arge step, trampling on the threshold of Li Xiaoya''s house.


    The already dpidated house became even more rundown.


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "Don''t worry, I''llpensate you for that."


    As soon as he finished speaking, an angry voice suddenly rang out from inside, speaking in dialect: "You little harlot, onlying back now? Are you trying to freeze your grandpa to death?"


    The speaker had a thick ent, and his voice was muffled as if his throat was full of phlegm.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t understand at first.


    Li Xiaoya understood, but she only sniffled slightly, then stepped inside and hurriedly went to light the fire.


    She scooped water from arge vat into a pot, setting it to boil while also cing two potatoes on top. This way, when the water boiled, there would be hot water to drink, and the potatoes would be cooked too.


    Sheng Yuxiao followed and asked, "Who was that?"


    Li Xiaoya said, "It''s grandpa."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned, wondering why the tone sounded so fierce.


    "What''s this thing?" Sheng Yuxiao asked, his gaze shifting.


    Li Xiaoya spared a moment to answer him: "It''s for boiling water."


    Sheng Yuxiao pointed at the misshapen pile of mud: "I mean, what is this thing?"


    "It''s a stove."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    This thing could be called a stove?


    He quickly turned his head to survey the surroundings.


    Mud walls, broken tiles, and thatched roof made up a home.


    There was no light inside, only borrowed light from holes in the walls. No TV, sofa, or coffee table in sight!


    Not far away, an oilcloth hung down, and behind it, the vague outline of a person could be seen. The one who had spoken earlier was probably him.


    It was too rundown.


    It was just too damn rundown!


    While Sheng Yuxiao was staring in shock, Li Xiaoya had already boiled the water. She took a white porcin bowl and poured some hot water for Sheng Yuxiao.


    "Here, drink this," Li Xiaoya offered with both hands. The skin on her fingers was reddened by the steam, but further down, her wrists were a bluish-white. That was from the cold.


    [This child is so cunning! She''s trying to win over Young Master Sheng, isn''t she?]


    [Don''t drink it! It''s dirty! This house is filthy!]


    Contrary to the intense reactions in thements, Sheng Yuxiao''s eyelid only twitched heavily. He then snatched the bowl from Li Xiaoya''s hands, set it down hard on the mud stove, and said coldly, "Who wants to drink water?"


    [Great, Young Master Sheng didn''t drink it.]


    [After all, she''s just a rural child. Her attempts at ttery are limited. Who would want anything served by those dirty hands?]


    The next second...


    Sheng Yuxiao scooped up Li Xiaoya and tucked her under his arm. He turned to the staff member with a cold expression and asked, "Where can she take a hot shower? Let her wash up first. She''s nearly frozen stiff."


    Despite being almost frozen, she had still managed to pour him water.


    Sheng Yuxiao paused for a moment before cursing in dissatisfaction, "Damn it, I thought she could at least bathe at home. What kind of home is this? What a joke. It''s nothing but a thatched hut. Even a real thatched hut would be better than this."


    [...Huh?]


    The cruelizens who had been leavingments seemed as if they''d been pped across the face, momentarily stunned into silence.

 Chapter 3: Shanda Does Less Charity Now

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    The production team wanted to say, "Young Master, you''re here to film a show, not do charity work. Why are you so enthusiastic about something that''s not your concern?"


    But as they were about to speak, they remembered that it was the production team''s car that had scared the person into the ditch, so they could only hold their tongues.


    Sheng Yuxiao was a man of his word and acted with vigor.


    He scooped up Li Xiaoya and rushed back to the car.


    Li Xiaoya had lost one of her shoes.


    She lifted her head in a daze, but could only see the young man''s sharp jawline. His tightly pressed lips made him look unapproachable.


    But Li Xiaoya still struggled and called out, "My grandpa, grandpa hasn''t had any water yet..."


    Sheng Yuxiao only cared about Li Xiaoya and couldn''t be bothered about others. He pursed his lips and said, "He has hands and feet, can''t he do it himself? Why does a little kid like you need to serve him?"


    Li Xiaoya said, "Well, he doesn''t have feet."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    He numbly wiped his face and looked again at the child he was holding. There wasn''t much sadness or pain on her face; her eyes were clear and innocent, with a hint of resilience in her expression.


    ...Damn, she seemed even more pitiful now!


    Sheng Yuxiao raised his hand to lower the car window and shouted to the staff outside, "Her grandfather has no feet, help give him some hot water!"


    Staff: Huh?


    Are we really doing volunteer work now?


    Wait, what happened to the notorious young master of the Sheng family?


    The barrage ofments also fell silent for a moment:


    [...This Li Xiaoya seems pretty miserable, guarding a rundown house and taking care of a grandfather who''s lost his ability to work. Where are the rest of her family members?]


    [Come on, you really believe this? Isn''t this obviously a scripted show?]


    Inside the car.


    Sheng Yuxiao put her down and bent over to fasten her seatbelt.


    Suddenly, a scalding tear fell on the back of Sheng Yuxiao''s hand.


    Sheng Yuxiao flinched as if burned, his expression changing slightly as he hurriedly looked at Li Xiaoya''s face. He thought he had touched on a painful subject.


    But Li Xiaoya''s eyes were just brimming with tears. She moved her lips and trembled as she whispered, "My shoe, I lost a shoe."


    "My shoe." Li Xiaoya was very upset, even more so than about her grandfather losing his feet.


    Perhaps because the former was a long-standing pain buried in the years gone by.


    Thetter was the inescapable poverty of their current constrained life.


    [Damn, if this is really a scripted show, I have to say the script is pretty good...]


    Sheng Yuxiao took a deep breath and said, "It''s just a shoe, don''t worry. I''llpensate you for this too."


    Li Xiaoya nodded through her tears.


    Li Family Vige was truly poor. The staff had no choice but to take Li Xiaoya to the Vige Chief''s house for a hot bath.


    The Vige Chief''s house was a two-story cement building. The walls weren''t tiled, and it wouldn''t have stood out much even in the countryside.


    Butpared to Li Xiaoya''s home, this ce suddenly seemed luxurious.


    When the Vige Chief heard that Young Master Sheng had finally arrived, he eagerly came out to greet him, rubbing his hands: "You''re here? The bed is all made..."


    The Vige Chief''s voice trailed off abruptly.


    He looked at the six-foot-tall young man in front of him, who was carrying Li Xiaoya under his arm.


    The Vige Chief''s voice rose: "Li Xiaoya! What are you doing here?"


    If it weren''t for the cameras, the Vige Chief would have started scolding her by now.


    [Uh, the Vige Chief''s family seems quite well-off]


    [Who else noticed? There are a lot of staff members waiting in the Vige Chief''s house, and pre-installed cameras]


    [I get it! This must be Li Qingqing''s home!]


    "Never mind that, Young Master Sheng met this poor child on the way and brought her here for a bath," a staff member took charge and pushed the Vige Chief aside.


    Sheng Yuxiao just walked straight in with Li Xiaoya, going upstairs, not like a guest but more like the owner. After all, this young man was used to being domineering.


    To curry favor with Sheng Yuxiao, the Vige Chief had specially offered the master bedroom. The master bedroom had an en-suite bathroom, and Sheng Yuxiao pushed her in, saying, "Go wash up."


    Li Xiaoya stood in the bathroom, looking small and pitiful.


    She turned around helplessly, clumsily trying to find the switch, fumbling around until water sprayed her in the face.


    Outside, Sheng Yuxiao could hear the water turning on and off intermittently.


    Then the door opened, and a wet little head poked out. Li Xiaoya said in a small voice, "I... I don''t know how to use it."


    Sheng Yuxiao let out a long sigh, realizing that this child had probably never seen a shower head before.


    He held onto the doorknob, hesitated for a moment, and asked first, "Are you dressed?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Only then did Sheng Yuxiao enter, and for the first time, patiently taught Li Xiaoya how to use the shower.


    After all this fuss, it took Li Xiaoya half an hour to bathe.


    The Vige Chief, pressured by the staff, went to find some of Li Qingqing''s clothes for Li Xiaoya to change into. He carried the clothes in his arms and headed upstairs.


    "Young Master Sheng, Young Master Sheng, I''m the Vige Chief. I''ve brought some clothes for Xiaoya." The Vige Chief''s tone was unmistakably fawning.


    The door opened, but Sheng Yuxiao said, "No need."


    He stepped aside, saying, "She''s already dressed."


    At that moment, Li Xiaoya had just walked out of the bathroom, wearing a hoodie several sizes too big for her. It looked like a baggy dress on her, revealing her thin ankles below.


    The sleeves were so long that she had to raise both hands, standing there looking a bit dazed, but mostly indescribably adorable.


    Sheng Yuxiao had given her his clothes.


    "This... this..." The Vige Chief''s voice was immediately choked in his throat.


    How could this be allowed?


    Li Xiaoya, that damned Li Xiaoya!


    At this point, the cameras had captured Li Xiaoya''s appearance, and the barrage ofments exploded again.


    [Ah, it''s an ACRONYM hoodie! That''s crazy, it costs over ten thousand yuan! How could he just let her wear it?]


    [Sheng Yuxiao, are you going to give her all your clothes? You''ve even given away your jacket...]


    [I suddenly don''t envy Li Qingqing anymore.]


    "Come here, let''s dry your hair," Sheng Yuxiao reached out to Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya had caught a bit of a cold, and her nose was stuffy. She answered in a nasal voice, "It''ll dry if I just let it air out."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned in displeasure, "Air out? You''ll catch a serious cold that way. Come here... oh, you''ve never seen a hair dryer either, right?" "I''ll dry it for you," Sheng Yuxiao felt this task couldn''t be left to anyone else.


    Li Xiaoya looked up, nervously ncing at the Vige Chief, before walking over to Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao firmly grasped her shoulders, picked up the knockoff brand hair dryer, wrinkled his brow in disgust, but still turned it on and started blow-drying Li Xiaoya''s hair.


    Li Xiaoya stood there motionless, feeling only a pair ofrge hands constantly running through her hair, apanied by warm air.


    It felt so cozy.


    She had never felt so warm before.


    Sheng Yuxiao blew her hair dry while criticizing, "Did a dog chew on your hair? The ends are all uneven."


    Li Xiaoya replied, "The teacher cut it."


    Sheng Yuxiao was speechless. "What kind of craftsmanship is that?"


    After drying her hair, Sheng Yuxiao rolled up her long sleeves and put a hat on her. "This way you won''t be cold when you go out..." Sheng Yuxiao''s voice suddenly trailed off as he looked at her.


    The hoodie was too big for her. Once pulled on, it swallowed her entire head, leaving only a bit of her snow-white chin visible.


    Sheng Yuxiao curled his fingertips, unable to help but mutter, "Damn cute."


    Soon, a staff member brought cold medicine. Li Xiaoya wasn''t afraid of the bitter taste at all. She drank the powder in one go, wiped her mouth, and said, "I should go back now."


    For some reason, Sheng Yuxiao felt a bit disappointed, but he said, "Alright, someone take her back."


    Upon hearing this, the staff members breathed a sigh of relief. Great, this troublemaker was finally going to let them record the show properly.


    "Wait a minute, your shoe... you''re missing a shoe," Sheng Yuxiao suddenly remembered.


    Li Xiaoya had already cried over her shoe, but now she appeared strong and generous. She said, "It''s okay."


    He had already given her so many things.


    Maybe the shoe was still waiting for her where she left it.


    If it wasn''t there, it didn''t matter. She could always dig through the trash to find it.


    The Vige Chief eagerly chimed in, "Why don''t we let her wear Qingqing''s shoes?"


    He wanted to get rid of Li Xiaoya as soon as possible and also curry favor with Sheng Yuxiao.


    But Sheng Yuxiao was displeased: "Why give her someone else''s old junk? What if she gets athlete''s foot?"


    The Vige Chief: "..."


    The bullet screenments also went wild:


    [...]


    [I can''t argue with that]

 Chapter 4: “Dare to Calculate on His Head”

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    In the end, it was the staff who worked themselves to the bone, driving to a nearby town to buy a pair of shoes and bring them back.


    Sheng Yuxiao only allowed Li Xiaoya to leave afterpensating her with the shoes.


    Li Xiaoya, wearing his hoodie with itsrge hood pulled up, carefully skirted the puddles in the yard as she left the Vige Chief''s house.


    She didn''t even nce back at him once.


    Sheng Yuxiao felt inexplicably irritated.


    "Young Master Sheng," the Vige Chief sidled up to him again.


    Sheng Yuxiao finally turned, scanning the Vige Chief''s home before cursing, "What a dump."


    The Vige Chief: "..."


    The Vige Chief forced a smile: "Young Master Sheng, are you hungry? Thirsty? Would you like to watch TV? ...I even have aputer here! If you''d like to y games, that''s fine too."


    Sheng Yuxiao wore a sour expression: "Not interested."


    As evening fell, Sheng Yuxiao''s assessment of the Vige Chief''s dinner was: "What pig slop."


    The Vige Chief then brewed him a pot of tea, which the young master simrly disdained: "What dishwater."


    The staff were at a loss for words.


    All they could think was, the familiar Young Master Sheng had returned.


    *


    Li Xiaoya was sent back home.


    Her grandfather was still bedridden, and for once, didn''t scold her.


    Li Xiaoya walked to the stove and lifted the pot lid. The potatoes inside had already gone cold. She grabbed one, peeled off a bit of skin, and ate as she walked towards her grandfather.


    "Grandpa, have a potato," she said, offering him the other one.


    Grandpa Li didn''t take it. His cloudy old eyes were unusually bright in the dim light. His calloused hand grabbed Li Xiaoya: "Who came today? Were they from the city?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded and said, "Aunt Man said they were here to film a show."


    Film a show? Grandpa Li didn''t know what that meant either.


    He just smiled and said, "Good, good. Next time, bring them back home."


    Li Xiaoya was puzzled, not understanding why.


    "Listen to Grandpa. Grandpa won''t sell you in the future," Grandpa Li said.


    A glimmer of light shed in Li Xiaoya''s eyes, then faded. She slowly shook her head and said, "They won''te back."


    Grandpa Li angrily asked, "How do you know? Did you offend them today?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t speak.


    She didn''t know how to exin it to her grandfather.


    She remembered a tattered fairy tale book she had found in the reading corner donated to the school by kind-hearted people. There was a story called "The Little Match Girl."


    The tall brother who took her home, then to the Vige Chief''s house for a hot bath, and gave her clothes and shoes to wear.


    Yes, it was as if she had struck a match, and that''s why she had such a beautiful dream.


    But matches go out, and beautiful dreams slip away.


    So they won''te back.


    Li Xiaoya finished the cold potatoes with some cold water, then asked, "Grandpa, aren''t you hungry?"


    Grandpa Li snorted coldly: "I''m full from all the anger you''ve caused me."


    Li Xiaoya softly replied, "Oh."


    Then there was a flurry of activity as Li Xiaoya washed her face and brushed her teeth with cold water, before crawling into her small bed to sleep.


    Grandpa Li became even angrier, but then his fingers touched something hard, and he instantly calmed down.


    It was what those people who called themselves a production crew had left him, saying it waspensation for Li Xiaoya''s "mental anguish" or something. A total of 1,000 yuan.


    1,000 yuan!


    Grandpa Li narrowed his eyes, counted the bills one by one again, then tucked them into his underwear.


    He was the grandfather, of course he would manage the money.


    *


    Sheng Yuxiao nced at therge bed in the master bedroom.


    The bed still had a mosquito, withrge peony flower-patterned sheets inside.


    Sheng Yuxiao walked away in disgust, sitting on a hard wooden chair.


    How the hell was he supposed to sleep here?


    After sitting idle for two hours, Sheng Yuxiao thought of Li Xiaoya again.


    This ce was too poor.


    How could there be a ce this poor?


    When he got back, he''d donate money here. Start with six or seven million, give Li Xiaoya arger share.


    As he thought about it, Sheng Yuxiao got angry again, standing up to kick the bed.


    Damn it, who knew when he''d be able to go back.


    With restlessness consuming him, Sheng Yuxiao paced the room twice before deciding to push open the door and look at the moon.


    The door made no sound, and Sheng Yuxiao had only taken two steps forward when voices from the silent night carried clearly to his ears on the wind.


    "This Young Master Sheng is a real handful," It was the Vige Chief''s voice,ining to someone.


    "Dad, have you forgotten what Qingqing said? Young Master Sheng''s family has assets worth hundreds of billions! Hundreds of billions! He''s not just a handful, he''s our God of Wealth." A man persuaded; it was the Vige Chief''s Son.


    Hearing this, Sheng Yuxiao almostughed out loud.


    What dreams were they having?


    Even if he had money, he wouldn''t share it with them.


    "Sigh, Young Master Sheng is manageable, but I never expected him to run into Li Xiaoya when he entered the vige," the Vige Chief said worriedly.


    "What?" the Vige Chief''s Son''s voice changed pitch.


    "Lower your voice!"


    "Yes, yes. How could it be such a coincidence?"


    "Who knows if that little girl discovered something."


    "How is that possible? She''s just a child, what would she understand?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression slowly changed.


    It sounded like the Vige Chief''s family had some nefarious ns for Li Xiaoya!


    Without thinking, he took out his phone and pressed record.


    "If Young Master Sheng finds out the truth..."


    "Dad, you''re overthinking it. So what if he knows? It''s just filming a show, who would care about a little girl without parents?"


    "You didn''t see it. Today, Young Master Sheng was so good to Li Xiaoya, giving her his own clothes to wear, even blow-drying her hair, buying her shoes..."


    The Vige Chief''s Son fell silent.


    After a while, his voice sounded again: "You don''t need to worry about this. Just make sure to keep Young Master Sheng here, ensure that he''sfortable staying at our ce. As for Li Xiaoya..."


    The Vige Chief''s Sonughed coldly: "I''ll go talk to her grandfather, give him 800 yuan. That''ll ensure he keeps Li Xiaoya under tight control, she''ll never see Young Master Sheng''s face again."


    By this time, Sheng Yuxiao''s fists were clenched tight.


    These bastards!


    What were they nning?


    Even going after a child!


    The Vige Chief,pletely unaware that Sheng Yuxiao himself had heard all this, gleefully patted his son''s shoulder saying, "That college education really shows, you''re so quick-witted."


    Sheng Yuxiao descended two steps with a cold expression.


    He wanted to punch them in the face.


    But hearing the delightedughter of the father and son, he suddenly halted his steps.


    Giving them a couple of punches would be letting them off too easy...


    Weren''t they desperately trying to keep him here? Weren''t they willing to do anything to prevent Li Xiaoya from seeing him?


    How dare they scheme against him!


    Sheng Yuxiaoughed coldly in his heart, then silently turned back to his room and swiftly packed his luggage.


    Early the next morning, having not slept all night, the young master Sheng appeared at the Vige Chief''s doorstep with his suitcase in tow. The staff members were the first to be rmed.


    The staff were nearly frantic: "Young Master, are you nning to return to the city?"


    Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow: "No."


    The staff were bewildered: "Then what are you..."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "I''m changing my amodation. Is that not allowed? I don''t want to stay in this house anymore. It''s too run-down."


    Staff: "In this vige, the Vige Chief''s house has the best conditions."


    Sheng Yuxiao realized he hadn''t phrased it correctly, so he immediately changed tack: "Think about why my mother sent me here."


    The staff member cautiously answered: "For... reformation?"


    Sheng Yuxiao nced at him askance: "Exactly. By putting me in the Vige Chief''s house with the best conditions, are you trying to go against my mother''s wishes?"


    Staff: "...We... we wouldn''t dare."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "Let''s go. Change to another house, quickly." After saying this, he tossed his suitcase aside and got into the car himself.


    Seeing that he had already taken the driver''s seat, the staff members were scared out of their wits.


    This young master wasn''t even eighteen yet. How could he drive?


    "Alright, alright, we''ll apany you to change houses first." The staff followed, feeling a headacheing on.


    When the Vige Chief rushed over after hearing the news, he was still holding up his trousers with one hand. His belt had fallen off somewhere, leaving him in thisical state as he eximed in shock: "Where is Young Master Sheng going?"


    "Young Master! Young Master! You can''t leave!"


    With a press of the elerator, the car sped away, leaving him choking on exhaust fumes.


    The Vige Chief coughed while calling out miserably: "Young Master, you made an exchange with our family. You can''t go anywhere else! Young Master!"


    "It''s all over! It''s all over!"


    In the car, the staff members cautiously observed Sheng Yuxiao''s expression, unable to understand how the Vige Chief had managed to offend him so severely in just one night.


    Sheng Yuxiao sat with his eyes closed, silent, his expression fierce.


    In his ears, he could still hear the conversation between the Vige Chief and his son.


    But the image that shed through his mind was��


    After Li Xiaoya''s shoe had flown off, he had lowered his head and caught a glimpse of her foot. The back of it was covered in scratches from the thorny undergrowth. Didn''t it hurt her?

 Chapter 5: So Damn Cute

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    When the camera was set up again, the audience found that the scene had returned to the familiar little shabby house.


    [Wow, did we just time travel?]


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya had just returned from gathering firethorn berries. As she approached, she saw Sheng Yuxiao''s figure. Her mouth slightly agape, her expression nk.


    For a fleeting moment, Li Xiaoya also felt like she had traveled through time.


    "Li Xiaoya, from today on, I''m going to live at your ce," Sheng Yuxiao said in a tone that brooked no refusal.


    Li Xiaoya stared at him nkly and asked, "Why?"


    Sheng Yuxiao felt a bit annoyed.


    The vige chief''s family was practically on their knees begging him not to leave, yet this kid was still asking why?


    Sheng Yuxiao lied to her, "Because I gave you clothes and shoes, can you let me stay?"


    Li Xiaoya instinctively nodded, then shook her head, "Here... it''s not good. Living here, it''s not good."


    Sheng Yuxiao thought to himself, so you also think it''s not good to live here. He immediately came up with a new idea: "Then how about youe and live somewhere else with me?"


    This time, Li Xiaoya shook her head more vigorously.


    Sheng Yuxiao deted, "Then just let me stay at your ce, alright, don''t say anything else." He directly waved his hand, signaling the staff to bring in his luggage.


    The barrage ofments erupted again.


    [What a ssic case of ying hard to get]


    [How did this kid manage to lure the young master Sheng here? Impressive for someone so young]


    [The vige chief got the short end of the stick]


    [This is breaking the show''s rules, thank you very much!]


    [LOL, are you kidding? You''re talking about rules with Sheng Yuxiao?]


    But regardless of how intense thements were, the luggage had already been taken inside, and Sheng Yuxiao had one leg through the doorway.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t stop him from behind and could only hug his leg.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked down, seeing the top of her messy, and thus fluffy-looking, head. He didn''t know what came over him, but he instinctively ruffled her hair, then lifted his leg, bringing Li Xiaoya entirely inside with him.


    Thement section was stunned.


    [Wow, that''s some boyfriend material right there]


    [Come on, don''t be like that. Even though young master Sheng has grown into a tall, strappingd of over 1.80 meters, he''s actually not even of age yet. He''d still be seen in the pediatric ward at the hospital]


    Sheng Yuxiao''s entrance startled Grandpa Li awake.


    "Who''s there?" Grandpa Li sat up, one hand covering the spot where he hid his money.


    Sheng Yuxiao lifted the oil cloth that served as a partition, taking a few steps to reach Grandpa Li''s side. "My surname is Sheng, and I''ll be living at your ce from now on."


    The room was dimly lit, but it couldn''t hide the innate radiance emanating from Sheng Yuxiao.


    That arrogant, domineering aura of absolute confidence pierced straight into one''s mind.


    Grandpa Li was stunned for a moment, instantly showing an instinctive submission, his back hunching even more.


    "You... why, who exactly are you..." Grandpa Li''s words became jumbled.


    He knew that the tall young man''s attire looked incredibly expensive. He just couldn''t understand why someone like this would suddenlye here.


    It was the staff member who squeezed forward, his face stiff as he said, "Old man, let me exin the situation to you slowly."


    The staff member had no choice but to exin about filming the show.


    Grandpa Li recognized the familiar face of the staff member, wasn''t it them who had given him the thousand yuan?


    Grandpa Li''s first reaction was: "How much are you paying?"


    The staff member was taken aback: "What?"


    The local guide immediately helped trante.


    Grandpa Li distanced himself from Sheng Yuxiao. Though the young man before him was just a kid, Grandpa Li instinctively didn''t dare to get too close.


    Grandpa Li leaned towards the staff member: "If you''re going to live here, you''ve got to pay, right? If it''s for a TV show, you''ve got to pay extra."


    The local guide, face still stiff, tranted word for word.


    [No wonder they say Li Xiaoya isn''t a good kid, her grandfather turns out to be this kind of person.]


    [Like grandfather, like granddaughter]


    [So annoying, don''t give them money! Production team, take Sheng Yuxiao away]


    [Cunning folks from poor mountain areas, truly as the saying goes]


    The staff member almostughed out of anger.


    What''s wrong with this old man?


    For such a run-down ce... how much more money does he want?


    Grandpa Li kept a straight face: "Yes, and we need to sign a contract. Don''t think you can easily fool us country folks."


    The staff member turned to look at Sheng Yuxiao, seeing that this young master showed no signs of wavering, they had no choice but to say, "Please wait a moment, this needs to be decided by our executive producer."


    With that, the staff member went outside.


    Grandpa Li took a couple of deep breaths, as if he had already received that huge payment.


    While thinking, he couldn''t help but grin, turning to look at Li Xiaoya, saying, "Grandpa''s going to reward you, going to reward you..."


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t understand a word, the dialect and ent were too heavy.


    He reached out to grab the local guide, asking, "What did he say?"


    The guide immediately acted as his interpreter again: "Grandpa Li is talking to Li Xiaoya, saying, ''You said they wouldn''te back, but they did.''"


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t quite describe the feeling in his heart.


    No wonder the child didn''t even look back at him when leaving the vige chief''s house. Was it because she knew clearly that they wouldn''te back?


    Last night, as she sat in the drafty house, did she, even for a moment, miss the warmth of the hairdryer blowing on her face at the vige chief''s house?


    She clearly knew her future, she probably didn''t even dare to imagine it, right?


    But how old is she?


    Sheng Yuxiao hoped he was overthinking it, so he quickly looked down to see Li Xiaoya''s expression.


    But she had her head down, her expression unclear.


    He could only glimpse her thin fingers clutching his trouser leg, trembling lightly and suppressedly.


    Sheng Yuxiao felt a bit ufortable. He bent down to grab her small hand, gently rubbing it. The pale blue hand quickly regained its color.


    "Aren''t you happy that I''m staying here?" Sheng Yuxiao asked her.


    Although Grandpa Li couldn''t speak Mandarin, he could understand it. His eyes suddenly widened, ring subtly at Li Xiaoya. This scene was faithfully recorded by the camera worn by the guide.


    [Does anyone else think the way Li Xiaoya''s grandfather looks at her is a bit off?]


    [It''s a bit scary, like he''s threatening her]


    [Come on, you can tell that? It''s pitch ck in there]


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya slowly raised her head, looking at Sheng Yuxiao, and said softly, "But I didn''t find ddin''s magicmp."


    Sheng Yuxiao was stunned: "Huh?"


    A mixture of confusion and cautious disbelief painted Li Xiaoya''s face, making her pale countenance appear utterly pitiful.


    She said, "I didn''t make a wish to the geniemp. Why have youe?"


    Sheng Yuxiao felt as if something had struck his chest, causing his breath to halt momentarily. As fresh air rushed back into his mouth, it seemed to carry a faint hint of sweetness.


    Sheng Yuxiao murmured, "You''re so damn adorable."


    How could she utter such innocent yet captivating words?


    The audience beyond the frame fell into an instant, stunned silence.

 Chapter 6: Is Her Son Possessed by a Ghost

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    The program team quickly established the new workflow. However, they didn''t have the contract yet as they needed the approval from Sheng Yuxiao''s mother before they could proceed.


    Sheng Yuxiao stood on a small hill with a decrepit house swaying behind him.


    He forcibly held Li Xiaoya''s head with one hand, making her stay on his side while calling his mother with his phone on the other hand.


    The call was quickly answered.


    A cold voice came from the other side, "I thought they would confiscate your phone immediately."


    "I''m sorry to disappoint you," Sheng Yuxiao sarcastically replied first, then continued, "Do you remember the program schedule that was sent to you before? The program team arranged for me to live in the vige chief''s house. However, I find it too luxurious, which is detrimental to meeting your expectations for me, mom. Hence, I proactively requested to live somewhere more dpidated..."


    On the other end, Sheng Yuxiao''s mother, Xu Qii, put her phone down and starred at the screen to confirm the caller identity.


    The number and the voice were correct.


    Had her son been possessed by a ghost?


    "Why aren''t you speaking?"


    "Do you think I''m crazy?" Sheng Yuxiao asked twice in session.


    "No, I was just thinking about what new trick you are nning," she replied calmly.


    Sheng Yuxiao gulped, "Are you really my biological mother?"


    "Because I am indeed your mother, I understand you so well. Give the phone to the director and let him talk to me," she ordered.


    Helplessly shrugging his shoulders, Sheng Yuxiao handed over the phone like calling a dog, "Director! Take the call!"


    The director daren''t dy and gratefully epted.


    "Find a quiet spot and tell me the real situation." Xu Qii''s voice rose from the other end.


    The director hastily held the phone and ran to the side. Obviously, in front of Sheng Yuxiao, the director dared not to even fart.


    It took less than five minutes for the director to exin the situation, stressing particrly on Li Family Vige''s evaluation of Li Xiaoya.


    "Indeed, the child seems to have a bad character. Yet for some reason, Sheng resisted and insisted on living here..." The director said assuredly, "We are also very worried that she might take advantage and pin herself on the Sheng Family."


    "So what you''re suggesting is that we should leave this matter as it is?" the director asked delicately.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s mother, Xu Qii, was an artist by profession. However, her personality was more like a decisive businesswoman.


    After hearing the director''sints about Li Xiaoya, she said calmly, "Let him be...If he can''t even handle this little issue, there''s no point in inheriting the Sheng Family''s fortune in the future."


    The director was momentarily stunned at this.


    And thus, the matter was settled.


    The contract was quickly drawn up as well.


    "Give that to me for a look," Sheng Yuxiao signaled, fetching the newly made contract in front of him.


    "You n to have her grandfather sign this?" Sheng Yuxiao furrowed his brows.


    "Well, she''s still a minor. Even if she signed it, it wouldn''t have any legal effect."


    "No." Sheng Yuxiao denied categorically.


    He and Grandpa Li had hardly spoken a few words, but Sheng Yuxiao felt an instinctive distrust towards him deep in his heart.


    "Um... How much money is there?" Li Xiaoya put forth her question in a frail voice.


    The production crew wore a faintly changing expression. So she''s in a hurry to get the money, too? She really is just like her grandpa.


    Sheng Yuxiao, without thinking too much, nced at the contract and said, "Twenty thousand... wait, isn''t twenty thousand too little? Are you guys dismissing a beggar?"


    The crew: "��"


    The crew wiped their sweat and persuaded him in a low voice, "Sheng, you can''t disrupt the market rules."


    "I am paying. I want to, any problem?"


    "��" "It''s not about that. You need to think. Suddenly giving a huge sum of money isn''t a good thing for a poverty-stricken household rooted in a mountain vige. Not only can it attract covetous eyes, it might also��"


    The crew didn''t finish the sentence, implying that it might also attract greedy people and engender greater ambitions.


    Thankfully, at this moment, Sheng Yuxiao seemed convinced. He said, "Alright." And after not a beat he asked Li Xiaoya: "Is it enough?"


    Although, he spected that this young girl probably didn''t understand how much twenty thousand really was.


    Li Xiaoya looked right into his eyes, her pupils dting slightly and her eyes seemingly even brighter.


    She asked softly, "Can we not give the money to Grandpa?"


    "Then who do you want to give it to?" asked a crew member.


    This scene was not avoided by the camera, so thements were rampant again:


    "A kid wanting to embezzle money privately?"


    "I don''t understand why the Sheng family allows Sheng Yuxiao to interact with her."


    "To give it to Aunt Man from the vige, Uncle Bin..." Li Xiaoya listed a few names by counting on her fingers,pletely beyond the crew''s expectations.


    "Give it to them for what?" The crew in surprise, changed their tune.


    "My dad swindled money from them before he left. I want to pay them back." Li Xiaoya said seriously.


    "Dear God! Her dad is such a man?"


    "What sort of hellish start is this for a young little girl?"


    "Don''t whitewash it. Even if her native family is so bad, it''s not an excuse for her liking stealing, robbing, and lying."


    "Do as she says." Sheng Yuxiao darkly interrupted.


    "Yes, yes." The crew member, recovering from the shock, looked at the slightly malnourished girl with a much moreplex gaze.


    "Right, we had given Grandpa Li a thousand before we left. It was meant as a mental damage fee for Li Xiaoya." The crew member hesitated a bit, but then added an exnation.


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned, "What are you guys doing? If it''spensation for Li Xiaoya, why didn''t you give it to her directly?"


    The crew member suddenly looked embarrassed.


    Sheng Yuxiao squatted down and asked Li Xiaoya, "Did you know about this?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head nkly.


    Grandpa hadn''t told her about receiving the money.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t say anything else.


    This money... he had to get it back for Li Xiaoya. She couldn''t be bullied just because she was young.


    This Grandpa Li, an utterly disrespectful old man!


    The director-general came over at this time and said carefully, "Your mother asked us to take your phone."


    Sheng Yuxiao originally wanted to lose his temper, but considering that he wasing to Li Xiaoya''s ce and the crew were quite cooperative, there was no need for such tension.


    So he very obligingly handed over his phone.


    The director-general breathed a sigh of relief: "If you want to use the phone, you have to exchange it with points."


    "Points?" Sheng Yuxiao knew that this was to exin the next program rule, all for the sake of increasing watchability.


    The director-general passed the rules to him.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked down:


    Getting up early, 1 point.


    Going up the mountain to pick fruit, pick mushrooms to exchange money, etc., 10 yuan = 1 point.


    Respecting teachers at school, 1 point.


    Book corner volunteer, 1 point.


    ...


    10 points could be exchanged for 1 minute of phone use.


    ��Looks like Madam Xu��s expectation for her son is very low, even respecting teachers could earn points.��


    ��The conditions are so strict, there��s not enough time to make a call in one minute��


    ��It��s unscientific that Sheng Yuxiao did not get angry��


    "This collection is too slow," Sheng Yuxiao frowned, "My mother wants to change my nature, right? Do good deeds and good things add points or not?"


    The director hesitated for a moment and said, "Yes."


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded, "Well, add this rule."


    The director-general quickly asked an assistant for a pen.


    When the new rules have been added, Sheng Yuxiao pointed to Li Xiaoya and asked, "Does this count as doing good deeds?"


    The director general: ��...�� He had been waiting for him here.


    The director-general: "Yes."


    "Just add 1 point, the shoes are something I owe, it does not count." Sheng Yuxiao said generously.


    The director-general was relieved, that''s good. Otherwise, if Sheng Dasha relentlessly treats Li Xiaoya well, wouldn''t the points system copse due to intion?


    Li Xiaoya raised her hand weakly at this time: "I have to go to school now."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s previously tired face suddenly lit up.


    He said: "Let��s go, together."


    On the other side.


    Li Qingqing asked for some things from the housekeeper and made a hand-drawn picture herself.


    She used Morandi''s color which would only be popr in the following years. The matching was quite harmonious and stunning at first sight.


    The barrage froze:


    ��How did she create this? This kid is really outstanding, not at all like a rural child��


    Li Qingqing couldn''t see the onlinements, but she could still guess how others would praise her.


    She couldn''t help but smile.


    She remembered that Sheng Yuxiao''s mother, Madam Xu, was a painter... this trick of hers should be particrly pleasing to Madam Xu, right?


    Li Qingqing took the picture downstairs, asked softly, ��Mr. Butler, when will Uncle and Aunte back?��


    The butler didn''t change his expression and said, ��They won''t be back today.��


    Li Qingqing disappointingly returned to her room and walked into the bathroom. It was the only ce without a camera.


    She quietly took out her phone. It was the one her father stuffed to her before they set off. She wanted to see how the program was doing now... how was that Young Master Sheng getting along in her home?


    But as soon as she took it out��


    In silent mode, there were 39 missed calls.


    All from home.


    Li Qingqing''s face changed. What had happened?

 Chapter 7: Not Much Else, Just Money

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    Li Qingqing removed the small microphone and detached the miniature camera, cing them in a box before returning the call.


    "Qingqing, something''s gone wrong. Young Master Sheng ran into Li Xiaoya as soon as he entered the vige. He''s moved into Li Xiaoya''s house. What should we do?" the Vige Chief wailed.


    Li Qingqing: "..."


    How could this happen?


    Her face involuntarily turned ashen as she said, "You can''t even handle such a small matter?"


    She had relived her life, expecting everything to go smoothly and for her to dominate. Everything Li Xiaoya possessed should have naturally be hers!


    If this were a novel, she should have been the protagonist of a rebirth story!


    Yet these useless family members were only holding her back.


    "Qingqing, what should we do?" the Vige Chief was still asking.


    "Let me think." Li Qingqing hung up the phone, then opened Weibo, trying to find some program clips to gauge public opinion.


    She couldn''t understand what magic Li Xiaoya possessed. She had already rewritten the biggest turning point in her life.


    Why? Why would Young Master Sheng still approach her of his own ord?


    But at that moment, a staff member came knocking: "Li Qingqing! Li Qingqing, are you alright? Why did you go offline?"


    Li Qingqing had to hide her phone, rub her eyes vigorously, and put the equipment back on.


    Opening the door, she revealed her reddened eyes and said softly, "I''m sorry, I was feeling homesick."


    The staff member''s expression softened a bit and asked, "Do you want to call home?"


    Li Qingqing shook her head, "That wouldn''t be good. Mom and Dad might think I''m having a hard time here. Actually, it''s really nice."


    [Li Qingqing is so likable]


    [+1, I wish I had a daughter like her]


    [Ah, when will Mrs. Xue home? Li Qingqing thoughtfully prepared a gift for her!]


    Li Qingqing was also thinking about her painting, so she proactively asked the Butler if they could take a photo and send it to Auntie Xu.


    The Butler nodded, "Sure."


    Xu Qii was inspecting her newly opened art gallery when her phone vibrated with a new message.


    She opened it to see it was from the Butler.


    "The little girl made this for you herself. She''s really looking forward to you and siring home."


    Xu Qii opened the full image.


    As a painter, a true artist, she immediately made a professional assessment at first nce.


    ��Too formic, overly pandering.


    Back at the house, Li Qingqing looked up with an expectant expression, her eyes sparkling as she asked, "Grandpa Butler, what did Auntie say?"


    [Why does the Butler''s expression look constipated?]


    [Is Li Qingqing''s handmade painting not good enough? I think it''s great]


    [Uh, Xu Qii is a world-renowned artist, she probably doesn''t think much of it]


    Thements suddenly went quiet.


    Li Qingqing also vaguely sensed the atmosphere and felt a twinge in her heart. Could she not win over Xu Qii?


    How did Li Xiaoya seed in pleasing her in her previous life?


    Li Qingqing suppressed the irritation in her heart and said obediently, "Is Auntie busy? Then let''s not bother her."


    *


    Li Xiaoya sneezed as she walked down the road.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately asked, "Your cold still hasn''t gotten better?"


    Li Xiaoya replied in a muffled voice, "Mmm, it takes a long time to get better."


    Sheng Yuxiao asked, "How far is your school? Are we just going to walk there?"


    Li Xiaoya curiously asked back, "If we don''t walk, how else would we go?"


    Sheng Yuxiao: ...


    Alright, a poor child who''s rarely ridden in a car.


    Li Xiaoya quickly added, "Um, we still need to walk..."


    She carefully took his wrist and pointed at the minute hand, "It goes around like this, then halfway again."


    "An hour and a half?" Sheng Yuxiao said, feeling his scalp tingle.


    No wonder her ankles were so thin, he thought. They must have been worn down by all this walking.


    Li Xiaoya looked a bit dejected, "We''ll bete today. I won''t get a little red flower."


    Sheng Yuxiao finally felt she was acting like a child and couldn''t help but smile, "What do you need a little red flower for?"


    "You can trade them with the teacher for candy."


    "Oh, so you like candy?" Sheng Yuxiao said, his interest piqued. He reached out to check the corners of her mouth, "Let me see if you have any cavities."


    But Li Xiaoya said, "I don''t eat candy."


    "Then why do you trade for it?"


    "You can exchange candy for money."


    Sheng Yuxiao was momentarily speechless.


    He couldn''t help but sigh. It was so bitter, too bitter. Every bit of her life was wrung out just to survive.


    Sheng Yuxiao held out his hand, "Give me your schoolbag. I''ll carry it for you."


    Li Xiaoya said shyly, "It''s dirty."


    The dirt roads in the vige were terrible. It had been raining for days, and puddles filled the potholes. One misstep and water would ssh up.


    Li Xiaoya was short, so the water easily sshed on her, soiling the cloth bag she carried.


    "It''s fine, I don''t mind getting dirty. I used to go to band concerts in big mud pits, getting covered in mud from head to toe. That''s what creates the atmosphere, you know?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t understand, but she obediently handed over her bag.


    The bag was washed so much it had turned white, with a blue patch on it, tied with a thin strap. The strap was too short for Sheng Yuxiao to wear it on his shoulder, so he could only carry it in his hand.


    It hardly qualified as a schoolbag.


    He walked beside Li Xiaoya, looking like a young father taking his daughter to school.


    The two of them trudged along, one step at a time, and Sheng Yuxiao didn''t speak again.


    It''s just a hike, right? If a child could endure it, how could he not?


    *


    Shitou School.


    It was the only school for miles around, with only seven teachers for all grades. Five were locals, and two were volunteer teachers from outside.


    There weren''t many students either. Due to the extremely limited teaching resources, it wasmon to see students of different grades sitting together in one ss.


    "Only elementary school..." Sheng Yuxiao was dumbfounded, "Then what am I supposed to study?"


    Li Xiaoya looked up at him and asked softly, "Will you attend ss with me?"


    Sheng Yuxiaoughed, "Do you know what grade I should be in?"


    "Sixth grade?" Li Xiaoya only knew up to sixth grade.


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t resist pinching her cheek and said, "Big brother should be in twelfth grade."


    Li Xiaoya brightened a bit and said, "I''m in third grade too."


    Sheng Yuxiao was even more amused, "High school senior year is quite different from your third grade... Alright, let me take you to your ssroom first."


    The ssroom had a bit of a leak. As soon as Sheng Yuxiao walked in with her, he couldn''t help but want to curse.


    "Oh, herees the little liar!" someone shouted, making Sheng Yuxiao''s internal swearing intensify.


    Because he waste, the first two sses had already ended. It was now break time, and there were about eight or nine children in the ssroom, some smaller than Li Xiaoya, some a head taller.


    They were staring at Li Xiaoya with expressions of disgust.


    "She''s not a liar," a boy spoke up to correct them.


    Sheng Yuxiao turned to look, but to his surprise, the boy then giggled and said, "My mom says Li Xiaoya is a little slut."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s anger red up instantly, rising eight zhang high.


    In one big stride, he crossed over to the boy, grabbed him by the cor, and lifted him up. "What did you say?"


    With the height difference and Sheng Yuxiao''s imposing aura, the boy trembled in fear. "W-what are you doing? Who are you?"


    Sheng Yuxiao sneered, "Who I am is none of your damn business. Didn''t your parents teach you that your mouth isn''t for spewing shit?"


    [So cool!]


    [This Li Xiaoya is just a troublemaker, right? Young Master Sheng has stood up for her several times now?]


    [What''s wrong with you people? They''re clearly in the wrong for insulting her.]


    The bulletments erupted into another argument.


    Meanwhile, the other students were terrified and started shouting, "He''s hitting someone! An adult is hitting a child!"


    Then they ran out to find a teacher.


    Sheng Yuxiao was thoroughly annoyed, thinking this was really fucking ridiculous.


    Thest person he''d fought was the young master of Yuan Corporation.


    These kids weren''t even worth his fists.


    Just then, Sheng Yuxiao felt someone gently tugging at his sleeve.


    He turned to look and saw Li Xiaoya standing on her tiptoes. Her face showed neither fear nor anger.


    She just looked at him seriously and said, "Wang Xiaozhi''s mom is very fierce. She''ll make us pay."


    Wang Xiaozhi was obviously the boy''s name.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t let go, allowing the boy to keep kicking desperately. He calmly looked at Li Xiaoya and said, "You know what I have more than anything else?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, bewildered.


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "Money. I have enough money to beat him up 800 times."


    When Wang Xiaozhi heard "800 times," not realizing it was an exaggeration, he imagined his head being ttened and let out an even more terrified scream from his throat.


    "Mom! Mom! Save me!"


    The bulletments were immediately shocked: [To be able to say such things, as expected of you, Young Master Sheng]

 Chapter 8: Is Li Xiaoya your brother

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    The teacher in charge of the third grade was named Wei.


    Teacher Wei was a local, just not from Li Family Vige.


    As he approached the ssroom, he happened to hear Sheng Yuxiao''s boast, "I''ll beat him 800 times!"


    Arrogant!


    Absolutely too arrogant!


    Teacher Wei''s face tightened, and he pushed the door open loudly. The door collided with the wall, resounding a solid "bang."


    Teacher Wei thought such a disy should be quite intimidating.


    Consequently, he cleared his throat and questioned, "Who''s causing trouble here?"


    Sheng Yuxiao turned around.


    Once Teacher Wei met his face, his first reaction was that this kind of person shouldn''t be here.


    Then, Teacher Wei remembered that there seemed to be some program or something filming at the school recently.


    "Are you part of the production crew?" burst out Teacher Wei.


    "Well, finally someone with insight," remarked Sheng Yuxiao, his tone equally arrogant.


    Teacher Wei��s face paled, "No matter who you are, how could you bully our students here?"


    "Let go!" he shouted, trying to wrench Sheng Yuxiao''s arm free. Despite Sheng Yuxiao looking young, Teacher Wei couldn��t move his arm despite his best efforts.


    Li Xiaoya urgently tugged on Sheng Yuxiao''s sleeve at that moment.


    Only then did Sheng Yuxiao let go, and the boy fell back into his seat.


    The boy broke into tears, "I''m going to be beaten to death! I want my mom! I want my mom!��


    Sheng Yuxiao scoffed, "Cowardly thing. You were so bold earlier, weren''t you?��


    Teacher Wei wanted to reprimand him for his audacity, but as he caught Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze, he was at a loss for words.


    Holding his breath, Teacher Wei decided the situation was severe, so he went straight to the principal''s office and called Wang Xiaozhi''s mother.


    Wang Xiaozhi''s family were pig butchers. His mother, d in a leather apron, brandishing a knife, came right over.


    "Who? Who beat my son?"


    "Come out!"


    Upon seeing the production crew holding knives, they were immediately petrified.


    How did things escte so quickly?


    The staff members immediately rushed forward.


    If something happened to Sheng Yuxiao, they wouldn''t be able to answer for it!


    But when they got there, they realised that Sheng Yuxiao was unfazed. The door opened, directly facing Wang Xiaozhi''s mother.


    Instantly, Wang Xiaozhi''s mother felt the imposing demeanour of the affluent young master. His aura was something entirely unencountered in their remote vige.


    She hesitated for a moment, gripping her knife tightly.


    "Who are you intending to butcher?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    Shaking off her daze, Wang Xiaozhi��s Mother gritted her teeth, "I''ll ughter whoever bullied my son!��


    Her ents was heavy, but it was easier to understand than the folks from Li Family Vige.


    Sheng Yuxiao nced at the production crew, "Why are you standing there? Call the police. Consider it a contribution to their end-of-year performance. No need to thank me."


    Everyone was stunned.


    Yet, Wang Xiaozhi''s Mother scoffed, "Go ahead! Report me! I''m not afraid of you! The police station chief is my son��s third grand uncle!��


    Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoya tensed.


    She kept tugging at Sheng Yuxiao''s sleeve, urging him to run.


    Sheng Yuxiao remained as immovable as a mountain, "Alright then." He looked at the production crew, "Give my father a call. Tell him his son is about to be shed to death here. See if there��s any SWAT nearby willing toe to the rescue."


    The production team was going frantic: "Please, let''s just record the show, don''t cause a scene. Otherwise, the whole county will be in an uproar."


    This ce was poverty-stricken, and not just in the mountains. The towns, the counties, the city: the entire province was far from wealthy.


    With Sheng Yuxiaoing to record a show here, he was essentially a walking benefactor.


    If something happened to him, it would severely dampen the spirits of the investors, causing havoc. Isn''t that enough to stir up the entire county?


    Wang Xiaozhi''s Mother, who wasn��t worldly, seemed puzzled, evidently figuring from the production team''s words that the young man before her was someone of significant importance...


    The principal arrived at this moment, promptly persuading Wang Xiaozhi''s Mother.


    Pulling her to the side and lowering his voice, the principal said, "Have you lost your mind? Do you know who he is?"


    Most people here were interconnected in some way, and the principal had no intention of causing a scene.


    Wang Xiaozhi''s Mother opened her mouth: "How should I know? Who is he, talking so arrogantly?"


    The principal was exasperated: "Don��t act all important when you don��t even know who he is. Enough, give me the knife. Go, apologize."


    "Apologize?"


    "Go, quickly! If you don��t, I''ll have your husband''s name removed from your family register."


    This threat was horrifying, even more effective than sending her to jail.


    Wang Xiaozhi��s Mother��s expression changed as she stumbled over: "I��m sorry for the offense." She finished her apology, ring at her crying son: "What are you crying for? Come home with me."


    "Hold on, you haven��t apologized yet." Sheng Yuxiao wouldn��t let things slide. Even if his parents showed up, he would act the same.


    Wang Xiaozhi''s Mother said in astonishment, "I apologized to you just now."


    Sheng Yuxiao pointed at her son: "I mean him."


    His face darkened: "I brought Li Xiaoya to school, and all I heard as I entered was him calling her a whore, something you taught him. Now, apologize to Li Xiaoya."


    A cool autumn breeze swept across the yground, brushing against Li Xiaoya''s face.


    Li Xiaoya looked up, only to understand that the older brother beside her seemed to be angry on her behalf...


    "Well, that�� it''s merely a colloquialism, not an insult. Our vige people just speak like that, we��re not as eloquent as you!" Wang Xiaozhi''s Mother began indignantly.


    Sheng Yuxiao smirked: "So, it''s a colloquialism, huh? Then you should be perfectly fine calling your son a ��bastard��, three times and we can move on."


    Wang Xiaozhi''s Mother''s face froze.


    As Wang Xiaozhi cried, he protested: "I''m not a bastard, I''m not."


    Right then, the principal coughed.


    Wang Xiaozhi''s Mother took a deep breath, struggling to muster her voice: "Bastard, bastard, bastard."


    After saying it three times, she dragged her son away: "Let''s go home."


    A crowd ofments began to flood in:


    ��So satisfying!��


    ��Sheng Yuxiao is awesome��


    With that, the mother and son exited in disgrace, not daring to look back for fear of being forced to call out even more derogatory terms.


    The breath Sheng Yuxiao had caught in his chest finally released, and he reached up to pat Li Xiaoya''s head: "Alright, go to ss now."


    Complete silence permeated the surroundings, no one dared to speak out of turn.


    The innocent little ones, who understood little of the world, now regarded Sheng Yuxiao with newfound awe.


    They did notprehend much, they only knew that Wang Xiaozhi''s mother, so fierce, so domineering, was put in her ce by him.


    Li Xiaoya got the inside scoop after spending half a day in school, and the news spread like wildfire��


    Incredible! Li Xiaoya has a brother! A very intimidating brother! Even more fearsome than Wang Xiaozhi''s mother!


    "Li Xiaoya, Li Xiaoya," her desk mate leaned over out of the blue.


    She asked curiously, "Is he really your brother?"


    She wore an envious expression, "I wish I had a brother like that. My brother only grabs my books and pens."


    Li Xiaoya''s pencil grip tightened involuntarily, and her heart started pounding.


    She wished.


    She wished he were her brother.


    But she drops her gaze and says honestly, "No, he''s not my brother."


    After the show recording, he would depart.

 Chapter 9: Netizens Shocked

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    Li Xiaoya''s deskmate let out an "oh" and immediately lost interest in chatting with her.


    Li Xiaoya was used to being given the cold shoulder and lowered her head to diligently take notes in her book.


    At noon, it was time for lunch.


    Li Xiaoya took out her lunchbox from a cloth bag. As soon as she went outside, she saw Sheng Yuxiao standing on the yground.


    Shitou School only had one PE teacher, who was now having a basketball shootingpetition with Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao, with his long legs and arms, raised his hand, the muscles in his arm flowing smoothly as he held the basketball and effortlessly tossed it.


    Three-pointer!


    The PE teacher eximed in amazement, "Kids these days are so impressive!"


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t respond. He suddenly turned his head and caught sight of Li Xiaoya.


    She stood there all alone, clutching an aluminum lunchbox.


    He strode over to her with his long legs and asked, "Lunch?"


    Li Xiaoya sniffled and said with a touch of guilt, "I forgot to bring your lunchbox."


    She opened her lunchbox, keeping the lid for herself and handing the container to Sheng Yuxiao. "You can use this to eat."


    Sheng Yuxiao swallowed the words "aluminum lunchboxes are toxic" that had almost escaped his lips.


    He took the container and said, "Alright."


    The school had a small cafeteria, less than 80 square feet. Severalrge aluminum pans were lined up, containing steamed buns, eggs, dark pork noodles, oxidized stir-fried vegetables, and a pot of soup.


    Oh, it didn''t even look like soup, more like dishwater, Sheng Yuxiao thought.


    Li Xiaoya filled her portion of food.


    Then she led Sheng Yuxiao to sit on the steps outside the ssroom and shared half of her food with him.


    In the past, the young master Sheng would have considered this worse than pig slop.


    But now, the young master Sheng found it hard to refuse.


    Li Xiaoya found a tree branch, peeled off the bark, washed it clean with water, and it became Sheng Yuxiao''s chopsticks.


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his head and took a couple of bites.


    ...It tasted fucking awful.


    He couldn''t help but look at Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya hadn''t eaten yet. She was busy stuffing steamed buns and boiled eggs into her pockets.


    Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow, "What are you doing?"


    Li Xiaoya said, "Taking them for Grandpa."


    Three words popped into Sheng Yuxiao''s mind again �� too bitter.


    Her life was too bitter.


    Her grandfather was such a jerk, yet she still had to save food for him.


    But then he heard Li Xiaoya pause and say, "The egg is for you."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s breath caught, and those three words in his mind instantly changed to �� too sweet.


    Li Xiaoya continued, "City people like eggs, right?"


    So she was saving it for him.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s breathing returned to normal, but his mind kept repeating, Li Xiaoya is so damn adorable!


    The online viewers were also stunned behind their screens.


    [This Li Xiaoya is really... too good, too good!]


    *


    How cking off was Sheng Yuxiao?


    As soon as Li Xiaoya went to ss, he rushed to the principal''s office to take a nap.


    Library corner volunteer? Nonexistent!


    The audience was speechless:


    [Without Li Xiaoya, it''s suddenly be less interesting]


    [It''s okay, I can watch Sheng Yuxiao''s sleeping face for a long time]


    [Who knows what''s happening with Li Qingqing?]


    [We''ve all forgotten. Young Master Sheng''s story is too captivating, we''ve been following it without realizing...]


    Meanwhile.


    Li Qingqing finally met the owner of the vi, Sheng Yuxiao''s father, Sheng Jun.


    Sheng Jun was handsome and gentle in demeanor. He was the opposite of his wife, Xu Qii.


    He didn''t look like a businessman, but rather a schr.


    "Li Qingqing, right? I''m sorry, your uncle and aunt have been quite busytely. Are you feelingfortable staying here?" Sheng Jun gave a gentle smile.


    Although Li Qingqing was only nine years old now, the nine-year-old body housed the soul of a reincarnated adult.


    In her previous life, she had to rely on sugar daddies to maintain her high-consumption, refined lifestyle.


    But how could those nouveau richepare to Sheng Jun?


    Seeing such a handsome, cultured, and wealthy mature man, Li Qingqing couldn''t help but blush, her heart rate quickening.


    Her voice was as soft as a mosquito''s buzz, "I''mfortable, thank you for your concern, Uncle."


    Seeing this, Sheng Jun couldn''t help but sigh, "We''ve never had a girl in our family, it''s nice to finally have a youngdy around."


    Li Qingqing thought, is this why Li Xiaoya was adopted in her previous life?


    She blurted out, "Why don''t you have one? Does Auntie not want to have a baby?"


    Sheng Jun looked at her in surprise.


    Li Qingqing immediately realized she had misspoken. This wasn''t something a little girl would say.


    Li Qingqing quickly tried to salvage the situation: "I have a magic wand, you know. I can make a baby appear for Auntie."


    Sheng Jun stared at her for two seconds, thenughed and said, "Haha, let''s not do that. Having Sheng Yuxiao around is enough to give your aunt a headache. Do you know who Sheng Yuxiao is?"


    Li Qingqing timidly asked, "Is he my brother?"


    Sheng Jun hesitated for a moment, then said, "I suppose you could call him that."


    Li Qingqing said, "I saw the awards hanging on brother''s wall. There were so many. Brother is very outstanding, why do you say he gives Auntie a headache?"


    Li Qingqing was trying her best to praise Sheng Yuxiao. After all, what parent doesn''t like hearing others praise their son?


    But Sheng Jun wasn''t moved by her thoughtful words. Instead, his expression changed slightly, "You went into Yuxiao''s room?"


    Li Qingqing was startled by his reaction and asked helplessly, "I''m... I''m sorry. The butler said I could walk around if I was bored, so I..."


    Sheng Jun''s expression softened a bit, "Well, then it''s not your fault. But don''t go in there again."


    Li Qingqing dug her nails into her palm, never expecting to have made such a mistake here.


    "Yuxiao has a bit of a temper. If hees back and finds out someone''s been in his room, he''ll get angry. Even your aunt and I can''t stop him," Sheng Jun said with resignation.


    Li Qingqing had originally hoped that her family could curry favor with Sheng Yuxiao. If she could be adopted and live under the same roof with him every day, maybe she could even be the Sheng family''s daughter-inw in the future.


    But now, knowing Sheng Yuxiao''s bad temper and that he had been led astray by Li Xiaoya, Li Qingqing couldn''t help but nurture another thought in her heart.


    If only I weren''t just nine years old.


    I could give Mr. Sheng children.


    If he wants a daughter, I''d give him a daughter. If he wants an obedient son, I''d give him an obedient son.


    She knew that "artists" like Xu Qii paid great attention to maintaining their bodies. The Sheng family not having a second child was probably because Xu Qii didn''t want to give birth.


    Li Qingqing dug her nails into her palm again, frustrated by the limitations of her small body.


    "Uncle, have some tea." Li Qingqing suppressed her many thoughts and attentively poured water for Sheng Jun.


    [Li Qingqing is still quite likable, isn''t she?]


    [Who wouldn''t love such a thoughtful little darling?]


    [Wait, am I the only one who thinks her way of speaking is a bit odd today?]


    [+1, she''s being overly polite... uh.]


    [What''s wrong with you all? She''s just a child, and you''re calling her fake?]


    Thements section erupted into an argument.


    The scene then switched to Sheng Yuxiao.


    As the school bell rang, signaling the end of sses, Sheng Yuxiao finally caught up on his sleep. He got up, stretched his limbs, and headed out to pick up Li Xiaoya from school.


    When others saw Sheng Yuxiao, they immediately kept a meter''s distance.


    By the time Sheng Yuxiao picked up Li Xiaoya, no one dared toe within a meter of them.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t find anything wrong with this and confidently led Li Xiaoya out.


    He was full of energy now, taking long strides that Li Xiaoya''s short legs couldn''t keep up with.


    "Wait, wait for me."


    Sheng Yuxiao bent down, picked her up, and continued walking.


    Li Xiaoya was stunned for a moment before finding her voice again. She asked, "Why were you angry today?"


    Sheng Yuxiao replied, "Can''t you tell? Of course, it''s because they insulted you."


    "You carefree little thing, howe you''re not angry at all?" he shook his head helplessly.


    Li Xiaoya maintained her serious tone: "Them insulting me is their business. If they call me a little bitch, does that make me one?"


    Li Xiaoya firmly stated, "I''m not a little bitch, so I won''t get angry."


    Even though the words were so vulgar,ing from her mouth, they sounded remarkably pure.


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but smile: "Well, well, looks like we have a little philosopher here."


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head, her hair a mess: "What''s a philosopher? Can you eat it?"


    "No, you can''t eat it."


    "Oh."


    Thement section was once again stunned.


    [Thank you, as an adult, I feel healed by these words. My life isn''t defined by others, let the rumors go with the wind.]


    [Is she really the Li Xiaoya with the bad reputation that the vigers talk about? Doubt.jpg]

 Chapter 10: The Adults Lie

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    Li Xiaoya brought back some steamed buns for Grandpa Li, who angrily threw them away.


    Grandpa Li shouted, "Where''s the contract? Why haven''t you signed a contract with me?"


    Just as Li Xiaoya was about to exin, Sheng Yuxiao swept her up in his arms and carried her off.


    "You haven''t shown me where I''m going to sleep yet," Sheng Yuxiao said.


    Li Xiaoya realized he was right and said, "Grandpa, hold your anger for a moment. I''ll be right back."


    Grandpa Li was left with his fury stuck in his throat, nearly choking him.


    Li Xiaoya showed Sheng Yuxiao where she slept.


    It was a rtively intact t area covered with tiles, next to a wall without holes.


    The "bed" was constructed by firstying down twoyers of cardboard from packaging boxes to keep out the damp, then ayer of clean cloth. On top of that was some torn cotton padding, and finally a bed sheet.


    Sheng Yuxiao nced at it, wondering if even the beggars under the bridge slept morefortably than this.


    However, while Li Xiaoya''s home was dpidated, she had kept everything spotlessly clean, inside and out.


    This "bed" was no exception.


    But Sheng Yuxiao was still angry.


    Because the only bed with four legs in the house was upied by Grandpa Li.


    Li Xiaoya, at such a young age, had to curl up in this makeshift bed, enduring night after difficult night.


    "What about winter?" Sheng Yuxiao asked, his throat tightening as he spoke.


    Li Xiaoyay down to demonstrate.


    She curled up into a tight ball, hugging herself, and said, "This way it''s not too cold."


    She looked like a skinny, pitiful animal cub.


    He knew it!


    Li Xiaoya''s family couldn''t afford heating!


    "Where''s the coat I gave you?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    Li Xiaoya pointed.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked and saw his oversized coat hanging from a beam, washed clean.


    He walked over and touched it. It was still damp.


    This awful weather.


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "When it''s dry, wear it to sleep. You won''t be as cold then."


    Li Xiaoya nodded obediently, then asked, "Where will you sleep?"


    Li Xiaoya''s house was so small that there was even a risk of it copsing in the middle of the night.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze swept around the room, finally settling on the empty space next to Li Xiaoya''s "bed". He pointed and said, "How about here?"


    A glimmer of starlight appeared in Li Xiaoya''s eyes.


    She seemed a bit happy, but the happiness vanished as quickly as it hade, as if she had been taught from birth not to indulge in joy.


    She went to set up a bed for Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao, who was utterly useless at household chores at home, was moved to action by his basic male pride and instinct to protect the weak.


    He worked with Li Xiaoya to somehow put together a "bed".


    When they finished, Li Xiaoya turned to him and asked, "How is it? Can you sleep here?"


    There was a glimmer of hope in her eyes.


    Sheng Yuxiao swallowed the words that had been on the tip of his tongue and said, "Of course, it''s no big deal. When I graduated from middle school, I went with some friends to climb Mount Triv. The conditions there were... well, pretty rough too. We all had to sleep in tents, and the tents were even smaller than this room..."


    Li Xiaoya cupped her face in her hands, listening intently as he spoke about apletely different, brand new world.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s desire to share stories found full satisfaction with Li Xiaoya.


    In the pauses of his narration, he nced down at Li Xiaoya, finding her more and more endearing.


    She was so well-behaved.


    If he had a sister like her, his friends would be insanely jealous.


    Li Xiaoya listened attentively for a long time before quietly asking, "What''s Mount Triv?"


    Sheng Yuxiao was amazed that she had remembered the mountain''s name perfectly, without missing a single syble.


    Then he smiled and said, "It''s a mountain."


    [Mount Triv is located in Slovenia, Europe, and is a famous outdoor sports destination]


    Some viewers in thements were quite knowledgeable.


    [Rich kids have it so good, able to go abroad with friends to climb mountains right after graduating from middle school]


    [As expected of Young Master Sheng. Mount Triv is very difficult to climb. People in their country believe that only those who can reach its peak deserve to be called brave. Young Master Sheng was only fourteen or fifteen at the time]


    Sheng Yuxiao, for reasons unknown even to himself, suddenly felt a very strong desire.


    He said, "I''ll take you there someday if we get the chance."


    The child before him, even though she grew up in such a squalid vige, had a radiance that could not be erased.


    She deserved to leave this ce, to go to broader horizons, to be seen by everyone in her lovable state.


    But Li Xiaoya just smiled sweetly and said nothing.


    "Dad wille back for you."


    "Xiaoya, Dad loves you very much. Trust Dad, the world out there is beautiful, very beautiful. Dad will go out there to make lots of money, and thene back for you."


    That''s what Li Xiaoya''s father had said when he left.


    She had cried herself to sleep that night, and the next day, vigers broke down their door, saying that Li Xiaoya''s father had run off with their money.


    So from a very young age, she learned that adults could lie.


    Sheng Yuxiao patted her head at this moment and said, "Wash your face, brush your teeth, and go to sleep."


    Li Xiaoya looked up at him with a smile and said, "Mm."


    [To be honest, Li Xiaoya''s face is really too beautiful. She doesn''t look at all like a child who grew up in a mountain vige]


    [Ah, I can''t stand her, she''s so good at ying hard to get. When Sheng Yuxiao said he''d take her along, she didn''t respond, just smiled.]


    [So young, yet so calcting]


    Li Xiaoya was unaware of how she was being evaluated online. She and Sheng Yuxiao shared some potatoes and the eggs she had brought back from school.


    It was a pitiful sight.


    After barely filling their stomachs, they squatted on the doorstep to wash their faces and brush their teeth, then spit out the mouthwash.


    "You didn''t spit as far as me," Sheng Yuxiao smacked his lips and patted Li Xiaoya''s head again.


    The viewers were both amused and exasperated: [So Young Master Sheng can be this childish too]


    [Does that mean he''spletely rxed around Li Xiaoya?]


    [...Stop praising Li Xiaoya already.]


    Off-camera, they bothy down on their "beds".


    Except Sheng Yuxiao was covered with a downforter provided by the production team, while Li Xiaoya was still using her old, tattered quilt.


    In the darkness of night, shey with her clear eyes wide open, without a hint of resentment for her changed circumstances.


    Sheng Yuxiao had napped in the principal''s office during the day, so he wasn''t particrly sleepy now. Li Xiaoya watched him toss and turn, and mimicking a vague memory of how her mother used to lull her to sleep, she opened her mouth and softly sang:


    "The stars in the sky are silent, the children on earth miss their mamas..."


    The little girl''s voice was thin and gentle, surpassing all the white noise Sheng Yuxiao had ever listened to.


    Sheng Yuxiao closed his eyes, feeling an unusual sense of calm from the inside out... and without realizing it, he actually fell asleep.


    [There''s a feeling of being healed.]


    [Come to think of it, if her father ran off with the money, what about her mother?]


    [People from her vige said online that her mother had an affair and ran off with someone too.]


    [...Damn.]


    Combined with the faint singing voice in the dark scene, theizens'' emotions once again becameplex.


    The next day, Sheng Yuxiao woke up unusually early.


    He got up and straightened his wrinkled clothes, then strode to Grandpa Li''s bedside.


    Grandpa Li woke up with a start, involuntarily stuttering, "W-what are you going to do?"


    He had shouted about the "contract" for a long time yesterday with no response, leaving his voice hoarse today.


    "The show said they gave you a thousand yuan."


    "What? You want to take it back? No way!" Grandpa Li finished and then cursed a few times in dialect, his words jumbled.

 Chapter 11: Transform Your Metamorphosis into a Raising Game

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled,pletely unfazed by his impotent rage.


    "I don''t understand what you''re saying, but it doesn''t matter. As long as you can understand me. Do you know who I am?"


    Grandpa Li looked at him, puzzled. Hadn''t this person already introduced himself? He said his name was Sheng Yuxiao and he was here from the city to film a show.


    "I''m very wealthy. My father is the CEO of Sheng Corporation, and my mother''s paintings sell for three million yuan each. However, my mother thinks my temperament is too poor, so she sent me to this impoverished mountain vige to toughen up. I don''t have any money on me right now, so give me a thousand yuan to live on for a month here. After a month, I can give you as much as you want."


    What? A painting sold for three million yuan?


    Not thirty thousand, but three million!


    Grandpa Li''s jaw dropped.


    That was more money than he could ever dream of seeing in his lifetime.


    Grandpa Li awkwardly forced out a sentence in strange-sounding Mandarin: "You, you really mean it?"


    "Don''t believe me?" Sheng Yuxiao tapped the miniature camera on his chest. "The camera is rolling. The whole country can see my promise to you. Are you still afraid I''ll go back on my word?"


    Grandpa Li stared intently at the camera, his breathing quickened.


    After a while, he couldn''t resist the enormous temptation. Befriending such a wealthy person was clearly more beneficial than just taking a thousand yuan. I''m not stupid.


    Grandpa Li put on a ingratiating smile, pulled the money out from his underwear, and handed it to Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    He epted it, fighting the urge to vomit, then immediately went to the Chief Director to ask for change. The Chief Director was confused but couldn''t refuse this reasonable request.


    "Where did Young Master Sheng get this money from?" the Chief Director couldn''t help but ask.


    Sheng Yuxiao, holding a pile of small bills, raised an eyebrow and said: "From Li Xiaoya." "Oh, and lend me some alcohol spray. I need to wash my hands."


    Then he touched the camera on his chest, finally activating it. The camera''s red light started shing, entering its normal working state.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya, who had just woken up, sat up rubbing her eyes groggily, only to see Sheng Yuxiao ce a pile of money in front of her, saying, "Li Xiaoya, looks like you''ll be supporting me now."


    Li Xiaoya was shocked: "Where did thise from?"


    Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow: "I got it back from your grandfather. How about that? Pretty impressive, right?"


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes widened like a startled kitten.


    She knew her grandfather''s temperament. Once something was in his hands, it was impossible to get back...


    "Am I impressive?" Sheng Yuxiao asked again.


    Li Xiaoya nodded slightly, and whispered in his ear: "You''re like Ultraman."


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but burst intoughter.


    The atmosphere here was warm and cozy.


    Meanwhile, the Chief Director, holding the crisp bills, wrinkled his nose: "Why does it smell a bit?"


    *


    The deft-handed Li Xiaoya sewed a pocket onto Sheng Yuxiao''s clothes, and today they were about to bete for school.


    The viewers watching the live stream were twitching in difort: [That coat is worth 30,000 yuan! And she just poked holes in it with a needle and sewed on an ugly pocket! Oh my god!]


    [I mean, is Young Master Sheng being a bit too indulgent?]


    The next moment, Li Xiaoya stuffed all the money into Sheng Yuxiao''s pocket, patted it twice: it was now bulging: and said, "This way it won''t get lost."


    Sheng Yuxiao was taken aback and said, "Why are you giving it to me? This is thepensation money the show gave you."


    Li Xiaoya looked up at him: "Only adults can protect it properly!"


    Sheng Yuxiao, who wouldn''t turn eighteen until next year, was instantly amused. He nodded and said, "Yes, it''s an adult''s responsibility. I''ll keep the money safe for you."


    The viewers in thement section were a bit more perceptive.


    Someone curiously asked: [Does Li Xiaoya have this awareness because she''s had money stolen from her before?]


    [How is that possible? It would be good enough if she didn''t scam others]


    [Why are you all so certain that Li Xiaoya is a bad kid?]


    [That''s what everyone in Li Family Vige says! If one or two people say it, it might be nder. But if the whole vige says so, is it still nder?]


    [...]


    Meanwhile, Sheng Yuxiao pulled out two one-yuan notes from his pocket and ced them in Li Xiaoya''s palm: "But kids need money to buy snacks too. Here, take these."


    He thought about how he, Young Master Sheng, had never experienced such a frugal moment before.


    Now he was handing out two yuan as if it meant something!


    Sheng Yuxiao shook the thought out of his head and said, "Let''s go to school!"


    So the tall one and the small one set off for school.


    While Li Xiaoya was in ss, Sheng Yuxiao went to upy the principal''s office. The show''s crew couldn''t bear to watch anymore and couldn''t help but ask: "Don''t you n to do some volunteer work? Earn some points?"


    "Earn points?" Sheng Yuxiao leaned back in his chair, his posture rxed. "What for?"


    "Your phone... don''t you want it back?"


    "Hmm." Sheng Yuxiao thought for a moment, then uttered a few words, "There''s nothing fun on it anyway."


    The crew was dumbfounded.


    If he had no motivation at all, how were they supposed to film this show?


    Just then, the bell rang for ss dismissal. Sheng Yuxiao got up and walked to the window, looking outside.


    Suddenly, he pointed at a little girl in the yground and asked the crew: "What do you think of this hairstyle?"


    The crew: "Huh?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said: "I''ve found something to do."


    With that, he pushed open the door and went out.


    The crew hurriedly followed, worried that this troublemaker might go and intimidate the little girl.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t intimidate the child. He just walked up, squatted down, and stared at her for a long time, until she started crying.


    He turned his face away, showing no intention offorting her, and said coolly: "Tomorrow I''ll do this hairstyle for Li Xiaoya. It''ll look especially cute on her head."


    The crew: ?


    The live stream viewers were also in a state of confusion:


    [This is ''Change Your Life'', not ''Raise a Child'', bro!]


    "Li Xiaoya! Li Xiaoya!" A series of shouts drew near. Although heavily ented, Sheng Yuxiao could still make out who was being called.


    Hearing the voice, Li Xiaoya immediately walked out of the ssroom and called out to the woman running towards her: "Aunt Man."


    Aunt Man, supporting herself on her knees, her obese body shaking slightly, panted as she spoke: "Your... your pig has broken out of its pen and run into your Seventh Uncle''s vegetable garden. If it keeps running... you''ll have to pay your uncle for the vegetables..."


    Li Xiaoya''s small face instantly changed expression, and she took off running.


    Sheng Yuxiao was still wondering when the Li family had started raising pigs.


    Seeing Li Xiaoya running towards the school gate, he worried about her small frame falling on the road in her haste.


    Sheng Yuxiao quickly chased after her.


    The show''s crew didn''t dare to fall behind either, hefting their cameras as they all followed along.


    The group ran back in a flurry.


    Li Xiaoya was covered in mud and looked pale. Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t bear to see her like that, so he scooped her up and carried her as he ran.


    The crew members behind them, still carrying heavy camera equipment, called out, "Don''t... don''t run so fast... Young Master Sheng... you''re going out of frame!"


    They couldn''t keep up with the young man''s explosive pace and felt utterly desperate.


    At the Sheng Family Vi.


    Xu Qii had finally returned home. She asked the butler, Uncle Fang, "Has the young master called back?"


    Uncle Fang replied, "No, he hasn''t."


    Xu Qii frowned slightly.


    She had seen the point system set up by the show''s production team. The conditions weren''t too harsh, and with Sheng Yuxiao''s abilities, he could quickly umte at least twenty points to exchange for phone usage rights.


    But Sheng Yuxiao hadn''t called home even once.


    Sheng Jun, who was nearby, said, "I asked his friends. They all said they haven''t seen him online on social media these past two days."


    As he spoke, Sheng Jun wore an expression of great satisfaction: "Is the show that effective? He''s been gone for two days and doesn''t even want to use his phone?"


    "I''m afraid it''s not going that smoothly," said Xu Qii, who knew her son''s temperament all too well.


    At this moment, Li Qingqing was hiding around the corner of the staircase, quietly observing Xu Qii in the living room below, listening to them discuss Sheng Yuxiao.


    She also wanted to know... how things were going now.


    Just then, Xu Qii suddenly had an idea and said, "Why don''t we watch their live stream? Then we''ll know what''s happening."


    Sheng Jun: "Ah?... That''s true."


    Sheng Jun immediately asked a servant to turn on the long-neglected television and switch to the live stream.


    On the huge TV screen, the scene was utter chaos.


    "Young Master Sheng! No! Wait!"


    "This is dangerous! Something bad will happen!"


    These were the panicked cries of the staff members.


    "Oink oink! Oink oink!"


    These were the ambiguous squeals of a pig.


    The billionaire Mr. Sheng and the great artist Mrs. Xu looked closely and saw a young girl riding on the back of a pig. The pig was running wildly in front, with their son chasing frantically behind.


    Mr. Sheng: "..."


    Mrs. Xu: "..."


    Even the brilliant Mrs. Xu couldn''t help but look bewildered at this moment: "Is chasing a pig really so enjoyable that he''s forgotten everything else?"

 Chapter 12: Li Qingqing is Suspected

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    Under the pursuit of the TV crew, with Sheng Yuxiao chasing relentlessly behind, the pig was finally caught.


    Sheng Yuxiao heaved a long sigh, sweating profusely from the run.


    "Li Xiaoya, you''re too daring," Sheng Yuxiao said sternly, grabbing the little girl by the scruff of her neck, like picking up a cat.


    Li Xiaoya leaned back slightly, meeting Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze.


    Her face was a picture of innocence and resilience, as if she was ustomed to handling such situations many times before... Without a hint of fear.


    Sheng Yuxiao exhaled, and as other staff members came to help, he swiftly picked Li Xiaoya up.


    "Do you know that if you fell and got stepped on, you could have lost your life?" Sheng Yuxiao scolded her fiercely.


    Li Xiaoya wasn''t intimidated. She looked up at him and said, "It doesn''t matter. My life is worthless, even if I die, it won''t be worth much."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression changed abruptly. "Who told you that?"


    Only then did Li Xiaoya sense the dangerous aura emanating from him. She said quietly, "They... they all say that..."


    Sheng Yuxiao took a deep breath, barely suppressing the anger surging in his heart.


    What kind of ce was this Li Family Vige?


    Weren''t there any responsible adults?


    He decided to take Li Xiaoya aside. They sat on the ridge of a field, watching the staff members carry the pig away.


    Sheng Yuxiao asked Li Xiaoya, "Do you have any dreams?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, bewildered.


    Sheng Yuxiao realized this concept might be too grand for a child to understand.


    He rephrased his question, "Do you miss the fourth grade?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "What about fifth and sixth grade? Do you want to keep studying?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded repeatedly. "I want to study... Mom said I should study."


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately said, "Then you must live on! You need to cherish your life to keep studying."


    Li Xiaoya lowered her head and dug at the soil with her toe. Last year, her grandfather didn''t want her to go to school anymore... She didn''t know how long she could persist. Perhaps that money could help her hold on a little longer.


    Sheng Yuxiao patted her head, a gesture that seemed unexpectedly gentle.


    Outside the TV screen, Sheng Yuxiao''s father''s jaw nearly hit the floor.


    "Since when did he be so patient?" Sheng Jun turned and asked his wife.


    Xu Qii, who had regained herposure, said, "It''s a rare sight."


    Meanwhile, Li Qingqing was leaning on the railing, her gaze fixed on the distant TV screen. Her hands gripped the railing tightly, her jealousy almost materializing and shooting towards Li Xiaoya.


    How could this be?


    How could this happen!


    Why was Sheng Yuxiao still so kind to her?


    That was Sheng Yuxiao, after all!


    Li Qingqing''s vision blurred for a moment as she thought of the adult Sheng Yuxiao. She had once been fortunate enough to encounter him at the airport.


    The young man moved forward slowly, surrounded by bodyguards. His face was handsome, his eyes sharp, like a beautiful arrow, unleashing his intimidating aura on those around him without reservation.


    As the heir to the Sheng Corporation, he was known for his ruthless tactics at a young age, intimidating countless people. But what shocked people the most was when he mentioned his sister in an interview, saying they were going to celebrate her birthday.


    The media was surprised at the time and asked, "When did Mrs. Xu have a second child?"


    Sheng Yuxiao replied, "She''s our family''s goddaughter."


    It was only after seeing this news that Li Qingqing slowly learned that the Sheng family''s goddaughter was actually Li Xiaoya from Li Family Vige! That dusty, parentless Li Xiaoya!


    From that moment on, she wished she could take Li Xiaoya''s ce and live that life of luxury.


    This time I won''t lose, how can I lose?


    Li Qingqing encouraged herself repeatedly, then slowly walked downstairs, pretending to have just woken up. She rubbed her eyes and said, "Has Auntie returned?"


    Xu Qii spared her a nce.


    Li Qingqing immediately disyed deep admiration: "I''ve finally met you! I''ve seen Auntie''s paintings, they''re so good! I love them!"


    "You''ve seen my paintings?" A sh of surprise crossed Xu Qii''s eyes.


    Li Qingqing nodded. "I''ve seen ''Spider Woman'', ''Breaking the Cocoon'', ''Death of the Moon''..." She rattled off several names of Xu Qii''s paintings.


    She continued, "My favorite is ''Breaking the Cocoon''. In the transparent cocoon, a helpless girl is curled up. At this moment, a hand reaches out, bloody, piercing through the cocoon wall, touching the girl''s abdomen. The girl''s abdomen splits open, revealing a corner of a butterfly wing..."


    "It''s very impactful. The viewer can directly perceive the unyielding will to break free from the cocoon. When she is determined, the world also extends a helping hand to her, clearing away her constraints."


    "The colors in this painting are intense..."


    Li Qingqing spoke eloquently, her words substantial.


    She was certain she could touch Xu Qii''s heart.


    After all, these were the words of a famous critic, copied verbatim. They couldn''t be wrong!


    Sheng Jun eximed in surprise, "Unexpected."


    The danmu also said: [Wow, Li Qingqing knows so much]


    [For a girl from the countryside to have such insight is amazing]


    Li Qingqing finished speaking confidently, then looked at Xu Qii''s expression.


    What she saw made her freeze.


    She realized Xu Qii was... scrutinizing her.


    That''s right, not admiring, no pleasant surprise, but a cool scrutiny.


    Why was this happening?


    Li Qingqing timidly asked, "Auntie, did I say something wrong?"


    Xu Qii spoke without mercy: "Who taught you to say these things?"


    Li Qingqing clenched her hands: "Auntie, what do you mean? I don''t understand..."


    Xu Qii frowned slightly: "This doesn''t sound like something a child your age would say."


    Li Qingqing felt a surge of hatred, not expecting Xu Qii to be so unsympathetic. She wanted to retort, asking if Xu Qii had never seen a genius before!


    But Li Qingqing didn''t dare, so she could only look at Xu Qii with a hurt expression.


    At this moment, Xu Qii turned to her husband: "Doesn''t this speech style sound familiar?"


    Sheng Jun hesitated for a moment: "...It sounds like what Zhao Quan would say whenmenting on your paintings."


    Li Qingqing''s heart sank.


    Zhao Quan was that famous critic.


    He actually knew the Sheng couple!


    [Isn''t Sheng Yuxiao''s mother being a bit too picky? Why is she giving such a hard time to this little girl? I think Li Qingqing did very well]


    [+1, Li Qingqing was clearly trying to please her, but got a cold shoulder in return, ugh]


    [Speechless. Do you guys have any brains? No wonder she''s a great artist, and you''re just keyboard warriors. Ms. Xu wasn''t wrong; Li Qingqing definitely couldn''t havee up with those words on her own.]


    By this time, tears were already streaming down Li Qingqing''s face. "Did... did I say something wrong? Auntie, please don''t be angry."


    Xu Qii slowly stood up. "I''m a bit tired. I''ll go rest now."


    Sheng Jun immediately got up as well, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Mm, you have to fly abroad tomorrow. Come on, I''ll go run your bath water."


    Li Qingqing stood there helplessly, her heart being eaten away by jealousy.


    Why would a big shot like Sheng Jun personally run bath water for his wife?


    Xu Qii turned to go upstairs. After a few steps, she felt it wasn''t quite right to leave the young girl like that, so she patted her husband''s arm. "Say a few words tofort her."


    Sheng Jun nodded, smiling as he said, "Alright. I''ve actually imagined before how I''d console a daughter if we had one. I guess today''s the perfect opportunity to put that into practice."


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya and Sheng Yuxiao were still huffing and puffing as they repaired the pigsty.


    "...It stinks so bad!" Sheng Yuxiao suddenly raised his head, exhaling heavily.


    How on earth did he, the dignified young master, end up in this situation?


    The audience was wondering the same thing.


    [Heir to a billion-dor fortune, reduced to repairing pigsties in a vige! Is this a twisted human nature or a moral decline?]


    [It must be Li Xiaoya''s magical influence]

 Chapter 13: The Rival of the Grand Young Master

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    In the camera frame, Li Xiaoya turned around and tightened the cloth covering his face.


    "You should go rest," Li Xiaoya said softly.


    Although Sheng Yuxiao had beenining, he obediently continuedying bricks, saying, "How can I leave just a kid here to fix the pigsty?"


    To pass the time, Sheng Yuxiao asked with a hint of irritation, "Why didn''t you call me earlier when you were feeding the pigs? I didn''t even know your family kept pigs."


    Li Xiaoya replied quietly, "Because it''s very dirty. You''d throw up if you saw it."


    Sheng Yuxiao wanted to say that a grown man wouldn''t be so delicate.


    But at that moment, the stench still filled his nostrils.


    Alright.


    It was quite nauseating.


    He probably wouldn''t be able to eat dinner tonight.


    The two finally finished repairing the pigsty.


    Sheng Yuxiao asked, "This should be sturdy now, right?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded, then shook her head, "They might still escape after a while."


    Sheng Yuxiao was puzzled, "Are the materials not strong enough?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "Then why not use something sturdier?" As soon as the words left his mouth, Sheng Yuxiao realized why. Of course, it was because of money.


    Sheng Yuxiao sighed heavily.


    He never looked at the numbers when swiping his card in stores, so he had never considered that "a single penny can bring down a hero" was actually true.


    "You''re hungry," Li Xiaoya stated confidently.


    Sheng Yuxiao touched his stomach at her words. He was a bit hungry.


    Li Xiaoya scurried into the house, "I''ll make you some food."


    Since they hadn''t finished sses today, they couldn''t get food from the cafeteria, so they had to cook for themselves.


    When Sheng Yuxiao followed her inside, he saw that Li Xiaoya had already changed her clothes and washed off the dirt.


    She set up a small stool in front of the stove, ready to start cooking.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked down at his own hands.


    For the first time, the young master Sheng felt like he was being made to look utterly useless.


    Although he thought he wouldn''t have an appetite after fixing the pigsty, young master Sheng couldn''t refuse the food Li Xiaoya made.


    Mushrooms were fried with a tiny bit ofrd, then mixed with chopped greens and mashed potatoes. It smelled irresistible.


    After the first bite, his appetite was instantly awakened, and the young master tearfully devoured tworge bowls.


    *


    At the Sheng family vi.


    As the morning light filled the hall, Xu Qii, who had to go out on business, had risen early. She sat at the dining table and soon heard careful footsteps.


    She turned to look and saw Li Qingqing.


    "Auntie, I... I want to apologize to you," Li Qingqing stammered.


    "Apologize for what?"


    "I... I said something wrong yesterday, and it upset you?"


    "..." Xu Qii was a bit exasperated. She couldn''t understand what was going on in such a young girl''s mind. She said coldly, "No need to apologize."


    Li Qingqing tugged at her skirt.


    It was a wee gift from the Sheng family, a Chanel dress.


    Her eyes instantly filled with tears, "Auntie, please don''t hate me. I, I really like you. I also like painting, I... I want to learn painting from you..."


    Xu Qii rubbed her temples, "You want to learn painting?"


    "Yes, yes."


    Xu Qii wanted to say that she had no talent or aesthetic sense. But as the words reached her lips, she swallowed them back. Instead, she said diplomatically, "You misinterpreted my painting. You should first read more books like ''The Philosophy of Art'' and ''500 Years of Still Life Colors''..."


    Li Qingqing stood there, frozen.


    She had deliberately turned on the camera when she came, wanting the audience to see Xu Qii''s coldness and cruelty, as well as her own pitiful state and sincere admiration.


    She never expected that Xu Qii was implying... that she hadn''t read enough?


    Li Qingqing didn''t believe she had misinterpreted anything.


    After all, most of the critics had interpreted it simrly.


    Xu Qii was just deliberately making things difficult for her!


    She gave up trying to understand how Li Xiaoya had managed in her previous life.


    Since Xu Qii looked down on her, she would make Xu Qii regret it!


    [Li Qingqing is so pitiful]


    [Pitiful my foot, doesn''t anyone else think she''s trying too hard for attention?]


    [To be honest, the young master Sheng''s side is more interesting to watch]


    [+1, I''m going back to watch the vige life, bye]


    The scene switched.


    Sheng Yuxiao and Li Xiaoya were squatting outside the doorstep again, brushing their teeth and washing their faces.


    The icy water made young master Sheng shiver. He frowned and said, "If this keeps up, next year I''ll be able topete with that idiot Qin Sui in winter swimming."


    Li Xiaoya looked confused and asked, "What''s ''that idiot Qin Sui''?"


    Sheng Yuxiaoughed, pressing his cold hand on the back of Li Xiaoya''s neck, amused to see the little girl shiver from the cold. He grinned mischievously.


    Then he said, "It''s a person."


    Li Xiaoya rested her chin on her hand, "This is the first time I''ve heard such a long name for a person."


    "Haha, Qin Sui is his name, the rest is an adjective."


    Sheng Yuxiao paused, his expression turning slightly serious as he advised Li Xiaoya, "In the future, if you meet him, don''t y with him. He''s a really bad person."


    Li Xiaoya nodded vigorously, indicating that she remembered. Although she thought she would never meet that whatever ''idiot Qin Sui'' anyway.


    The bulletments wereughing hysterically at this point.


    [The Qin family and the Sheng family are truly long-time enemies]


    [Can someone tell me who Qin Sui is?]


    [You know the SKP in Hai City? Yes, that top luxury mall that houses all the high-end brands. It belongs to his family.]


    [Someone tag him on Weibo? I want to see the drama!]


    @QinSui''s Weibo was flooded with a vast and chaotic stream of online information.


    However, the show "Exchange Lives" did genuinely trend on social media due to the young master chasing pigs.


    The trending topic spread so quickly that Sheng Yuxiao''s rival, the Qin family''s only son: Qin Sui, saw it on his friend''s phone.


    "Has Sheng Yuxiao been possessed?" Qin Sui''s reaction was identical to Xu Qii''s initial one.


    "This is too embarrassing. I can''t believe Sheng Yuxiao agreed to be on such a lousy show!" Qin Sui''s friend couldn''t help but exim.


    Someone leaned over and pointed at the little girl on the phone screen, "It''s because of her, right?"


    "Her? Who is she?"


    "A local viger from the show. She''s quite young, about six or seven years old. Sheng Yuxiao was originally supposed to film at the vige head''s house, but for some reason, he suddenly changed to her house."


    Qin Sui listened to their eager discussion, stood up, and uttered two words: "Boring."


    "Hey, hey, Young Master Qin, don''t leave. Don''t you want to watch Sheng Yuxiao make a fool of himself?"


    "Can''t be bothered to watch an idiot."


    After delivering this haughty statement, Qin Sui had his driver take him home.


    It was rare to see both Mr. and Mrs. Qin at home. As soon as Qin Sui entered, he felt the sound from the television was somewhat familiar. He turned his head to look.


    Who else could it be on the screen but Sheng Yuxiao?


    Why was this thing being watched everywhere?


    Qin Sui frowned, about to go upstairs.


    But then he heard his mother suddenly blurt out a terrifying statement: "Hey, I think Sheng Yuxiao''s transformation is really good now! Just by recording a show, the effect is so quick. Why don''t we send Qin Sui there to try it out too?"

 Chapter 14: Live Streaming Incident

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    In circles like Sheng Yuxiao''s, anyone you pick out would have a worth of over 10 billion.


    With vast wealth and a respected social status, one would think they''d have no worries.


    Except when ites to raising children.


    Mrs. Qin, with her gentle and considerate temperament, never imagined she''d give birth to a son with such a gloomy personality, never seen with a smile.


    Mrs. Qin often dreamed of her son bing a deranged serial killer and ending up behind bars.


    At first, Mrs. Qin thought her son had too few friends.


    So Qin Sui started making friends.


    Now, Qin Sui had countless followers, but his personality remained as gloomy as ever.


    As Mrs. Qin pondered this, she couldn''t help but start to tear up.


    Mr. Qin, a man of reserved character, saw his wife crying pitifully. He furrowed his brow and immediately made a decision: "Alright, let''s send him to try it out."


    Qin Sui had to interject: "Has anyone asked for my opinion?"


    Mr. Qin, as if he hadn''t heard, took out his phone and said: "Hold on, let me find the contact information for the show''s production team."


    Mrs. Qin nodded repeatedly while leaning against his arm.


    Qin Sui: "..."


    "Mother, Father, I won''t go."


    Mr. Qin, without turning back, said: "Good, I''ve got the phone number."


    Mrs. Qin eximed joyfully: "That''s wonderful!"


    Qin Sui: "..."


    The show''s executive director received an unexpected call: "Hello, who is this?"


    "This is Qin Haoming."


    The director thought to himself, who''s Qin Haoming? You should rify your specific identity! Whichpany are you from, are you here for coboration or what?


    These thoughts ran through the director''s mind, and then in a sh, he realized!


    Qin Haoming!


    The one and only Qin Haoming! The man who had opened luxury shopping malls all over the world, prominently featured on the Forbes list!


    He didn''t need to specify hispany or identity!


    "Mr... Mr. Qin?" The director stammered.


    Mr. Qin had actually called him personally!


    "Mm, I''ve seen your show. It''s not bad," Mr. Qin, being very busy, paused briefly and said concisely, "I want to send my son over. What do you think?"


    This was an enormous surprise, no, shock. The director''s expression changed slightly, feeling a bit overwhelmed, he said, "Do... do you know that the young master of the Sheng Family is also on this show?"


    The man who had just called your son an idiot.


    "I know, that''s why I thought of sending my son to you, isn''t it? How else would I havee up with this idea?"


    "But... but your son and the Sheng Family''s heir don''t get along very well..." Wouldn''t that blow the entire production team sky-high?


    "It''s precisely because they don''t get along that he needs to go. Boys need topete more to develop good character."


    "..." The director was at a loss for words. "But the show''s rules only allow for one participant."


    "Hmm, how much investment would it take to change the rules? Would 30 million be enough? If not, how about 50 million? 60 million?"


    The director took a deep breath.


    His show was originally just a fringe program. If it hadn''t been for the interest of Sheng Yuxiao''s mother, he wouldn''t have been able to secure even the current level of investment.


    Who would have thought Mr. Qin would be willing to invest so much?


    But the director steeled himself and politely declined: "I''m sorry, Mr. Qin, but it''s really not possible. This show can only have one guest for the exchange."


    "That''s a shame." Qin Haoming said, and promptly hung up.


    The director wept bitterly at losing such a big opportunity, but then he thought, at least he didn''t have to worry about having his head knocked off by the young master of the Sheng Family. That was a blessing in disguise.


    On Qin Sui''s end, he had overheard the entire conversation between his father and the production team. Good, the show''s rules didn''t allow it. He would remember them and praise them properly when the opportunity arose.


    Qin Sui, quite satisfied, went upstairs to rest by himself.


    Mrs. Qin was left behind, sighing to her husband: "Why couldn''t they allow it? Ah, what a pity. Such a good opportunity."


    It rained again in Li Family Vige.


    Sheng Yuxiao, holding a tattered umbre, was walking Li Xiaoya to school. As they walked, he said, "We still have some money left. Let''s go and rece this broken umbre sometime. What kind of thing is this? When it covers the left ear, it can''t cover the right ear."


    There were always a few holes leaking water.


    Li Xiaoya nodded and said, "We can go pick mushrooms to sell again. Let''s go to the town. They say there are many things to buy in town. They must sell umbres too."


    Li Xiaoya finally showed the curiosity a child should have. She licked her lips, her eyes sparkling as she said, "I''ve never been to town before."


    Sheng Yuxiao patted her head. "Brother will take you."


    Li Xiaoya tugged at his sleeve.


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his head. "Hm? What is it?"


    Li Xiaoya took out a handkerchief from her pocket. It was faded and discolored from washing, but very clean. She used it to wipe the water off Sheng Yuxiao''s ear.


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but pat her head again and asked, "If you''ve never been to town before, how did you sell the mushrooms you picked?"


    "Uncle Dong from the vige buys a lot of mushrooms, then takes them to the city to sell."


    "Oh, so likest time, how much could you sell that whole basket of mushrooms you picked for?"


    "Three yuan."


    "Three yuan?!" Sheng Yuxiao''s expression twisted for a moment.


    Even the audience in thements was shocked.


    [What? A whole basket for three yuan? The cheapest wild mushrooms I buy at the market start at 40 yuan per pound!]


    [What kind of heartless produce merchant is this?]


    [They''re really taking advantage of a child! I can''t stand to watch this! I think there''s something wrong with this entire Li Family Vige]


    [Does Li Xiaoya have fans now? Are you cursing the whole vige just to defend Li Xiaoya? Three yuan is not bad for her. How can produce merchants make money if they don''t keep prices low? They''re not running a charity business, you know nothing]


    Thements once again erupted into an argument about whether Li Xiaoya was good or bad.


    Meanwhile, Sheng Yuxiao was holding back his anger, thinking to himself, this lousy vige still wants me to finish filming the show and turn it into a tourist attraction?


    Dream on.


    It''s lucky I''m not blowing it up.


    "Wait a moment, Young Master Sheng, don''t go forward," a staff member''s voice suddenly rang out from behind the camera.


    The audience''s attention was finally drawn back from their meaningless arguments:


    [What''s wrong?]


    "It looks like there''s been andslide up ahead," the staff member said with a frown.


    Sheng Yuxiao squinted his eyes and looked. The road extended forward, but at the end, a dark mass blocked the way.


    Indeed, there had been andslide. He had been so focused on chatting with Li Xiaoya that he hadn''t noticed at all.


    "That''s perfect, no need to go to school then. Go home and rest," Sheng Yuxiao thought it was a good idea. He would help Li Xiaoya pick mushroomster.


    Li Xiaoya nodded disappointedly and started walking back through the muddy water.


    But after just a few steps...


    The staff member''s expression suddenly changed, and he shouted, "Holy shit!"


    "Young Master Sheng, quick, run! There''s andslide!"


    Everything happened with incredible speed.


    The scent of earth in their nostrils suddenly became overwhelmingly strong, followed by a thunderous "boom." Sheng Yuxiao tossed aside the umbre, wrapped Li Xiaoya against his chest, and sprinted away on his long legs.


    Part of the mountainside came rushing down, carrying mud, rocks, and the trees and nts that grew on the slope, all sliding down together.


    The camera shook violently as the production crew ran for their lives, not even sparing a moment to check on Sheng Yuxiao''s situation.


    Sheng Yuxiao held his breath and ran frantically for several miles.


    Finally, the rumbling stopped.


    The copsed part of the mountain had piled up on the road.


    The production crew nced back, still feeling shaken, and hurriedly urged, "Let''s go, let''s go back to the vige first!"


    Sheng Yuxiao slowly exhaled, then looked down only to realize he was holding Li Xiaoya upside down.


    Cursing himself for being careless, he quickly turned her right-side up and asked, "Did you get hurt?"


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes trembled, and the tears that had been welling up instantly spilled over.


    How could Sheng Yuxiao bear to see this? Just as he was about tofort her, he heard Li Xiaoya cry out with a "wah": "You... you''re bleeding..."


    Me? I''m bleeding?


    Sheng Yuxiao put Li Xiaoya down on the ground and lowered his gaze to look.


    His pant leg was torn, and blood had soaked through arge area of the fabric. But because the pants were dark in color, it wasn''t immediately noticeable.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s breath caught for a moment, and only then did he feel an intense, bone-deep pain spreading into his brain.


    The production crew heard themotion and looked over as well.


    Then they all panicked in unison: "Quick! Quick! Let''s go back and get the car! We need to get to the hospital!"


    Otherwise, those two from the Sheng family would have their heads for this!


    This live broadcast ident once again topped the trending topics.


    Not only did Sheng Jun and Xu Qii see it, but Mr. Qin saw it too.


    Mr. Qin, busy as he was, took a moment to call the chief director again: "I suppose you have an opening now?"


    The chief director was shocked to receive the call.


    You''re still thinking about that opening at a time like this!


    As expected of the Sheng family''s mortal enemy!


    I almost suspected you might be able to control the weather and triggered andslide to crush the Sheng family''s only son right then and there!

 Chapter 15: New Guests on the Show

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    The production team had a doctor on staff who found the medical kit and first cut away the trouser leg. This fully exposed the wound to everyone''s view.


    "It seems to have been caused by flying stone shards. The thin fabric of the pants didn''t provide protection," the doctor exined.


    The onlookers gasped at the bloody wound: "Will that need stitches?"


    The doctor nodded, "Yes."


    Sheng Yuxiao nced down, taking it in stride: "It''s fortunate it didn''t hit any major arteries or nerves. Better this than falling and breaking a bone in the chaos. A blessing in disguise, really."


    The executive producer was on the verge of tears. Even this small misfortune was uneptable! How would they exin this to Mr. Sheng and Ms. Xu?


    Sheng Yuxiao asked the doctor, "Can you stitch it here?"


    After some thought, the doctor shook his head, "The environment isn''t ideal. We''d better go to the County Hospital. I''ll disinfect it first and apply pressure with gauze to stop the bleeding."


    The main issue was that no one dared to take on this responsibility.


    After all, this was the Sheng family''s only son! Their only son!


    Sheng Yuxiao, who usually appeared fierce and unapproachable, was now extremely amodating. He casually stretched out his leg, "Alright, do what you need to do."


    The doctor quickly found iodine, medical cotton, and gauze...


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t want to watch the wound being treated, so he turned his head to look at Li Xiaoya, thinking he shouldfort the child with some white lies.


    Her serious expression as she tried tofort others was quite adorable.


    But as Sheng Yuxiao turned his gaze, he realized Li Xiaoya wasn''t by his side at all.


    She had been pushed to the edge of the crowd, standing there helplessly with red, teary eyes, looking at him pitifully.


    She looked as if a gust of wind could blow her away.


    Sheng Yuxiao quickly waved to her, "Come here,e here."


    Li Xiaoya staggered forward a couple of steps, then stopped.


    Sheng Yuxiao was puzzled, "Is she in shock?" He casually pointed to a staff member, "Go carry her over here."


    The staff member nodded and brought Li Xiaoya back to his side.


    Now that she was close, he could see her face was deathly pale, her gaze unfocused, and her whole body trembling.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately tried tofort her, "It was the rocks that hurt me, not you. Why are you crying?"


    Li Xiaoya struggled to open her mouth, her voice so thin it seemed she could barely breathe, "Will... will you die?"


    So that''s what she was worried about.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s heart softened, and he wanted to pull Li Xiaoya into his arms.


    The doctor immediately stopped him, "Don''t! Young Master, don''t move! Be careful not to touch the wound."


    Sheng Yuxiao could only regretfully let go, instead gently patting Li Xiaoya''s back, "I need to go to the County Hospital for a bit. Will you wait here for me toe back?"


    The look of panic on Li Xiaoya''s face suddenly intensified. She clutched his sleeve tightly, "Will youe back?"


    "Of course, we haven''t finished filming yet."


    "You really won''t die?"


    "I won''t. Do I look like I''m about to die?"


    Li Xiaoya finally nodded slowly and carefully, then withdrew her hand.


    Sheng Yuxiao stared at her for a moment. He had thought she would insist on going to the County Hospital with him.


    Sheng Yuxiao sighed. Why did he feel a bit disappointed?


    But he also worried that if he were injured, they might not be able to take care of her with so many people around, so he didn''t suggest it.


    "Take her to wash her face," Sheng Yuxiao told the staff member.


    The staff member pped their forehead, "Oh right, we forgot about that."


    Li Xiaoya''s face and neck were covered in tears, mud, and even some blood spatter, possibly from when Sheng Yuxiao was injured.


    The staff member carried her away, borrowed some hot water from a nearby house, and used apressed towel from the car to wipe Li Xiaoya''s face.


    Li Xiaoya sat there numbly, allowing the staff member to clean her.


    As they were wiping, her body gave a slight shudder.


    The staff member looked closely... there was a cut on her temple!


    "So the blood was yours. Does it hurt? Why didn''t you say anything earlier?" the staff member frowned.


    Li Xiaoya shook her head and said quietly, "It''s nothing."


    The staff member sighed, saying "How can you call this nothing?", then turned to find the doctor. As luck would have it, the doctor had already left with Sheng Yuxiao, taking another road to the county.


    The staff member was at a loss for what to do, so they rummaged through their own bag and found a band-aid and an iodine swab, then went back to Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya was still sitting there, motionless.


    As the staff member approached, they heard her mumbling softly, "I really am a jinx..."


    The staff member was taken aback, feeling a sudden tightness in their chest.


    "Li Xiaoya, you..." the staff member took a step forward.


    Li Xiaoya immediately lowered her eyes and closed her mouth.


    The staff member sighed, first using the iodine swab to disinfect her wound. Throughout the process, she didn''t make a sound. It seemed all her earlier tears were truly just out of fear that Sheng Yuxiao might die.


    The staff member''s feelings grew increasinglyplex as they applied the band-aid, unable to resist saying, "When you study geography in the future, you''ll learn that this is a verymon natural disaster. You... you''re not a jinx."


    *


    Li Qingqing had just woken up when she heard the news of Sheng Yuxiao''s injury.


    And it was to protect Li Xiaoya!


    Li Qingqing almostughed out loud on the spot.


    This is perfect!


    Now the Sheng family must hate Li Xiaoya!


    Even if Li Xiaoya had gained the young master Sheng''s favor, what good would it do? She could forget about ever bing the Sheng family''s adopted daughter in this lifetime.


    Li Qingqing hurriedly went downstairs, putting on a worried expression as she approached Sheng Jun, "Uncle, I heard that brother was injured? Is it serious?"


    Sheng Jun downyed it, "It''s nothing major."


    Li Qingqing asked again, "Should we go visit brother?"


    Sheng Jun paused, "Do you want to go?"


    Li Qingqing nodded repeatedly.


    She had heard that Li Xiaoya had been left alone in the vige, while Sheng Yuxiao had been sent to the County Hospital. If she could go along with Sheng Jun... their rtionship would naturally grow closer.


    "Then let''s go," Sheng Jun quickly decided.


    Li Qingqing was overjoyed, of course, but even now, she didn''t forget to feign innocence and ask, "What about Auntie? Isn''t she going?"


    Sheng Jun said, "She''s been very busytely."


    Li Qingqing murmured, "Won''t brother be sad if he doesn''t see his mom?" What she really wanted to say was that Xu Qii, as a mother, waspletely ipetent.


    Sheng Junughed, "Sheng Yuxiao would prefer not to see his mother."


    "Huh? Why?" Li Qingqing thought to herself. Could it be that Sheng Yuxiao and his mother don''t get along? That would be good news. After all, she despised Xu Qii too!


    Sheng Jun, however, showed no intention of borating further.


    Shortly after, the servants packed Li Qingqing''s luggage, and they soon set off to fly to the only city with an airport near the mountain vige.


    Thanks to Sheng Jun, Li Qingqing enjoyed the luxury of first-ss for the first time.


    But since they weren''t filming at the moment, it would be a shame not to show off a little to others.


    Li Qingqing quickly took out her phone and snapped a series of photos of the cabin. Afternding, she quietly registered a Weibo ount and uploaded those pictures with the caption: Thanks to my long-legged uncle.


    Having done all this, Li Qingqing carefully put away her phone and turned to look at Sheng Jun.


    She saw Sheng Jun narrowing his eyes, "Hmm? That looks familiar. Like that Qin boy!"


    The Qin family?


    The one thatter acquired multiple luxury brands and was dubbed the uncrowned king of Paris?


    Li Qingqing followed his gaze.


    In the bustling airport terminal, a slender figure in a ck coat, surrounded by several bodyguards, quickly disappeared from view.


    It was impossible to see clearly.


    Sheng Jun only made that onement and didn''t mention the Qin family''s young master again.


    They drove directly to the County Hospital.


    [The young master Sheng is injured. Now there''s nothing interesting about vige life.]


    [Oh my, Li Qingqing is actually going to the hospital with Mr. Sheng to visit the young master! Now things are getting interesting here!]


    [I''m out of here]


    The number of viewers on Li Xiaoya''s stream dropped rapidly.


    But just as Li Qingqing and Sheng Jun arrived at the hospital, another ck Maybach made a grand entrance, driving along a dirt road into the small mountain vige.


    Inside the car, Qin Sui asked coldly, "Are all the roads here this bad?"


    "There''s one road that''s okay, but there was just andslide, wasn''t there? Thendslide even injured the Sheng family''s young master."


    Qin Sui immediately said, "Heaven has eyes."


    "..." The driver didn''t dare to respond.


    Qin Sui suddenly asked again, "Do I have to stay at that Li Xiaoya''s house like him?"


    "ording to the show''s arrangements, that''s the n."


    Qin Sui''s tone was cold and hard as he closed his eyes and said, "That''s not good news for her. I''m not as easy-going as Sheng Yuxiao."


    An unknown amount of time passed.


    "We''re here."


    The car door opened, and the driver invited Qin Sui to get out.


    Qin Sui stepped out with his long legs.


    Theizens who were still watching Li Xiaoya''s stream suddenly perked up, stunned.


    [Holy crap! It''s Qin Sui!]


    [Young Master Sheng, speak of the devil! You just warned Li Xiaoya not to y with him, and now he''s here in person!]

 Chapter 16: “No One Can Inherit My Little Duck Li”

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    The executive producer eagerly ran forward, pointing to the house behind him, "This is the filming location. You''ll need to stay here for a few days."


    Qin Sui turned to look and blurted out, "Is Sheng Yuxiao living in a pigsty?"


    The executive producer: "..."


    Bullet screenments:


    [...]


    [Well, this one''s even more sharp-tongued than Sheng Yuxiao]


    [I''m starting to see why these two families are arch-enemies]


    "There''s no other option?" Qin Sui asked again.


    "Uh, no," came the reply.


    So Qin Sui said nothing more and strode towards the dpidated house nearby.


    The executive producer breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself that this one was actually easier to persuade than Young Master Sheng. Perhaps the uing filming would go smoothly?


    As miserable as it was, the pigs still needed feeding. Li Xiaoya finished feeding the pigs and was walking back with the iron bucket when she ran into Qin Sui.


    She froze for a moment before realizing... a stranger had arrived!


    "Who are you?" Li Xiaoya looked at him warily.


    Qin Sui lowered his gaze to the little girl who barely reached his waist. His tone wasn''t particrly gentle as he said bluntly, "Didn''t the production team tell you? Sheng Yuxiao left, and I''m here to rece him."


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes widened instantly, those beautiful orbs filling with tears that didn''t fall.


    "Sheng Yuxiao left?"


    "He''s noting back?"


    She murmured these questions one after another.


    Qin Sui didn''t know how his old man had arranged things, so he said nothing.


    To Li Xiaoya, this was as good as confirmation.


    Her tiny face was filled with disappointment,pletely unable to ept the situation.


    Qin Sui couldn''t help but wonder, Am I that bad? Am I really worse than Sheng Yuxiao?


    The bullet screenments were also discussing:


    [Let''s see what kind of tricks Li Xiaoya has up her sleeve when facing Qin Sui]


    [With Qin Sui''s personality, he won''t bother with her]


    [Hard to say, Li Xiaoya is too good at winning people over]


    The audience watched the screen intently, not wanting to miss a single detail.


    At that moment, Li Xiaoya turned and left without a word.


    She left?


    [Huh? She just left like that?]


    Qin Sui watched her small figure disappear, also taken aback.


    He frowned imperceptibly and turned to ask the staff off-camera, "What am I supposed to do?"


    The staff member was also stunned by his question. Considering that this person had never filmed a variety show before and probably never watched such "mindless" entertainment, they could only say, "This is a reality show, so... you can just act naturally."


    Qin Sui lowered his eyes, saying nothing.


    [He must be thinking, ''What kind of idiots would enjoy watching something so pointless?'']


    [Haha, the previousment really gets Qin Sui!]


    With Li Xiaoya ignoring him, Qin Sui entered the house on his own, only to find that the interior was even worse than it looked from the outside.


    He frowned deeply, then heard a coughing from inside.


    Qin Sui followed the sound and found Grandpa Li.


    Grandpa Li was also surprised to see him and asked, "Who are you?"


    "Here for the show."


    "That, that person, where is he?" Grandpa Li asked anxiously in his broken Mandarin.


    "You mean Sheng Yuxiao? He left."


    "Left? No, no good! He promised me, hasn''t fulfilled yet!" Grandpa Li grew more agitated.


    Qin Sui merely gave him a cold nce before turning to leave, thinking to himself, what kind of godforsaken ce is this?


    Li Xiaoya didn''t return; she had gone out to pick mushrooms and didn''te back until veryte.


    [Uh, why do I feel like Li Xiaoya seems... really reluctant to see Qin Sui?]


    [She''s looking down on Qin Sui? Who does she think she is? Is she worthy?]


    [Stop arguing, let me switch over to see what''s happening with Young Master Sheng]


    Sheng Yuxiao was lying in the hospital bed, talking to a staff member: "Give me the tablet. I want to see what Li Xiaoya is up to."


    How could the staff member dare? They repeatedly refused, saying, "You should rest well. Electronic devices aren''t good for your recovery."


    "Cut the bullshit," Sheng Yuxiao held out his hand. "Give it to me."


    "Yuxiao." Sheng Jun''s voice rang out as he walked in.


    Seeing him, Sheng Yuxiao reined in his temper a bit and called out, "Dad, why are you here?"


    Li Qingqing answered instead: "We heard brother was injured, so we came to see you."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s brow furrowed. "Who the fuck is your brother? Don''t call me that."


    Li Qingqing''s expression froze for a moment, and then she looked on the verge of tears. "Brother, I... I''m the one who was exchanged with you. My name is Li Qingqing."


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t even look at her, addressing Sheng Jun instead: "Perfect timing. See for yourself, my injury isn''t serious at all. It''s no big deal, and I''ve been here for two days already. I need to go back."


    Sheng Jun sat down beside him, lifting the nket to look at the bandage on his leg. "Want to go home?"


    Sheng Yuxiao looked utterly confused. "Why would I go home?"


    Sheng Jun: "...?"


    Sheng Jun was also surprised: "You don''t want to go home?"


    "Of course I''m going back to Li Family Vige." Sheng Yuxiao''s brow furrowed again. "You don''t know, there''s this little kid there, she''s absolutely adorable..."


    "Li Xiaoya?"


    "Oh, you know about her."


    "Your mother and I have watched a bit of the show."


    "Hmm, that makes it easier to exin then... I''ll be straightforward. Li Xiaoya can''t do without me! I need to go back and take care of her."


    Young Master Sheng said this without a hint of embarrassment.


    Although Li Xiaoya cooked for him, he could braid her hair, couldn''t he?


    He didn''t do a good jobst time, and these two days in the hospital, he''d been mentally practicing braiding whenever he had nothing else to do. This time when he goes back, he''s determined to give Li Xiaoya the cutest double buns hairstyle, outshining everyone else.


    "She can''t do without you?" The corner of Sheng Jun''s mouth twitched.


    "Yeah. I haven''t been back for two days. She''s probably cried in her nket at least eight times by now. And her nket is all worn out, it lets the wind in. When I go back, I need to buy her a new nket on the way."


    Sheng Yuxiao was still thinking about Li Xiaoya''s face covered in tears when he left. She was afraid he might die.


    She was so worried, worried to death.


    Doesn''t he need to go back andfort her?


    The bullet screenments were cracking up at this point.


    [Young Master Sheng, don''t worry. She''s very strong. She hasn''t been crying in her nket; she even went mushroom picking again!]


    Sheng Jun seemed a bit helpless as he said, "We haven''t seen each other for so long. Don''t you want to spend a few days with me?"


    Sheng Yuxiao waved his hand dismissively. "If Ie home, won''t we see each other every day?"


    Sheng Jun: "..."


    [Haha, so cold to his own father]


    [Young Master Sheng really needs to go back. If he doesn''t return soon, what if Li Xiaoya runs off with Qin Sui?]


    [So what if she does? Is it that hard for Young Master Sheng to find a little sister? There are girls lining up everywhere to be his sister!]


    Sheng Jun spread his hands and said, "I can let you go back, but you can''t go back right now."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned, "What do you mean?"


    Li Qingqing finally found an opportunity to interject. She quickly said, "Because Qin Sui has gone there! Don''t you know, brother? He''s going to record a show with Li Xiaoya."


    "Qin Sui? Which Qin Sui?" Sheng Yuxiao''s face darkened.


    "Which other Qin Sui could it be?" Sheng Jun smiled helplessly.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression changed drastically. He threw off the nket and got out of bed, "I''m going back right now! Qin Sui can forget about inheriting my Li Xiaoya!"

 Chapter 17: Qin Sui’s Waterloo

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    Sheng Jun couldn''t help butugh and cry: "What do you mean ''your Li Xiaoya''? The little girl belongs to her parents."


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "But she doesn''t have parents."


    Sheng Jun was at a loss for words, then proceeded to educate him: "You still can''t talk like that. It''s disrespectful to the little girl."


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t respond to his father''s words.


    In his heart, he was actually considering taking Li Xiaoya away from that small mountain vige... but it wasn''t the right time to say that.


    Li Qingqing, standing nearby, was also very anxious. She hadn''t expected Sheng Yuxiao to care so much about Li Xiaoya.


    She lowered her head, hiding the changing emotions in her eyes, then softly asked, "Did brother get hurt protecting Li Xiaoya?"


    Sheng Yuxiao sat back on the bed, ncing sideways at Li Qingqing. His tone turned cold, a stark contrast to his previous anxiety: "Who told you that?"


    This cold, even slightly superior tone immediately reminded Li Qingqing of Xu Qii.


    This mother and son were equally arrogant.


    Li Qingqing''s heart tightened as she said, "That''s what everyone is saying."


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly turned to look at Sheng Jun: "Do you think so too?"


    Sheng Jun shook his head: "That''s your own business. What does it have to do with the little girl? Of course, if you really did protect her, that''s a good thing. It shows you''re finally growing up a bit, having a sense of responsibility and knowing to protect the weak."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression softened a little, and he asked Sheng Jun in return: "Then are you willing to let me go back and continue protecting the weak?"


    Sheng Jun said, "First, call your mother. She''s very worried about you."


    Sheng Yuxiao paused for a moment, then immediately asked the staff for a phone.


    As he dialed Xu Qii''s number, while waiting for her to answer, he didn''t forget to turn back to Li Qingqing and say, "Don''t call me brother."


    Li Qingqing clenched her hands, almost unable to control her expression.


    She could only turn to look at Sheng Jun, hoping the mild-mannered and elegant Mr. Sheng would speak up for her. But Sheng Jun didn''t say anything, just beckoned to her, and then the two of them walked out of the hospital room, leaving Sheng Yuxiao alone to talk with his mother.


    "This is just Yuxiao''s temperament. He''s always drawn clear lines between people, not allowing anyone to cross the boundaries he''s set," Sheng Jun said.


    [What a godly father! So tolerant of his son''s personality and preferences]


    [Actually, it''s good that Young Master Sheng is like this. When he grows up, he won''t be a yer, and he won''t break girls'' hearts]


    [+1, I hate those men who can''t control themselves whenever a girl calls them ''brother''. Why make so many ''sisters''? *rolls eyes*]


    [Li Qingqing seems a bit tactless]


    [Well, she''s young]


    Li Qingqing, trying her best to control her trembling body, asked Sheng Jun, "Then what should I do for brother to like me?"


    Sheng Jun narrowed his eyes slightly: "Why do you insist on him liking you?"


    Li Qingqing felt flustered under his gaze, but she still maintained a careful, pitiful expression and said, "I hope everyone likes me. I''m afraid... afraid of people not liking me."


    [Oh, so it''s a people-pleasing personality? That''s quite pitiful]


    Sheng Jun nodded: "I understand how you feel, but... given Yuxiao''s personality, it''s probably very difficult."


    Why? Li Qingqing gritted her teeth secretly.


    Meanwhile, Xu Qii quickly persuaded her son: "It''s best to let the wound heal until it''s no longer visible before you go back."


    "Mother, I''m not that weak."


    "Have you considered Li Xiaoya?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "When you were injured, she must have been very upset, perhaps ming herself. If you go back now, your visible wounds will be a constant reminder to her that you were hurt. Have you considered how heartbroken she would be?"


    "..." Sheng Yuxiao sighed, "I understand. I''ll heal up before going back. But that idiot Qin Sui, he can''t take good care of Li Xiaoya at all."


    Xu Qii didn''t correct his choice of words, only reminding him of one thing: "In the years before you came, Li Xiaoya made it through on her own."


    Sheng Yuxiao was at a loss for words.


    After a while, he couldn''t help but say, "I just care about her, that''s all."


    "Has your father arrived?" Xu Qii asked.


    "Yes, and he brought a kid with him. It''s so annoying, she keeps calling me brother."


    "Be a gentleman to girls." Xu Qii paused, then continued, "If you''re really worried, ask your father to buy some gifts for you to take back to Li Xiaoya. She''ll be very happy."


    Sheng Yuxiao finally rxedpletely: "Mother, I understand."


    He put away the phone and no longer mentioned going back.


    At this point, the audience was also stunned.


    [Madam Xu''s tactics are impressive]


    [She''s so good at persuading people]


    Soon after, Sheng Jun returned.


    Sheng Yuxiao roughly conveyed his mother''s message to Sheng Jun.


    Even for a big shot like Sheng Jun, after hearing this, he just smiled good-naturedly and said, "Alright, I''ll go buy them. What do you want to send to Li Xiaoya?"


    "New clothes, new shoes, she should have a hat or two, otherwise her ears will freeze when winteres. New umbres, buy two. Her lunchbox needs to be reced too. Install electric lights for her, she should have a heater, right? New stationery, new schoolbag, that cloth bag of hers is all washed out and has holes..."


    Sheng Yuxiao leanedzily against the headboard, rattling off his list.


    Sheng Jun listened with a throbbing vein on his forehead: "Are you trying to move an entire street to her?"


    "Just two stores will do."


    "..."


    Although Sheng Jun was speechless, he still went to buy everything his son mentioned.


    Of course, Sheng Jun didn''t go shopping personally, but assigned the task to his subordinates.


    Li Qingqing followed behind, still in shock.


    Who was Sheng Yuxiao?


    An invincible young lord.


    Yet he could remember every detail, even that Li Xiaoya''s cloth bag had holes, and cared so much about it!


    The intense jealousy made Li Qingqing''s earlier joy disappearpletely.


    The audience couldn''t help but sigh:


    [Sheng Yuxiao is a bit too doting]


    [No way, he really cares about Li Xiaoya?]


    [Uh, but he''s so harsh to Li Qingqing... This, this, Li Qingqing was the one who made the exchange, after all]


    [Li Xiaoya better appreciate Young Master Sheng''s care]


    [She appreciates it too much! Quick, go see Li Xiaoya''s side]


    Some confused audience members hurried over.


    Li Xiaoya had just finished sorting different types of mushrooms and tidying up the eggs, then stared nkly at therge basket.


    She rested her chin on her knees and mumbled softly, "Can''t go to the city anymore."


    [Oh right, Sheng Yuxiao said he''d take her to town to sell mushrooms. Now that he''s not here, um, why doesn''t she ask Qin Sui?]


    [Wait, look closely at the mushrooms she''s sorted out. Chanterelles, porcini, termite mushrooms... These are all rare wild edible mushrooms! They sell for a lot in the market! And you''re telling me the vegetable buyer only offered three yuan for these?]


    [Ah, Li Xiaoya, don''t sell them! Wait for young master Sheng toe back!]


    The bulletments were still buzzing with excitement when Qin Sui suddenly entered from outside.


    The environment here was terrible, but for Qin Sui, it wasn''t unbearable yet. He had found arge rock outside to sit on and read for the entire afternoon, until his stomach growled with hunger.


    "Where do you eat?" Qin Sui asked.


    Li Xiaoya looked up at him and pointed to the ground beneath her feet.


    Qin Sui frowned. Eat right here? He had never experienced such a poor dining environment in his life.


    "What do we eat?" Qin Sui asked again.


    Li Xiaoya told him: "You have to find your own food."


    Qin Sui suddenly felt a sense of absurdity. "Find it myself?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t say anything more, only leaving him with a view of her cold but fluffy head.


    The bulletments were shocked:


    [She''s really ignoring Qin Suipletely!]


    [Li Xiaoya, you''re doing Sheng Yuxiao proud. If he knew you weren''t giving Qin Sui any face, wouldn''t he be thrilled?]


    [Come to think of it, is this the first Waterloo in Qin Sui''s smooth-sailing life?]


    For Qin Sui... it really was.


    Although he had a gloomy personality, his personal charm had always been strong, with many followers around him. Otherwise, how could hepete with Sheng Yuxiao?


    When Qin Sui came, he had good intentions. He didn''t n to bother with anyone in the vige, not being stupid like Sheng Yuxiao, taking care of some little girl...


    But he didn''t expect that the little girl wouldn''t want to bother with him either.


    Qin Sui frowned. Well, going hungry for a meal or two wasn''t a big deal.


    Soon, the moon hung on the treetops.


    The little girl was crouching at the doorway, counting... money in the moonlight?


    Qin Sui walked over and asked, "Is this your money? Or money given by the show? Can''t we use money to buy food?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t even turn her head: "No."


    Qin Sui changed his approach: "What if I borrow it? I can pay you back tenfold."


    Li Xiaoya was unusually firm: "No, I can''t afford to feed you." She paused, then said: "This money is for taking care of Sheng Yuxiao."


    Qin Sui''s throat tightened.


    [Hahaha, savage!]


    [Qin Sui: Why do I suddenly feel a bit jealous of Sheng Yuxiao?]

 Chapter 18: She Only Likes Sheng Yuxiao

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    Qin Sui had gone hungry all night and couldn''t fall asleep. When he got up the next day, his expression looked even gloomier.


    But Li Xiaoya wasn''t afraid of him at all.


    She said in a stiff tone, "I''m going to school now. Goodbye."


    By this time, Qin Sui was already feeling ufortable in his stomach. He grabbed the little girl''s arm, "Aren''t you having breakfast?"


    "I''ll eat at school. It''s free," Li Xiaoya answered.


    [When Sheng Yuxiao was here, you weren''t like this. You would at least steam a potato for him and bring him hot water to drink.]


    [Haha, I don''t know why, but I suddenly find Li Xiaoya even more adorable like this.]


    [Treating people differently based on closeness, such tant double standards!]


    Qin Sui initially wanted to ask, "What about me?"


    But as the words reached his lips, he felt it was rather pointless. So he narrowed his eyes and promptly made a decision: "I''ll go to school with you."


    Li Xiaoya responded with an "Oh." Her face showed no sign of happiness or displeasure.


    Qin Sui suddenly felt a bit stifled.


    Usually, he was the young master surrounded by adoring fans. Although he considered himself above such petty interests and looked down on others'' pursuit and ttery.


    But to be ignored to this extent... was really quite hard to adapt to.


    Qin Sui said nothing, gathered some personal items, and then followed Li Xiaoya as they set out.


    The area affected by the previousndslide hadn''t beenpletely cleared yet, so Li Xiaoya was taking another, more circuitous path today.


    "This road is dangerous," Qin Sui said in a deep voice.


    The path was too narrow, making it easy to slip down the slope.


    Li Xiaoya''s small, thin figure walked ahead, not looking back. "Is it dangerous?"


    Qin Sui grabbed her. "Don''t go any further."


    "I need to go to school," Li Xiaoya pushed his hand away.


    Qin Sui could only follow, coldly thinking to himself that he''d just wait and see if she''d trip... The production team must have gone mad, how could they let such a small child walk alone on a path like this?


    An atmosphere of silence, bordering on deathly quiet, enveloped them.


    The biting morning wind swept across their faces, making even Qin Sui tighten his coat involuntarily. But the slender figure in front seemedpletely oblivious, continuing forward step by step.


    Just as Qin Sui was silently observing her...


    "Ssh!"


    Qin Sui''s foot slipped, and he tumbled into the paddy field beside the path.


    Water and mud instantly surged up, soaking through his clothes and frantically seeping in through the cor.


    Qin Sui was frozen for a moment, then realized what had happened, his face immediately turning ashen.


    [Holy crap!]


    The barrage ofments was stunned.


    [Nothing bad is going to happen, right?]


    [Don''t worry, you can''t drown in a paddy field.]


    Li Xiaoya, who was walking ahead, heard themotion and turned back in time, running to Qin Sui''s side.


    "How did you fall into the field?" Li Xiaoya tilted her head, puzzled.


    Qin Sui: "..."


    He felt thoroughly despised.


    At this point, the production team following far behind saw that something was wrong! They were about to rush forward but, considering the show''s appeal, they forcibly restrained themselves.


    So Qin Sui waited for a while, saw that the production team wasn''t moving, and his mouth twitched. He reached out to grab the edge of the field and pulled himself up with a flip.


    The water he brought up with him sshed all over Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya looked at him unhappily. "You got me dirty."


    Qin Sui''s mood actually improved a bit. He looked down carefully and saw that the little girl''s face was covered in mud spots. But she was originally good-looking, so even smeared with mud and water, she only looked adorably disheveled and messy.


    Li Xiaoya pulled out a handkerchief from her cloth bag, wiped her own face, then looked at Qin Sui, hesitated for a moment, and handed it to him.


    "For me to wipe?" Qin Sui was a bit surprised.


    "Mm. Wipe yourself and go back," Li Xiaoya said, then turned to leave. She gave off a strong sense of not wanting to be held back by Qin Sui anymore.


    Qin Sui hurriedly wiped his face. "Go back? You don''t have gas or a shower at your home. Where am I supposed to wash up and change clothes?"


    Li Xiaoya turned back, looking at him strangely. "You can heat water yourself, can''t you?"


    Qin Sui: "..." Heat water for a bath? Just imagining it made Qin Sui''s head start to throb painfully.


    "Doesn''t your school have a bathhouse? I''ll just keep going with you," Qin Sui calmly decided.


    "But the school is still far away."


    "How far?"


    "We still have to walk two hours on mountain roads."


    "..."


    "You''ll catch a cold."


    "..."


    Right now, Qin Sui had only one thought: when he got back, he would tell his father that the Ming Dynasty antique he had collected for thirty million was a fake.


    Qin Sui had never said anything before, not wanting to hurt his father, whose knowledge of history and culture was rather shallow.


    But now...


    He just wanted to pierce his father''s heart.


    "Forget it," Li Xiaoya sighed softly. "I''ll take you to find someone living nearby."


    [I can feel Li Xiaoya''s weariness.]


    [This family relies entirely on Li Xiaoya to take care of them! Aww, I can''t help but love her even more.]


    Before the main road was built, Li Xiaoya had walked this small path countless times, so she was very familiar with where people lived.


    She led Qin Sui to a household, poked her head in, and her tone finally revealed a hint of sweetness: "Auntie, do you have hot water? We fell into the paddy field."


    Qin Sui used the hot water the family had boiled here and dried his clothes by the stove.


    When he came out after cleaning up, Li Xiaoya was negotiating with the woman: "Auntie, is ten yuan okay?"


    The woman said, "No, no, fifty!"


    Li Xiaoya looked pitiful, "But I don''t have that much money."


    The auntie put her hands on her hips, "Everyone for miles around knows you''re filming that whatcha-call-it show. They all say you''ve paid off your father''s debts. That show must pay so well, I''m not even asking for a hundred."


    Qin Sui vaguely understood and interjected, "Why do we need to pay?"


    Li Xiaoya red at him, "Because you used her water and stove."


    Qin Sui pondered briefly, "Just give her the money directly. Don''t you need to get to school? You''ll bete."


    Li Xiaoya shook her head angrily, "It''s okay to bete, but not okay to overpay!"


    Qin Sui couldn''t understand, "Give her a hundred, and I''ll pay you back ten times, no, thirty timester."


    Hearing this, the auntie was overjoyed, "That''s right, that''s right. City folks sure are generous. Xiaoya, hurry and give auntie the money."


    Li Xiaoya red fiercely at Qin Sui, pulled out a fifty yuan note from her pocket, stuffed it into the auntie''s hand, then grabbed Qin Sui''s hand and ran.


    The auntie cursed behind them, "Didn''t you say a hundred? Damn misers! Little girl ying tricks."


    [...]


    [Giving a hundred is indeed exaggerating. Li Xiaoya doesn''t have much money. She lives such a hard life, saving every penny with great difficulty! All her money has gone to paying off her father''s debts.]


    [If this is the "swindler" Li Xiaoya that the vigers talk about, then I think she''s right to swindle. Why should she give them however much they ask for?]


    [Ah, Qin Sui is driving me crazy! This young master really doesn''t understand the hardships of life! You''re not even as good as Sheng Yuxiao! Sheng Yuxiao,e back quickly, Li Xiaoya really can''t do without you!]


    After running quite far, Li Xiaoya finally slowed her steps and muttered, "Just give me back fifty, that''s enough."


    Qin Sui was at a loss for words.


    For a moment, he felt like he might have done something wrong.


    But he could give her more money...


    "Why won''t you take it?" Qin Sui asked directly.


    "What?"


    "The thirty-foldpensation I gave you, why won''t you ept it?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t respond. After a long while, as she walked forward, she finally said, "There''s no such thing as kindness without reason. Kindness...es at a price."


    Qin Sui wondered if this could even be considered kindness.


    He pressed on, "Then what about Sheng Yuxiao? He''s kind to you, why can you ept it from him?"


    Li Xiaoya kicked away a small stone at her feet and said softly, head lowered, "He''s different."


    Qin Sui was too curious. With Sheng Yuxiao''s temperament, wasn''t he even more unlikeable?


    He asked, "How is he different?"


    Li Xiaoya turned back, ring at him fiercely, "He just is different, different from you!"


    Her eyes were beautiful; even when angry, she didn''t look unappealing. If anything, she seemed even more adorable.


    Qin Sui thought to himself, he was determined to figure this out.


    Why was it that Sheng Yuxiao could win her affection?

 Chapter 19: The "Distant Relative" of Little Duck Li

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    Qin Sui was a person who nned his actions meticulously.


    No matter how tedious or boring a task might be, as long as it was beneficial to his current situation, he wouldn''t hesitate to do it.


    So after arriving at the school, he immediately engaged in the activities that Sheng Yuxiao had once disdained, such as volunteering, and even guest-teaching a ss.


    Qin Sui was a model student, and he excelled at making others follow his ideas.


    He was well-suited to being a teacher.


    Of course, in his mother''s mind, he was more likely to grow up to be the leader of some illegal organization.


    But at this moment, he had indeed be a teacher.


    The principal, having been briefed by the production team, knew of Qin Sui''s background. He sighed, thinking another troublemaker had arrived, but cooperated actively nheless.


    "Are you a new teacher?" Other teachers, unaware of Qin Sui''s identity, curiously sized him up.


    Qin Sui nodded slightly.


    "You''re so young, just graduated from college? Even college graduates aren''t this young. Why did youe here to teach? Experiencing life?" The other teachers couldn''t help but ask questions one after another.


    Qin Sui possessed a height that surpassed his peers. He wore clothes that were visibly expensive, though they still had some mud stains that hadn''t beenpletely washed off.


    Moreover, he was exceptionally good-looking. Unlike Sheng Yuxiao''s arrogant and fierce demeanor, Qin Sui''s features were handsome yet reserved, often giving people a false impression of approachability at first nce.


    Some female teachers even unconsciously blushed.


    But Qin Sui didn''t answer their questions. He said, "The person I''m waiting for is here. I should go."


    At that moment, the bell rang, signaling the end of ss.


    Li Xiaoya walked out carrying her small, worn-out bag. She hadn''t taken more than a few steps when she bumped into Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui grabbed her by the cor, stopping her in her tracks.


    Without a doubt, Li Xiaoya was the person Qin Sui hade to pick up!


    Everyone''s eyes widened in surprise, even Li Xiaoya''s ssmates were shocked.


    After all, children speak without much reservation. Her ssmates were the first to chatter excitedly: "Li Xiaoya, who is he?"


    "Is he your brother too?"


    Among the crowd, only Wang Xiaozhi fearfully shrank back.


    How did Li Xiaoya get another brother? Would this brother hit people too?


    Wang Xiaozhi didn''t dare to look any longer and quickly ran home. He wanted to avoid being grabbed by the cor again, which would only lead to scolding from his parents and grandparents when he got home.


    The audience in thements was amused.


    [What a coward]


    [Why isn''t Qin Sui saying anything? Is he waiting for Li Xiaoya to introduce him?]


    Li Xiaoya spoke up at this point, carefully correcting them: "He''s not my brother."


    Qin Sui''s eyebrow twitched slightly, showing a hint of disappointment.


    "Then who is he?" Her ssmates'' eyes sparkled with curiosity.


    Li Xiaoya looked a bit troubled, finally managing to squeeze out: "...A city person. He''s a city person."


    The teachers nearby found this amusing. Anyone could tell that Qin Sui was out of ce here; who wouldn''t know he was from the city?


    Qin Sui suddenly bent down, picked up Li Xiaoya, and then lied with a straight face: "I''m her distant rtive."


    The ssmates collectively eximed: "Wow!"


    "Li Xiaoya actually has a distant rtive!"


    The teachers exchanged nces, also confused, and carefully asked: "Is he a rtive from Li Xiaoya''s mother''s side?"


    Qin Sui: "Mm-hmm."


    Li Xiaoya opened her mouth, wanting to say he was lying, but Qin Sui had already covered her mouth and started walking out, carrying her.


    The audience was dumbfounded.


    [What is Qin Sui thinking? Why lie?]


    [It must be intentional. Since he''s being treated so differently from Sheng Yuxiao, he''s trying a different approach]


    [Uh, does this count as Qin Sui trying to win Li Xiaoya over?]


    Thements fell silent.


    Once outside the school gates, Qin Sui asked: "Does Sheng Yuxiao pick you up from school?"


    Li Xiaoya remained silent.


    "Does he carry you?"


    Li Xiaoya still said nothing.


    Comments: [?]


    [Are theypeting now?]


    [Are you two going topete to the death or what?]


    Qin Sui said: "I have a younger sister at home." He paused before adding, "I''m a better big brother than Sheng Yuxiao."


    Li Xiaoya remained unmoved.


    She thought to herself, what does that have to do with me?


    [Qin Sui''s charm isn''t working]


    [Li Xiaoya didn''t even leave him an egg. This treatment is really far worse than Sheng Yuxiao''s]


    [Can the great young master Sheng see this program? I''m so looking forward to seeing what expression he''d have]


    The audience, purely enjoying the drama, immediately switched to Sheng Yuxiao''s side to watch.


    At this moment, Sheng Yuxiao had just finished checking the items he had bought.


    "This won''t do, she won''t like it."


    "This doesn''t look good, get a better-looking one."


    ...


    After pointing out various issues, the young master Sheng suddenly remembered something and asked the production team: "Did Li Xiaoya go mushroom picking by herself?"


    The staff replied: "They''ve already finished picking."


    "She didn''t even wait for me." Sheng Yuxiao said this, but there wasn''t a hint of anger on his face.


    However, he quickly thought of another question: "She hasn''t sold them yet, right?"


    The staff said: "Not yet."


    Satisfied, Sheng Yuxiao picked up his phone and started typing a message.


    Sheng Jun came over to check on him and, noticing his actions, asked: "What are you doing?"


    "Sending a text to Qin Sui."


    This statement stunned not only the people in the hospital room but also the audience.


    "You''re texting Qin Sui?" Sheng Jun''s tone was full of disbelief.


    Sheng Yuxiao sneered: "Yeah, that idiot better not spoil Li Xiaoya. I need to tell him that he should apany Li Xiaoya when she picks mushrooms and keep an eye on her when she sells them."


    Sheng Jun was silent for a moment before saying: "He probably won''t listen to you."


    Sheng Yuxiao raised his sharp eyebrow: "He definitely will."


    This response rmed Li Qingqing, who was standing behind Sheng Jun.


    Weren''t Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui rivals?


    How could he encourage Qin Sui to be nice to Li Xiaoya?


    Sheng Jun saw through his son''s intentions and asked: "Reverse psychology?"


    Sheng Yuxiao, still typing, spared a moment to reply: "No need for reverse psychology. Qin Sui has been first in his ss every year. Winning and losing are very important to him. He''d rather die than lose to me."


    Sheng Jun stared at him with a smile, making no move to stop his son''s actions.


    After all, the heir to the Sheng Corporation should be someone skilled at understanding people''s hearts. His current performance was very good, very good indeed!


    Meanwhile, Qin Sui and Li Xiaoya had walked for nearly four hours, and it was dark by the time they got home.


    But Qin Sui never showed weakness, so he didn''t let any sign of fatigue show.


    "Will I be able to eat dinner tonight?" Qin Sui asked Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya hesitated, "How about sweet potatoes?"


    Qin Sui: "Sure."


    Li Xiaoya tossed the sweet potatoes into the stove, and they were roasted in no time. She used a wooden stick to take them out, peeling off the skin to reveal the slowly oozing syrup inside.


    Qin Sui took a bite: "...Not bad."


    In truth, it was quite delicious.


    But Qin Sui''s upbringing didn''t allow him to say that.


    Regardless of whether something was good or bad, he usually only described things as "okay" or "average." This was part of the so-called "elite education," where one doesn''t easily reveal their preferences or thoughts.


    Li Xiaoya also shared some sweet potatoes with the grumpy Grandpa Li, who hadn''t eaten a proper meal for days since Sheng Yuxiao left.


    Turning back, she munched on her sweet potato while rummaging through her cloth bag. She tightly held something small in her left palm, then carefully ced it into a rusted tin box.


    "What''s that?" Qin Sui''s voice suddenly sounded behind her, startling Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya mumbled, "It''s none of your business."


    "Is it food?"


    Li Xiaoya ignored him.


    Qin Sui persisted, "Don''t put food in that tin box. It''s already rusted inside."


    Li Xiaoya paused for a moment, then quickly took the item back out.


    "Why not eat it now if it''s food?" Qin Sui paused, then guessed, "Is it for Sheng Yuxiao?"


    Li Xiaoya reluctantly nodded.


    Qin Sui stood there, suddenly silent.


    [Haha, another critical hit, right?]


    [Young Master Sheng prepared a gift for Li Xiaoya, and it turns out Li Xiaoya was secretly preparing a gift for Young Master Sheng too. The affection between children is so pure and beautiful!]


    "Young Master Qin," the director''s voice hesitantly spoke up, "Your phone... a text message."


    The director didn''t know what had happened at the hospital; he only knew the text was from Sheng Yuxiao.


    It wouldn''t be insulting, would it?


    If this escted the conflict, he wouldn''t be made the scapegoat, right?


    The director''s heart was full of worry. But the sponsorship money was indeed very satisfying.


    Qin Sui took the phone and nced down.


    "Ask Li Xiaoya if she misses me."


    Qin Sui: "..."


    Was this deliberately showing off that he and Li Xiaoya were the closest?


    How childish.


    The phone vibrated again as another new message arrived.

 Chapter 20: Do you want me to help you take revenge

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    "The ce where I sleep was arranged by Li Xiaoya herself. You should find somewhere else to sleep."


    "I hope you''re not foolish enough to think Li Xiaoya''s grandfather is a good person. Don''t let that old coot take advantage of Li Xiaoya."


    "Stay away from Li Xiaoya when nothing''s going on. Don''t infect her with your detestable aura."


    ...


    "I''ll be back soon."


    A flurry of messages, one after another.


    It was clear that Sheng Yuxiao was anxious.


    Qin Sui, without blinking, deleted them all.


    He suddenly felt that it might not be so bad if Sheng Yuxiao didn''te back.


    Qin Sui tossed the phone back to the executive producer.


    The executive producer asked, "Is that it? Aren''t you going to reply?"


    "There''s nothing to say," Qin Sui replied coolly, then went back inside.


    The previous night, Qin Sui had indeed slept elsewhere, as he didn''t want to be too close to an unfamiliar child.


    But tonight, he was determined to sleep in Sheng Yuxiao''s spot.


    Li Xiaoya noticed him rolling up the bedding and immediately pounced on it, holding down the corners firmly. "That''s Sheng Yuxiao''s. Don''t touch it."


    [Oh no, Li Xiaoya is bing more and more endearing]


    [Qin Sui looks like a big bad wolf standing next to her]


    "Do you know how low the temperature will drop tonight?" Qin Sui crouched down beside her and asked.


    Li Xiaoya shook her head.


    "I just checked on my phone. It''ll be 8 degrees Celsius. If I sleep like I didst night, I''ll freeze to death." Qin Sui looked into Li Xiaoya''s eyes, his tone gently persuasive. "Do you want to see me freeze to death?"


    Li Xiaoya hesitated.


    She slowly got up and said softly, "Then don''t dirty Sheng Yuxiao''s bed."


    Qin Sui''s gaze flickered, and he seemed to understand a bit... why Sheng Yuxiao was so protective of her.


    She was both resilient and soft, still maintaining an innocence untainted by the world.


    They quickly finished washing up and crawled into their respective beds.


    Qin Suiy on the uneven ground, staring at the pitch-ck ceiling, and said, "I watched a bit of the show before I came."


    Li Xiaoya''s ears twitched at the sound of his voice, but she didn''t respond to Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui continued, "I heard you singing to Sheng Yuxiao."


    Li Xiaoya looked at him warily.


    She wouldn''t sing for him.


    "You were singing ''Lubing Flower.'' Do you miss your mother?" Qin Sui asked.


    Sheng Yuxiao never asked such questions.


    He might look arrogant on the outside and have a terrible temper, but inside he was much gentler.


    Qin Sui was theplete opposite. He appeared quiet andposed on the surface, but he revealed his aggressive nature without a sound. To achieve his goals, he couldpletely disregard others'' feelings.


    Li Xiaoya bit her lip and remained silent.


    Qin Sui asked again, "Don''t you miss her? I thought you''d especially miss her when you see other kids being picked up by their parents at school."


    [Damn, Qin Sui''s words are so cutting]


    [No wonder he doesn''t get along with the young master Sheng]


    Li Xiaoya turned over, covering her face with the nket. "I don''t miss her. ...Mom told me not to miss her. After she died, she became the dew, the sun, and the wind. I see her every day, so I don''t need to miss her."


    [Ah, this part is so heartbreaking]


    [Li Xiaoya''s mother must have been a very gentle person]


    [She must have been well-educated too, right? Otherwise, how could she say such things?]


    [Is her mother a local? Judging by Li Xiaoya''s appearance, her mother must have been a great beauty too. How did she end up marrying into such a poor ce?]


    Thements couldn''t help but discuss eagerly.


    "What about your father?" Qin Sui asked again.


    Li Xiaoya said, "I don''t want to think about him!" This time her tone was a bit fiercer, genuinely not wanting to think about it at all.


    "Don''t you want him toe back?"


    Li Xiaoya pulled down the nket. The moonlight faintly illuminated her face; she seemed to have cried.


    After a long while, she said firmly, "No!"


    Qin Sui changed the subject: "Did your mother teach you standard Mandarin?"


    "Mm-hmm." Li Xiaoya responded in a low voice.


    "Was she from the city?"


    "I don''t know."


    [He''s really pretending to be a rtive from Li Xiaoya''s mother''s side, huh? Digging so deep.]


    Qin Sui didn''t say anything else after that.


    He just felt a strong sense of incongruity, thinking that Li Xiaoya shouldn''t be in a ce like this.


    In the blink of an eye, the sun rose again, and the sound of roosters crowing came from afar, particrly jarring.


    Qin Sui got up and went outside, only to see a man in histe forties sneaking around outside.


    "Stealing? There''s nothing left to steal here," Qin Sui said coolly.


    Startled by the voice, the man quickly turned around, stuttering, "I-I''m the Vige Chief."


    Qin Sui narrowed his eyes, looking him up and down, and asked, "What do you want? Here to deliver poverty relief?"


    The Vige Chief choked, quickly waving his hands and saying, "No, no, I''m here to see you. Do you know? The one who went to the city to film the show in exchange is my child, called Li Qingqing..."


    Is this guy crazy?


    Qin Sui looked at him and coldly uttered three words: "Don''t know her."


    What kind of nobody dares toe asking for his acquaintance?


    After all, as the heir to a wealthy family, even though he was still a minor, his aura was already intimidating.


    The Vige Chief was stunned by Qin Sui''s three words, and it took him half a minute to find his voice again. "But, but ording to the show''s rules, you should be filming at my house!"


    "Rules?" Qin Sui turned his head towards the camera crew. "Director."


    The executive producer scurried over.


    Qin Sui asked, "Is there such a rule?"


    The executive producer: "There is... ah, or isn''t there?"


    Qin Sui: "Are you asking me?"


    The executive producer immediately became resolute: "There''s no such rule."


    The Vige Chief was dumbfounded. "This... how can this be? Young Master Sheng didn''t follow this before, and now a new persones and doesn''t follow it either?"


    Qin Sui''s tone remained cool: "If Sheng Yuxiao wouldn''t do it, why would you expect me to?"


    The executive producer quickly stopped the Vige Chief: "That''s right, you should leave now."


    But how could the Vige Chief be willing to go?


    He had already lost one cash cow, and now he was determined to keep this golden opportunity. He couldn''t let that little girl Li Xiaoya take all the benefits!


    "You don''t understand how bad the conditions are here. My home is different. If youe to my house, there''s a memory foam mattress! Hot water 24 hours a day! And we even have inte!"


    Qin Sui looked at him and asked slowly and deliberately, "Li Family Vige is so poor, yet you, the Vige Chief, have such good conditions at home? You haven''t been embezzling government funds, have you?"


    The Vige Chief''s face instantly turned the color of pig liver: "I- I, of course I didn''t! What are you saying? It''s just that my son works in town, so that''s why... that''s why..."


    "Alright, alright, that''s enough," the director pushed the Vige Chief towards the door, lowering his voice to warn him, "Don''t think I don''t know what strings you''ve been pulling behind the scenes."


    The Vige Chief''s face paled, but he still stuttered a defense: "Pulling what... what strings? I don''t understand..."


    The director let out a light scoff, only saying one sentence: "Actually, I find Li Xiaoya quite an endearing child."


    The Vige Chief immediately shut his mouth.


    Meanwhile, Qin Sui returned to the room where Li Xiaoya had just sat up, asking, "Who came? Was it Sheng Yuxiaoing back?"


    Qin Sui shook his head: "Unfortunately not. ... It was your vige''s Vige Chief."


    "Oh." The light in Li Xiaoya''s face dimmed again.


    Qin Sui asked, "Do they often bully you?"


    Li Xiaoya looked at him nkly: "Who?"


    "The Vige Chief''s family."


    "..."


    "Why aren''t you saying anything? Has he threatened you?"


    Li Xiaoya said quietly, "Grandpa listens to them, and Grandpa tells me to listen to them too."


    Qin Sui knew the cameras were rolling. He removed his mini microphone and camera, leaned in closer, and stared intently into the young girl''s eyes.


    He asked in a low voice, "Do you want me to help you get revenge?"


    He said, "In this area, I''m even more skilled than Sheng Yuxiao, you know."

 Chapter 21: Driving a Maybach to Sell Mushrooms, Ridiculous

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    Li Xiaoya shook her head.


    "Why not?" Qin Sui asked calmly.


    "I have nothing to trade you," Li Xiaoya said, pulling at her empty pockets.


    Qin Sui found this child quite interesting.


    She seemed much smarter than his sister at home, who still only knew how to throw tantrums and break things, deriving her sole pleasure from bullying others. At least Li Xiaoya appeared to have a normally functioning brain.


    A glint shed in Qin Sui''s eyes as he deliberately said, "But you do. How about this: give me the gift you''re saving for Sheng Yuxiao. That''ll be enough."


    Li Xiaoya''s face once again took on that familiar guarded expression, and she shook her head even more firmly. "No way."


    Qin Sui stood up. "Alright. You have the right to regret itter."


    "I won''t regret it," the little girl said in her childish voice.


    Qin Sui adjusted his microphone. "Let''s go. Time for school."


    The little girl immediately looked at him as if he were an idiot. "It''s Saturday. There''s no school today."


    Qin Sui: "..."


    Li Xiaoya washed her face, brushed her teeth, fed the chickens and pigs, and then steamed some buns.


    She didn''t give the buns directly to Qin Sui, but first asked, "Will they feed you?"


    "You mean the show''s crew? No, they won''t."


    "If I don''t give you food, you''ll starve to death, right?"


    "That''s right."


    "Fine then." Li Xiaoya deted as she shared the buns with him, her face clearly unhappy about betraying Sheng Yuxiao.


    Qin Sui particrly enjoyed seeing Li Xiaoya make such expressions.


    It was quite interesting. More satisfying thanpleting a workbook. Those had be so simple they bored him.


    At this moment, he suddenly remembered the mushrooms Li Xiaoya had picked, so he asked, "Were you nning to go to the city to sell mushrooms?"


    "Not going to the city."


    "Why not?"


    "Sheng Yuxiao is injured."


    "Was Sheng Yuxiao originally going to apany you?" Qin Sui paused. "Then I can rece him. It''s no different."


    Before Li Xiaoya could speak, Qin Sui picked her up directly and walked straight outside. He found the show''s crew and expressed his intention directly: "I want to take Li Xiaoya to the city to sell mushrooms."


    The crew was stunned for a moment, secretly marveling. They thought to themselves, both of these young masters are so good to Li Xiaoya!


    They''re so charitable, it''s hard to see where they need any reforming!


    Li Xiaoya tugged at Qin Sui''s sleeve and said softly, "I don''t want to go..."


    To Li Xiaoya, Qin Sui was still more like a stranger.


    Qin Sui ignored her and continued addressing the crew: "I''ll trade my points for this. How about it?"


    What could the crew say?


    "Alright, you can go to the city."


    Qin Sui asked again: "Which county town is Sheng Yuxiao recuperating in?"


    The crew''s breath caught: "You mean... you want to..."


    Qin Sui said: "We''ll stop by to visit him." As he spoke, he finally turned to meet Li Xiaoya''s gaze and asked, "Don''t you want to see Sheng Yuxiao?"


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes instantly lit up: "I do!"


    Qin Sui was very satisfied with this result and said, "Then let''s go."


    "Wait, wait..." Li Xiaoya struggled to get down from Qin Sui, ran back into the house, and stuffed something into her pocket.


    And so they got into the car.


    Qin Sui fastened Li Xiaoya''s seatbelt and closed the door.


    Li Xiaoya suddenly widened her eyes: "The mushrooms! We forgot the mushrooms!"


    A crew member couldn''t help butugh, turning back to help fetch the basket.


    [Wow, Qin Sui is so bad. He''s clearly aiming to infuriate Sheng Yuxiao, isn''t he?]


    [I took a look at the car logo. It''s a Maybach. What kind of good person drives a two-million-yuan car to sell mushrooms?]


    The show''s crew also found the situation quite surreal. It was one thing for Young Master Qin to personally sell mushrooms, but they''d also have to prevent the two from fighting in the hospital roomter.


    As the car started, Li Qingqing received a call from home.


    Qin Sui was protecting Li Xiaoya and refusing to leave?


    Li Qingqing nearly ground her teeth to dust.


    But she had no idea that what came next would be even more explosive.


    The luxurious Maybach drove into the small county town, immediately drawing countless onlookers.


    "There have been a lot of rich peopleing heretely."


    "Yeah, yeah, did you hear? Yesterday, a boss bought so many things at Sasha Mall!"


    "Wow, what a tycoon."


    The locals couldn''t help but crane their necks.


    At this moment, the car door opened.


    Qin Sui stepped out first.


    "He looks rich just by looking at him!"


    "He looks like that celebrity."


    The crowd''s cheers grew louder, with some people raising their phones to take pictures.


    At this point, Qin Sui paused and turned back to extend his hand to the person in the car.


    "I can get out by myself," Li Xiaoya said obediently.


    Qin Sui asked, "Do you know how to unbuckle the seatbelt?"


    Li Xiaoya... didn''t know how. She could only stare at Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui bent down to unbuckle her seatbelt and took the opportunity to lift her out of the car.


    Of course, Li Xiaoya couldn''t say anything to refuse now.


    "Wow, what a beautiful little girl. Are they siblings?"


    "Why aren''t they dressed in the same style?"


    "What do you know about style? You don''t understand."


    Their discussions grew more and more heated until Qin Sui took out the basket from the trunk, set up a stand right there, and called out: "Mushrooms for sale."


    The crowd was dumbfounded.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Why sell mushrooms when you''re driving a Maybach?"


    A crew member held his head in his hands: "See? I told you we couldn''t sell them like this. But Young Master Qin insisted, and it''s hard to persuade him."


    More and more people gathered around them, but no one was buying.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but turn to look at Qin Sui.


    For the first time, Qin Sui admitted: "My mistake. I''ll think of something."


    Li Xiaoya quietly sighed, looked around, and quickly chose her first customer.


    She picked up some mushrooms and walked up to an olddy, raising her face with a pitiful expression: "Grandma, would you like to buy some mushrooms? They make a very tasty soup."


    The olddy loved children and immediately asked kindly, "Why are you and your brother selling mushrooms, dear?"


    Li Xiaoya wanted to say he wasn''t her brother, but now wasn''t the time to argue.


    So she lowered her pretty eyes, looking even more pitiful, and said, "I identally broke something of my brother''s. He''s apanying me to sell mushrooms to earn money so I can pay him back."


    [And you still say Li Xiaoya isn''t a little liar! She''s clearly deceiving people now!]


    [You call this deceiving? Are you okay?]


    The olddy smiled: "Good, good. You''re such a good child. I''ll buy some to make soup for my grandson. If only he were as well-behaved as you. That little rascal doesn''t even dare to admit when he breaks a vase."


    And so, Li Xiaoya made her first sale.


    [This family can''t do without Li Xiaoya]


    [Good grief, does she still have to sell mushrooms to support the family?]


    Li Xiaoya truly had a remarkably pretty face.


    If she were an orphan, many families would be fighting to adopt her.


    After the olddy set the example, others looked at her pitiful appearance and couldn''t resist, taking out money to buy mushrooms one after another.


    "Auntie, one yuan is enough," Li Xiaoya said, extending her scarred hand with the selected mushrooms.


    At this point, Qin Sui finally made himself useful. He crouched down beside her and said, "That''s not how you sell them. One yuan is not enough."


    "These are chanterelles. Thirty yuan per pound. I''ll go next door to borrow a scale," Qin Sui disyed theposure of an "adult."


    Li Xiaoya chose to listen to the "adult."


    Seeing this, the other buyers didn''t express any contempt for this "price increase."


    On the contrary, they all couldn''t help but smile, teasing Li Xiaoya: "You need to learn from your brother. Little one, you''ll lose money doing business this way."


    Qin Sui, with his handsome face and expensive attire, sessfully borrowed a scale from someone nearby.


    Then one of them picked and bagged the mushrooms while the other weighed and collected money.


    The production team watched in amazement: "They work quite well together, don''t they?"


    However, most people were just there to watch the show. The more expensive mushrooms weren''t selling as well.


    Qin Sui insisted on not lowering the price.


    Li Xiaoya hesitated for a moment, then turned to a man holding a leather bag on the outskirts of the crowd. "Uncle, would you like to look at this mushroom?"


    The man was about to refuse.


    Li Xiaoya quickly added, "But this mushroom is a bit too expensive... How about this one instead? It''s cheaper, and it''s very fragrant when stir-fried with just a little oil."


    The man asked, "How much?"


    Li Xiaoya nervously quoted the price Qin Sui had set: "It''s a hundred yuan per pound."


    The man, under the gaze of those around him, pursed his lips and said, "Alright, weigh some for me."


    [Wow, when she mentioned it was expensive, the man actually bought it.]


    [It''s because he''s the first one to buy the expensive goods. With so many people around, the envious and admiring nces from others must make him feel quite pleased.]


    [It''s a sales strategy. Who knew this little girl understood it?]


    "Do you have any porcini or sheep''s liver mushrooms?" At that moment, another man with a potbelly, wearing a leather jacket and looking like a small business owner, squeezed through the crowd. He waved his hand and said, "I''ll take all the good quality ones. They''ll make nice gifts."


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes lit up, and just like that, even the expensive mushrooms were sold out.


    The small business owner didn''t leave immediately after getting the mushrooms. His gaze swept over Qin Sui, seemingly casual but deliberate.


    Qin Sui understood at a nce.


    Most likely, the man hade for him.


    Qin Sui handed the empty basket back to the production team and was about to take Li Xiaoya back to the car when, sure enough, the small business owner immediately followed, stammering, "A-are you Mr. Qin Haoming''s son?"


    Qin Sui hadn''t expected someone to recognize him in such a small ce.


    He didn''t respond directly, only asking, "Is there something I can help you with?"


    The small business owner awkwardly rubbed his hands together. "I... I''d like to discuss a business opportunity with you."


    Qin Sui looked at his attire. Clearly, it wasn''t a big business. Yet he dared to approach him.


    "We have some matters to attend to. Sorry," Qin Sui said coldly as he closed the window.


    Li Xiaoya, however, gave the man an extra nce.


    The man''s eyes immediately lit up. He knew who to approach now!


    The small business owner took half a step back, watching them drive away. He then immediately took out his phone to search online for information about the show they were filming.


    Finally, he found out that the little girl was called Li Xiaoya.


    Young Master Qin personally apanying her to sell things: the child''s importance was evident.


    Next time, he''d approach her!


    In the car, Li Xiaoya excitedly said, "Let''s count the money!"


    Qin Sui asked, "Do you know how to count?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded repeatedly.


    Qin Sui felt a bit disappointed. Otherwise, he could have had the child ask for his help in counting.


    Li Xiaoya counted the money in one go, just as the car arrived at the entrance of the county hospital.


    When she heard the staff say they had arrived, Li Xiaoya stuffed the money into a cloth bag and sprinted inside.


    Li Xiaoya was clever. After getting out of the car, she asked where the show''s staff members were and followed their directions.


    She stood outside the door, carefully pushing it open.


    "Brother, this is what I bought for you with uncle," Li Qingqing said softly, leaning on the edge of the bed.


    Li Xiaoya froze for a moment.


    So he had his own sister.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze shifted, catching sight of her. For a moment, Sheng Yuxiao thought he was seeing things.


    But his body reacted faster than his mind.


    He jumped off the bed in an instant.


    Li Qingqing was still asking, "Brother, what''s wrong?"


    Sheng Yuxiao rushed over in a few big strides and lifted Li Xiaoya up. "How did you get here?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t know what to say, so she just pulled something out of her pocket and handed it to Sheng Yuxiao. "This is for you to eat."


    Sheng Yuxiao looked down.


    It was a piece of candy.


    Sheng Yuxiao still remembered what she had said before: that candy was to be exchanged for little red flowers, which could then be sold for money, saving it up bit by bit.


    But now, she had saved the candy for him!


    The candy had melted a little from being kept in her pocket.


    The quality wasn''t very good either, with the wrapper sticking tightly to it.


    The outside was printed with colorful, tacky logo patterns.


    But Sheng Yuxiao put her down and grabbed the candy in his palm.


    "I love it," Sheng Yuxiao said in a deep voice.


    Sheng Jun, sitting not far away, was slightly taken aback.


    No wonder... No wonder the little girl was so likable... She had really nailed his son''s personality.


    Only Li Qingqing stood there, thunderstruck.


    Li Xiaoya! How could Li Xiaoya be here?


    But no one paid attention to Li Qingqing''s thoughts.


    Sheng Yuxiao happily rolled the candy between his fingers, asking with concern, "How did you get here? Did the production team bring you?"


    The production team still had some decency, Sheng Yuxiao thought.


    At that moment, a voice came from outside the door.


    Qin Sui walked in and said, "I brought her here."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "...How annoying."


    He mmed the door shut behind him and picked up Li Xiaoya again, his face expressionless as he said, "Let''s not y with that old schemer."

 Chapter 22: Rushing to Support Little Duck Li

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    Sheng Jun''s expression darkened. "Sheng Yuxiao, you can''t use foulnguage in front of children."


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately changed his demeanor, lowering his head to address Li Xiaoya, "What I said just now was wrong. Don''t learn from me, okay?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Sheng Yuxiao picked her up and brought her to the edge of the bed, letting Li Xiaoya sit on his hospital bed.


    "Has Qin Sui been bullying you?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    Before Li Xiaoya could answer, Li Qingqing couldn''t bear it any longer.


    She had been ignored.


    She had actually been ignored just like that!


    "Xiaoya, do you remember me?" Li Qingqing suddenly spoke up.


    Sheng Yuxiao, somewhat annoyed at being interrupted, gave her a cold sidelong nce.


    Li Xiaoya turned her head, looking confused. "You..."


    Li Qingqing was wearing a beautiful princess dress, a tiara on her head, and showed signs of being well-cared for.


    Li Xiaoya shook her head. "I don''t know you."


    "No, you do know me. I''m Li Qingqing!" Li Qingqing couldn''t help but take a step forward.


    [Ah, now that Li Xiaoya and Li Qingqing are standing together, I suddenly realize how terribly Li Xiaoya has been living]


    [+1, Li Qingqing looks like a little princess]


    [And Li Xiaoya still has to take care of two ''brothers'' who can''t fend for themselves]


    [Don''t say that, the two ''brothers'' have put in some effort]


    On screen, Li Xiaoya was still examining Li Qingqing.


    She vaguely remembered a girl a year older than her in the vige chief''s family, called Li Qingqing.


    Her only impression was fromst year when Li Qingqing''s mother brought her back to the vige. Li Qingqing was crying, refusing to walk, and kicked a pebble on the road.


    Li Xiaoya was picking through trash in the ditch by the roadside at the time.


    The pebble flew past, grazing her eye.


    She straightened up, holding onto the road, and looked up at Li Qingqing.


    Li Qingqing''s father was giving her a calcium milk drink, while her mother was coaxing her, "There, there, do you want your grandfather to give you 500 yuan as a New Year''s gift? If you do, be good and let''s go home, okay?"


    A hint of envy involuntarily shed in Li Xiaoya''s eyes, and then she said dryly, "You hit me."


    Li Qingqing''s father said, "Isn''t this Li Jiang''s daughter?"


    Li Qingqing''s mother sneered, "You mean that unlucky orphan? The old man at home doesn''t even watch her, letting her run around everywhere. If a car hits her, the driver would be in big trouble."


    Li Xiaoya pressed her lips together, only repeating, "You hit me."


    Li Qingqing suddenly let out a shrill scream, yelling at her, "Dirty little beggar, stay away from me!"


    Li Qingqing''s mother quickened her pace. "Alright, alright, Qingqing, don''t cry. Let''s go."


    A child without parents, especially a girl, doesn''t fare well in the vige.


    Li Xiaoya had experienced too many unpleasant memories. This one, mixed among them, gradually faded, bing like other memories - unremarkable and not worth remembering.


    Until now, when Li Qingqing appeared in front of her again, asking with a bright face, "Don''t you remember me?"


    That memory suddenly shot back, bing vivid again.


    Li Xiaoya felt her eye corner start to ache again.


    "She already said she doesn''t know you," Sheng Yuxiao furrowed his brow. "Why are you trying to im kinship?"


    Li Qingqing''s mouth twitched.


    im kinship?


    As if she needed to im kinship with Li Xiaoya!


    In the past, Li Xiaoya wasn''t even fit to carry her shoes!


    Well... she just, she just wanted to appear close to Li Xiaoya in front of the cameras, in front of Sheng Jun, in front of Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui.


    Who would have thought that this damned Li Xiaoya would win their affection in just a few days...


    Li Qingqing opened her mouth, about to continue speaking in a pitiful manner.


    At this moment, Qin Sui finally managed to open the door and walked in from outside.


    And Li Xiaoya finally spoke again.


    Li Xiaoya said, word by word, "Yes, I remember now. You came back to the vigest year, kicked a pebble on the road, and it flew up and hit me. You also called me a dirty beggar and told me to stay away from you."


    Li Qingqing''s expression froze.


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    Qin Sui: "..."


    Even Sheng Jun slightly furrowed his brow.


    The barrage ofments exploded instantly:


    [Holy crap? Is this for real? It''s so intense!]


    [Is Li Qingqing''s temper really that bad?]


    [Uh, Li Xiaoya deliberately said this in front of so many people? Could it be false usation?]


    [Bullshit, Li Xiaoya originally said she didn''t know her, it was Li Qingqing who kept insisting oning forward, repeatedly emphasizing that she was Li Qingqing. So of course Li Xiaoya remembered the bad things she did]


    Sheng Yuxiao cupped Li Xiaoya''s face with one hand and asked in a deep voice, "Where did she hit you?"


    Li Xiaoya pointed to the corner of her eye.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately flew into a rage, turning to interrogate Li Qingqing, "You did it on purpose, didn''t you? Did you want to blind her?"


    Unable to withstand such intensity, Li Qingqing instinctively took a step back. "I didn''t, I didn''t. I, I don''t even remember this happening."


    She really didn''t remember.


    Last year... she hadn''t even been reborn into her childhood body yet.


    Now, trying to recall, she really couldn''t remember anything.


    Who would remember what they did when they were six or seven years old?


    Li Qingqing knew she was probably in big trouble today. Her eyes twitched, tears flowing down, and she looked helplessly towards Sheng Jun. "Uncle, I really didn''t do it..."


    Watching her performance, Qin Sui thought it wasn''t bad.


    Still not as good as his sister''s acting though.


    But it was quite interesting.


    How coincidental that such a little girl was chosen to record the show.


    Sheng Jun spoke up at this moment: "Was it a stone that was kicked identally?"


    Li Qingqing seized the opportunity, saying tearfully, "I don''t remember, but if it happened, it must have been an ident."


    Li Xiaoya didn''t speak because Sheng Yuxiao was holding her head, examining her eyes.


    Li Xiaoya said softly, "My eyes are fine, there''s nothing wrong."


    Sheng Yuxiao held her face and said in a deep voice, "...There''s a slight mark at the corner of your eye."


    Li Xiaoya tried to touch it herself, but Sheng Yuxiao swatted her hand away. He immediately told the secretary who came with Sheng Jun, "Go buy some scar removal cream."


    The secretary nodded awkwardly, thinking how strange the atmosphere was.


    After the secretary left, Sheng Yuxiao let out a coldugh. "I don''t care if it was intentional or not. The fact that there''s still a scar after a year shows how deep the stone must have cut!"


    [Oh yeah, it''s scary when you think about it. What if it had gone into her eye...]


    [So did Li Qingqing actually call Li Xiaoya a dirty beggar or not?]


    ["Can you guarantee that you never used foulnguage when you were young? Li Xiaoya didn''t have adults supervising her at home, so there''s nothing wrong with others calling her a dirty kid, right?"]


    ["That''s a tant lie! Have you no conscience? As we saw in the show, although Li Xiaoya''s home was run-down, she kept it very clean. How could she be considered a dirty kid?"]


    Before the argument could break out in the hospital room, it had already erupted in thements section, debating whether Li Qingqing or Li Xiaoya was at fault.


    "Did you apologize at the time?" Qin Sui suddenly interjected.


    "I... I..." Li Qingqing hadn''t expected Qin Sui to join in on the interrogation.


    What''s going on? Are you all rushing to stand up for Li Xiaoya?

 Chapter 23: “Get this done, and I’ll give you tens of thousands.”

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    Sheng Yuxiao cast a nce at Qin Sui, unusually refraining from interrupting him.


    For the first time in history, the two of them were joining forces for an "interrogation!"


    Li Qingqing, at this moment, did not dare to meet Qin Sui''s eyes. She quickly turned her head and sobbed to Li Xiaoya: ��I truly can��t remember, I...I��m sorry...if I did it, I''m sorry...


    "And... just now, when I greeted you, it was only because my father told me...he said you were in the same show as me. He said you look pitiful and asked me to take good care of you if I met you, after all, we are from the same vige.��


    ��Li Qingqing was crying pretty badly��


    ��Hey, with both Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui interrogating her, she must be terrified. After all, she is just a little girl��


    Sheng Yuxiao let out a coldugh upon hearing this and was about to remind Li Xiaoya that if she didn��t want to forgive, then she didn��t have to, she had the right and the confidence.


    However, Li Xiaoya spoke first, ��Oh, okay. You don��t need to look after me, I don��t want to y with you.��


    Li Qingqing froze.


    That was even more damaging than saying ��I don��t forgive you!��


    If Li Xiaoya dared to say "I don''t forgive you", she could spin the narrative, letting everyone call Li Xiaoya petty, unwilling to let go of grudges.


    Yet, all Li Xiaoya said was she didn''t want to y with her!


    It was subtly informing everyone that Li Qingqing had character issues, and for that reason, Li Xiaoya did not want to y with her!


    This pleased Sheng Yuxiao. He reached over and pinched Li Xiaoya''s cheek, saying, "Right, don''t y with others, y with me."


    This drew Qin Sui''s attention, and he cast an extra look at Li Xiaoya, wondering what it feels like to pinch that face...


    Sheng Jun rubbed his temple, thinking this was all a farce, and he signaled to a bodyguard nearby.


    The bodyguard immediately walked over to Li Qingqing, ��Would you like to wash your face?��


    Li Qingqing nodded, choking with sobs. As she walked out, her hopeful voice trailed behind her, ��Li Xiaoya, won��t you stop being mad at me?��


    Without an answer from Li Xiaoya, Li Qingqing covered her face and sobbed even harder, before being led out by the bodyguard.


    As soon as Li Qingqing left, Sheng Yuxiao said: ��Finally, some peace and quiet.��


    Sheng Jun sighed, ��Watch your mouth. After all, she is still a young girl.��


    Sheng Yuxiao pointed at Li Xiaoya, ��Isn''t she a young girl? Doesn''t she seem cuter? More lovable?��


    Sheng Jun had no words.


    Qin Sui timely interrupted, ��It''s gettingte, Li Xiaoya should go home.��


    His tone sounded exactly like a strict guardian.


    Sheng Yuxiao straightened up: ��Is itte? Well, you don��t have to leave. Li Xiaoya will stay over tonight. She has no school tomorrow, right?��


    Before Qin Sui could respond, Li Xiaoya shook her head first, ��My grandfather is home.��


    ��Qin Sui can go back to take care of your grandfather.�� Sheng Yuxiao nned it out clearly.


    Qin Sui followed up, ��In that case, her grandfather might not live to see tomorrow��s sun.��


    Sheng Yuxiao: ��������


    Sheng Yuxiao turned to look at the staff and everything was said in that nce.


    The staff hesitated, ��We... look after them?��


    Sheng Yuxiaoughed, "Everyone is quite enthusiastic. Doing good deeds is fine. In this case, I''ll leave it to your team."


    The staff member was speechless.


    The room where Sheng Yuxiao stayed was private, containing not only a patient bed but also an apany bed, which had been vacant for the past few days.


    Today it was in use.


    Sheng Yuxiao pointed and said, "Li Xiaoya, you''ll sleep here tonight."


    ��Qin Sui: So, should I leave?��


    ��Qin Sui: Sleeping on the floor is also eptable��


    Qin Sui, after all, was a gentleman. He did not, as spected in thements, swallow his dignity and sleep on the floor. He turned his head and asked. "Where has Sheng been staying these past few days?"


    "Liyang Hotel," replied Sheng Jun. Even though the Sheng Corporation and the Qin Corporation were at odds, it was uncouth for adults to bully children, so he presented a civil demeanor on the surface.


    "Then I''ll stay there too." Qin Sui decided.


    The crew member''s eyes widened, "This..this is not appropriate, right? This is a filming..."


    "Otherwise, I can sleep in the car if you are not concerned about the risk of me suffocating in it." Qin Sui was very reasonable.


    The crew member''s lips twitched, "No, no, please stay in the hotel, we''ll go back to the vige tomorrow, okay?"


    Qin Sui nodded as if they had reached a consensus.


    For once, Sheng Yuxiao didn''t oppose. As long as Qin Sui didn''t cling to Li Xiaoya, he didn''t care where he slept.


    ��I suddenly feel that Qin Sui is ten thousand times more difficult to deal with than young master Sheng��


    ��No wonder Sheng Yuxiao called him scheming...The description fits perfectly.��


    Sheng Jun needed to go back and handle work. It was impossible to spend his whole day here. As he got up and left, Qin Sui left too.


    Thinking that there''s no Li Xiaoya now, Li Qingqing dared to approach Qin Sui, her eyes teary, "Brother, can you help me talk to Li Xiaoya?"


    "Brother?" Qin Sui turned around to look at her, "You also call Sheng Yuxiao brother?"


    Li Qingqing paused, her heart wondering: Could it be that Qin Sui was the domineering type? Did he not allow her to call other people ''brother''?


    Before Li Qingqing could put her thoughts in order, Qin Sui mockingly said, "You sure have a lot of brothers."


    Li Qingqing: "......"


    Li Qingqing summoned her courage and said with a grievance, "I don''t have a real brother. I just want to y with you guys��"


    Qin Sui responded indifferently, "y with us? Even Li Xiaoya doesn''t like to y with us."


    Li Qingqing bit her lip, thinking to herself: I''m not the same as Li Xiaoya...


    "Don''t call me brother again. I have a blood sister and if she were to see the program, she would want to tear your mouth off." After saying this, Qin Sui opened the door of his Maybach and got in.


    The car door closed mercilessly in front of Li Qingqing.


    A ruthless look shed across Li Qingqing''s face.


    She knew very well that Qin Sui had a real sister who subsequentlymitted suicide abroad. Hmph, her life might not have been better than hers!


    The patient room at the other end was once again quiet.


    Grandpa Li had someone taking care of him, so Li Xiaoya let go of her insistence on staying. She asked Sheng Yuxiao, "Do you have someone taking care of you?"


    "Yes. Why? You''re not much older, are you nning to take care of me?" Sheng Yuxiao chuckled.


    Li Xiaoya was looking at him expectantly, asking, "Does it still hurt?"


    With her watching him like that, Sheng Yuxiao''s heart softened. "I''m all right now," he said.


    He asked her another question: "Qin Sui didn''t bully you, did he?"


    "Qin Sui?" Li Xiaoya looked puzzledly at him.


    "Mm, the man who just walked out, you didn''t know his name?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, thinking so, that was Qin Sui.


    She quickly responded, "No, I didn''t hang out with him. But..."


    "But what?"


    "But we picked and sold mushrooms together today."


    Sheng Yuxiao knew about this. He waved his hand and said, "It doesn''t matter. Did you manage to sell all of them? It doesn''t matter if you didn''t manage to sell them, I''ll be with you next time..."


    "They were all sold."


    "..." Sheng Yuxiao''s voice paused. After a while, he found his voice again, "How much did you get?"


    "331 Yuan."


    "That''s quite a bit." Sheng Yuxiao''spetitive spirit kicked in. "Next time, I''ll help you sell even more than that," he said.


    Li Xiaoya nodded and said, "I''m going to split the earnings with him because he helped me sell the mushrooms."


    "Why would you give him a share?" Sheng Yuxiao grumbled with visible dissatisfaction.


    Li Xiaoya took out the money from her cloth bag, counted a five yuan bill, and handed it to Sheng Yuxiao. "Hmm, I''ll share with you, too."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s dissatisfaction disappeared at once. He held the five Yuan like he was holding five million.


    He asked with a smile, "What is this for? Are you asking me to buy candy?"


    Li Xiaoya thought for a moment and said, "Buy something else instead, I can trade the red flowers I have for candy."


    Was she nning to exchange all her future red flowers for candy for him?


    Sheng Yuxiao, as a matter of fact, didn��t even like candy.


    He didn��t know why, but Li Xiaoya seemed to have gotten the idea that he loved it.


    Either way... Sheng Yuxiao''s heart was as light as if he was tied to a balloon, floating off into the sky. He felt incrediblyfortable.


    He muttered, "Li Xiaoya, what will I do if there''s no more candy for me in the future?"


    Li Xiaoya wanted to say, ''then you can leave your address when you leave. I can always mail you candy.''


    But after thinking about it, she decided not to.


    Perhaps after he left, he would quickly forget about her.


    "I''ll get us some takeout, let''s have something tasty." Sheng Yuxiao quickly shrugged off his worries and started making big orders on his phone.


    There was nothing in that shabby vige.


    He was finally able to give Li Xiaoya a taste of the better things in life.


    Before long, takeout began to stream into the hospital.


    The small table was packed full of it.


    "This is glutinous rice balls, have you ever tried it? This is a beef burger, this is Taro Milk Tea, this is hotpot withmb and fish. Oh, do you want KFC? Kids usually like it a lot, don''t they?"


    As Sheng Yuxiao was introducing the food to Li Xiaoya, he turned and saw her wide-eyed, shocked expression.


    Sheng Yuxiao instantly felt extremely satisfied.


    This was just the beginning. If Li Xiaoya lived with him in the city, he would take her to dine at high-end restaurants every day. The food in this little county town was far from enough.


    Li Xiaoya had the most bountiful feast in her life. She tasted many things she had never seen or heard of before.


    "The outside world is so beautiful."


    Li Xiaoya was stuffed and full, pleasantly content.


    "Come, let''s brush your teeth." Sheng Yuxiao lifted her up.


    The basins in the hospital bathrooms were quite high. Sheng Yuxiao put a small stool for her, held her as she brushed her teeth and washed her face, and only after she was done, he picked her up again.


    Under the light, Li Xiaoya''s long eyshes fluttered gently.


    She thought, it felt so good to be taken care of like this�� but Mother said, you can''t be attached to all the warm things in this world. You would be weak and be bullied and trampled.


    Li Xiaoya wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, and kept repeating in her head, ''it''s a dream, it''s a dream, it must be a dream...''


    *


    Li Xiaoya and Qin Sui didn''t return to the vige, and the Vige Chief again visited Li Xiaoya''s house.


    "Old Uncle." The Vige Chief greeted Grandpa Li as he walked in.


    Grandpa Li had been in low spirits recently. He was not as courteous as before, and rudely asked, "What do you want?"


    The Vige Chief leaned in and whispered a few words to Grandpa Li.


    Grandpa Li''s face went through a series of changes and finally, hesitating, he shook his head and said, "No, I won''t do it."


    The Vige Chief''s expression hardened, and he shouted, "You wouldn''t do it for eight hundred, Uncle, has your appetite grown?"


    Grandpa Li sneered, "The TV crew offered me a thousand, and that young master Sheng said he would give me however much I want in the future. He said his father is worth hundreds of billions, do you know what hundreds of billions are? An amount you can''t even begin to count!"


    The Vige Chief cursed inwardly and asserted a more aggressive stance, "Bullshit! You believe that young master''s words! He''s just fooling you, do you see theming back?"


    Grandpa Li''s expression wavered.


    The Vige Chief seized the opportunity, "Look here, Uncle, you''ve not had it easy all these years. Li Xiaoya, that girl, took the money from the TV crew and immediately gave it to Auntie. You didn''t get a penny, aren''t you angry? I''m angry for you! I''ll y the judge, I give you five thousand."


    "No! Ten thousand!"


    "You! Think about it, if we manage to do this, they will give you tens of thousands more. The money I give you now is nothing, you gotta look at the bigger picture..."


    Grandpa Li''s eyes flickered.


    After a moment, he nodded heavily and said, "If you can handle this, that girl won''t be a thorn in your side anymore!"

 Chapter 24: Living in the City with Uncle

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    The production team, fearing that Qin Sui and the others might linger in the county, came banging on the door early in the morning.


    Qin Sui was quite cooperative, getting into the Maybach to pick up Li Xiaoya from the hospital.


    Li Xiaoya had never slept in such a soft bed before, and hadn''t even opened her eyes once until the production team barged in.


    Li Xiaoya sat up groggily, wrapped in a small nket, looking like a tiny figurine.


    "Why such a rush?" Sheng Yuxiao red at the staff disapprovingly.


    The staff could only say, "Besides taking care of Grandpa Li, there are pigs and chickens at home to tend to..."


    "Can''t you feed them yourselves?"


    "We can''t do it properly."


    "You can''t even manage that?" Sheng Yuxiao frowned. "Are you less capable than a child?"


    The staff wanted to argue but, after some thought, found they couldn''t refute it.


    Indeed, Li Xiaoya was more capable than these grown adults.


    So, home couldn''t do without Li Xiaoya.


    "Wait, Li Xiaoya hasn''t even washed her face or brushed her teeth yet," Sheng Yuxiao finally relented. After all, he thought his wound was almost healed, and he''d soon make a triumphant return, kicking Qin Sui out of his position.


    Everyone waited for Li Xiaoya to brush her teeth and wash her face, then waited again as the young master Sheng, in a burst of enthusiasm, insisted on tying Li Xiaoya''s hair into a ponytail.


    "It''s a bit crooked," Sheng Yuxiao said, not entirely satisfied as he put down his hands.


    "But it''s really gettingte..." the staff said anxiously.


    "Alright, go then," Sheng Yuxiao tossed aside theb, the hostility in his eyes softening as he smiled slightly at Li Xiaoya, "Wait for me toe back."


    Li Xiaoya nodded and turned to leave the hospital room.


    Qin Sui was waiting in the corridor, and the staff was saying to him, "Thank you, thank you for understanding, Young Master Qin."


    If Qin Sui had gone in to take Li Xiaoya away, it would have instantly provoked Sheng Yuxiao''s defiance.


    Qin Sui was willing to wait outside, which made Sheng Yuxiao much more agreeable.


    The Maybach soon started up and gradually drove away from the county hospital.


    Sitting in the car, Li Xiaoya took out some money and began counting it out to Qin Sui. Qin Sui had never handled such crumpled bills before. He raised an eyebrow and said, "Keep it for yourself."


    "No, I can''t," Li Xiaoya insisted, stuffing the money into his palm and whispering, "Now you can take this money and buy your own meals."


    Qin Sui: "..." From the sound of it, she didn''t want to deal with him and wanted him to take care of his own living expenses?


    This little girl''s heart was quite difficult to open up.


    As the Maybach drove back to Li Family Vige, just as they reached the vige entrance, someone waved their arms, blocking the car and shouting, "Li Xiaoya! Li Xiaoya!"


    "Someone''s calling me," Li Xiaoya pressed against the window.


    Seeing this, Qin Sui reached out and lowered the window. Li Xiaoya looked back at him and said softly, "Thank you."


    The driver also slowed down at this point, and the person blocking the road immediately rushed up and said, "Li Xiaoya, your grandfather wants you to go to your Great-aunt''s house right away."


    "What for?" It was Qin Sui who asked this question.


    The person hesitated for a moment, nced cautiously at Qin Sui, and then said, "Her grandfather said she needs to fetch something, seems like... it''s something that belonged to Li Xiaoya''s mother."


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes lit up, "Mom''s things?"


    She happily agreed, "Okay, I''ll go."


    Qin Sui grabbed Li Xiaoya''s arm and asked, "Whose house are you going to?"


    The local ent was a bit heavy, and Qin Sui hadn''t heard clearly.


    Li Xiaoya said, "Great-aunt''s."


    "How far is it?"


    Li Xiaoya counted on her fingers, "It takes more than four hours to walk there."


    Qin Sui looked down at her thin arms and legs, "Walk for more than four hours?"


    "Mm-hmm." Li Xiaoya nodded vigorously, looking at him expectantly, "I need to get out. Can you help me open the door?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t know how to unbuckle the seatbelt or open the car door.


    Qin Sui didn''t move to help. Instead, he said to the driver, "Take her there."


    The driver was about to agree when someone in the passenger seat pulled him back.


    The show needed to create content, and they couldn''t have the production team helping with everything.


    Qin Sui noticed their hesitation and said, "I''ll exchange points for it."


    The staff member turned around with a grin, "The points have already been used up."


    Qin Sui had only been here for a couple of days, so it was understandable that he didn''t have enough points. After a brief consideration, he leaned down to open the door for Li Xiaoya.


    The staff asked, "Young Master Qin, aren''t you going with her?"


    "I''m going back to earn more points."


    While they were still talking, Li Xiaoya had already jumped out of the car and started walking down another road.


    Her figure gradually became a small dot in the camera''s view.


    [Just thinking about walking for more than four hours makes my legs ache]


    [Li Xiaoya is actually quite pitiful, sigh]


    [She even shared money with Qin Sui, she actually has a good personality]


    [Isn''t the cameraman going to follow her?]


    The audience raised questions, and then remembered that the original protagonists of this show were just Sheng Yuxiao and Li Qingqing. Now they reluctantly included Qin Sui. Li Xiaoya had nothing to do with the show at all; she was purely brought in by Sheng Yuxiao''s insistence.


    [Let''s wait for Li Xiaoya toe back]


    [+1, it''s actually quite interesting to see Qin Sui struggling with her]


    The show''s direction was quietly undergoing a change.


    The executive producer was monitoring online public opinion, thinking that if they had known it would turn out like this, why bother changing people? But now, it seemed they had stumbled upon a different kind of program effect!


    At this moment, the associate producer also came over and asked in a low voice, "Should we let the cameraman follow her after all?"


    The executive producer waved his hand, "Let them feel sorry for Li Xiaoya for a while, it''s good too."


    The associate producer hesitated, then said, "Those previous rumors about Li Xiaoya, were they... fake?"


    The executive producer nodded, "It''s possible, but that''s not our concern."


    "If Young Master Sheng wants to clear Li Xiaoya''s name in the future..." the associate producer paused, suddenly realizing, "That would create even more drama for the show, wow!"


    The executive producer smiled and nodded again.


    The associate producer clicked his tongue, "As expected of you!" and didn''t mention Li Xiaoya''s matter again.


    Li Xiaoya had walked quite far before she remembered that she had forgotten to ask them to help feed the chickens and pigs. But it should be fine for just one meal... She should be able to get back before dark.


    Li Xiaoya quickened her pace.


    The road to her Great-aunt''s house was all dirt paths. By the time Li Xiaoya arrived, her shoes and clothes were sttered with mud.


    She carefully pushed open arge iron gate and walked into the courtyard. The yard was paved with cement, and Li Xiaoya was hesitant to step on it, fearing that if her Great-aunt got angry, she might not give her mother''s belongings to her.


    "Little Duck is here?" Today, her Great-aunt was unexpectedly warm,ing out to hold her hand, "Come,e inside and we''ll talk."


    Li Xiaoya was led through the door, only to find the room shrouded in darkness.


    Her great-aunt turned to close the door before feeling for the light cord on the wall. With a tug, the incandescent bulb flickered to life, its harsh re momentarily blinding.


    Li Xiaoya instinctively blinked a few times before her eyes adjusted, finally able to make out who was sitting in the living room.


    Her scalp tightened with fear, and she immediately tried to bolt, but her great-aunt caught her in her arms. Lifted off the ground, Li Xiaoya''s legs dangled helplessly as she struggled in vain to escape.


    Her great-aunt chuckled, "Child, why are you running? It''s been so long since you''ve seen your cousin uncle''s family."


    Every Chinese New Year, Li Xiaoya would encounter this distant cousin uncle.


    He would smile warmly, pat her head, and hand her a red envelope, saying, "How abouting to live a good life with uncle?"


    Back then, Li Xiaoya didn''t understand what he meant.


    Later, the vige children would gather around her, pointing andughing: "Oh! Oh! Li Xiaoya is going to be sold by her grandpa! Sold to be a child bride for a cripple!"


    Terrified, Li Xiaoya told her teacher.


    The next day, her cousin uncle returned, furious. He berated her, "That city teacher of yours is just here for a temporary program. Do you know what that means? She''ll be gone in two years. I''m telling you, no one can protect you forever!"


    With that, he pped her hard across the face.


    The force of the blow left her ears ringing.


    Blood trickled from both her nose and ear.


    She stood there, calling out "Grandpa," but Grandpa Li just leaned against the doorframe, puffing on his pipe, sighing, "Xiaoya, it''s not easy for grandpa to raise you alone..."


    After that, little Li Xiaoya became the one taking care of Grandpa Li.


    Her cousin uncle never appeared again.


    So much time had passed that Li Xiaoya had almost forgotten about him.


    Until this moment.


    The memory of that p came rushing back, and Li Xiaoya''s head began to buzz once more.


    She clenched her fists and said, "I want to go home."


    Her cousin uncle rose and walked over, taking her from her great-aunt''s arms. He smiled, his eyes crinkling in a way that, at first nce, made him look like a kind elder.


    "What home? You''reing to live in the city with your uncle. The car''s waiting outside."


    Li Xiaoya fought to keep herself from trembling. She raised her voice, "I want to go home. If I don''t go home, someone wille looking for me!"

 Chapter 25: No One Will Come to Find You

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    "Damn, I forgot to have Li Xiaoya take some nkets and clothes back with her," Sheng Yuxiao frowned as he sat in the hospital room.


    "Never mind, I''ll just bring them to her when I go back."


    After Li Xiaoya returned to Li Family Vige, Sheng Yuxiao grew restless in the hospital room, partly worried that Qin Sui might win her over.


    He scrolled through his phone, not even slightly tempted to open any of the game icons.


    With nothing else to do, the young master made a call: "Hey, Brother Yang, give me the number for the investment office over there."


    The audience was still specting: [Is the young master about to invest?]


    [So wealthy, investing is like eating and drinking for him, I''m envious]


    [I wish they''de film in my hometown, it''s poor too]


    While thements were still buzzing, the screen suddenly went ck.


    Sheng Yuxiao had temporarily removed the camera and microphone.


    Soon, the small hospital room became lively as Sheng Yuxiao met with some people.


    These visitors were quite surprised; usually, investment deals were made over drinks, but today it was happening in a hospital room. And they''d never seen such a big investor take the initiative like this!


    "Sit down, everyone, make yourselvesfortable," Sheng Yuxiao said, toning down his usual arrogant demeanor, which made the visitors feel even more honored.


    "Is this Mr. Sheng''s idea?" someone asked cautiously.


    Sheng Yuxiao shook his head: "To be honest, my father wouldn''t be interested in this kind of project. No matter how hard you try, it won''t work."


    The people across from him grew anxious: "Then..."


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "I can invest in you."


    "You..."


    "I''ll invest the money I was going to use to buy a sports car next year. It''s about six million yuan."


    The eyes of the people across from him immediately lit up with excitement. One of them urged his assistant: "Come on, give the project proposal to this..."


    Sheng Yuxiao interrupted: "No, I don''t want to see that first." He paused and said, "You have a ce called Stone Ox Town, right? In Stone Ox Town, there''s a person I don''t know exactly where he works, but I know his name is Li Song, and he''s the son of the Li Family Vige chief. Oh, you know I''ve been filming a show in Li Family Vige recently, right?"


    "Yes, yes, we know. This Li Song..." The person opposite him paused, then asked tactfully, "Did he offend you?"


    Sheng Yuxiao opened his phone and yed a recorded conversation.


    "Listen to this. What nerve, trying to scheme against me," Sheng Yuxiao said with a cold smile.


    Half an hourter, the group left the hospital room.


    As soon as they were out, their first words were: "This Li Song, he''s got no integrity. He''s really damaging our reputation! How will people judge us in the future? Will they say ''poor mountains and vicious waters breed wicked people''? How can we attract investment like that?"


    "We absolutely can''t keep this kind of ck sheep around."


    Back in the hospital room, Sheng Yuxiao reattached the camera but didn''t rush to upload the recording online.


    That recording would still be usefulter.


    Soon after, Sheng Jun came to visit him again and asked in surprise, "You''re in a good mood?"


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded.


    He was looking forward to seeing how Li Xiaoya would thank himter. Would the little girl cry with gratitude? Just imagining the scene made Sheng Yuxiao feel very satisfied.


    Time passed, and it was suddenly 6:30 in the evening.


    Qin Sui came out with a grim face and told the production team, "Li Xiaoya hasn''te back yet."


    The production team also felt it was gettingte, so they went to ask Grandpa Li for the phone number of the great-aunt''s house.


    Grandpa Li didn''t know anything about it.


    The production team''s brows furrowed: "Grandpa Li says he doesn''t know the great-aunt''s number."


    Qin Sui felt something was off: "Then how was the message passed? How did Grandpa Li know that Li Xiaoya''s great-aunt wanted her to visit?"


    The production team realized he had a point and quickly went back to ask again.


    [Qin Sui is so sharp!]


    [If you ask me, the production team shouldn''t have let Li Xiaoya go alone. Such a young child, it''s dangerous on the roads]


    [Li Xiaoya has lived here since birth, doesn''t she know better than you? She''s probably used to visiting rtives, what could go wrong?]


    After a while, a staff member came out and ryed: "Grandpa Li says the great-aunt always calls the vige store, and then someone from the storees to pass the message to him."


    "Let''s go to the store," Qin Sui immediately ordered.


    The store had an old-fashionedndline phone. The owner sat next to it, spitting out melon seed shells as he spoke: "Who remembers phone numbers these days? It''s not like they''re my rtives."


    Qin Sui gave him a dark look.


    Though Qin Sui wasn''t even half the store owner''s age, that one look was enough to scare him. The melon seeds scattered all over the ground.


    The production team members nced at Qin Sui''s expression, knowing this situation wouldn''t end well. They sprang into action: "Let''s ask around, go door to door, find out if anyone knows where Li Xiaoya''s great-aunt lives, or if they know her number..."


    Qin Sui cut in: "Offer a cash reward."


    When the store owner heard this, his chest tightened with regret. Why hadn''t he remembered that number!


    This was the busiest day in Li Family Vige since Li Qingqing left, when the vige chief set off countless firecrackers.


    But the vige''s electricity wasn''t very reliable. As time passed and night fell, the lights went out one by one until only a few households still had lights on. Everywhere else was pitch ck.


    "Should we wait until early tomorrow morning to look? It''ste now, the roads are all dirt, we can''t drive, and even with shlights on foot, it''s easy to fall into a ditch," the chief director suggested.


    Qin Sui responded with a simple "Mm."


    This response left the audience on edge.


    Only a few people were still skeptical: [It''s obviously just a script from the production team, right? Maybe they''re using this chance to improve Li Xiaoya''s image]


    When the vige chief learned that the production team was searching everywhere, he couldn''t help feeling guilty.


    "These people have nothing better to do, why are they so concerned about this?" the vige chief grumbled.


    In his view, a vige child not returning for a night while visiting rtives should be a trivial matter. Why were these city folks getting so worked up?


    The vige chief quickly reassured himself. It''s fine, it''s fine. After all, Grandpa Li himself had arranged this. Don''t elders have the right to make decisions for children? What right did these outsiders have to interfere?


    By this time, Li Xiaoya had already been taken to the city by her uncle.


    Her uncle smiled and said, "Don''t think about it anymore. No one''s going toe looking for you."


    He carried Li Xiaoya into a residentialplex: "You''ve never seen such a beautiful ce, have you? Uncle lives here. Uncle will take you to live with him. It''s a blessing you couldn''t earn in eight lifetimes, understand?"


    This was a high-end residential area in the county.


    Although it couldn''tpare to big cities, it was indeed very famous locally.


    Li Xiaoya said in a hoarse voice, "I don''t want good fortune."


    Uncle Li''s face changed with anger, but he quickly calmed down and said with a smile, "You just haven''t experienced the good life yet. Once you do, you won''t want to leave."


    As they were talking, a down-and-out middle-aged man carrying a briefcase walked towards them.


    The man spotted Li Xiaoya at once.


    It couldn''t be helped; the child was too beautiful, eye-catching.


    The man''s eyes lit up.


    Isn''t this the little girl who was selling mushrooms with the Maybach the other day? So she lives here? I wonder if that young Master Qin is around!


    The man was actually the small business owner who had bought all the expensive mushrooms in one go that day.


    He had wanted to strike up a conversation with them then but didn''t get the chance.


    Now the opportunity hade knocking!


    "Brother!" the man approached, about to offer a cigarette to Uncle Li.


    Uncle Li didn''t want anyplications, so he pretended not to see and walked straight ahead.


    Li Xiaoya, with her good memory, also recognized the small business owner.


    She opened her mouth to shout, "Uncle, help��"


    In a sh, Uncle Li realized she knew the man, so he covered Li Xiaoya''s mouth and whispered threateningly in her ear, "If you dare to speak out of turn, uncle will hang you up and spank you."


    With that, Uncle Li hurriedly carried Li Xiaoya away.


    The man''s hand, holding the cigarette, froze in mid-air, stunned.


    At this moment, Li Uncle''s Wife smiled and said, "The child is very tired from the journey, please don''t disturb her sleep, or it''ll be hard tofort herter."


    Then she hurriedly followed.


    A boy of about fourteen or fifteen was following the woman, walking with a limp and keeping silent.


    The man watched the family walk away, feeling an intense sense of incongruity.


    Thinking about his impending bankruptcy, the man decided to follow them, nning to find out where they lived so he could visit tomorrow with some cigarettes and alcohol as gifts.


    Uncle Li was very strong. When Li Xiaoya was put down, there were clear finger marks around her mouth.


    Uncle Li shook his head at her and said, "You''re not being very obedient. I need to discipline you properly." He turned to his wife and said, "Lock her up, don''t give her any nkets or water."

 Chapter 26: Everyone is Looking for Someone

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    "Auntie, I''ll be good. Please don''t lock me up, okay?" Li Xiaoya raised her face, her eyes downcast, looking pitiful.


    The woman across from her showed a flicker of softening, but Uncle Li''s cold voice quickly followed: "Her grandfather said she likes to y pitiful, but she''s actually very stubborn."


    Hearing this, the woman instantly withdrew herpassion and pushed Li Xiaoya into the small room opposite.


    "Auntie!" Li Xiaoya stumbled, and by the time she got up, the door was already closed.


    Uncle''s voice sounded coldly again: "You just need to behave for a few days, and then you can have your mother''s belongings. Don''t you want them?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t say anything more through the door.


    Uncle was very satisfied with the result of his carrot-and-stick approach. He gave his wife a look and left first.


    Li Xiaoya took two steps back, desperately reaching up to feel for the light cord.


    But all she felt was the wall covered in thick soundproofing foam. No light cord, no switch, just bare and pitch ck, with only a faint glimmer of moonlight.


    The small room wasn''t big, and the window was sealed tightly.


    Li Xiaoya stretched out her hand, touching the thick ss and a bit of elusive moonlight.


    She only shed two tears before wiping them away fiercely.


    She had to grow up quickly.


    She had to read many, many books.


    She had to leave this ce and go far away.


    Li Xiaoya stayed in the small room like this for a night.


    The woman leaned against the door to listen and said in surprise: "Howe there''s not a sound from inside? Isn''t she crying at all?"


    Uncle Li, unsurprised, said: "She''s tough. It''s only been one night, why would she cry? She didn''t even cry when her father ran away and the vigers came banging on the door to collect debts."


    The woman was shocked.


    At this moment, Uncle Li muttered: "...Good genes indeed, worth the money."


    The woman didn''t hear the first half clearly, so she asked: "What?"


    Uncle Li didn''t answer, just straightened his tie and left for work.


    The woman didn''t pursue it further, turning to wake up her son and instructing him: "Go bring your sister a bowl of hot soup. This way she''ll be close to you."


    The boy silently took the bowl and opened the door with the key.


    The next moment, the boy shouted loudly: "Mom!" "Why is she lying on the floor not moving?"


    *


    Qin Sui hadn''t slept all night and got up as soon as it was dawn.


    The production team was about the same, fearing that something big would happen and affect the normal recording of the show.


    "We''ve got the address. Let''s drive to Li Xiaoya''s great-aunt''s house first," the production team arranged.


    Qin Sui paused for a moment and said: "Call the police."


    The production team widened their eyes: "But we haven''t confirmed if Li Xiaoya is missing yet..."


    "She''s a minor, not even ten years old." Qin Sui paused, his tone bing darker, "Call the police."


    "What if it''s just a false rm?"


    "I''ll take responsibility."


    "It''s not about responsibility. Maybe Li Xiaoya will feel very embarrassed..."


    "Fools always think more than they do." Qin Sui spat out these words.


    The production team: "..."


    [This statement is so arrogant, but at this time we need someone to take charge with an iron fist!]


    [I''m starting to understand why Young Master Sheng dislikes him]


    [Ah, stop talking and go find her!]


    Under Qin Sui''s lead, the production team, not wanting to be fools, immediately contacted the local police.


    Then they also got in their cars and headed to the great-aunt''s house.


    Grandpa Li might have lost his feet, but not his ears. He heard themotion inside and couldn''t help but crane his neck, muttering to himself: "Why such a big fuss?"


    He started to feel a bit nervous.


    Qin Sui, sitting in the car, suddenly spoke up: "Something''s off about Grandpa Li."


    "What?"


    "Someone needs to keep an eye on him."


    "Huh?"


    Qin Sui held out his hand: "Give me the phone."


    The executive producer could only hurriedly hand it over. Qin Sui immediately called his bodyguard.


    After all, being a wealthy heir, how could hee to such a remote ce to record a show without bringing bodyguards?


    "Go watch Li Xiaoya''s grandfather," Qin Sui instructed the bodyguard.


    "Do you think this has something to do with Grandpa Li, Young Master Qin?"


    "If something''s wrong, it must be rted to him," Qin Sui said with certainty, then frowned, his expression bing even darker. "It''s not enough."


    "Huh?"


    "This area is economically backward, local facilities can''t keep up. The roads are difficult, the cars are old, and there''s not enough manpower. We can''t rely solely on local police to search for her."


    The production team hesitated and said: "Actually, we haven''t even reached Li Xiaoya''s great-aunt''s house yet. There''s no need to be so urgent."


    Qin Sui said in a t tone: "Do you know what the golden period is?"


    Qin Sui took the phone and called home.


    But his father wasn''t home, and his mother answered the phone.


    His mother eximed when she heard: "What? That little girl is missing? Oh my goodness!"


    His mother was prone to tears, and after just a few words, tears were already streaming down her face. She even asked her son in return: "So, so what should we do?"


    "It would be best if we could borrow people from the provincial and municipal levels," Qin Sui said, pressing his forehead in exasperation.


    "Oh, oh, then... then wait a moment, I''ll go find your father. He needs to handle this."


    The call ended.


    Qin Sui stared at the phone, thinking it would have been faster to ask Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao, still unaware of what had happened, sat in the hospital room, staring at his father and asking: "When are you going back?"


    Sheng Junughed: "So now that you think I''m useless, you''re in a hurry to send me away?"


    "Don''t you need to get back to work?"


    "Alright, as you wish." Sheng Jun shook his head and good-naturedly walked out.


    Li Qingqing followed behind.


    She was more concerned about Li Xiaoya than anyone else, so she knew as soon as Li Xiaoya went missing.


    She deliberately didn''t mention this.


    But just as she and Sheng Jun were walking out of the hospital room one after another, Sheng Yuxiao''s phone rang.


    "Qin Sui''s call?" Sheng Yuxiao frowned, "Is he sick? Calling me?"


    Li Qingqing immediately felt something was wrong and hurriedly turned back.


    While Sheng Yuxiao was cursing, he had already answered the phone: "Hello, don''t you know how to do Li Xiaoya''s hair?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s tone was still a bit smug.


    But in the next moment, everything changed.


    "What did you say?!" Sheng Yuxiao jumped right out of the hospital bed.


    He was still in his hospital gown, and he rushed out just like that, wearing slippers.


    Sheng Jun turned back in astonishment, only to see his son''s retreating figure.


    "Sheng Yuxiao! Where are you going?!"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s brow furrowed, his face full of anger as he cursed, "I''ve said it before, Qin Sui is useless! He can''t even keep track of one person!"


    "Start the car! I''m going to the police station to file a report myself!"


    Sheng Jun realized something was wrong and quickly found someone from the production team to ask what had happened.


    "What? That young girl is missing?"


    "No, no, it''s not confirmed she''s missing yet. She just hasn''t returned home all night," the staff member exined awkwardly.


    Meanwhile, Qin Sui put away his phone and was already standing in the courtyard of Li Xiaoya''s great-aunt''s house.


    Her great-aunt, having never encountered such a situation, was startled and hurriedly rushed out asking, "Who are all of you?"


    To facilitatemunication, Qin Sui had brought a guide with him when he left.


    The guide stepped forward and asked coldly, "Is Li Xiaoya here?"


    The great-aunt thought to herself, "Oh no!"


    That little girl hadn''t been lying after all. There really were... so many, so many peopleing to look for her!

 Chapter 27: The Intense Turmoil of a Small County Town

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    "She went back, she left yesterday afternoon after having lunch," Great-aunt pped her thigh. "What''s wrong? Did she disappear? She used to do this often. Did she go up the mountain to pick mushrooms? Don''t worry."


    Qin Sui took one nce and nodded slightly, saying, "She''s lying."


    The staff member''s "Why don''t we look for her on the mountain" got stuck in their throat, effectively blocked.


    Huh?


    Lying?


    "How did Young Master Qin figure that out?" the staff member asked, dumbfounded.


    Great-aunt often watched TV dramas, so she could understand Mandarin perfectly.


    Hearing this, she became agitated and pointed at Qin Sui, shouting, "Bullshit! You''re ndering people here! You..."


    Two tall and sturdy bodyguards stepped forward, directly blocking Great-aunt.


    Only then did Great-aunt realize that this young man who had arrived was no ordinary person.


    She retreated half a step, somewhat fearfully, and said, "If you don''t believe me,e in and look for yourselves. It''s not like I could hide Li Xiaoya, could I? She often walks the mountain paths alone. Who knows if she was carried off by wolves or eaten by bears..."


    Even the staff members found this statement hard to stomach.


    The barrage ofments also started cursing:


    [Damn, is this what you call an elder?]


    [What, hoping Li Xiaoya is dead?]


    [What kind of people are these? I''m furious.]


    At this point, almost everyone had forgotten about Li Qingqing; all the viewers'' emotions were tied to Li Xiaoya alone.


    People from such poor areas have one notable characteristic.


    You can tell them about how important or rich you are, but they have no concept of it.


    But once the vige chief or local police station personnel stand before them, they be scared.


    As if on cue, the sound of police sirens drew near.


    Although the car was far inferior to the Maybach, as soon as the door opened and a few uniformed officers stepped out, Great-aunt''s legs went weak, and she immediately became frightened.


    It''s over, it''s over, she truly felt it was all over now.


    "Such a small matter, why call the police?" she said with trembling lips.


    Little did she know, this was merely the beginning.


    With the cooperation of the local police station, they searched Great-aunt''s house thoroughly but didn''t find any trace of Li Xiaoya.


    A staff member asked, "Could it be a misunderstanding? Did Li Xiaoya disappear after she left?"


    Qin Sui pointed at Great-aunt and asked, "Her son and daughter live in the county town, right?"


    "Yes," the local guide nodded.


    "She made tea yesterday, three ss cups in total, still unwashed in the sink. It wasn''t loose tea, but the white tea on the wall. She entertained guests, and for her, they were three important guests," Qin Sui said rapidly.


    This statement not only caused an explosion of exmations in thement section,


    but also made others at the scene take a second look at him.


    "You''d be great at criminal investigation!"


    With Qin Sui''s words as a clue, Great-aunt was legally and reasonably taken away for questioning.


    "I won''t go, I won''t, I won''t, you''re wronging an innocent person..." Great-aunt was drenched in cold sweat, clinging to the car door, crying and wailing, refusing to let go. Where was her smugness from the day before now?


    Meanwhile,


    Sheng Yuxiao got into a car from the provincial government and also headed towards Li Family Vige.


    This team was quite impressive.


    "Child trafficking cases persist despite repeated prohibitions. It''s truly despicable!" The man sitting next to Sheng Yuxiao said sternly, his tone particrly severe.


    "Indeed," the person in the front passenger seat also furrowed his brow, "Especially in poor and backward ces like ours, children are always being abducted and sold to economically developed areas. Every time wee across those unsolved cases, it''s heartbreaking!"


    The more Sheng Yuxiao heard, the more ufortable he felt, fearing that after a day and a night, Li Xiaoya might have already been sold to who knows where.


    This poor ce needs investment, it definitely needs investment.


    Better roads need to be built, more surveince cameras installed, local employment rates need to be improved. Only then will crime decrease...


    Sheng Yuxiao''s mind was suddenly crowded with all sorts of thoughts, bothering him so much that his chest felt like it was filled with mes he couldn''t expel.


    The convoy gradually entered the county town to which Li Family Vige belonged, instantly causing intensemotion in this small county town.


    They discussed what had happened, then craned their necks curiously to look at the people sitting in those cars.


    "I heard they''re here to catch child traffickers."


    "That''s a good thing!"


    Uncle Li, walking on the street, also overheard such conversations.


    He didn''t take it to heart at all.


    Catching child traffickers had nothing to do with him.


    He was a bit annoyed.


    Because his wife had called to say that Li Xiaoya was sick, running a high fever of 38��C, vomiting severely, and turning pale. She needed to be taken to the hospital.


    Recalling Grandpa Li''s description of Li Xiaoya, Uncle Li''s first reaction was �� it''s a trick!


    That child is very smart and can endure a lot.


    Once sent to the children''s hospital, she might find a chance to run away...


    But if they didn''t send her, what if she really died from the fever?


    Annoying!


    Really annoying!


    Uncle Li quickened his pace with a gloomy face. He hadn''t gone far when he was stopped by a middle-aged man.


    He looked closely and realized it was the man who had approached him the previous night to offer him a cigarette.


    "Hello, hello, my name is Dou Dawei."


    "Get lost."


    Dou Dawei was stunned. Why such a bad temper?


    "What rtion are you to that little girl?" Dou Dawei persisted, grabbing Uncle Li''s arm.


    Uncle Li''s heart skipped a beat, but he changed his expression and said, "Her uncle."


    "Oh, oh, brother, actually I just wanted you to help introduce me to Young Master Qin."


    "Young Master Qin?" Who''s that? Uncle Li looked puzzled, thinking this person must be mentally ill.


    Dou Dawei realized that he didn''t even know Young Master Qin!


    Then he could only... "Can I see your niece?"


    "Are you sick! Why do you want to see her? Are you a child trafficker?" Uncle Li cursed a few times and hurried back home.


    Li Xiaoya was indeed ill.


    Her lips had lost all color, only slightly opening and closing as she murmured, "Mom... Mom..."


    "Has she taken fever medicine?"


    "She did, but she threw it all up."


    Uncle Li cursed, picked her up, and said, "We have to go to the hospital then."


    Li Xiaoya''s voice quickly became hoarse.


    She struggled to keep her eyes open, her face burning red, but even in this state, it didn''t diminish the delicacy and beauty of her features.


    She looked even more pitiful when sick.


    Uncle Li looked down at her and thought to himself that she was worth the price.


    But he didn''t know that Dou Dawei was hiding nearby, watching as they got into the car.


    "Is the little girl sick? Or injured? Wait, that''s not right! Could they be human traffickers?" Dou Dawei''s expression changed as he thought, "If that''s really the case, and I manage to stop this crime, I could ask Young Master Qin to invest some money with just a snap of his fingers."


    So Dou Dawei followed them without hesitation.


    Meanwhile, the couple got into the car hurriedly, causing Li Xiaoya to bump her head on the car frame.


    The spot quickly swelled, turning purple and blue, making her look even more pitiful.


    Her lips were still moving, but this time she was calling for someone different.


    She was calling out: "Sheng Yuxiao... Sheng Yuxiao..."


    But Uncle Li didn''t hear it clearly.


    "What''s that?" he asked.


    Uncle Li didn''t pay much attention to it,pletely unaware of just how impressive the background of the name Li Xiaoya was uttering truly was.

 Chapter 28: Kill Li Xiaoya

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    The nurse rolled up Li Xiaoya''s sleeve to administer an IV drip. Upon seeing how thin the little girl''s wrist was, she red at Uncle Li. "How have you been raising this child?"


    Boys were raised to be big and strong, while girls were kept thin and frail, with scars all over their hands...


    Uncle Li stiffly forced a smile. "She was... she was raised at her grandmother''s house before. The elderly there weren''t attentive enough."


    The nurse lowered her head without saying a word, but inwardly she looked down on him. It was clearly a case of favoring boys over girls... They probably even beat the child.


    Just look at her, such a high fever, face as pale as a sheet, and they only brought her in now...


    The nurse steadied herself, secured the tourniquet on the thin wrist, disinfected the area, and inserted the needle... As the needle pierced the skin, Li Xiaoya''s small, frail body shuddered, and a low whimper escaped her lips.


    The nurse inhaled sharply with sympathy before standing up and walking away.


    Uncle Li watched her leave and cursed under his breath, "Nosy bitch, mind your own business."


    Outside, the nurse discussed Li Xiaoya with her colleague.


    Her colleague sighed, "Let it go, don''t get involved. Sympathy is thest thing you need in this hospital because you can''t sympathize with everyone. You might even end up with aint against you."


    The young nurse nodded and turned to leave, only to bump into the sneaking Dou Dawei.


    "Hey, what are you doing here?" she asked.


    "I... I''m the little girl''s uncle," Dou Dawei lied.


    "Then why aren''t you going inside?"


    "I... Alright, I''ll tell you the truth. I suspect that man is trouble."


    The young nurse frowned, "I don''t think he''s a good father either."


    "Father? He said he was her father? Impossible! That''s not what he told me. This man is definitely suspicious!" Dou Dawei tried to control his excited tone, "I suspect... he might be a child trafficker."


    The young nurse''s expression changed instantly, her sense of justice ring up.


    *


    Li Xiaoya slept fitfully for a long time. She dreamed of her mother, and of her father speaking gently to her before he left. But soon, in her dream, her father transformed into a demon with a gaping, bloody maw.


    She jolted awake, about to sit up when Uncle Li roughly pushed her back down.


    "What happened to me?" Li Xiaoya''s voice came out hoarse and painful, as if her vocal cords had been torn.


    The woman quickly said, "I''ll go buy a bottle of water."


    Uncle Li thought to himself that as long as she wasn''t dead, it was fine. He turned to his son and said, "Stay here and watch your sister. I need to get back to thepany."


    As soon as Uncle Li left, the young nurse came in, saying, "I''m going to put a fever patch on her."


    The boy immediately made room for her.


    The nurse bent down, and while applying the patch, she whispered in Li Xiaoya''s ear, "Little one, was that man just now your father?"


    The boy suddenly asked loudly, "What are you whispering to my sister?"


    Cold sweat broke out on the nurse''s back, but she managed to keep herposure and said, "I''m asking the little girl if she''s feeling unwell anywhere else. Your family guardian is really irresponsible."


    The boy fell silent after that.


    Li Xiaoya, meanwhile, stared at the young nurse in surprise and disbelief.


    How did she know?


    Li Xiaoya tugged at the nurse''s hand, her voice weak and pitiful, "Sister, I need to use the bathroom. Can you take me there?"


    The nurse understood and said, "Come with me."


    The boy wanted to stop them but realized he couldn''t enter the women''s restroom, so he had to let the nurse take Li Xiaoya away.


    "He''s not my father," were the first words out of Li Xiaoya''s mouth once they were out.


    The nurse was shocked to the core when she heard this.


    It was true! It was actually true!


    For the first time, a movie plot was unfolding right before her eyes!


    "I''ll call the police right away," the nurse said.


    Li Xiaoya shook her head sadly, "I don''t think that will work. He''s my uncle, and my grandfather probably took his money..."


    The nurse muttered, "But it might be dismissed as a family matter, and you''d end up back with your grandfather, who could sell you again..."


    In just a few short exchanges, the young nurse was already seething with anger.


    "What should we do? My God, what can we do?" The nurse paused, then continued, "Oh, right, there''s a man named Dou Dawei who''s looking for you. He told me you might have been kidnapped by a trafficker. Do you know him?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head in confusion, "Who''s Dou Dawei?"


    The nurse led the stumbling Li Xiaoya around a corner to another corridor.


    Dou Dawei was anxiously waiting there.


    Li Xiaoya recognized him at once, "It''s you."


    Dou Dawei was overjoyed, "You remember me? That man is bad, isn''t he? Should I help you contact Young Master Qin?"


    The young nurse wondered who this "Young Master Qin" was.


    As a small-town nurse, she had never heard of any young masters.


    Li Xiaoya nodded first, "He is bad." But soon her brow furrowed with worry, "But I don''t know Qin Sui''s number."


    Her face, already sickly, looked even more pitiful with her furrowed brow.


    Dou Dawei was stunned.


    No contact information?


    Well... it''s normal, many children don''t remember adults'' phone numbers.


    Li Xiaoya said softly, "But he''s filming a show in Li Family Vige. You could go there to find him."


    "No, don''t look for him," Li Xiaoya quickly changed her mind.


    "Go to the County Hospital and find Sheng Yuxiao. He''s hospitalized there," Li Xiaoya made her decision.


    She wasn''t close to Qin Sui.


    But Sheng Yuxiao woulde to save her, right? He would, wouldn''t he? He definitely would.


    Li Xiaoya took a shallow breath, trying to calm her racing heart.


    "Sheng Yuxiao?" Dou Dawei repeated, dazed, "That name sounds familiar. Which three characters? Can you write it down?"


    Li Xiaoya''s expression fell, and she said quietly, "I don''t know how."


    "It''s okay, don''t worry, leave it to me," Dou Dawei was determined to see this through. He quickly hailed a taxi to the County Hospital.


    The Second Hospital, where they were now, was eight kilometers away from the County Hospital.


    As Dou Dawei was leaving, he brushed past Li Xiaoya''s aunt.


    The aunt didn''t recognize Dou Dawei, so she paid him no mind.


    "Why are you out here?" the aunt asked, looking confused when she saw Li Xiaoya.


    "Bathroom," Li Xiaoya mumbled.


    The aunt handed her the water.


    The young nurse immediately intervened, "She can''t drink cold water."


    The aunt wanted to say it wasn''t a big deal, but she held her tongue. If the girl''s condition worsened, it would be their money being spent.


    "Then I''ll go home and get a cup. You stay with your brother and behave," she said.


    Li Xiaoya nodded obediently.


    The aunt felt reassured and left.


    On the other side.


    The Vige Chief was feeling a bit restless when, coincidentally, his son drove back.


    "Song, Dad has something to tell you," the Vige Chief approached him.


    Li Song''s expression looked even worse than his father''s. He opened his mouth and cursed, "I don''t know which son of a bitch reported that I took bribes! I''m barely in any position of power! How much could I possibly take? Besides, who doesn''t take bribes?"


    The Vige Chief''s face changed upon hearing this: "How could this happen? Did your superiors believe it?"


    Li Song''s face twitched: "They''ve suspended me pending an investigation. What have I done to deserve their special investigation?"


    The Vige Chief muttered, "This isn''t right, Song. Something''s not right about this!"


    "What?"


    "Could someone be deliberately targeting you?"


    "Someone''s definitely out to get me, but I don''t know who. I asked my colleagues who are close to me, but none of them said anything," Li Song calmed his anger and said, "I''ll give Qingqing a call. She''s clever and must have already built a good rtionship with Sheng Jun by now."


    The Vige Chief was still worried: "This won''t affect my position as Vige Chief, will it?"


    Li Songughed bitterly: "It shouldn''t. How could they prove anything against me so easily?"


    The Vige Chief nodded and stammered: "Song, there''s another matter..." He then exined about Li Xiaoya being taken away and Qin Sui calling the police.


    Upon hearing this, Li Song''s phone dropped to the ground with a "thud": "Why didn''t you consult us about such a big issue?"


    "I-I thought this would be easy to handle. Grandpa Li is greedy for money, and-and it''s their family matter, so I thought it wouldn''t involve us..."


    Li Song shook his head grimly: "You''ve oversimplified things. Li Xiaoya''s distant Uncle Li won''t be willing to take the fall alone. He has some connections in the city and is richer than us... Most importantly, we can''t let the police pay attention to the vige''s big secret."


    Hearing his son''s analysis, the Vige Chief finally felt panicked: "Then-then what do you suggest we do?"


    Li Song knew that calling his father an idiot now wouldn''t help.


    Li Song said, "Li Xiaoya needs to die, and she needs to die by her uncle''s hand. This way, no matter what her uncle says, he won''t be able to clear himself."


    The Vige Chief was stunned: "K-kill someone?"


    Li Song sneered and put his hand on his father''s shoulder: "It''s not like we haven''t killed before."


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya''s Great-aunt had cried her eyes red, her hair and clothes disheveled. Her son and daughter-inw were crying alongside her, shouting: "Mom, please just tell them! Do you want to get us all killed?"


    The Great-aunt,pletely broken down, mmed the table until her hands were swollen. She choked out a wail: "Fine! Fine! I''ll tell you! It was Li Hongguang who took her away. He''s Li Xiaoya''s distant uncle! This really has nothing to do with me. It was all Grandpa Li''s decision!"


    Qin Sui turned quickly: "Go find this Li Hongguang immediately."

 Chapter 29: You Scared Me to Death

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    On the other side, Dou Dawei arrived at the hospital. With a hopeful attitude, he asked at the reception desk, "You have an inpatient here named Sheng Yuxiao..."


    The receptionist''s expression changed, and she replied stiffly, "Patient privacy. Sorry, I can''t tell you."


    Dou Dawei was taken aback. So there really was such a person!


    "I have urgent business with him," Dou Dawei said anxiously.


    "Everyone says that, but I''m really sorry."


    Dou Dawei suddenly realized that this "Sheng Yuxiao" was no ordinary person.


    Earlier at the Second Hospital, the little girl had said Qin Sui was recording a show in Li Family Vige. What kind of show?


    Being a businessman, his mind was still quick.


    Dou Dawei took out his phone and started searching for keywords like "Li Family Vige," "recording show," and "Qin Sui."


    A web page quickly caught his eye.


    Sheng Yuxiao!


    So it was this Sheng Yuxiao!


    Dou Dawei was overjoyed, almost bursting into tears on the spot.


    That little girl was his lucky charm!


    The people around her were young masters like Qin Sui or Sheng Yuxiao!


    Dou Dawei immediately raised his phone, found a photo of Li Xiaoya from the show, and showed it to the receptionist: "Search online, this little girl is missing. She''s now at the Second Hospital. I''m here to inform Sheng Yuxiao."


    The receptionist looked at him with uncertainty but eventually chose to make a phone call.


    In less than half an hour, a long line of vehicles stopped outside the County Hospital, attracting everyone''s attention.


    Sheng Yuxiao stepped out of the car, looking around: "Where is she?"


    Dou Dawei had never felt so popr before. He squeezed forward, thinking that this Young Master Sheng''s appearance was truly one of a kind, recognizable at first nce.


    "Young Master Sheng! I''m here!" Dou Dawei called out loudly.


    The bodyguards were about to stop him from pushing forward, but they withdrew their hands at his words.


    Sheng Yuxiao parted the crowd, taking two steps at a time to reach him: "You''ve seen Li Xiaoya?"


    "Yes, yes, at the Second Hospital..."


    "Is she hurt?" Sheng Yuxiao''s brow suddenly filled with anger.


    Dou Dawei involuntarily shuddered and said, "Yes, no, no, not hurt, she''s sick, high fever, on an IV drip. Someone''s watching over her."


    Dou Dawei looked around, feeling he couldn''t tell the truth. What if they all thought she was with rtives and stopped caring?


    Dou Dawei said, "It''s pitiful, her face is feverish, and she cried when they put in the needle..."


    Before Dou Dawei could finish, he felt a gust of wind pass by him.


    Sheng Yuxiao strode towards the exit: "To the Second Hospital!"


    "Young Master Sheng, wait for me! Please wait!" Dou Dawei ran after him, afraid of being left behind.


    Sheng Yuxiao also realized this person might still be useful, so he turned back, grabbed him, and half-dragged him forward.


    Though young, Sheng Yuxiao was a head taller than Dou Dawei. At this moment, Dou Dawei didn''t care about his middle-aged dignity; being dragged along by Young Master Sheng was an honor!


    ...


    Several cars drove up to the entrance of Kangyuan Foreign Trade Company and stopped.


    Qin Sui was the first to get out.


    "Hey, who are you? You can''t go in without an appointment," the receptionist tried to block them,cking confidence.


    How did so many intimidating people arrive?


    Themotion was visible even to Uncle Li, or rather Li Hongguang, from upstairs.


    Thinking someone hadmitted a crime, he opened his office door and walked out.


    "inclothes police. Li Hongguang is your boss, right?" The people downstairs shed their badges and then rushed past the reception desk.


    They met face to face.


    "It''s him! That''s Li Hongguang!" someone shouted.


    Then, in front of his subordinates and everyone present, Li Hongguang was suddenly pinned down.


    Li Hongguang shouted angrily, "What are you doing? Have you gone mad?"


    "Li Hongguang, you''re suspected of kidnapping a girl under seven years old. Pleasee with us," came an official voice.


    "Let him lead the way." This was another, extremely young voice.


    Li Hongguang struggled to raise his head, only catching a glimpse of the other person''s trouser leg, embroidered with a custom pattern that exuded an air of expensive taste.


    Who... was he?


    *


    Li Xiaoya''s aunt by marriage returned home to get a cup and some hot water. Just as she reached the door, she saw numerous police cars roaring up, some even from the provincial capital, judging by their license tes.


    "Who are they arresting? Such a big scene!" The aunt eximed as she stepped inside.


    Just then, someone bumped into her, knocking the cup from her hand.


    The aunt cursed loudly at the person for not watching where they were going.


    The person, wearing tattered clothes and hunched over, hurriedly picked up the cup from the ground and handed it back to her.


    The aunt, finding the person dirty and disgusting, quickly averted her gaze, thinking it was fortunate the water was for Li Xiaoya.


    "Xiaoya, I''m back," the aunt said as she entered. Her son was still standing guard woodenly.


    Li Xiaoya was still on the IV drip, silent, as if the illness had finally subdued her.


    "I brought you some hot water, drink up," the aunt offered the cup. "See, we all care for you. In the future, you should just live well with us..."


    A series of rapid footsteps approached.


    "What''s that noise?" Other patients receiving IVs craned their necks curiously.


    "The county town hasn''t been peaceful these past couple of days."


    "So many people... why are theying our way?"


    The aunt suddenly had a bad feeling, but then thought it impossible.


    Who was Li Xiaoya? Her mother dead, father gone, with a money-grubbing grandfather, and no one in the vige who cared for her. Who would look after her?


    The aunt''s heart settled. She unscrewed the cup lid: "Quickly, have some water. Listen to how hoarse your voice has be."


    Li Xiaoya was indeed very, very thirsty.


    For two whole days and nights, she hadn''t had any food or water, her throat feeling as if it had been torn apart by hands.


    Li Xiaoya lowered her head, just about to take a sip.


    "Li Xiaoya!" She heard someone call her name.


    She looked up.


    She saw Sheng Yuxiao rush in, pushing the aunt aside and scooping Li Xiaoya into his arms: "You scared the hell out of me!"


    The aunt lost her bnce and fell to the ground, the cup in her hand spilling, hot water pouring all over her trouser leg.


    "Ah!" The aunt screamed, but before she could curse, she was pinned down by the police who had arrived.


    Her son, stunned for a moment, tried to run but was pressed against the wall.


    Seeing this, Aunt immediately went into a frenzy, screaming: "Let go of my son! Release him!"


    But no one paid any attention to her.


    Aunt could only fume, breathing heavily, as she turned to look at Li Xiaoya.


    At that moment, she saw the person holding Li Xiaoya... it was an extremely young man.


    Tall and long-legged, dressed in expensive clothes, he exuded an overwhelming presence. His handsome features were etched with deep hostility. He didn''t look like someone who would typically appear in this small county town.


    Like Great-Aunt, Aunt also recalled what Li Xiaoya had said: "Someone wille for me."


    Aunt nced around and saw more police officers than she had ever seen in her life.


    Feeling both frightened and furious, she blurted out: "Li Xiaoya! Your grandfather will die a terrible death! He even went and sold you to rich people?"

 Chapter 30: Who is Sheng Yuxiao, and now I know

    <h4>Chapter 30</h4>


    Sheng Yuxiao''s brow furrowed, making him appear even more terrifying.


    "Sell?" He spat out the word, ring at the aunt with a demonic expression. "What nonsense are you spouting? No one is selling Li Xiaoya."


    At that moment, the hospital corridor, which had just quieted down, suddenly erupted with the sound of hurried footsteps.


    Qin Sui had arrived with his people.


    The local police station had also brought Li Hongguang with them. Upon seeing that officials from the provincial level had arrived, their hearts skipped a beat. This year''s performance targets were definitely secure!


    "It seems I''m a bitte," Qin Sui spoke up.


    Seeing Li Hongguang firmly restrained, the aunt went berserk, letting out an even shriller scream: "Let go of my husband! What''s wrong with you people? We''re Li Xiaoya''s uncle and aunt... Why are you arresting us?"


    An elderly man in uniform, with a stern expression, waved his hand: "Take them all away... You should know how many tragic cases are caused by rtives and friends."


    The aunt tried to say something more, but Li Hongguang, trembling, cut her off: "Shut... shut up."


    He had recognized the shoulder badges on the old man.


    They were from the provincial level, very high-ranking! Very high-ranking indeed!


    They had alle here to deal with him!


    Li Xiaoya, oblivious to the chaos around her,y weakly on Sheng Yuxiao''s shoulder, calling his name in a faint voice: "Sheng Yuxiao, I feel a bit... sick..."


    As soon as she finished speaking, she could no longer hold back. With a "wah," she began vomiting violently, crying between heaves: "I''m... I''m sorry..."


    After she spoke, her face grew increasingly pale, and then she passed out.


    The anger in Sheng Yuxiao''s chest zed higher. He stared at Li Hongguang with icy coldness, not saying a word, but somehow appearing even more terrifying than if he had spoken.


    "Doctor, quickly find a doctor!" Qin Sui pushed someone beside him.


    Li Xiaoya was taken away.


    Meanwhile, Li Hongguang''s family of three was temporarily detained on the long benches in the corridor. Li Hongguang rubbed his face hard, gradually regaining hisposure: "We are Li Xiaoya''s uncle and aunt. I don''t know what you''ve misunderstood that would make you treat us as suspects..."


    "Save that forter," Li Hongguang only received a cold, hard reply.


    "I want to know who called the police? Li Xiaoya was clearly entrusted to us by her grandfather. Is it wrong for rtives to look after each other?"


    At this point, Li Hongguang still suspected that Grandpa Li was being greedy, wanting to have his cake and eat it too, reporting them to extort more money.


    "You''re asking who called the police?" The officer finally spared him a nce, "Those two young men from earlier."


    "They are..."


    "Not just them, but countless viewers as well."


    Li Hongguang was stunned. "What do you mean?" He suddenly had a bad feeling, struggling to squeeze out the words: "What do you mean by... countless viewers?"


    The young police officer''s eyes narrowed, exuding an air of righteousness.


    He said: "You made Li Xiaoya disappear during the recording of a show, in front of all the viewers. Everyone has been concerned about Li Xiaoya''s whereabouts because of this... Now, do you understand?"


    Li Hongguang was dumbfounded.


    His wife and son also turned deathly pale in an instant.


    At this moment, Dou Dawei walked over, eagerly asking: "How''s that young girl doing?"


    "The doctor is examining her condition."


    "Oh, I see." Dou Dawei''s gaze shifted, and he swaggered over to Li Hongguang.


    "You again!"


    "Yes, it''s me," Dou Dawei said with a smile. "Do you know who those two young men who just walked by are?"


    Li Hongguang red at him with hatred, his face grim.


    Dou Dawei, unfazed by his attitude, continued: "One is called Sheng Yuxiao, the other is Qin Sui..."


    Sheng Yuxiao?


    Li Hongguang and his wife exchanged a nce.


    "One is the young master of Sheng Corporation, the other is the young master of SKP..." Dou Dawei paused, then said two words to them: "Thank you."


    "Thank you?" The aunt was bewildered. "What does he mean?"


    Li Hongguang realized and instantly flew into a rage: "He''s thanking us for giving him an opportunity to connect with rich young masters!"


    How could Li Hongguang not understand now?


    Immediately, his chest heaved with anger, infuriating him to the point of madness.


    Now, they finally knew who the "Sheng Yuxiao" Li Xiaoya had mentioned was.


    But it was toote!


    Damn it! Damn it all! Why didn''t anyone tell them? Why didn''t Grandpa Li mention a word about it!


    "No, it''s impossible, he must be lying to upset us..." the aunt mumbled.


    "Lying? Could a lie create such a bigmotion?" The more Li Hongguang spoke, the more he felt a chill down his spine.


    In another hospital room, the doctor straightened up, his face serious: "The symptoms resemble poisoning, but fortunately, the ingested dose wasn''trge. We''ll arrange for a gastricvage immediately."


    "Poisoning?" Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui stood up simultaneously.


    The elderly man standing nearby spoke gravely: "The nature of the case has be even more serious."


    Soon after, a police officer approached Li Hongguang and his family, speaking coldly: "Take them directly back to the station, no need to wait. They''re suspected of attempted murder."


    Li Hongguang''s expression changed dramatically: "What? You''re talking nonsense! How could we possibly..."


    This time, he couldn''t even finish a word of defense before being taken away. All that remained in the corridor was the sound of the aunt cursing Grandpa Li to hell and back.


    Meanwhile, police cars raced towards Li''s vige, causing the entire vige to erupt inmotion.


    "Has Li Xiaoya been found?"


    "She might be dead out there, you know."


    "The cars are heading that way, they''re going to find Grandpa Li!"


    Soon, Grandpa Li heard the sirens too. He immediately tumbled out of bed, grabbing his cane.


    His face alternating between dark and light, he thought, could it be that the damned girl had been found? And had she reported him?


    Grandpa Li hesitated for a moment, then, leaning on his cane, hurried towards the back door where he fed the pigs.


    But just as he reached the door, the two diligent bodyguards who had been helping Li Xiaoya feed the pigs looked up.


    "Grandpa Li, where might you be going?" The bodyguard, tall and imposing with a square face, was more than enough to intimidate a country old man like Grandpa Li.


    As he was blocked on one side, the police entered from the other: "Grandpa Li! Is Grandpa Li here? We need you toe with us."


    Grandpa Li threw down his cane and copsed on the ground: "Oh, oh, my body hurts, I can''t go."


    The young police officers exchanged nces, then simply picked him up.


    Only then did Grandpa Li realize that his little tricks were utterly useless in the face of real authority.


    On one side, all the suspects who were supposed to be arrested had been taken into custody.


    On the other side, Li Xiaoya had just gone through a gastricvage. She had only recently recovered from a high fever and hadn''t eaten anything, so after thevage, she was in an even worse state.


    A nurse was giving her an IV drip and said sympathetically, "Her skin turns red at the slightest touch. She''s so weak. These people, what they''ve done is truly sinful!"


    Sheng Yuxiao wished he could capture this scene and show it to those people online who were still cursing a child.


    Sheng Yuxiaoposed himself and walked over to tuck in Li Xiaoya''s nket.


    Li Xiaoya had regained some consciousness and opened her eyes groggily.


    "Am I dreaming?" Her voice sounded even weaker than before.


    "It''s not a dream, Li Xiaoya. I''vee to save you," Sheng Yuxiao said softly.


    Qin Sui felt this statement was a bit biased.


    "Li Xiaoya," Qin Sui squeezed himself in, "I''ve been looking for you too."


    But the little girl didn''t look at him.


    Her gaze was unfocused, but she struggled to concentrate on that tiny bit of light in her eyes, and said quietly, "Sheng Yuxiao, I can''t write your name."


    A few tears rolled down her cheeks as she mumbled, "I can''t find you."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s sharp eyes reddened around the edges, and he said hoarsely, "I''ll teach you how to write it tomorrow."


    Li Xiaoya nodded with difficulty before falling back into a deep sleep.


    Qin Sui said with a wooden expression, "You have such a terrible temper, yet someone is so attached to you. Does this little girl have poor eyesight?"


    "Qin Sui, go to hell," Sheng Yuxiao cursed while still keeping his voice low to avoid waking Li Xiaoya.

 Chapter 31: Will You Not Be a Daughter-in-Law

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    "Exchange Lives" has finally resumed its live broadcast.


    The executive producer sat in front of the camera, facing arge tablet that disyed real-timements from viewers.


    The screen was filled with messages:


    [What''s the situation?]


    [Has the person been found?]


    The executive producer sighed and said, "We''ve found her. For specific details, please wait for the police report."


    [What? Wait for the police report?]


    [That''s terrifying. Is Li Xiaoya dead?]


    "No, no, no! She''s not dead!" the executive producer hurriedly exined, afraid that Sheng Yuxiao might see. "She''s just been poisoned and is recovering in the hospital. Would you like to see? We can switch the camera over there."


    [Poisoned! My God, what on earth happened?]


    [Poor, poor Li Xiaoya]


    [This is the first time I''ve watched a reality show that turned into a crime drama...]


    At that moment, the camera switched to the hospital room.


    Sheng Yuxiao was sitting by the bed. Seeing the crew members carrying cameras into the room, he frowned, "Don''t disturb her sleep."


    A crew member lowered his voice, "But everyone is so concerned..."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s furrowed brow finally rxed. "Fine, set it up quickly and leave it alone."


    The crew member nodded and efficiently set up the camera.


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his eyes and said nothing more.


    It was a good thing that the viewers cared about Li Xiaoya.


    He didn''t want to hear them cursing her anymore.


    With the camera set up, the viewers could finally see clearly��


    The young girl in the hospital bed was enveloped in snow-white nkets, making her look even smaller and more fragile.


    [Oh God, as a mother, I can''t bear to see this. I''m out.]


    [Wait, what do I see? Qin Sui just came in with a big metal basin!]


    Qin Sui entered carrying a basin of hot water, with a towel hanging on the edge.


    Sheng Yuxiao nced at him and said, "I''ll do it."


    He then took the towel, dampened it, and began wiping Li Xiaoya''s face.


    As Qin Sui watched, his brow furrowed, "Have you ever actually taken care of anyone?"


    Sheng Yuxiao paused, "Do you have any suggestions, Young Master Qin?"


    "At least I wouldn''t let water drip onto her neck," Qin Sui said as he put down the basin and snatched the towel away.


    Sheng Yuxiao was a bit displeased, "Have you ever taken care of anyone?"


    [Indeed, they''re both young masters. Neither should criticize the other. They used to rely on Li Xiaoya to take care of them.]


    [This suddenly got interesting. I could watch these two fight over who gets to care for Li Xiaoya for a year.]


    Thementers were already enjoying the show.


    Meanwhile, Qin Sui used a tissue to absorb the water on Li Xiaoya''s neck, saying without turning around, "At least I''ve taken care of my mother''s dog."


    "You''reparing Li Xiaoya to a dog?"


    "You haven''t even taken care of a dog."


    "..." Sheng Yuxiao thought for a moment. His mother had kept a turtle. He decided to let it go, unable topete with Qin Sui.


    Sheng Yuxiao could only retreat, disgruntled.


    Li Xiaoya wasn''t sleeping peacefully. Just as Qin Sui finished wiping her face, her body began to shake uncontrobly.


    Tears flowed from the corners of her eyes, and her lips moved, squeezing out a hoarse sound, "Mom... Mom..."


    Sheng Yuxiao felt as if his heart had been heavily pounded, a bit painful.


    He looked at Qin Sui, "Quick,fort her."


    Qin Sui turned back, puzzled. Given Sheng Yuxiao''s personality, he would never give up such an opportunity.


    Half-believing, Qin Sui lifted Li Xiaoya slightly, letting her lean against his chest.


    Then Sheng Yuxiao continued, "Justfort her by saying, ''Mom is here.''"


    Qin Sui: "..."


    [Qin Sui''s expression just cracked, haha]


    [We want a male mom, we want a male mom!]


    At that moment, someone called softly from outside the door, "Sheng Yuxiao."


    Seeing the uniformed person outside, Sheng Yuxiao immediately stood up and walked out, making the viewers extremely curious about who was calling him.


    Outside, a middle-aged police officer spoke gravely, "We detected toxic substances on the rim of Li Xiuzhen''s thermos."


    "Li Xiuzhen? Who''s that?"


    "Li Xiaoya''s aunt."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s face darkened, "They''re still trying to kill her?"


    The middle-aged officer shook his head, "This doesn''t fit the crime motive. Li Xiuzhen also vehemently denies poisoning her."


    However, for the Li Hongguang couple, just being suspected of attempted murder was torture enough.


    "Additionally, Li Xiaoya''s grandfather has confessed to something. He says the vige chief of Li Family Vige hinted at him to do this. They agreed on a payment of 5,000 yuan aspensation."


    "5,000 yuan? They''d sell Li Xiaoya for 5,000 yuan?! Is he insane?" Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t control his volume, and his words carried into the room where the camera was.


    [Who is he talking to?]


    [Selling Li Xiaoya for 5,000 yuan? My God. Human trafficking? Who did this?]


    [Damn, Li Xiaoya''s life is truly miserable]


    [Reasonable suspicion falls on her grandfather]


    The police officer outside lowered his voice to calm him, "We''ve also sent people to summon the vige chief. I believe the person who administered the poison must also be in this chain of rtionships. We just need to investigate carefully to find them."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression eased slightly, "Thank you for your hard work."


    "It''s our duty," the officer paused, then added, "There''s one thing I should mention... Even if the trafficking is confirmed, because Li Xiaoya''s only guardian is her grandfather, thew will consider leniency in sentencing."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s fist clenched tightly as he said coldly, "I''ll find a way to deal with this matter."


    Sheng Yuxiao turned back into the hospital room, the fury in his heart not dissipating despite finding Li Xiaoya. On the contrary, it grew stronger.


    Blood rtions.


    For people with happy families, these words are the most beautiful.


    But for someone like Li Xiaoya, they are a deadly poison, a lifelong shackle.


    Qin Sui noticed him enter and suddenly said, "Actually, we could adopt her."


    "Her grandfather is a direct rtive. As long as there''s a direct rtive, adoption is not possible," Sheng Yuxiao said with a grim face.


    Qin Sui thought for a moment and said, "What about a rtive from her mother''s side? A young, strong, wealthy rtive with social status and an excellent reputation?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s eyes flickered.


    The two young masters exchanged a nce, both thinking of some underhanded tricks.


    If there were no rtives, that was fine.


    They could create one.


    Their conversation also provoked strong reactions from the viewers.


    [So this ident was caused by Li Xiaoya''s grandfather?]


    [How could he do this to his own granddaughter?]


    Meanwhile,


    Li Qingqing received a phone call behind Sheng Jun''s back. Only then did she learn that her grandfather had also been taken away by the police.


    Idiots! These useless, burdensome idiots!


    Li Qingqing cursed a million times in her heart.


    But she still tried to reassure her father verbally: "Don''t worry, I''m about to go back with Uncle Sheng Jun. I''ll ask him to find a way to help."


    Li Song''s hesitant voice came from the other end.


    He said, "Don''t try to find a way... don''t save your grandfather."


    Li Qingqing was taken aback, but still said, "How can that be? He''s my grandfather after all."


    "The old man has never left the vige his entire life. His perspective is narrow, and he''s prone to making mistakes. Don''t let him drag you down, Qingqing. You''ll be the pride of your mom and dad, right?"


    Li Qingqing''s breath caught, never imagining that her own father could be as ruthless as she was.


    She let out a soft sob and said, "Alright."


    At this moment, Sheng Jun walked over. Noticing her reaction, he couldn''t help but ask, "What''s wrong?"


    Li Qingqing pretended not to know what had transpired and cried, "Grandfather was taken away by the police. They said he did something bad."


    Sheng Jun''s expression changed slightly, quickly associating this with Li Xiaoya''s disappearance.


    Sheng Jun stared at Li Qingqing and deliberately asked, "Do you want uncle to help you?"


    Li Qingqing shook her head, sobbing, "If grandfather really is a bad person, then I can''t let uncle help me. If grandfather isn''t a bad person, the police uncles will surely let hime home."


    "Mm, let''s go then."


    "Are we leaving? Aren''t we going to see brother for a moment?"


    "No need. He''s probably by Li Xiaoya''s side right now."


    Li Qingqing was consumed with jealousy.


    A thought suddenly urred to her �� could it be that Sheng Yuxiao was raising Li Xiaoya as a child bride?


    The moment this idea crossed her mind, Li Qingqing became even more jealous.

 Chapter 32: I Walked Away, Will You Miss Me

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    "I want to see awyer!" Li Hongguang kept shouting this over and over after he was detained.


    He did indeed see hiswyer, but when thewyer arrived, he regretfully informed Li Hongguang: "This case has attracted a lot of attention. It''s being jointly handled with the provincial department, and there will be a province-wide anti-trafficking operationunched soon."


    Li Hongguang''s face turned green. "But Li Xiaoya and I are rtives!"


    "Yes, so you can try to get a letter of forgiveness from her immediate family. But unfortunately... her grandfather has also been taken into custody by the police to assist with the investigation."


    "..."


    Li Hongguang could only think of onest option: "I can paypensation. I can give Li Xiaoya 50,000 yuan, no, 100,000... even 200,000 is fine! It''s enough for her to studyfortably through university."


    At this point, Li Hongguang suddenly paused and asked thewyer: "Do you think it''s possible that this is actually a setup orchestrated by Li Xiaoya''s grandfather and her to extort money from me?"


    "It''s a honeytrap! This is a honeytrap!" Li Hongguang shouted.


    Thewyer looked at him sympathetically: "Do you think people like Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui are short of money? They don''t need you to pay for a settlement; they just want you in prison."


    Li Hongguang finally broke down, pounding the table so hard that the arm of his sses snapped off on the surface.


    "Why are they singling me out? Why?!"


    Thewyer stood up helplessly: "Maybe because... your little niece is too adorable."


    Li Hongguang: "..."


    Li Hongguang''s outburst had already caught the attention of the detention center guards, and someone immediately rushed in to restrain him.


    "Are you done talking with yourwyer?" the guard asked coldly.


    Thewyer shrugged: "We''re done. I''ll be leaving now, thank you."


    Grandpa Li was in a simr situation. No matter how much he ranted and raved, it had no effect here.


    The police asked him: "Did you know about the Vige Chief''s n to have Li Xiaoya poisoned?"


    "What?! I-I didn''t know! I didn''t know! God damn it, he even wanted to kill my little Xiaoya..." Grandpa Li was terrified, crying with snot and tears streaming down his face.


    Sheng Yuxiao watched Grandpa Li''s unsightly behavior through the ss and frowned in disgust: "What a pity. It seems he really wasn''t involved. Otherwise, if an immediate family member had attempted murder, Li Xiaoya''s custody could have been transferred."


    Sheng Yuxiao walked out and saw Li Xiaoya waiting in the hallway.


    Li Xiaoya could now walk normally. She was wearing a little dress that Sheng Jun had bought for her earlier, and her hair was tied up by a nurse. She lookedpletely refreshed.


    Sheng Yuxiao held her hand and led her to another interrogation room.


    The Vige Chief was detained there.


    The Vige Chief''s hair was messy, and in just a few days, his wrinkles seemed to have deepened. He shook his head, saying, "I don''t plead guilty, I don''t plead guilty..." His forehead was covered in sweat, and his clothes clung to him, wrinkled like freshly pickled vegetables. He looked utterly miserable.


    "I want to see my son, no, no, I want to see my granddaughter! Do you know who my granddaughter is? She''s filming a show with rich people! Rich people!" The Vige Chief shook his chair excitedly, spittle flying.


    Sheng Yuxiao spoke coldly: "My father is too concerned with maintaining the gentlemanly demeanor of high society. If it were up to me, I would have kicked Li Qingqing off the show long ago."


    "Qingqing, how could you abandon your grandfather?" The Vige Chief covered his face and began to sob loudly.


    Fearing that Li Xiaoya might soften, Sheng Yuxiao looked down to check her expression.


    He saw her staring intently at the Vige Chief, watching him very seriously.


    "He''s getting what he deserves," Sheng Yuxiao said softly.


    Li Xiaoya nodded slightly: "Mama said he''s a bad person, the worst person."


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled: "Now that the bad person has been caught, are you happy?"


    Li Xiaoya showed a small smile and said, "Mama would be happy."


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but pat her head.


    The Vige Chief and his group might have been formidable "bullies" in their small town, but once they entered the police station, they were nothing.


    The interrogation was quickly concluded.


    At the same time, the police issued a report, along with a notice requesting assistance in continuing the search for the person hired by the Vige Chief to carry out the poisoning.


    As soon as the report was released, it caused an uproar among the viewers of "Exchange Lives."


    [Li Qingqing''s grandfather paid 5,000 yuan to bribe Li Xiaoya''s grandfather. Li Xiaoya''s grandfather then turned around and sold Li Xiaoya to a distant cousin. After the truth came out, Li Qingqing''s grandfather actually thought of silencing them and hired someone to poison Li Xiaoya... Oh my god! How vicious!]


    [I''d like to see who still tries to defend Li Qingqing now? Her whole family is rotten; no wonder she turned out to be a little devil too!]


    [Now it all makes sense why Li Qingqing was so poised on the show. It''s because she''s the Vige Chief''s granddaughter! Their family even built a small vi. That poise was bought with money!]


    [I heard Li Qingqing''s father has been suspended from his job too, for suspected corruption and bribery]


    [Wow, this whole family is something else!]


    ...


    Li Qingqing sat in the Sheng family''s mansion, watching the suddenly changing public opinion online, grinding her teeth.


    Why was it even worse than in her previous life?


    Why had Sheng Yuxiao and Li Xiaoya grown closer? They''d even roped in Qin Sui. Why?


    Li Qingqing put away her phone, not daring to even look at the expressions of the servants in the mansion.


    "The master is back," the butler''s voice announced.


    Li Qingqing immediately squeezed tears from her eyes.


    "You''ve seen the news online?" Sheng Jun walked up to her and sighed. "Your family really is..."


    Knowing that the cameras were still rolling, Li Qingqing suddenly hugged Sheng Jun''s leg and burst into tears: "Grandfather did bad things, wuwu... We''ve wronged Li Xiaoya. How can Qingqing atone for grandfather''s sins?"


    Sheng Jun pushed her away.


    Li Qingqing fell on her bottom and cried even more hysterically.


    She cried until she fainted.


    Only then did Sheng Jun reluctantly instruct the servants to carry her upstairs.


    In contrast to the gloom here, Sheng Yuxiao held Li Xiaoya''s hand as they walked downstairs: "Come on, let''s see Qin Sui off."


    The audience couldn''t help butugh.


    [Qin Sui is leaving? Young Master Sheng, you''re not even pretending to be sad!]


    The car to pick up Qin Sui was already parked by the roadside.


    Qin Sui stood by the car door, talking on the phone with his family: "You were the ones who insisted I participate in this show in the first ce, and now that I don''t want to leave, you want me toe back."


    Mr. Qin on the other end was also very confused: "But you''ve already reformed so well, it''s time for you toe back."


    Qin Sui: "..."


    Qin Sui indeed didn''t want to leave.


    He had only been there for a short while, and he was just about to win Li Xiaoya over from Sheng Yuxiao. At this critical moment, Li Xiaoya was taken away.


    She was taken away while he was recording the show.


    It was utterly humiliating.


    Now, before he could even wash away this great shame, he had to step down just because Sheng Yuxiao could now walk steadily and record the show normally.


    And now, seeing Sheng Yuxiao happily bringing Li Xiaoya to bid him farewell, Qin Sui was even more reluctant to leave.


    "Qin Sui,e back, your mother misses you very much," Mr. Qin was still chattering on the other end.


    Qin Sui heartlessly hung up on his father''s call and turned to Li Xiaoya, asking, "Will you miss me when I''m gone?"


    Li Xiaoya hesitated for a moment, opening her mouth.


    Qin Sui quickly said, "Never mind, don''t tell me."


    [Don''t want to embarrass yourself, young master Qin?]


    [I''m dying ofughter, actually this show should be changed, I think it would be great if the three of you recorded together]


    Qin Sui didn''t know what the audience was thinking. He just took out one of his business cards and handed it to Li Xiaoya: "Take it."


    Sheng Yuxiao snatched it away: "She doesn''t have a phone at home."


    Qin Sui looked at him: "Can''t you install one for her?"


    "Install one so she can call you? Not happening."


    "..."


    Qin Sui wordlessly patted Li Xiaoya''s head before getting up to leave.


    He flew home that very day.


    Mr. and Mrs. Qin were waiting for him at home. When they saw him step through the door, Mrs. Qin was the most excited, rushing to hug him: "You''ve made your mother so proud!"


    "Proud?" Qin Sui looked at her in confusion.


    "Yes, these past few days I''ve been telling everyone about how my son bravely rescued a kidnapped little girl!"


    "..."


    "Sob, sob, I no longer have to worry about you going down a path of crime. You clearly have a soft and kind heart."


    "..."


    Mr. Qinughed beside them, saying, "The show''s producers should pay your mother for her promotion."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Mrs. Ning heard your mother''s wild boasting and thinks her own son should be sent for reformation too."


    "Ning Heng?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    "He can''t go. Sheng Yuxiao is like a mother hen now, protecting Li Xiaoya and not letting anyone near her," Qin Sui said, feeling much more bnced inside. Although he hade back, others couldn''t go either.


    Mr. Qin, however, looked at him as if he were an idiot and said, "Ning Heng and Sheng Yuxiao have been close friends since they were little. Do you think everyone''s like you?"


    Qin Sui, whose mental bnce was instantly shattered: "..."


    Was it toote to turn back now?

 Chapter 33: “Grand Young Master, I Beg You”

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    A reality TV show was originally considered a lowbrow form of entertainment.


    However, because Sheng Yuxiao participated, and now even Qin Sui has been on it, this supposedly lowbrow entertainment has suddenly been brought to the attention of various wealthydies. Under the lead of Mrs. Qin, they''ve started watching from the very first episode...


    "This house is too run-down. How could Xu Qii bear to send his son there?"


    "It''s so dirty."


    "But that little girl is really pitiful."


    "I''ve never seen Young Master Sheng so gentle before."


    "It''s rare to see Qin Sui so patient too."


    The wealthydies watched while letting out soft exmations. As the show progressed, their initial disdain gradually turned into sympathy for Li Xiaoya.


    Whether their sympathy was genuine or not, they were ustomed to doing charity work anyway. What ill will could they possibly harbor towards a little vige girl at this point?


    The name Li Xiaoya thus became familiar among them.


    Ning Heng, whom Mrs. Qin had mentioned, also heard about this show from his mother.


    He wasn''t as averse to it as Qin Sui was initially.


    "Isn''t Brother Sheng there? Alright, I''ll go. It''ll be like traveling with Brother Sheng."


    Ning Heng said, and even posted on Weibo:


    @I''mNingHeng: @ShengYX, my mom says she wants to send me to you for reform.


    First Qin Sui, now Ning Heng, this immediately caught the attention of curiousizens.


    [What''s up with you rich people? Are you using Li Xiaoya as some kind of game level to clear?]


    [No wonder Li Qingqing''s grandfather wanted to get rid of Li Xiaoya. If he sees this news, won''t he be even more jealous?]


    [They''re probably just joking. Let it go, folks. How many wealthy young masters would actually go suffer in a mountain vige? The show''s rules wouldn''t allow for this anyway.]


    While the inte was buzzing with discussion, Li Xiaoya suddenly sneezed.


    Sheng Yuxiao quickly put a mask on her. "You''re not fully recovered yet. Keep the mask on." However, as soon as he put it on, the mask slid down a bit.


    Li Xiaoya''s face was just too small.


    Sheng Yuxiao had to tie a knot in the mask and bend down to put it on her again.


    Dou Dawei had been watching this scene from afar, but seeing that they were about to return to Li Family Vige, he couldn''t wait any longer and rushed over.


    "Li-little girl, do you remember me?" Dou Dawei''s voice trembled with nervousness.


    Sheng Yuxiao nced at him. "Oh, it''s you. You did well in reporting that day. I haven''t had the chance to thank you yet."


    Dou Dawei''s nervous heart eased. Great, with Young Master Sheng saying this, it meant things were looking up.


    Li Xiaoya also chirped, "Thank you, uncle, for helping me. And the nurse sister from that day..."


    Sheng Yuxiao asked, "Which nurse?" He needed to thank her too, couldn''t miss anyone.


    Sheng Yuxiao had already unconsciously adopted a parental mindset.


    Dou Dawei hurriedly said, "I saw her name tag that day. Her name was Lin Xiaoru."


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded, indicating he had taken note.


    Dou Dawei rubbed his hands together. "Well, Young Master Sheng, I..."


    Sheng Yuxiao appeared very generous. "The reward, right? I''ll have someone give it to you." He paused, then asked, "How about 200,000 yuan? Do you have any other requests?"


    Li Xiaoya immediately widened her eyes and tugged at Sheng Yuxiao''s sleeve.


    Her hand was small, so Sheng Yuxiao simply enclosed it in his own, preventing her from moving further.


    "You... you''re too generous, but I don''t want money," Dou Dawei said, calming his excited heart. He knew these rich second-generation were generous, but he didn''t expect this level of generosity. Giving away 200,000 yuan in cash without batting an eye, as if it were just two yuan.


    "If not money, then what do you want?"


    "I... I want to ask Young Master Sheng to invest in my factory."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned, reassessing Dou Dawei.


    Even though Sheng Yuxiao was still considered a childpared to him, Dou Dawei couldn''t withstand his scrutinizing gaze. He panicked involuntarily and stuttered an exnation, "That day, when I saw Li Xiaoya selling mushrooms with Young Master Qin, I recognized Young Master Qin and wanted to ask him for help. I didn''t expect the incident to happen the next day..."


    "It was also a coincidence that I was about to go bankrupt and was dealing with selling my property. After clearing out the house, I came out and ran into that Li Hongguang carrying Xiaoya. I... I did indeed want to use this to seek investment. My intentions weren''t pure, I..."


    Under immense pressure, Dou Dawei, a grown man, started to choke up as he spoke.


    Li Xiaoya rummaged in her pocket and handed him a tissue, saying softly, "Judge the deed, not the heart."


    Dou Dawei was stunned for a moment, then nodded vigorously in joy, "Yes, yes, judge the deed, not the heart. Thank you, thank you, little girl. You... you know so much! You even know such philosophical sayings!"


    Li Xiaoya''s voice grew even softer, "Mom taught me."


    But then she quickly changed the subject, "But you saved me, how can you ask Sheng Yuxiao for anything?"


    Sheng Yuxiao patted her head, "Where are your manners? When will you learn to call me brother?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head and said, "Uncle, I''m very grateful to you. I can repay you, but..."


    "There''s no ''but''. Still trying to draw such a clear line with me?" Sheng Yuxiao scoffed lightly, then turned to Dou Dawei, "Alright, what kind of factory is it? Exin clearly. Write up a report on your factory''s operational situation for me, and also prepare an investment proposal... Write clearly how much funding you need, what it will be used for, and when you expect to break even."


    Dou Dawei was immediately filled with admiration.


    As expected of a young master from a top-tier wealthy family,pletely different from other rich second-generation.


    This young man hadn''t even graduated from high school yet, but he was already well-versed in these matters, not agreeing impulsively at all.


    This young master was quite rational...


    But thereiny the problem.


    Dou Dawei''s face fell as he wondered how to persuade this young master to invest money in a business that might continue to lose money for several years.


    Seeing his troubled expression, Sheng Yuxiao immediately understood, "It seems you''re well aware that your factory can''t make money."


    Dou Dawei anxiously said, "Have you heard of the ''Thousand Gold Form''?"


    "I''ve only heard of Sun Simiao''s ''Thousand Gold Prescriptions''."


    "That''s exactly it! The ancients believed that a human life was worth more than a thousand gold pieces, so they named life-saving prescriptions ''Thousand Gold Forms''. We were originally a pharmaceuticalpany specializing in traditional Chinese medicine. We onceunched medicines like ''Si Ni'', ''Wen Pi Jin'', and ''Bai Tou Weng''. We called thesepound forms ''Thousand Gold Forms'', and they were quite famous several decades ago.


    "Back then, my father was in charge. After the business grew, his partners urged him to expand to big cities, but he refused. He said only the herbs grown in this poor area were the most authentic. The quality of an herb depends not only on how it''s processed but also on its growing environment. For example, the best saffrones from Iran, and the best gastrodia grows in Shennongjia..."


    Dou Dawei wiped his face and continued, "But you see, people from small ces can be short-sighted. My father''s intention was to help create jobs in our hometown. The bigger our business grew, the more local people would benefit. Who knew... who knew that people in thepany would steal our secret forms and sell them to outsiders! After that, my father fell ill, and the pharmaceuticalpany went downhillpletely."


    "By the time it was passed down to me, the pharmaceuticalpany had be just a factory processing medicinal herbs. Now even the factory is on the verge of copse. There''s a foreignpany willing to buy it for just one million. I know they don''t want the factory; they want thest secret form my father left me before he died."


    Dou Dawei looked at Sheng Yuxiao with desperation, "I don''t want to sell it. I really don''t want to sell it to a foreignpany. But the shareholders can''t hold on anymore, they all want to sell and be done with it... But that won''t do. I want it to survive."


    Li Xiaoya didn''t fully understand, but she could see Dou Dawei''s despair and pain. So she rummaged through her pockets again and handed him a piece of tissue.


    Dou Dawei said "Thank you" and grabbed the tissue to wipe his face.


    "Young Master Sheng, I beg you. I''m not trying to emotionally ckmail you. I just... I just can''t give up. Even if there''s only a sliver of hope left, I have to try!" Dou Dawei was almost on his knees in front of Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow and lowered his gaze to Li Xiaoya, "What do you think?"


    Li Xiaoya looked up in confusion, "Huh? What I think?"


    "Yes, I''ll go with your decision," Sheng Yuxiao said nonchntly.


    It seemed as if investing this money was truly just like casually spending some pocket change for him.

 Chapter 34: Little Duck Li, Listening to You

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    Dou Dawei looked at Li Xiaoya with hopeful eyes.


    Li Xiaoya, feeling extremely nervous, stared at Sheng Yuxiao and eximed, "How can you possibly listen to me?"


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled and asked in return, "Why shouldn''t I?"


    Li Xiaoya clenched her fingers tightly and lowered her head without saying a word.


    Her memories of when she was even younger were a bit hazy, but she vaguely remembered that one year her mother had said to her, "Xiaoya, can you help mommy make a choice?"


    She had forgotten what choice it was or what she had chosen, only vaguely recalling that she had cried her heart out afterward.


    She must have made the wrong choice.


    It must have been a very, very wrong choice.


    Li Xiaoya said in a muffled voice, "Don''t listen to me. I''ll choose wrong."


    Sheng Yuxiao keenly noticed that her voice carried a hint of suppressed tears. His heart skipped a beat. Was she frightened?


    No, that wasn''t it.


    It seemed more like... she had experienced some kind of simr trauma in the past.


    Sheng Yuxiao pursed his lips, but became even more determined to have Li Xiaoya make the choice.


    In fact, many people don''t know one thing... in the face of absolute capital, business is rtively easy to do.


    With strong capital in ce, it''s effortless to make money generate more money. All connections wille to pave the way.


    For him to lose money would actually be quite difficult.


    On the contrary, when ordinary people make choices, no matter what they choose, it could be wrong.


    Because their foundation is inherently weak, making it difficult for them to take even a single step forward in whatever they do.


    "You won''t choose wrong, trust me, give it a try. If you don''t choose, then I''ll have no choice but to let him go," Sheng Yuxiao coaxed in a low voice near Li Xiaoya''s ear.


    Dou Dawei was on the verge of tears.


    Is this how you coax a child?


    Li Xiaoya thought about the responsibility she bore for one person, no, for an entire factory.


    An entire factory...


    Aunt Luo used to tell her that when she grew up, she''d work in a factory where hundreds of people worked together.


    So she was carrying the fate of hundreds of people on her shoulders.


    Li Xiaoya frowned painfully and reluctantly: "O-okay. What''s ''hand purchase''?"


    Dou Dawei patiently exined to her: "It''s ''acquisition'', which means buying. It''s when other peoplee to buy my factory."


    "Oh, what''s a foreign enterprise?"


    "It''s apany from another country. You know what foreigners are, right?"


    "...Um, isn''t one million a lot? Why don''t you want it?"


    Dou Dawei grimaced: "It''s not that cheap, you know. They''re cutting the price to the bone."


    "So they''re bad guys, right?"


    "Yes, yes!"


    Li Xiaoya looked at Sheng Yuxiao: "Alright then."


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled: "What does ''alright then'' mean?"


    "It means, it means don''t sell to the foreigners."


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded and said promptly: "Okay, I''ll listen to you."


    Upon hearing these light words, Dou Dawei was momentarily stunned, standing there as if struck by lightning. After a while, he burst out: "My goodness! My goodness! Did I... did I seed?"


    Sheng Yuxiao smirked: "It''s not you who seeded, it''s Li Xiaoya who helped you seed."


    "Yes, yes, little girl, no, no, little mistress, you must be my reincarnated ancestor! I should worship you!"


    Sheng Yuxiao was speechless: "What are you talking about?" Only the dead are worshipped.


    Dou Dawei quickly pped himself twice on the face: "I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I misspoke."


    "Although I''ve agreed, you still need to write the report, and all the required materials must be submitted without exception," Sheng Yuxiao said in a slightly cold tone.


    "Yes, yes! I understand! Without the materials, we can''tplete the investment process anyway..."


    Sheng Yuxiao then ushered Li Xiaoya into the car, not bothering with further pleasantries with Dou Dawei: "Someone will contact you."


    "Yes, yes!" Dou Dawei watched as they drove away.


    Meanwhile, Lin Xiaoru was also happy that she had done a good deed.


    It was the first time she had witnessed such a grand scene up close.


    If it weren''t for "Exchange Lives"ing here to film, she would never have seen such wealthy people in her lifetime.


    "Xiaoru," a colleague called her.


    She turned her head, and heard her colleague ask, "I heard you went back with your boyfriend to meet his parentsst week. How did it go?"


    Lin Xiaoru''s expression immediately fell: "How do you think it went? Theyined that my job isn''t suitable for family life and that I won''t be able to take care of children after marriage. It''s over."


    "Then why don''t you consider Director Zheng? After all, nurses and doctors getting married is the ultimate destiny!"


    The Director Zheng they spoke of was over forty, had been married and divorced once, and had a considerable ie in this small county town. But when Lin Xiaoru thought of his beer belly, receding hairline, and his flirtatious nature that made him hit on every young nurse...


    Lin Xiaoru shook her head repeatedly and said, "I can''t aspire to that, I really can''t."


    Other colleagues couldn''t help butugh at her: "You! Director Zheng is so good to you. Duringst week''s surgery, he was chatting and said he wanted to buy you some SK-II. That''s expensive, isn''t it? Over a thousand yuan a bottle."


    Lin Xiaoru bit her lip and insisted: "I''m more suited to a poor life. I can''t handle anything too high-end."


    Just as she said this, a tall, sturdy man walked straight towards Lin Xiaoru.


    "Miss Lin Xiaoru, right?" the man asked, ncing at her name tag.


    "Y-yes, that''s me." Lin Xiaoru was a bit afraid of encountering trouble with patients, and her colleagues also retreated a bit at the sight.


    "Thank you for taking care of and helping little Li Xiaoya these past two days. This is a gift for you." The man said, handing her a box.


    The box was only about the size of a palm. Lin Xiaoru took it in confusion and opened it to find a card inside.


    The man said, "The PIN is your birthday. You can change it yourself at the bank."


    "Holy crap!" Her colleagues exploded in excitement.


    "Is this rted to the news from the past couple of days? Lin Xiaoru, you''re amazing! So you were involved in this too!"


    Lin Xiaoru was a bit flustered and tried to push the card back.


    But the man said, "You shouldn''t refuse. Only when people who do good deeds are rewarded will more and more people in this world do good things."


    With these words, Lin Xiaoru had no reason to refuse anymore, so she epted it with a blushing face.


    Shortly after the man left, another person who looked like a bodyguard came over and said the same thing: "Is this Miss Lin Xiaoru? This is a gift for you, to thank you for helping little Li Xiaoya..."


    As he spoke, he also handed her a card.


    The card was inscribed with the character "Qin" in seal script, and on the back was a line of small text that read "You can make purchases with this card at any mall under the Qin Group without payment."


    "Holy shit! Holy shit!" The colleagues were shocked once again. "With this card, where can''t you buy SK-II? You don''t even need others to gift it to you! You don''t need it at all! This is such a big move! Is this the joy of being rich?"


    Meanwhile, Lin Xiaoru stood there, dumbfounded.


    She felt as if she was even luckier than that person who won the grand prize of a free shopping spree during a certain year''s shopping festival!


    "This must be from Qin Sui, and the one before... must be from Sheng Yuxiao. For that Li Xiaoya, they''re really being generous!" A colleague couldn''t help but shed tears of envy.


    Little did they know that for these two not-yet-adult young masters in their prime and rebellious youth, having Li Xiaoya taken away from "right under their noses" was simply an insult to these young masters!


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya returned to Li Family Vige.


    When the car drove into the vige, the vigers couldn''t help bute out to see what themotion was about.


    The stir this time was so big that even those who found outter couldn''t help but marvel.


    "Li Xiaoya has hooked up with a rich person," they whispered among themselves.


    "Xiaoya, Xiaoya, you''re finally back. Everyone was so worried about you. Your grandfather is such a scoundrel! Just like your father!" Aunt Luo, who lived at the entrance of the vige, was the first toe over, carrying a basket in her hand.


    She held up the basket, trying to push it into Li Xiaoya''s arms through the car window, saying, "You must have suffered a lot. I picked a few goose eggs from the coop for you to eat."


    Li Xiaoya looked at her curiously and shook her head, saying, "I don''t want them."


    "Oh, don''t be polite with your aunt..."


    "Aunt, your grandson broke the goose eggs before and said I did it. You came to my door asking for eighty yuan topensate for one egg... I can''t afford such expensive eggs." Li Xiaoya shook her head again.


    The audience couldn''t help but sigh.


    [Haha, Li Xiaoya can be quite sharp-tongued sometimes]


    Meanwhile, Aunt Luo''s expression froze: "You... you child, oh my, didn''t you end up not paying that eighty yuan in the end?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "Yes, I knelt and begged you, saying it wasn''t me who broke it, that I didn''t have that much money. Then you took my chicks away."


    Aunt Luo: "..."


    Li Xiaoya spoke softly but clearly, enunciating each word: "Aunt, youter said I liked to lie and wouldn''t admit when I did something wrong."


    Anger shed across Aunt Luo''s face, but she forcibly suppressed it. Finally, she managed to twist her face into a smile: "Aunt only found out today that I misunderstood you... I''ll go back and beat that boy of mine..." As she spoke, she finally stopped blocking the way and retreated to the roadside, not even daring to look at Sheng Yuxiao sitting in the car.

 Chapter 35: Call Brother

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    After Aunt Luo''s defeat, the others standing at the vige entrance didn''t bother toe and embarrass themselves.


    As the car drove up to Li Xiaoya''s house, the vigers waiting outside stood up, rubbing their hands, and said, "Xiaoya, the police took your grandfather away. This house isn''t fit for living in winter. Why don''t youe stay with your uncles?"


    Li Xiaoya looked at them curiously. "The house hasn''t just be unlivable this year; it''s always been that way. Even before Grandpa was taken away, he couldn''t walk or work in the fields... You uncles never came to find me then."


    The men were suddenly at a loss for words.


    Thement section exploded instantly.


    [Haha, Li Xiaoya knows how to speak her mind!]


    [One word: Satisfying!]


    [What kind of people are in this vige anyway?]


    [When Li Xiaoya told Qin Sui to be self-reliant earlier, and haggled over finding hot water to dry his clothes, I could tell this little girl wasn''t easy to fool.]


    [That''s right. If the young master Sheng hadn''t been so kind to her from the start, this little girl probably wouldn''t want to deal with him either. She may look young, but she''s sharp.]


    Netizens were finding Li Xiaoya increasingly adorable and entertaining, momentarily forgetting about Li Qingqing.


    "Xiaoya, it''s not that your uncles didn''t care about you in the past. It''s just that your grandfather had a bad temper and wouldn''t let us near you. He said we had ulterior motives." The man paused, pointing at the house. "Look at how rundown it is. If it snows a bit more, it might copse. How can you live here? Even if you sleep by the stove for warmth, you''d still worry about wasting firewood..."


    "It''s okay. If the house breaks, I''ll set up adder and climb up to fix it," Li Xiaoya replied calmly.


    [Damn? This kid can fix the roof by herself?]


    While thement section was in shock, the men were also left speechless.


    "Alright, alright. If you ever want toe stay with us, just let your uncles know." With the cameras rolling and Sheng Yuxiao present, they didn''t dare insist and reluctantly took their leave.


    They had been thinking that with the vige chief arrested, the opportunity to curry favor with the rich would fall to them.


    Only now did they realize just how powerful this young master Sheng truly was.


    The vige chief hadn''t been fair in his dealings either, keeping all the good opportunities for himself.


    Come to think of it, they should be grateful to Li Xiaoya for bringing the vige chief down.


    "I heard the vige chief is going to prison."


    "Really? That serious?"


    "What did you expect?"


    The men walked away, discussing and feeling uneasy, silently elevating Li Xiaoya''s status in their minds.


    After they left, Li Xiaoya remembered to ask Sheng Yuxiao, "Do you want to stay with them?"


    Sheng Yuxiaoughed, "Why would I stay with them? Who are they to me?"


    Li Xiaoya pointed at the house in front of them and said softly, "But this ce is so rundown..."


    "Didn''t you say you could fix it?" Sheng Yuxiao looked at her teasingly.


    "It''s still cold..."


    "That''s fine, I''ll wear a down jacket. Do you have one? No, right? Well, say something nice, and I''ll lend you one."


    "What counts as something nice?" Li Xiaoya looked up at him earnestly.


    Her cheeks were still a bit pale, making her eyes seem even more watery, shining like ck gemstones.


    People often feel an urge to squeeze cute things.


    So Sheng Yuxiao reached out and ruffled her hair, saying, "Call me ''big brother'', that''s nice."


    Li Xiaoya''s face showed hesitation.


    She was afraid of forming rtionships with people.


    Because when they eventually left this small mountain vige, she would surely feel very, very sad...


    Seeing her hesitation, Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow, his handsome features showing a hint of fierceness: "I dragged my injured leg, searched for you for so long, and even listened to you about investing. Is it too much to ask for you to call me ''big brother''?"


    Li Xiaoya panicked as soon as she heard the first half of his sentence: "Does your leg still hurt?" She paused, then called out in a tiny voice: "Big brother."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression instantly softened. He bent down to pick Li Xiaoya up and strode into the house with his long legs: "After hearing you say that nice thing, it doesn''t hurt anymore. I can even carry you while walking."


    Li Xiaoya was silent for a moment, then spoke close to his ear in a muffled voice: "I may be small, but I''m not stupid."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    Li Xiaoya''s words were perfectly picked up by the microphone, and thement section erupted inughter.


    [Haha, did you think we couldn''t tell you were teasing her on purpose?]


    [Exactly, she''s in third grade! She''s read a few books, she''s not a little fool!]


    Some people caught a key phrase and immediately asked in thements: [What investment? What do you mean by listening to Li Xiaoya about investing?]


    [Li Xiaoya isn''t scamming Sheng Yuxiao for money, is she?]


    Some more rationalizens replied: [Don''t worry about it. If there was a problem with Li Xiaoya, the Sheng family would handle it. Just enjoy watching your reality show.]


    They nearly started arguing in thements again.


    Unlike the atmosphere in thement section, Sheng Yuxiao carried Li Xiaoya into the house and dered, "I''ll cook today!"


    Li Xiaoya looked at him doubtfully.


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "Trust me, I didn''t do much in the hospital while recovering, just read recipes."


    Li Xiaoya quietly reminded him: "But we don''t have any ingredients..."


    Sheng Yuxiao walked to the vegetable bin and lifted the lid. The potatoes and cabbage inside were frozen and rotten.


    Li Xiaoya counted on her fingers: "We also don''t have oil, green onions, or that city thing... um, MSG. We don''t have any of those."


    Previously, when Li Xiaoya cooked, she mostly used homemaderd.


    What they ate depended on what was avable in the fields and on the mountain.


    Sheng Yuxiao turned to look at the crew members outside the door and asked expressionlessly, "Do we really have to film this lousy show?"


    The crew member timidly met his gaze and nodded carefully: "...Yes."


    Sheng Yuxiao took a deep breath and said to Li Xiaoya, "Give me the basket. I''ll go to the fields and pick something."


    Li Xiaoya said, "Let''s go together."


    "You''ve just recovered..." Sheng Yuxiao frowned, disagreeing.


    Li Xiaoya looked at him seriously and asked, "Can you tell which vegetable patch belongs to our family?"


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    He bent down to pick up Li Xiaoya again: "Let''s go." They hadn''t even rested yet, and now they were forced to go work.


    Li Xiaoya spoke up: "Don''t carry me."


    "Why won''t you let me carry you now?"


    Li Xiaoya''s tone remained sincere: "Save your strength."


    As it turned out, picking vegetables from the field and cutting pig feed at the same time was truly exhausting.


    Young Master Sheng was always full of energy when ying basketball, skiing, or hiking... He even had abs at such a young age.


    But this farm work was a whole different ballgame!


    "Is this enough?" Sheng Yuxiao asked Li Xiaoya with a stiff expression.


    Li Xiaoya nodded, looking a bit upset: "We''ve missed the wheat nting season this year."


    Sheng Yuxiao thought to himself, thank goodness we missed it!


    He swung his long leg over the ridge between the fields, then turned back and scooped up Li Xiaoya in his arms.


    Li Xiaoya: ?


    Despite his exhaustion, Sheng Yuxiao resolutely carried her back home: "How''s that? I''m strong enough, aren''t I?"


    [This is hrious. Young Master Sheng''s pride absolutely cannot be tarnished!]


    [On the stubbornness of teenagers]


    In the end, it was still Li Xiaoya who stood on a little stool to cook.


    She was afraid that Sheng Yuxiao might ruin the food they had worked so hard to bring back.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked disappointed as he circled the stove, suddenly asking: "You haven''t cooked for Qin Sui, have you?"


    Before Li Xiaoya could answer��


    The head director poked his head in and said: "Your phone is ringing, sir."


    Sheng Yuxiao figured it must be his mother calling, otherwise the director wouldn''t be so eager to please.


    He reached out and took the phone from the director.


    By then, the phone had stopped ringing.


    Sheng Yuxiao dialed back, but the line was busy.


    Sheng Yuxiao resigned himself to waiting, when suddenly the phone rang again. This time, however, the caller ID showed a different number��Ning Heng.


    Sheng Yuxiao answered casually: "Hello."


    Ning Heng''s voice came loudly through the speaker: "Sheng-ge, my mom says she wants to send me to your ce! Can Ie?"


    Sheng Yuxiao turned to look at Li Xiaoya, then uttered a single word: "Yes."


    In an instant, he had already made ns for Ning Heng in his mind.


    Picking vegetables? He''ll do it. Feeding the pigs? He''ll do it. Cooking? He''ll do it.


    Apanying Li Xiaoya to school? I''ll do that.

 Chapter 36: I Can Trade with Li Xiaoya

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    On one side, Sheng Yuxiao verbally agreed to Ning Heng''s request.


    On the other side, the executive producer immediately received another bombardment of sugar-coated cannonballs.


    "How much investment did Qin Sui add to your showst time?" Ning Heng asked on the phone.


    "Please don''t do this, Young Master Ning," the executive producer pleaded with a bitter expression, trying to dissuade him. "We really can''t add any more people to this show..."


    But when have rich kids ever not had their eyes on top of their heads? Ning Heng didn''t care about his protests at all and just blurted out, "Why don''t you learn from that variety show on the other channel? They have flying guests. You could do that too."


    "The channel next to that one even changes guests every week, but that''s because their show rules are different," the producer exined.


    "Well then..." Ning Heng had a bright idea.


    "Isn''t your show called ''Exchange Lives''? Brother Sheng is exchanging with that Li Qingqing girl, right? I could exchange with Li Xiaoya! Let Li Xiaoya go to my house, and I''ll go live the rural life with Brother Sheng." This was Ning Heng''s brilliant n.


    The executive producer: "..."


    "I suggest you run such an excellent idea by Young Master Sheng first," the executive producer said with utmost sincerity.


    Ning Heng, not suspecting anything, hung up and called Sheng Yuxiao again.


    After listening, Sheng Yuxiao said one word: "Scram."


    Ning Heng: "..."


    Ning Heng immediately called the executive producer back: "Why is Brother Sheng angry with me?"


    The producer said nervously, "I don''t know either. Why don''t you ask him yourself?"


    "If Brother Sheng would take my calls, would I need to ask you?... Alright, let''s be direct. If I invest 2 million, can I join?"


    These rich kids really don''t treat money as money!


    The executive producer''s pupils dted, but to maintain his principles, he gritted his teeth and didn''t utter a word.


    "Did Qin Sui give you 10 million or something? He can''t be that generous," Ning Heng wondered.


    The executive producer had been taking these calls with Sheng Yuxiao present.


    You could say the entire three-way conversation had been faithfully recorded by the cameras.


    At this moment, Sheng Yuxiao was squatting by the door washing vegetables. Without looking up, he said, "Alright, let the head pige over quickly. Take a few million in investment from him and be done with it. If we keep refusing, he might go crying to his cousin and have you removed from the production team."


    The executive producer choked, then said, "Well, alright. This counts as calling for outside help, and that requires exchanging points. Is Young Master Sheng willing to exchange more points for this?"


    Sheng Yuxiao poured some water and stood up: "Look at my skillful vegetable-washing technique. In a few days, I''ll master all the household chores and farm work. How hard can it be to earn points?"


    The executive producer finally nodded.


    The audience had already started discussing: [Who is Ning Heng''s cousin?]


    [The famous CEO of Dongfeng Film and Television Group Co., Ltd. You know Qingning TV that this show belongs to? Ning Heng''s cousin is a major shareholder there.]


    [I see! These are really pure rich second-generation kids, all gathered in this little mountain vige. This vige never imagined it would see such a day, right?]


    ...


    Because she had fallen behind in her studies for several days, Li Xiaoya was eager to go to school the next morning, wearing the new backpack Sheng Yuxiao had bought her.


    As she crossed the familiar school gate and entered her ssroom, everyone around her was extremely quiet. They stared at Li Xiaoya curiously and nervously, no one daring to greet her or say any bad words to her anymore.


    After the Vige Chief and Grandpa Li were taken away, parents from miles around had warned their children.


    "Don''t fight with Li Xiaoya, understand? No verbal fights either. Otherwise, I''ll knock your head off when you get home!"


    The raised palms of their parents left a deep impression on these children''s hearts.


    It wasn''t until lunchtime, when Li Xiaoya went out to get food and Sheng Yuxiao came to meet her, that a child couldn''t help but say, "Li Xiaoya, your brother has switched back?"


    Sheng Yuxiao nced at the child: "What do you mean switched back? It''s always been just me."


    The child burst into tears with a "Wah!"


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    Li Xiaoya said to the child: "Don''t cry."


    The child was a bit chubby and didn''t seem very bright. Sobbing, he said, "If... if you let me lick the candy in your pocket, I... I''ll stop crying."


    Hearing this, Sheng Yuxiao''s eyebrows shot up: "That candy is mine! What are you thinking, little fatty? There''s none for you!"


    After saying this, he forcefully picked up Li Xiaoya by the waist and carried her away.


    The chubby kid immediately cried even louder.


    The bullet screenments were cracking up.


    [Young Master Sheng, how old are you? Why are you picking on kids?]


    [Even fighting over candy, I''m dying ofughter]


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t know how the bullet screenments were evaluating him at this moment. He just said very seriously to Li Xiaoya: "All your candy is for me, right?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "Then we can''t give it to that little fatty," Sheng Yuxiao said, then realized this made him sound particrly petty, so he changed his tone, "He''s already so fat, if he eats more he''ll get cavities and be overweight."


    After exining this, Sheng Yuxiao apanied Li Xiaoya to get food.


    Li Xiaoya''s lunchbox was also new, with Snow White printed on the left side and Ultraman on the right. In this run-down vige school, as soon as Li Xiaoya took it out, a chorus of "Wow"s erupted in the cafeteria.


    It could be said that it precisely captured all the children''s hearts, making them express their envy one after another.


    Sheng Yuxiao happily bent down and whispered in Li Xiaoya''s ear: "I chose it for you. How is it? Not bad, right?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Sheng Yuxiao was unsatisfied: "That''s all?"


    Li Xiaoya hesitated before saying: "Thank you, brother?"


    Sheng Yuxiao straightened up: "Alright, I''ll buy you more next time."


    Hearing this, the surrounding children''s mouths watered profusely.


    The two of them then shared their meal together.


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly asked: "Why are those female teachers at your school looking at me?"


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head, pondered for a while, and said: "Maybe they''re thinking about Qin Sui?"


    "Thinking about Qin Sui? Why would they think about him?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head in confusion. She only knew that Qin Sui had be very popr after just one day at school. As for why he was popr, she had no idea.


    Sheng Yuxiao thought it wouldn''t be difficult to figure out this question, so he got up and went to the principal''s office.


    The principal''s office was forced to exin to him: "It might be because Qin Sui is popr with the female teachers. We don''t dare say this out loud, given how young Qin Sui is... Oh, and Qin Sui also taught a few sses to the younger grades, and those kids liked him too."


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but ask, "Did he teach Li Xiaoya''s ss as well?"


    The principal replied, "Yes, one lesson."


    "How did it go?"


    "The elementary students all liked it, and the teachers praised him too," the principal answered truthfully, bracing himself.


    "I''ll teach them a ss too," Sheng Yuxiao thought, wondering if this could earn him some points.


    The principal nodded and immediately had someone bring over the teaching materials.


    In the principal''s view, for someone like Sheng Yuxiao or Qin Sui, who came from top-tier elite schools, teaching a few elementary school students would be like shooting fish in a barrel.


    Sheng Yuxiao had never been a teacher before. After some thought, he decided to start with a different ss.


    He didn''t want to risk teaching poorly and leaving a bad impression on Li Xiaoya, or embarrassing her in front of her ssmates...


    With his mind made up, Sheng Yuxiao went to "take up his post."


    The lesson ended quickly.


    Sheng Yuxiao returned to the principal''s office with a gloomy face.


    The principal jumped, standing up to ask, "H-how did it go?"


    Sheng Yuxiao squeezed out a sentence through his throat: "...Can I beat the kids?"


    "No! No! Please don''t do anything rash!"


    "Li Xiaoya is better after all. I''m done teaching," Sheng Yuxiao tossed the pointer and walked out.


    That evening, he returned to their dpidated home.


    Li Xiaoya lit the kerosenemp, took out her books, and sighed quietly.


    Sheng Yuxiao caught that sigh and quickly asked, "What''s wrong? Did someone bully you?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head and said, "I''ve fallen behind a bit in ss."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s desire to be a teacher was instantly reignited.


    But this time, he only wanted to teach Li Xiaoya.


    He picked up Li Xiaoya''s textbook and nced at it... The third-grade questions were indeed very simple. But how should he teach her?


    Sheng Yuxiao turned his back and borrowed a phone from the director, then called Sheng Jun''s secretary: "Brother Yang, find me a tutor, the best one you can get."


    The secretary was utterly shocked, thinking to himself, "The sun really did rise from the east today, howe the young master suddenly loves studying?"


    "Hurry up, I need one in the next couple of days. Tell my dad to give you a raise tomorrow," Sheng Yuxiao said before hanging up.


    He nned to learn from the best tutor.


    Once he mastered the teaching techniques, he could turn around and teach Li Xiaoya - perfect!


    While the tutor hadn''t arrived yet, early the next morning, the sound of car tires screeching on the ground drew near.


    Sheng Yuxiao poked his head out the door to see a long-haired figure leap out of the car, mouth wide open: "Bro Sheng, Bro Sheng, where are you? I''vee to join you!"


    He turned his head to meet his "bro''s" icy gaze, then heard Sheng Yuxiao say: "Keep it down. Li Xiaoya is still sleeping. If you wake her up, I''ll break your legs and throw you in the pigsty as pig feed."

 Chapter 37: Fell into the Pit

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    Ning Heng immediately shut his mouth.


    But Li Xiaoya had already been woken up. She rubbed her eyes and stumbled out unsteadily, calling out, "Sheng Yuxiao."


    Ning Heng''s eyes widened. Who was this person, daring to call out Sheng''s full name so casually?


    He lowered his gaze to look.


    Oh, it was a tiny thing, not even reaching his waist. Her hair was a mess, but her face was delicate and adorable. Because she was thin, her eye sockets were slightly sunken, making her look even more like a porcin doll.


    Li Xiaoya was also looking at him.


    The person before her was tall and slender, wearing clothes that hung on him like a sack, with long hair that gave off an artistic vibe.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t tell anything about artists or non-artists.


    She just blinked in confusion and bewilderment, then uttered two words: "...Big sister?"


    "She..." Ning Heng had barely uttered a word when Sheng Yuxiao covered his mouth and dragged him aside.


    Sheng Yuxiao stared disapprovingly at his long hair. "Cut it off quickly, you''re messing up the kid''s perception of gender. Don''t you know this is a crucial stage in a child''s development of their worldview?"


    Ning Heng was dumbfounded. "...Last time when your uncle''s six-year-old son was throwing a tantrum at your vi, you had me dress up as a female ghost to scare him. You said it''d be fine if we scared the little brat to death. Sheng, when did you start caring about children''s psychological health?"


    Sheng Yuxiao was silent for a moment before saying, "That was three years ago. People mature over time. You should grow up a bit too, Ning Heng."


    Ning Heng reluctantly epted this exnation and turned to unload his luggage from the trunk.


    Despite his slender frame, he was quite strong.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately patted his shoulder and said, "You''ve arrived just in time. The important task of feeding the pigs is now yours. Xiaoya! Come on, let''s go wash your face."


    Ning Heng: ?


    Among the circle of young rich second-generation in Jing City, there were two informal factions. One followed Qin Sui''s lead, while the other put their faith in Sheng Yuxiao.


    So even though Ning Heng was full of doubts, he obediently followed orders and went to feed the pigs.


    Li Xiaoya heard themotion and couldn''t help but turn her head. "That big sister..."


    Sheng Yuxiao grabbed her and sat her down on a small stool. "Wait a minute, I haven''t finishedbing your hair. And that''s not a big sister, his name is Ning Heng. You can just call him by his name."


    "Oh, but... has he ever fed pigs before?"


    "He hasn''t, but he''ll learn by doing it, won''t he?"


    "I''m afraid he might fall into the manure pit."


    "He can''t be that stupid, can he?"


    Just as Sheng Yuxiao finished speaking, a loud "ssh" came from behind.


    "Sheng!" Ning Heng''s anguished cry rang out, "Sheng, help me! I''ve fallen into the pit! Ugh..."


    Sheng Yuxiao: ...


    Li Xiaoya quickly ran towards the pigsty, with Sheng Yuxiao right behind her, followed by a crowd of panicked staff members.


    After a brief silence, the barrage ofments erupted intoughter.


    [Haha, Sheng Yuxiao, is your mouth blessed or what?]


    [Poor Ning Heng, he''s just a pure tool]


    A few minutester, Ning Heng was rescued. He looked miserable and on the verge of tears as he said to Sheng Yuxiao, "Sheng, you''ve suffered so much... So this is the kind of life you''ve been living here."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression was strange, and he didn''t say anything.


    [Haha, your Sheng hasn''t lived this kind of life at all. It''s all been Li Xiaoya feeding the pigs.]


    [+1, Li Xiaoya has been so good to your Sheng, even saving eggs for him when getting food from the canteen]


    [Didn''t watch the show beforeing? You should go back and watch more.]


    While Ning Heng was still pouring his heart out to Sheng Yuxiao, Li Xiaoya had already gone back to boil some hot water.


    "You need to wash up and change clothes, or you''ll get sick," Li Xiaoya said, handing Ning Heng a towel.


    The towel was faded but clean.


    Li Xiaoya said, "Wipe your face first."


    Li Xiaoya was used to the smell of various livestock manure, so her expression didn''t change at all with Ning Heng standing in front of her.


    The other staff members couldn''t stand it and quietly stepped back.


    Ning Heng was wiping his face and retching at the same time.


    "Sheng, you''ve suffered too much, too much. How could Aunt Xu bear it? Why don''t we pack up and go back today?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "It''s not that bad."


    Ning Heng paused, then took a big step forward, looking at Sheng Yuxiao with an expression of absolute worship. "Sheng, you can endure all this?"


    Sheng Yuxiao covered his nose and took half a step back. "You... I can barely endure."


    Ning Heng felt a bit hurt and looked at Li Xiaoya, saying, "Even the little girl doesn''t mind me."


    Sheng Yuxiao gritted his teeth, sounding a bit jealous, "Yeah, she even gave you her face towel to use."


    Ning Heng was even more touched. He hastily wiped his face and went to the back of the house to rinse off.


    After two hours of fuss, Ning Heng finally managed to clean himself up.


    When he learned that the hot water for his shower was also boiled by Li Xiaoya, Ning Heng''s gratitude knew no bounds. He said, "I wish I had a little sister like you."


    Sheng Yuxiao thought to himself, I can''t even have her, how could it be your turn?


    Throughout all of Ning Heng''s praise, Li Xiaoya didn''t show any particr expression, just as she had been used to the abuse before.


    "Here you go," she said,dling some hot water into a bowl for Ning Heng. "Drink a little, it''ll prevent you from catching a cold."


    Ning Heng immediately praised her again, "So thoughtful, so thoughtful. I''d like to take you to my house to film the show, and then Sheng and I could stay in the vige, far from the city''s hustle and bustle, being pastoral poets... But Sheng won''t agree. Ah, if you want to go, I can arrange for someone to take you there now. You have such a good personality, my mom would definitely like you."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s face had darkened, but Ning Heng hadn''t noticed at all.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya used a tree branch to poke at the fire in front of her and said softly, "I won''t go."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression changed back, and he raised an eyebrow at Ning Heng, saying, "Did you hear that? Li Xiaoya won''t leave me, she''s not going anywhere."


    Ning Heng finally understood.


    So it was Sheng who wouldn''t let Li Xiaoya leave.


    After just one encounter, Ning Heng found that he quite liked Li Xiaoya too.


    He couldn''t help but grab Sheng Yuxiao''s shoulder and whisper in his ear, "Sheng, if you really care about Li Xiaoya, you should let her go to my ce. Maybe her life will be different in the future."


    Sheng Yuxiao coldly said, "You don''t know shit."


    At this moment, the chief director''s voice suddenly rang out: "Young Master Sheng, it''s a call from your mother. She specifically asked for you to take it now."


    [Is she going to ask about Li Xiaoya?]


    [Didn''t they mention something about investment the other day? Mrs. Xu is probably worried that her son is being tricked by a country girl, so she''s calling to interrogate him.]


    The audience was instantly filled with curiosity about this phone call.


    Outside the TV, Dou Dawei''s heart was in his throat.


    What he feared most was that Young Master Sheng would agree in person, but in the end his parents wouldn''t allow it, thinking their son had been duped...


    Li Xiaoya asked in a small voice, "Should we walk away?"


    Sheng Yuxiao held her thin shoulder: "Sit down, why leave? Let''s listen together."


    Seeing the young girl''s unease and fear, he had a change of heart and put his phone on speaker.


    Ms. Xu Qii''s voice was thus captured by the microphone.


    "I hear you want to invest in some project? Investing 3 million?"


    [Oh boy, it really is about this! Li Xiaoya is in danger!]


    In the shot, Sheng Yuxiao still had one hand on Li Xiaoya''s shoulder as he calmly said, "Yes, 3 million might not even be enough. Can I use some of my birthday fund?"


    [Damn! What kind of investment needs more than 3 million! Saying this, Ms. Xu must be getting a rush of blood to the head.]


    At this moment, Ning Heng leaned in: "What investment? Actually, I could buy in too. How much more do you need, Brother Sheng?"

 Chapter 38: Tears in Ning Heng’s Eyes

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    "Is Ning Heng here too?" Xu Qii asked.


    "Yes, Auntie Xu, I''m here. Brother Sheng is having such a hard time here. Please agree to all his requests."


    Xu Qii ignored Ning Heng''s words and showed no excitement or dissatisfaction with Sheng Yuxiao''s im about insufficient funds. Instead, she continued in a calm tone, "Do you remember what work needs to be done for the investment?"


    Sheng Yuxiao replied, "I do."


    Xu Qii then asked, "Why did you let Li Xiaoya make the choice?"


    The audience''s hearts leapt to their throats once again.


    [She said she''d hold him ountable, and here ites!]


    Sheng Yuxiao''s lips moved, unsure how to describe his feelings at that moment.


    But before he could speak, Xu Qii continued, "You shouldn''t have done that, Sheng Yuxiao."


    "You shifted the decision-making that should have been yours, your responsibility, onto a young girl. Have you considered whether her shoulders can bear this burden? If the investment fails, she''ll be more anxious than you. Do you want her to lose sleep every night?"


    [Huh?]


    [Damn, so this is why Ms. Xu thought Li Xiaoya shouldn''t make the decision?]


    Sheng Yuxiao said with certainty, "I won''t fail, and then Li Xiaoya will know that every choice she made was right."


    Xu Qii was momentarily speechless.


    But her son had always been like this, so she was used to it.


    Sheng Yuxiao then asked, "Are you worried about the money?"


    Xu Qii replied, "What do you think?"


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled, "I think you''re not. You care more about whether I can take responsibility like an adult. This amount of money, for other families'' children, wouldn''t even be enough for a practice run."


    Xu Qii only said, "Don''t let me see you make a fool of yourself," before hanging up.


    But with just these few words, Xu Qii''s attitude was clearly established in front of everyone.


    Sheng Yuxiao returned the phone to the director and said to Li Xiaoya, "See? My mom cares about you."


    A look of confusion appeared on Li Xiaoya''s face. Why? Why wouldn''t Sheng Yuxiao''s mother scold her?


    [I''m amazed. Sheng Yuxiao''s mother is so open-minded.]


    [Laughing and crying, this is the kind of open-mindedness only rich families can afford to y with.]


    Outside the TV, Dou Dawei plopped back onto the sofa,ughing and crying, "Good, good! It''s finally going smoothly!"


    Ning Heng sighed at this point, "Well, looks like there''s no chance for me to intervene."


    He moved closer to Li Xiaoya and whispered, "Don''t worry, Brother Sheng definitely won''t fail in his investment. He''ll definitely make money!"


    "Let me tell you, when he was young, he went to Wall Street with his uncle. In elementary school, during a business simtion game, he took all the other students'' funds..."


    Before Ning Heng could finish, Sheng Yuxiao pushed him aside, "What are you telling Li Xiaoya?"


    "Nothing, just recounting your glorious deeds."


    Sheng Yuxiao thought for a moment, "You''re allowed to tell her."


    [Young Master Sheng, don''t be too ridiculous, haha]


    [At this point, I''m really a bit envious of Li Xiaoya]


    [Can you also eat one meal and worry about the next in a small mountain vige, walk for hours on mountain roads to school, and do farm work and take care of your grandfather when you get home?]


    [Okay, I can''t. So this is what she deserves]


    That day, the segment of Ning Heng falling into the manure pit while feeding pigs hit the trending topics, instantly attracting more viewers.


    After all, it''s rare to see a rich second-generation fall into a manure pit.


    Whether it was the show''s production team or at Xu Qii''s suggestion, although the conversation about the investment was uploaded online, most of the heat was removed, downying its impact.


    The director sat behind the scenes, looking at the trending data and sighing, "Young Master Sheng and his group''s ratings are still skyrocketing. The live broadcast is about to break 2, and the rey viewing data is about to break 600 million."


    A staff member asked, "What about Li Qingqing''s side?"


    The director was silent for a moment before saying, "0.3, but overall live broadcast ratings are not high now. 0.3 is considered a normal level. The cumtive reys have also reached 300 million. People still really like to watch the life of a vige child going into a wealthy family."


    Most viewers aren''t so ck and white in their likes and dislikes. They only care if the show has what they want to see.


    Li Qingqing entering a wealthy family is very rtable for most people, allowing them to indulge in the dream of entering high society.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s side, on the other hand, provides more entertainment. The fact that it has such strong data performance has already far exceeded the director''s expectations.


    "Next season''s sponsorship is secured," the director couldn''t help grinning from ear to ear.


    Meanwhile, Dou Dawei turned off the TV, grabbed a few folders, and set out.


    Two Audis slowly drove along the dpidated mountain road, entering the small vige.


    For the vigers of Li Family Vige, they might not always recognize Rolls-Royce or Porsche logos, but they could somewhat identify BMW, Mercedes, and Audi.


    So when the Audis entered the vige, they knew rich people hade.


    "Why has our vige been so lucky recently? Rich people areing again?" They couldn''t help but crane their necks, holding their bowls as they watched the spectacle outside.


    As they watched, they realized...


    "Why are those cars heading to Li Xiaoya''s house again?"


    With these words, everyone fell silent again.


    After a while, someone finally gritted out, "Li Xiaoya is so lucky!"


    They hadpletely forgotten that they had previously cursed her as a bringer of bad luck.


    The Audis drove closer and came to a stop.


    Inside the car, several middle-aged men couldn''t help but curse, "Is this really the ce, Dou Dawei? You''re not lying to us, are you?"


    "You little bastard, you''re not up to something bad, are you?"


    Dou Dawei quickly raised his hands and said, "I don''t have any bad intentions. Look carefully, aren''t there many people carrying cameras outside? I told you, they''re really filming a show here. Don''t you all watch variety shows? This show was even trending today!"


    "I nced at it. Something about a rich second-generation falling into a manure pit."


    Dou Dawei quickly advised, "Don''t say that to their facester. If the rich kid gets angry, our investment might fall through."


    "I say, it would have been better to sell directly to foreign investors. Take the cash and go our separate ways."


    Dou Dawei didn''t respond and walked straight ahead after getting out of the car.


    "Who are you? What do you want?" A staff member turned and shouted.


    "I''m here to see Young Master Sheng. I''m the person in charge of the project that Young Master Sheng wants to invest in," Dou Dawei said with a smile.


    The staff member was stunned. They''re really investing?


    The staff led Dou Dawei and his group over, and the program was temporarily interrupted.


    As it happened, Ning Heng had never experienced much vige life, so she picked up a stool to go out and watch the stars. Sheng Yuxiaozily walked behind her, helping Li Xiaoya carry a bowl of chestnuts.


    The chestnuts were collected from the mountain and thrown into the stove to roast, bursting open with a small crack, giving off a delicious, nutty aroma.


    The two groups ran into each other face to face.


    "Young Master Sheng!" These three words escaped from Dou Dawei''s throat, tears almost bursting forth on the spot.


    Sheng Yuxiao took half a step back: "Don''t act like you''ve finally found your long-lost father."


    Dou Dawei was immediately choked up, but at least he didn''t get all emotional.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya also came out.


    Dou Dawei immediately pushed forward the things he was carrying, forcing a sickly sweet smile, and even wanted to pick up Li Xiaoya: "Here, Xiaoya! Uncle bought this especially for you! Uncle owes you so much..."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned, extending an index finger to push Dou Dawei away slightly: "Why are you being so overly familiar?"


    Dou Dawei was taken aback: "Am I being overly familiar?"


    What else should he call her then?


    Ning Heng asked from the side: "Sheng, what are these country bumpkins here for?"


    The middle-aged men Dou Dawei brought along twitched their mouths violently upon hearing this. Country bumpkins? They were at least local entrepreneurs. Although their factories weren''t doing well now, they were all decked out in expensive clothes and clearly looked like wealthy people!


    "They''re here for investment," Sheng Yuxiao said concisely.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya had already sat down on a small stool. Sheng Yuxiao quickly sat down next to her, shoving the chestnuts into Ning Heng''s arms: "Peel them, peel a couple for Li Xiaoya to try first."


    "We..." Dou Dawei couldn''t help but speak up.


    "Sit down, what are you all standing around for?" Sheng Yuxiao said without looking up, "You''re blocking Li Xiaoya''s light."


    "Oh, oh." Dou Dawei turned in a circle, finding no spare stools, and finally borrowed some folding chairs from the program crew.


    They sat down in a circle like this.


    The others quietly observed Sheng Yuxiao and Ning Heng, not yet clear about the identities of these two.


    Dou Dawei had already handed over the documents.


    "Please take a look."


    "Wait a moment..." Sheng Yuxiao took a peeled chestnut from Ning Heng''s hand and gave it to Li Xiaoya, "Eat."


    Li Xiaoya hadn''t said anything yet.


    Suddenly, Sheng Yuxiao remembered something and snatched the chestnut back, returning it to Ning Heng: "Did you wash your hands properly?"


    Ning Heng said pitifully: "I washed them clean, really no smell left. Sheng, if you don''t believe me, you can smell them yourself?"


    Now the middle-aged men knew - this was the one who had fallen into the manure pit.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya leaned forward, lowering her head. Her nose twitched slightly as she sniffed Ning Heng''s hand. Then she lifted her face and said seriously: "Mmm, I smelled it. There''s no odor left, very clean."


    Ning Heng was so moved he almost cried: "Li Xiaoya, be my little sister,e home with me!"

 Chapter 39: It’s Impossible for Everyone to Like Her

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    "Keep peeling those chestnuts," Sheng Yuxiao said as he began flipping through the documents Dou Dawei had handed him.


    Ning Heng, realizing this was serious business, refrained from interrupting further.


    "Your factory''s financial records and year-end reports are far from clear," Sheng Yuxiao remarked after a quick nce.


    The middle-aged men exchanged looks, suddenly realizing that despite his young age, this young master wasn''t easily fooled.


    Dou Dawei nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, previously some positions in the factory were held by shareholders'' rtives."


    Sheng Yuxiao snorted softly. Noticing Li Xiaoya looking bored beside him, he lowered the documents in his hand and pointed at the numbers, asking her, "Do you know what this is?"


    Li Xiaoya looked at him nkly.


    "This is the transaction statement, and this one is the asset report, including short-term investment details, fixed asset details, and so on... Look, here we can see the fixed asset ratio. It''s too low, indicating their production capacity is already quite poor."


    The middle-aged men''s faces reddened slightly, not expecting to be so bluntly called out by a minor. What was most insulting was...


    "Is it necessary to exin this to a child? She won''t understand anyway," one of the middle-aged men couldn''t help but interject.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked up at him and asked, "Is the ountant your rtive?"


    The middle-aged man quickly replied, "Of course not!"


    "Then why are you so agitated?"


    The man gritted his teeth and fell silent.


    "This is the bnce sheet... we can see their capitalization rate. Generally speaking, if it exceeds 20%, it indicates excessive risk," Sheng Yuxiao continued, flipping through the pages.


    Li Xiaoya cautiously said, "Their risk is very high, isn''t it?"


    "Hm?" Sheng Yuxiao paused, "Did you calcte that?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, "I can''t calcte it, but just by looking at them... I get a vague idea in my head."


    Even Ning Heng couldn''t help but exim, "Are you that sensitive to numbers? Little genius?"


    This piqued Sheng Yuxiao''s interest even more, and he insisted on meticulously exining the entire report to Li Xiaoya.


    While Sheng Yuxiao might not have experience teaching her regr schoolwork, as an heir to a wealthy family, he had been exposed to various financial reports since he learned to read.


    His young uncle once said, "If you can''t understand these, don''t bother inheriting anypany. You''ll only end up being fooled."


    By now, Sheng Yuxiao could spot issues in most reports at a nce.


    And now, he was teaching this to Li Xiaoya.


    He didn''t see any problem with teaching these concepts to a child who had grown up in a small mountain vige and was only in third grade.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s confident demeanor exuded an unconscious pressure, and as he taught, the others could only wait patiently on the side.


    Those men felt like they were sitting on pins and needles, but Dou Dawei didn''t seem to mind.


    Dou Dawei also listened intently, his face flushed... His father was a capable man, butcked some finesse in running a business. He himself wasn''t much better.


    Someone like Sheng Yuxiao, born into wealth, had been immersed in the teachings and education of various sessful individuals from a young age...


    The MBA courses that ordinary people would spend hundreds of thousands to attend were free, mandatory lessons for him since childhood.


    Thinking of this, Dou Dawei couldn''t help but nce at Li Xiaoya.


    Did this little girl realize how incredible the education she was receiving right now was?


    "Alright," Sheng Yuxiao cleared his throat, "That''s enough for now. Their reports are too simple, not much to see overall. Next time, I''ll show you something more interesting."


    "Young Master Sheng, we..." Dou Dawei spoke up hesitantly.


    "Your first problem right now is that your location is too remote, and your transportation methods are outdated."


    "Secondly, you need to properly position and categorize your medicines before distributing them to the market..."


    Sheng Yuxiao spoke slowly.


    "Easier said than done. How do we distribute? We need to invest real money in marketing, offer profits to pharmacies and hospitals..."


    "Marketing?" Sheng Yuxiao sneered, pointing at Li Xiaoya, then at himself, "Isn''t this the best marketing?"


    Dou Dawei excitedly agreed, "Yes, yes!"


    Both parties quickly set a time to sign the investment contract.


    Then Dou Dawei left with the other shareholders.


    Once in the car, someone immediately said, "Didn''t Sheng Yuxiao give us some ideas? Why don''t we try them ourselves first to see if we can revive the business?"


    In essence, they didn''t want Sheng Yuxiao to have a share anymore. Now that things were looking up, they thought they could manage on their own.


    Dou Daweiughed bitterly, "Do you know what Young Master Sheng didn''t say after mentioning our outdated transportation?"


    "What?"


    "The best transportation now is by rail, but do you know how to secure this transport route?... We need Young Master Sheng for that. Only the Sheng family has that kind of clout. Money is secondary; the connections are something we couldn''t umte in ten lifetimes." Dou Dawei sighed, his tone quite emotional.


    "Fortunately, I met Li Xiaoya first, and then got to know Young Master Sheng through her."


    Dou Dawei paused, then asked rhetorically, "I only recently found out that the provincial government has been eager for Young Master Sheng and his family toe record that show. Do you know why? Because there are so many small and medium-sized enterprises waiting for investment! They''re all waiting for the Sheng family''s influence to revitalize this impoverished ce! If another family beats us to it, who would we be? We wouldn''t even be in the running!"


    These words left the other shareholders dumbfounded.


    Dou Dawei muttered, "Young Master Ning said it well today. I even want to recognize Li Xiaoya as my sister, no, my goddaughter. But we don''t have that blessing."


    Seeing Young Master Sheng''s attitude today, wasn''t it clear that with Li Xiaoya by his side, he had the world in his hands?


    While they were deep in reflection on one side,


    On the other side, the gift Dou Dawei had sent was still at Li Xiaoya''s feet. Sheng Yuxiao said, "Let me open it for you and take a look."


    It was a Barbie doll wearing a crystal crown.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately said, "What kind of gift is this? It''s not practical at all. Not as good as what I gave you, right?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Sheng Yuxiao smirked, then reached out to take the crown off the Barbie doll''s head and pinned it on Li Xiaoya''s, saying, "I think you look more like a Barbie doll than it does."


    Ning Heng watched from the side, his eye twitching.


    It had been two days.


    He still couldn''t quite get used to seeing this expression on Brother Sheng''s face.


    Meanwhile,


    Li Qingqing had been sick for two days now.


    She deliberately cried herself into a faint, then intentionally took a cold shower, making herselfe down with a high fever. This finally earned her a brief moment of pity from the Sheng family.


    Now, curled up in bed, she waited for the maid attending to her to leave before quickly pulling out her phone to check the online news.


    To her surprise, she learned that Ning Heng had also gone to that small vige.


    "How can this be?" she muttered to herself. "In my previous life, Ning Heng wasn''t involved at all."


    This was Ning Heng, after all.


    So many female celebrities would do anything to climb into his bed, all for a chance at a brighter future.


    In her previous life, Li Qingqing wouldn''t have dared to even dream of encountering someone like him.


    Gritting her teeth, Li Qingqing refreshed the page, only to see a trending topic about Ning Heng falling into a cesspit.


    She immediately breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank goodness, oh thank goodness, haha. Ning Heng surely can''t bear such humiliation. The vige environment is just too harsh; he definitely won''t be able to stay there. Li Xiaoya isn''t some kind of irresistible charm: surely not everyone will fall for her?"


    Just then, Li Qingqing heard the maid call out: "Miss Xu, what brings you here?"


    Miss Xu? Oh, now she remembered.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s cousin... a person with a rather nasty temper.


    Li Qingqing instantly hatched a n.


    She would have a nice, long chat with this Miss Xu about Li Xiaoya.

 Chapter 40: If I win the prize, I’ll give you half

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    Why did Li Qingqing have such a strong impression of Sheng Yuxiao''s cousin? It was actually because of Li Xiaoya.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s cousin, Xu Ruying, shared the same birthday as Li Xiaoya.


    The Sheng family celebrated Li Xiaoya''s birthday, which led to Xu Ruying feeling neglected. This incident even became a hot topic in entertainment news.


    Since these two were destined to be at odds, why not add fuel to the fire in advance?


    Li Qingqing threw off her nket and got out of bed. She walked to the door, holding onto it with one hand, and timidly poked her head out. Addressing the slender figure not far away, she said, "Hello, sister..."


    Xu Ruying''s gaze fell on her, and she asked in surprise, "Who''s this?"


    "Miss Xu just returned from abroad and doesn''t know yet," the servant hurriedly exined from the side.


    After hearing the whole story, Xu Ruying eximed in shock, "What? Sheng Yuxiao was sent to a small vige? What was Aunt thinking? No, I must go see Aunt!"


    Xu Ruying left in a whirlwind, as quick as she came.


    Li Qingqing stood there dumbfounded. How did this... She hadn''t even gotten to speak yet!


    *


    As a new day dawned, Li Xiaoya emerged from Sheng Yuxiao''s oversized down jacket. Ning Heng heard the movement and struggled to open his eyes, "Awake already?"


    "Ah, you guys wake up so early. If I were at home, I''d just be getting back from clubbing and lying down now," Ning Hengined softly, but still got up with them.


    Li Xiaoya, crouching nearby, spoke first: "Sheng Yuxiao is gone."


    "Oh, he went into town today to deal with contracts," Ning Heng smiled. "He temporarily entrusted you to me."


    Li Xiaoya didn''tment on this statement, but instead asked, "What''s clubbing?"


    Ning Heng''s expression changed dramatically, realizing he had said something he shouldn''t have. Thankfully, Sheng wasn''t here.


    "It''s nothing, kids shouldn''t ask about that," Ning Heng brushed it off, standing up and putting on his shoes. "Come on, let''s wash up."


    Li Xiaoya''s face cloth had been used by Ning Heng to wipe his face earlier, so Sheng Yuxiao had cut his own in half for Li Xiaoya to use.


    Ning Heng found that half-piece of cloth and dipped it in cold water, shivering from the chill.


    "Aren''t we going to boil hot water?" Ning Heng asked.


    "We''re out of firewood. We need to go collect more."


    "Alright then."


    Ning Heng wrung out the cloth and turned to wipe Li Xiaoya''s face.


    "I can do it myself..." Li Xiaoya said softly.


    "No can do. Sheng entrusted you to me, and I can''t let him down by not following through," Ning Heng replied.


    "Oh," Li Xiaoya responded, obediently closing her eyes to let him wipe her face.


    Ning Heng put the cloth to her face and asked, "Is it cold?"


    "No, it''s not cold."


    Ning Heng''s hands were slightly pale from the cold, but Li Xiaoya didn''t even flinch.


    She closed her eyes, and her wiped cheeks took on a porcin-like whiteness.


    "You don''t look like a Barbie doll," Ning Heng suddenly said.


    Li Xiaoya''s eyshes fluttered, and she opened her eyes, revealing a puzzled expression.


    Ning Heng said seriously, "You look like a porcin doll, like a work of art."


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head, looking at him.


    "You know, the kind of beautiful, pristine, and fragile porcin," Ning Heng continued, feeling his creative inspiration being sparked.


    He was an art student, having studied everything from sketching to Chinese painting, from sculpture to ceramics... If his family hadn''t held him back, he would have gone overseas long ago to live the life of a wandering artist in search of inspiration.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya slowly shook her head and said, "Then I don''t want to be porcin."


    "What do you want to be then?"


    "Are there dolls made of iron? I want to be made of iron, unbreakable even when beaten."


    Ning Heng''s breath caught, and he looked at her in astonishment. After a moment, that astonishment turned into a kind of delight, a delight that flowed through his blood, bing an irrepressible excitement.


    "You really... you''re really amazing! Wow!" Ning Heng was truly inspired with a new creative idea now, itching to rush back to his studio.


    "If I win an award, I''ll split it with you," Ning Heng suddenly tossed the cloth aside and picked up Li Xiaoya, giving her a quick kiss.


    Li Xiaoya was even more confused.


    What award? What was he talking about?


    The danmu (on-screenments) simultaneously filled with exmation marks.


    [Ning Heng! You''re done for! Your Sheng-ge might beat you up when he gets back!]


    [You threw Li Xiaoya''s face cloth on the ground, and you dare to kiss her!]


    Ning Heng also realized what he''d done and quickly picked up the cloth, rinsing it in water again.


    "I''ll pour you some water so you can brush your teeth," Ning Heng said, turning away guiltily to find the thermos.


    This thermos was something Ning Heng had brought himself. It still had some drinking water in it, which was now being used for Li Xiaoya to brush her teeth.


    Li Xiaoya crouched there, gurgling and spitting water, while Ning Heng stood behind her,bing her hair.


    [...This hairstyle finally doesn''t look like she''s been through a disaster]


    [Compared to this, what on earth was Sheng Yuxiao doing when hebed her hair before? Haha]


    After they finished getting ready, Ning Heng apanied Li Xiaoya to school.


    Unlike Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui, Ning Heng was quite talkative. As they walked, he chatted with Li Xiaoya: "It''s almost winter, how are there still mosquitoes? I''m covered in bites."


    Hearing this, Li Xiaoya said, "Wait a moment."


    She then rolled up her pants, walked through the grass and field ridges, and came back with a handful of herbs. Using her scarred fingertips, she crushed the herbs and applied the juice to Ning Heng''s mosquito bites.


    "Does it feel better?" Li Xiaoya asked.


    Ning Heng stared at her for a while, then sighed and muttered, "I can see why Sheng-ge likes you."


    Ning Heng took the remaining herbs from Li Xiaoya''s hand, crushed them himself, and continued to apply the juice to his body as they walked.


    Before they knew it, they had arrived at the school.


    As soon as Li Xiaoya entered, wow, it was quite a scene. She immediately attracted countless gazes.


    The students stared at Ning Heng in amazement.


    Ning Heng had tied up his long hair, revealing clean-cut facial features. He had a tall, straight figure and an unrestrained aura. His almond-shaped eyes gave people the illusion of gentleness even when he looked at them sideways.


    "Li Xiaoya..." someone stuttered, "how do you have another new brother?"


    "Li Xiaoya is so cool," someone whispered enviously.


    "Will this new brother buy her an Ultraman lunchbox too?" Their envy grew as they spoke.


    Unlike Sheng Yuxiao, who acted high and mighty, or Qin Sui, who was gloomy and didn''t like to deal with "foolish" people, Ning Heng was different.


    Hearing the children''s low discussions, Ning Heng raised an eyebrow and said, "You don''t know? Li Xiaoya can do magic."


    "What kind of magic?" A group of childish faces looked up, showing curious expressions.


    "Whoever bullies her, she just closes her eyes and makes a wish. See, just like this," Ning Heng''s lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Whoosh! And I appear out of thin air. She can conjure up several of us at once! Those who bully her will be in for some bad luck."


    The children instantly turned pale with fright.


    Especially Wang Xiaozhi, who had been picked up by Sheng Yuxiao earlier. His throat suddenly burst out with a shriek, "Ah! I didn''t bully Li Xiaoya! Don''te after me, please don''te after me!"


    Ning Heng scoffed, "What a bunch of scaredy-cats."


    Then he helped Li Xiaoya put on her backpack. "Off to ss now."


    As he turned around, he came face to face with several school teachers, their expressions frozen in disbelief.


    "Hello, hello," Ning Heng went over and shook hands with each of them. "I''m currently Li Xiaoya''s temporary guardian. If you have any concerns, feel free to contact me!"


    The teachers were momentarily dazed as they stared at the obviously expensive designer clothes the young man was wearing.


    What was the name of that TV show they had filmed? "Exchange Lives," right? Wasn''t it supposed to be about the vige chief''s granddaughter from Li Vige being exchanged to live in the city? Why had it turned out like this in the end?


    Rich kidsing one after another... What? Were rich kids so cheap now that they were sold by the pound?

 Chapter 41: Finding Relatives of Li Xiaoya’s Mother

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    On the other end, Sheng Yuxiao had already settled the contract part.


    Since he was a minor, although he could be a shareholder without issue, he still needed to appoint a legal representative to exercise shareholder rights on his behalf.


    After some hesitation in choosing this person, Sheng Yuxiao eventually borrowed someone from his young uncle.


    It was already impressive enough that Sheng Yuxiao, at his age, could understandpany reports, discern good ounts from bad, and even make money from his peers.


    But his young uncle, Xu Ji, was known as an even greater prodigy, with many capable people under him.


    When calling to borrow someone, Sheng Yuxiao hesitated for a moment and asked, "I have a bit of a problem here..."


    "What problem?" Xu Ji''s voice sounded gentle.


    "When I was recording the show, I met a little girl named Li Xiaoya, with a very pitiful background..." Sheng Yuxiao briefly exined the situation, then paused and said, "Her grandfather is currently being held at the police station, but he''lle back someday."


    "Mm, that''s right. Given his age and being a direct rtive, and not being the mastermind, the judge will likely give a lenient sentence," Xu Ji''s gentle voice paused, then softly asked, "So, do you want him to die in prison?"


    Although he was used to hearing his young uncle say vicious things in a gentle tone, it still took Sheng Yuxiao a moment to adjust.


    "That... wouldn''t be good," Sheng Yuxiao hesitated, then said, "It could easily be traced back to me."


    "Mm, true. Seems you have an idea?"


    "I want to find Li Xiaoya''s rtives on her mother''s side and transfer her custody to them in their name."


    Xu Ji responded readily, "Leave it to me then."


    "Thank you, uncle," Sheng Yuxiao said politely, still feeling a bit awkward, after all, Xu Ji wasn''t that much older than him.


    "We''re family, no need for thanks."


    After hanging up the phone, Sheng Yuxiao hurried back to Li Family Vige.


    Without his supervision, Ning Heng might not handle things reliably, and he didn''t want Li Xiaoya to be spoiled.


    Knowing Li Xiaoya was likely still in school, Sheng Yuxiao went directly there to pick her up.


    When he reached the ssroom and peeked in, he saw Ning Heng teaching the children how to draw.


    Exmations of "Wow!" continuously came from the students below.


    Ning Heng had spent hundreds of thousands to study art. In his mother''s words, "Who knows what nonsense he''s learning every day, just dreaming of being an artist."


    But this little bit of skill, when used in a rural ssroom, left these children in awe and full of admiration.


    Ning Heng''s confidence swelled unprecedentedly, gaining immense satisfaction.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s brow, however, furrowed tightly.


    [Haha, remember when the young master Sheng tried to teach a ss? When the elementary school kids started making noise, he looked like he wanted to blow up the world]


    [Sheng Yuxiao: Damn, howe everyone''s better at teaching than me?]


    The school weed people like Qin Sui and Ning Heng who came to "lecture." Compared to the volunteer teachers who came here, they had seen a broader world. When teaching the mountain vige children, they nted a seed in their hearts, invisibly encouraging them to venture out of the mountains.


    The audience gradually realized this point, and some couldn''t help but sigh:


    [This show actually has a positive and meaningful impact]


    [Although they just wanted to teach Li Xiaoya, they''ve really done something good for this ce]


    Amidst the audience''s sighs, the school bell rang.


    Ning Heng walked out quickly, eximing, "Coming here was so worth it! Sheng, I think I''m suited to be a teacher."


    Sheng Yuxiao coldly curled his lip, "Last time you said you were suited to be a performance artist."


    "Well, it seems I''m suited for quite a few things," Ning Heng said, bending down to look at Li Xiaoya. "Wasn''t I amazing?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Although she didn''t say anything, it was still a great encouragement to Ning Heng.


    Ning Heng reached out to pat her head, but Sheng Yuxiao swatted his hand away.


    "Don''t keep touching her. Too much touching stunts growth," Sheng Yuxiao said coldly.


    "Oh, okay," Ning Heng withdrew his hand.


    The barrage ofments was filled withughter at this point.


    [Such a double standard, young master Sheng. You''re the one who touches her the most]


    "When we get home, I''ll give you a little lesson. I''ll teach you to draw like Van Gogh!" Ning Heng waved the items in his hand. "I borrowed some colored pencils from the volunteer teachers here. Sheng, you don''t know, but the teachers here really like me..."


    [Your Sheng-ge indicates he doesn''t want to hear about it]


    [See, young master Sheng? Being too aloof isn''t good. Others can quickly get along with the masses... You''ve lost, haven''t you?]


    Sheng Yuxiao held Li Xiaoya''s hand and said, "Why learn drawing when we get home? That''s not productive. Better to study English."


    [Pfft, is young master Sheng sure he wants to start teaching English from third grade?]


    [Wah, I''ll say it again, I''m really envious of Li Xiaoya]


    Li Xiaoya didn''t show any aversion to learning English. She obediently nodded, then asked, "Is the contract signed?"


    "Mm, it''s signed."


    [They''re really investing? Wow]


    [Curious how much money they put in]


    As the three talked and walked towards the school gate, Sheng Yuxiao had already be ustomed to holding Li Xiaoya''s hand.


    [Has no one told young master Sheng that Qin Sui used to carry Li Xiaoya home?]


    [Better not mention it, or young master Sheng might put Li Xiaoya on his head just to prove a point]


    In the frame, Ning Heng followed suit and tried to hold Li Xiaoya''s hand.


    Li Xiaoya felt a bit ufortable and slightly curled her fingers, but Ning Heng caught hold of them.


    "You have a lot of injuries on your hand," Ning Heng said as he felt them, immediately receiving a cold re from Sheng Yuxiao.


    "I didn''t mean anything by it," Ning Heng quickly said. "If I had known, I should have brought some medicine from the Wei family. It would heal up quickly with that."


    "Wei family?" Li Xiaoya asked, puzzled.


    "Oh, they''re old family friends. They run a hospital."


    Li Xiaoya nodded vaguely, not really grasping how impressive it was to own a hospital.


    They gradually walked further away in the frame.


    This scene was captured and quickly spread online.


    Enthusiasticizens dubbed it #WeirdLittleFamilyofThree#.


    The executive producer, who had been monitoring online trends, couldn''t help but click his tongue when he saw this hashtag pop up: "This is going to trend again, isn''t it?"


    Meanwhile, after the three arrived home, Ning Heng eagerly went to feed the pigs.


    Sheng Yuxiao ced the notebook on his knee and was about to write some English words with Li Xiaoya''s pen to teach her, when Li Xiaoya suddenly leaned on hisp, looked up at him, and asked softly, "Are you unhappy today?"


    Sheng Yuxiao chuckled, "How am I unhappy?"


    Li Xiaoya looked at him without saying a word.


    Sheng Yuxiao touched his own face, wondering if Li Xiaoya was so sensitive to others'' emotions. Had she been reading people''s faces since she was little?


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya moved even closer, and her voice became softer. She said, "Today, Ning Heng got a lot of mosquito bites on his body. I applied some medicine for him and shared half an egg with him..."


    As Sheng Yuxiao listened, his brows furrowed slightly, feeling a bit jealous.


    But Li Xiaoya quickly added, "He''s your good friend, right? I want to take good care of him for you."


    Sheng Yuxiao paused, suddenly feeling a great sense of relief.


    He had asked Ning Heng to take care of Li Xiaoya.


    But Li Xiaoya took it upon herself to care for Ning Heng, and it was for his sake! If it weren''t for him, Ning Heng wouldn''t have gotten half an egg to eat!


    Thinking of this, Sheng Yuxiao''s mood instantly soared.


    He patted Li Xiaoya''s head and said, "Yes, you did very well."


    Li Xiaoya shrank her head back a little, but then moved forward again. She said with difficulty, "Patting my head won''t make me grow taller..."


    Sheng Yuxiao choked, thinking he had shot himself in the foot.


    He was about to correct himself and say he was just joking.


    Li Xiaoya sighed softly and said, "But I''ll let you pat it a little bit."


    Sheng Yuxiao was suddenly speechless.


    [Li Xiaoya is so good atforting people!]


    [I want a Li Xiaoya too, wah wah wah. She''s so emotionally stable. Even though she''s covered in injuries, at such a young age she can already heal others.]


    [Ning Heng, you really should thank your bro Sheng. If it weren''t for your bro Sheng''s sake, you''d be treated the same as Qin Sui!]


    ...


    Meanwhile, on the other side.


    Xu Ruying couldn''t meet her aunt, Xu Qii.


    Xu Qii was very busy. She had just returned to the country, but her aunt had gone abroad again to see an art exhibition.


    Xu Ruying had no choice but to book a flight ticket directly, deciding toe to Li Family Vige to see for herself.


    She already knew that her cousin, Sheng Yuxiao, was trying to invest money in such a poor and backward ce. Wasn''t this obviously a loss-making business?


    "I must go and see what exactly has bewitched Sheng Yuxiao!" Xu Ruying pursed her lips.


    Just after Xu Ruying boarded the ne.


    A piece of news was quietly fermenting on the inte �� "Foreign capital seeks to acquire Chinese traditional medicine enterprises at extremely low prices. Is there an ulterior motive behind this move?"


    Soon, Dou Dawei and his team saw this news, but because the pharmaceuticalpany mentioned in the news had a different name, they didn''t pay much attention to it. They just thought there were quite a few foreign investorsing to acquire traditional Chinese medicine enterprises recently.


    Xu Ji also saw this news.


    This young genius just nced at it and said, "My grand-nephew is quite capable indeed."

 Chapter 42: Who is Li Xiaoya Why listen to her

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    The director thought the nned trending topic wouldn''t take off.


    After several rounds of discussion, a social news story instead topped the trending list.


    The news reported that a Japanese tradingpany had acquired a firm called Micro Light Pharmaceutical Company. This enterprise had donated to disaster-stricken areas multiple times but remained rtively unknown until now entering the public eye.


    Most critically, Micro Light Pharmaceutical had alreadypleted the acquisition process.


    [Does anyone not know? Traditional Chinese medicine sells well abroad, but the distributors are all foreign tradingpanies, while the herbs are bought from us at low prices. Chinese medicine is practically being renamed.]


    [Ah! I''m so angry, why does this always happen! This is clearly our own traditional cultural heritage, yet it''s always taken away by others, utilized, and then widely promoted...]


    [This pharmaceuticalpany''s backbone is too soft, isn''t it? They sold out just like that?]


    [Brother, this is business, do you know what they mean by ''the business world is a battlefield''? What good woulde from refusing to sell? Should the wholepany go without food and drink, relying on you to work for free out of love?]


    There was a flurry of online arguments, with various viewpoints, but overall, the incident left manyizens feeling quite frustrated.


    At this point, aizen started a thread:


    "120 million for a low-price acquisition? Think that''s surprising? There''s even lower! It''s practically pure freeloading!"


    This post quickly gained more attention amidst the unfolding events.


    [This is outrageous, I can''t believe it. One million! They only paid one million for the acquisition! Can this kind of acquisition really be approved?]


    [What do these foreign investors take us for? Do they still think we''re as gullible as we were twenty years ago?]


    [Uh, actually, we''ve always been easy to bully. You just haven''t been paying attention. Many brands have been suppressed to the point of copse and eventually had to be acquired by foreign capital at low prices.]


    [What? Is that true?]


    [To be honest, how is this acquisition contract any different from the Treaty of Shimonoseki back then?]


    Asizens grew increasingly angry, Dou Dawei received a call from Sheng Yuxiao.


    "Now, go online, register an ount, and make an announcement," Sheng Yuxiao said concisely on the other end.


    Dou Dawei hurriedlyplied.


    So, amidst the chaos, a newly registered ount named "Thousand Gold Pharmaceutical Official" posted a Weibo message: [Everyone, don''t worry, we haven''t been acquired.]


    Many curiousizens quickly flocked to thements.


    [Thousand Gold Pharmaceutical? Never heard of it]


    [It''s that local pharmaceuticalpany that was offered one million, it''s been around for many years, is it really unable to continue operating?]


    [Looking at the IP address above, your area doesn''t seem very economically developed.]


    [Oh, Thousand Gold Pharmaceutical, I recently saw their job postings on a recruitment website. Last year, locals said their factory was about to copse, but they''ve somehow held on until now and are still hiring on arge scale. Did they perhaps secure an investment? But who would invest in a factory that clearly seems to be failing?]


    [This pharmaceuticalpany has several really impressive forms! All of us locals know about it, but unfortunately, it hasn''t been doing well since the old chairman passed away]


    Dou Dawei clutched his phone tightly, watching the eager discussions ofizens as the ount''s follower count soared and it was propelled onto the trending list.


    This was the highest level of attention this small pharmaceuticalpany from an economically underdeveloped region had ever received.


    He patiently waited for the right moment, and whenizens demanded proof of identity, he posted the business license and his own photo.


    As more and moreizens asked if some industrial tycoon had seen the news and invested out of unwillingness to let a traditional enterprise fall into such a dire situation, Dou Dawei recorded a video.


    "Yes, we did indeed secure arge investment. It was before the news broke, when I was at my wit''s end. You might not believe it, but it''s like something out of a movie - it was an ident, a coincidence... I was funded by an underage rich second-generation."


    When this video was released,bined with the IP address, thepany''s location, and Dou Dawei''s key phrases like "ident," "coincidence," and "underage rich second-generation," someone finally pieced it together��


    [Oh my god, could it be that Sheng Yuxiao invested?]


    Manyizens hadn''t watched "Exchange Lives" and weren''t familiar with the country''s wealthy individuals, so they asked who Sheng Yuxiao was.


    Helpfulizens began to exin in thements.


    [He''s the crown prince of Sheng Corporation, who went to South Province to film a show. This pharmaceuticalpany is also in South Province. I suggest you rewatch the highlights of the third episode. The show mentioned that Sheng Yuxiao followed Li Xiaoya''s choice and invested in some unknown project. Oh right, Li Xiaoya is a child from a mountain vige in South Province. Sheng Yuxiao really listens to her.]


    [Everything matches up! So thepany Sheng invested in was this pharmaceuticalpany! I watched the entire live broadcast of the show that day! It was indeed before the news came out! Which means that at that time, Young Master Sheng had no idea the incident would gain so much attention, he just invested purely.]


    [The investment was decided by Li Xiaoya. At the time, everyone thought it was absurd to let a child make the decision, but now looking back, this is simply a wonderful coincidence, the most beautiful destiny! Li Xiaoya is from South Province, and with just one word, she saved a localpany! And preserved our integrity!]


    [Aww, that''s great news, this perfectly soothes theizens'' concerns. I''m going to watch that show right away]


    Dou Dawei''s pharmaceuticalpany was pushed onto the trending list, and the residual heat also benefited the "Exchange Lives" production team.


    Suddenly, everyone was asking about Sheng Yuxiao''s background, who Li Xiaoya was, and why Sheng Yuxiao listened to her.


    Many people, driven by immense curiosity, started to watch the show''s rey.


    The director had no idea what had happened, waking up to find his show had inexplicably be even more popr.


    He approached Li Xiaoya and Sheng Yuxiao, unable to hold back: "Look, look at what they''re saying online. This show is really interesting, bringing more opportunities to poor and backward areas. Although the camera only focuses on the exchange participants, the actual significance radiates to all the local people. ...They''re even praising the director as a great benefactor!"


    The director could barely contain his excitement, his mouth spreading into a grin: "No one has ever praised me like this before."


    And now, not only had they gained fame, but money was also pouring in along with the rising view counts and ratings!


    "I have a premonition that our viewership ratings will skyrocket to new heights. Not everyizen can be sick and need to buy medicine at the hospital. They have nowhere else to pour out their emotions except into our show!" The executive producer grew increasingly excited as he spoke.


    Sheng Yuxiao merely responded with a simple "Oh."


    Then he turned to Li Xiaoya and said, "You see, the choice you made was right. Absolutely right. You saved apany, rescued a man who was on the brink of bankruptcy and might have jumped off a building, you''ve created more job opportunities for countless local residents, and you''ve brought joy to innumerableizens."

 Chapter 43: A Great Gift

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    Li Xiaoya''s breath caught for a moment.


    Today''s situation was unprecedented for the director, and wasn''t it the same for Li Xiaoya?


    No one had ever spoken to her with such a firm tone, saying such words.


    Sheng Yuxiao held her hand and said, "Come, now make another choice."


    Li Xiaoya suddenly didn''t feel so afraid of making choices anymore. She nodded slightly.


    Sheng Yuxiao narrowed his eyes and asked, "Do you choose to learn English with me, or to learn painting with Ning Heng?"


    The cameraman quietly recorded this scene and immediately uploaded it online as a behind-the-scenes clip.


    The show was already attracting a lot of attention, and this clip satisfied theizens'' curiosity.


    [The director is quite cute, getting so happy from apliment]


    [Sheng Yuxiao is so good with words, he''s speaking for me. That''s right, Li Xiaoya made the right choice! Well done! You''re a great Li Xiaoya!]


    [Wait, I''m not worldly-wise, so let me ask: did this rich kid make such a big fuss just to teach a little girl to be firm in her choices?]


    [Is this how the wealthy pamper people? I''m so envious!]


    [Not really, Li Jingjing doesn''t get this treatment in her wealthy family, lol]


    [Don''t drag others down]


    Thement section nearly erupted into an argument.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya chose to learn English, leaving Ning Heng unhappily saying beside them, "I''m going on strike, I quit, I won''t feed the pigs anymore, nor the chickens, and I won''t chop wood either."


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t even turn his head as he replied, "Then you can go back. Help me call Wei Zesheng here."


    Wei Zesheng was the rich kid from a family that owned hospitals, whom Ning Heng had mentioned earlier.


    Ning Heng sighed, "Never mind, Wei Zesheng can''t feed pigs as well as I can."


    Shitou School didn''t teach English at all.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t have any English textbooks on hand either, but he made up for it with his good memory. He started by writing a word for Li Xiaoya: "Come on, repeat after me, abandon."


    Among the staff, there was a young, recently graduated member who couldn''t help but tilt his head in thought before hesitantly speaking up, "Isn''t this a CET-4 vocabry word? Shouldn''t we start with ABC? Jumping straight to CET-4 words?"


    Now they could see it clearly.


    The young master Sheng was really not good at teaching.


    This was such a waste of the child''s time!


    But not a single person dared to stand up and set things right.


    On this side, Teacher Sheng began his lesson.


    Meanwhile, the inte was still buzzing with activity.


    The government has very strict regtions on pharmaceuticalpanies'' advertising, to the extent that conventional brand promotion methods often can''t be used by pharmaceuticalpanies.


    Once a pharmaceuticalpany starts to decline, it''s almost impossible to turn things around. Even if you have a miracle drug, you need to be able to distribute it widely and build brand awareness. The investment required for this, and how much profit needs to be given away, is an astronomical figure beyond the imagination of ordinary people.


    But Thousand Gold Pharmaceutical Company now had countless organic promoters.


    After all, it was now the only one of its kind! A raremodity!


    First, locals came forward to say that Thousand Gold Pharmaceuticals'' medicines were really good, cheap, fast-acting, and had no side effects. They also told the story of how the form was stolen, which sparked another round of sympathy fromizens who felt that this pharmaceuticalpany had really been through a lot.


    After hearing about this, people from other areas would also ask if there were any Thousand Gold Pharmaceuticals'' medicines when they went to the pharmacy.


    This market was being created organically.


    After being frequently asked, pharmacies would naturally turn to stock these products.


    This was the market driving sales.


    The production lines that had been shut down were quickly inspected and put back into operation after maintenance.


    Any expired drugs that couldn''t be sold were immediately destroyed, without regret for the small loss.


    In just a few short days, Dou Dawei was beaming with joy wherever he went.


    The shareholders who had gone to Li Family Vige with him at the time were suddenly filled with fear: "It''s a good thing we didn''t sell for just a million."


    "That Micro Lightpany at least sold for 100 million, if we had given up for just a million... once it hit the news, we would have been criticized endlessly."


    "Mr. Dou, you saved us!"


    Dou Dawei sneered, thinking to himself, now they''re calling me Mr. Dou again? Earlier they were calling me by my first name.


    "I didn''t save you. Didn''t young master Sheng say it? It was Li Xiaoya who saved us."


    "Right, right."


    "Don''t you get it? We should think about what to send to Li Xiaoya! Before, when we didn''t have money, I just sent her a Barbie doll. Thinking about it now, that was really cheap!"


    "What do you have in mind, Mr. Dou?"


    "How about giving her 1% of the shares?"


    "Are you crazy? She''s just a child! A girl from a mountain vige, with no parents..."


    Dou Dawei rolled his eyes, interrupting his partner''s foolish speech: "I''m not crazy, you''re just too stupid."


    "How am I stupid, I..."


    "What kind of person is Sheng Yuxiao? Do we have any real connection with him?"


    "He invested in us!"


    "He might lift you up today, but he could lift someone else up tomorrow. That''s the power of capital. Do you know how many assets and businesses the Sheng family owns? He has too many things he could invest in! We''re not the only one! But to make Li Xiaoya''s 1% shares y their due role, won''t young master Sheng have to pay more attention to us?"


    "Mr. Dou, you''re really knowledgeable and experienced. I admire you." The other party suddenly realized and immediately changed his tune.


    Dou Dawei''s mouth twitched as he epted thepliment.


    He genuinely wanted to thank Li Xiaoya, but he also shamelessly hoped that young master Sheng would pay more attention to them because of this.


    For a rich kid at Sheng Yuxiao''s level, even the scraps that fell through his fingers would be enough for them to live very well!


    After Dou Dawei convinced the shareholders, they immediately went to draft a contract, invited a notary, and then rushed to Li Family Vige with their official seals.


    Meanwhile, Xu Ruying had just arrived at Li Family Vige.


    She was twenty years old this year, studying for her MBA and Master''s in Media overseas.


    The journey had been bumpy, and the mobile signal was poor, so she simply hadn''t yed with her phone and thus didn''t know how heated the online news had be.


    She had contacted the show''s production team in advance, and they had said they would send someone to pick her up.


    But now it seemed a bit early?


    Xu Ruying looked down at her wristwatch; it was more than an hour earlier than the agreed time.


    She stood at the vige entrance, taking out her phone to call the production team. Her Chanel outfit attracted many nces from the vigers.


    This made Xu Ruying feel very ufortable. People say that poor ces breed difficult people, and it seems there''s some truth to that... She wondered if that Li Xiaoya would be just as annoying.


    "Hello, I''ve arrived at the vige entrance. How far is it to Li Xiaoya''s house? Could youe and pick me up?" Xu Ruying said into her phone.


    Just then, Dou Dawei''s car pulled up. Hearing Xu Ruying''s voice, he immediately leaned out enthusiastically and said, "We''re also going to Li Xiaoya''s house. We can lead the way, and you can just follow in your car."


    Xu Ruying nced at Dou Dawei but didn''t refuse. After all, she was driving her own car, not riding with them.


    The group then arrived at Li Xiaoya''s house.


    Li Xiaoya was sitting at her doorstep, learning vocabry words with Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao was teaching her: "Amusement."


    Xu Ruying''s lips twitched uncontrobly.


    "Sheng Yuxiao, that''s a college-level English word. Why are you teaching it to a little child?"


    What was most absurd was that this word was further down the list. Had he already taught her the ones at the beginning?


    Xu Ruying couldn''t believe it.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked up at her voice and said, "Just a moment."


    Xu Ruying''s eyes widened. Did he just tell her to wait?


    She said unhappily, "I''ve already heard about your reckless investments. Did you listen to her? How old is she? Why do you listen to everything she says? Sheng Yuxiao! Look at me! I''m your sister, after all!"


    Sheng Yuxiao spared her a nce and said, "Cousin."


    Xu Ruying''s face flushed red with anger. "Does being a cousin mean I can''t look after you?"


    Suddenly, Dou Dawei nimbly squeezed forward, interrupting the argument.


    He said, "I''ve brought something for Li Xiaoya."


    Sheng Yuxiao gave him a dismissive look. "Another Barbie doll?"


    "No!" Dou Dawei handed over the folder in his hand and said softly, "It''s a share transfer contract for Li Xiaoya. It''s already been stamped with thepany seal and is legally binding."


    Xu Ruying was stunned.


    She couldn''t help but take half a step back and look up at the sky.


    That''s right, the sun was still hanging in the east.


    How had the world be so bizarre?


    How could someone be so eager to give shares to this child?


    Even her own parents thought her too young and refused to give her any shares!


    How had everyone been bewitched by this child?

 Chapter 44: It’s Just So Double Standard

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    "What does ''stock gifting'' mean?" Li Xiaoya asked softly.


    Xu Ruying''s face turned pale upon hearing this.


    See? This child didn''t even know what stock transfer meant, yet she was eager to ept it.


    However, in the next second, Xu Ruying saw her arrogant cousin bend down to exin to the little girl: "Stocks are a type of property, distributed ording to investment ratios. For example, if I invested 10 million, I''d get 34% of the shares. Once they make money, they''d have to give me 34% of the profits. That''s what stocks are."


    "Stock gifting, also called stock donation, is a legal, free transfer of ownership. Once notarized, it can''t be revoked. Dou Dawei wants to give you 1% of the shares, which means that during normal business operations, they''ll give you 1% of every bit of profit they make. Do you know what 1% means?"


    Without hesitation, Li Xiaoya replied, "One yuan out of every hundred?"


    "Correct. If it''s a thousand, you''d get ten. If it''s a hundred thousand, you''d get a thousand. If their profit this year is 100 million, can you calcte that?"


    Li Xiaoya counted on her fingers: "I don''t know how much 100 million is?"


    "It''s ten times 10 million."


    Li Xiaoya paused, then asked, "So I would get 1 million, right?"


    Xu Ruying was stunned once again.


    Even Sheng Yuxiao paused for a moment.


    Dou Dawei and his group were even more surprised, then suddenly reacted, eximing, "Goodness, how can she be so good at mental math at such a young age? She didn''t even know how much 100 million was just a moment ago."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s lips curled into a smirk: "I taught her, of course she''s smart."


    "But Sheng, you haven''t taught her math... Qin Sui came by before, wasn''t it him who taught her?" Ning Heng interjected.


    Sheng Yuxiao gave him a cold look.


    Ning Heng returned a puzzled gaze, thinking, ''Did I say something wrong? Sheng has only just started teaching her English.''


    "But why should I get this money?" Li Xiaoya''s confused voice followed.


    "Because you helped us, and we really don''t know how else to thank you, so we unanimously decided to give you 1% of the shares," Dou Dawei quickly said, emphasizing the words "unanimously decided."


    The middle-aged men behind him also nodded in agreement, smiling warmly at Li Xiaoya.


    Their fawning was so obvious that even Xu Ruying found it hard to watch.


    So she held back, again and again, until she couldn''t anymore and interjected: "She helped you get Sheng Yuxiao''s investment, right? So what if you got the investment? You were a dyingpany to begin with, who knows if you''ll ever break even? Whether getting 1% of your shares is good or bad for this little girl is anyone''s guess."


    Dou Dawei and the shareholders behind him exchanged nces, considering that this woman was, after all, Young Master Sheng''s cousin, and judging by her appearance, a wealthy heiress.


    So Dou Dawei politely asked, "Don''t you know?"


    "What should I know? All I need to know is that your behavior is nothing short of conspiring to cheat money from the future heir of the Sheng family..." Xu Ruying''s face was full of protective instinct.


    "No, no, why don''t you check the trending topics online? I think with the help of Young Master Sheng and Li Xiaoya, we won''t be losing money anymore," Dou Dawei said diplomatically.


    Xu Ruying wanted to say, ''Are you kidding me?''


    But as she looked around, she noticed that the staff from the show didn''t react with mockery to Dou Dawei''s words. On the contrary, everyone seemed calm, as if they already knew about that "trending topic."


    Xu Ruying quickly took out her phone: "...The signal is bad."


    "I''ll turn on my hotspot for you," Dou Dawei offered.


    Xu Ruying looked at her own phone worth over 10,000 yuan, then at Dou Dawei''s that cost just a few thousand, feeling a bit embarrassed as she waited to connect to the hotspot.


    This was supposed to be a confrontation, how did it end up like this?


    "It''s ready," Dou Dawei said.


    The page that had been struggling to load on Xu Ruying''s phone finally appeared.


    As she clicked in and read more, her expression kept changing.


    This move was brilliantly yed... absolutely brilliant!


    They hadn''t spent a single cent on marketing, yet they''d managed to create an explosive trending topic, bing the focus of the entire nation.


    How could the man before her possibly lose money now?


    Even a pig could fly if it stood in the eye of a storm!


    Xu Ruying couldn''t help but ask, "How did you know about this news in advance? How did you know that Micro Light Pharmaceutical Company had already been sold to Japan? How did you time it so perfectly?"


    "Foreign capital entering the domestic market, using brand effect, celebrity endorsements,rge-scale distribution, aggressive acquisitions and mergers to squeeze out traditional national brands... Didn''t you learn about this in ss?" Sheng Yuxiao retorted.


    Xu Ruying was at a loss for words: "I did learn it, but that and this..."


    "Such cases have never been rare. Even at this very moment, acquisitions might be happening, only that foreign investors will be more low-key about it in the future," Sheng Yuxiao paused. "In other words, I don''t need to know what''s happening right now. Because at any time, I can find a case to use for my purposes. If not Micro Light Pharmaceutical Company, there might be some Grand Light Enterprise."


    Sheng Yuxiao pointed at Dou Dawei: "And they are the only ones among countless acquisition cases who are poor and backward, but have persisted until now without selling. All cases can be used to highlight them."


    Xu Ruying was dumbfounded.


    Dou Dawei and his group were also stunned.


    Even the show''s staff felt they were seeing a terrifying side of this young master for the first time, hidden behind his yboy facade.


    Sheng Yuxiao casually continued: "Moreover, this is an open strategy. No one will doubt our intentions."


    As he spoke, he suddenly lowered his head and asked Li Xiaoya: "Did you learn from that?"


    Xu Ruying''s mouth twitched uncontrobly.


    Even Dou Dawei and the others felt this was a bit too much.


    How could they teach this to Li Xiaoya? Could she possibly understand?


    But Li Xiaoya actually nodded and responded with a simple: "Yes."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s role in reviving Thousand Gold Pharmaceuticals seemed effortless to him, not particrly remarkable. But now, seeing Li Xiaoya nod and say "Yes," the young man suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of achievement.


    He ruffled Li Xiaoya''s hair and said, "I''ll teach you more next time."


    This was something Qin Sui couldn''t teach, right? Something he had never taught before, right?


    At this thought, Sheng Yuxiao felt happiness andfort seeping into his very bones.


    "Alright, let''s continue with your contract," Sheng Yuxiao put away his notebook and pen, gesturing for Dou Dawei to bring out the equity transfer document.


    Xu Ruying felt her teeth itch with annoyance as she interjected, "Learning from Uncle certainly makes a difference. But why teach outsiders after you''ve learned from him?"


    The uncle Xu Ruying referred to was Xu Ji, whom Sheng Yuxiao called his younger maternal uncle.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked at her with some impatience and said, "So many people heard me teach, but do you think they can all learn it? Can they bring the dead back to life? There''s no point in distinguishing between outsiders and insiders. This matter only distinguishes between those who can learn and those who can''t."


    The others felt embarrassed upon hearing this.


    Was he calling them stupid?


    Well, they... their ears understood, but their brains said they couldn''t do it.


    Xu Ruying: "..." She felt as if she had also been called stupid.


    Unwilling to ept this, she pointed at Li Xiaoya and said, "How old is she? Do you think she can learn it?"


    "Li Xiaoya is so smart, she can surely learn anything," Sheng Yuxiao said aloud.


    But in his heart, he thought, even if she can''t learn it, I can teach her every day, so how could there be any reason for her not to learn?


    That''s right! Such tant favoritism!


    After speaking, Sheng Yuxiao looked at Dou Dawei and said, "You''re quite a clever one."


    Dou Dawei was immediately overwhelmed with the unexpected honor.

 Chapter 45: She is the key to the turnaround

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    "You even know to give equity to Li Xiaoya," Sheng Yuxiao said, a smile ying at the corners of his lips.


    Dou Dawei''s heart skipped a beat as he realized that the young master Sheng truly lived up to his reputation. Their little schemes were as clear as day to Sheng Yuxiao!


    "Xiaoya, it''s your turn to sign," Dou Dawei said, suppressing his tumultuous thoughts.


    Li Xiaoya felt as if she hadn''t done anything special, yet in Sheng Yuxiao''s words, it seemed she had aplished a great deal.


    She looked around at the people present, bewildered. From Sheng Yuxiao''s previousment, she astutely deduced that refusing now might not be the best course of action.


    So she asked Sheng Yuxiao, "Is it okay to sign?"


    Sheng Yuxiao was instantly even more pleased.


    She even knew to ask him!


    Good! Very good!


    He immediately adopted a serious demeanor, taking the gift deed and flipping through it while saying, "I''ve studied a bit of contractw. Let me take a look."


    In truth, Sheng Yuxiao knew that since Dou Dawei and his associates were determined to curry favor with Li Xiaoya, they certainly wouldn''t have left any loopholes in the contract.


    But he liked seeing Li Xiaoya depend on him and listen to what he said.


    "No problem, go ahead and sign," Sheng Yuxiao said, putting down the gift deed.


    Signing, fingerprinting, and notarization followed.


    Dou Dawei and his team had already taken care of the tax issues in advance.


    "You''re now a small shareholder," Sheng Yuxiao paused, then added, "The word for shareholder is ''shareholder.''"


    The others thought to themselves, "..."


    Really? Even at a time like this, he hasn''t forgotten to teach English?


    Dou Dawei and his group hadpleted their task for the day and were preparing to leave.


    "Xiaoya, when we finish recording the show, Uncle wille pick you up and take you to the city. We''ll treat you to a meal," he said, reluctant to part.


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    She hadn''t expected to have "friends" like this, such important "friends" at that. They wanted to treat her to a meal, just like her father''s friends used to treat him.


    As for the equity gift deed in front of her, Li Xiaoya didn''t have much of a reaction.


    Perhaps it was because the money felt so distant from her, giving her an overwhelming sense of unreality.


    After Dou Dawei and his group had left, Ning Heng finally approached to greet, "Sister Ruying."


    Xu Ruying nced at him, "What are you doing here?" For someone like Ning Heng who loved to have fun,ing to this rundown ce was even more bizarre than Sheng Yuxiao being here.


    Ning Heng said, "It''s nice here. I love it, absolutely love it."


    Xu Ruying: "..." "You sound like you''ve been brainwashed by a pyramid scheme."


    Sheng Yuxiao interjected, "Aren''t you going back to the city with them?"


    Xu Ruying watched the retreating figures of Dou Dawei and his group, then suddenly dered firmly, "I''m not leaving."


    Sheng Yuxiao looked at her, his eyes conveying a "Have you lost your mind?" sentiment.


    Feeling his gaze, Xu Ruying became even more determined and said, "I want to stay and keep youpany for a few days."


    Ning Heng said, "We don''t needpany."


    "That won''t do. As your older sister, I should at least check on my little brother''s living conditions," Xu Ruying said, then realized they weren''t exactly weing her.


    She rolled her eyes and turned to Li Xiaoya, forcing a smile, "Little one, would you wee big sister to stay?"


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned in displeasure, "Don''t you..."


    Before he could finish saying "use emotional ckmail," Li Xiaoya hesitantly said, "But my house is too small."


    Xu Ruying looked at the dpidated house behind her.


    It really was... a bit too small.


    She immediately turned to ask the staff, "Where are you staying?"


    "We were originally staying at the vige chief''s house, but after he was arrested, we''ve been staying with other vigers."


    "That works, I''ll stay in the vige," Xu Ruying quickly decided.


    "I''d like to hear what else you n to teach her," Xu Ruying said, looking at Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow, "We''re here to record a show. Why are you butting in?"


    "I''ll be careful not to appear on camera."


    Xu Ruying had an impulsive personality, evident from how she immediately booked a flight and came over after hearing about the investment.


    Now, she was doing the same, heading off with her bodyguard and driver to find amodation.


    Although the vige chief had been arrested, his son Li Song was still living in the house.


    Li Song hadn''t been doing welltely. He had been reported for epting bribes, and the investigation was still ongoing. The feeling of having a sword dangling over his head, yet not falling, was truly unbearable.


    Xu Ruying went over and knocked on the door, only to be greeted by a scruffy-looking Li Song.


    Li Song had a sharp eye and immediately recognized Xu Ruying''s expensive attire. He quickly asked, "And you are?"


    "Do you know Sheng Yuxiao? I''m his cousin, my surname is Xu. Can I stay here for a few days?" Xu Ruying''s tone sounded somewhat imperious.


    But for Li Song, this was good news.


    It''s not a problem when peoplee! The problem is when no onees!


    Sheng Yuxiao''s cousin must be some rich kid too, right?


    "Of course, of course you can stay!" Li Song hurriedly weed her in, and that night he called Li Qingqing.


    After listening, Li Qingqing was also a bit surprised. She hadn''t expected Xu Ruying to go stay at her house.


    "It''s a good thing, keep her there. She and Li Xiaoya won''t get along. Although Xu Ruying''s parents are just a university professor and a zoologist..." Li Qingqing certainly looked down on these non-lucrative professions, so her tone was contemptuous.


    But then she quickly changed her tune, "Her uncle is very capable, even more so than Sheng Yuxiao''s father."


    In her previous life, Li Qingqing had spected about how Sheng Jun could tolerate someone like Xu Qii, who was so cold and didn''t even want to have a second child. Perhaps it was because he didn''t want to offend the genius in the Xu family?


    After hearing his daughter''s words, Li Song couldn''t help but ask again, "Qingqing, how do you know so much?"


    "Haven''t I told you before? I have the ability to foresee the future. Everything I''ve predicted before hase true, hasn''t it?"


    Li Song awkwardly said, "But you didn''t foresee your grandfather being arrested..."


    Li Qingqing coldly retorted, "That''s why I say Li Xiaoya is my stumbling block. She was born specifically to counteract me. If it weren''t for her, my foresight would be 100% urate."


    After hearing this, Li Song firmly said, "Don''t worry, Dad will pave the way for you."


    "Mm-hmm."


    "But you said Miss Xu''s uncle is formidable? Just how formidable is he?"


    Li Qingqing spoke with aplex tone: "Xu Ji is the kind of person... who doesn''t even regard so-called Wall Street elites highly. He''s a smiling tiger who can manipte a country''s internal affairs."


    "What?" Li Song was stunned by what he heard.


    Having been to college and worked in the town, his perspective was much broader than his father, who was a vige chief. But his understanding of the world was still far from sufficient. He was still just a frog in a well.


    Li Qingqing said, "He can control those foreign political systems, like elections. If people like Sheng Jun are the ones printed on financial magazine covers and listed in Forbes rankings, then people like Xu Ji are destined to be recorded in history books."


    In her previous life, with her social circle and perspective, she actually couldn''t understand what kind of person Xu Ji was.


    It wasn''t untilter when she identally browsed a niche forum and saw someone start a thread gossiping about the figure "Xu Ji". As people dug deeper, they became more and more amazed. In the end, countless people in the thread were sighing:


    The truly top-tier wealthy families are like they''re from a different world than us.


    At that time, Li Qingqing didn''t even dare to daydream about knowing Xu Ji.


    But now...


    She suddenly had a new idea.


    Since the Sheng family path wasn''t working out...


    Li Qingqing repeatedly instructed Li Song: "You must treat Xu Ruying well. She will be the key to our turning point."


    In her previous life, what was discussed most on social media was the discord between Xu Ruying and Li Xiaoya. People said that Xu Qii and Sheng Yuxiao were so good to Li Xiaoya, a wild girl, while neglecting the one with actual blood ties.


    This impression was so strong that Li Qingqing momentarily forgot...


    Many gossip news, when introducing Xu Ruying, mentioned that her parents had both died in an ident, and she waster raised by her uncle.


    After hanging up the phone, Li Qingqing immediately went to search for news.


    ...She couldn''t find any.


    Did that mean that at this time, Xu Ruying''s parents were still alive and well?


    If I help Xu Ruying''s parents predict and avoid this death, how will the Xu family treat me?


    Thinking of this, Li Qingqing''s heart started racing, dispelling her previous dejection.


    Another day passed in the blink of an eye.


    A new livestream began.


    Xu Ruying got up and rushed to Li Xiaoya''s home, looking around in confusion: "Where is everyone?"


    The staff told her: "They left at six o''clock."


    "That early? Where did they go?"


    "Li Xiaoya has to go to school," the staff member said, caught betweenughter and tears.


    After Sheng Yuxiao, Qin Sui, and Ning Heng, this youngdy also felt a great shock. What? Primary school students have to leave that early? And walk mountain roads? For several hours?


    "Can''t they drive?" Xu Ruying asked.


    "The previous road is still blocked due to andslide and hasn''t been repaired. They can only take the small path, which isn''t suitable for cars."


    "What kind of life is this? And Ning Heng said he likes it? Is he crazy?" Xu Ruying muttered, then decided to walk over and see for herself.


    At Shitou School.


    As the lunch bell rang, Li Xiaoya carried her lunchbox to get food, with Sheng Yuxiao on her left and Ning Heng on her right.


    "Li Xiaoya is so cool! It''s like she has two guardian warriors!" ssmates whispered in admiration.


    Just then, a fashionably dressed young girl limped in from outside the school gate, carrying a Chanel bag in one hand.


    She had a bodyguard on her left and a driver on her right, both supporting her.


    It was Xu Ruying.


    She appeared before Li Xiaoya, covered in dirt and grime.


    Her clothes were covered in mud, her hair was a mess, and she even had two des of grass stuck on her head.


    She wasn''t supposed to appear on camera.


    But the staff couldn''t stop her in time, and they didn''t dare to. Mainly because this youngdy looked extremely resentful at the moment.


    Ning Heng eximed, "Oh! Sister Ruying, did you fall into a paddy field?"


    Xu Ruying gritted her teeth: "Yeah, I fell into a hole every ten steps."


    "Who''s that?" ssmates whispered behind their backs.


    "Is she Li Xiaoya''s sister?"


    "Howe Li Xiaoya has so many rtives?"


    Xu Ruying wanted to say "I''m not her sister," but then she saw Li Xiaoya hand her lunchbox to Ning Heng and turn to fetch a basin of water.


    "You can wash up with this."


    "Where did you get it?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "I borrowed it from the teacher," Li Xiaoya said, then asked Xu Ruying, "Did you fall into a rice paddy?"


    "I did..." Xu Ruying said with a sour face.


    Li Xiaoya asked her: "Can you squat down a bit? You''re too tall, I can''t reach. I need to check if you have any leeches on you."


    Leeches?


    Xu Ruying''s scalp instantly went numb.


    No longer caring about saying "I''m not her sister," she quickly squatted down and asked nervously: "Can you see any? Are there any?"


    At this moment, the danmu (livements) also scrolled densely:


    [Who is this now?]


    [She seems close to Ning Heng, is she another rich kid?]


    [No, what''s going on with you wealthy families? Are you really treating Li Xiaoya like a game dungeon to farm?]

 Chapter 46: This Home is Managed by Little Duck Li

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    Xu Ruying felt her long hair being grabbed.


    "What are you doing?" she asked nervously.


    "We need to tie your hair up first."


    "Oh." Xu Ruying fell silent, embarrassed. The little girl''s touch was gentle, without any tugging. She pulled an stic band from her own head and tied Xu Ruying''s hair up.


    Then she clung to Xu Ruying''s neck and said, "Nothing here."


    Xu Ruying let out a sigh of relief, but before she could fully rx, Li Xiaoya crouched down in front of her and pulled out the trouser leg tucked into her LV ankle boots.


    As she lifted the trouser leg, Xu Ruying screamed before Li Xiaoya could say anything: "Ah! A leech! Ahh!"


    [Holy crap! That gives me the creeps! I''m terrified of those things!]


    The front half of the leech had already burrowedpletely into Xu Ruying''s calf. It was round and plump from sucking blood, still wriggling slightly.


    "Who can help me remove it?" Xu Ruying was on the verge of tears.


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned, about to speak.


    Li Xiaoya had already taken out a paper packet from her pocket, opened it, and sprinkled its contents on Xu Ruying''s leg. Fine salt fell onto the leech. The leech''s slight wriggling quickly turned into frantic writhing.


    It extracted itself from Xu Ruying''s leg and fell to the ground with a plop.


    It quickly went through the process of writhing, bleeding, drying up, and dyingpletely.


    Xu Ruying was still in shock, her pale face even had two teardrops on it.


    She said in a trembling voice, "I tucked my trouser legs into my boots. How did it still manage to crawl onto my leg?"


    "That''s just how leeches are. When we work in the rice paddies, we wear long rubber boots, ayer of autumn pants, and then anotheryer of outer pants. We tie the trouser legs separately. Otherwise, they always find a way in," Li Xiaoya exined calmly.


    Xu Ruying listened with her scalp tingling, feeling that these creatures were utterly horrifying.


    "Then... could there be more on me?" As Xu Ruying uttered these words, she felt like she was about to faint.


    Li Xiaoya nodded reluctantly, "Maybe."


    Xu Ruying raised her hand to scratch her back, asking, "What should we do?"


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately took charge: "Take her to the hospital."


    The bodyguards and driver nodded repeatedly, worried that something might happen to Miss Xu. Even if it was just leeches.


    Li Xiaoya thought for a moment and said, "I can check for you."


    "O-okay, how do we do that?"


    Li Xiaoya borrowed a dormitory room from the teacher, then led Xu Ruying inside. Closing the door, she turned and said, "Take off your clothes."


    Xu Ruying was dumbfounded. "What?"


    "How else can I check?" Li Xiaoya asked innocently.


    Xu Ruying realized it made sense, but it still felt strange. No wonder she was brought to a separate room... At least it was just a little girl in front of her.


    Xu Ruying, suppressing her embarrassment, imagined she was in a public bathhouse and quickly took off her expensive clothes.


    "H-how is it? Are there any more?" she asked.


    "Two more."


    "Two?!"


    "Done," Li Xiaoya said.


    "It''s done already?" Xu Ruying hadn''t even had time to feel distressed. She turned around and indeed, two more leeches had fallen to the floor beside her feet.


    She immediately got goosebumps all over and quickly jumped to the side.


    Shivering, Xu Ruying hugged herself. Turning her head, she saw Li Xiaoya picking up the clothes she had taken off. Xu Ruying quickly asked, "What are you doing?"


    "When we get back, I''ll smoke these clothes with some herbs. That way, it''s less likely for insects and bugs to get in," Li Xiaoya said as she shook the clothes, causing two more ck bugs to fall out.


    "Can I still wear these clothes?" Xu Ruying asked with a pained expression.


    "Yes, you can," Li Xiaoya handed them back to her. "The other bugs are just scary, they won''t really bite you."


    Xu Ruying couldn''t go out naked, so no matter how scared she was, she had to put them back on.


    "Don''t forget to smoke my clothes," Xu Ruying reminded her.


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Now it was Xu Ruying''s turn to feel embarrassed. "I''ll pay you for your help."


    "No need," Li Xiaoya said, opening the door and walking out first.


    Xu Ruying was stunned for a moment, then caught up and asked, "Why? Why not? You helped me, so I should pay you. I''m a person who believes in fairness."


    The danmu (on-screenments) started scrolling: [It''s because of Sheng Yuxiao!]


    [That''s right, as long as you''re a good friend of Sheng Yuxiao, or his rtive, you can enjoy Li Xiaoya''s friendly feedback~]


    At this moment, Sheng Yuxiao heard themotion and turned his head: "All done?"


    Xu Ruying''s spirits dampened, and she said dejectedly, "Yes, I''m nevering back here. I''m leaving now."


    Li Xiaoya tugged at her sleeve: "Let''s leave together after school."


    Xu Ruying thought the child was trying to curry favor with her.


    Then she heard Li Xiaoya say: "If you go back alone, you might fall into the rice paddy again."


    Xu Ruying shuddered and immediately changed her tune: "O-okay, I''ll wait for you then."


    Li Xiaoya nodded slightly: "Mm, let''s eat first."


    Now that it was mentioned, Xu Ruying''s stomach started growling.


    She wanted to maintain her dignity, but her stomach wouldn''t allow it.


    Li Xiaoya turned to look for her lunchbox, saying, "We need to hurry to the cafeteria, or there won''t be any food left."


    Xu Ruying thought it would be like university cafeterias abroad. If not a high-end restaurant, at least there would be a buffet, right?


    She quickly followed along, only to be shocked by therge aluminum basins on the long tables.


    "This... is lunch?" Xu Ruying''s voice trembled.


    [Who is this person anyway? Why are they being so picky?]


    Xu Ruying didn''t know she was being criticized in thements.


    Soon she also realized: "I... can''t eat the food here?"


    The cafeteria staff didn''t even nce at her. Therge aluminum basins she had looked down on weren''t even avable to her.


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "This is all funded by the government and kind-hearted people. Only students can eat here."


    "Then what about me..."


    Li Xiaoya had already filled a lunchbox. She turned and said, "I''ll share with you."


    Xu Ruying looked down at the lunchbox: "I''m eating with you?"


    Sheng Yuxiao interjected: "What are you thinking? The four of us will share."


    Xu Ruying: "..."


    Xu Ruying couldn''t help but shed tears: "What kind of day is this?"


    Li Xiaoya carried the lunchbox out, looking at the bodyguards and driver, she asked Sheng Yuxiao: "What about them?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said: "Don''t worry about them, they''ll find their own food. Xu Ruying, you don''t have to worry either."


    Li Xiaoya whispered, "But she looks so pitiful."


    Sheng Yuxiao replied coldly, "She justes here to eat and doesn''t do any work. What''s there to pity?"


    Xu Ruying poked her head in. "Sheng Yuxiao, are you secretly badmouthing me?"


    Li Xiaoya turned and said, "No, he said he''d share half an egg with you."


    "I doubt he''s that kind-hearted," Xu Ruying said skeptically.


    Li Xiaoya sat down on arge rock at the edge of the yground.


    She cleared her throat. "Ahem, now I''ll distribute the food."


    Xu Ruying couldn''t believe how she had ended up in this situation, actually having to huddle with Sheng Yuxiao and Ning Heng, waiting for a child to divide their food.


    "Ning Heng, for chopping wood and feeding the chickens, you get meatballs."


    "Sheng Yuxiao, um, you get beef and half an egg."


    "Xu..." Li Xiaoya had forgotten her name, "you get half an egg."


    [LOL, it''s like Li Xiaoya is running this household, isn''t it?]

 Chapter 47: Annual Redemption Literature

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    [It''s really pitiful to split food among four people. How can the production team bear to watch this?]


    [Ning Heng is still grinning like an idiot. Listen carefully, your Brother Sheng doesn''t need to do anything to get a share.]


    "There''s also milk, a quarter for each person," Li Xiaoya said, magically producing a stic bottle cut in half.


    She also told them, "It''s very clean. The teacher gave it to me as a prize during the sports meet. I sold the water inside to others."


    [She can even sell that separately? She''s a business genius!]


    Li Xiaoya used the two halves of the stic bottle to pour a little milk for each person. She gave the t-bottomed part to Ning Heng and the part with the cap to Xu Ruying.


    [The more I watch, the more interesting Li Xiaoya bes. She doesn''t say it out loud, but she clearly distinguishes between people in her heart. She gives the t-bottomed part to Ning Heng because he came earlier and their rtionship is closer.]


    Finally, Li Xiaoya and Sheng Yuxiao shared thest of the milk using the small bowl from her lunchbox.


    Xu Ruying suddenly eximed, "I''ve never found milk so delicious before."


    "Wait a minute!" She suddenly realized, "I''m not here to film your show. I have my own money. Why don''t I just go buy some food? Your school has a small shop, right?"


    Xu Ruying put down the half egg she had just received and rushed off to buy food.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t even blink as he picked up that half and ate it.


    [Haha, Young Master Sheng, how can you be so domineering?]


    However, Sheng Yuxiao forcefully gave his own half to Li Xiaoya to eat.


    [It looks both heartbreaking and funny, yet heartwarming at the same time.]


    [When I was young, our family was poor. My siblings and I also shared food like this. Wah, it''s bringing back memories.]


    Ning Heng also enjoyed this act of sharing food. He sighed, "This is what you call sharing hardships, right?"


    Unexpectedly, Sheng Yuxiao retorted, "What hardship? Where''s the hardship?"


    [Yes, yes, yes. In your eyes, Young Master Sheng, life in Li Family Vige is just wonderful, isn''t it? What hardship?]


    Soon, Xu Ruying''s bodyguard returned with a bag: "These are what the young miss bought for you to eat."


    The production team had to stand up and intervene: "This isn''t following the rules, is it?"


    Sheng Yuxiao casually took out a bottle of iced tea from the bag and squinted at the name: "Kang Shuaifu? What''s this?"


    He pulled out another: "Yue Li Yue?"


    And another: "Wang Zi?... What are all these things?"


    Shortly after, Xu Ruying returned, puzzled: "Why are all the snack packages here misprinted? I wanted to buy some sachima and such, but there weren''t any. Even the bread they''re selling is expired."


    "It''s not misprinted, it''s counterfeit," Sheng Yuxiao handed the snacks back to her. "You enjoy them slowly."


    Xu Ruying: "..."


    [Haha, what are all these? Xu Ruying originally wanted to show off, but now her face has turned green.]


    Fake or not, they still gathered around to muddle through lunch.


    Sheng Yuxiao pondered, "Why don''t we go share the principal''s lunch next time?"


    Ning Heng thought it was a good idea.


    Xu Ruying: "Isn''t that considered robbery?"


    Ning Heng retorted, "How can it be robbery if everyone agrees to it?"


    [It''s hard to imagine what kind of life Li Xiaoya led before the production team arrived, when even eating is so difficult.]


    [A life where she didn''t have to share food among four people or take care of four simpletons.]


    [Damn, thement above made meugh like a rooster.]


    [Why four?]


    [Don''t forget about Qin Sui.]


    [Qin Sui, thank your ancestors for eight generations.]


    Xu Ruying managed to endure until school was over.


    Then the "family of three" directly expanded to a "family of four."


    The production team felt this was inappropriate, but no one could persuade Xu Ruying to leave. She argued, "I''m not taking your appearance fee, I''m giving you a free reality show. Aren''t you taking advantage of me?"


    The production team couldn''t refute that.


    They walked out of the school, onto the main road, and then turned onto a small path between the fields.


    Li Xiaoya walked in front, followed by Sheng Yuxiao, then Ning Heng, and finally Xu Ruying.


    Xu Ruying suddenly felt like she was being ostracized.


    [Li Xiaoya really lives up to her name. It''s like a mother duck leading her ducklings into the water, with a string of followers behind...]


    [I have to say it again today: this family can''t do without Li Xiaoya!]


    After walking a few steps, Li Xiaoya suddenly turned back and said, "Follow our footprints, that way you won''t fall."


    Xu Ruying couldn''t help but ask, "Why? Don''t you fall?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded, her pigtails bobbing up and down. She said, "After falling many times, you stop falling."


    Xu Ruying fell silent and obediently followed the footprints in front of her.


    Every footprint Li Xiaoya left was repeatedly covered.


    Suddenly, some viewers in thements felt deeply moved.


    [Before, Li Xiaoya had to walk a long mountain path alone, regardless of winter or summer, cold or heat, whether it was light or dark, she had to walk even by moonlight. And the path she walked was very lonely, with no one to apany her, always just a single line of footprints.]


    [But now, more people are walking with her. Every step she takes, someone follows. She''s no longer the lonely Li Xiaoya in the small mountain vige.]


    What was originally just a viewer''s heartfeltment was screenshotted and shared on other social media tforms. Before the day''s live stream had even ended, the screenshot had already gone viral.


    [This passage is quite tear-jerking.]


    [Could this be considered the redemption literature of the year?]


    The buzz on social media tforms further fueled interest in the show.


    As a result, moreizens were attracted to see what Li Xiaoya was really like.


    At the vige chief''s house.


    Li Song had been waiting anxiously for who knows how long.


    Xu Ruying''s dyed return made him worry that he had failed to fulfill his daughter''s instructions again.


    Just as he was thinking this, Xu Ruying entered.


    "Were you waiting for me?" Xu Ruying asked in surprise.


    Li Song nodded repeatedly, saying, "I had prepared lunch for you, but you didn''te back."


    "It''s alright, I''ll take a shower first and thene down to eat."


    "Okay, okay, I''ll make dinner for you anew."


    Xu Ruying had now resumed her youngdy demeanor, but only she knew how urgently and frantically she rushed into the bathroom.


    After showering, drying her hair, and changing into new clothes, Xu Ruying finally let out a sigh of relief.


    She opened the door and went downstairs. Before she got close, she could smell a strong aroma of meat.


    "This is..." Xu Ruying looked at the five dishes on the table.


    "Braised beef, mushroom meatballs, Dongpo pork, stir-fried bamboo shoots, mixed mushroom stew... Do you see any dishes you like?" Li Song asked carefully.


    Xu Ruying didn''t think about whether the abundance of dishes was wasteful.


    She hadn''t expected thatpared to the lunch she had with Li Xiaoya and the others, this was far too extravagant.


    She had only one thought.


    "This food is prepared for me, right?"


    "Yes."


    Xu Ruying made a grand gesture, signaling to her bodyguard: "Take it all to Li Xiaoya''s house!"


    Xu Ruying thought smugly to herself, I''m bringing them so many delicious dishes, surely they''ll worship me now? Sheng Yuxiao is hard to impress, and well, Ning Heng is a bit tricky too.


    But at the very least!


    At least that kid will admire me, right?


    Li Song, standing behind her, nearly died of anger on the spot: "Where are you taking it? Li Xiaoya''s house?!"


    Thest part of his sentence changed pitch due to extreme jealousy and shock.


    Jing Jing was right, Li Xiaoya really was her stumbling block!

 Chapter 48: Sheng Jun is Surprised

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    When Xu Ruying arrived, the Li household was already emanating waves of delicious aromas.


    "What''s that smell?" Xu Ruying poked her head in. "Are you eating something good without me?"


    Sheng Yuxiao barely lifted his eyelids,zily answering, "Why would we need to hide it from you?"


    Xu Ruying hated her cousin''s tone of voice so much it made her teeth itch. She gritted her teeth before moving closer to take a look.


    Li Xiaoya was standing on a small stool, frying rice.


    Just a bit of rice,rd, eggs, and chopped wood ear mushrooms and other fungi, yet it smelled extraordinarily fragrant.


    It even smelled better than the meat Xu Ruying had brought!


    Xu Ruying suddenly felt outdone. She looked around and saw Sheng Yuxiao and Ning Heng standing on either side, looking like two guardian statues.


    But that''s all they were good for at the moment.


    Xu Ruying scoffed, "What kind of image is this? Two grown men, letting a little girl stand on a stool to fry rice for you!"


    The livestream was still ongoing at this point.


    The bulletments expressed surprise:


    [Shocking! The first person to stand up for what''s right is actually Xu Ruying!]


    [+1, judging from her earlier demeanor on camera, I thought she disliked Li Xiaoya.]


    [So who exactly is Xu Ruying? Am I the only one who still doesn''t know?]


    [She''s Sheng Yuxiao''s cousin. Her family background seems ordinary.]


    [Ordinary people wear Chanel and LV?]


    While the bulletments debated whether Xu Ruying''s family background was good or not, and if she counted as part of the second-generation rich,


    Sheng Yuxiao answered Xu Ruying''s question: "You think we didn''t want to?"


    Ning Heng sighed beside him: "Li Xiaoya used us of wasting ingredients."


    Xu Ruying: "..."


    Xu Ruying berated them, "Why didn''t you learn some basic life skills before?" She looked at Sheng Yuxiao: "Didn''t you go mountain climbing and camping before? Don''t you have to cook your own meals when camping?"


    Sheng Yuxiao was also quite helpless: "When did those people ever let me do anything myself?"


    Xu Ruying: "..." So this was the tragic result of having too many sycophants.


    Ning Heng immediately asked, "Sister Ruying, can you cook?"


    Xu Ruying grinned awkwardly: "I... In our family, my dad has always done the cooking. Girls don''t cook."


    "Is that so? Uncle can cook?" Sheng Yuxiao immediately had an idea. "When we get back, I''ll learn from him."


    "It''s ready," Li Xiaoya interjected.


    "I''ll get it, I''ll get it." Ning Heng finally found a way to be useful.


    He was strong enough to lift the entirerge iron wok.


    The egg fried rice was quickly transferred into a basin. Yes, a basin.


    Then Sheng Yuxiao expertly brought out two stools of roughly the same height and ced them in the courtyard, finally topping them with a long wooden nk.


    And just like that, a dining table was created.


    They gathered around it.


    There weren''t enough stools, so Sheng Yuxiao and Ning Heng had to sit on rocks.


    Add to that the dishes Xu Ruying had brought.


    It made for quite a sumptuous meal.


    [Xu Ruying lucked out, these past couple of days Li Xiaoya has been generous, even frying eggs to eat]


    [Is Qin Sui at home right now, staring at the TV screen, seething with jealousy? Why am I the only one eating sweet potatoes!]


    Whether Qin Sui was at home grinding his teeth, nobody knew.


    But at this moment, Li Song was truly grinding his teeth at home.


    ...That youngdy had taken all the dishes away in one go, what was he supposed to eat? Just in rice?


    Li Song didn''t know that right now, Xu Ruying was staring at the not-too-plentiful but incredibly tempting egg fried rice, unable to help but sigh, "If only I had known, I would have brought that pot of rice too."


    "What rice?" Ning Heng asked.


    "At the vige chief''s house, there was someone called Li Song or something. To curry favor with me, he made a lot of food, including a pot of rice. These dishes are from him."


    "..."


    Everyone froze.


    Xu Ruying was confused: "Why did you all stop eating?"


    Sheng Yuxiaoughed coldly: "Afraid he might have poisoned it."


    "Huh?" Xu Ruying wore a bewildered expression.


    Considering she had just returned to the country, Sheng Yuxiao resisted the urge to mock his cousin for not being very bright. He kicked Ning Heng: "You exin it to her."


    So Ning Heng took on the role of narrator.


    After listening, Xu Ruying sprang to her feet: "Is that true?"


    The bulletments were also eximing:


    [Now we finally hear the whole process of Li Xiaoya''s kidnapping and poisoning! The vige chief''s family is truly unforgivable!]


    [This is so frustrating, still trying to curry favor with Xu Ruying, what a despicable person]


    "Check the police report online if you want to know if it''s true or not," Sheng Yuxiao put his hand on the table. "Don''t flip the table over, or you won''t be leaving until you rece it with a full imperial feast."


    Xu Ruying calmed down a bit and sat back down: "Why is that Li Song still trying to curry favor with me? Doesn''t he know I''m your cousin?"


    Sheng Yuxiao picked up some braised pork for Xu Ruying: "You taste it for poison first."


    "Sheng Yuxiao!" Xu Ruying red at her cousin, but she actually picked it up and ate it, then calmly said: "Unless Li Song has gone mad, he wouldn''t poison my food."


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded slightly, then picked up some food for Li Xiaoya.


    Xu Ruying was speechless.


    But thinking about how she had also eaten Li Xiaoya''s egg fried rice, and wanted more after eating it, she felt a bit tongue-tied and couldn''t say anything against Li Xiaoya.


    "So only the vige chief was arrested?" Xu Ruying asked.


    "Mm."


    "The vige chief''s granddaughter is still at my house," Sheng Yuxiao casually dropped another bombshell.


    "What? The little girl I metst time is the vige chief''s granddaughter?" Xu Ruying wanted to stand up again but forcibly restrained herself.


    "Oh, you''ve met her?" Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze turned slightly cold. "She didn''t hint at you toe here to find me and Li Xiaoya, did she?"


    "Oh, she did talk to me, but I was in a hurry to see aunt, so I didn''t say much to her," Xu Ruying''s brows furrowed tightly. "How did the show''s team screen people like this?"


    The production team felt a bit embarrassed and interjected to exin: "Adults can be bad, but children often have innocent hearts. That''s a separate matter."


    "Is that so?"


    "Even bad bamboo can produce good shoots."


    Xu Ruying quickly finished her meal and said: "I''m heading back. I want to see what that Li Song is trying to pull with me."


    The youngdy had suddenly be quite interested.


    [Whoa? Is Xu Ruying trying to serve justice?]


    [She''s probably just looking for some entertainment]


    [Ah, can someone put a camera on Xu Ruying! I''m so curious!]


    [By the way, how''s Li Qingqing doing?]


    Li Qingqing''s illness had finally improved a bit.


    She hadpletely given up on trying to please Xu Qii, and no longer held out hope for any results from Xu Ruying''s side.


    Because just now, she had seen rted news about Thousand Gold Pharmaceuticals online.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s seemingly whimsical investment had actually seeded!


    Li Qingqing suppressed the jealousy in her heart and poked her head out from under the covers, asking, "Grandpa Butler, I''d like to see Uncle. I have something very important to tell him."


    The butler frowned inwardly but still replied politely, "Very well, I''ll inform the master when he returns."


    Li Qingqing knew they all looked down on her now, and she harbored secret resentment. However, she didn''t show it on her face. Instead, she forced a smile and said pitifully, "I''m so grateful for Uncle''s tolerance and your care these past few days, Grandpa Butler."


    Just wait, she thought. Soon, they''d be falling over themselves to curry favor with her.


    At eleven o''clock that night.


    Sheng Jun finally returned to the vi. He handed his coat to a servant and asked, "Has Madam not returned yet?"


    The servant replied, "Not yet." Then he mentioned that Li Qingqing was still waiting up with the lights on, wanting to speak with him.


    Hearing this, Sheng Jun also frowned slightly.


    He had hoped for a daughter, but Li Qingqing no longer met his expectations of what a "daughter" should be.


    Nevertheless, he was an adult, and Li Qingqing was just a young girl. There was no need to disy his arrogance and distaste so openly.


    Sheng Jun went upstairs. Li Qingqing deliberately came out wearing only a thin nightgown, then shrugged her shoulders and rubbed her eyes, feigning exhaustion from waiting so long.


    "Uncle, your work is so demanding," she said.


    "Whose work isn''t?" Sheng Jun brushed off thement and asked, "What did you want to tell me?"


    Li Qingqing put on an adorable expression. "It''s a secret," she said.


    Sheng Jun found it rather amusing but still stepped into the room. "Alright, tell me. Uncle''s listening."


    Li Qingqing''s face grew slightly serious. She said, "Uncle, I''m only telling you this... Actually, I have the ability to foresee the future. In three days, you''ll sign a big contract with Xiongguan Semiconductor Company."


    Sheng Jun''s expression shifted from amusement to disbelief, finally settling on a mix of gravity and shock.

 Chapter 49: Teaching Bad Habits to Little Duck Li

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    The reason Li Qingqing knew about this was because in her previous life, after learning that Li Xiaoya had been adopted, she couldn''t help but search for rted news.


    As she searched, she sometimes even found herself wishing she could marry a rich heir like Sheng Yuxiao.


    Gradually, she began to pay more and more attention to Sheng Yuxiao and the entire Sheng family.


    As a result, she had a particrly vivid memory of some of the major news rted to the Sheng family.


    This included the signing of a contract with Xiongguang Company.


    Unfortunately, this contract went very smoothly and was highly beneficial to Sheng Corporation. There were no risks that needed to be avoided. Otherwise, if she had spoken up about it, Sheng Jun would have surely praised her to the heavens.


    The reason she chose to mention this first to prove her ability to predict the future, rather than directly mentioning the death of Xu Ruying''s parents, was twofold. First, she wasn''t clear on exactly when they would die. Second, saying it outright might be seen as her intentionally cursing them.


    Li Qingqing was very satisfied with Sheng Jun''s reaction.


    She thought to herself, "I''m quite clever after all. I was born to be a winner, the protagonist of this world. It''s just that my background has held me back..."


    "That sounds interesting," Sheng Jun suddenly spoke up.


    More than just interesting, Li Qingqing thought. Wouldn''t anyone be overjoyed to encounter such an ability?


    Li Qingqing''s thoughts turned, and she decided to continue pretending to be an innocent little girl in front of Sheng Jun.


    So she looked up and asked in a sweet voice, "Is it interesting?" Her eyes sparkled, with a hint of timidity at the corners. "I''ve never dared to tell anyone else. I was afraid they''d think I was a freak. I only dared to tell Uncle Sheng..."


    "Oh? Why is that?"


    Li Qingqing seemed to gather her courage and said, "Because I only trust Uncle Sheng."


    Sheng Jun looked at her but didn''t immediately show any signs of being moved.


    Li Qingqing''s heart sank.


    Was what she said wrong? She had shown absolute trust and attachment; shouldn''t Sheng Jun be delighted?


    After a while, Sheng Jun finally spoke again with a smile. He asked, "So how much more can you predict? Can you foresee your own future?"


    Li Qingqing suddenly felt immense pressure, sweat slowly soaking through her back.


    Fortunately, she had a stroke of inspiration and said, "It''s precisely because I''ve foreseen my own future that I trust Uncle Sheng so much."


    "Oh, so what''s it like in the future you''ve foreseen?"


    "Uncle Sheng is very good to me."


    Sheng Jun smiled and said, "It''s gettingte. You should go to bed early."


    Li Qingqing could only watch in disappointment as he ended the conversation and left.


    Did Sheng Jun believe her or not?


    She had initially thought Sheng Jun would be the easiest person to win over in this family, but now it seemed... he might not be so easy to handle.


    Li Qingqing couldn''t help but wonder once again: how did Li Xiaoya manage it in her previous life?


    *


    Meanwhile, Xu Ruying returned to the vige chief''s house.


    When Li Song saw her again, he didn''t know whether to be happy or sad. He could only squeeze out a sentence: "Miss Xu, you''re back? I thought you''d stay with Young Master Sheng."


    Xu Ruying''s face remained impassive as she waved her hand and said, "Why would I stay there? As his cousin, it''s enough that I went to visit him. That dump? I wouldn''t want to stay there a second longer."


    Li Song was overjoyed to hear this.


    He thought to himself, finally, a normal person! Someone who knows to look down on Li Xiaoya''s ce! Those rich kids before must have been bewitched or something...


    "By the way, tomorrow morning I want to eat shengjianbao, soy milk, and crispy shrimp sausage. No, that''s not healthy enough. Add a beef and vegetable porridge too."


    Li Song''s face showed bewilderment upon hearing this.


    What? She''s ordering a full menu now?


    Li Song''s face twisted as he forced out a response: "We don''t have crispy shrimp sausage here. I don''t even know what that is..."


    Xu Ruying eximed in surprise, "You can''t even get that?"


    Li Song gritted his teeth silently. He hated rich kids!


    "Then make some crab roe noodles. You do have crab roe, don''t you?"


    "No, we don''t."


    Li Song could barely manage a smile anymore.


    "Fine, then prepare some duck soup noodles. I want it made with proper broth, not from a seasoning packet. That''s all. Don''t say anything else, I''m tired." Xu Ruying rattled off her orders, giving Li Song no chance to refuse or object.


    As Xu Ruying was heading upstairs, she suddenly poked her head back and said, "Also, I''ll be up at five in the morning. At five o''clock, I want to see all these things ready." She shrugged and added, "Of course, I''ll pay you for it."


    It was only thisst statement that barely kept Li Song from losing itpletely.


    She''ll pay! She''ll pay! Good!


    Li Song''s smile became even more strained: "I''ll do my best to prepare everything for Miss Xu."


    Xu Ruying said, "That''s what I like about people like you!"


    Before Li Song could show any pleasure at this praise, Xu Ruying had already turned and entered her room.


    Then she quickly buried her head under the covers, excitedly pounding the bed.


    Tomorrow she would recount this scene to that kid. What was her name again? Li Xiaoya? Right, Li Xiaoya.


    Sheng Yuxiao might be able to teach her about the business world, but Li Xiaoya might not even be able to learn those things, and even if she did, where would she use them?


    She was different.


    This kind of people-tormenting skill was something she excelled at! She guaranteed that Li Xiaoya would be able to use what she learned!


    Let that bastard Sheng Yuxiao dare to underestimate her as a cousin again! She wasn''t stupid!


    For the sake of that pot of duck soup, Li Song didn''t sleep all night.


    The next day, when Xu Ruying heard the rm clock go off, she really didn''t want to get up, but she gritted her teeth and forced herself to do it.


    "If my mom saw me like this, she''d think I was possessed by a ghost!" Xu Ruying couldn''t help but mutter.


    She didn''t know that Sheng Yuxiao had already been suspected of being possessed by a ghost.


    Xu Ruying freshened up and went downstairs to ask, "Is everything ready?"


    "It''s ready," Li Song said with huge dark circles under his eyes.


    Xu Ruying first offered some praise: "Mr. Li is quite capable after all! Yesterday you said you couldn''t do this or that, but you actually can!"


    Just as Li Song was about to smile, Xu Ruying waved to her bodyguard: "Pack it up, let''s go."


    Li Song was startled, his smile disappearing instantly: "Miss Xu, are you going to see Young Master Sheng again?"


    Xu Ruying retorted, "I''m concerned about my little brother. Is there a problem with that?"


    "No, no problem."


    As Xu Ruying walked away with her entourage, she said, "Bring my clothes too. Li Xiaoya said she wanted to use some herbs to fumigate my clothes. Don''t forget that."


    Li Song stood there as a cold wind blew in through the wide-open door, making him shiver. Overwhelmed by boundless anger and jealousy, he gritted his teeth and cursed, "What do they take this ce for?"


    At that moment, Xu Ruying was standing at the doorway of Li Xiaoya''s house, handing her some food. "This is for you," she said.


    Being just a child, facing such a bountiful breakfast was practically no different from arriving in heaven. Li Xiaoya''s stomach growled shamelessly, but she still held back and asked first, "Is this from the vige chief''s house again?"


    "It''s from a respawn point," Xu Ruying replied with an innocent expression. "Do you know what a respawn point is?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head.


    "It''s like monsters in a game. When one yer kills it, it respawns for the next yer to fight. It''s like a perpetual motion machine... As long as I''m here, there will be new food every day! That''s because I''m awesome. What does it have to do with the vige chief''s house?"


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh!"


    "So eat without worry. After you''re done, you still need to smoke my clothes for me."


    "Miss Xu, you''re breaking the show''s rules..." a staff member interjected.


    "I''m not part of your show, so how can it be breaking the rules?" Xu Ruying retorted. Then, putting her hands on her hips, she turned to Li Xiaoya with a smug look and asked, "Do you know what this is called?"


    Li Xiaoya yed along and asked, "What?"


    Xu Ruying said, "This is called dimensional warfare. When you have a certain amount of power in your hands, you can ignore other people''s rules! Did you learn that?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded silently.


    The staff member''s face was a mask of resignation.


    You rich kids, what on earth are you teaching these days?

 Chapter 50: Wow Prodigy

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    A sulfurous smell wafted through the air.


    Li Xiaoya wielded a wooden stick thicker than her wrist, beating the clothes.


    "Is that all it takes?" Xu Ruying asked in surprise.


    Li Xiaoya nodded, taking the clothes off the line and handing them back to Xu Ruying. Then she turned and brought out a small bamboo basket filled with many little sachets, all sewn from scraps of cloth. Up close, they emitted a strange,plex fragrance.


    "What are these?"


    "Scent bags."


    Xu Ruying had never seen such ugly and rough scent bags before.


    But Li Xiaoya picked them up and handed them to her one by one: "This one is patchouli." "This one is rosemary." "This one is citrone." "This one is mint..."


    "They all repel insects, but smell different. Pick whichever one you like," Li Xiaoya said.


    Xu Ruying gaped in astonishment: "When did you make these?"


    Li Xiaoya replied, "Last night."


    Xu Ruying stuttered: "You... you''re trying to please me?"


    Li Xiaoya looked at her in confusion: "Please you?" She shook her head and said, "It''s because you looked so terribly frightened."


    Xu Ruying felt a bit embarrassed. But then she realized that Li Xiaoya, young as she was, had gone up the mountain at night to gather various nts and herbs for her, making scent bags with different fragrances for her to choose from. Xu Ruying found herself at a loss, surrounded by the child''s sincere and enthusiastic sentiment.


    To ease the awkwardness, Xu Ruying asked, "How can you identify so many nts?"


    "I just can, that''s all."


    "..."


    Xu Ruying''s mouth twitched as she said, "You really should be my parents'' daughter."


    Li Xiaoya looked at her curiously: "Why?"


    "My dad loves studying nts, and my mom loves studying animals. They adore nature and science. While I only want to study finance and media, which makes me seem money-obsessed in their eyes," Xu Ruying said, looking a bit gloomy. "Besides, I have no talent in these areas at all. I don''t even understand why wintersweet and plum blossoms aren''t the same thing!"


    Ning Heng came out, and being not very good at studying, he was shocked to hear this and asked, "What? Wintersweet and plum blossoms aren''t the same thing?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "That''s right, they''re not the same."


    Now it was Xu Ruying''s turn to be shocked: "How do you know that?"


    Li Xiaoya said, "It''s written in the books."


    "Books? What books?"


    "The books in the reading corner donated by the charity. It says wintersweet belongs to the Calycanthaceae family, while plum blossoms belong to the Rosaceae family."


    Xu Ruying and Ning Heng exchanged a nce, suddenly feeling inferior to a child.


    "Do you often read books?" Xu Ruying asked.


    "Yes, and if I help the teacher organize the books, I can get little red flower stickers."


    "And you can exchange those stickers for candy to give to Brother Sheng, right?" Ning Heng suddenly felt a bit envious. "When can you exchange one for me?"


    Sheng Yuxiao arrived btedly and uttered a few words: "Keep dreaming."


    "What other books are there?" Xu Ruying grew more curious.


    "Many," Li Xiaoya counted on her fingers. "There''s Hans Christian Andersen''s Fairy Tales, Landscape Architecture Design, The Red and the ck, Horror Stories, National Geographic, Reader''s Digest..."


    "Wow, quite a diverse collection," Xu Ruying said, surprised.


    "Books donated to rural areas probably don''t have much of a selection criteria. As long as it''s a book, it''s fine," Sheng Yuxiao pondered.


    "How many have you read?" Xu Ruying asked again.


    "I''ve read them all," Li Xiaoya answered seriously.


    Without thinking, Xu Ruying eximed, "Impossible! How could you have read them all?"


    Li Xiaoya replied, puzzled, "But I really have read them all, though there are some I don''t understand."


    Xu Ruying thought to herself, I knew it, how could a child like you read and understand all those books?


    Li Xiaoya said, "Some of the words are strange and curvy, like tadpoles."


    Xu Ruying looked bewildered: "What kind of writing is that? Small seal script?"


    Sheng Yuxiao thought for a moment and chimed in: "Arabic?"


    Li Xiaoya had a sudden realization: "Oh, so that''s what it''s called. I could only copy it down, but I didn''t know what it said."


    Xu Ruying was stunned again: "Huh? You could copy it?" "I don''t believe it!"


    Xu Ruying immediately took out her business card and a pen, handing them to her: "Write a few words in the nk space and let me see."


    "Okay." Li Xiaoya didn''t refuse and obediently took the pen, writing��or rather, drawing��characters in the nk space of the business card.


    But the characters she drew...


    Xu Ruying and Ning Heng were both dumbfounded.


    Sheng Yuxiao, still rtivelyposed, slowly uttered, "It looks like printed text. And indeed, it''s Arabic."


    Xu Ruying: "Holy cow!"


    Ning Heng: "A prodigy!"


    Even the staff members watching this scene felt a chill run down their spines.


    Li Xiaoya''s precocity and tenacity seemed to be innate, not just a result of her harsh environment. With such talent, coupled with these rich kids teaching her all sorts of things every day, what kind of formidable person would she be when she grows up?


    The staff members didn''t dare to imagine.


    "Sister," Li Xiaoya suddenly spoke softly, "I just want to be my mom''s daughter, not anyone else''s."


    She said to Xu Ruying: "It''s the same for you. Your mom and dad only want you to be their daughter, no one else''s."


    Xu Ruying stared at her, dazed.


    Is that so?


    "Li Xiaoya! Li Xiaoya!" At that moment, someone came running, calling her name.


    It had been a while since anyone hade to bother them.


    Li Xiaoya was surprised that someone suddenly came looking for her. She turned to look, but the person tripped and fell in front of her. Too urgent to even get up, they hurriedly said, "Someone, someone is looking for you! They say... they say they''re your rtive..."


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately thought of that damned Li Hongguang and sneered, "Another blind fool?"


    The messenger swallowed hard and said, "No, not a distant rtive, it''s... it''s said to be a rtive from your mother''s side,e...e to find you..."


    Li Xiaoya, who had been acting like a little adult with perfectly stable emotions, unexpectedly shed two teardrops.


    She took a step forward, then timidly retreated.


    The cold expression on Sheng Yuxiao''s face slowly faded.


    So soon?


    Were these the people arranged by her young uncle?

 Chapter 51: Relatives We Have Never Met

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    "Why has everyone gone quiet? Isn''t it good news that her mother''s rtives havee to find her?" Xu Ruying interjected curiously, instantly breaking the heavy atmosphere.


    The messenger nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yes, yes, it''s good news indeed. Even the errand runners get paid for this."


    Unaware of theplexities of the situation, Xu Ruying smiled and said, "Li Xiaoya, is your mother''s family so wealthy?"


    Li Xiaoya had already wiped away her tears. She replied softly, "I don''t know... I''ve never met them before."


    Xu Ruying was shocked. She almost asked if Li Xiaoya''s mother had eloped, but being from a well-educated family herself, she knew better than to voice such a spection and swallowed her words.


    "After years of no contact, they suddenlye looking for you. It might not be good news after all," Xu Ruying suggested.


    The messenger became anxious. "How could that be? It must be good news! They''re wearing suits and leather shoes, and they even gave us cigarettes and money. How can you say they''re bad people?"


    Xu Ruying was left speechless.


    Sheng Yuxiao, suspecting that Xu Ji might have sent these people, chimed in, "Let''s go and see them."


    But it was Li Xiaoya herself who spoke up, her tone resolute: "I need to go to school first. I''ll meet him after sses."


    The messenger pped his thigh in frustration. "What''s the point of going to school now? Your rtives are clearly rich! I heard they''re much wealthier than Li Hongguang, whosepany has supposedly gone bankrupt..."


    "Why have my mother''s family onlye looking for me now?" Li Xiaoya asked quietly.


    The messenger, not well-educated, was stumped by the question.


    "Why didn''t hee here directly?" Li Xiaoya pressed on.


    The messenger was at a loss for words but quickly countered, "City folks, you know? They''ve got a lot of pride. Of course, they''d want us to go see them. How could theye here to meet a child like you?"


    A sh of disappointment crossed Li Xiaoya''s face, and her tone suddenly became firm: "Then he''s not my mother''s rtive."


    The messenger was dumbfounded. "What are you saying? How is that possible? Why else would city folke all this way to im kinship?"


    By now, Li Xiaoya had grasped Sheng Yuxiao''s hand and said, "Let''s go. We need to get to school."


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded, also greatly rmed internally.


    Was this person sent by his uncle? How could they be so stupid? Why put on such airs?


    After mentally berating this person, Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but pat Li Xiaoya''s head, saying, "You really are..."


    "Li Xiaoya, you''re quite clever!" Xu Ruying cut in first. She was increasingly impressed by this child.


    People often say that one''s environment determines one''s limitations.


    But Li Xiaoya... She might not know what LV is or what a five-star hotel looks like, but she seemed to have an uncanny understanding of human nature. The two tears she shed earlier showed that she was indeed moved, but she quickly regained herposure.


    Xu Ruying mused that her parents might really like this girl. For researchers like them, they disliked nothing more than overly emotional people. And someone who could maintain calm and rational thinking regardless of their circumstances was highly valued in any field!


    Li Xiaoya still went to school.


    Sheng Yuxiao, afraid of hurting her feelings, leaned in close behind her as they walked and whispered in her ear, "This person was sent by me to try and get your guardianship away from your grandfather."


    Li Xiaoya wasn''t upset. She thought for a moment and then said, "But that doesn''t make sense."


    "What doesn''t make sense?"


    "Why wouldn''t he dare toe here?"


    Sheng Yuxiao, who had been focused on Li Xiaoya until now, suddenly understood when he heard her question.


    "This person either doesn''t dare to be seen or doesn''t dare to meet me. Or both," Sheng Yuxiao paused, then chuckled coldly. "It seems you were right. This might really be bad news after all."


    Xu Ruying was shocked by their conclusion and promptly said, "Damn, what''s this person after? I''ll go check it out. Wait here."


    "Don''t worry," Sheng Yuxiao reassured Li Xiaoya in a low voice.


    If it weren''t for them, who knows how many more monsters and demons Li Xiaoya would have to face alone!


    The "maternal rtive" mentioned by the messenger was waiting at the vigemittee office. When Xu Ruying arrived, she found that Dou Dawei was there too.


    Dou Dawei was carrying two bags. Upon seeing Xu Ruying, he quickly greeted her, "Miss Xu, I originally came to bring some ham for Xiaoya. Then I heard that Xiaoya''s rtives hade looking for her, so I came to check it out."


    Xu Ruying was quite surprised.


    There were quite a few people who cared about Li Xiaoya, it seemed.


    Dou Dawei stepped closer and lowered his voice, "But this person doesn''t seem to want to talk to me at all."


    Xu Ruying looked over at the person in question.


    The man was wearing a ck suit, with a scar across his face. He appeared to be of mixed heritage, possibly with some English and French blood. He looked menacing. After a while, he nced at his wristwatch, then said to the vigers in an extremely cold tone, "I paid you, but you haven''t done what I asked."


    "Hey, what rtion are you to Li Xiaoya?" Xu Ruying asked.


    "Her death soldier."


    Xu Ruying almost burst outughing, "What era are you living in? Death soldier?"


    The man in the ck suit stared at her grimly, offering no exnation.


    "Alright, so you''re like a death soldier from those period dramas, right? That means you''re Li Xiaoya''s subordinate, and she''s your master. Since when does a mastere to see their subordinate?" Xu Ruying thought to herself, "Are you out of your mind?"


    The man in ck remained motionless. "She hasn''t earned my recognition yet."


    Xu Ruying was speechless.


    She cursed, "You really think you''re in a period drama, don''t you?"


    Finding the conversation futile, Xu Ruying turned and left.


    That evening.


    When Li Xiaoya returned home, Xu Ruying immediately approached her and said, "That so-called rtive might be mentally ill."


    She then ryed the "death soldier"ment.


    Li Xiaoya listened with wide-eyed amazement and said, "It''s like a wuxia novel."


    "You even read wuxia novels? Do you know what wuxia novels are?" Xu Ruying asked.


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head, her face clearly saying, "I''m not stupid, you know."


    Xu Ruying could only clear her throat and say, "Well then, let me test you..."


    "No need for tests," Sheng Yuxiao interrupted.


    With his vast knowledge and experience, he said, "This style seems a bit like the Wei family."


    "The Wei family?" Xu Ruying asked.


    "No, it''s ''gui'', but when used as a surname, it''s pronounced ''wei''."


    Without thinking, Xu Ruying said, "Li Xiaoya, even if they really are your rtives, don''t acknowledge them, okay? What an ugly surname!"


    Sheng Yuxiao gave her a sidelong nce and said, "Hold on, let me make a call."


    Fortunately, Sheng Yuxiao had umted many points recently, and it wasn''t during a live broadcast period, so he casually dialed his uncle''s number.


    "Uncle, can I put you on speaker?" Sheng Yuxiao asked politely.


    If the staff were here, they would have been shocked to see him acting this way.


    "Hmm? Who do you want to hear?" his uncle asked.


    "No one special, just our own people: Xu Ruying, Ning Heng, and Li Xiaoya."


    Xu Ji didn''t correct him about Li Xiaoya not being one of their own.


    He simply said, "Go ahead, what''s the matter?"


    So Xu Ruying recounted the story once more.


    Xu Ji''s voice was gentle, and even through the phone line, you could imagine him rxed on a sofa,zily propping his chin with one hand.


    He said, "Oh, that''s the Sicilian style. They''re fond of this ''death soldier'' concept."


    "The Sicilian Mafia? Didn''t they decline centuries ago?" Ning Heng interjected, puzzled.


    "But there have always been people controlling them, namely the overseas Chinese Wei family, though people are used to calling them the Wei family," Xu Ji seemed to recall something and said, "I heard they''ve recently returned to China because their boss is dying and desperately wants to return to his roots. There''s an interesting anecdote, would you like to hear it?"


    Despite not being much older, Xu Ji adopted the tone of an elder indulging younger ones.


    "Please, do tell," Xu Ruying obliged.


    "Wei Xuanming, the head of the Wei family, has had six children in his lifetime. His eldest son and daughter died young, his second daughter has a mental illness, his second son is paralyzed, his youngest daughter is missing, and his youngest son is mute. Some say that Wei Xuanming climbed too high and incurred heaven''s wrath, cursed with ill fortune regarding his children. Wei Xuanming actually believed this andter converted to Im. But it doesn''t seem to have helped much, as his life is nowing to an end..."


    Sheng Yuxiao abruptly hung up the phone with a "click."


    Xu Ji on the other end: ?


    Sheng Yuxiao looked at Li Xiaoya and said in a low voice, "In little uncle''s mouth, everything in this world is called ''interesting news''. He doesn''t mean to make fun of you."


    Li Xiaoya nodded slightly, looking somewhat bewildered.


    So, are they... really her rtives?


    At this moment, Sheng Yuxiao''s phone rang again.


    Xu Ji''s voice came through from the other end: "You dare to hang up on me?"


    After saying that, he changed his tone: "If the Wei Family ims to be Li Xiaoya''s rtives, then you need to be careful about Li Xiaoya''s life. Do you know how enormous Wei Xuanming''s fortune is? Whether they''re cousins, distant rtives, or close kin, everyone will covet this immense wealth. Moreover... if one could be Wei Xuanming''s heir, it''s not impossible to be an underground king abroad."


    After finishing, this time Xu Ji hung up first.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s brows furrowed tightly, but he heard Li Xiaoya asking softly, "So, they''re looking for me because of the inheritance? Will someone try to kill me?"


    "Yes, but don''t be afraid, we will protect you," Sheng Yuxiao said firmly.


    However, Li Xiaoya frowned, looking somewhat sad: "What about them?"


    "Who?"


    "The second daughter with mental illness, the paralyzed second son, the mute youngest son... they''re also legal heirs, right? Will people want to kill them too?"


    Sheng Yuxiao was speechless.


    She was actually worried about rtives she had never met before!

 Chapter 52: Yes, this is a reality show

    <h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    Sheng Yuxiao was about to say that if this was the kind of family connection they''d find, it might be better not to acknowledge it at all - who knows what kind of unsavory characters they might encounter. But when he met the little girl''s innocent gaze, he suddenly found himself at a loss for words.


    And so it goes - bing an adult is the worst thing that can happen in this world. The first thoughts thate to mind are always self-serving.


    At this moment, it was Xu Ruying who spoke up: "No matter what, they''re all adults, which is different from you. And from what we''ve heard, that powerful old man is still alive."


    As she spoke, Xu Ruying couldn''t help but mutter, "Surely it won''t be so unlucky that he passes away in the next few days?"


    Realizing her thoughtless words, she nced furtively at Li Xiaoya''s expression and hurriedly made a sound to ward off bad luck.


    Li Xiaoya responded softly with an "Mm."


    She lowered her head without saying anything more, and for a moment, no one knew what thoughts were running through her little mind.


    After a while, she asked Sheng Yuxiao in a quiet voice: "That person is probably not a con artist, right?"


    "Based on what Xu Ruying said, it doesn''t seem like it. It just depends on whether she embellished her description of that person," Sheng Yuxiao replied.


    Xu Ruying interjected indignantly: "Sheng Yuxiao! If you''re going to talk behind someone''s back, at least do it when they''re not around!"


    Li Xiaoya continued: "Then let''s wait. Wait for him toe find me again."


    Just as they finished speaking, the strange "loyal servant" hadn''t arrived, but Dou Dawei came first.


    "Come,e, Xiaoya, look at this - Jinhua ham! It''s perfect for making soup. I also brought some fresh meat that would go well in the pot," Dou Dawei said eagerly as he offered the food.


    The production team immediately objected: "This won''t do! How can you keep bringing food here? What kind of vige life is this? Isn''t this breaking the show''s rules?"


    Dou Dawei didn''t mince words and rolled his eyes at them: "What are your show''s rules? Isn''t it just a reality show? What does ''reality show'' mean? Tell me!


    "Isn''t it supposed to be about recording whatever happens here with your cameras? Isn''t what''s happening right now real enough? Do you have to follow your script? How can you call that a reality show?"


    "You might as well call it a scripted performance!" Dou Dawei concluded bluntly.


    The Chief Director: "..."


    Someone urged him: "Say something, sir."


    The Chief Director''s expression wasplex: "He does have a point."


    "Huh?"


    The Chief Director was at a loss for words. How was it that everyone who came here could persuade him so easily?


    On second thought, he realized it was mainly because this was their first time doing this, so it was normal tock experience. Constant adjustments and improvements were all for the sake of viewership, so why worry about saving face?


    "Alright, alright, go ahead and bring it in," he conceded.


    Li Xiaoya, having heard their conversation, suddenly poked her head out and asked the Chief Director: "Uncle, do a lot of people watch our show?"


    The question caught the Chief Director off guard. After a moment, he couldn''t help butugh and say: "You don''t know?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head in confusion.


    The Chief Director said: "The live broadcast ratings have already broken 4. Do you know what that means?"


    Sheng Yuxiao coldly interjected: "Don''t talk nonsense. Just say something she can understand."


    The Chief Director: "..."


    The Chief Director continued without protest: "If there are about 1 billion viewer instances watching live broadcasts during the same time slot, then about 40 million of those are watching our show."


    After finishing, the Chief Director looked at Sheng Yuxiao doubtfully: "Does she know what 40 million means?"


    Sheng Yuxiao nced at him sideways: "Li Xiaoya is smarter than you."


    The Chief Director wanted to argue.


    Li Xiaoya asked again: "So, will many people see me on TV?"


    The Chief Director smiled and said: "Not just on TV, but on mobile phones, all mobile devices, various social media tforms - they can all see you."


    Hearing this, Sheng Yuxiao instantly understood Li Xiaoya''s meaning.


    He smirked: "That''s right, this is a reality show after all."


    Ning Heng couldn''t hold back: "Bro Sheng, so what does this mean? What does it have to do with being a reality show?"


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t even look at him, only saying to the Chief Director: "Set up the cameras. I think we can do a 24-hour live broadcast from now on."


    The Chief Director was stunned: "Is... is that okay?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said: "As long as I agree, what''s the problem?"


    "Let the audience join in on this story of searching for rtives. This is probably unprecedented in the history of reality shows," Sheng Yuxiao said calmly but forcefully.


    Ning Heng pped his hands together: "Damn! Bro Sheng, you''re a genius!"


    Xu Ruying also murmured: "This way, whatever demons or monsters there are, they''ll have to show their true colors on camera. What can they do under the watchful eyes of the entire nation?"


    "Wait, what search for rtives?" The Chief Director was confused.


    Because they had deliberately avoided the production team when calling Xu Ji earlier, the Chief Director was stillpletely unaware of what had happened.


    "Didn''t you hear this morning? Rtives from Li Xiaoya''s mother''s family came to find her," Sheng Yuxiao said casually.


    The Chief Director nodded: "Ah, I heard. Is there anything special about her mother''s family?"


    Ning Heng smiled and patted the Chief Director''s shoulder: "You''ll find outter." Despite all of them being quite young, Ning Heng was still half a head taller than the Chief Director.


    The Chief Director reluctantly epted the pat and had people set up the cameras.


    "I''m afraid no one will watch a 24-hour live broadcast..." the Chief Director muttered.


    Sheng Yuxiao crouched down and said to Li Xiaoya: "Do you know about a verymon tactic used in business?"


    "Hm? What is it?" Li Xiaoya looked at him with big eyes, listening attentively.


    Sheng Yuxiao held up one finger: "This is a best-selling product A." He then raised his left hand: "This is a product B that doesn''t sell well."


    "If you reduce the price of slow-moving items too much, it will still damage the brand value. So at this time, the brand willunch things like mystery boxes, unlock through likes, and other activities. For example, you need to buy ten of product A to have the opportunity to buy product B. Then product B will quickly be highly sought after."


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "Hmm, I think I understand."


    Sheng Yuxiao turned to look at the Chief Director: "She understands, don''t you?"


    The Chief Director''s mouth twitched: "I... I get it. If we make the 24-hour live broadcast a kind of reward, unlocked when the viewership or ratings reach a certain level, then everyone will be interested in it..."


    Sheng Yuxiao gave a slight nod.


    The Chief Director was speechless.


    These rich kids really do have an innate knowledge of how to make money!


    The show''s official Weibo ount announced this new "initiative" that very day.


    They stated that they knew everyone had been particrly concerned about Li Xiaoya and Young Master Sheng''s life in the vige recently, and that the brief glimpses each day were surely not enough. So, to give back to the audience -


    �� We''ve decided tounch a 24-hour live stream link. Only those who reach fan level LV6 on the streaming tform will be able to unlock it, and they''ll also receive an exclusive avatar pendant and medal title!


    This move to stratify the audience indeed further stimted their enthusiasm for watching.


    In the blink of an eye, several days passed.


    The man in the ck suit came to the vigemittee every day but failed to meet Li Xiaoya face to face.


    On this end, Xu Ruying couldn''t help but marvel at how a child like Li Xiaoya could be so patient. She said she would wait for the man to actively seek her out, and she really did just sit and wait!


    It was like a tug of war.


    Amusingly, it was a tug of war between an adult and a child.


    In the end, it was the man in the ck suit who couldn''t wait any longer.


    "Useless!" he spat.


    Those vigers who had taken money to report back not only failed to aplish anything but also refused to return the errand money.


    He clenched his fist and coldly uttered: "Despicable people from poor mountain viges."


    He grabbed the viger in front of him and twisted his arm until it broke.


    The viger had been happily running errands these past few days, thinking it was a good thing Li Xiaoya didn''te because he could keep collecting money. Now his arm was suddenly broken - how could that be good?


    He rolled on the ground, his mouth full of "Ouch!"


    "Let me tell you, don''t think you''re so great just because you''re from the city, you..." the viger wailed and cursed.


    The man in the ck suit said coldly: "I know that in viges like yours, the local customs are rough. Gathering to resistw enforcement is amon urrence. With a hoe in hand and a sickle at the ready, you dare to throw your weight around... Sheng Yuxiao scared you earlier."


    He leaned down and pulled out two bills, throwing them in the viger''s face: "I''m more ruthless than Sheng Yuxiao."


    The man in the ck suit, having finished speaking, strode out, deliberately stepping on the viger''s broken arm as he left.


    He wasn''t going to wait any longer.


    He had to find that little girl himself!

 Chapter 53: The Terrible Means

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    The man in the ck suit arrived at Li Xiaoya''s house first, but of course, he found it empty. She had already gone to school.


    He could only head towards Shitou School, stumbling twice on the field ridges along the way. However, the man in ck was clearly someone who had seen his fair share of challenges. He didn''t even blink, just took out a handkerchief to wipe himself off, and then waited outside the school gate.


    "There''s a strange man outside the school."


    "He looks like a monster from a painting!"


    "That must be someone''s father."


    As the dismissal bell rang, amidst the frightened whispers of her ssmates, Li Xiaoya walked to the school gate with her little backpack.


    Both students and parentsing to pick up their children instinctively gave the man in ck a wide berth. In an instant, a clear divide formed.


    So Li Xiaoya spotted him immediately!


    Today, Li Xiaoya didn''t have Sheng Yuxiao and others by her side. She had never had many friends at school, so she appeared quite alone.


    The man in ck also spotted her right away!


    Their gazes met for a moment, onerge and one small.


    Then Li Xiaoya walked straight up to him.


    "It seems you know who I am," said the man in ck.


    Li Xiaoya looked up at him. "I don''t. What''s your name?"


    The man in ck moved his lips slightly. "Wei Zhen."


    Just as he finished speaking, he suddenly noticed camera shes. Several crew members carrying cameras were approaching.


    His expression changed slightly, and he took half a step back, but then forcibly stopped himself, probably realizing it was toote to hide now.


    He asked coldly, "That Sheng Yuxiao isn''t by your side, so why are these program crew members still following you? Shouldn''t the main characters of this show be Sheng Yuxiao and that Li Qingqing?"


    "Because I also signed a contract," Li Xiaoya replied calmly.


    The man called "Wei Zhen" lowered his gaze, his tone even colder: "You should tell them that our uing conversation can''t be recorded."


    Li Xiaoya countered, "Why? Because it can''t be said in broad daylight?"


    Wei Zhen: "..."


    By now, viewers were already asking questions.


    [Who is this guy?]


    [Wow, he looks fierce!]


    [He doesn''t look like a good person, and his conversation with Li Xiaoya is weird]


    The students who had just left the school were also secretly looking back, and even their parents couldn''t help but mutter quietly: "That couldn''t be Li Xiaoya''s runaway father, could it?"


    "What are you talking about? I''ve seen her father before. He''s thin. How could he be as robust as this man? This one looks like a butcher."


    "He even looks a bit foreign."


    "Where would a foreignere from in this poor ce? Probably from an ethnic minority."


    The parents'' discussions were still somewhat reasonable.


    But the children''s spections had already be exaggerated: "Li Xiaoya not only got many brothers, a sister, and now she even has another dad! Howe she has everything?"


    "But my dad said that''s not her father."


    "Then it must be her second dad!"


    "Now no one will dare to bully her... Her second dad looks like he could kill me with one punch!"


    "Wang Xiaozhi, he could punch you into the wall and you wouldn''t be able to peel yourself off! Wang Xiaozhi, are you scared?"


    Hearing this, Wang Xiaozhi covered his ears in shame and ran away, thinking bitterly that he would never study at Shitou School again!


    All he did was insult Li Xiaoya a few times, right?


    Wei Zhen heard these discussions and felt a wave of exasperation and impatience.


    He looked down at Li Xiaoya again: "Do you know why I''vee to find you?"


    "Mm, they say you''re Mom''s rtive."


    "Not exactly. I just work for your grandfather. I''m not your rtive, nor your mother''s rtive." Wei Zhen paused, deciding to get straight to the point.


    "Your mother is Mr. Wei''s youngest daughter, who went missing 10 years ago. Mr. Wei has been searching for her whereabouts ever since, until recently, when we found this ce and discovered your existence."


    "Allow me to introduce myself. Mr. Wei is thergest shareholder of the Rockefeller Financial Group. I''m here to take you back to meet Mr. Wei."


    The barrage ofments immediately erupted:


    [Huh?]


    [What???]


    [What is he saying? I recognize every word, but put together, I don''t understand.]


    [So Li Xiaoya''s mother isn''t from Li Vige?]


    [I looked out the window, there''s still only one sun in the sky! How can this be so dramatic?]


    [Is this really not part of the show''s script?]


    In fact, even the chief director was stunned.


    When he heard Sheng Yuxiao talk about "reuniting with family," he thought, what could be so special about that?


    Now he sees... it really is special!


    They wouldn''t dare write a script like this!


    "Uncle, why should I believe you?" Li Xiaoya asked.


    "Don''t call me uncle." Wei Zhen''s voice sounded cold and hard. "I''ve brought photos of your mother."


    Wei Zhen took out a photo album and opened it: "These are photos of your mother from childhood to adulthood."


    Wei Zhen flipped through the pages quickly.


    Li Xiaoya stared intently, watching as a newborn baby left her swaddling clothes, stood up, ran, grew taller, tied up her hair to be a young woman, and finally held onto a graduation cap...


    Her eyes widened, not making a sound, just desperately trying to stuff those images into her vision, to preserve them in her mind.


    Yes.


    It was Mom.


    It was the first half of Mom''s life, shing by quickly before her eyes.


    Li Xiaoya''s tears fell silently, like a broken string.


    "Do you believe now?" Wei Zhen asked.


    Thements instantly became angry:


    [What kind of tone is that?]


    [This person speaks so coldly, without any excitement or joy at finding the lost child of his employer''s family.]


    Li Xiaoya sniffled and nodded slightly.


    "Then let''s go," Wei Zhen said, reaching out to grab her.


    Li Xiaoya took half a step back and asked, "Why didn''t Grandfathere here himself?"


    "Mr. Wei is ill."


    "Then what about the others? Doesn''t Mom have any siblings?"


    "...She does. They''re all sick."


    Xu Ruoying, hiding nearby, couldn''t help but quietly ask Sheng Yuxiao, "Hasn''t Li Xiaoya already heard all these answers from your uncle? Why is she asking again?"


    Sheng Yuxiao impatiently said, "Because this is for the audience to hear, understand?"


    Xu Ruoying: "Oh!"


    Li Xiaoya asked again, "You''re too fierce. If someone ising to pick me up, can it be a gentler uncle?"


    Wei Zhen: "..."


    Wei Zhen said, "I was assigned to you. Apart from me, there won''t be anyone else. Don''t cry, don''t show weakness, don''t hope that everyone willply with your wishes... This isn''t a ce where things go smoothly just because of family ties. When you demonstrate your value and ability, of course, you can make any conditions."


    "Just like me, when I learned that I was to be a bodyguard for a child only a few years old, I couldn''t refuse either. Because I wasn''t qualified enough to refuse," Wei Zhen said coldly.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t show any sadness at his words.


    Although Li Xiaoya was young, she already understood that only when the other person''s emotions fluctuate, whether positively or negatively, can they speak their true thoughts well, allowing her to obtain the information she wants to know.


    It was Sheng Yuxiao who couldn''t stand it anymore. He took off his monitoring earphones and rushed over directly.


    At the same time, elsewhere.


    Li Qingqing had "temporarily" recovered from her illness, and Sheng Jun had the "leisure" to take her to Disnend.


    Li Qingqing wore a beautiful limited-edition princess dress, smiling.


    Sheng Jun pointed at a roller coaster and asked, "Want to ride?"


    Li Qingqing blinked and said softly, "I''m scared. Can you apany me, Uncle?"


    Sheng Jun smiled and asked her, "Then can you predict now whether this roller coaster will fall from mid-air?"


    Li Qingqing recalled news about amusement park idents and said firmly, "It won''t."


    Sheng Jun nodded slightly and said to his assistant nearby, "Take her on the ride to try it out."


    Li Qingqing stared at him in shock, her expression almost cracking.


    Looking at Sheng Jun''s gentle and cultured expression again, she felt a chill down her spine.


    He was testing her ability to predict.


    But not in the way she had imagined.


    He was using a more terrifying method to test her!


    It could cost her her life!

 Chapter 54: You Have Wasted So Many Years

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    Sheng Jun''s bodyguard had already approached Li Qingqing''s side.


    Li Qingqing had previously thought that having the appearance of a child would be advantageous in getting close to people like Sheng Jun. Now she didn''t think so anymore...


    Because the bodyguard bent down and picked her up without giving her a chance to refuse.


    Li Qingqing was so frightened that tears came to her eyes. "Uncle Sheng, I''m really scared..."


    "Scared? What are you afraid of? Didn''t you already foresee that it wouldn''t fall?" Sheng Jun asked her.


    I''m afraid you''ve tampered with the roller coaster to force me to tell the truth!


    Li Qingqing cried even more pitifully, "Uncle Sheng, I''ve never ridden anything like this before. I''m scared of things I haven''t seen."


    Sheng Jun said, "Tomorrow I''ll take you to watch some American blockbusters. In those movies, people who gain superpowers can''t be afraid. They have to pay a big price, and in serious cases, their whole family might die."


    Li Qingqing was on the verge of aplete breakdown after hearing this.


    Sheng Jun waved his hand, "Go on, muster up your courage. Just like how you mustered up the courage to tell me about your superpower."


    The bodyguard ced her on the roller coaster.


    Finally, Li Qingqing remembered a life-saving rule: "Uncle Sheng! I''m not heavy enough! I can''t stay seated, I''ll fly out..."


    Sheng Jun raised his chin slightly, "Help her."


    The program staff in the distance noticed Li Qingqing''s breakdown and couldn''t help but whisper among themselves, "What''s going on?"


    "Don''t know, Mr. Sheng just said to pause for a moment and asked us to step back."


    At this moment, the bodyguard bent down and said kindly, "Miss Li Qingqing, I will strap you to the roller coaster, it will be very safe this way..."


    Li Qingqing couldn''t take it anymore and screamed, "I lied! I lied!"


    "What did you lie about?" Sheng Jun walked over and asked.


    "I... I don''t have the ability to foresee, I don''t." Li Qingqing cried, gasping for air. "I was just afraid you wouldn''t believe me, I wanted you to take me seriously. I, I actually only know a little about things rted to the Sheng Family and the Xu Family."


    "Are you not lying this time?"


    "No, no I''m not."


    "Then how do you exin knowing these things?"


    "I don''t know either, it''s just that after seeing Brother Sheng Yuxiao, suddenly these things appeared in my mind."


    Li Qingqing was of course still lying, after all, she didn''t dare say she had been reborn.


    If Sheng Jun knew that an adult soul was inhabiting this child''s body, she would be in even bigger trouble.


    "So you''re saying that Yuxiao activated some switch in your brain?"


    "I guess so, I, I can''t exin it clearly." Li Qingqing said timidly. "Actually, at first I wanted to tell you that Brother Yuxiao''s cousin''s parents would die. But I was afraid you''d think I was cursing them to die..."


    Sheng Jun smiled, "Child, why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    It seemed the little girl in front of him was so stupid that she still didn''t understand why she had been strapped to the roller coaster. If she were a bit smarter, she would have known that it would have been better to speak up about this first, rather than mentioning anything rted to Sheng Corporation.


    That would only have led him to determine her as a potential threat to thepany.


    "Wipe your tears, go ride the merry-go-round," Sheng Jun said gently, lifting Li Qingqing out.


    But now Li Qingqing had no more fantasies.


    It was too difficult! Every step in the world of the wealthy was treacherous!


    Sheng Jun made a gesture to the distance, and the staff finally came back to continue the live broadcast.


    Seeing this, Li Qingqing shuddered.


    Before, she only thought this was the power of the wealthy, something to be envied!


    Now, watching how easily these people weremanded by Sheng Jun, she felt like an ant that had fallen into the world of the rich - insignificant and easily crushed.


    At this moment, Wei Zhen was viewing Little Duck Li in the same way.


    Even if she returned to the family, she would still be too easy to dispose of.


    Wei Zhen was still coldly scrutinizing Little Duck Li, but the young man in the white jacket had already strode over, his demeanor aggressive: "Do you know who I am?"


    "Young Master Sheng, you''ve been all over the hot searches recently. Of course I know you," Wei Zhen said.


    Wei Zhen had a bit of a headache, but not much fear. He had known from the start that with these reckless rich kids around, it would take some effort to take Little Duck Li away.


    "Good that you know. To be honest, I don''t care who you are, what Wei Family, or if your Mr. Wei is in a hurry to recognize his granddaughter. None of that matters to me."


    "Young Master Sheng!" Wei Zhen angrily eximed, "Even if your father were here, he might not dare to speak so impolitely!"


    "That''s right, my father is polite. But I''m young and hot-blooded, so I dare. Is there a problem?"


    "..." Wei Zhen was speechless.


    In his opinion, these domestic rich kids were all spoiled rotten, relying on their parents'' assets, uneducated yet arrogant to the extreme. At this rate, the decline of a family would only take two or three generations.


    "You have nothing to say, but I have something to tell you. Don''te here acting all high and mighty. Be polite when speaking to Little Duck Li. I hope you realize this fact soon: it''s you begging her to go back, not her begging you to take her away. The doors of the Sheng Family, the Xu Family, which one wouldn''t open for her?"


    Ning Heng chimed in, "Actually, the Ning Family doors could open too..."


    After all, they couldn''t lose face at this moment! Regardless of whether his parents would agree or not, he had to say it now!


    The corner of Wei Zhen''s eye twitched, and the scar on his face almost shifted due to his grotesque expression.


    Controlling his emotions, he asked, "What''s the basis for Young Master Sheng''s words? You''re all heirs to various conglomerate families. What does it mean to be an heir? You should understand better than me. It means you''re uncrowned sessors, without real power. Can you make decisions for your parents?"


    Wei Zhen shook his head, "Forget about making decisions for your parents, what can you use to pressure me? Young masters."


    [Ah, so infuriating! How can this person be so irritating?]


    [The key is, I can''t refute what he''s saying...]


    Ning Heng was also a bit agitated, "You don''t think we brought bodyguards, do you?"


    Wei Zhen said with certainty, "They can''t beat me."


    At this point, Sheng Yuxiao ced his hand on top of Little Duck Li''s head, a reassuring gesture, before calmly interjecting, "To deal with you, do we need to use our parents'' power? We don''t even need bodyguards."


    Wei Zhen''s expression remained unchanged, "Oh, is that so?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "I could just call the police. For instance, right now, you''re threatening me, and I suspect you''re a gang member."


    Wei Zhen: "..."


    Sheng Yuxiao sneered, "Been abroad for too long, have you? Forgotten where this is? Under the red g, we''re a society ruled byw! The police are watching you!"


    [Damn! Young Master Sheng is still the quick-witted one!]


    "The young sir is right, with you here it is indeed troublesome." After saying this, Wei Zhen''s gaze returned to Little Duck Li, "Don''t you have your own opinion? What do you think? Tell me."


    "I think what he said is very correct," Little Duck Li said.


    The corner of Wei Zhen''s mouth twitched, "It seems you really don''t have your own opinion."


    "Don''t you also think what your Mr. Wei said is correct? Why can''t I think he''s right? I''m still a child. You''re not a child anymore," Little Duck Li shook her head at Wei Zhen.


    Wei Zhen had lost count of how many times he had been left speechless today.


    "Fine, go back and think it over slowly. I''ll be back," Wei Zhen knew there was no point in persisting, he just put away that photo album.


    He knew that for this item, the little girl would eventually bow her head.


    After putting it away, Wei Zhen turned and left, walking in apletely opposite direction.


    Who knows how far he had walked before he made a satellite phone call.


    "Sir," he called the person on the other end.


    The other end transmitted an intermittent but vigorous voice: "Mm, have you picked up the person?"


    Obviously, it didn''t sound like the voice of an old man like Wei Xuanming.


    This was another "sir."


    "I haven''t picked her up. It''s my ipetence," Wei Zhen briefly recounted the process.


    After listening, the person on the other end frowned, "A little girl, able to stay so calm?"


    "Could it be that the Sheng Family has specially taught her?" Wei Zhen spected.


    "Mm, that''s possible," the person on the other end said, suddenly pausing, "Wait, our Second Young Master identally knocked over his bowl again. I need to go clean up."


    "Thank you for your hard work, sir."


    "Haha, it''s what I should do. I, Wei Lin, have been by Mr. Wei''s side for so many years."


    Saying this, this Wei Lin ended the satellite call and slowly walked to the bedside.


    Someone fell off the bed. The person was gaunt, with a paleplexion and severely atrophied leg muscles. He asked, "Who did you send Wei Zhen to pick up? What girl?"


    Wei Lin crouched down, picking up the broken pieces of porcin while saying, "Second Young Master, it seems we''ve found your sister''s orphaned child. She''s not doing well at all..."


    The Second Young Master became instantly agitated, firmly grasping Wei Lin''s sleeve. "What? What did you say?" His veins bulged from the effort.


    However, having neglected himself for so long, he quickly lost his strength and copsed back onto the floor.


    Wei Lin made no attempt to help him up. He tossed the broken porcin into the trash and said to the Second Young Master, "It''s terrible, truly terrible. She doesn''t have enough to eat or wear, and her body is covered in marks from beatings. Her grandfather even wants to sell her as a child bride. But your legs have been useless for so many years now. Even if you wanted to rush over there, you wouldn''t be able to make it."

 Chapter 55: Go ask her Sweet-talk her

    <h4>Chapter 55</h4>


    "Wei Lin... Wei Lin!" The Second Young Master red at him furiously.


    "Tell me, does father know? Does father know about this?" he roared, frustration pouring into his words as he desperately gripped the bedsheet next to him, trying to force himself up.


    "The Old Master is in poor health, no one is allowed to disturb him with mundane matters," Wei Lin replied respectfully.


    "Mundane matters? That''s my sister we''re talking about! How could you refer to it like that? Who is now by my father''s side? Is it that Archbishop again? That damned fraud!"


    "Second Young Master, you mustn''t speak like this. The Old Master would be angry if he heard," Wei Lin cautioned.


    "Let him hear it then! Let hime!"


    Wei Lin shook his head with a helpless look, "You''re too agitated. It''s not good for your recovery. I''ll go see the Old Master now," he said, turning to leave.


    "Recover? What kind of recovery are you talking about? If it could be cured, it would have been so long ago!" the Second Young Master yelled, exasperated.


    Several housekeepers rushed in to help him back onto his bed, but he pushed them away, pounding his numb legs, "Useless! I''m so useless!"


    "Young Master, please, don''t..." The housekeeper spoke in thenguage of Huaguo, though his skin was a dusky hue.


    At his words, the Second Young Master became more enraged, "Get out!" he barked.


    Only when a bodyguard of Huaguo extraction rushed in did he simmer down a bit. "What happened? Why are you so angry?" the bodyguard asked, concern evident in his face.


    "Wei Lin said he found my sister''s orphan, and that she was leading a terrible life..."


    "Do you still believe Wei Lin''s words? Years ago, he kept saying he had found her. And what was the result? He''s just trying to wear down your will repeatedly!"


    "This time is different. He called Wei Zhen right in front of me. I don''t trust them, you go find my brother, tell him to find a way to go there, he''s the only one among us who''s still a normal person," the Second Young Master said impassionedly, gripping the bodyguard''s hand.


    The bodyguard, being of absolute trust, nodded continuously upon the Second Young Master''s directive, "Alright, I��ll go right away."


    Once the bodyguard had left, the Second Young Master finally allowed himself to copse back onto his bed.


    Meanwhile, Wei Lin traversed the long corridor, finally pushing open a majestic door. The harmonic hum of a hymn sung by the nuns filled the air. The sunlight streaming in from outside lent a golden halo to the figure of the Old Master who sat on a wheelchair.


    The Old Master, d in Tang attire with a luxurious cashmere nket covering his legs, had his white hair meticulouslybed.


    "Why hasn''t my daughtere back yet, despite all these verses we have chanted?" he asked. His tone wasposed, as if he had asked this question one too many times.


    "This is not chanting, sir, it''s a hymn," the Archbishop replied.


    "Is there a difference? Maybe I should invite over sixtymas to sing with you guys."


    "Sir, you are burdened with sins heavy as the sea, yet your heart is insincere still. When will those burdens be lifted?"


    "Insincere? Insincere..." the Old Master closed his eyes and joined the chorus of the nuns.


    Wei Lin was unperturbed by the scene before him, and walked straight up to the old man, kneeling and saying, "Second Young Master is as always."


    The old man stopped his prayers, nodded, and asked, "I hear you sent Wei Zhen out, why?"


    "Weren''t you saying you wanted to do something good? I sent Wei Zhen to see where in our country help is still needed."


    "Hmm," replied the old man, losing interest and returning to his prayers.


    From start to finish, Wei Lin never mentioned Li Xiaoya to the old man.


    After all... That was the trump card he was keeping in his hand. Wei Lin lowered his head, grinning.


    *


    Li Xiaoya made the hot search list again.


    The day Wei Zhen found her, a heated debate ignited immediately, with people questioning if this was just a scripted drama or reality.


    Netizens are known for their insights, and they had written an extensive article called "Dissecting the Life of Li Xiaoya''s Late Mother".


    Based on what was known, Li Xiaoya''s Mandarin was taught by her mother, who had also imparted philosophical gems. Her mother was spected to be a great beauty.


    Furthermore, it was known that when the scar-faced man in a suit found Li Xiaoya, he mentioned that her maternal grandfather was the head of the Rockefeller Financial Group and that her mother disappeared ten years ago. So, was it a case of kidnapping? Or had she run away with a boyfriend?


    The theory of running away didn''t seem usible, considering Li Xiaoya''s ount of her father, such a man wouldn''t normallye into contact with the likes of her mother.


    So, was it a case of abduction?


    "Transform the Record" had evolved from a search for one''s roots to a legal program!


    Netizens were always embedded in the process of unraveling mysteries like Sherlock Holmes, and now they were trying to dig up more details.


    Some even tried to find Li Xiaoya''s absent father.


    People from her province usually sought work along the coast once they left, so if a photo could be obtained, the search should be easy.


    Some argued it was better not to seek him out, as he might im custody of Li Xiaoya and even try to extort money from the wealthy young heir.


    However, if the case was rted to kidnapping, he could be sentenced.


    While these debates continued,izens were also curious about the origins of Li Xiaoya''s mother.


    They looked up the "Rockefeller Financial Group".


    Information was scarce, and the group seemed mysterious.


    However, some found a news item from about ten days ago about a wealthy overseas Chinese returning to invest in local enterprises. The news included photos of him being greeted at the airport. The man in the photos bore a resemnce to the scar-faced man.


    So, was Li Xiaoya''s grandfather this wealthy overseas Chinese?


    If true, this would be tragic for Li Xiaoya and her mother...


    Shouldn''t this call for a thorough investigation?


    Soon, almost the entire inte was buzzing about the issue.


    Viewership for the live broadcast had dramatically increased.


    Yet, for Wei Zhen, not much had changed. Li Xiaoya still refused to leave with him.


    He was forced to call Wei Lin again.


    "You still haven''t resolved it?" Wei Lin asked in surprise.


    "With Sheng Yuxiao and others there, the littledy has quite the patience."


    "Why didn''t you approach her without them?"


    "No chance," Wei Zhen was quite irritated, "They are virtually together 24/7."


    Wei Lin: "..." "This makes me suspect whether the Sheng Family has an interest in Mr. Wei''s inheritance as well."


    He sneered immediately: ��Since they care so much about Qiao, there must be some conditions, right? Otherwise, why would a little girl who is about to meet her family not willing to?��


    ��There are conditions.�� Wei Zhen said.


    ��Let��s hear it.��


    ��They want us to beg her toe back.��


    Wei Lin now understood: ��Sheng��s brat is showing off his influence. You go beg her, coax her!��


    Wei Zhen didn��t say a word.


    ��What, begging a little handful-year-old girl hurts your pride? Even if he steps on your head, I want you to bring her back.�� Wei Lin spoke coldly.


    The next day after school, Li Xiaoya had just reached the entrance of Shitou School, and she saw that ck suit again.


    This time, the ck suit was on one knee, with a beautifully packaged gift in one hand, and the other hand extended toward Li Xiaoya and said, ��Please.��


    ��Please?�� Li Xiaoya stared at him nkly.


    ��I will carry you on my back home.�� Wei Zhen said.


    Li Xiaoya fixated on him for two seconds, then she stepped on his arm without hesitation, and climbed onto his back.


    Can��t fear him.


    He bes more defiant, must suppress him.


    Otherwise, they will underestimate her, and her mom too!


    As Wei Zhen carried her on the road, he asked: ��Is this enough now?��


    Li Xiaoya��s voice was childlike: ��Until you listen to me, enough then.��


    Wei Zhen held back and said, ��Alright, I will listen to you, is there anything you want me to do?��


    Li Xiaoya nodded: ��The first thing, stop asking is this enough.��


    Wei Zhen: ������ ��Did Sheng Yuxiao teach you this?��


    Li Xiaoya interrupted him: ��You cannot ask this question either.��


    Wei Zhen held back again, and fell silent.


    By the time Wei Zhen carried Li Xiaoya back home, Xu Ruying rushed up from a distance.


    Xu Ruying giggled: "I saw the live broadcast, this ghost house is very good, the death soldier can also serve as a human pnquin. How are you feeling? I haven��t been carried like this before.��


    Li Xiaoyapared seriously and said, "It��s morefortable to ride a bull.��


    Wei Zhen: "��"


    Li Xiaoya added: "The bull is more obedient than him, and doesn''t talk as much. Hmm, better than the pig, I guess.��


    Wei Zhen: "��"

 Chapter 56: A Deaf-Mute

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    Wei Zhen thought a child would be easy to coax, but he was terribly mistaken.


    He ced the gifts he was carrying at the doorstep and was about to leave when Li Xiaoya called out to him, "Wait."


    Wei Zhen let out a sigh of relief, "Have you changed your mind?"


    "Do you know how to feed chickens and pigs?" Li Xiaoya asked him.


    Wei Zhen had a bad feeling about this and said, "No, I don''t."


    Li Xiaoya replied, "If you don''t know, you need to learn. Go do it now."


    "Me? Learn to feed chickens and pigs?" Wei Zhen had never heard such an absurd order in his life.


    But at that moment, Ning Heng leisurely came out from inside the house, "Hurry up, I''ll teach you."


    As Ning Heng walked past Li Xiaoya, he said to her, "Good little sister, you know how to care for your big brother Ning, lightening his burden a bit."


    Wei Zhen was furious. He looked at Li Xiaoya and reminded her sternly, "Driving me away won''t do you any good."


    "Then you can leave," Li Xiaoya said matter-of-factly.


    Wei Zhen had to try a different approach to persuade her, "Do you know what kind of fortune you''ll be missing out on?"


    "Hmm, my dad used to say the same thing to people who looked down on him. In the end, my dad ran off with their money."


    "..."


    Wei Zhen immediately cursed Li Xiaoya''s damn runaway father a million times in his heart.


    Otherwise, how could a little girl, at such a young age, have already learned to be wary of everything?


    "Are you going to feed them or not?" Li Xiaoya asked Wei Zhen.


    Wei Zhen''s mouth twitched, "I''ll do it."


    What else could he do?


    This burly man, in order toplete his task, had to wear a suit and learn how to feed chickens and pigs with a fierce expression on his face.


    This went on for two days.


    Li Xiaoya squatted outside the pigsty, frowning, "The pigs aren''t eating."


    Wei Zhen was covered in dirt and felt like he reeked of manure. He had never suffered such hardship in his life. Even when he was fighting mercenaries abroad, he shouldn''t have been here feeding pigs. At this moment, he had to exin to Li Xiaoya, "I fed the pigs normally."


    Ning Heng looked at him with disgust, "Is it because this person''s face is too fierce and detestable that even the pigs lose their appetite after looking at him for too long?"


    Wei Zhen: "..." He really couldn''t take it anymore.


    [LOL, wasn''t this guy so arrogant before?]


    [Li Xiaoya single-handedly made the young master Sheng''s life morefortable, outsourcing all the housework]


    [I don''t understand, if he came to find her rtives, why doesn''t Li Xiaoya just go with him?]


    [You can''t just believe anyone who says so, you''re not as smart as Li Xiaoya.]


    [+1, at least her mother''s family members shoulde to pick her up in person. Right now, it''s just a subordinate, it feels like their family isn''t sincere about bringing her back]


    [She''d better not leave, let Little Ya finish recording the show before leaving]


    [Yes, yes, leave after finishing the recording!]


    The audience silently cheered in the bulletments.


    At this time, Sheng Yuxiao had already borrowed a car from the production team and was going to take Li Xiaoya to the city to find a veterinarian.


    Li Xiaoya reminded Sheng Yuxiao, "There''s a vet in the vige, and it''s cheaper."


    Sheng Yuxiao put her in the car without listening, "I checked the weather forecast, it''s going to snow. Let''s buy a couple of pieces of clothing while we''re at it."


    Ning Heng quickly squeezed into the car as well, "I''ming too, I''ming too."


    Even Xu Ruying was bored and thought about changing course to go home once they reached the county town.


    Just then... Li Xiaoya leaned out of the window and said to Wei Zhen, "You stay at home and watch the house."


    Using him as a watchdog? She really wasn''t polite at all. Wei Zhen was speechless inside, but on the surface, he respectfully agreed.


    It started snowing heavily the day they drove into town.


    Li Xiaoya wasn''t looking forward to buying new clothes, but instead was a bit worried, "Once it snows, the manure pit will freeze."


    Ning Heng''s expression cracked a bit, "Huh? This thing freezes?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded, "Yes, it does."


    Ning Heng asked a stupid question, "What happens when it freezes?"


    "We won''t be able to dispose of waste or use the toilet."


    "Then what do we do?" Ning Heng asked again.


    "We have to clear the umted snow every day, pour hot water over it, and clear away some of it."


    "C-clear away?" Ning Heng''s voice was trembling.


    "Yes, we can transport it to the fields. This way, the soil will be very fertile next year. After winter sets in, every household does this."


    "Can that guy in the ck suit handle it alone?" Ning Heng thought to himself, this person came at just the right time, otherwise it would have been my turn!


    Li Xiaoya thought for a moment, "It''s hard to say."


    As soon as these three words came out, Ning Heng immediately looked at Sheng Yuxiao, "Brother Sheng, it''s not that I don''t want to be a good person, it''s just that I have a phobia of manure pits. Can I go home now?"


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t even spare him a nce, "What''s the rush?"


    Ning Heng cried, "I can''t do it, brother, I really can''t. Look at me, how easily I could fall into the manure pit again."


    Sheng Yuxiao put his arm around his shoulder, and the two huddled together, whispering something inaudible.


    When the car stopped in the county town, Ning Heng got out first, walking away while saying without looking back, "Brother Sheng, I''ll definitely aplish this mission!"


    Li Xiaoya watched Ning Heng''s silhouette disappear into the snow and wind, and couldn''t help but ask, "Why did he leave?"


    "He''s going back to the city to help me with something," Sheng Yuxiao said casually. He then picked up Li Xiaoya and got out of the car, "Are you cold?"


    "Not cold, I''m used to it."


    Xu Ruying had left too, and in the blink of an eye, it was just the two of them again.


    Sheng Yuxiao first went to find a veterinarian and asked the production team to take them back, then he took Li Xiaoya shopping in the county town.


    "Should have kept someone to pay," Sheng Yuxiao frowned.


    Li Xiaoya felt her pocket, "I brought the money from selling mushroomsst time."


    Sheng Yuxiao shook his head, "How much can that buy?"


    However, after browsing a whole street, Sheng Yuxiao hadn''t found a single coat he liked.


    They were all incredibly ugly.


    "Come on, let''s go to the mall and look around."


    "We can''t afford anything there," Li Xiaoya was very aware of how much money she had in her pocket.


    "What are you afraid of? We can always owe money."


    "Huh? We can do that?"


    "Yes, of course we can," Sheng Yuxiao figured his face should be quite well-known in the county town by now, "Besides, I guess the person behind Wei Zhen won''t be able to sit still for much longer. When hees to Li Family Vige to pick you up in person, you can wear your new clothes."


    Li Xiaoya nodded slightly.


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but smile, "Why do you believe everything I say?"


    "Um, I just do."


    Sheng Yuxiao paused his steps, "Look, there''s a KFC. Let''s go in and buy you an ice cream cone."


    The KFC was very noisy, packed with children and adults.


    An adult patiently asked their child, "What do you want to eat?"


    The child loudly said, "Family bucket!"


    The adult tried to persuade, "You can''t eat that much."


    "No, no, I want it!" The child began to throw a tantrum.


    This mode of interaction between parents and children was very fresh to Li Xiaoya. She couldn''t help but look a bit longer, as if absorbing a taste of happiness from their brief dialogue.


    "The cashier is very crowded, you wait here for me." Sheng Yuxiao didn''t have much money in his pocket, but it was enough to buy an ice cream cone.


    He picked up Li Xiaoya and ced her on a high stool by the window, then pushed his way through the crowd towards the cashier.


    The staff struggled to carry their cameras, being jostled back and forth.


    Li Xiaoya sat on the high stool, but it was as if she had been ced on an ind, far from the crowded masses.


    Outside the window, the snow was falling heavier and heavier. To avoid the snow, more and more people wereing into KFC. The streets gradually became sparse.


    There was one person who wasn''t avoiding the snow.


    He stood out particrly on the street.


    Li Xiaoya''s gaze fixed on him through the ss window.


    She saw that the man was wearing a dirty white coat, clutching something in his hand that was getting wet from the snowkes. He kept grabbing passersby, asking them something.


    But his manner of inquiry was strange.


    He was waving his arms vigorously, with exaggerated body movements...


    Was he deaf and mute?


    Li Xiaoya wondered, dazed.


    Perhaps it was because that day Sheng Yuxiao''s uncle had specifically mentioned that one of her mother''s brothers was mute. So Li Xiaoya paid a bit more attention to this person��


    The people he grabbed were all in a hurry to avoid the wind and snow, their movements bing increasingly rough as they pulled their arms away.


    The man lost his bnce and fell to the ground.


    But he quickly got up again.


    At this moment, he seemed to keenly sense that someone was watching him.


    He turned his head and looked towards Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya''s gaze briefly met his.


    Then the man suddenly ran towards Li Xiaoya.


    Due to the slippery, snow-covered road, the man fell twice more. Finally, he rushed to the ss window and, through it, stared intently at Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya desperately wanted to offer him a tissue to wipe the snow and grime from his face. But the ss separated them.


    Li Xiaoya exhaled softly, averting her gaze slightly, feeling a twinge of difort.


    Suddenly, the man sprinted to the KFC entrance, pushed the door open, and barged in. He shoved his way through the crowd, ignoring the numerousints he provoked. He made a beeline for Li Xiaoya, grabbed her chin forcefully, and tilted her face upward.


    The man seemed almost frozen stiff.


    His fingers were icy cold, rigid, and gripping tightly.


    He opened his mouth twice, trying to speak, but no sound came out.


    Li Xiaoya instinctively shuddered and was about to break free.


    At that moment, Sheng Yuxiao returned. He shoved the man away, shouting angrily, "What do you think you''re doing?"


    The man, pushed by such force, stumbled backward and fell to the ground.


    The surrounding patrons were startled and quickly moved away.


    The staff members were also flustered. As they started to squeeze through, Sheng Yuxiao berated them harshly: "Are you all blind? Didn''t you see this lunatic approach Li Xiaoya?"


    Li Xiaoya quickly grasped Sheng Yuxiao''s hand, attempting to calm him down. She said loudly, "I''m fine! Sheng Yuxiao, I''m alright!"


    As she spoke, she looked towards the man who had fallen to the ground.


    The man lifted his head from the floor, still stubbornly staring at her, and then tears began to stream down his face.

 Chapter 57: You Haven’t Found It Already

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    Li Xiaoya gripped Sheng Yuxiao''s sleeve more tightly, barely managing to pull the enraged young man back to her side.


    "Does he know me?" Li Xiaoya asked.


    "What?" Sheng Yuxiao was taken aback, calming down a bit.


    Then, following Li Xiaoya''s gaze, he looked at the person on the ground and frowned, saying hesitantly, "I think he might have some kind of mental illness..."


    The staff members approached at this point, not daring to simply help the man up. Instead, they crouched down and asked, "Hello, may I ask who you are? Do you know our show''s guest? Hello?"


    The man didn''t respond to anyone''s voice around him.


    The staff members exchanged nces, then spoke with more confusion: "Can he not hear?"


    "Surely he''s not really mentally ill? He doesn''t look like it from his clothes."


    "Should we call the police?"


    "Maybe we should look for contact information on him?"


    "He doesn''t have a mental illness," Li Xiaoya''s voice rang out again, clear and crisp. "He''s deaf and mute, I think. I saw him using signnguage with someone earlier. But it seems no one here understands signnguage."


    "So he really can''t hear us talking."


    "Then... what should we do?"


    "Why does he seem to be crying?"


    "He looks quite pitiful, doesn''t he?"


    The staff members were at a loss, and in the end, they could only look pleadingly towards Sheng Yuxiao, the minor.


    Sheng Yuxiao, however, didn''t look at the "deaf-mute" man again. He cursed, "...The ice cream cone fell on the ground."


    Li Xiaoya took out a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped his hand.


    It was the sticky milk residue left on his hand when the ice cream cone fell.


    "It is a bit of a shame, it must have been quite expensive," Li Xiaoya said.


    Hearing this, Sheng Yuxiaoughed instead: "What do you mean expensive? It''s just a pity. You waited here for so long, and in the end, you didn''t even get a single bite. It all went to feed the floor."


    After saying this, Sheng Yuxiao''s expression turned serious, and he asked, "You saw this person using signnguage with someone earlier?"


    "Mm-hmm." Li Xiaoya nodded, pointing to the ss window outside. "He was outside earlier, seeming to ask someone something. But no one paid attention to him. Then he saw me and came in."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned: "Why did he single you out? Did he think a child would be easy to bully?"


    "He hadn''t done anything yet when you arrived."


    Sheng Yuxiao tugged at the corner of his mouth, but didn''t seem too embarrassed.


    He turned and walked in front of the "deaf-mute" man, asking, "Why did you pinch my sister''s face?"


    The man, who had remained motionless when questioned by the staff earlier, now raised his head slightly to look at Sheng Yuxiao.


    "So you can hear?" Sheng Yuxiao paused, quickly making a judgment, "You''re not congenitally deaf and mute, but became muteter in life?"


    The man didn''t react again, not even changing his expression.


    Only his tears, half-dried, remained on his face, making him look disheveled.


    Li Xiaoya leaned forward with one hand on the table, peering ahead. She pointed at something in the man''s arms and asked, "What''s that?"


    The man loosened his down jacket slightly, and something tucked inside fell out.


    Sheng Yuxiao bent down to pick it up, looking at it: "A map?"


    The staff members also craned their necks curiously: "Isn''t this a map of South Province? Is he looking for some ce?"


    Sheng Yuxiao pinched the map in his hand and said, "It''s wet."


    The man still didn''t move.


    At this point, Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but ask, "Are you lost?"


    The man''s eyeballs suddenly moved.


    Sheng Yuxiao interjected: "He''s a mentally sound adult, just mute, not stupid. How could he be lost?"


    Sheng Yuxiao then asked the staff for paper and a pen, and leaned down to ask, "You can write, right? If you need help, write it down, and the show staff will help you."


    The man took the paper and pen but still hesitated to move.


    A staff member hesitantly said, "Should we help him up first? Then maybe we should call the police."


    As soon as the words were spoken, the man got up from the ground, leaned against a nearby table, and wrote three characters: Don''t call police.


    His handwriting was beautifully and forcefully penned, showing he had clearly practiced.


    This meant he likely had a certain level of education.


    "Not call the police? You''re making people very suspicious of your true identity. You''re not some fugitive, are you?" Sheng Yuxiao looked at him with surprise and doubt.


    Hearing this, the staff members also retreated several steps in fright.


    The man remained unaffected and continued writing: I''m just here to find someone. You don''t need to worry about me.


    The staff members breathed a sigh of relief: "Oh, you''re looking for someone. Wouldn''t it be faster to let the police help you find them?"


    The man shook his head and wrote: I''m leaving.


    The staff members exchanged nces and made way for him.


    "Why are his clothes so dirty?"


    "He probably fell on the way. It''s fine, he is an adult after all."


    They murmured as they watched the man leave.


    But after walking a few steps, the man suddenly turned back, staring fixedly at Li Xiaoya. He made some gestures towards her and then forced out somepletely off-key sounds from his mouth.


    Yes, he looked pitiful. But Sheng Yuxiao still coldly and mercilessly blocked Li Xiaoya from view, not allowing this strange person to look at her for even a moment longer.


    The man had no choice but to grab the paper and pen again, hastily writing something before leaving.


    Li Xiaoya tugged at the hem of Sheng Yuxiao''s clothes from behind, reaching out her hand and saying, "Let me see."


    Sheng Yuxiao checked the note, making sure there were no offensive words, before handing it to Li Xiaoya.


    "I''m sorry for frightening you," was all that was written on it.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but say, "We didn''t ask his name."


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "He''s just a stranger anyway."


    "But he still hasn''t said why he pinched my face. Why did he look at me and cry? Does he know me? And who is he here to find?" Li Xiaoya looked at Sheng Yuxiao with expectant eyes.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze flickered.


    Yes, why indeed?


    Although it was strange.


    Although they knew that a rtive from Li Xiaoya''s mother''s family couldn''t possibly appear here alone, in such a strange manner...


    But Sheng Yuxiao still remembered a lesson his young uncle had taught him��


    To be smarter and stronger than others, you must pay attention to more details than others, and not let these details slip away from under your nose.


    Sheng Yuxiao said two words to Li Xiaoya: "Wait here."


    Then he strode forward with his long legs and caught up with the man, grabbing his shoulder.


    Sheng Yuxiao called out a name in his ear: "Wei Xuanming."


    The man didn''t move.


    Sheng Yuxiao asked, "Are you his younger son? Who are you here to find? Your sister who''s been missing for ten years?"


    The man still didn''t move.


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned in confusion and withdrew his hand.


    Had he guessed wrong?


    Were theypletely unrted?


    Sheng Yuxiao took half a step back, but the man suddenly turned around, looking at him coldly and warily.


    There was none of the expected excitement.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s heart, however, settled back steadily: "Looks like I guessed right. Why are you here alone..."


    The man took two steps back in session, one hand pressing against his waist.


    As if he had some weapon hidden there.


    Sheng Yuxiao instantly realized that the man seemed to have misunderstood something. Did the man see him as an enemy?


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately shouted, "Haven''t you already found the person you were looking for?"

 Chapter 58: No More Making the Same Mistakes

    <h4>Chapter 58</h4>


    The man''s body trembled slightly, and he instinctively nced in Li Xiaoya''s direction.


    But he firmly shook his head.


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned: "You don''t believe it? You saw her at first nce, didn''t you? Why do you still doubt your own eyes?"


    Sheng Yuxiao stepped forward: "Is it because you think it shouldn''t be this easy to find her?"


    The man raised his hand and made a gesture.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately reached out to the staff: "Pen and paper, bring them again!"


    The staff members were confused but still handed the paper and pen to them.


    The man took them, looking at Sheng Yuxiao with an inscrutable expression, then hastily wrote a line:


    You''re deceiving me. Did you deliberately find her to trick me?


    Sheng Yuxiaoughed in exasperation: "Deliberately found her? Where could we find such a girl to fool you? Today''s encounter was just an ident, wasn''t it?"


    The man hesitated and wrote again on the paper:


    I don''t trust anyone.


    Sheng Yuxiao said: "Suit yourself, then."


    Then he turned and went back to Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya quickly asked: "Did he write his name?"


    Sheng Yuxiao shook his head: "He said he doesn''t trust anyone."


    Li Xiaoya cupped her chin: "Is it because many people have deceived him?"


    Sheng Yuxiao paused: "Maybe."


    "Why would so many people deceive him?" Li Xiaoya asked, puzzled.


    Sheng Yuxiao actually didn''t care about the Wei Family''s affairs at all.


    Now that Li Xiaoya mentioned it, he pretended to think about it and said: "To wear down one''s will and desire through repeated disappointments?"


    Li Xiaoya summarized: "That''s terrible."


    "It is a bit scary. ... This way, theypletely lose hope of finding their rtives. Even if they do find them one day, they won''t dare to believe it''s real." Sheng Yuxiao murmured, frowning, "The person behind this has quite vicious methods."


    Li Xiaoya finally couldn''t help but ask the question she cared about most: "So is he... Mom''s rtive?"


    "He should be."


    "Is it because of bad people that he didn''t immediately acknowledge me?" Li Xiaoya''s tone was more careful this time.


    "I think so," Sheng Yuxiao said with certainty.


    Li Xiaoya looked at that man again.


    The man had walked back from the doorway, awkwardly squeezing through the crowd to stand three steps away from Li Xiaoya, looking at her both greedily and restrainedly.


    When he noticed Li Xiaoya was also looking at him, he quickly averted his gaze.


    As if such eye contact would shatter the beautiful dream.


    "Did he appear here alone to avoid bad people?" Li Xiaoya lowered her voice even more.


    Sheng Yuxiao paused and said: "It''s possible."


    Li Xiaoya''s direct rtive hade all this way to find her, yet he dared toe only by himself. After meeting Li Xiaoya, his first reaction was that others had designed a trap to deceive him.


    What kind of situation was the Wei Family in now?


    How did it end up like this?


    This man was Wei Xuanming''s younger son, even if he was mute, he was still a proper young master of the Wei Family! Yet he ended up in such a state! It was simply ridiculous!


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya jumped down from the high stool and asked a nearby staff member: "Sister, do you have any tissues?"


    "Yes." The staff member hurriedly gave her some.


    She took them and walked straight to the man: "You should wipe your face, there are a lot of snowkes on your eyebrows."


    The man tried his best to control himself.


    But he still couldn''t resist.


    He reached out with trembling hands, took the tissue, and wiped his face vigorously. His already reddened eyes became even redder.


    "Would you like some hot water?" Li Xiaoya asked him.


    But the man shook his head, extremely wary.


    Sheng Yuxiao watched from afar and said to the staff member beside him: "Go find someone who knows signnguage."


    "Huh?" The staff member asked nkly, "Will this person keep following us?"


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded and urged: "Hurry up and go."


    After making arrangements, Sheng Yuxiao returned to Li Xiaoya''s side.


    Li Xiaoya whispered to him: "He won''t eat or drink."


    Sheng Yuxiao seemed much colder, saying: "Then leave him be." Then, fearing Li Xiaoya would worry, he added, "You should know he''s an adult, he can take care of himself."


    "Oh."


    That night they stayed at a hotel in the county town.


    The man paid for his own room, not far from theirs.


    Early the next morning, Sheng Yuxiao took Li Xiaoya back to the vige, deliberately not saying goodbye to the man.


    As expected, the man quietly followed them.


    The staff members were efficient; they had found a college student who knew signnguage in the county town the night before.


    The college student, on early holiday break and with nothing to do, was especially excited toe, and now he was also following the car.


    The staff thought that since they had invited a signnguage interpreter, they might as well invite the man to ride in the car together.


    But the man still waved his hand in refusal.


    The staff had to ask through the inte: "Young Master Sheng, what should we do? He won''t get in the car."


    Sheng Yuxiao sighed and said: "He''s really stubborn."


    Li Xiaoya suddenly spoke up: "He would probably ride a tricycle."


    Sheng Yuxiao thought she was right and immediately had the staff quietly arrange for a tricycle.


    Soon, a tricycle passed by. The carriage was filled withrge winter melons and pumpkins, almost bursting at the seams.


    But the tricycle driver still warmly asked: "Young man, need a ride?"


    The man nodded, put his hands together in a gesture of thanks, and then sat down.


    The program staff couldn''t help but wonder: "Our car is sofortable, why won''t he ride? That tricycle is so bumpy, there''s barely room to sit, yet he insists on riding it."


    Sheng Yuxiao snorted lightly: "A tricycle carrying vegetables passing by shows it''s not an intentional setup. And the driver is a local. So it''s more trustworthy than us. Even Li Xiaoya understands this logic."


    The program staff was stunned, and after a while, sighed: "Li Xiaoya was already smart enough."


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t respond to them, but couldn''t help shaking his head and said to Li Xiaoya: "Your mother''s rtive seems quite naive, very easy to deceive."


    Li Xiaoya pressed her lips firmly, then said: "It''s okay, I''m smart."


    If they were her rtives, then she would protect them!


    There''s no rule saying children can''t protect adults!


    Sheng Yuxiao rubbed Li Xiaoya''s cheek: "Right, good thing our little duck is smart!"


    The man rode the tricycle all the way to Li Family Vige.


    He took out a damp map and pointed to the markings on it for the driver.


    The driver said: "I can''t read!"


    But the man stared at the stone tablet at the vige entrance and knew he had arrived! He had found Li Family Vige marked on the map!


    That''s right.


    That''s right!


    The young man hadn''t lied to him!


    The man jumped off the tricycle, hurriedly handed the driver a few hundred yuan, and then ran at full speed to catch up with Li Xiaoya and the others.


    He followed them all the way home.


    Wei Zhen wasn''t there.


    Li Xiaoya entered, first lighting the fire and boiling water, then throwing sweet potatoes into the stove.


    Only then did she turn around.


    She saw the man blocking the doorway, no longer hiding or restraining himself, his eyes full of greedy gazes and surging tears.


    Li Xiaoya waved at him: "Come in."


    The man moved his steps, stumbling inside.


    Li Xiaoya looked at him, his lips were chapped and peeling, his cheeks reddened from the cold, while his neck and forehead had a bluish-white tinge...


    Li Xiaoya poured some water from Sheng Yuxiao''s cup and handed it to the man.


    This time, the man didn''t refuse, took it and drank it all in one gulp.


    The staff found it very surprising: "Why did he take it and drink it this time? What''s the reason for this?"


    The man put down the water cup and waved his arms.


    This time there was an interpreter.


    The signnguage interpreter said: "I once just ate a meal, there were drugs in it, I slept for a long time, and when I opened my eyes, I had lost your mother. This time, before finding you, I couldn''t drink a sip of water or eat a bite of food."

 Chapter 59: He is afraid

    <h4>Chapter 59</h4>


    The staff members slowly came to their senses from the shock: "He said earlier that he came to find someone, right? The one he wanted to find was Li Xiaoya? Then, what about that man in the suit who came before? Wasn''t he also looking for Li Xiaoya?"


    The staff member was confused: "Who exactly is Li Xiaoya''s rtive?"


    Sheng Yuxiao stood up and started pushing people out, saying, "Go watch some Peppa Pig."


    The staff member turned back to look at the director: "Is Young Master Sheng mocking my low intelligence?"


    The director said, "Remove the question mark at the end of your sentence."


    The staff member: "..."


    Sheng Yuxiao picked out the sweet potatoes from the stove and skillfully scooped out the two meat buns from the pot, carrying them all the way to the man''s front.


    "Li Xiaoya specially brought these back from the county town," Sheng Yuxiao pointed at the buns and asked, "You don''t have any dietary restrictions, right? It''s toote if you do. If you don''t eat them, I will."


    The man shook his head repeatedly.


    Even in such a situation, he still took out a tissue from his pocket and used it to pick up the bun.


    He ate while drinking water, not wolfing it down.


    "Do you know Wei Zhen?" Li Xiaoya asked, resting her chin on her hand.


    The man put down his food and started to gesture.


    The signnguage interpreter immediately followed up: "I know of him, but I''ve never met him. Wei Lin sent him to find you. You''ve already met him, right? That''s great, you didn''t go with him directly!"


    Li Xiaoya asked curiously, "Who is Wei Lin?"


    The signnguage interpreter continued his duty, saying word by word: "Father''s adopted son. He''s now handling many affairs."


    "Is he a bad person?" Li Xiaoya followed up.


    The man looked at the signnguage interpreter first.


    The interpreter''s eyes were full of the rity and naivety of a college student. He weakly raised his hand and said, "Um, ording to the movie plot, should I say at this point that I won''t tell anyone anything?"


    The man nced at him and continued to sign: "It''s okay, go on."


    "It''s okay... huh? You trust me that much?" The interpreter was touched.


    Sheng Yuxiao thought to himself that it must not be easy to find someone even more naive and foolish than him.


    The man continued to sign: "We suspect Wei Lin is an ambitious person, and even your mother''s disappearance years ago might be rted to him."


    "Doesn''t Grandfather suspect him at all?"


    "I don''t know." The man smiled bitterly and continued to sign, "The grandfather you speak of is my father. It sounds like we''re blood rtives, but in reality, I don''t understand him either. I don''t know what he''s thinking or what kind of actions he might take."


    Li Xiaoyaforted him: "It''s okay, I don''t understand my dad either."


    The man forced a smile and gestured: "In their words, my father has already abandoned us."


    "Why? Why would they say that?" Li Xiaoya''s little face wrinkled, unable to understand.


    "Because we are imperfect, we have inferior genes. We are the family''s shame." When the signnguage interpreter ryed this part, his voice was trembling.


    It sounded like such cruel words.


    The interpreter thought.


    But when the man was signing this part, there was hardly any expression on his face.


    It wasn''t as emotional as when he rushed into KFC earlier.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but sigh softly. She thought for a moment, walked to the man''s side, and just like how Sheng Yuxiaoforted her, she raised her hand and gently patted the man''s head, saying, "It''s okay, my dad abandoned me too."


    The man''s expression sank.


    "Uh, he will face retribution," the signnguage interpreter dutifully tranted.


    Li Xiaoya asked him, "Are you full? Do you want to eat more?"


    The man nodded, his face showing fatigue, and signed to ask, "Can I sleep for a while?"


    Li Xiaoya immediately turned to look at Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t even blink and said, "It''s perfect. Ning Heng''s sleeping ce hasn''t been tidied up yet, so let him sleep in Ning Heng''s bed."


    Li Xiaoya nodded and took the initiative to hold the man''s hand.


    Her hand was very small, barely able to cover his hand. But the man allowed her to hold him like this and walk to the simple bed.


    "You sleep now," Li Xiaoya released his hand.


    The man grabbed her hand in return and gestured: "Wait."


    "Hmm?"


    The man took out the paper and pen he had borrowed earlier from his pocket and wrote three characters stroke by stroke:


    Gui Wenqing.


    Then he pointed at himself.


    "Your name?" Li Xiaoya took the paper.


    The man nodded, finally showing a slight smile.


    He carefully put away the paper and pen, crouched down, and slowly stroked the ground he was standing on, as if through this action, he was trying to imagine in his mind how Li Xiaoya''s mother had lived here years ago...


    Then he slowlyy down, closed his eyes, and his breathing quickly became steady.


    He fell asleep.


    Finally able to have a peaceful, good sleep.


    "Let me see," Sheng Yuxiao reached out and snatched the note, looked at it, and said expressionlessly, "Xu Ruying was right, this surname is indeed a bit ugly."


    Li Xiaoya put the note on the heating stove and burned it.


    Watching her actions, Sheng Yuxiao said in surprise, "I thought you would keep it as a memento."


    Li Xiaoya crouched in front of the stove, watching the mes consume the note, and said softly, "He and Wei Zhen have never met."


    Sheng Yuxiao quickly caught on: "Hmm? You want to keep pretending?"


    Li Xiaoya asked, "Is that not allowed?"


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled: "Of course it''s allowed." This is more interesting than recording this stupid show.


    "When we don''t know how dangerous that person is, we''ll just pretend we don''t know anything. Is that right?"


    "Yes, absolutely right!" Sheng Yuxiao walked out, "But before that, we need to specially instruct the idiots in the production team."


    Half an hourter, Wei Zhen came back.


    Li Xiaoya was sitting at the door and immediately asked him, "Did you go ck off?"


    Wei Zhen''s facial muscles twitched violently twice, and he said in a deep voice, "Of course not!"


    "Oh."


    "It''s snowing," Wei Zhen started.


    "Mm-hmm."


    "It must be difficult to spend the winter here. You shoulde back with me. There''s a warm firece, 24-hour food and hot water supply, and..."


    "I''ll leave when Sheng Yuxiao leaves."


    "Alright," Wei Zhen gritted his teeth hard, "I didn''t expect him to be more important to you than your soon-to-arrive rtives."


    Sheng Yuxiao, who had just returned from outside, interjected, "I love hearing that."


    Wei Zhen: "..."


    "Actually, you''ve never met before. Apart from the blood rtionship, you''re no different from strangers to her. If you want to take my ce, you''ll have to work harder."


    "But it looks like you can''t take it anymore? If you can''t take it, just go back. Tell your master that you''re so useless you can''t even bring back a little girl." Sheng Yuxiao said leisurely.


    "Young Master Sheng doesn''t need to provoke me. I won''t leave," Wei Zhen sneered.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t say anything more.


    Just as Wei Zhen was about to leave, he suddenly noticed the stranger in the room.


    "Who is he?"


    "Someone arranged by the production team."


    "Arranged by the production team?"


    "Yeah. I guess they thought the content has been too ndtely, so they arranged for us to pick up a mute person on the road."


    "A mute?" Wei Zhen''s eyelid twitched, naturally associating it with the young master at home.


    "Is there a problem?" Sheng Yuxiao stared at him, "Your expression looks a bit off."


    "No problem."


    "Oh."


    Wei Zhen turned and walked out, immediately contacting Wei Lin: "Sir, do you think it''s possible that the young master has found his way here?"


    Wei Lin was a bit surprised: "I thought they hadpletely abandoned themselves... If he were to use the family''s resources, I would definitely know. But I haven''t heard any movement here. How did he find his way here?"


    Wei Zhen wasn''t sure either, hesitating as he said, "Maybe it''s just a coincidence. It can''t be that just because a mute person shows up, it must be the young master."


    "I certainly hope he doesn''t say bad things about me to our little miss. That would cause me a lot of trouble. They''re already useless, unimportant. But our little miss is different. She''s now the only healthy person in Mr. Wei''s bloodline. She''s very important. I need her to inherit the estate and be infinitely close to us."


    "I understand, sir. I''ll keep an eye on him to confirm his identity."


    "ns change faster than we can anticipate," Wei Lin sighed on the other end of the phone. "Initially, I wanted you to intimidate an inexperienced young girl, so she''d listen to whatever you said."


    Wei Zhen smiled bitterly. "Now you want me to humble myself and beg her, to please her."


    "I''ll send you Wei Wenqing''s photo. Make sure to verify it."


    "Yes, sir!"


    After receiving the photo, Wei Zhen didn''t get a chance to verify it because he had to take Li Xiaoya to school.


    With heavy snow threatening to close off the mountain soon, the school organized a brief test before announcing the start of winter break.


    As Wei Zhen carried Li Xiaoya on his back on their way home, he suddenly asked, "Where are Miss Xu and Young Master Ning? I haven''t seen them."


    "They went back to the city."


    "Oh." Wei Zhen''s eyes flickered, momentarily entertaining the thought of simply carrying Li Xiaoya away.


    Just then, a rustling sound came from Li Xiaoya.


    Wei Zhen couldn''t help but ask, "What are you doing?"


    Li Xiaoya replied, "Adjusting the microphone."


    "Microphone?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    "Are you livestreaming now?"


    "Yes," Li Xiaoya answered innocently. "Is something wrong?"


    Wei Zhen immediately abandoned his idea. No wonder Sheng Yuxiao suddenly feltfortable letting him take Li Xiaoya alone!


    Countless eyes were watching him!


    "Why do you suddenly look unhappy?" Li Xiaoya asked softly.


    "No, it''s nothing."


    Wei Zhen didn''t realize that worse was yet toe.


    He finally arrived home with Li Xiaoya on his back.


    The mute man, Wei Wenqing, was sitting around the firece with Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao had told him that Li Xiaoya went to school and would be back soon, which helped Wei Wenqing rx a bit.


    As soon as Wei Zhen stepped through the door, he matched Wei Wenqing''s face with the photo.


    There was no doubt. It was the young master!


    He had actually found Li Xiaoya too!


    Wei Zhen suddenly felt the weight of his task increase. Not only did he have to find a way to coax Li Xiaoya, but he also had to be wary of Wei Wenqing.


    When Wei Zhen saw Wei Wenqing, Wei Wenqing also saw him.


    Wei Wenqing gestured, asking, "Who is he?"


    Sheng Yuxiao spoke up, "He''s asking who you are. Care to introduce yourself?"


    "My name is Wei Zhen," Wei Zhen forced out in a cold voice, while also coldly staring at Wei Wenqing.


    Upon hearing this name, Wei Wenqing''s entire body tensed up, his muscles almost involuntarily beginning to tremble.


    It was Wei Zhen!


    Wei Lin''s man!


    They hade to harm his sister''s child!


    Wei Wenqing was both angry and shocked, his teeth clenching audibly.


    Wei Zhen, seemingly oblivious to his reaction, deliberately took his time lowering Li Xiaoya from his back.


    Then, forcing a smile, he said to Li Xiaoya in a friendly tone, "I bought some snacks at the school store. Would you like to have some now?"


    Li Xiaoya replied, "Sure."


    Wei Zhen immediately opened his bag and started taking out the snacks.


    Li Xiaoya reached out to take them.


    Wei Wenqing was seething with rage, but unable to speak. He could only angrily tug at Sheng Yuxiao''s hand, trying to get him to intervene.


    Don''t eat it!


    Don''t eat anything he gives you!


    It might be poisoned!


    Just as Wei Wenqing was about to stand up and stop it himself...


    He heard Li Xiaoya say to Wei Zhen, "Alright, you can go feed the pigs now."


    Wei Zhen''s expression froze, the atmosphere he had carefully cultivated instantly shattered by the words "feed the pigs."


    Trying to salvage the situation, he said, "I think it would be better if I stayed by your side to take care of you."


    Li Xiaoya countered, "Are you not going to listen to me?"


    "Of course, of course I''ll listen to you..."


    "Then go quickly, you have a lot of work to do. After feeding the pigs, go up the mountain to chop firewood, and bring back some mushrooms and chestnuts. Do you know how to identify mushrooms? If not, ask someone. We have a guest, and we''ll use the mushrooms to make soup for him." Li Xiaoya rattled off in one breath.


    Wei Zhen: "..."


    Who was the mushroom soup for?


    For Wei Wenqing?


    It seemed he hadn''t had the chance to reveal his identity to Li Xiaoya yet.


    This was probably a good thing.


    "Hurry up," Li Xiaoya urged him.


    Wei Zhen reluctantly headed for the door.


    "Wait," Li Xiaoya called out to him again.


    Wei Zhen immediately stopped, harboring a glimmer of hope.


    Li Xiaoya said to him very seriously, "To be honest, I''m not happy with you because you look really ugly and scary. You might even frighten the pigs. You can''t scare my guest. So, smile."


    Wei Zhen''s expression froze. "S-smile?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded. "Yes."


    Wei Zhen painfully forced out a smile.


    "Okay, you can go now," Li Xiaoya waved her hand. "Still very ugly."


    Wei Zhen left, swallowing his pride.


    Only then did Li Xiaoya turn back to look at Wei Wenqing.


    Wei Wenqing was no longer as agitated as before. He sat there, stunned, watching Li Xiaoya act like a little adult, facing Wei Zhen without a hint of fear.


    Not only was she unafraid, but she alsomanded him with ease.


    It was as if all the schemes they deeply feared, represented by Wei Zhen and those behind him, weren''t so terrifying in the eyes of this child.


    Li Xiaoya met Wei Wenqing''s gaze and said, "Don''t be afraid, I''ll protect you."


    She paused, then said, "What should I call you? Uncle... right?"


    Wei Wenqing''s breath caught in his throat.


    Tears instantly welled up in his eyes.


    He forced his lips into an awkward smile.


    Then he nodded vigorously, again and again.


    Li Xiaoya had already removed her microphone. She crouched in front of him and said softly, "As long as we keep pretending not to know each other, he''ll keep trying to please me and be afraid of me. See? There''s nothing to worry about. Sheng Yuxiao says we should make Wei Line and beg me to go home. I think Sheng Yuxiao is right."


    She said, "Uncle, don''t cry anymore."


    Wei Wenqing''s lips trembled.


    More tears flowed.


    He had rushed here to protect her. It should have been him protecting her!


    He raised his hands to sign: "Before I came, I was so afraid. I was scared something had happened to you. I was also afraid you wouldn''t like me. Who would like a mute person?"


    He had been terrified that she would despise him.

 Chapter 60: Inheriting the Family Business

    <h4>Chapter 60</h4>


    Hearing his words, Sheng Yuxiao wanted to say that he was underestimating Li Xiaoya too much.


    But Li Xiaoya herself spoke first. She crouched in front of Wei Wenqing and said softly, "You are Mom''s family. Mom loves you, so I will love you too."


    Wei Wenqing let out a heavy sigh from his throat, then hugged Li Xiaoya tightly.


    The people he had encountered, whether old or young, always put their own interests first.


    The younger the children growing up in such an environment, the more cruel they seemed to be.


    The first word they learned in life was "dignity."


    Fortunately, he, an undignified person, was now epted.


    Wei Wenqing affectionately stroked Li Xiaoya''s hair, then released her and gestured again: "Uncle will love you too."


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "So it''s a happy thing."


    Yes, yes, it''s a happy thing! Wei Wenqing forced a smile.


    And so Wei Wenqing stayed temporarily.


    He shaved his beard and temporarily changed into Sheng Yuxiao''s clothes. Fortunately, although Sheng Yuxiao was young, he was tall, so the clothes fit well.


    Li Xiaoya also helped him treat the scrapes and bruises on his body.


    After washing up, the man''s appearancepletely changed.


    His features were soft, his demeanor clean. When he sat under the eaves, the wind and snow that brushed past his face seemed to slow their pace.


    The live stream audience now knew that the production team had picked up a homeless mute man outside.


    Some even joked, asking if the production team had be addicted to doing good deeds.


    At this moment, the camera focused on him, and viewers couldn''t help but exim:


    [Can a mute man be this good-looking?]


    [Good catch!]


    [Haha, it seems the young master Sheng doesn''t think so...]


    Wei Wenqing had finally found his sister''s orphaned child, and his familial affection had no outlet.


    When Li Xiaoya woke up tob her hair, he insisted on doing it for her.


    When Li Xiaoya drank water, he rushed to blow on it to cool it down.


    When Li Xiaoya walked to the threshold, before she could step out, he picked her up and ced her on the other side.


    [Sheng Yuxiao: I''ve confirmed it, he''speting with me for chores.]


    [He must hate the production team now]


    [But why is this man so attentive to Li Xiaoya?]


    [Maybe he once had a daughter of simr age, but she died of illness, his wife divorced him, and he cried himself hoarse in one night, bing a homeless person?]


    [This story sounds quite usible]


    Wei Wenqing thus entered the audience''s view in a particrly eye-catching manner.


    And the viewers hade up with wild spections about his identity and background.


    The show suddenly had another hot topic of discussion.


    It was precisely because of the audience''s wild spections that Wei Zhen temporarily let down his guard.


    Moreover, Christmas was approaching, followed by New Year''s Day, and then the Lunar New Year. No matter how cruel Sheng Yuxiao''s mother was, sending her son to this poor mountain vige for "reform," she wouldn''t be heartless enough to let the Sheng family''s only son spend the New Year outside, would she?


    By then, when Sheng Yuxiao leaves, Li Xiaoya would be able to leave with him.


    Wei Zhen didn''t know that the audience was alsomenting on him at this moment.


    [What is this guy sneakily thinking about?]


    [He doesn''t seem like a good person! He ims to be from Li Xiaoya''s mother''s family, but after all this time, we still haven''t seen any family members show up]


    [I''ve been saying it''s all scripted! You wouldn''t believe me! Even picking up a mute man is obviously scripted. I give up. It''s not even as interesting as Li Qingqing''s side]


    Li Qingqing, who was mentioned in thements, was just being led into the Xu family''s house by Sheng Jun at this moment.


    In the living room, Xu Ruying was chatting with her parents.


    "How is it? Isn''t she an interesting child?" Xu Ruying asked.


    Xu Ruying''s father, the eldest son of the Xu family, Xu Huishan, nodded repeatedly: "She is quite interesting."


    Sheng Jun stepped in and asked with a smile, "What are you discussing, brother?"


    Xu Huishan enthusiastically stood up to wee his brother-inw in, saying, "Ruying was just telling us about a child she met in Li Family Vige. Said she''s very insightful."


    "Li Xiaoya?"


    "Yes, you know her too?" Xu Huishan was surprised.


    Sheng Jun smiled as he sat down: "How could I not know? Yuxiao likes her very much. When Yuxiao was injured during the show''s filming, I went to visit him and happened to meet this Li Xiaoya."


    "Is this child really that exceptional?" Xu Huishan paused, then said, "Ruying even said that if we met her, we would definitely like her."


    Hearing this, Li Qingqing was shocked to her core.


    What? Xu Ruying had given such high praise?


    Even Xu Ruying had been easily won over by Li Xiaoya?


    "It''s hard to say. Children view things from a different perspective than we do," Sheng Jun said with a faint smile.


    Xu Ruying suddenly spoke up: "Uncle, why did you bring her here?"


    As she spoke, her gaze was fixed on Li Qingqing.


    Sheng Jun said, "She greatly admires your parents. You know how children are: it''s rare to find one eager to learn and improve. I thought it would be good for her to spend some time with your parents, learning about biology and zoology."


    The show was still being recorded, and when Sheng Jun said this, thements exploded with excitement.


    [They''re being so good to Li Qingqing?]


    [Ah, it''s so good to have rich people backing you up. Such a young child can already learn from top university professors!]


    The viewers were incredibly envious.


    But Li Qingqing couldn''t smile.


    She knew why Sheng Jun had brought her here. It was because she couldn''t give the exact time when Xu Ruying''s parents would have an ident. Sheng Jun hadn''t med her, only saying, "In that case, you should stay by their side until they avoid the ident."


    In other words, if they couldn''t avoid it, wouldn''t she have to die with them?


    Li Qingqing was full of unspoken bitterness.


    Just as she had pretended to admire Xu Qii before, now she had to continue pretending to greatly admire Xu Ruying''s parents.


    "Admire us?" Xu Huishan was even more surprised, "I thought children wouldn''t like this stuff. Ruying certainly doesn''t."


    In the past, Xu Ruying would have been furious hearing this.


    But now, thinking of what Li Xiaoya had said, Xu Ruying wasn''t angry anymore. She pouted and said, "I just don''t like it. Li Xiaoya really likes these things. In the future, let her be your student and apany you in your research."


    Xu Huishan gave her a strange look.


    They hadn''t argued today!


    Xu Ruying red back: "What are you looking at? I can grow up too. Although you always say I''m not like your daughter, I don''t get angry with you anymore."


    Sheng Jun smiled and said, "That''s better. We''re all family, why keep having disputes?"


    Xu Ruying nodded, then added, "But I think when the timees, you might not be able to have Li Xiaoya as your student."


    Xu Huishan was puzzled: "Why not?"


    "Because Sheng Yuxiao won''t allow it! You don''t know, Sheng Yuxiao is like, oh right, like a dragon guarding its treasure. He rarely lets others y with Li Xiaoya. He likes to teach Li Xiaoya himself, teaching English and even finance. Uncle''s whole set of skills, he''s nearly taught it all to Li Xiaoya," Xu Ruying said.


    Xu Ruying''s mother, Qiu Lan, couldn''t help but say, "He''s really treating her like family."


    Li Qingqing listened, her nails digging into her palms.


    Xu Ruying had no idea what she was thinking and continued, "Besides, even if Sheng Yuxiao doesn''t interfere, Li Xiaoya will probably go back to inherit some family business in the future, right?"


    Li Qingqing almost couldn''t hold back a sarcasticugh.


    Inherit the family business?


    What family business did Li Xiaoya have to inherit?

 Chapter 61: They Can’t Control Her

    <h4>Chapter 61</h4>


    Sheng Jun also asked this question: "Inheriting the family business?"


    Xu Ruying, who had been sitting on the arm of the sofa, slid down onto the seat. Seeing everyone staring at her, waiting for her to continue, Xu Ruying thought it was quite remarkable.


    She cleared her throat and continued, "Uncle, you don''t seem to care about Yuxiao''s show at all. Well, Li Xiaoya''s mother''s family has recentlye looking for her. They should be quite wealthy."


    "Oh? Her mother isn''t from around here?" Sheng Jun was surprised.


    "No. Her mother speaks Mandarin, is educated, and managed to give birth to such a beautiful and clever child as Li Xiaoya, so of course she''s not local. Her mother''s entire family are overseas Chinese," Xu Ruying thought it was like a movie plot, and she was fortunate enough to be part of it.


    "It depends on which era these overseas Chinese are from. Recent overseas Chinese aren''t worth much," Sheng Jun said.


    Xu Ruying smiled, "I asked Uncle about it. ording to him, their family fortune might not be inferior to the Sheng family''s."


    Sheng Jun was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "If your uncle says so, it''s probably true."


    Li Qingqing was already dumbfounded.


    What?


    That rich?


    Li Xiaoya''s mother''s family is that wealthy?


    In her previous life, there was nothing like this at all! No rtives ever came looking!


    Li Qingqing thought painfully, could it be that the pping of my butterfly wings changed the course of the plot?


    Was it me who brought all this to Li Xiaoya?


    The bulletments also exploded.


    [Is this official confirmation? It''s not a script, it''s real! And Li Xiaoya''s mother''s family is very rich!]


    [Not inferior to the Sheng family, wow, how rich must that be!]


    Qiu Lan curiously interjected, "Ruying, ording to what you''re saying, Li Xiaoya''s family went to the mountain vige to find her. Has she been taken away then?"


    Xu Ruying shook her head, "Not yet."


    Not wanting to voice her spections about the power struggle with the Wei family, she simply said, "Well, Sheng Yuxiao hasn''t finished recording the show yet, and Li Xiaoya stubbornly insists on staying to finish it with him."


    Hearing this, Li Qingqing felt a rush of blood to her head.


    Pretending!


    No wonder Li Xiaoya was so well-liked by them, she was too good at pretending! Even at a time like this, she could still act as if she was reluctant to leave, insisting on staying to record the show with Sheng Yuxiao!


    Wouldn''t a normal person choose to reunite with their rtives first?


    Li Xiaoya was simply overacting!


    Sheng Jun smiled at this point and said, "The little one is quite loyal."


    Qiu Lan also chimed in, "From what you''re saying, she does sound like an interesting child."


    "You don''t know how amazing Li Xiaoya is. She makes this delicious fried rice with eggs, and oh, there''s something else that will definitely shock you. Someone even gave Li Xiaoya 1% of theirpany shares..."


    Li Qingqing was shocked once again.


    Sheng Jun frowned slightly, "Did Sheng Yuxiao give it to her?"


    Xu Ruying waved her hand, "No, it was a localpany. To show their gratitude for Li Xiaoya''s contribution to their business, they voluntarily gifted her 1% of the shares. Despite her young age and growing up in a mountain vige, she''s now a shareholder, small as she may be."


    Xu Ruying sighed, "She''s even more impressive than me."


    [Holy crap! Is it that pharmaceuticalpany that gave her the shares?]


    [Li Xiaoya has really hit the jackpot! She''s not unfortunate at all. Ever since Sheng Yuxiao came to record the show, she''s been living her best life]


    [Indeed, even when recording shifted to Li Qingqing''s side, everyone''s still focused on Li Xiaoya.]


    "There''s no need topare yourself to others," Qiu Lan said.


    Xu Ruying suddenly smiled, "Yes, Li Xiaoya was absolutely right!"


    "About what?"


    "She said that no matter how good others might be, you and Dad would never let anyone else be your daughter. I''m irreceable."


    Qiu Lan smiled, "Mm, she''s right about that. This child... is truly perceptive."


    The family of three suddenly seemed harmonious.


    Sheng Jun stood up to leave, deliberately leaving Li Qingqing behind.


    The couple, Xu Huishan and Qiu Lan, didn''t object, thinking it wouldn''t hurt for the child to learn something.


    "There''s an assessment project, if you''re interested you cane along with us," Qiu Lan offered.


    Li Qingqing nodded stiffly.


    She thought to herself, surely she wouldn''t die so soon, right?


    Her stiffness was so obvious that even some viewers noticed.


    [Why does it seem like Li Qingqing isn''t happy at all?]


    [After all, the adults around her have changed to strangers again, and her grandfather is still in jail. How could she be happy?]


    Li Qingqing indeed couldn''t be happy.


    But on the other side, the atmosphere had changed.


    Several luxury cars slowly drove into Li Family Vige.


    The chief director noticed themotion and looked up to ask, "Is Ning Heng back? Or is it Xu Ruying?"


    The assistant director pondered for a moment, "Even if they were back, they have at most two bottoms between them. How could they fill so many cars?"


    Everyone thought the assistant director made a good point.


    "Then is it Li Xiaoya''s rtivesing in a fleet of cars to pick her up?"


    "Don''t know."


    While they were still specting, the cars had already drawn near, finally parking in a row on the open space in front of Li Xiaoya''s house.


    As soon as the car doors opened, someone jumped out, shouting, "Brother Sheng! We''vee to share in your hardships!"


    Led by this person, several others got out one after another, all wearing down jackets from Burberry, Brunello Cucinelli, Moncler, or at the very least, Prada.


    Without a doubt, they were all standard rich kids.


    This group of rich kids headed straight inside, not even bothering to nce at the production team.


    "Did you bring the things?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "We brought them, we brought everything. Ning Heng specifically made a list for us," they eagerly responded.


    "Then start bringing them in," Sheng Yuxiao said, then sat back down firmly next to Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya blinked in confusion, "They..."


    "They''re here to spend Christmas with us."


    These rich kids were the cream of the crop wherever they went, carrying a natural air of aggression, as if any ce could be their domain.


    They naturally started bringing things in.


    Christmas tree, oven, grill, half a cow, half a sheep, alcohol, candies...


    Wei Zhen saw this scene and felt a bit uneasy, "Young Master Sheng, don''t you n to go back to the city for the New Year?"


    "Go back to the city for what? Isn''t the New Year just about these things? How boring! We''ve decided to stay here with Brother Sheng this year!"


    "Without parents watching, it''s so damn free!"


    "Yeah, and we don''t have to be dragged around by our parents to pay New Year visits."


    Before Sheng Yuxiao could speak, the rich kids chimed in one after another.


    "I even brought snowboards. Once the snow piles up, we can go skiing."


    "If the road wasn''t so narrow, we could have driven our RVs in. Then Brother Sheng wouldn''t have to live in such a shabby house."


    Sheng Yuxiao gave a sidelong nce, "What are you saying? Do you know how to talk?"


    They cautiously looked at the little girl sitting next to Sheng Yuxiao.


    Beforeing, of course they had heard some news about Li Xiaoya.


    Someone quickly changed their tune, "The house may be shabby, but the people living in it are wonderful."


    Wei Wenqing sat on Li Xiaoya''s other side, silently taking in these people, also somewhat shocked.


    He gestured to ask Li Xiaoya, "Are they all his friends?"


    Li Xiaoya wasn''t very sure either, "I think so."


    "Is he the son of the Sheng family?"


    "Yes."


    The reputation of Sheng Corporation was such that even Wei Wenqing, who had been abroad, had heard of it.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s friends...


    "They must all be rich kids?"


    "Mm, seems like it." Like Ning Heng, right? Li Xiaoya thought.


    Wei Wenqing could barely contain his excitement and happiness. He patted Li Xiaoya''s head.


    Wei Lin could never control her!


    Even someone as picky as Father would probably like her, right?


    She only needed to sit here, and others would naturally gravitate towards her! Every person here would be part of herwork in the future! Even though her mother had been missing for many years, she could still easily enter high society!

 Chapter 62: The Hype Around Little Duckling Li is Too Much

    <h4>Chapter 62</h4>


    Li Xiaoya''s home had never been this lively before.


    "So many rich people!"


    "All of them are wealthy!"


    The vigers watched from afar, their eyes turning red with envy.


    "I wonder if Li Qingqing will meet so many rich people when she goes to the city to record the show?" They suddenly became curious.


    "The vige chief has held her back. Those rich people probably don''t want to associate with her."


    Their tone was somewhat gloating. After all, thinking that even the vige chief''s granddaughter couldn''t enjoy such treatment, they had nothing to be envious or jealous about.


    Li Song stood among the crowd, overhearing their entire conversation, and silently gritted his teeth.


    What do you know?


    Qingqing has already entered the world of the wealthy, naturally surpassing everything!


    "Haven''t you watched the show?" Li Song interjected.


    The vigers turned their heads at the sound, suddenly feeling extremely awkward.


    Although the vige chief had been arrested, his influence still lingered. Now that they''d been caught badmouthing someone behind their back... they shuddered involuntarily and forced out a smile, saying, "Oh, Brother Song is here. We''re sorry, we didn''t notice."


    "Qingqing must still be very likable, otherwise those rich people would have sent her back already, right?"


    "Yes, yes!"


    But there were also those who, seeing that the vige chief had finally fallen, couldn''t stand the arrogant attitude of Li Song''s family. So they said sarcastically, "Oh my, we''re so poor we can''t even afford a TV, of course we haven''t seen the show! Who knows what''s happening in the show now? Has Qingqing been adopted by some rich person?"


    Li Song cursed in his heart, "You opportunistic bastards! Even if you want to kiss Li Xiaoya''s feet now, they might not let you!"


    Li Song tried to appear nonchnt and said, "Oh, it''s nothing major. Remember that youngdy who came to our vige before? Her father is a professor at Qingbei University, the top university in the country. Her mother is a specially appointed expert at the Chinese Academy of Sciences."


    "Qingbei University! Chinese Academy of Sciences!" For these vigers, the most impressive things were money and getting into Qingbei!


    As for money, they didn''t even recognize many luxury brands.


    But Qingbei University, that was something everyone knew about!


    For this poor mountain vige, getting into Qingbei was something worth celebrating even if it meant your ancestors'' graves would sprout green smoke and your parents would drop dead on the spot as a sacrifice to the heavens!


    Li Song took in their shocked expressions and then continued casually, "Qingqing is only how old? Yet she''s fortunate enough to learn from these two academic giants. When they go out for field research, they might even take Qingqing along."


    "My goodness! Is that true?"


    "Brother Song, you and your wife really know how to raise a child! I''ve always said Qingqing would have a great future!"


    "This must be because your ancestral grave is in a good location! Brother Song, did you hire Old Man Wu from Ten Slopes to calcte the positioning when your grandfather was buried?"


    The vigers immediately became eager to please.


    After all, trying to curry favor with Li Xiaoya was one thing, and even if they seeded, Li Xiaoya might not share any benefits with them.


    But Li Qingqing was different. If their children could get a bit of the academic star''s blessing, wouldn''t that be a great thing for their family''s future glory?


    Li Song felt much better after being ttered like this.


    He thought disdainfully, "What does this have to do with ancestral graves? These people are just uncultured, always talking about fortune-telling! What kind of people they are, their children will be the same!"


    Li Song didn''t show any contempt on his face, and smoothly changed the subject, "With so many rich kidsing from the city, can Li Xiaoya''s house amodate them all?"


    The others also realized this and immediately expressed their envy and jealousy to Li Song: "They''ll probably stay at your house too, Brother Song."


    "That''s right, only Brother Song''s newly built Western-style house would befortable enough. Such great fortune should fall on Brother Song''s head!"


    "That youngdy from before also stayed at Brother Song''s house, right? She must have left some nice gifts when she left!"


    At the mention of Xu Ruying, Li Song''s expression almost cracked.


    Nice gifts?


    She left nothing!


    She left without even giving any money! He didn''t get anything good out of it!


    Clearly that Sheng Yuxiao was quite generous, so why was this Xu Ruying so stingy?


    Of course, Li Song couldn''t say these things out loud. He could only quietly digest them, and again pretended to be indifferent and carefree, turning to say, "Ah, the wind is still a bit cold. I''m going back to warm up by the fire."


    "Brother Song, tell us more about Qingqing learning from the Qingbei University professor. Will Qingqing stay in the city and note back in the future? Will she be able to go to Qingbei too?"


    The vigers hurriedly followed him.


    Meanwhile, at Li Xiaoya''s side, one of the rich kids couldn''t help but mutter, "Those vigers are finally gone. They kept staring at us earlier."


    "Like we were some kind of rare animals. How did you stand it, Sheng?"


    Sheng Yuxiao was puzzled: "They didn''t dare look at me."


    "..." "Sheng is truly Sheng! When will I learn to be like Sheng, able to repel countless people without saying a word?"


    "Stop the nonsense and go make dinner!" Sheng Yuxiao kicked the person.


    The person was confused: "Didn''t Ning Henge back and tell us that the kid called Li Xiaoya is really good at cooking?"


    Sheng Yuxiao looked at him: "Are you alright? Who''s going to eat food cooked by Li Xiaoya?"


    The person instinctively said: "We will!" Then, noticing Sheng Yuxiao''s death-like re, he shuddered: "You... you''ll eat it, Sheng? We''re... not worthy to eat it?"


    That must be what he means, he thought.


    Sheng Yuxiao said: "I don''t even have the heart to eat it."


    "Oh, okay, then we''ll go figure out how to cook." The rich kids exchanged nces and plunged into the kitchen.


    But they had many questions.


    "Bro, how do you use this stove?"


    "Why can''t I lift this pot?... Damn! It''s so heavy!"


    "Where are the power outlets? Where do I plug in my rice cooker?"


    Hearing this, Li Xiaoya was about to get up and help them, but Sheng Yuxiao grabbed her by the cor and pulled her back.


    "Why bother with them? Ten cobblers put together should be as good as one Zhuge Liang. If they can''t even manage to make a meal today, their parents should start nning to have another child."


    Sheng Yuxiao pressed Li Xiaoya down by the firece, then went out to hang things on the Christmas tree.


    After a while, when he came back.


    "Where''s the person?"


    Sheng Yuxiao looked around and found that Li Xiaoya had been taken away by someone again.


    He walked over with a dark face.


    That person was exining something to Li Xiaoya.


    "Look, you pull this wire over, connect it like this, then wrap it with tape, and it''s insted..."


    Sheng Yuxiao gritted his teeth: "Ling Yu! What are you teaching?"


    "I''m teaching her how to steal electricity... no, how to wire electricity," the rich kid called "Ling Yu" said halfway, then stopped abruptly, turned his head, and sheepishly called out, "Sheng."


    "Sheng, this isn''t my fault. It''s mainly because we couldn''t find any power outlets here, so we had to figure out how to wire electricity ourselves," Ling Yu quickly exined.


    "Then why are you teaching her? Do you know how dangerous this is?" Sheng Yuxiao''s tone was icy.


    "I... I just wanted to show off in front of the kid, you know?" Ling Yu''s voice grew smaller.


    "Get lost!"


    Another rich kid quietly put away his snowboard.


    This skill meant nothing among a group of rich kids. He had also wanted to show off in front of the child, but now he didn''t dare.


    With so many people, there were bound to be more annoying things.


    Li Xiaoya''s once peaceful home had turned into something like the Flower Fruit Mountain, with everyone jumping around.


    However, thanks to these rich kids'' extensive camping and outdoor cooking experience, they still managed to put together a meal.


    As evening approached, they set up a door panel as a table.


    Candles were lit on the left, several bottles of Roman��e-Conti were ced on the right, and the tableware was Christofle, used by European royalty...


    The production team was stunned.


    The audience was also stunned.


    [Such a shabby ce, yet so luxurious at the same time]


    [Good, good, good! Using a broken door panel as a table, but still insisting on creating an upper-ss atmosphere? The contrast is off the charts!]


    As the dishes were sessively ced on the table, the rich kids were still smacking their lips and sighing: "It feels no different from the summer camp in Australia."


    "This should be called a winter camp, right?"


    "Ah yes, winter camp."


    "Come,e, Sheng, please take the seat of honor."


    Sheng Yuxiao walked out and casually scooped up Li Xiaoya, cing her in the main seat.


    [He''s not surprised at all!]


    [Haha, those rich kids are dumbfounded]


    They were indeed stunned, pointing at Li Xiaoya and stammering, "This... this..."


    Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is there a problem?"


    "No, no problem."


    "Li Xiaoya has never celebrated Christmas before. Who wants to exin it to her?" Sheng Yuxiao tilted his chin up.


    [Damn! That''s so considerate. Li Xiaoya doesn''t need to worry about being out of her depth at all. So what if she hasn''t seen much of the world? So what if she doesn''t even know what Christmas is? The rich kids will enthusiastically exin it anyway!]


    "Uh, it''s like New Year''s abroad," the rich kids stammered in exnation.


    Because they had never imagined that one day they would need to exin this to someone.


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned, "Have you not read enough fairy tales? How can you exin it without any sense of childlike wonder?"


    Sheng Yuxiao cleared his throat and began to exin himself, "Legend has it that on Christmas Day, Santa us rides on reindeer, puts gifts for the new year in stockings, and secretly hides them at the bedsides of good children..."


    [Young Master Sheng is quite ceremonious]


    [I suddenly have a premonition]


    [What kind of premonition?]


    Li Xiaoya quickly finished an extremely lively meal.


    Sheng Yuxiao patted Li Xiaoya and urged, "Go wash your face, brush your teeth, and go to bed. Children shouldn''t stay upte."


    Li Xiaoya asked, "What about you?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "I''ll chat with them for a while."


    Li Xiaoya nodded, thinking that Sheng Yuxiao must not have seen his friends for a long time, so she obediently went to wash her face, brush her teeth, and go to bed, leaving ample space for them.


    Wei Wenqing and the young people had nothing to say either, so he apanied Li Xiaoya to bed.


    The door closed.


    The rich kids asked, "Brother Sheng, say something. Didn''t you want to chat with us?"


    "What chat? Where are the things I asked you to bring?"


    "We brought them, they''re in the car."


    "Alright, let''s go."


    Sheng Yuxiao got in the car and fiddled around for about ten minutes, then a "Santa us" walked out.


    [Oh my!]


    [Ah, my premonition came true. I knew he was setting all this up, going to the trouble of telling Li Xiaoya the story, just for this moment!]


    [Ah, I''m so jealous! Even my own parents wouldn''t go to this extent!]


    [He''s not only creating childlike wonder for Li Xiaoya, but also personally protecting her innocence! I''m so jealous I could burst!]


    Sheng Yuxiao had dressed himself up as Santa us, dragging arge sack beside him.


    He looked around and said, "We''re missing some reindeer."


    The rich kids immediately became panicked: "Brother Sheng? You''re not going to make me be a reindeer, are you?"


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled, "How could it just be you? We need at least two reindeer to make it impressive."


    One person dressed as a reindeer might somewhat tarnish a young master''s face.


    But with two people, it was a different story.


    With the mentality of sharing hardships and dying together if need be, treating it as a team-building exercise... two reindeer were soon on duty.


    Li Xiaoyay in bed, turning over. She was still wearing Sheng Yuxiao''s hat, which was very big. When she turned over, it slid down and covered her eyes.


    Just as Li Xiaoya was about to push up the brim of the hat, the door creaked open.


    As they entered, the two reindeer wondered if they might scare her...


    But when they stepped inside, they saw the little girl sit up suddenly, her eyes wide.


    Her eyes were very beautiful, and when they widened, they looked innocent and adorable.


    Sheng Yuxiao, apanied by the two "reindeer," walked grandly to Li Xiaoya''s side in the moonlight.


    He patted Li Xiaoya''s head, then spoke a sentence in English.


    The gist was, "My good child, you will receive the New Year''s blessing."


    Then he threw the entire sack of gifts at Li Xiaoya''s feet.


    The whole process was smooth as silk.


    Sheng Yuxiao threw the gifts and left, but as they were going out, the two reindeer''s bottoms hit the doorframe.


    They nearly knocked down the already battered doorframe.


    Once outside, they finally dared to catch their breath: "Wait a minute, Brother Sheng, isn''t Santa us born in Santa us Vige in Find? You should have spoken Finnish just now!"


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned, "Li Xiaoya didn''t pick on it, why are you?"


    Inside the room.


    Li Xiaoya stared nkly at the sack for a good while before carefully reaching out to open it.


    Instantly, numerous colorfully wrapped gifts were revealed.


    Wei Wenqing was also awakened by thismotion. He sat up, stared at the sack, and instantly understood everything...


    Wei Wenqing was immediately filled with shame.


    He had been outdone!


    He had never had much contact with children and had never thought about how to coax them.


    And now, Sheng Yuxiao acted more like a real uncle than he did!


    Wei Wenqing couldn''t sleep well that night. The next day, when he got up and the signnguage interpreter arrived, he immediately started signing to Li Xiaoya.


    The interpreter tranted word for word: "I''m sorry, uncle forgot to prepare a gift for you. ... When we get back, can uncle give you the Christmas holiday resort? There''s a ski center there, you can soak in hot springs, see the aurora..."


    The signnguage interpreter became dumbfounded as he tranted.


    What?


    What???


    What kind of people are these? How can they just give away holiday resorts so casually?


    Li Xiaoya was also stunned.


    From her uncle''s previous tone, he seemed to have had a miserable time at home and wasn''t recognized by her grandfather.


    Wei Wenqing continued to sign: "What else do you like? Tell uncle! Uncle will fulfill all your wishes!"


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but tilt her head.


    Her uncle''s pitiful state seemed... quite different from what she had imagined?


    Seeing Li Xiaoya not saying anything for a long time, Wei Wenqing lowered his head dejectedly.


    He really wasn''t good at coaxing children after all.


    Perhaps he should learn from that Sheng Yuxiao?


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya hugged him, then took out paper and pen, and wrote on it: Uncle be happy every day.


    Then she handed the note to Wei Wenqing and said, "Let me give uncle a gift first!"


    She didn''t have many things of her own.


    She couldn''t give away what Sheng Yuxiao had given her. She did have some candy, but if Sheng Yuxiao saw it, he would definitely be very unhappy.


    Li Xiaoya felt a bit guilty, thinking, Uncle, I''ll be better to you in the future! But I can''t share the candy with you.


    Wei Wenqing clutched the note, taking a while toe back to his senses.


    Then he happily and carefully tucked it into his pocket, signing: "The best gift I''ve ever received!"


    He thought the holiday resort wasn''t enough!


    Could he transfer a diamond mine to her name?


    Li Xiaoya didn''t know what he was thinking, but anyway, uncle and niece looked at each other, both very happy.


    Only Wei Zhen couldn''t be happy.


    He called Wei Lin again, opening with: "We can''t win Li Xiaoya over anymore."


    "Why do you say that?"


    "A bunch of rich kids came to celebrate Christmas with her. Having experienced such grandeur, what could move her when she returns home in the future? Sheng Yuxiao treats her just like his own little sister!"


    Wei Zhen couldn''t help feeling desperate, the scar on his face twitching slightly.


    He said hoarsely, "How can someone who has experienced true affection be moved by false pretenses?"


    Wei Lin finally realized that the situation hadpletely spiraled out of control. He said sternly, "I''ll personally bring people to bring her back to the Wei family!"


    Wei Lin thought for a moment and said, "I''ll make an even grander gesture."


    "Those rich kids'' gesture was grand enough," Wei Zhen reminded him.


    Wei Lin thought for a bit and said, "I can do something even grander."


    "Even grander?"


    "How about overturning the entire Li Family Vige?"

 Chapter 63: Ning Heng’s "Little Duck"

    <h4>Chapter 63</h4>


    While Li Family Vige was celebrating Christmas, on the other side, Ning Heng flew to France.


    Xu Qii had just sat down when a waiter came over and said, "Someone is looking for you, iming to be your son''s friend. Their surname is Ning."


    Xu Qii guessed it was Ning Heng, but wasn''t he supposed to be filming a show in Li Family Vige?


    "I''ll go see them," Xu Qii said as she went to the reception room.


    When she saw who it was, she was shocked.


    The young man sitting in the reception room was wrapped in a filthy leather jacket, covered in ck, white, and gray mud stters. The jacket was bulging underneath, with unknown objects stuffed inside.


    He looked like he had just been caught shoplifting, beaten up, and then ran here.


    "How did you end up here?" Xu Qii frowned and asked, "Were you robbed?"


    Ning Heng looked up, revealing a pair of bright eyes: "Auntie! I brought my artwork to exhibit!"


    Ning Heng made a pitiful face: "My parents don''t believe me. They say I must have painted another nude man and that my art should stay far away from them. It''s too offensive..."


    "So you came to see me because..."


    "Auntie! You''re a pir of the art world! Please, please take me to exhibit with you!"


    After all, he was her son''s friend, and the Ning family had a good rtionship with the Sheng family. Xu Qii said diplomatically, "Isn''t it easy for you to exhibit?"


    "I know what you mean. The exhibitions where you can just pay to get in, or the ones that wee me happily because of my parents or my cousin. Those exhibitions aren''t legitimate! Anyone can get in, I don''t want that!" Ning Heng said resolutely.


    Xu Qii: "..."


    You want to be in a legitimate exhibition, but the legitimate ones don''t want you.


    Ning Heng continued talking to himself: "Auntie, I know the Louvre has organized a big exhibition recently. As a special guest, you have the qualification to rmend works... Please look at mine, please!"


    As he spoke, he suddenly opened his leather jacket like a sher on the street.


    Xu Qii''s mouth twitched, about to turn away, but her gaze suddenly froze.


    "This thing... you made it?"


    "Yes, Auntie! I worked day and night, no technique, all emotion!"


    "The technique is not bad either. Which teacher did your father hire for you?"


    "Dai Yufan and Chen Zao."


    "Both top-tier masters." Xu Qii stood up. "Come with me. ...By the way, what''s your work called?"


    "''Little Duck.''"


    "What?" Xu Qii was stunned for a moment.


    "It''s called ''Little Duck.''"


    "The name and the work... don''t seem rted."


    "But isn''t naming the artist''s freedom?"


    "...Right." Xu Qii nodded slightly. "Go take a shower first."


    Ning Heng was touched: "Auntie, you''re like a real mother to me!" Then he happily followed Xu Qii to the suite.


    The waiter behind them couldn''t help but mutter: "So it really was young master Ning! We almost threw him out thinking he was crazy..."


    The next day, an international art exhibition named "Lively" opened at the Louvre.


    Works by Vermeer and M were also on disy, representing the ssical style.


    Among the emerging artists, Xu Qii was at the forefront.


    Multiple famous artists and works attracted the attention of many art lovers, and even the media flocked to the event.


    Ning Heng was aplete neer among them, and he even encountered his teachers when entering the exhibition hall.


    As soon as they saw him, his teachers instinctively pretended not to know him and walked away.


    Xu Qii asked in confusion: "Aren''t they your teachers?"


    Ning Heng, not at all embarrassed, said: "Oh, they told me to never say I''m their student when I go out. They can''t bear the shame."


    Xu Qii: "..." "How terrible were your previous works?"


    "Not... not that bad?"


    Xu Qii was truly kind to Ning Heng; she gave him the center position at her exhibition booth.


    This unusual behavior quickly attracted a lot of attention.


    First, the media came over, trying to figure out the reason for this anomaly.


    Then Ning Heng''s teachers came over.


    Ning Heng''s teachers could be considered world-ss artists. They came over with the intention of not letting Ning Heng embarrass them. But as they moved, the media followed.


    Why did those two teachers go there?


    What was so special about that spot?


    More and more people gathered around.


    �� Ning Heng became an overnight sensation at the art exhibition.


    By the third day of the art exhibition, Ning Heng''s work had been bid up to ten million dors.


    A young artist from Hua Country gaining such high attention at a Louvre exhibition was certainly a matter of national pride. When the news reached home, it immediately trended on social media.


    At a time like this, Ning Heng should have stayed in France for media interviews, but he suddenly flew back home.


    "Good news shouldn''t be heard by just me alone."


    "Mm, you should tell your parents."


    "No, no, not telling them. I''m going to Li Family Vige!"


    Xu Qii thought for a moment. Had her son and Ning Heng''s rtionship reached this level?


    It shouldn''t have.


    Xu Qii remembered: "''Little Duck,'' is it Li Xiaoya?"


    Ning Heng turned back in surprise: "You know?"


    So it really was.


    "Your inspiration..."


    "Came from her!" Ning Heng said emphatically.


    Xu Qii tilted her head, suddenly feeling curious about meeting Li Xiaoya too.


    "I''ll go to Li Family Vige with you."


    "What?" Now it was Ning Heng''s turn to be shocked.


    At this time, Wei Lin had just finished dealing with his affairs.


    Wei Xuanming was a very traditional person. After falling ill, he returned to Hua Country, wanting to return to his roots. But their family had left the country long ago, and now to find where their ancestral grave was located would require tracing back their origins.


    Wei Lin said he was going to search for their ancestors on behalf of his master, and left temporarily.


    The stretched Lincoln and Rolls-Royce thus drove into the small county town.


    Before entering Li Family Vige, Wei Lin specifically went to meet with the local police.


    Meanwhile, Xu Qii and the Ning family''s cars were also on the road.


    "Sir, why are there other luxury cars on the road?" Wei Lin''s assistant asked in confusion.


    Wei Lin frowned and sighed: "Such a backwater ce has be so popr. Our little miss is really something!"


    The assistant didn''t dare to respond after hearing this.


    Li Family Vige was once again in an uproar.


    The vigers watched in amazement as several luxury cars drove towards Li Xiaoya''s house...


    "Why are more peopleing?"


    "Howe there are so many rich people?"


    "Brother Song, Brother Song, do you know what''s going on?"


    "There''s more, look, those are county police cars behind."


    "There are police cars, they''re noting to arrest someone again, are they?"


    Arrest someone?


    Li Song''s eyes lit up, suddenly interested. He immediately tookrge strides forward.


    The crowd moved towards that direction,menting as they went: "Oh my, the road is so crowded. I never thought our vige would one day not have enough space for luxury cars to park..."


    What was Li Xiaoya doing at this time?


    She was sitting by the fire, warming herself.


    The rich kids were glumly helping to scoop manure, to prevent the manure pit from freezing over.


    After finishing one round of fertilizing the fields, someone suddenly realized: "Damn, didn''t we bring money? Can''t we just use money to hire local vigers to help Li Xiaoya fertilize the fields?"


    "..."


    "That would work, but Sheng said the vigers here aren''t very nice. They used to bully Li Xiaoya a lot, so we shouldn''t give them money even if we have it."


    "If we can''t hire local vigers, we can hire people from the neighboring vige!"


    "Shit, you''re right! Why didn''t we think of this earlier?"


    "Isn''t it because our brains are frozen?"


    "How did Li Xiaoya get through winters here in previous years? I feel like my brain stops working as soon as it''s below zero."


    The rich kids dejectedly sniffed their clothes.


    [Young masters who normally eat with royal cutlery are actually obediently helping to scoop manure.]


    [Hrious, this show might as well be renamed "Happy Comedy People".]


    [Thanks, I can briefly stop hating the rich today.]


    As they were talking, the sound of cars approaching could be heard.


    The police got out first, quickly ran to Li Xiaoya, and said in a low voice: "Are you Li Xiaoya? Your rtives havee to find you!"


    The police officer paused, then said solemnly: "ording to your rtives'' description, your mother was very likely trafficked to Li Family Vige. We will now strictly supervise this case!"


    [Holy crap?]


    [The police have confirmed it! It really was trafficking!]


    The vigers approached and happened to overhear this conversation.


    Li Song''s expression instantly became extremely strange.

 Chapter 64: Everyone is coming to Lijia Village

    <h4>Chapter 64</h4>


    Li Xiaoya was still clutching a sweet potato in her hand.


    Unconsciously, she squeezed it, and the roasted sweet potato immediately crumbled.


    Wei Wenqing was even more agitated, his face turning grim as he abruptly stood up.


    Sheng Yuxiao wasn''t faring any better. He strode out from the inner room, holding a cup of water with milk he had just prepared for Li Xiaoya.


    With a solemn face, he said, "Oh? A rtive hase? Who is it?"


    "It''s me!" Wei Lin shouted as he got out of the car.


    The vigers immediately craned their necks, examining this man with curiosity and intrigue.


    Wei Lin was quite different from Wei Zhen.


    Wei Lin wore a suit with an overcoat, dressed impably. He had a square face exuding righteousness, giving people a strong sense of reliability.


    He looked exactly like the stereotypical rich person from TV dramas.


    The vigers were instantly struck by hismanding presence.


    Wei Lin quickly walked up, politely greeting, "Young Master Sheng."


    Then he crouched down, speaking to Li Xiaoya in a warm tone, "Xiaoya, I''m your grandfather''s godson. You can call me uncle."


    Wei Wenqing''s face grew even darker, wishing he could grab the stove beside him and smash it into Wei Lin''s face.


    Uncle?


    He was Xiaoya''s uncle!


    Wei Lin was nothing!


    Just a wolf in sheep''s clothing!


    Wei Lin''s eyes reddened, not noticing Wei Wenqing.


    His gaze was entirely fixed on Li Xiaoya.


    She was so beautiful...


    Even hidden away in this remote vige, a pearl was still a pearl... Those powerful genes were truly enviable.


    "Your grandfather is in poor health and couldn''te here to pick you up himself. Uncle hase to take you home for a family reunion," Wei Lin said, then let out a painful whimper.


    "Xiaoya, your mother, your mother, is she already..." Wei Lin continued, his voice choked with emotion.


    Wei Wenqing''s blood boiled, anger burning through him.


    Since arriving at Li Xiaoya''s home and finding only her left... he had more or less guessed his sister''s fate.


    So he hadn''t asked Li Xiaoya anymore.


    He didn''t want to bring up her sadness, nor did he want to immerse himself in pain.


    But Wei Lin, as soon as he arrived, immediately brought up this matter.


    He didn''t care at all whether a child who had lost her mother would be upset...


    He didn''t care about rubbing salt in all their wounds!


    "Yes, mom is dead. She''s been dead for a long time," Li Xiaoya finally spoke.


    The audience was on the verge of tears.


    But unexpectedly...


    [How can Li Xiaoya still be so calm?]


    Not only was Li Xiaoya calm, but she also softly asked Wei Lin, "Are you very sad?"


    "Of course..."


    "Then go kowtow to mom," Li Xiaoya said, stepping aside to make way for him.


    Wei Lin''s expression almost froze.


    Ask him to kowtow?


    He had only ever kowtowed to the old man in his life!


    Li Xiaoya''s tone was light, "Go on, mom has been waiting for you all for so long. Go talk to mom."


    [Li Xiaoya''s attitude is so strange]


    [+1, isn''t this man her uncle? It''s weird for an uncle to kowtow to her mother]


    Wei Lin wiped the corner of his eye and slowly stood up, saying, "Alright, I''ll go and have a word with your mother."


    Wei Wenqing, on the other hand, almostughed out loud with satisfaction.


    Yes!


    He should kowtow to his sister!


    Wei Lin walked in, and halfway through, he finally noticed Wei Wenqing.


    Wei Lin''s steps faltered, but he still covered his face in grief, not rushing to greet Wei Wenqing.


    When he finally reached the inside, Wei Lin said painfully, "Did you and your mother live in a ce like this?"


    "Yes."


    "Your mother suffered too much, endured too much hardship..." Wei Lin covered his face and began to cry.


    Li Xiaoya struggled to pull out arge box.


    Seeing this, Sheng Yuxiao immediately came forward to help pull it out.


    After the box was pulled out, Li Xiaoya carefully took something out from inside.


    As the camera panned, everyone was stunned.


    [Damn! Damn! She''s truly a top-tier beauty!]


    [Is this Li Xiaoya''s mother? She''s so incredibly beautiful.]


    [Ah, those traffickers deserve to die!]


    What Li Xiaoya was holding was the only photograph left of her mother.


    That photograph was once a group photo.


    It was her mother and father''s wedding photo.


    After her mother died and her father ran away, Li Xiaoya had cut the photo.


    She buried her father''s part in her grandmother''s grave.


    Her mother''s photo had been hidden in the box all this time, always hidden...


    "You can kowtow now," Li Xiaoya said.


    Wei Lin''s pupils contracted.


    The photo was of poor quality, and the indoor lighting was dim, which gave the person in the photo an indescribable ghostly quality.


    He steadied himself and actually knelt down before the photo, kowtowing and crying out, "I''m toote, I''m still toote..."


    Wei Wenqing watched this scene, feeling both satisfied and chilled to the bone.


    Wei Lin was really willing to lower himself.


    And it was precisely because of this that he had always maintained his act so well. No one could expose his hypocritical face!


    He really wanted to tear off his mask in front of the camera... Wei Wenqing''s chest heaved as he barely suppressed the surging emotions in his heart.


    Inparison, Li Xiaoya seemed much more emotionally stable.


    After Wei Lin finished kowtowing, Li Xiaoya asked him again, "Have you all been thinking about mom?"


    "Of course, child. After your mother went missing, your grandfather immediately fell ill, and your aunt went mad..."


    [My God! How could it be so tragic?]


    [Ah, Li Xiaoya, go back quickly, reunite quickly!]


    "What about you?" Li Xiaoya continued to ask.


    "Of course, I also..."


    [Uh, now that you mention it, this uncle looks a bit too spirited, doesn''t really seem like someone who''s lost a sister]


    It was only then that Li Xiaoya finally began to shed tears slowly, saying, "You''ve all remembered mom all this time, right?"


    "After mom died, I was very scared. The vigers wouldn''t let anyone mention mom. Grandpa burned all of mom''s things. Only I still remembered mom..."


    Wei Lin''s breath hitched, then he quickly pulled Li Xiaoya into his arms, "They were too cruel! They will receive their due punishment!"


    Li Xiaoya closed her eyes, tears falling like pearls onto Wei Lin''s shoulder.


    Li Xiaoya thought to herself, you''re too cruel as well.


    Will you also receive your due punishment?


    The vigers watched this scene of family reunion, their gazes flickering constantly, and soon dispersed.


    When they had walked far enough away, they finally muttered, "What trafficking? Nonsense."


    "Yeah. When your daughter marries into my family, I give you a thousand yuan as bride price. How is that trafficking?"


    "These city people just meddle too much!"


    "Does this mean Li Xiaoya''s grandpa is going to eat bullets now?"


    Xu Qii sat in the car, staring at the retreating figures of the vigers, her brows gradually furrowing.


    After a while.


    She turned her gaze back, only to see Ning Heng sitting beside her with reddened eyes.


    Ning Heng clutched her chest and said, "Sigh, Li Xiaoya and her mother have suffered so much... I feel like I''m having another burst of creative inspiration."


    Xu Qii: "..."


    Meanwhile, Wei Lin was still saying, "Come on,e with uncle. When you go back, you''ll be able to see where your mother used to live... That ce is full of memories of her."


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, "I''m scared."


    Wei Lin paused, asking, "What are you afraid of?"


    "That ce is mom''s home, but it''s unfamiliar. So I''m afraid."


    "Don''t be afraid. Uncle, and many others, will all be good to you..."


    "Really?" Li Xiaoya looked at him with tear-filled eyes.


    Wei Lin knew he couldn''t hesitate.


    So he nodded firmly and said, "Really!"

 Chapter 65: Ning Heng Can’t Hold It Anymore

    <h4>Chapter 65</h4>


    At this moment, the police officer handed over several sheets of paper. Although his expression remained serious, a hint of sympathy appeared in his eyes.


    "We''ll bring the relevant individuals in for questioning as soon as possible. Some details might need your help to recall and fill in. Little one, can you do that?" the police officer asked, crouching down.


    Li Xiaoya nodded slightly, only saying four words: "I remember everything."


    The police officer asked in surprise: "What do you remember? Did your mother ever tell you that she wasn''t from here?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded again.


    [Oh my god, did she know everything all along?]


    [Uh, why didn''t she report it to the police?]


    Thementers quickly realized they had asked a stupid question.


    The police officer also asked: "Did you try to ask for help from people around you?"


    Li Xiaoya''s face was still covered in tears, but her tone was calm in a way that didn''t seem childlike. She said softly: "Can''t ask for help, mom said so."


    The police officer took a deep breath: "I understand... It''s not a single perpetrator, it''s a group crime. You couldn''t be sure if the person you asked for help might be an aplice."


    Li Xiaoya only said: "Don''t trust anyone, that''s what mom taught me too."


    When she was very young, she didn''t quite understand what this meant.


    Later, as she grew a little older and saw all kinds of people in the vige, she understood.


    And now, she understood even more.


    It turned out that her mother''s words didn''t just refer to the vigers, but also to people like Wei Lin.


    The police officer sighed, not knowing what to say for a moment.


    It was extremely quiet both inside and outside the room.


    [I don''t know what to say...]


    [She''s young, but she understands a lot. Yet she can''t say anything, because she doesn''t know if she''s facing a wolf in sheep''s clothing]


    [Does anyone remember when the show first aired, everyone was saying Li Xiaoya liked to lie and steal? Doesn''t that narrative seem terrifying now?]


    [Damn! Once that perception is established in the public mind, no one would believe anything Li Xiaoya says! If her rtives hadn''te looking for her, her mother would never have been able to clear her name!]


    [It''s so scary, too scary. At that point, wouldn''t they be able to say whatever they wanted about her?]


    [I''ve been saying all along that there''s something very wrong with this vige! Really wrong! The so-called public perception of Li Xiaoya being a bad child was just their preemptive measure to cover up their crimes.]


    [All I can say is, thank goodness for Sheng Yuxiao]


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned deeply, also thinking about this issue - thankfully he hade here.


    What if on the day he arrived, he hadn''t met Li Xiaoya?


    What if he hadn''t been unable to sleep due to the unfamiliar vige environment, gotten up, and identally overheard the conversation between the vige chief and his son...


    What would have happened to Li Xiaoya?


    Would she have beenpletely overwhelmed by their willful nder?


    "Your mother... was really a very good mother," the police officer finally managed to say after a long pause.


    He felt unable to look at the expression on Li Xiaoya''s face any longer and hurriedly said: "Don''t be afraid, you have rtives now. Those bad people will be brought to justice soon!"


    With that, the police officer walked out and called to his team: "Let''s go!"


    [Are they going to make arrests?]


    [Li''s grandfather has already been arrested, and the vige chief is still in custody. Who else is left?]


    "I should have known they were all bastards, not a single good one among them..." Sheng Yuxiao said coldly. "The money the show gave you shouldn''t have been returned to them either. Your father had already run away, why should you bear this debt?"


    Li Xiaoya said: "It''s not like that. Aunt Man and the others aren''t that bad. If they were really bad people, they wouldn''t have been tricked out of their money. They''re the ones who trick others out of money."


    [Damn, that makes sense!]


    "Aunt Man doesn''t have a good life either. She used to advise my mom to ept her current life, and mom didn''t get angry with her. Mom said Aunt Man just hadn''t seen other possibilities in life, and this was the only path she could think of..."


    "Just because Aunt Man couldn''t help me doesn''t mean she''s a bad person."


    "There are others in the vige like Aunt Man. They would drink pesticide if they lost 800 yuan. Money is very important to them. If we can return it to them, we should."


    Sheng Yuxiao sighed and said nothing more.


    [Li Xiaoya''s mom really raised her well. Despite suffering humiliation and pain herself, she could still see the hardships of others]


    [I remember now, the one who ran to the school to say her pigsty had copsed, that was Aunt Man, right?]


    [Thank goodness there are still people like Aunt Man. Otherwise, just thinking about Li Xiaoya''s growing up process, where everyone she met was full of malice, is too terrifying and painful.]


    Outside the door, the rich kids stood there in shock.


    They still didn''t quite understand why, in Li Xiaoya''s words, some people would drink pesticide if they lost 800 yuan.


    They just felt an overwhelming sense of shock.


    From Li Xiaoya''s background to every word she spoke... it was all so shocking.


    It was a world they had never encountered before.


    "Xiaoya,e with your uncle now, don''t stay in this terrible ce any longer! Just thinking about the hardships you''ve endured makes it unbearable for your uncle..." Wei Lin, who had been looking down, finally raised his head again.


    Sheng Yuxiao instinctively felt dissatisfied and wanted to say, what''s the rush?


    But then he thought, this really is a terrible ce.


    He had no legal rtionship with Li Xiaoya and couldn''t legally take her away. Wei Lin, however, could naturally take her out of Li Family Vige.


    So Sheng Yuxiao frowned but said nothing.


    Wei Wenqing clenched his fingers tightly, not speaking up to stop them.


    Of course Xiaoya should go back...


    It wasn''t bad that Wei Lin was begging her to return.


    "Xiaoya, trust your uncle. Once we''re back home, everything will be fine. You can trust your rtives without worry, you don''t have to live such a hard life anymore..." Wei Lin said emotionally.


    Li Xiaoya slowly ced her hand in his palm.


    She would have to part ways with Sheng Yuxiao...


    But she had more important things to do.


    She needed to tell her mother that she had left the mountains, that her mother could rest in peace now.


    She would grow up bit by bit, she would be capable, she would fill in her mother''s scars, she would protect her mother''s rtives...


    Li Xiaoya nodded firmly and said: "Take mom back with us."


    Wei Lin said: "Of course, of course we''ll take her back with us."


    Wei Lin immediately turned and had his assistant arrange for the grave to be moved.


    "Let''s go," Wei Lin took the initiative to hold Li Xiaoya''s hand.


    Li Xiaoya frowned slightly but didn''t pull away.


    Sheng Yuxiao still couldn''t help but say: "If you don''t mind, I''d like to apany Xiaoya to your home."


    Wei Lin''s attitude towards him was much more polite but cold: "I''m sorry, Young Master Sheng, but our master is in poor health and doesn''t want unnecessary people disturbing him. We just want to have a quiet family reunion."


    Sheng Yuxiao cursed inwardly: To hell with your family reunion!


    What kind of family reunion is this for you?


    "Sheng Yuxiao." At this moment, Xu Qii had just gotten out of the car.


    "Whoa? Why is auntie here?" The rich kids were startled.


    Then they quickly changed their words: "I didn''t just say ''whoa''! I didn''t mean it like that, auntie!"


    Xu Qii had a cold demeanor. She only nodded slightly to the group of rich kids before looking at her son.


    But it was precisely because of her coldness that the rich kids felt relieved.


    It was best if the elder didn''t pay attention to them.


    "Mom?" Sheng Yuxiao inside the door was also stunned, "Why are you here?"


    Ning Heng quickly squeezed forward: "Me, me, me, I came with auntie. Auntie wanted to meet Xiaoya."


    Xu Qii looked at Li Xiaoya and reached her hand back.


    Xu Qii''s driver immediately stepped forward and handed her something.


    "I brought you a wee gift," Xu Qii said.


    Li Xiaoya looked up at her.


    It was as if her brain had been struck by a sudden impact.


    Without a doubt, Xu Qii was also a great beauty.


    In a child''s eyes, there''s a natural affinity for older women who look simr.


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes immediately turned red, and her breathing quickened for a moment.


    Then she carefully took the wee gift from Xu Qii''s hand.


    The still-delicate fingers of the seven-year-old child gently, as if with a sense of nostalgia and longing, touched Xu Qii''s palm.


    Xu Qii was taken aback.


    "Thank you," Li Xiaoya moved her lips and said softly.


    Xu Qii came back to her senses and said: "No need to thank me. On the contrary, I should thank you for taking care of Sheng Yuxiao these past days."


    [Haha, it seems Mrs. Xu has been watching the show carefully]


    [Ugh, today''s events make me feel like crying andughing at the same time]


    [Ms. Xu is so nice, she even brought a gift for Xiaoya]


    "Would you like to open it?" Xu Qii spoke without any hint of condescension, despite addressing a child. She said, "I hope you''ll like it."


    Li Xiaoya sniffled softly and lowered her head to unwrap the gift.


    Sheng Yuxiao nced at her reddened fingers from the cold and said, "Let me do it."


    It was indeed very cold in the mountains; one''s hands would freeze quickly away from the firece.


    Sheng Yuxiao swiftly unwrapped the gift box.


    [Oh my God! It''s a Van Cleef & Arpels four-leaf clover!]


    Xu Qii leaned in and said, "May it bring you luck."


    Li Xiaoya nodded, carefully studying Xu Qii''s face tomit it to memory.


    "Mrs. Sheng?" Wei Lin interjected, saying, "Thank you for Mrs. Sheng''s gift."


    Xu Qii shook her head, not acknowledging Wei Lin''s words.


    "We''ll be going now," Wei Lin said with a polite nod.


    Li Xiaoya turned back, saying, "My things..."


    "You''ll have new clothes when you get back, everything will be new," Wei Lin replied.


    Sheng Yuxiao intervened, "Wait a moment. At least let her take the gifts I gave to Li Xiaoya."


    Wei Lin hesitated briefly before nodding with a smile, "Of course. Young Master Sheng has been quite generous as well."


    Thement was irritating to hear.


    What did he mean by ''generous''?


    Sheng Yuxiao coldly replied, "Though my time in Li Family Vige wasn''t long, the bond between us and Li Xiaoya can''t be measured in mary terms."


    This was a clear message to Wei Lin: don''t think you can bully Li Xiaoya just because she seems tock support!


    Wei Lin''s expression remained unchanged, as if he hadn''t caught the underlying meaning. He smiled and said, "That''s wonderful. It''s fortunate that she has you, Young Master Sheng, looking out for her. In the future, I''ll be sure to prepare gifts and personallye to express our gratitude."


    This statement again emphasized that Li Xiaoya was close to them, and had no real connection to Sheng Yuxiao and the others.


    So Wei Lin, as her "family," would thank them on Li Xiaoya''s behalf.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s lips twitched slightly, finding the whole thing rather pointless, and decided not to say anything more.


    But Ning Heng couldn''t hold back anymore.


    Ning Heng shouted, "Wait! I still have something to say! Li Xiaoya, don''t go yet..."


    Li Xiaoya looked at him, puzzled.


    Ning Heng, finally unable to contain his pride, said, "Li Xiaoya! My work exhibited at the Louvre has won an award!"


    [What?]


    The audience was stunned.


    [What''s this about now?]

 Chapter 66: Goodbye

    <h4>Chapter 66</h4>


    [Wait, let me catch some keywords. Louvre, exhibition, award... Haven''t you seen the trending topics? Oh my!]


    [What? What? That rising Chinese artist who made a ssh at the Lively exhibition is Ning Heng?]


    [Yes, go check Twitter now, foreignizens are buzzing about it, saying the media couldn''t interview him because he suddenly rushed back to China]


    [It matches up! That''s Ning Heng, isn''t it? How did he suddenly be such an amazing up-anding artist?]


    [Isn''t the most crucial question why he''s rushing back to see Li Xiaoya after winning his award?]


    [Yeah, why? Are these rich kids'' rtionships with Li Xiaoya that deep???]


    The bulletments were still specting.


    Wei Lin''s expression at this moment was almost cracking.


    These people... were they all trying to prevent him from taking Li Xiaoya away?


    Wei Lin narrowed his eyes, discreetly ncing sideways at Li Xiaoya.


    She did indeed have some talent.


    The key was that she was only seven years old.


    Li Xiaoya was actually confused too. She tilted her head and asked, "Award? ...What''s the Louvre?"


    Clearly, among the pile of misceneous books she had read, this ce hadn''t been mentioned.


    But at this moment, no one would mock her for her "ignorance".


    Ning Heng enthusiastically leaned close to Li Xiaoya and said, "It''s a historical art museum located in the center of Paris, France. Do you know what kind of artists'' works are usually exhibited there?"


    Li Xiaoya guessed a name: "Van Gogh?"


    "Right! They have Van Gogh''s Portrait of Dr. Gachet there, and Leonardo da Vinci''s Mona Lisa... Now, in the exhibition currently being held in that gallery, one of my works has been added! Isn''t that impressive?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded seriously and said, "Very impressive."


    Xu Qii took in this scene and suddenly understood why these rich kids got along so well with Li Xiaoya.


    She would listen to them attentively...


    She hadn''t yet learned adults'' preconceptions and prejudices.


    Perhaps in her eyes, every rich kid who came here, causing headaches for their families, was very good.


    "And its inspiration came from you," Ning Heng suddenly lowered his voice, "So, Li Xiaoya, you''re even more impressive than me."


    The audience was instantly stunned.


    [Wow, is that true?]


    [Ning Heng is at the peak of his sess, and he''s saying it was inspired by Li Xiaoya. How could it be fake?]


    [Ah, I don''t know why, but when Ning Heng said ''you''re even more impressive than me'', I felt like crying]


    Ning Heng rummaged through his pockets, then suddenly smacked his forehead: "I''m not as thoughtful as Aunt Xu, I didn''t bring you any gifts. What should I do?"


    As Ning Heng spoke, his expression became anxious: "And you''re about to leave soon. Will we be able to see each other again? We will, right?"


    Ning Heng looked towards Wei Lin: "You won''t restrict her personal freedom, will you?"


    Wei Lin''s mouth twitched: "What are you saying, Young Master Ning? Of course we won''t."


    Ning Heng heaved a sigh of relief: "That''s good, that''s great. If one day I sell my artwork, I''ll give you half the money."


    Li Xiaoya had no concept of how much money an artwork exhibited at the Louvre could sell for.


    She didn''t refuse Ning Heng, nodding and saying, "Then I''ll use it to buy colored pencils."


    She still remembered the drawings Ning Heng had taught her.


    Ning Hengughed happily: "Haha, why buy colored pencils? Buy oil paint brushes, oil paints... you can buy lots and lots!"


    [Does anyone know how much Ning Heng''s artwork could sell for?]


    [It''s said to have been hyped up to ten million dors now, so Li Xiaoya could get five million dors, which is equivalent to 35 million in our currency... wow!]


    [That''s enough to buy a house, Little Duck. Why buy colored pencils?]


    The bulletments grew increasingly excited.


    And it was indeed time for Li Xiaoya to leave.


    She said to Ning Heng, "Thank you for telling me, I''m going now."


    Then looking at Sheng Yuxiao, she said again, "I''m going now."


    Wei Lin breathed a sigh of relief, afraid that if this went on, they wouldn''t be able to leave even by nightfall. Fortunately, Li Xiaoya was very proactive herself.


    He quickly took Li Xiaoya''s hand, walked through the crowd, and got into the stretched Lincoln.


    "Li Xiaoya!" Sheng Yuxiao, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly burst out. Then with his long legs, he strode over to the car in a few steps.


    Before the car door could close, Sheng Yuxiao reached out and slipped something onto Li Xiaoya''s hand, saying, "There, now go."


    Li Xiaoya looked down.


    It was Sheng Yuxiao''s glove.


    His palm was veryrge, so the glove was also very big.


    On Li Xiaoya''s hand, it was loose and baggy. But it vaguely felt as if Sheng Yuxiao''s palm was firmly wrapped around her.


    Very warm.


    Wei Zhen quickly came over and closed the car door, signaling the driver to drive away.


    Sheng Yuxiao stepped back a few paces, watching the car slowly drive away.


    Until itpletely disappeared from his sight.


    The rich kids behind looked at each other, saying, "Shouldn''t we celebrate Ning Heng winning the award?"


    But Ning Heng pped his thigh: "Oh no, I forgot to give Li Xiaoya my phone number."


    Sheng Yuxiao walked back, coldly rolling his eyes: "By the time you remembered, it would have been toote."


    Ning Heng immediately looked at him full of hope: "Brother Sheng..."


    "I put the number in the glove," Sheng Yuxiao said coldly.


    Ning Heng was relieved now: "Still, Brother Sheng is reliable, great! Now I''m just waiting for Li Xiaoya to call me. I haven''t told her in detail about my experience at the Louvre yet, she doesn''t know what expressions my two teachers had when they saw my work..."


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t be bothered with him and walked away alone.


    What was there to be happy about?


    He had only put his own phone number in, not Ning Heng''s.


    Ning Heng, oblivious to his Brother Sheng''s thoughts, turned to discuss with the other rich kids about throwing a celebration party for himself.


    The bulletments soon sighed:


    [She''s gone just like that? Feels a bit strange]


    [Will Li Xiaoya never be in the frame again? But I''m still very concerned about her!]


    [Concerned +1]


    [Let''s wait for the police report, such a big event will definitely be trending again]


    [Ah, please, production team, couldn''t you follow along and keep filming? Let us see their family reunited, please?]


    While the audience was anxiously jumping up and down, the entire production team was still immersed in great shock, unable to recover.


    How did it suddenly turn into a kidnapping case?


    How did the Li Family Vige be so despicable?


    Before they could digest all this, Sheng Yuxiao suddenly spoke up, like a bolt from the blue.


    "I''m not filming the show anymore, I want to go back to the city."


    The executive producer felt his blood rushing to his head, and quickly looked to Xu Qii for help.


    Xu Qii asked gently, "Worried about Li Xiaoya?"


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t say anything.


    Xu Qii wasn''t bothered by his silence and said calmly, "Everyone whoes into this world has their own path to walk. You can''t apany her forever. Simrly, she can''t be tied to your side forever."


    Sheng Yuxiao only repeated, "I want to go back to the city."


    Xu Qii paused, then said, "You signed a contract with the production team, you should have a sense of contractual spirit."


    Sheng Yuxiao was very firm: "Continuing to invest time in something that''s already been aplished is a useless expenditure. This is a cardinal sin in business."


    He turned to look at his mother: "I''ve alreadypleted the transformation, don''t you think?"


    Xu Qii raised an eyebrow slightly.


    Had he reallypleted it?


    He was still willful and arrogant.


    It''s just that there was now something that could constrain him.


    Xu Qii didn''t point this out, saying softly, "Alright then, go back to the city. The winter here... is indeed difficult to endure."


    The executive producer was dumbfounded: "Then, then the show..."


    Xu Qii calmly suggested to him: "You can still film a city special."


    "Right, right..." The executive producer suddenly felt like he hade back to life a little.


    Li Family Vige quickly returned to its tranquility.


    These wealthy people had swarmed in like a flock, stirring up a thousand waves.


    But they suddenly retreated like the tide.


    "They''re gone."


    "Howe they all left?"


    The vigers craned their necks, reluctant to see them go.


    "We didn''t even get to make much money from them."


    Li Song listened to the discussions, his facial muscles twitching, wishing he could smash something nearby.


    So many rich people hade, yet he hadn''t managed to benefit at all!


    Would Qing Qing think her father was useless?


    Just as Li Song thought of this, he suddenly heard a viger exim: "Why is Li being arrested?"


    "What''s going on?"


    Li Song''s eyelid twitched as he looked up towards the distance.


    He saw the police approaching withrge strides.


    With so many vigers gathered together, it made it convenient for the police to make an arrest.


    "Are you Li Song? We have some questions for you regarding the human trafficking case in Li Family Vige," the police officer said, shing his handcuffs. "Please cooperate with our investigation."


    The other vigers became agitated and immediately asked, "Where''s Li Xiaoya? Let here! How did this be a trafficking case?"


    The police officer coldly replied, "Li Xiaoya has already left with her family. Didn''t you all see those cars earlier?"


    "Was she in that long luxury car we just saw?!" The vigers eximed in surprise.


    "So Li Xiaoya''s grandfather has struck it rich again?"


    "Lucky Li Xiaoya, howe only she has wealthy rtives?"


    The police officer felt angry and speechless.


    For these people, even though the situation had escted to the level of criminal activity...


    What they cared about most was that Li Xiaoya had been picked up in a luxury car!


    In the Lincoln, the driver asked, "Sir, shall we go to the hotel first?"


    Wei Lin tapped his fingers on the armrest and said coolly, "Go directly to the airport."

 Chapter 67: Meet the Little Miss

    <h4>Chapter 67</h4>


    The car drove all the way to the airport.


    After Wei Lin got out of the car, he first walked to the door of the car behind, then politely opened the door and called out, "Young Master."


    Wei Wenqing was sitting inside.


    Since Wei Lin hade in person, it wasn''t realistic to pretend not to know him.


    So earlier, in a ce where the cameras couldn''t capture, Wei Wenqing had silently walked to the car behind and followed all the way to the airport.


    "Xiaoya, do you know who he is?" Wei Lin said, turning his head to look at Li Xiaoya, "This is your grandfather''s biological son, your mother''s brother."


    After Wei Lin finished speaking, he observed Li Xiaoya''s reaction.


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head and looked at him, asking, "They''re all Mom''s brothers?"


    Wei Linughed, "Yes, they all are. It''s a big family, your mother has many rtives... you''ll get to know them all one by one."


    Li Xiaoya looked confused.


    Besides them, were there others?


    Wei Lin said gently, "See, isn''t it nice that so many people care about you? Even your little uncle came to find you, and he can''t even speak."


    Li Xiaoya pinched her palm.


    Was Wei Lin''s remark intended to hurt her uncle?


    "Alright, let''s not talk about this anymore, let''s hurry and check in for the flight," Wei Lin said, cing a hand on Li Xiaoya''s back.


    He was feeling relieved now.


    Firstly, Wei Wenqing was after all mute, he couldn''t freelymunicate with Li Xiaoya even if he wanted to, so what waves could he make?


    Secondly, Li Xiaoya was somewhat smarter than her peers, but this wasn''t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, the smarter one is, the clearer they see the situation. She would naturally know that her mother''s brothers had been eliminated and weren''t worth relying on.


    "Weren''t we supposed to discuss those details with the police uncles?" Li Xiaoya looked up at him.


    Wei Lin said casually, "We can video callter."


    "Video call?"


    "Yes,municate via phone. You''ll have a phone when we get back."


    "Oh."


    Wei Lin had booked first-ss tickets. He initially wanted to deliberately see Li Xiaoya look awkward. But on second thought, he felt it wasn''t necessary. After all, those young masters had been too good to her, if he embarrassed her now, wouldn''t he be outdone inparison?


    Now he still needed to y the role of a kind "uncle".


    So after boarding, Wei Lin taught Li Xiaoya hands-on how to order food in first ss, how to reasonably express her needs...


    At this moment, Wei Wenqing utterly despised himself for being mute.


    To the extent that he could only watch Wei Lin and Xiaoya get close...


    Although it was her first time on a ne, Li Xiaoya didn''t show any fear.


    She even managed to get a good sleep on the ne.


    She didn''t know what she would encounter when she returned "home", so she might as well rest up first!


    *


    After returning to Hua Country, the Wei family temporarily settled in Jin City.


    Jin City is the capital of Hua Country, where celebrities from all walks of life gather. Among them, there is a high-end residential area called Guanghua Vi, which is quite famous!


    Because the vast majority of celebrities live here.


    And the Wei family''s residence was particrly extraordinary.


    An artificialke was built in the center of Guanghua Vi, and the Wei family''s home was located by theke. It was a five-story vi, well hidden under the trees, protecting the privacy of its owners.


    The car entered Guanghua Vi and soon stopped.


    Wei Lin held Li Xiaoya''s hand as they got out of the car, then switched to a golf cart.


    The cart carried them across thewn, along winding paths, and finally along theke, surrounded by beautiful scenery.


    Wei Lin spoke up, "This is a bit of tranquility in the bustling city, a touch of green amidst the concrete jungle. That''s why it''s precious."


    He didn''t care whether Li Xiaoya could understand or not.


    In his words, Wei Lin exuded a sense of pride as if this ce was also his property.


    "Sir is back," the servants were already waiting outside the door, hurrying forward to greet them.


    They curiously looked at Li Xiaoya, their eyes full of unfamiliarity and surprise.


    This scene made Wei Wenqing very ufortable.


    Li Xiaoya was supposed to be a part of this family, but it seemed as if Wei Lin was the master.


    Father had given him too much power.


    Too much. Wei Wenqing gritted his teeth and stepped forward.


    The servants naturally noticed Wei Wenqing as well, and eximed in panic, "Where did Young Master go? We''ve been looking for you these past few days! Your health really isn''t suitable for going out..."


    Wei Wenqing coldly red at the servant.


    The servant''s words trailed off awkwardly.


    "Alright," Wei Lin interjected, "How has the old man''s health been while I was away?"


    "Still the same, we didn''t dare tell the old man about the Young Master''s disappearance," the servant said with a bitter face.


    Wei Lin smiled, "Well, he''s back now, isn''t he?"


    At this point, Wei Lin finally ended his performance.


    Yes, performance.


    This long dialogue was meant to let Li Xiaoya see clearly who held real power in this family now.


    "Come, everyonee meet the young miss," Wei Lin finally uttered these words.


    The servants were shocked, looking at each other in bewilderment.


    "Young... young miss?" they eximed in surprise.


    "Yes, this is Miss Wenyu''s orphaned child," Wei Lin sighed heavily, "For now, don''t tell the old man about this. His health can''t take the shock. We can''t let him know so soon that Miss Wenyu is no longer in this world."


    "Yes... yes..." The servants were still a bit dazed.


    "Let''s all go inside," Wei Lin said, affectionately patting Li Xiaoya''s head, "You''ll stay next door to me, okay? If you''re scared, you cane knock on my door anytime. Your little uncles are all in poor health, so you shouldn''t disturb them."


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Was the "old man" her grandfather?


    "Poor health" seemed to have be the best excuse in Wei Lin''s mouth...


    Because grandfather was in poor health, so he couldn''t see her. Because her little uncles were in "poor health", so she couldn''t disturb them.


    Li Xiaoya silently noted this discovery in her heart, obediently following Wei Lin as they walked further in.


    It turned out that behind this five-story vi, there was another guest house hidden.


    Wei Lin lived in this guest house, and now Li Xiaoya was to live here too...


    "These two are Filipino maids, they will be responsible for your daily care. However, their Hua Countrynguage isn''t very good, so you might have somemunication barriers. But they have a lot of experience in taking care of people and will take very good care of you," Wei Lin pointed to two dark-skinned female servants opposite them.


    This was clearly also arranged.


    Because of themunication difficulties, this way there wouldn''t be any unexpected incidents.


    "Your identity is precious, we need to arrange bodyguards for you as well..."


    "I want Wei Zhen," Li Xiaoya said quickly.


    Wei Lin was a bit surprised.


    He had thought she would dislike Wei Zhen.


    After all, the reason he had sent Wei Zhen over in the first ce was because he knew Wei Zhen had a bad temper and was stubborn, perfect for teaching the little girl a lesson...


    Wei Zhen was standing outside the door at this moment, and was also surprised to hear Li Xiaoya''s words.


    "I just want him, only him," Li Xiaoya said with certainty.


    Wei Lin suddenly turned his head back, staring at Wei Zhen with an ambiguous smile, "Ha, looks like you''re quite popr with the young miss, she trusts you a lot."


    Wei Zhen moved his lips, but for a moment didn''t know what to say.


    Wei Lin''s gaze darkened slightly as he said, "Alright, then Wei Zhen will continue to be your bodyguard."


    "He said he''s my death warrior."


    "Yes, yes. Our family''s traditions are a bit old-fashioned, we still keep the tradition of death warriors."


    "Does that mean he can die for me?"


    Wei Lin paused for a moment, nced back at Wei Zhen, and said with a smile, "Yes, that''s what it means."


    He certainly didn''t want Wei Zhen to be the person Li Xiaoya relied on the most in the end.


    Li Xiaoya looked up at Wei Lin, smiling sweetly.


    Wei Lin smiled back, satisfied.


    Only Wei Zhen''s face turned a bit pale. He felt that this little girl who grew up in a mountain vige... seemed a bit difficult to deal with.


    But without chores like feeding pigs and chickens, what else could she do to him?


    "Oh right,e try on the clothes I prepared for you in advance. Tomorrow, you''ll need to represent the Wei family at a banquet," Wei Lin called out.


    This was a step Wei Lin had nned long ago.


    No matter how clever she was, at a banquet for the upper ss, she couldn''t hide her poverty and clumsiness. That''s when it would be his turn toe to the rescue.


    He would make her trust him bit by bit, until she could only rely on him to survive in the Wei family and in this upper-ss circle!

 Chapter 68: Meeting Uncle Two

    <h4>Chapter 68</h4>


    The clothes Wei Lin had prepared in advance didn''t fit very well.


    Wei Lin said, "It''s fine."


    He immediately contacted a brand and had them bring different sizes of clothes to the door, trying them on until they found the right fit.


    He was worried he wouldn''t have a chance to show off his capabilities in front of Li Xiaoya. What a perfect opportunity this was!


    Li Xiaoya had been trying on clothes from the moment she arrived at the Wei Family''s home until after 10 PM.


    Fortunately, she had taken a nap on the ne, otherwise she wouldn''t have been able to endure it.


    The brand''s staff packed up their suitcases and left the Wei residence.


    After all, not everyone watches reality shows.


    A staff member immediately asked a colleague, "Who is that child? The Wei Family seems oddly nice to her. They let her try on clothes until she was satisfied..."


    The colleague paused and said, "Are they really being nice to her? She''s quite young, isn''t she? If they were truly considerate, they should have taken her measurements in advance, rather than having her try on everything piece by piece. The poor girl must be exhausted. It feels more like they''re deliberately showing off to others."


    "Oh? You have a point!"


    They couldn''t help but look back at the luxurious vi behind them, muttering, "The affairs of the wealthy are always soplicated!"


    Fortunately, Wei Lin''s theatrics weren''t too over the top.


    After selecting the clothes, Wei Lin left.


    No one taught Li Xiaoya how to use things in this new home, but she wasn''t afraid or ufortable.


    She walked into the bathroom alone, looked at the oddly shaped shower head, and figured out how to turn on the faucet by herself.


    Sheng Yuxiao had taught her before!


    After showering, she found the hair dryer and turned it on.


    She had seen Sheng Yuxiao use one before.


    She took care of herself properly, and only then climbed onto the queen-size bed.


    This was her first time sleeping in such a big bed, with warm and soft nkets.


    But she couldn''t fall asleep immediately.


    Li Xiaoya stared at the ceiling for a while, then suddenly got up and rummaged through the small backpack she had brought from Li Family Vige.


    The bag was still the one Sheng Yuxiao had bought for her.


    She carefully unzipped it and took out her mother''s photograph, then hugged it close before returning to bed.


    "Mom, we''re home," she said softly, finally closing her eyes.


    Li Xiaoya fell asleep.


    But Wei Wenqing couldn''t sleep. He went to find his second brother, and was initially stopped by a servant when he tried to enter.


    "The Second Young Master has just retired, perhaps you shouldn''t disturb him," the servant said.


    Wei Wenqing immediately pped him across the face.


    The servant was stunned.


    After all, this approach had always worked before. This young master had never shown much of a temper, so why did he suddenly start hitting people?


    Wei Wenqing didn''t care what he was thinking and roughly pushed him aside, barging into the room.


    Things are different now! He thought, gritting his teeth. I have someone to protect now! None of you can stand in my way anymore!


    "Who is it?" The Second Young Master, startled from his sleep, fumbled to turn on the bedsidemp.


    "Oh, it''s you, Wen Qing," the Second Young Master said weakly. "Why have youe back?" As he spoke, the Second Young Master frowned: "Didn''t I tell you to..."


    Wei Wenqing quickly raised his hand and made a few gestures.


    Being brothers who had spent a long time together, the Second Young Master immediately understood his meaning.


    "What? She''s been found? Where is she? Where?" The Second Young Master excitedly grabbed the headboard, struggling to sit up.


    Wei Wenqing continued to gesture.


    The Second Young Master''s face immediately darkened: "Wei Lin, Wei Lin got to her first! How could you..."


    Wei Wenqing interrupted him, gesturing: "It was Li Xiaoya''s choice. I''ve thought about it. We''re both invalids now, barely able to take care of ourselves. How could we care for her? It''s better to let Wei Lin look after her for now, while we protect her from the shadows..."


    The Second Young Master cut him off, his face ashen: "Is that really the case? Could it be that she... looks down on us? That''s why she willingly sided with Wei Lin?"


    Hearing this, Wei Wenqing''s face flushed red with anger. He gestured frantically: "How can you think that way? She''s our sister''s daughter! She''s a good child! I want to protect her, but she also wants to protect us!"


    The Second Young Master fell silent.


    Wei Wenqing couldn''t stand his attitude and rushed forward to grab his cor.


    "Brother, you can''t think of her like that. She''s good, too good..."


    The Second Young Master grasped his wrist and sighed, looking up: "I know. I''m just worried, just... afraid. We''ve all experienced it before, what it feels like to be scorned by those close to us. Wen Qing, I want to see her! Now!"


    Wei Wenqing red at him, gesturing: "She must be asleep by now."


    A trace of agitation appeared on the Second Young Master''s pale face: "But I can''t wait. No, never mind, just tell me, does she look like Wenyu?"


    Wei Wenqing nodded.


    "Alright, tell me first, you went to Li Family Vige, and then what?"


    The two brothers hadn''t had such an intimate conversation in who knows how many years.


    One was mute, having lost the ability to speak and no longer willing tomunicate with others.


    The other was paralyzed from the waist down, since then loathing to step out of his room.


    But now, they huddled together, one speaking and one gesturing,ughing and crying. It was as if all the emotions they had suppressed over the years were released on this day.


    ...


    Thismotion didn''t escape Wei Lin''s notice.


    After hearing about it, Wei Lin waved his hand and said, "It doesn''t matter. The person has finally returned, it''s normal for them to be excited."


    After all, their excitement was useless.


    Wei Lin slept soundly, feeling smug and satisfied.


    The next day, Li Xiaoya opened her eyes and was startled.


    Because two people were standing by her bed.


    One she was very familiar with, Wei Wenqing. The other, she didn''t recognize... This person''s face was gaunt and sunken, with bloodshot eyes and an excited expression. Most importantly, he... was sitting in a wheelchair.


    At this moment, Wei Wenqing and the Second Young Master also realized that they had frightened Li Xiaoya.


    The Second Young Master awkwardly wiped his face, beginning to recall what he looked like thest time he looked in a mirror... His current appearance was probably, most likely, quite frightening...


    So the Second Young Master started to operate his wheelchair to back away.


    But then he heard the little girl''s clear voice: "Second Uncle?"


    The Second Young Master''s movements froze.


    His expression also became fixed.


    After a while, he finally came to his senses and grabbed Wei Wenqing''s arm, shaking it: "What did she call me? What did she call me!"


    Wei Wenqing: "..."


    You''re grabbing my hand, how can I "say" anything?


    Augh suddenly squeezed out of the Second Young Master''s throat.


    Thatugh was both suppressed and bitter. As heughed, tears came to his eyes.


    He looked at Li Xiaoya again.


    So small.


    It was as if he saw his sister when she was young.


    But this child''s face had a hint of something more valiant and tenacious than his sister''s.


    "You called me Second Uncle, right? How did you know I was your Second Uncle?" The Second Young Master softened his voice, finally looking like a normal adult.


    "I knew in advance that my eldest uncle and aunt had passed away, that my second uncle was in a wheelchair, and that my little uncle could no longer speak..." Li Xiaoya said slowly.


    Hearing this, the Second Young Master felt relieved: "So you knew, you knew that your rtives are a bunch of invalids."


    Li Xiaoya knew he must be feeling very sad and painful at this moment.


    She didn''t know how tofort people.


    She could only crawl out from under the nket, get up, move closer, and barely manage to hug the man in the wheelchair in front of her.


    The Second Young Master was suddenly at a loss for words.


    He raised his trembling hand and stroked Li Xiaoya''s hair.


    His voice was hoarse as he said, "Even though we''re invalids, we''re still your uncles. I may not be able to walk, but my aim is still very good. If anyone bullies you..."


    He paused, his tone suddenly turning fierce: "I''ll kill them."


    Li Xiaoya, hugging his neck, hesitated for a moment before correcting him: "But, but killing people willnd you in jail."


    The Second Young Master chuckled, tears still in his eyes: "Haha, then what do you suggest we do?"


    Li Xiaoya said in a small voice: "Let''s torture them secretly, but without breaking thew. We can''tmit crimes."


    "Alright, alright, no crimes. We won''tmit any crimes," the Second Young Master thought to himself, Wen Qing wasn''t wrong at all.


    She really is a good child.


    He wished he could pick her up and give her a piggyback ride. If only he could lift her up. But he would never have that chance in this lifetime.


    "Miss," the servant suddenly knocked on the door, "It''s time for you to get up and prepare. You have a party to attendter."


    The Second Young Master''s face immediately changed color: "You''re going to a party? Who''s apanying you? Wei Lin? He surely has ulterior motives. No, I..."


    I have to go.


    The words caught in the Second Young Master''s throat, and he stopped mid-sentence.


    Whether abroad or after returning to the country, it had been a long time since he had appeared in public.


    He loathed it, he resisted it, he didn''t want others tough at him, and he hated the pitying looks people gave him...


    But what could he do?


    How could he let Li Xiaoya go to the party with Wei Lin?

 Chapter 69: Never Cheap Them

    <h4>Chapter 69</h4>


    ..."Second Uncle?" Li Xiaoya sensed his hesitation.


    Did he want to apany her?


    Or was Second Uncle afraid to appear in public?


    Li Xiaoya wanted to tell them it was fine, she could go by herself.


    But Second Uncle spoke first.


    He looked at Wei Wenqing: "Will you apany Xiaoya?"


    Before Wei Wenqing could react, Second Uncle immediately shook his head in negation: "No, that won''t work. You can''t speak, it would be inconvenient everywhere."


    Wei Wenqing red at his brother defiantly, gesturing: "I''ll try, I''ll bring bodyguards."


    The Second Young Master still firmly shook his head: "No."


    His eyes, which had always been dull and full of self-abandonment, now seemed much clearer.


    The Second Young Master squeezed out a painful voice: "Our family can''t even muster one able-bodied person..."


    "I''ll go then," the Second Young Master made the final decision with difficulty.


    Li Xiaoya finally found a chance to interject: "I can go by myself..."


    "I haven''t worn formal clothes in a long time, I''ll need to pick out something suitable," the Second Young Master muttered to himself.


    "Do I still look like an evil ghost now?"


    "If I had known this day woulde, I shouldn''t have smashed the food they sent."


    "If she goes with me, will I embarrass her?"


    The more the Second Young Master spoke, the more his brows furrowed, his nervousness and anxiety palpable.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but say again: "Uncle, I really can go by myself."


    How could that be possible?


    It was just the child''s words tofort him.


    The more Li Xiaoya said this, the less willing the Second Young Master was to let her enter the "tiger''s den" alone.


    The Second Young Master pushed his own wheelchair, saying decisively: "I''m going back to pick out clothes now."


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t stop him, and could only sit dumbfounded on the bed watching him leave.


    As the door opened, a servant outside was startled to see the Second Young Master: "How... how are you here? Your health, your..."


    While speaking, the servant lowered his head to look at the Second Young Master''s legs.


    The Second Young Master''s face turned cold.


    Why didn''t he want to go out?


    Because just the "concerned" looks from the servants were enough to make him unbearable.


    "What? Is this not my home anymore? Do I need to report to you where I want to go?" the Second Young Master asked coldly with a sneer.


    Hearing this, how could the servant dare say anything more? He immediately lowered his head and fell silent.


    The Second Young Master suddenly felt stifled.


    But this wasn''t the old society anymore, he couldn''t throw things at people''s heads when he was angry.


    He closed his eyes briefly, thinking that things were different now, they had a child in the family, he needed to control his emotions and set a good example.


    Only then did the Second Young Master suppress his anger and wheel himself past the servant.


    Soon, bodyguards came forward to take over pushing the wheelchair.


    On this side, Wei Wenqing shrugged helplessly at Li Xiaoya, then bent down to lift her from the bed.


    His brotherined he couldn''t speak at the banquet.


    Well, he couldin that his brother couldn''t carry Li Xiaoya.


    "Brush teeth," Wei Wenqing gestured as he carried her into the bathroom.


    As Li Xiaoya wet a washcloth, he stood beside her squeezing toothpaste.


    A servant who followed in saw this scene and immediately panicked: "Oh my, how can we let you do this yourself, Young Master!"


    Wei Wenqing gestured: "I''m happy to."


    Seeing this, the servant just stood by without moving.


    Li Xiaoya frowned, feeling this wasn''t right.


    She could see that people here didn''t respect him much.


    "Uncle, you can wait for me outside," Li Xiaoya said softly.


    Wei Wenqing thought she was right, the little girl might need to use the toilet or something, what was he doing standing here?


    Wei Wenqing immediately nodded and went out.


    Li Xiaoya brushed her teeth and washed her face by herself, then turned to the servant and said: "Pleaseb my hair."


    The servant was stunned, thinking wasn''t she supposed to be from the mountains? How does a child from the deep mountains know how to order people around like this?


    Of course, she only dared think this, never say it out loud.


    She found ab and began neatlybing Li Xiaoya''s hair.


    Li Xiaoya spoke to her frankly: "I just arrived here, there are many things I don''t recognize or know how to use. You need to tell me."


    "...Yes, Young Miss."


    By the time they were finished, half an hour had passed.


    The servant brought Li Xiaoya downstairs for breakfast.


    This wing of the house was unusually lively, with Wei Lin sitting on the left side of the table, Wei Wenqing on the right, leaving the head seat empty.


    In this wing, Wei Lin was actually equivalent to the master here. But with Wei Wenqing present today, he certainly couldn''t assume that role.


    Who knew Wei Wenqing wouldn''t sit at the head either.


    Could they be waiting for the Second Young Master to arrive? Wei Lin raised an eyebrow.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya approached, and Wei Wenqing suddenly stood up, imitating Sheng Yuxiao''s earlier action, lifting Li Xiaoya and cing her in the head seat.


    The wing suddenly fell silent.


    The servants watched Wei Wenqing''s actions in utter shock.


    Wei Lin took a breath, then exhaled, smiling as he said: "When Xiaoya grows up, she''ll take over the Old Master''s duties, so sitting at the head is not wrong."


    Wei Wenqing nced at him, thinking he finally said something sensible.


    Soon it was time for the servants to serve the dishes.


    They moved swiftly and quietly, making almost no sound. When serving Li Xiaoya, they were especially careful.


    Clearly, this little miss who appeared out of nowhere had risen even higher in their esteem.


    The Wei family''s breakfast was sumptuous; Li Xiaoya had never eaten such good food before.


    But she seemed to eat without much enjoyment.


    One moment she thought of her mother''sst few years in the vige, when they often didn''t have enough to eat.


    The next moment she thought of Sheng Yuxiao.


    Would Sheng Yuxiao continue filming the show? What would he eat in the vige? If only he could taste these dishes too.


    Li Xiaoya''sck of enthusiasm for the food, in others'' eyes, looked like innate upper-ss manners!


    Coming from a mountain vige, faced with such a table of food, yet not showing the slightest urgency or loss ofposure.


    Wei Lin''s eyes shed, and he couldn''t help but marvel again at how miraculous human genes were...


    Meanwhile, Sheng Yuxiao, who was on Li Xiaoya''s mind, had "ransacked" her home.


    "Bro Sheng, why are you taking all this junk back?" Other rich kids didn''t understand.


    They actually hadn''t had enough fun yet. But if Sheng Yuxiao was leaving, they naturally felt it wasn''t interesting anymore.


    "What junk?" Before Sheng Yuxiao could speak, Ning Heng red back, "I''ll give you a chance to rephrase that! These are all Li Xiaoya''s things. They''re called memories, understand?"


    "Oh. Li Xiaoya really left just like that..." the person mumbled, suddenly realizing, "Shit! Does that mean we shoveled manure for nothing?"


    Ning Heng said quietly: "Luckily I arrived a stepte..."


    Sheng Yuxiao nced sideways, saying: "It''s not for nothing, didn''t the show''s ratings go up?"


    "But they''re not giving me a cut of that money."


    "I''ll ask the production team to get you a appearance fee."


    "Bro Sheng is still the best!" The person eximed happily.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t say more, taking a final look at the rickety little house before him.


    No matter how it was furnished inside, it still looked shabby and broken... but it was this broken-down thing that somehow made one feel a bit reluctant to leave.


    After a while, Sheng Yuxiao still said two words: "Let''s go."


    Li Xiaoya had left in a hurry that day, but today was different. Dou Dawei got the news and immediately drove over to see them off.


    "Don''t forget what I told you on the phone," said Sheng Yuxiao.


    Dou Dawei nodded repeatedly: "Don''t worry! I remember everything. The pig must be sold, and the chickens too. Anyway, we can''t let the vigers get them cheap!"


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded, then thought of Aunt Man whom Li Xiaoya had specifically mentioned.


    "The leftover mushrooms and the remainingnd, give those to Aunt Man. Grandpa Li won''t being back anyway, these people will eventually upy it."


    "Yes, yes!" Dou Dawei responded, all while marveling at how thoughtful Young Master Sheng was, even remembering this.


    Sheng Yuxiao truly despised the people here.


    Having said his piece, he got in the car.


    And so, just like the day Li Xiaoya left, several luxury cars parked in Li Family Vige set off towards the vige exit one after another.


    Following behind were the TV crew''s vehicles.


    With such amotion, how could the vigers not notice?


    They poked their heads out one after another, asking in bewilderment: "They''ve all left?"


    "That TV crew is gone too?"


    "Why are you leaving so suddenly?"


    "Didn''t you say you were going to help develop tourism in our vige? Didn''t you say that after filming the show, people woulde here to y and pay us?"


    They only became anxious when it involved their personal interests.


    They didn''t care about who was going to jail or who was taken by the police for questioning. They only cared about the immediate situation - their money was about to fly away!


    So one by one, vigers dropped what they were doing and chased after the cars.


    The production team was frightened and quickly stepped on the gas.


    A cameraman persuaded them: "Don''t, don''t rush forward, the mountain road isn''t easy to navigate, don''t cause an ident. We can just send someone to exin things clearly to these vigers."


    Everyone had no choice but to look to him.


    Anyway, the cameraman was also harboring anger towards these people, so he decisively got out of the car, his back against the door, ready to run at any moment.


    "Why are you leaving?"


    "Yeah! You owe us an exnation. You''ve been filming in our vige for so long, but all the money went to the vige chief''s family and Li Xiaoya. Didn''t Li Xiaoya say she had some rich rtivesing? I don''t think she needs money!"


    "That''s right, that''s right, but we haven''t received a penny."


    "What about that tourism development thing, when are youing to do that for us?"


    They all crowded around him.


    The cameraman listened, his head fuming. He sneered, "This isn''t something we can decide. Young Master Sheng already said..."


    "Said what?"


    "Said this ce... doesn''t deserve it. A ce that eats people like this, it doesn''t deserve to be rich!" The cameraman said in one breath.


    The vigers were all stunned.


    Theirst delusion was shattered...


    Undeserving?


    They actually said they were undeserving!


    Anger surged on the vigers'' faces, and they were about to reach out to grab the cameraman.


    The cameraman opened the car door, sat back in, all in one smooth motion.


    "Let me tell you," he lowered the car window a bit, "don''t do anything rash, or the police will invite you to the station."


    The vigers cursed loudly: "You son of a bitch, if we had known you wouldn''t keep your word, who cares about the police?"


    "That''s right! If they daree, we''ll flip their cars!"


    The cameraman''s face turned red with anger: "What kind of people are these? Let''s go, let''s go quickly."


    "Some ces are just like this, with fierce local customs and united locals. They don''t care about police or anything, they''ll beat you with hoes regardless," the driver said in terror as he stepped on the gas. "They only know four words - thew doesn''t punish the masses."


    The cameraman cursed, "No wonder they dare to engage in human trafficking! They''re really not decent..."


    "Just wait, if Li Xiaoya''s rtives really have some power, there will definitely be consequences..."


    After making their threats, the vigers also returned to the vige, cursing and swearing.


    "If only we had stopped Li Xiaoya''s car that day."


    "Exactly!"


    By the afternoon, it had gotten a bit dark.


    Someone quietly sneaked to Li Xiaoya''s house... After all, no one was there now, it would be a sure thing to steal!


    But when they sneaked in, they found...


    "Damn it! Not even a chicken left!"


    One cursed.


    Another followed, "Even the pigs are gone... Aren''t those rich kids supposed to be wealthy? How can they be so inconsiderate, even taking the pigs away."


    They cursed together, and as they came out, they realized several people had sneaked over.


    "Li Xiaoya''s family still hasnd..."


    "Right... there''s stillnd."


    As they mentioned this, they got excited again and rushed towards the fields. When they arrived, they found Aunt Man and her husband watering the fields with manure.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Xiaoya left and gave us thend," Aunt Man said, unable to hide her joy.


    "Howe it was given to you?" They gritted their teeth, obviously unwilling.


    "What? You''re not happy about it?" They were all from the same vige, who was afraid of whom? Aunt Man''s husband revealed a fierce look and shouldered his hoe.


    His family had two brothers, in their prime. In a fight, they could call for help...


    In mountain viges, when fighting for state benefits or homesteadnd, apart from those with some power like the vige chief, others relied on how many young and strong members their family had.


    "We''re not happy, but forget it, you can have it..." These few people, despite gritting their teeth, had no choice but to leave sensibly.


    Who knows how many curses they uttered behind their backs.


    Now they really hoped Grandpa Li would eat prison food and best if he died in there, never to return.


    This way, after some time, they could tear down Li Xiaoya''s house and upy thend to build their own...


    The vigers thought quite well of themselves.


    That same day, police cars came to the vige again.


    The police wanted to take more people to cooperate with the investigation.


    The vigers were of course unwilling, and many picked up hoes and sickles, intending to resist violently.


    But this time, the police who came were not from some township police station.


    They had rich experience in dealing with rural crime and all carried riot shields. Seeing people daring to wield knives, they naturally suppressed them and simply took them all away in one sweep!


    "Murder! The police are wronging good people!"


    "Damn it, let go, let go, you''re all hired by those rich kids..."


    The vigers cursed loudly, but it was useless now.


    The mountain vige quickly returned to tranquility.


    Aunt Man walked on the way home, feeling an unusual silence along the way.


    "The vige suddenly has a lot fewer people, it feels strange," she murmured.


    The man beside her, rarely showing such an overly enthusiastic smile, said, "Thanks to you, you took care of Li Xiaoya''s mother before, next year we''ll nt corn in that field..."

 Chapter 70: Once Again, Qin Sui

    <h4>Chapter 70</h4>


    Jin City, Guanghua Vi.


    Li Xiaoya had changed into a new dress, and the Second Young Master came over in his wheelchair.


    "I want to go to the banquet with you," the Second Young Master said in a deep voice.


    Wei Lin was surprised.


    Had Li Xiaoya''s return affected them so much? They both seemed to have shaken off their half-dead appearances?


    However... it was still not enough to be worried about.


    After all, it had been so many years, and they had long since lost all their power.


    If it weren''t for the fact that each Wei Family child had been assigned loyal bodyguards from the beginning, who indeed remained faithful to them, they would be in an even worse situation today.


    "It''s wonderful news that the Second Young Master is willing to go out!" Wei Lin smiled and instructed those around him, "Quick, go make preparations!"


    Go ahead, attend the banquet once, and receive another shock.


    Afterwards, he probably wouldn''t want to step out of the house for the rest of his life.


    Due to his leg disability, the car pulled up to the front of the building, and two bodyguards had to carry the Second Young Master into the vehicle.


    For a grown man, this was undoubtedly utterly humiliating.


    His fists clenched tightly, the veins on the back of his hands bulging...


    But this time, he held back.


    He didn''t lose his temper.


    This surprised Wei Lin once again, causing him to raise an eyebrow.


    "Xiaoya, you get in the car too," Wei Lin turned and said to Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya nodded and sat down next to her second uncle.


    Wei Lin stepped back and said, "I have somest-minute business to attend to, so I''lleter. With the Second Young Master there, I can rest easy."


    The Second Young Master let out a coldugh: "You don''t need toe at all."


    Wei Lin still maintained his good-natured smile and closed the car door for them.


    As soon as the door closed, the Second Young Master''s expression changed instantly.


    He tried his best to lower the corners of his eyebrows, attempting to appear kind and gentle.


    But he hadn''t shown a normal expression for so long that his features were stiffly pulled, making him look even stranger at first nce.


    Fortunately, Li Xiaoya didn''t mind.


    She reached out and tugged at the nket on his knees.


    "Xiaoya, your second uncle hasn''t told you his name yet."


    Li Xiaoya asked, "Can you write it down?"


    This was a lingering effect from her previous kidnapping.


    At that time, she didn''t know how to write Sheng Yuxiao''s name... so she had developed a habit since then. Whether it was Ning Heng or Xu Ruying, she always asked them to write down their names, so she would remember them more deeply.


    "Of course, of course, your second uncle will write it for you." The Second Young Master asked a bodyguard for paper and pen, then carefully wrote:


    Wei Wenjun.


    "Do you recognize this character?" he asked, pointing to thest one.


    "Jun?"


    "That''s right, you''re so smart." Wei Wenjun''s mood instantly brightened.


    Li Xiaoya stared at it and said, "Second Uncle''s handwriting is really beautiful."


    Wei Wenjun became even happier, his grip on the pen bing more energetic: "Uncle will teach you. I''ve also learned calligraphy."


    Li Xiaoya nodded obediently: "Thank you, Second Uncle."


    Wei Wenjun didn''t know why, but a fire suddenly ignited in his chest.


    That fire spread to his limbs and body, instantly giving him a surge of strength.


    It was as if he had suddenly be useful, as if his life in this world finally had some meaning...


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya suddenly asked, "What''s Aunt''s name?"


    Wei Wenjun immediately picked up the pen to write for her again, saying as he wrote, "Her name is Wei Wenyi."


    Li Xiaoya pointed at thest character and asked, "What does this character mean?"


    Wei Wenjun paused before saying, "It means beautiful or good."


    Li Xiaoya counted on her fingers and said, "Thest character in Mom''s name is ''Yu'', which I know is an expensive and beautiful stone. Little Uncle''s is ''Qing'', which is a percussion instrument made of jade, stone, or gold."


    Wei Wenjun eximed in surprise, "You know all this?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded and said, "I also know ''Jun'', it describes someone with outstanding talent."


    A hint of sarcasm appeared on Wei Wenjun''s face: "What a pity... The beautiful jade has shattered, the percussion instrument has lost its sound, the person described as beautiful has gone mad, and I... have be like this. The description of outstanding talent seems like fate''s greatest mockery."


    After saying this, he suddenly realized he shouldn''t be saying such things in front of a child and was about to say something to make amends.


    But Li Xiaoya said, "But when Grandfather named you all, he must have been entrusting his good wishes, right?"


    Wei Wenjun was stunned: "Is that so?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded firmly: "I think so."


    After that, Wei Wenjun didn''t speak again.


    He was lost in his own thoughts until the car arrived at the banquet venue.


    The doorman came forward to open the car door, and the bodyguards lifted Wei Wenjun into his wheelchair.


    Wei Wenjun felt as if his entire body was being roasted by fire.


    He didn''t dare to look at the gazes around him.


    He could only turn his head to look at Li Xiaoya...


    But this small child showed no awkwardness or fear. She just stood close by his side, without the slightest hint of embarrassment.


    Wei Wenjun''s anxiety and pain gradually subsided.


    He said, "Let''s go."


    So the bodyguard pushed him forward.


    But just at the entrance, they were stopped.


    "I''m sorry, please show your invitation," said the doorman.


    Wei Wenjun''s face changed slightly, immediately realizing this was Wei Lin''s doing.


    Sure enough, the bodyguards and driver behind him all showed panicked expressions: "Oh no, the invitation is still with Mr. Wei."


    Wei Wenjun suppressed the anger in his heart and tried to squeeze out a proper smile, saying, "My name is Wei Wenjun, the second son of the Wei Family. What''s the matter? Haven''t you done your homework on the guests you''ve invited?"


    The Wei Family had only recently returned to the country, and Wei Wenjun had rarely appeared in public, so the doorman indeed didn''t recognize him.


    Not only did he not recognize him.


    The doorman hesitantly said, "I''m sorry, I only know about the Wei Family that runs the hospital. But that Wei Family''s young master has already gone in."


    Wei Wenjun''s face immediately turned extremely ugly.


    Had he really fallen to such a state? Even a mere doorman could block him at the entrance!


    At this moment, other guests were attracted by themotion here and couldn''t help but look over.


    "Who''s that?"


    "I don''t know."


    "I''ve never seen him before..."


    "He doesn''t look like he''s here to crash the party though."


    Wei Wenjun couldn''t actually hear clearly what they were discussing, but precisely because he couldn''t hear clearly, his mind conjured up even more vivid imaginings.


    What were they saying?


    Were they wondering how a cripple coulde to a ce like this?


    Wei Wenjun gripped the armrests of his wheelchair tightly, his anger about to erupt.


    He gritted his teeth and said, "Call Wei Lin immediately!"


    But just then, he felt a gentle touch on the back of his hand.


    He looked down and saw it was Li Xiaoyaforting him.


    Li Xiaoya had been watching theing and going guests... whileforting her second uncle, she finally found her target.


    Wei Lin had said that many upper-ss people would attend today''s banquet... upper-ss people meant rich people.


    Among the crowd, there happened to be one rich person she knew.


    "Qin Sui!" she called out loudly, and after a moment''s thought, added, "Brother Qin Sui!"

 Chapter 71: He Really Likes Li Xiaoya

    <h4>Chapter 71</h4>


    "Is she calling for Qin Sui?"


    "Does she know Qin Sui?"


    Others whispered in confusion.


    "Who''s calling you?" Mrs. Qin was also stunned, "And... calling you brother?"


    Qin Sui frowned.


    He recognized the familiar voice. But that voice shouldn''t be here at all...


    Mrs. Qin, however, looked over more eagerly than him.


    "It''s a young girl!" Mrs. Qin eximed excitedly, "Oh, she looks familiar. Let me think..."


    Knowing Mrs. Qin''s memory wasn''t great, Qin Sui simply looked over himself.


    ��The person who shouldn''t be here was actually here!


    "Li Xiaoya," Qin Sui slowly uttered that name.


    "What? Li Xiaoya? The Li Xiaoya from that show?" Mrs. Qin was incredibly surprised, "So this is what she looks like in person, even smaller and thinner than on TV. Her features are quite pretty though..."


    While Mrs. Qin was stillmenting and marveling, her son had already started walking towards the girl.


    It had been many days since theyst met.


    Li Xiaoya looked healthier now. She wore a little dress inside and a white down jacket outside. At first nce, she looked like a porcin doll.


    That''s good.


    At least she didn''t look as pale and fragile as when he had just left her, as if she might vanish from this world at any moment.


    Qin Sui stopped in front of Li Xiaoya, leaning down slightly to ask, "Did Sheng Yuxiao bring you here?"


    Before Li Xiaoya could answer, Qin Sui denied it himself: "No, that''s not right. If Sheng Yuxiao had brought you, he would''ve started fighting me the moment he heard you call me ''brother''."


    Qin Sui paused, then said: "Too bad, there''s no recording."


    "Xiaoya, who is he?" Hearing the young man speak so familiarly with Li Xiaoya, Wei Wenjuan looked over vigntly.


    Qin Sui nced at Wei Wenjuan and said, "Didn''t she call me brother? Just consider me her brother then."


    Wei Wenjuan: "..." Isn''t this just fooling around? Xiaoya doesn''t have a brother!


    "I''m her uncle," Wei Wenjuan quickly added.


    Qin Sui was stunned for a moment, his attitude changing subtly.


    He politely greeted, "Hello, how should I address you?"


    "Surname Wei."


    Qin Sui pondered briefly, then asked, "Are you from the Wei Family that just returned from abroad?"


    Wei Wenjuan''s expression immediately improved. He nodded and said, "You''re much smarter than them."


    Qin Sui smiled appropriately, though the smile didn''t reach his eyes.


    He then turned to Li Xiaoya and said in a low voice, "I''ve been very busytely, haven''t watched the show."


    In fact, the main reason was that he had no interest in watching Sheng Yuxiao and Li Xiaoya being lovey-dovey on camera!


    "Shall we go inside and talk?" Qin Sui asked.


    Li Xiaoya nodded and said, "We forgot to bring the invitation..."


    She was about to exin further to Qin Sui.


    But Qin Sui didn''t care about that at all. It was just entering a door...


    Qin Sui turned to look at the doorman. Before he could speak, the doorman had already reacted, his face turning pale as he said, "I''m sorry, Mr. Wei. It was myck of experience that I didn''t recognize you. Since you know the Qin family, you don''t need an invitation. You and this youngdy, pleasee in��"


    Wei Wenjuan wasn''t stupid, just bad-tempered since his paralysis. He certainly wouldn''t choose to continue standing outside.


    He gave the doorman a cold re and swiftly wheeled himself inside.


    Li Xiaoya was stunned for a moment and turned to look at Qin Sui.


    "Let''s go," Qin Sui said, and walked in with Li Xiaoya.


    The bodyguards and driver were left behind, looking at each other in bewilderment.


    "They just... went in?"


    "Yeah."


    Riding on that wave of anger, Wei Wenjuan had rushed into the banquet hall in one go, feeling mentally unburdened and no longer concerned about how others might view him.


    "Xiaoya?" He collected himself and turned back to look for Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya was still walking with Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui asked, "How did you suddenly get an uncle?"


    "My mother''s rtives found me," Li Xiaoya answered.


    Qin Sui immediately sketched out a story in his mind based on this sentence.


    "Were you lost? Or..."


    "The police uncle said it was kidnapping."


    Qin Sui wasn''t surprised. After all, he had always felt that Li Xiaoya seemed out of ce where she had been living.


    He just slightly furrowed his brows: "Then this matter... is not simple."


    "Why?" Li Xiaoya looked up at him.


    "Your uncle is from the Overseas Chinese Wei Family, which means your mother''s family has been abroad all this time, and they''re not ordinary people. How couldmon traffickers have ess to your mother? Logically, vermin like them wouldn''t have the chance to even see your mother in their lifetime." Qin Sui was quite adept at deducing conspiracy theories.


    Li Xiaoya clenched her fists.


    Could it be that her mother was also... harmed by Wei Lin?


    But if it was him, how dare he report to the police and expose the fact that her mother was kidnapped?


    She was still too young, her mind not yet able to fully sort out the entire situation.


    Qin Sui asked again, "Why were you stopped outside?"


    Li Xiaoya bit her lip: "They said we didn''t bring the invitation. The invitation was with Wei Lin."


    "Who is Wei Lin?"


    "He says he''s my grandfather''s godson, and he also wants me to call him uncle. But my younger uncle and the others say Wei Lin is a bad person." Li Xiaoya paused, then shared her own thoughts, "I also think he seems like a bad person."


    "Without a doubt, he definitely has ill intentions. The invitation was just a way to assert dominance." Qin Sui paused for a moment, then asked, "Do you know why he did this?"


    Li Xiaoya hesitated for a moment but still expressed her thoughts: "Is it to make me more obedient?"


    Qin Sui nodded and asked again, "How does he treat you in front of others?"


    "He seems very nice."


    "Why do you think he acts like that?"


    "Is it because..." Li Xiaoya thought for a moment, "he wants to get something, but he can''t do it by himself, he needs me too, right? Is it grandfather''s money?"


    Qin Sui smiled with satisfaction: "You''re very correct."


    Qin Sui had no respect for fools.


    It was precisely for this reason that most people seemed like second-ss citizens in his eyes. This was why Mrs. Qin had always been worried about him being antisocial.


    He very much liked Li Xiaoya''s intelligence.


    Conversing with her wasn''t tiring.


    He even enjoyed this feeling of talking with her, apanying her to uncover conspiracies.


    "But why can''t he get it by himself?" Now it was Li Xiaoya humbly seeking Qin Sui''s guidance.


    "Most likely because of a trust."


    "What''s a trust?"


    Qin Sui rarely had the patience for long exnations to others, but he said, "It''s a kind of institution."


    "Let me give you an example. I have one million dors. To avoid the risk of others stealing this million dors, I entrust this money to a certain institution for safekeeping, and specify how this million dors will be given to a certain person in the future."


    "Once the contract is signed, that million dors no longer belongs to me, nor does it belong to the institution. It only belongs to the beneficiary, but before the contract rules take effect, it doesn''t belong to the beneficiary either."


    "If someone else wants this million dors, killing me would be useless. Killing the beneficiary would also be useless. Because the contract clearly states that only the beneficiary can receive it. So if the beneficiary dies, all the money might be donated to charity."


    "These are the rules of a trust. Do you understand now?" Qin Sui asked.


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "I understand."


    Qin Sui asked again, "Then how do you think we should deal with Wei Lin?"


    Li Xiaoya pursed her lips and said, "I shouldn''t rush. He''s the one in a hurry now, right?"


    "Hmm? What else?"


    "We need to see grandfather first."


    Qin Sui smiled once again: "Li Xiaoya, you''re really smart."

 Chapter 72: I Am Very Good at Hitting People

    <h4>Chapter 72</h4>


    He wanted to say something more to her, but at that moment Wei Wenjuan wheeled himself over in his wheelchair. After all, Qin Sui and Li Xiaoya had been talking for too long, and Wei Wenjuan couldn''t wait any longer.


    "May I ask which family''s young master you are?" Wei Wenjuan inquired.


    "I''m Qin Sui, my father is Qin Haoming."


    Wei Wenjuan was startled.


    How did Xiaoyae to know such a prominent figure?


    "I''ve long heard of your reputation," Wei Wenjuan finally showed some semnce of a noble young master. "I''ve heard that most luxury brands from abroad need to consider your father''s opinion if they want to enter the Hua Country market."


    Qin Sui put on a standard polite smile of the upper ss: "Those are just exaggerated rumors."


    "Thank you so much for today, Young Master Qin," Wei Wenjuan quickly said.


    Qin Sui could sometimes be quite irritating. But when he properly yed the role of a young master from a wealthy family, his words were very appropriate and made people feel at ease.


    He said, "You''re too kind. I merely cleared away the clouds obscuring their vision, allowing them to see clearly the appearance of the distinguished guests."


    The smile on Wei Wenjuan''s face immediately became more genuine.


    He asked, "May I ask how Young Master Qin and Xiaoya became acquainted?"


    Qin Sui said, "Fate."


    Indeed, wasn''t it fate?


    If Sheng Yuxiao hadn''t injured his leg, he would never have gone to Li Family Vige.


    "Qin Sui, why don''t I see your father?" A middle-aged man in a suit strode over, his words quite familiar and affectionate.


    Qin Sui called out, "Uncle Lu." "Father was unexpectedly held up today, so I came with my mother."


    "Oh? Where''s your mother then?"


    "We separated upon arrival."


    "Ah, then she should be having tea with your aunt by now."


    Qin Sui nodded slightly, then immediately introduced Wei Wenjuan: "Mr. Wei, this is Mr. Lu, the host of today''s banquet."


    This Mr. Lu had actually been secretly observing Wei Wenjuan and Li Xiaoya.


    Qin Sui generally didn''t pay much attention to people, but he had been talking to them for a long time... yet they were unfamiliar faces.


    So Mr. Lu came over on his own initiative.


    And Qin Sui''s act of introducing him to the others also indicated that Qin Sui was quite close to them.


    Thus, Mr. Lu immediately put on a friendly smile: "Lu Kaixuan, from the IT industry. May I ask the esteemed guest''s name..."


    "Wei Wenjuan," this time Wei Wenjuan added on his own, "Just returned to the country not long ago."


    Thisst sentence served as a very good hint.


    Lu Kaixuan pped his forehead: "So you''re the second young master of the Wei family! I''ve heard your name so often, but it''s my first time meeting you in person. It''s truly an honor."


    These were all just pleasantries.


    It might even have been for the sake of the young man called "Qin Sui" standing before him that these pleasantries were exchanged. But Wei Wenjuan hadn''t heard such ttering words in a long time.


    His agitated heart was once again soothed.


    It turned out that stepping out wasn''t as painful and difficult as he had imagined.


    Thinking of this, Wei Wenjuan couldn''t help but turn his head to look at Li Xiaoya.


    It''s good, it''s really good, he thought.


    The two exchanged a few more polite words, then Lu Kaixuan made an arrangement: "The little miss of the Wei family is young and doesn''t have much to talk about with us. Why don''t you go y with the other children?"


    Lu Kaixuan pped his hands, asking a waiter to take Li Xiaoya over.


    Qin Sui didn''t speak up to stop this, he just nced at Li Xiaoya''s expression.


    She still wasn''t scared at all.


    Just like when he first came to Li Family Vige and walked into that dpidated house to meet her.


    Li Xiaoya just turned her head to look at Wei Wenjuan one more time.


    Rather than others worrying about her, she was more concerned about her second uncle.


    Then she followed the waiter away.


    "Li Xiaoya," Qin Sui suddenly called out.


    Li Xiaoya, who had already walked a few steps away, had to stop and turn back, looking at him puzzled.


    Qin Sui said, "Call me ''brother'' again."


    Qin Sui had never been one to tease others, so these wordsing from his mouth made even Lu Kaixuan take another look.


    Li Xiaoya met Qin Sui''s eyes. There wasn''t much emotion in Qin Sui''s eyes, he didn''t look like a gentle "brother".


    But Li Xiaoya obeyed and called out: "Brother Qin Sui, see youter."


    The corner of Qin Sui''s mouth curved up slightly.


    He knew she was smart.


    "Alright, go on then."


    Calling him brother one more time was just to emphasize their rtionship to others.


    This way, when the waiter led her away, he would naturally know to keep an eye on her and not let others bully her.


    Li Xiaoya really walked away this time.


    She was very reassured that Qin Sui would help her watch over her uncle.


    With just one look earlier, both parties had quickly reached an understanding.


    "May I ask if your surname is Li?" the waiter asked.


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "Alright, then I''ll address you as Miss Li." The waiter opened the door in front of them, leading her into a small entrance hall.


    A movie was ying inside, and several young butvishly dressed children all turned their heads to look at her.


    "Who is she? Never seen her before."


    "This is Miss Li," the waiter said with a smile, taking off Li Xiaoya''s down jacket and hanging it up, as the indoor heating was quite strong.


    "Li?"


    "Never heard of any Li family."


    These children weren''t very old, but they already talked like adults.


    Immediately, someone came up to Li Xiaoya: "Hey, what''s your father''s name?"


    Li Xiaoya was silent for a moment, then said, "I don''t have a father."


    "Then what''s your mother''s name?"


    "Wei Wenyu." When saying her mother''s name, Li Xiaoya''s tone became much more confident.


    "Never heard of her, have you guys?"


    "No."


    "I haven''t either."


    "Where did shee from?"


    "I know! I know! I heard her call Qin Sui ''brother'' earlier."


    "But that''s not right, I''ve seen Qin Sui''s sister before, she''s very fierce, not like her..."


    "My name is Li Xiaoya," she interrupted their discussion, then sat down on a single armchair to the side.


    She didn''t have many friends back at Shitou School, so she didn''t mind not having friends now either.


    She understood a principle from a very young age: some people are very exclusive. If you can''t fit in, then don''t try to fit in.


    She would just be herself, just be Li Xiaoya.


    "What a strange name."


    "How can someone be called ''little duck''?"


    They exchanged nces, and a boy stood up from among them, walked up to Li Xiaoya and said, "Hey, you can''t sit here."


    "Why not?" Li Xiaoya met his gaze, unafraid.


    The boy turned back mockingly and asked the others, "Do you think she''s really stupid or just pretending to be?"


    A little girl timidly said to Li Xiaoya, "If your parents are very powerful, then you can sit there."


    Li Xiaoya suddenly understood.


    She thought to herself that the big city and the small vige didn''t seem to be much different after all.


    They all followed the same rules.


    Li Xiaoya asked, "What if I myself am very powerful?"


    The little girl was stunned for a moment and asked, "What do you mean by you yourself being powerful?"


    Li Xiaoya said seriously, "I''m very good at fighting."


    Walking countless mountain paths, chasing pigs, carrying firewood... she had done many things that ordinary children couldn''t do.


    She was very strong.


    The boy was so angered by her words that his nose almost twisted: "How good are you at fighting? Can you beat me?"


    Li Xiaoya asked, "If I hurt you, do I have to pay youpensation?"


    The boy became even angrier, clenching his fists: "Compensation? No need forpensation! I''ll hit you, just don''t cry!"


    With that, the boy lunged at Li Xiaoya.


    The waiter was stunned and hurriedly stepped forward to break it up.


    The boy turned back and cursed at him fiercely: "Don''t move! If you move, I''ll have my dad fire you!"


    At this moment, a child suddenly shouted: "Ah! I remember now! I''ve heard the name Li Xiaoya before! My brother said his work was modeled after her!"


    But no one was listening to him.


    Li Xiaoya looked at the boy and frowned, saying, "What''s so great about threatening others?"


    The boy immediately lunged at her again.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t dodge or avoid, she just punched the boy right in the eye socket.


    Hmm... if the fight got intense enough.


    His father would definitely be very angry.


    And since he talked so big, his father must be extremely powerful.


    Wei Lin''s intervention probably wouldn''t be enough... At that time, his father would probably demand to see grandfather to deal with this matter, right?


    Thinking this, Li Xiaoya grabbed the boy''s cor and pushed him to the ground, then straddled him and started hitting him.


    The scene immediately descended into chaos.


    Meanwhile, on the other side.


    Wei Lin finally arrivedte, but when he reached the door and looked inside...


    "Howe it''s just you left? Where are the others?" Wei Lin''s face darkened slightly. "If you''ve lost them, can you bear the responsibility?"


    "No, no, sir. The young master and young miss have already gone inside," the driver hurriedly exined.


    "They''ve gone in?" Wei Lin was stunned. "Without using the invitation?"


    "No, the young master from the Qin family took them in."


    "The Qin family''s young master?" Wei Lin frowned, wondering if this was another acquaintance from the show.


    Wei Lin took out the invitation and strode into the banquet hall.


    Before he could start searching, he suddenly saw a waiter running out in panic, shouting, "A fight broke out! A fight broke out! The young master of the Mu family and Miss Li are fighting!"


    Miss Li?


    Which Miss Li?


    Wei Lin''s heart skipped a beat. Could it be Li Xiaoya?


    She''s already gotten into a fight?


    As anger began to rise in Wei Lin''s heart, it was quickly suppressed.


    Wait, a fight could be a good thing. Now that the initial intimidation hadn''t worked, wouldn''t Li Xiaoya have to rely on him to get out of this situation?


    However, he wondered about the background of this young Master Mu.


    Mu, Mu...


    Could it be that Mu?

 Chapter 73: “Qin Sui’s ’Damaging Moves’”

    <h4>Chapter 73</h4>


    A fight broke out?


    Li Xiaoya?


    Qin Sui was startled when he heard themotion.


    This didn''t seem like something Li Xiaoya would do. Was someone provoking her? Were the waiters all dead? Couldn''t they stop them?


    Qin Sui frowned, but he still didn''t rush out first. He turned to look at Lu Kaixuan.


    Lu Kaixuan''s face darkened slightly, and he immediately took the lead, walking in front.


    Wei Wenjuan, using his wheelchair as a tool, was faster than both of them on foot.


    Wei Lin was still standing dazed in the banquet hall when he saw the wheelchair zoom past him.


    Wei Lin: "...?"


    Was that... Wei Wenjuan who just went by???


    Ever since he became disabled, he had always seemed half-dead. To avoid using the wheelchair as much as possible, he would hardly even leave his room.


    This was the first time Wei Lin had seen Wei Wenjuan use his wheelchair like a car, darting off so far!


    Wei Lin''s mouth twitched, and he quickly followed on foot.


    In no time, the small hall was crowded with people.


    Wei Wenjuan looked closely and saw that it really was Li Xiaoya fighting! Her skirt was torn to shreds.


    Wei Wenjuan immediately felt a surge of anger rush to his head, and he turned to look for a vase or some other decorative object.


    At this moment, the people behind them also arrived.


    "What are you all standing around for?"


    "Go and pull them apart!"


    Both waiters and bodyguards hurriedly rushed forward.


    Qin Sui, with his long legs, took two or three strides, pushed past the waiters, and was the first to reach them. He grabbed Li Xiaoya from behind and simply carried her away.


    The remaining people clumsily helped the beaten boy up from the ground.


    "Get away! All of you get away, don''t touch me!" The ten-year-old boy was at the age when he cared most about saving face.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been the first to stand up to defend his authority and sh with Li Xiaoya.


    Now, being helped up from the ground and seeing everyone around... he practically wanted to kill everyone present to silence them.


    But he was ten, not four, and of course knew that was impossible.


    "Young master, are you alright?" the bodyguard quickly asked.


    The boy said coldly, "I''m fine."


    The bodyguard''s expression could only be described as horrified. How could this be called fine? His eye socket was bruised, his chin was purple, and his lip was split.


    Who knew how many injuries there were in ces they couldn''t see.


    Meanwhile, Qin Sui was also asking, "Are you okay?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head.


    It was just too hot here, she was sweating all over.


    The fierce Wei Wenjuan had finally given up on the idea of hitting that nasty boy with a vase and rushed to Li Xiaoya''s side.


    His face was extremely grim as he grabbed Li Xiaoya''s skirt with one hand and said darkly, "It''s ruined."


    Li Xiaoya quickly asked, "Was it very expensive?"


    Wei Wenjuan felt both angry and heartbroken: "What does it matter if it''s expensive or not? It''s just a broken skirt! How could it be more valuable than you?"


    Li Xiaoya patted the back of his hand,forting him like a little adult: "Then don''t be angry, Uncle."


    Wei Wenjuan barely managed to suppress his ugly expression and said, "Of course I''m not angry at you. We''re not short of money. Even if we piled a basket of haute couture in front of you for you to cut up for fun, it would be fine. But that nasty boy, how dare he... how dare he tear your skirt?"


    Qin Sui''s brows furrowed tightly when he heard this, and he turned to look at the boy.


    "But... he didn''t tear my skirt. When we were fighting, it got caught on the shiny stones on his body, and then it tore," Li Xiaoya exined.


    Wei Wenjuan: "...Is that so?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    Wei Wenjuan quickly grabbed her arm and asked, "What about other ces? Are you hurt anywhere else?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head and pointed at the boy: "He''s hurt."


    Wei Wenjuan pursed his lips but still said firmly, "So what? He fought with you, so he''s in the wrong."


    Qin Sui crouched down and interjected: "What happened?"


    Li Xiaoya leaned close to his ear and whispered, "To see his grandfather."


    Qin Sui was stunned for a moment, then couldn''t help but smile: "Li Xiaoya, you really are..."


    Li Xiaoya looked at him: "Was I wrong? Don''t both parties'' parents need toe out when there''s a fight?"


    "You''re not wrong. I''m just amazed that you thought of this method in such a short time."


    "He just happened toe over," Li Xiaoya pointed at the boy.


    This gesture was almost like a provocation.


    The boy was so angry he was trembling.


    "However, you might not understand these wealthy families very well..."


    Li Xiaoya looked puzzled.


    "When I was little, I might not see my father once in a year. He was very busy, extremely busy. If I had conflicts with others, he couldpletely send his secretary to handle it," Qin Sui said in a calm tone.


    Li Xiaoya sighed softly: "Then wasn''t it all for nothing?"


    This seemed no different from the small vige.


    Many people''s fathers and mothers worked away from home, and they might not see them once a year either.


    But at least they always had their grandparents!


    "It''s not entirely for nothing. Do you know what matters most in wealthy families?"


    "What?"


    "Face."


    Li Xiaoya blinked, understanding a little, but notpletely.


    Qin Sui continued: "In this circle, everyone is a fierce beast. Once someone shows weakness, reveals a vulnerable side, others will pounce to tear them apart. So... as long as you thoroughly trample on the other party''s dignity, they will immediatelye out to defend their face."


    "How do you trample?"


    "Just beating him isn''t enough. You need to make the Mu family feel that you''re arrogantly looking down on them."


    Arrogant.


    Look down on.


    This was a bit difficult for Li Xiaoya.


    But she was always eager to learn new things, so she immediately asked, "Should I scold him?"


    Qin Sui shook his head: "Scolding is useless for people of this ss. You need to make them truly feel threatened. For example, I stand behind you to protect you. And I represent the Qin Family."


    Li Xiaoya seemed to understand but not quite, storing it in her heart.


    Qin Sui paused, then continued: "But the Mu family isn''t just any ordinary family either. I alone am not enough."


    "But Wei Lin is far from enough too, right?"


    "Mm, adding him won''t help."


    "But I don''t know anyone else," Li Xiaoya wrinkled her nose.


    Qin Sui sighed lightly: "Although I don''t want to say it, but at this time... you could give Sheng Yuxiao a call."


    "He''s not here," Li Xiaoya said softly.


    "Mm, he''ll find a way. If he doesn''t even have this ability..." Qin Sui curled his lips, "you might as well recognize me as your brother instead."


    Wei Wenjuan couldn''t hold back anymore: "What are you two whispering about at a time like this?"


    Qin Sui turned back: "Mr. Wei, Xiaoya can handle this matter herself."


    "How can we rely on her alone..."


    Qin Sui took out his phone and handed it to Li Xiaoya, while continuing to speak to Wei Wenjuan: "Mr. Wei, just wait and see."


    Wei Wenjuan had quite a good impression of Qin Sui as a person, so despite being full of doubts, he calmed down.


    "Use your phone?" Li Xiaoya looked at Qin Sui in confusion. She didn''t say it out loud, but she knew in her heart that Sheng Yuxiao probably wouldn''t answer.


    Qin Sui nodded: "Mm, I''ll teach you. First, call him twice. It doesn''t matter if he doesn''t answer."


    "Then send him a text message saying ''This is Xiaoya''."


    As Qin Sui was giving this "devious advice", he could barely suppress the smile at the corners of his mouth: "It has to be from my phone. This way, he''ll be more efficient, you know?"

 Chapter 74: Are They Crazy

    <h4>Chapter 74</h4>


    In the corner of the small hall, the boy had already been helped to a seat.


    Lu Kaixuan urgently called for a family doctor toe and treat him.


    When Wei Lin entered the small hall, he didn''t rush to check on Li Xiaoya first. He quietly asked a waiter nearby, "Which family does this young master belong to?"


    The waiter gave him a surprised look but still answered, "The young master of Mu Rongfeng''s Wanwu Interconnect."


    Wei Lin cursed internally.


    It really was that Mu family.


    The Mu family that had ventured into multiple popr inte industries including socialworking, gaming, and emerce, and had pretty much reached the top in all of them.


    When he was abroad, he had heard that Wanwu Interconnect had already grown into a capital monster.


    Though they couldn''tpare to other old established families in terms of heritage, when it came to wealth, they were certainly among the top globally.


    Wei Lin immediately made a decision��to go check on Young Master Mu''s injuries first.


    This would determine his attitudeter.


    Whether to protect... or to throw Li Xiaoya under the bus, let her suffer a bit and learn a lesson.


    Wei Lin immediately set off towards Young Master Mu.


    However, there were too many people gathered around, and he couldn''t squeeze through easily.


    With no other choice, he took a moment to nce back at Li Xiaoya.


    ... Li Xiaoya was actually making a phone call?


    Who could she possibly call at a time like this that would be of any use?


    Sheng Yuxiao? Sheng Yuxiao wasn''t even here.


    Wei Lin shook his head inwardly, sneering to himself, then turned back, saying, "Excuse me, please make way. I''m Li Xiaoya''s temporary guardian. Did she get into a fight with Young Master Mu?"


    Upon hearing this, the others were stunned for a moment, then quickly made way for him.


    Wei Lin squeezed through to the front and first greeted Lu Kaixuan, "Mr. Lu."


    Lu Kaixuan had met Wei Lin before, after all, Wei Lin had been handling the Wei Family''s affairs externally during this period.


    "Oh, it''s you. You''re here, Mr. Wei. This matter..." Lu Kaixuan pressed his forehead, "I''ve already notified the Mu family by phone."


    Wei Lin felt relieved internally: "Mr. Mu didn''te today?"


    Lu Kaixuan shook his head: "He''s very busy."


    Wei Lin nodded and said, "I will definitely give Mr. Mu an exnation for today''s incident."


    Then he bent down slightly, asking with concern like a kind elder, "Is Young Master Mu seriously injured?"


    The boy, however, irritably pushed him away: "I''ve already said, I''m fine! I''m fine! Are you all deaf? Can''t you understand what I''m saying?"


    Wei Lin had imagined many possible reactions.


    But he never expected this one��


    He actually said he was fine?


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya had finished dialing twice.


    As expected, there was no answer on the other end.


    So she obediently followed Qin Sui''s instructions and sent a text message.


    Almost as soon as the message was sent, her phone rang.


    Sheng Yuxiao had called back.


    "Hello." Li Xiaoya answered immediately.


    The overwhelming anger on the other end instantly dissipated into silence.


    "What''s going on? Howe you''re with Qin Sui? Did Qin Sui bully you, so you stole his phone to call me?" Sheng Yuxiao''s voice came rapid-fire like a machine gun.


    "No," Li Xiaoya had barely uttered two words.


    Sheng Yuxiao said sourly, "Oh, don''t tell me you''re ying together? Has your family already befriended the Qin family?"


    "I got into a fight with someone," Li Xiaoya had to cut to the chase.


    "Who? Who dares to hit you?" Sheng Yuxiao''s tone sank, "Is Qin Sui dead? Just watching someone hit you?"


    "I hit someone else."


    "......"


    "Oh, well... good job then." Sheng Yuxiao was the epitome of double standards.


    After saying that, he quickly reacted: "Who''s the other party? Hm? Qin Sui couldn''t handle it alone?"


    "They said their surname is Mu."


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately made the connection in his mind: "I see, you hit Mu Rongfeng''s little brat, right? That kid is quite annoying. I can''t fly over right now... hmm, wait a moment, let me make a call."


    "Soon," Sheng Yuxiao''s voice softened a bit.


    "Mm," Li Xiaoya wanted to say "thank you," but felt the words were too in.


    She wanted to call Sheng Yuxiao "brother," but having just called Qin Sui that, she felt the word was also too in.


    She knew that being sweet-tongued would make things better. So when she purely needed to please someone, she would call them that. Just like when she first met Sheng Yuxiao, she called him brother without any burden.


    Later, as Sheng Yuxiao became closer to her, she instead became more cautious and careful, no longer calling him that easily.


    So after thinking for a while, Li Xiaoya only managed to say dryly in a small voice: "Sheng Yuxiao, I miss you a bit."


    Qin Sui pursed his lips beside her.


    Alright.


    Sheng Yuxiao should be all fired up now, probably wishing he could fly over personally...


    Sure enough! On the other end, Sheng Yuxiao said nothing and quickly hung up the phone.


    It had been less than three minutes altogether.


    Another person entered the small hall.


    He wasn''t very old either, and wasn''t wearing formal attire, just came in a baseball jersey.


    He was very tall, with skin tanned a bit dark, thick eyebrows and deep-set eyes, looking like he might have some ethnic minority blood.


    He held a phone in one hand, talking on it while his eyes scanned the room.


    Finally, he locked onto Li Xiaoya, and only then put away his phone.


    When he got closer, he realized Qin Sui was also there, and his expression immediately turned sour as if he had eaten wasabi...


    "Why are you here too?" he asked.


    Qin Sui called out his name: "Wei Zesheng, I can''t believe Sheng Yuxiao called you."


    "Well, looks like Sheng knows you''re here," Wei Zesheng said glumly.


    Also surnamed Wei?


    Wei Wenjuan couldn''t help but turn his head to look at this young man.


    This Wei was different from Wei Wenjuan and his family.


    This Wei was famous domestically, and was precisely the "Wei family that runs hospitals" mentioned by the doorman earlier when they were blocked at the entrance.


    Wei Zesheng said: "Sheng told me toe protect her, um... where''s the troublemaker?"


    The door of the small hall was pushed open hurriedly from outside once again.


    Qin Sui said: "Here hees."


    This time, the person who entered was dressed in a suit and tie, wearing sses, looking like a secretary.


    The man, with a grim face, walked straight to Lu Kaixuan: "Mr. Lu, Mr. Mu sent me to handle today''s incident... I hope to send the young master to the hospital first."


    This person seemed very efficient and able to control the situation.


    Young Master Mu''s face changed, and he shouted: "I''m not going!"


    The secretary said: "Alright, perhaps you''d like to see the incident resolved first... May I ask what background this Li Xiaoya has?"


    Wei Lin''s eyelid twitched, and he had to speak up: "I am her temporary guardian."


    Lu Kaixuan also quickly introduced: "This is Mr. Wei Lin, the adopted son of the returned overseas Chinese, Old Mr. Wei."


    The secretary nodded and immediately raised his voice to ask: "Then where is Li Xiaoya?"


    Li Xiaoya raised her hand.


    Wei Lin: "..." Was she a newborn calf unafraid of tigers? Had she never seen someone rushing to make trouble before?


    The secretary immediately strode over to Li Xiaoya, then looked at Wei Lin: "Then please, Mr. Wei Lin, give us a proper and careful exnation."


    Wei Lin followed and began to speak: "Fighting is certainly wrong..."


    Before he could finish his sentence,


    Wei Zesheng forcefully interrupted: "You''re Mr. Mu''s secretary? Do you know who I am?"


    The secretary hesitated as he looked him over: "You are..."


    "Wei Zesheng."


    "I''m Qin Sui," Qin Sui joined in.


    "This matter, we''ll give an exnation to the Mu family together. We also hope the Mu family can give an exnation. After all, Young Master Mu is three years older than Xiaoya, so for him to start a fight, it''s really not eptable, don''t you think?" Qin Sui calmly asked in return.


    At this point, the entire small hall fell silent.


    The secretary''s assertiveness immediately vanished.


    Even Lu Kaixuan was stunned.


    Wei Zesheng belonged to the Sheng family faction and was at odds with the Qin family.


    Damn it! To see them join forces in his lifetime!


    This was as outrageous as if the Earth had suddenly stopped rotating, the sun had risen from the west, and water on the ground had started flying up to the sky!


    What did this mean?


    The fact that the Mu family could make them join forces against it... meant that the situation was serious! Definitely not something he, a mere secretary, could handle!


    He needed to call for backup!


    Wei Lin stood on the side, opening and closing his mouth in confusion,pletely unable to get a word in.


    What? Had they gone mad? They were getting involved just like that? Li Xiaoya had absolutely nothing to do with them!

 Chapter 75: My youngest son and your granddaughter

    <h4>Chapter 75</h4>


    Lu Kaixuan, the host of this banquet, was the most troubled.


    He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and tried to smooth things over: "After all, it''s just a small conflict between children. Why don''t we sit down and talk it through calmly?"


    Qin Sui and Wei Zesheng were, in the end, still juniors.


    And Mr. Mu''s secretary was, after all, just a secretary.


    As long as the matter didn''t escte and involve all the families, the situation was still within his control.


    Otherwise... this banquet would end up offending the Mu family, Wei family, Qin family, and possibly even the Sheng family...


    "Standing here arguing is not appropriate," Qin Sui was the first to respond. He paused, then said, "Let''s clear the room."


    Hearing this, Lu Kaixuan nodded inwardly.


    This son of the Qin family was truly impressive. At such a young age, he already had his father''s demeanor and couldmand the situation.


    As soon as the order to clear the room was given, the small hall was emptied in the blink of an eye, leaving only a few of them.


    Wei Zesheng spoke to the secretary in a deep voice, "It seems you can''t make this decision. Call your Mr. Mu."


    Qin Sui couldn''t be allowed to say this first.


    Otherwise, it would fail Brother Sheng''s instructions.


    Wei Lin saw the tense atmosphere and felt uneasy.


    Why make such a big fuss?


    These two young masters might feel satisfied, but wouldn''t their families have to clean up the mess in the end?


    The old man hadn''t been involved in affairs for a long time, which meant everything would fall on his shoulders.


    "Thank you both for your concern about Little Duck. I am Little Duck''s temporary guardian. Why don''t we let Little Duck exin the situation in detail first? This might prevent any misunderstandings," Wei Lin interjected.


    Wei Wenjuan sneered, "I''m not dead yet. How dare you im to be Little Duck''s guardian?"


    Wei Lin wore an expression of helplessness but didn''t say anything more.


    After all, he was just putting on an act. When the time came, Mr. Mu would know that he had tried to intervene, but was simply unable to stop it.


    The secretary didn''t hesitate any longer and turned to make the call.


    "What? Is he seriously injured?" Mu Rongfeng was surprised when he received the call. His secretary was usually quite capable, how could he not handle this?


    The secretary lowered his voice: "The little girl who fought with the young master..."


    "Yes, Mr. Lu mentioned on the phone. She''s the child recently found by the Overseas Chinese Wei Family. The old Mr. Wei doesn''t handle affairs anymore, so the one attending the banquet today should be his godson, Wei Lin. I''ve heard a bit about Wei Lin; he''s good at smoothing things over without offending anyone," Mu Rongfeng, though not present at the scene, seemed to understand the situation well.


    "What? Has Wei Lin be aggressive today?" Mu Rongfeng frowned.


    "It''s not him. It''s... Qin Sui and Wei Zesheng. They''re defending that girl and demanding an exnation from us."


    Hearing this, Mu Rongfeng instinctively looked up at the clock on the wall.


    The second hand wasn''t moving backward.


    The world was still normal.


    "This is the first time I''ve heard these two names together..."


    "Yes, that''s why I called you. Could this be..." the secretary lowered his voice even more, "some kind of signal?"


    A signal that the Sheng family faction was aligning with the Qin family faction?


    If so, the stock market would fluctuate.


    The entire upper-ss circle of Jin City would have to be reshuffled...


    But why hadn''t there been any rumors about this before?


    Or were they joining forces to hunt his Mu family?


    In just a few seconds, various severe consequences shed through Mu Rongfeng''s mind.


    He stood up: "I''ming right away."


    Then he told his assistant: "Cancel all of today''s schedule."


    The assistant looked up in shock.


    "Now, immediately, find the contact information for the Overseas Chinese Wei Family. Try to contact their old man directly. It must be direct contact with the old man!" Mu Rongfeng ordered.


    The water needed to be muddied.


    They couldn''t give the Qin Sui''s family and Wei Zesheng''s family a chance to cause trouble.


    However, he really couldn''t understand how the child just found by the Overseas Chinese Wei Family had be involved with them?


    After all, the Overseas Chinese Wei Family had just returned to the country. No matter how powerful they were abroad, entering Jin City''s circle, they were still considered "new money" from outside.


    Before today''s banquet, not many people had dealings with them.


    As soon as Mu Rongfeng gave this order, his subordinates were at a loss.


    How could they do it? It was impossible to contact them!


    "Um..." a new junior employee in the office quietly raised his hand, "I might... have a way to contact the old man of the Overseas Chinese Wei Family."


    "Speak. If you can make contact, there''s a bonus for you."


    The junior employee immediately gained confidence: "Well, my uncle is a Taoist priest. Uh, a professional one, with an official religious personnel certificate. A couple of days ago, he mentioned in our family group chat that he was invited to the Overseas Chinese Wei Family''s house to chant scriptures."


    Others: ??


    "Try it! Contact your uncle right away!"


    "Oh, okay!"


    The junior employee hurriedly made the call.


    On the other side.


    Wei Xuanming closed his eyes and leaned back in his carved wooden chair, which rocked back and forth.


    Taoist priests and choir nuns stood on either side.


    The left side chanted sutras, the right side sang hymns, creating a surround-sound effect.


    The archbishop who had previously said Wei Xuanming wasn''t sincere stood to one side, also with his eyes closed. Mainly because out of sight, out of mind.


    In this atmosphere of "harmony"...


    The phone of the Taoist temple''s manager, who was the second-inmand of the temple, suddenly rang.


    Wei Xuanming opened his eyes and said, "Answer it."


    The manager smiled awkwardly: "It''s alright, I''ll call backter."


    But Wei Xuanming seemed to have some insight and said, "Some calls, you think aren''t important, but if you miss them, you''ve missed them forever. You''ll regret it for life and never be able to make up for it... Answer it."


    Since Wei Xuanming had said so, the manager didn''t hold back and immediately answered the phone.


    Half a minuteter, he looked at Wei Xuanming with a strange expression and said, "Mr. Wei, this call... is for you."


    "Oh?"


    "The CEO of Wanwu Interconnected, Mr. Mu, is looking for you. He says it''s very important. Apparently, his youngest son and your granddaughter have gotten into a fight, and now the situation is a bit out of control."


    Wei Xuanming''s previouslyzy expression changed.


    He sat up straight: "The CEO of Wanwu Interconnected? His youngest son? And my... granddaughter?"


    Wei Xuanming heard each word clearly, but when put together, he couldn''t quite understand.


    "Where did I get a granddaughter from?" Wei Xuanming found it amusing.


    This sounded like a scam call.


    If it weren''t for the fact that the person in front of him was a legitimate holder of a Chinese Taoist priest certificate, he would have already thrown him out.


    "But, but Mr. Mu has no reason to lie," the Taoist priest was determined to secure his niece''s future.


    Wei Xuanming was silent for a moment, then said to a servant nearby, "Bring me the phone."


    He called his old friend: "I remember you have some contact with the CEO of Wanwu Interconnected."


    "Yes, I do..."


    "Give me his number."


    The friend on the other end was startled: "Have you finally changed your mind? Are youing out of retirement? But what connection could your business have with Wanwu Interconnected?"


    "Just a small matter," Wei Xuanming brushed it off lightly.


    Then he personally dialed Mu Rongfeng, opening with: "This is Wei Xuanming."


    "Mr. Wei, let''s meet," Mu Rongfeng was equally direct.


    "Your youngest son got into a fight with my granddaughter?" Wei Xuanming now just wanted to confirm this one thing.


    "Yes."


    "What location? What time?" Wei Xuanming asked concisely.


    "Jin City Huadao Hotel banquet hall, right now."


    Wei Xuanming hung up the phone and stood up: "Bring me my cane, prepare the car immediately."


    Meanwhile.


    Mu Rongfeng said, "That junior employee doesn''t need to go through the probation period. Transfer him to the secretarial department. He knows how to utilize all avable resources, he''s a smart one."


    The assistant responded, "Yes, Mr. Mu."


    The junior employee soon received news of his promotion and raise.


    His colleagues were all dumbfounded.


    Damn, this works too? Why couldn''t my uncle be a Taoist priest?

 Chapter 76: She Even Burped

    <h4>Chapter 76</h4>


    The waiting process was long.


    But for Li Xiaoya, it was bearable.


    Qin Sui picked up a grape from the fruit tter on the table and asked Li Xiaoya, "Would you like some?"


    Lu Kaixuan, seeing this, rubbed his forehead. They were truly at ease.


    Lu Kaixuan hurriedly instructed a nearby waiter, "What are you standing there for? Go pour some tea."


    Wei Wenjuan, not to be outdone, chimed in, "Would you like some pear? Uncle will peel one for you."


    Wei Zesheng, still unfamiliar with Li Xiaoya and having just met her today, didn''t join in the fuss. He simply sat to the side, serving as a deterrent.


    Li Xiaoya sat in the middle, somewhat like a star surrounded by admirers.


    Wei Lin, unable to squeeze in, was forced to sit at the other end.


    "Mm, I''ll have both," Li Xiaoya said in a crisp voice.


    She couldn''t afford to hurt anyone''s feelings.


    So she''d just have it all.


    The waiter immediately brought over a fruit knife.


    Wei Wenjuan''s legs might not work well, but his hands were remarkably deft. His earlier im about shooting anyone who bullied Li Xiaoya was no exaggeration. When he was just over ten years old, he could assemble firearms at an incredible speed.


    He never missed a shot, whether at still or moving targets.


    Back then, everyone thought he would seed the old man''s position, and he thought so too... but unfortunately, everything changedter.


    Now, Wei Wenjuan''s hands, once meant for holding guns, were holding a fruit knife, peeling a pear for Li Xiaoya.


    Qin Sui handed the grapes to a nearby waiter to be washed.


    When they were brought back, he personally plucked a few and fed them to Li Xiaoya.


    Wei Zesheng frowned at the sight, thinking to himself whether he should step in on behalf of Brother Sheng and feed her something to even the score...


    "Is it sweet?" Qin Sui asked.


    "Very sweet," Li Xiaoya replied. As clever as she was, she was still a child. Back in her small mountain vige, she would restrain herself from eating sweets to avoid being deceived by cheap pleasures.


    Now, without such concerns, she couldn''t help but slightly squint her eyes in delight as she tasted the sweetness.


    Qin Sui introduced in a low voice, "This variety is called ''Queen Nina''. I have a vineyard at home with many of these nted. I''ll take you there to try them sometime."


    Li Xiaoya hesitated for a moment.


    Qin Sui lowered his voice further, "What''s wrong? Afraid Sheng Yuxiao will be angry if he hears about it?"


    Li Xiaoya was a bit troubled.


    It wasn''t an easy question to answer.


    Qin Sui had just helped her, so she should be a little nicer to him...


    Li Xiaoya thought of a win-win solution. She leaned close to Qin Sui''s ear and whispered, "Mm, next time we''ll go."


    With Sheng Yuxiao, as a guest.


    Wouldn''t that solve the problem?


    "Mm." A hint of a smile finally returned to Qin Sui''s lips. After feeding Li Xiaoya grapes, he reached for some dried fruit on the table and began shelling macadamia nuts for her.


    Wei Zesheng thought to himself that he couldn''t stand by any longer.


    He joined the ranks of those feeding Li Xiaoya.


    Lu Kaixuan watched this scene, utterly speechless.


    Wei Lin took a deep breath, thinking that it would be impolite to keep his hands idle.


    He had to keep up appearances!


    He immediately joined in, smiling and saying, "Xiaoya, don''t drink tea. Let''s get you some fruit juice instead."


    With that, he began peeling mangosteen for Li Xiaoya.


    "He''s here, Mr. Mu has arrived," Finally, a waiter hurried over, holding the door open.


    Shortly after his words, a man with a solemn expression entered, followed by several bodyguards in ck suits, exuding an imposing aura.


    The man didn''t have the gentle, gentlemanly appearance of Sheng Yuxiao''s father, nor did he have Wei Lin''s square-faced, righteous look.


    Mu Rongfeng was like a wolf.


    Upon entering, he made no attempt to conceal the force of his presence.


    He first swept his gaze around the room, then walked to his young son''s side, raising the boy''s face with his hand to examine it closely.


    The injury was... not light.


    At least it didn''t look light.


    If they didn''t settle this score, the Mu family might as well forget about saving face.


    "Dad," Young Master Mu called out weakly.


    Mu Rongfeng didn''t respond, instead turning to look across the room��


    The atmosphere on the other side was so harmonious it seemed like they were there to y.


    "Qin Sui, I remember your father mentioning recently that you went to record some show? You''re back so soon?"


    "And Zesheng, you''re here today as well."


    "You... little girl, you must be Li Xiaoya, right?" Mu Rongfeng leaned forward slightly. Despite the distance, he exuded a strong sense of intimidation.


    Li Xiaoya nodded and said, "Yes, uncle."


    As soon as she finished speaking, she couldn''t help but let out a small burp.


    She had been overfed.


    Mu Rongfeng: "..."


    Apparently, while waiting for his arrival, this little girl had been eating quite happily?


    "You''re a girl, and you''re Mr. Lu''s guest today... I''m willing to hear your ount of what happened first."


    These words sounded generous, but they carried a hint of usation.


    Any other child, faced with a big shot like Mu Rongfeng, an adult no less, would have been scared to tears by now.


    But Li Xiaoya shook her head and said, "You should ask him directly."


    She pointed at the boy.


    Mu Rongfeng didn''t turn to ask his son; that would be beneath him.


    He continued with his second question: "Then tell me, are you responsible for the injuries on his face?"


    Wei Wenjuan couldn''t stand Mu Rongfeng''s interrogative tone and coldly said, "Mr. Mu, what''s the point in questioning a little girl? If your son dares to raise his hand, can''t he take a beating? It''s just that our family only has one youngster. If she had a few brothers, your son wouldn''t have gotten off with just a few bruises today."


    Mu Rongfeng snorted withughter, "Mr. Wei, are you suggesting you want to have me shot from behind? Chop off my son''s hands? This isn''t Italy. Frankly, your methods don''t work on me. You can''t make decisions here, I''ll only speak with your family''s old man."


    Wei Lin brought out his usual response: "The old man isn''t well, he''s recuperating in seclusion. I''m afraid Mr. Mu won''t be able to see him."


    "He''s already on his way," Mu Rongfeng slowly uttered these words.


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes flickered, and she instinctively turned to exchange a nce with Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui''s eyes gleamed with light.


    How interesting.


    It was truly too interesting.


    He had only guided Li Xiaoya a little, and his goal had been achieved so smoothly. This gave him a far greater sense of aplishment than sessfully solving a hundred advanced math problems.


    "What did you say?" Wei Lin almost lost hisposure.


    In fact, shortly after Mu Rongfeng''s arrival, Wei Xuanming had also arrived.


    Leaning on his cane with one hand and supported by a bodyguard with the other, he stood quietly outside the door, not rushing to enter.


    He heard their conversation.


    He heard the crisp voice of that little girl.


    She showed no fear in the face of Mu Rongfeng.


    What surprised Wei Xuanming the most was that Wei Wenjuan was also there, and not only present, but he had even bared his fangs at Mu Rongfeng...


    Wei Xuanming couldn''t help but feel a moment of bewilderment.


    "Thud."


    It was the heavy sound of a cane striking the floor.


    Wei Xuanming walked in like this, his tone unhurried: "Mr. Mu, why intimidate children?"


    Wei Lin immediately stood up, respectfully calling out, "Old sir."


    Wei Wenjuan''s face turned pale, instinctively shielding Li Xiaoya.


    He wasn''t afraid of confronting Mu Rongfeng.


    But he was afraid of his father''s arrival.


    Wei Wenjuan said in a trembling voice near Li Xiaoya''s ear, "Your grandfather... your grandfather is here. Uncle will speak for you in a moment, don''t be afraid."


    Li Xiaoya grabbed Wei Wenjuan''s trembling arm.


    She wondered, puzzled, but uncle, you look more scared, why?


    "Your grandfather... is a very strict person, he doesn''t tolerate mistakes," Wei Wenjuan squeezed out the words between his teeth.


    Wei Xuanming didn''t look at his son again, nor did he look at Wei Lin, much less at Li Xiaoya. As if he had little affection for this hard-won bloodline.


    He only stared at Mu Rongfeng.


    Wei Xuanming had been a big shot for decades after all, practically omnipotent in some ces abroad.


    He was old, but when he stood up, he was like a coiled dragon.

 Chapter 77: Never Felt This Good

    <h4>Chapter 77</h4>


    "Mu General, let''s just look at the surveince footage," Wei Xuanming said.


    "Interrogation" was essentially just a means of disying dominance. When both sides had yed their trump cards, there was no need for "interrogation," otherwise the big shots would end up fighting.


    So Mu Rongfeng nodded in agreement without objection.


    Lu Kaixuan had actually prepared the surveince footage earlier, and immediately waved for someone to bring it up.


    Young Master Mu was absolutely devastated. How was this any different from a public execution? But he couldn''t defy his father''s wishes... once the parents joined the battlefield, things werepletely out of his control.


    Lu Kaixuan raised his hand and pressed "y."


    The scene unfolded before both parties'' eyes.


    In the footage, the boy first approached Li Xiaoya and said to her, "Hey, you can''t sit here."


    Seeing this, Mu Rongfeng''s expression hadn''t changed yet.


    Then Li Xiaoya said, "What if I''m very capable myself?"


    And, "I''m very good at hitting people."


    Wei Xuanming''s expression changed ever so subtly.


    Then Li Xiaoya punched Young Master Mu in the eye socket.


    Wei Xuanming''s expression became even more nuanced.


    But Mu Rongfeng''s expression darkened.


    Then others came to break up the fight, his son threatened to have people fired, and that little girl was even more fierce, directly straddling his son and hitting him...


    At this point, Mu Rongfeng''s face could be described as extremely displeased.


    "Mu Bai! Is this the best you can do?" Mu Rongfeng red at his son,ughing bitterly in his extreme anger.


    But after all, it was his own son, so he still had to protect him.


    "Little one, you''ve got quite a heavy hand, don''t you?" Mu Rongfeng turned his gaze back to Li Xiaoya.


    Wei Xuanming said, "You''re too kind."


    Mu Rongfeng: "..."


    As prominent figures, when dealing with children''s fights, they certainly couldn''t argue about right and wrong like in a vegetable market.


    The two parents unanimously moved to another ce to talk.


    Lu Kaixuan hurriedly followed. He had to be the mediator, the stepping stone, otherwise if the big shots got fired up, no one would back down, and today''s matter would drag on endlessly.


    "Want some more grapes?" Qin Sui asked Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya waved her hand, "I''m full, no more."


    Hearing this still peaceful dialogue, Wei Lin finally extracted himself from the massive shock.


    He looked at them... and noticed something odd��


    Qin Sui and Wei Zesheng had forced Mu Rongfeng to appear in person.


    But after Mu Rongfeng appeared, they seemed to have no intention of intervening.


    Also, who had called the Old Master toe? It couldn''t have been Wei Wenjuan, he knew Wei Wenjuan!


    It could only have been... Mu Rongfeng!


    Wei Lin quickly understood��


    This was all a trap!


    Just to make the Old Master show up in person!


    But who had set up this trap?


    Wei Lin''s gaze swept across Wei Wenjuan''s face; he didn''t have such schemes and tactics.


    ... Qin Sui?


    Was it a trap Qin Sui set up for Li Xiaoya?


    But how could Qin Sui go to such lengths?


    Wei Lin felt a stinging in his eyes.


    It was sweat that had slid in.


    He stared intently at Li Xiaoya.


    Our little miss, I''ve underestimated you...


    "Wei Lin was scared by you," Qin Sui whispered in Li Xiaoya''s ear.


    Li Xiaoya also leaned in to whisper in Qin Sui''s ear, "Is he that timid?"


    Qin Sui said in a t tone, "Mm, so he''s not worth worrying about."


    He paused, then asked, "Let''s guess, why would your grandfather entrust someone like this to handle all external affairs?"


    "He''s good at business?"


    "Professional managers are also good at that. I think there must be other reasons."


    "Because he''s a godson? Godson means adopted son, right?"


    "Mm, that''s probably one of the reasons. What else?"


    "Also..." Li Xiaoya lowered her head in thought, "Because he has something that uncle and the others don''t?"


    "What do you think that something is?" Qin Sui patiently guided her.


    "He''s bad?" Li Xiaoya could only think of this.


    "Not enough, what else?"


    "Hmm, he''s very bold... he dares to bully uncle, hurt mom, and even wants me to listen to him."


    Qin Sui was very satisfied with Li Xiaoya''s answer. He said softly, "We can also use another word to describe it �� ambition."


    "I see," Li Xiaoya''s eyes lit up.


    Qin Sui looked down at Li Xiaoya''s face, as if looking at the creator''s perfect work.


    He said, "Your grandfather will definitely like you, will like you very much. Today was already a very good start. Li Xiaoya, do you know what to do now?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded vigorously.


    Wei Zesheng tensed his face and leaned over, "Can you two stop whispering?"


    Qin Sui pulled away a little, "I don''t mind if you take a photo and send it to Sheng Yuxiao."


    Wei Zesheng was speechless.


    But I mind!


    At this moment, the door opened again.


    The Old Master and Mu Rongfeng walked in together, apparently having reached an agreement after some private deal.


    "You provoked her first, apologize to her," Mu Rongfeng said to his son.


    Young Master Mu had truly lost all face today.


    But precisely because he had lost all face, there was nothing left to be stubborn about. With a wooden face, he said, "I''m sorry."


    Only then did Wei Xuanming look at Li Xiaoya, "You hurt him, it''s your turn to apologize."


    Li Xiaoya obediently said, "I''m sorry."


    At this point, both sides had apologized, and it should have been over.


    But Li Xiaoya spoke again, pointing at the previous set of sofas and asking Young Master Mu, "Can I sit there now?"


    Young Master Mu, both embarrassed and angry, squeezed out a word, "Yes."


    Originally, both sides had apologized, but Li Xiaoya''s question immediately put herself in a higher position.


    Hearing this, even Wei Xuanming couldn''t help but look at Li Xiaoya again, his expression growing moreplex.


    Qin Sui wanted to apud Li Xiaoya.


    Quick to understand, and even better at drawing inferences.


    Who wouldn''t like her?


    "It''s gettingte, and I''m just an old bag of bones, can''t stay up all night. Mu General, I''ll take my leave first," Wei Xuanming said politely.


    "I should be going too," Mu Rongfeng said with a forced smile.


    Wei Xuanming turned and walked in front, leaning on his cane.


    Wei Lin got up and followed behind.


    Wei Wenjuan grabbed Li Xiaoya''s hand and "walked" at the very back.


    Li Xiaoya turned her head to mouth to Qin Sui and Wei Zesheng: "Thank you." And, "Goodbye."


    Meanwhile, as soon as Mu Rongfeng got in the car, he couldn''t help but scold his son, "Is this how I taught you? If you want to be the boss, you need to have what it takes! Losing to a little girl, you''vepletely disgraced your old man!"


    The assistant hurriedly tried to mediate, "Why don''t we sign Young Master up for taekwondo sses?"


    Mu Rongfeng sneered, "What taekwondo sses? He can''t match her in strength. He can''t match her in brains either."


    Young Master Mu was still a bit unconvinced and tried to argue with his father, "When did Ipare brains with her?"


    "The fact that you can ask such a stupid question." Mu Rongfeng was truly furious, "You went to provoke her, you jumped right into her trap!"


    Young Master Mu wanted to ask what trap, but fearing his father would continue to call him stupid, he held back.


    But how could his little tricks escape his father''s notice?


    Mu Rongfeng said coldly, "You still don''t know what trap you fell into, do you? The Wei family just returned to the country and used you to establish their authority. Not only that, the Wei family clearly has internal strife, and today that little girl was forcing her grandfather to show his face. You did great, handing them a ready-made opportunity. They beat you up, used you, and you still had to apologize to them."


    Young Master Mu was dumbfounded, "Then, then why did you make me apologize to her just now?"


    "What else could I do? Hm? You were the one who went to provoke her and lost. You''re the one who couldn''t match up to a little girl, did you expect your father to shamelessly back you up?"


    Mu Rongfeng unleashed a torrent of angry words.


    But he didn''t mention that he had fallen into the trap too.


    After all, it was he who had called Wei Xuanming toe.


    Mu Rongfeng wasn''t a fool either. From the moment he arrived and saw that Qin Sui and Wei Zesheng barely spoke, he knew something was amiss.


    Not bad, this big trap even dared to lure him in...


    A bunch of youngsters... the youngest only seven years old!


    Mu Rongfeng looked at his youngest son again, growing angrier the more he looked. Three years older than her, but for nothing!


    "Arrange two more tutoring sses for him," Mu Rongfeng said coldly.


    Young Master Mu''s face paled.


    Now he was truly regretful!


    So regretful!


    If he had known, why would he care where she sat?


    But that was also what his father had taught him, to be like Sheng Yuxiao, Qin Sui and the others, to be the leader of the rich second generation at his age!


    It''s still his father''s fault!


    Meanwhile, on the other side.


    Wei Xuanming walked to his car, paused, and looked at Wei Wenjuan, saying, "She''s better than you."


    Such words should be a piercing pain for a son to hear.


    But Wei Wenjuan wasn''t like before; suddenly, he didn''t feel as much pain.


    Because this time, the Old Master was praising Li Xiaoya.


    The Old Master didn''t think Xiaoya had done anything wrong... that was wonderful!


    "Let''s go," Wei Xuanmingmanded, and the others got into their respective cars.


    The Old Master still sat in the car he had arrived in, Li Xiaoya was with Wei Wenjuan, and Wei Lin was alone in a separate car.


    The Old Master''s car led the way, guiding them to another Chinese garden-style residence.


    Wei Wenjuan was utterly astonished.


    His father hadn''t been living in the vi at Guanghua Vi at all!


    Yet he had no idea about this!


    Li Xiaoya also widened her eyes in surprise.


    Thank goodness, thank goodness she had gotten into a fight, otherwise she would never have been able to see her grandfather.


    "Old Master."


    "Old Master..."


    The servants in the residence greeted respectfully, then curiously looked over at Li Xiaoya.


    After everyone had gotten out of their cars in turn,


    Wei Xuanming paused, turned around, and swung his cane at Wei Lin.


    Wei Lin was struck and fell to his knees, letting out a muffled groan.


    Wei Wenjuan truly wanted to throw his head back andugh out loud.


    He had never... never felt so satisfied before!

 Chapter 78: You Have More Guts Than They Do

    <h4>Chapter 78</h4>


    The servant brought over a chair, and Wei Xuanming slowly sat down before asking, "Do you know why I hit you?"


    Wei Lin prostrated himself on the ground, appearing very respectful, and answered through the pain, "Because I failed to control the situation today and almost brought shame to the family."


    "Is that all?" Wei Wenjuan interjected angrily, unable to contain his fury.


    Even at this point, he still had the nerve to y dumb?


    But Wei Lin ignored Wei Wenjuan''s questioning, continuing to prostrate himself on the ground, waiting for the old master''s judgment.


    Wei Xuanming rested one hand on the armrest of the chair, lowered his head to rub his brow, and asked, "Where did you bring this child from?"


    "Li Family Vige in Stone Town, Dong County, South Province."


    "What else?"


    "She is Wei Yu''s child."


    Wei Xuanming raised his cane again, pressing it on Wei Lin''s shoulder: "You''ve grown too bold, daring to withhold even such matters."


    Wei Lin kowtowed heavily, and even Li Xiaoya heard the "thud" sound.


    "I dare not disappoint you again," Wei Lin''s voice took on a tearful tone. "Your health has gradually deteriorated through one disappointment after another."


    "As soon as I received the news, I immediately sent Wei Zhen to confirm, and then I went to bring her home. I still wanted to keep it from you for a while..."


    "Firstly, the young miss grew up in a mountain vige after all, and might find it difficult to adapt everywhere. It would take a long time for her to get used to all these suddenly appeared ''rtives''."


    "Secondly, back then... Wei Yu left home with the young master after an argument with you. Over these years, none of us knew what Wei Yu had been through out there. I really couldn''t be sure what your attitude towards the young miss would be. Whether you would acknowledge such a bloodline."


    "Thirdly..." Wei Lin''s choked sobs grew stronger, and his whole body began to tremble, "I brought Wei Yu home, but only her remains were left. Such news... such news... how could I dare to gamble with your health?"


    After finishing, Wei Lin kowtowed twice more, crying, "Please ept my condolences!"


    The courtyard suddenly fell into silence.


    Wei Wenjuan was so angry that he started trembling too, but he couldn''t refute Wei Lin''sst words.


    Indeed, the old master''s health was no longer what it used to be...


    He feared his father, and also despised his father for his poor judgment in allowing Wei Lin, this wolf in sheep''s clothing, to lurk in their home. Sometimes he hated his father''s coldness and severity even more...


    But after all, he was his father.


    So Wei Wenjuan hadn''t nned on rushing to confront his father with the news of his sister''s death.


    But what about Xiaoya?


    She had suffered so much in that poor, backward ce, and had even nearly been sold... yet upon returning, she still had to endure Wei Lin''s maniption.


    It shouldn''t be like this!


    "You''re full of crap!" Wei Wenjuan cursed.


    If he could stand up right now, he would definitely kick Wei Lin.


    But Wei Lin still had no reaction to Wei Wenjuan''s abuse.


    Even Wei Xuanming didn''t spare his son a nce.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but gently tug on her second uncle''s sleeve, saying softly, "Don''t be angry."


    "How did Wei Yu end up in that ce? Have you figured out the details?" Wei Xuanming immediately asked Wei Lin.


    "The police are still investigating, and I''ve also sent people to look into it... It might take a while to get results."


    "Go inside and kneel," Wei Xuanming said.


    Wei Lin didn''t argue or beg for mercy, nor did he fear losing face. He kowtowed once more before getting up and going inside. After a few steps, he knelt down again facing a wall.


    Wei Xuanming then looked in Li Xiaoya''s direction and first ordered, "Take the second young master back."


    Wei Wenjuan frowned, "Father, what do you mean by this?"


    "An elder wants to chat with his grandchild, is there a problem?"


    "You''ll scare her!"


    "I think she''s braver than you."


    Wei Wenjuan choked, "Anyway, I have to stay here. Xiaoya can''t leave me."


    Wei Xuanming said coldly, "No one is indispensable to anyone."


    With that, he waved his hand, and immediately bodyguards came forward to push Wei Wenjuan away.


    "Father! Father, you can''t do this!" Wei Wenjuan shouted angrily.


    But soon, he realized this was useless with his father. So he changed his tone and roared, "She''s only seven years old, you can''t treat her the way you treat us..."


    Wei Wenjuan''s voice faded away and soon disappeared beyond the door.


    "Are you afraid?" Wei Xuanming looked at Li Xiaoya and asked.


    Li Xiaoya shook her head.


    Wei Xuanming waited for a moment, and seeing that she didn''t seem inclined to say more, he said, "I thought you would say that you''ve finally met your grandfather, met your own family, so how could you be afraid."


    Li Xiaoya looked at him, her eyes full of childlike innocence and purity, but with a hint of calmness andposure unusual for a child her age.


    "Before today, grandfather was just a stranger. Grandfather must think the same about me. If I weren''t mom''s daughter, I would also be a stranger."


    So how could they develop the attachment and trust between rtives at first sight?


    It was perfectly normal that neither the old man nor the child was excited.


    "Your second uncle protects you so much, is he also a stranger to you?" Wei Xuanming leaned forward to ask.


    "He''s not, and neither is my little uncle."


    "Why? What''s the difference between me and them?"


    "Little uncle suffered a lot to find Li Family Vige, and he cried as soon as he saw me."


    "That''s because he''s been weak and soft-hearted since childhood, prone to crying."


    "Second uncle also cried andughed when he saw me."


    "That''s because he''s the same, emotional about everything."


    "No, that''s not right." Li Xiaoya angrily denied Wei Xuanming''s exnation, "It''s because they love mom!"


    "They had never seen me before either, but they love mom so much that they cried when they saw me."


    "It''s not because they are mom''s brothers that they became my rtives. It''s because they love mom, that''s why they are my rtives."


    Li Xiaoya''s logic was very clear.


    If grandfather wasn''t a good father who loved her mother, then "grandfather" would just be a stranger with a title.


    On this point, Li Xiaoya had always been very clear.


    Just like with Sheng Yuxiao''s friends.


    "You think I don''t love your mother?" Wei Xuanming pressed.


    "You don''t love mom, and you don''t love uncle," Li Xiaoya''s lips pressed tightly downward.


    Every word he said was hurting her uncle, repeatedly aggravating her uncle''s psychological trauma.


    For a moment, all the servants in the courtyard looked at Li Xiaoya in horror. How dare this child say such things?


    "You''re not only speaking up for your mother, but also for your uncle," Wei Xuanming''s expression darkened slightly. "Your uncle doesn''t even dare to speak up for himself..."


    Wei Xuanming paused, carefully examining Li Xiaoya''s face.


    He found that she still showed no sign of backing down.


    Augh squeezed out of Wei Xuanming''s throat: "Good! You''ve got more guts than all of them!"


    He stood up and said, "Come with me."


    Li Xiaoya followed him into the living room, where Wei Lin was still kneeling.


    Wei Xuanming walked closer with his cane and said to Wei Lin, "I already saved your face by not taking action at the hotel today."


    "I know," Wei Lin said gratefully.


    "But for such a big mistake, I can give you face, but your punishment can''t be light. Step away from thepany affairs for a week."


    "I know you''ve already shown leniency."


    Wei Xuanming turned to ask Li Xiaoya, "You''re seven this year? Have you been to school?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded, "Yes, I''m in third grade."


    Wei Xuanming nodded silently.


    She speaks up for others, but doesn''t sulk and ignore his questions.


    Inparison, Wei Wenjuan seemed more childish.


    "I suppose we should thank the government for building Hope Primary Schools in remote mountain areas," Wei Xuanming sighed, then said, "The school transfer procedures need to be done, and after that..."


    Wei Xuanming stared at Wei Lin and said, "You''ll be responsible for taking her to school. From now on, no matter who tries to act out in front of her, you must shield her. Don''t let people think we''re easy to bully."


    Wei Lin nodded in agreement.


    "Kneel for another hour," Wei Xuanming said, then led Li Xiaoya upstairs.


    In the vast study, only the grandfather and granddaughter remained.


    "What did your uncles tell you? That Wei Lin has wild ambitions? That he''s ungrateful? That he harmed your mother?" Wei Xuanming paused.


    "Do you now feel that I let Wei Lin off too lightly, that his punishment wasn''t enough? Do you want to seek justice for your mother and your uncle?" Wei Xuanming asked, following up quickly.


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes revealed a hint of confusion. "Wasn''t he the one who harmed my mother?"


    "Treacherous and ungrateful��that''s not wrong. But the person who harmed your mother might not be him," Wei Xuanming''s gaze turned cold. "Your mother... before she disappeared, she had a boyfriend. After she vanished, this boyfriendpletely disappeared without leaving a trace. This person is more suspicious. Of course, these are not matters for someone your age to worry about."


    "Starting tomorrow, you''ll move in here. Don''t live with your uncles anymore. They''ll only teach you weakness."


    "Crying doesn''t solve any problems. Your opponents won''t soften their hearts because you cry; they''ll only think you''re easier to bully. That''s how this world works."


    After speaking, Wei Xuanming pressed the bell beside him.


    Servants immediately entered.


    Wei Xuanming told them, "This is the young miss. From today on, she''ll be living here. Take her to her room."


    The servants nodded and led Li Xiaoya out by the hand.


    When Li Xiaoya reached the doorway, she turned her head back and said, "Grandfather loves mother, right? He doesn''t cry because he thinks crying can''t solve problems, is that it?"


    Wei Xuanming had never had someone so directly expose hisplex emotions before.


    He fell silent, waving his hand to have the servants take Li Xiaoya away.


    Once the bedroom returned to silence, Wei Xuanming made a phone call, his tone noticeably more spirited: "Old friend, about that doctor we discussed before��I''d like to meet him after all. I suddenly want to live."

 Chapter 79: Mr. Qin is Very Troubled

    <h4>Chapter 79</h4>


    On one side, Li Xiaoya was detained, and when Wei Wenjuan went back and told Wei Wenqing, both of them couldn''t sleep.


    The image of the old man in their hearts was actually very close to that of a "tyrant" - domineering, autocratic, stern, and unforgiving.


    "Will Xiaoya cry?" Wei Wenqing gestured worriedly.


    Wei Wenjuan gritted his teeth and said, "Worst case, I''ll go and snatch her back first thing tomorrow morning."


    "Can you overpower Father?"


    "If I can''t, I''ll just jump into the pond!"


    Meanwhile, on the other side.


    Qin Sui and Wei Zesheng had also returned to their respective homes.


    Qin Sui''s father was sitting on the sofa in the living room waiting for him. As soon as he saw him enter, he immediately put down the financial report in his hand and asked, "Qin Sui, I didn''t realize you also enjoyed being in the spotlight. Did you enjoy stealing the show today?"


    Qin Sui''s face remained calm: "You''ve heard about it?"


    "You managed to get Mr. Mu involved, how could I not hear about it?"


    Qin Sui immediately asked, "Has it spread throughout our circles?"


    "It''s spread within a small range, but it''s been contained. Fortunately, you haven''t lost your headpletely and still remembered to pay attention to this point..." Qin Haoming snorted coldly, "A little more, and you would have given our shareholders and investors quite a shock."


    Qin Sui nodded and said, "As expected."


    Qin Haoming looked at his son, feeling rather speechless.


    His troubles werepletely different from Mu Rongfeng''s.


    Mu Rongfengined that his son''s mind wasn''t fully developed, embarrassing him.


    Qin Haoming was exasperated that his son, at such a young age, was too opinionated, daring to secretly plot anything, as if he enjoyed the thrill of walking on a tightrope.


    Headache-inducing.


    Qin Haoming covered his forehead: "This can''t happen again."


    "I heard that Mr. Mu has been a bit too ambitioustely, wanting to expand his business empire into other fields. Although it doesn''t concern you directly, those led by you have already felt their interests being infringed upon. Shouldn''t today''s actions y right into your hands?"


    "It was just amotion stirred up by the younger generation, but enough to make Mr. Mu vignt. And not to the extent that others would have to intervene without regard for face. Isn''t this ideal?"


    Qin Sui spoke unhurriedly, delivering a long string of words.


    Qin Haoming covered his head, feeling his headache intensifying.


    For a moment, he didn''t know whether to marvel at the fact that his son had said so much today, which was a good thing.


    Or that this son of his had started analyzing human nature again, even his own father... What a headache!


    "Alright, you can go now." Qin Haoming waved his hand as if shooing away a fly.


    At this moment, Mrs. Qin came downstairs. She also knew about today''s events, but she was quite pleased, smiling sweetly as she said, "Qin Sui is bing more and more kind-hearted, like a gentleman, protecting youngdies! In the future, you should take care of other girls as well."


    Kind-hearted.


    The corner of Qin Haoming''s mouth twitched, but he didn''t contradict his wife''s words.


    Meanwhile, when Wei Zesheng returned home, he was subjected to a simr "interrogation."


    After roughly understanding the process and knowing that they hadn''t actually interfered or done anything out of line, just jointly forcing Mu Rongfeng toe out, there were no further questions.


    However, the name Li Xiaoya had suddenly entered the big shots'' field of vision.


    �� A girl who could bring Qin Sui and Wei Zesheng together must have some capability!


    As for Sheng Yuxiao, he had just arrived in Jin City at this moment.


    Why was he dyed?


    Before returning, he had specifically visited the provincial, municipal, and county bureaus of South Province...


    His purpose was to confirm that Wei Lin hadn''t tampered with anything, causing Li Xiaoya''s mother''s case to be glossed over.


    Although in the end, it proved that Sheng Yuxiao had worried unnecessarily, as Wei Lin didn''t have such great abilities.


    Moreover, the attitude of the local police was very firm and clear, determined to investigate this case thoroughly, and they had evenbined it with the previous case of Li Xiaoya being sold by her grandfather.


    They suspected that in the darkness invisible to ordinary people, there was aplete industry chain that had be an unspoken rule locally.


    Because the locals didn''t feel this was a crime, no one had ever reported it.


    ...


    When the police told Sheng Yuxiao about these things, the anger in his chest was about to erupt.


    Then, he missed Li Xiaoya even more.


    "Mom, you go home first, I need to see Li Xiaoya," Sheng Yuxiao said quickly as soon as they got off the ne, pulling his down jacket tighter around him.


    "Do you know where she lives?"


    "..."


    "She''s gone back home, and things are different from before. By rights, if you want to visit, you should first notify the Overseas Chinese Wei Family. Why don''t you give her a call first?"


    "..."


    "What''s wrong?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said with a sour face, "I don''t have her number."


    "Didn''t she call you?"


    "She used Qin Sui''s phone," Sheng Yuxiao said through gritted teeth. "What kind of Overseas Chinese Wei Family is this, are they so poor they don''t know to give the child a phone!"


    Causing Li Xiaoya to have to keep up appearances with Qin Sui!


    Xu Qii nced over his displeased expression and said in a calm tone, "What''s the rush? Didn''t Wei Zesheng protect her? In your eyes, are others so untrustworthy?"


    "Wei Zesheng is fine for fighting, but against Qin Sui... he''s no match."


    A hint of amusement appeared on Xu Qii''s cold face: "You think he could lose Li Xiaoya while you''re watching?"


    "You never know." Sheng Yuxiao said, while a new idea formed in his mind.


    But Sheng Yuxiao never imagined that getting contact information for the Wei family would be so difficult.


    To the extent that he had returned to Jin City, yet was still forcibly out of contact with Li Xiaoya.


    The young master suppressed his temperament and returned to school first.


    "Brother Sheng." Wei Zesheng stepped forward to greet him first, then pointed curiously at Sheng Yuxiao''s chest, "What''s this?"


    "A recording microphone. That damned show isn''t finished yet, we need to record two more city special episodes."


    [This family has be visibly more irritable without Li Xiaoya, the great young master]


    [I also want to see Li Xiaoya a bit, will she have a chance to show her face on the show again?]


    [Really want to know if she''s doing well now +1]


    [But still very grateful to the show for letting us see what a rich people''s elite school looks like]


    The barrage ofments finally became a bit lively again.


    Off-camera, Sheng Yuxiao immediately spoke again: "You saw Li Xiaoya that day, how did she look?"


    Knowing Sheng Yuxiao was very concerned, Wei Zesheng quickly said, "Herplexion was rosy and glowing, she looked very well."


    Sheng Yuxiao said expressionlessly: "Heartless."


    Wei Zesheng immediately shut up, had he said something wrong?


    Sheng Yuxiao asked again, "How were things resolved afterwards?"


    "Things were resolved smoothly... Li Xiaoya''s family''s old man came to take her away."


    Sheng Yuxiao pondered briefly, muttering under his breath, "So that''s why..."


    "What did you say, Brother Sheng?"


    "Do you know where Li Xiaoya went with him?" Sheng Yuxiao asked again.


    "I don''t know."


    "You didn''t ask?"


    "I... should I have asked?" Wei Zesheng thought to himself that he''d remember for next time.


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned and said, "I can''t get in touch with Li Xiaoya now."


    "Why don''t we... ask Qin Sui?"


    Sheng Yuxiao looked at him without speaking.


    Wei Zesheng made a zipping motion across his mouth: "Forget I said anything."


    But after holding back for a while, he still couldn''t resist saying, "I saw that Qin Sui seemed quite close to her..."


    [Respect to you for being a man, daring to say such things]


    [What? When did this happen? How did he see Li Xiaoya?]


    [Li Xiaoya and Qin Sui were together?]


    The audience was bewildered.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Li Xiaoya had just been driven to her new school.


    She sneezed as soon as she entered the school gates.


    Wei Lin quickly wrapped her in a scarf, lest he get whacked with a cane again when they returned in the evening.

 Chapter 80: Reunion with Sheng Yuxiao

    <h4>Chapter 80</h4>


    Li Xiaoya''s transfer procedures went very smoothly.


    After all, it was just a private school for the elite. As long as you could prove your family''s status and pay a bit more money, you could get in. Inparison, the public elementary schools in Jin City were much harder to enter.


    After getting into the school, Wei Lin first took Li Xiaoya to the principal''s office.


    "Our little miss has just been found and brought back to us. It wasn''t easy, and she''s the apple of our family''s eye. I hope you all can take good care of her," Wei Lin said, showing his attentiveness to Li Xiaoya.


    "Also, I don''t want anyone at your school bullying her. If she gets hurt even a little..." Wei Lin''s expression darkened slightly. "That might not be easily resolved."


    The principal nodded and said, "We''ll do our best, absolutely our best to ensure the youngdy''s safety."


    But in his heart, he was already cursing.


    Everyone who came to this school was either rich or noble. Sure, their family might be impressive, but that was abroad!


    If their girl really got into a conflict with someone, wouldn''t they still have to handle it the usual way?


    The principal, after this internal grumbling, already felt the thorny situation this new student''s arrival would bring.


    "Has the teacher arrived?" Wei Lin suddenly asked.


    "The homeroom teacher is here, but the other teachers are all in ss."


    Wei Lin frowned, "They should all meet her. Well, never mind, we''ll have a chance next time. Where''s the homeroom teacher?"


    "Mr. Wei, I''m here." The homeroom teacher stepped forward. He was a young male teacher.


    Wei Lin immediately repeated to him what he had said to the principal, essentially emphasizing that their child was precious and needed to be treated with the utmost care.


    The homeroom teacher could only nod and agree.


    After rambling on for half an hour, Wei Lin finally said, "Alright, then the homeroom teacher can take Little Ya to ss now."


    The homeroom teacher felt as if he''d been granted amnesty, thinking to himself that being an elementary school teacher was really not easy!


    Then he led Li Xiaoya out.


    As they were leaving the principal''s office, Li Xiaoya suddenly turned back to look at Wei Lin.


    Wei Lin bent down and asked, "What''s wrong? Don''t want to go to ss?"


    "Mm." Li Xiaoya said softly, "I''m scared."


    Wei Lin paused, not sure if the little girl was genuinely afraid or just trying to manipte him.


    "Don''t be afraid, I''ll go buy you some toys..."


    "Uncle, can you stay outside the ssroom while I''m in ss?" Li Xiaoya looked up and asked.


    Wei Lin swallowed the rest of what he was going to say.


    Was the little girl trying to give him a hard time?


    "Of course... I can."


    Seeing this, the others couldn''t help but marvel at how precious she must be!


    She even needed someone to apany her.


    They wondered where this little girl had been found and brought back from.


    The homeroom teacher led Li Xiaoya in front, with Wei Lin following behind, as they made their way to ss 1, Grade 3.


    The ss wasn''t veryrge, with about twenty students.


    When they entered, the ss was in the middle of an English reading exercise.


    Stepping in, it felt like entering a foreign country,pletely different from Shitou School.


    "Everyone, let''s apud to wee our new ssmate," the homeroom teacher said.


    But the ssroom remained extremely quiet, with no one pping.


    These third-grade children seemed to have already learned how to scrutinize others. They silently stared at Li Xiaoya, examining her clothes and essories.


    "Why is she carrying such an ugly backpack?" someone suddenly spoke up.


    Wei Lin, standing outside the window, looked through the ss and clearly saw the backpack Li Xiaoya was carrying.


    Why was she carrying that?


    Wei Lin was also surprised.


    That backpack seemed to be... the one she brought from Li Family Vige.


    Wei Lin wanted tough. Who would have thought, at such a young age, she was already so sentimental.


    Unfortunately, in this circle, sentiment was the least needed quality. Otherwise, she would end up like her uncles.


    Children in this world have always been cruel without realizing it. Especially these little rich kids in this school.


    Wei Lin rubbed his nose, thinking she was about to experience that because of this backpack.


    The homeroom teacher cleared his throat and said, "Why don''t you introduce yourself first?"


    The ss continued to be disrespectful,menting, "The pattern on it looks like it''s counterfeit."


    Unlike the "unsophisticated" children at Shitou School, the children here were too worldly.


    They wouldn''t be amazed or envious of someone carrying a backpack with thetest cartoon characters printed on it; they would just think it was low-ss.


    The homeroom teacher listened to theirments and couldn''t help but hold his head.


    What to do? He had just been instructed not to let this girl suffer any grievances.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya suddenly looked at a little girl in the ss and said, "I remember you."


    The little girl''s eyes flickered.


    At the banquet that day, it was this little girl who told Li Xiaoya that if her parents were very powerful, she could sit on that sofa.


    You could say that the little girl had witnessed the entire process of Li Xiaoya thrashing Young Master Mu that day.


    "She''s Li Xiaoya!" the little girl suddenly stood up and introduced, "She... she''s very impressive!"


    The little girl didn''t know how else to describe it, just that she was impressive.


    As soon as the little girl spoke, the other children''s discussions immediately stopped.


    Even the homeroom teacher looked at Li Xiaoya in shock.


    Li Xiaoya nodded, standing on the tform and asked the little girl, "What''s your name?"


    The little girl hesitated for a moment before saying, "An Ying."


    Li Xiaoya nodded and said seriously, "I''ve remembered your name."


    Little An Ying was startled. She wondered if Li Xiaoya was holding a grudge against her. But she hadn''t joined in the teasing that day during the fight.


    Because of An Ying''s choice of words when introducing Li Xiaoya, no one dared toment further.


    Li Xiaoya was then assigned a seat.


    She didn''t throw away her backpack just because they said it was ugly. Instead, she first wiped the exterior with a piece of paper, then carefully tucked it into the desk cubby.


    The homeroom teacher sighed in relief, signaled the teacher to continue the ss, and then turned to leave.


    Outside the window, Wei Lin was speechless.


    That''s it?


    His mouth twitched as he thought, beating up that Young Master Mu actually made her famous???


    Wei Lin ended up standing outside all day, only getting a break at lunchtime.


    When school let out in the afternoon, as Li Xiaoya was walking out, she encountered that Young Master Mu again when passing by the fifth-grade area.


    As soon as Young Master Mu saw her, his face turned green, and he hurriedly ran away with his head down.


    Seeing this, Wei Lin was once again at a loss for words.


    How could that Young Master Mu be so easily intimidated?


    "Li Xiaoya! Li Xiaoya!" Suddenly, a voice called out from behind.


    Li Xiaoya stopped and turned around.


    Hm?


    She didn''t recognize him.


    Wei Lin was also puzzled. A little boy was running towards them.


    The boy looked unfamiliar, and Li Xiaoya had been under his watch the whole time, so where could she have made a friend?


    The boy, holding a phone in one hand, excitedly said into it, "Bro, bro, it''s her, right? I told you it was her! I really saw Li Xiaoya!"


    As he spoke, the boy maneuvered his camera to point at Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya took half a step back, avoiding his shot, and asked, "Who are you?"


    "I''m Ning Heng''s younger brother. My name is Ning Ling. Let my brother talk to you... Huh? Why did my brother hang up the video call?" The boy was dumbfounded.


    Ning Heng was Sheng Yuxiao''s friend, and this boy was Ning Heng''s younger brother.


    Although the rtionship was a bit distant... Li Xiaoya still briefly and generously included him in her circle of acquaintances.


    "Call him back," Li Xiaoya said softly.


    Seeing that Li Xiaoya was finally acknowledging him, Ning Ling didn''t bother calling back. He circled around Li Xiaoya, mumbling, "I can''t feel it."


    "Feel what?" Li Xiaoya tilted her head and asked.


    "My brother said that when he sees you, he gets very inspired... I can''t figure out my homework, I wish I could get some inspiration too," Ning Ling said, scratching his head.


    Meanwhile, on the other end.


    After hanging up the video call, Ning Heng quickly found Sheng Yuxiao: "Bro, holy shit, I know where Li Xiaoya is now."


    "Where?"


    "She''s at our school, just in the elementary section. My little brother just saw her."


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately called his bodyguard to get the car ready.


    The TV show crew also hurried to follow.


    Qin Sui stood by the railing, taking in the whole scene.


    "Qin bro, Qin bro, why aren''t you leaving?" Someone came over to ask, "We just found this really good private kitchen restaurant, let''s drive over there."


    Qin Sui responded with an "Mm" and said, "Let''s follow them."


    "Follow who?... Follow Sheng Yuxiao?"


    "Mm."


    Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, thinking that Qin bro had been acting really strangetely, actually wanting to follow Sheng Yuxiao''s car!


    Meanwhile, Ning Ling finally received a call back from his brother.


    He hung up the phone and said, "My brother said Sheng Yuxiao is here to see you."


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes lit up, and she immediately ran towards the school gate.


    Fortunately, the road from the high school section to the elementary section was specially controlled, and outside vehicles couldn''t ess this road, so it wasn''t congested.


    It took only five minutes for Sheng Yuxiao''s car to reach the elementary section.


    He pushed open the door and got out of the car, striding with his long legs in one smooth motion.


    The staff hurriedly set up the cameras, aimed them at the entrance, and urately captured Li Xiaoya''s figure.


    Sheng Yuxiao also spotted her at once.


    She was wearing a red down jacket with a petal-like skirt, making her look like a flower bud surrounded by petals.


    "Li Xiaoya!" Sheng Yuxiao shouted, walking over in a few steps and lifting her up in his arms.


    As he hugged her, he felt the backpack on her body.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked down.


    Wasn''t that the one he bought for her in Li Family Vige?


    It was considered "rare" in the local area, but here, it really wasn''t up to par.


    Yet she still wore it to school.


    Because it was the one he bought for her.


    Sheng Yuxiao took a deep breath, his eyes growing a bit misty.


    "Li Xiaoya, I''ve missed you too!"


    [Ahhhh!]


    [They''ve met again!]


    [Aww, Xiaoya is still using the backpack Young Master Sheng gave her, who can resist this?]


    Thements instantly exploded.


    Meanwhile, Qin Sui''s car pulled up close behind.


    He lowered his head to operate his phone, sending out some message.


    The person next to him couldn''t help but crane his neck: "Brother Qin, what are you sending?"


    "Giving Sheng Yuxiao a little surprise."


    "?" "Brother Qin, that''s... that''s quite nice of you, giving Sheng Yuxiao a surprise... Does this mean the Qin and Sheng families are really reconciling?"


    Qin Sui didn''t respond to that.


    On the other side, Sheng Yuxiao''s phone rang.


    He casually took it out, frowning and squinting: "What message is that idiot Qin Sui sending me?"


    "Did he see on the TV program that I finally met you and now he''s feeling uneasy?"


    [Hrious, determined to anger Qin Sui, aren''t we?]


    Sheng Yuxiao opened the message: "...What''s this? A voice message?"


    He pressed y.


    Li Xiaoya''s crisp voice came through: "Brother Qin Sui, see youter... Brother Qin Sui, see youter..."


    It yed on repeat.


    The air suddenly fell silent.


    [Well... It seems like Young Master Sheng is the one who''s about to be angered to death.]

 Chapter 81: Qin Sui Must Have Used Sorcery

    <h4>Chapter 81</h4>


    Qin Sui watched from afar as Sheng Yuxiao picked up his phone and tapped the screen.


    "Alright, let''s go," Qin Sui said to the driver.


    The driver was stunned. "Huh? We''re leaving already?"


    Qin Sui''s sidekick was equally confused: "Boss, you chased Sheng Yuxiao all the way here, and that''s it?"


    Qin Sui tapped on the car window. "If we don''t leave now, Sheng Yuxiao might end up smashing our car."


    The sidekick: ???


    At this moment, the live streaming tform''sment section exploded.


    [That''s right, I listened twice to confirm - that''s definitely Li Xiaoya''s voice]


    [I don''t dare to imagine Sheng Yuxiao''s expression right now]


    [Wow, what kind of sorcery did Qin Sui use to make Li Xiaoya call him that?]


    [From not even getting a bite of Li Xiaoya''s food to today''s "Qin Sui brother," what on earth happened in between? I''m so curious, help!]


    [Production team, why didn''t you follow and film this? I''m dying of curiosity too!]


    [Say no more, I''m here to sharpen knives for Young Master Sheng!]


    The production team hadn''t expected that even at thiste stage of the show, they''d still get such dramatic content.


    They were all dumbfounded.


    And Li Xiaoya was also stunned...


    The little girl from the small mountain vige had no idea that such ck technology as phone recording existed in this world.


    "You knew there was a show being recorded, you knew I''d be meeting you at the school gate right at this time, so you timed your message perfectly..." Sheng Yuxiao said in a heavy tone, putting Li Xiaoya down and turning his head.


    Ning Heng had just gotten out of the car and caught up.


    Sheng Yuxiao said to him, "Qin Sui''s car is nearby. Go check it out."


    Ning Heng was surprised: "Huh? Qin Sui is nearby? Damn!"


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "Smash his car. I''ll pay for the damages."


    Ning Heng immediately turned and stormed off to find the car, looking fierce.


    Qin Sui''s car had already driven far away. His sidekick, peering out the window, could feel Sheng Yuxiao''s anger and Ning Heng''s murderous aura from afar.


    "Good thing we got away fast."


    After saying this, the sidekick turned his head to see that Qin Sui had already closed his eyes.


    Mainly because he didn''t want to stay and watch Li Xiaoyafort Sheng Yuxiao.


    Qin Sui thought to himself.


    He knew Li Xiaoya would definitelyfort Sheng Yuxiao.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya gently tugged on Sheng Yuxiao''s sleeve and asked, "Are you angry?"


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his head and bent down: "How could I be angry? Everyone knows how devious Qin Sui is. He must have forced you to do it."


    [Laughing so hard, yes yes, it must be Qin Sui who forced her]


    Li Xiaoya hesitated, feeling that this wasn''t right.


    "He didn''t really force me..." she said softly.


    "Oh, then he must have told you that if you didn''t call him brother, he wouldn''t help you. That''s still coercion."


    [That''s right, no matter what you say today, it was definitely Qin Sui who forced you!]


    Thements section chimed in.


    "Sheng bro." Ning Heng came back empty-handed after a short while. "I didn''t see Qin Sui''s car. Did you guess wrong?"


    Sheng Yuxiao sneered: "It''s impossible that I guessed wrong. He must have already run away."


    "Damn! He ran pretty fast then!"


    [I have to say, Qin Sui is really experienced at doing bad things...]


    Ning Heng continued to offer suggestions: "We''ll crush his ss in the football match at the end of the semester!"


    "Mm." Sheng Yuxiao responded indifferently, taking Li Xiaoya''s backpack from her and holding it in his hand. "Let''s go buy you a new one."


    Wei Lin witnessed the entire process and thought mockingly to himself that this Young Master Sheng seemed quite sentimental.


    Was the Sheng family really letting him be like this?


    Inparison, the Qin family''s heir seemed more rational.


    Wei Lin suppressed the countless thoughts in his mind and interjected: "I''m sorry, Young Master Sheng. I need to take Xiaoya home. Her grandfather is waiting for her."


    [Wow, she''s really going home to meet her rtives?]


    [I thought this guy wasn''t up to any good, but he''s actually taking Xiaoya to meet her grandfather]


    Sheng Yuxiao was tall, even taller than the adult Wei Lin.


    He looked down at Wei Lin, finally disying the arrogance befitting a young master from a wealthy family.


    "It''s not like I''m taking Xiaoya away and not letting her go home. Why are you in such a hurry?" Sheng Yuxiao paused, then said, "Although I''d like to do that, unfortunately, I can''t."


    "I''m sorry, but our family rules are strict. Please understand, Young Master Sheng." Wei Lin didn''t budge an inch.


    [Huh? What kind of family rules? The bond between Li Xiaoya and Sheng Yuxiao was formed back in Li Family Vige, isn''t it deeper than yours? What''s wrong with him taking her to buy a new bag?]


    [Hmm... it seems like the people in this family might not be easy to get along with]


    [Will Li Xiaoya suffer?]


    [That would be too pitiful, suffering beforeing home and still suffering aftering home. Being a rich family''s daughter isn''t easy either!]


    While thements were still sympathizing with Li Xiaoya, Sheng Yuxiao simply grabbed her and put her in the car.


    "I''ll personally bring her home in two hours!"


    Wei Lin? Who cares about him? When Young Master Sheng decides to ignore someone, he ignores them.


    Wei Lin could only watch helplessly as Sheng Yuxiao swiftly closed the car door and drove away.


    Once in the car, Li Xiaoya rummaged through her backpack and pulled out an orange.


    "For you," she offered it to Sheng Yuxiao.


    "Where did you get this?"


    "It was left over from lunch."


    For others, giving leftover food might seem disrespectful.


    But for them, it was different.


    [Aww, reminds me of when they were at Shitou School, and Li Xiaoya would bring eggs home for Sheng Yuxiao]


    [I don''t know if Sheng Yuxiao is touched, but I certainly am]


    Sheng Yuxiao''s lips moved slightly as he took the orange. Then he ruffled Li Xiaoya''s hair vigorously, saying, "See, without me tob your hair, it''s all messy today. Not pretty anymore."


    [Wasn''t it you who just messed it up?]


    But Li Xiaoya nodded and said, "Qin Sui invited me to his family''s vineyard."


    [Oh no, Xiaoya, don''t! You just managed to appease your Sheng brother, and now you''re making him jealous again?]


    On camera, Sheng Yuxiao frowned.


    But then he heard Li Xiaoya say, "Come with me."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s brow immediately smoothed out, his lips curling into a smile as he replied, "Alright."


    He was already imagining the delightful scene of Qin Sui seeing him and Li Xiaoya walking in together.


    [Good, good, good. The familiar taste of Li Xiaoya. In thepetition of appeasing Sheng Yuxiao, you''d definitely rank first.]


    The impact of the earlier voice recording hadpletely dissipated by this point.


    Sheng Yuxiao quickly took her to buy a new backpack. After transferring the contents from the old bag, he was about to throw it in the trash.


    Li Xiaoya grabbed his hand: "Don''t throw it away."


    "Hm?"


    "Keep it."


    "What''s the point of keeping this thing?"


    Li Xiaoya held onto the strap of the old backpack tightly, saying softly, "Just... keep it."


    It was the first time since her mother passed away that she had felt such an overwhelming, intense, undisguised... happiness enveloping her.


    Sheng Yuxiao had to let go and say, "Alright, if you say keep it, we''ll keep it."


    After saying this, he thought for a moment and couldn''t help but smile, "So if I buy you something every year, are you going to keep every single item?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded, then shook her head and said, "You don''t need to buy something every year."


    "Why not?"


    "Wasteful."


    "Haha." Sheng Yuxiao happily pinched her cheek. It had been a long time since he''d done that, so he couldn''t resist pinching it a couple more times.


    Then he said, "It''s not wasteful. How could spending on you be wasteful? It''s just that if we keep too many old things, there won''t be enough room at home."


    Li Xiaoya thought for a moment and said, "Then I''ll work hard and buy a big house to store them all."


    "Alright." Sheng Yuxiao tossed the backpack to Ning Heng to hold, then bent down to pick up Li Xiaoya. "Let''s go home! Otherwise, your grandfather might really not let me see you next time."


    "He won''t. Actually, grandfather is easy to please too."


    Sheng Yuxiao clicked his tongue.


    Is that so?


    That''s different from what Uncle said...


    He''d heard that Wei Xuanming was a very tough person, particrly strict with his children.


    Such a person... easy to please?


    Meanwhile.


    In a Chinese garden-style residence, Wei Wenjuan and Wei Wenqing were rarely sitting at the same dining table with their father.


    This meal finally had a bit of a family dinner feel to it.


    Family... dinner.


    These two words seemed to belong to thest century.


    But the father and sons, who were usually either at odds or coldly facing each other, were unusually harmonious at this moment.


    All just to wait for Li Xiaoya toe home from school and have their first "reunion dinner" together.


    They waited and waited.


    A gust of wind swept through the courtyard, instantly evoking a sense of destion reminiscent of an empty-nester.


    Old Master Wei, who rarely hosted banquets, was in a foul mood. He suddenly stood up and struck Wei Lin with his cane.


    "You said the one who took away Little Duck was the Sheng family''s eldest young master. What was his name again?"


    "...Sheng Yuxiao," Wei Lin swallowed his cry of pain.


    "Put up a sign at the entrance..." "It should read, ''Sheng Yuxiao Not Allowed Entry.''"

 Chapter 82: Neither the Old nor the Young Will Give In to Each Other

    <h4>Chapter 82</h4>


    "Do you know the address of your home?" Sheng Yuxiao asked after they got in the car.


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, but quickly added, "If we go back to school first, then I''ll know how to get there from the school gate."


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled, "Alright, let''s head to the school then."


    The production team''s car followed behind as they wound through the streets, first circling back to the school before taking another main road. They drove for a full half hour.


    "It''s here," Li Xiaoya pointed out the window.


    Even the driver couldn''t help but exim, "She actually found it!"


    "Let''s go," Li Xiaoya was the first to push open the door and jump out. The security guard at the gate saw her and immediately opened the entrance.


    The whole group followed her inside.


    As they went deeper, the production crew couldn''t help but exchange nces: "Li Xiaoya''s grandfather''s house seems really wealthy."


    "They live in a Suzhou-style Garden!"


    Amid their amazement, the group arrived at the main entrance.


    For privacy reasons, the cameras had been pointed at the ground the whole way, until they saw the sign erected outside the door. Without thinking, the cameramen instinctively raised their cameras.


    [Oh? The scene finally changed]


    [Have they arrived at Li Xiaoya''s house?]


    [Whoa! What''s this?]


    The audience read the words on the sign clearly, then instantly erupted into their second burst ofughter of the day.


    [Who wrote this? Li Xiaoya''s grandfather? Why, just because the young master Sheng lured her away from the school gate?]


    [I thought it would say ''Sheng Yuxiao and dogs not allowed'']


    [So it means dogs can enter, but young master Sheng can''t?]


    [This is too much, I''m going tough myself sick. It''s probably the first time young master Sheng has been so unwee]


    [Wait, I bet Qin Sui''s family isn''t wee either]


    Just as thements were getting lively, the cameramen quietly lowered their hands again.


    Mainly because they were afraid of young master Sheng''ster retaliation.


    [What''s wrong with the production team? They''re not being considerate at all, I want to see young master Sheng''s expression!]


    [Be careful, you might get assassinated for saying that]


    The mischievousizens mored to see more.


    At this moment, as if in telepathic connection with the audience, the cameramen slowly raised their arms again.


    Li Xiaoya, who had re-entered the frame, calmly unzipped her backpack, took out a pen, walked over, and cked out the word "not".


    The eye-catching slogan instantly became:


    "Sheng Yuxiao allowed to enter"


    [...Li Xiaoya, you''re a genius!]


    [I bet young master Sheng''s mouth is about to split from smiling now]


    Indeed, Sheng Yuxiao''s tense features suddenly rxed.


    "I didn''t expect Mr. Wei to be so childish," Sheng Yuxiao chuckled softly.


    [Big brother shouldn''t mock little brother, have you forgotten you wanted to smash Qin Sui''s car earlier?]


    "Alright, since we''ve arrived at your home, you should go in," Sheng Yuxiao paused, then said, "I''lle to formally pay my respects to the old gentleman another day."


    He didn''t want to add fuel to the fire by going in now.


    Wei Xuanming had an entric temper. It wouldn''t matter if Sheng offended him, but if that offense affected Li Xiaoya, it wouldn''t be good.


    Now that he knew the home address, the rest wasn''t important.


    [Is this still the young master Sheng we know? He''s actually retreating from a difficult situation?]


    [And he''s not even angry]


    [It''s mainly because Li Xiaoya pacified him so well]


    The audience was preparing to leave the scene.


    But Li Xiaoya grabbed Sheng Yuxiao''s hand and said, "Let''s go in together."


    "Your grandfather is still an elder after all..." Sheng Yuxiao was still trying to show some respect for the elderly.


    Li Xiaoya firmly said, "That''s why we should let grandfather see who protected me in ces they couldn''t see."


    [This, this... even ten Sheng Yuxiaos couldn''t resist this]


    In the frame, Sheng Yuxiao was stunned for a moment, then smiled: "Mm, Li Xiaoya, you..."


    "Hm? Me?" Li Xiaoya looked at him in confusion.


    What about me?


    "Nothing. ... Have you ever eaten a kind of lollipop? The outeryer is hard when you bite it, but after you crack it, the filling inside flows out."


    Li Xiaoya listened in a daze, wondering if Sheng Yuxiao wanted to eat this candy.


    She had never seen such candy before.


    "Let''s go in," Sheng Yuxiao said decisively, picking up Li Xiaoya and cing her inside the threshold first.


    Then he turned to the production crew: "You can''t film inside."


    The crew tactfully stepped back, giving an OK gesture.


    [We''vee all this way, but can''t see more. Are you production team deliberately torturing us?]


    [Alright, alright, young master Sheng is happy, we''re the only ones suffering!]


    No matter how reluctant the audience was, this episode ended here.


    The director general was also very unwilling, couldn''t help but gaze at the backs of the two departing figures, muttering quietly: "If I had known, I would have signed for more episodes in the contract."


    The cameraman also sighed: "Back then, everyone was afraid young master Sheng would quit after one episode. Who could have imagined now..."


    The staff reluctantly returned to their own cars.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya hadn''t walked far before she encountered a servant.


    The servant immediately turned to report happily: "The young miss is back!"


    The Wei family''s bodyguards didn''t recognize Sheng Yuxiao yet, and for a moment couldn''t connect this young man walking beside Li Xiaoya with the name on the sign outside, so they let him in without hindrance.


    They made their way to the courtyard, where several Chinese-style screens were set up, enclosing the area. As they approached, a warm breeze greeted them.


    "You''re back?" Wei Xuanming''s tone was slightly stern.


    Li Xiaoya nodded, obediently calling out: "Grandfather, Second Uncle, Little Uncle."


    Wei Wenqing was a bit anxious, afraid the old man would give Li Xiaoya trouble.


    "Where did you go?" Wei Xuanming asked again.


    "To buy a schoolbag."


    Just for a schoolbag...?


    Wei Xuanming''s face darkened a bit more.


    But that wasn''t all. Li Xiaoya took the initiative to introduce: "Grandfather, this is Sheng Yuxiao."


    Wei Xuanming immediately turned to look at the servant beside him.


    The servant hurriedly said: "The sign, the sign was put up..."


    Wei Xuanming didn''t speak, only feeling that this child was truly bold.


    Openly defying him!


    Li Xiaoya then turned to look at the servant, saying: "Please bring another chair."


    "You want him to stay for dinner?" Wei Xuanming frowned.


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "This is a family dinner," Wei Xuanming said.


    Li Xiaoya immediately looked towards Wei Lin: "Then what about him..."


    Wei Lin: ?


    Why am I being dragged into your grandfather-granddaughter dispute?


    "He is my godson," Wei Xuanming said in a deep voice.


    "This is my brother," Li Xiaoya also said.


    The old and the young, neither willing to give in.


    Wei Wenjuan and Wei Wenqing''s hearts were in their throats.


    "What kind of brother is he?" Wei Xuanming asked again.


    "If those who protect me don''t count as my brothers, then who does?" Li Xiaoya countered.


    Wei Xuanming: "..."


    Just when everyone thought the standoff would continue, Wei Xuanming suddenly relented: "Then sit down."


    Li Xiaoya immediately went to sit next to her little uncle, and had the servant put the chair beside her, which would be Sheng Yuxiao''s seat.


    "It''s still not enough," Li Xiaoya suddenly said.


    Wei Xuanming raised his eyes to look at her: "You have a second brother?"


    At these words, even Wei Lin couldn''t help but nce towards the main gate. That Qin Sui hadn''te too, had he?


    Li Xiaoya said: "It''s a family dinner, how can we leave out Aunt?"


    Wei Xuanming was silent for a moment, then said: "Your aunt, she''s not quite fit to appear in public..."


    "Then what about Big Uncle and Big Aunt?"


    "They passed away early."


    "I know, but this is a family dinner," Li Xiaoya said, then suddenly stood up and ran towards the bedroom. Soon, she came back carrying Wei Wenyu''s photo, which she ced at the edge of the table.


    Wei Xuanming''s throat tightened, the severity in his brow and eyes fading away, that air of old weariness seeming to return to him all at once.


    He said in a deep voice: "Alright! Go and bring out the portraits of the eldest young master and eldest young miss as well. And the second young miss... bring her out too."


    This was the mostplete family dinner the Wei family had had in many years.

 Chapter 83: “Symptoms Improved No, They Worsened”

    <h4>Chapter 83</h4>


    In an instant, Wei Lin''s expression underwent an extremely subtle change. Being in front of the Old Master, he quickly concealed his emotions again.


    He had really... really underestimated Li Xiaoya before!


    He didn''t know if it was truly her childlike innocence or if she had done it intentionally, but this move was simply... simply brilliant.


    Wei Lin had always felt that the Old Master wasn''t particrly sentimental about family ties.


    The Old Master was just very traditional.


    Traditional to the point where he believed the family business must be passed down to direct blood descendants; no matter how capable others might be, they weren''t worthy of eating from his family''s bowls.


    He was autocratic and domineering, like an eagle pushing its eaglets off a cliff to force them to learn to fly. He was cruel in how he raised his own sons.


    This approach caused pain to the Old Master''s direct blood rtives.


    The more they suffered, the more opportunities it created for Wei Lin to exploit.


    But as people age, they inevitably be softer.


    The Old Master might regret his past harshness at some point. But regret is ultimately useless, especially now that the oue has been decided.


    It was precisely at this moment that Li Xiaoya appeared out of nowhere... she had opened a door to familial affection.


    This wasn''t a good sign at all!


    As theseplex thoughts shed through Wei Lin''s mind, a dull thud pulled him back to reality.


    The servants had brought out the portraits of the eldest young master and young miss, cing them on the table.


    The ck and white portraits, no matter how outstanding the appearance of the people in them once was, now seemed eerie.


    Wei Lin''s eyelids twitched, and he instinctively averted his gaze slightly.


    This is madness! Wei Lin thought.


    How could anyone eat properly with these things disyed?


    Li Xiaoya, despite her small size, wasn''t afraid of the portraits before her. She rummaged through her backpack, which a servant was helping to carry, and pulled out a yogurt and a chocte bar.


    The cafeteria at the elite school offered a wide variety of sumptuous foods.


    Others disdained to eat them.


    Even if some did eat, whatever was left would be casually tossed in the trash. Only Li Xiaoya had saved everything she couldn''t finish...


    She had given the orange to Sheng Yuxiao earlier. Now she ced the yogurt in front of her eldest uncle''s portrait and the chocte in front of her eldest aunt''s portrait.


    She said to the portraits, "These are gifts."


    Wei Xuanming watched silently, then suddenly asked, "Aren''t you going to put anything in front of your mother''s picture?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, picked up her mother''s photo, and ced it in front of Wei Xuanming.


    She said, "Seeing grandfather again is mom''s gift."


    Wei Xuanming''s hand trembled, nearly knocking over the teacup beside him.


    Wei Wenjun and Wei Wenqing could no longer hold back their tears.


    Wei Wenjun said hoarsely, "Little Duck is right. At a family dinner, everyone should be present."


    At that moment, the sound of footsteps and wheels rolling approached.


    It was a servant pushing someone out.


    Li Xiaoya knew this was her only surviving aunt.


    The servant pushed closer and closer��


    The woman''s appearance came into Li Xiaoya''s view.


    Her hair was neatlybed, and her clothes were proper and tidy, with no decorations.


    But she was so thin.


    So thin that it seemed a gust of wind could blow her away.


    Her hands were ced neatly on her knees, and her beautiful eyes stared nkly ahead, not looking at any of them...


    "Wenyi," Wei Xuanming called her name.


    But she had no reaction at all.


    "Push her closer," Wei Xuanming said wearily.


    Unlike Wei Wenjun and his brother who lived at Guanghua Vi, Wei Wenyi had always stayed with the Old Master.


    But the Old Master rarely went to see her.


    Because she no longer recognized people.


    Sometimes she even lost her sense of being human��she thought she was a de of grass or a stone.


    So they met less often, letting her be carefree as a de of grass or a stone.


    He wouldn''t feel the pain either.


    That was all the Old Master could think.


    "You don''t need to give your aunt a gift, she gets scared when she sees unfamiliar things," Wei Xuanming said, waving his hand.


    The servant beside them immediately picked up a spoon, ustomed to feeding Wei Wenyi.


    Li Xiaoya clenched her fingers slightly and softly responded, "Mm."


    "Let the feast begin," Wei Xuanming said, regaining his spirits.


    The servants acknowledged and began to serve the dishes.


    Bowls and chopsticks were ced in front of each "person," and Wei Xuanming put food in each of their bowls. Watching this scene, even Wei Lin felt a moment of daze, as if he had returned to years ago...


    The atmosphere of this meal was somewhat heavy, and it should have been eaten in silent stillness.


    But the Old Master suddenly remembered to ask, "How did you feel about your first day of school?"


    This question immediately drew the attention of both uncles.


    Li Xiaoya obediently answered, "It was okay."


    "At such a young age, and already giving such a mediocre answer. What do you mean by ''okay''?"


    "Well, it means it was okay. The teachers were okay, the ssmates were okay, the school was okay. And Uncle Wei Lin apanying me outside the window during ss was okay too."


    Hearing this, Wei Xuanming nced at Wei Lin.


    This was better than her uncles; at least she knew how to make use of Wei Lin.


    Sometimes, what''s the point of despising someone? It''s better to control them, to use them.


    "Did you make any friends?" Wei Wenjun asked eagerly, more concerned about this.


    He was worried that Li Xiaoya might be bullied at the elite school.


    The more prestigious the ce, the more they judge by appearances and engage in group bullying.


    "No," Li Xiaoya said.


    "That''s alright, you''ll make some eventually..."


    "It''s okay not to have friends," Li Xiaoya added.


    Wei Wenjun was instantly speechless.


    Wei Xuanming, on the other hand, immediately praised her, "Good! A child of our family should have such temperament and breadth of mind. You are destined to be the alpha wolf in the future."


    Wei Lin felt very uneasy hearing this.


    The Old Master was indeed nning to groom the little girl.


    The two uncles, who had harbored a lot of resentment towards their father, now felt some of that resentment dissipate as they heard him praise Li Xiaoya. They couldn''t help but smile.


    Yes, that''s right! Little Duck is excellent! She''s good!


    The dinner thus concluded with this question-and-answer session, the atmosphere no longer silent but unexpectedly warm.


    Time quickly approached nine o''clock, and Li Xiaoya, being an elementary school student after all, still needed to go to bed early.


    "See Young Master Sheng out," Wei Xuanming said, looking up.


    This was meant for the servants, but Li Xiaoya jumped down from her seat in a sh.


    "Mr. Wei, I''ll take my leave now. Please take care of yourself," the young Master Sheng said, unusually respectful as he finished speaking before leaving with Li Xiaoya.


    Wei Xuanming gripped his cane tightly but ultimately didn''t angrily call out to keep Li Xiaoya back.


    Li Xiaoya apanied Sheng Yuxiao all the way to the main gate.


    "We''ll see each other tomorrow, go back inside," Sheng Yuxiao patted her head.


    Li Xiaoya bit her lip and took half a step back.


    Just as she was about to turn and leave, Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but hug her tightly one more time.


    "I''m leaving," Sheng Yuxiao quickly let go and stood up to leave.


    To avoid feeling even more reluctant to part.


    It was already veryte when he got home, but Xu Qii was still waiting for him in the living room. Seeing him enter, she immediately asked, "Did you see Li Xiaoya?"


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded, his brows slightly furrowed.


    The situation at the Wei family was even moreplicated than imagined.


    Xu Qii asked in surprise, "Why do you still look unhappy?"


    Sheng Yuxiao paused, then said in a deep voice, "I''m not unhappy. I''m very happy." He was very happy that Li Xiaoya had firmly pulled him inside, firmly insisted on him staying for dinner.


    Being in Li Vige was like being in a den of tigers and wolves, and returning home was equally fraught with danger. But even so, Li Xiaoya would still share a bit of her inner softness with him.


    So he would share his strength with her.


    "I just feel... Li Xiaoya really needs me," Sheng Yuxiao said.


    Xu Qii fell silent. Her son''s symptoms of arrogance had lessened, but his narcissistic tendencies seemed to have worsened.

 Chapter 84: Little Duck: Too Easy

    <h4>Chapter 84</h4>


    Unlike Shitou School, which ended the semester early due to snow-blocked roads, this elite school would continue sses until January.


    The next day, Li Xiaoya naturally had to get up and go to school as usual.


    Wei Lin was still responsible for dropping her off and picking her up.


    When the car arrived at school, the bodyguard opened the door from outside, but Li Xiaoya didn''t rush to get out. "The teacher said we''re learning ice skating in PE ss today, but I don''t have ice skates."


    Wei Lin said, "Alright, I understand. I''ll go buy you some right away."


    Li Xiaoya nodded and then walked into the school with her backpack.


    The driver couldn''t help but say, "This is clearly troubling you."


    Wei Lin smiled carelessly and said, "She''s just a child, how would she understand what''s troublesome or not? She''s just returned, so it''s natural for her to be a bit pampered."


    The driver''s eyes flickered, and he lowered his voice, "It''s really hard on you. Even if the young miss is precious, you shouldn''t be doing such tasks. Isn''t it like using a butcher''s knife to kill a chicken?"


    Wei Lin immediately understood why the driver said this.


    In the past, when the old master was ill and rarely appeared, and it was clear that neither the second young master nor the little young master could be relied upon, all the shrewd people up and down knew to listen to Wei Lin, treating him as if he were the second master of the house.


    But now, the situation had changed.


    The young miss had returned, and although the old master didn''t show the tearful joy and preciousness that other elders might, it was clear that he was satisfied with her.


    So how would the subordinates align themselves in the future?


    Were they now testing him?


    Wei Linughed coldly in his heart.


    This little girl had brought quite an impact!


    Wei Lin said, "First, drive to the mall."


    After the car got on the main road, Wei Lin smiled and said, "You''re currently earning a sry of 45,000 a month, right?"


    "Yes."


    "Your elder sister works in the transportpany under the group. She rmended you to me, which is why you had the opportunity to work here."


    "Yes, yes, I owe my current position to you. That''s why I can''t bear to see the young miss bullying you like this. I wish I could do these tasks in your ce..." Although the driver was looking ahead, his body was already bowing and nodding.


    "You think she''s bullying me?" Wei Lin snorted with augh, "The kid is still too young."


    The driver lowered his posture even more, quickly asking, "Please enlighten me."


    "Why don''t you tell me first, how many people outside have heard the news of the young miss''s return?"


    Hearing this, the driver hesitated for a moment. The rearview mirror in the car clearly reflected his embarrassed expression.


    The driver said, "Uh, those who should know in the country... all know..."


    "What do you mean?" Wei Lin frowned.


    "Well... if it trends a few more times on social media, probably the whole country will know."


    "..." He had almost forgotten that Li Xiaoya was still filming that reality show!


    If the old master hadn''t been coughing up bloodst month, why would he have rushed to bring her back?


    Who knew that as soon as Li Xiaoya returned, the old master would be energetic again.


    Talk about a n backfiring!


    Wei Lin, who had sat up straight, slowly leaned back again. He said, "It doesn''t matter much, since we don''t have many businesses in the country anyway. Those abroad probably won''t receive the news for a while."


    The old master had many enemies abroad, so he definitely wouldn''t rush to announce Li Xiaoya''s identity to foreign financial groups.


    "But..." the driver hesitated, then said, "I heard that because the ratings of that reality show were so high, they decided tounch an overseas version."


    Wei Lin: "..."


    "No wonder even you''re anxious," Wei Lin said in a deep voice.


    The driver hurriedly said, "Sir, I''m not..."


    "You don''t even qualify to ce bets."


    The driver''s face paled, his expression bing even more awkward.


    "It''s your elder sister who''s concerned, right? And who does she represent? Mr. Qi from the transportpany?" Wei Lin shook his head, "They''re too impatient. It''s only just beginning. How old is the young miss? Just that school she''s in now is like a hell-level challenge for her."


    The driver was stunned.


    Really? He felt that although the young miss grew up in the mountains, she seemed quite at ease and neither humble nor arrogant in the elite school.


    "You don''t believe it?" Wei Lin wanted to say, that''s why you can only be a driver, your vision is so limited.


    "Being a rich family''s daughter isn''t easy. Most of the courses taught in this school arepletely new to her, extremely difficult. And what''s more deadly is... the more she orders me around, the more it will give others the impression that she''s spoiled."


    Yet in this school, there''s no shortage of youngdies and young masters.


    Who would indulge whom?


    Wei Lin put away his mocking smile and closed his eyes, no longer speaking.


    He thought to himself that you can''t discuss ice with summer insects. Being able to exin so much to the driver was already considered his great mercy.


    The driver lowered his head, seemingly lost in thought, and didn''t speak again either.


    Wei Lin wasn''t wrong.


    On her first day, Li Xiaoya didn''t have any special experiences, but on the second day, she discovered that this ce was really, really, really different from Shitou School!


    They had to take piano lessons!


    And she had never even seen a piano before this.


    The teacher led them into the music ssroom and said, "Let''s first review the Nikyev Etude."


    After speaking, the teacher looked at Li Xiaoya: "You''ve just arrived, and your new piano isn''t ready yet. You can use the teacher''s for now."


    Li Xiaoya walked over and looked down at the clumsy and huge "monster" before her. Its lines were smooth, gleaming with an attractive luster.


    "Alright, let''s begin now," the teacher said, pping her hands.


    Immediately, the ssroom was filled with a cacophony of music.


    It was a sound Li Xiaoya had never heard before.


    Light and magnificent.


    "Why isn''t she moving?"


    "Does she not know how to y the piano?"


    "How strange, didn''t her family ever hire a piano teacher for her?"


    The children couldn''t help but start gossiping again.


    The girl called "An Ying" felt her mouth twitch, wanting to quietly advise them that Li Xiaoya could hit people!


    But when she looked in Li Xiaoya''s direction, she found that Li Xiaoya wasn''t angry at all, and even seemed not to care what they were saying.


    At this point, the piano teacher also felt a bit awkward and quickly bent down to ask, "Are you not used to ying someone else''s piano?"


    She was actually trying to give Li Xiaoya a way out, to avoid her family being displeasedter.


    But Li Xiaoya said, "No." She said, "I don''t know how."


    The teacher was taken aback: "You mean you don''t know this etude? It''s okay..."


    Li Xiaoya said very honestly, "This is the first time I''ve seen a piano." She gently pressed her hand on the ck and white keys: "I don''t know how to y aplete piece of music."


    The teacher was stunned. She really didn''t know how to y at all!


    Li Xiaoya then looked up at her: "Can you teach me now?"


    Children of this age had already started to care about saving face. They didn''t have a clear concept of strengths and weaknesses yet, and often even developed the idea that they could do anything.


    Li Xiaoya was the first person the teacher had ever seen who so calmly said she "didn''t know how to do it at all."


    "...I can, but, but it can''t be taught in a short time. You probably don''t know how to read music either, right? And there''s finger technique, that needs to be learned too."


    Li Xiaoya lowered her head and thought for a moment, then said, "Can the teacher y it once for me to see?"


    "Of course I can."


    The teacher pped her hands, asking the others to stop, and cleared her throat saying, "I''ll y it once for you, and you listen to see which notes you got wrong earlier."


    With that, the teacher began to y.


    Li Xiaoya stood to the side, watching intently.


    The etude wasn''t long, it seemed tost only a few breaths before it ended.


    But Li Xiaoya could hear that the sound the teacher yed was much smoother.


    She closed her eyes briefly, then reached out her hand, pressing down on the ck and white keys again, reproducing the first few notes with great difficulty.


    The others thought she was just pressing randomly, but the teacher had a keener sense of music. She was stunned for a moment and asked, "How did you y that?" She clearly didn''t even know how to recognize the keys yet.


    Li Xiaoya said, "By imitation."


    "You remember which keys I pressed?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "I only remember a bit, I can''t remember clearly after that." As she spoke, she continued pressing, and indeed made several mistakes in the middle.


    The teacher took a deep breath: "There are 88 keys in total, only ck and white, and you can distinguish and remember exactly which keys I pressed in sequence?"


    "Is it difficult?"


    "Don''t you find it difficult?"


    Li Xiaoya said, "It''s much easier than farming."


    The teacher was suddenly at a loss for words.


    Outside the window.


    Qin Sui stood there in silent contemtion, quietly observing the entire process.


    ...As expected of Li Xiaoya.


    Qin Sui couldn''t help but wonder, if he had been the first person to go to the vige to record the show, if he had been the one to gradually teach Li Xiaoya the rules of this world, watching her be increasingly capable, wouldn''t that have given him an even greater sense of aplishment?

 Chapter 85: Stronger Desire to Win

    <h4>Chapter 85</h4>


    After the exercise piece ended, the teacher had everyone try ying the "Prelude in E-t Major."


    Li Xiaoya stood right next to the teacher, trying hard to remember those unfamiliar terms and the finger sequence the teacher demonstrated.


    "Alright, that''s it for today''s lesson." As soon as the teacher finished speaking, she looked up towards the window and immediately spotted Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui and Sheng Yuxiao were bona fide celebrities at the school. Even the elementary school teachers all knew who they were.


    Was he here to pick up his sister?


    But he''de to the wrong ce.


    Did young master Qin not even know what grade his own sister was in?


    The other children also noticed the person outside the window and curiously asked, "Who''s that?"


    Little An Ying sighed and took responsibility for answering: "That''s Qin Sui. Haven''t you heard of him?"


    After all, there were only so many top-tier wealthy families. The rest were just in the ordinary rich category. Not every rich kid had the opportunity to enter higher social circles with their parents and meet people like Qin Sui.


    "He''s Qin Yue''s brother," An Ying said in a raised voice.


    Evidently, the name Qin Yue was more resonant among these little rich kids than the name Qin Sui.


    They all revealed fearful expressions and whispered to each other: "Who''s he here for? Qin Yue isn''t here."


    Li Xiaoya listened to everyone''s discussions and couldn''t help but tilt her head.


    Could it be... he was here for her?


    Why not go ask him herself!


    Li Xiaoya walked ahead of everyone, exiting the music ssroom in just a few steps, then came to a stop in front of Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui bent down slightly and asked, "Why aren''t you calling me Brother Qin Sui anymore?"


    Well, he really was here for her. Li Xiaoya thought with certainty.


    Qin Sui asked again, "Did Sheng Yuxiao forbid you from calling me that?"


    "No."


    "Oh, then..."


    "I don''t want to hurt Sheng Yuxiao''s feelings."


    "..." Qin Sui''s expression froze, and a mixture of indescribable emotions welled up inside him.


    He pressed his lips together firmly and said, "So you''re not afraid of hurting my feelings?"


    If his parents heard this, they would think he was talking nonsense.


    Him? Hurt? It would be good if he didn''t hurt others!


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya stared at him and said seriously, word by word: "You hurt my feelings first."


    "Oh?" Qin Sui leaned in closer. "Did I?"


    "You recorded me." Li Xiaoya wrinkled her nose.


    Qin Sui let out a light sigh and brought out the hand he had been hiding behind his back. He said, "That''s why I''m here to apologize, Li Xiaoya."


    Li Xiaoya looked down and saw that Qin Sui was holding a bag with the Herm��s logo printed on it.


    "This is an apology gift," Qin Sui said.


    The teacher,ing out of the ssroom, happened to hear this sentence and instinctively looked down.


    ...Apologizing with Herm��s?


    Wait, that''s not right. Why was Qin Sui apologizing to her?


    Something that could make even Qin Sui bow his head???


    This fact itself was far more surprising than bringing Herm��s as an apology gift!


    By now, the other students were alsoing out one after another, walking forward while secretly ncing back.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya didn''t take the apology gift. She asked, "How did you record it?"


    Qin Sui simply crouched down beside her, then took out his phone, switched to the recording page, and pressed the record button. He said, "Like this."


    "But I only said that sentence once. Why did it y back so many times when you yed it?"


    "Through editing."


    "Editing?"


    Qin Sui opened the editing app on his phone, copied the audio track, dragged the progress bar with his finger, and then yed it for Li Xiaoya to hear.


    Li Xiaoya nodded, "So that''s how it''s done..."


    She paused, then asked, "Can it also cut several sentences into one?"


    "Of course it can. It just needs some technique."


    "So even sounds you hear with your own ears can be fake," Li Xiaoya said.


    Qin Sui raised an eyebrow and corrected her, "You calling me brother was real."


    Li Xiaoya pursed her lips but didn''t say anything.


    Qin Sui then stood up and offered her the bag again.


    But Li Xiaoya didn''t take it. She said, "I''ve already forgiven you."


    Qin Sui was surprised: "You forgave me so easily?"


    "Mm-hmm. You answered every question I asked. Teachers get paid for teaching, but I don''t have money to pay you, so I''ll just forgive you."


    What a clear-cut Li Xiaoya.


    Qin Sui couldn''t help but let the corners of his mouth twitch upwards. He said, "It''s alright. I have a question for you too."


    "Hm?" Li Xiaoya looked at him puzzled.


    "Why did you tell the teacher this was your first time seeing a piano?"


    "Should I not have said that?"


    "Others might look down on you when they hear that."


    "But people who like to look down on others will always desperately find faults in others to despise, no matter what," Li Xiaoya said, perplexed.


    "I need to learn things, so I have to tell the truth. What I learn is mine. Their contempt is theirs, so let them be happy with their contempt." Li Xiaoya shook her head nonchntly.


    "How interesting," Qin Sui suddenly uttered.


    "Hm?" Li Xiaoya looked at him even more confused.


    This circle will definitely be very interesting with Li Xiaoya in it, Qin Sui thought.


    But he only said aloud, "Many people will probably envy you."


    "Envy me?" Li Xiaoya looked down at her hands. Was there anything enviable about what she possessed? But she didn''t seem to possess much of anything.


    "Mm-hmm. As people grow older, it bes harder to firmly be yourself." That''s why Li Xiaoya was rare.


    Thinking of this, Qin Sui suddenly had an idea��


    He hoped to always preserve this rare quality of Li Xiaoya''s.


    He would protect it.


    Qin Sui said, "I''ve finished asking my question, so..." He pushed the bag into her hands. "You should still ept this."


    Before Li Xiaoya could speak, he quickly added, "You''re very smart, Li Xiaoya, but you need to understand one more principle... A rtionship needs give and take tost. So don''t refuse."


    Li Xiaoya said softly, "I know, but..."


    Qin Sui''s eyelid twitched, "You''re not going to say that for Sheng Yuxiao''s sake, our rtionship doesn''t need tost that long, are you?"


    Li Xiaoya looked at him with clear and innocent eyes, saying nothing.


    Qin Sui: "..."


    Well, well, she really was!


    Qin Sui felt a bit displeased in his heart. He pressed his lips together and said, "Li Xiaoya, do you know who always gets first ce in the high school division?"


    Li Xiaoya looked bewildered.


    What did this have to do with the previous question?


    Qin Sui had never been one to show off, but now he bent down to tell Li Xiaoya, "It''s me."


    He paused, then continued, "Sheng Yuxiao can''t get it. What does that tell you? Sheng Yuxiao''s brain isn''t that useful yet."


    "So Sheng Yuxiao alone isn''t enough for you. You still need me..."


    Li Xiaoya sighed and interrupted him, "Stop talking."


    Qin Sui paused. Had she understood?


    "If you keep saying bad things about Sheng Yuxiao..." Li Xiaoya pointed at the bag in his hand, "Even if you buy three more of those, I won''t forgive you."


    Qin Sui was speechless.


    ...But hispetitive spirit grew even stronger.

 Chapter 86: 600,000

    <h4>Chapter 86</h4>


    Qin Sui was still feeling a bit unsettled.


    But Li Xiaoya had already taken two steps forward, saying, "I need to get back to ss now. The bell''s going to ring in two minutes."


    Qin Sui slowly came back to his senses, regaining his usual calm demeanor. "Wait, don''t you want to open it first and see if you like what''s inside?"


    Li Xiaoya had no choice but to pause and unwrap it with him on the spot.


    It was a bag.


    "Try it on," Qin Sui said.


    Li Xiaoya slung the bag over her shoulder. The not-sorge bag suddenly looked enormous on her small frame, as if she were carrying a bucket.


    Qin Sui: "..."


    He looked down at his own hands, puzzled.


    It had seemed so mini when he was holding it earlier.


    He ced one hand on Li Xiaoya''s shoulder and held the other up next to her face.


    Hmm... his hand was bigger than her entire face.


    Qin Sui said resignedly, "Just take it home and keep it for now. You can use it when you''re older. I''ll buy you an even smaller one next time."


    Li Xiaoya was in a hurry to get to ss. She nodded perfunctorily twice and said, "Only half a minute left."


    "You''re keeping such precise track of time?"


    "Mm-hmm!"


    "Go on then." Qin Sui let go of her, but couldn''t help adding, "What''s the big deal about being a few minuteste? There are plenty of rich kids at this school who skip ss to fly abroad for fashion shows or go skiing. Being a few minuteste is really nothing."


    Li Xiaoya paused mid-step and turned back to ask, confused, "Why would anyone skip ss?"


    "Then why are you in such a rush to get to ss? Not wanting to be even a minutete?"


    "Because it''s precious!" Li Xiaoya blurted out in one breath before truly running off this time.


    Qin Sui was at a loss.


    It seemed he''d have to get her something else next time.


    She had no clue about these things, didn''t understand their value, and wasn''t interested at all...


    Qin Sui had rarely given gifts to others, and he''d managed to mess it up this time.


    *


    The curriculum at the elite school waspletely different from that of Shitou School, with a huge gap between them.


    Even the textbooks looked different here.


    Li Xiaoya stumbled through an English lesson, and Wei Lin finally showed up with her ice skates.


    Wei Lin asked with a smile, "Little Duck, are you adjusting well?"


    "Yes."


    "Be careful during the ice skating ss this afternoon. Watch out for falls," Wei Lin said softly, as if out of concern.


    "Oh."


    Li Xiaoya carried her skates back to her seat. As soon as she got close, she heard someone pointing at the bag under her desk, saying, "That''s the bubble green double-sided Kelly. My mom couldn''t even get one when she tried. Why is she just leaving it on the floor?"


    Li Xiaoya: ?


    Of course, because it didn''t fit in the desk!


    "Did Qin Yue''s brother give it to her? Why would Qin Yue''s brother buy her something?"


    "I heard my mom say this style is going for over 600,000 yuan each now."


    The children weren''t that old, but they were already well-versed in various luxury goods.


    Li Xiaoya was stunned.


    600,000 yuan for one bag!


    600,000 yuan!


    You could build so many houses back in the vige with that!


    Or buy a hundred cows!


    In short, you could be the richest person in town. During New Year''s feasts, everyone would have to toast to you!


    Now when Li Xiaoya looked at the bag again, she couldn''t help but furrow her brow.


    It was as if 600,000 yuan in cash was sitting at her feet.


    What if someone took it?


    It made her very uneasy.


    Outside the ssroom, Wei Lin noticed themotion of their discussion and couldn''t help but frown as well.


    A gift from Qin Sui?


    Were these rich kids really so careless with money?


    Qin Sui was being... unexpectedly kind to her.


    Just as Wei Lin was frowning, Li Xiaoya suddenly turned to her ssmates who were discussing the bag and asked, "Your mom wanted this bag but couldn''t get one?"


    She didn''t understand why bags needed to be "gotten."


    But it sounded like this thing was very hard to obtain.


    That ssmate nodded dumbly,pletely caught off guard by Li Xiaoya initiating conversation.


    But what surprised her even more was...


    Li Xiaoya immediately followed up with, "Then how about I sell it to your mom? How much is your mom willing to pay?"


    ssmate: "...Huh?"


    Seeing no response, Li Xiaoya turned and asked, "Does anyone else''s mom want it?"


    That ssmate immediately jumped up. "My, my mom wants it! Just sell it to my mom!"


    "The next ss will be over at noon. Can your mome with the money to pick up the bag then?"


    "Uh, I think so. I''ll give my mom a call."


    "Mm, remember to bring cash."


    "Wouldn''t it be more convenient to just transfer the money to you?"


    "Because I don''t have a card."


    "Oh, okay."


    The ssmate hurried off to make the call.


    An Ying couldn''t help but lean in. "How can you sell the bag Qin Sui gave you?"


    "Why not?"


    "Because it''s a gift. You''ll offend Qin Sui," An Ying said, clicking her tongue. Li Xiaoya was really so bold! She had just beaten up Mu Bai, and now she was selling Qin Sui''s gift.


    Was she raised on bear bile or something?


    "I won''t offend him," Li Xiaoya said confidently.


    An Ying couldn''t understand why not.


    By this time, the ssmate had finished her call and returned.


    "My mom wants it."


    "Okay, then I''ll save it for your mom," Li Xiaoya nodded and continued with the fourth ss of the day.


    This ss was math, which was rtively easier for Li Xiaoya... and before she knew it, school was over.


    When Wei Lin came to the ssroom to pick her up, he found that Li Xiaoya had already left.


    This little girl, deliberately giving him the slip again?


    Wei Lin snorted softly, not in a hurry, and strolled leisurely towards the school gate.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya had gotten into her ssmate''s family car.


    The mother was sitting in the back seat, her face slightly swollen from recent cosmetic procedures. She squinted, shocked as she looked at Li Xiaoya. Such a little thing, and she wanted to do business with her?


    She said to her daughter, exasperated, "Zhou Xiaoshu, is this her? She wants to sell me the bag? She didn''t steal it from her mother, did she?"


    The ssmate named "Zhou Xiaoshu" nodded quickly and said, "It''s not stolen. Qin Yue''s brother, Qin Sui, gave it to her."


    Qin Sui...?


    Mrs. Zhou''s expression changed immediately.


    What did the Qin family do? They owned all the major luxury shopping malls!


    Many luxury brands maintained good rtionships with their family just to have counters in their malls. Something that came from Qin Sui''s hands couldn''t possibly be fake.


    This bag had just been released, and because it was a limited edition with a unique design, it had be extremely sought after.


    For top-tier wealthy families, it might not be a big deal, but for ordinary rich families like the Zhous, it was indeed hard to get.


    Mrs. Zhou was different from women like Xu Qii.


    Women like Xu Qii had their own thriving careers and were renowned both domestically and internationally.


    But what could women like Mrs. Zhou do? They could only spend some pocket money, invest in small ventures, do a bit of charity work, and sit around with other rich wives,paring who got thetest luxury item...


    Their circle was very cliquish, with a strong culture of putting others down and elevating themselves.


    Having money but being unable to break into higher social circles was the most painful thing for them.


    So getting such a bag before others was like putting on a new face, allowing them to walk with their chins held higher.


    "Here''s the money," Mrs. Zhou said without hesitation, patting therge bag by her feet.


    Li Xiaoya nodded, and they exchanged money for goods.


    The car door opened, and Li Xiaoya picked up the bag, nearly stumbling.


    It was a bit heavy.


    Li Xiaoya rubbed her hands, about to use her strength when Mrs. Zhou, in high spirits, said, "Where do you need to take it? I can have my bodyguard help you."


    "To find Qin Sui," Li Xiaoya said.


    To split the money with Qin Sui.


    That way, she wouldn''t offend anyone, right?


    How simple!


    When Mrs. Zhou heard "Qin Sui," she immediately changed her tune: "Then let me carry it for you."


    Maybe she could even get acquainted with the young master of the Qin family. Although he wasn''t of age yet, he was the iron-d heir to the Qin empire.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t refuse.


    Mrs. Zhou immediately signaled the driver to head to the high school section.


    When Wei Lin arrived at the school gate, he just missed them, only able to watch from afar as they left.


    Wei Lin couldn''t help but frown. Whose car had Li Xiaoya gotten into?


    It didn''t look like it belonged to the Sheng family, nor did it seem to be from the Qin family.


    How on earth was Li Xiaoya meeting so many people every day?


    And now there wasn''t even a reality show to exin it!


    Wei Lin decided to have his driver follow them at a distance.


    Upon reaching the high school section, Mrs. Zhou took a deep breath, lifted her bag, and walked behind in her high heels, no longer concerned about maintaining her image.


    They struggled to find their way to the third-year floor.


    Li Xiaoya sweetly asked the first person she saw, "Big sister, do you know which ss Qin Sui is in?"


    Mrs. Zhou: ?


    She doesn''t even know which ss Qin Sui is in?


    Is this package really from Qin Sui? Is this child trying to fool me?


    "He''s in ss 1 of the third year."


    "Thank you, big sister," Li Xiaoya said sweetly again.


    When they reached ss 1 of the third year, most of the students had already left. Only two or three remained, lounging with their feet up, chatting about where to go for vacation during the New Year holiday.


    "Hey, there''s a little kid."


    "What''s up? Looking for someone?" They noticed Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya nodded and said, "I''m here to find Qin Sui."


    The others exchanged nces and couldn''t help butugh: "We''ve seen many peoplee looking for Qin, but they''re always pretty sixteen or seventeen-year-old girls. Howe today it''s a six or seven-year-old?"

 Chapter 87: This child is so good at socializing

    <h4>Chapter 87</h4>


    At this moment, Mrs. Zhou finally caught up, struggling in her high heels. She stood beside Li Xiaoya, slightly out of breath, and asked, "Where''s Young Master Qin?"


    The few people left in the ssroom exchanged nces andughed, saying, "Oh, herees another 37-year-old."


    Mrs. Zhou immediately gritted her teeth in anger, "Who''s 37?"


    Her daughter, Zhou Xiaoshu, quickly retorted angrily, "Don''t talk about my mom like that!"


    Hearing this, Li Xiaoya looked at Zhou Xiaoshu more closely, finally taking in her appearance properly.


    "Alright, enough joking around," someone nearby mediated, taking his legs off the desk. He leaned his arm against the window, stuck his head out, and asked, "What do you want with Young Master Qin?"


    "I have some business with him."


    "What kind of business? If you don''t tell us, how can we help you contact him?" The person revealed a mischievous grin, deliberately teasing Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t want people to know they had brought a lot of money.


    After a moment of silence, she could only stiffly mutter, "Well... I just missed him."


    The people in the ssroom exchanged surprised nces.


    No one knew better than them...


    The two young masters in their ss, Young Master Qin and Young Master Sheng, were known to scare children to tears and were definitely not the type kids liked.


    Especially Qin Sui, even his own sister didn''t want to y with him.


    Where on earth did this kide from?


    "She looks a bit familiar," someone suddenly said.


    Back in Li Family Vige, Li Xiaoya''s appearance and attire were different, and she was always covered in dirt.


    So even though some of them had seen a bit of the variety show content before, they couldn''t immediately recognize that this was Li Xiaoya.


    "Alright, you''re cute, I''ll call him for you," the person said with a grin, shrugging, "Let''s hope Young Master Qin doesn''t hang up on me."


    He dialed the number.


    At this time, Qin Sui had just entered the Western restaurant near the school.


    A subordinate asked, "Boss, did you take that box to the elementary school today? To see Li Xiaoya?"


    "Mm."


    "She must have been very happy, right? That little girl hasn''t seen much of the world, who else would give her such nice things?"


    Qin Sui: "..."


    How could she be happy? Li Xiaoya didn''t even recognize what it was. It wasn''t as important to her as her sses.


    Yet at this moment, the subordinate was particrly tactless and continued, "I''m not saying this, but this Li Xiaoya treats you and Sheng Yuxiao so differently. Why is that? Is it because you were particrly cold to her when you first went to record the show? Why is this little girl so hard to warm up to? Did you see the live broadcast the other day? Li Xiaoya even took Sheng Yuxiao home for dinner..."


    Qin Sui: "......"


    He really didn''t want to hear this.


    It just so happened that Qin Sui usually thought everyone around him was stupid, so he couldn''t be bothered to talk to them. He just coldly observed their stupidity. This waspletely different from Sheng Yuxiao''s strong controlling style.


    As a result, this subordinate became increasingly tactless.


    He continued to chatter, "You gave her a gift, at least she should say a few sweet words to you, right?"


    Qin Sui couldn''t stand it anymore: "That thing was meant as an apology."


    "An apology? What are you apologizing to her for?"


    "The recording."


    "Oh, but didn''t that fail to drive a wedge between her and Sheng Yuxiao?"


    Indeed. It''s a bit of a pity, Qin Sui thought to himself.


    But his face showed no emotion.


    The subordinate was about to say something else when Qin Sui''s phone suddenly rang.


    Perfect... Qin Sui didn''t want to listen to his tactless nonsense anymore, so he answered the call.


    "Young Master Qin," came the voice from the other end, "there''s a little girl here looking for you, about six or seven years old, she says she misses you."


    Qin Sui''s first thought was��


    His sister Qin Yue?


    But this didn''t seem like his sister''s style.


    Who else could it be?


    ... Li Xiaoya?


    Not very likely.


    Those kinds of words would have to be coaxed out of her mouth.


    Qin Sui wanted to hang up, but on a whim, he said, "Take a photo and let me see."


    Half a minuteter, Qin Sui received the photo.


    The annoyance from listening to tactless nonsense all the way here instantly vanished from his chest.


    Qin Sui put away his phone and said calmly, "Who says she treats me and Sheng Yuxiao differently?"


    "...Huh?"


    "She''s waiting for me at the ssroom door."


    "...Huh?"


    Qin Sui pushed open the door and walked out.


    The subordinate hurriedly followed, "Boss! Aren''t we eating?"


    When Qin Sui returned to the ssroom door, he immediately saw Li Xiaoya sitting on arge bag.


    For a moment, it was as if he was back in Li Family Vige.


    She was still that pitiful little duckling sitting silently on the doorstep, waiting.


    Except back then, she was waiting for Sheng Yuxiao. Today, she was waiting for him!


    "Li Xiaoya," he called softly.


    Qin Sui felt that just an audio recording wasn''t enough at this moment, he should have recorded a video. To capture the image of Li Xiaoya waiting for him at the ssroom door.


    Li Xiaoya jumped up with a start.


    Qin Sui asked softly, "You missed me?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, then nodded, and went to tug at his sleeve, pulling him aside to whisper, "There''s money in the bag."


    "Money?"


    "Mm!"


    "Where did ite from?" Qin Sui had actually guessed by now.


    "From selling the bag."


    Qin Sui immediately went over and unzipped the bag, causing an exmation: "Holy shit!"


    "Young Master Qin, this little girl brought money to find you?"


    "This is the first time I''ve seen a kid bringing you money!"


    The corners of Qin Sui''s mouth softened into a gentle curve.


    He thought to himself, it''s my first time seeing it too.


    He lowered his head and roughly counted.


    There was a lot of money, exactly 608,000 yuan, seemingly deliberately rounded to an auspicious number.


    Qin Sui said softly, "Looks like this gift wasn''t a mistake after all."


    He had chosen a bag that wasn''t really suitable for Li Xiaoya, but once it was in her hands, it quickly fulfilled its purpose in just a few short hours.


    How did she manage to do it, quickly identify a buyer and sell it without any hesitation?


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya also walked over, looking a bit nervous: "Is it okay to open it like this?"


    Qin Sui said, "It''s fine, who would dare to rob me?"


    Li Xiaoya let out a sigh of relief, so her decision was correct. Hmm, splitting it in half didn''t seem quite right. She thought of Mrs. Zhou. So she said in a low voice, "I''ll give you 400,000."


    Qin Sui''s breath hitched for a moment.


    She really hade all this way to bring him money!


    It was as if they were back in Li Family Vige, selling mushrooms together, and Li Xiaoya was dividing the money with him in the same way.


    From a few hundred yuan to hundreds of thousands.


    She grew up in a poor ce, but she handled such arge sum of money quite decisively.


    "I give you an apology gift, and you return 400,000 to me... Li Xiaoya..." Qin Sui was momentarily at a loss for words to describe her. He stared at her intensely, finally sighing and saying, "This is truly an investment with a higher return than any fund."


    The bag itself wasn''t worth much to him.


    400,000 yuan wasn''t much in the eyes of a young master either.


    Buting from Li Xiaoya''s hands... that was different.


    "Why not split it in half like before? I''d be fine with just half," Qin Sui asked.


    Li Xiaoya pointed to Mrs. Zhou nearby: "Because she only decided to buy it after hearing your name."


    Mrs. Zhou''s heart leapt with joy.


    This kid really knew how to handle people!


    Qin Sui nodded slightly towards Mrs. Zhou and asked, "How should I address you?"


    "Liu Meng, my husband is Zhou Xu."


    Qin Sui nodded: "So you''re the wife of Mr. Zhou from Dream Creation Games."


    Although Qin Sui was younger, he seemed to have the upper hand in front of Liu Meng.


    "Yes, yes," Liu Meng responded, but didn''t know how to make small talk.


    After all, her husband often scolded her for being a brainless trophy wife.


    Qin Sui spoke again, asking, "Mrs. Zhou seems to like collecting these limited editions?"


    "Yes, it''s just that these are quite difficult to get..."


    "No problem, I can have them keep an eye out for you in the future, and contact you as soon as new items arrive."


    These words excited Liu Meng tremendously.


    "Thank you, Young Master Qin!" Liu Meng said immediately.


    Qin Sui said, "That''s not right."


    Liu Meng was taken aback.


    Her daughter quickly tugged at her mother''s dress and whispered, "Thank Xiaoya."


    Liu Meng realized and reached out to pat Li Xiaoya''s head: "Thank you, little one."


    But Qin Sui raised his hand to block her, saying, "Even I''m not allowed to pat her head."


    Qin Sui said this, but his eyes were watching Li Xiaoya''s expression from the corner of his eye. He was betting on whether Li Xiaoya would relent and let him pat her head.


    ...At this moment, if someone were to call Sheng Yuxiao and invite him over as well, it would be even more delightful.

 Chapter 88: Make Storytelling More Presentable

    <h4>Chapter 88</h4>


    "Hmm, you can''t pat my head. It''ll stunt my growth if you do," Li Xiaoya said seriously with a straight face.


    Liu Meng burst outughing, "Right, right." The awkwardness of being rejected instantly dissipated.


    What a pity, Qin Sui thought to himself.


    Clearly, Li Xiaoya still had no intention of letting him pat her head.


    But while it was a pity, Qin Sui also understood that if she had easily given in, she wouldn''t be Li Xiaoya.


    "I''m going now," Li Xiaoya waved at Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui was surprised and looked at the big bag at his feet, "You''re leaving all of this with me?"


    "Yes, it''s better to keep it all at your ce for now," Li Xiaoya nodded solemnly.


    After all, she was still a child, and this was the first time she had seen so much money. She was worried that she wouldn''t be strong enough to protect it. This was also why she chose to sell the bag. The bag couldn''t be returned to Qin Sui, but the money could be.


    This way, she could attend her afternoon sses with peace of mind.


    "Li Xiaoya, you trust me this much?" Qin Sui couldn''t help but ask.


    Li Xiaoya looked at him, puzzled. Was there any reason not to trust him? She couldn''t think of any.


    "I''m very happy that you chose to entrust these to me for safekeeping, rather than to Sheng Yuxiao," Qin Sui bent down and whispered in her ear.


    "Well, that''s because..."


    Qin Sui rudely interrupted her, "Don''t say it''s because some of my money is in there too, so objectively speaking, it''s best for me to keep it."


    "That''s not..."


    Qin Sui was satisfied, "Good, as long as that''s not the reason."


    Mainly, money was wealth, but also responsibility. Li Xiaoya understood this principle from a very young age.


    Whoever kept the money had to bear the responsibility.


    Although she knew the money would certainly not be lost in Sheng Yuxiao''s hands, what if it did? If it did, Sheng Yuxiao would surely me himself and pay her back with his own money.


    Li Xiaoya quickly calcted this in her head.


    ...So there was no better choice than Qin Sui.


    But she decided not to tell Qin Sui any of this.


    Qin Sui straightened up and said, "It''s still early, you haven''t had lunch yet, right? Thank you for bringing me such arge sum of money, let me treat you to a meal." His tone had be noticeably lighter.


    Liu Meng''s eyes also lit up, "Why don''t I treat you instead? This little friend is also a ssmate of our Xiaoshu."


    Unfortunately, both their invitations were declined.


    Li Xiaoya firmly said, "I need to go back to eat at the school cafeteria."


    "Is it that good?"


    "Mm, it''s good."


    Qin Sui: "..."


    He understood that for Li Xiaoya, who had never eaten much good food growing up, it might indeed be very tasty.


    But Qin Sui still tried to tempt her one more time, "The food outside is even better, don''t you want to try it?"


    Li Xiaoya firmly shook her head and said, "The tuition fees include the cafeteria meals, it would be wasteful not to use them."


    Qin Sui wanted to say that now her family was very wealthy.


    But the words got stuck in his throat, and he swallowed them back.


    That was probably the kind of carelessness that only belonged to the rich... There was no need to apply it to Li Xiaoya.


    Qin Sui said, "Go on then."


    Liu Meng, however, was quite disappointed.


    But this also made her more curious about Li Xiaoya.


    Whose daughter was she? What kind of background did she have?


    She knew Qin Sui, but didn''t seem to know him that well. Yet she seemed closer to Qin Sui than others.


    She seemed to be very rich, not even batting an eye at six million yuan, and then immediately giving Qin Sui another four million. Although everyone knew that pleasing Young Master Qin with four million was nothing, she was still just a child!


    Yet she also seemed not that rich, unwilling to waste even a bit of the cafeteria fees included in her tuition.


    Liu Meng perked up, "Then at least let my car take you back."


    Li Xiaoya politely said, "Thank you." She waved at Qin Sui once more before leaving.


    "Young Master Qin, she..."


    "Splitting money, never seen it before?" Qin Sui said casually.


    Indeed, they had never seen such a young childe to split money.


    "So whose child is she?" someone in the ssroom asked again.


    Qin Sui originally didn''t want to respond, but he changed his mind and said, "Why don''t you go ask Sheng Yuxiao, he''ll tell you."


    Coming from Qin Sui''s mouth, these words were shocking.


    Everyone looked at each other in confusion.


    "You really should ask him," Qin Sui added coolly.


    But it sounded so sarcastic that others didn''t dare to take it seriously.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya returned to school. Liu Meng watched her figure disappear into the distance and asked while still in the car, "Do you know whose daughter she is?"


    "I don''t know, nobody knows. Only An Ying has met her."


    "Why does it sound so mysterious? You should try to be good friends with her in the future."


    "An Ying says she''s really good at fighting."


    "Then forget it..." Liu Meng said sheepishly.


    After having lunch with her daughter, Liu Meng returned home, but she couldn''t sit still and couldn''t resist going out with her new bag to meet other richdies.


    She couldn''t help but tell them, "Young Master Qin said that from now on, whenever there are any limited edition new products, he''ll have someone contact me."


    "Young Master Qin? Which Young Master Qin?"


    "Which Young Master Qin could it be?"


    The others exchanged nces, utterly shocked, and then began to congratte her profusely.


    It wasn''t until muchter that Liu Meng returned home.


    For her, it had been an extremely fulfilling and wonderful day.


    However, her husband came home very early that day, entering with a sour face and saying, "Today, General Liu said you know Young Master Qin, and sarcastically asked me why I didn''t mention it earlier. He said the game license that had been stuck could have been easily approved with the Qin family''s help."


    This Zhou General asked coldly, "When did you get to know Young Master Qin? Howe I don''t know about this? Were you bragging in front of Mrs. Liu? She was implying that you were talking nonsense!"


    Liu Meng was stunned, "How was I bragging? I told the truth... Mrs. Liu praised me to my face, but what did she say behind my back?"


    Liu Meng quickly exined the process of Li Xiaoya selling the bag.


    To her surprise, her husband became even angrier and scolded, "A child sold you the bag? And introduced you to Young Master Qin? Can''t you make up a more believable story? Aren''t you just afraid I''ll scold you for spending so much money on a bag that will be out of fashion next year?"


    Liu Meng was so angered by her husband that she nearly fell over backwards, desperately wishing her daughter woulde home from school soon to vindicate her.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya had just finished herst ss.


    It was the ice skating ss.


    After school, as everyone was walking out together, An Ying came up and asked, "Did you really sell the bag to Zhou Xiaoshu''s mom?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "Wasn''t Qin Sui angry?"


    "I split the money with him."


    An Ying was dumbfounded. Was that even possible?

 Chapter 89: Born to Control Human Nature

    <h4>Chapter 89</h4>


    An Ying asked again, "Is this your first time taking ice skating lessons?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded honestly.


    An Ying was puzzled, "Then why aren''t you afraid at all?"


    "Afraid of what?"


    "Of falling when you''re just learning... oh, but you didn''t fall today. It doesn''t seem like your first time."


    Li Xiaoya was also confused, "Why should I be afraid?"


    An Ying, being just an elementary school student with limited knowledge, thought for a while before saying, "Because... because people are usually afraid of things they haven''t experienced before."


    "If you haven''t experienced something, why not just try it?"


    "..." An Ying was left speechless.


    Li Xiaoya was truly a strange person!


    A strange person unlike anyone else! An Ying thought to herself.


    Li Xiaoya reached the school gate and ran into Wei Lin.


    Surprisingly, Wei Lin''s first question was also, "Young Master Qin gave you a bag, but you sold it? Xiaoya, aren''t you afraid he''ll be angry?"


    Li Xiaoya immediately realized that Wei Lin had been secretly following her.


    She opened her mouth, but before she could speak,


    Qin Sui got out of the car carrying a money bag and interjected, "If Mr. Wei is so curious, why not ask me directly?"


    Wei Lin felt a hint of embarrassment.


    Well, Li Xiaoya was certainly capable... it seemed Qin Sui wasn''t angry at all.


    Qin Sui asked, "Where''s the car?"


    Li Xiaoya pointed to a ck sedan nearby.


    "I''ll carry it over for you," Qin Sui paused for a moment, then added, "I kept it safe, didn''t I?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded repeatedly.


    Wei Lin nced at the bag in Qin Sui''s hand and asked, "What''s that?"


    But Qin Sui showed no intention of exining to him.


    Qin Sui walked to the car.


    The bodyguard, who already recognized him, immediately opened the car door.


    Qin Sui casually tossed the bag inside, then said to Li Xiaoya, "I''m leaving."


    He came all this way just to deliver this?


    Wei Lin was speechless.


    After seeing Qin Sui off, Li Xiaoya got into the car first and said to the driver, "To the mall."


    "You want to buy something?" Wei Lin asked, already thinking he could use his card to pay. It would temporarily win him some favor with the old man.


    Li Xiaoya nodded, only urging the driver, "Let''s go quickly."


    Wei Lin was a bit surprised, "Don''t you want to wait? What if Young Master Shenges looking for you again?"


    "I can''t see him now," Li Xiaoya said.


    Wei Lin couldn''t understand her thinking at all.


    Are all children this hard toprehend?


    Wei Lin secretly frowned, thinking that Li Xiaoya wasn''t as easy to manipte as he had imagined.


    "Did you get hurt during the ice skating lesson today?" Wei Lin asked with concern.


    "No," Li Xiaoya looked at him and said sincerely, "I was very happy."


    The ice skating instructor the school had hired for them turned out to be an Olympic figure skating champion.


    In the past, vigers would gather around the dam to watch outdoor TV, which was broadcasting the Olympics at the time. Back then, Li Xiaoya heard the vigers say how envious they were, wishing their own children could be as amazing as those champions who came from poor mountain viges...


    Now Li Xiaoya got to see an Olympic champion in person!


    Right in front of her! Alive and real!


    So she couldn''t rte at all to the fear An Ying mentioned. Not only could she not understand it, but she had been skating with great enthusiasm.


    "...I''m d you''re happy," Wei Lin squeezed out the words with difficulty.


    She wasn''t discouraged at all?


    At the mall, Li Xiaoya didn''t browse any brand-name boutiques, as she didn''t recognize the brands anyway. She just walked around randomly, choosing some items and packing them in her schoolbag.


    When it came time to pay, Wei Lin felt exasperated. For these little trinkets, using his card would be like killing a chicken with a butcher''s knife.


    Despite his exasperation, Wei Lin still said, "Let Uncle pay for you."


    "No need, I have money," Li Xiaoya waved her hand.


    Wei Lin wanted tough. Where did she get money from? Did the old man secretly give her a supplementary card?


    Thinking of this, Wei Lin was about to frown.


    Li Xiaoya waved to the back, and the bodyguard immediately came forward with the bag, unzipping it.


    Wei Lin was dumbfounded.


    Even the cashier was stunned. After all, it wasn''tmon to see someone carrying so much cash to shop at a mall.


    "I''ll pay," Li Xiaoya crouched down to count, took out a few bills, and handed them to the cashier.


    "Uh, okay. The total is 437 yuan, here''s your change."


    "Alright, let''s go home!" Li Xiaoya had the bodyguard carry the money bag and turned to leave.


    Wei Lin realized, "The money from selling the bag?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    Wei Lin: "..." He started to get a headache.


    She really did sell the bag, took the money, and even got Qin Sui to willingly keep it safe for her.


    Could this little girl possibly know some kind of mind control?


    But what gave Wei Lin a headache was yet toe.


    The car quickly drove back to the residence.


    Li Xiaoya entered and looked around, asking Wei Xuanming, "Grandpa, why don''t I see Second Uncle and Little Uncle?"


    Wei Xuanming took off his reading sses and put down his book, saying, "They usually stay at Guanghua Vi. Of course they''re not here when there''s no family dinner."


    "But isn''t a family dinner just family members eating together? Then every day could be a family dinner, right?" Li Xiaoya said as she put down her schoolbag.


    "Do you want to see them?"


    "Yes!"


    Although Wei Xuanming often criticized his sons for being weak, as an elder, he naturally hoped for love and closeness among the younger generation, emphasizing blood ties.


    He was very pleased that Li Xiaoya was always thinking of her uncles.


    Wei Xuanming called for a servant: "Go call the Second Young Master and the others."


    Wei Lin lowered his eyes beside them, hiding the coldness in his gaze.


    His deduction was absolutely correct. Li Xiaoya would indeed gradually awaken the old man''s desire for family bonds.


    But no matter how displeased Wei Lin was, Wei Wenjuan and his brother were quite happy toe.


    After all, they could see Little Duck again!


    Once everyone had arrived, Li Xiaoya started taking things out of her schoolbag.


    "This is for Grandpa."


    "This is for Second Uncle."


    "This is for Little Uncle."


    Wei Xuanming and the others were stunned.


    Wei Xuanming''s first reaction was: "You bought these? Where did you get the money?"


    But Wei Wenjuan was more concerned about: "Why did you give me gloves?"


    "Because Second Uncle''s hands are easily injured," Li Xiaoya said.


    Wei Wenjuan couldn''t help but look down at his own hands.


    Indeed, there were some small scratches and bruises... That was because after bing paralyzed, a person would rely more on their hands when they couldn''t walk properly.


    Although Wei Wenjuan was self-destructive and depressed all day, he had always been well taken care of in terms of food and clothing. But no one had thought of such detailed things...


    No, perhaps it was because to those servants, a cripple like him wasn''t worth the effort to consider such details.


    Only Little Duck.


    Only to Little Duck was he worth it.


    Wei Wenjuan took a deep breath, his eyes reddening.


    The words "useless" that were about toe out of Wei Xuanming''s mouth were swallowed back.


    At this moment, Wei Wenqing also happily pointed at himself, as if asking, what about me, why did you give me a whistle?


    Li Xiaoya smiled slightly, "Whenever Little Uncle blows the whistle, I''ll know Little Uncle has arrived!"


    Wei Wenqing also smiled.


    He really liked this gift, and even quickly raised it to his lips to blow twice.


    The sound of the whistle was sharp and should have been unpleasant to hear.


    But Wei Xuanming was momentarily dazed, feeling it was even more melodious than the chanting of a choir.


    The old man collected himself and hurriedly looked at the item in front of him, wanting to ask why he was given this, but not wanting to blurt out eagerly like his sons, so he tightly pressed his lips together.


    Unexpectedly, Li Xiaoya really didn''t exin and was about to close her schoolbag.


    The old man''s sharp eyes quickly found another topic.


    He hurriedly asked, "You still have something in your bag? Who is that for?" This was easier to ask about.


    Li Xiaoya took out another item and ced it on the table, saying, "For Aunt."


    "Didn''t I tell you before, your aunt can''t receive gifts right now, she gets scared when she sees unfamiliar things..."


    "It''s okay, just keep it there. When Aunt gets better, she can receive it."


    Wei Xuanming fell silent for a moment.


    A child''s tone is always full of hope and innocence.


    When will Wenyi get better... will she ever get better?


    Wei Xuanming couldn''t bring himself to say anything discouraging, and softly sighed, "Someone, help keep this safe for the young miss."


    The servant immediatelyplied.


    But... wait.


    Wei Xuanming narrowed his eyes, "You still have something in your bag?"


    Li Xiaoya had no choice but to dryly confess, "...This is for Sheng Yuxiao."


    She really doesn''t forget about that young master Sheng no matter what she does!


    Wei Xuanming''s feelings wereplicated.


    And a bit... sour.


    Wei Lin, on the side, was even more shocked.


    No wonder she ran so fast, saying she couldn''t see Sheng Yuxiao now.


    Could she still be thinking of giving Sheng Yuxiao a surprise?


    Wei Lin was speechless.


    This little thing... damn, was she naturally born with such a keen understanding of human nature?


    "I asked you earlier where the money came from?" Wei Xuanming brought up the question again.


    Li Xiaoya waved her hand, signaling the bodyguard to bring up the money bag and open it.


    She said, "I earned it by selling things."


    Wei Xuanming suddenly fell silent.


    Earned by... selling things?


    How old was she?


    There must be at least eighteen or neen million here, right?


    And the first thing she did after selling things was to buy gifts for each of them.


    Wei Xuanming''s breathing involuntarily quickened a bit.


    She seemed like a deity sent to their ghostly family, her personality and abilities perfectly matching the requirements of an heir.

 Chapter 90: Wei Wenjun Has Made Progress

    <h4>Chapter 90</h4>


    Wei Xuanming''s breathing quickened only for a moment before returning to normal. He said, "Alright, let''s eat."


    Wei Wenjuan couldn''t help but frown, feeling quite dissatisfied.


    He knew his father had always been strict with them and often displeased.


    But how could he not praise Xiaoya?


    Thinking of this, Wei Wenjuan turned to look at his younger brother again.


    This one couldn''t be counted on either.


    If they won''t praise her, I will!


    "Xiaoya, you were really amazing today!" Wei Wenjuan put some food into Li Xiaoya''s bowl with his chopsticks.


    Li Xiaoya immediately looked up and smiled at him, "Thank you, Second Uncle."


    Then she added seriously, "It wasn''t really amazing, just right."


    Wei Wenjuan felt a wave of sweetness in his heart from her smile, before realizing what she meant and asking, "What do you mean by ''just right''?"


    "Well, it''s just that the opportunity presented itself perfectly."


    There was Qin Sui giving her the bag, then her ssmates'' discussions, and finally this money.


    Wei Xuanming''s gaze flickered slightly, and he couldn''t help but raise his evaluation of her once again.


    Some people rise with the wind, but mistakenly believe it''s their own invincible ability.


    At such a young age, she could already view things rationally, without a hint of boasting orcency.


    "When an opportunity presents itself, whether one can seize it still depends on one''s own ability," Wei Xuanming said in a calm tone, which was already considered rare praise for Li Xiaoya.


    Who would have thought that after he spoke, there would be a long silence.


    The old man felt slightly annoyed. Hadn''t his two sons heard that he was praising Li Xiaoya?


    Never mind...


    The meal continued in rtive silence.


    Fortunately, Li Xiaoya always ate very attentively and didn''t particrly care whether the atmosphere was lively or not.


    After the meal, Wei Xuanming reached for the gift Li Xiaoya had given him, then turned and walked towards his study, leaning on his cane. He said, "Xiaoya,e with me."


    Seeing this, Wei Wenqing couldn''t help but worriedly sign to his brother, "Father is going to have a heart-to-heart with Xiaoya again."


    In their memory, having a heart-to-heart with their father was certainly not a pleasant experience.


    Saying "heart-to-heart" was more like an examination, an interrogation.


    If they answered incorrectly, their father would not hide his furrowed brow.


    Was this terrifying atmosphere now going to spread to Xiaoya?


    Wei Wenqing was worried.


    After hearing this, Wei Wenjuan''s expression turned peculiar. Then he looked at Wei Lin and deliberately raised his voice a little, saying, "I think Father''s heart-to-heart with Xiaoya is a genuine one. There''s nothing to worry about."


    Wei Wenjuan''s mind was clearer now, and he slowly realized that Xiaoya didn''t seem to be afraid of her grandfather at all?


    And the less afraid she was... the more satisfied the old man seemed to be?


    "Let''s go, Wenqing." Wei Wenjuan moved his wheelchair himself, not wanting the servants toe help.


    Wei Wenqing still seemed reluctant to leave, frequently looking back.


    Wei Wenjuan said loudly again, "What are you so reluctant to leave for? Aren''t weing back tomorrow?"


    Wei Wenqing was stunned for a moment and signed, "Are weing again?"


    Wei Wenjuan smiled, "Of course we''ll be called back. Who else can Xiaoya not bear to part with but us?"


    Wei Wenqing suddenly understood and left with his brother, his eyes filled with a smile.


    Wei Lin: "..."


    His face darkened slightly, of course knowing that Wei Wenjuan''s words were deliberately meant for him to hear.


    He couldn''t help but twitch the corner of his mouth, inwardly sneering.


    Well! In the past, it was always him provoking Wei Wenjuan with words, but today Wei Wenjuan had turned the tables on him! He really had improved!


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya followed Wei Xuanming into the study.


    Wei Xuanming paused, turned around, and finally asked the question he couldn''t ask at the dinner table: "Why did you choose this for me?"


    Wei Xuanming paused, carefully examining the object in his hand: "Is it an elbow guard? Or a knee guard?"


    Li Xiaoya was taken aback.


    She had thought her grandfather''s first question would be about her performance at school, or the specifics of how she sold things.


    "It''s a knee guard," Li Xiaoya pointed to the cane beside him and said, "Winter is too cold, and the chill seeps into your bones, making it ufortable to walk."


    "You think my legs are not good?" Wei Xuanming asked.


    Li Xiaoya hesitated for a moment: "Well, otherwise..." She pointed at the cane again and said, "Is that specifically for hitting people?"


    Wei Xuanming actually couldn''t help butugh at her joke: "Hmm... it''s for hitting people."


    "Oh." Li Xiaoya responded dryly, thought for a moment, and said, "Then... then I''ll choose a new gift for Grandfather tomorrow."


    Wei Xuanming was about to say "no need," but as the words reached his lips, he suddenly swallowed them back.


    He shifted his gaze slightly and only uttered a light "Mm."


    "Now tell me how you earned the money," Wei Xuanming quickly brought the conversation back to the main point.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t hide anything from him and recounted the whole process of Qin Sui giving her the bag.


    Wei Xuanming sighed and said, "If it were your uncles, they wouldn''t have done this, because their first reaction would be �� would this anger Young Master Qin? This is why those who dare to take risks can sit on thrones, while those who are overly cautious may never make mistakes in their lives, but that''s all they achieve �� not making mistakes. They will never see the wonders of another world."


    "In the business world, the most taboo thing is to be overly restrained. Don''t let our slight acquaintance hinder you in every way. Always put your own goals first, and separate business from emotions..."


    As Wei Xuanming spoke, he couldn''t help but praise her again: "I haven''t even taught you yet, and you''ve already learned this."


    After saying this, Wei Xuanming changed the subject: "Prepare a gift for Wei Lin as well."


    "Hm?" Li Xiaoya very frankly expressed her confusion, "Why?"


    Instead of jumping to conclusions like her uncles would upon hearing this.


    Highmunication efficiency was also one of Li Xiaoya''s strengths.


    She would prioritize solving the issue itself over dealing with emotions.


    "Have you heard the saying, ''A cornered dog will leap over a wall''?"


    "Oh, so we can''t let Wei Lin leap over the wall yet? Is that it?" Li Xiaoya immediately asked.


    Wei Xuanming didn''t answer, only saying in a t tone, "If you want a donkey to work, you have to dangle a carrot in front of it."


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Wei Xuanming didn''t know if she fully understood, or to what extent she grasped the concept.


    But it didn''t matter.


    She would gain deeper experience through repeated practice.


    "Go to bed now," Wei Xuanming waved his hand.


    Li Xiaoya stood up and walked towards the door.


    Wei Xuanming''s gaze fell to the desktop, suddenly pausing, and he spoke again: "Wait."


    He picked up the items on the table.


    A cross in his left hand, a Taoist yellow talisman sewn into a small sachet in his right.


    "Come here..." Wei Xuanming hesitated, which was rare for him.


    Which one should he give her?


    Although both were intangible things, what Wei Xuanming most hoped for right now was for Li Xiaoya to go out safely every day and return unharmed.


    Li Xiaoya looked down, then reached out and took both, saying, "Thank you, Grandfather."


    Wei Xuanming: "..."


    Fine.


    Not choosing, taking both.


    Befitting the attitude of an heir.


    It also saved him from having to decide.


    After Li Xiaoya left, Wei Xuanming massaged his leg and picked up the knee guards.


    His legs did indeed hurt.


    As people age, even with top-notch medical care and attention, all sorts of ailmentse knocking. Even if others noticed this, they wouldn''t give him such things.


    Because that would be like telling him, "You''re old, you''re full of aches and pains."


    Those "shrewd ones," not one of them dared to give such a gift.


    As for why he didn''t admit to Li Xiaoya that his legs hurt... apart from the old man''s consistently tough demeanor of never showing weakness to others.


    Oh, of course, it was also because he could get one more gift than others... and what was wrong with that?

 Chapter 91: Today I Changed to Find Shengda Less

    <h4>Chapter 91</h4>


    Because Li Xiaoya left in a hurry, Sheng Yuxiao naturally couldn''t see her at the elementary school.


    The young master Sheng suddenly felt bored and went home quite early.


    "Skipping ss?" This didn''t surprise Xu Qii at all. What surprised her was, "You skipped ss but didn''t go pick up Li Xiaoya for dinner?"


    Sheng Yuxiao rushed upstairs without looking back: "I''m doing homework."


    Xu Qii: "..."


    Skipping ss, buting home to do homework?


    Sheng Yuxiao really did go do homework, and even had a video call with the tutor his secretary had hired.


    In the past, he had little patience for these things.


    There was no help for it. Born with superior conditions of all kinds, and having learned various business knowledge from Xu Ji at a very young age, with practical feedback that was quite pleasing, expecting him to settle down and study high school courses like ordinary people was a bit of a tall order.


    But now Sheng Yuxiao felt he should set a good example for Li Xiaoya, so he still studied patiently.


    Although studying was boring and tedious, once he immersed himself in it, it temporarily dispelled his displeasure at not seeing Li Xiaoya.


    After a while, Xu Qii came up to knock on the door: "The production team has submitted a proposal for the second episode of the city special."


    Sheng Yuxiao opened the door and reached out to take it, flipping through it listlessly.


    The production team nned to arrange for the guests from both sides to spend a day together, making it into one episode.


    The so-called guests from both sides meant Li Qingqing and the Xu couple she was now following, and then Sheng Yuxiao and Li Xiaoya.


    The production team had once again included Li Xiaoya.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s tightly furrowed brows finally rxed a little...


    "Just tell him I agreed," Sheng Yuxiao returned the proposal to Xu Qii, his mood improved a bit.


    The good mood was ultimately only temporary.


    The next day, when young master Sheng walked into the ssroom and saw that the usual gloom on Qin Sui''s face had faded, and even carried a hint of pleasure, the young master frowned.


    "Sheng bro." Ning Heng sneakily came over and said, "Has Qin Sui been possessed or something?"


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t even be bothered to respond, casually saying, "What? You want to kindly find a Taoist priest for him?"


    Ning Heng decisively shook his head: "I heard them say that yesterday at noon a little girl came to find Qin Sui, and even gave him a lot of money. Doesn''t that sound made up?"


    "Sick," Sheng Yuxiao spat out two words, and added for rification, "Boring."


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t take this to heart at all.


    The elementary school started sseste, and Li Xiaoya had just gotten out of bed.


    After getting dressed and washing up, Wei Lin came in and handed Li Xiaoya two cards: "These are from the old master."


    Li Xiaoya grasped the cards and turned them over to look: "Are these bank cards?"


    "Yes, this is the old master''s supplementary card, and this one has one million in it. It''s... funds the old master gave you, saying that bag of money was still too little, afraid it wouldn''t be enough for you to y with."


    When he said the word "y," Wei Lin''s tone unconsciously became a bit heavier.


    He understood clearly that the old master had truly begun to test Li Xiaoya''s abilities.


    "This card has a monthly limit of 500,000, for your misceneous expenses besides food, clothing, and daily necessities. The money in the card cannot be withdrawn or transferred, it can only be spent."


    So much... so much money.


    Even more than 600,000!


    Wei Lin thought Li Xiaoya would be very happy to receive the cards. Such a young child, where would she have seen so much money before?


    Let alone that she came from the mountains, even in normal wealthy families, parents absolutely wouldn''t give their children so much money at once.


    Li Xiaoya should be happy.


    But Li Xiaoya first raised her face and asked: "What happens if the card is lost?"


    "You can call the bank to report it lost and freeze the card."


    "So the money won''t be lost?"


    "Right." The child was quite shrewd.


    "Then I need to have a phone first." Li Xiaoya openly stated her request.


    "I''ll ry that to the old master..."


    "No need for grandfather to buy it, I already have money to buy it myself, I''m just letting you know."


    Wei Lin was suddenly at a loss for words.


    This was truly remarkable now.


    The little girl had connections, and now she had money too... it would be even harder to keep her under control.


    While Wei Lin was secretly frowning, he still had to continue taking Li Xiaoya to school.


    At school, Zhou Xiaoshu suddenly hesitantly approached: "Are you going to see Qin Sui again today?"


    Li Xiaoya put down her pencil: "What do you want to do? You can just say it directly."


    Although Zhou Xiaoshu wasn''t much older, she usually apanied her parents to various asions and had only seen people who took three turns to say one sentence. How could she be as direct as Li Xiaoya?


    She was suddenly at a loss, finding it a bit difficult to speak.


    "If your mom just wants the limited edition, Qin Sui already agreed to that the other day, he won''t go back on his word," Li Xiaoya said.


    "Oh, oh, but..."


    "But what?"


    "They''re allughing at my mom..."


    Li Xiaoya''s pupils contracted slightly as she asked, "Why are theyughing at your mom?"


    "They say she''s lying, even my dad says so. My mom just said that she could get limited edition bags from Qin Corporation in the future, she was telling the truth, but they''re saying bad things about her behind her back..." Zhou Xiaoshu said, sounding a bit heartbroken.


    What upset her most wasn''t others, but that her dad didn''t believe either.


    Who else could she turn to?


    She could only find Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya was silent for a moment, then said: "Adult matters areplicated."


    Zhou Xiaoshu looked up with teary eyes: "Oh, oh, you- you can''t help, right?"


    "Words change as they pass through people''s mouths," Li Xiaoya told her.


    "What- what does that mean?" Zhou Xiaoshu asked in confusion, hupping from crying.


    "Your mom needs to talk to Qin Sui herself, exin the whole story clearly. Whether Qin Sui can help, or will help, is Qin Sui''s business. I can''t agree on his behalf."


    Zhou Xiaoshu said sheepishly: "But mom doesn''t have Qin Sui''s number."


    Li Xiaoya said: "Wait until after school."


    Zhou Xiaoshu had no choice but to sit back down patiently.


    When school let out, Zhou Xiaoshu almost immediately went to Li Xiaoya''s side, then refused to stop for even a step as she stuck close to her.


    This shocked the other ssmates.


    "How did Zhou Xiaoshu get so close to her?"


    "The new girl is pretty impressive."


    An Ying listened and shook her head, thinking to herself that actually Zhou Xiaoshu was the impressive one!


    Li Xiaoya''s friends were all big friends like Qin Sui and Wei Zesheng.


    She hadn''t seen anyone in the elementary ss who was qualified to be Li Xiaoya''s friend yet. Even Young Master Mu wasn''t qualified!


    Li Xiaoya didn''t know how her ssmates were discussing her behind her back. She hurried to the high school section, then did the same asst time, grabbing an older girl and asking sweetly: "Big sister, do you know which ss Sheng Yuxiao is in?"


    This big sister was even more enthusiastic than thest one, smiling as she said: "I''ll take you there directly."


    That was perfect.


    Li Xiaoya quickly said sweetly again: "Thank you big sister, you''re so nice."


    Zhou Xiaoshu''s eyes widened at this point: "Aren''t we here to see Qin Sui?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head.


    The big sister leading the way took them towards the senior sses, the path bing more and more familiar.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t think too much of it, maybe it was because the ssrooms were all next to each other.


    Until that big sister stopped and said: "It''s here, I don''t dare call young master Sheng for you, you''ll have to call him yourself, everyone''s still here right now..."


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes widened.


    The familiar door.


    A familiar head even poked out from the window.


    The person who saw her immediately shouted: "Qin! That kid from yesterday is here to find you again!"


    Li Xiaoya silently took half a step back and said: "I''m here to find Sheng Yuxiao."


    That person said: "Oh, you''re here to find... wait? Who did you say you''re here to find?"


    That person suddenly jumped up from his seat, his voice thunderous: "Holy shit? The kid who came to find Qin yesterday isn''t looking for Qin today, but changed to looking for young master Sheng! Holy shit!"


    The ssroom instantly fell silent.


    Li Xiaoya sighed.


    Actually, you didn''t need to say it so clearly.

 Chapter 92: He Should Really Have His Mouth Sewn Shut

    <h4>Chapter 92</h4>


    He really should have his mouth sewn shut.


    At this moment, Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui were thinking the same thing.


    The two of them sat on opposite sides of the ssroom, exchanging a silent nce.


    No one was happy about this.


    The guy who opened his mouth knew exactly how to offend both of them with a single sentence.


    Ning Heng, standing to the side, was also dumbfounded, muttering over and over: "The girl who was looking for Qin Sui yesterday was Li Xiaoya? How could it be Li Xiaoya? Why would it be Li Xiaoya?"


    His brows furrowed so tightly they could have crushed a fly: "Sheng, I can''t figure it out. People online say Qin Sui knows sorcery. Does he really know sorcery?"


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t bear to listen anymore. He stood up abruptly and strode over to Li Xiaoya, lifting her up by her cor. Then, through gritted teeth, he spat out a few words: "Li Xiaoya, you''ve really done it this time!"


    Given Zhou Xiaoshu''s family background, she had never had the chance to meet Sheng Yuxiao before.


    She struggled to look up at this tall, imposing figure. He was so fierce, so terrifying...


    Would he hit Li Xiaoya?


    Sheng Yuxiao''s arm muscles flexed as he effortlessly scooped up Li Xiaoya and turned to leave.


    They quickly retreated from the curious and gossiping gazes in the ssroom.


    Zhou Xiaoshu turned to look at the immovable Qin Sui, then back at the fierce-looking Sheng Yuxiao. After a moment''s hesitation, she decided to follow Sheng Yuxiao and Li Xiaoya.


    When she caught up with them downstairs, she saw��


    That scary person had taken off his school uniform jacket,id it on the snow-dampened bench, then picked up Li Xiaoya and set her down on it.


    Zhou Xiaoshu: "...Huh?"


    This scene waspletely different from what she had imagined.


    As Zhou Xiaoshu moved closer, she heard the man coldly snort and say, "Have you figured out how to exin yourself?"


    He still sounded fierce.


    Li Xiaoya then took off her backpack and unzipped it: "For you."


    Sheng Yuxiao looked down: "A gift? For me?" His furrowed brows rxed a bit, but he still said, "Is this supposed to be your exnation?"


    Li Xiaoya said softly, "Qin Sui gave me a bag, and I sold it."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression immediately changed.


    Li Xiaoya continued, "With the money from selling the bag, um, I bought you a gift."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expressionpletely softened at this. He asked, "You came all the way here just to give me a gift?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s lips were now struggling not to curl up into a smile. He bent down to unwrap the package: "Let me see what you got me."


    The young master''s hands were strong, his movements rough. In no time, he had torn open the wrapping, revealing a silver watch inside.


    Sheng Yuxiao himself had quite a collection of watches, mostly gifts from his parents and rtives.


    From Audemars Piguet Royal Oak to themon Patek Philippe Nautilus, and even rare limited editions like the perpetual calendar engraved models and world time minute repeaters with enamel dials... The cheaper ones cost hundreds of thousands, while the more expensive ones were in the millions.


    The most expensive was a gift from Xu Ji, worth twenty million.


    Having handled so many luxury watches, this silver watch seemed rather... unrefined inparison.


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but ask, "What made you think of giving me a watch?"


    Li Xiaoya sat there obediently, her tone calm as she said, "The most precious thing in the world is time, so I wanted to give you the most precious thing."


    Hearing this, how could Sheng Yuxiao hesitate any longer?


    Without even blinking, he quickly unfastened the Richard Mille on his wrist, a ck tourbillon worth over ten million.


    He then casually stuffed it into his trouser pocket.


    And put on the silver watch instead.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s hand had smooth, beautiful lines. Even wearing an inexpensive watch couldn''t diminish his aura. Instead, it seemed to add a shimmeringyer to the silver casing.


    He said, "Not bad, looks good. I like it."


    Li Xiaoya reached out and lightly tapped the watch face, saying very generously, "If it breaks, I''ll buy you a new one."


    "Alright," Sheng Yuxiao nodded readily.


    It didn''t matter if his luxury watches gathered dust. They were just sitting there in his collection anyway. If any of them appreciated in value someday, he could always sell them off.


    "How much did this watch cost?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "299 yuan."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression cracked slightly for a moment, but quickly smoothed over.


    He patted Li Xiaoya''s shoulder and said, "Being frugal is a good thing!"


    Li Xiaoya looked at him and asked softly, "Is it very economical?"


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly realized, oh right, for Li Xiaoya, 299 yuan was a fortune! And saying she''d buy a new one if it broke was incredibly generous!


    No matter how wealthy she might be in the future, she would always remember the days when she had to move mountains for three yuan worth of mushrooms.


    In her heart, even one yuan was precious.


    And then she used the precious 299 yuan to buy him precious "time."


    Sheng Yuxiao quickly tried to recover, ruffling Li Xiaoya''s hair vigorously, attempting to gloss over the matter: "Mm, want some milk tea? I''ll buy you some."


    Zhou Xiaoshu, who had witnessed the entire process, was nearly stupefied.


    Her mother was particrly fond of all kinds of luxury goods, and she had learned to recognize them through osmosis. Of course, she also recognized how expensive the watch Sheng Yuxiao had originally been wearing was.


    The person who had been so fierce towards Li Xiaoya was now wearing the cheap watch she had given him.


    Zhou Xiaoshu struggled to pull herself out of her shock and hurriedly interjected: "Li Xiaoya! I..." What about me if you''re going to buy milk tea?


    Before Zhou Xiaoshu could finish her sentence,


    Li Xiaoya asked Sheng Yuxiao first: "Can I borrow your face?"


    She had originally wanted Zhou Xiaoshu to go directly to Qin Sui.


    But now, after that big-mouthed person had shouted everything in the ssroom...


    It was better not to go to Qin Sui.


    "Hm? You want to borrow it?" Sheng Yuxiao said, and only then did he finally look at Zhou Xiaoshu, whom he had been ignoring. "Or does she want to borrow it?"


    "Her mother," Li Xiaoya said.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression turned strange: "...Her mother?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "Mm."


    Zhou Xiaoshu instinctively felt that if Li Xiaoya wasn''t going to Qin Sui but had approached this person instead, then this person must also be quite powerful.


    Afraid that this opportunity might slip away, she quickly exined the situation.


    "I heard my dad say that Mrs. Liu went back and told her husband that my mom was lying, and then her husband asked my dad why he didn''t mention knowing Young Master Qin earlier, something about getting a game license approved..."


    "So you wanted to go to Qin Sui?" Sheng Yuxiao stared at her.


    Zhou Xiaoshu nodded reluctantly, but then shook her head and said, "I wanted to go to Qin Sui, but I''m listening to Li Xiaoya."


    "Mrs. Liu? Never heard of her. What''s your dad''s name?" Sheng Yuxiao asked casually.


    "Zhou Qiang."


    "Still don''t know him."


    Zhou Xiaoshu awkwardly pressed on, "My dad has a gamingpany called Dream Creation Games."


    As Li Xiaoya listened, she frowned first: "That''s strange."


    "What''s strange?" Zhou Xiaoshu looked at her.


    Sheng Yuxiao let out a coldugh: "It is strange. That Mrs. Liu''s husband, Mr. Liu, not only mocked your mom but also publicly humiliated your dad. If they really knew Qin Sui, it wouldn''t be a big deal, they could just openly use that connection to get the game license. But if they can''t prove they know him, won''t your parents be theughingstock of your circle?"


    Sheng Yuxiao used the phrase "your circle."


    Mainly because Zhou Xiaoshu''s parents were indeed not in the same circle as them.


    "To lend you my face would be equivalent to letting you use my influence to get the game license. This falls into the realm of business dealings. Little girl, it''s not that simple."


    After saying this, Sheng Yuxiao lifted Li Xiaoya off the bench and put on his jacket again, not minding if it got dirty.


    "Let''s go, I''ll take you for milk tea first," Sheng Yuxiao said.


    Snowkes fell on his brows and eyes, making them appear somewhat cold and cruel.


    Zhou Xiaoshu panicked and quickly said, "I-I can repay you! I don''t want my dad to be angry, I don''t want my mom to feel wronged, I don''t want my family to be so upset..."


    Sheng Yuxiao kept walking without stopping.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t say anything either. She wanted Zhou Xiaoshu and her mother to be okay, but she couldn''t persuade Sheng Yuxiao to help for their sake.


    Seeing that they were really about to leave, Zhou Xiaoshu cried out in desperation: "I-I''ll repay Li Xiaoya too!"


    At this, Sheng Yuxiao seemed to show some interest. He turned his head and asked, "How will you repay her?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu was suddenly caught off guard by this question, and stammered a bit: "To be good to her, well, to think of her in everything good, to be Li Xiaoya''s friend for life! I-I can also help her serve tea and pour water, yes, and I can help her carry her shoes. And with the piano, I can apany her while she practices..."


    Zhou Xiaoshu rambled on chaotically, after all, she was still just a child, her thoughts not entirely clear.


    Sheng Yuxiao turned back, his tone still somewhat cold: "Fine, have your father bring the game proposal to me. If the content is good, the rest will be easy. If the content isn''t up to par, I''ll have Li Xiaoya make friends with someone else."


    Zhou Xiaoshu fumbled to pull out her phone: "I''ll call my mom first to tell her."


    Hearing this, Sheng Yuxiao immediately understood why Li Xiaoya had brought her along.


    He couldn''t help but look down at Li Xiaoya, raising his hand to gently rub between the child''s eyebrows.


    Young Master Sheng sighed, it''s a pity he couldn''t be her mother.


    On the other end, Liu Meng quickly answered her daughter''s call: "Did you get Qin Sui''s number from Li Xiaoya?"


    "No."


    Liu Meng deted back onto the couch, saying, "Alright, I understand. It''s okay. Come home soon."


    "If... if we were to suddenly change it so that mom knows Sheng Yuxiao instead, would that work?" Zhou Xiaoshu asked softly.


    Sheng Yuxiao?


    Which Sheng Yuxiao?


    Wait, that Sheng Yuxiao!


    Liu Meng sprang up from the sofa in an instant.

 Chapter 93: Little Duck Doesn’t Go Home, Everyone Suffering

    <h4>Chapter 93</h4>


    "Of course, of course I can, but how, how do you know Young Master Sheng? Xiaoshu, where are you now?" Liu Meng''s words were somewhat incoherent due to her excitement.


    Zhou Xiaoshu quickly said, "I don''t know him personally, it was Li Xiaoya who introduced us."


    Upon hearing this, Liu Meng was suddenly filled with respect.


    What kind of background did that child have?


    "So, so what did Young Master Sheng mean..." Liu Meng calmed down a bit, thinking she should get the details straight.


    Zhou Xiaoshu hurriedly expressed Sheng Yuxiao''s general meaning, and finally said, "Mom, you should call dad and tell him."


    Li Xiaoya and Sheng Yuxiao both nced at her.


    "She''s quite thoughtful," Sheng Yuxiao said in a low voice, leaning towards Li Xiaoya''s ear.


    Li Xiaoya nodded in agreement.


    Liu Meng on the other end of the phone was also quite trusting. Most mothers wouldn''t believe what their daughter had just said, but she believed it without a doubt. After hanging up, she immediately called her husband without a second thought.


    This Mr. Zhou of the Dream Creation Game was in a meeting at the time.


    The "President Liu" he mentioned was also present.


    This gamepany was started by Mr. Zhou during his university years. He himself was the founder, and President Liu was his first investor, self-proimed "talent scout," and now a major shareholder in thepany.


    Apart from President Liu, there was another major shareholder known as President Xiao.


    President Xiao flipped through the documents in front of him and looked up, saying, "Zhou Qiang, I think we might as well just cut this project team altogether."


    "It''s been dragging on for nearly two years now. These things have a time sensitivity to them. In two years, the market trends will bepletely different. It''s time to cut our losses!" President Xiao said, shaking his head.


    Zhou General, pressing down on his frantically vibrating pocket, said with a stern face, "Time sensitivity? Is time sensitivity when ourpetitors start copying our project? This thing won''t be outdated for four or five years!"


    President Xiao also looked helpless: "Making games has always been like this. We establish seven or eight projects at the same time, try a bit of everything, cast a wide, then wait for market feedback. Ifpetitors do it, we have to do something simr too."


    "So, you don''t need to dwell on this one. Recently, ourpetitors'' shooting games have been very popr, we could make one of those. Ancient style xianxia games are not bad either. Why be so fixated on this one?"


    "Let''s cut it," President Xiao said those three words again.


    President Liu finally chimed in slowly: "Cut what? I fully support this project!"


    He continued, "President Xiao, you may not know, but our Zhou General has actually connected with the Qin family. I''m not sure if Zhou General is too shy to ask for help, or if there''s some other reason, but this connection hasn''t been utilized yet."


    Zhou General''s face subtly darkened: "What connections are you talking about?"


    "Look at this, what are you saying? Surely your wife wouldn''t lie?" President Liu chided.


    President Xiao was confused: "What do you mean connected with the Qin family? When did this happen?"


    President Liu smiled and said, "I don''t know when it happened either, we''d have to ask Zhou General about that."


    Zhou General had a fire building in his chest, but he couldn''t lose his temper right then and there.


    Just then...


    To avoid the situation from escting further, and to control his own emotions, Zhou General took out his phone and said, "I need to take a call."


    He thought to himself that anyone calling right now would be good.


    Even if it was a delivery man.


    He walked to the window, looked down at his phone, and realized it was his wife.


    Zhou General''s expression immediately became moreplex. If he had to say, this trouble also started because of her loose lips, boasting about everything!


    He was angry that she spoke without thinking, daring to show off about anything! But then he thought better of it. After all, that''s what he liked about her back then, beautiful and naive without scheming.


    "Hello," he answered, "What''s the matter?"


    "Young Master Sheng wants to see you," Liu Meng said hurriedly.


    "Who?"


    "Young Master Sheng."


    "Which Young Master Sheng?" Zhou General stared at a bird that had stopped outside the window, his gaze bing a bit unfocused.


    Hearing such a key word, President Xiao and President Liu both turned their heads to look at him.


    On the other end of the phone, Liu Meng was puzzled.


    She thought to herself, isn''t he usually quite smart? Why is his reaction exactly the same as mine!


    "It''s Sheng Yuxiao! Which other Young Master Sheng could it be? He wants to see you! And he asked you to bring your game proposal!" Liu Meng shouted into the phone.


    "You..." Are you not lying to me?


    Zhou General didn''t finish his question.


    Because his wife didn''t have the guts to make up so many top-tier connections in one go.


    But this matter was indeed outrageous!


    Just yesterday it was Young Master Qin, how did it suddenly be Young Master Sheng today?


    "I got it," Zhou General closed his eyes briefly, "Where are we meeting? What time?"


    "Seven o''clock, at Rongxiang Restaurant."


    Zhou General looked at the time, it wasn''t long from now. He put away his phone without having time to carefully consider the truth or falsehood of this matter.


    "Something very important hase up suddenly, I''m sorry President Liu, President Xiao, let''s continue this meeting tomorrow." Zhou General didn''t dare to stop his steps, hurriedly heading towards the door.


    President Liu asked loudly: "What did you just say on the phone about Young Master Sheng..."


    Zhou General pretended not to hear, closing the ss door behind him.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya said goodbye to Zhou Xiaoshu and went with Sheng Yuxiao to the mall to buy a phone first.


    "I thought your grandfather would buy it for you. If I had known, I would have bought it for you a couple of days ago," Sheng Yuxiao frowned.


    "Grandfather gave me two cards with a lot of money in them," Li Xiaoya said.


    "That''s good then," Sheng Yuxiao''s brow finally rxed.


    He then added with a sigh, "Ms. Xu said we shouldn''t do everything for you and not leave room for your family to contribute. Otherwise, they might feel that you''re closer to outsiders, and psychologically they''ll feel a gap with you. That''s not good."


    Otherwise, the first thing upon returning to the city would have been to fully equip Li Xiaoya from head to toe.


    "Ms. Xu?" Li Xiaoya asked.


    "My mom," Sheng Yuxiao replied.


    "Oh."


    "My mom''s full name is Xu Qii. When she was born, the courtyard was full of falling maple leaves, autumn had arrived."


    It''s a very nice name, Li Xiaoya remembered another person''s name.


    The two of them quickly picked out a phone.


    However, because Li Xiaoya was a minor, she needed a guardian to provide identification to get a SIM card. So for now, Sheng Yuxiao took out a card from his own phone and gave it to her.


    "I have an extra one here, you can use it for now," Sheng Yuxiao instructed her, "You can call home now and tell them you won''t be back for dinner."


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    At this time, Wei Lin was standing at the school gate, waiting and waiting, until he finally couldn''t help but go back to the ssroom to check.


    Now he could be sure -


    If she wasn''t taken away by Qin Sui, then she must have been taken by Sheng Yuxiao!


    To avoid getting hit by the old man''s cane again when he got back, Wei Lin quickly called home.


    It''s not that I''m useless, it''s that the enemy is too unreasonable!


    As soon as the call connected, Wei Xuanming spoke first: "Still at school? No need to pick up Xiaoya,e back."


    Wei Lin was stunned. The little girl had already informed the old man.


    She really didn''t leave any chance for tattling.


    "Yes, is the young miss with Young Master Sheng again?" Wei Lin asked deliberately.


    Wei Xuanming''s voice carried a hint of a smile: "She said she''s discussing business."


    Wei Lin''s mouth twitched.


    Seven years old.


    Discussing business?


    What nonsense.


    Even if she was a genius, it wouldn''t be like this!


    At most, she might be doing some "buy low, sell high" stuff like selling bags before.


    Has the old man really gotten so old that he''s clinging to family affection to this extent? Believing everything Li Xiaoya says?


    On the other side, in the old man''s Suzhou-style Garden, another gust of cold wind carrying snowkes swept through the courtyard.


    "Xiaoya''s noting back?" Wei Wenjuan said awkwardly.


    They had calcted everything but hadn''t anticipated that Li Xiaoya wouldn''te back for dinner.


    Wei Wenjuan didn''t look at his father''s expression, hurriedly saying, "Then Wenqing and I will leave first."


    Wei Xuanming moved his lips, but in the end didn''t say anything, waving his hand for the bodyguards to see them out.


    The ce quickly returned to silence.


    So silent that the snowkes falling on their faces stung.


    The servants felt that the air seemed to have be heavier, their noses felt icy cold, and their minds went numb.


    ...This family seems like it can''t do without the young miss! They thought.

 Chapter 94: How Haven’t seen anyone with a child

    <h4>Chapter 94</h4>


    Rongxiang Restaurant is a high-end private dining establishment in Jin City, located in the bustling downtown area. There is no main dining hall, only private rooms. It has a good reputation among the upper echelons of society, with top-quality ingredients and two chefs who retired from cooking for state banquets. Moreover, it offers extreme privacy.


    This is why Zhou General didn''t ask any further questions and decided toe directly.


    Reservations are usually required for such restaurants.


    However, he had only mentioned the matter of the game license to his wife in the past couple of days.


    The incident happened so suddenly, yet the restaurant was booked so quickly.


    It must be him.


    It must indeed be Sheng Yuxiao!


    Zhou General took a deep breath, instinctively adjusting his shirt cor, not underestimating the other party despite his young age.


    "Hello," a waitress in a qipao opened the door for him. "Do you have a reservation?"


    "My friend is already inside."


    "May I ask which private room?"


    This wasn''t mentioned either... As Zhou General was hesitating whether to call his wife back, another person who looked like a manager came out: "Zhou General, is it?"


    "Yes."


    "This way, please." The manager personally led him inside.


    This further reassured Zhou General, and his steps became lighter.


    The private room door opened.


    Inside, Sheng Yuxiao was ordering food.


    The waitress bowed and asked, "What would the little one like to drink?"


    Little one?


    Where did a little onee from?


    Zhou General was stunned for a moment, then looked over and immediately saw Li Xiaoya sitting in a chair. What a beautiful child!


    "Hmm, get her a ss of milk," Sheng Yuxiao decided. "Fresh milk."


    Zhou General heard this and then looked at the young man speaking.


    Compared to Qin Sui, Sheng Yuxiao had appeared in public a bit more, otherwise he wouldn''t have had a group of fans on the inte before the show even started filming.


    Zhou General was certain at first nce!


    No doubt! It''s him!


    What''s going on here?


    Who does Liu Meng actually know, Young Master Qin or Young Master Sheng? Surely not both?


    Zhou General''s mind was in chaos. As he lowered his gaze, he caught sight of a school uniform jacket on a nearby chair.


    The style was very simr to his daughter''s.


    Is this his daughter''s ssmate?


    "Young Master Sheng," Zhou General called out.


    "Zhou Qiang?" Sheng Yuxiao nced up briefly to ask.


    "Yes."


    "Hmm, have a seat first." Sheng Yuxiao didn''t have time to deal with him yet, continuing to order, "Do you eat shrimp balls? Hmm, this beef is good too, let''s also get a steamed white crab... What other dishes do kids like to eat?"


    Thest question was clearly directed at the waitress.


    "We can''t eat that much," Li Xiaoya tugged at Sheng Yuxiao''s sleeve, trying to calm him down.


    "Alright," Sheng Yuxiao knew that waste was something Li Xiaoya couldn''t tolerate. He said helplessly, "Even back in Li Family Vige, I wanted to pile all these delicious things in front of you."


    "It''s not like we''re only having one meal together," Li Xiaoya said sensibly.


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled, "Right, we''ll have countless more meals together in the future."


    Hearing such familiar and intimate dialogue between them, Zhou General became very curious about the identity of the little girl before him.


    The dishes were quickly brought to the table one after another. Looking around, they were all things that children like to eat - not too spicy, but with rich vors, and some even had cute presentations.


    Turning his head again, he saw that the milk had also been served.


    The impact of this scene gave Zhou General a sense of unreality, making it hard to imagine that they were here to discuss important matters.


    "Young Master Sheng, you asked me to bring the game proposal, I wanted to ask..."


    "Let''s eat first," Sheng Yuxiao interrupted, then used a spoon to serve some egg custard to Li Xiaoya, saying, "This is nutritious, eat more of it."


    Sheng Yuxiao tried his best to recall how people around him encouraged eating when he was a child.


    "This is rich in vitamins, have a few more bites," Sheng Yuxiao said as he added some carrots to Li Xiaoya''s te.


    That still wasn''t enough...


    "Shrimp is rich in protein, have a couple of these too."


    The waitress couldn''t even get a word in edgewise, as Sheng Yuxiao was practically doing all the work himself.


    Zhou General watched in a daze, not touching his chopsticks.


    When Li Xiaoya''s bowl was full, Sheng Yuxiao regretfully stopped, then looked at Zhou General again: "What are you staring at? Eat."


    "Yes, yes, you..."


    "What? Never seen someone take care of a child before?"


    Zhou General choked a bit.


    Indeed, he had never seen a young master from such a prestigious family take care of a child like this... using the same tone as his wife when coaxing their daughter to eat.


    Moreover, he had never heard that Young Master Sheng had a younger sister.


    Zhou General didn''t dare to ask further, so he just lowered his head and started eating along with them.


    "What sses did you have today?" Sheng Yuxiao asked while eating.


    Zhou General thought to himself, it''s exactly like how his wife asks their daughter!


    "Math, English, violin..." Li Xiaoya answered.


    "Was anything particrly difficult?"


    "Yes."


    "The flower arranging ss is very difficult. The teacher said sometimes my arrangements look like frost-bitten eggnts, and other times like tomato nts heavy with fruit, full of the spirit of harvest, butcking in aesthetic appeal."


    Li Xiaoya was very troubled: "What is aesthetic appeal? Isn''t being full of the spirit of harvest beautiful enough?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "That''s easy to solve."


    Li Xiaoya obediently turned to look at him, waiting for him to teach her.


    Sheng Yuxiao continued, "I''ll have the school cancel this ss tomorrow, and that''ll be that."


    Zhou General almost spat out the food in his mouth.


    Wait, is this how you''re supposed to dote on children?


    Just because she''s not good at this ss, they should cancel it???


    "That doesn''t seem right," Li Xiaoya said with difficulty.


    "There''s nothing wrong with it. If you want, I can hire ten flower arranging masters to stay at home, so why bother doing it yourself? This ss is probably something the school came up with purely to imitate Western education models. They probably also have some cooking sses for you... There''s nothing worth learning there. People''s energy is limited."


    Sheng Yuxiao''sst sentence made a lot of sense.


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "In the future, if you encounter any sses that you find difficult to learn or uninteresting, just don''t attend them," Sheng Yuxiao said, then hesitated a bit, feeling guilty.


    This doesn''t count as teaching a child bad habits, right?


    "Mm-hmm," Li Xiaoya responded, then picked up her milk and gulped it down. "I''m full."


    Sheng Yuxiao pulled out a tissue to wipe her mouth, then turned to Zhou General with a casual demeanor: "Give me the proposal."


    Zhou General perked up and quickly handed it over.


    But when he looked closely again��


    Sheng Yuxiao had the waitress clear away the dishes in front of them, then spread out the proposal in front of him and Li Xiaoya.


    "Can you recognize all the words in here?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    Li Xiaoya nodded, but then shook her head and said, "There are some words I don''t understand."


    Zhou General: ?


    Using his proposal as a teaching example???


    Is this how all you top-tier wealthy families educate children?


    If Dou Dawei were here right now, he would pat his shoulder and tell him, this is nothing.


    "This game... it''s quite different," Sheng Yuxiao looked up.


    Zhou General smiled bitterly, "Yes, it is quite different, that''s why the license has been held up for so long."


    Who knows how many games have been killed off like this.


    "Currently, the market is dominated by AAA titles like ''The Witcher 3'' and ''Red Dead Redemption'' with high degrees of freedom, sandbox games like ''Minecraft'', social games like ''Werewolf'', as well as variouspetitive, tactical, and card games... but there''s nothing quite like this."


    "Most game designers seem to assume that women don''t y games much, so there isn''t a single mobile game on the market that''spletely designed for female yers."


    "But in fact, women have equally high purchasing power and consumption ability, and this market segment is still a blue ocean."


    "And this game of mine aims to be the firstrge-scale female-oriented mobile game in the country."


    Zhou General certainly had ambitions.


    He disdained to make games that others had already done poorly, and his team had even tried some niche puzzle games, but unfortunately, the market response wasn''t very good.


    They weren''t even as profitable as those asset-flip games made under President Liu''s direction to trick people into ying.


    After hearing Zhou General''s words, Sheng Yuxiao said in a t tone, "Getting a license is actually quite simple."


    "Let''s first address the issue of internal discord in yourpany," Sheng Yuxiao showed some interest and turned to Li Xiaoya, saying, "Do you want to see how apany operates and how conflicts between shareholders are handled?"


    Zhou General: ?


    Are you treating us like a show?


    Sheng Yuxiao asked again, "Who is this President Liu?"


    "Liu Meng even mentioned this to you... He''s one of ourpany''s shareholders."


    "Hmm, get rid of him. My name isn''t so easily borrowed, not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can leech off me."


    "He''s a major shareholder, and also an old friend..."


    "So we need to set up a scheme," Sheng Yuxiao said to Li Xiaoya. "I''ll teach you how."


    Zhou General was both shocked and envious.


    He wished he could be seven years old too.

 Chapter 95: This Trick is Called ’Pretending to be a Pig to Eat a Tiger’

    <h4>Chapter 95</h4>


    "Could Young Master Sheng exin a bit more clearly?" Zhou General decided to swallow his pride and ask.


    "What was your initial investment ratio?" Sheng Yuxiao countered.


    Zhou General didn''t hold back, mainly because the Sheng family wasn''t involved in the gaming sector, so he had no reason to worry about them harming him.


    So he found a notepad and pen in the room and drew a pie chart.


    "Thepany''s initial registered capital was 3 million yuan, jointly invested by me and a college roommate. He put in 600,000 yuan, ounting for 20% equity. Later, due to family changes, he sold part of it to ourpany''s current President Liu."


    "At that time, thepany was going through a low point, and President Liu was very interested in the game I had. Seeing that he couldn''t poach me, he eventually invested and bought 12% of the equity from me, bing thergest shareholder."


    "Now he holds a total of 22% of the equity."


    "In addition, ourpany has another major shareholder, President Xiao, who subsequently purchased and owns 17% of the shares."


    "Furthermore, my wife and daughter each hold 3% and 1% of the shares, which I gifted to them. I myself hold 47%."


    After listening, Sheng Yuxiao said slowly, "Hmm, then thepany should be under your absolute control."


    After all, as long as his wife and daughter transferred their shares back, he could return to 51% control at any time.


    "Young Master Sheng should also be clear that shares don''t represent everything. Thepany is ultimately for profit. About seven or eight years ago, thepany entered a period of rapid development. But by the year beforest, it had already started to show signs of decline."


    "That''s because Mu General from Wanwu Inte entered the scene. They have abundant capital, constantly introduce mature games from abroad, and can simultaneouslyunch multiple projects, usingrge amounts of funds to keep trying and failing until they get a hit."


    "Who can y without abundant capital?"


    Wanwu Inte.


    Li Xiaoya quickly remembered, it was the family of that young Master Mu whom she had beaten upst time.


    "The gaming market is iterating and updating, but President Liu and President Xiao both insist on sticking to the old ways."


    "President Xiao is the type who justins verbally when he''s in a negative state. President Liu is different, he''ll let me do things, but actually waits for me to stumble, so that I''ll listen to him. Even if I really seed, it doesn''t matter, he''s the major shareholder, he still gets a cut of the money."


    Zhou General wasn''t stupid either, of course he could see through these obvious and subtle tricks.


    He rarely showed a bit of dejection in front of these two minors who were much younger than him, saying, "President Liu feels he''s my benefactor, and has been very dissatisfied with my attitude these years. That incident with my wife was really just an excuse for him to act out in advance."


    "In the past two years, he''sunched many reskinned games for overseas markets, with very good cash flow, which has made employees trust him more. But I always feel like trouble is brewing these two years."


    Zhou General paused, then asked, "Does Young Master Sheng usually follow current affairs? ... I do. The overseas market is good, but I always feel that in these two years, they might implement bans on APPs exported from our country, uh, just my humble opinion..."


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded, "Mm, you''re right. His path won''tst long."


    With Sheng Yuxiao saying so, Zhou General felt even more reassured.


    "Businessmen who don''t watch the wind direction are asking for trouble," Sheng Yuxiao said lightly.


    Li Xiaoya nodded beside him, hmm, noted.


    "So what does Young Master Sheng think, how can we kick him out?" Zhou General asked.


    "Introduce a third party."


    "You mean... sell some shares and bring in another major shareholder?" Zhou General''s expression froze slightly.


    Was Young Master Sheng interested in his shares?


    "What are you thinking? I''m not interested in your shares. If I bought them, how could I kick out that President Liu? He''d love to leech off yourpany for life, taking dividends forever," Sheng Yuxiao scoffed.


    Li Xiaoya quickly caught on and chirped, "Sell to me."


    Zhou General thought he had misheard, and asked dazedly, "What?"


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled and ruffled Li Xiaoya''s hair, saying, "Great minds think alike, little duck!"


    "Yes, sell to her!" Sheng Yuxiao said.


    "But it''s not enough, it''s best to sell to one more person."


    Zhou General''s head was buzzing, thinking, aren''t you really here to trick me out of my shares?


    But he thought and thought, and didn''t feel that hispany was worth much to Sheng Yuxiao.


    "Sell to one more person?"


    "Mm, someone who looks non-threatening. When that President Liu sees it, he''ll think, even such a stubborn person like you has started selling off shares, is there any future left for thispany? He''ll cash out and run, waiting to see you make a fool of yourself."


    "What if President Xiao follows suit and sells too? If he buys those shares, he''ll be thergest shareholder, wouldn''t that be very awkward?"


    "So we also need to buy some from your college roommate and President Xiao."


    "What if President Xiao only sells to President Liu?"


    "Do I need to teach you everything?"


    "...I understand. But this risk is too big, I don''t know if it''s worth taking."


    "Don''t you have the answer in your heart? You created this business yourself, it''s not an inheritedpany, you want it to go on the right path more than anyone else."


    Zhou General was speechless, only managing to squeeze out, "You''re right."


    "Moreover, yourpany structure itself is too simple, one wants to overpower you, one is conservative, and there''s no one whose interests align with yours. How can you y this game?"


    Sheng Yuxiao shook his head slightly, picked up Li Xiaoya''s backpack nearby and said, "Let''s go home, you still have school tomorrow."


    Zhou General stood up and said, "For that other person, do you have any rmendations?"


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his head and thought for a moment: "No. The people around me... none of them are suitable."


    Zhou General thought about it and realized it was true. Those who associate with Young Master Sheng are all top-tier wealthy family''s young masters anddies. If they showed up, President Liu would really want to leech off thepany for life.


    "I''ll think about it some more when I get back... I''ll think about it..."


    But Li Xiaoya didn''t move. She tilted her head and said, "I have someone in mind..."


    Zhou General was silent for a moment, then asked, "How old is the person this youngdy is rmending?"


    Li Xiaoya silently calcted, "Should be in his thirties?"


    That sounded more usible.


    He had thought she was going to rally her wealthy peers to buy shares, which would be too, too childish. Imagining the scene at the shareholders'' meeting... Zhou General wanted to cover his face.


    "I''ll make a call," Li Xiaoya took out a small notebook from her backpack, which had several numbers written in it.


    She flipped to one of them and dialed: "Second Uncle."


    Wei Wenjuan, who hadn''t been able to see his niece tonight, immediately sat up excitedly: "Little duck? Are you home or still out?"


    As he spoke, Wei Wenjuan''s brows furrowed: "You haven''t run into any trouble, have you?"


    Li Xiaoya asked first: "Uncle, do you have money?"


    Wei Wenjuan said, "Of course I do. Do you not have enough to spend? I''ll have my bodyguard bring my card to you right away."


    "No, Uncle, do you have enough money to buy shares in apany?"


    "You want to buy apany to y with? Or... is this an assignment from your grandfather? Would 80 million be enough? Actually, we could just buy the wholepany outright. Why is Father being so stingy? Why not buy it directly for you?"


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t get a word in, so she just said, "Pleasee over first."


    She thought, in front of Grandfather, Second Uncle always seems to be under a lot of pressure. What if he wasn''t in Grandfather''spany? Would things get better?


    *


    ording to Wei Wenjuan''s previous personality and habits, he would never go out.


    But little duck was looking for him...


    And it sounded like she had only called him.


    "Prepare the car, I''m going out for a while."


    When the servants heard this, they were all dumbfounded.


    Huh? Not only has the Second Young Master started to enjoy going out, he even wants to go outte at night!


    About half an hourter.


    Wei Wenjuan also arrived at the restaurant.


    As the door opened.


    Wei Wenjuan didn''t expect there to be other people inside. His instinct was to leave. But thinking of Li Xiaoya, he forcibly held back, and even put on a cold face, trying to show some strength for Li Xiaoya.


    Zhou General looked left at Li Xiaoya, then right at Wei Wenjuan.


    A little kid, and um... a person with mobility difficulties.


    Selling shares to them really does make it look like mypany is about to go bankrupt.


    Sheng Yuxiao was also surprised.


    It really is suitable... because someone at President Liu''s level wouldn''t possibly know who Wei Wenjuan is.


    "This move is called ''ying dumb to catch the pig''. Kick out President Liu, then get the game license, make money yourself, don''t share with enemies."

 Chapter 96: Mr. Zhou, you are so lucky

    <h4>Chapter 96</h4>


    The dinner party that was about to disperse was forced to continue due to Wei Wenjuan''s arrival.


    About ten minutester, Wei Wenjuan roughly understood what was going on.


    "Whose idea was this?" Wei Wenjuan asked.


    Zhou General quickly pointed to Sheng Yuxiao.


    But Sheng Yuxiao pointed to Li Xiaoya.


    Finally, Wei Wenjuan met Li Xiaoya''s innocent eyes.


    "Buying shares was my decision, and the other person was chosen by Xiaoya," Sheng Yuxiao said slowly.


    It was as if "She''s thinking about you, her uncle" was written all over his face.


    The corners of Wei Wenjuan''s mouth curled up slightly, then he looked at Sheng Yuxiao with aplex gaze and said, "This matter is easy to handle. Thank you for taking care of Xiaoya today, Young Master Sheng."


    "You''re too kind."


    "Then let me take Xiaoya home," Wei Wenjuan said.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s mood had already been restored by Li Xiaoya today, so he immediately said cheerfully, "You''re her uncle, of course you should take her."


    These words hit the spot for Wei Wenjuan, and more smiles immediately appeared on his gaunt face.


    In the blink of an eye, only Sheng Yuxiao and Zhou General were left in the private room.


    Zhou General, recalling the appearance of the man who had just left��sunken eye sockets, paleplexion, looking more like an evil spirit crawling out of hell��couldn''t help but ask, "Young Master Sheng, I still haven''t figured out that person''s identity and background..."


    Sheng Yuxiao, being tall, put his hand on Zhou General''s shoulder and said in a calm tone, "General Zhou, you''re very lucky..."


    "I..."


    "Without any effort, you''ve connected with a very reliable person."


    "Young Master Sheng, you are indeed very reliable, but that person just now..." He really couldn''t see it at all!


    Remembering how Young Master Sheng taught the little girl to "y dumb to catch the enemy off guard," Zhou General swallowed the rest of his words, thinking, could that person also be ying dumb? But who would pretend to that extent?


    Zhou General''s doubts would remain unresolved for now, but he still had to thank Sheng Yuxiao: "I''ll pay for the meal today."


    The waiter smiled and said, "The bill has already been signed."


    Zhou General turned to look at Sheng Yuxiao, embarrassed: "Troubling Young Master Sheng to handle matters and even treating us to a meal, I''m really sorry. Next time..."


    Sheng Yuxiao impatiently interrupted, "I''m not treating you, you''re benefiting from Li Xiaoya."


    "Let''s go." Once Li Xiaoya left, the young master couldn''t stay either.


    Soon only Zhou General was left. His driver came up and found that his boss, whose face had been particrly gloomy during the day, now seemed to have shed all his burdens.


    "General Zhou, shall we go home directly?"


    "No, go to a nearby mall with a CHANEL boutique."


    Liu Meng had been waiting at home for several hours, unable to eat properly. She could only lean on the sofa, listening to her daughter recount how she met Sheng Yuxiao, and how Sheng Yuxiao took off his coat for Li Xiaoya to sit on...


    Liu Meng listened with her head raised, saying hazily, "If I remember correctly, the Sheng family and the Qin family don''t get along well, do they?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu was too young to know about this, so she could only shake her head in confusion.


    Just as Liu Meng was marveling, she suddenly heard the maid say, "The master is back."


    Liu Meng nervously went to greet him: "How did it go?"


    Zhou General silently handed over what he was holding: "For you."


    Liu Meng''s throat immediately burst out with an exmation: "Ah! Is it resolved? Do we have the license now?"


    Zhou General said, "It''s just the beginning."


    Liu Meng couldn''t understand and could only look bewildered.


    "Are you still going to yourdies'' tea party tomorrow?" Zhou General suddenly asked her.


    Liu Meng nodded, saying awkwardly, "I won''t speak carelessly this time."


    "No, you should talk," Zhou General suddenly said firmly.


    "Huh? Are... are you crazy?"


    "..."


    "You can even say that you know Sheng Yuxiao."


    "I... I don''t dare." If she said that, wouldn''t others think she had lost her mind?


    "You dare." Zhou General looked at the several CHANEL bags piled at his feet and said, "Open them and see, they''re all things you like."


    Liu Meng indeed couldn''t resist anymore and immediately had the maid bring them to the sofa to open the boxes.


    Meanwhile, Zhou General crouched down and asked his daughter, "The little girl with Young Master Sheng, she''s your ssmate, right?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu nodded.


    "As I thought... In the future, you..."


    "Should I try to please her?"


    "No, if you can learn something from her, that would be best."


    Zhou Xiaoshu was stunned: "Huh? But she fails her piano lessons, violin lessons, her English isn''t good, and she can''t keep up with math..." Zhou Xiaoshu was telling the truth, without any exaggeration.


    Zhou General said with aplex expression: "Out of 1.4 billion people, over 60 million learn piano, but in the end, only two masters emerge... Many people learn these things, but very few actually master them. If we only use these as criteria for judgment, it''s too narrow-minded. What she knows, in ancient times, would be called the art of dragon taming."


    Li Xiaoya didn''t know that Zhou General''s evaluation of her had already reached such a high level behind her back.


    After she and Wei Wenjuan got into the car, Wei Wenjuan immediately sighed, "This Sheng Yuxiao is a very capable young man."


    "Mm." Li Xiaoya responded, suddenly grabbing her uncle''s wrist and saying, "Uncle is wearing the gloves I gave him."


    Wei Wenjuan rxed and smiled, "Yes, and they''re very warm."


    However, as soon as he finished speaking, Wei Wenjuan''s face suddenly darkened again. He grabbed Li Xiaoya''s hand and asked, "Why are your hands also so scarred? Are they all... old injuries?"


    Li Xiaoya said nonchntly, "Yeah, I used to do a lot of farm work, and had to go up the mountain to pick mushrooms and chestnuts. Sometimes I''d get burned by the edge of the pot..."


    As Wei Wenjuan listened to her words, he stared intently at her hands, his eyes turning red.


    "Uncle?"


    "Uncle, are you sad?"


    Li Xiaoya spread out her fingers,paring them with his, and said, "We''re the same, both injured, but it''s not a big deal."


    Wei Wenjuan choked out, "Mm, it''s not a big deal."


    He suddenly raised his head and said, "If you really like thatpany we just visited, why don''t I buy it for you? This way you can be thergest shareholder directly."


    Wei Wenjuan didn''t know what else to do, he just wanted to spoil her, to be good to her, even better.


    He thought to himself, I''ve been so careless, how did I not notice her injuries before?


    He must not be trapped in his own world anymore!


    "Uncle..." Li Xiaoya looked at him, a bit helpless, "We can use less money to get more money, why take this loss?"


    Wei Wenjuan felt like Xiaoya was looking at him as if he were an idiot.


    He coughed lightly, "Alright, alright. You... you''re more level-headed than your uncle. That''s good."


    She had both the innocence and softness of a child, yet was as smart and calm as a little adult.


    Wei Wenjuan''s excitement had nowhere to go, so he said, "I''ll get everything settled in the next couple of days."


    Li Xiaoya nodded, "Sheng Yuxiao said that after bing a major shareholder, there will be meetings. Then I can go to meetings with uncle."


    Hearing this, Wei Wenjuan couldn''t help but imagine that scene.


    He was immediately filled with infinite hope!


    "Good, we''ll go together!"


    Because they returned home sote today, the old man didn''t call Li Xiaoya for a heart-to-heart talk.


    He just stood at the door leaning on his cane, watching Wei Wenjuan''s silhouette as he drove away.


    "He actually sent Xiaoya home... He seems to be willing to go out more and more often."


    A servant nearby quickly said, "The bond between uncle and niece is deep, it''s wonderful!"


    Wei Xuanming nodded slightly, without saying much.


    Who knew that the next day he would be woken up by a phone call.


    The servant from Guanghua Vi said in a panic, "The second young master disappeared early in the morning!"


    Wei Xuanming covered his heart, which had skipped a beat, slowly sat up, and quickly had someone bring him the phone. Then he personally dialed his son''s mobile number.


    Wasn''t everything fine yesterday?


    Could he be going crazy and seeking death again today?


    Wei Xuanming gritted his teeth, thinking Wei Wenjuan wouldn''t answer the phone. He even had bodyguards ready on the side, prepared to set out to search for him at any moment.


    But the phone connected with a beep.


    "Hello... Father." Wei Wenjuan''s voice was unusually cheerful.


    Wei Xuanming was stunned, took the phone away from his ear to look at it, almost thinking he had dialed the wrong number.


    "The servants said you disappeared," Wei Xuanming said in a deep voice.


    "They''re overreacting. I have some business to attend to, so I went out."


    Wei Xuanming looked at his phone again.

 Chapter 97: Qin Sui Came to Her Again

    <h4>Chapter 97</h4>


    After finishing the phone call with his son, Wei Xuanming summoned his subordinate: "Go investigate where the young miss and the second young master wentst night, what they talked about, and who they met."


    The subordinate reminded him with some difficulty: "Sir, this is Hua Country. We can''t just investigate as we please."


    Wei Xuanming: "..."


    He rubbed his forehead and said, "Forget it. Perhaps... perhaps Little Duck is going to give this old man another surprise."


    Meanwhile, as soon as Li Xiaoya arrived at school, Zhou Xiaoshu approached her and said, "Thank you."


    Then she ced a box of pastries on Li Xiaoya''s desk.


    "They''re from Sweet Cheese House on West Street. I queued for a long time," Zhou Xiaoshu paused, then said with a blush, "Thank you. Mom is very happy, and so is Dad."


    Li Xiaoya picked up the pastry box: "Oh, you have to queue for these?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu: ??


    The ssmates who had been eavesdropping couldn''t hold back anymore and gathered around to ask, "Li Xiaoya, have you had these before? Why don''t you need to queue?"


    Li Xiaoya was also confused: "I don''t know."


    It was just that one day when she was passing by on her way home from school, she had looked twice at the pastry shop because of its unique design. The next day, Wei Lin had sent his driver to buy her some small cakes from the shop.


    "Did her family buy Sweet Cheese House?" a child guessed.


    "How is that possible? I also want my dad to buy it, but he said no. Being greedy for such things isn''t something I should do. Even if I wanted to buy a shop that specializes in princess dresses, it would be a bit more high-ss than buying a pastry shop," another child refuted.


    However, it was clear that she didn''t understand why this would be more high-ss.


    An Ying chimed in, "We can''t eat sweets, we can''t let dopamine control our brains, and we need to maintain our figures. Otherwise, we can''t be part of high society."


    Their parents had all taught them the same things.


    After hearing their conversation, Li Xiaoya thought that maybe Wei Lin really had bought the shop.


    Because Wei Lin didn''t want her to be part of high society.


    At this moment, Zhou Xiaoshu beside her looked a bit worried: "Do you still want this?"


    Li Xiaoya put the box into her desk drawer and nodded.


    Zhou Xiaoshu immediately felt relieved and said in a low voice, "Next time at piano ss,e with me."


    Feeling that wasn''t enough, she then said loudly to the surrounding ssmates, "From now on, none of you are allowed to bully Li Xiaoya! Bullying her is the same as bullying me, and I know Xue Qi from fifth grade!"


    Knowing someone from a higher grade, knowing someone whose family was even richer: these were hard currency in the elementary school!


    Zhou Xiaoshu sat back down, satisfied after saying all this in one breath.


    An Ying shook her head secretly.


    Li Xiaoya could fight too, she had even beaten up the fifth-grade leader!


    It seemed Zhou Xiaoshu still hadn''t figured out the situation.


    Coincidentally, the fourth period in the morning was piano ss.


    Arriving at the familiar music ssroom, Li Xiaoya''s piano hadn''t been set up yet. The teacher was about to ask her toe to her side when Zhou Xiaoshu pulled her away.


    "Today, let''s try to y ''Allemande''."


    The somewhat chaotic piano sounds filled the ssroom.


    Zhou Xiaoshu didn''t join their practice. She leaned close to Li Xiaoya''s ear, slowly teaching her to read music.


    The parts that Zhou Xiaoshu had found difficult when she first learned piano, she now specifically picked out to teach Li Xiaoya.


    Before they knew it, the ss was almost over.


    The teacher instinctively nced out the window, and with this nce, she was stunned again.


    Why was Young Master Qin here again?


    Qin Sui stood outside the window, silently watching Zhou Xiaoshu teach Li Xiaoya to read music and recognize keys.


    Had that child already cozied up to her so quickly?


    The ss bell suddenly rang.


    The students rushed out, and when they suddenly saw Qin Sui, they were startled again.


    "Qin Yue''s brother is here again?"


    "Is he here to see Li Xiaoya again?"


    They weren''t particrly afraid of Qin Sui, after all, he was from the high school section. He was considered a big kid who wouldn''t bother to y with them or beat up elementary school kids like them.


    They were just full of curiosity.


    Why did Qin Yue''s brother keeping to see Li Xiaoya?


    Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshu apanied Li Xiaoya as they slowly stepped out of the ssroom. Qin Sui immediately strode over to meet them, asking, "How''s the learning going?"


    "I''ve learned a little bit."


    "That day, were you really just there to find Sheng Yuxiao?" Qin Sui finally asked what he really wanted to know.


    Before Li Xiaoya could answer, Qin Sui pointed at Zhou Xiaoshu and said, "That day she was following behind you. You wouldn''t have brought her along to find Sheng Yuxiao for no reason, that wouldn''t be appropriate. So you must have been there to see me. After all, she and her mother have already met me, there''s a connection. Tell me, what''s the matter? Does she need something from me?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu stared in shock, her eyes wide.


    How did he guess without her even saying anything?


    "The matter has been resolved," Li Xiaoya said.


    "Resolved?" Qin Sui lowered his eyes, "Did Sheng Yuxiao resolve it? That''s not like his style."


    "Even if it''s resolved, you should be able to tell me what it was about, right?" Qin Sui promptly asked.


    But Li Xiaoya firmly shook her head: "I can''t say, it involves business secrets."


    Qin Sui was a bit disappointed, but didn''t show it on his face.


    He just looked at Zhou Xiaoshu: "I have something to say to Li Xiaoya."


    "Huh?" Zhou Xiaoshu stared at her nkly.


    Qin Sui felt displeased, thinking that indeed not everyone could be like Li Xiaoya.


    He had to speak more inly: "Others can''t listen."


    "Oh, oh." Zhou Xiaoshu awkwardly covered her head and walked away.


    After walking a few steps, she couldn''t help but look back. What was he saying to Li Xiaoya? Zhou Xiaoshu couldn''t imagine.


    Because kids of Qin Sui''s age never had anything inmon with them. How could Li Xiaoya talk to them?


    Oh, is this what Dad wants me to learn?


    Zhou Xiaoshu walked away, suddenly enlightened.


    "Several brands are about to release their New Year limited editions," Qin Sui said in a low voice.


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head in confusion.


    Qin Sui lowered his voice even more: "Li Xiaoya, do you want to try doing a few more business deals?"


    He quite liked Li Xiaoya''s behavior of selling things and then secretlying to "split the loot" with him behind Sheng Yuxiao''s back.


    Meanwhile, Liu Meng went to attend another richdies'' gathering.


    As she pushed open the door, the wind chimes jingled, and the people inside who had been talking suddenly fell silent.


    Liu Meng realized... were they discussing her?


    "Why are you here?" Madam Liu was the first to stand up and greet her.


    Liu Meng was bewildered: "Am I not allowed toe?"


    Not only had shee, but she had also changed into the new bag her husband had just bought for her.


    Madam Liu''s expression was strange, but she didn''t say anything. The other richdies exchanged nces, with mocking smiles at the corners of their mouths.


    Telling such a big lie and still daring toe?


    As Liu Meng sat down, she was still pondering how to naturally mention that she had also gotten acquainted with Young Master Sheng.

 Chapter 98: Brave Li Xiaoya

    <h4>Chapter 98</h4>


    Liu Meng used to boast from the bottom of her heart, unable to contain her excitement. This time, however, she had to lie without even having met Young Master Sheng.


    And she had to make it sound convincing.


    This suddenly put her in a difficult position.


    The other wealthydies noticed her difort and exchanged nces before deliberately asking, "We didn''t get a chance to ask the other day, how did Madam Zhoue to know Young Master Qin?"


    "Oh, well, it''s mainly because my daughter goes to the same school as Young Master Qin," Liu Meng replied.


    "..." Wasn''t that stating the obvious? Apart from a few adult children sent abroad, weren''t all their kids in the same school as Young Master Qin?


    They became increasingly convinced that Liu Meng was lying.


    Before they could continue to expose her lie, Liu Meng spoke up again.


    "Young Master Sheng is also at the same school as my daughter," she said.


    Again, wasn''t this just stating the obvious?


    And why suddenly bring up Young Master Sheng out of nowhere?


    Liu Meng knew her introduction was abrupt, but she pressed on, "My husband had dinner with Young Master Sheng just yesterday."


    Everyone was stunned.


    Was she dreaming?


    What kind of fantasy was this? Her husband had no business dealings with Sheng Corporation. Why on earth would Young Master Sheng have dinner with her husband? Did he think he was that important?


    Liu Meng tried to ignore their stares and continued, "When he came home, he even bought me several Chanel items."


    "Look, this is one of them," Liu Meng lightly tapped the mini p bag at her waist.


    Liu Meng''s words seemed disjointed,cking a strong connection between the beginning and end.


    But it was precisely this vagueness that sparked imagination.


    So much so that when the conversation moved on, Madam Liu could barely focus on anything else.


    As soon as the gathering ended, she immediately called her husband, saying, "I don''t think Liu Meng is lying. She suddenly mentioned that her husband had dinner with the Sheng family''s heir. Even lies should have limits. This is as absurd as saying the American President wants to date me."


    "Is it possible that something so oundish... could actually be true?" Madam Liu voiced her spection.


    "It is strange. Most people in our circle know that Sheng Corporation and Qin Corporation don''t get along. If she were making up connections, she shouldn''t have included both of them. Could they really know each other? But how would Liu Meng know them?" her husband pondered.


    "She said... her daughter goes to the same school as these two young masters."


    "How old is her daughter?"


    "Seven or eight, I think?"


    "Then what could it have to do with her daughter? If she were seventeen or eighteen, I might believe her daughter was so beautiful she captivated both young masters. But this is odd. Try to get more information out of Liu Meng," President Liu instructed before hanging up.


    Someone knocked on the door.


    He looked up towards the entrance: "Come in."


    Zhou General walked in.


    President Liu nced at the documents in his hand and feigned surprise: "Why did youe to deliver these yourself, Zhou General?"


    Zhou General replied, "Important documents are best delivered personally." With that, he left.


    President Liu opened the file and his expression froze, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.


    The document was titled��


    Notice of Share Transfer.


    As Zhou General walked out, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders.


    After all, he had already stepped


    out of the room.


    Now it was President Liu''s turn to feel anxious and uneasy.


    Had Zhou Qiang gone mad?


    Didn''t Liu Meng say he had just had dinner with Sheng Yuxiao?


    Shouldn''t the gaming license be even more certain now? Shouldn''t Zhou Qiang have walked in triumphantly to share the good news? Why was he presented with this instead?


    ording to normal procedures, when a shareholder sells their shares, they should inform other shareholders in advance, and other shareholders have the right of first refusal based on their shareholding ratio.


    He knew full well that I wanted to control thepany, yet he dangled this opportunity right in front of me.


    The words "right of first refusal" can be a good thing in good times.


    But in bad times, it could be honeyced with arsenic.


    Various thoughts tumbled through President Liu''s mind, and he finally arrived at the most usible possibility��


    Regardless of the channel, Zhou General had indeed established connections with both the Qin and Sheng families. But after visiting these two families, he must have received some bad news. Perhaps the gaming license was definitely unattainable, or maybe even more terrifying news, like a policy tightening that would plunge the gaming industry into a harsh winter...


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have be so discouraged in such a short time, deciding to sell his shares and bail out!


    President Liu''s expression went through a series of changes as he thought to himself, "In that case, I can''t ept this hot potato!"


    Meanwhile, in a different atmosphere altogether.


    Outside the music ssroom, Li Xiaoya refused Qin Sui, saying, "We can''t continue this business."


    "Why not? I''m even willing to be your ''supplier'' now."


    "People who are willing to spend so much won''t always be around."


    Qin Sui couldn''t argue. Li Xiaoya was too clear-headed.


    "Besides, this isn''t good."


    "Hmm? What''s not good about it?" Qin Sui pressed.


    Li Xiaoya looked at him: "I don''t know how to exin it, but I feel... it''s not good, not good for you."


    Qin Sui was taken aback: "Not good for me?"


    His subtle disappointment vanished, reced by curiosity. He asked, "Hmm? Why do you say it''s not good for me? You should know that getting those things is effortless for me."


    "When you have too much of something, it loses its value, right?" Li Xiaoya asked him.


    The corners of Qin Sui''s mouth curved slightly: "Yes, that''s the principle. Do you think if we sell too much, those so-called luxury goods will lose their value? Or..."


    "Your... um... um..." Li Xiaoya looked up, seriously thinking about the word, and finally said, "Your prestige, no, your face, will lose its value."


    Qin Sui stared at her and asked very seriously, "Can I pat your head?"


    Li Xiaoya: ?


    Why this sudden request to pat her head?


    Seeing her unmoved expression, Qin Sui said softly, "Yesterday, after you left with Sheng Yuxiao, I actually waited for you in the ssroom for a long time."


    The implication was clear: So, can I pat your head now? I waited for you for a long time.


    Li Xiaoya mercilessly burst his bubble: "But even if you weren''t waiting for me, you would have stayed there for evening self-study anyway. I heard high school students all have evening self-study sessions."


    Qin Sui: "..."


    He wanted to ask why she had to be so smart.


    But he also knew that if Li Xiaoya wasn''t this intelligent, he truly wouldn''t have given her a second nce.


    "Let''s not talk about that then. Let''s talk about the time in Li Family Vige when Li Hongguang took you away, and I came to find you. That took some effort. And then at the banquet some time ago..."


    Before Qin Sui could finish reminiscing, Li Xiaoya said, "Let me treat you to a meal."


    Qin Sui was very satisfied.


    After all, for a girl who was passionate about eating in the cafeteria and adamantly refused to waste a penny of her tuition fees, to voluntarily offer to treat him to a meal was an incredibly significant step forward!


    Qin Sui responded with a "Okay."


    Then Li Xiaoya led him to the cafeteria.


    "You''re treating me to... this?"


    Li Xiaoya asked in confusion: "Isn''t it good enough?" She pointed at the signs of various small restaurants in the cafeteria: "There are cuisines from many countries here. It''s very rich. I can treat you to a world tour of food!"


    This was Li Xiaoya''s unique way of being generous.


    Qin Sui was both helpless and amused.


    He nodded slightly: "Mm, thank you, Li Xiaoya, for letting me taste cuisines from around the world without having to fly across seven continents and four oceans."


    He was quite appreciative of the gesture.

 Chapter 99: “Caught in the Trap”

    <h4>Chapter 99</h4>


    While Li Xiaoya and Qin Sui were enjoying "global cuisine" in the cafeteria, Wei Wenjuan was being led by Zhou General to meet his college ssmate.


    Zhou General''s college ssmate had been full of ambition when he first graduated, which was why he had invested money to start apany with Zhou. However, due to unfortunate family circumstances, he first lost his gravely ill father, and then his ailing mother.


    After suffering such blows, although he hadn''t sold all his shares, he had lost his drive and no longer cared to involve himself inpany affairs. Of course, even if he did get involved, it wouldn''t have made much difference.


    President Liu, relying on his long-standing industry experience, had ways of making money that weren''t entirely above board, but were undeniably effective. With this 2-against-2 situation, Zhou General found himself constantly at a disadvantage.


    "This gentleman would like to buy some shares from you," Zhou General introduced Wei Wenjuan to his old ssmate.


    That was about all he could say in introduction, given that Zhou General himself didn''t know much about Wei''s identity.


    Wei Wenjuan had initially been reluctant to meet strangers, mainly because he didn''t want people to look at his legs with surprise and curiosity.


    But now, seeing the man across from him, with his dejected, self-destructive appearance, seemingly detached from the world... he wasn''t so different from Wei himself.


    Wei Wenjuan suddenly felt desensitized.


    "My surname is Wei," he said, taking the initiative.


    The man across from him slowly shook his head and said, "Zhou Qiang, you know I don''t spend much. I''ve barely touched the dividends I''ve received over the past few years. I''m not in dire need of money now. Besides, I''vee to understand that some things can''t be held onto, and money can''t hold onto them either."


    Zhou General said, "What if I need you to do me this favor?"


    The man showed a hesitant expression.


    At this point, Wei Wenjuan nced around the room and asked, "Are you married?"


    The man nodded.


    Wei Wenjuan asked in a slow tone, "Is your daughter ill? Or..."


    The man looked offended, "I''m sorry, please leave."


    Zhou General was somewhat taken aback, "Is this true? Tell me, Liyuan!"


    The man kept a stern face and remained silent.


    Wei Wenjuan, however, put himself in the man''s shoes and suddenly realized why his attitude was so unusual.


    Wei Wenjuan''s tone became even more gentle, "Your parents passed away in middle age, and now your daughter is ill. Is it some kind of rare disease? This makes people around you wonder if your family is being punished for something..."


    The man''s face suddenly changed, "Shut up! Both of you, get out! Zhou Qiang, it was only out of respect for you that I..."


    Wei Wenjuan interrupted him firmly, "I''m not mocking you, why are you so agitated? People say the same things about my family."


    The man''s anger instantly subsided, as if doused with a bucket of ice water, falling intoplete silence.


    He stared at Wei Wenjuan, ncing at his legs.


    For once, Wei Wenjuan didn''t feel offended.


    At this moment, it was as if two "fellow sufferers" weremunicating silently.


    The man asked, "How did you know my daughter was ill?"


    Zhou General was also curious about this.


    Wei Wenjuan now appeared exceptionally calm, finally showing some of the demeanor of the Ghost family heir.


    He said, "The photos on the wall."


    Zhou General nced over ordingly.


    His old ssmate was a man who greatly valued family, otherwise the death of his parents wouldn''t have hit him so hard. He had hung many photos with his parents on the wall, followed by photos with his wife, and then photos of the three of them as a family.


    In the photos, the baby gradually grew, from crawling to toddling, to a one-year-old in a dress ying with her mother''s braid while nestled at her feet... In thest family photo, there was still light in the man''s eyes.


    Clearly, starting a family and having a daughter had helped him emerge a bit from the pain of losing his parents.


    Compared to the man''s current appearance, it was a world of difference.


    "Um, why didn''t Mr. Wei guess that it might be his wife who was ill? I don''t mean anything by it, I''m just curious," Zhou General said, raising both hands.


    He received a re from his college ssmate, but the man didn''t lose his temper again.


    Wei Wenjuan said, "If it were his wife, the daughter would probably be at home, under his care. In fact... if you hade today, you probably wouldn''t have found him at home. He would have been taking care of his wife."


    "Ah, right! Right! Exactly!" Zhou General pped his forehead, then turned to his ssmate again, "So what''s really going on? Why didn''t you tell your old ssmate?"


    "I just didn''t want people gossiping..." the man said helplessly, "It''s ��-thssemia. She was diagnosed as an infant. At first, we didn''t know what was wrong,ter we maintained her condition with blood transfusions. They say it''s a ''rich man''s disease,'' and we do have the money for blood transfusions. But recently, she''s started showing signs of iron overload and organ damage. I want to transnt my bone marrow to her."


    "That''s why I can''t sell my shares. If something were to happen to me during the surgery, or if I had adverse reactions afterward, those shares would be the capital her mother and she would rely on to survive. What use would selling them for cash be? If someone targeted that money, it could be gone in an instant, leaving them with nothing!"


    Zhou General clicked his tongue, "Brother, you really believe mypany won''t go under, huh."


    "You have ambition and aspirations. You''ll always achieve something."


    Wei Wenjuan interjected at this point, "Have you considered treatment in Australia?"


    "Australia?"


    "I remember their Zynteglo gene therapy was close to sess a couple of years ago. I don''t follow it closely, but you can look it up yourself, or I can make a call to inquire."


    The man lowered his head, deep in thought.


    "What''s there to hesitate about? Just take your wife and daughter there directly."


    "Our family was just middle-ss to begin with. It was only because we invested in the right industry with Zhou Qiang after graduation that we''ve umted what we have today. The cost of a vacation in Australia would be simple for me, but long-term residence for medical treatment isn''t just about various expenses. The main issue is that we don''t know anyone there. If we were cheated, we''d have nowhere to turn for help. I can handle hardship, but my daughter can''t..."


    Wei Wenjuan had never been so certain and passionate before. He waved his hand generously, "What are you afraid of? I can arrange all of this for you. I may not be able to do much in China, but abroad..."


    Wei Wenjuan''s eyes, which had been dull for years, now sparkled with life: "That''s my territory."


    Zhou General was stunned.


    So... who exactly was this man? How could he make such grand promises!


    The matter of the share transfer was finally settled.


    The man agreed to retain only 1% of his shares, transferring the rest to Wei Wenjuan.


    Although it was just a meeting at home, it gave Wei Wenjuan a long-lost sense of achievement from a sessful negotiation.


    The gloom brought by his leg disability could no longer obscure that sharp light.


    He called Li Xiaoya almost immediately.


    "Uncle has half the job done here!"


    "Uncle is so amazing," Li Xiaoya praised in a soft voice on the other end of the phone.


    It was just a child''s praise, but it meant more than anything else in the world.


    Wei Wenjuan thought to himself, to hell with it! Why should he fixate on his father''s praise and special treatment in the future?


    Isn''t it enough that little Xiaoya thinks I''m a good uncle!


    Zhou General said beside him, "I should be done soon on my end too."


    After saying this, Zhou General turned and called President Liu, urging him, "Has President Liu finished reading that notification? If you don''t intend to purchase, please let me know as soon as possible."


    President Liu on the other end furrowed his brow tightly.


    Why such a rush?


    There must be something fishy going on here!


    President Liu''s tone didn''t betray any of his suspicions. Instead, he said with a smile, "Oh my, why the sudden decision to sell shares? I''ve always had a non-interference policy regarding your actions, but for the sake of thepany''s interests... who do you n to sell to? If it''s convenient, why don''t you arrange for us to meet at thepany?"


    Zhou General hesitated for a moment before saying, "Alright."


    I hope you don''t fall out of your chair when you see him.


    At school.


    Li Xiaoya put away her phone, thinking, hmm, good little kids get rewards. So what should she reward uncle with?

 Chapter 100: Goodbye, Old Friends

    <h4>Chapter 100</h4>


    Zhou General naturally couldn''t make the decision on his own to arrange for Liu to meet Li Xiaoya and Wei Wenjuan. He first apanied Wei Wenjuan to pick up Li Xiaoya at the school gate.


    A ck Rolls-Royce Ghost pulled up in front, and as the door opened, Wei Wenjuan''s figure came into Wei Lin''s view.


    Wei Lin''s eyelid twitched, also finding it absurd.


    Wei Wenjuan was willing to step out of Guanghua Vi to apany Li Xiaoya to the banquet, and for her sake, have dinner with the old master. Now he even came out to pick her up?


    "Why did the young mastere? I would have been enough here, how could we trouble you? It''s not very convenient for you." This was Wei Lin''s usual tactic.


    Constantly reminding the other person, you have difficulty walking, don''t do this, don''t do that, just leave it to us.


    But Wei Wenjuan showed no reaction to his words, his gaze passing straight over him tond on Li Xiaoya: "We have something to discuss with Xiaoya."


    We?


    Who else was in the car?


    The car windows were tinted, and the interior light wasn''t on, so theck of reflection meant Wei Lin couldn''t see who was sitting deeper inside.


    Was it Wei Wenqing?


    This uncertain doubt made Wei Lin unconsciously feel a sense of unease and irritation.


    "Second Uncle," Li Xiaoya obediently called out, then took a few steps forward and hopped into the car.


    By the time Wei Lin came to his senses, the car door in front of him had already closed.


    "Little one," Zhou General, also sitting in the car, leaned over and briefly exined Liu''s reaction.


    He then said, "This matter probably still needs to be mentioned to Young Master Sheng."


    Li Xiaoya looked at him: "You came to find me because you don''t have Sheng Yuxiao''s number?"


    Zhou Generalughed awkwardly: "Yes, you''re so smart."


    Li Xiaoya took out her own phone, dialed Sheng Yuxiao, and then handed the phone over: "Here, you talk."


    On the other end, Sheng Yuxiao answered the call and immediately moved away from the crowd to a quiet ce.


    "Xiaoya, want me toe pick you up?"


    "Young Master Sheng, it''s me, Zhou Qiang."


    "Oh, it''s you." Young Master Sheng''s tone changed instantly.


    The change was so quick that Zhou General felt like crying. He wasn''t that dislikable, was he?


    Zhou General quickly repeated what he had told Li Xiaoya to Sheng Yuxiao in more detail.


    "If he wants to meet, let him meet. The more open and aboveboard you are, the more uneasy he''ll feel," Sheng Yuxiao said calmly, setting aside his cold tone.


    "Yes, I thought the same, so I''ve already agreed to it."


    "Mm, but when Xiaoya goes, she needs to pretend not to know Mr. Wei," Sheng Yuxiao furrowed his brow and pondered, "Someone else needs to apany her."


    Wei Wenjuan said, "That''s not difficult to arrange."


    "We can''t use anyone from your family," Sheng Yuxiao said directly, then immediately contradicted himself: "Of course, I can''t go either, and neither can Ning Heng and the others. Their identities are too easy to investigate."


    "I''ll borrow someone," Sheng Yuxiao said and hung up the phone.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately called his young uncle, Xu Ji.


    The next day, when Li Xiaoya finished school, someone came looking for her at the school.


    "Xiaoya! Xiaoya!" Someone called out her name loudly.


    Many people turned to look at him.


    It was a middle-aged man, his hair slicked back with gel, wearing a bright red polo shirt, dress pants with a belt, and carrying a leather bag. He looked like he had stepped out of a Hong Kong TV drama from thest century.


    "So tacky."


    "He looks so funny, haha, did he juste out of the TV?"


    "Who is he?"


    "He''s here for Li Xiaoya."


    "Who''s Li Xiaoya?"


    "The new girl in third grade!"


    Peopleing and going from the school gate couldn''t help butment.


    It was Dou Dawei.


    Li Xiaoya recognized him at a nce.


    Dou Dawei nervously raised his hand to touch his head. That hairstyle had taken him half an hour to style. The clothes were bought from the big mall in the county town, very boss-like. His buddies had all said it looked good, like a movie star!


    But now...


    Dou Dawei awkwardly endured the disdainful looks from the children, suddenly feeling that he might... embarrass Li Xiaoya.


    So he stepped back two paces, thinking maybe he should hide behind the street trees.


    "Who is that?" Wei Lin, being a busy man, naturally wouldn''t remember a small fry like Dou Dawei, but just felt he looked familiar.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t answer Wei Lin''s question. She gripped the strap of her shoulder bag and walked straight up to Dou Dawei: "Uncle Dou."


    Dou Dawei immediately stopped hiding, but hunched his back a bit: "Why so formal, this is embarrassing, calling me uncle..."


    "Why are you here?" Li Xiaoya interrupted his awkward pleasantries.


    "I saw on the show that you''re at this school, and I happen to be in Jin City these days setting up some merchandise, so I thought I''de give you a surprise. Oh, my gift, where did I put it, hope no one stole it!"


    Dou Dawei turned around in a circle, looking for his ck bag, which had almost been thrown in the trash by a diligent cleaner.


    He said sheepishly, "Looks like no one stole it."


    "Xiaoya, we should go. The old master said there''s another family dinner at the mansion tonight," Wei Lin urged subtly.


    But while using the old master to pressure Wei Wenjuan and the others might work, it had never had any effect on Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya said to Dou Dawei, "Come up to the car and we can talk."


    Wei Lin''s expression changed slightly: "Xiaoya, you brought Young Master Sheng to the family dinnerst time. You''re not nning to bring this person to the family dinner this time, are you?"


    Dou Dawei hunched his back even more.


    He wanted to say he wouldn''t dare!


    Li Xiaoya didn''t respond. She first led Dou Dawei into the car, and before Wei Lin could get in, she closed the door. Finally, she poked her head out the window and said, "We''re just going to talk. You wait for us outside."


    Then the car window slowly rolled up.


    Wei Lin: "..."


    Dou Dawei asked, "That person hasn''t bullied you, has he?"


    "No."


    "That''s good." Dou Dawei hadn''t realized that Wei Lin now looked more frustrated.


    He bent down and started pulling things out of his pocket, saying as he did so, "I didn''t want to bring such a big bag originally, but my wife said this bag is durable and can hold a lot..."


    "This is cured meat, this is flower tea, these are homemade dried chili peppers, and uh, my wife insisted on making you a few pairs of insoles, though I don''t think they''re used much in big cities. I said you''ve already met your rtives, they''ll take good care of you. But my wife insists that life in a big wealthy family isn''t easy, she''s been watching too many of those ridiculous TV dramas..."


    "And this package, you must only open this one when you get back! Don''t let anyone else see it! Only open it when you''re alone." Dou Dawei pulled out a red cloth package, emphasizing repeatedly.

 Chapter 101: This Person is Crazy

    <h4>Chapter 101</h4>


    Li Xiaoya nodded obediently and said to him, "Uncle Dou, please leave your number. I have a mobile phone now."


    "Alright, do you know how to save numbers?"


    Li Xiaoya took out her notebook and handed it to him, "Just write it here."


    "Haha, still keeping the habits of our country folk." Dou Daweiughed as he wrote down his number for her.


    "This way I can memorize the number when I have time," Li Xiaoya exined.


    "Why memorize it? Storing it in the phone is more direct."


    "This feels safer."


    Indeed, things stored in one''s own mind truly bring peace of heart.


    Dou Dawei thought to himself, how fortunate am I to be remembered in Li Xiaoya''s mind.


    Li Xiaoya asked him again, "Uncle Dou, where are you staying in Jin City?"


    "Some ce called Lijing Hotel. The prices in Jin City are so high. That hotel is so small, yet it costs over 500 yuan a night."


    "That is expensive," Li Xiaoya strongly agreed, then immediately asked, "When are you going back, Uncle Dou?"


    "The day after tomorrow, as soon as I finish my business."


    "Can you stay for two more days?"


    Dou Dawei was pleasantly surprised and said, "Yes, yes, I can." So he''d stay two more days, spending an extra thousand yuan. Though it pinched a bit, he was now a man who could earn money.


    After seeing Dou Dawei off, Wei Lin finally got into the car, smiling as he said, "You sure have a lot of visitors."


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head, pretending to sleep.


    Wei Lin had no choice but to keep quiet.


    When they got home, her uncles were indeed waiting for her to have dinner.


    Wei Xuanming lifted his head slightly and said, "Wenjuan has been going out a lot these days?"


    Wei Wenjuan said, "Yes, I have some business." But he showed no intention of exining in detail to his father.


    Li Xiaoya interjected, "Grandfather, I have a friend from South Province who''s now in Jin City. Can you arrange a better ce for him to stay after the day after tomorrow?"


    Even Wei Lin was surprised after hearing this.


    She actually made a request to the old man for such a country bumpkin? What''s next? Arranging a five-star hotel for him?


    "A friend?" The old man showed a puzzled expression.


    "Yes, when Li Grandpa sold me to a distant cousin, he was the one who brought Sheng Yuxiao to rescue me."


    Wei Xuanming''s face immediately darkened. He turned to Wei Lin and said, "How''s the handling of that matter going? Remember to follow up when you have time."


    "Yes, yes."


    "Since he''s your friend, and someone who saved you, now that he''s here, we should certainly do our best to arrange things properly for him," Wei Xuanming said, which was tantamount to agreeing.


    "Why wait until the day after tomorrow?" Wei Xuanming suddenly asked again.


    "Because he''s already paid for two days, it would be a waste not to stay."


    "That makes sense. Alright, we''ll do as you say."


    Afterwards, Li Xiaoya left Dou Dawei''s contact information before having the servant carry that big bag and follow her back to her room.


    After they had walked some distance, Wei Xuanming said, "What kind of life did she live before? She already knows the principle of saving money."


    Wei Lin lowered his head, realizing the old man was feeling distressed.


    Meanwhile, Wei Wenjuan, pushing the wheelchair beside Li Xiaoya, said, "In the future, you cane to uncle for such small matters."


    The little duck is really brave, daring to ask father to handle such a small thing.


    Li Xiaoya clung to Wei Wenjuan''s shoulder and whispered, "Grandfather always hurts your feelings, so let''s spend grandfather''s money instead."


    Wei Wenjuan was stunned for a moment, then his shoulders began to shake uncontrobly, finally erupting in loudughter.


    This burst ofughter startled everyone.


    Even the old man couldn''t help but look in the direction they had gone, really not knowing what the uncle and niece wereughing about. Turning his head to look at Wei Wenqing, he saw that although Wei Wenqing hadn''t followed them, he was also grinning stupidly in that direction.


    The old man suddenly felt as if he had been isted...


    Meanwhile, Wei Wenjuan sent Li Xiaoya to her room before reluctantly leaving.


    After the servants had also retreated, Li Xiaoya took out the red cloth bundle, untying the drawstring at the top. Inside, wrapped in tin foil, were strips and lumps...


    She randomly tore open a corner.


    It was gold.


    Li Xiaoya was stunned.


    The next day dawned.


    As soon as Li Xiaoya arrived at school, someone curiously asked, "Li Xiaoya, I heard some strange person came to see you yesterday."


    "Was that person like a poor rtive from the countryside?"


    Li Xiaoya looked at them, remembering those people at Stone Elementary School who always scolded her.


    Whether rich or poor, unlikeable people are just unlikeable.


    They were the same as the people at Stone Elementary School; their parents had taught them the wrong rules...


    So correcting them like this was useless.


    Li Xiaoya asked them back, "Did you hear that he brought a veryrge bag to see me?"


    "We heard. They said the bag looked like it was for carrying garbage."


    "Haven''t you seen Santa us''s bag?" Li Xiaoya asked them again.


    This series of counter-questions made these children doubt their own knowledge.


    "Santa''s bag doesn''t look like that."


    "Mm, because he doesn''t celebrate foreign holidays. He brought me New Year''s gifts."


    "Oh, so it was all gifts inside? What gifts? Was it an LV teddy bear? Or a limited edition block bear? Or a trainer doll? And a diamond wind-up toy?"


    Li Xiaoya hadn''t heard of any of these, but that didn''t stop her from saying, "More precious than all of them."


    "Wow!"


    "What exactly is it? Li Xiaoya, can you let us see?"


    In an instant, they stopped discussing how strange that man looked, as if he had stepped out of ast-century Hong Kong film, how rural he was, how much he looked like a poor rtive.


    They thought, that man must be what their parents called a nouveau riche.


    Though uncouth, still rich.


    Most importantly, he really knew how to spend on Li Xiaoya!


    Throughout the day, Dou Dawei''s bag became the most mysterious thing in the minds of the third-grade ss one students.


    Dou Dawei waspletely unaware of how Li Xiaoya had helped turn around his "public image." He changed his flight ticket and called his wife to say he would be back two dayster.


    Just as he was about to go downstairs to extend his stay, a call came in from an unknown number.


    "Is this Mr. Dou Dawei?"


    "Yes, it''s me."


    Half an hour after receiving this call, Dou Dawei met several men in ck suits. They eagerly helped him with his luggage and ushered him into a new Mercedes-Benz, which then drove him to a five-star hotel in the city center.


    Dou Dawei had never seen such a luxurious hotel in his life, let alone stayed in one.


    "This ce, this..."


    "Your room charges will be billed directly until you leave Jin City. Of course, if you don''t quite like staying here, we can also change to another hotel. There are many five-star hotels in Jin City."


    "Thank you, thank you, no need. Um, this hotel, did Little Ya ask you to arrange it for me?"


    "I believe so, as the order came directly from our old sir."


    Dou Dawei was so moved he could hardly hold back his tears.


    The little girl had just returned to her wealthy family, hadn''t even found her footing yet, and she was already making arrangements for him!


    Dou Dawei quickly called Li Xiaoya: "Why did you arrange such an expensive ce for me? That 500-yuan ce was quite good for me. This is so expensive, I feel a bit unworthy staying here."


    Despite saying this, he had already couldn''t resist taking photos and videos to send back to his wife to show her.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t answer Dou Dawei''s question, only saying, "Uncle Dou, can youe pick me up in a while?"


    Dou Dawei said, "Sure, sure, pick you up from school?"


    "No, from Dream Creation Game Company. Can you find the address?"


    "I can search it on the map. Should I take a taxi to pick you up?"


    "No need. Our family car should still be nearby. You can take that over in a bit."


    "Oh, okay." Dou Dawei was a bit confused, but before he could figure it out, she said "Bye, Uncle Dou" and hung up the phone.


    Li Xiaoya rarely "skipped ss" today.


    She stood with Zhou General, and beside them was apletely unfamiliar young man wearing ck-rimmed sses, looking like a fresh university graduate.


    "Who is he?" Zhou General asked.


    Li Xiaoya said softly, "Sheng Yuxiao helped me borrow him."


    "My surname is Wang. Today I''m Miss Li''s secretary. I''m here apanying Miss Li at the request of her elder, who wille to pick her upter. Oh, that''s today''s setup," Secretary Wang said.


    Zhou General''s mouth twitched violently: "You''re an actor?"


    "A customized actor," Secretary Wang corrected him.


    Probably simr to renting a boyfriend or girlfriend to take home for the New Year?


    "Let''s go in first. Mr. Wei should be arriving soon," said Secretary Wang.


    Secretary Wang nodded and followed half a step behind Li Xiaoya.


    As expected, Wei Wenjuan arrived not long after.


    President Liu, on the other hand, deliberately put on airs and was thest to arrive.


    President Liu pushed open the ss door. Inside, there were six people in total.


    Zhou General and Zhou General''s secretary.


    A cripple and the cripple''s bodyguard.


    A child and the child''s secretary.


    President Liu stepped back out, closed the door, and then reopened it to walk in again.


    It was still the cripple and the child.


    Zhou Strong went mad. Thispany was no longer manageable!

 Chapter 102: Which Family Spoils Their Children So Much

    <h4>Chapter 102</h4>


    "Zhou General, who are these new shareholders?" President Liu asked.


    "Both of these individuals are. Li Wen is also nning to sell his shares."


    LiWen was Zhou General''s college ssmate, and their close rtionship went without saying. If even he was selling, President Liu inwardly sneered.


    Well, well, Zhou Qiang had be quite clever, getting some inside information and not breathing a word to the shareholders.


    "Why is there a child here?" President Liu voiced his confusion.


    "Though Miss Li is young, her family dotes on her immensely and is willing to invest in purchasing shares for her."


    Which family in Jin City spoiled their child this much? Li? Li... President Liu wracked his brain but couldn''t ce the surname.


    "This is Secretary Wang, specially appointed by Miss Li''s family to handle various matters."


    "And this is Mr. Wei and his bodyguard," Zhou General introduced.


    Wei?


    President Liu immediately interjected, "Is it that Wei family?"


    Wei Wenjuan nced at him sideways, "Which one?"


    "The Wei family of New Domain Medical Group..."


    "That Wei family?" Wei Wenjuan''s lips curled, his expression arrogant. Due to his gaunt features and the sickly pallor that hadn''t yet left his body, he appeared ominously terrifying.


    President Liu shut his mouth.


    Alright, now he could be certain that this person had absolutely no connection to that Wei family. Not only no connection, but there might even be some grudge? Or perhaps this person was simply inherently arrogant, looking down even on such a formidable family as the Weis.


    Bringing someone so haughty into thepany would be nothing short of a disaster.


    President Liu was once again convinced that Zhou General had lost his mind.


    At this moment, Secretary Wang nced at his watch.


    President Liu knew this was a sign of impatience.


    But he didn''t expect Secretary Wang to speak up: "Alright, have you finished your internal discussions? If there are any issues, speak up quickly. Our young miss still needs to go to school soon."


    "May I ask what grade Miss Li is in?" President Liu inquired.


    Li Xiaoya was about to answer herself, as this hadn''t been mentioned to Secretary Wang beforehand.


    But Secretary Wang smoothly responded, "Third grade."


    President Liu''s lips twitched.


    Th-third grade.


    Well, at least she wasn''t here with a milk bottle.


    "May I ask why you two chose thispany?" President Liu pulled out a chair and sat down.


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head, "Why? Is a reason needed? We bought it because we had the money to buy it. Does that count as a reason?"


    President Liu: "..."


    Wei Wenjuan''s reaction was even more direct. With a gloomy face, he said, "If you''re so eager to buy, you can buy it yourself. There are plenty ofpanies, we can pick any one. You sort things out among yourselves first. Don''t waste my time with these nonsensical questions. I still have other appointments to get to."


    For a moment, President Liu actually felt like he couldn''t breathe.


    It was all because of how terrifying this cripple''s expression looked.


    "We''re leaving, Zhou General," Wei Wenjuan said, then signaled his bodyguard to push him out.


    The door opened.


    Li Xiaoya hopped down from her chair and said, "I guess I''ll go too."


    Zhou General''s expression changed, and he hurriedly said, "President Liu didn''t mean anything by it. This is just the normal process for transferring shares. After all, I have to be responsible to the other shareholders..."


    President Liu''s face twitched, and he quickly caught up, saying, "Let me see them off and apologize."


    Zhou General rushed to stop him, "No, let me go instead!"


    President Liu quickly closed the door.


    Afraid of him having private contact with them, huh? President Liu sneered inwardly once more.


    As President Liu chased after them into the elevator, Zhou General''s urgency disappeared, and he sat back down leisurely.


    "We yed our parts quite well in this act," Zhou General murmured to himself in a voice only he could hear.


    Meanwhile, President Liu hadn''t chased far when he heard Wei Wenjuan coldlyugh to his bodyguard, "If I hadn''t heard that theirpany apparently knows people from the Qin and Sheng families, who would care about buying shares in theirpany?"


    President Liu''s steps faltered as realization dawned.


    So that''s why Liu Meng had been so eager to spread the word that she not only knew Young Master Qin but also Young Master Sheng.


    It was to trick others into taking over!


    And to keep him in check as well!


    Who would have thought, Zhou Qiang, that you''d learned to y dirty tricks? Trying to trap me, President Liu, here so you can gradually withdraw with that college ssmate of yours, is that it?


    President Liu changed course and went after Li Xiaoya''s group instead.


    That Mr. Wei had too bad a temper and was too arrogant; he''d probably be hard to fool.


    The little girl was different.


    "Miss Li, Miss Li!" President Liu hurried to catch up but was blocked by Secretary Wang.


    "Does President Liu have any other business?" Secretary Wang asked coldly.


    Just then, a new Mercedes-Benz pulled up.


    The car stopped, and the window rolled down.


    A middle-aged man with slicked-back hair poked his head out and shouted, "Xiaoya! I''m here to pick you up!"


    President Liu immediately looked over.


    Was this her father?


    That style... it was truly tacky.


    President Liu felt his eyes hurt a little and averted his gaze, but quickly looked back. He was appraising the car.


    A new S-ss Mercedes, the favorite of nouveau riche.


    It seemed their family was genuinely wealthy, but equally genuinely not very bright. Their sess probably fell into the category of "pigs that could fly in a storm."


    No family background to speak of, and likely not much ability either.


    They were worlds apart from Jin City''s true elite families.


    Even someone like Zhou General was at least a graduate of a prestigious university. As for this man with the slicked-back hair, it was questionable whether he''d even finished high school.


    "Alright, young miss, let''s go," Secretary Wang spoke up like an NPC right on cue.


    President Liu snapped back to reality, remembering his real purpose. He quickly bent down to address Li Xiaoya, "Are you still buying Zhou General''s shares?"


    Secretary Wang frowned, "It doesn''t seem like yourpany is very sincere..."


    "Actually, Miss Li could consider buying my shares," President Liu said in a low voice. He had to dump them quickly, before Zhou General, otherwise what if there were no more such easy markster?


    Secretary Wang looked puzzled, "What kind of game are you ying internally? How can things change so suddenly?"


    With that, Secretary Wang opened the Mercedes door, about to usher Li Xiaoya into the car.


    President Liu grew anxious, "Miss Li, at least leave a business card!"


    Now it was Li Xiaoya''s turn to question him, "Why should I buy yours instead of his? Actually, my uncle said buying your entirepany wouldn''t be a problem. But my brother said I''m too young, I can''t manage it, so it''s better to just spend some money to buy a few shares to y with."


    Hearing this, President Liu thought to himself, they really are loaded.


    And this family really doesn''t use their brains.


    Is this the kind of thing you let a child y with?


    President Liu said, "Wait a moment."


    Then he turned away and made a phone call.


    Shortly after, President Liu''s secretary arrived carrying a Barbie doll set.


    President Liu offered the doll to Li Xiaoya, saying, "Why? Because there will be many more gifts like this in the future, Miss Li. We can establish a long-term friendship."


    Li Xiaoya nodded to Secretary Wang, "This person is a bit better than that Zhou General. At least he gives me presents. Leave him a number."


    A few minutester, President Liu walked away, quite satisfied with the number he''d obtained.


    He knew that such small favors alone certainly wouldn''t be enough to keep a child happy. But when ites to children, there''s always a way to please them.


    It was just that they were pressed for time and couldn''t prepare properly.


    She''d epted even a random Barbie doll set, which showed what? They were indeed nouveau riche, unfamiliar with high-ss things, newly wealthy and eager to unt their money.


    Li Xiaoya truly couldn''t tell the difference between good and bad items.


    But that didn''t matter.


    The car dropped her off at school, and she carried the Barbie doll in, asking, "Does anyone want to buy a doll?"


    The other children turned to look curiously, "What brand is it?"


    "Ugh, it''s so ugly. This thing probably cost at most a thousand yuan or so."


    "Nobody would buy that."


    Zhou Xiaoshu, afraid the others would look down on Li Xiaoya, immediately said angrily in a loud voice, "Did someone give this to you? That person is so mean! How could they give you such a cheap doll!"


    It definitely couldn''t have been bought by Li Xiaoya herself! Otherwise, they''d allugh at her poor taste.


    Li Xiaoya blinked gently and asked them, "Oh, so it''s that cheap? Then do you know what dolls are very expensive?"

 Chapter 103: Acting Cool, The Great Nephew

    <h4>Chapter 103</h4>


    These kids might not be able to recite their textbooks perfectly, but when ites to various expensive luxury goods, they can list them off like the back of their hand.


    "Of course, it''s L''Oiseleur!"


    "Can you say that more slowly?"


    The child was a bit speechless but repeated it for her anyway, because this was a chance to show off.


    Li Xiaoya silently repeated it to herself: "Got it. What else?"


    "There''s also Enchanted Doll, the Herm��s of dolls."


    Li Xiaoyamitted it all to memory.


    When President Liu called her to set up a time for a private meeting, Li Xiaoya said to him, "The gift you sent me was too cheap. I heard that Enchanted dolls are the best. I want one of those."


    What? President Liu had never even heard of this brand.


    He thought to himself, wasn''t this kid easy to fool before? How did she change so much just by going to school?


    President Liu quickly asked his secretary to look it up, thinking it couldn''t be more than ten thousand at most.


    The secretary finished searching, swallowed hard, turned back, and whispered, "President Liu, those dolls cost several million each."


    President Liu: "..." He had only spent a few million to buy into thepany in the first ce!


    Actually, if he wanted to sell his shares, this kid wasn''t his only option.


    President Liu hesitated for a moment.


    But he really didn''t want to miss seeing Zhou General''s expression when his ns fell through.


    "Do you know LV? I''ll buy you a doll wearing LV, that''s expensive," President Liu tried to persuade her.


    "Oh, alright then," Li Xiaoya hung up the phone.


    Sheng Yuxiao, who was sitting next to Li Xiaoya, smiled and said, "Why did you ask him for this thing?"


    "When something is a bit challenging, he bes even more eager to do it, and doesn''t doubt it at all, right?" Li Xiaoya asked seriously.


    "Right. ... This wouldn''t happen to be something Qin Sui taught you, would it?" Sheng Yuxiao suddenly narrowed his eyes and asked.


    Li Xiaoya blinked gently, her long eyshes fluttering, revealing an innocent light in her eyes. She said, "I thought of it myself."


    "You''re absolutely right, you''re much smarter than Zhou General!"


    Zhou General let out a long sneeze in his office.


    At this moment, the project manager came to find him, showing him the promotional campaign n.


    President Liu passed by outside the door, his footsteps very light, but Zhou General still heard him.


    Zhou General immediately put on a worried expression.


    The project manager quickly consoled him: "I know that other projects might be cut now, but don''t worry, this one will definitely pass the test smoothly..."


    President Liu thought to himself that it would be even more ufortableter.


    But the managers below already knew that other projects were going to be cut?


    Just as President Liu was puzzling over this, his secretary came to find him in a hurry: "The signs aren''t good, President Liu! I heard that several of ourpetitor''s head-swapping games released overseas have been banned."


    President Liu was stunned and asked, "What happened?"


    "Not only were they banned, but the gamepany was also prosecuted locally for content that vited local policies and regtions."


    President Liu cursed.


    No wonder!


    The situation was bad both internally and externally!


    He wasn''t afraid of being banned; if banned, they could just rebrand and try again. But if they had to face awsuit, especially a public prosecution, that would be trouble.


    And the project was led by him; Zhou General hadn''t touched it from beginning to end.


    He needed to get rid of this thingpletely and quickly!


    President Liu no longer had any hesitation.


    If before he was worried about unexpected events and wanted to keep 1-3% of the shares, just in case thepany took off again: after all, industry winters sometimese in waves, and with new investment, who knows, it might enter a booming period again after a few years.


    But now he didn''t dare to gamble, nor could he afford to.


    President Liu immediately issued a written notice waiving his right of first refusal for the shares, had his secretary ce it on Zhou General''s desk, and then, without dy, arranged another meeting with Li Xiaoya.


    Now it was a matter of who could guess the other''s intentions and ns first, who could act faster!


    And he wasn''t going to give Zhou General this chance.


    That day, Li Xiaoya skipped ss again, which was rare for her.


    She sat in arge private room, the chair so big that when she sat in it, her feet couldn''t touch the ground.


    Secretary Wang watched her struggle to grip the armrests, couldn''t help but chuckle quietly, then had the waiter bring over a cushion to put behind Li Xiaoya''s back so she wouldn''t fall back into the chair.


    "Your ordered milk," the waiter brought in something else.


    Li Xiaoya looked over in confusion.


    Secretary Wang said, "The young master specifically told me to remember to order this for you."


    After saying this, he even raised his hand to pour milk for Li Xiaoya.


    "Sorry I''m a bitte, it''s raining today," President Liu pushed open the door, patted off the rainwater on his body, then ced a new Barbie doll in front of Li Xiaoya.


    "Has Miss Li decided whose shares she wants to buy now?" President Liu revealed a kind smile.


    "Yours, I suppose," she replied.


    President Liu was satisfied: "Then next is just going through the procedures."


    "Let''s eat first," said Secretary Wang.


    "Good, good, good!"


    After finishing the meal, President Liu even insisted on paying the bill.


    That afternoon, Wei Xuanming''s phone received a bank notification message.


    �� ount debit: one million yuan.


    Wei Xuanming suddenly stopped rocking in his chair and sat up straight.


    She spent it all at once?


    What did she buy?


    Wei Xuanming didn''t know that one million wasn''t even enough for Li Xiaoya to spend.


    President Liu was willing to give up all the shares in his possession.


    If it weren''t for therge fluctuations in profitability these past two years, the value of his shares would certainly be greater. What a pity, what a pity.


    But thinking back, he had originally bought the initial shares for just 2.1 million, and he had received some dividends over the years. Now, being able to cash out onest time before thepany falls is already not bad!


    "The changes will be registered with the industrial andmercial bureau, and thepany''s records will also be updated," President Liu thought to himself, never expecting that working with a child would be so pleasant: such arge sum, and she paid it just like that.


    He walked out and called Zhou General: "I''m sorry, Zhou General, when you have time, let''s have a meeting to hand over the affairs."


    On the other end, Zhou General''s heart finally settled.


    At this point, everything was done, and it hadn''t even taken many days...


    On this side, Secretary Wang turned to ask Li Xiaoya, "Do you feel a sense of achievement?"


    Li Xiaoya said, "It''s okay."


    "You don''t seem like a child," Secretary Wang said as he handed her a piece of paper, "Wipe the milk from around your mouth."


    "Oh." Li Xiaoya lowered her head and obediently wiped her mouth.


    Secretary Wang smiled: "Now you look like a child again. Hmm... do you want to go celebrate?"


    "No, I still need to go to school."


    "Such a good student... Then I won''t send you off."


    "Mm, bye-bye."


    The two people who had temporarily cooperated because of Sheng Yuxiao''s introduction each got into their own cars.


    In the car Secretary Wang got into, Sheng Yuxiao was sitting inside. Seeing him get in, he immediately took off his sunsses and asked irritably, "Did you enjoy the performance?"


    Secretary Wang straightened his cuffs and said, "It was quite interesting. It''s been a long time since I''ve seen a pure idiot like that President Liu. Nephew, you should pay me an acting fee."


    He paused, then said, "Can I borrow that kid who brought you back from Li Vige to y with? I''ll return her when she cries."

 Chapter 104: Shaving the Head in the First Month

    <h4>Chapter 104</h4>


    Sheng Yuxiao''s face darkened, "Then I might as well shave my head in the new year."


    Secretary Wang chuckled and scolded, "You''re out of line."


    Sheng Yuxiao pulled out a bottle of water and handed it over, then said in a serious tone, "Li Xiaoya wouldn''t cry."


    "Really? Has she ever cried?" He hadn''t seen the show, so all his knowledge of Li Xiaoya came from Sheng Yuxiao''s narration.


    "Only twice, in all."


    "So, she''s cried then?"


    "How can these two instances be the same?" Sheng Yuxiao pulled out another bottle of water for himself, unscrewed the cap with a snap, leaned back, and his tone slightly rose, "One time she cried was when I held her to dodge andslide. That time when my leg got injured, she cried. Which kid wouldn''t be shocked by such an urrence? She was scared something would happen to me."


    "Another time was when she was taken away. I finally found her in the hospital with a fever. She cried as soon as she saw me."


    The central idea was that the two times she cried, it was because of him.


    No one else had that privilege.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s tone became a little somber, "Even when she was experiencing hardships, she wouldn''t shed tears."


    "Like an orange." Secretary Wang said calmly, "The outside is bitter, but the inside is sweet."


    Sheng Yuxiao took a sip of water and said, "She''s not an orange. Haven''t you seen the artwork from my mother''s exhibition that Ning Heng imed for himself?"


    "Hmm, I''ve heard a bit about it. A acquaintance of mine who is a Yakut wanted to buy it and even asked my assistant for any insider information. Ning Heng returned back to his country right after the exhibition, right? His nonchnce about leaving without any attachments created even more intrigue and inadvertently made the price surge a bit more."


    "How much was the bid?" Sheng Yuxiao was interested in that.


    Secretary Wang nced at him with surprise, "Why are you interested in this?" After saying this, he picked up his phone, opened the search engine, and looked up the keywords. He found Ning Heng''s art piece immediately.


    The artwork was boldly titled "Xiao Ya."


    "Inspired by her?" Secretary Wang arched an eyebrow.


    "Yes. So if Ning Heng is going to sell it, he had better give Xiao Ya half of the earnings... Was the bid high? If it''s low, forget it." Sheng Yuxiao said.


    "Not particrly high, but if Ning Heng wants to sell it, I can help raise the price up a bit." Secretary Wang said with a slight smile.


    Sheng Yuxiao was aware that for Secretary Wang, this was as easy as lifting a finger, a trivial piece of work.


    He did not do this for any particr reason. It was just a convenient source of entertainment, just like his appearance here and partaking in this staged scenario.


    "I''ll ask Ning Heng about it some other day." Sheng Yuxiao paused and lightly touched the screen of his phone, "I also think that the portrait made by Ning Heng resembles her."


    "Hmm."


    Sheng Yuxiao then said solemnly, "She''s not a ything."


    "More suited to be cared for?" Secretary Wang corrected himself, his expression still calm, he said in a soft tone, "Then she''s better off at my home. Every tree that goes into the Gui family''s house grows crooked. Your temper is too explosive, and that Qin kid is too gloomy and cunning. I am different......I am easygoing."


    He even chuckled lightly while saying this.


    Sheng Yuxiao turned his back to him, "Forget it, my mum said even the tortoises you took care of when you were young died. The turtle she is keeping doesn��t want to see you, for fear it��ll die at the sight of you."


    "......"


    Secretary Wang liked keeping many things.


    He brought back a cactus from the desert; in the Middle East, he kept crocodiles and elephants; in North Africa, he nearly brought back people from a primitive tribe...ter he found out the creatures he kept tended to die, so he switched to keeping mold.


    This thing turned out to be quite resilient.


    Sheng Yuxiao was often taken to see those peculiarly shaped fungi when he was young.


    Recently, he showed interest in creating an ecological botanical garden�� his hobbies were vast and ever-changing. Why would he even consider keeping Li Xiaoya?


    Sheng Yuxiao knew it was just a passing thought for him, so he never took it to heart.


    The car passed through the bustling section and finally stopped in front of a huge office building.


    Secretary Wang took off his suit, changed into a trench coat, removed his ck-rimmed sses, and put on a mask and a duckbill hat. He said, "Let''s go, wait for your payment."


    After saying this, he pushed the door and got out. The person waiting by the building immediately greeted him, whispering, "Mr. Xu."


    That''s right.


    There''s no Secretary Wang, only Sheng Yuxiao''s uncle, Xu Ji.


    When Sheng Yuxiao called him, Xu Ji readily agreed and presented himself the next day.


    There were no public images of Xu Ji, and no one took notice of his existence that year.


    In Li Qingqing''s memory, the forum''s analysis of him wasn''t until more than ten yearster.


    And Wei Wenjuan, who couldn''t even get to know people like Wei Wenjuan, would certainly not know who Xu Ji was.


    *


    That night, when Li Xiaoya was back home, Wei Xuanming immediately asked her, "Did you spend that one million dors in the card? What did you do with it? Tell me."


    Wei Wenjuan couldn''t stand this tone. Do I need to exin the details? Just one million? I wouldn''t bother with her even if I gave her five million!


    "Father......"


    "I want to hear it from her," Wei Xuanming didn��t even spare a nce at him. He didn''t really get why his son could not discern the crux of the matter.


    Of course, his question was not meant for Xiao Ya.


    He just wanted to know what she could achieve. If anything wasn''t right, he would know when to remind her at the right time.


    Why was he so resistant to his questions?


    Li Xiaoya tugged at Wei Wenjuan''s sleeve quietly under the table before answering herself: "I bought some shares."


    "What shares?" Wei Xuanming was surprised.


    He had thought at most she��d rely on flipping for a profit on arger scale.


    Does she even know how to evaluate shares?


    Wei Lin chimed in, "The shares you can buy with a million... it must be a start-uppany. There are many scammers who use shellpanies to defraud investors these days..."


    He found it puzzling. How was a girl who came from the mountains so bold? She could casually spend a million, wasn''t she afraid of being med by the old man for being reckless?


    Li Xiaoya said, "A million is not enough."


    The words that Wei Lin was about to say stuck in his throat.


    Wei Xuanming then asked, "How was the remaining money sorted out?"


    Wei Wenqing happily pointed at himself.


    "You called Wenqing?" Wei Xuanming asked again.


    Li Xiaoya nodded, "My uncle gave me 4.8 million."


    Wei Lin''s heart skipped a beat, "So in total, it would be 5.8 million?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded again: "There was even a bargain."


    The secretary Wang that Sheng Yuxiao found for her was exceptionally good at negotiating.


    The General Manager Liu asked for 1.08 million, and Secretary Wang shed almost half of it.


    Wei Lin could barely hold back hisughter.


    Well, after all, they are from the mountains, aren��t they? They have no concept of money, right? They think that 580,000 is the same as 580?

 Chapter 105: She is really good at stroking the fur

    <h4>Chapter 105</h4>


    Wei Xuanming''s expression remained unchanged as he asked, "What kind ofpany?"


    "A gamingpany."


    "The gaming industry is a blue ocean, with foreign capital pouring in as well. The industry is promising, but manypanies have gone bankrupt due to debt. How long has thispany been in operation?"


    Wei Lin thought to himself, would Li Xiaoya be able to answer such detailed questions?


    He suspected she might have been duped.


    It''s all too easy to fool a child with money.


    Especially since Wei Wenjuan and Wei Wenqing, the older ones, didn''t seem to use their brains at all and only knew how to indulge Li Xiaoya. Money slipped through their fingers like water, without even blinking an eye.


    With such an attitude, the old man would be crazy to entrust the family business to them.


    Wei Lin''s lips curled up slightly, but only halfway.


    Li Xiaoya said, "It''s been ten years."


    "How much equity did you buy?"


    "22%."


    "22% equity, and after ten years of operation, they''re only selling for just over 5 million... This gamingpany... doesn''t seem very capable. They''ve already missed their peak revenue period," Wei Xuanming said calmly, without even looking at thepany''s financial reports or needing to know specific information. "The founder probably doesn''t have much of a background, likely a college startup? Their way of doing things clearly shows their inexperience. Never been through financing rounds? Without the backing of big capital, they probably can''t navigate theplexities of going public."


    "Is the founder an idealist? Well, idealists have their pros and cons. Those driven purely by profit would y the game of several rounds of financing and then cash out, leaving you unable to control the final oue. You''re still too young. Idealists prioritize content. All they need is a little new capital injection, bigger capital to endorse them, ensure they get on the right track, and making money won''t be difficult..."


    "As for how much impact 22% equity can have, and how much money it can make, that depends on whether the content in hand aligns with market trends or leads them."


    Wei Xuanming spoke unhurriedly to this point.


    He didn''t scold Li Xiaoya, didn''t say she did well, nor did he say she would inevitably suffer a big loss.


    Wei Lin was stunned.


    So when the old man was determined to teach someone, he really didn''t mind anything.


    "You''re a minor, ording to regtions, you should designate a direct rtive as your legal guardian to exercise shareholder rights on your behalf," Wei Xuanming said in a low voice.


    Wei Lin was speechless.


    So the old man nned to personally keep an eye on things for his granddaughter if necessary...


    Wei Lin couldn''t help feeling a bit jealous.


    "Yes, so I want to designate my younger uncle as my legal guardian," Li Xiaoya pointed at Wei Wenqing.


    Wei Xuanming: ?


    Wei Lin: ???


    Wei Wenqing was also dumbfounded.


    He immediately started gesticting, "Xiaoya, I can''t do it."


    He couldn''t evenmunicate normally with people, how could he be this legal guardian?


    What if he messed it up...


    Although Xiaoya was still young, this was her career! It was her legitimate career! And she wanted to use it to gain her father''s approval!


    Wei Xuanming pursed his lips.


    Had she really thought this through?


    Should he be happy that she cared so much about her uncles? But wasn''t she afraid of not being fair? What about Wei Wenjuan?


    Wei Xuanming said calmly, "If you''ve decided, then we''ll do as you say."


    Li Xiaoya nodded and said, "Let''s eat!"


    Wei Lin: "..."


    She really wasn''t nervous at all, absolutely no internal conflict, huh?


    Wei Wenqing was still anxious. He grabbed the armrest of his brother''s wheelchair and pushed him away, then squeezed himself next to Li Xiaoya to sit down.


    Wei Wenjuan shouted angrily, "Wei Wenqing!"


    Wei Wenqing tugged at Li Xiaoya''s sleeve, and Li Xiaoya said, "Uncle, I want to eat that dish, but I can''t reach it..."


    She was small, and even stretching her arm out as far as she could, she couldn''t reach the other end of the table.


    Wei Wenqing immediately took the serving chopsticks and helped her get some food.


    "I want to eat that too."


    Wei Wenqing quickly put some shrimp in her bowl.


    "And this..."


    Wei Wenqing''s chopsticks flew back and forth,pletely forgetting about refusing earlier.


    Wei Xuanming silently watched this scene unfold.


    How did she know how to smooth things over like this?


    Her two uncles were so much older than her, yet they were obediently managed by her.


    It was strange to describe it this way, but indeed... his two sons were rarely so willingly obedient, sitting there, being "directed" by her.


    Wei Xuanming sighed inwardly and finally picked up his chopsticks as well.


    This conversation that had cost over 5 million yuan passed by calmly without a ripple.


    After dinner, it was Wei Wenqing''s turn to apany Li Xiaoya back to her room. He held Li Xiaoya''s hand, theirrge and small figures disappearing into the corridor.


    Wei Xuanming suddenly said, "Find a painter toe tomorrow."


    The old man had previously sought out Taoist priests and Buddhist monks, so finding a painter wasn''t strange. Wei Lin suppressed his inner restlessness and respectfully replied, "Yes, sir."


    Wei Wenqing sent Li Xiaoya to her bedroom but didn''t rush to leave. He raised his hand, about to gesture.


    Li Xiaoya sat on the edge of the sofa, looking up at him and said, "The food Uncle picked for me was really delicious. When I called Uncle, he immediately gave me 4.8 million yuan. In the past, when I needed to go to school and asked Grandfather Li for 20 yuan for registration fees, he told me to get lost."


    Wei Wenqing''s eyes reddened, and he opened his arms to hug her.


    Li Xiaoya continued, "Uncle is so good to me, I want to be good to Uncle too."


    Wei Wenqing froze, unable to voice his refusal anymore.


    He crouched down to be at eye level with Li Xiaoya, then raised his hand to gesture: "Okay."


    He would help her keep an eye on thatpany.


    It didn''t matter if they lost money, he had enough to cover for her.


    Li Xiaoya took the initiative to hug his neck.


    Wei Wenqing felt his eyes sting even more, and he couldn''t help but hug her back.


    "Uncle, you can type on your phone for others to read," Li Xiaoya told him.


    Wei Wenqing nodded. She didn''t know that many people wouldn''t have the patience to read what was typed. Especially in a business environment... others would naturally look down on him.


    Li Xiaoya continued, "Phones can y text aloud. If you turn up the volume, they''ll hear your voice."


    Wei Wenqing had never imagined such a scenario.


    It was too strange.


    The weird looks from others would also make him unbearable, making him doubt if he had embarrassed the family again.


    Li Xiaoya clung to Wei Wenqing''s shoulder and said very firmly, "Some people are just bad, they don''t want to listen to you speak. Then use your fists to make them listen."


    Wei Wenqing was startled.


    Li Xiaoya let go and said, "Uncle, you should go back now, I need to do my homework."


    Wei Wenqing nodded dazedly, got up and walked out. He was still in a daze even after he returned to the dining area.


    Using fists... well, that''s not wrong.


    But who taught her that?


    Wei Wenqing couldn''t help but look at his brother, who had always been more acerbic and gloomy in temperament.


    Wei Wenjuan: ?


    Why are you looking at me? We haven''t even settled the score for pushing my wheelchair earlier!


    After dinner, Wei Wenqing and his brother were about to return to Guanghua Vi, and Wei Lin naturally went along.


    Wei Wenqing sat in the car and fiddled with his phone, trying to input text and then use the yback function.


    It was an advertisement.


    Wei Wenjuan heard it and was very confused: "What are you watching? Feminine hygiene products?"


    Wei Wenqing ignored his brother.


    Just as Wei Lin was about to get in, he skillfully used the text yback function.


    From his phone came a mechanical, cold AI voice at maximum volume: "Get lost!"

 Chapter 106: Our New Shareholder Still Needs to Go to School

    <h4>Chapter 106</h4>


    Wei Lin''s expression froze in that instant.


    Had he heard wrong?


    The facts proved that he certainly hadn''t misheard!


    Wei Wenqing had physically put the word "scram" into practice by closing the car door.


    Inside the car, Wei Wenjuan was momentarily stunned. He turned to look at his brother, then nced out the window at Wei Lin.


    Unable to hold back, he burst outughing and patted the driver''s shoulder, saying, "What are you waiting for? Let''s go."


    The driver knew this wasn''t something he should get involved in. How could he hesitate? He stepped on the gas and sped away, leaving Wei Lin with nothing but a trail of exhaust fumes.


    "That sound just now... did ite from a phone?" Wei Wenjuan looked down.


    Wei Wenqing nodded.


    "How did you suddenly think of using that..." Wei Wenjuan trailed off mid-sentence, realizing the answer himself, "Li Xiaoya taught you, didn''t she?"


    Wei Wenqing nodded again.


    Wei Wenjuanughed out loud: "Haha, she''s such a clever little devil!"


    On Wei Lin''s end, he gritted his teeth and squeezed out that name: "Li. Xiao. Ya." It must have been her who taught him.


    Otherwise, Wei Wenqing wouldn''t have suddenly done something like this.


    "Sir," a bodyguard behind him looked at him, both embarrassed and concerned.


    Wei Lin''s expression immediately returned to normal: "It seems the young master has suddenly been burdened with a heavy responsibility and isn''t in a good mood. Let''s take another car."


    "Yes, sir."


    That little girl is indeed clever.


    Wei Lin''s face darkened.


    But if she thought this would be enough to save Wei Wenqing, she was being far too naive.


    In his view, someone like Wei Wenqing, despite having suffered quite a bit, was still like someone fresh out of an ivory tower, having never truly experienced real cruelty.


    Thatpany would teach him about that cruelty.


    A new car had already pulled up in front of him. Wei Lin got in and said, "Let''s go."


    *


    The process was quicklypleted.


    "I''m sorry about that," President Liu patted Zhou General''s shoulder, "I had no idea what that kid was thinking, in the end he didn''t buy your shares, but came and bought mine instead."


    President Liu sighed, "This just goes to show how unpredictable and changeable these kids are! They act on every whim!"


    "So, President Liu, you''vepletely given up all your equity?" Zhou General looked up at him.


    "That''s right." President Liu wore an expression of helplessness, and even deliberately opened the office door, as if wanting every employee inside and out to hear clearly.


    "In the past, I spared no effort for thepany, wholeheartedly hoping it would do well and make more and more money. Unfortunately, our Zhou General had different ideas. Now that we''vee to this point, I don''t see any reason to continue."


    President Liu smiled, "I just hope that Zhou General can keep thispany going for another ten years, getting better and better!"


    Outside the door, the other employees exchanged nces, silent as cicadas in winter.


    It was only now that another shareholder, President Xiao, understood what had happened.


    He couldn''t help but say, "President Liu, what you''ve done doesn''t seem quite right. Why didn''t you inform us in advance about the equity transfer?"


    President Liu thought to himself, you fool.


    He immediately stopped hiding his true feelings and said with a sneer, "Zhou General did inform us in advance, and why do you think he did that? It was to trick us into taking over. I''m sorry, but I''m naturally good at reading the signs, and I''m not interested in gambling with money, so I bowed out first out of respect."


    "Zhou General, don''t be angry. Although I stole your opportunity, you can still continue to sell. Just sell to that cripple."


    After finishing this speech, and having sufficiently appreciated the terrified or shocked expressions of those around him, President Liu turned to leave.


    Zhou General suddenly stood up, startling his secretary who hurriedly tried to calm him: "Please, stay calm..."


    Zhou General asked, "Has all the paperwork beenpleted? Has the business registration been updated?"


    "It''s all done, you can''t stop it now even if you tried..." President Liu said softly.


    Zhou General said, "That''s good then."


    President Liu''s smile suddenly froze: "What did you say?"


    "I said that''s good, that''s excellent!" Zhou General couldn''t help but exim. In the end, he hadn''t sold a single share, and the scenario where President Liu would buy up shares to suppress him hadn''t materialized either!


    He had overestimated President Liu!


    And underestimated the power of Young Master Sheng''s move!


    "I won''t see President Liu out then, please go." Zhou General couldn''t be bothered to exin the intricacies to him.


    President Liu immediately looked suspicious, but after all, he had sold what he wanted to sell. His first reaction, of course, was not that he had been tricked - that''s human nature.


    He felt that Zhou General was putting on a brave face, trying to nt seeds of doubt in his mind.


    "What''s the point of pretending in front of everyone?" President Liu shook his head, "If I were you, I''d hurry out now to secure some investment. That way, with so much equity in your hands, you might still have a chance to cash out."


    With these words, President Liu finally left satisfied, like a victor.


    President Xiao couldn''t hold back anymore: "What''s going on? Has something happened to thepany?"


    Unlike President Liu, his first reaction was: "Are there other debts that thepany hasn''t disclosed?"


    Zhou General looked at him: "President Xiao, if you also can''t stand it anymore, I can introduce you to Mr. Wei. You can transfer your shares to him and cash out like President Liu did."


    Zhou General paused for a moment, then added, "If you trust me, don''t sell all of it, keep some."


    President Xiao rubbed his temples, feeling a headacheing on: "I have the right to know the current state of thepany''s operations."


    "President Liu''s game has been banned in overseas markets. This is new information you might not be aware of. Everything else is as you know it."


    President Xiao was stunned: "Then why was President Liu in such a hurry to sell his shares?"


    Zhou General shrugged: "Who knows? Maybe he''s sick in the head."


    "But that doesn''t make sense. Why did you want to sell your shares too?"


    Zhou General calmly said, "When asking someone for a favor, shouldn''t you show some sincerity? I just didn''t expect President Liu to be so enthusiastic, using his shares to help me fill the gap."


    President Xiao felt like he understood something, but couldn''t quite grasp it fully. That worry and concern kept him restless, and in the end, under Zhou General''s guidance, he transferred 10% to Wei Wenjuan.


    In the end, Wei Wenjuan held 19%, Li Xiaoya held 22%, but Wei Wenqing exercised the rights on her behalf.


    Zhou General was in high spirits. He hadn''t lost a single share, had brought in a powerful backer, and removed a thorn that had been in his side for years. The rest would just fall into ce naturally...


    He walked out of the office openly and announced to all employees: "This Sunday, we''ll have apany team-building event. Let''s get together and take the opportunity to introduce everyone to our new shareholders."


    "Yes, Zhou General."


    Zhou General pondered, thinking their mood doesn''t seem very high.


    President Xiao had noticed something and said, "Why don''t we do the team-building on a Friday?"


    Zhou General frowned: "That won''t work. Our new shareholders still have school on Fridays."


    President Xiao: ?


    Other employees: ???

 Chapter 107: “The Three of Them Not Including Him”

    <h4>Chapter 107</h4>


    The decision about the team-building event couldn''t be made by Zhou General alone. Worried about disturbing her studies, he sent a message to Li Xiaoya.


    Then he called Wei Wenjuan.


    "Team building?" Wei Wenjuan wasn''t unfamiliar with such events, though he had never participated in activities for his subsidiarypanies.


    "What kind of project? Tell me about it," Wei Wenjuan asked.


    "How about mountain climbing and skiing?" Zhou General suggested. After all, domestic team-building activities were pretty much the same old options.


    "You call that team building?" Wei Wenjuan found it absurd. "What if our little duck freezes?"


    Zhou General fell silent for a moment before finding his voice again: "Then what does Mr. Wei think..."


    When it came to Li Xiaoya, Wei Wenjuan became particrly assertive and upromising: "It''s snow season in Jin City, it''s challenging enough just to go outside. Won''t people die from mountain climbing? In winter, we should go somewhere warm. Let''s charter a ne to an ind, have a beach party, do rock climbing, surfing, shooting - all of that. I know an ind with a legal shooting range."


    "We can also charter a cruise ship, hire a band, get a magician to perform, invite some Michelin-star chefs..."


    Zhou General: "...Huh?"


    "What do you mean ''huh''?" Wei Wenjuan said discontentedly. "I can arrange all of this."


    It was just a matter of spending money, how difficult could it be?


    Besides, a chartered international trip would be even better. After all, foreign countries were their domain.


    "No need for visas either. I remember that ind has visa-free entry for Chinese citizens. Those without passports should get them quickly. Alright, that''s settled then." Wei Wenjuan didn''t waste any more words and hung up with a "click."


    Zhou General: "......"


    Fine.


    They might not have caught up with the domestic industry leaders in terms of performance, but they had certainly matched their team-building standards.


    Money really does make a difference!


    So... who exactly was this Mr. Wei? And just how rich was he?


    This question once again loomedrge in Zhou General''s mind.


    Then he went out and re-announced the new notice: "Regarding the team building and introduction of the new shareholder..."


    Everyone seemed disinterested but tried hard to appear very interested, turning their heads.


    Were they going to cancel it? Or change the date?


    Zhou General sighed softly and ryed Wei Wenjuan''s words.


    "That''s basically it. It will be a three-day team-building activity, with all expenses covered by our new shareholder. Those who don''t have passports, please prepare them as soon as possible. Some departments need to be notified promptly. Those who can''t leave their posts will receive additional pay benefits for these three days."


    Everyone was stunned.


    Chartered ne?


    Chartered yacht?


    A winter vacation on an ind! And a legal shooting range!


    "That''s great!" This cheer was truly from the bottom of their hearts.


    But was this really the strugglingpany that President Liu had mentioned?


    This sounded more like the new shareholder was even more impressive!


    All of a sudden, everyone in thepany was filled with anticipation about meeting the new shareholder.


    Zhou General looked at their reactions and was a bit stunned... Well, this was good, right? After President Liu''s outburst before he left that day, he didn''t need to boost morale himself; everyone had cheered up on their own!


    Meanwhile, Wei Wenjuan had already started making arrangements.


    As he nned, this was no longer just apany team-building activity in his eyes, but a family trip for an uncle and nephew!


    It had to be nned perfectly!


    Even the old man was rmed by thismotion.


    He asked someone nearby, "Has Wenjuan been making a lot of phone calls recently?"


    "Yes, he even contacted old ssmates abroad."


    "He''se back to life, huh." Wei Xuanming sighed lightly.


    "Should we investigate what the second young master is up to?"


    "No need," Wei Xuanming paused, then said, "I''m afraid if I know exactly what he''s doing, I won''t be able to resist feeling dissatisfied with his mistakes."


    Wei Xuanming shook his head, somewhat helplessly: "They''re different now, with a child at home."


    "You used to urge the second young master and the little young master to get married. If they could have had their own children, they probably would have improved earlier."


    Wei Xuanming didn''t respond.


    The person could only stop talking.


    "Old sir, we''ve found the painter you were looking for. We''re bringing him to see you now," a bodyguard walked over and said in a low voice.


    Wei Xuanming nodded slightly.


    The painter was young but exceptionally skilled at portrait and scene painting. One of his paintings had sold for a high price of five to six million.


    Wei Xuanming certainly didn''tck money. He said, "Paint me first, in ck and white."


    The painter didn''t ask why and sat down to start painting as soon as he had prepared his materials.


    After finishing, Wei Xuanming took out photos of Wei Wenqing and Li Xiaoya for him to see, then pointed to a nearby corridor and said, "Paint a scene with the two of them holding hands, and put it in there. Hang it in my bedroom when it''s done. Make it in color."


    The old man offered him eight million for this painting.


    How could the painter hesitate? He immediately started painting again.


    *


    Saturday arrived in the blink of an eye.


    Since it was an overseas trip, they all had to depart early.


    And so, the employees of Dream Creation Games followed Zhou General and boarded the ne arranged by Wei Wenjuan.


    Before leaving, Zhou General made a call to Sheng Yuxiao.


    After all, the credit belonged to Young Master Sheng.


    "If you''re free, why don''t youe along and have some fun with us?" Zhou General asked politely.


    "I''ll pass," Sheng Yuxiao refused directly.


    Zhou General wasn''t surprised by this response.


    Sheng Yuxiao could intervene behind the scenes, but he absolutely couldn''t appear in public. After all, he represented the Sheng family.


    "Zhou General, isn''t the new shareholder boarding with us?" President Xiao came over and asked curiously.


    Zhou General put away his phone and said, "Uh, they have their own private jet."


    President Xiao opened his mouth, then closed it again. After a while, he finally spoke again: "The new shareholder... is that rich? Who are they exactly?"


    Zhou General thought to himself, "I''d like to know that too."


    Meanwhile, Sheng Yuxiao hung up the phone but began packing his luggage.


    Xu Ruying, who hade to his house for a free meal, saw his actions and asked curiously, "I just heard you on the phone saying you weren''t going. Why are you packing? What''s going on?"


    "I''m going secretly, to give Li Xiaoya a surprise. I won''t see the others," Sheng Yuxiao said casually.


    "Li Xiaoya is going too? Where are you going? Is it fun? Take me along!" Xu Ruying became interested.


    "No," Sheng Yuxiao coldly refused.


    There were already two people revolving around Li Xiaoya, there couldn''t be any more.


    Xu Ruying thought to herself, it''s not like she didn''t have ess to a private jet.


    I''ll just go back and borrow my uncle''s!


    Sheng Yuxiao finished packing and discreetly bought a ticket for that day''s flight.


    On the other side, Li Xiaoya had just boarded a private jet with her two uncles.


    "The ne is about to take off. Please switch your phone to airne mode," the flight attendant said with a smile. "Do you need my help?"


    Li Xiaoya said, "Wait a moment."


    She called back home: "Please tell Grandfather that I won''t being back tonight, or tomorrow night."


    The servant acknowledged hesitantly and ryed the message to the old man.


    "Noting back? Is she staying at Guanghua Vi with her two uncles then?" The old man''s lips tightened. "Alright, make a call to Guanghua Vi and tell those two to bring her back. They can all stay here tonight."


    "Yes, sir."


    The servant returned shortly after, saying hesitantly, "The second young master and the little young master aren''t there either. Their phones are turned off."


    The old man''s brow furrowed, his expression taking on a hint of pressure: "What''s going on? Could something have happened? Go investigate immediately!"


    Hearing this, the bodyguards also became serious and hurried to check on their whereabouts.


    When they came back from their investigation, they lowered their heads and stammered: "The two young masters used the private jet. It seems they''ve taken the young miss abroad."


    "A trip abroad? Just the three of them?"


    Turns out it was a group activity, and they didn''t include him!

 Chapter 108: Grandfather: ...

    <h4>Chapter 108</h4>


    When Wei Lin heard about this, his first reaction was��


    Has she gone mad?


    Wasn''t she still giving gifts to the old man before? Now, not only is she not trying to please him, but she''s actively hurting his feelings?


    But... it''s good that she''s gone mad!


    Wei Lin even praised Li Xiaoya out loud: "Xiao Ya''s rtionship with her two uncles is truly wonderful! She thinks of them in everything, wanting to spend every moment with them. It''s no exaggeration to say she''s like their own daughter."


    Wei Xuanming said nothing, not even sparing him a nce.


    This made Wei Lin even happier.


    She thinks of her uncles for everything, but not her grandfather. She''s only close to them, not to her grandfather. ��The old man would inevitably have such thoughts.


    Wei Lin suddenly felt that it wasn''t such a bad thing that the old man had started valuing emotions more in his old age.


    Because the more one values something, the more they demand!


    When they can''t get what they demand, don''t they be upset and angry? But that''s just how ordinary people operate.


    What kind of person is the old man? He''s used to having the final say. If he can''t get what he wants, he''ll only turn hostile.


    Good, good, good! This is excellent!


    Wei Lin lowered his head, poured a cup of water for Wei Xuanming, and said, "Then I''ll join you for dinner today."


    "Mm."


    This meal was even more deathly silent than thest time Li Xiaoya wasn''t home.


    As people age, their appetite and digestion worsen.


    Wei Xuanming ate slowly and little, and the dishes grew cold. As the servant was about to rece them with fresh ones, Wei Xuanming said, "No need."


    He just sat there drinking tea, asionally taking a small sip, not mentioning anything about ending the meal.


    As long as the old man didn''t speak, Wei Lin couldn''t leave either. He could only continue to sit there, and nearly three hours passed like this.


    Finally, Wei Xuanming spoke again: "Try calling them once more."


    The servant was stunned for a moment, then realized he meant to call the Second Young Master or the Little Young Master.


    This time, the call connected.


    "Give it to me," Wei Xuanming extended his hand.


    "Hello." Wei Wenjuan''s voice came from the other end of the line.


    After all, the other one couldn''t speak.


    "Has the nended?"


    "Yes, how did you know?"


    "Why didn''t you inform the family before going on a long trip?" Wei Xuanming asked coldly.


    "You never cared about these things before."


    "..."


    "You said nothing should disturb you."


    "......"


    It was rare for Wei Wenjuan to speak to his father in such a calm tone, mainly because his heart was elsewhere.


    He called out on the other end of the phone: "Wei Wenqing! Don''t walk too fast with Xiao Ya!"


    The old man on this end found his voice again: "Do you think I''m treating you like eight-year-olds? That you need to report everything to the family?"


    The old man said coldly: "You two taking Xiao Ya, do you think that''s appropriate? Have you considered the risks? And you''re going abroad..."


    The old man''s anger hadn''t subsided when he was interrupted.


    "It''s not just the two of us," said Wei Wenjuan.


    "How many bodyguards did you bring? Do you think that''s enough?" The old man''s tone grew even colder. "Call your uncle yourself and have him send some people..."


    over.


    The old man couldn''t finish hisst two words.


    "No need, we have many people here, not just a few bodyguards."


    Many people? How many? The old man''s brow furrowed even deeper.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya and the others were about to meet up with Zhou General''s group. Seeing them approach from afar, Li Xiaoya waved at Zhou General.


    The employees also spotted Li Xiaoya at a nce, but they didn''t think much of it yet, assuming it was just the new shareholder bringing a child along.


    They didn''t dare to eagerly ask where the new shareholder was either, just looking at Zhou General.


    While Zhou General looked at Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya said, "Can you have them shout loudly?"


    Zhou General was taken aback: "Shout?"


    Li Xiaoya thought for a moment: "Hmm, maybe they don''t need to shout."


    "Huh?"


    "Just tell them that uncle has booked an entire resort for them to stay in. It''s called a resort, right?" Li Xiaoya was still unfamiliar with these terms, so she wasn''t too sure, but that didn''t stop her from continuing, "Each room has a 5,000 credit limit for charging expenses."


    She had learned the term "charge" when her grandfather was arranging a hotel for Uncle Dou Dawei.


    Zhou General clicked his tongue.


    What a grand gesture.


    Then he pped his hands and announced loudly to everyone, and to avoid any omissions, he had his secretary sync the message to the department group chat.


    Now there was no need to specifically ask them to shout.


    The employees couldn''t contain their excited cheers.


    Only then did Li Xiaoya tug on her second uncle''s arm, bringing the phone''s microphone closer to the crowd.


    The loud cheers that erupted from the crowd were thus transmitted into Wei Xuanming''s ears.


    Wei Xuanming: "..."


    "So many people?"


    "Yes," Wei Wenjuan couldn''t help but pat Li Xiaoya''s head. So she had been secretly observing his expression and had so urately guessed the old man''s attitude.


    "Are you reassured now?" Wei Wenjuan was already impatient, just wanting to quickly take Xiao Ya to y and make up for the childhood experiences she had missed.


    Wei Xuanming hung up the phone.


    Wei Lin cautiously nced at his face and asked, "Are you worried about their safety? Why don''t I go after them now..."


    "No need, they''ve brought many people with them."


    So many that Wei Xuanming didn''t even know where all those people came from!


    Once bitten, twice shy.


    Going on this trip, they hadn''t forgotten to bring so many people. Wei Lin clicked his tongue in admiration. But then he was stunned.


    Oh, wouldn''t that make the old man even more confused? Bringing so many people! And there still wasn''t a ce for him!


    *


    "This is our major shareholder," Zhou General introduced, pointing at Li Xiaoya during the dinner.


    Everyone was momentarily bewildered, wondering if Zhou General had some misunderstanding of the word "major."


    "Just call her Miss Li," Zhou General pretended not to see everyone''s confusion and continued to introduce Wei Wenqing: "The major shareholder''s proxy."


    "This is the second shareholder, Mr. Wei."


    This was also... quite unexpected!


    Everyone thought hazily.


    Zhou General said: "This team building event, from the choice of location to the covering of expenses, was all arranged by Mr. Wei."


    Everyone''s expressions changed instantly. What do you mean unexpected? This is clearly like a second father!


    "Thank you, Mr. Wei! Thank you so much!"


    Wei Wenjuan''s gaze swept over their excited faces, and he was slightly stunned. Hm? Was it worth them being this happy?


    Could this be considered... gaining their approval?


    Wei Wenjuan''s usually cold face also showed a hint of a smile.


    The heart nestled in his chest began to beat even faster.


    This Mr. Wei is not only generous but also very approachable! Looking closely, apart from sitting in a wheelchair and being excessively thin, his facial features and bone structure are quite handsome!


    The employees thought to themselves, also breaking into smiles.


    Li Xiaoya sat to the side, resting her chin on her hand, not feeling upset that the employees were ignoring her. After all, she was too young, and it was normal for them to overlook her.


    She couldn''t quite remember which book from the Stone Elementary School library corner had written it like this...


    When others can''t see you, you can often do more things.


    Yes, she wanted to do more things.


    For example, now... how could she make her grandfather see so many people''s approval of her uncle?

 Chapter 109: Enemy Spotted

    <h4>Chapter 109</h4>


    In a distantnd.


    In a European-style room, the curtains were drawn tight, with only the flickering light from theputer screen casting eerie shadows on the upant''s face, distorting their features into something frightening.


    "Border crossing record found."


    "They''re on the ind of Borneo."


    The person at theputer turned their head to report.


    "I thought those two brothers would be like little babies forever, never stepping out from behind their big gate, always under their father''s wing."


    "Have they ovee their psychological barriers?"


    The man who spoke had typical Germanic features and an icy tone.


    Given Wei Xuanming''s history of sess, he had countless enemies abroad.


    This man was just one of them.


    "It''s such a shame. Just as they ovee their mental blocks, they''ll have to bring their father even worse news," the man said.


    "We couldn''t touch them in Hua Country, but we''ve finally got our chance." As he spoke, his palm made a clicking sound.


    "They haven''t ovee anything," said the person at theputer. "They''ve probably just suddenly developed a sense of responsibility as elders, as adult men."


    "What do you mean?"


    "The Gui family has a new heir, very young. I''m not sure how old. It''s always hard to tell with Hua Country people."


    "What! When did this happen?"


    "Perhaps you should take a look at a youth program that recently went online overseas. Their heir makes an appearance in it."


    "Huh? What program? Just send me the video directly." The man looked surprised. "Are they crazy? How could they let a new heir appear in public?"


    The person at theputer sighed helplessly and said, "I''m sorry, I can''t send you the video directly. The show''s producers have signed a contract with the famous Sandboxpany. You''ll have to pay on the tform to watch it, otherwise you''ll face copyright infringementwsuits from Sandbox''s legal department."


    "..."


    The man cursed, then had no choice but to open his phone and make a generous subscription payment to the Exchange Lives production team.


    "Hey, is this the heir you mentioned?" the man asked, pointing to Li Qingqing, who first appeared on screen.


    "No, it''s not her. I have trouble telling their faces apart too. I think you just need to find the girl who appears in the same frame as Wei Lin. That image spread from Hua Country''s social media tforms to foreign countries, which is how I discovered the existence of this new heir."


    "Fine."


    The man watched patiently for a while longer: "Hey, are you sure you''re not messing with me? Why would their new heir be such a scruffy little girl? And living in a mountain vige in Hua Country?"


    This question... the person at theputer found difficult to answer.


    After all, finding even this much information was quite an achievement.


    The man tossed his phone aside, no longer interested in watching the reality show, and stood up saying, "Prepare the ne."


    "Yes, Mr. Ke Muning."


    *


    The resort that Wei Wenjuan had booked in its entirety was full of two-story vis.


    Li Xiaoya and her two uncles moved into one of them.


    Wei Wenqing carried Li Xiaoya out to the balcony, with Wei Wenjuan following in his wheelchair. The sea breeze stirred the light curtains, and the next moment, fireworks exploded over the beach.


    The staff were startled, then couldn''t help but rush to the windows to watch.


    "Wow! This scale rivals the Shanghai Disnend Fireworks Show!"


    "Did Mr. Wei arrange this for us too?"


    "It''s so extravagant! How could thepany ever worry about investments again?"


    "With enough money, there''s no performance that can''t be achieved!"


    Zhou General watched their discussions in the staff group chat, his mouth twitching slightly.


    Perhaps... this fireworks disy was meant to entertain a child.


    "Do you like it?" Wei Wenjuan asked from nearby.


    "Uncle, I''ve only seen fireworks in fairy tale books before. Just one page, with painted fireworks," Li Xiaoya said softly.


    Wei Wenjuan''s eyes stung with emotion, instantly knowing she must love it.


    Wei Wenqing couldn''t help but hold Li Xiaoya, perched on his shoulders, even tighter.


    In this moment, the two brothers truly felt alive in this world, and that every day ahead would be so meaningful.


    Since Li Xiaoya was still young, they worried about interfering with her growth and sent her to bed early.


    Early the next morning, thepany''s department managers, along with President Xiao, came to invite Wei Wenjuan to join them.


    "Invite me?" Wei Wenjuan was a bit incredulous.


    Why invite him specifically?


    "Yes, everyone really likes you, Mr. Wei."


    President Xiao also smiled and said, "My beach barbecue skills are unparalleled. Would you like to try, Mr. Wei?"


    They''d be working together often in the future, so why not start getting familiar now?


    Wei Wenjuan was silent for a moment.


    In the past, when he was abroad, everyone knew he was Wei Xuanming''s son. His older brother and sister had already passed away, so ording to session, he should have been the heir.


    The adtion, hostility, and scrutiny heaped upon him had been a thousand times more intense.


    Now, no one was watching him so closely.


    Wei Wenjuan said, "Let''s go."


    He looked back at his brother.


    Wei Wenqing waved his arms happily: "Go ahead, don''t worry." He had finally caught some alone time with Xiaoya!


    And so Wei Wenjuan was sent off with cheers.


    After Li Xiaoya woke up, Wei Wenqing personally washed her face,bed her hair, helped her into a little dress, slung her small backpack over his arm, and then uncle and niece went to breakfast alone.


    Breakfast was buffet-style.


    Wei Wenqing led her to a seat on the outdoor terrace and used his phone to tell her, "Uncle will get you some food. Wait here quietly for uncle."


    Hearing the voice yed from the phone, Wei Wenqing felt an immense satisfaction.


    He could chat with Xiaoya anytime, anywhere now.


    It''s just that the voice was too cold. It would be better if there was a gentler voice.


    "Okay, uncle. I''ll wait for you," Li Xiaoya nodded obediently.


    Before long, a waiter came over and asked her in English... His ent was very thick, and Li Xiaoya struggled to make out that he seemed to be saying something about tea, and what, was it coffee?


    At that moment, at another table not far away, a guest was also being questioned by the waiter.


    That person put down the newspaper in his hand and said, "Green tea."


    Li Xiaoya stared at his face, her eyes widening instantly.


    Then she jumped down from her chair and walked up to that person: "Secretary Wang?"


    "Miss Li." Secretary Wang nodded slightly with a smile.


    At this moment, someone came out carrying a tray: "I looked everywhere but couldn''t find what I wanted to eat."


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head to look, eximing in surprise: "Sister Xu?"


    Xu Ruying looked up at the sky happily and said, "Ha! My luck is really good today!"


    Li Xiaoya looked at Secretary Wang, then at Xu Ruying.


    Secretary Wang said, "I''m keeping an eye on her for her uncle, just like when I apanied you to meet that Mr. Liu."


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "Oh."


    Xu Ruying waspletely confused: "What? What Mr. Liu?"


    Secretary Wang tilted his head, still smiling as he looked at her: "Young miss, please sit down."


    Xu Ruying shuddered.


    Had her uncle been possessed?


    At this moment, Secretary Wang''s phone suddenly rang, and he said, "Excuse me, I need to take this call."


    The person on the other end of the phone spoke in Dutch: "My friend, I didn''t expect to see you here. I need a small favor from you."


    Secretary Wang asked the person on the other end: "Where are you?"


    The person said, "I''m walking towards you right now!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, Li Xiaoya felt a shadow fall over her head.


    She turned to look and saw a muscr, tall foreign man holding a tray in one hand.


    "Hey, is this your child? Having a meal together?" The foreign man put down his tray and sat down, pulling up a chair.


    Secretary Wang shook his head and introduced to Xu Ruying and Li Xiaoya: "This is Mr. Ke Muning, a Germanic man."


    After Secretary Wang finished speaking, he bent down to ask Li Xiaoya, "Have you studied foreign history? Do you know who the Germanic people are?"

 Chapter 110: Oh

    <h4>Chapter 110</h4>


    "Secretary Wang" was not much older than Xu Ruying and Sheng Yuxiao. They often yed together as children, and it was his habit to casually test them.


    Just after asking, he realized that Li Xiaoya wouldn''t be able to answer.


    But he had no intention of providing an exnation. He said to the waiter who had followed them: "Get her a ss of milk."


    The waiter nodded and turned away.


    At the same time, Li Xiaoya slowly opened her mouth: "Is it the barbarians?"


    Secretary Wang was stunned for a moment, thenughed: "Haha, it''s a good thing he doesn''t understand Hua Countrynguage."


    Li Xiaoya looked puzzled: "That''s what it says in the book. But Comnenus seems to be the surname of a Roman emperor, aren''t the Romans and Germans enemies?"


    "You know that too?"


    Xu Ruying interjected: "Isn''t Li Xiaoya clever? She''s read many strange books." Xu Ruying suddenly felt a sense of superiority, as if to say, "I''ve known this all along, and you''re just finding out now!"


    Secretary Wang ignored herment and continued speaking to Li Xiaoya: "So obviously, he''s using a fake name."


    Li Xiaoya showed a look of understanding, then asked Secretary Wang: "Do you use a fake name when you''re outside too?"


    For a moment, Secretary Wang wondered if she had seen through his disguise.


    But such a young child probably hadn''t learned to use this kind of questioning to extract information, right?


    Secretary Wang smiled and said, "Yes."


    But he didn''t say whether he was using a fake name in front of her or not.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t ask any further questions. She wasn''t particrly interested in Secretary Wang.


    She just asked him very seriously: "Why do people use fake names?"


    "There are many reasons. For example, some people engage in not-so-legal activities, so they need multiple fake names and identities. Some people are worth billions, and their name is like a walking bank vault, so of course they need one or two fake names to prevent being targeted by criminals... And some simply want to keep a low profile."


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "I want to have one too."


    Secretary Wang''s smile deepened: "What for? To keep a low profile?"


    It was strange to say this. A seven-year-old child is usually at the stage of being self-centered, wanting ssmates, teachers, and parents to pay attention to them.


    Yet in her mind, the concept of keeping a low profile had already taken shape.


    "Mm-hmm. Is there anything I should pay attention to when choosing a fake name?" Li Xiaoya asked him earnestly.


    Secretary Wang casually touched the side of his cup and said, "It''s the people with the least ability who try toe up with a wless fake name, trying to blend inpletely with their alias. Capable people don''t care. They can straightforwardly tell others, ''Yes, I''m using a fake name. I hate people prying into my secrets.''"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s personality wasn''t much like his mother''s, nor his father''s, but rather resembled Secretary Wang at this moment.


    Except Secretary Wang''s facade appeared more harmless.


    "Have you thought of a name for yourself yet?" Secretary Wang asked her.


    "Not yet."


    At this point, the foreign man beside them couldn''t hold back anymore: "I don''t know where you suddenly got these two big kids from, and your rtionship seems nice, which is enviable. But you should at least acknowledge me first."


    Secretary Wang finally turned his attention to him and said: "I was introducing you to them."


    "Oh." Mr. Ke Muning seemed quite agreeable, responding as he sat down, "How did you introduce me? I hope you didn''t scare them."


    "I said you''re a good person," Secretary Wang lied without batting an eye.


    Ke Muning was immediately delighted: "Haha, I''m a good person, great! What are these two children called?"


    Secretary Wang said to Li Xiaoya: "Let me give you a name."


    Then he pointed at Li Xiaoya and said: "Demon."


    Xu Ruying''s eyes widened immediately, and even Ke Muning showed a strange expression.


    Only Li Xiaoya still lookedpletely confused.


    Xu Ruying wanted to speak but hesitated. Isn''t Uncle bullying someone who''s only in third grade?


    "Well, she must have something special about her," Ke Muning said, staring at Li Xiaoya.


    "Can you have your little friends leave for a while? I''d like to talk to you privately," Ke Muning added immediately.


    "It doesn''t matter, they can''t understand yournguage anyway."


    "Oh, right." Ke Muning said seriously: "I just need you to call me when you see this person."


    As he spoke, he took out a photograph and ced it in front of Secretary Wang.


    The photo showed a young Hua Country man wearing a ck sweater and a scarf. His features were cold and aloof, but his expression was quite gentle.


    Although there were some differences, Li Xiaoya recognized him at a nce.


    It was her little uncle, Wei Wenqing!


    Why did he pull out a photo of Little Uncle?


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t understand their conversation, so she silently took out her phone.


    Should she tell Little Uncle?


    No.


    "Hey." The tall, muscr foreign man suddenly grabbed Li Xiaoya''s wrist. "What is your little friend doing?"


    "She''s not recording, is she?" The man fixed Li Xiaoya with an icy stare, but his words were directed at Secretary Wang.


    Li Xiaoya blinked slowly.


    Although she couldn''t understand what he was saying, judging by his tone and expression... this foreigner was extremely wary!


    She immediately flipped her hand over, revealing the lit-up phone screen to the man''s eyes.


    Ke Muning was taken aback: "Piano sheet music?"


    Xu Ruying''s expression changed. She didn''t know what kind of rtionship this person had with her little uncle, nor did she really understand who this person was. Still young and inexperienced, she was fearless like a newborn calf.


    Xu Ruying rushed forward and pushed Ke Muning away, cursing him in English: "You''re too rude, you bastard!"


    Ke Muning withdrew his hand: "I''m sorry, I tend to be a bit paranoid. You know, I have quite a few enemies."


    "Why are you telling me this? You should apologize to her." Secretary Wang put down his teacup.


    Ke Muning carefully studied Secretary Wang''s expression, and after confirming he wasn''t angry, he said to Li Xiaoya in broken Hua Countrynguage: "Thank you."


    "Wrong," Secretary Wang reminded him.


    "...Sorry?" Ke Muning obviously couldn''t distinguish between thesemon words.


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes flickered, and she asked Secretary Wang softly: "Can I not forgive him?"


    "Of course you can." Secretary Wang immediately turned to Ke Muning and said: "You''ve made her angry. She won''t forgive you."


    However, hearing this, Ke Muning was no longer suspicious.


    He smiled and said: "It''s alright. To be honest with you, my enemies havee here. Of course, dealing with them is actually quite easy. Just two bangs, headshot. ...But identifying them is a difficult task."


    The big one, in a wheelchair, is easy to recognize.


    The little one is too hard to recognize!


    Ke Muning hadn''t expected that as soon as the nended, he''d be surrounded by Hua Country faces everywhere, making it even more challenging for him and his men, who were already face-blind.


    How could he have known that he had arrived during apany team-building event? Of course there would be many Hua Country faces!


    Secretary Wang smiled slightly and asked him: "But I don''t have a habit of being someone else''s eyes. What are you offering in exchange?"


    "The airline operating rights you couldn''t secure before, I can cede them to you."


    "Sounds good."


    "So you agree?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    Ke Muning''s mood immediately improved, and he started eating and drinking heartily: "Later, I''ll call a couple of models to keep youpany."


    Secretary Wang pointed at the children in front of him.


    "Oh, sorry, next time then. How about this, I can apany you in looking after the children," Ke Muning offered.


    Ke Muning couldn''t recognize Wei Wenqing, nor could he recognize Li Xiaoya.


    But Wei Wenqing, who had just returned from get


    Wei Wenjuan shook his head: "It''s too risky. It might spook him and force him to harm the hostage. Ke Muning is a madman."


    Wei Wenqing felt distressed. He first dialed the old man''s number. After the call connected, he hung up and sent a text message, ensuring the old man would see it immediately.


    On the other end, Wei Xuanming indeed saw it.


    His face suddenly turned extremely grim: "Those two haven''t learned their lesson yet!"


    Wei Lin happened toe in at that moment to pay his respects to the old man. Seeing the old man so furious, he wondered if Li Xiaoya had gotten into trouble under the care of those two as soon as she left.


    "What happened?" Wei Lin asked hurriedly.


    Wei Xuanming turned his head, his tone icy: "Xiaoya has been kidnapped by Ke Muning."


    Wei Lin almostughed out loud.


    But in an instant, he couldn''tugh anymore.


    He suddenly thought of a question��would the old man suspect that he had passed the information to Ke Muning?


    Wei Lin immediately put on a shocked and pained expression: "I''ll immediately dispatch personnel from the nearestpany!"


    "What''s the use of sending people? To force our way in and let him know he''s caught the right person?" Wei Xuanming coldly rebuked.


    The Wei Wenjuan brothers couldn''t stand the old man''s tone, but Wei Lin was long ustomed to it.


    Wei Lin''s heart didn''t even ripple, he just continued to ask worriedly: "What do you mean?"


    Wei Xuanming looked at him: "Why do you think I''ve dyed changing Xiaoya''s name and surname?"


    Wei Lin paused.


    Wasn''t it the old man''s test? Only when he was satisfied would she truly be part of the Gui Family. It could also be that he was extremely dissatisfied with the child''s birth father. After all, her birth father was still a mystery, and no matter who it was, it could be the person who caused Wei Wenyu''s death...


    But now it seemed, besides these reasons.


    There was an even greater possibility��the old man was trying to prevent those people abroad from targeting Li Xiaoya too early by considering her the Gui Family heir.


    "We can''t make too big amotion," Wei Xuanming said gravely. "Ke Muning might not be able to confirm Xiaoya''s identity."


    "Then what should we do?"


    Wei Xuanming didn''t continue speaking to Wei Lin. He directly called Wei Wenjuan: "Don''t tell your uncles about Xiaoya being kidnapped."


    Wei Wenjuan asked coldly: "Why?"


    "Because that will only elerate her death."


    "So we''re just going to do nothing? ... You always have your excuses, your views. It was the same with Wenyu''s situation before..."


    "Shut up! They can''t keep their mouths shut. Such a bigmotion will quickly attract more attention! Use your brain! How old is Xiaoya? She''s still young and can''t handle anything yet!"


    The father and son nearly started arguing.


    Wei Lin couldn''t help but nce up to observe the old man''s expression... The veins on the old man''s temples were throbbing, he was nearly losing hisposure.


    The difference between having Li Xiaoya and not having her was truly too great. Wei Lin couldn''t help but sigh from the bottom of his heart.


    Just being kidnapped, and the conflict between father and son had already intensified...


    Wei Wenjuan took a low breath on the other end and said: "Fine, you don''t handle this. I''ll go find the Sheng family''s eldest young master, or even the Qin family''s will do. They don''t have any obvious connection to our family. Is that okay?"


    Wei Xuanming said coldly: "Useless. They''re too young, they can''t make these decisions. The domestic tycoons like them all do legitimate business, they would never want to get involved with someone like Ke Muning."


    Wei Wenjuan was furious: "In the end! You shouldn''t have taken this path from the beginning! Otherwise, we wouldn''t be in this situation today..."


    He hung up the phone after saying this.


    Turning his head, he saw his brother looking even more worried.


    At this moment, Wei Wenjuan seemed to have be somewhat of a pir of strength.


    He took a deep breath and said: "This way, I have a n. I''ll lure Ke Muning out, then shoot him dead. This way Xiaoya will be safe."


    Although he was extremely dissatisfied with his father, he had still taken Wei Xuanming''s words to heart.


    The more it was like this, the more they couldn''t let others know about Xiaoya''s identity and importance.


    Wei Wenqing gestured: "This won''t work."


    "There''s nothing wrong with it," Wei Wenjuan said forcefully. "My marksmanship is very good. At worst, I''ll perish together with him. Go prepare the things. You need to take up arms too. If my hand shakes, remember to fire a follow-up shot."


    After saying this, Wei Wenjuan looked down at his own hand.


    He was still wearing the gloves Xiaoya had given him.


    The gloves covered the small scratches, and also covered the gun calluses.


    The atmosphere here was tense.


    On the old man''s side, after making a few phone calls, the atmosphere was equally tense.


    In the restaurant.


    Li Xiaoya let out a small burp.


    Secretary Wang wiped his hands and said: "Let''s go."


    Li Xiaoya looked up and asked him: "Can I go with you?"


    Secretary Wang nodded.


    Ke Muning followed along as well.


    After leaving the restaurant.


    Ke Muning said: "Let''s go surfing."


    Secretary Wang smiled: "You''re not in a hurry?"


    "What''s the hurry? The person is on the ind, it''s just a matter of a day or two."


    "Don''t let your little one get angry. Has she tried parasailing before?" Ke Muning asked.


    Secretary Wang thought for a moment: "She probably hasn''t."


    "Good." Ke Muning picked up Li Xiaoya and strode towards the beach.


    In the distance, Wei Wenqing noticed Ke Muning and immediately tugged at his brother''s sleeve.


    Wei Wenjuan''s face changed: "What is he doing? Is he going to drown Xiaoya? There''s no time, quickly get the gun!"


    Their bodyguards were nearby, so getting the gun was easy.


    Wei Wenqing ran over frantically, got the gun, loaded it, and turned to aim.


    Meanwhile, Ke Muning had fastened the safety harness and foot straps on Li Xiaoya.


    Secretary Wang said to Li Xiaoya: "He''s asking if you''re afraid to y this."


    Li Xiaoya shook her head in confusion.


    She had never even seen this before.


    Seeing her shake her head, Ke Muning took it as a sign that she wasn''t afraid.


    He said in Dutch: "I''ll take you to y. Tell your uncle, or maybe that''s your father, anyway, tell him you''re not angry with me anymore."


    The next second.


    Wei Wenqing watched as Ke Muning took off into the sky with their little Xiaoya.


    Wei Wenqing''s hand holding the gun trembled slightly: ...Huh?

 Chapter 111: Relatives Everywhere

    <h4>Chapter 111</h4>


    Wei Wenjuan''s expression suddenly became extremely strange.


    He wasn''t sure if there was something wrong with his eyes...


    He looked again.


    Afraid his brother might act rashly,


    Wei Wenjuan sent another message.


    Half a minute passed...


    A minute passed...


    Clearly, Ke Muning had no intention of brutally drowning the future heir of the Ghost family.


    They were... ying.


    ying???


    Wei Wenjuan wiped his face, feeling cold sweat on his temples.


    He chose to call the old man first: "For now, Xiao Ya is fine."


    Wei Xuanming said coldly: "Now you know my words were correct?"


    Since Xiao Ya wasn''t in danger at the moment, Wei Wenjuan didn''t argue with his father again. He just calmly said: "You''ve mixed up cause and effect. Xiao Ya is fine not because you said the right thing, but because she avoided the risk herself."


    Although Wei Wenjuan still hadn''t figured out why this scene had urred.


    He frowned deeply, then instructed his brother not to show his face for now.


    They needed to act separately.


    Wei Wenqing replied with a: "Okay."


    After putting away his phone, the bodyguard beside him was still perplexed and confused.


    Hadn''t he been so anxious his eyes were bloodshot just now? But now he had strangely regained hisposure.


    The bodyguard reached out his hand and said: "Is the crisis over? Then you should give me back the gun..."


    Wei Wenqing shook his head and opened his hand.


    The phone emitted an AI voice: "Give me more bullets."


    The bodyguard opened his mouth, then closed it again.


    It''s necessary to be prepared for emergencies, Wei Wenqing thought.


    *


    A feeling of weightlessness enveloped Li Xiaoya.


    It seemed like just a blink of an eye, she was lifted into the air, then plummeted towards the water surface, but the airflow under the board supported her and Ke Muning well, making them "float" steadily above.


    A tourist who failed to operate nearby fell into the water, letting out a high-pitched scream, sshing water on Li Xiaoya''s face.


    Xu Ruying frowned, looking a bit ufortable: "Why let that Ke Muning take Xiao Ya to y? This activity is too dangerous, what if water gets into her lungs? When Xiao Ya was lifted into the air, I saw her face turn pale."


    Secretary Wang had already sat down on the beach chair. He handed over a ss of juice, smiling slightly and saying softly: "Her face was pale, but did you hear her scream?"


    "What if the child was so scared she forgot to scream?" Xu Ruying couldn''t agree.


    Secretary Wang asked her: "Do you know who was in that photo Ke Muning had?"


    "Huh? Who?" Xu Ruying looked bewildered.


    When Wei Wenqing went to Li Family Vige back then, Xu Ruying had already left. After returning to Jin City, they hadn''t met face to face. Xu Ruying hadn''t watched much of the subsequent program content either.


    "It''s Xiao Ya''s uncle," Secretary Wang said slowly.


    "What?" Xu Ruying''s face changed drastically, looking horrified at Ke Muning, "What does he want with Xiao Ya''s uncle? I only understood about two words of what he said earlier. It can''t be anything good, right?"


    "It''s nothing much, he just wants to kill Xiao Ya''s uncle."


    "You call that nothing?" Xu Ruying jumped up, looking even more terrified at her uncle, "He wants to kill someone! And it''s Xiao Ya''s uncle! Then why are you still..."


    Secretary Wang still smiled without change: "Then tell me, did Li Xiaoya recognize the photo?"


    "Of course she did, who wouldn''t recognize their own uncle..." Xu Ruying said, then suddenly paused, realizing instantly, "But she still stayed with us."


    Secretary Wang nodded lightly, then looked towards Li Xiaoya''s direction again, saying: "So this is giving her a chance to understand her enemy. Whether in business or anything else, opportunities and dangers always coexist."


    Xu Ruying murmured: "That''s why I''ll never learn your skills. I don''t want to wade into any danger at all."


    "It''s okay, you don''t have to wade in."


    Hearing this, Xu Ruying didn''t feel happy, but rather felt more upset for Li Xiaoya.


    She had already suffered so much in Li Family Vige, why did she have to face so many dangers now?


    Xu Ruying spoke hesitantly: "Then Uncle, can you..."


    Before she finished, Xu Ji said: "I can''t."


    Xu Ruying red at him: "Why does Xiao Ya call you Secretary Wang? Let me guess, it must be because Sheng Yuxiao asked for your help before, so you made up an identity for yourself as Secretary Wang, right?"


    Xu Ji looked at her and said: "Have you been eating walnutstely?"


    Xu Ruying red at him even more fiercely, feeling ashamed and angry: "Uncle!" "I just want to ask you, why did you agree when Sheng Yuxiao asked for your help, but you rejected me before I even finished speaking?"


    "That''s why I say you''re not suitable for this line of work. After studying finance, you''ve only learned the superficial aspects," Xu Ji said with a smile. "If Ke Muning is willing to give me an airline route, why should I push him away?"


    "What if he''s tricking you? How could he possibly give you an airline route just for helping him identify someone in a photo?"


    "Then you can pray that he is tricking me," Xu Ji still said with a smile. "That way, I''ll kill him first."


    Xu Ruying: "..."


    Xu Ruying had indeed been protected quite well by the Xu family, arge n. Moreover, her parents were intellectuals who didn''t concern themselves with matters outside their world, so they wouldn''t tell her these things either.


    It was only now that she glimpsed some of the cruelty of the world through Li Xiaoya.


    She sat back down dejectedly, even turning her gaze away slightly, not daring to look at Li Xiaoya''s appearance. She felt a sense of guilt for not being able to help her at all.


    Wealthy individuals like Ke Muning love to engage in extreme sports as their daily entertainment.


    He had mastered the flyboarding project exceptionally well, disying skillful techniques and rarely plunging headfirst into the water.


    Finally, with the help of the staff, Ke Muning took off his equipment, ending this activity.


    His build was strong and tall, making it incredibly easy for him to pick up Li Xiaoya. He effortlessly grabbed her back to the shore and asked, "Was that fun?"


    Li Xiaoya looked up at him without saying a word.


    Her face, after being wet by the water, appeared even more porcin-white and cold.


    Ke Muning smiled with satisfaction: "It seems you really don''t understand a word, huh?"


    "But you''re quite brave, didn''t make a sound. Who exactly are you to him?" Ke Muning mused, stroking his chin.


    Then he took arge towel from the staff and wrapped Li Xiaoya entirely, helping her dry off.


    Xu Ruying, seeing them return safely, also felt relieved and immediately went up to say, "Xiao Ya, do you have a change of clothes?"


    For a moment, Li Xiaoya thought about whether she could ask this man called Ke Muning to apany her back to get a change of clothes, and then have her uncles and several bodyguards catch him together.


    But soon, this idea was rejected.


    She couldn''tmunicate with her uncle under this foreigner''s nose right now.


    Such a thing seemed to require a high level of coordination as well.


    It was too difficult...


    So Li Xiaoya said softly, "No."


    Xu Ruying immediately said, "That''s easy to fix, I''ll take you to buy some. There are shops near this beach."


    Secretary Wang stood up, patting the sand off himself, and said, "Let''s go together."


    So Wei Wenjuan watched helplessly as they... entered a shop?


    They went shopping again?


    "Mr. Wei, why are you alone here? Let''s go," Zhou General came over to greet him concernedly. "Where''s Xiao Ya? Howe I don''t see her?"


    Wei Wenjuan said nonchntly, "Met a rtive, took her out to y."


    Zhou General thought to himself that he was bing more and more curious about their identities.


    "You have rtives everywhere abroad?" Zhou General remarked.

 Chapter 112: Appeasing Others

    <h4>Chapter 112</h4>


    Not being able to understand what Ke Muning was saying made Li Xiaoya feel very insecure.


    This feeling intensified as they stepped out of the store��


    Another foreigner approached Ke Muning and said something in a low voice with a serious expression.


    The only good thing was that this person was speaking English.


    "Saw", "over there"... Li Xiaoya could roughly catch these words.


    Did they see Second Uncle?


    Li Xiaoya clenched her fingers.


    It wasn''t hard to guess.


    They only gave photos of Little Uncle, which meant Little Uncle was difficult to recognize.


    Second Uncle''s wheelchair was much easier to spot.


    After listening to his subordinate''s report, Ke Muning said something in a low voice.


    Ke Muning liked to switch to Dutch when saying important things, as it was closer to the Germannguage system.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t understand at all.


    The only person she could turn to for help was...


    She tugged at Secretary Wang''s clothes.


    Secretary Wang "thoughtfully" lowered his head and said, "Want to know what he''s saying?"


    Li Xiaoya asked, "Can you tell me?"


    "I can only tell you that he''s ordering his men to kill someone, but not now."


    Li Xiaoya gripped her fingertips harder, finally suppressing the cold feeling.


    She asked, "Why not now?"


    "You''ve asked a very crucial question. It''s because this is a popr tourist ind, and tourism is the pir industry here. If they act in front of so many tourists, it would cause panic among them, leading to a decline in tourism. This would simultaneously create diplomatic disputes and relentless pursuit by the local government."


    Li Xiaoya struggled to digest these unfamiliar words and phrases.


    In other words... this was a path her uncles could exploit!


    Secretary Wang crouched down, leaned in closer, and asked in a low voice with a smile, "Do you want to go back now?"


    Li Xiaoya asked in return, "Can I continue to follow you?"


    Secretary Wang said indifferently, "Sure, Sheng Yuxiao will find us soon anyway."


    Sheng Yuxiao wasing too?


    The little girl''s small face immediately wrinkled up.


    Secretary Wang was a bit surprised: "What? You''re not happy that Sheng Yuxiao ising?"


    Li Xiaoya said softly, "It''s very dangerous here."


    "Oh, I see..." Secretary Wang showed a thoughtful expression.


    Secretary Wang said enthusiastically, "How about I help you stop him? Just us ying here."


    After saying this, he turned to Xu Ruying beside him and said, "You should leave too, leave tonight."


    "How can that be? I..." Of course, I have to stay. Won''t that little duck be scared to death?


    Xu Ruying couldn''t finish her sentence.


    Secretary Wang stared at her and said in a gentle tone, "Youngdy, you should listen to reasonable advice. Don''t make trouble."


    Xu Ruying knew her uncle''s temperament well. This tone meant there was no room for negotiation.


    But sending both her and Sheng Yuxiao away... did that mean he was going to side with Li Xiaoya?


    Otherwise, Sheng Yuxiao would definitely fall out with him!


    Thinking of this, Xu Ruying immediately felt relieved: "Alright, I''ll go."


    At this moment, Ke Muning finished speaking and turned around to see Xu Ruying leaving with the bodyguard. He couldn''t help but ask, "Why did your niece leave?"


    "She doesn''t like you," Secretary Wang said bluntly.


    Ke Muning wasn''t angry at all upon hearing this. Instead, he curiously looked down at Li Xiaoya and said, "So does that mean this little one likes me a bit more? Can tolerate being around me?"


    Secretary Wang shrugged, "You''ll have to ask her."


    Ke Muning raised his shoulders, "She can''t understand what I''m saying."


    "Then speak English to her."


    Ke Muning tried.


    "She still can''t understand."


    "She''s only in third grade, how much vocabry do you expect her to have?" Secretary Wang chuckled lightly, then openly reached out to Li Xiaoya and said, "I''ll teach you how to download a trantion app."


    Secretary Wang helped her set it up right under Ke Muning''s nose.


    Ke Muning asked, "What are you doing?"


    "This way she''ll be able to understand what you''re saying," Secretary Wang repliedzily.


    Ke Muning waved his hand and said, "That''s too troublesome, we can just not talk."


    "But it looks like she has something she wants to say to you now."


    Ke Muning looked towards Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya was typing through the trantion app, converting to English, then ying: "The game was fun."


    "Hm? Are you talking about the flyboarding activity?" Ke Muning''s tall figure bent down slightly, "You''ve got some taste. Not many of the little ones I''ve dealt with liked it."


    Secretary Wang reminded him, "It''s mainly that they don''t like you."


    People like Ke Muning had a certain aura that was hard for others to like.


    It was the smell of blood.


    Not to mention his typical Germanic appearance, tall and strong, with hard, angr facial features. There wasn''t a hint of softness.


    If Secretary Wang gave off a harmless impression at first nce,


    Then Ke Muning would give people a terrifying, fierce, and formidable impression at first sight.


    No human cub would like such an adult.


    The fear of this type of adult was practically ingrained in the bones of young ones.


    Ke Muning didn''t even blink when Secretary Wang pointed out the reason.


    Anyway, there was a rare one with some taste right in front of him...


    He was about to say something.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya''s phone spoke again in converted AI English.


    "Are you going to kill someone?"


    As soon as these words came out,


    Even Secretary Wang was taken aback for a moment.


    Ke Muning''s face changed slightly, his first reaction was to question Secretary Wang: "Hey, my friend, what did you tell her?"


    Li Xiaoya''s phone sounded again: "You were just talking to someone, I understood a little bit."


    Ke Muning narrowed his eyes: "Is that so?"


    Li Xiaoya''s small hands struggled to hold the phone as she continued to type, convert, and y: "I''ve never seen it before, can you take me to watch?"


    Ke Muning was startled, thenughed and said to Secretary Wang, "Ha, her name is very fitting. Demon."


    Secretary Wang lowered his eyes, filled with amusement.


    Oh, firstpliment the other person, then cater to their interests, directlyy out the cards, avoid subsequent suspicions, bring such a matter out into the open...


    Was this taught by Sheng Yuxiao?


    Now when Ke Muning looked at Li Xiaoya, he found her much more endearing and pleasing to the eye.


    Although he had some trouble distinguishing faces, he still knew beauty from ugliness.


    This kid was quite good-looking.


    Ke Muning''s eyes flickered as thoughts crossed his mind... He said, "Of course you can, let''s go, I''ll take you to see."


    He wanted Secretary Wang to help him distinguish people and things, essentially to tie them together. Secretary Wang definitely knew more about Hua Country''s rules and regtions than he did. If they really caused a diplomatic dispute, he had to drag him down too!


    The group continued walking forward.


    Li Xiaoya was small and walked slowly on the beach.


    Ke Muning paused, then simply turned back and picked her up, letting her ride on his shoulders.


    Wei Wenjun, who had been quietly observing the situation: ?


    I haven''t even given Little Duck a piggyback ride yet!

 Chapter 113: I Want to Be a Madman Too

    <h4>Chapter 113</h4>


    There were four resorts on this ind. Wei Wenjuan had booked the one with the best location, facing the sea.


    Ke Muning and Secretary Wang were forced to "settle" for another resort, which had a more beautiful mountain view.


    The two resorts were not far apart, one in front and one behind.


    As Ke Muning carried Li Xiaoya on his back, they encountered some employees from the Dream Creation Gamepany.


    The employees immediately recognized this "major" shareholder, and were about to greet him, but upon noticing Ke Muning''s fierce expression, they promptly held their tongues.


    "The people who just passed by know you. Why didn''t they speak to you?" Ke Muning asked.


    With the trantion software,munication between the two had be much smoother.


    "Probably because they''re afraid," Li Xiaoya answered.


    "Afraid of me? Or afraid of you?" Ke Muning asked with interest.


    "I don''t know."


    Ke Muning gave her a deep look.


    She seemed more like the new heir to the Gui Family.


    Not like the child from the program - thin, frail, raised in such a ce, dressed in rags, poor and pitiful, seemingly so weak she could be crushed with a touch.


    It''s a pity, he thought, the Gui Family would probably never produce such a child again in this lifetime.


    "Do you know why there are so many people from Hua Country here?" Ke Muning asked again.


    There was one problem with talking to Secretary Wang. When trying to get information from him, it was easy to fall into his traps instead.


    Sometimes, chatting with a child could be more interesting, couldn''t it?


    "There''s apany having a team-building retreat here," Li Xiaoya told the truth.


    She just omitted a tiny bit of information.


    "You know quite a lot," Ke Muning praised her.


    Li Xiaoya blinked lightly, and her phone immediately tranted: "I just like to observe."


    Ke Muning asked in a low voice: "Such a good child. Tell me, what''s your rtionship with Wang?"


    "Guess."


    "..."


    Thest person who spoke to Ke Muning like this had their left ear sliced off bit by bit.


    Apart from some adults who deliberately provoked him, Ke Muning found it hard to imagine that one day, a child would say these two words to his face.


    Whether it was the child''s boldposure, the innocent cruelty she disyed, or her current behavior... it all indicated that she must have grown up in arge family. Otherwise, where would she get such confidence?


    Ke Muning didn''t speak for a long time, but Li Xiaoya''s phone spoke again: "Why do you kill people?"


    Ke Muning was taken aback, then said in a slightly cold tone: "Little one, that''s not something you should ask."


    Li Xiaoya showed persistence: "I want to know."


    Ke Muning had encountered many children. His family was a veryrge n. The family held the simple view that people in their line of work died quickly, so if they didn''t have many children, they would soon die out.


    As a result, he alone had eleven siblings. Those siblings who married early had three or four children each.


    In the blink of an eye, there were young ones running everywhere.


    None of these young ones had ever shown such innocent yetposed persistence in front of Ke Muning.


    Ke Muning smiled: "Why do you want to know?"


    Li Xiaoya seemed not to have heard the chill in his tone.


    The AI trantion voice on her phone made her intended meaning sound even moreposed and cruel.


    She said: "If killing needs a reason, then I want to learn."


    Ke Muning: "..."


    His expression instantly became extremely odd.


    Just for this?


    Then she was truly born for this line of work.


    Ke Muning''s lips curled into a smile as he said softly: "You know what? Sometimes killing doesn''t need a reason."


    That bit of childish cruelty was nothing in front of him.


    But Li Xiaoya hugged his shoulders and continued to trante with difficulty: "That''s not right."


    "What''s not right?" Ke Muning listened to a young one''s viewpoint with rare patience.


    He found this very interesting.


    "There needs to be a reason, otherwise, people won''t listen to you," the phone continued to voice.


    Ke Muning became even more interested and asked: "How so?"


    "I don''t know how to exin it."


    Ke Muning burst intoughter, but with a good mood, he continued to say to her: "Hmm, I think I understand what you mean. Killing with a reason is more convincing. Without a reason, you''re just a madman in others'' eyes. I didn''t expect someone your age to be thinking about these things. You have great ambition. What? Do you want to be the leader of your family in the future?"


    "Is that not allowed?" This was Li Xiaoya''s counter-question.


    "It''s allowed," Ke Muning paused for a moment, then continued in a sinister tone: "However, I enjoy being a madman in others'' eyes."


    Li Xiaoya gripped her phone tighter, but still continued to trante: "Why?"


    "What do you mean, why?"


    "Is there any benefit to being a madman?"


    "I''ve never met a child with so many questions. Alright, let me tell you, being a madman certainly has many benefits. First, it makes me very happy."


    As Ke Muning spoke, he couldn''t help but think, how refreshing, it''s the first time someone has discussed the psychology of being a madman with him.


    "Secondly, others can''t see through you. The behavior logic of normal people can be traced and reasoned. But how can you analyze a madman?"


    "Being a madman is good. Others will fear you at all times."


    Ke Muning finished speaking.


    "There are downsides too," Li Xiaoya told him.


    Ke Muning almostughed in anger.


    How dare this child contradict him?


    "The number of people willing to cooperate with you will decrease. Business requires stability and certainty, right?" Knowing the answer and having rified her point, Li Xiaoya still added a "right?" at the end.


    This was a bit of experience she had gained from dealing with Qin Sui.


    "Right?" was a way of asking for the other person''s opinion, trying to get their affirmation.


    Smart people seemed to like these two words.


    Ke Muning... was also receptive to it.


    "Well, you''re right about that. But I don''t care, because there will always be people like Wang who don''t care if their business partner is a madman," Ke Muning admitted, showing no intention of getting angry with her.


    "Then how many people like him are there?"


    "..." Ke Muning narrowed his eyes and fell silent.


    This child has some skill, he thought.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t dwell on this question. She continued to trante: "Not caring and trusting are different things."


    "What do you mean?" Ke Muning couldn''t help but ask.


    "People who don''t care, is it because they''re very capable themselves, so they don''t care? But that doesn''t mean they trust you."


    "So there might be few people who don''t care. But people who trust you mutually, maybe there isn''t even one."


    Ke Muning clenched his fist andughed darkly: "You can actually distinguish the difference here."


    To be honest, Ke Muning himself had never thought about these things.


    Now he was being enlightened by a child.


    It wasn''t exactly embarrassing, but he felt a strong emotion firmly pressed down inside him.


    "I want to be a madman too," Li Xiaoya told him.


    "Oh?" Light flickered in Ke Muning''s eyes, "Didn''t you say being a madman has downsides?"


    "But it can make people happy. I just want to be happy."


    "Hahaha!" Ke Muning suddenly burst into an extremely joyfulugh.


    Secretary Wang, walking ahead, turned back at the sound ofughter.


    He looked at Ke Muning, then at Li Xiaoya.


    He really wanted to raise one.


    He rubbed his fingers.

 Chapter 114: The Big Madman and the Little Madman

    <h4>Chapter 114</h4>


    Wei Wenjuan and Wei Wenqing were so nervous and flusteredrgely because Ke Muning''s reputation in the outside world was indeed very poor.


    Crazy and cruel.


    These were the words mostmonly used to describe him.


    So for someone like Ke Muning, drowning Li Xiaoya in the sea in front of everyone would be considered a more "normal" behavior.


    Taking Li Xiaoya to "y" parasailing and then going shopping for clothes was what seemed "abnormal".


    Wei Wenjuan was confused by this "unusual" behavior and could only choose to... continue observing.


    Meanwhile, Ke Muning had gained a new understanding of Li Xiaoya.


    The reason he acted crazy was indeed that simple - just for his own amusement. He hadn''t thought that much about it initially, let alone analyze the pros and cons.


    But this child was different. She had made such a choice after clearly analyzing the advantages and disadvantages.


    How interesting!


    Ke Muning gradually stoppedughing and carried her up the stairs.


    At this point, Li Xiaoya used her phone to trante another sentence. She said, "This way, there''s one more person in the world who doesn''t care."


    Ke Muning paused for a moment before he understood what she meant.


    A big crazy person and a little crazy person - of course, the little one wouldn''t care if the big one was crazy or not.


    Ke Muning excitedly said to Secretary Wang, "This little friend of yours is so much fun!"


    Secretary Wang smiled slightly, thinking to himself that he also found her quite amusing. Unfortunately, she wasn''t his.


    At this moment, Ke Muning''s subordinates suddenly drove up in a beach buggy.


    Although the trantion was a bit slow, this time Li Xiaoya didn''t miss the content of their conversation.


    "We just discovered something very strange," the subordinate said.


    "What is it?"


    "Wei Er is monitoring us."


    "...Huh?" Ke Muningughed, "He''s monitoring us? Were we discovered when wended? Well, it''s not surprising. I might not recognize their faces, but my face is quite recognizable."


    "But why would he want to monitor us?" The subordinate couldn''t understand this point.


    Li Xiaoya lowered her eyes, trying hard not to show any unusual reaction.


    "Monitoring one''s enemy, just like I monitor him," Ke Muning said calmly.


    "But those two brothers, due to their physical condition, haven''t been involved in business for a long time. When they saw youing, they couldn''t run away fast enough. How would they dare to actively monitor you?"


    "Not involved in business? That''s probably in the past. Otherwise, they wouldn''t appear here. It suggests that their psychological trauma might have healed."


    The subordinate shuddered upon hearing this: "Then we should be wary of Wei Er turning the tables on you."


    Ke Muning put Li Xiaoya down and stroked his chin, saying, "Why don''t we have the sniper kill him now? We can find the other one slowly."


    Li Xiaoya''s heart tightened.


    Her brain instinctively experienced a wave of intense dizziness.


    This time she didn''t type for trantion; that would be too slow, and her hands might shake.


    She quickly used voice input.


    So the phone''s AI voice cut in: "With so many people around, how can you ensure urately killing just him?"


    Ke Muning smiled at Secretary Wang: "Did you send her to learn from us secretly?"


    Secretary Wang replied nonchntly: "Is there any need for secrecy?"


    He bent down and told Li Xiaoya with a smile: "He probably arranged multiple snipers, shooting from multiple angles to maximize the chance of a fatal shot. They might fire a nk first, so people on the beach would scatter in panic. His target is in a wheelchair and can''t move as easily on the soft sand, so the area around him would clear more quickly..."


    "Alright, alright," Ke Muning interrupted him.


    Li Xiaoya quickly tugged on Ke Muning''s sleeve.


    Ke Muning bent down as well.


    Li Xiaoya used her phone to ask him: "How can he guess your thoughts?"


    Ke Muning''s mouth twitched: "I''m crazy, not stupid. Any smart person would think of arranging multiple snipers simultaneously."


    Ke Muning shrugged: "But maybe he''s also a bit crazy deep down."


    "Oh." Li Xiaoya held onto his sleeve, not letting go, wanting to dy a bit more.


    But at this moment, the subordinate spoke again: "So, sir, shall we proceed as nned?"


    Ke Muning nodded.


    That anxious feeling of dizziness intensified.


    Li Xiaoya breathed softly, not daring to reveal anything.


    But facing such a crisis was beyond what a child could handle.


    What to do? What to do?


    Second Uncle would die.


    No.


    She didn''t want another rtive to die.


    A loud "pop" sounded.


    Everyone was startled.


    Ke Muning instinctively grabbed Li Xiaoya and dove to the ground. Secretary Wang almost simultaneously reached out and grabbed Li Xiaoya''s cor, pulling her along.


    The three of them tumbled into the woods by the roadside.


    Ke Muning had one hand pressed on Li Xiaoya''s left shoulder, while Secretary Wang had one hand on her right shoulder.


    Then, using the height of the stone steps as cover, they slowly peeked out...


    Secretary Wang was quite exasperated: "It''s fireworks."


    Ke Muning: "..." "Reflex action, sorry."


    "There are more people on the beach now," Ke Muning suddenly noticed.


    "They were all attracted by the fireworks," Secretary Wang chuckled, patting the dust off his clothes.


    "The sound of fireworks makes for excellent cover for a murder scene," Ke Muningughed as well.


    But at this moment, the subordinate''s phone rang.


    After answering, he said with a grim expression: "We''ve lost the target."


    "Ah." Ke Muning didn''t get angry, "No wonder they suddenly set off fireworks. Looks like they''ve grown a brain."


    On the other side.


    Someone was pushing Wei Wenjuan, running frantically into a vi.


    The door opened.


    A tall young man standing inside slowly turned around and said, "Xiaoya, you don''t need to worry. Someone will protect her."


    "Young Master Sheng, why are you here too?" Wei Wenjuan was surprised.


    The Sheng family... they really stepped in?


    Wei Wenjuan''s eyes instantly welled up with tears, feeling that they, as uncles and grandfathers, were truly ipetent.


    Back on this side.


    Li Xiaoya also slowly stood up, the aftereffects of her intense emotional fluctuations suddenly manifesting.


    She fell backwards.


    Ke Muning and Secretary Wang heard the movement and almost simultaneously turned and caught her.


    But now they also saw that her knee was scraped.


    "Does she faint at the sight of blood?" Ke Muning wondered.


    If so, she wouldn''t make much of a little crazy person after all.


    Secretary Wang''s eyelids flickered as he said, "Probably heat stroke."


    The climate here waspletely different from back home, so heat stroke wasn''t surprising.


    Ke Muning said, "Kids are such trouble."


    But after saying that, he still hoisted Li Xiaoya up.


    The subordinate pressed: "So about the sniping..."


    "We''ve lost the target, so we''ll wait," Ke Muning replied.


    "What if they escape during the night..."


    "Ha." Ke Muningughed, "Isn''t he counter-monitoring me? He probably doesn''t want to give up the chance to snipe me either. This is great. I won''t leave, and neither will he. We''ll see who kills whom first."


    Ke Muning said excitedly, "How interesting. Much more interesting than killing two oblivious fools."


    Ke Muning took Li Xiaoya to where he was staying, with Secretary Wang apanying them.


    The family doctor knelt in front of Li Xiaoya, treating the scrapes on her knee and palm.


    "You didn''t bring any medication for heat stroke?" Ke Muning asked Secretary Wang.


    Secretary Wang spread his hands: "No."


    Ke Muning thought to himself, how could he be even worse at taking care of children than himself?


    "Go buy her a hat, then she won''t get heat stroke."

 Chapter 115: How Did the Grudge Begin

    <h4>Chapter 115</h4>


    "Indeed, we should buy a hat to shield from the sun. We should also get some Huoxiang Zhengqi water, but unfortunately, there''s none here," Secretary Wang agreed.


    "Then you should send someone to buy it," Ke Muning looked at him.


    "All the bodyguards have been sent with my niece."


    "You didn''t keep even one for yourself?"


    "No," Secretary Wang nodded calmly and said, "I''m not like Mr. Ke Muning. I don''t have any enemies."


    Ke Muning: "..."


    After his moment of speechlessness, Ke Muning still waved over a bodyguard and assigned him the task of buying a hat.


    The bodyguard was stunned, thinking for a moment that he had misheard. He couldn''t help but stare at Li Xiaoya for several seconds before leaving to buy the hat.


    Meanwhile...


    Sheng Yuxiao poured a ss of water for Wei Wenjuan.


    Wei Wenjuan said softly, "Thank you." Though his personality was sharp, he wasn''t a fool. He knew that Sheng Yuxiao was being polite to him only for Xiaoya''s sake.


    "Mr. Wei, you''re too kind. I originally came here to give Xiaoya a surprise..."


    "But instead, you almost got a shock yourself, right?" Wei Wenjuan sighed, his brows furrowing tightly.


    At this moment, Wei Wenjuan''s phone vibrated.


    He received a message from his brother asking where he had gone.


    Wei Wenjuan immediately called him back, saying, "It''s nothing, you don''t need toe find me. Just stay hidden."


    Of course, he didn''t wait for Wei Wenqing''s response before hanging up the phone. Then he raised his eyes to examine Sheng Yuxiao before him.


    As early as the dinner with Zhou General, discussing how to kick out President Liu, Wei Wenjuan had witnessed Sheng Yuxiao''s intelligence.


    "Since you say Xiaoya is safe, I believe you," Wei Wenjuan''s expression returned to calm.


    "But safety is only temporary. We still need to bring her back," Wei Wenjuan said.


    "Of course," Sheng Yuxiao''s face looked a bit sour.


    He asked, "How much do you know about this Ke Muning?"


    "Real name unknown, real age unknown."


    "Wait, does he use a fake name when signing contracts too?"


    Wei Wenjuanughed helplessly, only now realizing that although the young Mr. Sheng was clever, he was still a bit naive.


    "What kind of business does Young Master Sheng think he''s in?"


    Sheng Yuxiao pursed his lips and said, "I see. What else?"


    "He''s paranoid, arrogant, a bit crazy, and obsessive in his actions..."


    "Other people conduct business with some principles, but he doesn''t care much for that. He''s always surrounded by a group of men fresh off the battlefield."


    Sheng Yuxiao pressed further: "What kind of battlefield?"


    "As expected of Young Master Sheng." Wei Wenjuan first praised, then continued, "There are indeed differences between battlefields. But Young Master Sheng lives in China, so you might not be aware that there are several ces abroad that are in constant war, called the imperial meat grinders. Ke Muning specifically recruits mercenaries who have survived these ces."


    In fact, Wei Wenjuan didn''t need to exin too clearly. Sheng Yuxiao already knew what the so-called imperial meat grinders were.


    "If they''re mercenaries, that''s still okay. At least they''re not some kind of fanatical worshippers," Sheng Yuxiao said calmly.


    "That''s hard to say. Once, someone offended Ke Muning and was subjected to a special punishment."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned slightly, but his overall expression remained calm.


    Wei Wenjuan immediately understood. Why was he so certain about Xiaoya''s safety?


    Was it because there was someone from the Sheng family among Ke Muning''s people? And that person was very reliable? Definitely able to persuade Ke Muning?


    "How did you be enemies?" Sheng Yuxiao asked next.


    "Wei Lin actually knows more about this because at that time, my father''s health wasn''t good and he was rushed to the hospital twice in a row. From then on, Wei Lin tried to take over the family''s first task - protecting a person under the guise of normal business activities. This person was a very important white glove."


    Sheng Yuxiao eximed in surprise, "You''re also in the PMC business?"


    "What else should we do? Fight over territory and sell illegal goods like gangsters in movies? That''s outdated. Our family has its own transportation lines and channels. Young Master Sheng should understand what that means, right?"


    Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow. It seemed the Gui family''s business was even bigger than he had imagined.


    It''s just that the old man seemed to have intentionally tightened his "business empire" a bit. Probably due to both physical and mental reasons.


    "Hmm, go on... This white glove had a very high status. In other words, protecting him should have been a very easy task. Because no one in their right mind would dare to provoke him. But... Ke Muning is a madman. For some unknown reason, this person offended Ke Muning, and Ke Muning pursued him relentlessly, openly killing him at a cocktail party."


    "Wei Lin''s first task ended up in such a mess, how could he ept that? In the name of not wanting to damage the family''s face, he went to my father, demanding to teach Ke Muning a lesson."


    "And my father actually agreed," Wei Wenjuan shook his head.


    This was also why he had angrily criticized his own father on the phone earlier.


    Although the Gui family had long since transformed and no longer operated as a traditional mafia, the family, thepany, from top to bottom, still adhered to that set of operating logic in their bones -


    To maintain the face of the main family, while also emphasizing brotherhood loyalty.


    In modern society, still talking about settling scores and repaying grudges would only lead to countless feuds.


    Why haven''t they been able to find Wenyu''s whereabouts all these years?


    To put it bluntly, there were simply too many enemies...


    Wei Wenjuan took a deep breath, suppressing hisplex emotions and concealing his unsightly expression. He said, "I''m sorry, I lost myposure."


    "Since that white glove had such a high status, Ke Muning should have been easily eliminated by your joint efforts," Sheng Yuxiao spoke up. "What unexpected event urred?"


    Wei Wenjuan helplessly spread his hands and said, "Ke Muning''s luck was just too good. At that very moment, multiple criminal charges were exposed against this white glove. His former colleagues, of course, would no longer seek revenge for him. And hister sessor maintained a very delicate rtionship with Ke Muning."


    "Later on, we messed up several of Ke Muning''s business deals. With the back-and-forth, we thoroughly became enemies. More importantly, Ke Muning wants the Gui family''s transportation lines."


    Sheng Yuxiao massaged his temples, feeling that this matter was a bit beyond his scope.


    The Sheng family and the Qin family were also mortal enemies, but within the framework of Chinesew, neither would think of resorting to violence. Although the battles in the business world were bloodless killings, they didn''t need to guard against a group of desperate criminals.


    "Actually, there''s a good way to get out of this..." Sheng Yuxiao raised his face and said.


    "Young Master Sheng has an idea?"


    "You choose an appropriate time to leave this ce."


    "But Xiaoya..."


    "If you leave, Xiaoya will only be safer."


    "Why do you say that?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said with aplex expression, "Because Ke Muning might not know who Li Xiaoya is or what rtionship she has with you at all."


    "But he clearly kidnapped..."


    "Was it really a kidnapping?"


    At this moment, a bodyguard knocked and entered, saying in a low voice, "Ke Muning''s subordinates are on the move."


    "Where did they go? Did they go to find Wenqing?" Wei Wenjuan''s face darkened.


    "Our people followed them..." As the bodyguard spoke, the walkie-talkie in his hand buzzed.


    A voice came through from the other end: "Ke Muning''s people entered a store... Oh, he''sing out, he''s holding... he''s holding a child''s hat? With two flowers on it?"


    Wei Wenjuan: ?


    Who cares if there are flowers on it?


    "Ke Muning''s subordinate went to buy a bucket of ice cream and a cotton candy..." The voice on the other end sounded increasingly strange.


    Wei Wenjuan suddenly came to his senses and said in an incredibly absurd tone, "...Bought for Xiaoya?"


    Sheng Yuxiao interjected, "Are you willing to leave now?"

 Chapter 116: Little Duck Li Bet Right

    <h4>Chapter 116</h4>


    The ice cream and cotton candy were bought by Ke Muning''s bodyguard on his own initiative.


    He thought the former would be good for cooling down.


    In the past, during alley battles, with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius overhead and 40 kilograms of equipment on their backs, they had to chew on ice cubes just to endure.


    Ice cream served the same purpose as ice cubes.


    As for cotton candy... that was for pacifying children.


    The bodyguard wasn''t sure about Li Xiaoya''s identity, so he could only judge her status based on the reactions of Ke Muning and Secretary Wang.


    "Sir!" The bodyguard burst through the door with his shoulder, cing the items in front of Li Xiaoya.


    At this moment, Ke Muning was curiously staring at the old injuries on Li Xiaoya''s body.


    She had multiple old wounds on her knees and ankles.


    He grabbed her hand, turning it over to examine it, and asked in surprise, "No wonder you don''t cry. How did you get so many old injuries?"


    Secretary Wang, of course, knew that most of them were probably from Li Family Vige.


    He couldn''t help but nce at Li Xiaoya, wondering how she would gloss over it this time.


    "I was beaten," Li Xiaoya said calmly, without even blinking.


    "Aren''t these abrasions?"


    "Mm, I often fell to the ground."


    Ke Muning felt something was off. He nced at Secretary Wang and said, "With him protecting you like this, who would dare to beat you?"


    Li Xiaoya was silent for a moment, then said, "We''ve only known each other for a short time."


    Secretary Wang paused.


    How daring...


    She should be very clear that the reason Ke Muning was being so kind to her wasrgely because she was by his side.


    Ke Muning couldn''t figure out the rtionship between him and her, so he could only treat her as carefully as possible.


    These words had cleared away all the mist.


    However...


    Just as Secretary Wang had said to Xu Ruying��


    Opportunities and risks coexist.


    In fact, the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward.


    On this side, Ke Muning''s face darkened, and he crouched there without speaking for a long time.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t speak either. She used her phone to ask Ke Muning''s bodyguard, "What is this?"


    The bodyguard was a bit confused, feeling the atmosphere was off, and said in a daze, "Ice cream, to cool you down."


    "Thank you." Li Xiaoya went to open the ice cream lid, but she had never eaten it before, so she couldn''t find the right way and couldn''t open it even with force.


    Ke Muning reached out from the side, grabbed the hidden pull tab under the lid, and with a strong pull, lifted the entire stic lid.


    He narrowed his eyes, staring dangerously at Li Xiaoya and asked, "Oh? So you''re neither his daughter nor any rtive of his?"


    "No."


    Ke Muning pushed the ice cream towards her and asked, "Then who beat you?"


    The ice cream was too frozen, and when Li Xiaoya poked it with the spoon, there was a "snap," and the stic spoon broke in half.


    She said, "My father, and grandfather."


    Ke Muning stared at the small wounds on her fingers and asked, "Then why not kill them?"


    This is where the difference between a madman and a normal person lies.


    A normal person might first ask why they treated you like that.


    Ke Muning didn''t.


    Li Xiaoya looked at him: "That''s why I''m learning."


    Ke Muningughed: "Ha, good, I''ll make sure you learn... Whose child are you, exactly?"


    Li Xiaoya lowered her eyes and used her phone trantor to say, "A cold, cruel family."


    It had a vor of disgust, as if she didn''t even want to mention it.


    "So at such a young age, you''re already so ambitious." After Ke Muning said this, he privately guessed which prominent family had such a style.


    He had heard that there was a Li Family in Asia that was close to this style.


    Could she be a child of the Li Family? fr��eweb��ovel.c?m


    But he had seen some of the Li Family people before, and they were quite distinguishable, a bit shorter, with smaller eyes.


    Ke Muning didn''t guess anymore.


    He asked, "Is it good?"


    Li Xiaoya cupped her face and said, "It''s freezing my teeth."


    "Still dizzy?" Ke Muning asked again.


    "Not anymore."


    "Then don''t eat it." Ke Muning took away the ice cream and gave it back to the bodyguard.


    He unwrapped the cotton candy for her.


    Secretary Wang took in this scene, and he had to admit, Li Xiaoya had gambled correctly.


    Or perhaps it shouldn''t be called a gamble.


    While others were still trying to figure out Ke Muning''s logic, she already knew how to use his personality.


    Her appearance "perfectly" suited Ke Muning''s taste.


    More importantly...


    She chose to tell Ke Muning the "truth," admitting that there wasn''t a deep rtionship between them.


    Combined with what she said before about being willing to be a madman,


    This was clearly telling Ke Muning that between him and Ke Muning, she was already leaning more towards Ke Muning.


    If a person is rarely chosen so firmly by such a "kindred spirit,"


    They would be very susceptible to this approach.


    Secretary Wang lowered his head and pressed his temple. No good... he wanted to raise one even more now.


    On the other side.


    Wei Wenjun finally made his decision: "We can leave, but how? The snipers are definitely still watching. Ke Muning has many people at his disposal, they can take shifts to keep us under constant surveince without any problem. And those people are fearless..."


    "Ke Muning also knows that once we return to Hua Country, he mightpletely lose his chance. So at that time, even if it means taking risks, he will definitely make a move before we leave."


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "It''s easy for Little Duck''s little uncle to leave."


    This content is taken from f��ee??eb?ove?.c?m.


    "Yes..."


    "It''s not difficult for you either."


    "How is it not difficult? I''m in a wheelchair, it''s too obvious a target."


    "Then don''t use the wheelchair."


    "Are you suggesting I stand up? No doctor can make that happen."


    "You can''t stand, and you can''t sit, but you can lie down..."


    "Ke Muning isn''t a fool, this won''t fool him. He''ll still strictly check people lying down."


    "But what if... it''s a corpse?"


    Wei Wenjun lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then smiled: "A maritime disaster, unfortunate victims returning to their country. This is very reasonable. If there''s an official medical vehicle, first sent to the local police station, that would be even more reasonable."


    Wei Wenjun couldn''t help but exim: "Young Master Sheng''s mind indeed works fast."


    Sheng Yuxiao saidzily: "After all, I''m my parents'' only son, all the intelligence was inherited by me alone."


    Wei Wenjun muttered to himself, so the old man shouldn''t be upset, it''s because he had too many children, right?

 Chapter 117: Having Her is Their Fortune

    <h4>Chapter 117</h4>


    Wei Wenqing was the first to leave.


    "The less you wear, the better," Wei Wenjuan told his brother.


    Wei Wenqing''s phone emitted a cold, mechanical sound: "Huh?"


    Without the worry, anxiety, and tension about Xiaoya, Wei Wenjuan appeared much calmer and more clearheaded now.


    He said in a low voice, "Walk with a swagger when you leave, and wear a pair of sunsses. You need to look exactly like a wastrel rich kid."


    In the zing midday sun, Wei Wenqing wore a colorful beach shorts outfit, with the cor unbuttoned to his chest, revealing a trendy brand ne��donated from Sheng Yuxiao''s luggage.


    He slicked his hair back, fully exposing his forehead.


    His demeanor had instantly changed dramatically.


    Wei Wenjuan said, "Maybe hire two girls to follow you too." That would make him look more like a yboy.


    "That''s overdoing it. Too many people around means you need to interact with them," Sheng Yuxiao shook his head.


    "Hmm. Alright then... off you go."


    Wei Wenqing felt a bit disappointed, but he was obedient. Just like when Wei Wenjuan had asked him to go to Li Vige to find someone, he had gone without hesitation.


    He walked out into the scorching sun, alone, swaggering to the roadside. He hailed a small car, first bought some local specialty food, then headed to the airport.


    The whole process went so smoothly that Wei Wenqing could hardly believe it himself.


    Right up until he sessfully boarded the ne.


    This time there was no private jet. When he looked up and saw the words "Air China," he instantly felt a great sense of security. It was even more reassuring than being surrounded by his own bodyguards.


    Wei Wenqing had just left.


    Next was Wei Wenjuan''s turn.


    Creating an ident couldn''t be easier!


    The resort Wei Wenjuan had booked upied the most beautiful sea view, including a private beach area.


    Whatever happened here was basically up to them to decide.


    On a nearby cliff, someone lowered their binocrs: "They just pulled someone out of the water."


    "What? Have our enemies be so scared that they''re jumping into the sea themselves?"


    "It should be a tourist caught in a rip current. Looks like they''re dead..."


    "Oh, that''s none of our business. Keep watching the entrance and exit. I don''t believe that guy in the wheelchair can resist going out forever."


    "I hope they don''t set off fireworks again today. What''s wrong with these Hua Country people, why do they love fireworks so much! The scale of yesterday''s fireworks must have cost at least tens of thousands of dors."


    They chatted idly, not paying much attention to the ident by the sea.


    "The feeling of lying in a body bag isn''t very pleasant," Wei Wenjuan''s voice came out muffled through the fabric on this side.


    Things had gone so smoothly up to this point, even Sheng Yuxiao hadn''t expected it.


    Sheng Yuxiao said in a low voice, "Mr. Wei really trusts me a lot."


    "It''s not that I trust you, it''s because Xiaoya trusts you," Wei Wenjuan said.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression immediately changed.


    Although his mother had reminded him not to meddle too much in Xiaoya''s family affairs, as it would be impolite, at this moment, he still decided to do a good deed.


    "Has Mr. Wei ever wondered why the old man has always kept Wei Lin around?"


    Wei Wenjuan was silent for a while before speaking, "Father is not satisfied with us. Wei Lin is ambitious, which earns him more favor. The heir he likes would never choose to turn away when facing Ke Muning."


    Wei Wenjuan continued, "...Even after Xiaoya''s return, he still hasn''t banished Wei Lin. I think he probably wants to use him as a whetstone for Xiaoya."


    "Wei Lin actually isn''t qualified to be your enemy," Sheng Yuxiao said.


    "Oh? Please borate, Young Master Sheng." Wei Wenjuan didn''t treat this young man as a junior at all, but ced him on an equal footing.


    "The Gui Family''s business needs an heir with courage to keep it in check. When the old man found that he couldn''t select a suitable person... some businesses must be cut off."


    Wei Wenjuan''s tone changed slightly: "The businesses the old man wants to cut off are all in Wei Lin''s hands?"


    "It should be said that the businesses to be cut off were all handed over to Wei Lin."


    The ambnce fell into a long silence again.


    When they reached the police station, their "transfer point," Wei Wenjuan finally spoke again: "Thank you, Young Master Sheng. It''s Xiaoya''s luck to have met you in Li Vige."


    Sheng Yuxiao said sourly: "Even without me, she would have met other people, and those people would have been willing to help her too..."


    Like Qin Sui.


    Even that Ke Muning carried Xiaoya on his shoulders, didn''t he?


    Although part of the reason was that he didn''t know her identity at all.


    But to be able to win people''s favor to such an extent upon first meeting, it''s really not something everyone can do.


    Thinking of this, Young Master Sheng''s expression soured a bit more.


    Wei Wenjuanughed: "Then it should be said like this..." He murmured, "The Gui Family having Xiaoya is the Gui Family''s luck."


    Young Master Sheng snapped his fingers in agreement, then gently pushed the stretcher out.


    Wei Wenjuan closed his eyes and continued to y dead.


    The next steps would be handled by Wei Wenjuan''s own people.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t see things through to the end, not because he waszy. Rather, he thought that Wei Wenjuan''s subordinates also needed to pick up their old trade again.


    This was what his mother had taught him.


    Teaching a man to fish is better than giving him fish, right?


    Sheng Yuxiao rode in the ambnce, passed through several small alleys, and got off at a randomly chosen spot.


    He didn''t rush back to the beach, but first went to buy some small cookies, a little dress, and a prettier beach hat.


    It had many more little flowers on it, wisteria, hanging down a bit from the brim. When the wind blew, the flowers would gently sway.


    At least it had several dozen more flowers than those two.


    Sheng Yuxiao was satisfied.


    *


    Ke Muning woke up veryte, and they were about to have lunch.


    "Sir, Wei Two has disappeared."


    "Disappeared?"


    "Yes, neen hours have passed, and we haven''t found any trace of him. Could it be... he ran away?"


    Ke Muning walked to the dining table, where Li Xiaoya was climbing onto a high chair.


    The furniture abroad seemed to be made ording to Dutch people''s height, all ridiculously tall.


    Ke Muning looked down, casually grabbed Li Xiaoya and put her on the chair, then said, "Any news from the airport?"


    "The people stationed at the airport haven''t spotted any suspicious individuals."


    "Looks like he''s hiding then." Ke Muning greeted Secretary Wang, then sat down.


    Ke Muning asked Secretary Wang, "My friend, do you have any good ideas?"


    Secretary Wang lifted his eyelids slightly and said, "What does Mr. Ke Muning n to offer in exchange this time?"


    Ke Muning clicked his tongue: "Forget it, too expensive... Let''s use my method then."


    "Should we make the people on the ind suffer from food poisoning, or have a serial killer appear? This way, the local police will first lock down the area, then conduct a thorough search. No one can hide," Ke Muning said casually.


    Li Xiaoya listened silently, lowered her head to take a bite of food, and gagged. It tasted a bit awful... But adhering to the principle of not wasting food, she slowly swallowed it.


    This person is truly a formidable enemy!


    Much more formidable than Wei Lin!


    She thought as she ate.


    "Is it that bad?" Ke Muning suddenly said, lowering his head to sniff the food on the te, "Ugh, what is this stuff? Local specialty?"


    Ke Muning had someone rece Li Xiaoya''s food with two charcoal-grilled pork knuckles, apanied by tree bun and orange juice.


    Secretary Wang asked amusedly, "All for her?"


    "Mm, is there a problem?" Ke Muning didn''t understand. His nephew could eat three tes in one meal.


    Across from him, Li Xiaoya slowly picked up a pork knuckle.


    It was as big as two of her faces.


    She opened her mouth and took a bite.


    Pork knuckle HP -1.


    Ke Muning couldn''t help but pick up a pork knuckle himself and take a bite.


    Pork knuckle HP -50.


    Ke Muning finally noticed this huge difference and couldn''t help but burst outughing: "Haha! Alright, she really is a little pipsqueak!"


    "Cut it into smaller pieces for her," Ke Muning instructed the bodyguard.


    However, Ke Muning soon couldn''tugh anymore.


    He received a phone call, and the person on the other end said: "The departure information for the two Wei brothers has been updated."


    Ke Muning''s face darkened: "They really ran?"


    "Well, looks like my method won''t be needed after all." Ke Muning looked up and asked, "Can you teach me how to write a few Chinese characters?"


    Secretary Wang put down his water ss: "Sure, but that''s a separate fee."


    Ke Muning instantly gave up and turned to look at Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya: "Huh?"


    "Just write ''cowardly turtle, little bastard''," said Ke Muning, having just searched for insulting phrases in Hua Country''snguage.


    She asked, "Who are we writing this to?"


    "To that old man from the Gui Family."


    Li Xiaoya: ?


    Is this okay? You''re teaching me to write insults to my grandfather?

 Chapter 118: Grandfather Shocked

    <h4>Chapter 118</h4>


    "The second young master is back! The little young master is back too!" The servant came running in, shouting.


    Wei Xuanming was on the phone with an old friend.


    The friend said on the other end, "Our people are all positioned on the perimeter, but unfortunately Ke Muning''s men have taken the high ground. If a fight breaks out, it''ll still cost us some manpower."


    Wei Xuanming replied, "That''s fine."


    "I heard someone died on the ind today, identity unknown, still investigating..."


    Wei Xuanming''s breath hitched: "Is that so? How did they die?"


    Just as the old man was about to continue, he was interrupted by the servant''s shouts.


    "What? Who? Who''s back?" Wei Xuanming hadn''t hung up the phone yet, but he turned his head and asked sternly.


    The servant, hands on knees, took a breath, not having time to repeat himself.


    Wei Wenqing pushed his brother in.


    Wei Wenjuan was dressed sloppily.


    But Wei Wenqing was even more outrageous��he was actually dressed in garish colors, chest bared, looking like a yboy fresh from a party.


    Wei Xuanming thought he must be seeing things.


    Hadn''t they nearly lost control emotionally on the phone just yesterday? How did theye back looking so... "festive"?


    Wei Xuanming almost thought his younger son had been possessed.


    "What''s wrong? Don''t worry! It might not be your two boys," the old friend on the phone hurriedly consoled, hearing Wei Xuanming''s prolonged silence.


    Snapped out of his shock by the voice, Wei Xuanming said to his friend: "Sorry, we can put our ns on hold for now. I''ll call you backter."


    After saying this, he handed the phone to a servant nearby and asked his first question: "Where''s Li Xiaoya?"


    "Still on the ind," Wei Wenjuan answered.


    They hadn''t even had time to change clothes before rushing over to see the old man.


    Wei Xuanming didn''t feel like his son had taken his words to heart after hearing this.


    He asked coldly: "Are you trying to spite me?"


    Wei Wenjuan frowned: "No."


    "I told you not to rashly try to rescue her, so you simply left Li Xiaoya on the ind. If not spite, then what?" Wei Xuanming questioned.


    Wei Wenjuan scoffed and said, "You don''t have that much influence over me and Wenqing. Young Master Sheng persuaded us toe back, saying Li Xiaoya was very safe..."


    Wei Xuanming didn''t lose his temper again. He gripped the armrest of his chair and asked, "The Sheng family would allow him to get involved? Is he nning to rescue Li Xiaoya?"


    "I heard the second young master and the others are back!" Wei Lin''s voice rang out from outside the door, getting closer, and in a blink, he was in front of them.


    He took a couple of breaths and said, "That''s great, as soon as I heard, I came right back..." Wei Lin finished speaking, then turned his head and his gaze also paused briefly on Wei Wenqing''s outfit.


    "This, why are you dressed like that?"


    But no one paid attention to Wei Lin.


    Wei Wenjuan continued, "The situation is a bit strange."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Ke Muning is..." Wei Wenjuan took a breath, and though he didn''t want to say it, he did, "...treating Li Xiaoya quite well."


    Wei Xuanming: ?


    Wei Lin: ???


    Is there something wrong with their brains? Or is there something wrong with his ears?


    "So using back is a good thing," Wei Wenjuan said, glossing over it without intending to borate in front of Wei Lin.


    Wei Lin smiled and said, "I never thought the second young master and little young master would be so at ease about the young miss''s situation now."


    "Then you can rest easy too," Wei Lin looked towards the old man.


    Wei Xuanming only felt that this matter had an eerie vor to it.


    He''d have to send some people to the ind to see who else was helping behind the scenes...


    And that Young Master Sheng''s reach was getting longer and longer. If they wanted to keep him from interfering, it would actually be quite simple.


    They just needed to let the Sheng family elders know how dangerous the situation on the ind was, what kind of madman Ke Muning was, and that there were many more enemies of the Gui family just like Ke Muning...


    A gentleman doesn''t stand beneath a dangerous wall. The Sheng family naturally wouldn''t want their son ying with her anymore!


    Wei Lin lowered his head, still pondering strategies and ns.


    At this moment, a servant came over with the phone again.


    "Your phone call, sir," the servant swallowed, "The caller ims to be Ke Muning."


    Wei Lin, worried, blurted out, "Could it be that he''s discovered the young miss''s identity, captured her, and wants to threaten us?"


    Wei Xuanming swept his gaze, calm and full of authority, over them before taking the phone with one hand.


    "Hello, this is Wei Xuanming. What''s the matter? Do you want to settle the score for your missing shipment?" The old man spoke in English.


    Of course, he wouldn''t reveal his weak points, so he continued to pretend he knew nothing.


    "Hello." However, the voice that came through was in thenguage of Hua Country.


    A childish, female voice.


    Wei Xuanming''s heart tightened, and his vision blurred for a moment.


    Was that Li Xiaoya''s voice?


    "Have you had dinner?" The voice on the other end sounded again, still childish and soft.


    It was familiar, definitely Li Xiaoya''s voice!


    Not "Grandpa, save me", not "Grandpa, I''m scared"... but as if chatting casually, asking if he had eaten dinner.


    Wei Xuanming lowered the phone and asked the servant beside him, "Are you sure it''s Ke Muning calling?"


    The servant replied nkly, "That''s what the caller imed, yes."


    They had alle back from abroad together, so their English was certainly not bad. They even knew a bit of Italian and French.


    On the other end of the phone.


    Ke Muning was also asking Li Xiaoya, "What did you say to him?"


    Li Xiaoya tranted, "In Hua Country, there''s an insult that goes ''you''re so full you''re about to burst''. I asked him if he was full."


    Ke Muning looked at Secretary Wang, "Is there such an insult?"


    Secretary Wang nodded with a smile.


    At this moment, Wei Xuanming took a breath, picked up the phone, and not daring to call Li Xiaoya by name, only said, "Not yet."


    Li Xiaoya asked again, "Are your two sons alright?"


    Ke Muning asked Secretary Wang what she was saying.


    Secretary Wang was almost unable to hold back fromughing out loud. He lowered his head slightly to conceal his expression and said, "She''s saying exactly what a kidnapper would say in their first phone call."


    Ke Muning raised an eyebrow, "This sentence is a threat."


    If a stranger were to ask about your sons right off the bat, it would indeed sound like a threat. The next sentence would typically be "I have your son."


    So this wasn''t wrong at all.


    Li Xiaoya continued, "I wonder if they brought back what they were supposed to?"


    The old man, unable to hide the turmoil in his heart, said in a deep voice, "No."


    They hadn''t been able to bring Li Xiaoya back.


    "You should ask them."


    "...Alright, I''ll ask." The old man said with aplex expression.


    "What is she saying now?"


    "Telling that old man to ask his two good sons properly."


    Ke Muning snorted, "He should ask them how they became such cowards. The old man is a hardliner, he''ll surely be furious."


    Ke Muning snatched the receiver from Li Xiaoya''s hand and cursed in English at the other end, essentially saying you bunch of idiots, what are you hiding from, sooner orter I''ll shove a gun up your asses.


    After saying this, he hung up the phone.


    On the other end, Wei Xuanming: "��������"


    For once, he didn''t get angry at Ke Muning''s crude and overbearing style.


    Now it could be confirmed that the call was indeed from Ke Muning.


    Wei Wenjuan hadn''t lied.


    He wasn''t being spiteful.


    Li Xiaoya was indeed very safe, even safe to the point of being... unbelievable.


    Wei Xuanming suddenly asked Wei Lin and his two sons, "How is Li Xiaoya''s Englishing along?"


    "She''s still not quite keeping up with the school''s teaching progress," Wei Lin answered.


    Wei Xuanming immediately breathed a sigh of relief.


    Wei Lin: ?


    Why did he breathe a sigh of relief?


    Wei Xuanming thought to himself, that''s good then, so she couldn''t understand Ke Muning''s foulnguage.


    At this moment, Ke Muning also turned to Secretary Wang: "Don''t let her use the phone trantor for thatst part."

 Chapter 119: That’s Interesting

    <h4>Chapter 119</h4>


    Initially, Ke Muning wanted to write down his obscenities in Hua Country characters, and send the photo to Wei Xuanming. But when he couldn''t master thenguage after a considerable effort, he resorted to calling.


    He figured that a face-to-face exchange of harsh words is quite refreshing.


    Li Xiaoya, consequently, was chosen to curse in thenguage of the Hua Country.


    However, she instinctively pulled her punches when venting anger. Ke Muning thought that shecked the vulgarnguage of an adult.


    "Should we dispatch someone to infiltrate the Hua Country?" An aide asked.


    "No need to provoke their nation... They will venture overseas again," Ke Muning dismissed with a wave of his hand.


    "Do you mean..."


    "If there''s an overseas business mishap, someone will have to go out and deal with it. If Wei Lin steps in, we''ll kill him first. Without Wei Lin, they will have to rely on theme and the mute. And if the old man decides to step up... that would be quite beneficial," Ke Muning voiced nonchntly.


    "It seems like the journey was in vain," the subordinatemented hisck of effort.


    "How could it be futile?" Ke Muning turned towards Li Xiaoya, "Let''s go! You haven''t learnt how to kill yet."


    Li Xiaoya looked at him, utterly baffled.


    With the two uncles gone, was he going to condemn the innocent?


    Ke Muning pulled out his lighter, "pop" opened the lid, and intended to light a cigar.


    But Secretary Wang stretched out his hand to intercept it, warning, "There''s a child here."


    Ke Muning frowned, pondering for a moment. Although he''s a man who doesn''t bother with niceties, especially like killing, he figured he could make an exception for smoking.


    Ke Muning let go, then continued his line of thought, "Has the news about my trip to kill the Gui brothers spread around the world?"


    "Almost," replied an aide.


    Ke Muning ordered, "Prepare the ne then. We head to Atari Ind immediately to meet another foe."


    His aide was stunned, "Your target is he..."


    Ke Muning shrugged, "Of course, perfect if we can kill two birds with one stone."


    "My friend, you don''t need toe with us," Ke Muning turned his gaze on Secretary Wang.


    Without batting an eye, Secretary Wang pointed to Li Xiaoya and said, "I am responsible for the child. I have to take her back."


    Ke Muning''s smile disappeared when he retorted, "Are you afraid I''ll kill her?"


    "I''m worried you''ll kidnap her," Secretary Wang shot back.


    "......"


    Ke Muning fell silent for a moment, his voice cooling significantly, "That ce, I can''t take you."


    Sating this, he turned to Li Xiaoya, "Your choice. Leave with him now, ore with me to learn what you want. When we finish, I''ll send you back to your home in Hua Country."


    Secretary Wang focused on Li Xiaoya, awaiting her decision.


    She could choose to leave with him and avoid further trouble.


    But would it really end there?


    Nothing changed, Ke Muning still had murder in his intentions, only on hold temporarily due to circumstances.


    But she gets to go home with Secretary Wang...


    She might have to encounter Ke Muning again in the future... how should she deceive him then?


    Li Xiaoya''s little mind was in a tussle between two thoughts.


    Secretary Wang chuckled, "Is it tough to decide?"


    Li Xiaoya looked at Ke Muning.


    Ke Muning was inexplicably overjoyed, he grabbed Li Xiaoya and ran, "I''ll send you back in a couple of days!"


    Secretary Wang coolly poured himself a ss of water,pletely unruffled.


    It didn''t matter much to him.


    But Sheng Yuxiao would be angry.


    And the Gui Family would be on edge for the next few days...


    That''s good.


    They would realize that the precious treasure they had finally recovered might be stolen again if they didn''t take proper care of it.


    Secretary Wang rose from his seat and said, "I''m leaving."


    The bodyguard immediately followed.


    Meanwhile, after Ke Muning had carted off Li Xiaoya, his first line of dialogue was intended to sow discord between her and Secretary Wang.


    He stated, "Wang was so nervous about sending that girl away, but he didn��t send you away. That shows he doesn��t care about your safety. It''s good that you''re with me, because I will ensure your safety."


    He went on, "It sounds like your family isn''t exactly splendid either. If this were in a foreign country, they''d have lost custody a long time ago. Right now, you would be pitifully sitting in an orphanage, waiting to be adopted by me."


    Li Xiaoya didn''t correct his misinterpretation of Secretary Wang''s words, merely stating, "I don''t like waiting to be taken care of by others."


    Ke Muning paused for a moment, thenughed and replied, "Right on, you''re just like me. How could you be pitifully sitting around, waiting for someone toe to your rescue?"


    You should be a little madcap, a little devil, you��re surely not meant to be pitiful.


    Ke Muning took her and boarded a helicopter.


    From a beach not far away, Zhou General caught sight of this scene and couldn''t help but exim, "These rtives are really loaded!"


    Seeing the armed bodyguards, Zhou General was even more taken aback.


    "Holy Cow! They''re more than just rich!" Zhou General was in awe.


    President Xiao heard and looked over curiously, "What''s happening?"


    Zhou General pulled himself together and shook his head, "Nothing. I was just thinking that our major shareholder truly has a lot of power."


    President Xiao: ?


    President Xiao didn''t think much of it, simplymenting, "We''ve been abandoned by both Wei, and the major shareholder''s proxy."


    "But didn''t Wei say he won''t be joining us, but would bear the expenses?"


    "Yeah, such a generous shareholder is truly a rarity." Though President Xiao felt inadequate, he voiced, "Zhou General, tell me honestly, what��s their background?"


    "I really don��t know." Zhou General rudely shook his head and walked away.


    Meanwhile, after swapping transportation twice, Li Xiaoya finally arrived at Atari Ind with Ke Muning.


    Atop Atari Ind, there was a castle built into a hill.


    Ke Muning led her up the hill, and put a wide-brimmed hat, that a bodyguard had brought, on her head.


    Then, he put some grass on it.


    "Bend your head a little more, don''t make yourself a target." Ke Muning pushed her down a little.


    Then he gave her a water bottle, he flicked the cap open to reveal a straw.


    Li Xiaoya bit the straw and as the water went down her throat.


    Suddenly, someone speaking English called out, "They''re out."


    A car was driven out of the castle.


    Ke Muning first ced the binocrs in front of Li Xiaoya, "Can you see?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    So this is the world viewed through a telescope, objects be tremendously vast.


    Ke Muning took it off, saying, "This is the adjustment knob..." Frowning, he continued, "Dependence on trantions is quite troublesome. I ought to study English more seriously upon my return."


    Li Xiaoya slightly nodded.


    "The second car is emerging," said his subordinate standing nearby.


    Ke Muning replied, "That old man is afraid of dying. He will only show up after the first few cars have circled around to confirm it''s safe.��


    His subordinate nodded, continuing the ambush.


    Hearing their conversation, Li Xiaoya once again sighed, Ke Muning might be crazy, but he definitely wasn��t simple-minded. He was truly a formidable enemy!


    Ten minutes passed.


    The cars that came out took a round and went back.


    Almost after waiting for another half an hour, Li Xiaoya��s pot of water was almost at the bottom.


    Another car appeared.


    And as soon as it showed up...


    "Bang!" a sound echoed, followed by a rumble like a chain of firecrackers going off.


    "That��s a wrap," Ke Muning said, unlit cigar clenched in his mouth, he passed his sniper rifle to his subordinate.


    The ind erupted into chaos.


    Ke Muning hurriedly pulled Li Xiaoya into the helicopter. In the rush, her hat fell off.


    Ke Muning leaned back rxedly in his chair, saying, "You see, quite simple."


    He said, "I��m d you chose toe here with me. Next, I��m off to North Africa, would you like to experience that with me?"


    Li Xiaoya asked, "What day of the week is it today?"


    "Monday."


    "I have to go back to school."


    Ke Muning expressed regret, "Alright then, go study English." He wrote a number on a paper and gave it to her.


    Li Xiaoya hesitated for a moment, then wrote down her own number for him.


    If Ke Muning showed any signs of action against her uncle or grandfather, she would be instantly informed.


    Ke Muning, holding her phone number, seemed quite pleased. He said, "Until next time,"


    Li Xiaoya was returned to the previous ind, where Secretary Wang was waiting for her.


    "Is Ke Muning in a pretty good mood?" Secretary Wang asked her.


    Li Xiaoya leaned her head, "Maybe."


    "But someone''s not in a very good mood..." Secretary Wang pointed to a door behind him.


    There''s no need for him to say more. Li Xiaoya''s eyes lit up: "Sheng Yuxiao is inside?"


    Secretary Wang nodded and watched as she rushed in joyfully like a gust of wind.


    Alright then.


    Love is, after all, a two-way journey.


    And Sheng Yuxiao wouldn''t stay upset for more than three seconds.


    Watching the door being pushed open, and the young girl vanish inside, Secretary Wang quietly mused with a smile, "If Ke Muning decides to mold her into a version of himself, things are going to get interesting..."

 Chapter 120: Can’t Say

    <h4>Chapter 120</h4>


    Li Xiaoya rushed behind the door, where a small stove sat on the table with a kettle atop it, bubbling away.


    Sheng Yuxiao was seated at the table. He picked up the hot kettle and poured Li Xiaoya a cup of warm milk.


    Only then did he look up and ask, "Did you have fun?"


    His eyes and brows were naturally sharp and cold, and now with his face stern, he looked even more intimidating.


    But Li Xiaoya wasn''t afraid of him like this.


    She walked over and said, "It wasn''t fun."


    "Really?"


    "Mm, I was a bit scared."


    Sheng Yuxiao thought to himself that this was just talk. When she was with Ke Muning, she was practically sitting on top of his head.


    Li Xiaoya quickly added, "When I heard Secretary Wang say you wereing, I got even more scared. I heard that stray bullets hurt a lot and can even kill people. I was worried you might get hurt too."


    Sheng Yuxiao felt this was sincere.


    He pushed the milk towards Li Xiaoya, his expression softening a bit: "So you even know what stray bullets are now?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded, holding the cup.


    Though it was Ke Muning who had taught her thatter.


    Sheng Yuxiao reached behind him and grabbed the beach hat he had bought, cing it on Li Xiaoya''s head.


    "Did you get heatstroke that day?" Sheng Yuxiao''s tone suddenly became much gentler, "Are you still feeling unwell?"


    "I didn''t actually get heatstroke, Secretary Wang lied to Ke Muning about that. How did you find out?"


    "Ke Muning called a doctor, bought medicine... and also bought you clothes, a hat, ice cream, and cotton candy." Sheng Yuxiao snorted withughter, "I know everything."


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but touch the new hat on her head and said, "Then you must have also bought me ice cream and cotton candy."


    "No, I didn''t. Too much ice cream and cotton candy will give you a toothache..." Sheng Yuxiao took out some small cookies and a little dress.


    Li Xiaoya opened the cookie package, took one out, dipped it in the milk before popping it in her mouth.


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled, "You certainly know how to eat."


    "Mm, I saw it in an advertisement when the vige was showing outdoor movies." Something about twisting and dipping. Little Xiaoya had secretly drooled over it back then.


    "Is it tasty?"


    "It''s delicious." Li Xiaoya dipped another piece and then fed it to Sheng Yuxiao.


    What could Sheng Yuxiao say to that?


    Forget about Ke Muning carrying her on his shoulders.


    Even if Ke Muning hugged her and ran eightps, he wouldn''t be jealous anymore.


    "Do you want to go home now? If you do, we can leave right away." Sheng Yuxiao paused, then said, "If you don''t want to, I can stay and y with you for two more days."


    "Let''s go now then." Li Xiaoya said firmly.


    Sheng Yuxiao felt a bit regretful, but he always put Li Xiaoya''s wishes first, so after she finished her milk, he carried her out.


    Secretary Wang was still sitting nonchntly outside. Seeing theme out, he immediately turned his gaze towards them: "Leaving already?"


    "Mm." The one who responded was Sheng Yuxiao, "You..."


    "You two go ahead, I''ll y for two more days." Secretary Wang put on his sunsses.


    With Sheng Yuxiao here, he couldn''t y anymore, so he decided not to join themotion.


    Sheng Yuxiao stared at him for a moment, knowing his nature well, and didn''t try to persuade him further. He simply carried Li Xiaoya away.


    On the other side.


    Grandfather still took what Li Xiaoya said on the phone seriously.


    So he asked Wei Wenjuan, "Xiaoya said you brought something back? Did you?"


    Wei Wenjuan was startled at first, then smiled helplessly and took out a small cloth bag, pouring out a seashell from inside.


    "What''s this?" People like Wei Xuanming were used to thinking about things inplicated ways.


    He reached out to take the shell, about to turn it over carefully to check for any hidden mechanisms.


    Wei Wenjuan said, "It''s just an ordinary seashell."


    Wei Lin blurted out, "Then what''s so special about bringing it back?"


    "Because Xiaoya picked it up on the beach, thought it was pretty, so she wanted to bring it back for you."


    Just that?


    Wei Lin still didn''t understand.


    But Wei Xuanming''s expression had clearly changed, and he said, "Put it in my bedroom."


    "Going out for a trip, and still remembering to think of this old man. The person hasn''t returned, but the gift has toe back first. Good, very good." Wei Xuanming sighed lightly, then looked at Wei Wenjuan and his brother. Even his instinctive desire to lecture his sons was suppressed.


    He suddenly felt that rather than not being able tomunicate with his two sons, it would be better to let Xiaoya teach these two uncles...


    After all, they listened to everything Xiaoya said.


    And Xiaoya... was always considerate of them.


    Asking them to bring back a "gift," wasn''t that also constantly reminding him to be mindful of family affection, and not to always get angry with his sons?


    A servant carefully walked out and asked, "Will the second young master and the little young master be eating here together today?"


    Wei Xuanming didn''t speak, just looked at them.


    Wei Wenjuan said, "Let''s eat here then."


    Wei Xuanming was about to snort coldly, but held it back.


    They didn''t discuss Ke Muning''s matter for the time being, because there were still many mysteries waiting for Xiaoya to return and reveal herself.


    Only Wei Lin was so anxious, it was like his heart was being wed at, extremely ufortable!


    After dinner, Wei Xuanming kept back one of his trusted subordinates and asked him, "How do you think the second young master and little young master have beentely?"


    "...Very good? Although they had an argument with you on the phone that day, it was all for the little miss after all. They were just overly concerned. Didn''t they still listen to you afterwards? It''s rare that they didn''t hold a grudge against you..."


    "Mm, they''re developing in the direction of normal people."


    The old master whispered a few words to his subordinate, who nodded and quietly went to take care of it.


    At around 9 PM on Monday night, Sheng Yuxiao arrived at Jin City airport with Li Xiaoya.


    On the way back to the city, Sheng Yuxiao told her, "When you go back, if they ask you what exactly you and Ke Muning talked about, what you did, how Ke Muning treated you... don''t tell them."


    Li Xiaoya didn''t expect thest three words, and was stunned for a moment before asking, "Why?"


    If she told them, wouldn''t they stop worrying? Shouldn''t that be a good thing?


    "I didn''t ask you about it the whole way here either. Do you know why? You''re already familiar with Ke Muning''s personality, you should be able to figure it out..."


    "To keep it a secret between me and Ke Muning?"


    "Mm, only then will Ke Muning truly ept you from the bottom of his heart and be close to you. ...You chose to go to Atari Ind with Ke Muning for this result. So don''t give others a chance to ruin it."


    The temperature in Jin City was worlds apart from the ind''s, and Sheng Yuxiao pulled up her hat as he spoke.


    "There are many people in the Wei family, and besides Wei Lin, you''re still too young to know if there are others with ulterior motives. So it''s better not to tell anyone. Only you yourself are the most trustworthy. Otherwise... if one day, Ke Muning hears those details from someone else''s mouth, it will be fatal. He will doubt your motives."


    Just as he finished speaking, the car arrived at their destination.


    Sheng Yuxiao reluctantly patted the fluffy hat on Li Xiaoya''s head.


    The beach hat from earlier had already been folded and packed into the suitcase.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Yuxiao uttered.


    He really wanted to kill all those troublesome things, he thought expressionlessly.


    Li Xiaoya carried her small backpack, while Sheng Yuxiao helped her with the suitcase, only leaving after sending her through the door.


    The servant once again joyfully shouted and ran in through the door: "Little miss! The little miss is back too!"


    To better wait for Xiaoya''s return, the two Wei brothers had stayed since the day they came back.


    Hearing the sound now, they quickly turned their wheelchairs and rushed towards Li Xiaoya.


    Wei Wenqing''s movements were even faster.


    He suddenly rushed over, lifted Xiaoya high and spun her in a circle.


    Li Xiaoya hugged her little uncle''s neck, also breaking into a smile.


    The old master also suddenly sat up straight, but then slowly leaned back, his face nonchnt.


    The elderly woman sitting right next to the old master couldn''t help but ask, "Who is that?"


    The old master said calmly, "A child in the family." Ke Muning''s incident had further alerted them; before Xiaoya grew up, her true identity should be concealed as much as possible!


    Wei Wenqing turned around, still holding Xiaoya.


    Only then did Li Xiaoya see that there were two strangers at the table.

 Chapter 121: Li Xiaoya: "..."

    <h4>Chapter 121</h4>


    One was an elderlydy over seventy, with permed white hair, pearl essories, and a dignified demeanor.


    The other was a young woman with her hair in a bun, adorned with a jade hairpin, wearing a qipao, and carrying an exquisite small handbag.


    Li Xiaoya peeked out to take a look.


    Wei Xuanming spoke up: "This is Mrs. Xing, the wife of the CEO of Beemind International. You can call her Grandma Feng. And this is Grandma Feng''s eldest granddaughter, Xing Siyun."


    Li Xiaoya obediently greeted them in order: "Hello, Grandma Feng. Hello, Sister Siyun."


    Grandma Feng smiled: "Why call her sister? Call her Auntie."


    Li Xiaoya nced at Xing Siyun''s expression, clearly seeing displeasure in her eyes.


    Obviously, she didn''t like it.


    So Li Xiaoya just smiled without changing her form of address.


    "Wenqing, put Little Ya down now," the old man ordered.


    Wei Wenqing had no choice but to let go.


    Because of the guests'' presence, the old man couldn''t ask much about the ind. He had the servant bring some food for Li Xiaoya, then sent her off to bed.


    Li Xiaoya asked the servant: "Is Grandma Feng grandfather''s friend?"


    The servant said: "No."


    "Then why are they..."


    The servant smiled and said: "That''s grown-up business."


    Li Xiaoya didn''t ask further.


    Anyway, if she wanted to know, she could find out through "seeing".


    Li Xiaoya returned to her bedroom, took a shower, and found her phone blinking incessantly in the pile of clothes.


    She picked it up and saw there were already three missed calls.


    They were international calls.


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes flickered. Was it Ke Muning?


    She pressed the answer button, but there was no sound from the other end.


    Li Xiaoya had to speak first, sending over a soft "hello".


    When speaking an unfamiliarnguage, perhaps due to the difference in pronunciation, one''s tone changes along with it.


    Previously, they had only heard Li Xiaoya speak Chinese, which was then tranted by the phone.


    The cold, robotic AI voice from the phone trantion suddenly changed into the soft voice of a little child.


    Ke Muning felt his ears tingle.


    On this end, Li Xiaoya confusedly took the phone away from her ear, tapped it a few times, then brought it close again: "Hello?"


    Ke Muning''s voice finally came through: "Back in China?"


    The phrase was simple enough for Li Xiaoya to understand. She responded with a sound: "Mm."


    But her mind was racing.


    Had he left someone to keep an eye on the ind''s activities? Did they see Sheng Yuxiao leaving with her?


    She hoped Sheng Yuxiao hadn''t been seen.


    The other end rattled off a string of words.


    This time, Li Xiaoya truly couldn''t understand. Because the phone was still connected, it wasn''t convenient to trante, so Li Xiaoya could only say in Chinese: "I don''t understand."


    Although Ke Muning couldn''t understand what she said either, hearing her switch to Chinese, he realized they couldn''tmunicate again.


    Ke Muning waved his hand, taking a trantion device from his subordinate.


    So what came through the phone signal to Li Xiaoya''s ears became AI-generated Chinese, mechanically saying: "I asked Secretary Wang, he''s still there, said you left, how could he not see you off?"


    This trantion was really not very good.


    But at least the meaning was understandable.


    So, Ke Muning hadn''t seen Sheng Yuxiao! He knew because he had asked Secretary Wang.


    "Damn it, chatting is so tiring. Learn English properly." Ke Muning cursed as he ended the call. He thought it would have been better to just say "hello" to him a few more times!


    Li Xiaoya stared at the phone, blinking, then turned it off and went to sleep.


    When she woke up after a nap, she first called Dou Dawei to ask if he had arrived home safely.


    Dou Dawei was very happy to receive the call, saying repeatedly: "I''m home, I''m home. I''lle see you again during the New Year."


    He still didn''t know why Li Xiaoya had asked him to stay two extra daysst time. Was it just to let him experience a five-star hotel?


    But it was indeed very enjoyable.


    Li Xiaoya asked: "Is it troublesome toe?"


    "Not at all, not at all. It''s a good opportunity to bring my wife and kids to y in Jin City too. And also... the year-end bonus will be out by New Year''s, don''t you want it?"


    "Wasn''t it the gold you wrappedst time?" Li Xiaoya was puzzled.


    "How could that be? Haha! That was a personal gift from me and my wife! When you''re away from home, you can''t be without money, right? Gold is a hard currency, you could use it as money even on a deserted ind! You didn''t let anyone see it, did you? Keep it safe!"


    Li Xiaoya''s words of refusal reached her lips but were swallowed back. She responded firmly: "Mm!"


    She should ept others'' kindness, and then be kind to others in return. This way, everyone would be better off!


    After finishing the call with Dou Dawei, Li Xiaoya instinctively went to check the small cab where she kept the gold. It was still locked.


    Good, very safe.


    Grandfather also didn''t let the servants touch her things, let alone enter her room without permission.


    "Young miss, it''s time for school," a servant came to knock on the door.


    "Mm." Li Xiaoya responded, shouldering her backpack and heading out.


    At school, everyone looked at her curiously.


    "Li Xiaoya, you actually skipped a day of school!"


    Zhou Xiaoshu, without thinking too much, blurted out: "She went to y with my dad!"


    Everyone looked at each other, finding it utterly baffling: "Why did she go y with your dad? Is she... your dad''s illegitimate daughter?!"


    Just as they were getting excited about this discovery,


    Zhou Xiaoshu loudly rebuked: "Don''t talk nonsense! I''ll tear your mouths if you keep spreading rumors!"


    "Then what is it? Tell us!"


    "It''s because she has shares in my dad''spany! She''s a major shareholder in my dad''spany!"


    "Still saying she''s not an illegitimate daughter, otherwise why would your dad give her shares?" Others chimed in.


    Zhou Xiaoshu couldn''t argue against them all, and even thought about immediately going to ask for help from the fourth-grade big sister to deal with these damn kids!


    An Ying sighed and interjected: "Couldn''t Li Xiaoya have bought the shares herself?"


    "An Ying, do you know how much money it takes to buy shares in apany? You think it''s just tens of thousands? Haha." One child pointed andughed at her.


    Previously, Li Xiaoya didn''t like dealing with the taunts and mockery from the kids at Shitou School.


    But now she suddenly realized that she could handle it effortlessly.


    She interjected: "Isn''t it just a few million?"


    "...Huh?" The mockingughter stopped abruptly.


    "Li Xiaoya, are you bragging? How could parents give a child millions to buy shares?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head and said: "It''s not just a few million."


    "So you admit you''re lying?"


    "It''s fifty million." Uncle said a diamond mine had been transferred to her name, fifty million should be about right, right?


    Everyone was stunned into silence.


    "Listen to her brag... does she even know how much fifty million is?" Someone still sneered and argued.


    "My dad told me to be careful when going out. If kidnappers got me, they might demand a hundred million in ransom," another child chimed in, snorting at Li Xiaoya. Implying, "I''m worth more than you."


    An Ying suddenly piped up: "Then you''d better be careful walking around. This morning, my dad was talking about a news story. It said a billionaire was killed on some ind abroad. That billionaire was worth five billion. My dad said he was targeted because he was too rich."


    The child shuddered and fell silent.


    An Ying nodded with satisfaction, thinking to herself that this was for his own good, he had no idea how formidable Li Xiaoya was.


    However, Li Xiaoya''s attention was now drawn to An Ying''s mention of a billionaire being killed on an ind.


    Was it the one Ke Muning killed?


    Li Xiaoya asked: "What was the billionaire''s name?"


    An Ying quickly pulled out her phone to check the news, saying: "The name''s too long, I can''t remember."


    An Ying turned her phone around, showing them the news content.


    "My dad was also talking about this news this morning."


    "The news says they found a small floral hat at the scene. Does the killer wear a small floral hat?"


    "Dummy! A hat that small must belong to a child."


    "Oh, so the killer brought his daughter along."


    "That''s even more ridiculous, okay? Even more far-fetched than Li Xiaoya''s bragging."


    Li Xiaoya: "......"


    But, that small floral hat.


    It seems... it might be the one she lost.

 Chapter 122: Even Grandpa Gets Scolded

    <h4>Chapter 122</h4>


    Li Xiaoya returned home from school to find her grandfather and the others discussing the news of a wealthy tycoon''s death.


    "Du Lu died very suddenly," someone remarked.


    "Everyone thought Ke Muning was rushing over to kill the second young master and the little young master. No one expected him to suddenly change course and kill Du Lu instead," Wei Lin sighed.


    "Oh, Xiaoya''s back," Wei Lin said, his face softening into a gentle smile.


    Was it because of Li Xiaoya''s quick wit and intelligence that the three of them��uncle and nephews��had managed to escape with their lives this time?


    Apparently not.


    They had simply been lucky.


    It turned out that Ke Muning''s initial target had always been Du Lu. The Wei brothers were just a decoy!


    "Who''s Du Lu?" Li Xiaoya asked curiously.


    "I think it''s best if we don''t let Xiaoya hear about these things," Wei Lin said, ncing at Wei Xuanming''s expression.


    "There''s nothing she can''t hear. Sit down," Wei Xuanming gestured for a servant to take her schoolbag.


    Wei Wenjuan chimed in, "Bring some snacks and desserts."


    The servant acknowledged and left.


    Soon, a duet of cracking sounds filled the air��Wei Wenqing was shelling hazelnuts on the left, while Wei Wenjuan was cracking walnuts on the right.


    Of course, it was all for Li Xiaoya to eat.


    The old master''s eyelid twitched at the sight, feeling a twinge of sourness in his heart. He hadn''t enjoyed such treatment himself in all these years.


    Wei Lin''s mouth twitched uncontrobly, thinking this was somewhat exaggerated.


    His concerns seemed superfluous in this scenario. These two masters had been reinvigorated by Li Xiaoya''s arrival, their spirits lifted, even willing to go out now. But where was all that energy being directed?


    They weren''t asking the old master for control of thepany, nor were they fighting with him.


    It was all being spent on doting on Li Xiaoya!


    "Grandpa, who exactly is Du Lu?" Li Xiaoya asked again, munching on the nuts.


    "The president of Yuemei Airlines."


    "Airlines?"


    "Yes, many of the flight routes to destinations around the world belong to theirpany."


    Li Xiaoya nodded, understanding now. He was a very wealthy man who owned nes.


    Wei Lin suddenly said, "Ke Muning is truly vicious."


    As he spoke, he kept a close eye on Li Xiaoya''s changing expressions.


    "They didn''t actually have any direct conflict. It was just because Ke Muning cut off Du Lu''s brother-inw''s ear, and after that, Du Lu refused to do business with Ke Muning. So he killed him," Wei Lin shook his head. "He''s really quite mercurial and brutal."


    Li Xiaoya turned to him, "Uncle Wei Lin, did you provoke such a terrifying enemy?"


    Wei Lin hadn''t expected to shoot himself in the foot. His expression froze for a moment before he asked, "Who told you that?"


    Wei Xuanming calmly interjected, "Yes, he messed it up. But it was his first assignment, and after botching it, he didn''t try to hide it but sought help from above. He still took the right path, more or less."


    Wei Wenjuan''s lips curled in a mocking smile, but he said nothing. His father had always been lenient towards Wei Lin.


    "Uncle Wei Lin, how many more times have you messed up like this?" Li Xiaoya asked seriously.


    Wei Lin''s expression grew even more rigid. "Where is thising from?"


    Was the little girl deliberately giving him a hard time today?


    "I need to know who else might be our enemies. Otherwise, I won''t recognize them if we meet face to face, and we''ll end up getting killed," Li Xiaoya''s reasoning couldn''t have been more legitimate.


    "Preparing for the future, very good," Wei Xuanming praised coolly. "You should write a detailed list for Xiaoya tonight."


    "Tonight?"


    "The sooner the better, naturally. Du Lu''s death has frightened quite a few people. Many have be alert, fearing they might be next. It''s a good thing that Xiaoya has recognized the crisis early."


    "...Yes, sir."


    Wei Lin never imagined that after this conversation, he would be the one left with all the work.


    He stayed up all night, forced to constantly recall various past failures... Amidst shame and resentment, he toiled until dawn, finally managing topile a clear list.


    He even wrote down where and how each grudge had been formed.


    After all, the old master had given the order, and he dared not ck off.


    The next day, when Li Xiaoya returned from school, Wei Lin handed the list to her in front of the old master.


    "Xiaoya," Wei Lin''s facial muscles twitched as he forced a smile, "If there are any words you don''t recognize, make sure to ask me."


    This was his way of implying that she couldn''t even read all the characters, let alone understand what was written.


    Li Xiaoya grabbed the booklet and flipped through it rapidly.


    Wei Lin was speechless.


    What kind of reading method was this? Quantum speed reading?


    At best, she was just going through the motions.


    At this point, Li Xiaoya put down the booklet, looked at Wei Lin, then at Wei Xuanming.


    She said, "Grandpa, you guys are really good at making enemies, aren''t you? Howe there are enemies everywhere?"


    Wei Lin nearly choked, unable to catch his breath.


    The old master was also taken aback.


    Was she... scolding him?


    Wei Wenjuan couldn''t hold back and burst outughing.


    Wei Wenqing couldn''t make a sound, but apparently feeling the need to join in on this rare asion, he used his phone to participate.


    The mechanical voice from the phone coldly squeezed out two perfectly enunciated words: "Ha ha."


    Wei Xuanming: "..."


    The old master, who usually maintained an immovable demeanor, now looked like his expression was about to crack.


    He turned to Wei Wenqing, "What was that sound?"


    Li Xiaoya looked up and said, "Grandpa, I taught Little Uncle. This way, Little Uncle can talk too. Isn''t it convenient?"


    "...Yes." This word was squeezed out from between the old master''s teeth.


    As the first victim, Wei Lin wiped his face. Well, today even the old master had fallen victim. What more could he say?


    However, after Li Xiaoya''s "scolding," the family surprisingly didn''t start arguing about having too many enemies.


    The atmosphere had shifted from tense to rxed.


    "I want to take this back and memorize it," Li Xiaoya said, putting away the small booklet.


    "I didn''t get a chance to ask the other day, who did you go to the ind with? Why were there so many people on the phone?" Wei Xuanming asked, changing his tone.


    "They were all employees of thepany," Li Xiaoya answered.


    "Thepany you bought shares in?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    "Why did your second uncle go along? ... Did he provide the money?"


    Wei Lin thought to himself, so he went to be the fall guy?


    "No, it''s because Second Uncle is also a major shareholder in thepany," Li Xiaoya replied.


    Wei Xuanming paused once again.


    He had been wondering how Xiaoya was managing to bnce things.


    It turned out she had already... bnced everything perfectly and quietly!


    "Investing everything in onepany, isn''t that too risky?" Wei Lin said, then immediately caught himself, "Of course, Xiaoya hasn''t studied finance yet, so it''s normal that she doesn''t understand this concept..."


    But for you two adults not to be more mindful, that''s not quite normal, is it?


    "Risk? There''s no risk. Only money to be made. If we''re going to make money, of course we should invite uncle to join in," Li Xiaoya said, shaking her head.


    Wei Lin smiled and put on an expectant expression. "Well, this year is almost over. The shareholder dividends will make everything clear."

 Chapter 123: You are so bold, he hangs up the phone

    <h4>Chapter 123</h4>


    Dream Creation Game Company Building.


    President Liu walked in with his entourage. Others who saw him still greeted him politely.


    "I still have some things to pick up. Why was no one at thepany when I came by a couple days ago? Where''s your Zhou General?" President Liu thought it was likely his withdrawal of funds had too big an impact on thepany.


    But for no one to be working on a Monday was a bit extreme. Did everything fall apart as soon as he left?


    "Zhou General is very busy today, not in the office," said the receptionist.


    President Liu pondered - was that Zhou fellow still out there trying to find people and figure things out?


    He chuckled inwardly. It was useless now, everything was a futile effort. The over 5 million he got from that kid had already been reinvested in anotherpany.


    Though his shares weren''t as much as here, thatpany''s CEO had more drive and a sharper mind. More importantly, they were open-minded!


    Thatpany had directly copied the general outline of the two ace games Zhou General had up his sleeve.


    Of course, President Liu knew Zhou Qiang had some talent for making games. But what use was that if they couldn''t get a license?


    The otherpany just copied the basic form, but had more connections. They could secure a license this month. By then, that Zhou fellow would really be left in the dust.


    "I was hoping to have a drink with your Zhou General, but seems that won''t be possible now." President Liu shook his head with a smile. He hadn''t walked more than a few steps when he ran into President Xiao.


    President Liu immediately put on an even more surprised expression, his face nearly splitting from smiling: "Oh my, President Xiao, you''re still here!"


    Good thing he got out fast - clearly the remaining shares couldn''t be sold off.


    President Xiao also smiled, beaming: "What brings President Liu back?"


    "I came back to pick up a few things I left behind."


    "Oh, I thought President Liu..."


    "Thought I wasing back to thepany? Haha, I won''t being back. We''ll have dinner together sometime when we''re free."


    "Oh, okay. I thought you''d heard..." President Xiao suddenly stopped.


    "Heard what?" President Liu looked at him suspiciously.


    "The gameunched today."


    President Liu froze: "What did you say?"


    "Zhou General should be with our major shareholder right now. I''m about to head over there myself." President Xiao nced at his expression, knowing President Liu was slyly malicious and just wanted to see them in dire straits.


    President Xiao added: "Actually, our major shareholder is quite good! You really can''t find many like that..."


    With that, President Xiao hurried off.


    What? What did he mean?


    How did they suddenly start praising the major shareholder? Was he talking about that kid? Or that cripple?


    President Liu tilted his head and instructed his secretary: "Go online right away and see what the official ount posted."


    "Yes sir!"


    What items had President Liu really left behind? He''d deliberately left two bottles of wine so he coulde backter to see their misfortune.


    But today''s show wasn''t entertaining at all.


    He picked up the wine and walked to the reception desk, still unable to resist asking: "How''s your major shareholder doing?"


    At this, the receptionist perked up, praising with a big smile: "The major shareholder is great, really great. Even took us on an overseas team-building trip. We stayed in vis. We just got back..."


    That cripple was so rich? Really the foolish son of a wealthy family, huh? Throwing money around without a care?


    "Howe I haven''t seen the major shareholdere to thepany? Does he not manage anything?"


    "That''s right. He''s good-tempered, doesn''t manage much. During those two days of team-building, he just let us y freely, all expenses under his name."


    "What about the other one?"


    "You mean Miss Li? She left by helicopter while we were on the ind. Haven''t seen her since." Inparison, thepany employees'' impression of Li Xiaoya wasn''t as deep.


    After the trip, they just remembered that Miss Li had many wealthy rtives abroad.


    President Liu fell silent.


    He could only be considered to have a bit of money.


    Clearly, someone who could casually take a helicopter whenever they wanted was in a ss far above his.


    President Liu was still standing there stunned.


    Suddenly, a door not far away was forcefully pushed open, mming against the wall with a "bang".


    "Daily revenue has broken 3 million! Still rising!" someone shouted in a frenzy.


    The wholepany quickly became lively.


    Like wolf pups who hadn''t seen meat in ages.


    Just 3 million? President Liu sneered.


    Wait, daily revenue?


    President Liu grabbed the person: "Which game?"


    "The new game."


    "New... game?"


    "Didn''t President Xiao just say? The game officiallyunched today," the receptionist chimed in.


    President Liu''s eyelids started twitching uncontrobly.


    Breaking 3 million on the first day, wouldn''t that be over 100 million in a month? 100 million! And in a year? How many hundreds of millions would that be?


    No, no, I can''t believe this so easily.


    President Liu swallowed hard: "Let''s go back first."


    President Liu made several calls trying to gather information, but to no avail. Fortunately, the trending topics answered his questions.


    Zhou General''s new game... was trending.


    The hashtag was #The Incredible Money-Making Power of New Domestic Games#.


    President Liu''s vision went ck. What was there left to not understand?


    "This was all a trap! I fell for it!"


    *


    Li Xiaoya was at school, so she found out the news a bitter.


    She stood at the school gate taking Zhou General''s call, learning the good news.


    "Okay, I got it," she said after hanging up, then immediately called her second uncle.


    "I''m having tea with Zhou General," Wei Wenjuan''s voice sounded rxed and cheerful.


    Li Xiaoya''s face immediately brightened with a smile. She said to him: "Uncle, go buy some gifts."


    Wei Wenjuan agreed right away: "Sure, what do you want?"


    "Not for me. You and little uncle should buy some gifts for grandpa."


    Wei Wenjuan was silent for a moment, but still responded: "Xiaoya, I understand."


    Li Xiaoya hung up, feeling happy. She was about to call Sheng Yuxiao to invite him to a celebratory dinner.


    Suddenly someone approached her: "Miss Li!"


    The person''s face was gloomy, his chubby features twisted with displeasure.


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head, recognizing who it was: "President Liu?"


    President Liu gave a coldugh: "I thought you high and mighty types were forgetful and wouldn''t remember me. Are you wondering how I knew you attend this school?"


    "You followed Zhou Xiaoshu?"


    "That''s right! I''ve already figured out this whole thing was a scheme set up by Zhou General. I figured a kid like you can''t be found just anywhere. You''re the same age as his daughter, so you must be her ssmate, right? I don''t know where you live. But I know where his house is." President Liu showed off his burst of intelligence.


    But the burst came a bitte.


    And wasn''t very appropriate.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t say he misunderstood. She just calmly asked: "So why are you looking for me?"


    President Liu hadn''t expected this child to be soposed.


    He had nned to y both good cop and bad cop.


    Now the bad cop act was done... but the kid had no reaction. Still, he had to continue with the good cop.


    President Liu bent down and said in a low voice: "Zhou General is just using you. Do your parents know what he''s doing? Look, you spent 5.8 million to buy shares from me, right? I''m willing to buy them back from you now for 7 million."


    Li Xiaoya sighed softly.


    Did she look that easy to fool?


    "I need to go home," Li Xiaoya said.


    President Liu hadn''t expected that when he was selling shares before, he had to coax this little brat, and now to buy the shares back, he still had to coax her.


    His blood rushed to his head, but he still tried hard to suppress it.


    "This time... what gift do you want?" President Liu asked in a low voice.


    "I don''t want anything. I''m leaving."


    "You can''t leave yet!" President Liu anxiously grabbed her. He had no choice - he had to settle this quickly. Otherwise, as the revenue kept rising, people outside weren''t stupid. Everyone would know this kid was the easiest breakthrough!


    By then, he wouldn''t even get a sip of the meat soup!


    Li Xiaoya''s ssmates were hiding behind the school gate at this point, peeking out and whispering: "Is that person trying to kidnap Li Xiaoya?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu''s eyes widened: "That''s Uncle Liu. Why is he looking for Xiaoya?"


    "You know him?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu didn''t answer. She quickly took out her phone to call her dad.


    Meanwhile, An Ying was already running to the high school section to find Qin Sui.


    Outside the school gate.


    Li Xiaoya''s phone suddenly rang.


    She blinked and was about to answer.


    President Liu was thoroughly irritated. Seeing the child''s nonchnt expression made him even more furious.


    He reached out and hung up Li Xiaoya''s phone for her.


    Then, making an effort to soften his tone, he said, "Miss Li, how about 8 million? How old are you? With just one transfer of equity, you''ll make a clear profit of over 2 million. Your family will think you''re a genius! This money can be in your hands immediately, it''s real and tangible! Isn''t that great?"


    Li Xiaoya''s phone rang again.


    President Liu quickly hung up for her again.


    What if it was Zhou General calling... If he intercepted the person, how could they continue negotiating?


    "Miss Li, why don''t we find another ce to sit down and talk slowly? You can bring your driver and bodyguard, it''ll be very safe..." President Liu went on and on.


    Li Xiaoya looked down at her phone screen.


    Missed call �� Ke Muning.


    You''ve hung up on him twice, that''s quite bold. Li Xiaoya looked at President Liu.


    President Liu: ?


    Why is this kid so unresponsive?

 Chapter 124: An Ying: Help

    <h4>Chapter 124</h4>


    Apart from a group of kids whose imaginations had run wild after discussing kidnapping ransoms a couple of days ago, no one else thought President Liu was here to kidnap anyone.


    So the school security guards didn''t move.


    The bodyguards and drivers waiting outside the pedestrian walkway didn''t move either.


    Howughable - who would be foolish enough to attempt a kidnapping in broad daylight at the gates of this elite primary school? That would be suicidal!


    Besides, President Liu had arrived in a Porsche, even if it was just worth a million or so.


    "There sure are a lot of peopleing to see the little miss," the driver remarked, leaning against the car. "Wonder what this one''s here to deliver today?"


    President Liu did indeed want to deliver something.


    He wanted to give Li Xiaoya money, gifts, whatever it took to quickly regain control of the shares within reason!


    "You''d better calm down," Li Xiaoya said, pushing away his hand.


    At this point, Li Xiaoya''s phone was ringing for the third time.


    President Liu tried to reach for it again.


    But this time Li Xiaoya answered it first, looking at President Liu seriously as she said: "Since you''re so keen on touching my phone, why don''t you take this call?"


    With that, she held the phone out generously.


    Now it was President Liu''s turn to be stunned.


    Let him answer it?


    But... he couldn''t really do that.


    If it was Zhou General calling, he would tell the other party on the phone that he knew everything...


    "Hello," President Liu said into the phone.


    There was silence on the other end.


    "Hello?" President Liu said again, confused, then turned to Li Xiaoya and asked: "Who''s calling? They''re not saying anything."


    Just as President Liu finished speaking, a cold, deep male voice came through: "Who are you?"


    And it was in English!


    President Liu''s English wasn''t bad, after all, he had plenty of experience exporting head-swapping games overseas. As the boss, if he couldn''t manage this much, wouldn''t he just be waiting to get duped by his subordinates?


    "I''m sorry, she''s discussing some important matters with me right now. Could you please call backter?" President Liu said fluently in English.


    But the man on the other end asked: "Were you the one who hung up on me earlier?"


    "That may have been a bit rude, but I really do have urgent business here..."


    "What do you want to discuss with her? Perhaps I can help persuade her."


    President Liu hesitated, then said: "I just want to give her 8 million to buy back the shares she''s holding."


    "Shares in whichpany?"


    "..."


    "8.8 million, I can help convince her."


    President Liu''s heart started beating faster. He said: "Really? May I ask, are you her..."


    "Guardian."


    Huh? A foreign guardian?


    "Alright, alright, 8.8 million is fine... I just want to get back the shares I previously sold to her."


    "What''s thepany called?"


    "Dream Maker."


    "What''s your name?"


    President Liu suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.


    He still had this much alertness left.


    Carefully considering the foreign man''s voice now, beneath his cold tone there was clearly hidden arrogance.


    No, he couldn''t give his name.


    "I''m sorry, but I''ll have to hang up on you again," President Liu said politely.


    But this bit of courtesy meant nothing in Ke Muning''s eyes.


    From the moment he hung up the first time, he had already offended Ke Muning thoroughly.


    "Put her back on," Ke Muning didn''t pursue the question, but his tone grew even heavier,ing through the phone speaker as if he was speaking right next to one''s ear.


    President Liu felt his scalp tingle, experiencing an instinctive fear.


    He handed the phone back to Li Xiaoya: "You''d better talk to him yourself."


    Li Xiaoya took it back: "Hello."


    On the other end, Ke Muning''s expression eased slightly, but only slightly.


    "It seems the person isn''t a kidnapper, which is cause for some relief," Ke Muning said, then his tone shifted, asking coldly: "When faced with such an arrogant and rude individual, why didn''t you just blow his head off?"


    Li Xiaoya: ??


    "Never mind, you probably wouldn''t understand anyway. I''ll settle for hearing you say hello." Ke Muning then took a trantor device from his subordinate and tranted a sentence: "Give the phone to him, I have more to say."


    "You take it," Li Xiaoya handed it back to President Liu.


    President Liu was about to lose his mind.


    Why give it to him again?


    "Miss Li, after this call can we sit down and have a proper talk?" President Liu asked.


    Li Xiaoya: "We could, but..."


    She was afraid he wouldn''t be able to sit downter.


    President Liu didn''t know what she was thinking, and took the phone again: "Sir, what else do you..."


    President Liu couldn''t finish his sentence.


    Ke Muning interrupted with augh: "I will find you. You''d better clean yourself thoroughly, so when the gun barrel goes up your ass, your abdominal cavity won''t be a mess from your own shit."


    With that, he hung up, leaving only the "beep beep" of the dial tone echoing in President Liu''s ear.


    As expected!


    The man just wanted to know who he was!


    Sweat broke out on President Liu''s back.


    He blinked, his scalp tingling all over.


    ...No, no, that must have been a joke.


    Where was this? The country with the strictest gun control in the world! There was no need to worry about the dangers of shootouts here!


    But, but the other party was a foreigner.


    It''s fine, it''s fine, who woulde all the way here to kidnap someone, take them out of the country, and then shove a gun up their... rear end to kill them, just for hanging up twice?


    All sorts of thoughts crowded President Liu''s mind.


    "President Liu? Are you done talking?" Li Xiaoya looked up and asked.


    "Done," President Liu replied, unaware of how uncertain he looked as he said those two words.


    Li Xiaoya took back her phone from his hand, and at that moment two cars came speeding over.


    One was a Koenigsegg, the other a Bentley Batur.


    The Koenigsegg drifted into a turn, stopping right in front of President Liu. It startled him, thinking his feet were about to be crushed.


    Fortunately, they weren''t in the end.


    But President Liu''s old habit kicked in, and he instinctively lowered his head to estimate its value.


    This car must be worth at least 20 million to start, right?


    The next second, the car door opened.


    Sheng Yuxiao stepped out with his long legs, immediately cing a hand on President Liu''s shoulder: "Where were you nning to take her?"


    "You are..." President Liu felt like he looked familiar. But since he had never directly interacted with Sheng Yuxiao in person before, he wasn''t quite sure.


    "He''s Sheng Yuxiao," Li Xiaoya helpfully providedmentary from the sidelines.


    However...


    "Why did youe? I was just about to call you, but hadn''t yet," Li Xiaoya said.


    The young master Sheng, whose expression had been quite cold and fierce, softened a tiny bit at these words, but then sneered: "Some brat from your ss named An something ran to the high school section looking for Qin Sui. Said it looked like someone was causing trouble for you at the school gate."


    Sheng Yuxiao asked another question: "Why would she go to Qin Sui when there''s trouble?"


    President Liu sucked in a breath, his scalp tingling as he tried to take half a step back amid Sheng Yuxiao''s questioning, but couldn''t retreat further as Sheng Yuxiao pressed down harder on his shoulder.


    "Trying to run?" Sheng Yuxiao asked softly, turning his face.


    President Liu couldn''t speak.


    This was Sheng Yuxiao.


    And he had just mentioned that a kid surnamed An had gone to find Qin Sui.


    President Liu suddenly recalled the "lies" from Zhou General''s wife''s mouth earlier, first iming to know Qin Sui, then saying she knew Sheng Yuxiao.


    At the time, President Liu had scoffed.


    Now, President Liu... he never imagined these two names would appear before him in this way.


    "He wants to talk to me," Li Xiaoya''s voice rang out. "I said okay."


    Sheng Yuxiao patted President Liu''s shoulder: "Well then, get in the car."


    In the Bentley behind.


    An Ying carefully leaned over the front seat backrest and asked: "Are we... not getting out?"


    Qin Sui, sitting in the passenger seat, said: "No need, Sheng Yuxiao is enough on his own."


    "Then should we leave?"


    "No rush."


    Over there, President Liu was forced into the Koenigsegg.


    Qin Sui told the driver: "Follow them."


    Then he turned his head back, looking at An Ying: "Next time, if you need to find me because of Li Xiaoya, don''t say it in front of so many people, understand?"


    An Ying felt like she understood a little, so she asked even more carefully: "You mean... only tell you privately?"


    "Mm, you''re clever."


    An Ying couldn''t help but ask another question: "Will that offend Sheng Yuxiao?"


    "See, now you''ve asked a stupid question."


    An Ying hugged her head.


    Help.


    How on earth did Li Xiaoya manage to walk the tightrope between these two?

 Chapter 125: Cormann: What a Coincidence

    <h4>Chapter 125</h4>


    President Liu never imagined he''d ride in such a luxurious car in his lifetime, especially not under these circumstances.


    Sheng Yuxiao took him directly to Rongxiang Restaurant, the very ce where he had first met with Zhou General to devise the n to oust President Liu.


    This was President Liu''s first time setting foot in this members-only restaurant.


    He couldn''t bring himself to feel happy, not even a little bit.


    So Zhou General''s so-called "acquaintance" was actually through this kid!


    "Young Master Sheng, right? Young Master Sheng, there might be a bit of a misunderstanding about today''s events..." President Liu began speaking as soon as they entered.


    Sheng Yuxiao ignored him and instead turned to the waiter, saying: "Milk."


    The waiter, familiar with the routine, first poured milk for Li Xiaoya.


    Sheng Yuxiao even bent down to lift Li Xiaoya onto the chair.


    President Liu watched this scene, even more shocked than Zhou General had been initially.


    At this moment, Qin Sui also unhurriedly entered Rongxiang Restaurant.


    For others, getting through the door here was difficult, but for Qin Sui, it was as simple as eating or drinking water.


    "Which private room is Sheng Yuxiao in?" Qin Sui asked.


    "Ah?" The waiter didn''t dare answer, fearing trouble might ensue.


    Qin Sui slowly blinked and casually told a lie: "Did he bring a child with him?"


    "Yes..."


    "That''s my family''s child."


    "What?" The waiter''s expression was about to crack.


    "Show me the way, or do you want my father toe and speak with your manager personally?"


    The waiter didn''t even have time to think and hurriedly led him inside.


    Soon after, Zhou General arrived with Wei Wenjuan and Wei Wenqing.


    "I''ve been here before, remember me? Last time I dined with Young Master Sheng." Zhou General pointed at himself, then at Wei Wenjuan, "The child inside is from this gentleman''s family."


    The waiter wanted to speak but hesitated.


    No, wait.


    Why is everyone iming the child as their own? Whose child is it really?


    If it weren''t for the fact that they were all clearly wealthy individuals, he would have thought they were child traffickers.


    "Alright, just lead the way," Wei Wenjuan, unable to tolerate Zhou General''s roundabout approach, simply pulled out a card.


    The waiter nced at the logo printed on it, barely had time to marvel at today''s surreal events before quickly leading them inside.


    The door was first pushed open by Qin Sui.


    "Am Ite?" Qin Sui walked in.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s mouth twitched, wanting to say you shouldn''t havee at all.


    Then the door was pushed open again by Wei Wenqing, with Wei Wenjuan shouting from the side: "Xiaoya, are you okay?"


    Li Xiaoya sweetly replied, "I''m fine, Sheng Yuxiao arrived very quickly."


    Qin Sui''s eyes flickered at her voice, but he didn''t interject.


    Meanwhile, President Liu, who had been trembling with fear, suddenly straightened his back.


    He looked left and right, never imagining that behind the truth he knewy yet anotheryer of truth!


    He looked at the stockholder with a limp in front of him: "You and Li Xiaoya knew each other long ago too?"


    Wei Wenjuan coldly raised his eyes: "I''m her uncle, what do you think?"


    Not just acquainted.


    The rtionship was even this close!


    President Liu suddenly red at Zhou General: "Well done! What a masterful scheme!"


    Zhou General humbly said, "It''s nothing, really..."


    President Liu immediately turned to Sheng Yuxiao and said: "Can''t you see? This is all that Zhou''s doing, using you to control thepany and kick me out! He''s using Miss Li as a bridge to tie you and that Young Master Qin to his boat!"


    Qin Sui finally interjected: "Are you talking about me?"


    President Liu was stunned for a moment, realizing this unfamiliar young man was the so-called Young Master Qin!


    So... they all came?


    Two top-tier wealthy heirs he might never have had the chance to interact with in his lifetime were now standing in this small private room...


    President Liu swallowed hard and said, "Yes, yes, Young Master Qin, he''s using you, using you and Young Master Sheng... Miss Li is young, she can''t see through these schemes and intrigues. Just because she''s ssmates with Zhou''s daughter, they''re using her as a stepping stone..."


    Qin Sui interrupted him, speaking with a slightly sarcastic tone: "I wanted to be tied to the boat, but haven''t managed it yet."


    President Liu''s flood of usations suddenly choked.


    What... what did that mean?


    Sheng Yuxiao scoffed lightly: "You really think you''re something, don''t you?"


    "Indeed, we don''t even need Young Master Qin to join in," Zhou General quickly added, smoothing things over to prevent Young Master Qin and Young Master Sheng froming to blows.


    "This matter, at its core, was initially just... Young Master Sheng wanting to teach Miss Li how to deal with uncooperative shareholders," Zhou General said softly.


    President Liu: "...Huh?"


    Such an absurd reason...


    Such an absurd reason!


    "So Young Master Sheng called me over, yes, right here in this private room. After asking a few questions about thepany''s situation, we came up with a solution. It''s simple, not thatplicated. There''s no use or misuse... I''m personally very grateful to Miss Li." Zhou General''s tone was very calm.


    But every word stung.


    President Liu found it hard to ept such a reason.


    "I haven''t offended Young Master Sheng, I haven''t offended any of you, why? Why help him like this?"


    President Liu couldn''t suppress the indignation in his voice: "Just because I don''t have a daughter to be Miss Li''s ssmate?"


    "But you couldn''t raise a daughter like Zhou Xiaoshu, nor could you find a wife like Aunt Liu Meng," Li Xiaoya gently reminded him.


    Zhou General, upon hearing this, felt as if he had just drunk honey. Oh my, this Li Xiaoya was really something, impressive yet so pleasant with her words!


    It made him feel almost embarrassed.


    "Miss Li! That''s prejudice!" President Liu cried out, unwilling to ept.


    "Prejudice? Like how you, knowing the game started making money, couldn''t wait toe find Li Xiaoya..." Sheng Yuxiao''s eyes were cold.


    Wei Wenjuan coldly added: "There are two new shareholders, why didn''t you dare toe find me? Did you think she was young, easy to deceive, easy to bully?"


    President Liu was speechless.


    He looked around the room.


    He nced at Sheng Yuxiao, then at Qin Sui, then at the grim-faced Wei Wenjuan... Where was the easy to deceive? Where was the easy to bully?


    President Liu could only squeeze out three words with difficulty: "I didn''t..."


    "If Li Xiaoya hadn''t agreed to talk with you today, were you nning to forcibly take her away?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "I, I wouldn''t dare, that would be kidnapping, wouldn''t it?" President Liu''s mind was in chaos, not knowing how to salvage the situation. "Look, I, I must have frightened Miss Li, I''ll apologize to her, I''ll, I''ll buy her something to make amends..."


    Meanwhile.


    Ke Muning gave his subordinates some information.


    "Find a Chinese person. He was once a shareholder of apany called ''Dream Maker'' and recently sold all his shares."


    The hacker quickly found the information Ke Muning needed.


    "Sir, is this thepany you''re referring to? There''s only one person who matches your requirements. We also found a photo of him at an event."


    The hacker turned the notebook screen towards Ke Muning.


    Former shareholder, Wei Liu.


    "That should be him," Ke Muning raised an eyebrow. "Now, choose a suitable gun."


    "Understood." The hacker was about to close theptop.


    "Wait." Ke Muning grabbed his shoulder and leaned in to look at the screen again.


    On the second-level page was an updated shareholder page for thispany. There were no photos of the shareholders, but their names were listed.


    The name Wei Wenjuan caught Ke Muning''s eye.


    He couldn''t distinguish Chinese faces very well, but he had a strong impression of the shape of Chinese characters.


    "This is Wei Er''s name," Ke Muning bent his finger, the gun callus on his fingertip rubbing over the name.


    "What a coincidence? He''s also a shareholder in thispany?"

 Chapter 126: Little Duck’s Little Tricks~

    <h4>Chapter 126</h4>


    In the private room.


    President Liu was so anxious he started reaching for his wallet.


    "What are you doing?" Zhou General pulled his arm from the side and said, "Do you think Young Master Sheng and the others are here to extort you?"


    "Then..." President Liu had never encountered such a situation before. He had no idea what to do.


    Zhou General said helplessly, "You should be grateful that Young Master Sheng arrived in time."


    President Liu''s brain finally regained a bit of rity from the panic.


    So... everything was fine now?


    At this moment, Sheng Yuxiao pressed a button on the table.


    The waiter pushed open the door and entered. Affected by the tense atmosphere, his tone became nervous as well: "What do you need?"


    "Order food," said Sheng Yuxiao.


    Wei Wenjuan nodded, "Mm, let''s let Little Duck eat first."


    In almost the blink of an eye, President Liu had be the least important person in the room.


    President Liu, who naturally loved being pursued and ttered, and wished everyone would listen to him, now felt like he had survived a cmity and could hardly hold back tears of joy.


    "So... who should order?" the waiter asked meekly, looking around, feeling that everyone in the room was a big shot and it wouldn''t be appropriate to give the menu to any of them.


    Everyone exchanged nces.


    "Give it to her!"


    They all spoke almost in unison.


    The waiter hurriedly handed the menu to Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t refuse. She first asked how to order, and after learning, she started asking everyone: "Second Uncle, what do you want to eat?" "Little Uncle, what do you want to eat?"


    "Zhou General, what would you like?"


    When Zhou General heard this, he felt somewhat uneasy.


    He thought, how could he deserve to be asked before Young Master Sheng and Young Master Qin?


    He cleared his throat and said, "Order whatever you like, anything is fine."


    Qin Sui unhurriedly spoke up, "The most annoying words are ''anything is fine''."


    Zhou General immediately changed his tune: "How about steamed grouper, and pine nut corn is also good."


    These should all be dishes that Li Xiaoya could eat.


    It seemed she had asked almost everyone, with only Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui left.


    Zhou General''s breathing unconsciously tightened. Who should go first between these two... this could easily cause conflict.


    Then Li Xiaoya hooked her little hand, first selecting the two dishes Zhou General had mentioned, then looked up and asked in a soft voice, "What do you two want to eat?"


    You two.


    You two...


    Alright.


    With just two words, she lumped the two of them together, perfectly avoiding any dispute.


    The expressions on Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui''s faces simultaneously froze for a moment, then they rushed to speak:


    "Braised fish maw with dried scallops."


    "Truffle and mushroom soup."


    "Foie gras with red wine."


    "Cheese-baked short ribs..."


    Li Xiaoya: "That''s enough, that''s enough."


    She quickly pushed the menu back to the waiter.


    The two men nced at each other and fell silent at the same time.


    But there was another problem... Zhou General thought, who would sit next to Li Xiaoya?


    Li Xiaoya patted her left side: "Second Uncle,e here." Then patted her right side: "Little Uncle, sit here."


    Zhou General fell silent. Well, there was no need to worry about her at all.


    After speaking, Li Xiaoya looked at Zhou General again: "You sit too."


    Zhou General was suddenly enlightened. He understood!


    He pulled out a chair and sat down, then mimicked Li Xiaoya''s actions, patting his left side: "Young Master Sheng, please."


    Then invited Qin Sui to sit on his right.


    See, this way the two mortal enemies were also separated.


    Li Xiaoya had a little trick up her sleeve. Zhou General marveled.


    Finally, everyone was seated, with only President Liu still standing there.


    Sheng Yuxiao lifted his eyelids slightly: "You sit too."


    "I''d better not..." Mainly because he didn''t dare, and the pressure was too strong. President Liu was afraid he might choke to death.


    Sheng Yuxiao certainly wouldn''t persuade him, just raised his chin at the waiter and said, "Give him a small table."


    The waiter: "Alright."


    When a big shot makes a request, nothing is impossible.


    After a while, the waiter carried in a high chair for infants, turned the tray part towards President Liu, and said, "Please use this."


    President Liu was angry but didn''t dare to speak.


    He might as well use it. After all, it was better than sitting with them.


    The meal was finally finished.


    Although the atmosphere was strange, under Li Xiaoya''s "hosting," the oue was fairly satisfactory.


    The little girl wiped her mouth and, without waiting for someone to pick her up, quickly jumped down from her chair and said, "Let''s go, time to go home."


    With two uncles present, there was no need for Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui to fight over who would take her home.


    How wonderful, another bloodbath avoided. Zhou General sighed.


    A group of people stood at the bottom of the steps of Rongxiang Restaurant, watching Li Xiaoya''s car leave.


    When it waspletely out of sight, Sheng Yuxiao turned his head and nced at President Liu: "Don''t look for her again, understand?"


    "I understand, I understand..."


    "You can go now."


    "Okay, okay, goodbye!"


    President Liu walked away, and when he reached the sidewalk, he broke into a full sprint, running far away before calling his driver to pick him up.


    Meanwhile, Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui didn''t speak to each other, just got into their respective cars, leaving Zhou General standing there.


    "So... the matter is resolved satisfactorily?"


    His driver also came to pick him up, lowering the window to ask, "Zhou General? Is everything alright? Miss Liu Hong even called me, asking if Miss Li was okay?"


    "Good! Good! Everything''s fine! All very good!" Zhou General came back to his senses, his tone unable to hide his excitement. He opened the car door and sat down, saying, "Let''s go! I''m going to buy a bag for my wife!"


    The driver didn''t expect such a big turn in the conversation and was stunned: "Huh?"


    "Drive, let''s go quickly, before the mall closes."


    The whole incident really seemed no different from a dream.


    Just because his wife had bought a bag outside, which happened to end up in Li Xiaoya''s hands.


    What a great purchase! An excellent purchase indeed!


    It brought him resources that he might not have been able to obtain even after eight lifetimes of hard work.


    When he initially named thepany "Dream Maker," it was both to fulfill his own ideals and to derive from Liu Meng''s name.


    And today, the new peak of thepany seemed like a dream, just climbed up like that.


    The encounters in life, ah.


    At this moment, Zhou General very much wanted to quickly bring gifts back to see his wife and children.


    Meanwhile, on the other side.


    "It doesn''t matter much that she went with Young Master Sheng, but why didn''t she call home at all today?" Wei Lin wondered aloud.


    No sooner had he finished speaking.


    Wei Wenjuan came in and said: "To give a surprise."


    A surprise? What kind of surprise? And these two wordsing from Wei Wenjuan''s mouth sounded too strange.


    On the other side, Li Xiaoya ran all the way to Wei Xuanming with her little backpack.


    If Wei Xuanming''s expression had been seven parts indifferent before, now seeing her run up all sweaty, only three parts remained.


    Li Xiaoya ced her backpack in Wei Xuanming''s arms.


    She wasn''t the kind of child ustomed to acting coy, and her rtionship with Wei Xuanming had more tacit understanding than intimacy.


    This action now made them seem closer.


    It was like what Wei Xuanming had once seen on the street, those children who couldn''t walk anymore, crying and shouting for their grandparents to carry their schoolbags...


    Wei Xuanming''s gaze became momentarily unfocused as he watched Li Xiaoya unzip the bag, saying, "For Grandfather."


    Wei Lin''s mouth unconsciously turned down at the corners, but quickly returned to normal.


    He really had been outmaneuvered.


    Every time, knowing to use gift-giving to avoid... how many more times could this tactic work?


    Wei Xuanming lowered his eyes and said, "What did you bring this time?"


    Li Xiaoya said, "I don''t know."


    Wei Xuanming paused: "You don''t know?"


    "Mm, because Second Uncle and Little Uncle bought it for Grandfather."


    Wei Xuanming couldn''t say another word for a long time.


    Of course, the rift between father and sons couldn''t be mended in a day or two. They had even had a big fight on the ind that time, so howe now...


    Wei Xuanming''s breathing paused, his chest filled with the sound of more intense heartbeats.


    Wei Lin was also rooted to the spot.


    Given Wei Wenjuan''s temperament, how could he suddenly show goodwill towards the old man? Wei Wenqing too, despite appearing weak, was actually very firm and stubborn...


    But at this moment, Wei Wenjuan spoke up, further confirming Li Xiaoya''s words.


    "In the past, we always sent watches, paintings, calligraphy copybooks, antiques..."


    Yes.


    But that was all before the father-son rtionship had broken down.


    After Wei Wenyu went missing, the rtionship between father and sons became increasingly worse, to the point where they stopped seeing each otherpletely.


    "Now we feel that Little Duck''s gifts are better, so we followed suit and bought some things," Wei Wenjuan said as he bent down to pull out a nket and ced it over the old man''s knees.


    Wei Xuanming''s body trembled imperceptibly. He raised his hand, covered in wrinkles and age spots, and pressed down on a corner of the nket. He asked, "Why did you suddenly think of giving gifts?"


    In the past, Wei Wenjuan would have gotten angry hearing these words.


    Because Wei Xuanming was deep in thought, this question usually meant that he felt the other person had something to gain by being so attentive.


    Today, Wei Wenjuan calmly replied, "There''s some good news worth celebrating together. ... The gamingpany that Li Xiaoya invested inunched a new game today, and its daily revenue reached five million."


    Wei Lin''s facial muscles twitched, and he almost jumped up.


    Wei Xuanming appeared much moreposed.


    Five million was, after all, a very small number to him.


    "Li Xiaoya has good vision," he praised mildly. "At this rate, the monthly revenue should be able to break 100 million. You should thank your niece for not forgetting to include you in making money at times like this. It''s not a lot of money, but it''s the thought that counts."


    Wei Wenjuan lowered his eyes without saying anything. He was already used to his father''s tone.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya tugged at the corner of the nket and said, "Yes, it''s not a lot of money, but it''s the thought that counts. So Grandpa should also thank Uncle."


    Wei Xuanming paused, staring at her, a hint of helplessness and surprise shing in his eyes.


    She really was... very clever.


    Wei Xuanming finally said something softer: "Thank you, Wenjuan, and Wenqing."


    Li Xiaoya turned her face and said, "How are my uncles going to thank me?"


    Wei Xuanming''s eyelid twitched, feeling that this child seemed to have some other ideas.

 Chapter 127: Colliding with "Great Luck"

    <h4>Chapter 127</h4>


    At this moment, Wei Wenjuan''s mind was also filled withplex emotions. He could only look at Li Xiaoya and ask in return, "How should I thank you?"


    "Give me a kiss," said Li Xiaoya.


    Of course, that was no problem!


    Wei Wenjuan was more than happy to oblige!


    It''s just that this macho man had never done such a mushy thing before, but this was at Little Duck''s invitation...


    Wei Wenjuan pushed his wheelchair forward and kissed Li Xiaoya on the cheek.


    Wei Wenqing was also overjoyed and quickly bent down to kiss Li Xiaoya''s other cheek.


    Li Xiaoya said, "Alright, now Grandpa, you should give Uncle a kiss too."


    Wei Xuanming suddenly gripped the armrests of his chair tightly, his eyes widening. "You, you really are..."


    "Shouldn''t adults set a good example?" Li Xiaoya tilted her head and asked him.


    Wei Wenjuan actually found it a bit hard to imagine their strict and authoritarian father giving them a kiss. Ouch...


    "Little Duck, don''t say anymore." Wei Wenjuan gave his brother a look, signaling him to take Li Xiaoya away.


    "Your uncles are not young anymore, how would it look for me to kiss them?"


    Li Xiaoya hugged Wei Wenjuan''s neck, turned her face and gave him a kiss, saying, "Why not? It''s just like this, very easy."


    Wei Wenjuan was instantly so happy that his soul nearly flew away.


    Wei Wenqing watched from the side, looking envious. Was it because he wasn''t in a wheelchair and wasn''t short enough for Li Xiaoya to easily hug his neck and kiss him?


    Wei Xuanming said in a deep voice, "Grandpa is also old..."


    "Oh, the older people get, the harder it is for them to bend down?" Li Xiaoya asked.


    "Yes."


    "Then what if I support Grandpa?"


    Wei Xuanming met her clear eyes and couldn''t say anything more.


    He raised his hand, patted her head, and then pinched her cheek.


    It was soft.


    When Wei Wenjuan and his brother were just born, he had also pinched their cheeks like this. When he lowered his head to kiss them, they would cry loudly because his stubble pricked them.


    Those tender details that had been blurred in the river of memory had never actually disappeared. They all clearly resurfaced in his mind at this moment.


    Wei Xuanming beckoned to Wei Wenjuan.


    Wei Wenjuan frowned as he moved closer, and then his father pinched his cheek.


    "Alright, consider that a kiss," Wei Xuanming said. He stood up, pinched Wei Wenqing''s cheek as well, then walked away with his cane without looking back.


    The others were left standing there, dumbfounded.


    No one found this scene funny.


    Wei Lin''s heart felt like it was about to burst out of his chest... Not good! This was really not good! The old master had beenpletely softened by this sugar-coated bullet!


    Wei Wenqing''s phone made a sound: "Why did Father leave? He''s not angry at Little Duck, is he?"


    But it was Li Xiaoya who responded, saying, "Grandpa is probably embarrassed. Goodbye uncle, I''m going to rest too."


    Wei Wenjuan responded with a "Okay," and felt a bit dazed on the way back. He turned to look at Wei Wenqing; his brother wasn''t faring much better, his expression somewhat nk.


    Wei Xuanming was not a man who would encourage his sons.


    Afterpleting a task, the first thing they would hear was him pointing out which details weren''t done well.


    A daily cash flow of five million - Li Xiaoya thought it was a lot and hoped they would report this good news to their father. But in their father''s eyes, it was actually nothing...


    It seemed they were about to reach an impasse again, but Little Duck had managed to turn the tide...


    As Wei Wenjuan thought about this, he couldn''t help but lower his head and smile. As he smiled, his eyes began to sting with tears.


    What a wonderful Little Duck.


    As her uncle, he was more than willing to go through fire and water for her.


    The atmosphere in the Wei family was extremely good.


    At this moment, on the other side of the ocean.


    Business information is publicly avable online; you can find it by entering thepany name or business license number.


    In the shareholder information of Dream Creation Games, right next to Wei Wenjuan''s name was Li Xiaoya.


    But Ke Muning only had a memory point for Wei Wenjuan''s name... The three characters "Li Xiaoya" were still unfamiliar to him, so he just nced over them.


    "We still need to ask that Liu guy," Ke Muning said calmly.


    "Also... go prepare the visa application materials for Hua Country for me." Ke Muning stroked his chin and leaned back in his chair with his legs spread wide. "Might as well make a trip there."


    "Put away all the guns. We''re going to Hua Country, we need to act like civilized people."


    *


    Ever since President Liu went back that day, he had been sick for three consecutive days.


    It was genuine illness.


    Partly from fright, and partly from frustration and anger... Money! It should have all been his money!


    Now he didn''t even want to go online or answer phone calls, fearing he might hear some good news about Dream Creation Games.


    Madam Liu was stillpletely unaware of what had happened. She sat by his bedside and said angrily, "That Liu Meng showed up with another new handbag yesterday. Didn''t you say her husband''spany was about to go under and they were desperately selling off shares?"


    "Stop talking, I don''t want to hear it!"


    "Why are you yelling at me?"


    Just as the couple was about to start arguing, the housekeeper came in and said, "Sir, Madam, there''s a President Sun here to see you."


    Madam Liu asked, "Who''s this President Sun?"


    "He''s a middleman," President Liu suddenly sat up.


    "What are you doing? You''re still going to see him? He''s just a middleman..."


    "What do you know? The middlemen in this circle are the ones who help you make connections to move up into higher social circles." President Liu coughed a couple of times and quickly went downstairs to meet the visitor.


    As soon as they met, President Sun got straight to the point, smiling as he said, "President Liu, your big break hase!"


    President Liu muttered, "What big break? Aren''t I unlucky enough already?"


    But President Sun had a bit of a reputation in their circle, so he should be trustworthy.


    So President Liu put on a smile and said, "What''s this all about? Please, President Sun, tell me more."


    "Come on, I''ll take you to meet a big shot," President Sun paused, deliberately creating suspense. "A top-tier big shot."


    President Liu''s heart skipped a beat.


    Could it be that his luck had really turned around?


    Just after suffering such a huge setback, was there light at the end of the tunnel?


    "Why does this big shot want to meet me?" President Liu still had enough sense to ask.


    President Sun said, "He has some questions for you, says you''re the only one who knows. If you answer well, even the crumbs that fall from the big shot''s fingers will be enough for you to live on for a lifetime."


    These words instantly got President Liu''s blood boiling. He quickly changed his clothes, brought his bodyguard, and left with them.


    Coincidentally enough.


    The meeting ce turned out to be Rongxiang Restaurant again.


    President Liu''s legs went a bit weak as soon as he stepped inside.


    "What''s wrong? Such a great opportunity, and your face is turning pale? Hurry up, don''t keep people waiting." President Sun joked as he pushed him into the private room.


    All the lights were on in the private room, making it a bit dazzling. When President Liu entered, he couldn''t quite see the situation inside clearly.


    But at this moment, someone had already spoken, asking, "Do you know Wei Wenjuan?"


    "I, no, I don''t know..."


    "You don''t know? He bought the shares of your formerpany, and you don''t know?"


    "I, I know! You mean that cripple, right? I know! I just know his surname is Wei. What business do you have with him?" President Liu asked this simply to gauge the other party''s attitude, to decide how he should portray Wei Wenjuan next.


    "I might as well tell you, our boss has some grievances with him."


    Grievances?


    Grievances are good!


    That''s fantastic!


    President Liu suddenly felt like he had met a great savior, wiping the corners of his eyes as he said, "I just had dinner with this person a few days ago, right here!"


    Then President Liu heard a man instructing someone beside him in English, "Go check the surveince footage of this ce."


    President Liu was stunned for a moment, thinking to himself, why does this voice sound... somewhat familiar?


    But that couldn''t be.


    How could he have heard this big shot speak before?

 Chapter 128: Mr. Liu Suspects Life

    <h4>Chapter 128</h4>


    President Liu''s vision gradually became clear.


    He saw that only one person was sitting in the entire private room. The man wore an iron-gray suit, with a tall and robust build. His long legs were casually stretched out, as if he was impatient with sitting so properly in this ce.


    This man had a strong aura of intimidation.


    More importantly... he was a standard blonde, blue-eyed foreigner.


    The earlier English words had alsoe from his mouth.


    President Sun patted him on the back from behind: "Why are you standing there dumbfounded? This is Mr. Moore."


    "Mr. Moore," President Liu''s tone was a bit strained.


    A foreigner, huh.


    A top-tier big shot?


    Well, there were more big shots from abroad. But no matter how powerful a foreign big shot was, when they reached out to Hua Country, it might not necessarily work.


    "Wei Liu?" This "Mr. Moore" called out his name.


    "Yes, yes. Sir, you even know my name."


    President Liu didn''t have time to think about much else. After all, he had done business in overseas markets before. At worst, he could follow the big shot abroad in the future, earn dors, ande back in a couple of years. Who knows, he might even be more sessful then!


    Mr. Moore leaned forward slightly, his lips twitching into a smile: "It took me some effort to find you."


    President Liu was stunned.


    He immediately put on a ttered expression and hurriedly said, "I wouldn''t dare, I wouldn''t dare."


    Only in the depths of his heart, for some reason, there was a slight sense of unease.


    But at this moment, President Sun cast an envious nce at him, which instantly shattered that slight unease.


    Soon after, the subordinate who had been sent out returned and whispered in Mr. Moore''s ear: "They''re unwilling to cooperate. They say only the local police station has the authority to request ess to their surveince footage."


    "..."


    "Boris wanted to use some forceful methods to achieve the goal, but I remembered what you said about us being civilized people. So I persuaded him to give up. What do you think we should do now?"


    "..."


    "Forget it, there''s no need for a second confirmation. Since he said the new shareholder is a cripple, it should be correct," Mr. Moore said in a deep voice.


    "Yes."


    "So now we..."


    "Order food."


    The private room began to serve dishes again, and President Liu never imagined that he wouldn''t be able to sit at the table this time either.


    The waiter, recognizing his face, asked, "Should I bring you the same dining chair asst time?"


    President Liu: "..."


    Even President Sun was a bit puzzled: "I thought Mr. Moore valued you highly, yet he doesn''t let you sit at the table."


    President Liu forced a smile: "This foreigner''s putting on quite an act."


    "President Liu, you shouldn''t speak carelessly. Mr. Moore is not someone you can afford to offend."


    "What''s his background exactly?"


    "Let me put it this way, even those financial tycoons on Wall Street have to give him some respect."


    President Sun''s words were quite urate.


    Not just those on Wall Street.


    Many wealthy individuals would tremble at the mere mention of this "Mr. Moore''s" name, fearing they might be targets of this madman.


    President Liu sighed and shook his head: "I can''t even imagine..."


    At this moment, Mr. Moore took out his phone and started making a call, his right hand holding a strange object.


    President Liu stared, trying to identify it: "A trantor?"


    "Mm, he''s probably calling some business partner. This Mr. Moore''s Hua Countrynguage isn''t very good, so he has to rely on a trantor," President Sun took on the role of an off-fieldmentator.


    President Liu looked at the few other people with Hua Country faces around Mr. Moore and couldn''t help but ask, "Are those people he hired aftering to the country?"


    President Sun said, "Probably."


    "Then why doesn''t he just have them make the call directly? Using a trantor seems too troublesome."


    "That''s naturally because this call is very important."


    President Liu felt that the logic didn''t quite add up, but he couldn''t pinpoint exactly where it was off.


    During the wait for the food, Mr. Moore had already dialed the number and readied his trantor.


    The cold AI voice tranted the English into Hua Countrynguage, mechanically saying into the phone: "Have you eaten yet?"


    The other end said something unknown.


    Then the trantor spoke again: "Guess where I am?"


    Then Mr. Moore chuckled softly and said directly in English: "You''re so clever."


    The trantor then said: "Do you want to see me?"


    The other end still said something unknown.


    The trantor continued: "I want toe see you, at your home."


    Finally, Mr. Moore smiled even more happily.


    But this man''s facial features were deeply set, with angles so sharp they were almost excessively keen. So when he smiled, it only made people feel more terrified.


    He hung up the phone and said to the people around him: "Someone else ising, slow down the food service."


    The person beside him nodded and went out to instruct the kitchen.


    President Liu listened in a daze, thinking that the more he heard, the more familiar it sounded.


    It was strange indeed.


    But a person''s voice over the phone and heard directly face-to-face did have subtle differences. As a result, President Liu couldn''t make the direct connection.


    President Sun was more curious about something else: "Someone else ising... judging from the tone of that phone call just now, it doesn''t sound like he was talking to a business partner."


    The AI voice of the trantor couldn''t convey emotion, but when the man spoke English, his tone was very clear.


    It sounded a bit like... the way one would speak to a child?


    President Liu nodded absent-mindedly: "Mm, we''ll know when they arrive."


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya was still at school.


    Thest ss was physical education, which she simply decided to skip, running out with her little backpack.


    Ke Muning had actuallye to Hua Country!


    He wanted to see her!


    And he said he wanted toe to her house!


    Li Xiaoya, with her broken English skills, had managed tomunicate briefly with Ke Muning.


    She had refused his proposal toe see her.


    It was too dangerous.


    Her uncle and grandfather would burst blood vessels in anger together.


    Li Xiaoya arrived at the school gate but was stopped by the security guard.


    "Do you have a leave slip? Is someone from your familying to pick you up?" the guard asked.


    After all, each of these children was a little golden bean, and they were responsible for their safety.


    Li Xiaoya had no choice but to call Sheng Yuxiao, exining the situation very concisely: "Ke Muning is here, I''m going to see him now, but I''ve been stopped by the security guard."


    "Wait there." The other end dropped these two words and hung up the phone.


    The high school section wasn''t far from the elementary section, just a few minutes'' drive.


    Li Xiaoya paced back and forth at the gate with her little backpack for a few rounds before Sheng Yuxiao arrived.


    With someoneing to pick her up, especially a well-known figure like Sheng Yuxiao, the security guard immediately let her go.


    "Get in the car, I''ll take you there," Sheng Yuxiao reached out to help her with her backpack.


    "No, you can''t appear," Li Xiaoya firmly held onto her backpack strap.


    Sheng Yuxiao wasn''t very happy, but he also knew that this was indeed something she had to do on her own.


    His identity represented the Sheng family, which was sometimes an advantage, but at other times it meant constraints from all sides.


    Sheng Yuxiao sighed helplessly: "Go then, I''ll watch you get into the car."


    After saying this, he set up emergency contacts on Li Xiaoya''s phone, taught her speed dial, one-touch recording, and other functions, before he finally felt at ease.


    Li Xiaoya put away her phone and walked towards the main road outside.


    This area was for private cars, taxis were prohibited.


    Sheng Yuxiao had the driver follow at a distance, neither too close nor too far, until Li Xiaoya got into a taxi.


    About half an hourter.


    Li Xiaoya arrived at the familiar Rongxiang Restaurant.


    The waiter was surprised to see her: "Miss Li?"


    Then he peered behind Li Xiaoya.


    No Young Master Sheng, no Young Master Qin, no one else...


    "Are you dining alone here?" the waiter was a bit troubled.


    "Someone''s already inside, please take me to private room 03."


    "Al... alright."


    The heavy door of the private room was pushed open from the outside, and almost at the same time, everyone inside turned to look.


    A little girl, not very old, with twin ponytails, carrying a small backpack.


    President Liu''s mouth fell open, as if he had just experienced the most violent shock in this world.


    Li... Li Xiaoya?!


    Had he time-traveled back to a few days ago?

 Chapter 129: She’s Pouting at Me

    <h4>Chapter 129</h4>


    What rescued President Liu from his stupor was the sound of a chair being violently pushed back, crashing against the wall.


    The "Mr. Moore" strode to the doorway and abruptly grabbed Li Xiaoya, lifting her up.


    The roughness of his action and the fierceness of his expression momentarily made it difficult to discern his rtionship with the child.


    Only President Liu felt as if the top of his head was about to fly off.


    He... he...


    She... she...


    The voice... the phone call... the English...


    The terrifying foreign man before him was the one who had hung up on him twice earlier! The top-tier big shot President Sun had mentioned!


    "President Liu, what''s wrong?"


    "President Liu, are you alright? Why is your face so pale?"


    "It''s... it''s nothing." Guns are prohibited in Hua Country, guns are prohibited in Hua Country... President Liu repeated in his mind several times.


    Then he cautiously raised his eyes to nce at the foreign man.


    The man, however, paid him no attention at all.


    This Mr. Moore carried Li Xiaoya, half-lifting and half-embracing her, to the table''s edge.


    His subordinate promptly brought over another chair and set it down, which became Li Xiaoya''s seat.


    "What would you like to eat? I hear this restaurant is one of the best in your Jin City!" The trantor diligently interpreted this sentence for the man.


    The waiter standing nearby thought to himself, indeed it is, Miss Li has dined here several times already.


    Li Xiaoya, however, didn''t speak. Instead, she first looked towards the human trantor with a Hua Country face standing to the side.


    "Mr. Moore," who was actually Ke Muning, smiled and said, "How is it? I specially picked him. If he''s not good enough, there''s another one here."


    For this trip, Ke Muning had hired two trantors, a driver, and a guide within Hua Country''s borders under perfectly legitimate pretenses.


    Abroad, Ke Muning didn''t like using Hua people as subordinates, because no one could be sure if they were Wei Xuanming''s people or not.


    In Hua Country, however, there was no such worry.


    Ke Muning found it very convenient.


    Li Xiaoya looked at them and felt it was a bit dangerous.


    It would be too easy for them to recognize faces!


    "I''ll just have what''s already on the table," Li Xiaoya said, her gaze falling on President Liu again.


    Why was he here?


    Li Xiaoya clenched her fingers, slowly blinking her eyes, not revealing any unusual expression on her face.


    What had President Liu said to Ke Muning?


    Was he brought here by Ke Muning?


    Why had Ke Muninge to Hua Country?


    Many questions crowded Li Xiaoya''s mind.


    But at this moment, she already had an idea in her head.


    Assuming President Liu hadn''t yet had the chance to tell Ke Muning any fatal information, such as her rtionship with her uncles.


    Then to seal President Liu''s lips now, there was only one move��


    Li Xiaoya turned her head to Ke Muning and said, "I should actually be in ss right now."


    "Oh? But you came to see me." Ke Muning paused, then called out to the waiter, "Hey, get her a ss of milk."


    The waiter responded, skillfully bringing out a ss of hot milk.


    Li Xiaoya took the milk ss, feeling a bit worried.


    Ke Muning wasn''t a person who would casually be close to others.


    On the ind, he had carried her on his back only because he found her walking too slow.


    But now they were eating...


    Li Xiaoya wasn''t used to telling others about her pain, but at this moment she lowered her head and said softly, "I fell down on the way here."


    These words were ryed by the trantor.


    "Fell again?" Ke Muning immediately bent down to lift her trouser leg. "Having a clever mind isn''t enough, you need a strong body too."


    "It''s not injured," Ke Muning said after checking.


    Li Xiaoya frowned, "But it hurts."


    The words that were about to leave Ke Muning''s mouth - how she had suddenly be so delicate - were swallowed back.


    Oh.


    Was the Little Crazy acting coquettish with him?


    Ke Muning felt somewhat ufortable and pinched his fingers.


    No one had ever acted coquettish in front of him before.


    Because everyone knew that acting coquettish to a wooden post would be more effective than doing so to him. Moreover, just looking at his face without bursting into tears was already quite an achievement.


    Hey, but she was acting coquettish towards him.


    A Little Crazy.


    A young girl who had remained perfectly calm when asked about her injuries before was now acting coquettish with him!


    Ke Muning felt ufortable, but... he couldn''t say he disliked it.


    He pondered for a moment, then said, "Shall I rub it for you?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded, raised that leg, and pointed at her knee, saying, "Here."


    So Ke Muning lowered his head to rub her knee.


    Neither of them spoke, nor did they show any particrly tender behavior.


    But for Ke Muning, this was already remarkably rare.


    Most importantly, because of Li Xiaoya''s singleint of pain, there was no sign of starting the meal... it seemed they would have to wait until she felt better.


    Time ticked by slowly.


    Of course, there was no such word as "tired" in Ke Muning''s dictionary, and he didn''t know how long one should rub a bruise to make it feel better...


    In the blink of an eye, five minutes had passed.


    Not a single person in the entire private room dared to breathe heavily.


    Finally, Li Xiaoya said, "It''s better now."


    Ke Muning withdrew his hand, thinking to himself that a child''s act of coquetry wasn''t too troublesome after all.


    But when it came time to eat, another problem arose.


    Li Xiaoya said, "I can''t reach."


    So Ke Muning had to pick up food for her,ughing as he did so: "Your face isn''t as big as a pig''s knuckle, and your arms aren''t as long as the table, haha!"


    Li Xiaoya pursed her lips unhappily and poked a meatball from his bowl.


    Ke Muning became even more amused: "Oh, so I''m not allowed to say that?"


    "Mm, you''re getting my temperament. But you stillck some skill, see, you can only pick at my meatballs."


    Li Xiaoya took a bite of the meatball and gave the rest back to him.


    Ke Muning was taken aback for a moment, but didn''t say anything. He tossed the remainder into his own mouth and said, "I''ll be staying here for a few days. How about I teach you boxing? You can''t use guns here anyway."


    "Although with your fists, you''d need to grow for another ten years to be able to hurt me."


    President Liu watched this scene unfold, not daring to make a sound, his entire back soaked with sweat.


    The foreign man and Li Xiaoya were so close, clearly their rtionship was very good. The so-called grudge against the New Shareholder surnamed Wei waspletely false, wasn''t it?


    It was a trap!


    If he said anything nderous, this man would immediately change his attitude, right?


    President Liu gasped urgently, thinking how terrible, how terrible this foreigner was...


    He couldn''t say anything, he couldn''t say anything at all!


    The more President Liu thought about it, the more sorrow welled up inside him.


    He had been hoping for a turnaround.


    Who could have imagined that a glimmer of hope would turn into darkness, and then darkness again!

 Chapter 130: Corning Grits His Teeth

    <h4>Chapter 130</h4>


    President Liu had eaten at this restaurant twice, and each time felt more ufortable than thest.


    Fortunately, Li Xiaoya was small with a modest appetite, so she finished eating quickly.


    As for Mr. Moore, he didn''t seem particrly enthusiastic about eating either. He ate rather sloppily, without any regard for elegant table manners, almost like a wild beast devouring its prey.


    So altogether, the meal onlysted about twenty minutes.


    "Take him to the car," Ke Muning finally graced President Liu with a nce.


    "Where are you taking me?" President Liu hurriedly asked.


    Ke Muning said nothing, but one of his subordinates replied in English: "We''re inviting you to be our guest."


    Li Xiaoya blinked.


    Suddenly, arge hand reached over, grabbing a napkin to wipe her mouth.


    The people nearby noticed that this person''s grip was far too strong, leaving a mark on the young girl''s face.


    But Ke Muning seemedpletely unaware of this as he said, "I''ll take you home."


    So they were still going to her house?


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head and asked, "Where are you going after this?"


    Ke Muningughed, "Do you want toe with me?"


    Before Li Xiaoya could even respond or start toe up with an excuse, Ke Muning suddenly got excited and grabbed her from the chair: "Alright, let''s go!"


    And just like that, Ke Muning''s group arrived at a vi in the suburbs.


    This vi was rented temporarily, with many white birch trees nted in front. As they passed through the woods, President Liu was filled with fear, worried he might end up buried beneath them.


    He could only clutch President Sun''s sleeve and say, "You can''t leave me!"


    This left President Sun utterly confused: "President Liu, you''ve been acting strangetely... I have a wife, you know, and I quite like her."


    President Liu could only swallow his bitter feelings.


    When they entered the vi, there were already bodyguards waiting inside.


    However, they were holding a box of Lego toys.


    Ke Muning turned to Li Xiaoya and pointed at the Lego: "y with these in the living room first, I have some business to attend to."


    "Is it something I''m not allowed to see?" Li Xiaoya asked him directly.


    Ke Muning said, "Mm, you''re too young, you can''t see it yet."


    She could watch how a wealthy tycoon dies.


    But this she couldn''t see?


    "I want to watch."


    "No." Ke Muning was very firm now, when he said no, it meant no.


    Li Xiaoya had no choice but to give up and obediently walk to the sofa on the side.


    Immediately, two bodyguards went over to y with her.


    The more President Liu watched, the more he felt this child was incredibly favored!


    How did she end up surrounded by big shots?


    The Zhou family must have used up eight lifetimes of bad luck to be her ssmate in this life.


    "Don''t just stand there stupidly." Someone pushed him from behind, shoving President Liu into a room on the side.


    Ke Muning had someone bring photos of the Wei Wenjuan brothers, which he erged on aptop screen, then turned to President Liu.


    "You said you had dinner with him a few days ago? Is this him?"


    "Yes."


    "Why were you dining together?"


    "Because... we have a good rtionship!"


    "A good rtionship?" Ke Muning frowned, "You''ve gained his trust?"


    At this point, President Liu was treating Ke Muning aspletely on their side, so what else could he say?


    He quickly said, "Yes, yes."


    The implication being that we''re all on the same side, so please don''t give me a hard time, right?


    "That''s very good. I''ll give you three months to fully gain his trust, and convince him to go overseas to handle his father''s affairs..."


    "Ah... Ah?" President Liu was stunned, feeling like he might not have understood correctly.


    "You don''t want to?"


    "No, it''s not... quite right, is it?"


    Ke Muning straightened up and waved to his subordinate.


    The subordinate stepped forward, and without using any cruel methods, simply helped President Liu do a split.


    President Liu, in his forties, had stiff joints, and this sudden split caused him to let out a pig-like squeal from his throat.


    "How about now?" Ke Muning asked.


    President Liu''s legs were shaking.


    What on earth did this Mr. Moore want to do?


    "I, I... I don''t know..."


    Ke Muning stood up and walked towards the door: "I''m going to see if she likes the Lego."


    He paused, then continued: "I didn''t expect a randomly grabbed Hua Country person to have such backbone?"


    President Liu let out another scream of agony behind him: "Ahhh!"


    Backbone? President Liu had never been praised like this before.


    But if he was being praised, why was he still being tortured?


    Meanwhile, Ke Muning walked over to Li Xiaoya''s side.


    Li Xiaoya asked, "What did you do to him?"


    "Don''t worry, I would never vite thews of your Hua Country."


    After saying this, Ke Muning suddenly reached out and said, "This part is wrong."


    Li Xiaoya firmly stated, "It''s not wrong."


    "It is..." Ke Muning directly reached out.


    After pulling out two pieces, Ke Muning immediately got up and went back to continue his "interrogation."


    Leaving behind the Lego bricks that copsed with a "crash."


    Li Xiaoya: "..."


    Ke Muning seemed very pleased with his mischief, walking with a spring in his step.


    His subordinates were all slightly dumbfounded.


    What was wrong with the boss? Did he have to tease the child?


    But then again, the boss had always been a bit crazy.


    Ke Muning reopened the door and returned to the room.


    Looking at President Liu again, he was covered in sweat, with tears and snot flowing down his face.


    He really couldn''t take it anymore and cried out in desperation: "What exactly do you want me to say? I absolutely wouldn''t dare to do anything against you, Li Xiaoya, or President Wei! Is it because I hung up your call? Or do you want to get revenge for Miss Li? Young Master Sheng and the others haven''t pursued the matter with me anymore..."


    President Liu was crying out in the Hua Countrynguage.


    But because this "interrogation" was meant to be private, there was no interpreter present.


    So a subordinate just held up a trantion device.


    "Take a look, sir." The subordinate handed the trantion device to Ke Muning.


    Ke Muning looked and found two unfamiliar names appearing.


    Especially the phrase "get revenge for Miss Li," which seemed very odd.


    The term "Young Master Sheng" was tranted so peculiarly due to its unique form of address that Ke Muning glossed over it.


    "Who is Miss Li?" Ke Muning asked.


    President Liu''s crying motion seemed to freeze as if someone had hit pause.


    He felt that in these few short days, he had experienced more shocks than in his entire previous life.


    Trembling, he said, "You don''t know?"


    Ke Muning lowered his eyes: "I hate it when people use rhetorical questions with me."


    Hearing this, the subordinate was about to step forward again.


    President Liu hurriedly shouted, "No, no! I''ll tell you directly! The one outside is Miss Li!"


    Ke Muning pursed his lips, also vaguely sensing something amiss.


    But he still said, "She is Demon, not Miss Li."


    "The name you mentioned must be her English name, right? Li Xiaoya is her Hua Country name. Li, Xiao, Ya. These three characters, I''ll write them down for you... There must be a misunderstanding here. A misunderstanding!"


    Ke Muning had someone bring him paper.


    "You''re so good to her, why are you still asking me to find President Wei?" President Liu wiped his tears, "What exactly do you want me to do?"


    "What''s her rtionship with President Wei?"


    "You don''t know? No, no, I''m sorry, I shouldn''t use rhetorical questions! It''s just, President Wei is her uncle! At least that''s what I heard them call him! This one, the one in the photo, is also her uncle!"


    Ke Muning suddenly understood everything, and muttered through gritted teeth in Dutch: "So this is where she used her coquettish act on me..."


    Then he abruptly opened the door and walked out.


    She was indeed a little madwoman, and a clever one at that!


    Such a small child daring to y games with him!

 Chapter 131: Deceptive Again

    <h4>Chapter 131</h4>


    Ke Muning pushed the door open with too much force, causing it to m against the wall and bounce back, making quite amotion.


    The noise attracted Li Xiaoya, who was building with blocks on the sofa. She turned her head to look.


    It was still that delicate but expressionless face, with a touch of childish innocence.


    She even tilted her head slightly, her eyes revealing confusion and curiosity.


    The raging anger in Ke Muning''s chest surged like a violent wave, but subsided just as quickly.


    Ke Muning calmed down.


    Thinking back to her behavior on the ind��


    From the first encounter, when he took out the photo and handed it to Secretary Wang, she already knew he was her enemy!


    But she didn''t show it at all.


    What was she doing at that time?


    Drinking milk with her head down?


    No wonder Wei Er and the others started to monitor him instead!


    It turns out they discovered he had "captured" their precious one.


    What was she thinking then?


    Wasn''t she afraid at all?


    She even dared to follow him to Atari Ind.


    Did she never once consider that he might kill her there and sink her body in the sea?


    Back to the present.


    Did she know she was already in the enemy''sir?


    Her constant talk about wanting to be crazy paled inparison to her actual actions.


    Ke Muning tried to recall his own childhood... He couldn''t remember much, but it seemed he was probably not as crazy as her.


    Should he expose her now? Intimidate her? Watch her cry in fear?


    No.


    That would be too boring.


    The raging mes in Ke Muning''s chest had beenpletely suppressed.


    He walked slowly to Li Xiaoya and crouched down, saying, "Call your family."


    "Hm?" Li Xiaoya let out a soft, questioning sound.


    Like animal cubs, human children seem to have been specially endowed with adorable qualities by heaven to improve their survival rate.


    Even though she had just deceived him.


    But with a bit of sunlight mixed with the sunset falling on her face, she still looked so cute.


    Ke Muning said in a somewhat harsh tone, "You''re staying here tonight, aren''t you? Of course you need to let them know."


    The trantor faithfully ryed this to Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya made an "um" sound and said, "I''ll callter."


    Ke Muning insisted, "Call now. Maybe they won''t believe you? Maybe they''ll worry about your safety? It''s okay, I can help you take the call and tell them how safe you are."


    As he spoke, he paid close attention to her expression.


    He found that the child still showed no signs of panic.


    Not only was she not panicking, she seriously said to him, "But your voice sounds just like a kidnapper or a bad guy."


    The corner of Ke Muning''s mouth twitched.


    Doesn''t she know she''s in big trouble? Still daring to say such things to him!


    But then Li Xiaoya patted his shoulder and said softly, "But it''s okay, I won''t look down on you."


    Ke Muning paused, then suddenly grabbed her cheeks and rubbed them hard.


    It was as if he was releasing all his earlier anger through this action.


    Li Xiaoya was left dazed and confused, "Ouch, ouch!"


    The trantor anxiously echoed her cries.


    Mr. Moore''s grip seemed too strong.


    Ke Muning withdrew his hand and said, "Alright, make the call yourself."


    Li Xiaoya took out her phone.


    She dialed the number digit by digit.


    Ke Muning realized that she didn''t have the habit of saving contacts.


    So young, yet so cautious?


    The call connected quickly.


    Usually, such calls would be answered by servants, but after the incident during the ind vacation, whenever it was reported that Little Ya or Wei Wenjuan were calling, the old man no longer let anyone else answer.


    "Hello, tell me, who are you having dinner with tonight?" The old man had be almost numb with familiarity.


    Li Xiaoya hesitated for a moment.


    It wouldn''t be appropriate to mention Sheng Yuxiao and the others. If, by any chance, something happened to her, they would be implicated because of her words.


    Li Xiaoya said, "With a friend."


    The old man only knew of one.


    He asked, "That Dou Dawei?"


    "Not him."


    "Then who?"


    "Someone you''ve met before," Li Xiaoya said vaguely. Suddenly, Ke Muning loudly ordered his subordinates in Dutch, "Go buy some small nkets."


    He wanted to see how she would rack her brains this time...


    Li Xiaoya abruptly turned her head and pped her hand over Ke Muning''s mouth, covering it.


    "What''s that sound on your end?" Wei Xuanming became suspicious.


    Li Xiaoya said quietly in Hua Country''snguage, "At the zoo."


    Ke Muning immediately looked at the trantor.


    The trantor stammered, "She''s telling the other side that she''s at the zoo."


    Ke Muning: "..."


    He gave a forced smile, then pulled Li Xiaoya''s hand away from his mouth and leaned in closer to ask, "What pattern do you want on your pillow? How about Donald Duck? Do you want a doll? Or a teddy bear? Little kids like you get nightmares if they don''t sleep hugging a teddy bear, right?"


    Li Xiaoya: ?


    She crawled to the other end of the sofa and said quickly, "Bye bye, it''s too windy here, I can''t hear clearly. I''m noting home tonight!"


    Then she hung up the phone.


    Something was off.


    Wei Xuanming thought.


    The home phone was specially set to automatically record calls. He pressed the rey button, and the conversation from just now yed again.


    Little Ya''s voice wasn''t tense, indicating she wasn''t in danger.


    But it carried a hint of annoyance.


    As if the abrupt background noise was deliberately teasing her.


    Who was teasing her?


    "It''s too faint, I can''t hear clearly. Get someone to process this recording," Wei Xuanming ordered in a deep voice.


    "Yes, sir."


    "What about the people who went to pick up the young miss? Call them back, I have questions for them."


    "Yes, sir."


    Initially, Wei Xuanming only had Wei Lin escort Li Xiaoya for a week, which waster extended to two weeks.


    Apart from wanting Wei Lin to challenge Li Xiaoya and bring out her strengths so he could examine her more closely,


    It was also an opportunity for Li Xiaoya to get to know Wei Lin up close.


    However, Wei Lin had recently returned to thepany, leaving only ordinary drivers and bodyguards responsible for pick-ups and drop-offs.


    Wei Xuanming frowned.


    Actually, having Wei Lin do the escorts had many benefits. Putting him in in sight made it less likely for him to easily harm Li Xiaoya, as he would be the prime suspect.


    Wei Lin wasn''t known for any particrly strong or wise tactics, but he was good at maneuvering and liked to second-guess others.


    He was perfect as a babysitter for Little Ya. Unfortunately, everyone knew the Gui family couldn''t hold up anymore, and Wei Lin, as the only able-bodied person, had finally gained some experience.


    And he was old now, he couldn''t help it, many things could only bepromised and not pushed aggressively anymore...


    Thoughts raced through Wei Xuanming''s mind.


    Until the driver and bodyguard who went to pick her up returned.


    "You didn''t see the young miss at all when you went? Didn''t see here out of the school gate?"


    "No, we didn''t..."


    "Has anything unusual happened recently?"


    "No... If we have to say something,st week there was a man who looked like a CEO who came to see the young miss. Maybe he was like that Dou Dawei? Later, Young Master Sheng also came, and they all went to dinner together. Other than that, there really isn''t anything."


    With so little information at hand, there wasn''t much Wei Xuanming could analyze.


    "Do you want to call the young miss back?" the servant asked.


    Wei Xuanming waved his hand: "The little girl has too many ideas of her own, and too many friends."


    He lowered his eyes and said, "Sometimes it''s not up to me to protect her."


    Meanwhile, at the vi.


    Ke Muning deliberately asked, "Why did you cover my mouth?"


    "I told you, your voice sounds too much like a bad guy. They don''t let me y with bad guys," Li Xiaoya said, looking up with innocent eyes.


    "Then should I send you home now?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, "But I love ying with bad guys."


    Lying again.


    Ke Muning snorted inwardly.


    Let''s see what other tricks she has up her sleeve!


    When the day of revtion finallyes, will she be scared? Will she burst into tears? Or will she say she doesn''t want to be a Gui family child anymore? Will she quickly distance herself?

 Chapter 132: It’s His Turn to Perform

    <h4>Chapter 132</h4>


    Li Xiaoya put away her phone and pointed at the building blocks, saying, "You just knocked it over. I can''t put it back together."


    "So?"


    "Can you help me rebuild it?"


    "Are you asking me?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    A glimmer shed in Ke Muning''s eyes. Suddenly, he found it quite amusing to watch her rack her brains trying to please him.


    "I''ll build it for you," Ke Muning said as he rolled up his sleeves.


    His hands wererge, with calluses from guns on his knuckles. The tiny building block pieces looked as if they might crumble at the slightest pressure in his grip.


    In reality, they wouldn''t crumblepletely.


    But he did manage to tten two of them.


    This was damn difficult to build!


    "Don''t buy this toy again," Ke Muning looked up and told his subordinate.


    The subordinate nodded meekly.


    As Ke Muning continued assembling the blocks, Li Xiaoya tilted her head and secretly observed him.


    Something was off.


    But what exactly?


    Ever since he went in and came out again, he had been acting strangely.


    The first time he came out, he didn''t open the door so forcefully. At that point, he probably hadn''t gotten any information from President Liu''s mouth.


    The second time he came out, there was such amotion. What had happened inside? Something that angered him even more than President Liu''s silence.


    The strangest part was that he seemed furious when he opened the door, but the next second, it was as if he wasn''t angry anymore, or rather, he had hidden his anger.


    Li Xiaoya pondered slowly, trying to reason further.


    But a child''s experience was still too limited to understand adult thoughts.


    She thought, if he had learned the truth from President Liu''s mouth.


    He must be very angry!


    She would probably be strung up and beaten, right?


    That''s how it always happened on TV.


    There was also that thing with lighting a fire in the furnace, heating up an iron rod, and pressing it against someone''s body, making a sizzling sound like meat being grilled...


    But she hadn''t been strung up.


    Nor had she been turned into grilled meat.


    She was sitting here, and he was assembling building blocks.


    The logic... didn''t add up.


    Li Xiaoya leaned forward slightly, moving closer to Ke Muning to ask, "How is that person doing?"


    "You mean President Liu?"


    "Mm, can I go see him?"


    "No, he''s been stripped naked."


    "Oh."


    "Should we still buy the small nket?" the subordinate timidly interjected.


    "Buy it. And get some teddy bears too..." Ke Muning paused, then suddenly said, "How should a little girl''s bedroom be decorated? Buy more things to bring back."


    The subordinate was taken aback: "Isn''t she only staying here for one night?"


    Knowing Li Xiaoya couldn''t understand, Ke Muning smiled and said, "Who said she''s only staying one night? She''ll be living here for a long time."


    The entire Gui Family household wouldn''t be getting a good night''s sleep from today onwards.


    After saying this, he raised his chin slightly towards the trantor: "Don''t trante thatst part for her, understand?"


    The trantor nodded nkly.


    He thought to himself, isn''t this man really a bad guy? When he smiles like that, he truly looks like the stereotypical viin from movies.


    Two tall and burly subordinates were dispatched to purchase furniture, bedding, as well as small tes, bowls, cups, and other such items...


    Ke Muning was in an exceptionally good mood at this moment.


    Little lunatic.


    No, little liar.


    The little liar didn''t know that he already knew the truth.


    Now it was his turn to act for her.


    Ke Muning finished assembling the building blocks for her, and the subordinates returned with the purchased furniture and other items.


    Workers moved things in and out, quickly setting up the room and putting the daily necessities in their proper ces.


    Finally, a subordinate ced a bag in front of Ke Muning.


    "What''s this?" Ke Muning asked.


    "A gift."


    Ke Muning picked up the bag upside down, and everything inside tumbled out.


    It was all children''s picture books.


    Ke Muning flipped through them, recognizing only a few of therge characters.


    "Throw them away," Ke Muning said.


    The subordinate nced at Li Xiaoya.


    "Never mind, let her flip through them herself," Ke Muning said.


    And so this bag of gifts was allowed to remain.


    Time ticked by slowly. Tomorrow''s troubles could wait until tomorrow; Li Xiaoya chose to sleep first.


    After having a subordinate take her upstairs, Ke Muning turned and walked back into that room.


    President Liu was curled up, shivering slightly: "C-cold... so cold..."


    His entire body was drenched in sweat, and the heating in the vi hadn''t fully kicked in yet. Of course he was shivering from the cold.


    Seeing Ke Muning enter, he immediately cried out excitedly: "Mr. Mole, so you really are enemies with them? It''s all Li Xiaoya''s fault! She deceived you! How dare she lie to you? She''s so wicked! So wicked at such a young age!"


    So this is what it means to y with bad guys.


    You have to be a lunatic too.


    Ke Muning thought to himself that, in a way, she hadn''t really lied to him.


    Seeing that Ke Muning didn''t respond, President Liu thought he must be furious beyond words.


    President Liu swallowed hard and quickly began offering his bted fawning: "What can I do for you? Teach that little girl a lesson?


    "Actually, I''m not that close with Wei Er. I just saw how close you were with that little devil, so I thought you were on the same side. That''s why I... I boldly said I had a good rtionship with Wei Er... Please don''t send me to be an undercover agent. I don''t have that kind of ability."


    "But if you want to teach that little girl a lesson, I can give you some ideas..."


    President Liu sniveled and wept as he recounted his "hardships," while also making his stance clear.


    Ke Muning finally spoke: "Everything that happened here today, don''t tell anyone, understand?"


    President Liu nodded repeatedly: "I understand, I understand! I absolutely won''t say anything to anyone. You can rest assured. So, have you forgiven me?"


    Ke Muning didn''t respond to his question. His expression darkened as he said, "The Li Xiaoya you mentioned cannot know either."


    President Liu was stunned for a moment: "What... what do you mean?"


    "I don''t want her to know what I heard from your mouth."


    President Liu''s first reaction was, "Damn! No way? After being deceived to this extent, this foreigner still wants to pretend nothing happened?"


    No, that''s not right.


    President Liu quickly rejected this thought.


    Young men like Young Master Sheng and Young Master Qin might easily soften their hearts because of Li Xiaoya''s innocent and childish face.


    But the man before him was clearly ruthless in his methods and had a very bad temper.


    Otherwise, how could he have chased all the way to Hua Country just because he hung up the phone twice?


    President Liu suddenly had a look of enlightenment on his face. He pped his hands and immediately began ttering: "I understand now! You want to pretend you still don''t know, to cast a long line and catch a big fish, using her to lure out your enemies! And at the same time, let this little girl taste what it''s like to be deceived!"


    Ke Muning said nothing. He stood up and made a gesture to a subordinate at the side.


    The subordinate nodded.


    President Liu asked weakly, "I can leave now, right?"


    At this point, he didn''t even dare to hope for any reward for his "honesty."


    Ke Muning then pushed open the door and walked out.


    The subordinate at the side held him down and stripped off his pants.


    It might not have been painful, but it was extremely humiliating. President Liu immediately let out a pig-like squeal from his throat.


    A momentter, President Liu looked at the wooden gun lying on the floor, on the verge of tears.


    This foreigner was more petty than a needle!


    So vindictive! Even more vengeful than "an eye for an eye"!


    But the good news was...


    How could such a vindictive foreigner easily let Li Xiaoya off the hook?


    President Liu got up, panting, finally feeling a bit of constion.


    The subordinate handed him a contract: "Keep your mouth shut, and this is yours."


    President Liu looked down at it.


    It was a projectmission contract worth seven million, not yet stamped with thepany seal. President Liu was suddenly ted, feeling that being poked in the backside wasn''t so humiliating after all.


    Great!


    What a fair and just foreigner, rewarding and punishing ordingly!


    Now President Liu was even more eager to see how Li Xiaoya would be dealt with.


    Meanwhile, Ke Muning went straight upstairs and pushed open the door to Li Xiaoya''s room.


    The once in model room had been transformed into a cozy and childlike bedroom after decoration.


    Who knows what the subordinates were thinking, they even hung a row of toy dolls above the bed. The kind usually hung in baby strollers.


    Moving closer, he could see the little girl who had already crawled under the covers.


    She didn''t seem to mind the unfamiliar bed and had her eyes closed as if ready to sleep.


    Hearing footsteps, she slowly opened her eyes.


    Ke Muning stopped by the bedside, holding up the trantor for her to see: "I said I would teach you boxing."


    "What will you give me in exchange?" Ke Muning asked her, "In the adult world, there are only exchanges of interests."


    Li Xiaoya''s face was nestled in the soft down pillow, making her look even smaller, like a delicate doll.


    She looked at him and said, "I don''t have many things..."


    Is that so?


    Didn''t the Gui Family give her any shares?


    Ke Muning thought for a moment and said, "Then you can teach me the Hua Countrynguage."


    Li Xiaoya wasn''t actually very willing.


    Because of this, the Hua Countrynguage would no longer serve as an encryption method for him.


    However, she currently had no reasonable excuse to refuse. Well, it''s not like he would necessarily be able to learn it anyway...


    So Li Xiaoya gave a slight nod.


    The next day was a weekend.


    Li Xiaoya slowly descended the stairs. Ke Muning was at the bottom, reading international news. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and asked, "Are you going home today? I can take you if you are."


    Li Xiaoya heard the trantion and shook her head.


    "Alright," Ke Muning said, his lips curling almost imperceptibly. He knew she was desperately trying to prevent him from meeting Wei Er and his group.


    How could just one day be enough?


    He''d have to stay until he decided it was time to leave.


    As the young girl approached, Ke Muning swiftly lifted her onto a dining chair.


    The two sat together and had breakfast.


    Seeing that he had no intention of leaving the vi, Li Xiaoya reluctantly said, "I''ll teach you the Hua Countrynguage then."


    "Sounds good," Ke Muning replied, in a cheerful mood.


    Just then, President Liu also woke up.


    His legs, still sore from doing the splits, caused him to limp as he walked out. He immediately spotted Li Xiaoya.


    Still... alive and well, huh.


    Not a scratch on her, huh.


    President Liu thought to himself that this kind of thing definitely required patience...


    Then he saw Li Xiaoya turn around and pull out a bag withrge characters printed on it �� "Free Gift."


    She took out several children''s picture books from the bag and ced them in front of Mr. Mole.


    She opened a picture book and, like a little adult, began to exin, "Um, the first one is the story of the Ugly Duckling looking for its mother... Come on, learn with me. Let''s start by recognizing this character."


    Ke Muning: ???


    President Liu: ???


    President Liu felt that he might have woken up a bit too suddenly.

 Chapter 133: Not, Is the Ghost Sick

    <h4>Chapter 133</h4>


    When they were in Li Family Vige, Li Xiaoya had once sung nursery rhymes tofort Sheng Yuxiao.


    Now, when it came to reading children''s picture books, she was quite experienced.


    "Alright," Li Xiaoya finished reading a story carefully, then tilted her head and said to Ke Muning: "Now you read it yourself."


    She was just short of assigning him a task to read aloud.


    After saying this, Li Xiaoya turned to go make a phone call, but Ke Muning caught her by the back of her cor.


    "I didn''t hear clearly. Read it again," Ke Muning said.


    When the little girl read picture book stories, her voice would be much softer. Especially when unfamiliar words came out of her mouth, it made people pay more attention to the gentle tone.


    Ke Muning felt... she had deceived him.


    What was wrong with listening to it again?


    Nothing!


    But Li Xiaoya opened her phone''s voice recorder, found thetest recording, and pressed y.


    Her soft voice soon came out of the recording again.


    Then she pointed at Ke Muning''s pocket: "I''ve shared it with you. You can listen to it many times."


    Ke Muning: "..."


    Even President Liu felt this was too perfunctory.


    Didn''t this child know the seriousness of the situation?


    Ke Muning''s mouth twitched a couple of times, but he still took out his phone and received the audio Li Xiaoya had "thoughtfully" recorded through Bluetooth.


    After dealing with Ke Muning, Li Xiaoya slipped out to the small garden outside and first called Sheng Yuxiao.


    When the call connected, Sheng Yuxiao''s first question was: "Why didn''t you callst night?"


    "Ke Muning was here."


    "Are you still at his ce now?"


    "Mm."


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly fell silent.


    Li Xiaoya said softly, "Sheng Yuxiao, don''t worry about me."


    Sheng Yuxiao gritted out a sentence: "You haven''t even been to my house yet."


    Li Xiaoya also fell silent for a moment, then asked quietly, "Can Ie next week then?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s tone changed abruptly: "Which day? Morning or afternoon? You might as well stay at my ce for two days over the weekend, and I can take you to school on Monday."


    After saying this, Sheng Yuxiao paused, then asked, "Ke Muning isn''t beside you right now?"


    "Mm, I told him to go look at picture books."


    "Picture books? Children''s picture books?"


    "Mm."


    "He wants to learn the Hua Countrynguage?"


    "You guessed very correctly."


    After Li Xiaoya finished speaking, she turned around on the small stool and immediately saw Ke Muning standing by the floor-to-ceiling window not far away.


    He wasn''t looking at the picture books; he was looking at her.


    As if monitoring her movements.


    "He seems to have guessed who you are," Li Xiaoya said uncertainly.


    On the other end of the phone, Sheng Yuxiao instantly changed his sitting posture. But he quickly regained hisposure.


    "This is Jin City. He won''t do anything out of line," Sheng Yuxiao first gave a rational analysis, but then he still asked: "Do you need me to have Secretary Wange pick you up?"


    "No need."


    Just as she finished saying no need.


    On the other side, Ke Muning took a "click" photo of Li Xiaoya''s back.


    President Liu saw this action and immediately went up to ask: "Are you going to send it to that President Wei? To scare them?"


    Without turning his head, Ke Muning said: "You''re too close to me."


    As soon as he finished speaking, two bodyguards came up and dragged President Liu back a bit.


    Ke Muning lowered his head and sent the photo to Secretary Wang''s email.


    However, that Secretary Wang, like him, had multiple identities and many contact methods. This email might not be seen in time.


    A bit of a pity.


    In less than half a minute, Secretary Wang called Sheng Yuxiao and asked, "Is your little duck alright? Ke Muning hase to Hua Country."


    "How do you know too?"


    "Oh, so you know that little duckling is at Ke Muning''s ce?"


    "I know. I was the one who picked Li Xiaoya up from school."


    "..." Secretary Wang wrung his hands. "Rather than sending her to Ke Muning''s house, you might as well have sent her to mine."


    Sheng Yuxiao was silent for a moment, then chose to tell the truth: "Keeping her at Ke Muning''s house is more reliable than keeping her at yours."


    Secretary Wang hung up the phone.


    On the other side, Ke Muning had been waiting for a long time without receiving a single word in reply from Secretary Wang. He sighed again in disappointment, then carelessly put away his phone.


    Soon after, Li Xiaoya came back.


    Ke Muning asked her: "Finished calling home?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded and asked Ke Muning in return: "How many characters have you learned?"


    Ke Muning: "..." He hadn''t learned any at all.


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head: "You haven''t learned even one?"


    Ke Muning''s face stiffened. He didn''t speak, trying to intimidate Li Xiaoya with his face that was naturally capable of making children cry.


    But this face, which was invincible among children, didn''t have much effect on Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya slowly shook her head and said: "Stupid."


    The trantor didn''t dare to speak.


    Ke Muning turned his head to ask the trantor: "What did she say?"


    The trantor stammered: "She said, said stupid."


    Ke Muning practiced pronouncing "dumb". This word, he had often heard Secretary Wang say before.


    He asked: "What''s the difference between these two words?"


    The trantor was silent for a long time: "... Maybe ''stupid'' is a bit cuter?"


    Ke Muning''s expression immediately changed.


    And President Liu on the side became more anxious.


    No way, you can tolerate even this? Does this foreigner have Schr?dinger''s temper?


    At this moment, Ke Muning snorted coldly, picked up Li Xiaoya, and said: "Come on, I''ll teach you German. Let''s see if you''re stupid or not."


    Li Xiaoya''s feet left the ground. She instinctively iled a couple of times, then raised her hands to firmly hang onto his shoulder, and was thus carried away.


    President Liu felt as if he had punched a cotton ball, with none of his expectations realized.


    At this time, a bodyguard came over to escort him out.


    "Remember to keep your phone essible. Our boss may contact you at any time."


    President Liu nodded, stepped out of the vi door, and as the wind blew, his stomach growled.


    They didn''t even give him a meal.


    This treatment wasn''t even as good as Li Xiaoya, a little liar.


    *


    On the other side, the Old Master closed his eyes and listened to the processed phone recording.


    "The background sound is Dutch." The Old Master paused, "The voice is a bit distorted after processing... listen, does it sound like Ke Muning''s voice?"


    The Old Master''s trusted subordinate leaned forward to listen again and said uncertainly: "It does sound a bit like him, mainly because there aren''t many people who speak Dutch in this ce. Has the young miss been kidnapped again? Should we go rescue her?"


    The Old Master sighed, finally understanding the cause and effect of what happened on the ind.


    "She''s too bold..."


    "Do you mean the young miss went with him voluntarily?"


    Wei Xuanming lowered his eyes but didn''t speak again.


    This news wasn''t suitable to be spread.


    She was willing to take risks.


    This was exactly where she differedpletely from her uncles... Back then, the Ghost family''s business was also established amidst countless risks.


    But some people are born unwilling to live their lives as if walking on a tightrope, while others enjoy walking on a tightrope.


    He hoped more... that she was the kind of person who enjoyed walking on a tightrope.


    "Destroy the recording. Don''t let Wenjun and the others hear it."


    The subordinate looked at him in shock.


    But thinking of this person''s usual style, it seemed, seemed not strange. It''s just that this time, the object of his tempering had be a child.


    *


    The Old Master not only destroyed the recording but also told Wei Wenjun and his brother that Li Xiaoya had gone to stay at a friend''s house for a few days, had already informed him by phone, was very safe, and they could rest assured.


    Although Wei Wenjun and his brother often had ideological differences with the Old Master, the credibility of the Old Master''s words was still very high in their hearts.


    "She must have gone to the Sheng family," Wei Wenjun felt a bit upset, even his meals didn''t taste good anymore.


    Because they were too at ease about Li Xiaoya''s situation, Li Xiaoya didn''t contact her family much either.


    Ke Muning thus lost the pleasure of intimidation, and his meals didn''t taste good either.


    "They just believe you''re at a reliable person''s home like this?"


    "Mm." Li Xiaoya obediently nodded.


    "..." The Ghost family must be sick.


    Having lost his joy, Ke Muning forcibly insisted on sending Li Xiaoya to school on this Monday.


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head: "It''s fine, but I only have one bottom, I can''t sit in so many cars."


    Parked in front of them were seven or eight Rolls-Royces, clearly forming a motorcade.

 Chapter 134: Lixiaoya, Your Stepdad Is Really Kind to You

    <h4>Chapter 134</h4>


    Ke Muningughed, "You only need to ride in one car. The ones behind... that''s called an entourage, understand?"


    The convoy proceeded like a scene from a movie where a big shot makes an entrance, driving all the way to the elementary school entrance.


    Ke Muning wasn''t afraid of the Ghost family knowing the person was with him.


    He was afraid of the Ghost family not knowing the person was with him.


    So he deliberately put on a grand show, instantly attracting quite a few gazes.


    Elementary school students love to watch spectacles the most, and they all stopped in their tracks, curiously turning their heads to look.


    At this moment, the car door opened, and Ke Muning, carrying a schoolbag, walked out with someone.


    After just a few steps, a little carrot-top approached and shouted, "Li Xiaoya!"


    Oh, in Ke Muning''s eyes, Li Xiaoya was what he called a little friend.


    Other kids who didn''t quite meet his standards were called little carrots.


    "Zhou Xiaoshu," Li Xiaoya stopped and called out the other''s name.


    There were also students from other sses who had now stopped and were curiously examining Li Xiaoya and the tall foreign man behind her who looked like a tower.


    "Is he your new bodyguard?" Zhou Xiaoshu asked, then added, "You left so quickly that day, my mom and I wanted to invite you for dinner, but we couldn''t catch up."


    Ke Muning turned to the trantor and asked, "What did she say?"


    The trantor awkwardly tranted.


    Ke Muning immediately bent down, his face, which usually appeared unapproachable, instantly intimidating Zhou Xiaoshu and the other little ones behind her.


    Ke Muning said in broken Hua Countrynguage, "I am, her father."


    Li Xiaoya turned her head with a frown and said quietly, "You''re not."


    Ke Muning spread his hands and said in English, "I only learned two words. Father and mother. Should I say I''m your mother instead?"


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t argue with that.


    But she said, "My father isn''t a good person."


    Ke Muning said cheerfully, "I''m worse than him, so I reced him."


    Li Xiaoya: "..."


    Ke Muning "reluctantly" escorted Li Xiaoya all the way into the ssroom before leaving.


    He introduced himself as Li Xiaoya''s father to anyone who asked.


    After he had gone far enough, An Ying looked at Li Xiaoya enviously and said, "Your stepfather is very good to you."


    "Stepfather?" Someone poked their head over.


    Zhou Xiaoshu wrinkled her nose, "Silly, it''s obvious he''s a stepfather. He has green eyes and golden hair, how could he have given birth to someone like Li Xiaoya?"


    Li Xiaoya listened to their discussion in a daze. Shey on her desk, and for the first time, her face showed a hint of the mncholy typical of her age.


    But soon she thought firmly.


    What she had now was enough, more than enough. She didn''t need a father anymore.


    "Li Xiaoya''s father definitely doesn''t need to work," a child suddenly said.


    Zhou Xiaoshu frowned and asked, "Why?"


    "My dad never sends me to school. He says he''s making money, and can earn a lot in just one minute," that child said proudly.


    "I just wish my dad could send me to school," another child said enviously.


    "I want more money!"


    "I''d rather have a dad. Even if dad earns a million, he won''t give me a million."


    "So you''re a fool. When you grow up, you can have your dad''s million."


    As they talked, the children actually started arguing.


    Zhou Xiaoshu felt it was too noisy and angrily said, "That''s because your families aren''t good enough! Li Xiaoya can have both, money and a dad who sends her to school!"


    At this, they all looked at Li Xiaoya again.


    Li Xiaoya stood up her book, hiding her face in one swift motion.


    Soon it was time for school to end. Li Xiaoya, taking advantage of Ke Muning''s absence, secretly called her uncle.


    But the call wasn''t answered.


    Li Xiaoya felt a bit disappointed.


    Uncle usually picked up very quickly...


    On the other side, in the courtyard.


    Wei Xuanming called his two sons over for dinner.


    As soon as Wei Wenjuan entered, he said, "Little Duck isn''t here, why did you call us over?"


    He had just finished speaking when his voice stopped abruptly.


    Because there were guests here again.


    It was Old Mrs. Feng and her granddaughter Miss Xing fromst time.


    When Little Duck was around, their hearts werepletely tied up with her. Now it was a good opportunity.


    Wei Xuanming said, "Sit down. After dinner, Wenqing can show Miss Xing around."


    If during thest meal Wei Wenjuan hadn''t understood the implications, this time he''d have to be a fool not to get it.


    Wei Wenjuan''s face darkened, butpared to the past, he had indeed improved a lot. At least he didn''t overturn his father''s ns on the spot.


    At this moment, Miss Xing Siyun suddenly said, "Mr. Wei, the second son, you once studied in Berlin? I lived there for a year or two as well."


    Wei Xuanming was a bit surprised to hear this.


    Although Wenqing was mute, he appeared to be a generally healthy person. He hadn''t expected this Miss Xing to seem interested in his second son.


    While they were having dinner on one side.


    On the other side, Ke Muning was waiting early at the school gate.


    He figured Li Xiaoya might try to go home, so he specifically came early to intercept her here.


    He saw Li Xiaoyaing out with her schoolbag from afar.


    "Surprised?" Ke Muning stepped forward and asked.


    Li Xiaoya nodded listlessly, "Surprised."


    At this moment, the elementary school students following behind her poured out.


    One by one, they stared with innocent big eyes and eagerly asked in English, "Can we go y at Li Xiaoya''s house?"


    They didn''t believe that Li Xiaoya''s family gave her hundreds of thousands to spend freely.


    They also didn''t believe that Li Xiaoya''s father was very rich and still came to pick her up from school.


    So they cleverly thought of a solution!


    If they went to y at Li Xiaoya''s house, wouldn''t they know the truth?


    "Uncle, uncle! Can we?" They chirped.


    Faced with these little carrots and potatoes'' clear yet foolish gazes, Ke Muning wondered if these Hua Country kids'' brains had been kicked by a donkey.


    For the first time, children were so eager to go to his house.


    Ke Muning couldn''t help but look at Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya was holding her schoolbag strap, lookingpletely uninvolved.


    "Are they your ssmates?" Ke Muning pulled her over and asked.


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "Why do they want toe to our house?" Ke Muning turned Li Xiaoya around to whisper.


    At least these phrases were simple enough that he didn''t need a trantor.


    "They think I''m lying."


    "What lie did you tell?"


    "I only told the truth."


    Ke Muningughed.


    When she told lies, even he could be fooled.


    When she told the truth, she couldn''t even convince a bunch of kids.


    "Say something nice, help prove it."


    What counts as something nice?


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head and said in a calm tone, "I''ve already said something nice."


    "When?"


    "When they said you were poorer than their dads, I praised you for being very rich."


    "So now it''s my turn to prove myself?"


    How novel.


    Ke Muning grabbed Li Xiaoya and tossed her into the car, "Let''s go. I hope their parents won''t think their children have been kidnapped tonight ande begging me with all their life savings."


    "Those Wall Street elites'' kids wouldn''t say such things. They know very well their dads are too rich, and that money could easily be mine."


    After saying this, he lowered the car window and said to the group of children, "You cane visit my house."


    These naive and foolish little friends cheered and happily got into the cars behind.

 Chapter 135: Little Gadgets for Sale

    <h4>Chapter 135</h4>


    The convoy gradually drove away from the noble elementary school''s vicinity, then slowly made its way out of the second ring road, and the third.


    Finally, it entered the outskirts.


    "Why are we going farther and farther?"


    "Does Li Xiaoya''s family live in the suburbs? Are houses in the suburbs very cheap?"


    They peered out the car windows, whispering among themselves.


    Atst, the car fully entered an extremely quiet vi district.


    Here, there were only detached vis, upyingrge plots ofnd, but with little sign of life.


    It was clear that the upancy rate was not high.


    However, even so, An Ying still recognized it: "This is the Longhu Vi District. My family also has property here. My mom says it''s very expensive."


    "Then why doesn''t everyone live here?"


    "Because it''s far?"


    "Then why is it still expensive?"


    "I don''t know."


    The children''s understanding was limited after all, but the Hua Country interpreter walking beside them couldn''t help but interject: "A few years ago, the property market was hot, and they promoted things like ecological forests andkes, and even invited master designers..."


    "But with Mr. Moe''s financial resources, he could easily live in the city center. Why would he choose to live here?" The interpreter couldn''t understand either.


    Ke Muning was a person who didn''t care about money, after all, he didn''tck funds to spend.


    But he was also someone who didn''t particrly enjoy luxury, because he felt it wasn''t important.


    This led to ��


    After arriving in Jin City, he directly rented a vi show home here, not even bargaining on the 670,000 per month rent, and apart from Li Xiaoya''s bedroom, he hadn''t changed any of the furnishings.


    No matter how beautiful a show home might look to ordinary people, in the eyes of the wealthy and their children, it still exudes a sense of vulgarity and clumsiness.


    Upon entering, as far as the eye could see, forget about antiques, there wasn''t even a single painting whose artist''s name could be recognized.


    As for other high-end decor, not a trace could be seen.


    "It''s so bare."


    "It''s so cold."


    "Li Xiaoya''s house is as empty as if it''s set for a TV drama."


    "What are they saying?" Ke Muning frowned and asked the interpreter, "It''s too noisy. If I sew their mouths shut, would that be illegal in your Hua Country?"


    The interpreter waspletely baffled.


    Would that not be illegal in other countries?


    He hurriedly answered this question first: "Yes, sir, it would be illegal."


    Then he ryed the children''sments to Ke Muning.


    "Hey." Ke Muning stopped on the steps, turned around and pped his hands, signaling the children to look at him.


    He was tall and strong, and when he looked down, he was incredibly intimidating.


    The children involuntarily looked at him and fell silent.


    "You think it''s empty here?" Ke Muning asked.


    "Yes, yes... There should be a race car there, right?"


    "There should be vases here. We have vases at home, my dad says they''re from the Qianlong era. Very, very expensive."


    "We have a painting by Zhang Daqian at home."


    "We have one by Qi Baishi!"


    "We have a colored screen from the Kangxi era at home, worth over ten million!"


    The children startedparing again, fiercely, each unwilling to yield to the others.


    Ke Muning said to the interpreter: "Write a list."


    Interpreter: "Huh?"


    After the surprise, the interpreter still obediently wrote the list.


    Ke Muning asked again: "Who are all your fathers?"


    Comparing fathers was the favorite pastime of the noble elementary school students.


    After all, their fathers were worthparing, so they had to bring them out forparison from time to time. Winning suchparisons allowed them to walk with their heads held high.


    This was an unspoken rule among the elementary school students.


    So when Ke Muning asked this time, they didn''t hold back, almost eagerly, they rushed to report their fathers'' names.


    "Write those down too," Ke Muning said to the interpreter again.


    "Ah? Alright, alright." The interpreter wiped his sweat.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but tug on Ke Muning''s sleeve: "What are you going to do?"


    "Didn''t you like ying with bad guys? Let me show you how a bad guy acts."


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes widened.


    Surely he wouldn''t cook them all in a pot and eat them, then send some to their fathers?


    Ke Muning rarely saw her shocked expression, and couldn''t help but cup her face with both hands and rub it vigorously.


    After rubbing Li Xiaoya''s cheeks until they were bright red, he immediately let go, feeling satisfied.


    "Uncle, what kind ofpany do you run? I''ve never seen you before," asked one of the children who had just reported their father''s name, looking up at Ke Muning.


    "Many. ... One of them is called Locke."


    "Is it a real estate and constructionpany?"


    "No."


    "Then is it a mediapany?"


    The interpreter, hearing this, looked at the child in surprise. Even knows about the media industry?


    "No," Ke Muning denied.


    "Oh, then is it a pharmaceuticalpany?"


    "Not that either."


    "Then it must be a techpany!"


    Ke Muning said: "None of those."


    The elementary school students exchanged nces, already concluding in their hearts that Li Xiaoya''s father wasn''t in any lucrative business.


    "Then what does it do?" they asked.


    "Sells some little gadgets," Ke Muning said casually, then reminded them, "Shouldn''t you call your families to let them know?"


    "Of course we should." They each found a ce to sit or stand, then all took out their phones to make calls.


    These little rich kids were somewhat savvy.


    After the calls connected, they first said: "We''re all having dinner at Li Xiaoya''s house tonight, and we''ll be ying until veryte before going home. Maybe we won''t go home at all, her vi is very big."


    This rare "group" activity, without the watchful eyes of teachers or the constraints of parents, was still very exciting for them.


    Then they said: "Li Xiaoya''s father is called Mr. Moe, he''s a foreigner, he has apany called Locke."


    This was to inform their parents of the details, to put their minds at ease.


    Later when they returned home, they could also learn from their parents how they should treat Li Xiaoya in the future.


    Most of these children''s parents were very busy, and the calls were answered by butlers, secretaries, and the like.


    They hung up the phones happily.


    After the information was reported up, things changed...


    The wealthy circle was already a ce of fame and fortune, and the background of the other party determined how they would socialize.


    When the parents learned of the other party''s background, they casually searched: foreign, Lockepany.


    Hmm, it came up...


    �� [Defense Contractor]


    Hmm?


    Hmm???

 Chapter 136: Experience the Joy of Being a Villain with You

    <h4>Chapter 136</h4>


    They unconsciously sat up straight in front of theirputers.


    Compared to theirpany''s scale, it was not even in the same league. The ying fields werepletely different!


    "How did such an impressive kid end up in their ss?"


    "This little Li Xiaoya, didn''t she enroll before? We never heard her father was so powerful."


    "Is it the Li Xiaoya from ''Exchange Lives''?"


    "What? What?"


    The parents were alsopletely bewildered.


    "Could we have searched for the wrong information?" This was from the skeptics.


    "Indeed, we haven''t seen any news about thepany''s executives entering the country." This was from the rational ones.


    "Is it possible that for apany like this, the movements of those in power are keptpletely secret?" This was from the slightly cleverer ones.


    Parents who were on good terms with each other discussed privately, and most of them had the same idea.


    It was simr to what their children hade up with��


    Why not visit under the pretext of picking up the children? Wouldn''t everything be clear then?


    They specifically called their children back.


    "About what time will you be done ying?"


    But the children weren''t very cooperative, their mouths full of: "Don''t know."


    The parents had to change their strategy and say: "Can you let your ssmate''s father answer the phone?"


    "They all want him to answer the phone, now he''s letting Li Xiaoya choose..."


    "Choose what?"


    "Choose whose call to answer."


    What an attitude!


    The parents on this end clicked their tongues.


    "So who has been chosen now?"


    "An Ying was chosen."


    The parents on this end exchanged a nce, hung up the phone, thinking they could ask President Anter for rity.


    Meanwhile, in the vi.


    An Ying handed her own phone to Ke Muning, and as she held it out, she still felt a bit dazed.


    Her father rarely called back on his own initiative.


    Her father wasn''t even as good as Li Xiaoya''s stepfather.


    Ke Muning pointed at An Ying and asked Li Xiaoya: "Are you sure you want to answer hers?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    She only knew Zhou Xiaoshu and An Ying.


    Zhou Xiaoshu''s father, President Zhou, was too close to her uncles, so he wasn''t suitable to know about Ke Muning. There wouldn''t be any trouble with An Ying.


    Ke Muning smiled and answered the phone, his expression instantly changing to something closer to when Li Xiaoya first met him - seemingly rxed, but actually dangerous.


    "Hello."


    "Hello, I''m An Ying''s ssmate''s father. How should I address you?" On the other end, President An smoothly switched to English.


    "Just call me Moore."


    "Do you work at Rock Company? I have some understanding of Rock Company, but it seems there''s no one like you there."


    "What do you think?" Ke Muning threw the question back at him, not waiting for President An to continue speaking, he very rudely said: "They might stay here overnight tonight, no need to call again."


    Then he just hung up the phone like that.


    Actually, in the entire third-grade ss one, An Ying''s father was considered the richest among them.


    An Ying wasn''t very noticeable, only because she wasn''t favored by her father.


    President An had a broader perspective than other parents, so naturally, he figured out something from this phone call.


    First, Moore was a fake name.


    Rock Company was of a sensitive nature.


    The man''s tone was dictatorial, definitely should be thepany''s number one figure.


    "...Ke Muning." President An slowly uttered that name.


    Although this name was also fake,paratively, it was more widely spread across the world. To this day, no one knows what Ke Muning''s real name is, but they all know what the three words "Ke Muning" mean.


    Having used one fake name, who''s to say he couldn''t use a second one?


    "President An, there are several gentlemen who want to speak with you, they are all fathers of the young miss''s ssmates," the secretary reminded him.


    "Connect one call first."


    "Alright."


    As soon as the call connected, President An quickly said to the other end: "The person in question is very influential, but I''m sorry, I can''t disclose his specific name."


    Since he had used a fake name, there must be a reason for it, and if he were to expose it, he might offend Ke Muning because of this.


    The tragedy of Atari Ind was still fresh in memory, and President An didn''t want to touch this bad luck.


    "I can only tell you that the more courteous you are to him, the better, because his temper might not be too good, and his mind not too broad." President An paused and asked, "How''s your son''s personality? Surely he wouldn''t have offended Mr. Moore in just a few short hours, right?"


    This speech left the other person dumbfounded, only barely managing to squeeze out a voice from his throat: "He, he''s quite obedient in front of me, but outside, it''s hard to say... Is it really that serious, President An?"


    "Then prepare some gifts and be ready to apologize at any time, otherwise your son might be fine, but you might not be. Unless your whole family never goes abroad for the rest of your lives."


    "???"


    "Also, President Feng, Boss Xie, and a few others have called to ask me, so please pass on my meaning to them, I won''t exin one by one."


    With that, President An hung up the phone and didn''t call his daughter back either. An Ying had a timid and introverted personality, it was impossible for her to catch Ke Muning''s attention, so naturally, there was no need to worry.


    President An''s words caused a huge stir in the parents'' circle of the third-grade ss one.


    "If President An says so, it must be true."


    "Is it really from Rock Company?"


    "My son said he was selling some small gadgets, you''re telling me this is a small gadget?"


    "My son doesn''t have a very good temper either, he''s a little devil at home."


    "Is this Mr. Moore really that petty?"


    For those who had already stepped into the upper ss but hadn''t quite reached the top-tier, they all had somewhat neglected their children''s education.


    At this moment, they finally tightened up, their heads starting to ache and buzz.


    These kids werepletely unaware of their parents'' worries, enthusiastically pointing andmenting on the vi.


    When they came back to their senses, they found that Li Xiaoya had disappeared.


    Li Xiaoya had been taken upstairs by Ke Muning.


    As soon as the door closed, it shut out all those noisy sounds.


    "Is being a bad guy just about leaving them downstairs unattended?" Li Xiaoya tilted her head and asked.


    Ke Muning sat her down at the small desk and said, "You''ll know tomorrow. Now... let me see how your German ising along?"


    Li Xiaoya quickly wrote out the words she had learned yesterday.


    The pronunciation was also correct.


    Ke Muning lost an opportunity to call her "stupid," and frowned as he asked, "You learn German so quickly? Why do you learn English so slowly?"


    Li Xiaoya thought for a moment and said, "It''s different."


    "How is it different?"


    "English is taught by school teachers, I can''t keep up with their pace."


    Ke Muning understood: "So if you start from the beginning, it''s fast?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded, and then pulled out a children''s picture book and asked, "Have you learned it? Can you tell me the story in Hua Countrynguage?"


    Ke Muning let go of her hand and walked out nonchntly: "What do you want to eat? I''ll have someone bring it to you."


    Li Xiaoya said softly: "Stupid."


    The children spent a happy night in the vi.


    Ke Muning didn''t care about them at all, as long as they didn''t die, it was fine. This level of freedom was too joyful for them.


    Even until the next morning, the little radishes still felt a bit reluctant to leave.


    "Although it''s not as beautiful as my home''s vi, it''s still veryfortable to live in," theymented with sighs.


    Just then, parents personally came to pick them up for school.


    "Is that my dad''s car?" someone''s eyes instantly widened.


    "And my dad''s car too!"


    "Mine hase as well!"


    What kind of magic did Li Xiaoya''s house have?


    Their dads, who were always too busy to personally drive to pick them up, suddenly all came!


    "Dad!" They couldn''t help but rush over.


    Only An Ying and Zhou Xiaoshu didn''t move.


    Zhou Xiaoshu''s dadpletely trusted Li Xiaoya so he didn''te, while An Ying''s dad didn''te either.


    An Ying''s gaze swept over them, and she slowly lowered her head.


    Those dads, however, pushed away their own children and looked up towards the door.


    "Mr. Moore?" They saw that tall foreign man, dressed in a suit, holding a cigar between his fingers, with cold features and a rxed posture.


    "You must be Mr. Moore." They greeted him even more enthusiastically than they did their children.


    "Thank you for entertaining our children, we hope they didn''t cause any trouble? We''ve brought you a small gift."


    Ke Muning took a puff of his cigar, then extremely arrogantly blew smoke rings at them.


    He said: "What trash? Take it back."


    The other party was stunned.


    Ke Muning then asked: "Whose father are you?"


    "Guo Qinghao."


    Ke Muning reached out and took a booklet, flipping through it.


    This action made the other person''s eyelid twitch, giving them a feeling of being on the Grim Reaper''s list.


    Ke Muning stopped at a certain page and said, "You have a screen from the Kangxi period at home?"


    "Y-yes... Do you like it? Should I... perhaps sell it to you another day?"


    "Sell?" Ke Muning raised his hand and patted the person''s neck. "Go home."


    Ke Muning tossed the booklet and said, "Your family has quite a lot of good stuff."


    Then he turned and walked inside.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya came down the stairs in her fluffy slippers, her footsteps getting closer and closer.


    Ke Muning immediately threw away his cigar and stubbed it out.


    The parents outside couldn''t help but stare at Li Xiaoya in astonishment for a few extra moments before taking their children home.


    The next day, they came back to school.


    One was crying, saying, "My racing car is gone."


    Another was sobbing, "The Qi Baishi painting in our house is also gone..."


    "The Qianlong era vase in our home is missing too!"


    Li Xiaoya''s phone vibrated. She looked down to see a photo sent by Ke Muning.


    [Does it look good? [Image]]


    The racing car, painting, vase, screen... they had all ended up at Ke Muning''s house.


    Her phone vibrated again.


    [You can invite them over once more. That''s how you can truly enjoy the feeling of being the bad guy.]

 Chapter 137: His Test

    <h4>Chapter 137</h4>


    "I''ve sent the messages as you instructed." The Trantor respectfully handed the temporary phone back to Ke Muning.


    Ke Muning nodded, briefly scanning the text messages. Though he couldn''t understand much of it. The Hua Country characters had been typed out by the Trantor on the phone.


    "Would you like me to tidy up a bit?" The Trantor couldn''t help but ask.


    He looked up to see the "gifts" that had been delivered, cluttering up the living room in disarray. But no one wouldin about the mess. Because most of the items were quite valuable.


    "No, leave them as they are," Ke Muning said casually.


    The Trantor''s gaze flickered, his respect for his boss growing even more.


    Ke Muning went upstairs to make a few phone calls, then handled some international business matters via video conference.


    Just as the video call was about to end, the person on the other end suddenly asked, "When are youing back?"


    "In a few days."


    "In a few days?" The person on the other end paused, likely the first time they''d heard such a vague answer from Ke Muning.


    So they pressed further: "How many days is ''a few days''?"


    Ke Muning had to adjust his posture before replying, "I''m raising a child in Hua Country."


    "Oh, did you visit a local orphanage?"


    "No, it''s the new generation heir of the Gui Family. The only new generation heir."


    The person on the other end nearly jumped in shock: "Good heavens! You went to Hua Country and came back with such a big catch! You''ve taken their heir hostage! How should I arrange your return route? Wait, are you trapped there now, which is why you can''t confirm your exact return date?"


    "Stop, listen to me," Ke Muning corrected him. "It''s not taking a hostage, it''s raising, raising her, do you understand?"


    "Is there a difference?"


    "Of course there''s a difference. The difference is that when she leaves in the morning, she has to say goodbye to me, and when she goes to bed at night, she has to say goodnight to me."


    "?"


    It took the person on the other end a while to digest this shocking information before asking, "Are you trying to raise her to drive a wedge in the Gui Family?"


    "Hmm, that''s not a bad idea."


    "?" "You mean you never thought of that before?"


    "No, of course I''ve thought about it. I''m still waiting to see her cry her eyes out."


    The person on the other end fell silent again, thinking perhaps their boss had reached the age where he wanted to get married and have a child. But their line of work was far too dangerous: one never knew when the entire family might be wiped out. Raising an enemy''s child was a novel approach. It satisfied the urge while mitigating the risk, and if something were to happen, they might even celebrate with some fireworks.


    "So about the attacks nned against the Gui Family... should we continue with those? I mean, considering you''re now raising their child."


    "Of course, unless this child suddenly bes the executive CEO of thatpany. And tells me that if we must be so cruel, she probably won''t say goodnight to me next time," Ke Muning joked.


    The person on the other end immediately understood: "I see, business is business."


    Ke Muning closed hisptop, muttering, "First, she mustn''t disappoint me today either."


    *


    Today, the third-grade students in ss 1 all seemed a bit dejected. As soon as the teacher entered the ssroom, she noticed that some of them had clearly been crying.


    Usually, in such situations, a teacher''s first thought would be to suspect bullying. But... what kind of superhuman could bully an entire ss?


    Oh, wait, it wasn''t the entire ss.


    The teacher''s gaze fell on Li Xiaoya, who appeared calm and collected, as well as An Ying and Zhou Xiaoshu beside her, who also seemed rxed... Did those three do this?


    They shouldn''t have such formidable abilities!


    The teacher, harboring this suspicion, paid extra attention to the ss dynamics, afraid of missing something that might lead toints from parents.


    Soon it was time for dismissal.


    The teacher stood outside the window, secretly observing:


    Suddenly, Li Xiaoya stood up and said, "Come to my house tonight."


    The teacher vaguely remembered the day Li Xiaoya first arrived in ss. When she introduced herself, everyone in the audience had been whispering contemptuous remarks about her.


    She hadn''t been close to any ssmates since then...


    Suddenly inviting them like this, probably no one would pay attention...


    Thest word got stuck in the teacher''s throat.


    Because the previously dejected students suddenly lifted their heads: "Sure, sure!"


    "Let''s go to Li Xiaoya''s house!"


    "Her house is fun."


    "Yeah, and tomorrow morning, dad wille pick us up again."


    The teacher stood dumbfounded outside the window.


    When did this happen?


    How did Li Xiaoya suddenly capture the hearts of the entire ss?


    "Let''s go," Li Xiaoya put on her little backpack and led the way, with the others hurriedly following close behind.


    The teacher quickly caught up: "Have you told your families?"


    "It''s fine, we went to Li Xiaoya''s house to y the day before yesterday."


    The teacher was actually quite curious about what Li Xiaoya''s house was like. He had caught up on the variety show, and what theizens cared about was what he cared about too.


    Unfortunately, he could only watch as the group of children left.


    Outside the school gate, a foreign man with gray eyes, wearing a stern expression, came to meet them.


    Today it wasn''t Ke Muning picking them up from school, but one of his subordinates doing it on his behalf.


    "Please," the man awkwardly squeezed out the Hua Country word, then opened the car door for Li Xiaoya. Imitating Ke Muning''s style, he picked up Li Xiaoya and put her inside.


    The schoolchildren behind them shrank their necks a bit before squeezing into the car behind.


    When they arrived at the destination, they finally spoke up, following behind Li Xiaoya:


    "Li Xiaoya, Li Xiaoya, can you ask your family''s servants not to be so fierce?"


    "Fierce?"


    "Yeah, they all have such stern faces, and there''s one person who''s blind in one eye, he looks so scary. Why does your family employ such frightening servants?"


    "Is it because you don''t have money, so you can only hire people like that?"


    Ke Muning was standing at the doorway, watching as Li Xiaoya brought them again. He smiled with great satisfaction.


    Then he turned to ask the Trantor: "What are they saying?"


    The Trantor wiped his sweat and ryed the children''s audacious suggestions.


    Ke Muning snorted: "Demon neverins, unlike these troublemakers."


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya was getting a bit annoyed by their constant chatter. She frowned slightly and said, "It''s not because we don''t have money, it''s because we have a lot of money, so we hire people who are more expensive than your families can afford, people you''ve never seen before."


    "Is... is that so?" The schoolchildren were stunned by this exnation.


    The little one sure knows how to talk, Ke Muning thought with a smile. He walked closer and picked up Li Xiaoya with practiced ease, carrying her inside.


    The others hurriedly followed, running in. As soon as they entered, their jaws dropped.


    "My racing car..."


    "My family''s vase..."


    "My family''s painting..."


    "Why are they all here?"


    Ke Muning turned his head: "You''re quite right, I also felt the house was a bit too empty, so your fathers sent some things to fill the gaps. Take a look, is there anywhere else that seems empty?"


    He tilted his head, putting on an act of being very open to suggestions.


    The children were dumbfounded.


    "Hey!" Ke Muning suddenly grabbed a little boy''s cor, pulling him away from the racing car. He said, "Now it belongs to our family. If you want to touch it, you have to ask her." He pointed at Li Xiaoya.


    The little boy couldn''t ept this sad reality. His lips quivered, and he started to cry.


    Ke Muning was delighted. He carried Li Xiaoya upstairs.


    He asked, "Doesn''t it feel good to be the bad guy?"


    "Mm."


    "I''m very happy that you''ve chosen to be a bad guy with me, inside and out."


    Li Xiaoya was stunned for a moment.


    Was this another one of his tests?

 Chapter 138: Dominate the Elementary School Division

    <h4>Chapter 138</h4>


    A new day, and it was time for school as usual.


    Li Xiaoya missed her uncle a little, and Sheng Yuxiao too.


    But Ke Muning was keeping a close watch, unless she skipped ss...


    Just as Li Xiaoya was making this difficult decision, suddenly a child appeared in front of her, eyes red, saying: "Someone hit me."


    Li Xiaoya put down her pen: "Then... hit them back?"


    "I can''t beat him, he''s in fourth grade, and his dad''spany is bigger than my dad''s."


    Huh? So what?


    Li Xiaoya blinked gently, looking at him even more confused.


    Zhou Xiaoshu also felt: "Has he been so shocked that he''s cried himself stupid? Li Xiaoya, don''t pay attention to him."


    An Ying chimed in: "Don''t you know?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu was puzzled: "Know what?"


    "Li Xiaoya is now the boss of our ss, because her dad is the most powerful."


    Zhou Xiaoshu suddenly understood, eximing: "So now theye to Li Xiaoya when they have problems?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu instantly changed her attitude, saying: "Then it seems like you should handle this, huh."


    Li Xiaoya didn''t quite understand: "I''m the boss now?"


    "Yes."


    "Being the boss means solving everyone''s problems in the ss?"


    "That''s right."


    "Then what are the benefits of being the boss?"


    "Uh, uh..."


    Zhou Xiaoshu was truly stumped.


    An Ying thought for a moment and said: "They''ll all listen to you, they''ll tter you, say a lot of nice things to you."


    Li Xiaoya said: "That doesn''t sound very meaningful."


    An Ying was taken aback, quietly agreeing: "I guess it doesn''t seem very meaningful..." But why didn''t Li Xiaoya like it when everyone else did?


    An Ying added: "If they have anything good, they''ll offer it to you first."


    "I can buy things myself, they don''t get as much money from their parents as I do."


    Not just less than you, not even a tenth of what you get, An Ying enviously thought to herself.


    "And I have to fight for them too." Li Xiaoya shook her head, "I don''t want to be the boss."


    After hearing this conversation, the child burst into tears, wailing and falling to his knees, hugging Li Xiaoya''s leg: "No, no, you can''t!"


    Themotion attracted the teacher.


    These were actually the kind of situations teachers dreaded dealing with, after all, they were all little rich kids. If the disparity between the parents of the quarreling parties was significant, it would be easier to handle, as the lower-status party would back down on their own.


    The teacher took a deep breath and stepped in: "What''s going on here..."


    "Please! Please be our boss! Please don''t abandon me..." The child cried even louder.


    The teacher''s next words instantly caught in their throat.


    Even in this elite elementary school, a food chain had already formed among the students.


    It wasmon for elementary school kids to recognize a boss among themselves.


    But begging someone to be the boss, this was truly a first.


    The teacher numbly rubbed their face, thinking maybe they should pretend they didn''t see this.


    Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshu was getting angry: "What are you doing? You''re getting snot and tears all over Li Xiaoya''s pants! Let go! Let go!"


    Li Xiaoya pointed at the teacher: "You can tell the teacher, you know. The teacher will help you deal with it."


    The child cried: "It''s useless! It won''t do any good! The teacher is scared too, let alone the one who hit me!"


    The teacher felt a bit embarrassed hearing this.


    Those who worked in elite schools, afterpleting their teaching duties, usually just served as mediators and reported issues up the chain. Other matters weren''t really for them to handle, even if they wanted to.


    Li Xiaoya was also a bit surprised to hear this.


    At Shitou School, teachers had a lot of authority.


    They were all afraid of teachers...


    "Then you can tell your dad," Li Xiaoya continued to offer suggestions.


    Just like Wang Xiaozhi from Shitou School before, when Sheng Yuxiao had just scared him a little, he went home to his mom.


    Although his mom didn''t end up being much help, as she was also intimidated by Sheng Yuxiao.


    But at least you could go to your parents.


    "My dad won''t care," the child cried even more heartbrokenly. "He''ll just say I''m useless, that I''m embarrassing him. I lose a fight and dare toe to him? He won''t stick up for me."


    Li Xiaoya was stunned.


    Why?


    In Li Family Vige, as poor as they were, they still protected their own.


    An Ying whispered beside her: "That''s how it is. If I got into a fight, my dad would be the same."


    Despite her young age, her tone already carried a hint of world-weariness. She said: "That''s just how this circle is. The adults call it survival of the fittest."


    Li Xiaoya sighed and asked the child: "Why did he hit you?"


    "He wanted the smart sses my dad brought me from abroad. I wouldn''t give them to him, so he hit me and crushed my sses."


    "Then we''ll have to wait until after school," Li Xiaoya said.


    The child paused, then suddenly brightened up: "So you agree?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    The child took advantage of the break to arrange a time with the other party.


    Then when school let out, Li Xiaoya stood up, put on her backpack and walked out, with the other kids immediately following behind her.


    Qin Sui came to the elementary section looking for someone and ran into their ss teacher.


    "Young Master Qin is here for...?"


    "Li Xiaoya."


    "She just went to the fourth grade..." the teacher, who had been worrying about how to handle this situation that was beyond their capability, quickly grabbed Qin Sui and said: "She''s gone to fight someone."


    Fight?


    Qin Sui was stunned for a moment. He knew Li Xiaoya wouldn''t pick fights on her own.


    This time... what was it about?


    Qin Sui politely said "Thank you" and turned to head towards the fourth grade.


    When he arrived, the fourth graders were sizing up Li Xiaoya.


    After looking her up and down, one said: "Why''d you bring a girl?"


    Li Xiaoya thought she should end this quickly. She asked the kid who had been beaten: "Is he the one who hit you?"


    "Yes, it''s him."


    Li Xiaoya lowered her backpack a bit, stepped forward, bent her elbow, and swung the heavy backpack, smacking it right into the face of the fourth-grade bully.


    The bully became dizzy and fell backwards. Li Xiaoya nted a foot on his face, bent down to snatch away his phone, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it with her left foot.


    But she was too light, and couldn''t quite manage to crush it.


    However, this series of fluid actions still stunned everyone present.


    The little brats from ss 1, Grade 3 instantly burst into apuse.


    "The boss is so awesome!"


    "Boss, you''re the best!"


    Qin Sui was also surprised.


    Thest time she won against the Mu Family''s Young Master, it was more due to brute force and a reckless attitude. This time, her fighting could almost be described as beautiful and effortless.


    How did she improve so quickly?


    Did Sheng Yuxiao teach her?


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya finished her moves and put her backpack on again: "He stepped on your sses, so I stepped on his face and phone. If you think that''s not enough, you can go step on him a couple times too. I''m leaving now."


    She finished speaking and walked straight ahead, only to have Qin Sui grab her backpack strap.


    "I haven''t seen you in a while. Didn''t you think abouting to see me in the high school section?" Qin Sui bent down to say.


    Li Xiaoya said: "I''ve been very busytely."


    This was true.


    "Busy bing the boss of the elementary section?" Qin Sui''s mouth twitched as he pulled out something and handed it to Li Xiaoya.


    "What''s this?" Li Xiaoya looked down and asked.


    Qin Sui said: "An invitation to my birthday party."


    "You need invitations for birthdays?" Li Xiaoya''s eyes widened.


    Qin Sui''s gaze flickered: "Next time it''s your birthday, I''ll write you one."


    Before Li Xiaoya could respond, the fourth graders were shouting about getting reinforcements.


    "Let''s go find the fifth graders!" they yelled.


    Li Xiaoya sighed.


    How tiring, now she''d have to fight another one.

 Chapter 139: Should we give ... a clock Maybe not.

    <h4>Chapter 139</h4>


    Qin Sui looked at the little kids who went to fetch reinforcements and asked, "Shall we go?"


    He could see that Li Xiaoya waspletely uninterested in such childish affairs and wanted to resolve this quickly.


    But Li Xiaoya shook her head, her eyebrows drooping slightly as she said, "Let''s wait a bit."


    "Wait? Wait for them to bring reinforcements?" Qin Sui paused, then added, "I feel obliged to remind you that fifth graders are... well, taller and stronger than you."


    Li Xiaoya nodded and said, "It''s fine."


    Qin Sui couldn''t help but ask, "If you can''t beat them..."


    The third-grade little ones couldn''t resist chiming in, "If she can''t beat them, will you help? Will you? Will you?"


    "You look like you could take on three of them!" they praised.


    Qin Sui: "..."


    He lowered his head again to check Li Xiaoya''s expression.


    Li Xiaoya said firmly, "You don''t need to help."


    Just as she finished speaking, a noisy group of elementary school students arrived.


    Although they were all elementary school students, as Qin Sui had mentioned, the fifth graders walking in the middle actually appeared somewhat "tall" inparison.


    The leader stretched his neck and asked, "Who is it? Who hit you?"


    The fourth-grade bully raised his hand and pointed directly at Li Xiaoya.


    In an instant, the air fell silent.


    Qin Sui''s usually calm expression instantly broke, and he almostughed out loud on the spot.


    "It''s her, it''s her!" The little bully was still jumping up and down.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya tightened her backpack straps and faced her opponents, saying, "I remember your name is Mu... Bai."


    "...Ah." The expression on the opposite side twitched, caught in a dilemma.


    The leader was indeed Mu Bai, who had been badly beaten by Li Xiaoya at the party.


    Li Xiaoya clearly remembered seeing him earlier when passing by the fifth-grade area. Given that this young Master Mu''s father was also very powerful, she had guessed early on that he was probably the big shot of the fifth grade.


    The little bully slowly began to sense that something was off and hurriedly called out, "Young Master Mu! Why aren''t you saying anything? She stomped on my face and it really hurts. I want to stomp her back!"


    Mu Bai didn''t want to speak.


    Becausest time, his face had hurt too.


    Not only did his face hurt, but his nose hurt as well. And being scolded by his father afterward hurt even more.


    What... what should he do?


    Mu Bai put on a stern face and, in a moment of quick thinking, said, "I don''t hit girls."


    The little bully was stunned upon hearing this: "Why don''t you hit girls? Why?"


    Mu Bai said disdainfully, "Do you know what gentlemanly conduct means?"


    The little bully mumbled, "Butst month you still fought with the little devil from the Qin family."


    Qin Sui: ?


    With his sister?


    Mu Bai hesitated for a moment, then squeezed out a sentence: "That was... that was before I learned about gentlemanly conductst month. I just learned it this month, didn''t I? My dad taught me personally, you wouldn''t understand."


    Li Xiaoya curiously asked, "Did your dad get beaten up too?"


    Mu Bai nearly fell over in anger: "Nonsense! Of course my dad didn''t..."


    Qin Sui, listening to this elementary school squabble, couldn''t bear it anymore and turned his body towards the railing outside to avoidughing out loud.


    The fourth-grade bully didn''t really care whether Mu Bai''s father had been beaten up or not; he only cared about himself.


    He anxiously asked, "What about me then? What should I do?"


    "Handle your own affairs," Mu Bai said, trying to sound mature.


    Then he was about to leave.


    Li Xiaoya felt this wasn''t right.


    She couldn''t quite exin why it wasn''t right.


    Mu Bai had backed down, not wanting to provoke her. The matter should have ended there.


    Relying on instinct, she suddenly took a big step forward.


    In an instant, everyone fell silent, and even Mu Bai turned his head to stare at her: "You..."


    What are you going to do?


    Are you going to beat me up today too?


    Mu Bai mustered up a bit of courage. Maybe, perhaps, today... he could turn the tables?


    But just as this thought crossed his mind, Li Xiaoya suddenly grabbed the little bully''s cor and yanked him forward, using her own body weight. The little bully, caught off guard, fell t on his face.


    Then Li Xiaoya stepped on his back and looked up to meet Mu Bai''s eyes.


    Mu Bai... fell silent.


    If he didn''t act, he could still save face.


    But she was too arrogant! Beating someone up again right in front of him was like... like pping him in the face!


    At this moment, the little bully was crying and wailing: "Why are you hitting me again? Why? Young Master Mu, help me, help me!"


    Li Xiaoya lowered her head and answered him, "Why I''m hitting you again? Because you went to fetch reinforcements."


    The little bully felt very wronged: "But Zhao Xuyang brought you here too!"


    Zhao Xuyang was the one from Li Xiaoya''s ss who got beaten up.


    Li Xiaoya blinked and said, "He brought a ssmate, you brought upper graders. It''s different. Besides, the ones you brought can''t even beat me."


    "That''s right, that''s right! Our ssmate Li Xiaoya even knows people from the high school division! She didn''t even call them toe beat you guys up!" The third-grade little ones quickly chimed in to help.


    Qin Sui from the high school division stood to the side, silently shifting his steps outward to avoid getting too close to them, lest his intelligence be diminished.


    While Qin Sui found such boasting quite stupid, the fourth-grade kids didn''t think so.


    They shrank back, even more afraid to "seek justice" for the little bully on the ground.


    "But... but you shouldn''t keep hitting me," the little bully struggled a couple of times but couldn''t get up.


    "I''ll hit you until you don''t dare to do it again in the future," Li Xiaoya said.


    "I don''t dare anymore, I really don''t dare now," the little bully said without any fight left in him.


    Only then did Li Xiaoya stop.


    The third graders immediately burst into apuse again, like a cheerleading squad.


    "It''s like watching a martial arts movie."


    "No, it''s like an American blockbuster."


    They argued for a bit.


    Li Xiaoya nced at Mu Bai: "If you''re not going to fight me, then I''m leaving."


    Mu Bai still didn''t say anything.


    This time when Li Xiaoya said she was leaving, she really did leave.


    She tugged on Qin Sui''s sleeve, taking him along as they walked downstairs.


    Qin Sui suddenly asked, "Who taught you?"


    "Hm?" Li Xiaoya looked up in confusion.


    "I''m not asking about the fighting techniques you used to take down that kid. Well, it was probably taught by Sheng Yuxiao, he''s very good at fighting..."


    "It wasn''t him."


    "It wasn''t?" Qin Sui paused, "Then it must have been someone from your family..."


    "Not them either."


    Now Qin Sui was really curious and couldn''t help but bend down to ask, "Li Xiaoya, have you met someone new?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Qin Sui pressed his lips together and said in a neutral tone, "No wonder you''ve been so busy."


    But then he quickly returned to the main topic: "Some people are good at suppressing with violence, while others excel at manipting human nature through cunning. It seems you now possess both skills."


    When Qin Sui said this, his expression was unusually pleased.


    But Li Xiaoya just froze for a moment: "Huh?"


    Qin Sui took in her expression, feeling a tickle in his heart.


    He patiently began to analyze the situation for Li Xiaoya.


    He said, "The first time you took him down, your movements were quick. You immediately withdrew after taking him down, announcing a message that you didn''t care about him at all. Dealing with him was as simple as disposing of trash, not even worth a second nce."


    "This is a tactical form of contempt."


    "You chose to wait for his reinforcements to arrive, then beat him up again in front of Mu Bai. This was an even more thorough blow and destruction of his will, while also crushing the face of that Mu kid."


    "You resolved it very thoroughly. As long as they don''t want to lose face like today, no one wille to provoke you again. Of course... this is limited to the elementary school division."


    "But this approach to handling things is correct. It would work the same way if applied to other circles. Nothing is more intimidating than continuing to beat up a minion in front of the boss."


    When Qin Sui reached this point, Li Xiaoya first asked with confusion, "Is face really that important?"


    "Of course, it''s a crucial basis for survival in high society. They can be as rotten as they want on the inside, but they must maintain a beautiful appearance on the surface."


    After finishing, Qin Sui asked her in return, "After hearing all this, don''t you find people rather boring?"


    "They are boring, but they don''t represent everyone," Li Xiaoya said.


    Qin Sui was taken aback for a moment, and finally said one word: "Correct."


    Then he smiled genuinely: "People like you are very interesting."


    He didn''t ask again who had taught her.


    Because it seemed... this was her innate ability to overpower others.


    Before they reached the school gate, Li Xiaoya had already said goodbye to him.


    Qin Sui lowered his eyes: "Saying goodbye so soon?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t answer that question. Instead, she asked, "What do you like?"


    "Are you nning to get me a birthday present?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "When giving someone a birthday gift, it should be kept secret to create a surprise. How can you be so direct in asking?"


    "What if it''s something you don''t like..."


    "When you bought a watch for Sheng Yuxiao, you didn''t ask him, did you?"


    "How did you know..."


    "Sheng Yuxiao rolled up his sleeves during PE ss, insisting on showing everyone his watch face, and warning them not to break it. With all that unting, how could I not know?"


    "Oh."


    "If you really want my opinion, then prepare something at least as good as what you gave him."


    Li Xiaoya fell silent for a moment.


    Then she hesitantly asked, "Should I... get a clock? That doesn''t seem quite right, does it?"


    Qin Sui: "..."

 Chapter 140: Different Invitation

    <h4>Chapter 140</h4>


    "Fine, choose whatever you like," Qin Sui stopped in his tracks. "Who''s waiting for you at the entrance? Not your family?"


    "A dangerous person."


    "Is that why you''re saying goodbye so early? You don''t want me to meet them?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    "Then how did you end up dealing with such a person?"


    "Because it''s necessary."


    Qin Sui didn''t say anything more. He just said, "You should go."


    Qin Sui was actually the kind of person who enjoyed walking on a tightrope, just as Wei Xuanming had hoped.


    So... he would also like someone who walked the same tightrope.


    Qin Sui, who had never been particrly interested in birthdays, suddenly found himself looking forward to his own birthday with unusual anticipation.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya walked to the school gate. Most of the other students had already left, which made Ke Muning''s tall figure stand out even more as he waited there.


    "I thought you''d been kidnapped. I was about to turn this ce upside down looking for you," Ke Muning said, bending down.


    Li Xiaoya routinely handed her backpack to a nearby bodyguard and said, "Got into a fight, so I''mte."


    "A fight? Who dares to fight with you?" Ke Muning furrowed his brow. "Do they want to add more stuff to the vi?"


    "It wasn''t them. It was, um, fourth graders, older than me," Li Xiaoya could nowmunicate with him haltingly.


    As long as the phrases weren''t tooplex.


    "Looks like you''re the winner."


    "Mm-hmm."


    Ke Muning immediately asked her about the whole process, which was then ryed through trantion.


    After listening, he said with satisfaction, "You''re not just a little madwoman, you could be a little demon king now."


    "If you could control all the kids in this elite school..." That would be incredibly promising!


    But Li Xiaoya sighed and said, "That would be really tiring."


    Ke Muning: ?


    Li Xiaoya looked up and said, "Wouldn''t everyonee crying to me with theirints?"


    Ke Muningughed, "You don''t think that''s good? ...But in Sicily, that''s called being the Godfather."


    Wouldn''t parents in any big family be happy about this?


    For a moment, Ke Muning thought about what he had said before... the Gui family could never raise a child like this.


    The Gui family would be better off destroyed!


    Ke Muning was still daydreaming.


    Li Xiaoya hesitated for a moment, then said, "Being a Godfather is illegal in this country."


    "..."


    "Well, maybe... you could permanently reside abroad?" Ke Muning asked, not giving up.


    "I like it here, I only like it here," Li Xiaoya said firmly.


    Ke Muning was very disappointed. He shrugged and said, "Alright, I like it here too. It''s too safe here. So safe that when I walk down the street, I don''t have to worry about my enemies targeting me from the shadows."


    "But precisely because it''s too safe, it doesn''t generate more wealth. Chaos and war create huge profits. It sounds inhumane, but that''s reality," Ke Muning''s tone was somewhat cold.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t say whether this was good or bad.


    Ke Muning knew that she didn''t seem to care about having more or less money.


    She had everything it took to be a viin, a demon king.


    But she only cared about her family.


    Otherwise, at such a young age, she wouldn''t willingly take such risks for them.


    Well, he felt a bit jealous.


    The jealous Ke Muning triggered a chain reaction that very night.


    After receiving a phone call, Wei Xuanming looked at his two sons and Wei Lin.


    The old man said in a calm tone, "There''s a problem with one of the shipping routes, a very serious problem..."


    Wei Lin''s scalp tightened.


    Surely they wouldn''t ask him to handle it at a time like this?


    The old man seemed to hesitate as well.


    After a while, he asked, "Which of you will go to handle it?"


    They actually had a choice!


    Wei Lin''s gaze shifted, and he was just about to skillfully employ some small tricks to stimte Wei Wenjuan or Wei Wenqing into volunteering.


    Suddenly, Wei Wenjuan said, "Father, if you''re willing, let me go."


    Wei Lin concealed the surprise in his eyes.


    Wei Wenjuan had volunteered before he even used his tricks? Had he so quickly forgotten the danger of being targeted by Ke Muning on the ind?


    Would they receive news of their second young master''s death in half a month?


    Wei Xuanming nodded, "Alright, then you go."


    Wei Lin was even more shocked.


    Even the old man agreed? Had they gone mad?


    Wei Xuanming calmly took a sip of tea, lowering his head.


    Ke Muning was being restrained in the country by the little duck. Only he knew...


    Thinking about it this way, the old man found Wei Lin''s expression quite amusing.


    *


    Friday was Qin Sui''s birthday.


    Ke Muning had his subordinates drop Li Xiaoya off at the birthday party venue.


    Ke Muning asked, "Can Ie?"


    Li Xiaoya said, "No."


    Ke Muning closed the car door unhappily, evaluating himself, "I''m like an unofficial stepfather who hasn''t got a legal marriage certificate."


    His subordinates didn''t dare to respond.


    Usually, it''s adults who go out without children, but here it was reversed: the child going out without the adult.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya had already walked to the entrance with her little bag.


    The attendant at the door looked at her in surprise.


    "You''re... alone? Where are your parents?"


    "Mm, I''m alone," Li Xiaoya took out the invitation and handed it over.


    "When have you ever seen a childe with an invitation by themselves? She doesn''t look dressed for an evening party either. Better check that invitation carefully and contact her parents to see if she stole it from them," someone suddenly said from the side.


    Li Xiaoya was dressed in fluffy clothes, not wearing a little dress, indeed not looking like she was there for an evening party.


    She frowned slightly and turned to look.


    There stood a couple with a pair of twins.


    The attendant paused for a moment and said, "Please wait, I''ll check the invitation..."


    The woman nced at it and said, "It doesn''t look stolen, more like it''s fake. This invitation is different from ours."


    The woman spread out her own invitation as she spoke.


    Li Xiaoya stretched her neck to take a look.


    ...It really was different.


    Their invitation was printed.


    Hers, however, was handwritten.


    Theirs didn''t have a name at the beginning, but hers started with "Li Xiaoya:"


    Not far away, Miss Xing Siyun, who had once been matched with the Gui family brothers, was standing there with her grandmother.


    "Isn''t that the Gui family''s child? Is she in trouble?"


    "Don''t go over there," Old Mrs. Feng said coldly.


    "Didn''t you tell me to get on the good side of the Gui family? Although I still don''t understand what''s so impressive about them."


    "To save our family''s business, we need to rely on them... and this child will hinder your benefits in the Gui family."


    "How could she hinder me?"


    "She''s currently the only able-bodied person in the Gui family. She might inherit the entire family business."


    "A little girl can inherit the family business?" Xing Siyun was stunned, a hint of mockery and a touch of envy shing in her eyes.


    "The old man wants to choose a male heir, but does their family have one?" Old Mrs. Feng finished speaking and lowered her eyes to look at Xing Siyun''s belly.


    Xing Siyun immediately understood.


    "The old man is very good to her now, but he''ll be even better to you in the future," Old Mrs. Feng said, then turned her head to look in another direction. "That''s the Mu family''s car arriving. Come with me to greet them."


    Xing Siyun took a breath, nodded, and said, "He is indeed very good to her. Such a small child, and her room is filled with so much gold."

 Chapter 141: Go, Hero to the Rescue

    <h4>Chapter 141</h4>


    When Old Mrs. Feng heard her granddaughter''s words, she paused for a moment and asked, "How do you know that?"


    Xing Siyun also realized she had misspoken. Her gaze flickered as she said, "The other day, their Third Young Master took me in to see. Um, he said something about this child not having parents and hoped I would look after him a bit."


    Old Mrs. Feng eximed in surprise, "He was able tomunicate with you? Isn''t he mute?"


    Xing Siyun quickly said, "He can type on his phone."


    Old Mrs. Feng didn''t ask any further questions and continued walking forward, holding Xing Siyun''s hand.


    Just then, the Mu family''s car pulled up and came to a stop. The doorman walked over to greet Mu Rongfeng and his son as they got out.


    "Mu General," Old Mrs. Feng immediately greeted him, then looked down with a smile and said, "This must be Mu Bai? It''s been a while since I''ve seen you, and you''ve grown so tall. Children really do change day by day."


    Mu Rongfeng''s attention had been drawn to Li Xiaoya, who was blocking the entrance, ever since he was in the car.


    At this moment, he turned to look at Old Mrs. Feng, but couldn''t immediately recall who she was. He just nodded slightly with a smile.


    Old Mrs. Feng''s eyes flickered, and she sighed inwardly. How quickly people forget. The old man had only been away from Jin City for a few years, and now no one recognized him upon his return.


    She was about to say something more when Mu Rongfeng pped the back of his son''s head and sneered, "What are you standing there for? Go on, go be the hero and save the damsel. Isn''t that the girl you like?"


    Mu Bai winced, his expression awkward, and muttered something under his breath.


    Mu Rongfeng didn''t hear clearly but could guess, "Oh, is it that you want to beat up the ssmate who snitched on you to me?"


    Mu Bai''s face fellpletely, and he stopped talking.


    The other day, after Li Xiaoya left, Mu Bai had been left standing there, utterly embarrassed.


    Before, he could have made excuses about being a gentleman who doesn''t hit girls.


    But when Li Xiaoya beat someone up right in front of him and he had no reaction at all, there was no way to exin that away...


    So he had made up an excuse on the spot.


    He said he liked her and that no one should bother her.


    This news reached Mu Rongfeng''s ears the very next day.


    How could a father not understand what was really going on? He was nearly driven mad with anger.


    His big boy of a son couldn''t even beat a girl, and not only did he lose face once, but he also came up with these tricks.


    Mu Rongfeng pushed him, saying, "Go. Since you want to y the knight in shining armor, at least act like one. Don''t end up aplishing nothing in the end! Don''t make your old man look down on you!"


    Old Mrs. Feng, having been ignored to this extent and not even getting the chance to introduce Xing Siyun, now saw the father and son at odds with each other and thought to smooth things over.


    So she said, "Boys all care about face when they''re out in public."


    Mu Rongfeng coldly replied, "Face should be earned by oneself, not given by one''s father."


    Old Mrs. Feng''s face fell slightly, but she still wanted to say something.


    Mu Bai, unable to bear his father''sshing any longer, darted forward to Li Xiaoya''s side.


    "What are you doing blocking her?" Mu Bai put on a fierce expression.


    The waiter, seeing that he hade with Mu Rongfeng, guessed his identity and bowed, saying, "Young Master Mu, we''re checking invitations here."


    Li Xiaoya turned her head to look at Mu Bai, her expression unchanged, and continued in a calm tone, "This one was written by Qin Sui, so it''s different."


    "Who is she? Why would Qin Sui write her an invitation?" The couple who had been questioning earlier frowned even more deeply.


    Before the waiter could speak, Mu Bai interjected, "Her name is Li Xiaoya, and she''s definitely closer to Qin Sui than you are!"


    Qin Sui had already vouched for her!


    The coupleughed in anger.


    The man said, "I''m Qin Sui''s Second Uncle."


    The woman said, "I''m Qin Sui''s Aunt, how could she be closer to him than us?"


    Mu Bai had a lingering fear of Li Xiaoya because he had been badly beaten by her and lost face.


    But he wasn''t afraid of adults like these. He sneered, "No wonder you''re meddling in other people''s business."


    "How dare you speak to us like that?" The woman frowned.


    "Hey, hey, his father is right behind him," the man held her back.


    Mu Bai knew his father was watching from behind and was afraid of being mocked again. He was almost dying of anxiety and quickly said, "Hurry up and let her in, or Qin Sui will deal with youter."


    When Mu Bai said this, it was absolutely from personal experience.


    Mu Rongfeng had also walked over by this time and hearing his son''s words, the corner of his mouth twitched.


    What kind of knight in shining armor was this?


    He sounded more like Li Xiaoya''spdog.


    "Mu General," the waiter quickly called out.


    "Let everyone in," Mu Rongfeng said with a calm authority. "What kind of image are you presenting, all crowded here like this?"


    The waiter didn''t say anything more and even carefully returned the invitation to Li Xiaoya.


    He didn''t really want to be so strict about it; he was just doing his job. Who would want to get involved in a dispute?


    As they pushed open the door to enter, Old Mrs. Feng finally caught up with her granddaughter.


    "This Mu General''s business is growing bigger and bigger now, naturally he''s be arrogant," Old Mrs. Feng lowered her voice, shaking her head as she said to Xing Siyun, "He''s no longer that young upstart who came to your grandfather begging for investment, using every trick in the book to please him."


    Xing Siyun said in a daze, "But he was nice to that child, he took the initiative to resolve the situation. And his son likes her?"


    "Yes, what do you think that was for? It''s for the Wei Family''s face."


    Xing Siyun nodded, "I understand, Grandmother. But why haven''t we seen any adults from the Wei Familye to attend the banquet?"


    Old Mrs. Feng was momentarily at a loss for words.


    As they entered, it was as if they had stepped into another world.


    The air was filled with the scent of perfume and the glitter of jewels, the light dazzling to the eyes.


    Someone led them deeper inside.


    Qin Sui wasn''t the type who enjoyed socializing. He preferred to stand coldly to one side, observing everyone.


    When he saw Li Xiaoya enter through the surveince camera, he almost immediately pushed back his chair and headed downstairs.


    On the way, he ran into his mother.


    Mrs. Qin said, "Don''t go,e with me to meet your aunts."


    "You know I''ve never been good at saying the right things, I''d better not go and upset people," Qin Sui replied.


    Mrs. Qin mumbled, "Today you''re the birthday boy, anything you say will be well-received."


    But she still couldn''t stop her son from leaving.


    Qin Sui went downstairs and walked straight up to Li Xiaoya, taking the small bag she was carrying. His usually gloomy face lit up a bit.


    He asked, "Is my present inside?"


    Xing Siyun, seeing this, asked, "Is this also for the Wei Family''s face? Young Master Qin seems very close to her."


    Old Mrs. Feng hesitated, "I suppose so?"


    She wasn''t very clear about what businesses the Wei Family had behind the scenes, only knowing they were formidable. But... if they were giving face to everyone, then it seemed like, perhaps, they had a bit too much face?


    While the grandmother and granddaughter were still puzzling over this, Second Uncle Qin eximed in shock, "Qin Sui, you really know her?"


    Qin Sui slowly stood up, the light fading from his face.


    He nodded slightly, "Uncle, Aunt, you''re here."


    Second Uncle Qin''s facial muscles twitched slightly as he forced an awkward smile, "Look at this, we almost had a misunderstanding. So her invitation... was really handwritten by you?"


    "Yes."


    "Howe she got a special one? None of ours were handwritten."


    Qin Sui asked, "Why should I handwrite yours?"


    "Well..." Second Uncle Qin was taken aback, "We''re your family... Don''t tell me she''s closer to you than we are?"


    Qin Sui didn''t respond, instead turning to greet Mu Rongfeng.


    Then he put his hand on Li Xiaoya''s shoulder and led her upstairs.


    Second Uncle Qin was left standing there, his expression changing several times before he muttered, "Neither of the two children in that family shows any respect for their elders."


    His wife lowered her voice and said with a touch of schadenfreude, "That''s why Qin Sui''s mother is always worried he''ll turn to crime. It would be better if he actually did. The little girl is hopeless too. Maybe you, as a close rtive, will have a chance to take over thepany in the future."


    Second Uncle Qin nodded and smiled, leading his children forward, "Come on, let''s go see your uncle."


    Meanwhile, as soon as they got upstairs, Qin Sui asked, "What misunderstanding happened earlier?"


    He took the invitation from Li Xiaoya''s hand, "Because the one I gave you was handwritten, they thought it was fake and wouldn''t let you in?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Qin Sui, in a rare disy of straightforward displeasure, looked gloomy.


    His displeasure was so evident that even his eyes seemed to darken.


    He said, "It seems I made a mistake. Being unique has be a problem."


    Li Xiaoya took the invitation back, "Thank you for giving me something unique. I will treasure it."


    In her life before this, only her mother had shown her favoritism.


    Now, she was receiving more and more favoritism.


    She cherished every bit of it deeply.


    Qin Sui was stunned.


    Then he smiled again.


    So... this was the correct way to please Li Xiaoya?


    Thinking about it now, the bags he had picked before were too thoughtless. Li Xiaoya selling them was their deserved fate!


    The more Qin Sui thought about it, the happier he became.


    It felt as if after a long time, he had finally grasped the key to unlock the treasure vault on this day.


    "Come with me," Qin Sui led her to the monitoring room, grabbing the telephone handset with one hand. He turned to her and said, "Before opening the gift, let''s watch something interesting."

 Chapter 142: Qin Sui Is Delighted

    <h4>Chapter 142</h4>


    Qin Sui made a call to the first floor.


    "Bring my uncle to section A1, seat him at the table with rose flowers in front."


    The person on the other end acknowledged.


    Li Xiaoya asked curiously, "What kind of ce is that?"


    "A ce he shouldn''t be sitting."


    Downstairs, Second Uncle Qin hadn''t been able to see Qin Sui''s father, but just then a waiter came to lead him to his seat.


    Second Uncle Qin hesitated, "Since my older brother isn''t here, I''ll just sit with the other executives and chat..."


    The waiter insisted, "Pleasee sit in A1 first, the other bigwigs will be joining you shortly."


    A1 was the area closest to the ceremony stage.


    Generally, only Qin Sui''s family members and those with high status in their circle who had good rtionships with the Qin family were allowed to sit there.


    Hearing this, Second Uncle Qin''s interest was piqued, and he directly brought his wife and children along.


    They had just sat down when Qin Sui''s father came out, his face dark as he scolded, "Is this a ce you should be sitting?"


    In front of his wife and children, Second Uncle Qin was stunned by the rebuke, "Why can''t I sit here? I''m your brother, why can''t I... where here can''t I sit? I..."


    Qin Haoming nced at the bodyguards nearby, who immediately and politely escorted the group away.


    "Take him to B3," Qin Sui directed over the phone.


    The person on the other end responded with a "Yes."


    Second Uncle Qin was led to another area, still cursing the waiter as he sat down, "How could you lead us to the wrong ce?"


    The waiter responded apologetically, "I don''t know what happened either, by all rights you should have been seated there."


    Second Uncle Qin was disgruntled, and after sitting for a while, he became even more agitated.


    Because at the same table were two people he didn''t get along with.


    Full of anger, Second Uncle Qin stood up and shouted, "What was my older brother thinking? He knows those two werepeting with me for business before, why did he invite them?"


    Themotion quickly caught Qin Haoming''s attention again.


    Qin Haoming, his face grim, directly ordered people to escort them out.


    How could Second Uncle Qin agree to this?


    Just as he was about to argue with his older brother,


    "This is your nephew''s birthday celebration, what are you trying to do?" Qin Haoming sternly questioned, then waved his hand for the bodyguards to take him away, not wanting to look at him anymore.


    "Big brother! I''m your brother, how could you..." Second Uncle Qin, unable to save face, continued to shout.


    It was his wife who tugged at his sleeve, saying, "Let''s go, let''s go, don''t make it difficult for your older brother."


    They were led to the garden, where the cold wind blew.


    Second Uncle Qin suddenly remembered Li Xiaoya''s handwritten invitation and immediately cursed, "He can''t tell friend from foe! His business keeps growing, but he won''t share any of the profits with me. His son follows his example, treating outsiders better than us. Our two children have never received a kind word from Qin Sui sinceing to the Qin family..."


    His wife suddenly said, "Could Qin Sui be taking revenge on us?"


    "Revenge? Why would he take revenge on me? I even brought him a birthday gift..."


    "You know he''s never cared about those things. That kid earlier, didn''t we block him at the door? Now look, we''re the ones being kicked out."


    "Don''t you really think this is Qin Sui''s revenge? He''s always been cunning, likes to scheme against people without showing it..."


    Second Uncle Qin shuddered, finally squeezing out the words, "Monster! They gave birth to a monster!"


    While they were cursing angrily outside,


    In the monitoring room, Qin Sui deliberately captured and erged Second Uncle Qin''s final expression of disbelief and humiliation.


    He asked Li Xiaoya, "Interesting, isn''t it?"


    Li Xiaoya looked puzzled, "Isn''t he your uncle?"


    Qin Sui replied coldly, "This is what we call a poor rtiveing to mooch off us."


    Qin Sui tilted his head to look at him, "Didn''t he say it himself downstairs? I''m closer to you."


    Li Xiaoyay on the table, not speaking.


    Qin Sui asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Li Xiaoya frowned slightly, "I suddenly feel like the gift I prepared for you isn''t very good."


    Hearing this, Qin Sui felt an indescribable sweetness.


    It was like a fruit that wasn''t quite a fruit.


    Called "sweet stem."


    He had seen people selling it on the street before and bought some out of curiosity.


    It tasted like sugarcane, but not as sweet, with more water content. Very light, so light that after chewing for a long time, only a hint of sweetness remained on the tip of the tongue.


    Qin Sui thought, I''ve indeed found the key.


    Without him having to scheme.


    This was a bit of sweetness she voluntarily released to him.


    "It''s alright, any gift is good," Qin Sui said.


    After all, what he really wanted, he had already gotten a taste of.


    Li Xiaoya nodded, then opened her small bag and took out a bulging cylindrical object wrapped in bubble wrap.


    Qin Sui took it, saying with great interest, "I''ll unwrap it myself."


    He slowly peeled off the bubble wrap, revealing what was inside��


    It was a revolvingntern.


    By this time, the downstairs area had be lively, as all the expected guests had arrived.


    Qin Haoming was slightly frustrated, "Where has the young master gone again? He''s today''s main character, where is he?"


    The waiter said, "In the monitoring room."


    Qin Haoming sighed, "Go invite him."


    Then he turned to greet an old man who was walking unsteadily.


    The old man slowly walked over and sat in the seat that Second Uncle Qin had previously upied.


    The fact that Qin Haoming had scolded Second Uncle Qin for sitting there showed that this old man''s status was not ordinary.


    His eyelids drooped, barely able to stay open, but he still pulled out a cloth package from his bosom, saying, "A gift for Qin Sui."


    Qin Haoming nodded, looking at the elderly man before him with mixed emotions.


    This person held a prestigious status, but had few descendants. He only had one son, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago without leaving any offspring.


    In the second year after his son''s death, at a casual gathering, he saw Qin Sui and said he looked like his son when he was young.


    It was then that the two families formed a good rtionship.


    Since then, Qin Haoming had treated him as a respected elder, and now sat beside him to chat.


    "Young Master Qin! Young Master Qin!" The waiter came to knock on the door of the monitoring room.


    But Qin Sui was engrossed in manually turning the revolvingntern.


    "Did you make this?"


    "Mm." Li Xiaoya still felt a bit guilty, the materials had cost a total of eighty-three yuan.


    After finishing it, she had even won first prize in her handicraft ss.


    Qin Sui didn''t know about this, he just felt the taste was even sweeter.


    Handmade.


    Handmade!


    Inparison, even the invitation he had handwritten didn''t seem like much.


    "Li Xiaoya, this is a very good gift. I will put it by my bedside."


    Li Xiaoya felt another twinge of guilt in her heart.


    That''s right. It''s a very good gift, you can only put it by your bedside, and can''t take it out to show everyone. This way Yuxiao won''t see it.


    And you two won''t fight.

 Chapter 143: Mom Qin is a Fan

    <h4>Chapter 143</h4>


    "Mr. Qin, Mr. Qin, we should go downstairs now." The waiter anxiously knocked on the monitoring room door once again.


    "Let''s go," Qin Sui said, picking up thentern and heading downstairs. When he opened the door, he startled the waiter.


    "May I help you carry that?" The waiter asked, reaching out his hand.


    But Qin Sui slightly turned his body, directly blocking the waiter''s outstretched hand.


    "No need," Qin Sui said coldly.


    The waiter couldn''t help but look down at thentern again. Was there something special about it? It didn''t bear the logo of any big brand, nor did it look like it was made by an artist.


    But Mr. Qin held it with both hands, his posture seeming cautious.


    Even Li Xiaoya felt a bit embarrassed watching this.


    She followed Qin Sui downstairs. The waiter was leading Qin Sui to the stage for a speech, while Li Xiaoya started walking in the opposite direction.


    However, Qin Sui freed one hand and grabbed the hood attached to her back, pulling her back in an instant.


    "Where are you going?"


    "To find a ce to sit."


    "Do we need to look for one?"


    Qin Sui took her hand and led her all the way to the A1 area, where Qin''s second uncle had most wanted to sit earlier.


    "Why are you so slow?" Qin Haoming mildly reproached, then turned his gaze to Li Xiaoya.


    "She..." looks familiar, Qin Haoming hadn''t finished his sentence.


    Qin Sui seated Li Xiaoya in his own ce, then handed thentern he was holding to Mrs. Qin.


    "Please look after Little Duck and my birthday gift for me."


    After saying this, Qin Sui nodded to the elderly man sitting nearby, calling out, "Grandpa Zhang."


    Then he headed towards the ceremony stage.


    Mrs. Qin was dumbfounded: "Oh, oh, alright..."


    She hugged thentern with one arm and held Li Xiaoya''s hand with the other. Although a bit at a loss, she had truly taken her son''s words to heart.


    She wondered how she should "look after" them.


    She could only ask dryly, "Are you hungry? Thirsty?"


    Before Li Xiaoya could answer, Mrs. Qin suddenly eximed with delight: "You''re... that little girl! The one, the one who was on the show with Qin Sui, Little Duck, right?"


    Children change a lot in a short time, especially since she was previously thin and small growing up in a mountain vige. Now that she could eat well and nutritiously, it was normal for someone who didn''t see her often to not recognize her at first.


    Mrs. Qin really liked that show.


    She was naturally somewhat naive and innocent. Although she already had a son and a daughter, her heart was still as soft as a young girl''s.


    Once she realized who Li Xiaoya was, Mrs. Qin''s previously overflowing sympathy immediately resurfaced.


    "How have you beentely? Your family came to take you back, right? Howe there was no follow-up?"


    "They continued recording that showter, but I saw that Li Qingqing wasn''t very interesting, although she''s pitiful too. Her family members are all no-good, and they''ve dragged her down with them. But she''s just not interesting on camera. Oh, maybe I shouldn''t say that."


    "Anyway, they didn''t film her muchter on. I don''t know if she went back to Li Family Vige or not."


    "Oh, they''re already filming the second season now, with new guests. I think it''s the Dong''s child who went for the exchange this time. It doesn''t seem very interesting either."


    "That Little Dong, after two episodes, there''s no change. His mother called me the other day, asking how Qin Sui managed to change so much on the show."


    "I told her they missed the good opportunity, they didn''t catch it when you were there. But it''s good that you''re not in Li Family Vige anymore, that ce was terrible..."


    Mrs. Qin seemed to be a true fan of the show. Now that she was face to face with a real participant, she couldn''t stop talking once she started.


    Qin Haoming couldn''t help but show an expression of helplessness on the side.


    But Mrs. Qin didn''t care about that. She continued, "Didn''t that director post on Weibo before? Saying they were going to record a second urban special, what happened to that? Are you too busy? Or is that Sheng Yuxiao too busy? I was quite looking forward to it."


    Qin Haoming couldn''t help but interject: "Don''t let your son hear you say that."


    What was this?


    His own mother wanting to watch Sheng Yuxiao''s show.


    Qin Sui might be angry enough tomit a crime tomorrow.


    Hearing this, Mrs. Qin was silent for a moment, then said, "You could sponsor another episode of the show, and then Qin Sui could record it too."


    "You want Qin Sui to record with Sheng Yuxiao?"


    "That might not work, but they could record separately, make two more episodes. That way I could watch one more episode."


    Hearing this, Qin Haoming didn''t show any particr expression, and actually nodded, saying, "I''ll ask about it another day."


    In the past, when Mrs. Qin was following TV dramas, she would often ask the production team to film a sequel or a side story if she wasn''t satisfied with the ending.


    Adding an extra episode to a show today was nothing inparison.


    At this moment, a thunderous apuse erupted from the audience below.


    Qin Sui was about to begin his speech.


    This was the first time Li Xiaoya had seen such a grand asion.


    She muttered softly, "So this is how birthdays are celebrated?"


    Mrs. Qin said, "Qin Sui is turning eighteen this year, it''s right for hising-of-age ceremony to be a bit more grand."


    Li Xiaoya looked up.


    She saw a little girl standing next to Qin Sui. The girl was wearing a white dress, holding a violin, with a sullen expression and cool eyes.


    Mrs. Qin''s voice sounded again: "You haven''t met her before, right? That''s Qin Sui''s sister, Qin Yue."


    Li Xiaoya nodded, indicating she had remembered.


    Qin Yue on the stage seemed to sense something and suddenly looked towards Li Xiaoya, ring at her fiercely.


    A question mark appeared over Li Xiaoya''s head.


    Had she offended her somewhere?


    Li Xiaoya didn''t dwell on this question. She simply stopped looking and turned her head to stare at the small pastries on the table.


    At this time, everyone else was intently watching the stage, listening to Qin Sui thank the guests for attending his birthday party...


    Li Xiaoya''s gaze shifted, suddenly noticing a hand resting on the white tablecloth. The hand was wrinkled and slightly trembling, then rapidly progressed from trembling to convulsing.


    Li Xiaoya immediately leaned over and grabbed the hand, shouting, "He''s having an attack!"


    But she was too small to hold onto him properly.


    Qin Haoming reacted the quickest, turning to support the old man beside him, urgently calling out, "Mr. Zhang, Mr. Zhang!"


    Mr. Zhang''s head was tilted back slightly, his face turning blue and purple. After being supported by Qin Haoming, he instinctively grabbed onto Li Xiaoya like a drowning man clutching at a lifeline.


    "Where''s the family doctor? Call him over!"


    "Get the ambnce to the door immediately!"


    Qin Haoming gave the orders.


    For suchrge-scale banquets, wealthy families usually have ambnces on standby in advance. After all, every guest''s life is precious.


    At this moment, Qin Sui took a few strides down from the ceremony stage, rushing to their side.


    He wanted to lift Li Xiaoya away first, but couldn''t pull her hand free.


    When they were lifting Mr. Zhang into the ambnce, Li Xiaoya could only kneel beside the stretcher.


    It wasn''t until after the paramedics administered medication that Mr. Zhang slowly regained some consciousness and gradually released Li Xiaoya''s hand.


    His eyelids were still barely open, and he looked extremely old and frail.


    In the flickering light and shadow, he caught a glimpse of a child jumping down from beside his stretcher.


    It seemed the child was slowly walking away.


    Mr. Zhang couldn''t help but open his mouth, calling out hoarsely, "Xinian, Xinian, don''t leave daddy... don''t go, don''t go..."


    Li Xiaoya sighed, had no choice but to move closer, and once again grasped the old man''s bark-like hand.

 Chapter 144: I Am Your Father

    <h4>Chapter 144</h4>


    This was Li Xiaoya''s first time in arge hospital.


    The fluorescent lights were blinding, and the floor was so shiny it seemed to reflect one''s image.


    Her phone vibrated violently in her pocket.


    Qin Sui caught up and helped her take out her phone.


    "Don''t answer it yet, just read out the number," Li Xiaoya stopped him.


    Qin Sui picked up the phone and looked: "Why isn''t there a contact name? Is it a spam call?"


    Though confused, Qin Sui still read out the string of numbers.


    It was Ke Muning calling.


    Li Xiaoya immediately said, "Then you can''t answer it for me. I''ll call backter myself."


    "Why? Is it Sheng Yuxiao calling?"


    "It''s not Sheng Yuxiao, but if you answer, the caller will think you''ve kidnapped me."


    "..."


    Qin Sui helplessly put the phone back in her pocket.


    Soon, Old Mr. Zhang was wheeled in for emergency treatment, and Li Xiaoya finally let go, walking to the side to call Ke Muning back.


    "What happened? I saw the ambnce," Ke Muning said quickly on the other end.


    "Someone fell ill at the banquet."


    "Oh." Ke Muning didn''t care about that. "Come out, I''ll take you home."


    "I''m at the hospital."


    "Did the person who fell ill try to extort you?"


    "No." Li Xiaoya didn''t know how to exin. "I''ll tell youter."


    She ended the call.


    On the other end, Ke Muning angrily pointed at his phone and said to his subordinates: "She hung up on me!"


    The subordinates didn''t know how to judge... After all, the boss''s psychology was the opposite of normal people.


    No one knew if he said this hoping others would join in criticizing her, or praise her for hanging up well.


    Ke Muning then repeated with a gloomy face: "She hung up on me!"


    The subordinate, who seemed sharp on the battlefield, now appeared dull. After much thought, he stammered out: "You used to hang up on others all the time, uh, very, very much in your style. The inheritance is perfect."


    Ke Muning: "..."


    On this side, Li Xiaoya turned around, meeting Qin Sui''s gaze as he caught up.


    She asked, "What about your birthday party? Are we going back?"


    "We''re not going back, I don''t like birthday parties anyway," Qin Sui didn''t seem to mind.


    "Then why have one?"


    "Because it''s necessary. People need banquets to showcase their status and wealth."


    "Oh, then I''m leaving."


    "I''ll take you."


    "Someone wille to pick me up."


    Qin Sui didn''t insist, because the party was hosted by his family, and since Old Mr. Zhang fell ill at the party, they naturally needed to see it through to the end.


    He nodded, "Then I''ll see you to the ground floor."


    Li Xiaoya hugged him.


    She hugged him...


    She hugged him!


    And she initiated it!


    Qin Sui froze on the spot.


    Indeed, the more unattainable something is, the happier one feels when suddenly receiving a bit of affection, right?


    "Qin Sui, happy birthday," Li Xiaoya said earnestly. "I wish you, um... all the best."


    After delivering her simple blessing, Li Xiaoya turned and walked towards the stairs.


    "Wait!" Qin Sui grabbed her from behind, seizing her arm: "Your hand..."


    She hadn''t noticed until he mentioned it. Li Xiaoya looked down.


    There were finger marks on her wrist where she had been grabbed.


    It even hurt a little.


    "That old man is so strong..." Li Xiaoya marveled.


    "Grandpa Zhang was in the army when he was young," Qin Sui paused. "Put some medicine on before you go."


    Qin Sui went to find a nurse.


    Li Xiaoya''s wrist was smeared with a circle of reddish-purple medicine, and only then did Qin Sui let her leave.


    Qin Sui escorted Li Xiaoya downstairs, just as they ran into Qin Haoming and Mrs. Qin, who hadn''t followed the ambnce and arrived a bitter.


    Mrs. Qin was still holding that revolvingntern, not having put it down even at this point.


    Qin Sui paused, took thentern back into his arms, and then followed them upstairs.


    Li Xiaoya walked to the hospital entrance and took out her phone to call Ke Muning.


    The wind blew past the flower bed at the hospital entrance, rustling the nts. She couldn''t help but shiver and shrink her neck.


    The wind was getting stronger.


    It seemed as if ghostly shadows were lurking in the flower bed.


    "Why did you stop talking?" Ke Muning asked on the phone.


    Li Xiaoya stared at the flower bed, sniffled, and said, "The wind is so strong, my words are blown into my stomach."


    Now she seemed more like a proper little kid.


    Hearing this, Ke Muning raised an eyebrow on the other end, suddenly feeling that the little madwoman''s soft side was quite likable too.


    Ke Muning didn''t let her hang up. He listened to the howling wind on her end and quickly drove to the hospital.


    The car door opened, and Ke Muning stepped out with his long legs, standing there like a towering pir.


    He said, "Get in."


    But Li Xiaoya hesitated.


    "What''s wrong?" Ke Muning asked.


    Li Xiaoya said, "I think something moved in the bushes."


    Ke Muning burst outughing: "So you''re afraid of shadows? Are you afraid of ghosts too? Have you watched horror movies? Do you dare?"


    Li Xiaoya pressed her lips together without speaking.


    "Are you angry? I didn''t get mad when you hung up on me earlier. I treat you better than your own father, don''t I?" Ke Muning picked her up and stuffed her into the car.


    "What happened to your hand?" Once in the confined space, Ke Muning immediately smelled the medicine.


    Li Xiaoya then used the trantor to exin the whole process.


    Ke Muning frowned without speaking.


    Li Xiaoya immediately leaned closer, straightened his face, and asked, "You''re not going to chop off his hand, are you?"


    "No chopping, it''s illegal in your Hua Country, I know," Ke Muning snorted.


    The driver stepped on the gas pedal.


    After driving for a while, Ke Muning suddenly said, "Wait, stop."


    Then he pointed to two subordinates: "You two go check the flower bed we just passed."


    The two subordinates acknowledged.


    Li Xiaoya asked, "Are you going to catch ghosts for me?"


    Ke Muning, a man whose smile was always cold, said with a smile: "Outside your Hua Country, such caution is very necessary. I need to maintain this vignce, lest when I leave Hua Countryter, I only rememberfort and forget to be alert."


    The subordinates walked back to the flower bed and searched through it.


    There was nothing.


    They conversed briefly in Russian, then turned to leave.


    Next to the flower bed was a corridor, at the end of which was a pir as thick as three men.


    Behind the pir, a man was panting.


    "Luckily I changed hiding spots," he said, partly resentful, partly through gritted teeth: "How can she ept a foreigner as her father? I''m her real father."


    If only she hadn''t been on the phone the whole time.


    He would have gone up to reunite with her.


    He''d have to wait for the next opportunity...


    The vige chief of Li Vige had been arrested, and the police were looking for him too.


    He had to meet with Li Xiaoya, reunite, and reconcile before he was found!


    ...


    Old Mr. Zhang was rescued in time and didn''t end up in serious condition.


    The nurse helped him sit up, and he still seemed a bit dazed.


    Qin Sui''s sister, Qin Yue, sat on a stool by the bed. She had short hair and still looked very cool.


    Old Mr. Zhang mumbled, "Xi Nian, Xi Nian..."


    Qin Sui bent down and said, "Grandpa Zhang, Uncle Xi Nian is gone."


    "Oh right, right." Old Mr. Zhang came to his senses, his eyes gaining some rity. "Was it Little Yue who apanied me in the ambnce earlier?"


    "No, it was Li Xiaoya," Qin Sui corrected.


    Old Mr. Zhang nodded, "Good, good, we must thank her. My memory hasn''t been great these past couple of years. Write it down for meter."


    Qin Sui agreed.


    Soon after, Qin Haoming and the others came to check on the old man as well.


    There wasn''t enough room for so many people around the hospital bed, so Qin Sui simply pushed the door open and walked out.


    He ced the revolvingntern on a hospital bench. Under the overly bright fluorescent lights, even thentern seemed to be coated in ayer of shimmering light.


    Qin Sui took a photo with a "click" and posted it to his Moments.


    But unfortunately.


    He didn''t have Sheng Yuxiao as a friend.


    He casually refreshed the page.


    He saw that Second Young Master He, his follower in ss, had liked his post.


    After a while, this Second Young Master He received a reply from Qin Sui on his Moments:


    [Never seen it before? You think it looks good? I''ll bring it on Monday for you to see.]


    He was a bit ttered and bewildered, stopping his hand that was about to type ament, and smacked his lips in confusion, thinking, I haven''t even said anything yet.

 Chapter 145: You Have No Friends

    <h4>Chapter 145</h4>


    Wei Wenjuan set off to handle the overseas shipping route affairs. As soon as he arrived, informants ryed the news to Ke Muning''s ears.


    "The target has been drawn out. Will you return now?" a subordinate asked on the phone.


    "Just him alone?"


    "Yes, just one person."


    "How did Wei Xuanming bring himself to delegate authority to his crippled son to handle business matters?"


    The person on the other end of the line couldn''t answer.


    But Ke Muning didn''t really need an answer. He immediately cursed, "Cowardly turtle! Spineless creature!"


    He was cursing Wei Lin.


    After listening, the subordinate asked again, "Will you return now?"


    Ke Muning pursed his lips without speaking.


    It would be very appropriate to rush over and kill Wei Wenjuan now. But would the benefits be too small if he acted now?


    He should patiently wait until the benefits were maximized.


    For example, using the child''s hand to clean out the Ghost family in one fell swoop.


    If he left now, he would have to immediately expose the child''s disguise. Should he continue to pretend not to know and wait for a chance to meet again in the future to keep up the act?


    Ke Muning rarely had such scattered thoughts.


    He thought, perhaps it was because there were too many choices...


    While Ke Muning hadn''t yet answered his subordinate''s question, there was suddenly a knock at the door.


    Knock knock knock, knock knock knock, very rhythmically.


    "Ke Muning, Ke Muning." Li Xiaoya called his name from outside the door.


    The English name sounded as soft as "hello"ing from her mouth.


    Ke Muning quickly hung up the phone and turned to ask in a teasing tone, "What''s wrong, little princess? Are you still thinking about that shadow in the flower bed, too scared to sleep alone?"


    As he spoke, he strode over to open the door.


    Outside, Li Xiaoya had already changed into soft pajamas.


    It must be said that Ke Muning was actually a bit better at raising children than the Old Master. The Old Master appeared refined on the outside but was harsh and autocratic on the inside. Apart from caring about Li Xiaoya''s various performances and giving her plenty of money, he hadn''t paid attention to other details.


    As for Ke Muning, the more indifferent and quiet Li Xiaoya seemed, the more enthusiastic he became about having his subordinates buy her soft, colorful things.


    Now Li Xiaoya''s pajamas had a huge pink cat head printed on them.


    Ke Muning first looked at the pink cat on her with satisfaction, then shifted his gaze��


    He found that she wasn''t hugging a pillow or a doll.


    Completely different from the image of a little girl inmon fairy tales whoes asking forpany because of a nightmare.


    It seems fairy tales are indeed just used to deceive children.


    Ke Muning coldly clicked his tongue and bent down.


    Li Xiaoya spoke at this time: "I''m going out tomorrow."


    She needs to inform him about going out?


    Ke Muning asked with pleasure, "Where to? Finally going home?"


    Now that piqued his interest.


    Li Xiaoya shook her head and said, "To a friend''s house."


    She had agreedst week to visit Sheng Yuxiao''s home, so of course she had to keep her word.


    But Ke Muning frowned tightly, his face looking even colder.


    "Friend? How do you have so many friends? Today you''re going to a friend''s birthday party, tomorrow you''re going to a friend''s house?"


    "Do you know? For adults, nine out of ten friends are fake. It''s not worth spending time on them. You should study English properly tomorrow."


    Li Xiaoya looked up at him: "Everything you say is right, but I''m not an adult."


    "..."


    "But you''ll grow up eventually, so understanding this principle early isn''t a bad thing."


    Li Xiaoya paused and said, "Ke Muning has no friends."


    Ke Muning: "..."


    He pinched her cheek: "Madmen don''t need friends!"


    They had discussed this issue before on the ind.


    At that time, Li Xiaoya had hit the nail on the head, and Ke Muning had nearly eaten the child alive on the spot.


    Later, Li Xiaoya''s words had diverted him to another topic, so the conversation hadn''t continued.


    But now Li Xiaoya brought it up again.


    Li Xiaoya grabbed Ke Muning''s hand that was pinching her cheek and tried to pull it away, but couldn''t.


    His wrist was too thickpared to hers; her five fingers couldn''t even grasp it.


    She could only say with puffed cheeks, "Without friends, you also don''t have more trustworthy business partners."


    "We talked about thisst time, there are always people who don''t mind, like Wang..."


    "I am your friend. If I make many friends, then you will have many friends too," Li Xiaoya finished the rest of her words.


    Ke Muning''s voice came to an abrupt halt.


    This Germanic man''s expression changed from a cold freeze to slowly transform into something strange and a barely perceptible shock, finally settling into calmness.


    He said, "Go ahead then."


    Li Xiaoya nodded, and sensing that the force of his hand had loosened, she quickly shrank her head back and returned to her bedroom to sleep.


    But Ke Muning found himself unable to sleep.


    He tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.


    No wonder people always call young ones little angels...


    No wonder mercenaries with families are willing to send all their hard-earned money back to their wives and children.


    He didn''t have a wife.


    But he had a child now.


    However, this child could only be considered "stolen".


    How could the Ghost family deserve to have her? They didn''t!


    As Ke Muning thought about this, he suddenly turned and sat up in bed. Wait, was she saying these things on purpose to act? Deliberately trying to coax him?


    Ke Muning couldn''t sleep at all now.


    The next day, a wealthy person invited him to dinner. Ke Muning rarely epted, instead of choosing to personally send Li Xiaoya to her friend''s house.


    Several of Ke Muning''s subordinates took on this important task.


    These fierce-looking subordinates, whose features were not even as handsome as Ke Muning''s, had previously scared Li Xiaoya''s ssmates to tears.


    However, in front of Li Xiaoya, they could be considered "gentle".


    "Please," they said, opening the car door while handing her a small nket, and then taking her thermos with a rabbit pattern on it to carry for her.


    Among Ke Muning''s subordinates, there were speakers of variousnguages.


    Some had even poorer English skills than Li Xiaoya.


    Due to thenguage barrier, they appeared taciturn.


    But Li Xiaoya didn''t know that they actually quite liked her.


    Except for some war maniacs and some anti-human fanatics, what normal person wouldn''t like such a young one?


    Moreover, Li Xiaoya had previously defended them in front of her ssmates.


    To them, this was very gratifying.


    Even though she was a child of the Ghost family.


    But their boss had many things that were stolen, so what was wrong with stealing a person?


    No problem!


    The car drove all the way to 92 Huayang Road, and Li Xiaoya told them, "We''re here."


    The subordinates looked out the window in confusion.


    Outside was arge shopping mall with peopleing and going.


    Her friend''s house was here?


    These foreigners weren''t very familiar with the cities of Hua Country after all, so they could only follow her directions.


    Li Xiaoya got out of the car and walked straight into the mall, then called Sheng Yuxiao.


    The subordinates drove away in the car.


    Meanwhile, Sheng Yuxiao''s car sped towards her.


    The young master Sheng hadn''t seen her for some time and walked very urgently. He crossed through the crowd, over the steps, and came to the entrance of the mall.


    Li Xiaoya stood there, very eye-catching.


    "I heard that yesterday was Qin Sui''s birthday party..." As soon as the young master Sheng approached, he immediately followed with, "You went?"

 Chapter 146: City Special 2.0

    <h4>Chapter 146</h4>


    Li Xiaoya didn''t say anything, but first slipped a candy into his palm.


    Sheng Yuxiao swallowed the rest of his words, then looked down.


    "The candy you exchanged for little red flowers at Shitou School? You still have some?" Sheng Yuxiao asked in surprise.


    "I exchanged for a lot," Li Xiaoya told him.


    "All saved for me?" Sheng Yuxiao snorted with augh, but his eyebrows and eyes noticeably lifted.


    "Mm-hmm!"


    Sheng Yuxiao picked her up in one swift motion: "Then I''ll ask you that question again in half an hour."


    Li Xiaoya: "..."


    Sheng Yuxiao carried her to the car. The driver already recognized her but was still a bit surprised: "So Miss Li is today''s honored guest?"


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded and turned to Li Xiaoya: "It''s perfect timing today. Xu Ruying''s parents just finished a phase of their research work and came back. I''ll introduce you to them."


    Li Xiaoya obediently replied: "Okay."


    Sheng Yuxiao tugged at the ears on her hat and asked in a low voice: "Did Ke Muning buy this for you?"


    "Mm."


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t say anything else.


    However, when Young Master Sheng said half an hour, he really asked again right on the dot 30 minutester: "Did you go to Qin Sui''s birthday party?"


    Li Xiaoya answered softly: "I did."


    Sheng Yuxiao scoffed: "Qin Sui is such a boring person, and his birthday party is equally dull. Their family''s birthday parties even have speeches thanking the guests, making it feel like a wedding. Didn''t you doze off sitting in the audience? You would''ve been better off talking to me on the phone."


    Li Xiaoya asked: "How do you know what his birthday party is like?"


    "I attended one before when the two families were still on good terms. Next time, don''t go. It''s not fun," Sheng Yuxiao revealed his true intentions.


    Li Xiaoya looked a bit troubled: "But he hand-wrote an invitation for me. I should go."


    Sheng Yuxiao paused: "Hand-written invitation?"


    He couldn''t help but pat Li Xiaoya''s head and sighed: "How are you so easily pleased?"


    But he didn''t say anything more about not letting her go.


    Li Xiaoya asked back: "What do you mean by ''easily pleased''?"


    Sheng Yuxiao thought to himself, it means that just a little bit of sunshine from others makes you want to give them a whole field of sunflowers in return.


    "Young Master, we''ve arrived," the driver''s voice sounded.


    Sheng Yuxiao forgot to continue asking Li Xiaoya if she had given Qin Sui a birthday gift.


    He got out of the car first, then bent down to lift Li Xiaoya out.


    After walking a few steps, they saw someone standing in the Sheng family''s small garden.


    She wasn''t very tall.


    Not much older than Li Xiaoya.


    That person suddenly looked at Li Xiaoya, and for an instant, her eyes revealed hatred.


    But it was just for an instant.


    Li Xiaoya blinked slowly, almost thinking it was her imagination.


    Li Xiaoya asked: "Who is she?"


    Sheng Yuxiao was also puzzled and asked the servant who came out to greet them: "Who is this?"


    The servant said: "This is Miss Li who came with Mr. Xu and his wife."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s eyebrows lifted slightly, forming a sharp and fierce arc.


    He was about to say there was no other Miss Li...


    But Li Xiaoya remembered first and tilted her head to ask: "Li Qingqing?"


    "Yes, it''s me," that person uttered with difficulty.


    "She''s Li Qingqing?" Sheng Yuxiao immediately spoke up, "I thought it was a piece of charcoale to life."


    Li Qingqing almost cried out in anger.


    Did she want to be so dark?


    Ever since Sheng Yuxiao''s father, Sheng Jun, had handed her over to Xu Ruying''s parents, she had been forced to follow that couple to do field research in the wilderness.


    At that time, she saw people on the inte envying her, envying that she could learn from such great professors, and she felt somewhat ted. She thought she still had a chance to turn her life around.


    But who knew!


    Who knew that the life of biologists and zoologists could be so terrible!


    They had good lives they could have lived, but instead insisted on diving into forests! Climbing steep cliffs!


    This was how Li Qingqing got so tanned, and her body was left with many scars.


    Those were all left by various grass leaves, tree branches, and insects.


    When she heard that the couple had finally decided to return home, she was overjoyed.


    But she never imagined... that on this very day, she would see Li Xiaoya again!


    "Let''s go inside first," Sheng Yuxiao didn''t give Li Qingqing much attention. He continued walking while carrying Li Xiaoya.


    Li Qingqing watched their backs from behind, her breathing bingbored.


    Because Li Xiaoya hadn''t participated in any more show recordings afterward, she had no way of knowing how Li Xiaoya was doing after being recognized by her family.


    Li Qingqing had imagined countless possibilities in her mind... but none of them should have been like this!


    �� Coming to Sheng Yuxiao''s house as a guest, and even being carried by Sheng Yuxiao as they walked.


    Didn''t she have legs?


    Li Qingqing stood in the garden for a while longer. She didn''t wait for Sheng Jun to return, but instead heard the noisy sounds of people first.


    She craned her neck to look outside.


    Familiar cameras!


    Li Qingqing''s scalp tingled, and she quickly grabbed someone to ask: "What are they here for?"


    "It''s the ''Exchange Lives'' show crew. Previously, Young Master agreed to record an extra urban special episode for them. They''re probably here to do some additional filming today. It''s rare to have everyone gathered..."


    Li Qingqing''s expression twitched, and she quickly turned to run inside.


    As soon as she entered, she heard Xu Ruying ask loudly: "Xiaoya, do you want some ice cream? It''s so fun to eat ice cream with the heater on! Come over and choose a vor!"


    Sheng Yuxiao said unhappily: "Don''t let her eat that. Her stomach will hurtter."


    Xu Ruying sheepishly fell silent: "When I was little, I could eat three popsicles in one go without any problem."


    "Then you should thank my uncle and aunt for passing on their excellent genes to you," Sheng Yuxiao said, then waved to Li Xiaoya, "Come here, I''ll peel some walnuts for you to eat."


    Xu Ruying interjected: "Why didn''t you buy pre-peeled ones?"


    "Pre-peeled ones get moist easily and don''t taste good."


    "Peel one for your good sister too."


    "When Ning Hengester, let him peel some for you."


    "Forget it then, I don''t want any!"


    Li Qingqing felt a bit dazed listening to this conversation.


    Whether it was glimpsing a bit of doting from news snippets in her previous life, or catching a hint fromizens'' discussions in this life.


    None of it was as shocking as witnessing this moment firsthand.


    The conversation between them was so familiar, so close, like a family... even more exaggerated than in her previous life!


    Li Qingqing paused at this realization.


    At that moment, the cameraman came in.


    Just then, a servant called from outside: "The master has returned."


    Sheng Jun was back!


    The sound of footsteps could be heard.


    Xu Ruying''s parents also came down from upstairs, apanied by a very young man who looked about college age, wearing ck-framed sses and appearing quite handsome.


    At this point, Li Xiaoya looked up and eximed in surprise: "Secretary Wang?"


    Xu Ruying''s parents were also very surprised to hear this and were about to say something.


    Secretary Wang looked back and mouthed four words: "Scientific research funding."


    Then his brother and sister-inw closed their puzzled mouths.


    Secretary Wang strode over in a few steps to Li Xiaoya''s side and held out his hand, asking: "Can I have two walnuts?"


    Li Xiaoya picked up an unpeeled walnut from the side and ced it in his palm.


    Secretary Wang asked disappointedly: "Can''t you give me peeled ones?"


    Li Xiaoya tightened her own hand and said: "These were peeled for me by Sheng Yuxiao. I can''t give them to others."


    Unwilling to offer someone else''s favor as her own. Alright, she''s a good child.


    Secretary Wang pouted: "Then you peel some for me."


    Sheng Yuxiao reminded him: "You have two hands."


    "Ah yes, I have two hands..." Secretary Wang said as he raised them, then let his wrists droop, "Oh no, I seem to have injured them a while back and there are some aftereffects. Too bad, I can''t peel them now."


    Xu Ruying''s mouth twitched violently on the side.


    Really! She couldn''t stand her young uncle! How could he deceive such a cute and innocent little duck!


    It was Sheng Yuxiao who lightly said: "The show is about to start broadcasting."


    Secretary Wang put on a helpless expression: "Alright, I won''t get to eat walnuts peeled by the little one. This show isn''t paying me to appear, I can''t let them film me for free. I''m leaving, going back to work for the boss."


    He left as soon as he said so.


    Li Qingqing, however, couldn''t help but look at him a couple more times.


    This person''s appearance was so abrupt, and his departure equally so. His behavior and manner were also quite strange...


    But Li Qingqing soon had no time to ponder these things.


    The show really did start broadcasting��


    Many viewers flooded into the tform.


    The director sat behind the screen, constantly monitoring the camera performance and live streaming data.


    As he watched, he couldn''t help butin: "Our show is already in its second season, but the total number of online viewers for the two episodes of the second seasonbined is still less than the number for this urban special!"


    Theizens had indeed been looking forward to the follow-up for a long time.


    This could be seen from Mrs. Qin''s reaction alone.


    [Wow, it''s so lively!]


    [Finally! It''s here again!]


    [Wait, who''s that child?]


    [Is that Li Xiaoya sitting on the sofa? She''s changed so much! Her skin is glowing, not pale anymore! She looks healthy!]


    [Xiaoya is really pretty. I wish she could be a figurine I could carry in my pocket.]


    [Hold on, doesn''t anyone care about who that disheveled child next to her is?]


    At this moment, Xu Ruying''s father called out her name: "Li Qingqing, you sit down too."


    [Holy crap, that''s Li Qingqing? How did she end up like this?]


    [There seem to be some small scars on her body]


    [No way, right? Did Young Master Sheng have someone abuse her for Li Xiaoya''s sake?]


    [Don''t those scars look a lot like the ones Li Xiaoya got from crawling through the woods to pick mushrooms?]


    [Now that you mention it... it''s like their appearances havepletely switched!]


    It wasn''t just theizens who thought this way.


    Li Qingqing also felt that her position with Li Xiaoya had been reversed.


    She hunched her back ufortably, and at that moment noticed Sheng Yuxiao suddenly answering a phone call and walking towards the garden, away from the camera.


    At this time, Xu Ruying was introducing Li Xiaoya to her parents, and most of the attention was focused on Li Xiaoya.


    Li Qingqing quickly escaped from the camera''s view and also hid in the small garden.


    This phone call to Sheng Yuxiao was from Secretary Wang, also known as Xu Ji.


    "You asked me earlier to keep an eye out for Li Xiaoya''s nominal father, Li Jiang, right?" Secretary Wang may have left, but he still had things to say.


    "Yes," Sheng Yuxiao responded on this end.


    "The police have searched for him in Peng City, Xiang City, Zhou City... several majorbor-importing cities, but haven''t found him. Now he''s the only rted person not in custody... The police have made a deduction, suspecting he might have fled to Jin City."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s tone sharpened: "Is heing for Xiaoya? To get forgiveness from a direct rtive? Or... does he have an even bigger scheme?"


    "Hmm, could be all of the above. But you don''t need to worry... after all, Li Xiaoya is being raised by Ke Muning now," Xu Ji''s tone was rxed.


    Xu Ji continued: "Maybe he should first make a wish that he never runs into Ke Muning face to face."


    "It''s always been Ke Muning taking from others, never the other way around."

 Chapter 147: Beautiful and Stunning

    <h4>Chapter 147</h4>


    "Who''s there!"


    "Come out!"


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly turned around and called out in a cold, stern voice.


    Li Qingqing froze, then hesitantly emerged from behind a potted nt.


    Xu Ji immediately asked on the other end of the phone: "What''s wrong? Who dares to eavesdrop on your call?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze fell disapprovingly on Li Qingqing as he said coolly: "An unnecessary person."


    Li Qingqing''s expression immediately stiffened. She spoke weakly: "I-I wasn''t eavesdropping... I just felt the atmosphere inside wasn''t suitable for me, so... just like you said..."


    Li Qingqing''s eyes welled with tears: "I''m an unnecessary person... so I came out."


    Sheng Yuxiao spoke softly into the phone: "Thank you for your trouble. I''ll hang up now."


    Xu Ji chuckled on the other end: "So polite all of a sudden. If you really feel I''ve gone to trouble, one of these days you could bring Li Xiaoya..."


    "Beep beep beep."


    The call had truly ended this time.


    Xu Ji lowered his head and cursed: "Brat."


    On this end of the line, Sheng Yuxiao put away his phone and looked at Li Qingqing again: "At least you''re self-aware."


    Li Qingqing choked up.


    But she had long since epted the fact that Sheng Yuxiao had a bad temper and a heart of stone, so she couldn''t really feel heartbroken now.


    "Brother Sheng!" Ning Heng''s voice suddenly rang out nearby, getting closer. "There are so many people today! Has Xiaoya arrived?"


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t answer Ning Heng''s question. He first leaned down slightly and said to Li Qingqing: "I don''t know why my dad is still keeping you here. Be smart and don''t do anything unnecessary."


    Li Qingqing lowered her head and said sadly: "Such a big thing happened to my family, so Uncle..."


    Sheng Yuxiao interrupted her: "I''m not interested in your emotional journey."


    Li Qingqing could only swallow the rest of her words and obediently said: "Okay, I''ll remember."


    By now Ning Heng had walked over, asking as he approached: "Brother Sheng, who are you talking to?"


    "Whoa! So dark! Whose kid is this?" Ning Heng jumped back half a step.


    Sheng Yuxiao saidzily: "The one exchanged with me."


    "Exchanged what? Oh... I remember now! The kid who was supposed to swap with you for the show recording, right? What''s her name?" Ning Heng paused. "Never mind, can''t remember."


    Li Qingqing immediately lowered her head even more, feeling utterly humiliated.


    These rich second-generation kids were too high and mighty!


    But no one cared what Li Qingqing thought. Sheng Yuxiao and Ning Heng continued talking as they returned to the living room.


    Sheng Jun looked up and smiled gently: "It seems today is a gathering for you young people. We appear to havee at an inopportune time."


    Xu Ruying''s mother, Qiu Lan, said: "It''s alright, we''ll leave soon. But there''s one issue..."


    "What issue?"


    "Ah, where''s Li Qingqing?" Qiu Lan turned her head, looking around.


    Sheng Jun looked at a nearby servant: "Go find her."


    The servant acknowledged and soon brought Li Qingqing back.


    "We feel she''s no longer suitable to continue with us," Qiu Lan said, her words still rtively tactful.


    Her husband, Xu Huishan, was much more direct: "She doesn''t truly like biology and zoology, so there''s no need for her to follow us."


    The cameras were still rolling at this point.


    The bullet screenments were briefly stunned.


    [Brutal...]


    [Does this count as being "returned"?]


    Li Qingqing''s face fell, and her heart felt like it was being pricked by needles. Butpared to this moment of humiliation, not having to crawl through forests and climb cliffs anymore was already a relief!


    She was finally going to be free!


    Sheng Jun wore an expression of regret: "You can''t persist? That''s a shame..."


    "Well, the show has finished filming anyway, so let the crew send her back tomorrow," Sheng Jun said.


    How could Li Qingqing be willing to return home in such a sorry state?


    Her expression changed, knowing that Sheng Jun was deliberately pressuring her. After all, she still hadn''t been able to reveal the exact time of Xu Ruying''s parents'' idental death.


    She thought bitterly to herself that with their style of field research, they could die from falling off a cliff or from a poisonous snake bite at any time!


    She couldn''t risk her life for this!


    She bit her lip tightly and didn''t speak.


    Seeing this scene, someizens couldn''t help but feel sorry for her: [She''s not that old, her grandfather and father have been arrested. You shouldn''t visit the sins of the fathers upon the children. How is she supposed to face returning to Li Family Vige like this?]


    [Are you stupid? Doesn''t she have a mother? She has a mother and a maternal grandmother''s family. Why would anyone else need to worry about how she''ll manage? Back then, Li Xiaoya had nothing and still had to take care of that old man. It''s a pity there weren''t kindhearted people like you speaking up for her.]


    [You can''t say it like that. I think there''s a problem with the premise of this show itself. Think about it - a rural child like Li Qingqinges to the big city, enters a wealthy family, experiences luxury and romance. How could she not have a psychological gap when returning to the vige? Even adults would struggle with that gap. The essence of this show is actually quite cruel.]


    [Come on, Li Qingqing''s grandfather was the vige chief. She lived better than most rural children. Others might talk about a gap, but she really has no right to.]


    Theizens had moved on to discussing the essence of the show.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya tilted her head and suddenly asked curiously: "What are you holding? Is it heavy? Why don''t you put it down?"


    Ning Heng grinned: "Hey, I was waiting for you to ask!"


    He carefully ced what he was holding onto the table and said: "After seeing it too much, it''s not fresh anymore. I''m nning to sell it, but of course I had to bring it for you to see first..."


    As he spoke, he lifted the cloth covering it.


    Now everyone, both in front of and behind the camera, could clearly see what it was.


    It was a human-shaped sculpture with its face slightly tilted upwards.


    The sculpture didn''t have clear, distinct facial features, only barely outlining the contours of the face.


    This is where the artist''s magic lies - even with blurred features, at first nce you would feel it was beautiful.


    Not just beautiful, but stunning -


    The main body of the sculpture was made of fired porcin, white and thin, carrying the unique beauty of ceramics. It was pure yet fragile, easily evoking thoughts of beautiful things.


    Yet thisyer of porcin was broken from the ear downwards, with cracks extending below.


    As if someone had once grabbed and smashed it.


    The reason it hadn''tpletely shattered was because the exposed parts revealed steel-like sinews and bones.


    This was what made it so impactful.


    Both fragile and beautiful, yet cold and strong.


    As if it contained an unyielding soul within.


    In the silence that followed, Sheng Jun spoke up: "No wonder your Aunt Xu was willing to give you exhibition space."


    Qiu Lan also marveled: "Nature has its beauty, but what humans create with their hands can be no less beautiful than nature. This is the significance of an artist''s existence."


    [Although I''ve already seen close-up photos on foreign websites, seeing the actual object through the lens again still feels stunning]


    [Didn''t Ning Heng say before that his inspiration came from Xiaoya? It really fits]


    "Want to touch it?" In the frame, Ning Heng held the sculpture out towards Li Xiaoya.


    Ning Heng smiled happily, with the unique mboyance and abandon of youth.


    He said: "Apart from the person who created it and the next person who will collect it, you''re the only one who can touch it."


    Li Xiaoya blinked slowly and gradually reached out to touch it.


    [Ah, doesn''t anyone else think this scene is beautiful!]


    [Already screenshotted, thanks]


    [If Ning Heng can make a name for himself in art history, then this story from today will probably be recorded too, right? How wonderful]


    The one most impacted by this scene was actually Li Qingqing.


    Because in her previous life, Ning Heng never became an artist at all.


    He only developed the characteristics of messing around in artistic circles, dating girlfriends like fish swimming across a river, just short of trying something new by dating some boyfriends...


    Li Xiaoya''s influence... was it really this significant?

 Chapter 148: Can you come to my house to stay

    <h4>Chapter 148</h4>


    Li Qingqing simply couldn''t ept it.


    She was squeezing her hand tightly when she heard Ning Heng continue: "Thanks to Uncle Xu''s family..."


    Xu Huishan interjected to rify: "He''s not talking about me."


    Ning Heng nodded: "Right, thanks to Sheng''s younger uncle... He introduced me to a rich guy who said he really likes me and thinks I''m an avant-garde artist of the new era! He believes that in the future I will..."


    Sheng Yuxiao rolled his eyes and interrupted: "Get to the point."


    Ning Heng had no choice but to temporarily put aside his self-praise and said concisely: "He offered $18 million, and he also wants to build an exhibition hall for me. He wants to be my patron."


    [Steal?]


    [Say that again!]


    [Good lord, I really want to kill you rich people!]


    "Exhibition hall? Do you have that many works to exhibit?" Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow.


    Ning Heng put on a tragic expression and nodded: "Yeah, that''s why I haven''t seen little sister Xiaoya in so long. I''mcking inspiration and can''t continue, just like Boya losing Ziqi, or Guan Zhong losing Bao, Bao, Bao..."


    "Bao Shuya," Li Xiaoya chimed in clearly.


    "Ah yes, just like Guan Zhong losing Bao Shuya."


    [Laughing, even Young Master Sheng can''t bear to look. He wanted to show off his culture, but ends up knowing less than Xiaoya]


    "So, can Xiaoya stay at my ce for a few days?" Ning Heng asked eagerly.


    "She''s never stayed at my ce, you think it''s possible for her to stay at yours?" Sheng Yuxiao retorted.


    "Why not?" Ning Heng argued, "I''m so good to Xiaoya..."


    "Are you saying I''m not?"


    "I can braid Xiaoya''s hair, you can''t."


    [Right in the weak spot]


    [You''d better sleep with your eyes open!]


    Sheng Yuxiaoughed coldly: "What kind of artist needs to lure a child to their home just to spark inspiration for normal creation? Didn''t your patron question you at all?"


    "What''s strange about that? Sheng, look at all the major luxury brands, which founder or designer doesn''t have an inspiration muse? It''s perfectly normal for me to have one!"


    Ning Heng said excitedly: "Xiaoya, I''ll work hard to make sure we both go down in history together!"


    Li Xiaoya took out a piece of paper and handed it to him.


    Ning Heng took it and asked: "What''s this for?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said expressionlessly: "For you to wipe your drool."


    Ning Heng actually wiped the corner of his mouth.


    [The guy''s quite nice, just a bit dumb]


    [Being dumb has its advantages, even his Sheng-ge doesn''t have the heart to beat him up]


    Ning Heng then continued: "Oh, I forgot to mention the most important part... After taxes, I''ll split that $18 million with you, half and half. Look, Xiaoya, if youe to my ce, I''ll split half the proceeds with you for every work I sell in the future. Won''t you be able to just lie down and count money? Isn''t that a great deal?"


    [Damn! I''m very tempted]


    [Ah, I also want to lie down and collect money]


    [Wait, is Ning Heng sure his future works will definitely sell?]


    [Uh, the person above doesn''t seem to understand the art market. Actually, things can sell just based on hype. There''s also exchanges of interests between wealthy families, and some art circles even use this for moneyundering... It''s very easy to sell for high prices at auctions]


    [Damn? It can work like that?]


    [But our country cracks down hard on this, not sure about overseas.]


    The bullet screenments were shocked and envious.


    By this point, Li Qingqing was already trembling uncontrobly.


    It was envy and jealousy.


    $18 million, converted into Chinese currency at the current exchange rate, was 100 million yuan.


    Were foreign rich people really that wealthy?


    Spending 100 million yuan to buy!


    Even though she knew that people overseas earned and spent in dors, and for some oil tycoons this amount of money wasn''t much.


    But Li Qingqing still felt like she was going crazy.


    Even after deducting 20% tax and splitting it in half with Li Xiaoya... that would still be 50 million yuan, right?


    50 million yuan!


    50 million yuan!


    Li Qingqing had never seen what 50 million yuan looked like all together in two lifetimes.


    Li Xiaoya was so lucky...


    How could someone be so lucky?


    But at this moment, Li Xiaoya shook her head and said: "This isn''t good."


    "What''s not good about it?" Ning Heng asked.


    "I would feel a lot of pressure," Li Xiaoya said seriously.


    "How so? You don''t need to do anything..."


    "But if I go and you still don''t get inspiration, I''ll feel like I''m not worthy of what you''re offering."


    Sheng Yuxiao wasn''t surprised at all to hear this.


    He kicked Ning Heng and said: "Even Xiaoya sees it more clearly than you. When too much money is involved, feelings are no longer pure. Both sides will end up in an awkward position."


    Ning Heng thought about it and realized it was true, so he could only let out a long sigh.


    "And..." Li Xiaoya thought for a moment, then continued, "There''s a phrase called ''a sh of inspiration'', right?"


    "Right."


    "So it doesn''t appear often, ites from unexpected enlightenment. If you deliberately try to seek it, you might not find it at all." Li Xiaoya said slowly, word by word.


    Ning Heng lowered his head and was silent for a while, then suddenly looked up and said: "Are you sure you don''t want to learn painting from me? You could actually be quite promising as an artist yourself!"


    Sheng Yuxiao snorted: "Who wants to y at that? Xiaoya will inherit the family business in the future."


    Ning Heng immediately looked very disappointed.


    He pressed his temples, then suddenly said: "I think I have inspiration again."


    Everyone was confused.


    But Ning Heng didn''t seem to be faking it. He suddenly jumped up.


    "Really, really, I''ve got it! I''m leaving, Sheng-ge. I won''t stay for the meal, I''ll see you another day and bring the money from the sale!"


    Ning Heng stepped over the table and ran towards the door, not forgetting to say to Li Xiaoya: "I think we can change the phrase ''a sh of inspiration''. We could call it ''constant inspiration'' too."


    With that, he was gone.


    [?]


    [Even a sow doesn''t give birth that fast, right?]


    [Damn, is it really that effective? Just chatting with Li Xiaoya can give inspiration?]


    [I couldn''t help but knock on my own head and heard the sound of a wooden fish. As a fellow art student, I''m ashamed]


    Qiu Lanughed and said: "You young people are so much fun."


    Xu Huishan stood up: "We''ll be leaving too, so we don''t make you ufortable here."


    Sheng Jun also said: "Then I''ll have someone send Li Qingqing home."


    Li Qingqing, who had just experienced a huge shock and hadn''t recovered yet, panicked when she heard this.


    But she had no valid reason to refuse, so she could only follow Sheng Jun anxiously.


    In the blink of an eye, the ce became much quieter.


    Xu Ruying came out after using the bathroom and was stunned: "Why did everyone leave?"


    Sheng Yuxiao lifted his eyelids slightly: "Why don''t you leave too?"


    "No way. If I leave, won''t you all be bored? I''ll chat with Xiaoya for a while. We didn''t get to talk muchst time we met because it was so rushed." Xu Ruying thought to herself, she still wanted to know how that Ke Muning was miraculously dealt with by Xiaoya in the end.


    [Howe sister Xu can''t read the atmosphere? Young Master Sheng is just hoping you''ll leave]


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned, pondered for a moment, then suddenly said: "Xiaoya, your father might being to Jin City to look for you."


    Li Xiaoya froze, and the pear she had just bitten fell to the ground with a plop.


    However, her first reaction was to immediately bend down and pick it up.

 Chapter 149: Netizens Requesting Battle

    <h4>Chapter 149</h4>


    Sheng Yuxiao watched her pear fall to the ground, feeling as if his own heart had crashed down with it.


    His lips tightened, his expression sharp and somewhat terrifying.


    [Holy crap! Is that the father from Li Family Vige, the one who allegedly ran off with money and a lover when Li Xiaoya was three years old? Has hee back? To find Li Xiaoya?]


    [Sheng Young Master''s expression is a bit scary]


    [Anyone would look upset in this situation]


    "Xiaoya..." Sheng Yuxiao called out softly.


    An irresponsible father, who had disappeared for who knows how many years, leaving behind debts and allowing Li Xiaoya to be bullied by vigers. What kind of father was that?


    Such a person, yet he chose to show up at a time like this... But they couldn''t avoid discussing it for fear of hurting Xiaoya.


    Not only did they need to talk about it, but they needed to have a thorough face-to-face discussion.


    They even needed to let everyone know.


    To expose Li Jiangpletely!


    At the same time, they could preemptively block Li Jiang''s escape routes.


    To prevent him from ying any emotional or moral ckmail cards.


    "Damn!" Xu Ruying cursed at this moment, "He has the nerve to look for Xiaoya? What kind of life has Xiaoya been living? Now that Xiaoya is doing well, he shows up? No, is he involved in the Li Family Vige case? Is he trying to escape punishment?"


    Xu Ruying''s outburst effectively cemented Li Jiang''s negative image.


    Li Xiaoya slowly came back to her senses and handed the pear to Sheng Yuxiao, saying, "Wash it."


    The sharp look on Sheng Yuxiao''s face instantly disappeared, reced by a wry smile: "Okay, I''ll wash it... Or should we get a new one?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately got up to wash the pear for her.


    With Li Xiaoya''s interruption, the atmosphere wasn''t as heavy anymore.


    Xu Ruying sat down and was about to pat Li Xiaoya''s head.


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly turned back: "What are you doing?"


    Xu Ruying immediately withdrew her hand, muttering, "At a time like this?"


    The previously indignant bullet screenments were now amused.


    Xu Ruying pouted before continuing: "At a time like this, you''re still thinking about eating pears? It fell on the ground... Okay, I know you don''t want to waste it."


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head and asked back: "If not eating pears, then what?"


    "Uh, maybe we should talk about how to deal with your father..."


    "We can eat pears and talk at the same time, can''t we?"


    Xu Ruying was stumped: "Well, yes."


    [Li Xiaoya is all about maintaining herposure, just doing what she wants to do, right?]


    [Damn, my mental state isn''t as good as a child''s]


    [Maybe it''s because the little one hasn''t seen much of the wider world yet, ignorance is bliss?]


    [Hasn''t Li Xiaoya seen enough? At such a young age, she''s experienced all the ugliness of human nature]


    [Sigh, will the police be looking for her father too? If they find him, will the Li Family Vige case be solved? After all, he''s the real person involved]


    [Are there anyizens in Jin City? Keep an eye out?]


    [Ah, if you put it that way, I''m getting fired up!]


    [Is there a reward? If there''s a reward, I request to join the search! I live in Jin City]


    At this moment, Li Jiang was watching the live broadcast of the show.


    The reason he had been able to keep up with Li Xiaoya before wasn''t a coincidence.


    As early as when Li Xiaoya was taken away from Li Family Vige by Wei Lin, he had almost simultaneously hitched a ride with a fellow viger, traveling across provinces to reach Jin City.


    This way, he could minimize leaving traceable records along the way.


    In the previous episodes of the show, the production team had filmed Li Qingqing''s life. So he learned the location of Sheng Yuxiao''s vi from Li Qingqing''s perspective.


    Although that vi was only used for filming, he had grasped a clue.


    Later, he also learned the school address through the production team''s footage.


    He hadn''t acted rashly, only daring to stake out fixed locations rather than following Li Xiaoya. That would have been too easy to detect.


    The hospital incident urred after he heard about the location of Qin Sui''s birthday party. He had staked out in advance and only managed to follow when the scene became chaotic with Old Mr. Zhang being sent to the hospital.


    And now... he sat under a bridge, watching the bright and grand mansion on the screen, and those wealthy young masters and misses in the mansion who were dotingly attentive to his daughter...


    The contrast was stark.


    Then he looked at the rapidly scrolling bullet screenments.


    His expression gradually turned grim...


    Were these people just talking, or did they really intend to search for his whereabouts together?


    This Young Master Sheng was truly difficult to deal with!


    He had exposed him to the public like this...


    "Old Jiang, why are you hiding here? The boys were saying they wanted to have a drink with you." Someone jumped down thedder and came over to pat Li Jiang''s shoulder.


    The person wore a construction helmet and a torn fleece jacket despite the cold winter.


    "Sigh, don''t be sad. Which daughter doesn''t recognize her father?" the person said, shaking his head. "Actually, you''re quite handsome. You could find someone else to marry and have another child, wouldn''t that be good?"


    Li Jiang gave a bitter smile but didn''t speak.


    "Come on!" The other person pulled him up. Not far away was a small construction site where people would gather in shacks to y cards and drink when not working.


    Li Jiang had reversed his name, going by the alias Jiang Li, and was fitting in well here.


    They didn''t know who Li Jiang''s daughter was. They only heard him say that he had been admitted to university years ago, but his family was poor, so he couldn''t attend. He was forced to marry andter had a daughter who was sent away by his parents.


    He had been working odd jobs to earn money while searching for his daughter''s whereabouts.


    Everyone was very sympathetic towards him.


    As for the issue of not being able to produce an ID card, it wasn''t strange...


    There are people called "Sanhe Dasheng" nowadays who sell their ID cards.


    Presumably, he had also been pushed to a certain point by life, with no other choice...


    Moreover, Li Jiang was quite handsome with a schrly air. Everyone said he could easily find a wife, but Li Jiang always shook his head and declined.


    He said he was afraid that if he remarried, his new wife might not treat his daughter well. He would eventually find his daughter and bring her back.


    Hearing this, everyone became even more sympathetic, repeatedly praising him as a good father,menting that everything was caused by poverty!


    On the other side.


    When Sheng Jun said he would send Li Qingqing away, of course he didn''t mean personally.


    He only sent a driver.


    "Uncle, can I go to the bathroom?" Li Qingqing asked pitifully.


    The driver said, "You might not find your way. I''ll show you."


    Li Qingqing pointed to the bustling square: "I can ask for directions."


    "Go ahead." She wasn''t an important person anyway, so the driver didn''t pay much attention.


    After getting out of the car, Li Qingqing entered the mall, then immediately turned in another direction and ran.


    She had thought it through. She didn''t want to return to Li Family Vige to face ridicule and live a life of stark contrasts.


    But she also couldn''t gain Sheng Jun''s affection.


    So there was only one way left!


    Pretend to be kidnapped!


    Hadn''t Li Xiaoya been taken away by Li Hongguang during the showst time?


    Afterwards, Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui were furious and mobilized considerable resources to search for her.


    Did Qin Sui like Li Xiaoya that much at the time? Li Qingqing didn''t think so. She felt that the reason Qin Sui was angry and went to search was because the person had been taken right from under his nose.


    For these wealthy young masters, it was a kind of provocation, an insult!


    When someone goes missing, isn''t it also a kind of responsibility?


    So Sheng Jun should send people to look for her too, right?


    After all, she was a minor!


    Previously, Li Qingqing had resented her younger body for being too young to get close to Sheng Jun.


    But now she thought it was a good thing. At least under social scrutiny, children would be closely watched and valued!

 Chapter 150: Stirring Up the Heat

    <h4>Chapter 150</h4>


    Qin Sui heard the familiar sound of a TV program as he came downstairs.


    He stopped at the corner and looked closely.


    Sure enough.


    "Exchange Lives" was broadcasting its city special.


    "Could you turn it off? Or watch it with your back to me," Qin Sui spoke up.


    Mrs. Qin turned her head: "Don''t want to hear Sheng Yuxiao''s voice? You don''t want to hear Little Duck''s voice either?"


    "If I wanted to hear it, I could call anytime."


    Mrs. Qin had to say: "Alright, then I''ll have the maid bring your meal to your bedroom, so you won''t hear it. You can go."


    But Qin Sui''s brow suddenly furrowed.


    Of course, just because he didn''t want to hear the TV sound didn''t mean it wouldn''t enter his ears.


    So he clearly heard �� Li Xiaoya''s father hade to Jin City.


    Qin Sui didn''t say anything. He stared at Li Xiaoya in the camera shot, watching her pick up a pear, Sheng Yuxiao help her wash it clean, and then she started crunching on it again, her cheeks puffing in and out...


    Qin Sui watched for a long time, then turned to go upstairs.


    What was Sheng Yuxiao trying to do by mentioning this on camera?


    Getizens to spontaneously search for Li Jiang''s whereabouts?


    Qin Sui''s eyes shed, and he first searched for Li Jiang through a search engine.


    He found many descriptions of him.


    But no photos at all.


    So he decided to help out.


    Qin Sui called his father, and about ten minutester, he obtained Li Jiang''s former student ID photo.


    Then he changed his IP address and posted the photo online.


    He didn''t say it was a photo of Li Jiang.


    He just made a post:


    [Can any locals tell me, is this a photo of Li Xiaoya''s runaway dad? Just dug it up.]


    By phrasing it as a question, people would instinctively want to answer when they first saw it.


    The buzz would naturally build up.


    Qin Sui closely monitored the progress of this post.


    Even eating lost its appeal.


    Time ticked by slowly.


    The replies went from 100 to 500, then from 500 to 1000...


    At this time, Sheng Yuxiao''s phone rang on the other end.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked down and deliberately moved away from the camera, saying: "I''ll take a call."


    Xu Ruying was delighted to hear this: "Go ahead, go ahead, I''ll y with Little Duck. Want to y with blocks?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded, ncing in Sheng Yuxiao''s direction.


    He seemed even more nervous and worried than her.


    Li Xiaoya blinked gently.


    They were all anxious for her sake.


    So she didn''t feel sad or nervous at all anymore.


    Why was that?


    Sheng Yuxiao left the living room, handed the microphone and GoPro to a servant, and then answered the phone.


    "Hello."


    "Young Master Sheng!" The person on the other end was someone he had borrowed from his young uncle Xu Ji.


    After all, he wasn''t an adult yet, and apart from his "little brothers" in the rich second generation circle, he didn''t have many people he could legitimately order around.


    "Young Master Sheng, someone has beaten us to releasing Li Jiang''s photo. That post has gone viral now, do we still need to release more detailed information? This could involve privacy invasion..."


    "Qin Sui did it?"


    "Huh?"


    Ning Heng isn''t that clever, Sheng Yuxiao thought to himself. There were only a few people close to Li Xiaoya.


    "No need to release anything," Sheng Yuxiao considered for a moment, then said: "Go report that post and have it deleted."


    The person on the other end was stunned: "Hm? You..." Are you still trying to oppose the Qin family''s kid at this point?


    "After it''s deleted, it will spread even faster," Sheng Yuxiao said casually.


    Xu Ji''s subordinate wasn''t a fool either, and instantly understood: "The more you delete posts, the more rebellious people be, determined to spread it everywhere."


    "Mm." Sheng Yuxiao asked: "Any other news?"


    "Not at the moment. We haven''t found any amodation or housing information rted to Li Jiang throughout the city, and there''s no trace of him at any of the stations."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression darkened slightly as he snapped off a small tree branch. He said in a low voice: "This guy knows counter-surveince? That''s... a bit troublesome."


    The person on the other end said: "Let''s see if the vast sea of the masses can drown him out."


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t say much more. He put away his phone, and was about to throw away the branch in his hand when he nced at the flower bed and saw the flowers blooming nicely. He decided to pick a couple to bring inside.


    Xu Ruying couldn''t help but click her tongue when she saw hime in: "Went to pick flowers? Your family doesn''t grow elm seeds, otherwise you could pick some to make pastries."


    Xu Ruying extended her hand: "One of them is for me, right?"


    "They''re both for Li Xiaoya."


    "Damn! I knew it!" Xu Ruying red at him.


    Sheng Yuxiao had picked magnolia flowers, and they enjoyed hot pot with the fragrance of magnolias.


    This warm and harmonious scene madeizens'' first reaction after watching it to be: we can''t let Li Xiaoya''s fathere and ruin this!


    Time quickly came to sunset, and Sheng Yuxiao asked: "Are you going back? Or sleeping here?"


    "Let''s stay here."


    [No exaggeration, I feel like Young Master Sheng''s eyes lit up]


    The bulletments marveled.


    They indeed hadn''t slept under the same roof for a long time.


    However, the environment here was so different from Li Family Vige...


    Sheng Yuxiao actually felt a bit disappointed.


    "Complete rooms, warm nkets, big beds..." he said softly, looking down: "You don''t have to sleep on the floor with me anymore."


    Li Xiaoya patted the floor: "We can still sleep on the floor now, it''s so spacious here..."


    Xu Ruying got excited: "Yeah, yeah, let''s all make a bed on the floor together. I''ve never slept like that before."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s mouth twitched, but he didn''t end up kicking his cousin out.


    No sooner said than done, Xu Ruying immediately had the servantsy out bedding on the spacious living room floor.


    [Wow, it really feels like siblings sleeping together as kids]


    [Where''s Little Duck? Why isn''t she on camera?]


    Li Xiaoya had gone to call Ke Muning.


    Ke Muning had just finished a boring gathering. Whileining that Chinese businessmen were really dull, he said to his subordinate: "Where did she get off the car?"


    The subordinate couldn''t name the ce, but he took out his phone and showed a photo.


    Pointing at a shopping mall in the picture, he said: "Right here."


    Ke Muning: "..."


    He sneered coldly: "Quite clever, little girl. Deliberately choosing an unrted section to get off, not wanting me to know where her friend actually lives, huh."


    The subordinate immediately realized his oversight and lowered his head.


    But Ke Muning wasn''t finished. He continued coldly: "So all those words before were just to deceive me!"


    "Let''s go bring her back." Just as Ke Muning finished speaking, his phone rang.


    As soon as the call connected, Li Xiaoya spoke in a soft tone in English: "I''m noting back tonight, bye-bye."


    Ke Muning''s face instantly soured even more.


    Not even trying to deceive him anymore?

 Chapter 151: Why do such bastards come back to beg her

    <h4>Chapter 151</h4>


    On the other side, the Driver who had been waiting for Li Qingqing to return finally got out of the car to search for her.


    After looking around and even making announcements over the mall''s PA system for a full ten minutes without finding her...


    The Driver''s heart sank, and he quickly called Sheng Jun.


    "Could she have been kidnapped by bad people?" the Driver''s voice trembled.


    More than worrying about being reprimanded by his boss for failing his duty, the Driver was genuinely concerned for Li Qingqing''s safety.


    Just as Li Qingqing had thought, after all, her current body was that of a child.


    After receiving the call, Sheng Jun''s voice remained much calmer: "This is Jin City, it''s not that easy to be kidnapped here."


    "Then where is she..."


    "She probably ran away on her own."


    "What!" The Driver''s worry instantly vanished. "I''ll ask the mall to check the security footage right away."


    Sheng Jun asked, "Which mall?"


    The Driver replied, "Yutai Mall, on Fuyang Road."


    Sheng Jun paused for a moment before saying, "That one is controlled by Qin Corporation."


    The Driver was stunned. "Then..."


    "Come back. You won''t be able to ess the surveince footage," Sheng Jun said, hanging up the phone.


    He shook his head andmented on Li Qingqing in a low voice: "A bit clever, but not by much."


    Meanwhile, Li Qingqing hadn''t expected so many kind-hearted people along the way. People kept asking if she was lost, and some even shouted about calling the police.


    Fortunately, she still possessed an adult soul, soing up with a few lies was child''s y for her.


    She told them that her parents were testing her ability to shop independently, and that they were secretly following her...


    This exnation finally dispelled the concerns of the well-meaning crowd.


    She left the mall, walking further and further away, feeling more and more tired.


    Only then did she realize that pretending to be kidnapped was quite difficult.


    Where would she stay tonight?


    Asking a random stranger for help was out of the question; they would immediately call the police.


    "No pain, no gain," Li Qingqing gritted her teeth and encouraged herself.


    She found a bridge underpass and nned to make do there for the night.


    But Li Qingqing hadn''t expected that even bridge underpasses would be in such high demand!


    As soon as she climbed down, she saw several men gathered around a stove. They all turned their heads and shouted, "Who''s there?"


    Li Qingqing shrank her neck and said, "I have nowhere else to go."


    As she spoke, she noticed that one of the men looked somewhat familiar. But she couldn''t remember exactly where she had seen him before.


    "A kid running away from home?" The man across from her frowned and scolded, "Kids these days have such big tempers! If we dared to run away from home back in our day, we''d have been beaten with a stick until it broke!"


    Someone else chimed in, "Hurry up and leave, go home. If you don''t, we''ll have to call the police to notify your family."


    Li Qingqing panicked, but before she coulde up with a reasonable excuse, the familiar-looking man''s expression changed.


    He spoke up, "Maybe she has some difficulties."


    When Li Qingqing heard his voice, it also sounded familiar.


    "What difficulties could a child have? Could they be worse than us adults trying to support our families?" The others scoffed.


    The man said, "It''s possible. For example, her father might have remarried and she has a stepmother..."


    Li Qingqing felt as if the man was subtly hinting at something. She quickly cried and said, "How did you know my dad has a new wife?"


    Only then did the others fall silent, exchanging nces before inviting Li Qingqing over to ask, "So your own father doesn''t treat you well either? Still, you should go back home and talk things out clearly."


    Li Qingqing sat down with them and began to weave her tear-jerking story.


    But that man called out, "Brother Yong,e over here for a moment."


    His voice was still very familiar.


    In a sh of realization, Li Qingqing finally remembered who he was.


    �� It was Li Jiang! Li Xiaoya''s long-gone father!


    How, how could he appear here?


    Li Qingqing suddenly recalled the phone call Sheng Yuxiao had received in the garden.


    Was the ing for Little Ya" mentioned in the call referring to him?


    Li Qingqing''s heart suddenly became extremely excited.


    She couldn''t help but think of her previous life.


    This is why she sometimes truly hated how lucky Li Xiaoya was.


    Li Jiang wasn''t a good person at all. Back then, he relied on having attended high school and even getting into university, though he never went. He really considered himself on the same level as Li Qingqing''s college-educated father.


    Because of these advantageous conditions, he imed to have connections outside and wanted to go out to earn money to support Li Xiaoya. People actually invested in him.


    Who knew he would disappear without a trace...


    Was it because Li Jiang wasn''t doing well?


    Quite the opposite!


    One year, Li Qingqing saw a news report about Jiang City selecting outstanding entrepreneurs. Li Jiang was prominently featured on the list.


    At the time, people even praised Li Jiang for looking quite proper, unlike other tycoons who were fat and greasy.


    As a result, someone came forward to expose his past.


    They said he had once been a toy boy for a rich tycoon''s second wife in Jiang City. Later, when the tycoon died, the second wife rose to power and married him.


    Li Jiang then used this woman''s money and helped her manage the business. After more than a decade, he transformed himself into an entrepreneur.


    By that time, he had even changed his name.


    He didn''t return to Li Family Vige simply because he didn''t want to share money with the vigers or take care of his own father.


    Later, whether it was because Li Xiaoya had been adopted by a wealthy family and he wanted to curry favor with them, or because he finally had an attack of conscience as a father.


    He bought many gifts for Li Xiaoya and found vigers from Li Family Vige to act as mediators. He even dered emphatically that all his future inheritance would belong to Li Xiaoya.


    Such a ck-hearted person as Li Jiang really did make a lot of money!


    Regardless of his motives, Li Xiaoya was just too lucky in both lives!


    Even a scoundrel like Li Jiang came back to seek her forgiveness.


    As Li Qingqing recalled this, a bitter taste filled her mouth.


    But why was he appearing here now?


    Oh right... because of her butterfly effect, some stories were different from her previous life! Li Family Vige was now involved in a human trafficking case!


    Of course, Li Jiang couldn''t develop his business anymore.


    Li Xiaoya had lost a rich father... This made Li Qingqing feel much better.


    *


    Li Qingqing hadn''t misidentified him; it really was Li Jiang.


    Li Jiang called the man named "Brother Yong" aside and said to him, "That''s a child from a rich family."


    Brother Yong was stunned and instinctively asked, "How do you know?"


    "Look at her clothes."


    "Oh! Then..."


    "Keep her here, don''t call the police. Take care of her for a few days, and when her family gets worried, we can return her and get some money in exchange."


    Brother Yong''s face turned slightly pale. "That, that''s not right, is it?"


    Li Jiang lowered his head and sighed, "I have a daughter I can''t acknowledge. Your daughter is right by your side, but unfortunately, she''s sick. The little money you make at the construction site isn''t enough to support her. Hasn''t your wife gone out to do food delivery? Brother Yong, you need to cherish what you have. I envy that your daughter is by your side."


    Brother Yong''s face flushed red and white.


    After a while.


    He gritted his teeth and punched the nearby concrete pir, saying, "Fine! I''ll do as you say! I know you''re well-educated and smart. ... But this isn''t extortion, right?"


    "Brother Yong, have you ever met rich people?"


    "I, I haven''t..."


    "You fret over spending one dor, but rich people won''t even frown at spending ten thousand. They''ll voluntarily give you money to thank you. You''re just a kind-hearted person who took in a child, how could that be extortion?"


    "Right, right..."


    Li Jiang patted him and said, "Brother Yong, you''ve been good to me too, so I''ll always look out for your interests. If you have any problems, just speak up, and we''ll figure it out together."


    "Yes, yes. Then... let me ask you..." Brother Yong lowered his head, "I saw online that there''s someone, someone who abandoned his daughter and ran off with a lover, called, called Li Jiang or something. People online even posted photos, and he looks a lot like you..."


    Those young masters are really not easy to deal with!


    Li Jiang inwardly spat.


    But his face remained calm as he asked, "Is it spreading widely online?"


    "Yes... That little girl, called Li Xiaoya, is said to have been taken in by some rich people now. She even appeared on TV, a very pretty little girl..."


    Brother Yong secretly observed his expression.


    Li Jiang said, "How could I be so lucky to have such a daughter?"


    He paused, then added, "Even if my daughter isn''t that good, I still love her and just want her back by my side."


    Brother Yong breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Yes, yes, our own children are the best."


    Li Jiang finished talking with Brother Yong and walked back.


    Now, he didn''t have to worry about the people around him betraying his whereabouts to the police and those young masters.


    He would tie their interests together, binding them as tightly as possible.


    Li Jiang walked over and sat down next to Li Qingqing.


    Suddenly, he called out: "Li Qingqing?"


    Li Qingqing was startled and shuddered.


    Li Jiang lowered his voice: "It really is you."


    Li Qingqing turned her head and looked at Li Jiang as if she had seen a ghost.


    Not only had she recognized him, but he actually remembered her too!


    Li Jiang lowered his head to fiddle with the stove and said: "This is a good thing."


    What good thing?


    Li Qingqing frowned. She thought to herself, why is everyone around Li Xiaoya so difficult to deal with? So difficult that it''s even a bit terrifying!

 Chapter 152: He Likes Them All

    <h4>Chapter 152</h4>


    Li Xiaoya, Xu Ruying, and Sheng Yuxiao spent the night sleeping on the floor at the Sheng Family home.


    When Xu Qii returned home, she stumbled upon them, and her usually expressionless face suddenly showed a hint of surprise.


    "Is the bed broken?" This was Xu Qii''s first reaction.


    Xu Ruying went up and affectionately held her arm, "Auntie, you''re back?"


    Xu Qii nodded and said, "Ning Heng invited me to review his new work."


    Xu Ruying was dumbfounded, "He really did have inspiration? He finished it in one night?"


    Xu Qii paused, "Done in one night?"


    "Yes, that should be it. Yesterday, after he met Xiaoya, he was going on about having new inspiration and then went back."


    Hearing this, Xu Qii couldn''t help but look down at Li Xiaoya, who was still lying on the floor.


    The young girl''s eyshes fluttered lightly, as if about to be startled awake.


    At this moment, her son, unusually free of his morning grumpiness, got up first and knelt beside Li Xiaoya, covering her ears.


    But it was toote.


    Li Xiaoya''s fluttering eyshes finally openedpletely, revealing a pair of eyes that shone like stars and moon beneath.


    In an awkward posture, she looked up and softly called out, "Auntie Xu."


    Xu Qii nodded,posedly turned her head to instruct the servants to prepare breakfast, and even casually asked what Li Xiaoya liked to eat.


    Sheng Yuxiao wanted to answer but stopped midway, helplessly saying, "I actually don''t know what you like for breakfast. Back in Li Family Vige, there weren''t many choices."


    Li Xiaoya met Xu Qii''s gaze and slowly named two dishes herself.


    She really liked Sheng Yuxiao''s mother.


    Auntie Xu didn''t talk much, but she created a rxed atmosphere.


    Xu Qii stayed home to have breakfast with them.


    At this point, the production team was preparing to wrap up and leave, leaving the audience reluctant to see it end.


    [Is the city special really ending here?]


    [Sheng Yuxiao''s mom is so nice. She looks aloof, but she didn''t say anything when she saw them sleeping messily on the floor, and didn''tment when she saw Sheng Yuxiao rushing to cover Li Xiaoya''s ears...]


    [Hey, could the production team do a special episode where Xiaoya visits Qin Sui''s house?]


    [Wow, sister, you''re brave to make such a request. Aren''t you afraid of the Sheng young master seeing it?]


    [Well, people just want to see what Qin''s mother''s attitude is like. After all, Qin Sui was an important guest who spent a few days with Xiaoya, and he even participated in rescuing her]


    [Now that you mention it, I want to see it too]


    [Want to see +1, not every wealthy madam can be as understanding as Madam Xu, right?]


    Mrs. Qin, who never missed watching the show in the morning, also saw thesements fromizens.


    She muttered, "I''m nice to Xiaoya, aren''t I?"


    The mentioned Li Xiaoya sneezed while crouching in the garden.


    Sheng Yuxiao walked up from behind and ced a hat on Li Xiaoya''s head.


    "What are you doing?"


    Li Xiaoya turned her head and asked, "Can I pick some flowers from your family''s garden?"


    Sheng Yuxiao felt oddly ufortable hearing the words "your family''s". It felt like a clear-cut division, a distinct separation of rtionships, as if they werepletely unrted.


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "Pick whatever you like."


    Li Xiaoya looked around.


    Sheng Yuxiao crouched down and asked, "What''s wrong, didn''t find any you like?" He paused, then suddenly asked, "Do you like sunflowers?"


    He thought they were like Li Xiaoya.


    Maybe he should just uproot everything and nt sunflowers instead.


    Li Xiaoya shook her head.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately dismissed his previous thought. Okay, no nting then.


    Li Xiaoya suddenly pointed to another pot with small white flowers, "How about this one?"


    "A cactus?" What kind of flower is that?


    Sheng Yuxiao felt Li Xiaoya wasn''t like a cactus at all.


    She didn''t have any thorns.


    She was soft, super sweet.


    Li Xiaoya went over and picked it up, "Mm, I''ll take it back and give it to Ke Muning."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "Pfft."


    Li Xiaoya took out her phone, "I missed so many calls."


    "All from Ke Muning?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Sheng Yuxiao felt a bit sour, but still didn''t say anything. It wasn''t surprising that a madman like Ke Muning would like her, given how likable she was.


    It would be strange if someone didn''t like Li Xiaoya, right?


    Sheng Yuxiao''s mind ran through these thoughts like a devoted fan without realizing it.


    He took the cactus and held it for Li Xiaoya.


    Until Li Xiaoya left, he personally saw her off to the car.


    "I''m leaving," Li Xiaoya waved goodbye to him.


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded and rolled up the car window, to avoid looking a few more times and wanting to hold her back from leaving.


    But just as the window was rolling up, he suddenly lowered it again, "Hey, wait a minute! Li Xiaoya!"


    Li Xiaoya, holding the flower pot, turned back and looked at him puzzled.


    Sheng Yuxiao squinted his eyes and asked, "Giving Ke Muning a cactus, and giving me candy... isn''t this the same approach?"


    Li Xiaoya lookedpletely innocent, "How is it the same?"


    Sheng Yuxiao gritted his teeth, "We''ll settle this when we get to school on Monday."


    Li Xiaoya blinked, hugged the flower pot, and turned to leave.


    She was no longer the Li Xiaoya who could only stand anxiously in the distance, secretly shedding tears while watching his silhouette when Sheng Yuxiao was injured during filming and sent away.


    He wouldn''t dare to settle ounts with me.


    Li Xiaoya said quietly in her heart.


    For some reason, she suddenly became very happy, and her steps became lighter.


    A few minutester.


    Ke Muning''s car arrived in front of Li Xiaoya, and he sneered, "Was it fun?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded honestly.


    It had always been Ke Muning bullying others, how could he let others step on him?


    He asked with a sullen face, "More fun than being with me?"


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head and asked back, "How can being with you be called fun? You taught me a lot of things, that''s different."


    Ke Muning instantly approved of this statement, "That''s right!"


    He opened the car door and directly lifted Li Xiaoya into the car, "Little kids shouldn''t be too yful, they should learn more from adults like me."


    "What are you holding?"


    Li Xiaoya, hearing this, pushed it forward, nearly poking Ke Muning''s face with the cactus spines.


    She said, "A flower for you."


    "You call this a flower?"


    "It''s a unique flower," Li Xiaoya emphasized strongly.


    The description of being unique was indeed very appealing to Ke Muning.


    Ke Muning immediately followed up with another question, "Where did the flowere from?"


    "From my friend''s home."


    For others, this behavior would be called borrowing flowers to give as a gift.


    For Ke Muning...


    As long as it was taken from someone else''s home, he liked it!

 Chapter 153: You Are Far Behind Her

    <h4>Chapter 153</h4>


    Ke Muning was briefly appeased, but as soon as they returned to the vi, he immediately put on an act and asked, "You''ve been away from home for a long time too. Don''t you want to make a couple of phone calls to your family?"


    After saying this, Ke Muning called for someone to bring over the telephone.


    "Here, make the call now."


    Li Xiaoya actually picked up the telephone receiver: "How do I use this?"


    Unable to see Li Xiaoya''s panicked and troubled expression, Ke Muning felt a bit disappointed, but also a little pleased.


    After all, it was precisely because she was different from other children that he liked her in the first ce.


    "I''ll teach you," Ke Muning said as he instructed her, not forgetting to criticize her family, "Your family didn''t even teach you this?"


    Li Xiaoya thought for a moment: "Probably because normal people all know how to use it, so they didn''t think of it."


    "Then why don''t you know how to use it?"


    "I''ve never seen one before, so I don''t know how to use it."


    It was then that Ke Muning suddenly remembered the content of the program his subordinates had provided him earlier.


    At that time, he had face blindness and no patience to watch, so he had only skimmed through it... vaguely remembering that the child in it was dirty and thin.


    After watching it, apart from suspecting the child''s ghost family identity, he had no other impressions.


    It was a kind of indifference that came from not caring at all.


    But now, with Li Xiaoya''s one sentence, the image from that program and her current self were suddenly linked together.


    Ke Muning leaned against the sofa backrest, narrowing his eyes, feeling a wave of displeasure in his heart.


    By this time, Li Xiaoya had already confidently dialed out.


    "Hello," the other end answered.


    "Please transfer the call to Grandfather," she said.


    The person on the other end paused for a moment and asked, "Who is this?"


    Li Xiaoya blinked in confusion and said, "I''m Xiaoya."


    Had she dialed the wrong number? That shouldn''t be the case. She had memorized the number very well.


    "This is Xing Siyun. The old gentleman has gone out on business. Would you like me to call Wei Wenqing for you? Though he can''t speak," the female voice on the other end said.


    Li Xiaoya asked in confusion, "Why are you there?"


    She was the granddaughter of her grandfather''s friend. If her grandfather wasn''t home, why was she still there?


    Xing Siyun on the other endughed and said, "Of course I''m here. The old gentleman hopes that I''ll be friends with Wei Wenqing."


    Li Xiaoya was silent for a moment, then asked, "What does ''be friends'' mean?"


    "It means to be his wife, but I prefer your family''s second young master. Unfortunately, he''s gone abroad to handle some affairs."


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes widened immediately.


    Did this mean she was going to have an aunt?


    "Thank you, no need to call anyone for me. Goodbye." Li Xiaoya had already learned all the information she wanted to know, so she hung up the phone.


    Ke Muning had also finished listening to the tranted oral report.


    He turned to look at Li Xiaoya: "That wasn''t your family on the other end?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head and struggled to exin the woman''s identity to Ke Muning using her sparse English vocabry.


    Ke Muning immediately tried to intimidate her: "If they get married, they''ll soon have children. Once there are new children, you won''t be important anymore..."


    "You can choose to go abroad with me, teach them a lesson, and they''ll understand your importance."


    Li Xiaoya looked at him and said very seriously, "Can you make me some food for tomorrow''s school activity, so I can first understand your importance?"


    Ke Muning was not unfamiliar with this kind of activity.


    Because in the West, cooking sses and bringing homemade lunches on outdoor trips were more popr.


    "I''ve only heard of spring outings, what is this? A winter summer camp?" Ke Muning asked.


    "They''ve organized an ice sculpture exhibition and ice ballet activities in the suburbs. Many athletes have been invited," Li Xiaoya said, still very interested in athletes.


    "Alright. But you know, in foreign countries, it''s usually parents who prepare food for their children. If you need my help, you should at least call me..."


    "Dad?"


    Ke Muning hadn''t even finished speaking when Li Xiaoya so easily opened her mouth.


    He swallowed the rest of what he was going to say.


    Actually, he only wanted to say.


    You should at least call me "godfather."


    "Okay, I''ll make you some special dishes that will make you the most eye-catching child among them!" Ke Muning rolled up his sleeves.


    On Monday morning, Li Xiaoya thus received raw beef mixed with raw eggs, fermented fish, a stew ofmb lungs, liver, and heart, blood pudding, and Russian stew...


    A full bucket, but not a single dish was ptable.


    A subordinate standing nearby pointed at the Russian stew emitting a strange odor and said with a hint of shyness, "I made that one, miss."


    Another subordinate boasted, "He''s very good at making this!"


    Li Xiaoya quietly sighed in her heart.


    It looked even less appetizing than the baked potatoes from Li Family Vige.


    But she didn''t say anything. The subordinates helped her put on the insted bucket, and then sent her off to the car.


    Ke Muning had already gotten over his initial obsession with sending Li Xiaoya to school. He had his own business to attend to, so he didn''t go along this time.


    Li Xiaoya entered the school gates.


    Meanwhile, Li Jiang and Li Qingqing were hiding behind a bus stop on the main road.


    "Did you see? That was Xiaoya," Li Jiang sighed.


    Li Qingqing didn''t even know Li Xiaoya was attending this elite school. She watched the endless stream of luxury cars, feeling that world was so close yet forever out of reach no matter how hard she tried.


    "I saw," Li Qingqing said, trying her best not to appear too envious.


    She asked, "Uncle Li Jiang, did you bring me here just to show me how well Xiaoya is living now? Or are you nning to go up and reveal yourself to her? Who knows if Xiaoya still remembers you, or if she can even recognize you?"


    Li Jiang turned back and smiled, "Trying to stir things up? Qingqing, your methods and insights are entirely inherited from your grandfather and your father. You''ve seen how useless they are. Do you want to follow in their footsteps?"


    Li Qingqing cursed inwardly, "Bullshit! I''m a reincarnated person!"


    "Today, the third to fifth grades of the elementary school will have an outdoor activity," Li Jiang paused and said, "When theye out, we''ll follow them."


    "How do you know about the activity?" Li Qingqing blurted out.


    "That''s why I say you''re not smart. I''ve seen some of the show, and your fawning face in front of President Sheng was impossible to hide. Those rich tycoons are all shrewd people. You failed to win their favor, didn''t you? Approaching these people directly is the stupidest move. The more you try to please them, the less you''ll get what you want."


    Li Qingqing couldn''t stand hearing this.


    Li Jiang wasn''t doing so well himself now, what right did he have to call her stupid?


    Li Jiang pointed towards the elementary school in the distance: "Do you know how many staff work in this school? Among these people, some are greedy, some are simple-minded, some are foolish... They don''t have the wariness of rich people, and it''s easy to pry open barriers through them."


    He paused, then said, "See, even after teaching you, you still don''t get it."


    Li Qingqing was immediately filled with shame and anger. She gritted her teeth and said, "Uncle Li Jiang, your current situation isn''t good either. Don''t forget, I can at any time..."


    "Report me to the police?" Li Jiang shook his head, "You haven''t gotten what you want yet. If you really did that, you''d truly be incredibly stupid."


    Li Qingqing was shaking with anger, but she forced it down and said, "We were from the same vige originally. I valued that rtionship, that''s why I haven''t reported you..."


    But Li Jiang looked her up and down and said, "Your father''s genes were already poor, and your mother''s genes aren''t much better."


    "Are Li Xiaoya''s so great?" Li Qingqing couldn''t hold back her anger and blurted out.


    Li Jiang''s gaze became distant for a moment: "Yes, they are... You''re far behind her. She showed her talent when she was just two years old."


    Li Qingqing sneered, "Yes, the genes of a specially kidnapped youngdy from a wealthy family must be good. They''re good alright, Uncle Li Jiang, but you''ll have to go to prison for it."


    Li Jiang''s brows furrowed, hiding a bit of anger: "What do you know?"


    At this moment, a school bus drove out.


    "Let''s follow it."

 Chapter 154: Dad is Here

    <h4>Chapter 154</h4>


    The school-organized activity sounded boring, but the parents had no objections. Through such activities, their children could make different friends andy a solid foundation for the future.


    Several school buses drove onto the main road one after another.


    Li Xiaoya sat in the "first-ss seat" eagerly offered by her ssmates. While fastening her seatbelt, she listened to them discussing what food they had brought.


    "Our family chef made snowke beef and crispy duck."


    "We had a five-star restaurant chef prepare ck truffle salt-baked chicken, foie gras golden congee, and runny yolk green rice balls."


    "Our dishes are from the ck Pearl restaurant, including chicken juice mini fried buns, longan cold shrimp, and braised goose."


    ...


    Every dish sounded better and more normal than Li Xiaoya''s.


    "I wanted to bring two chefs along."


    "My mom wanted me to bring one too, but the school said it''s not allowed. My mom said the school has issues, always fussing about cultivating independence. I won''t need to be independent when I grow up anyway, I can just hire chefs and servants."


    The ssmates continued chattering.


    Li Xiaoya suddenly asked, "Didn''t your parents make the food?"


    "Huh?" Everyone was taken aback. Their instinct was to mock her, but they quickly remembered that Li Xiaoya was now their boss, so they swallowed their ridicule and honestly replied, "That''s what the school says, but they won''t care if our family chefs made it. It''s just a formality."


    Li Xiaoya: "..."


    Now she really regretted it.


    Li Xiaoya put her thermos on the table and said, "Mine is exotic cuisine. Do you want to exchange with me?"


    "Sure, sure!"


    After arriving at the activity site, they first visited an ice sculpture exhibition, then participated in ice skating.


    Afterward, the teacher organized them for a pic on the outdoorwn.


    Although it was called an outdoorwn, it wasn''t cold.


    Hot air continuously gushed out ofrge machines, covering the entirewn.


    Although the heat would quickly dissipate due to the open space, it didn''t matter; the machines just kept running at full power.


    The nearby swimming pool was also constantly heated, steaming with hot air.


    This was the extravagance of the rich.


    The other children were already used to it, only Li Xiaoya''s expression changed from curiosity to a frown.


    At this time, the others eagerly came over to exchange food with Li Xiaoya.


    This way, Li Xiaoya obtained their crispy duck, braised goose, fried buns...


    They were also happy, but when they opened the thermos, they looked at each other in confusion: "What a strange smell..."


    "But Li Xiaoya''s father is so impressive, the chef he hired must be amazing too!"


    They said as they picked up their chopsticks to try.


    A momentter.


    "Yuck..."


    They opened their mouths but swallowed their words.


    Now Li Xiaoya was the boss, and her father was terrifying. If they spat it out, would she think they were challenging her authority?


    Wuwuwu.


    They tearfully took two more bites, but it was really too awful to eat.


    The teacher came over and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    They said, "Not hungry, not hungry, we''re full."


    Li Xiaoya sat at the end, taking a bite of the fried bun. It was fragrant and crispy, not softened from being in the box, with chicken juice filling her mouth, very delicious.


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head and thought.


    Following Ke Muning, she seemed to have be a little bit naughty.


    Not far away, Li Qingqing was shocked.


    It was one thing for Li Xiaoya to attend an elite school... but these little rich kids were actually surrounding her like Sheng Yuxiao did!


    Why?


    They even contributed their own food to Li Xiaoya!


    Shouldn''t it be like in TV dramas? They should look down on her foring from a mountain vige, hate her for not knowing any upper-ss etiquette, she should struggle to keep up with the elite school curriculum, even the teachers would belittle her... then she would be isted, mocked, even bullied at school!


    Isn''t that how it always happens in TV dramas?


    Li Qingqing found it hard to ept that the real plot was so different.


    She felt ufortable, so she wanted to make Li Jiang ufortable too.


    "Uncle Li Jiang, Little Ya is really popr, isn''t she? She''s always surrounded by people. I don''t think you''ll have a chance to reunite with her. Why don''t you just turn yourself in?"


    "She is very popr, a bit beyond my expectations," Li Jiang sighed.


    At this moment, a fifth-grader suddenly ran up to Li Xiaoya.


    The little third-grade radishes immediately became alert: "What does he want?"


    The boy handed Li Xiaoya an exquisite box of pastries and said, "Young Master Mu asked me to give this to you."


    The little radishes'' eyes widened: "Wow!"


    "Li Xiaoya, you''re so amazing."


    Li Xiaoya waspletely confused.


    Why? Could getting beaten up lead to affection?


    The fifth-grader quickly ran back to his own ss, looking eager for praise: "I gave the pastries my family made to that Li Xiaoya in third grade. I even said it was from you!"


    Young Master Mu''s face darkened: "Why did you give her anything?"


    The boy shrank his neck: "But, but you said you liked her, so I..." He couldn''t understand why his attempt at ttery had backfired.


    Mu Bai could only swallow the rest of his words.


    What could he do?


    He had said it himself.


    With a stiff face, he patted his little follower''s shoulder and said, "Next time... next time let me deliver it myself."


    The follower suddenly understood and immediately started ttering again: "Young Master Mu is right!"


    Now that even the fifth-graders were sending food to Li Xiaoya, she became even more eye-catching.


    These elementary school students looked curiously and admiringly in Li Xiaoya''s direction. Although it was just among a bunch of little kids, it could be considered the focus of attention.


    It seemed even harder for Li Jiang to see Li Xiaoya face to face now.


    He looked at Li Qingqing: "You go."


    Only then did Li Qingqing realize her role. Her face changed: "Me? I can''t go."


    Once Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui, those two young masters, found out, she would be finished!


    "If you want to get benefits... you have to pay a price," Li Jiang said coldly. "What Li Xiaoya has now is more than you can imagine. If you want a piece of the pie, instead of looking up at her from the mud for the rest of your life, then go."


    Li Qingqing red at him, but finally walked towards Li Xiaoya.


    Li Qingqing was also a child, so her actions didn''t attract anyone''s attention.


    "Little Ya," she called timidly as she approached.


    "Who''s she?" The children around Li Xiaoya red at Li Qingqing.


    They were all smaller than Li Qingqing.


    But perhaps because they were all from rich families and used to ordering people around, when they stared at Li Qingqing, it actually made her feel a bit intimidated.


    Li Xiaoya asked puzzledly, "Why are you here? Shouldn''t you have gone back to Li Family Vige?"


    Li Qingqing said with a bitter face, "I don''t want to leave. Can you help me?"


    "No."


    "What if... I have something of your mother''s?"


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes flickered. She looked at Li Qingqing and asked, "Did you find someone to kidnap me?"


    Li Qingqing hurriedly waved her hands: "How could that be possible?"


    "You sound like you''re trying to lure me now."


    At this point, the children around were already moring: "Is she some kind of bad guy?"


    "She must be one of those poor rtives who came looking for money!"


    "Let''s go find the teacher!"


    "No, we should call the police!"


    Li Qingqing looked panicked.


    She didn''t know how Li Xiaoya''s brain could work so well... she had never noticed before! Well... she had rarely interacted with the dirty Li Xiaoya before.


    But Li Xiaoya stopped their actions: "Don''t shout. Be quiet."


    These kids actually obediently stopped.


    Then Li Xiaoya looked at her and asked, "You need to tell the truth. Maybe after I consider it, I''ll choose to listen to you."


    Li Qingqing had no choice but to say, "Your father is here."


    The children immediately shrank back in fear and started chattering: "Your father is here?"


    "Where, where? Let''s not see uncle, okay?"


    Fully demonstrating their psychological trauma from Ke Muning.


    Li Qingqing found this inexplicable.


    Why were they afraid of Li Jiang?


    Of course, Li Xiaoya knew who the "father" in Li Qingqing''s mouth was.


    She paused for a moment and said, "Let''s go."


    Now it was Li Qingqing''s turn to be stunned.


    It was... that easy?


    After much thought, Li Qingqing could onlye up with one reason��Li Xiaoya was, after all, still just a little kid. No matter how smart she was, she was still a child. Unlike Li Qingqing, who had been reborn, children naturally crave fatherly love. Especially since Li Jiang, despite being a jerk, had always been good to Li Xiaoya before he left, and had painted a rosy picture of the future when he departed.


    It was something along the lines of, "Daddy''s going out to make money to support you."


    So it was perfectly normal for Li Xiaoya to want to see him!


    "Well... let''s go then," Li Qingqing said, turning to lead the way.


    She had no idea what kind of formidable presence she was about to encounter.

 Chapter 155: Feeling Like Riding a Roller Coaster

    <h4>Chapter 155</h4>


    Li Xiaoya followed for a couple of steps, then suddenly turned back and pointed at Zhou Xiaoshu, saying, "Can you tell the teacher for meter that I left early?"


    This way, Zhou Xiaoshu wouldn''t forget.


    Zhou Xiaoshu nodded firmly upon hearing this, but An Ying beside her showed a slightly puzzled expression.


    Why ter"? Why not tell the teacher now herself?


    An Ying thought a bit more but couldn''t figure it out.


    None of them had watched "Exchange Lives," so they didn''t recognize who Li Qingqing was.


    After all, the target audience for such a show wasn''t them, but rather their parents... Only adults have parenting troubles and would watch such things.


    They just thought it was great...


    "Li Xiaoya left, so can we throw this away now?" They looked at the "exotic food" in front of them, their faces full of eagerness.


    "No, Zhou Xiaoshu will tell on us."


    "Okay, then what should we do?"


    "Let''s take it back for my dad to eat."


    They reached an agreement on this.


    By this time, Li Xiaoya had already followed Li Qingqing slowly out of thewn area, then walking further and further away...


    Li Xiaoya had learned from Sheng Yuxiao how to make emergency calls, and her fingers secretly pressed on her phone, ready to face any danger...


    But at this moment, Li Qingqing said with aplex tone, "Let''s go in."


    Li Xiaoya looked up.


    It was a small pavilion.


    Open on all sides, hidden among the trees, looking a bit dpidated.


    There was no one inside.


    And... if someone shouted here, nearby people could hear it clearly.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but tilt her head in confusion: "Where are the people?"


    Just as she finished speaking, the sound of footsteps on the snow could be heard, crunch, crunch.


    "Have you been waiting long? Dad went to buy you some hot orange juice." Li Jiang held out the paper cup in his hand.


    Li Xiaoya looked at him without moving, her eyes showing unfamiliarity.


    Li Jiang had watched "Exchange Lives," and aftering to Jin City, he had always been secretly watching her from the shadows.


    He had never seen her like this before.


    Her eyes were full of unfamiliarity.


    Even more so than those people who went to Li Family Vige to film the show for the first time... The unfamiliarity in her eyes then wasn''t as intense as it was now.


    So intense that it seemed from the year he left home, she hadpletely forgotten him.


    Li Jiang''s expression froze for a moment, but he continued, "Don''t you recognize Dad? Here, take it. The weather is cold, it''ll freeze your hands. Even if you don''t drink it, hold it to warm up."


    Li Qingqing couldn''t help but look down at her own hands, red from the cold.


    She scoffed inwardly.


    After living with that rich family for so long, would Li Xiaoya still care about this cheap orange juice?


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya finally moved. She slowly reached out and took it.


    Li Qingqing was surprised.


    She really fell for Li Jiang''s act?


    Li Jiang was also surprised, then felt a surge of joy: "Are you happy that Dad came to see you?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head.


    Li Jiang''s mood was like a roller coaster, instantly plummeting again: "Why? Don''t you want to see me anymore? I watched the show and only then did I know how hard your life was in the vige. Dad went back to the vige, but you had alreadye to Jin City with them, so Dad had toe to Jin City too..."


    "When you left, you said you were going out to make money, then you''d take me to the big city," Li Xiaoya suddenly spoke.


    "Yes, but Dad was useless, couldn''t make money, so I dyeding back to the vige to get you. Can you forgive Dad?"


    "Grandpa said you ran away with a prettydy, that you would give him a grandson, and that you''d be city people, and no one would want me anymore," Li Xiaoya continued.


    "How would your grandpa know these things? It''s all vige gossip, fabrications that reached his ears, and he believed them."


    "You took Aunt Man and the others'' money, and I had to repay the debt."


    Hearing this, Li Qingqing inwardly sneered. Starting toin now? Li Xiaoya really couldn''t let go of Li Jiang as her father.


    Li Jiang now also showed a pained and pitying expression.


    "Dad saw it all, and it breaks Dad''s heart. That money wasn''t what Dad owed them, it was them hoping I''d take the money to invest... You''re young, you don''t understand what a business venture is, don''t know that these things can make or lose money. When they saw they couldn''t make money, they came to pressure you, a child..."


    "I know what a business venture is," Li Xiaoya interrupted.


    Oh right, Li Jiang remembered that in the show, thanks to that young Mr. Sheng, some pharmaceuticalpany had gifted her 1% of their shares.


    Li Jiang coaxed, "Alright, alright, you know, you know."


    Li Xiaoya suddenly asked, "How many years did you live in the vige?"


    "What?" Li Jiang was stunned for a moment.


    This question came out of nowhere, but after his momentary shock, Li Jiang continued to y the role of a good father, patiently answering, "Ten or twenty years, I guess. Dad grew up there... Later I left for high school, and only came back when I married your mom."


    Li Xiaoya immediately questioned him: "You lived there for so long, didn''t you know what kind of people were in the vige? Didn''t you know what kind of life I would have after you left?"


    Li Jiang was instantly at a loss for words.


    Li Qingqing was also stunned for a moment.


    "I only lived there until I was seven, and I could understand these things. Yet you couldn''t understand. Are adults dumber than me?" Li Xiaoya then asked him.


    "Of course not..."


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "If it''s not stupidity, then it''s wickedness."


    Li Jiang''s expression instantly froze.


    Li Qingqing, who had just been scolded by Li Jiang earlier, now found the scene quite amusing, even gratifying.


    But thinking that Li Xiaoya might really be smarter than her... Li Qingqing suddenly couldn''tugh anymore.


    "Xiaoya, you''re a child, you can''t understand the adult world. In the adult world, there are many things we have no choice but to do. I had no choice but to leave the vige, no choice but to seek a way out, no choice but to leave you behind..."


    "Mm, I know. For children, the sun in the sky and the stone under their feet are equally important. But for adults, many things are different. Adults categorize people and things into first ss and second ss... I was the lowest ss in your heart. So you could abandon me for other things you had no choice about," Li Xiaoya said slowly.


    Li Jiang''s breath caught.


    Although he knew Li Xiaoya was smart, her being this smart still made Li Jiang a bit ufortable.


    He immediately changed his strategy, his eyes reddening: "Yes, no matter what I say, it''s all Dad''s fault. Dad shouldn''t have left you behind, and Dad knows that you''re saying these things because you''ve been hurt... It''s okay, if there''s anything else you can''t forget, just say it. You can scold me, even hit me..."


    Li Xiaoya didn''t move.


    She tilted her head and looked at him: "I said all these things, are you very upset?"

 Chapter 156: The Edge of Madness

    <h4>Chapter 156</h4>


    "Yes, Dad is very sad and hates himself..."


    "I''m sad too," Li Xiaoya said softly. "But that''s all in the past now. My saddest times are behind me."


    Li Qingqing watched as Li Jiang''s expression went through another wave of changes.


    Suddenly, an absurd thought struck her��


    Li Xiaoya was controlling the pace.


    Even more, she was controlling Li Jiang''s emotions!


    Every word she spoke seemed calcted, as if she had anticipated Li Jiang''s reactions in advance...


    Li Qingqing shook her head. No, no, no, how could that be possible?


    It''s not like Li Xiaoya had been reborn.


    How old was she? She couldn''t possibly be that cunning, could she?


    "Dad will make it up to you from now on," Li Jiang found his voice again.


    "How will you make it up?"


    "Dad will stay by your side, protect you, take care of you..."


    "But others can do that too."


    "But they''re not your father."


    "If Dad is so terrible, why can''t someone else be my dad instead?"


    Li Jiang was stumped again. He reminded himself that this was just childish thinking.


    He moved his lips: "Because we have a blood bond. Do you understand what that means?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "I know. Grandpa and Mom have a blood bond too. But you and the people in the vige, you severed their bonds. Why can you do that, but others can''t?"


    Li Jiang''s pupils dted, and he was speechless for a long while.


    Though she was young, she seemed to know everything...


    Tears slid down Li Jiang''s face as he made onest effort: "I didn''t. Do you believe me? Do you know what n power means? When everyone around you is a criminal, they force you to do the same things they do. Otherwise, they won''t tolerate you."


    Li Xiaoya was silent for a moment, then said: "I don''t understand."


    Li Jiang wiped away his tears: "It''s okay. Dad will exin it to you slowly. There are a lot ofplicated things involved. Are you willing to ept Dad again?"


    "If I ept you, will you take me back to Li Family Vige?"


    "Of course not. You''re good here. Many people love you and spoil you. You can still go to your elite school. It''s just that there will be one more person who loves you��your dad. Isn''t that good?"


    Li Xiaoya seemed confused.


    She hadn''t seen him for so long that his appearance had be unfamiliar to her, with only traces of familiarity left in his voice. That unfamiliarity had diluted her childhood dependence on the word "Dad."


    She could clearly understand his purpose... he wanted to absolve himself of guilt.


    But why was he saying these things?


    Was he acting?


    Li Xiaoya pinched her palm and said softly, "Okay, thene home with me to see Grandpa."


    Li Jiang said, "No problem. Dad should meet them, apologize to them, and exin the truth. Some things aren''t that simple, Xiaoya..."


    "Then let''s go..."


    "Alright, let''s go."


    After this conversation, Li Qingqing was also confused.


    Had Li Jiang gone crazy?


    After all this trouble, he was just going to follow Li Xiaoya back to see her grandfather? Wasn''t he afraid of being beaten by the father of the daughter he had wronged?


    Li Xiaoya led the way with a stiff face, then took out her phone: "I''ll call the driver to pick us up."


    Was she calling her grandfather? Of course not.


    She still had doubts.


    So she chose to dial Ke Muning''s number...


    Li Jiang nced at her from the corner of his eye.


    It wasn''t 110 (the emergency number).


    The strategy had worked.


    Ke Muning answered the phone quickly: "How was it? Were you the center of attention today? Are you happy?"


    Li Xiaoya spoke in Hua Country''snguage: "Have the drivere pick me up. I want toe back."


    During this time, Li Xiaoya had been speaking English with Ke Muning. Although she used simple words and sometimes made grammatical mistakes, she persisted in speaking it to improve faster.


    Suddenly switching to Hua Country''snguage, Ke Muning was taken aback for a moment. But he was certain it was the little devil''s voice.


    "Bye-bye, I''ll wait for you here," Li Xiaoya said and hung up the phone.


    Ke Muning sensed something was off.


    "What''s wrong with her?" He frowned, then called his subordinate, "Go check the school."


    He didn''t know where their activity was today, so he had to ask at the school.


    Soon, his subordinate reported back with the address.


    "You go there first, I''ll be there soon."


    Ke Muning said as he dialed Li Xiaoya''s number again.


    Li Xiaoya answered, still using Hua Country''snguage: "Are you here yet?" Then she made some vague sounds and hung up again.


    Now Ke Muning was absolutely certain that something was wrong.


    Abroad, kidnapping, murder, or even sudden encounters with antisocial individuals were not umon urrences.


    Ke Muning quickly associated the situation with these possibilities.


    He stood up and strode out.


    The person across from him didn''t know what had happened and hurriedly followed, almost getting hit in the face by the rebounding door.


    "It should take quite a while to arrive," Li Jiang''s voice sounded. "Why don''t we take a taxi and stop by a mall? I think it''s best to buy some gifts before meeting your grandfather, otherwise I might get thrown out, right?"


    He finished speaking and raised his hand to wave.


    A taxi smoothly stopped in front of them.


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes flickered, but she said nothing and obediently got in.


    Li Qingqing followed closely behind.


    At this moment, the driver turned his head��it was "Brother Yong" from that day!


    Li Qingqing certainly recognized him! Her eyelids twitched. ...Li Jiang was indeed fully prepared.


    Although Li Xiaoya was clever, she was still no match for an adult who knew how to act and when topromise!


    Li Qingqing suddenly felt much better.


    Li Jiang told the driver the name of a mall, and the driver nodded cooperatively, but actually turned onto a different road.


    Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshu asked, "Has it been a while now?"


    An Ying said, "Yes, it has."


    Zhou Xiaoshu quickly told the teacher.


    Then An Ying hesitated for a moment before adding a description of Li Qingqing''s appearance and even recounted their conversation at the time.


    The teacher found it strange too, after all, these were all children of wealthy families, how could they not be careful? She immediately said, "I''ll contact the parents to confirm."


    Hearing this, An Ying suddenly had an epiphany.


    Why wait for a while?


    Because the person Li Xiaoya wanted to meet might be somewhat dangerous, but she still wanted to go see them, perhaps to obtain some information from them?


    If after a while she still hadn''t returned, then through Zhou Xiaoshu''s intervention, her family would know she was in danger and could rescue her in time.


    Is that... how it is?


    An Ying''s personality was cautious and low-key. Although she had deduced this, she didn''t dare tell the teacher. But... she dared to tell Qin Sui.


    Even if her deduction was wrong, he wouldn''t mind!


    He would just be happy that she told him before Sheng Yuxiao did!


    An Ying immediately made a phone call.


    At this time.


    In the senior high school ssroom, a rich second-generation student surnamed He was carefully holding Qin Sui''s revolvingntern, saying, "This is what Young Master Qin specially brought for me to see, uh, because I wanted to see it..."


    "What''s so special about it?" others wondered.


    Young Master He immediately raised his voice: "Because it''s from Li Xiaoya!"


    "Who''s Li Xiaoya?"


    "Oh, I know! That little girl fromst time!"


    Young Master He nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, she made this herself."


    The others still couldn''t appreciate what was so special about it.


    Young Master He carefully turned his head, watching as a figure walked in... well, it wasn''t Young Master Sheng! It was Ning Heng. Why was Ning Heng dressing like Young Master Sheng?


    Where was Young Master Sheng? Why hadn''t hee to school yet today?


    In a while, wouldn''t he have to repeat this whole speech again?


    Qin Sui suddenly stood up and patted his shoulder.


    This gesture was telling him he didn''t need to say any more.


    Young Master He let out a long sigh of relief.


    Qin Sui turned to look at Ning Heng, thinking that if he knew, Sheng Yuxiao would soon know too...


    It was fine not seeing it in person. That way, Sheng Yuxiao would be even more desperate to know exactly what kind of gift Li Xiaoya had given.


    "Young Master Qin, I..." How was my performance? Young Master He turned his face, but before he could finish speaking.


    Qin Sui suddenly answered a phone call: "Hello. Okay, I got it."


    After thest incident, he had specially given his number to An Ying, not expecting it toe in handy so soon... Li Xiaoya had gone to meet someone, possibly dangerous, but she wanted to go. Who could that be?


    Qin Sui was unaware of Ke Muning''s existence.


    So his first reaction was��Li Jiang!


    "Hey, hey, Qin, where are you going?" As the ss bell rang, Young Master He watched Qin Sui brush past the teacher entering the room.


    Even the teacher was stunned.


    This... this was tant ss-skipping, right?


    And wasn''t skipping ss usually Sheng Yuxiao''s thing? When did Qin Sui start doing this too?


    Why was Sheng Yuxiao sote anyway?


    He had gone to see Li Xiaoya.


    He made his way from the elementary school section to the activity area, randomly grabbing an elementary student to ask questions.


    The young student trembled: "Li Xiaoya left... she left with a little girl..."


    Sheng Yuxiao was stunned for a moment. Li Xiaoya didn''t have many friends, and the only little girl who could be considered close was Zhou Xiaoshu... but Zhou Xiaoshu was her ssmate.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t hesitate for long. He made a direct phone call to find the person in charge of the venue: "I want to see the surveince footage."


    This was Ning family property, how could the person in charge refuse?


    This is how Sheng Yuxiao identified the person in the footage... "Li Qingqing."


    *


    The taxi stopped in front of a tin-roofed factory on the outskirts.


    "Weren''t we going to the mall?" Li Xiaoya asked.


    The pain, guilt, and kindness on Li Jiang''s face had all disappeared. He looked at Li Xiaoya and said coldly, "They all say that foreign man is your father. I saw it."


    Li Xiaoya: "Oh."


    There was no panic on her face.


    "Do you know how jealous I was then?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t speak.


    Meanwhile, Li Qingqing looked around nervously, suddenly feeling uneasy. This ce looked like a good spot for murder and body disposal.


    Li Jiang''s demeanor now seemed a bit crazed.


    "I really wanted to be your father, really wanted to. After all, you''re so lovable, have been since birth." Li Jiang led Li Xiaoya out of the car.


    Finally, he couldn''t help but bare his fangs a little: "But I know that you, like your mother, are ice that can''t be melted, cold and heartless to the core. Does smart DNA always lead to this result?"


    Brother Yong got out of the car too, trying to mediate: "After all, the child is still young. Just talk it out, how can there be a child who doesn''t recognize their father?"


    Li Jiang said softly: "Who told me I''m not her father?"


    Brother Yong was dumbfounded: "What?"


    Li Qingqing was also stunned.


    Li Jiang crouched down in front of Li Xiaoya, one hand firmly pressing on her shoulder: "What you said earlierpletely shattered my fantasies and hopes. ...I''m wondering, why did you so quickly be indifferent to your dad? Is it because you''ve been dazzled by the life of luxury? No. That''s not your personality."


    "Did your mother ever say something to you? Did she tell you not to think of me as your father?"


    Li Xiaoya''s fingers clenched tightly, trembling slightly.


    Li Jiang didn''t wait for her answer. He spat out words from between his teeth, his voice bordering on deranged: "Wei Wenyu, do you really have to treat me like this?"

 Chapter 157: Eight Years Ago

    <h4>Chapter 157</h4>


    Many of the secrets of Li Family Vige were not entirely clear to Li Qingqing. It could be said that her parents and the vige chief grandfather were all bastards, but they protected her very well.


    After hearing Li Jiang''s words, she slowly came to her senses and murmured, "What are you saying?"


    By the end, Li Qingqing''s voice had turned into a full-blown shout: "What nonsense are you spouting?"


    She thought Li Jiang had gone mad.


    Earlier, she had thought he was very cunning and skilled. Just by virtue of his "father" identity, he had a high chance of turning things around. After all, as he said, blood ties could not be severed no matter what.


    But now he had blurted it out himself!


    What else could be waiting for him now? Wasn''t prison the only option left?


    Or... had he gone so insane that he nned for everyone to perish together today, so he didn''t care about revealing the "truth"?


    Brother Yong also became anxious: "Jiang, you''re just saying that out of anger, right? How can a father and daughter fight like this?"


    Li Jiang still had one hand tightly gripping Li Xiaoya. He lowered his head and took two deep breaths, seemingly suppressing the emotions that had erupted for a moment.


    Then he slowly looked at Brother Yong, his calm expression giving Brother Yong a glimmer of hope.


    But this thread of hope was quickly shattered.


    Li Jiang smiled and asked, "Are you very afraid?"


    Brother Yong let out an "Ah" and continued to persuade, "I just don''t want you to make a mistake..."


    Li Jiang shook his head: "The mistake was already made, eight years ago."


    Brother Yong was so flustered he didn''t know what to say.


    From the sound of it, it seemed... it seemed he really wasn''t her biological father! Wasn''t that kidnapping then?


    Li Jiang didn''t look at Brother Yong again. He bent down and leaned close to Li Xiaoya, asking in a low voice, "Do you want to hear? Do you want to know what happened before you were born?"


    Li Xiaoya pressed her lips tightly together, her lip color turning pale from the pressure, but she didn''t speak.


    Li Jiang didn''t mind her silence and continued, "Then give me your phone."


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes flickered, and she obediently handed it over.


    Li Jiang took the phone and first checked the call records. They were all unsaved numbers.


    Li Jiang squeezed out augh from his chest: "Good, very clever, even clearing the text message content. Among these numbers, which one is Sheng Yuxiao, which is Qin Sui, which is your grandfather... it''s impossible to tell now."


    Li Qingqing was shocked upon hearing this.


    Had Li Xiaoya prepared for this in advance?


    "You didn''t call the police. Even if others discover you''re missing, they''ll only know that Li Qingqing took you away."


    Hearing this, Li Qingqing red angrily: "Uncle Li Jiang! How could you use me like this?"


    Li Jiang ignored her.


    "It seems we have plenty of time to talk slowly," Li Jiang said calmly.


    He then turned off her phone, threw it under the car wheel, and said to Brother Yong, "Crush it."


    Brother Yong hesitated: "I..."


    Li Jiang said helplessly, "Brother Yong, don''t you understand yet? Look, you have no way out."


    "But..."


    "Remember what I told you before, I will help you."


    Brother Yong lowered his head and said nothing more, turning to start the car again.


    Whether this child and "Jiang Li" were biological father and daughter or not, it had nothing to do with him in the end. But his own daughter was his flesh and blood! He still needed to bring money back to save his daughter!


    The tires scraped against the ground, and with one push of the gas pedal, it crushed the phone.


    A tear fell from Li Xiaoya''s eye with a "plop."


    There was still the SIM card Sheng Yuxiao had given her inside.


    Li Jiang turned back, staring at the tear on her face for a brief moment.


    He pursed his lips and said, "You didn''t have to cry, Xiaoya. Who told you to say those things, making me realize you no longer have any familial affection for me?"


    Li Xiaoya still didn''t speak. Her eyes were covered with a thin mist of tears, making her look very pitiful.


    She''s still just a child after all, Li Qingqing thought to herself. But Li Jiang was truly ruthless.


    "It was Wei Lin who took you back, right?" Li Jiang suddenly asked.


    Li Xiaoya''s pupils trembled.


    "You''re wondering how I know Wei Lin? Did Wei Lin instruct me to kidnap your mother?" Li Jiang asked.


    "Let me tell you, you''re wrong. I didn''t kidnap your mother. Think about it, how could I possibly have kidnapped a grown woman from a wealthy family? How would I have such ability?"


    "It was an entrustment. Wei Lin entrusted her to me. I was innocent from the beginning."


    Li Xiaoya bit her lip.


    She didn''t believe it.


    But she didn''t say it out loud.


    However, even though she didn''t say anything, Li Jiang was very satisfied with her current expression. It showed that she had suffered a huge shock.


    He pulled her towards the warehouse.


    After hiding the car, Brother Yong stomped his feet and reluctantly followed them inside.


    "There''s a lock there. Lock the door," Li Jiang instructed Brother Yong.


    Brother Yong grabbed the chain, nervously locking the door while saying, "Is this really necessary?"


    Li Jiang replied, "In case someonees looking, it can hold them off for a while. We can escape through the underground work passage."


    Brother Yong let out a sigh. Now he locked the door much faster.


    Although he was internally resistant to doing "bad things," he had to admit that "Jiang Li" appeared very reliable.


    "Good, let''s continue. Hmm, where should we start? Let me think..." Li Jiang said as he took off his coat and spread it on the ground, gesturing for Li Xiaoya to sit against the container.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t move.


    Li Jiang became a bit displeased and pushed her down: "Sit down. We father and daughter have a lot to talk about."


    Li Xiaoya sat there, curling up her hands and feet into a ball.


    Li Jiang was satisfied and began speaking again: "After I graduated from high school, I went to work in Jiang City to save money for college in a bigger city."


    "At first, I worked on construction sites."


    It was because of this experience that he could now quickly blend in with Brother Yong and his group.


    "Later, a fellow viger saw that I had good features and introduced me to work as a doorman at the Golden Osmanthus Hotel in Jiang City."


    "Usually, I just opened car doors and carried luggage. One day, a man came in an Audi 100, and my colleague happened to have his old problem re up, so he asked me to cover for him, which meant parking cars for the guests. As I was driving that Audi 100, I scraped it before even reaching the parking lot."


    "This was a fatal mistake. I couldn''t afford to pay for the damages."


    "The Golden Osmanthus Hotel had very strict requirements for employees, and Jiang City was different from ind areas... Some of the wealthy there were involved in gang activities. Once you offended them, kneeling down to lick their shoes was amon urrence."


    "Some people even ended up in the hospital from being forced to drink alcohol."


    "You see, this is the cruelty of the adult world."


    "However... the owner of that Audi didn''t make me pay. That car owner seemed to rarelye to Jiang City, and he wasn''t used to the overly attentive service at the Golden Osmanthus Hotel."


    "He stayed at the hotel for three consecutive days, waiting for someone in the hotel lobby every day."


    "On Sunday, a Cadic arrived at the entrance, and a woman got out. She was the person the Audi owner had been waiting for."


    "Can you guess who she was?"


    "Well, she was your mother."


    Not getting any response from Li Xiaoya, Li Jiang didn''t care at all. He continued, almost talking to himself: "Then can you guess who that Audi owner was?"


    Li Jiang''s eyes turned red: "That was your biological father."


    Li Xiaoya still hadn''t reacted, but Li Qingqing gasped first.


    Driving a Cadic and an Audi 100 at that time, they were certainly rich people!


    Li Xiaoya''s biological father was actually so wealthy!!!

 Chapter 158: It’s Not My Fault, It’s Yours

    <h4>Chapter 158</h4>


    "Because I offended a youngdy, I waster transferred to the housekeeping department. One day, while delivering items, I happened to go to your mother''s room."


    "I saw that youngdy kneeling in front of your mother, apologizing to her."


    Li Jiang''s gaze became momentarily unfocused.


    The events of the past seemed to be vividly before his eyes.


    Wei Wenyu''s image was still clearly imprinted in his heart.


    For someone from Li Family Vige who had recently experienced the disdain of this youngdy, this scene was absolutely shocking.


    Wei Wenyu was different from the ill-tempered rich youngdies of Jiang City.


    She appeared graceful and poised, exuding a true aura of high society.


    When she reached out to help the youngdy up, she also casually took a bottle of water from Li Jiang''s hand, saying "thank you."


    There was a sense of effortless elegance about her.


    It was a kind of beauty rarely seen in Li Family Vige, or even in the town, the city, or even in thevish Jiang City.


    Li Jiang took a deep breath,posing himself, and continued: "They stayed at the Golden Osmanthus Hotel for a while. Your mother would go out alone every other day. It was said she was visiting her mother, your maternal grandmother."


    "Your grandmother and grandfather divorced early on, and she had been in poor health, receiving treatment in Jiang City. Your mother woulde to Jiang City regrly to visit her. It was because of this that she met your biological father."


    "But it might have been better if they hadn''t met..."


    "One day, a square-faced man came to the hotel and had a big argument with your mother. You probably know who this man is, right?"


    "It''s Wei Lin."


    "They argued in the hotel garden, and I overheard a few words. It was roughly about how she and your father weren''t suitable for each other and such. Your mother disagreed, and they parted on bad terms..."


    "At that time, I even thought Wei Lin might have feelings for your mother and couldn''t bear to see her with someone else."


    "Half a monthter, your biological father''s vacation probably ended, and he left first."


    "Your mother left with Wei Lin."


    Li Jiang suddenly stopped and asked, "Why are you crying again? Aren''t I telling you what you wanted to know?"


    Li Xiaoya wiped her tears with an expressionless face.


    The more he described her mother''s beautiful image from back then,pared to how she was in Li Family Vige... the more upset she became.


    "A few monthster, I received a call saying my college application had been rejected, and I couldn''t go to university. Your grandfather urged me to return to the vige to get married. He had spent money to buy a wife for me, saying that with a high school education, I could find a decent job in town."


    "I didn''t go back. I couldn''t stand the ways of the vige at all."


    Especially after he had just encountered a woman like Wei Wenyu.


    Not just the women in the vige, even the city girl that the vige chief''s son had married, he looked down on them all the same.


    "At that time, feeling dejected, I met Wei Wenyu again at the hotel, who was also in low spirits."


    "Your mother was very sad because your biological father had disappeared. She came here to wait and wait, but she never saw that man again."


    "You think your biological father was so great?" Li Jiang''s lips twisted into a cold, mocking smile.


    Li Xiaoya''s body began to tremble slightly again.


    Li Jiang continued, ignoring her reaction: "During those days, I would often take special care of your mother, sending her fruits and food on behalf of the hotel."


    "Later, Wei Lin came."


    "One day when I was bringing coffee to your mother, she said she hadn''t ordered it and that she didn''t drink coffee. Wei Lin was there at the time, and when he heard this, his expression changed dramatically. He asked her if she was pregnant."


    "The next day, Wei Lin came to find me. He said he knew I cared especially for your mother and asked if I liked her."


    "He said he was Wei Wenyu''s brother, that Wei Wenyu was pregnant and was determined to keep the child. But your maternal grandfather would never allow it and would definitely demand that she abort the child and go meet someone he approved of for marriage."


    "Your maternal grandfather had great influence and was autocratic in his actions. To avoid being discovered by him, he wanted to entrust your mother to me, only needing to take care of her until she gave birth. Because I was apletely unrted person, your grandfather wouldn''t think of this."


    "You see... how could it be that I trafficked your mother? It was Wei Lin who entrusted her to me."


    "I always took care of your mother. Even though the child in her belly was someone else''s, I didn''t mind at all. Even after you were born, I still loved you very much..."


    Li Xiaoya finally spoke up, interrupting him: "But you took her to Li Family Vige."


    "Yes... there was no choice. Perhaps your grandfather could have monitored other ces too."


    Lies.


    Li Xiaoya gritted her teeth.


    Her grandfather only ran businesses abroad and couldn''t monitor within the country at all.


    "What else happened in between? You can''t fool me."


    "I''ve told you so much already, how could I still be deceiving you? It''s all the truth..."


    "I liked your mother very much. I took meticulous care of her and never thought of harming her. I only hoped that one day I could touch her heart. But she was too cold and heartless. I took you both in, helped her hide her whereabouts, avoided her father''s search... but she still, always, never saw me." Li Jiang''s tone gradually turned cold.


    Clearly, Wei Wenyu had never had any feelings for him, which was a great blow to him.


    "Your liking was harming her," Li Xiaoya said chokingly.


    She felt very sad.


    If her mother hadn''t wanted to keep her, this child, couldn''t she have returned to her grandfather''s side much earlier? She wouldn''t have had to sufferter on at all.


    "Xiaoya, what are you saying?" Li Jiang''s expression changed. "You''re saying my love was harming her?"


    "You took Mom back to Li Family Vige, not because you wanted to protect her, but because you wanted Mom''s love. You knew she wouldn''t adapt there, but you still did it, because you wanted to use the people around to pressure her."


    "Xiaoya, what are you saying?"


    "You knew what Li Family Vige was like, but you still did this... You didn''t like Mom, you were a thief. You were like someone who saw a beautiful thing in a shop window and wanted to possess it. That''s all you were!"


    Li Jiang''s face darkened, and he lifted Li Xiaoya from the ground: "Look at you, look at you, why do you have to say these things to anger your father?"


    "Then I''ll have to tell you... Do you remember when you were little? Once, your mother asked you to make a choice for her."


    "Actually, your mother''s attitude had already wavered. Because at that time, I often took you horseback riding, and you looked very happy. Your mother might have thought that I could also be a good father to you..."


    "But that year, a girl from the neighboring vige came to visit rtives. She liked your mother very much and felt that your mother didn''t belong here. After talking with your mother, she decided to help contact your mother''s family."


    "Your mother was very clever. She knew that the power of the n was irresistible. The viges here allmunicated with each other, and the vigers were connected by a strong defense through their shared surname."


    "If someone discovered that the girl was passing messages for her, that girl''s fate wouldn''t be good."


    "But in a ce like this, it''s not easy to find such a kind person. That was an opportunity your mother had been waiting for for a long time."


    "Your mother was too conflicted. She needed a bit of courage. You were her courage. You made the choice for her, but unfortunately... you chose wrong."


    "That girl was caught by her brother, andter she was married into our vige. Somehow, she ended up jumping into the river. Your mother felt it was her fault, she became depressed and fell seriously ill."


    "You see, this was actually your fault. You made the wrong choice. That girl died, and your mother died too."


    "I never thought your mother would try to run away. I never thought she would do this to me. I was too heartbroken, I was too angry, that''s why I left you and left Li Family Vige..."


    "Everything could have been fine, Xiaoya... Your biological father had disappeared, and I came to take care of you both. I didn''t mind that you were someone else''s child, I treated you as my own, I was careful and amodating to her in every way, even the vigers were jealous..."


    "But everything was ruined, ruined by that choice you made."


    "Xiaoya, how can you me your father?"

 Chapter 159: Everyone Take Action

    <h4>Chapter 159</h4>


    Sheng Yuxiao made his first call to his father.


    "Li Qingqing has taken Xiaoya," he said concisely.


    On the other end, Sheng Jun, who was in a meeting, raised his hand in surprise to pause the proceedings.


    He didn''t ask what happened, but first stated: "I had the driver take her to the station, but she disappeared en route, at the Yutai Mall on Fuyang Road. That''s a property owned by the Qin Corporation..."


    "I understand," Sheng Yuxiao quickly hung up the phone.


    He didn''t question his father about why, after agreeing to send Li Qingqing back, he had allowed her to go find Li Xiaoya.


    This would have been a pointless emotional outburst, with no positive impact on what needed to be done next.


    Now that he had obtained the necessary information, Sheng Yuxiao immediately called Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui had never answered his calls so quickly before.


    "Where are you? Li Jiang found Li Xiaoya, and they haven''t returned for half an hour," Qin Sui said as soon as he picked up.


    Sheng Yuxiao swallowed the question of how Qin Sui also knew about this.


    Instead, he said something useful: "It was Li Qingqing who took her."


    "Of course, Li Jiang must have given the order. But Li Jiang has been hiding well, how did Li Qingqing manage to contact him?"


    "I suspect Li Jiang''s hideout is nearby. You should check the security cameras of your properties."


    Sheng Yuxiao said this in one breath, while also reporting the location where Li Qingqing had disappeared.


    Qin Sui remembered Li Qingqing.


    He never believed that evil had an age limit. There were born viins even among young children.


    Li Qingqing seemed to be such a person.


    Qin Sui said with a grim face: "I''ll make a couple of calls."


    Qin Sui then called to notify the shops along Fuyang Road to check their surveince footage.


    Yes, the shops along the street.


    Because the property rights of the entire road belonged to the Qin Corporation.


    Li Qingqing had only thought about avoiding Sheng Jun''s eyes this way, but she hadn''t considered that she couldn''t escape Qin Sui''s investigation on this day.


    While waiting for news, Qin Sui called Sheng Yuxiao back and asked, "Have you reported it to the police?"


    "Not yet."


    Hearing these three words, Qin Sui''s eyes flickered, and he asked, "Do you still n to?"


    "That depends on the news from your end, Young Master Qin."


    Qin Sui understood: "You want to do something to Li Jiang?"


    "Someone will do something to him," Sheng Yuxiao''s tone was icy.


    Being taken away directly by the police would be getting off easy for Li Jiang!


    Qin Sui didn''t ask further, assuming Sheng Yuxiao would use his own people from the Sheng family.


    Since it was an order from the young master, the Qin Corporation''s side naturally acted quickly.


    But the waiting time still felt exceptionally long.


    Just as Qin Sui was unconsciously starting to frown, he received a response.


    "This is Li Qingqing''s movement trajectory. She disappeared here. Below this is a bridge underpass. ording to nearby shops, there are usually some homeless people, fishermen, and construction workers gathering here," Qin Sui shared with Sheng Yuxiao.


    "Li Jiang certainly wouldn''t be in the mood to fish here, but he might disguise himself as a homeless person," Sheng Yuxiao frowned as he spoke.


    Then he immediately refuted himself: "No, he couldn''t disguise himself as a homeless person either. Because that would scare Xiaoya, and his primary goal must still be to try and reestablish a father-daughter rtionship with Xiaoya."


    "Moreover, a homeless person with a little girl by his side would easily attract attention. So..."


    Before Sheng Yuxiao could finish speaking.


    Qin Sui continued: "I''ve gone through his records. When he was in school in the county, he often did odd jobs at construction sites. People instinctively hide in the most familiar environments, it makes them feel secure and at ease."


    The two reached a consensus over the phone, and immediately sent people to search for the nearest construction sites and quickly contact those in charge to ask questions.


    Soon after, several site managers, along with project managers and constructionpany bosses, all rushed over wearing hard hats.


    "No one has been absent without reason, but several have asked for leave... Here, Wang Cheng Tong, and here, Shen Yong and Jiang Li, they asked for leave together. Shen Yong''s child is in the hospital, sometimes there''s an emergency and he needs to go sign some consent forms..." The person in charge opened the leave record book to show the visitors.


    After finishing, he added a question: "Why is the higher-up suddenly asking about this? Has something happened?"


    The visitor didn''t answer, only asking the person on the other end of the phone: "Did you hear that? I''ll take a photo of the list for you to see."


    "No need to look, that Shen Yong and Jiang Li are a bit suspicious," Sheng Yuxiao''s voice came through the phone. "Why would he bring a coworker to sign an informed consent form for his daughter?"


    Qin Sui also joined the call, he could clearly hear all voices.


    He spoke up: "Jiang Li, Li Jiang. He just reversed the name. This person is a bit narcissistic. He doesn''t want others to discover his whereabouts, yet he leaves a clue to mock others'' intelligence."


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t respond, he had no interest in analyzing human nature.


    He instructed the person on the other end of the phone: "Verify their identities immediately. After verification, I will send a technical team to meet with you. Then have someone from the construction site call Shen Yong, and use the call to locate his position."


    Qin Sui interjected: "Remember, it must be a coworker who makes the call, not a supervisor from the site. That would alert him."


    The person on the other end didn''t dare to respond.


    He was Sheng Yuxiao''s man, how could he listen to someone else?


    It wasn''t until Sheng Yuxiao asked, "Did you remember what he said?" that the person dared to answer: "Yes, I remembered."


    This person was actually quite clever.


    After hearing Qin Sui''s tip, he immediately thought of an exnation.


    Shen Yong''s daughter was sick, and he was still working at the construction site, which meant he was in desperate need of money.


    "It''s like this, we''re actually looking for a good Samaritan who did a good deed a couple of days ago. Our boss wants to reward him with 100,000 yuan..." the person said to Shen Yong''s coworker.


    He didn''t say 800,000 or a million, just 100,000, because generally speaking, this amount isn''t enough for medical treatment, but it can alleviate immediate difficulties. In other words, this amount wouldn''t provoke jealousy or false ims from coworkers.


    Moreover, toorge an amount would seem strange.


    Sure enough, after hearing this, the coworkers were all happy for Shen Yong and quickly went to get their phones to make the call.


    Meanwhile, Sheng Yuxiao was still busy. He made another call to "Secretary Wang".


    "Has Ke Muning contacted you?"


    "Just finished the call. He said Xiaoya is missing. He''s not familiar with the country after all, so he hopes I..." Xu Ji hadn''t finished speaking.


    Sheng Yuxiao quickly followed up: "I will pinpoint the location on my end. I need you to synchronize with Ke Muning in real-time."


    Secretary Wang sighed: "Alright, good nephew."


    In the warehouse.


    Shen Yong had fully realized that he had gotten onto a sinking ship.


    Jiang Li was actually Li Jiang, the man the whole inte was looking for!


    From what he said, it seemed he had kidnapped the daughter of a rich family!


    Just as Shen Yong was sweating profusely, wondering how to extricate himself... his phone rang.


    At this moment, everyone looked at him.


    Shen Yong suppressed the nervousness in his heart and still answered. No matter who was calling, it could give him an excuse to leave...


    "Brother Yong,e back quickly, there''s great news! Hurry!"


    Shen Yong was stunned: "What news?"


    The coworker on the other end quickly exined.


    Shen Yong really believed it, his face instantly lit up with joy he couldn''t hide.


    "Jiang, I have to go," Shen Yong said, "I need to get back to the construction site."


    Li Jiang cursed the naive fool in his heart, but still patiently asked: "What''s wrong? Did something happen?"


    "It''s not that something happened, it''s that a boss is looking for me, saying he wants to reward me with 100,000 yuan."


    "Why would they reward you out of the blue?"


    "Uh, maybe, oh, maybe it''s because of what you said the other day! Maybe it''s her family who came looking, they know I took her in, so they want to reward me." Shen Yong turned to look at Li Qingqing.


    Li Qingqing''s heart went through a brief struggle.


    She really wanted to stay and see what would happen to Li Xiaoya, but Li Jiang looked too crazy, and she couldn''t be sure he wouldn''t implicate herter.


    Li Qingqing said: "Then I''ll go with you, uncle. It''s perfect, let them have some father-daughter time to catch up."


    But Li Jiang stared at her and sneered: "Do you think Sheng Yuxiao''s father woulde looking for you with money?"


    Li Qingqing''s expression froze: "Uncle Li Jiang, what are you saying?"


    Li Jiang scoffed without hiding his contempt: "You think you''re Li Xiaoya?"


    Li Qingqing was so angry she gritted her teeth. "Whether it''s for me or not, Uncle Li Jiang, you can''t stop him from leaving. He needs to go back and get the money."


    "That''s right, I need to go back and get the money. I have to save my daughter. Jiang Li, we''re both people who love our daughters, you''ve always understood me, right?" Brother Yong said anxiously.


    Li Jiang stared coldly at Li Xiaoya, but his words were directed at Brother Yong: "My daughter is already gone. What daughter do you still need?"


    Brother Yong''s face immediately turned ashen. "How can you do this?"


    At that moment, Shen Yong''s phone rang again.


    "Brother Yong, have you left yet? Hurry up, the boss is on a tight schedule," a coworker urged on the other end.


    Shen Yong responded repeatedly on this end, then turned to Li Jiang and promised that he wouldn''t say anything about his situation if he left.


    Li Jiang shook his head. "Whether you say anything or not doesn''t matter anymore... That phone call is a trick, you fool. It''s obvious that someone hase looking for me."


    "I don''t believe it!"


    "How could there be such a good thing as money falling from the sky?"


    "You''re talking nonsense! Just because you say they''reing for you, it means they are?"


    An argument broke out on this side.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Sheng Yuxiao had already obtained the coordinates he wanted. After passing through Xu Ji''s hands, they had reached Ke Muning.

 Chapter 160: Subordinates: A Bit of Earnest Advice

    <h4>Chapter 160</h4>


    Li Xiaoya listened to them arguing and lowered her head slightly.


    She also felt that someone was looking for her.


    She wasn''t sure exactly who was looking for her... but she believed they would find her soon.


    However, she still had some questions that needed to be rified.


    She lowered her head and carefully organized her thoughts.


    Raising her head, she asked, "How did Wei Lin make arrangements with you at the time?"


    Li Jiang and Shen Yong''s argument came to an abrupt halt. He turned his head in astonishment and said, "What?"


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes were still red, but she wasn''t crying anymore.


    "You''re clever," Li Xiaoya said.


    Li Jiang lowered his head and chuckled, "Xiaoya, are youplimenting me?"


    Li Xiaoya''s expression remained unchanged as she continued, "When Wei Lin entrusted my mother to you, he must have made arrangements with you about how long you would look after her, including how to provide you with living expenses. He couldn''t have not left you any contact information... If he didn''t leave anything, why didn''t you question his motives?"


    Li Jiang''s eyes flickered slightly, "He did leave something. He left me an email address. Butter that email ount was deactivated."


    "But I kept something else. At the time, I asked him to tell me in detail how to take good care of your mother, and I recorded it. Xiaoya, do you want this recording?"


    "You''ve figured it out too? Wei Lin was actually the mastermind. Do you want to deal with him?"


    "I can give you the recording, Xiaoya. After all, I''m your father. Whether you believe it or not, I once sincerely hoped that you were really my daughter. I liked you very much..."


    Li Jiang''s voice suddenly stopped there.


    "Bzzt��"


    "Bzzt��"


    A harsh noise suddenly sounded from the direction of the iron door.


    "Someone''sing," Shen Yong said tremblingly, "It''s not the police, is it? Jiang Li! Should we go down the secret passage?"


    Li Jiang calmly looked at Li Xiaoya, "Come, Xiaoya, I''ll leave this decision to you. Do you really want that recording? If you want it, you''ll have to forgive your father. You can''t let your father fall into the hands of the police."


    This was the leverage that made Li Jiang so fearless despite his madness.


    In Li Xiaoya''s heart, wasn''t Wei Lin more despicable?


    Moreover, Wei Lin was now openly holding a position in the family and living a life of luxury, right?


    That was even more intolerable!


    "Bzzt��"


    The sound seemed to intensify.


    But it was a thick iron door.


    So Li Jiang was very confident.


    But Shen Yong started trembling, "Jiang Li! Where''s the secret passage? Where is it?!"


    Li Xiaoya said, "There is no secret passage."


    Shen Yong''s face changed dramatically, "What?"


    Li Jiang nodded, "Preparing too many escape routes only leads to a life on the run... Xiaoya is the real escape route."


    As he finished speaking, arge hole was forcibly cut into the big iron door.


    With a loud "thud".


    The cut portion fell to the ground with a crash, kicking up clouds of dust.


    Several foreigners with fierce expressions, tall statures, and clothes stretched tight by bulging muscles walked in.


    They were holding iron bars, and even... iron spikes.


    Their presence was intimidating.


    "Did they...e to the wrong ce?" Shen Yong asked tremblingly.


    From the moment he saw the foreign faces, Li Jiang''s expression changed. He reached out to grab Li Xiaoya, but he was toote.


    Li Xiaoya rolled on the ground, directly colliding with a nearby container.


    She rolled too forcefully.


    But at least she escaped from Li Jiang''s control.


    Li Jiang reached out to grab her again.


    But unexpectedly, someone beat him to it...


    Ke Muning strode over with his long legs, picked up Li Xiaoya, and even patted the dust off her body.


    He stared at Li Jiang, his light blue eyes, typical of Germanic people, as cold as ss, reflecting a merciless light.


    "I kill you," Ke Muning spat out a few words in thenguage of Hua Country through his teeth.


    Even Shen Yong understood these words.


    Shen Yong jumped up, "What, what, what are you doing? Murder is against thew!"


    "Law?" Ke Muning pushed Li Xiaoya back a bit, "This doesn''t constrain me."


    Li Xiaoya suddenly grabbed his sleeve.


    Ke Muning lowered his head and asked, "What? Do you want to kill him yourself? Oh, that won''t do. This is in your Hua Country, you would be breaking yourws here. I don''t have such worries."


    Li Jiang had worked in Jiang City before, where English was popr, so he knew some basic English. Understanding the man''s words, his face immediately changed, "Xiaoya! Are you going to let him kill me? Don''t you still want the recording?"


    "Don''t kill him," Li Xiaoya shook Ke Muning''s sleeve.


    Ke Muning shook his head, "No, I''m very angry."


    He paused, and fearing they wouldn''t understand, Ke Muning, who was originallyzy about learning thenguage of Hua Country, forcibly spat out a few more words in theirnguage: "I smash his brain, juice flow out, invite him eat."


    Shen Yong was so scared he fell on his bottom, "How, how can this foreigner be so arrogant?"


    Li Qingqing also gasped violently in fear.


    Who... who was this person?


    He had never appeared in her previous life!


    Why... why did he seem even more terrifying than Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui?


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya called out, "Dad."


    Li Jiang immediately said, "Sir, please calm down. Did you hear that? She called me dad. I haven''t done anything to her..."


    He hadn''t expected it wouldn''t be the police, but the situation had be even more troublesome...


    After all, the police couldn''ty hands on him before he was convicted.


    However, Li Xiaoya hugged Ke Muning''s arm and said to him, "Hey, I''m calling you."


    Li Jiang''s expression froze.


    That maddening jealousy surged up in his heart again.


    Ke Muning frowned deeply, looking down at Li Xiaoya instead of rushing to execute Li Jiang.


    Li Xiaoya said, "Hug me, pick me up."


    Huh?


    Acting coy again?


    And at such an inappropriate time.


    Ke Muning''s eyelid twitched, but he still picked her up with one arm. His doting manner was evident, directly imprinting itself in Li Qingqing''s eyes.


    Li Qingqing was speechless to the point of wanting to go mad.


    Where on earth did Li Xiaoya meet this person? And he was so good to her too!


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya leaned close to Ke Muning''s ear and whispered a few words.


    Ke Muning''s deeply furrowed brows slowly smoothed out.


    He reached out towards Li Jiang: "She begged me for mercy. Give her what she wants, and I won''t kill you."


    Li Jiang let out a long breath, "Really?"


    Ke Muning sneered, "Of course, I keep my word."


    "I don''t have it on me," Li Jiang said, "You have to let me go to get it."


    Ke Muning looked at Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya nodded slightly at him.


    At this point, Ke Muning put Li Xiaoya down, strode over to Li Jiang, kicked him down with one foot, and heavily stepped on his chest.


    Li Jiang had been negotiating with him and never expected him to suddenly do this,pletely catching him off guard.


    He only heard a "crack", followed by a sharp pain.


    It seemed... his ribs had been forcibly broken.


    "You can''t... she hasn''t got the recording yet..."


    "Did you see her nod? She''s already gotten the information from you," Ke Muning said in English.


    "Know? Know what? Just because I answered that the recording isn''t on me? She can''t possibly guess where it is..."


    "She''s so smart," Ke Muning said, one hand pressing on Li Jiang''s neck, "How could she not guess?"


    "Xiaoya... Xiaoya..." Li Jiang suddenly felt chilled to the bone, sensing that this foreigner might really dare to kill.


    He desperately called out Li Xiaoya''s name: "Do... do you really want to watch me die?"


    Ke Muning, tall and strong, actually lifted Li Jiang directly from the ground.


    He said, "Come, let''s do a handover."


    "Handover what?" Li Jiang asked, enduring the pain.


    But Ke Muning didn''t answer.


    Li Jiang was thus pressed against the broken door opening.


    Outside the door opening was a cutting machine.


    Ke Muning ced his hand under the cutting machine.


    At this point, Ke Muning''s subordinate very enthusiastically suggested, "Sir, the de is too sharp, I don''t think it can achieve the effect of torture."


    "I suggest using something duller, or gradually crushing with a stone would be good too."

 Chapter 161: I’m Gone

    <h4>Chapter 161</h4>


    Ke Muning''s subordinate spoke in Russian, so Li Jiang couldn''t understand. In fact, he didn''t have the strength to listen anymore...


    He suspected his ribs were broken.


    He further suspected the broken ribs had punctured his organs.


    In his own eyes, his life had been spent in jealousy and hatred, and it had been very painful. But he had never really experienced physical suffering.


    This kind of pain he had never experienced before was unbearable to him.


    He trembled, struggling to muster all his strength to suppress the pain, his face turning pale from contortion.


    So when Ke Muning''s subordinate came back with half a brick, Li Jiang couldn''t guess what he was going to do...


    The next moment, the man flipped the brick in his hand and pressed its rough edge onto Li Jiang''s fingers.


    It scraped across the flesh, causing sharp and sustained pain.


    The skin surface quickly became a bloody mess.


    Li Jiang was drenched in sweat, but he still held back his cries of agony.


    He raised his head and said to Ke Muning in broken sentences: "Are you going to let Xiaoya watch this? Watch you... inflict such... torture on me?"


    "She doesn''t understand Hua Countrynguage," Li Xiaoya said.


    Li Xiaoya was trembling slightly, but she firmly fixed her gaze on Li Jiang''s current state.


    She wanted to watch on behalf of her mother.


    Li Jiang breathed painfully, wanting to turn his head to look at Li Xiaoya, but he simply couldn''t.


    Ke Muning still had one foot on his neck, ready to end his lifepletely with one press.


    Alright, alright. Li Jiang thought, trying tomunicate with the man in English, but he was in too much pain, too much pain, pain to the point where he could barely think...


    At this moment, Ke Muning''s subordinate spoke again: "I''ll go catch some bugs and put them into his open wounds."


    Ke Muning cursed: "It''s a pity there are no carnivorous birds here, otherwise they would use their sharp beaks to peck his wounds deeper, only stopping when they hit bone. Then the birds would tear off his flesh bit by bit..."


    Li Jiang could only understand Ke Muning''s words, but not his subordinate''s.


    Thetter half of the sentence was enough to terrify him.


    And because he couldn''t understand the first half, that unknown fear suddenly engulfed him...


    What suggestion was the foreigner''s subordinate making to him?


    What were they saying?


    What else did they want to do to him?


    Li Jiang suddenly had a sh of wit: "Xiaoya! Xiaoya! This is Hua Country... they can''t do this..."


    Li Xiaoya hesitated for a moment, then said to Ke Muning: "Let him go, the police uncles will be here soon."


    Ke Muning was an enemy.


    But he wasn''t her enemy.


    She had to consider his interests.


    "Yes, they''ll be here soon, so we need to hurry," Ke Muning said.


    The subordinate put the bugs into Li Jiang''s wounds.


    Li Jiang''s face changed from white to green to purple.


    Shen Yong and Li Qingqing could only glimpse his convulsing legs from behind.


    It was too horrifying, truly too horrifying.


    Li Qingqing could barely breathe.


    Who on earth was this person?


    At this moment, Ke Muning''s phone rang.


    He answered with one hand: "Hello."


    "You have ten minutes to leave," Secretary Wang''s voice came from the other end. "I''ll be there in ten minutes."


    "How is ten minutes enough?" Ke Muning revealed a cold, ferocious smile.


    "I know your methods, ten minutes is enough for you to perform. Come on, don''tin, don''t think the police here are pushovers."


    "Also, hold back a bit. If someone dies, you''ll never be able to get entry permission to our country again. Because the nature of the incident will be different." Secretary Wang said quickly.


    The words "entry permission" had the greatest impact.


    Ke Muning withdrew his leg and said: "OK."


    Secretary Wang hung up the phone on his end and turned to look at Sheng Yuxiao sitting beside him: "See, I told you, one phone call could solve it, yet you insisted Ie over."


    "I was worried Ke Muning might lose control, so I added a double insurance."


    "Don''t you actually hope in your heart that he identally kills Li Jiang?" Secretary Wang asked with a tilted head and a smile.


    "Die here? That would be too easy for him."


    "Dying at Ke Muning''s hands is still too easy?" Secretary Wangughed.


    "He should go to the Gui Family."


    Secretary Wang paused, then nodded in agreement: "That''s right, the guilty should pay, today was just venting Xiaoya''s anger. The pain of the Gui Family losing their daughter and sister hasn''t been appeased yet."


    "Most importantly..." Sheng Yuxiao turned his head to look at the scenery lines quickly passing outside the car window, and said: "Xiaoya and Ke Muning have been too close recently, which isn''t hard to investigate. If he dies at Ke Muning''s hands, it will affect Xiaoya. Xiaoya should only be the innocent victim, without anyone being able to criticize her from any other perspective or angle for procedural illegality. Even a speck of blood sshed from someone else''s hands should preferably not get on her."


    Secretary Wang let out a soft sound of admiration.


    At this moment, Sheng Yuxiao called Qin Sui: "Don''te over now."


    "I''m already on the way."


    "Going now would run into a bloody scene. Does Qin Corporation really want to take on this responsibility?" Sheng Yuxiao didn''t care what would happen to Qin Corporation, after all, they were deadly rivals, but he didn''t want Qin Corporation to make the news because of this and then me Li Xiaoya afterwards.


    Qin Sui understood immediately: "Li Jiang has already been beaten up? And quite brutally?"


    It was more than brutal��


    After finishing the phone call, Ke Muning dragged Li Jiang up from the ground. Li Jiang felt as if ants were crawling all over his body, and the intense pain made him want to vomit.


    "Get out," Ke Muning said.


    Li Jiang gained a moment of rity amidst the pain. Was the torture finally over?


    But Ke Muning pointed at the taxi Shen Yong had driven and said: "This one''s not bad, let''s finish quickly."


    The subordinate nodded, found the car keys from Shen Yong. He got in the car and started it.


    "Wait," Li Xiaoya chased after them.


    "What is it?" Ke Muning asked.


    Li Xiaoya pointed under the tire: "I want to pick up something."


    Ke Muning nodded for his subordinate to back up the car.


    Li Xiaoya walked over, squatted down, and picked up the broken pieces of the phone, putting them in her pocket.


    Li Qingqing watched her actions,pletely dumbfounded. At a time like this, she was still picking up a broken phone?


    She used to often pick up things in the vige before. Why was she still picking things up now???


    Ke Muning''s face looked very unpleasant. He walked over and grabbed Li Xiaoya: "Why do this? I can buy you a hundred phones."


    Li Xiaoya shook her head, but didn''t exin in detail, only saying: "It''s not the same."


    Li Qingqing suddenly felt she might understand.


    Was this to gain the foreigner''s sympathy and pity?


    At this moment, Li Jiang was pressed to the ground by the subordinate. Li Qingqing hadn''t reacted yet, and even Li Jiang himself was somewhat numb.


    He still thought they were going to drive away to escape.


    But...


    The car started again.


    "Ah!!!" Li Qingqing''s scream suddenly rang out.


    The car ran over Li Jiang''s hand.


    He convulsed painfully a couple of times, no longer able to suppress the screams in his throat.


    In the midst of the chaos of blood and screams, Ke Muning squatted down and said to Li Xiaoya: "I have to leave immediately, leave Hua Country."


    Li Xiaoya''s gaze trembled slightly. She didn''t say anything, just opened her arms and lightly hugged him.


    Li Jiang''s howls and curses finally could no longer be contained.


    He red at Ke Muning venomously, his mouth full of jumbled profanities.


    Ignoring himpletely, Ke Muning asked: "Will you be afraid when I''m gone?"


    "No."


    "As expected of my little lunatic. I''ll still call you, I''ll be waiting for you in my country..."


    Ke Muning turned around: "Oh, right..."


    He looked towards Li Qingqing and Shen Yong: "Do they need to roll under the car wheels too?"


    Li Qingqing didn''t know what he was saying, but she knew he was looking at her.


    She was instantly scared out of her wits.


    Her throat kept emitting screams, her voice literally cracking... Don''te over! Don''te over! This foreigner is a demon...

 Chapter 162: I Can Find Dad

    <h4>Chapter 162</h4>


    Li Xiaoya pushed him towards the off-road vehicle parked nearby. "You should go now."


    Ke Muning shrugged, "Alright."


    They got into the off-road vehicle, bing smaller and more distant in Li Xiaoya''s sight.


    Li Xiaoya thought nkly.


    Those who initially stood on the opposite side could also be good people.


    Those who initially stood by your side could also be bad people...


    She didn''t want to be enemies with Ke Muning anymore.


    Li Xiaoya slowly turned around.


    Shen Yong and Li Qingqing were terrified. Shen Yong even tremblingly took out his phone, "I''ll... I''ll call the police."


    Otherwise, he feared they wouldn''t make it out alive.


    He didn''t know if Ke Muning had truly left, afraid that the demon might return for another round.


    Li Jiangy motionless on the ground.


    The surroundings fell silent.


    Li Xiaoya slowly walked to the edge of the steps and sat down.


    At that moment, Shen Yong''s phone rang abruptly, preventing him from dialing 110.


    He answered shakily, "Hello, hello, help, I..."


    "Is this Shen Yong?" Sheng Yuxiao''s cold voice came from the other end.


    "Yes, yes, please save me..."


    "Listen to me, the police will be there soon."


    Shen Yong leaned weakly against the container behind him, "Okay, okay..."


    "Have you heard of New Domain Medical Group?"


    "No, no, I haven''t."


    "Good. All you need to know is that it''s the top private medical group in the country. You''ll have to go to prison, but I can arrange for your daughter to receive treatment there."


    Shen Yong was stunned.


    Tears suddenly flowed down his cheeks, "Really? Really?"


    "Do you know how to describe what just happened to others?"


    Shen Yong shuddered.


    He wasn''t truly stupid; he was just limited by his knowledge, experience, and circumstances. His indulgence towards Li Jiang was essentially because he had ced his hope in Li Jiang.


    But now someone had given him new hope...


    He was initially worried that the other party might be deceiving him.


    But with these words, he understood that it wasn''t a lie!


    Shen Yong lowered his voice, "We... we don''t mention the foreigner, right?"


    "No, you should mention him." Because it couldn''t be hidden anyway. Sheng Yuxiao knew this clearly.


    "But you don''t know him, you never knew him, and no one here knows him, understand?"


    "Yes, yes! I understand!"


    With that, Sheng Yuxiao hung up the phone.


    Shen Yong had finally found new hope, and he began to cry in a muffled voice.


    Li Qingqing, seeing his seemingly insane reaction, asked shakily, "Did you call the police?"


    If not, she would have to turn on her phone and call herself.


    At this point, just being able to survive was good enough!


    Li Qingqing didn''t dare to hope for anything more.


    But just then, the sound of police sirens approached.


    Li Qingqing fell to the ground, also crying tears of joy.


    Li Jiang slowly opened his eyelids, his face ashen and terrible.


    They were all the same... never had they been more eager for the arrival of the police than at this moment!


    Sheng Yuxiao''s car arrived almost immediately after.


    Qin Sui followed closely behind, not far apart.


    "I thought you''d arrive much earlier?" Qin Sui looked at Sheng Yuxiao in surprise.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t respond, takingrge strides towards Li Xiaoya.


    It had been a long time since she had looked so disheveled.


    She sat there, still trying to piece together her broken phone, looking pitiful.


    "Xiaoya!" Sheng Yuxiao called out.


    Li Xiaoya suddenly looked up, and upon seeing Sheng Yuxiao, she said softly, "The card you gave me is broken."


    "What card?" Sheng Yuxiao was momentarily confused.


    Then he realized she was talking about the SIM card.


    He had given her many things, and he didn''t really remember everything he had given.


    But she remembered.


    And kept it close to her heart.


    When the wheels crushed the "beautiful thing" someone had given her, it felt like they had crushed her heart.


    It hurt.


    "We can get a new one, Xiaoya. It''s okay, it''s okay, it''s not important." Sheng Yuxiao picked her up.


    Li Xiaoya responded with a small "Oh."


    Sheng Yuxiao then turned to look at Li Jiang''s condition.


    People were talking in shock over there: "His hand has been crushed, with multipleminuted fractures, apanied by severe dislocation injuries, and severe burns near the skin. There are insects in the wound, and quicklime..."


    Sheng Yuxiao silently raised his hand to cover Li Xiaoya''s eyes. "Don''t look."


    It was actually a bitte to cover her eyes.


    In Ke Muning''s mind, Li Xiaoya was a fearless Demo, so he never thought about shielding her from anything, doing everything right in front of her.


    But Li Xiaoya still obediently lowered her eyes, allowing Sheng Yuxiao to shield her.


    Qin Sui slowly withdrew his astonished gaze, then took out a handkerchief and handed it to Li Xiaoya. "Want to wipe?"


    Meanwhile, in a ck SUV, Wei Wenqing was shaking violently, unable to control himself.


    "Shouldn''t we... go faster?"


    "Slow down a bit more." Wei Wenqing''s phone emitted a voice.


    His heart was burning with anger and hatred, his eye sockets seemed about to be torn by his bulging eyes.


    But Sheng Yuxiao''s call to stop them had made it very clear.


    The Gui family couldn''t have any reaction to this.


    Only in this way... all the injuries on Li Jiang would have nothing to do with the Gui family.


    After all, the Gui family wasn''t exactly clean to begin with, and being able to return to the country was already a good thing.


    If at this critical moment they got involved in this mess, making people think that even after returning to the country, they still habitually dealt with problems in the mafia way... that wouldn''t be good.


    It would not only be detrimental to the Gui family''s attempt to change their ways.


    It would also be unfavorable for Xiaoya''s future.


    Wei Wenqing closed his eyes forcefully.


    For Xiaoya.


    For Xiaoya...


    They had to endure...


    They must be thest to arrive.


    At this time, outside the warehouse, a police officer approached, "If it''s alright, can our female officers take care of Miss Li?"


    Li Xiaoya turned and nodded.


    The police saw that her face was also scratched, her eyes red and swollen, and streaks of tears had washed through the dust on her face.


    They all couldn''t help but sigh.


    Just as the female officer was about to take Li Xiaoya,


    Wei Wenqing''s car finally arrived. He hurriedly got out of the car and rushed towards Li Xiaoya.


    He made inarticte sounds as he checked if Li Xiaoya was injured.


    The female officer said, "We will do a thorough check, don''t worry..."


    Others asked, "Who is this...?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "A rtive, he''s Li Xiaoya''s uncle."


    Li Jiang, who had been firmly strapped to the stretcher, almost like a pile of rotten flesh, suddenly opened his eyes again. He stared at Wei Wenqing for a moment.


    Wei Wenqing and Wei Wenyu did look somewhat alike.


    And the two younger ones still had somemon qualities, untainted by darkness... Li Jiang''s gaze blurred for a moment, and he suddenly shouted with a hoarseugh, "Xiaoya! What should we do? I never want to tell you who your biological father really is..."


    Wei Wenqing trembled as he turned around, lunging towards Li Jiang, but was stopped by the police.


    Wei Wenqing stared with wide eyes, only able to make hoarse, silent curses.


    The police suddenly realized��


    He was mute.


    They couldn''t help but feel a lump in their throats, unable to bear looking at the victim''s family member any longer.


    "Take him away!"


    Li Xiaoya said, "Wait."


    She pushed away the female officer''s hand and slowly walked in front of Li Jiang. She looked down at him and said, "I''m especially d that you''re not my father."


    Li Jiang''s face turned ashen, and he struggled violently, "Xiaoya, you don''t need to say things to provoke me... I won''t tell you who that person is. Don''t worry, no matter how others question me, even if they beat me to death, I... won''t say. Haha."


    "Will Wei Lin not say either?"


    "He won''t, haha! He won''t! He''s like me, he''d rather die than say it!"


    "Why? Is it because my biological father is very powerful?"


    Li Jiang''s face darkened, and he didn''t respond.


    Li Xiaoya continued, "There''s one more thing. Mom was smart. If my biological father had disappeared and was a bad man, Mom wouldn''t have stubbornly wanted to give birth to me. Unless, unless he didn''t disappear..."


    Li Xiaoya paused, then struggled to squeeze out the words, "Unless Mom knew he didn''t disappear. He... died."


    Li Jiang''s facial muscles twitched.


    He looked at her.


    No longer feeling pleased about her intelligent genes.


    Li Xiaoya knew she had guessed correctly.


    Dad was dead.


    She had never met him, he had died even earlier.


    He didn''t even know that Mom had given birth to her.


    Li Xiaoya trembled.


    But she held back, trying not to shake too violently.


    She feigned cheerfulness and said, "See, I can figure out who he is without you telling me."


    Li Jiang suddenly struggled more violently, shouting in anger, "You won''t find him! You won''t find him! You''re destined! To be only my daughter! Mine!"

 Chapter 163: Murder with Heartfelt Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 163</h4>


    What?!


    Li Jiang wasn''t actually Li Xiaoya''s biological father?


    Li Jiang''s crazed, uncontrolled roar caused everyone around to wear expressions of shock and disgust.


    "Get in the car! Get in the car!" the police officer said sternly.


    How could they let such a suspect continue to bully a child right in front of them?


    Sheng Yuxiao''s chest heaved as he slowly calmed his emotions. He strode over with his long legs and raised his hand.


    The people nearby were startled: "Young Master Sheng, stay calm..."


    But as the words fell, they realized Sheng Yuxiao hadn''t moved to punch Li Jiang.


    Instead, with a loud "thunk", the stretcher suddenly folded its legs for some reason, and Li Jiang was thrown off, hitting the ground hard.


    Li Jiang opened his mouth and spat out some bloody saliva.


    Hisplexion looked even more like he was about to die...


    Sheng Yuxiao raised his hand, his brows and eyes pressing down, revealing a sharp and fierce aura, but his words were politely spoken: "I''m sorry, did I bump into something?"


    "It''s fine, it''s fine," the people nearby hurried to reassure him.


    At this point, the paramedics who came with the ambnce quickly lifted Li Jiang back up, secured him, and pushed him into the ambnce.


    Originally, that vehicle was actually prepared for Li Xiaoya. After all, when the police received the news, they were very worried that something might happen to the little girl. Who knew... in the end, it was Li Jiang who was loaded in.


    As the door was mmed shut, Li Jiang''s unwilling, frenzied yet powerless gaze finally disappeared.


    "Let''s go too," the police officer said, looking down at Li Xiaoya with some sympathy in his heart.


    Li Xiaoya nodded woodenly.


    "Take them away too!" the police officer looked towards Shen Yong and Li Qingqing.


    Li Qingqing jolted and scrambled up from the ground, shaking: "I-I-I was also kidnapped by Li Jiang..."


    She cried out pitifully: "Officer, I''m so scared..."


    "You muste with us to the police station. The rest will be handled by someone who will question you," the police officer shook his head, showing a firm attitude.


    In recent years, they had dealt with some juvenile murder cases. These days, kids, no matter how pitiful they act, can''t necessarily be trusted!


    Li Qingqing''s eyes flickered, hoping Sheng Yuxiao would take her away.


    So she shouted: "You should go after a foreigner! He''s the one who beat Li Jiang into this state! Li Xiaoya even called him dad!"


    So... Young Master Sheng, if you don''t want me to continue talking, dragging Li Xiaoya into this, then take me away. That way, I won''t say anything more.


    The thought shed through Li Qingqing''s mind, her calctions quite clever.


    The police officer showed a surprised expression and nodded: "Hmm, given the traces at the scene, there must have been a third person present. We''ll naturally investigate this matter."


    Li Qingqing couldn''t help but turn to look at Sheng Yuxiao''s expression.


    That man was also looking at her.


    His gaze was sharp and mocking,pletely... unconcerned.


    "How abouting to my ce?" Sheng Yuxiao turned to ask Wei Wenqing.


    Wei Wenqing was still immersed in the shock. He closed his sore eyes briefly and made a gesture of agreement.


    "Although Xiaoya is involved in the case, she''s a victim and very young. I think it''spletely possible to conduct the inquiry somewhere else," Sheng Yuxiao said to the female officer.


    The female officer nodded: "Of course."


    Sheng Yuxiao raised his hand and waved, signaling the driver to bring the car over.


    As the car arrived, Sheng Yuxiao reached out to open the door, but Qin Sui''s hand came from the side.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked at him in annoyance: "What are you doing?"


    Qin Sui said with a serious face: "I''m wondering what kind of consequences there would be tomorrow if I went with you all and stepped into the Sheng Family''s door..."


    Sheng Yuxiao impatiently pushed his hand away: "At worst, your dad will whip you with a belt."


    Qin Sui nodded and quickly climbed into the car.


    Sheng Yuxiao wanted to curse but held back in front of Li Xiaoya.


    Only then did the group leave the scene.


    It was quite a feat that this car could squeeze in all of them.


    Wei Wenqing sat in the middle, with Qin Sui wedged on his left and Sheng Yuxiao on his right. Li Xiaoya sat on hisp.


    Actually, they didn''t have to be this cramped.


    Because the front passenger seat was empty.


    But Li Xiaoya had tugged on Wei Wenqing''s sleeve and said softly: "Uncle should sit in the middle."


    So Wei Wenqingplied.


    Why did it have to be this way? Wei Wenqing didn''t know. But he just listened to what Xiaoya said.


    The car indeed drove back to the Sheng Family home without incident.


    The servants hurried to open the car door, but Wei Wenqing quickly tugged on Sheng Yuxiao''s sleeve.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked down.


    Li Xiaoya had fallen asleep.


    She was too heartbroken.


    And too tired.


    She couldn''t process so many things...


    "Keep it down," Sheng Yuxiao told the servants outside.


    The servants quickly nodded.


    The people in the car also lightened their movements at this point, with even Qin Sui getting out from the other side of the car.


    "How did it go?" Sheng Jun came out to greet them from the main hall, first seeing the police car behind, then Qin Sui, then Sheng Yuxiao, and finally Wei Wenqing with Li Xiaoya in his arms.


    Sheng Jun was momentarily speechless, staring at Li Xiaoya and saying in a barely audible voice: "The little girl does have some magic."


    Even the Qin Family''s child dared to step into their house now.


    "Is she asleep?" Sheng Jun asked.


    After all, if she were injured, they should be at the hospital right now.


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded slightly.


    Sheng Jun didn''t have much impression of Li Xiaoya, only remembering that his son acted as if the girl couldn''t live without him.


    Now it seemed... "An extraordinary little girl, to be able to sleep at a time like this."


    "She''s just too tired."


    Sheng Jun nodded.


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned at his father: "About Li Qingqing..."


    Sheng Jun said: "I''ll give you an answer."


    A father speaking to his son like this, the tone could be described as the sun rising from the west.


    Even Qin Sui hadn''t experienced this with his own father.


    Let alone Wei Wenqing.


    Wei Wenqing looked at Sheng Jun with some shock.


    "I''ll be leaving then," Sheng Jun said, calling for the driver. He didn''t ask about Wei Wenqing''s identity. Because it wasn''t suitable for them to get too close to people like Wei Wenqing and his family.


    If Sheng Yuxiao got close, it could be brushed off as childish behavior. But if adults showed such an attitude, it would be different.


    So it was better to pretend not to see.


    *


    Li Xiaoya slept for a long time.


    And she slept deeply.


    Sheng Yuxiao made a phone call to Secretary Wang: "Xiaoya won''t wake up."


    Secretary Wang: "Huh?"


    He was a bit puzzled: "Does she have a fever?"


    "No."


    "Then wake her up."


    "..."


    "Oh, you can''t bear to. ...Then why are you calling me?"


    "You know Ke Muning better. Do you think his methods would scare Xiaoya?"


    "So that''s what this is about... I don''t think so." Secretary Wang sat down, tugged at his tie, thought for a moment, and said: "Perhaps..."


    "Perhaps in her dreams, she can finally see her parents again, I mean her biological ones."


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly realized: "Did you put a listening device on me?"


    Otherwise, how would his uncle know that Li Jiang wasn''t Xiaoya''s biological father when he wasn''t at the scene?


    "It wasn''t appropriate for me to appear there. Can''t I listen in remotely a bit?"


    "..."


    "Given that your house is quite crowded now, I won''te over to visit little duckling for the time being."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s mouth twitched: "Don''t give people random nicknames."


    "Little duckling is cute, isn''t it? Ke Muning even calls her little madwoman. Isn''t mine much more pleasant to hear?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s eyes flickered: "Maybe she should change her name and surname, preferably before Li Jiang dies, so he can hear the news with his own ears."


    "Killing the person and destroying their spirit, good, good, good!" Secretary Wang pped for his nephew on the other end of the line.

 Chapter 164: She Will Cry

    <h4>Chapter 164</h4>


    Li Xiaoya was still sleeping.


    After repeatedly confirming that she was indeed not injured or ill, everyone decided to let her continue sleeping for now.


    Perhaps she truly had many things to say to her mother in her dreams.


    If only she could dream of her birth father as well... even if just a vague outline.


    Sheng Yuxiao thought as he stood up, tucking in her nket.


    Then he went downstairs and found Wei Wenqing: "Where has the old man gone recently? Did something happen with the overseas business?"


    Wei Wenqing shook his head, using his phone to speak: "He went out a few days ago, said he was meeting an old friend, and hasn''te back since."


    Surely nothing bad has happened?


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned.


    Although he had only met the old man a few times in total, he could clearly see the strength and wisdom in the elderly man. The years hadn''t taken these qualities away from him; his gaze was still sharp.


    "Have you called him?"


    "I tried yesterday but couldn''t get through."


    "Try again."


    Wei Wenqing didn''t hesitate at all. He took out his phone, found his father''s number, dialed it, and then handed the phone to Sheng Yuxiao, gesturing for him to speak.


    That was quick.


    The phone rang for a long time.


    No one answered.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t give up, repeatedly calling back.


    The old man lying in bed struggled to open his eyelids slightly, reaching out his hand.


    Give... me... give... me... But he could barely make a sound.


    By the bedside, people were talking.


    "It''s normal to experience a rapid deterioration after receiving the first chemotherapy."


    "I know..."


    "And given his advanced age..."


    "I know... I want to hear something besides these titudes. Wait... old friend, are you awake? Feeling better?"


    The person by the bed quickly rushed over, helping Wei Xuanming sit up a little.


    Wei Xuanming raised his hand to pull away the oxygen mask slightly, uttering two clear words: "Phone."


    His old friend quickly handed him the phone.


    When Sheng Yuxiao called for the third time, it was finally answered.


    "Hello, Wenqing."


    "Old man, this is Sheng Yuxiao."


    Wei Xuanming''s face turned pale: "Why do you have the phone?"


    Sheng Yuxiao could clearly hear the faint wheezing from the old man on the other end.


    It was the kind of breathing that tried to sound deep and forceful but couldn''t keep up due to shortness of breath.


    Sheng Yuxiao pondered for a moment, but still didn''t conceal anything. He just spoke faster and more concisely about Li Jiang''s situation.


    "Xiaoya is very safe, she''s with me, along with her uncle."


    Wei Xuanming gripped the phone with extreme force, his face turning bluish-purple.


    But in the end, he only said: "I understand. Thank you for everything you''ve done, Young Master Sheng..."


    His habitual manner of speaking made his tone sound cold and hard even in such a moment.


    "I wanted to ask you, do we still need to keep Wei Lin around?"


    Wei Xuanming pursed his lips and uttered three words: "It''s over."


    "Then I have a n like this..."


    "Go on."


    The two talked on the phone for nearly half an hour.


    Until Wei Xuanming''s old friend couldn''t help bute to take the phone away: "Alright, you need to lie down now."


    Only then did Wei Xuanming put down the phone.


    His old friend looked at him with a guilty expression and said: "Was that the little girl from your family looking for you? Maybe I shouldn''t have persuaded you to ept treatment, perhaps sticking with the conservative treatment you insisted on would have been better..."


    At this point, Wei Xuanming''s expression actually rxed, and he said: "Your advice was very correct. If the treatment is effective, then I''ll live a bit longer. If it''s ineffective, that''s fine too."


    "Why? Didn''t you say you now have hope that you must live for?"


    "Oh, I just suddenly realized that she actually has a very magical ability. She will find lions, tigers, and wolves, and these fierce beasts will protect her."


    "Aren''t fierce beasts man-eaters?"


    "Yes, but they only eat others." He murmured, "I can rest easy here now."


    "Give me the phone, I need to make another call," Wei Xuanming said.


    The news of Li Jiang''s arrest was quickly announced.


    Whileizens were celebrating wildly, Wei Lin quietly frowned. Just then, the old man called, telling him to go abroad to assist in handling another matter.


    Wei Lin, intending to avoid the limelight, dly agreed.


    Li Xiaoya finally woke up at this time.


    She was starving, so she went to eat first.


    Everyone gathered around her, not daring to make a sound, just watching her take small bites...


    Li Xiaoya suddenly looked up and asked Qin Sui: "Staying here all the time, won''t that be inconvenient?"


    Qin Sui handed her a napkin to wipe her mouth.


    He calmly said: "I told my parents that I witnessed a vicious kidnapping case and, as an eyewitness, I need to give statements for a few days. They were pleased, thinking I''m a good citizen."


    Li Xiaoya thought of Mrs. Qin''s demeanor and chuckled softly.


    Seeing this, Qin Sui finally let out a sigh of relief.


    It seemed like... she wasn''t affected by Li Jiang?


    Sheng Yuxiao handed over a phone from the side: "It''s new, with a reced and activated SIM card."


    Li Xiaoya smiled more noticeably.


    "Do you want to hear some news about the interrogation?" Sheng Yuxiao asked hesitantly.


    Li Xiaoya nodded: "Sure."


    "After Li Jiang was resuscitated, he confessed about the Li Family Vige incident. Although he wasn''t involved throughout, he was always clear about the operations. All those involved from Li Family Vige will soon be convicted."


    But uniquely, he indeed refused to mention anything rted to Li Xiaoya''s birth father.


    Li Xiaoya asked: "Li Jiang said that a girl from a neighboring vige wanted to help my mother pass on messages, butter she drowned herself in the river. Was she really drowned? Can you help me verify this?"


    The policewoman beside them said seriously: "This is very important information! I''ll call back immediately."


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but say: "When you were alone with Li Jiang, you got a lot of information from him?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    Even Qin Sui felt shocked.


    This was her purpose for willingly staying with Li Jiang... It''s not particrly praiseworthy for strong people to dare to walk on a tightrope.


    But she looked so small, so fragile, and carried so much sadness and pain, yet she still firmly stepped onto it.


    After eating her fill, Li Xiaoya told the policewoman many of Li Jiang''s confessions made in front of her.


    After finishing, she yawned sleepily, her eyes drooping slightly, and said: "I''m tired."


    Tired again?


    Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui instinctively exchanged nces, but quickly looked away in mutual distaste.


    "Then go to sleep," Sheng Yuxiao said hoarsely.


    She still seemed able to smile, still seemed fine, but how could the sadness in her heart be soothed so quickly?


    Li Xiaoya nodded, went upstairs straight to the big bed she had slept in before. She didn''t know she was upying Sheng Yuxiao''s bedroom, but once she burrowed under the covers and closed her eyes, it seemed like her mother came to her dreams again...


    But this time she didn''t just dream of her mother.


    She also dreamed of a blurry figure.


    That figure seemed tall, big...


    That figure bent down towards her,pletely different from Li Jiang...


    Completely different!


    Li Jiang had said that he had damaged the man''s car, but the man didn''t me him.


    He must be a very good person.


    He was cultured, upright, disdainful of bullying others...


    He was a good person!


    Li Xiaoya slowly reached out her hands towards him.


    But that figure turned away, walking in thepletely opposite direction... getting further and further away.


    Li Xiaoya heard her mother''s voice in her ear: "We need to catch up with him! Don''t let him go far..."


    So Li Xiaoya ran desperately, trying to grab him.


    But she still couldn''t catch him.


    She suddenly woke up from her dream, feeling the cold tears on her face.


    So cold, making her shiver in the warm room filled with heating.


    The newly activated phone suddenly rang by the bedside. She carefully reached for it and answered.


    "Hello!" The voice on the other end sounded a bit excited.


    "I thought it would take at least a few days to contact you. Are you safe now, little crazy girl? Is that man still alive? It''s a pity he''s not abroad, perhaps I could have made it more satisfying for you."


    Li Xiaoya didn''t speak.


    "Hey?"


    "Did you not understand what I said?" Ke Muning reached out to his subordinate on the other end, "Give me the trantor."


    Li Xiaoya lowered her head, ncing at her shadow on the floor, and said softly: "Ke Muning, I had a nightmare."


    The other end of the phone suddenly fell silent.


    Ke Muning had previously thought that Li Xiaoya might, like in fairy tales,e to him hugging her little pillow because she was afraid of thunder and rain or had a nightmare.


    Now she had indeed had a nightmare.


    However, he was abroad.


    Ke Muning raised his head, suddenly feeling extremely displeased and intolerant.


    He asked in a low voice, "Are you crying?"


    Li Xiaoya answered honestly, "I cried in the dream, so I''m not crying now."


    At this moment, a subordinate rushed in, saying urgently, "Sir, you''re finally back. Should we take action now and immediately eliminate the Gui Family''s second son?"


    Ke Muning said, "Get out."


    "Alright, then I''lle back to askter. You finish your phone call first."


    "...Wait. Don''t do it anymore."


    Ke Muning thought to himself, what if she cries again in her dreams? She can''te knocking on my door hugging her pillow.

 Chapter 165: A Detail in the Conversation

    <h4>Chapter 165</h4>


    "Who are you talking to?" Li Xiaoya asked softly.


    "An idiot."


    "Oh."


    "Really, an idiot. Do you want to see what he looks like?"


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head in confusion: "No need..."


    But Ke Muning still waved over the subordinate who had just walked to the door: "Come here."


    "Sir?"


    Ke Muning switched to the camera screen, snapped a photo of him, and sent it over.


    Li Xiaoya tugged at the nket, draping a corner over herself, before looking down at the photo Ke Muning had sent.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t mention her dream again. Because from a very young age, she knew that not everyone could empathize with others; suffering was her own, only her own... So she was very unustomed to talking about those things with others.


    She sniffled and stared intently at the photo.


    "Why is his face injured?" Li Xiaoya asked.


    "Is it?" Ke Muning stared carefully at this subordinate, making him feel extremely ufortable.


    "S-Sir? What''s wrong? Did I do something wrong?"


    "She''s asking why your face is injured?"


    She... who? The subordinate was briefly confused, then wiped the blood on his face: "Oh, it''s not mine. I just killed someone, it''s that person''s."


    "..." "It''s nothing, he just fell face-first while walking," Ke Muning said to the person on the phone, then paused himself.


    Actually, it was just killing someone.


    There was nothing that couldn''t be said.


    Didn''t the little madwoman keep saying before that she wanted to learn how to kill from him?


    But maybe she was just pretending... She wouldn''t let memit crimes in Hua Country. Although it might be for my own good, it is for my own good, right? Ke Muning narrowed his eyes.


    "Oh." Li Xiaoya obediently responded.


    In fact, what was said on the phone wasn''t important; just saying a few casual words made things much better. Li Xiaoya pressed her chest, feeling like she had suddenly escaped from the painful feelings of her dream.


    "Have you returned home?" Li Xiaoya proactively asked him.


    Ke Muning suddenlyughed: "Home? I don''t have a home. They''re all just temporary residences."


    "Then where are you now?"


    This question was actually quite broad.


    He could have just answered which country or which region.


    But Ke Muning said: "Upper East Side, 79th, 701."


    He even gave the door number.


    Ke Muning also asked: "Did you remember that?"


    Li Xiaoya: ?


    She answered: "I remembered."


    At this moment, a very soft voice sounded behind Li Xiaoya: "Awake?"


    Li Xiaoya said goodbye to the person on the phone and hung up first.


    "Want a midnight snack? I''ll have the kitchen prepare something," the neer approached, it was Sheng Yuxiao.


    Li Xiaoya nced at the wall clock, trying to discern the hour hand.


    It was 2:30 in the morning.


    "Did I wake you up?" Li Xiaoya asked softly.


    Sheng Yuxiao turned on the main light in the room and said: "I hadn''t slept yet."


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes widened.


    "I saw the light on in here, so I came to check," Sheng Yuxiao said as he carried her into the bathroom, "Want to wash your face first?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    It seemed that whether she talked about her sadness or not, they were all worried about her... Why could they empathize with her?


    After washing her face, Sheng Yuxiao carried her downstairs.


    The living room instantly became brilliantly lit, and the servants quickly came out with desserts.


    Someone suddenly popped up from the sofa, startling Li Xiaoya.


    Qin Sui propped up his head, leaning on the sofa, and asked hoarsely: "Awake, huh?"


    Li Xiaoya turned to look at Sheng Yuxiao: "Why is he..."


    "Why is he sleeping on the sofa, you mean? It''s already not bad that he''s not sleeping in a dog kennel at the Sheng house."


    Qin Sui looked at Li Xiaoya: "You''re the one sleeping in a dog kennel."


    Li Xiaoya: "Huh?"


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..." He lowered his head and asked Li Xiaoya: "Can I kick him out?"


    Li Xiaoya hesitated for a moment, then said softly: "At least wait until daybreak."


    "Fine, I''ll listen to you."


    Qin Sui acted as if he hadn''t heard anything. After washing his hands, he came over and pulled out a dining chair, joining them for a midnight snack.


    The light shining down made the scene seem cozy.


    After quietly finishing the meal, Sheng Yuxiao escorted her back to the room. Li Xiaoya hadn''t had a chance to look closely before, but now as she entered, she noticed an oil portrait of Sheng Yuxiao hanging on the wall.


    She realized: "Is this your room, your bed?"


    So that''s why Qin Sui called it a dog kennel.


    Li Xiaoya: "..." Such childish people!


    "It''s mine. Did you sleepfortably?"


    "It wasfortable," Li Xiaoya nodded, taking down a sign from beside the door.


    The sign read "Enter my room and you''ll get beaten up."


    Sheng Yuxiao snatched it away: "I wrote that in junior high school, it was for others to see."


    "Are you going back to sleep?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "I''ve slept enough." This time she really had slept enough.


    Li Xiaoya felt that the sadness, pain, and shock weighing on her heart had all flown away.


    She peeked out, her gaze passing over Sheng Yuxiao''s shoulder to Qin Sui not far outside the door: "If hees in, will he get beaten up?"


    Sheng Yuxiao looked back: "...He would. But I can hold back."


    "Just call him ''good brother'' a couple times when hees in."


    "Will this work?" Li Xiaoya tugged at his sleeve, making him bend down and lower his head, then hugged his neck and nted a kiss on his cheek.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression froze: "...It will."


    It was like buying the standard package and getting a deluxe plus version for free.


    Li Xiaoya quickly waved Qin Sui over.


    Qin Sui strode in. From his position, he actually hadn''t seen Li Xiaoya kiss Sheng Yuxiao at all.


    Li Xiaoya calling him over made him feel a bit ttered.


    Was she helping him dance in Sheng Yuxiao''s minefield?


    "The other day, Li Jiang told me a bit about what happened eight years ago," Li Xiaoya began.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression turned solemn: "How did he tell it? Can you repeat it?"


    "I can."


    Qin Sui also sat down on the spot, listening to her intently.


    If Li Jiang were here, he would be shocked.


    Because Li Xiaoya had repeated every single word he had said at the time verbatim, including the tone, without missing a single detail.


    Even Qin Sui couldn''t help but feel amazed.


    Although he knew she was smart and could quickly apply anything she was taught once... to this extent, it was truly a gift!


    No wonder Li Jiang had been so furious at the time, feeling both love and hate.


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly sneered: "He''s really a narcissistic dog! Talking about what happened eight years ago, most of it was about himself."


    "But he thinks he''s hidden it well... In fact," Sheng Yuxiao''s smile became more sarcastic, "His limited perspective still isn''t enough."


    This was exactly why Li Xiaoya had asked Qin Sui toe in too.


    Together, they would surely be able to analyze more from it, right?


    "He mentioned this detail, that the man was driving an Audi 100."


    Li Jiang,ing from a small vige, had ambitions and some education. The more men like this, the more they study and yearn for various luxury cars and watches. His emphasis on this car was actually just a recollection of his dissatisfaction with his poor background at the time.


    "Xiaoya, do you know what kind of people liked to drive Audi 100s the most during that period?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    Li Xiaoya shook her head.


    Qin Sui frowned slightly. Even he couldn''t answer this question, because Sheng Yuxiao liked to engage in various extreme sports, was obsessed with racing cars for a long time, and often went to see various auto shows, so he was very knowledgeable about automotive history.


    But Qin Sui didn''t have such hobbies.


    "It was a ssic official car," Sheng Yuxiao continued.

 Chapter 166: I Like It, It’s Mine Again

    <h4>Chapter 166</h4>


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes widened instantly.


    She thought for a moment, then asked Sheng Yuxiao, "So does that mean grandpa and the others are... bandits?"


    Sheng Yuxiao pursed his lips. "I suppose so. Even though they''re abroad..."


    "So that''s why Wei Lin told mom that grandpa would never agree. Because cats and mice can''t be together, right?" Li Xiaoya''s eyes brightened as she felt the clues bing clearer.


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded. "That does make sense when you put it that way."


    Qin Sui chimed in: "Why not just ask your grandmother directly? The elderlydy recuperating in Jiang City. ording to Li Jiang, she and your grandfather have been divorced for many years, and your mother often visits her, which shows they have a good rtionship. Perhaps she''s met your mother''s boyfriend."


    "Besides that, we could also try to obtain the hotel''s guest records from that time. However, the rich kids in Jiang City aren''t in our social circle... We''d need someone to introduce us to the young owner of that hotel."


    "I''ll make a call to inquire about it," Qin Sui said in one breath, immediately reaching for his phone.


    "But it''s the middle of the night," Li Xiaoya reminded him.


    "That''s okay..."


    "Wait a second," Sheng Yuxiao stopped him. "I feel like something''s not quite right."


    "What is it?" Qin Sui paused, holding his phone.


    Sheng Yuxiao tapped his temple with his finger. "...The vacation. Li Jiang said that after half a month, his vacation ended, and he left the hotel first. Do ordinary officials get such long vacations?"


    "You mean... not an official, but... military?"


    "It''s possible. If that''s the case, it''ll be even harder for us to find him. These types of people rarely appear on television, and their records belong to an entirely different system. If by chance his position is quite high, even ssified, then the hotel definitely won''t have any record of his stay, and even Xiaoya''s grandmother might not have met him."


    Li Xiaoya looked a bit bewildered.


    These were areas she had never encountered before.


    Qin Sui asked her, "Has your mother never mentioned anything about your biological father to you?"


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned. "What a stupid question. Xiaoya only found out that Li Jiang wasn''t her biological father that day. Of course she hadn''t heard anything."


    "Not necessarily... Maybe it was mentioned in a different way, not saying it was her father. For instance, mentioning that they had to leave this ce to meet someone."


    Li Xiaoya shook her head. "No, Mom never mentioned anything like that."


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his eyes. "It was probably to protect you. After all, if Li Jiang heard, he might go crazy. To Li Jiang, your mother was his idolized goddess, he might not have had the heart to harm her. But you''re a child carrying another man''s bloodline, so he might have directed his anger towards you."


    Li Xiaoya sniffled. "Mm-hmm."


    Sheng Yuxiao leaned his head back against the headrest, remembering that what Li Xiaoya had talked about most with him was how her mother had taught her...


    Suddenly, Sheng Yuxiao had a realization. "Did your mother ever tell you about a certain famous person, or at least someone who sounded famous?"


    Li Xiaoya looked at him in confusion.


    "I mean... like telling you stories about Lei Feng and asking you to learn from him, or quoting Lu Xun and telling you to emte that spirit... Did she ever mention someone to you, without mentioning any rtionship between herself and this person, but just asking you to see him as a role model?"


    Li Xiaoya paused for a moment. "...Yes."


    "Do you remember the name?"


    "Li Yan. The ''Yan'' from ''rock''."


    Qin Suimented, "That sounds like a fake name."


    "It seems we''re not very lucky. We''re indeed dealing with someone with a ssified status, possibly even a very high level of secrecy. Even your mother might not have known his real name," Sheng Yuxiao''s frown deepened.


    "But he''s a good person, right?" Li Xiaoya asked.


    Qin Sui and Sheng Yuxiao exchanged a nce, then looked away in disdain.


    Qin Sui said, "He''s a good person."


    Sheng Yuxiao added, "Probably a very upright good person."


    Li Xiaoya said, "That''s good then. I can look for him slowly."


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "Let''s do this: regardless of whether we have any leads or not, we''ll still go to Jiang City... Even if there are no obvious clues, we might at least find something your mother left behind."


    Qin Sui interjected, "There''s another route we could try, but it might not work."


    Sheng Yuxiao looked at him.


    "Your Sheng family must have heard some rumors..." Qin Sui started.


    Sheng Yuxiao crossed his arms and noddedzily. "I know. There''s an old man who has some connection with your family. But having a connection is useless... As far as I know, he won''t use his official position for personal favors."


    Qin Sui looked down at Li Xiaoya''s appearance.


    Her eyes had already been iced by Sheng Yuxiao, but she still looked pitiful.


    "When people get old, they tend to be more fond of new life. Moreover, Xiaoya has helped him before..."


    "When did that happen?"


    "At my birthday party."


    "..."


    Sheng Yuxiao suppressed his displeasure and, for Li Xiaoya''s sake, squeezed out three insincere words of praise: "Well done, then!"


    Li Xiaoya also remembered that elderly grandfather.


    "Can he help me find my dad?"


    "At least he has the authority to ess files in that system. Even if it''s ssified, he has the clearance. Your father wasn''t that old at the time, so his rank shouldn''t beparable to a senior statesman."


    Sheng Yuxiao rubbed his fingertips. "Alright, first we''ll go to Jiang City, and then..."


    Qin Sui continued, "Then I''ll find a way to send Xiaoya to spend some time with Old Man Zhang, let him experience the joy of family. If we can move him, the rest will be easy."


    The n was thus decided.


    "I''ll go see Li Jiang again tomorrow, see if I can squeeze out any more information," Sheng Yuxiao muttered, "After all, he doesn''t have much time left."


    "What doesn''t have much time?" Qin Sui didn''t hear clearly.


    "Nothing," Sheng Yuxiao concealed a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes.


    Their back-and-forth was highly efficient and gave Li Xiaoya great reassurance.


    She felt like she couldn''t do without them anymore.


    But Mom had said not to develop such habits, as it would make it easier to be bullied... Li Xiaoya pinched her fingers, wondering if it would be okay to develop this habit after leaving Lijiang Vige?


    While things were going well on this side, Ke Muning was not doing well at all.


    Yes, Li Xiaoya couldn''te to him with her pillow anymore. But she could go to others, couldn''t she?


    Hanging up the phone might mean she was going to find someone else!


    He was already a person of unpredictable moods, and now he looked even more like he was having a manic episode.


    "This must be a plot by the Gui family, right?" Ke Muning muttered to himself, "Making me really want to snatch their child away."


    Unable to sleep, Ke Muning got up and repeatedly watched the variety show segment featuring Li Xiaoya from before.


    After watching it twice, he could roughly produce the sound "Xiaoya" from his mouth.


    The next day, sporting dark circles under his eyes, he still had to go to a business negotiation as usual. He walked in and immediately propped his legs up on the other person''s desk.


    The person opposite him looked ufortable. "Why has Mr. Ke Muninge to negotiate in person?"


    "Does talking with me make you ufortable?" Ke Muning asked.


    The other party had never heard Ke Muning talk like this before.


    He thought to himself, has he be more approachable recently?


    The man said, "A... a little bit."


    Ke Muning casually picked up a sculpture from the desk and said, "Then would you feel morefortable if I shoved this thing up your ass before we talk?"


    The man opposite quickly reached out to grab it. "No, no! Please put it down, it''s a gift from my uncle! Let''s talk now, let''s talk..."


    He thought to himself, well, he hasn''t changed at all.


    Ke Muning put down the sculpture and glimpsed two small characters at the bottom.


    He knew it was the name of the work.


    "Hua Country characters?" They looked somewhat familiar.


    "Yes, I think they''re Hua Country characters. I don''t really recognize them."


    Ke Muning turned it over and looked at it a couple of times before finally recognizing the two characters.


    "Xiaoya"


    Having just learned these two characters, Ke Muning immediately got to reinforce his memory, and he was very pleased.


    It was as if he could see the little madcap right in front of him...


    "This... I like it very much. It''s mine now!"


    He decided to take it as a gift for the little madcap.

 Chapter 167: Adults Should Say Some Dirty Words

    <h4>Chapter 167</h4>


    When Sheng Yuxiao brought Li Xiaoya to the police station, they arrived just as the local authorities were transferring suspects.


    Li Jiang was also restrained in a wheelchair, being pushed forward by police officers.


    The three parties met in the narrow corridor.


    "Li Jiang! You bastard, how dare you implicate us?" The Vige Chief and his son were the first to see Li Jiang, and they started shouting hysterically.


    Li Jiang looked at them coldly: "How could I be the only one to suffer for this?"


    "Li Jiang! I''ll curse your ancestors!"


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned and raised his hand to cover Li Xiaoya''s ears.


    At this moment, Li Jiang also saw them.


    Li Jiang''s face bore various degrees of abrasions. He tried to smile but winced in pain as his facial muscles twitched. He immediately had to retract his smile.


    "Xiaoya, have youe to plead for me?" Li Jiang asked.


    "Xiaoya?" The Vige Chief and his son turned their heads with difficulty upon hearing this, and also saw Li Xiaoya, along with Sheng Yuxiao standing beside her.


    "Young Master Sheng! Please save us, isn''t my granddaughter still at your house?" The Vige Chief cried out, trying to kneel down, but was firmly held up by the police.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s lips twisted into a sneer, his tone cold and cruel: "Two wolves raising a little beast... You thought you could connect with high society through the opportunities you gained by underhanded means?"


    "Have you been frogs at the bottom of a well for so long that you''vee up with such delusional, idiotic ideas?"


    "Rest assured, your granddaughter is definitely destined for juvenile detention in the future."


    "You can go ahead and set a good precedent by being executed first."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s eyes narrowed, exuding a fierce aura.


    "What did you say? How can you say such things?" The Vige Chief''s son red with hatred.


    One of the police officers couldn''t help but cough lightly.


    Sheng Yuxiao ignored them and took out his phone, finding a recording he had kept for a long time.


    He pressed y.


    ...


    "What if Young Master Sheng finds out the truth..."


    "Dad, you''re overthinking it. So what if he knows? It''s just recording a show, who would care about a little girl without parents?"


    ...


    The voices of the Vige Chief and his son came clearly from the phone.


    It was evidently a conversation they had at home, discussing how to spread rumors to rece Li Xiaoya''s spot, and nning how to prevent Li Xiaoya from meeting Sheng Yuxiao...


    At this, all the police officers present furrowed their brows.


    So there was such a backstory to the show...


    To say they had done every evil deed possible was truly not an exaggeration.


    Unexpectedly, their true colors were exposed in front of so many people.


    The Vige Chief shouted in a rage: "When did you record this? So you knew all along! You... you... you were toying with us?!"


    "Is it called toying with you when I''m just repeating what you did?" Sheng Yuxiao sneered.


    Li Xiaoya was still a bit dazed.


    So... she was the one originally chosen for the show?


    But the Vige Chief had manipted things to rece her with Li Qingqing.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze was still fixed on the Vige Chief and his son, but his hand raised to rest on Li Xiaoya''s head, stroking her cheek. This was aforting gesture.


    "Do you know what this is called?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "Does the high and mighty young master want to talk about karma?" The Vige Chief''s son cursed loudly.


    "It''s called destiny. No matter how you package yourselves, you can''t turn a pile of cow dung into flowers. And no matter how hard you try to hide a pearl, even if you bury it in the ground and cover it in mud, it will still shine."


    "You are that pile of cow dung, so is Li Qingqing, and so is Li Family Vige... and you too, Li Jiang. It''s destined that no matter how hard you try, no matter what you sacrifice, what doesn''t belong to you will ultimately disappear! Because you don''t deserve it, understand?"


    Sheng Yuxiao turned away contemptuously, hugging Li Xiaoya as they walked into a nearby meeting room.


    They could only watch as the door closed behind the two.


    Li Xiaoya...


    That damned Li Xiaoya, they now desperately reached out their hands, but couldn''t even touch the soles of her shoes...


    "Sheng Yuxiao! You rich young master, what do you know..."


    Their voices gradually faded away as the police led them off.


    In the meeting room.


    A police officer brought them two cups of warm water.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t drink, instead pushing both cups in front of Li Xiaoya and saying: "Wait for me here."


    "Am I not going?" Li Xiaoya looked up and asked.


    "Mm, adults need to say some dirty words, children shouldn''t listen."


    Li Xiaoya corrected him: "You''re not an adult either, you''re not of age yet."


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled: "Next month is my birthday. By the way, Ning Heng called me and said you gave Qin Sui a very precious birthday gift."


    "Ah..." Li Xiaoya''s gaze flickered. How did Ning Heng know?


    "What will you give me? I''m already looking forward to it. Xiaoya, take your time to think about it." Sheng Yuxiao patted her head and turned to walk out.


    As soon as he left the room, Sheng Yuxiao''s facepletely changed.


    This was the Young Master Sheng who had originallye to Li Family Vige.


    It''s just that he had spent so much time with Li Xiaoya that he seemed to have be more good-tempered.


    "You only have half an hour for the conversation." A person who looked like awyer approached Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao said: "I won''t need half an hour."


    Then he pushed open the door behind thewyer.


    Li Jiang was sitting inside.


    "Young Master was very impressive just now." Li Jiang looked up askance and said, "It''s really Xiaoya''s luck to meet young masters like you who were born with silver spoons in your mouths. No wonder she stopped caring about me so quickly..."


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t be bothered to respond to his words, only casually tossing a file folder in front of him.


    "Why don''t you open it yourself and take a look?" Sheng Yuxiao said, then paused, his lips curling into a smirk, "Oh, I''m sorry, I forgot, you don''t have hands now."


    "With your hands crushed like that, the fact that you survived after emergency treatment, is it because trash like you is particrly good at enduring torture?"


    Beads of sweat appeared on Li Jiang''s forehead, his teeth clenched tightly, making an uncontroble grinding sound.


    "Let me open it for you. You went to high school, so you surely know what this is..."


    Sheng Yuxiao pulled out a document and pped it on his face.


    The pages fell onto the table, and Li Jiang looked down.


    A paternity test report.


    "...Subject 1 and Subject 2, paternity rtionship excluded"


    "What''s the use of saying you''re her father a million times? Idiot."


    Although he was very annoyed, Sheng Yuxiao still said: "As long as Xiaoya wants, she can be a daughter of the Sheng family, or a daughter of the Qin family... There''s no one in this upper-ss circle who doesn''t like her."


    "When you were lurking in the shadows, didn''t you see with your own eyes how many people surrounded and supported her?"


    "Just like Ms. Wei Wenyu back then. Honestly, vermin like you, forget about walking beside people like this, even if they identally stepped on you, they would feel unlucky and disgusted."

 Chapter 168: Do You Remember Her

    <h4>Chapter 168</h4>


    Thewyers were left speechless.


    Hadn''t they said this person had changed recently? But now he was still cursing quite viciously.


    Li Jiang''s teeth chattered, his face turning so pale he nearly fainted.


    "Shut up, shut up..."


    "Let me show you something else... Do you know what this is? This is a share purchase intent letter, with funding of 100 million. Previously, Li Xiaoya casually invested in a gamingpany and became a major shareholder there. Now the shares in her hands are bing more and more valuable... This intent letter was presented to her."


    "100 million, you''ve probably never even seen that much money in your life, let alone earned it, right?"


    "Does it hurt? Do you regret abandoning Xiaoya back then?"


    "You know, as a minor, Xiaoya''s shares should be managed by her direct rtives. You were so close... just a little bit closer... and you could have represented her."


    Sheng Yuxiao picked up the appraisal report and pped it on his face again: "Too bad, even if you die, you can only die in such a despicable state."


    Sheng Yuxiao stood up: "I have more good news for you. Xiaoya is nning to change her name, and of course, her surname will be changed to match her birth father''s."


    "We''ve found him, no wonder you''re going mad with hatred. That man is far superior to you. The family assets Xiaoya will inherit in the future are so vast, your little brain can''t even begin to imagine it."


    "It might take a few days toe up with a new name, after all, so many people love her. They''ll definitely put their hearts into it, go through all the dictionaries to give her the best name possible..."


    Sheng Yuxiao said unhurriedly as he walked out.


    Li Jiang''s face changed from ashen to deathly pale.


    "So what if you found him? So what... He''s dead anyway, dead. Thepensation money was sent to Wei Wenyu."


    As he spoke, he tilted his head back, unable to bear it any longer. Suddenly, the handcuffs and chair toppled over together.


    Hearing a loud "thud," Sheng Yuxiao didn''t even look back, only saying to thewyer: "See, I told you it wouldn''t even take half an hour."


    Soon after, Li Jiang was taken away by an ambnce again.


    Hearing the ambnce siren, Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but open the door and peek out.


    She ran into Sheng Yuxiaoing back and asked, "What happened?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said casually, "He might have died from anger. Come on, let''s go home."


    Li Xiaoya grabbed hisrge hand, and they walked out together.


    As they walked, Sheng Yuxiao said, "Now I can be very certain that we can get something from your grandmother."


    "Why?"


    Sheng Yuxiao was silent for a moment, then said tactfully, "ording to Li Jiang, your mother received something sent after your father''s death. Your mother has been abroad for years, so it couldn''t have been sent overseas. The only stable address would be in Jiang City."


    Hearing this, Li Xiaoya perked up a bit.


    "Mm, we need to go to Jiang City," she said softly.


    Li Xiaoya soon returned to school.


    Before she even entered, she saw Mu Bai standing there with a bag.


    "I-I heard you were kidnapped, uh, I came to check... and bring you something in person." Mu Bai stiffly held out the bag.


    Just as Li Xiaoya took it, she heard An Ying run out and shout seriously, "That criminal escaped!"


    Li Xiaoya was stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted: "Li Jiang escaped?"


    "Yes, him! It''s just been on the news, they''ve issued a wanted notice."


    Li Xiaoya immediately called Sheng Yuxiao.


    Mu Bai was a bit nervous on the side.


    What criminal? The kidnapper? Would hee after Li Xiaoya again? Should I protect herter?


    Sheng Yuxiao picked up quickly.


    "Hello."


    "Li Jiang escaped."


    "Mm, don''t worry about it. He will never appear in front of you again."


    Li Xiaoya immediately understood, after all, the Li Jiang she saw that day looked like he could die at any moment.


    She asked quietly, "So... he didn''t really escape?"


    Sheng Yuxiao chuckled, "He''s gone to hell."


    Just as they finished talking, Li Xiaoya hadn''t hung up yet.


    Suddenly, Qin Sui strode over.


    Li Xiaoya looked up in confusion: "Why are you here?"


    "Didn''t Li Jiang escape? I came to check on you."


    "Who came?" Sheng Yuxiao immediately sat up straight on the other end of the phone.


    He hadn''t gone to ss today, so he didn''t know Qin Sui had skipped ss again.


    But he could guess.


    "Did Qin Suie to see you?"


    Li Xiaoya didn''t have time to answer Sheng Yuxiao''s question. She first told Qin Sui: "Sheng Yuxiao says it''s okay, Li Jiang will never appear in front of me again."


    Qin Sui immediately guessed - either he was killed, or he was sent out of the country.


    If sent out of the country, it meant he fell into the hands of the Gui Family.


    Indeed, he would never see her again in this life.


    But Qin Sui still said, "Better safe than sorry. It''s the end of the semester anyway,e on, I''ll take you home. And we''ll have a chance to see that old gentleman again."


    Mentioning this, Li Xiaoya became more enthusiastic.


    She nodded and said "Okay."


    "Xiaoya, you''re not running off with Qin Sui, are you?" Sheng Yuxiao asked in a low voice.


    "I''m not running off, just going to see that grandpa."


    Qin Sui took Li Xiaoya''s phone and said to the other end, "Sorry, I have to call that old gentleman my godfather. I can go to his house, but the young master Sheng can''t."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    Is this because my dad wasn''t hardworking enough? Didn''t find me such a godfather?


    Sheng Yuxiao put away his phone and waved to Ning Heng nearby: "Have you sold that artwork?"


    "It''s sold, the money should be in the ount in a couple of days... Then we can go split the money with Xiaoya. We''re also negotiating the price for the second piece..."


    "Good, when you go to give her the money, I''ll go with you."


    "Of course, Brother Sheng!"


    Sheng Yuxiao cursed Qin Sui twice in his heart.


    But soon he leaned back on the sofa, his expression rxing a bit.


    At least... Xiaoya''s mood was better.


    Qin Sui thought Li Jiang''s "escape" was a very good excuse.


    So instead of taking Li Xiaoya home, he directly took her to visit the Zhang family.


    Because Old Mr. Zhang had copsed a few days ago, the secretary was a bit hesitant now: "Should we receive visitors?"


    "It''s not a holiday or festival, Xiao Sui wouldn''te here on his own initiative. He probably has something to say. Please invite them in," Old Mr. Zhang said slowly.


    The secretary had been with Old Mr. Zhang for many years. He said somewhat helplessly, "This young Master Qin is rather cold-hearted, he doesn''t seem to have much affection for you. He actually... doesn''t seem much like Xi Nian at all."


    "They''re both quiet young men, reserved, with some resemnce in appearance. It''s already... very rare," Old Mr. Zhang mumbled.


    "We can''t say the young man is cold-hearted. Originally, it was just tofort this old man''s grief over losing his son. Being able to let me live these extra years is already us taking advantage of him," Old Mr. Zhang said slowly.


    The secretary nodded helplessly, but couldn''t help imagining: "If, if Xi Nian could have had a child... I wonder what they would be like. His superior said that back then... he had even filed for marriage..."


    After saying this, the secretary felt he had spoken out of turn and quickly nced at Old Mr. Zhang''s expression.


    Seeing no change in his demeanor, he knew that over the years, the old man had actually epted this oue. After all, the old man was strong-willed, so mentioning it again wouldn''t make him weep bitterly.


    "I''ll go invite Young Master Qin in," the secretary said as he walked to the door, but he still couldn''t help turning back to say: "Actually, actually if we wanted to find Xi Nian''s mysterious fianc��e from back then, it wouldn''t be difficult."


    "I''ve said before, Xi Nian is dead, she should have a new life. Don''t go disturbing others," Old Mr. Zhang sighed.


    "Yes, yes, but... after Xi Nian died, all his belongings went missing. Don''t you want to get them back?"


    "It''s nothing but some medals and such things. If that girl really loved him once, leaving those things with her is also a kind offort. I don''t... need to take them back."


    Taking them back and looking at them would only add to the pain.


    The secretary finally said nothing more.


    Soon, he led Qin Sui and Li Xiaoya in.


    It hadn''t snowed much these past two days. Old Mr. Zhang lifted his eyelids and caught a glimpse of pink.


    It was as if spring had arrived early.


    Injecting a bit of vitality into this gloomy courtyard.


    That bit of pink soon turned into a young girl.


    She came before Old Mr. Zhang.


    Qin Sui''s voice rang out: "Grandpa Zhang, do you remember her?"

 Chapter 169: Quite Talented at Being a Villain

    <h4>Chapter 169</h4>


    The memory of that near-death experience at the birthday banquet kept washing over the old man''s mind.


    "...I remember." In fact, the scene had been too chaotic at the time, so when he woke up, he asked Qin Sui who had apanied him to the hospital.


    At that time, Qin Sui firmly told him "it was Li Xiaoya."


    So it wasn''t difficult to deduce that the little child now walking beside Qin Sui...


    "Is this Li Xiaoya?" Old Mr. Zhang bent slightly, lowering his gaze.


    Most elderly people naturally harbor tolerance and affection towards children.


    Old Mr. Zhang gave Li Xiaoya a kind smile.


    "Yes, I''m Xiao Ya," Li Xiaoya responded in a soft voice.


    Old Mr. Zhang nodded.


    He should thank the child, but what gift would be better? The little one had taken the initiative to visit, so they were the ones being impolite.


    "Whose child is she?" Old Mr. Zhang asked.


    But Qin Sui didn''t answer this question, instead saying: "Could you help her with something?"


    "What is it? Tell me."


    "Her family is ill and temporarily unable to take care of her. Could she stay at your ce for a few days?"


    Old Mr. Zhang was slightly taken aback.


    The secretary beside him was also stunned, not because of the request itself.


    He just felt that today, Qin Sui''s words... were quite numerous.


    It was rare for him to actively make requests on behalf of others.


    Seemingly afraid Old Mr. Zhang would refuse, Qin Sui continued: "If possible, I''d like to stay at your ce for a few days too. I''m usually very busy, and haven''t had much chance..."


    After his initial surprise, Old Mr. Zhang was left feeling delighted: "Of course, that''s fine."


    As people age, they particrly long for liveliness.


    It''s just that he now often needed to rest quietly, and could no longer easily walk into bustling crowds.


    "Then we''ll go back to pack our luggage first," Qin Sui said quickly.


    This was an exceptionally rare disy of enthusiasm. After all, in the past, nothing had ever seemed necessary or urgent to him.


    Old Mr. Zhang agreed, and watched them leave.


    The courtyard emptied again in an instant.


    "It suddenly got lively for a moment, I''m not quite used to it," Old Mr. Zhang shook his head slowly.


    The secretary remarked with deep emotion: "Their rtionship seems quite good, how rare!... But Young Master Qin didn''t say whose child she is. If her family is ill, don''t they have a nanny to take care of her?"


    "How can a nanny alone be enough to care for a child? Without adults around to watch, she might be more easily bullied."


    "Anyway, it''s not a big deal... I personally hope it can be livelier here too."


    Old Mr. Zhang was old but not muddleheaded. He could see at a nce that Qin Sui seemed to have some purpose, but at his age, he intentionally overlooked the holes in the story.


    "Then we''ll need to hire a female nanny. This household hasn''t taken care of a girl before, let alone such a young girl," the secretary frowned, a bit troubled.


    Old Mr. Zhang was startled: "Yes... that is a problem."


    He only had one son.


    Because he had always been busy with work, he hardly knew how his son had been raised from childhood to adulthood... he had no idea how it had happened.


    For a long time, Old Mr. Zhang had reflected on this, feeling that his son''s reticence was due to his own inadequacy as a father, apanying him too little.


    Who knew that when he finally had free time, his son would be busy. Later on, there was no chance for father-sonpanionship at all.


    Old Mr. Zhang lowered his head, muttering: "I never even properly raised a child..."


    The secretary hurried tofort him: "It''s alright, Young Master Qin has a sister at home, he has experience."


    Old Mr. Zhang raised his head at these words and closed his eyes.


    For a moment, everything around was extremely quiet.


    "Shall I take you home?" Qin Sui asked proactively outside.


    Li Xiaoya had very little luggage. Basically, wherever she went, someone would prepare many new living supplies for her.


    "Wait, let me make a phone call," Li Xiaoya turned her back, took out her phone and walked towards a big tree nearby, saying, "Wait for me there."


    Qin Sui stood still, but was very puzzled inside.


    Who was she calling? Why did she need to turn away from him?


    He thought of thest time at the hospital... when Li Xiaoya''s phone rang, she didn''t answer immediately, but asked him to help report a number first.


    Why?


    Could there be some dangerous person on the other end of the line?


    Qin Sui stared at Li Xiaoya''s back with great interest.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya had just dialed Ke Muning''s number.


    After ringing for quite a while, the other end finally picked up.


    "Hello." The voice was still hoarse.


    Li Xiaoya asked: "What''s wrong with you?"


    "What? Nothing''s wrong, I just had a bit to drink." Ke Muning raised his hand to support his forehead, his eyes showing bloodshot weariness.


    Li Xiaoya looked up at the sky, the sun was high.


    She suddenly remembered: "It''s night where you are?"


    "Yes." Ke Muning paused, getting off the bed, and asked: "Can you guess what I''m thinking?"


    "What?"


    "I was originally nning to call you tomorrow, to give you a little surprise. But you called first." Ke Muning''s tone lifted slightly.


    "Surprise?" Although the other side couldn''t see, Li Xiaoya still tilted her head.


    "Ha, I got you a very beautiful gift, you''ll definitely like it! It''sing by international express, but should arrive soon."


    "Thank you."


    "Is that how you should say it? Sounds a bit formal, little crazy one."


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head again, though the other side still couldn''t see. She said: "Thank you, daddy... Is that how I should say it?"


    "..."


    "?"


    "......"


    When no new sound came from the phone for a while, Li Xiaoya couldn''t help but take it down and tap it.


    "I have something to say, Ke Muning, are you still there?" she asked in a crisp voice.


    "Ha, didn''t you just call me daddy? Why did you switch back?"


    "Because I can''t see your expression now, I don''t know if you like hearing it," Li Xiaoya said seriously.


    Ke Muning''s eyes flickered.


    Her craziness was different from his.


    She was a child who was very good at reading people''s expressions, and made each crazy decision after observation.


    Observational skills were an excellent quality.


    However, after meeting Li Jiang, Ke Muning suddenly felt that "being good at reading people" might not be a good thing when it came to children.


    Ke Muning spoke up: "Then I''ll tell you now, I like it. Call me that a hundred times, can you let me hear it?"


    "But that would be very tiring."


    "..." Ke Muning covered his face, a bit speechless, but still couldn''t helpughing out loud.


    "Ha, haha, alright." At least it showed she was willing to call him that, just afraid of getting tired.


    "Okay, now tell me, what did you want to say?"


    "When you left, did you give up the apartment?"


    "No, do you want to live there?"


    "Can I take away the things you bought for me?"


    Ke Muning paused on the other end of the phone.


    So the little one treasured the things adults gave her.


    "Of course... you can. You can even take the whole apartment if you want."


    "But I can''t pull it away."


    "Haha, hahahaha." How did the little crazy one get cuter and cuter?


    His hand was itching!


    Ke Muning stood up, pacing anxiously in two circles by the bed.


    "Then I''ll go get the things, bye-bye." Li Xiaoya hung up the phone.


    Mm. This way nothing would be wasted.


    Ke Muning sat by the window, staring at the bustling traffic below, unable to sleep.


    He really couldn''t sleep at all.


    How could there be a child in this world who possessed both the qualities of craziness and a pitiful, endearing nature that made people want to dote on her?


    Now that I''ve left, she won''t secretly frame all the things I bought her, hug them in her arms, and cry secretly in the middle of the night, will she?

 Chapter 170: Am I Seeing Things

    <h4>Chapter 170</h4>


    When Li Xiaoya went to pack up her things, she realized that the vases and paintings were still piled up messily in the living room.


    She had no choice but to call Ke Muning again.


    This time he answered quickly.


    Is she really crying? Ke Muning wondered.


    "What should I do with these things?" Li Xiaoya sent him some photos.


    Ke Muning: "..."


    He''d rather she had sent photos of herself.


    "Take it all, do whatever you want with it," Ke Muning said.


    Though hugging a vase while crying might be a bit difficult.


    And a bed wouldn''t fit suchrge objects.


    Li Xiaoya hung up the phone and turned to Qin Sui with a troubled look, saying: "It seems we''d need a bigger vehicle to take everything away..."


    Qin Sui was a bit stunned.


    So what kind of ce was this exactly?


    The person on the other end of the phone... now didn''t sound like a dangerous individual anymore.


    More like Santa us.


    "Alright, let me make a call," Qin Sui said.


    "Wait," Li Xiaoya thought for a moment and asked, "How much would it cost to hire a big truck to move everything?"


    "These all look like genuine pieces, we''d need a professional movingpany to transport them safely..."


    "That sounds expensive, doesn''t it?"


    "It''s not too bad, just a few tens of thousands..."


    Li Xiaoya promptly gave up on the idea of transporting everything.


    Leaving it here wasn''t appropriate either, as no one would be here to look after things afterwards.


    She really disliked having these fragile objects around her, just like the bag Qin Sui had given her before. It made her feel uneasy rather than secure.


    Li Xiaoya quickly made a decision: "I''ll make a few more calls."


    Qin Sui nodded.


    Li Xiaoya called her ssmates, asking them to check with their fathers if they wanted any of their things back, and if so, toe pick them up themselves.


    This delighted those little rich kids.


    "Aww boss, you''re the best!"


    "My race car can finallye home..."


    "You actually managed to convince your dad."


    "My dad never listens to me..."


    After excitedly chattering away, they went home to ry Li Xiaoya''s message to their parents.


    The adults'' thoughts were a bit moreplex, a bit dirtier.


    After hearing the message, they all told their children: "Tell her I understand, I''ll send someone to collect the items right away."


    Li Xiaoya sat down on the sofa: "Let''s wait for a while."


    Qin Sui nodded.


    They didn''t even have to wait half an hour before luxury cars started arriving one after another.


    Most of the people who came were secretaries or assistants.


    "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Li. We''ll take these items with us. This is for you, we''ve left it here," they all said something to this effect, leaving behind one big bag after another.


    Li Xiaoya walked over and peeked inside one of the bags.


    It was full of cash.


    Li Xiaoya: "...?"


    Qin Sui was also a bit shocked.


    After a while, he finally managed to say: "Xiaoya, has your business of buying and selling grown this big already?"


    Li Xiaoya: ??


    Li Xiaoya had no choice but to take another photo and send it to Ke Muning, then call him again.


    "I couldn''t take the things away, so I let my ssmates'' dads take them back."


    She had originally intended to do Ke Muning a favor.


    "But now there''s a lot more money..."


    Ke Muning, who was in quite a good mood after receiving three consecutive calls in one evening, said excitedly:


    "They''re paying ransom!"


    "You really have a talent for being a bad guy! You were born to follow me and trample those Wall Street elites under your feet!"


    "Come on, tell me, how did you extort... I mean, how did you get them to willingly bring you money?"


    "I just told them toe and get their things."


    "Just that?"


    "Just that."


    "Hey, you''ve already mastered the core principle of being a mafia boss."


    "?"


    "The fewer words, the more scared they are."


    "But you talk a lot."


    Ke Muning choked a bit, then said: "That''s because I also have big fists."


    "If you talk little and have big fists..."


    "Then people will be scared to death."


    I''ve learned it, Li Xiaoya silently said in her heart.


    But she quickly shook her head and quietly crossed it out in her mind.


    No, this shouldn''t be learned. Can''t be a mafia boss.


    But Ke Muning on the other end of the phone was already happy enough. He said: "Go spend the money, consider it pocket money from dad."


    "But it''s a lot of money..."


    "Is it? You could buy a yacht and it would be gone. A ne would be nice too. Buy a private jet and fly here to have dinner with me."


    It sounded very wasteful.


    Li Xiaoya didn''t agree.


    But she said: "I can borrow a ne toe see you."


    "Great, great!"


    "Bye bye."


    "Wait, what should you say?"


    "Bye bye, daddy?"


    Ke Muning put away his phone in a good mood: "Being a father feels pretty nice. Should I have one of my own?"


    "...Nevermind. Only a little crazy one like her would be fun." Ke Muning rejected his own idea.


    Meanwhile, Qin Sui apanied Li Xiaoya as they carried the things back to the Zhang family''s house.


    The Zhang family''s secretary watched as they brought in bag after bag, and couldn''t help but ask curiously: "What''s that?"


    "Pocket money from family," Li Xiaoya answered truthfully.


    Since when did pocket moneye in bags?


    The secretary considered himself quite worldly, but he had never seen such an extravagant family.


    Which family did this little girle from?


    "Are all her family members sick?" the secretary asked Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui finally exined: "Do you watch variety shows?"


    The secretary shook his head.


    He was nearly fifty years old and couldn''t keep up with young people''s interests.


    "Her parents have passed away, leaving only rtives from her grandfather''s side, but some are sick, some are injured..."


    The secretary sighed: "We''re in the same boat."


    He turned around and briefly ryed this to Old Mr. Zhang.


    Old Mr. Zhang sat inside the door, listening to the sounds of things being moved outside, and murmured: "She lost her parents, I lost my son. We''re kindred spirits, this old man and her. Let her and Qin Sui stay for a while longer."


    "Yes," the secretary also felt sympathy.


    Having just moved to another unfamiliar ce, Li Xiaoya still had trouble sleeping.


    The body that was already old suddenly sparked with a bit of spirit.


    He had neverforted his son when he was little, which became a regret. Today, he thought, it shouldn''t be too difficult tofort a little girl, right?


    "Xun Yuan, build her a snowman," Old Mr. Zhang called the secretary by name.


    "It didn''t snow today."


    "It''s not summer either, and there are no cicadas to catch..." Old Mr. Zhang mumbled, "Then make her a y figurine."


    "I don''t even know what kids like these days..." Old Mr. Zhang said regretfully.


    The secretary went out to dig for some y.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya had finished washing up and sat down at the dining table, ready to eat.


    Of course, the little one had a good appetite.


    She ate with her cheeks puffing in and out, which made Old Mr. Zhang, who usually had a poor appetite, feel a bit hungry too.


    After Li Xiaoya finished another bun, her phone rang.


    "Little sister Xiaoya, where are you? I''ming to bring you money!" Ning Heng''s excited voice came through from the other end.


    Li Xiaoya moved the phone away a bit and looked up to ask Old Mr. Zhang: "Grandpa Zhang, my friend wants toe and bring me something. Is it okay for him toe here?"


    "Of course, I''ll have the secretary go out to meet him," Old Mr. Zhang said agreeably.


    The Zhang family hadn''t had so many guests in a long time.


    The housekeeper went out temporarily to buy some candies and melon seeds.


    Old Mr. Zhang first handed a piece of candy to Li Xiaoya.


    He knew that children should all like this.


    Li Xiaoya took it, ate the candy, and then folded the wrapper into a paper crane.


    "Here you go," she gave the paper crane back to Old Mr. Zhang.


    Old Mr. Zhang was delighted: "Xinian used to fold these for fun when he was in school... It was popr among kids back then. I even thought he was in puppy love, but who knew he''d end up filling two big jars with them without giving any away."


    Li Xiaoya asked curiously: "Who''s Xinian?"


    "He''s my son."


    At that moment, Li Xiaoya saw a hint of sadness in the old man''s eyes.


    Just then, Li Xiaoya''s phone rang again.


    She answered, thinking it was Ning Heng arriving, but it turned out to be a courier.


    Was it Ke Muning''s overseas express delivery?


    "What should I do? I don''t live there anymore."


    "No problem, please give me your new address and I''ll deliver it to you," the person on the other end said quickly.


    After Li Xiaoya reported her new address.


    The "surprise" Ke Muning mentioned arrived almost at the same time as Ning Heng.


    Ning Heng strode in, with Sheng Yuxiao following behind him.


    "Xiaoya! Why did you change locations?"


    "Big brother is here to bring you money!"


    Ning Heng''s arrival instantly made the courtyard noisy.


    He tossed the bag in his hand and unzipped it in one smooth motion. "Are you happy to see this?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded slightly.


    He then borrowed a small knife from the housekeeper to open the package.


    Ning Heng asked, "What''s this? Shouldn''t we count the money first?"


    "I don''t know what it is either. Let''s check if it got damaged during transport," Li Xiaoya said as she peeled away theyers of packaging, revealing the sculpture inside.


    It looked familiar...


    Very familiar...


    Ning Heng suddenly jumped up. "Brother Sheng! Am I seeing things? How did this iteme back again?"

 Chapter 171: Two Swollen Eyes

    <h4>Chapter 171</h4>


    "You''re not seeing things," Sheng Yuxiao said coolly. "And your brain doesn''t seem to be malfunctioning either."


    "Then... then what is this? Some kind of illusion?" Ning Heng asked with a trembling voice.


    Li Xiaoya quickly exined, "No, it''s not. Someone gave it to me."


    "Oh, I see. That''s a relief..." Ning Heng let out a sigh, but immediately followed it with a dejected expression.


    "Did the boss who bought my work raise the price and resell it? Which sucker bought it?" Ning Heng said, looking around at his brother Sheng and then at Qin Sui.


    Sheng Yuxiaozily replied, "I''m not that sucker. Wouldn''t I just take it directly from you if I wanted it?"


    "Yeah... that''s true."


    Before Ning Heng''s guesses could be even more oundish, Li Xiaoya hurriedly said, "It''s none of that!"


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately guessed, "Him, huh?"


    He lowered his gaze suspiciously and said, "Don''t tell me he snatched it from someone else?"


    Li Xiaoya opened her mouth but found herself unable to refute.


    Although Ning Heng didn''t know who "he" was, after thinking for a moment, he said dazedly, "Well, we didn''t lose out then..."


    "Look at that, I sell it, someone pays me, then it gets snatched away and given to Xiaoya... A perfect cycle. Xiaoya, does he still snatch things? I''m about to sell again. Sounds like a perfect industry chain."


    Li Xiaoya: ?


    Sheng Yuxiao punched Ning Heng, saying, "Don''t corrupt the kid."


    Meanwhile, Old Master Zhang sat inside, watching their movements through the window, hearing faintughter - the unique vitality of youth.


    "It''s be so lively all of a sudden," Old Mr. Zhang remarked.


    The Secretary, wiping his hands, said, "There have always been many people willing to keep youpany."


    "Most of them are uninteresting, and some are even insincere. What''s the point?" Old Mr. Zhang smiled and shook his head, slowly molding a y doll.


    The Secretary nodded and sighed, "But this young friend certainly has good rtionships, with so many friends."


    "And they''re all very interesting friends," Old Mr. Zhang said.


    The Secretary was taken aback, "What do you mean by that?"


    "That one, called Sheng Yuxiao."


    "Ah, the Sheng family''s only son. I''ve heard his temper isn''t great, but... I don''t see anything wrong with him."


    "The one next to him should be from the Ning family in the Jin circle. Their family has more dealings with the artsmunity. I''ve met him a few times before, he''s grown up now."


    "Your memory is impressive," the Secretary admitted, feeling inadequate.


    "It''s because it''s hard to forget the past that my memory is particrly good."


    The Secretary felt he had misspoken and was at a loss for words.


    Instead, Old Mr. Zhang waved his hand reassuringly, "I''m just saying." He paused beforementing, "Many families in this circle don''t know how to raise children well. Having too much often means they can''t live properly. Justst month, two kids from the circle were extradited back to the country formitting crimes."


    Old Mr. Zhang smiled, "That''s why they seem so interesting."


    Hearing this, the Secretary couldn''t help but marvel, "The youngdy does have some talent."


    Old Mr. Zhang nodded, "I''m curious about how her family raised such a girl."


    The Secretary suddenly remembered the "variety show" Qin Sui had mentioned. It seemed odd to ask about it out of the blue...


    Intrigued, the Secretary immediately turned to search for the keywords.


    To his surprise, a show actually popped up.


    The first season had already finished airing...


    I''ll watch it tonight, the Secretary thought.


    Meanwhile, after Ning Heng had delivered the money, he wiggled his bottom and nced at his brother Sheng''s expression before saying, "Little sister Xiaoya, do you want to count the money? We''ll leave after you''ve confirmed it''s all there."


    This way, he and his brother Sheng could stay a bit longer, right?


    He was such a schemer!


    Qin Sui lifted his eyelids slightly, "I''ll go borrow a money counter."


    Ning Heng: "..."


    Sheng Yuxiao saw through it clearly.


    Actually, if they wanted to stay, it was quite simple...


    He stood up and said, "I''ll go say hello to Old Mr. Zhang."


    He walked ahead, and Ning Heng kicked the money bag and hurriedly followed.


    "Sir, I''m Sheng Yuxiao, Xiaoya''s friend. I''d like to pay my respects." The usually arrogant young master looked unusually proper, his sharp features softening.


    Ning Heng quickly followed suit, bowing his head respectfully in greeting.


    Most people were respectful in front of Old Mr. Zhang, either because they wanted something from him or because they feared his status.


    The young men before him also had a request, but their request was for that little friend of theirs.


    It was out of care and affection.


    The older one gets, the more easily moved they be by such sentiments.


    Old Mr. Zhang smiled, "Why don''t you stay for lunch?"


    "And here, take this," Old Mr. Zhang handed something to Sheng Yuxiao.


    It was a small tray.


    On the tray were four small y figures, some sitting, some standing.


    Old Mr. Zhang pointed in Xiaoya''s direction, "Give it to her to y with."


    Sheng Yuxiao looked down. It seemed... they were molded after them.


    The Zhang family''s dining table was particrly lively that day.


    The young peoplepeted to serve food and feed the little one, not being polite or reserved at all. This atmosphere made people feel more at ease, rather than tense and constrained.


    "Here you go." Suddenly, a clean spoon extended from the side.


    Li Xiaoya had scooped some egg custard for Old Mr. Zhang.


    Old Mr. Zhang was surprised, "Why are you serving me?"


    "Don''t you eat this?"


    "I do. But why..."


    "They''re serving me food, so I''m serving you food."


    And incidentally, she needed to stop them from piling more food into her bowl! She really couldn''t eat anymore!


    Old Mr. Zhang looked at her expression and smiled, "Is your bowl too full to finish? Then share some with me."


    Li Xiaoya hesitated, "But the food in my bowl isn''t very..."


    "It''s alright, it''s better not to waste. In our time, a bowl of noodles had to be shared among several people. No oneined about leftovers."


    This was what he had once fantasized about in his dreams - if his son were still here, if he had grandchildren, everyone sitting together for a meal. If the little one couldn''t finish her food, as a grandfather, he would dly eat her leftovers.


    If only... but there are no ifs.


    At this moment, Qin Sui also served some food to Old Mr. Zhang.


    Old Mr. Zhang''s face broke into a wide smile, "Good, good..."


    The scene from his dreams had somewhate true.


    Old Mr. Zhang ate a bit too much for two days in a row and had to take some digestive medicine that day.


    However, he surprisingly didn''t experience any other difort.


    After the family doctor finished examining him, he said, "Mood also affects intestinal health. If you can maintain a good mood, your old ailments won''t easily recur."


    Old Mr. Zhang sighed.


    He wished he could.


    When the little girl came, the house became much livelier. But after all, she belonged to another family... how could she stay here forever?


    As they were speaking, the Secretary came out.


    Old Mr. Zhang immediately said, "You got upte today, are you sick? Should we have the doctor check on you too?"


    The Secretary looked up, revealing a pair of red, swollen eyes.


    Old Mr. Zhang was startled, "What happened?"


    "I was watching a variety show."


    "Huh?"


    Just then, Li Xiaoya also woke up. She came out with her backpack; she had to make onest trip to school today.


    As soon as she looked up, she met the Secretary''s sympathetic and excited gaze.


    What''s wrong with him?


    Li Xiaoya left the house with a puzzled expression.


    When she returned, she found two pairs of swollen eyes.


    "I told you not to watch it, didn''t I? Good thing you didn''t cry yourself into the hospital."


    "The little one has suffered too much."


    Li Xiaoya carefully stepped through the door, and the people inside turned their heads��Old Mr. Zhang''s eyes were also swollen from crying.


    Qin Sui couldn''t help but lower his head and sigh.


    Well then.


    It turns out all they needed to do was ask them to watch the show, and everything would be resolved... After all, not everyone was as difficult to empathize with as he was.

 Chapter 172: What Kind of Monster Is She

    <h4>Chapter 172</h4>


    On thest day of the semester, the school held a small evening party.


    The teacher stood on the stage and said, "Everyone, please bring some food from home too."


    "Oh, no!"


    "Teacher, please don''t!"


    The students below the stage reacted very strongly.


    Li Xiaoya rested her head on her arm, unable to hold back a small smile at the corner of her mouth.


    An Ying quietly watched her from the side.


    She thought to herself, so Li Xiaoya can smile after all.


    After the teacher left, Li Xiaoya, in a rare moment of initiative, invited them: "Do you want toe y at my ce?"


    "No, no, no, boss, let''s not."


    "Yeah, why don''t youe y at my house instead?"


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head: "My dad went abroad for work."


    "Really?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    "Then, can wee?"


    "Sure."


    Zhou Xiaoshu couldn''t help but tug at Li Xiaoya''s sleeve: "Why are you inviting them over? Just invite me, that''s enough! Uh, at most add An Ying..."


    "What are they anyway? We barely know them. They''re just idiots who follow you around calling you ''boss'' but can''t help with anything," Zhou Xiaoshu muttered quietly.


    Why?


    Because... because that old grandpa seemed to really like children.


    And he looked so sad...


    If he had more and more children around, would his eyes still be swollen from crying?


    Because Ke Muning wasn''t there, this group of kids eventually happily followed Li Xiaoya in a crowd.


    Apart from her scary dad, there were no other rules at Li Xiaoya''s ce, which was great!


    And it seemed her dad didn''t teach her who she could or couldn''t y with... unlike their families.


    "Let''s go, boss!" They crowded around Li Xiaoya as they left the ssroom.


    Of course, they still had to tell their families they were going to a ssmate''s house.


    When their parents heard on the phone that they were going to Li Xiaoya''s ce, they immediately bristled, their whole bodies on alert.


    "You''re still going?"


    Their faces turned pale.


    But unfortunately, their children couldn''t see them through the phone.


    "Yeah, her dad''s not home anyway."


    "..." The parents on the other end of the line began to wonder how they had raised such foolish children.


    But what did elementary school kids care about such things?


    They arrived at the Zhang family home.


    "Wow! Howe it''s different from the housest time?"


    "I know this... it''s very, very expensive here."


    Old Mr. Zhang heard the chattering voices and couldn''t help but put on his coat, slowly walking out supported by his secretary.


    "Is this what she meant yesterday about bringing friends over to y?" Old Mr. Zhang murmured.


    The secretary was also shocked: "Yes, so many... friends."


    Among the children, some were well-behaved, and some were little rascals. But in front of Li Xiaoya, their "boss," they all seemed exceptionally obedient, doing whatever they were told.


    What remained was only the purest side of children.


    "Do you know how to y Monopoly?" A child looked up and asked Old Mr. Zhang.


    Old Mr. Zhang regretfully said, "I don''t know how."


    "An Ying can teach Grandpa Zhang," said Li Xiaoya.


    An Ying was startled: "How did you know?"


    "I saw you ying itst time."


    An Ying licked her lips nervously and said, "Then, I''ll teach you."


    She had always had a rtively low presence in the group, and never imagined Li Xiaoya had been quietly paying attention to her...


    Unlike these little brats, An Ying had been exposed to many people in Jin City''s upper-ss circles through her father''s influence.


    She knew who Old Mr. Zhang was.


    But... but why was Li Xiaoya willing to give such an opportunity to her?


    An Ying''s heart was pounding.


    Was it because she had helped Li Xiaoya tell the teacherst time? But that was just a small thing.


    An Ying couldn''t figure it out, but this didn''t affect the joyful atmosphere that followed.


    Old Mr. Zhang sat down and yed Monopoly with them, and also taught Li Xiaoya how to y Chinese chess and Ludo.


    The difficult times seemed to pass by so quickly.


    When they left, Old Mr. Zhang felt a bit of loss.


    But unexpectedly, when he woke up the next day, there was an empty space at the dining table.


    Old Mr. Zhang put down his chopsticks and couldn''t help but ask, "Where''s Xiaoya?"


    "Young Master Qin said her family member''s condition seems to have improved a bit, so he took her home for a few days to check on things."


    "Oh."


    Old Mr. Zhang turned his head to stare at the courtyard outside.


    It was empty again.


    He hadn''t felt the loneliness and silence to be so unbearable before... He looked down at the array of food in front of him.


    It all looked unappetizing now.


    "Didn''t the little one really like these shrimp dumplings? She should have finished them before saying goodbye," Old Mr. Zhang muttered softly.


    Meanwhile, Qin Sui was holding Li Xiaoya''s hand as they walked in the park.


    "Leaving like that wasn''t very polite," Li Xiaoya said quietly. "He''ll be sad, won''t he?"


    Qin Sui''s voice was very calm, so calm it seemed almost cruel: "People get used to what they have. It''s only when they can''t have something that they''re willing to make efforts and changes for it."


    "When it suddenly changes from lively to quiet, that loneliness bes unbearable... Then, your hope for his help bes a natural thing."


    Qin Sui paused after speaking, and couldn''t help but crouch down and ask, "Do you think I''m scary? Manipting people''s hearts like this."


    Li Xiaoya sighed softly and looked at him, saying, "But it''s for me... If you''re scary, then aren''t I even scarier?"


    How could she, as the one benefiting, call others scary?


    Qin Sui suddenly hugged her: "Xiaoya..."


    "Hmm?"


    But Qin Sui didn''t say anything else.


    "If you feel this isn''t good for Grandpa Zhang, can we make it up to him in the future?" Li Xiaoya asked proactively.


    "Mm-hmm."


    Qin Sui thought, when will you be able to treat me better than Sheng Yuxiao?


    He was looking forward to it...


    But just as this thought crossed Qin Sui''s mind, Li Xiaoya''s phone rang.


    The call was from Sheng Yuxiao.


    "Hello."


    "Everything''s arranged in Jiang City. Are you free to go together tomorrow?"


    "Yes!" Li Xiaoya''s eyes lit up.


    It felt like she was getting closer to her mother from the past.


    After hanging up the phone, Qin Sui took Li Xiaoya back to the Zhang family home once more.


    Old Mr. Zhang was surprised to see them return.


    He felt it wasn''t quite right, but still asked: "Has your family member''s condition worsened again?"


    Li Xiaoya shook her head: "No, I just wanted to have a meal with you before I go to Jiang City."


    If she kept the old grandpapany for a while longer, he probably wouldn''t feel so sad.


    "What are you going there for?"


    "To find my mother''s belongings."


    Old Mr. Zhang thought of the content from the variety show.


    She really was a pitiful, but also lovely child who loved her mother very much...


    Old Mr. Zhang suddenly said: "I''ll go with you." After saying this, he felt it was a bit abrupt, so he quickly asked, "Is that alright?"


    "I was thinking, maybe this old man might be able to help a little somewhere?" he added.


    He should be able to help.


    Old Mr. Zhang gave a look to his secretary on the side, silently asking him to contact the Chief Inspector of Jiang City first.


    Meanwhile.


    The parents of the third-grade ss one students anxiously waited for several days, but didn''t receive a call from Ke Muning.


    This visit to Li Xiaoya''s ce had been extremely uneventful.


    They finally asked their children: "When you went there, was Li Xiaoya alone in the house? Besides her father, were there no other family members?"


    "No one else. But she had a grandfather there, I think it was her grandfather? He was very nice, he yed games with us and even let us y with mud..."


    "y with mud?" The corners of the adults'' mouths twitched, thinking what a low-ss activity that was. So dirty.


    "Li Xiaoya''s house is also very big, it''s a courtyard house, right next to some pce. I remember dad saying the houses there are the most expensive... Li Xiaoya is really rich."


    "Next to what pce?" It''s normal for that foreign man to be rich, but buying such a courtyard house isn''t just about having money. He wouldn''t even qualify to purchase it!


    "Living in that area, they can''t be ordinary people, right?" The adults stroked their chins, frowning as they thought carefully. "That area should be... it should be where the Zhang family lives. Because Old Mr. Zhang''s son grew up there as a child, so he never moved to Zhongnanhai for recuperation..."


    "It can''t be such a coincidence, can it?"


    The man opened a search engine, found a photo of Old Mr. Zhang attending an event, and showed it to the child: "Does her grandfather look like this?"


    The child first shook their head.


    The man thought to himself, that''s true, it couldn''t be such a coincidence. Old Mr. Zhang had never mentioned having a granddaughter, and even if he did, she wouldn''t be attending an elite school.


    But the child immediately nodded again: "She looks a bit older than in the photo... and not as fierce. He has a very good temper, and even feeds Li Xiaoya."


    ...It really was true! The man was stunned.


    After a moment, he managed to squeeze out a sentence: "No, seriously, what kind of bizarre creature is this Li Xiaoya in your ss?"


    Was her family pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle?


    But who has a child assembled from bits and pieces, and they''re all big shots?

 Chapter 173: Arriving in Jiangcheng

    <h4>Chapter 173</h4>


    A Family''s Home.


    An Ying sat quietly at the dining table, head bowed, as usual not saying much.


    Her older brothers and sisters were all more favored by their father... They sat in front, closer to him, and were always the ones eagerly speaking up to please him.


    Today should be no different...


    But suddenly her father''s voice rang out: "An Ying,e here, sit over here."


    An Ying looked up in confusion, but obediently went over and sat down.


    Her father patted her head with unusual affection and said, "You''ve done very well."


    "She... did something?" An Ying''s siblings turned to stare at her in unison.


    "An Ying finally has her own little circle of friends she gets along with at school. Making friends was never a difficult thing, you just have to try, and you can do it well."


    President An said, putting a waffle on An Ying''s te.


    "Oh really? That is good. I remember An Ying used to be so afraid at every party..."


    "And she could never make any friends."


    "Even if she got into other circles because of Dad''s status, no one paid attention to her..."


    "Is it because she''s grown up now? Finally figured it out?"


    "It must be Dad''s good parenting."


    An Ying''s siblings chattered away.


    An Ying said nothing. She wasn''t stupid; she knew they were mocking her.


    Not every family is wonderful.


    Their family had too many children, allpeting for their father''s attention...


    "Give your friend a call today," President An spoke up. "It''s winter break, you need to keep in touch with friends regrly to maintain rtionships. Otherwise, someone else will take your ce."


    "Mm." An Ying lowered her head and responded.


    "Or inviting her over to y is good too. That shows your rtionship is special."


    An Ying remained silent.


    Why was she always so inconspicuous? Why did she prefer to be quiet and unassuming?


    It was because every time she heard her father giving her such advice, it made her feel sick.


    In the past, seeing her so silent and wooden, her father would frown and walk away.


    But today, her father showed no expression.


    After breakfast ended, An Ying ran outside and nervously grabbed her phone. Should she call? She should. But she wouldn''t invite Li Xiaoya here...


    This ce wasn''t good at all.


    She wouldn''t like it.


    I should go to her ce instead.


    An Ying carefully dialed the number.


    "Hello, this is An Ying. Are you... free today? I was wondering if I coulde over to y."


    If she''s not free, should I say I''m with Zhou Xiaoshu? Would that make it easier for her to agree?


    "I''m not home. I''m on my way to Jiang City right now."


    "Oh, oh, okay." An Ying hung up the phone, disappointed.


    Her brother came over and put his arm around her shoulders, asking with a smile: "An Ying, did your friend blow you off? Which family is your friend from anyway?"


    An Ying turned her head to see all her siblings standing there.


    They had been eavesdropping on her phone call!


    An Ying walked away with a cold expression, not saying a word.


    Her sister shook her head: "An Ying, I''ve told you many times, if you keep that cold face and are impolite to your brothers and sisters, Dad will dislike you again when he sees it. Didn''t you just finally get some praise from Dad?"


    "Your new friend must be pretty impressive, right? You''d better work hard to please them and keep them around. Otherwise, Dad will surely be disappointed," her brother said, letting go of her as they all walked away.


    Even as they left, An Ying could still hear them talking.


    "I doubt she even has any impressive friends. With her personality, how could she?"


    "Anyway, I''m going skiing with friends. I''m off."


    "Bro, who are you going with? Is it that guy whose family owns a bank? Take me along too."


    ...


    An Ying lowered her head, thinking to herself that they were the ones who couldn''t make friends.


    They would never have true friends!


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoya was rushing to catch her flight, so she had ended the call with An Ying abruptly.


    After the nended in Jiang City, Li Xiaoya sent An Ying a message.


    [Wait for me toe back]


    On the other end, An Ying grabbed her phone to look, then couldn''t help but roll over on her bed.


    "Is that Old Mr. Zhang?" As soon as Li Xiaoya''s group walked out of the arrival hall, they met someone who hade to pick them up.


    Clearly, it wasn''t someone arranged by Sheng Yuxiao.


    Although Old Mr. Zhang had just been through a tiring journey, perhaps precisely because he hadn''t traveled far in so long, this sudden trip felt fresh and invigorating, improving his spirits considerably.


    He waved his hand at the man: "Didn''t I tell you? You didn''t need toe pick me up personally. Just finding us a local guide would have been fine."


    The man said: "How could that be okay? Of course I had toe pick you up myself and take you to my ce. It''ll be convenient for you to stay with me, the scenery is nice there, and the air is good..."


    Old Mr. Zhang wasn''t picky about these things, but he thought since he had brought a child along, he should take good care of her.


    "Alright then, now we''ll..."


    Halfway through his sentence, Li Xiaoya tugged on his sleeve: "You can go stay there, but we need to stay at the Golden Osmanthus Hotel."


    "Why so formal? This uncle''s home should be very fun..."


    "That''s right, little one." The man, though unsure of Li Xiaoya''s identity, also tried to persuade her: "The Golden Osmanthus Hotel was somewhat famous in Jiang City a few years ago, but it''s not doing well these past couple of years. The decor is old, the service quality has declined, it won''t be a good experience staying there."


    "By old decor, do you mean it hasn''t been renovated?" Li Xiaoya looked up and asked.


    "Yes, even the wallpaper is peeling off."


    Li Xiaoya immediately broke into a smile: "Then I want to go there even more, because that''s where Mom and Dad once stayed, everything is still the same as it was then..."


    Hearing this, Old Mr. Zhang''s eyes reddened slightly.


    It was one thing for an old man like him to be stuck in old memories, but how could a child be unable to move on as well?


    He must help her find her mother''s belongings properly.


    "Go ahead then." Old Mr. Zhang knew his own physical limits well enough not to cause trouble. "I''ll stay at the uncle''s ce, you keep in constant contact with me."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll be by Little Duck''s side the whole time," Sheng Yuxiao interjected.


    Qin Sui added: "We will."


    Old Mr. Zhang couldn''t help but smile. Children were so interesting...


    And so they parted ways briefly at the airport.


    The man looked back at Li Xiaoya a couple more times. What was this child''s background?


    But since even Old Mr. Zhang had apanied her here... He immediatelymitted her appearance to memory.


    Worried that the reception in Jiang City might not be up to par, he even personally called the Golden Osmanthus Hotel.


    After receiving the call, the Golden Osmanthus Hotel staff were a bit dazed: "How did such a big order fall into ourps?"


    After their boss''s failed investment, they no longer had the means to renovate the hotel. Its former glory quickly faded...


    "What''s the matter, Manager?"


    "Everyone get moving! We have important guestsing from Jin City!"


    "Where are the greeters? Keep standing at your posts..."


    Just as Li Jiang had described.


    When the car arrived at the hotel entrance, the doormen eagerly came forward, opening car doors, carrying luggage, helping to park.


    Their mouths were full of bilingual weing phrases.


    A red carpet wasid out on the ground, though it was a bit worn.


    Li Xiaoya stepped onto it, closing her eyes slightly. She held Sheng Yuxiao''s hand in her left and Qin Sui''s in her right, walking forward step by step, just as her mother had walked this path years ago.


    How happy she felt.


    Although this was where she had met Li Jiang... back then, when her mother rushed here to meet her father, she must have been so happy!


    "This little girl is quite strange, she likes to touch everything..." a server remarked.


    "Who are you calling strange?" Sheng Yuxiao, holding his phone in one hand, turned his head with an icy gaze.


    The server shuddered: "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t havemented on the guests."


    Only then did Sheng Yuxiao continue his phone call.


    After finishing, he returned to Li Xiaoya''s side.


    "Got an address. Although we''re not sure which specific sanatorium they stayed at back then, we know who Little Duck''s grandmother remarried," Sheng Yuxiao said.


    "Did Secretary Wang find this out?" Li Xiaoya asked curiously.


    "Yes."


    Li Xiaoya nodded thoughtfully.


    Sheng Yuxiao ced his phone on the table, allowing Qin Sui to see the address clearly as well.


    "Little Duck''s grandmother remarried a chairman of a business association, but this chairman has also passed away. If we can''t get in the front door..."


    "Then please ask Grandpa Zhang to take charge."

 Chapter 174: Her Relics

    <h4>Chapter 174</h4>


    The chairman of the chamber ofmerce lived in a vi halfway up the mountain.


    A wealthy second-generation youth from Jiang City''s social circle led Sheng Yuxiao slowly uphill, asking curiously as they walked, "Why did Young Master Sheng think of looking for someone who has already passed away?"


    "You don''t need to worry about that. Is there usually anyone at home?"


    "Yes, his son''s family of four still lives there."


    "That makes it easier then."


    "Not really..." The rich kid gave a wry smile. "They''ll definitely think we''re crazy. His son isn''t just anyone either; he''s the Chief Inspector of Jiang City. I usually avoid going anywhere near there."


    "It is a bit troublesome. Rich and powerful people are often arrogant, but don''t worry. You just need to take us there."


    "Alright, alright."


    The rich kid agreed, but he couldn''t help secretly ncing back in Qin Sui''s direction.


    Why did this person look so much like that Qin Sui from Jin City''s social circle? Impossible! Absolutely impossible! These two families don''t get along; even the rich kids in Jiang City''s circle knew that...


    "Oh, we''re here." The rich kid suddenly stopped, pushing down his doubts.


    Sheng Yuxiao stepped forward to knock on the door.


    "Hello, who is it?" A Filipino maid poked her head out. "Who are you looking for?"


    "Is your master home?"


    "He is, but if you have any business, please contact his office directly to make an appointment."


    "I''m from Jin City," Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow, his demeanor somewhat overbearing.


    The rich kid''s heart skipped a beat. Being so arrogant at the Chief Inspector''s door didn''t seem like a good idea.


    Even though Young Master Sheng also came from an impressive background...


    But to everyone''s surprise, the Filipino maid actually hesitated and asked, "Could you tell me your name? I''ll inform the master."


    Sheng Yuxiao scoffed lightly, "Just go and report it like that."


    After much hesitation, the maid actually went.


    The rich kid watched in amazement.


    Why...?


    At this moment, Sheng Yuxiao turned to Li Xiaoya: "Xiaoya, do you know why she gave in?"


    Before Sheng Yuxiao could finish, Qin Sui chimed in: "Because the words ''Jin City'' can spark imagination. Dressed impressively and acting imperiously, others dare not take him lightly."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "...I taught him that."


    Qin Sui, without looking up: "Yes, just adding a footnote for you."


    "..."


    The rich kid thought to himself that this person seemed even more like Qin Sui now.


    They waited for less than half a minute before the maid came out again, saying politely, "Pleasee in."


    The rich kid couldn''t help but curse, "Damn!"


    They really pulled it off!


    But then he thought, being in Jiang City''s circle, he wouldn''t dare act like this. Coming from Jin City and not being part of this circle, they had nothing to fear.


    Besides, Young Master Sheng had always carried himself with an air of arrogance; not everyone could pull that off.


    Wait... why were both Young Master Sheng and the person who looked like Qin Sui ring at him coldly?


    "Watch yournguage. Can''t you be a bit more cultured?" Sheng Yuxiao scolded him.


    The rich kid was bewildered.


    Who doesn''t swear a little?


    Sheng Yuxiao rubbed Li Xiaoya''s left ear, while Qin Sui rubbed her right ear.


    Li Xiaoya couldn''t take it anymore and darted through the door first.


    The two men at the door regretfully rubbed their fingertips before following her in.


    The rich kid was left behind, a string of ellipses floating in his mind.


    Someone was already waiting in the reception room.


    The man stood up, smiling as he said, "I thought it might be you..."


    Li Xiaoya''s eyes widened, her mouth slightly agape.


    Huh?


    But they hadn''t expected it to be him.


    The man said, "Old Mr. Zhang hasn''t gotten up yet. You''ll have to wait a while. Have you had breakfast? Would you like to join us?"


    "By the way, I didn''t get a chance to ask yesterday, who might these two be?"


    "Sheng Yuxiao."


    "Qin Sui."


    They each gave their names.


    The man thought to himself that those who could apany Old Mr. Zhang were indeed not ordinary people.


    "You''re quite famous in Jin City''s circle. Young people these days are bing more and more impressive..." The man rambled on.


    He was about to ask about Li Xiaoya''s background.


    But Li Xiaoya interjected first: "We''re not here to see Grandpa Zhang."


    "Huh?"


    "Is Chen Huiguang your father?"


    "...Yes, why?"


    "Is Yue Xingli your stepmother?"


    The man felt even more perplexed, but because of Old Mr. Zhang, he still answered these seemingly random questions: "Yes."


    "Yue Xingli is my grandmother."


    "What!"


    "May I ask where Grandma is now?"


    "She passed away in a nursing home a few months ago."


    Li Xiaoya''s expression immediately drooped, but she quickly regained herposure: "May I ask about the things she left behind..."


    "Are you here to collect her belongings?"


    "Yes, can I take a look?"


    At this moment, Old Mr. Zhang slowly walked out, supported by someone. Seeing Li Xiaoya, his eyes lit up: "You''vee to see me so early? Have you had breakfast?"


    Li Xiaoya honestly replied, "I came here looking for the belongings."


    Old Mr. Zhang paused for a moment: "What a coincidence, then..." He turned to look at the man.


    The man immediately said, "Please follow me. All the items are kept in this room."


    He took out a key and opened the door.


    A gust of air rushed through, stirring up a cloud of dust.


    Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui moved simultaneously.


    One shielded the front, while the other pulled Li Xiaoya back.


    But Li Xiaoya was already eager to enter. She ran in and saw many unopened gift boxes.


    Beyond those gift boxes, not far away on the dressing table, sat a package that had never been opened, neatly arranged.


    It wasn''t hidden at all.


    As if it had been waiting for the right person toe and open it one day.


    Old Mr. Zhang squinted, staring at it for a moment before saying, "That''s a military-issue package. Was your mother a soldier?"


    "No, it''s from my father, sent to my mother."


    "Where''s the paper knife?" Sheng Yuxiao held out his hand.


    "I''ll go get it." The man quickly returned with one.


    "Let me." Sheng Yuxiao patted Li Xiaoya''s shoulder reassuringly. "It''s easy to get cut."


    Li Xiaoya bit her lip tightly, holding back her emotions.


    The package was not small.


    After opening the outer box, the contents inside were still individually wrapped.


    The first things to be unwrapped were cards.


    Three savings cards.


    Then two sets of clothes, one a military uniform, the other civilian clothes.


    Old Mr. Zhang''s breath caught, and he unconsciously pressed his hand to his chest. He didn''t want to search for his son''s belongings, but now... piece by piece, all the evidence that he had once existed in this world cruelly appeared before his eyes.


    When you touch the clothes, you feel as if he''s still right in front of you. But the harsh reality is that he''s already gone.


    Highly empathetic, Old Mr. Zhang''s breathing becamebored, even the Chief Inspector beside him could hear it.


    "Sir, why don''t we sit to the side and wait?"


    "It''s fine, it''s fine."


    If a child this big could endure such pain...


    Old Mr. Zhang stared intently.


    At this moment, Li Xiaoya pulled out a box of medals.


    She lifted the lid, and they clinked together inside.


    Old Mr. Zhang said hoarsely, "Your father was an extraordinary man. He has a first-ss merit medal."


    Li Xiaoya nodded silently.


    Then she found a letter. The letter had been crumpled, looking a bit wrinkled...


    She carefully put it in her bosom, then took out the military officer''s ID below.


    She opened the ID.


    There was a photo attached to it...


    A living person, in the end, reduced to just a small, tiny photograph.


    Li Xiaoya murmured, "Dad."


    Old Mr. Zhang suddenly pushed away the Chief Inspector beside him and copsed onto the dust-covered dressing table.


    His throat made a hoarse sound, gasping for air, his aged fingers pressing on the red-background photo: "Xinian, oh Xinian..."

 Chapter 175: Let’s Make an Appraisal

    <h4>Chapter 175</h4>


    Li Xiaoya looked up in confusion.


    Meanwhile, Qin Sui and Sheng Yuxiao''s expressions changed almost simultaneously.


    ... What a coincidence?


    At that moment, the Chief Inspector suddenly rushed forward: "Sir! Old Mr. Zhang!"


    After letting out those two mournful cries, Old Mr. Zhang suddenly fell backwards.


    Fortunately, the Chief Inspector reacted quickly, cushioning his fall from behind, while Sheng Yuxiao and hispanion grabbed his arms from both sides.


    "Grandpa Zhang?" Li Xiaoya''s eyes were brimming with tears as she anxiously looked at the old man through her blurred vision.


    Why...


    Why...


    Was her father''s name Xinian? Was he... someone he knew? Was he... his son?


    An ambnce suddenly arrived with its siren wailing.


    The rich young man who hadn''t gone far turned back in shock: "No way? They dare to hit someone even at the Inspector''s house, with Young Master Sheng present?"


    It was just a momentary loss of control that led to difficulty breathing. By the time the doctor arrived, Old Mr. Zhang''s chest had resumed its normal rise and fall.


    The Chief Inspector helped him sit up slowly and advised, "We should still go to the hospital, just to be safe. Your health..."


    Old Mr. Zhang pushed him away abruptly: "Where''s Xiaoya?"


    "She''s here," Qin Sui answered.


    Old Mr. Zhang turned to look.


    The little girl was protected between Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui. She was unconsciously tugging at her hat strings, her eyes still red and swollen.


    Li Xiaoya looked more like her mother.


    That''s why when Wei Wenqing first saw her, he couldn''t help but cry.


    But at this moment... all those details that had never been noticed before fell into Old Mr. Zhang''s eyes, bing proof of her simrity to Xinian...


    Her personality was very simr too.


    Xiaoya didn''t talk much either, but every time she spoke, it was very precise.


    She also had the same leadership qualities.


    Caring for the elderly, loving her ssmates, being an upright person...


    Simrities everywhere.


    Old Mr. Zhang''s throat tightened, but this time, he managed to calm his emotions and forced out a kind smile: "Xiaoya,e here."


    He reached out to her.


    "I have a lot I want to tell you." Old Mr. Zhang hadn''t looked in a mirror for a long time. When he was young, he looked like someone who rarely smiled. Now that he was old, with more wrinkles, did he still look so unapproachable?


    Oh, how could he forget, Xiaoya had been getting along well with him these days.


    Thank goodness... thank goodness...


    Chaotic thoughts filled his mind.


    When Li Xiaoya sat down next to the bed, he finally raised his trembling hand and patted her head.


    "Where''s that military ID from earlier?"


    "Here," Li Xiaoya pulled it out from her chest.


    "Open it," Old Mr. Zhang said.


    Li Xiaoya looked up at him: "You won''t faint again, will you?"


    "I won''t," Old Mr. Zhang smiled, although his eyes were filled with sadness, he was indeed smiling.


    Only then did Li Xiaoya open it again.


    Old Mr. Zhang pointed at the photo and said slowly: "His name is Zhang Xinian. He''s my only son. At the age of 32, he... sacrificed his life during a top-secret mission."


    Li Xiaoya felt a sharp pain in her heart.


    "After graduating from the National Defense University, he joined the army. Very few people knew he was my son. His performance was outstanding, and he was quickly selected for a special forces unit. Even as his father, I knew very little information. When he was young, I was busy. Later, it became him who was busy."


    "It wasn''t until an award ceremony that I personally presided over that I learned how far he hade."


    "Because we met so rarely, when his superior said he was preparing to submit a marriage application, I didn''t even know who his fianc��e was."


    "I wanted to wait until he came back to ask him in person, because you can''t receive phone calls during missions. I thought we could discuss the wedding arrangements face to face..."


    "But I never got the chance."


    "So, that girl... is she your mother?" Old Mr. Zhang asked, his voice trembling.


    Li Xiaoya bit her lip hard and pulled out the letter from her chest again.


    The letter had been crumpled.


    Perhaps it was meant to be thrown away, but for some reason, it had been kept...


    "Shall we look at it together?" she asked softly.


    Old Mr. Zhang replied with a trembling voice: "Alright."


    After tearing open the envelope, there were two distinctly different sheets of paper inside. One was wrinkled, the other was smooth.


    The smooth one read: "He didn''t want to send it, but it should be given to you - 392 Unit."


    Old Mr. Zhang calmed himself and pointed at the string of numbers, saying: "This is the code name for the unit carrying out special missions."


    Old Mr. Zhang murmured: "So Xinian crumpled the letter himself..."


    "Why?" Li Xiaoya asked.


    "Why? Why..." Old Mr. Zhang thought for a moment, "There''s a tradition in the military. In the past, before going into battle, they would write a letter home. If they didn''t return, all their personal belongings, along with this letter, would be sent to their designated rtive."


    "For others, receiving such a letter meant greetings."


    "For their rtives, receiving it meant news of death."


    Old Mr. Zhang paused, then said: "Maybe he didn''t want your mother to know this."


    "But thankfully, they insisted on carrying it out, instead of sending the things to me."


    Otherwise... how would he suddenly see a little girl calling out "Dad" to Xinian''s photo on this day?


    Perhaps... perhaps it really would have been a lifetime, until he died, of missing out!


    Thinking of this, Old Mr. Zhang felt a pain in his chest.


    He pressed hard on his chest and watched Li Xiaoya open the second sheet of paper.


    The strong, vigorous handwriting fell on the paper, and the image of Zhang Xinian seemed to emerge before them.


    "Yuan Fu,


    I''ve been very busytely, with no time to see you...


    The marriage application report has been withdrawn. You don''t need to feel burdened, but if allowed, I still want to ask, why..."


    Li Xiaoya paused: "This... isn''t my mother''s name."


    Old Mr. Zhang was stunned.


    Qin Sui and Sheng Yuxiao also gathered around in surprise.


    Li Xiaoya closed her eyes for a moment.


    "So obviously, he used a fake name."


    "Did you use a fake name outside too?"


    "Yes."


    "Why use a fake name?"


    "Many reasons..."


    The conversation with Secretary Wang from before floated back into her mind.


    Li Xiaoya asked softly: "Is this a fake name?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said: "It''s possible."


    After all, it would be normal for Wei Wenyu not to reveal her identity directly to Zhang Xinian.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze swept downwards, pointing at that line: "It says here that the marriage application has been withdrawn, and from the tone, it''s clearly at the woman''s request. Why would she make such a request? Because military marriages involve very detailed background checks on the other party."


    Qin Sui interjected: "Why not just do a DNA test?"


    Old Mr. Zhang was silent for a moment before saying: "That doesn''t seem right. Let''s continue reading first."


    "There''s nothing wrong with it. Do you think a DNA test would offend Xiaoya''s mother? But getting a definitive answer would put Xiaoya''s worried heart at ease," Qin Sui calmly persuaded.


    Sheng Yuxiao also said softly: "She''s very afraid..."


    Afraid that all her efforts might not have led her to the right person.


    Only then did Old Mr. Zhang reach out his hand: "Go find someone toe here."

 Chapter 176: Proof of Love

    <h4>Chapter 176</h4>


    After receiving the sample, the doctor said, "It will take at least six hours."


    Old Mr. Zhang smiled and said, "We''ve endured for so many years, what''s another six hours? Go ahead."


    He patted Li Xiaoya''s head and said, "Don''t worry, the result is certain. Xinian is your father, you are his child, his only child..."


    Li Xiaoya was still a bit uneasy.


    Sheposed herself and continued reading the letter.


    "...If you don''t want to tell me, that''s alright. My work is special, and I can''t always be there, which isn''t fair to you. Marriage is important and should be carefully considered.


    If you can no longer wait for me at the Jingui Hotel, just inform the manager there.


    Actually, I hope you can still wait for me there.


    You always say I''m too reserved, but is it too selfish to tell you so directly that I hope you''ll wait for me, that I want to marry you, that I want you to tell me everything I don''t know?


    ..."


    Old Mr. Zhang took a shallow breath and said, "How could it not be? That''s right, you see, it even mentions the Jingui Hotel."


    The heavy atmosphere made even the Chief Inspector feel suffocated. He turned his head, intending to go out for a smoke, but as he pushed the door open, he suddenly turned back and said, "That name, Yuan Fu..."


    "What about it?" Sheng Yuxiao was the first to look at him.


    "Isn''t that the name of a mooncake brand in Jiang City?" the Chief Inspector said, bewildered. "So it''s obvious! It''s definitely a fake name! No one from Jiang City would name their child like that!"


    The Chief Inspector said this and then couldn''t help but withdraw his hand.


    Doesn''t that mean that Old Mr. Zhang''s son never knew her real name until he died?


    And his stepmother''s daughter never got to see the contents of the letter either.


    The Chief Inspector couldn''t help but return to the bedside.


    He stared at the letter.


    "You always say I''m too reserved..."


    He fixated on that line, feeling somewhat bothered.


    The content of this letter must have been Old Mr. Zhang''s son expressing himself so directly for once.


    That was truly... too heartbreaking.


    For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became even heavier.


    Old Mr. Zhang raised his trembling hand to wipe Li Xiaoya''s tears. "Don''t cry anymore."


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "Do you want to look in the bedroom again? There might be other things," the Chief Inspector asked.


    Li Xiaoya silently turned and led the way.


    Old Mr. Zhang followed behind, leaning on his cane.


    They began searching for more traces that might have been left by Li Xiaoya''s mother.


    Old Mr. Zhang was the first to make a discovery: "...Paper cranes."


    Everyone looked at him curiously.


    Old Mr. Zhang looked at Li Xiaoya with a mixture ofughter and tears: "Remember what I told you? Xinian loved folding these when he was in school, but he never gave them to anyone. He was like a block of wood when it came to these things, and after he joined the army, he had even less interest in dating."


    "To be honest, when his superior first told me he had filed for marriage, I even doubted if his superior had made a mistake..."


    "So they were here all along."


    The Chief Inspector was taken aback: "Paper cranes usually carry wishes... How do you know these were folded by Xinian?"


    Old Mr. Zhang picked one up and pointed to the bottom right corner: "The logo of Feixiang Stationery, it was only popr in Jin City for a short time. It was a state-owned enterprise, wasn''t it? The factory closed down not long after. You don''t have these in Jiang City."


    Li Xiaoya sniffled.


    They continued searching.


    They found a locked notebook.


    "There''s no writing on the outside, and it looks rtively new... It can''t be your grandmother''s, she wouldn''t use something like this at her age," Qin Sui said.


    The Chief Inspector nodded and said, "His stepmother''s health had always been poor, she couldn''t hold a pen for a long time, and after she fell ill, she could barely recognize people."


    Sheng Yuxiao reached out and took it, gripping the hard cover on both sides, the veins on the back of his hand slightly protruding.


    With a forceful twist��


    Snap, it opened.


    Li Xiaoya took a deep breath and opened it.


    Her eyes lit up, and a smile appeared on her lips: "It''s Mom''s handwriting!"


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but smile along: "Yes, take your time reading it."


    "From the moment I discovered I was pregnant, I was overjoyed, incredibly happy, but because you haven''t been born yet, I can''t record your growth and life with a video camera, so I can only write it as a diary. If your father sees this when hees back on his next leave, it will be like he hasn''t missed the whole process...


    When you grow up and see this, it should be interesting too."


    This is what Wei Wenyu wrote.


    Below were more scattered entries.


    "You''re such a good baby, why haven''t I felt any of the difort that others experience during pregnancy? Is it because you''re still so small? I saw you on the machine, you''re only as big as a palm..."


    "Well, today I started to not be able to smell fish or flower scents. But you''re still a good baby. Because you''re so precious, it''s normal to go through a little hardship."


    "My emotions have been a bit erratic, why is this happening? One moment I''m very happy, the next I''m not so happy. I miss your father a little, but suddenly I don''t know how to tell him... After all, I don''t even dare to tell him my real name. I lied to him, saying I''m from Jiang City, that my family lives in a hillside vi, that my mother is the chairwoman of a charity foundation... Ah, only thest part is true."


    "I don''t dare to let him submit the marriage application either, because as soon as they investigate me, there will be no future."


    "Should I keep pretending that because of the shadow of my parents'' failed marriage, I''m afraid to enter into marriage? He must have realized I''m lying, but he''s waiting for me to be honest. How can I be honest, baby? Forget it, baby shouldn''t read this kind of thing."


    This whole paragraph was crossed out.


    Turning to the next page.


    It was four monthster.


    "Baby, you''ve grown a bit, it''s getting hard to hide."


    "Your grandmother told me she received a package, a package sent from the army. Your father has left, when you grow up you''ll understand what ''left'' means. He didn''t leave because he doesn''t love you, it''s because he''s fallen into an eternal sleep."


    The paper showed unnatural raised marks where it had been wet and then dried.


    "Mommy is in pain, but Mommy will keep you. No matter how much I suffer, baby, I will give birth to you. Because you are his only child in this life, the proof of our love."


    Li Xiaoya hugged the notebook and cried loudly.


    Old Mr. Zhang''s eyes were red, and he wiped her tears while crying himself: "Don''t cry, don''t cry, Xiaoya, don''t cry..."

 Chapter 177: Buying a Hotel

    <h4>Chapter 177</h4>


    "Stop crying, your crying is breaking grandpa''s heart..." Old Mr. Zhang felt as if a knife was twisting in his chest.


    Fortunately, each time that knife stabbed in, it seemed to cut away the rotten flesh in his chest cavity, bringing forth new tissue.


    The wound that had not healed for years finally began to slowly close.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s chest was also filled with various emotions. He spoke hoarsely: "Let her cry. She couldn''t cry before, she didn''t dare to cry..."


    Yes, that''s right. Old Mr. Zhang recalled the contents of the reality show.


    She almost never cried.


    Even when Sheng Yuxiao was injured on the show, she only shed silent tears. Yet crying should be a child''s nature...


    Old Mr. Zhang immediately changed his tone. He carefully hugged Li Xiaoya, gently patting her back: "Go ahead and cry. You''ve suffered too much... It''s been so hard, so hard to get to where we are today..."


    As he spoke, Old Mr. Zhang felt tears welling up again.


    Usually, doctors always advised him that grief and crying were harmful to his health, but at this moment he really couldn''t care less.


    Grandfather and granddaughter ended up crying together in each other''s arms.


    "Will... will the old gentleman''s body really be able to handle this?" the Chief Inspector asked Qin Sui.


    After all, Li Xiaoya''s grandmother was only his stepmother, and their rtionship wasn''t particrly close. He could sympathize internally, but couldn''t bring himself to cry along with them.


    Beyond the shock, he was more worried about Old Mr. Zhang''s health.


    Qin Sui remained very calm, saying in a deep voice: "He''ll be fine."


    At this moment, an unfamiliar emotion echoed in his heart...


    Was it empathy?


    It seemed he was capable of empathy after all.


    In the end, it was Li Xiaoya who stopped crying first. Her eyes were so swollen she could barely open them, looking even more disheveled than after her confrontation with Li Jiang.


    She clutched Old Mr. Zhang''s sleeve, hupping: "V-voice gone, not crying anymore."


    Old Mr. Zhang''s voice had gone hoarse from crying.


    He lovingly stroked Li Xiaoya''s head and said: "Alright, alright, no more crying. We''ll do as you say."


    Li Xiaoya got up from the floor, still clutching her notebook.


    She said: "Need to wash face."


    The Chief Inspector quickly called for the Filipino maid to bring water.


    When the water was brought over, Sheng Yuxiao instinctively reached for a handkerchief, but then forcibly restrained himself.


    Old Mr. Zhang took the handkerchief. Being elderly, his hands inevitably trembled a bit, but he still said: "Grandpa will wipe your face, grandpa will do it."


    However, given his advanced age, the task of applying a coldpress had to be left to the younger folks.


    Sheng Yuxiao applied thepress to Xiaoya''s left eye, while Qin Sui took care of her right eye.


    The Chief Inspector watched, slightly dazed.


    This scene was quite... unique.


    "Are you feeling better, Xiaoya?" Old Mr. Zhang asked with concern.


    Li Xiaoya nodded slightly, then her stomach let out a gurgling sound.


    "Hungry?" Old Mr. Zhang nced at the clock on the wall. "No wonder I''m feeling dizzy too. It''s already past one in the afternoon, we''ve been caught up in this until now without realizing..."


    The Chief Inspector hurriedly said: "It''s my oversight, I forgot to remind everyone! It''s toote to cook now, let''s go out to eat..."


    Old Mr. Zhang was silent for a moment, then said: "Let''s go to the Golden Osmanthus Hotel."


    The food there might not be very good... The Chief Inspector swallowed the words that hade to the tip of his tongue.


    After all, they were probably going there to eat memories.


    The Golden Osmanthus Hotel hadn''t expected to receive such distinguished guests again so soon.


    "Chief Inspector, why..." The manager came forward to greet them, only then noticing the familiar face of Li Xiaoya behind them.


    "Just having a casual meal with rtives," the Chief Inspector said concisely.


    Even a few hours ago, he wouldn''t have said it like that.


    Who could have imagined?


    Suddenly, a strange little girl had be his stepmother''s granddaughter, and nominally, also his "niece."


    And Old Mr. Zhang had transformed into the little girl''s grandfather...


    What a messy yet legitimate family rtionship this was!


    "Certainly, please, this way!" The manager led them into the Chinese restaurant.


    As they walked, Old Mr. Zhang also felt quite emotional: "So this is the ce Xinian visited..."


    The manager listened,pletely bewildered.


    Who?


    Old Mr. Zhang suddenly asked: "Is your business here struggling? With profits declining year by year, will it be difficult to keep going?"


    The manager''s face showed surprise, and he quickly said: "Not at all! Our business here is doing very well. We provide bilingual service, have hired Michelin-starred chefs, and we''re even considered one of Jiang City''s calling cards!"


    "Why not tell the truth? Even local Jiang City residents hardlye here anymore. If it''s in decline, just admit it," the Chief Inspector frowned.


    The manager thought to himself, you don''t understand economics, how could you know these things? If this news gets out, even fewer people wille! Investors would also shy away!


    People only want to add flowers to brocade, who would send you charcoal in snowy weather? Only a fool would expose their true business situation...


    Old Mr. Zhang paid no attention to their conversation. He looked around and said: "It is quite old..."


    "But after all, this is a ce where Xinian and your mother left shared memories. If it were to copse and be sold to others,pletely changing into something else, wouldn''t that be a shame?"


    This was directed at Li Xiaoya.


    Li Xiaoya nodded in deep agreement.


    Old Mr. Zhang said: "I still have some savings..."


    He looked at the manager: "Notify your boss toe over. Let''s talk about investment."


    Some savings... that doesn''t sound like much!


    The manager thought to himself, does this old gentleman really know what kind of enormous sum it would take to invest in a hotel like this and bring it back from the brink of death?


    Seeing the manager''s hesitation, the Chief Inspector frowned slightly.


    But Sheng Yuxiao spoke up first: "Hurry up and go make the call."


    The manager looked at Sheng Yuxiao''s attire, then at Qin Sui''s outfit.


    Then he considered the young master''s tone of voice...


    "Just for your sake, I''ll make the call. Please wait a moment," the manager gave a smile to the Chief Inspector.


    The Chief Inspector didn''t know whether tough or cry: "He thinks we don''t have money."


    Li Xiaoya said: "I have money."


    The Chief Inspector didn''t take her words to heart.


    But Old Mr. Zhang still remembered the cash Li Xiaoya had carried in a bag. Her grandfather''s family must be quite wealthy...


    In fact... Old Mr. Zhang had already vaguely guessed the identity of his inw.


    The dishes were quickly served.


    Now everyone at the table appeared even busier.


    Sheng Yuxiao, Qin Sui, and Old Mr. Zhang were all putting food on Li Xiaoya''s te.


    The Chief Inspector thought to himself that he shouldn''t be left out, so he joined in as well.


    "I won''t be able to finish it all," Li Xiaoya said worriedly, looking at them.


    "It''s alright, grandpa will help you finish what''s left," Old Mr. Zhang said jubntly.


    Aliali: 6720f5192bffb2b7bc4c09c9


    As if the leftovers were some kind of delicacy.


    Fortunately, at this moment, the manager arrived with their boss.


    When the boss received the call, he had just woken up from drinking. He hurriedly took a cold shower, sprayed some breath freshener, and rushed over.


    "I heard you want to invest?" He looked at the Chief Inspector.


    "Not me, I can''t afford that kind of money," the Chief Inspector shook his head.


    Old Mr. Zhang began to speak: "It''s..."


    Before he could finish, Li Xiaoya jumped in: "It''s me."


    The neer''s expression froze.


    Huh?


    Were they joking with him?

 Chapter 178: Guess What, What a Great Event

    <h4>Chapter 178</h4>


    Following what Sheng Yuxiao had once said to Zhou General.


    Li Xiaoya readilyplied and said, "I need to be provided with the current shareholder situation of the hotel, its operational status, and financial statements."


    Well, well.


    It actually sounded like she was serious?


    The hotel owner was stunned once again.


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but smile behind her.


    Old Mr. Zhang alsoughed in surprise. Good, good, good! His granddaughter was really something!


    She would invest, and he would provide the money.


    "Um... excuse me, let me interrupt for a moment." The hotel owner had seen enough of the world not to directly use Li Xiaoya of joking with him.


    He rubbed his fingers somewhat awkwardly.


    The shadow of past failed investments had robbed him of the vigor he had in his youth.


    "This amount of money would require... at least 100 million."


    After saying this, he was the first to show an embarrassed expression. This way, the other party wouldn''t feel awkward.


    Old Mr. Zhang was stunned: "That''s quite a lot..."


    The Chief Inspector thought to himself that they probably couldn''te up with that much.


    Especially someone like Old Mr. Zhang, who had status and real estate, but not that much cash flow...


    Sheng Yuxiao thought they could sell a few watches...


    Li Xiaoya spoke up: "Wait, let me make a phone call."


    She first called Wei Wenqing: "Little Uncle, do you still have money?"


    A mechanical voice answered from the other end: "Yes, how much do you need?"


    The mechanical voice always sounded cold, but the words it spoke would make anyone who heard them feel incredibly warm!


    Li Xiaoya counted on her fingers: "I need 100 million, I''ll try to gather it from various sources."


    "Cash flow is a bit tricky, it will take some time."


    "Oh, okay."


    Since it wasn''t very convenient for Little Uncle to talk, Li Xiaoya quickly ended the call.


    Then she thought for a moment and called Wei Wenjuan.


    Wei Wenjuan also answered quickly, with the sound of wind rushing through on the other end, as if he was on the sea.


    "Uncle, do you still have money?" Li Xiaoya got straight to the point, not being polite at all.


    "Yes, how much do you need?"


    "I need to gather 100 million."


    "That will require some procedures, otherwise, cross-border transfers ofrge amounts might lead to frozen ounts."


    "Oh, then I''ll call you again when I need it, Uncle."


    "Alright."


    "When are youing back, Uncle?"


    "I''m not sure yet... Do you miss me?"


    "Mm-hmm."


    Wei Wenjuan chuckled on the other end: "Then I''ll try toe back earlier."


    He slowly put away his phone, turned his face, and his expression returned to a gloomy look.


    ...


    Li Jiang had been "disappeared", put on an ocean-going cargo ship that very day.


    His body could hardly withstand the torment of the sea, but there was always someone by his side.


    That person seemed to be a professional doctor, keeping him alive at all times.


    Until now, when he was thrown onto the deck, curling up in pain and difort.


    Could he finally die?


    He just wanted to die now, only wanted to die!


    But when he raised his head, he met Wei Wenjuan''s gloomy face.


    Just like... a demon crawling out of hell.


    "So it was you, you bastard." Wei Wenjuan twisted his lips, "I''ll torture you well, won''t let you die so easily..."


    "Who are you..."


    "I''m Wenyu''s brother, Xiaoya''s uncle."


    Wei Wenjuan said: "Pull out a few of his teeth first."


    "What do you want to do? Illegal detention, beating, it''s against thew..."


    "So you really don''t know what Wenyu''s family actually does, huh?"


    What do they do? Aren''t they just wealthy overseas Chinese... right?


    As the screams began, Wei Wenjuan was still muttering to himself: "What should I do? I don''t want to leave just yet, still want to torture him slowly. But I also miss Xiaoya, and Xiaoya misses me too..."


    On this end, after hanging up the phone, Li Xiaoya put away her phone and said: "Alright, no problem. But, you need to prove your value to me first, so where are the things I asked for?"


    Huh?


    Huh???


    The hotel owner looked left and right: "This..." Just two phone calls and it''s done? It really sounds like the kind of boasting you hear!


    Old Mr. Zhang was also a bit surprised: "You have two uncles?"


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    "They didn''t ask what you needed it for?" This question came from the Chief Inspector.


    "Mm." Li Xiaoya paused, then said: "My uncles always want to give me everything, they''re a bit silly, so I need to protect them well."


    The hotel owner opened his mouth, thinking to himself that he''d like three dozen of such silly uncles.


    Old Mr. Zhang then asked softly: "Can Grandpa protect them together with you?"


    Li Xiaoya pressed her lips together, looking at him without speaking.


    Old Mr. Zhang knew what she was still worried about.


    It''s rare for a child to persist to this extent...


    Suddenly, Old Mr. Zhang''s phone rang.


    He answered it, then made a "shh" gesture.


    The call was from the authentication agency.


    "Mm."


    "Mm, okay, I understand."


    "Alright, thank you, you''ve worked hard."


    After the brief conversation, Old Mr. Zhang looked back at Li Xiaoya: "Xiaoya, is it okay now?"


    Even Qin Sui could hardly contain his excitement, asking: "You mean..."


    "The kinship has been confirmed." Old Mr. Zhang tried to control himself, but his eyes still reddened.


    He stared intently at Li Xiaoya and asked: "Now, can you feel at ease calling me Grandpa?"


    Li Xiaoya''s tightly wound heart finally rxed.


    "Grandpa," she called him.


    Old Mr. Zhang''s lips trembled slightly, wanting to cry, yet also wanting to smile.


    He hugged Li Xiaoya tightly: "It''s a pity, I''m old now, can''t lift you up high anymore. Xiaoya, let''s go! We''re going back to Jin City! I want to throw a party for you, and if possible, meet with your maternal grandfather''s side of the family. If we can hold a funeral for your father and mother together, no, let''s call it a wedding, that would be even better..."


    Old Mr. Zhang rattled on and on in one breath.


    The hotel owner stood there, dumbfounded.


    Wait, so I... so this meeting is over?


    What about the investment?


    All that build-up and then nothing?


    Li Xiaoya left hand in hand with Old Mr. Zhang.


    The two of them got into a car alone.


    "They probably have things to discuss, let''s take the other car," the Chief Inspector said, pointing to a Land Rover nearby.


    In this car, Li Xiaoya asked softly: "Does Grandpa really want to protect my uncles with me?"


    "Your father was a smart and upright person. How could he not have noticed if your mother was hiding something? He was working in a special department, and if what your mother concealed involved national security or the mission he was executing... he absolutely wouldn''t have been so tolerant. If he let it go easily, it means that what your mother hid was, in his view, insignificant."


    "Everyone has their own unavoidable circumstances. Your father could only use an alias in public because that was the military''s requirement. Does that mean he harbored ill intentions towards your mother?"


    "Neither of them wronged the other."


    "Your mother protected you very well... She protected her love with Xinian, and gave Grandpa new hope."


    "So Grandpa should also protect the people your mother loved with you, right?"


    That was what her mother had always worried about, to the point where she didn''t dare marry her father. It was also what she worried about, fearing that her maternal grandfather and paternal grandfather would be at odds, and that she would be forced to choose between them...


    But now...


    There''s no need to worry anymore.


    Li Xiaoya nodded firmly: "Yes!"


    "Have you seen a marriage certificate? When we get back, we''ll make one for your mother and father."


    "Great!"


    Mom, you and Dad are getting married!


    You''ll receive the approval and blessings of all your family and friends!


    "Wait, I need to make a few calls first." Old Mr. Zhang''s eyes sparkled.


    He first called his secretary, speaking mysteriously like a child: "Guess what great news I have?"


    "Chang''e-2 was sessfullyunched?"


    "No, not that! You can''t guess, can you?"


    "Well, why don''t you tell me, what is it?"


    "I''m not telling you yet."


    "?"


    Old Mr. Zhang went on to harass all his oldrades and subordinates in this manner.


    "That feels good," he said.

 Chapter 179: Give a Name

    <h4>Chapter 179</h4>


    Many people didn''t sleep well that night, but Old Mr. Zhang certainly did.


    Now he had no other desires, his mood was extremely rxed. He thought about how this was Xiao Ya''s first time in Jiang City, and after apanying her for several days of sightseeing, the group finally headed back to Jin City.


    Before leaving, Xiao Ya had gone with the Chief Inspector to pay respects to her grandmother.


    In Jin City, the Secretary was waiting early outside the door. As soon as people got out of the car, he anxiously asked, "How was it? Is the old gentleman holding up alright?"


    "You''ve been gone for several days, I..." The Secretary couldn''t finish his sentence.


    He saw that Old Mr. Zhang''splexion was rosy and glowing, even his wrinkles seemed to have smoothed out a bit.


    It looked like... he had put on a little weight.


    There were signs of fatigue, but even more so excitement.


    "Xunyuan,e look!" Old Mr. Zhang called the Secretary by name.


    "What do you want me to see, sir?"


    "Look." Old Mr. Zhang grabbed Li Xiaoya''s hand and led her out of the car.


    "I''ve already met her, sir."


    "No, you haven''t," Old Mr. Zhang said with a smile in his eyes. "Let me introduce you again. This is my granddaughter."


    The Secretary understood and couldn''t help but smile, "So this is the great news you mentioned? You''ve made Xiao Ya your goddaughter?"


    "What do you mean goddaughter?" Old Mr. Zhang red at him, but the corners of his mouth were clearly holding back a smile. "She''s my real granddaughter! Flesh and blood!"


    "She... how did she suddenly be..." How did she be a real granddaughter? You can''t fool children like this!


    "Surprising, isn''t it? I was surprised too." Old Mr. Zhang paused. "She''s Xinian''s daughter."


    The Secretary seemed frozen in ce for a moment.


    After a while, Old Mr. Zhang said, "We can''t stand here keeping you in suspense. It''s windy. Xiao Ya, let''s go inside with grandpa."


    The Secretary snapped back to reality and grabbed Old Mr. Zhang''s sleeve. "Re-really?"


    Old Mr. Zhang said, "Pinch yourself and see."


    The Secretary actually did pinch himself.


    "It hurts," he mumbled. "It''s real... Why? How is this so sudden? How did you find out? Please tell me everything!"


    Old Mr. Zhang was now like someone who had just received a priceless treasure, and couldn''t help but show off a little.


    He pursed his lips and said, "Listen, I''ll tell you slowly..."


    Before he could finish, the Secretary recited, "It''s windy out here."


    With that, he bent down and scooped up Li Xiaoya, carrying her inside first.


    The Secretary''s full name was Wu Xunyuan. He had also served in the military when he was young. He was younger than Old Mr. Zhang and could easily carry a child.


    He walked with swift, steady steps.


    "Xunyuan, you..." Old Mr. Zhang couldn''t finish his sentence before his granddaughter was carried away.


    His lips quivered, and he quickly chased after them, forgetting to use his cane. For a moment, his legs were surprisingly nimble.


    This sight even bewildered the family doctor waiting inside.


    "...So that''s how it happened." After sitting down inside, Old Mr. Zhang briefly recounted the whole story to Wu Xunyuan.


    Wu Xunyuan had been by his side for so long that he was practically family.


    Despite his darkplexion, he cried quite loudly.


    "This is the best New Year''s gift ever, there couldn''t be a better gift than this..."


    "Indeed."


    "It''s a pity Xinian doesn''t know..."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll write him a good letter tonight and burn it for him."


    As they talked, they seemed on the verge of sobbing again.


    Li Xiaoya quickly handed some tissues to Wu Xunyuan.


    "Thank you, thank you." Wu Xunyuan took the tissue but didn''t wipe his face. Instead, he mumbled, "Good child, such a good child... So good, yet suffered so much. Thinking about the scenes from the show..."


    Wu Xunyuan cried even louder.


    Li Xiaoya quietly sighed.


    Well, let them cry then.


    It just meant she''d have two pairs of puffy eyes staring at her tomorrow!


    It was Sheng Yuxiao who spoke up: "Do you have any thoughts about Xiao Ya''s new name?"


    The two men opposite immediately stopped crying.


    "New name? Yes, yes, she should have a new name!" Old Mr. Zhang''s eyes turned cold as he thought of Li Jiang.


    Now they didn''t have to worry about the surname not sounding good, Sheng Yuxiao thought to himself.


    "Where''s the dictionary? We need to look through it," Old Mr. Zhang said, barely containing his excitement.


    "Should we bring over the Three Hundred Tang Poems as well?" Wu Xunyuan asked.


    "The Book of Songs could also be a reference... In any case, we need to choose one with good meaning, beautiful characters, and pleasant to say. We must choose carefully. Yes, we should decide before the banquet, otherwise it won''t be good for writing the invitations..." Old Mr. Zhang rambled on.


    They hadpletely forgotten about crying now.


    "I already have a name," Li Xiaoya said softly.


    Old Mr. Zhang smiled kindly, "Yes, our Xiao Ya has a name. But we can''t just change the surname, can we? ''Zhang Xiao Ya'' doesn''t sound quite right, does it?"


    "Not that name. Mom gave me another one... called ''Shengxi''."


    Everyone was stunned.


    "Which two characters?" Qin Sui asked.


    Li Xiaoya poured a little water and slowly wrote the characters on the table.


    Old Mr. Zhang recited, "The great square has no corners, the great vessel iste inpletion, the great note is rarefied in sound, the great image has no form."


    "It''s a good name," Old Mr. Zhang sighed immediately after.


    "Then why do they still call you Xiao Ya?"


    "Because Mom said in some ces, being too unique isn''t a good thing. People prefer you to have amon name. So that name was hidden away, and I was just called Xiao Ya."


    "Xiao Ya is good too. ''In the warm spring river, ducks are the first to know.'' It seems like Xiao Ya brought spring to us," Old Mr. Zhang said, grinning from ear to ear. "And indeed, Xiao Ya has brought spring to grandpa."


    "However, about changing the name..." Old Mr. Zhang''s tone suddenly shifted, "We still need to discuss it with your maternal grandfather. We can give you two names, one with the Zhang family surname, and one with your mother''s surname."


    "Why don''t we set a time to meet in person?"


    Old Mr. Zhang was already pondering what gifts to prepare for the meeting.


    "Then I need to go back and see Grandfather. It''s hard to exin over the phone," Li Xiaoya said.


    "Alright." Although Old Mr. Zhang was a bit reluctant, he nodded.


    He thought to himself that after Xiao Ya left, the adults could prepare for the banquet.


    Sheng Yuxiao escorted Li Xiaoya back to the Gui family home.


    It had been a while since she''d been back, and upon entering, it was extremely quiet.


    It seemed as if the atmosphere had switched with the Zhang family.


    "Where''s Grandfather?" Li Xiaoya immediately asked the servant.


    The servant said, "The master went to see a friend."


    "That''s what you saidst time too..."


    "Yes, and he''s been gone for a long time."


    Li Xiaoya frowned.


    Sheng Yuxiao remembered the abnormal breathing he had heard during hisst phone call with the old man.


    "Let''s give him a call," Sheng Yuxiao said.


    Li Xiaoya nodded.


    The call was answered quickly. Wei Xuanming asked on the other end, "What is it?"


    His tone seemed normal.


    "I found Mom''s boyfriend," Li Xiaoya said.


    "Who?!" The tone on the other end suddenly changed, bing cold and sharp. "Are you with him now?"


    "Grandfather, we can''t be together anymore. Dad... he''s dead."


    "..."


    Wei Xuanming''s tone became dejected: "I see, I see... So that''s why we couldn''t find any clues. I see."


    Li Xiaoya briefly recounted what had happened.


    Wei Xuanming on the other end of the phone remained silent for a long time. He didn''t cry, nor did his breathing change. After a while, he only said, "Alright, taking the Zhang family name is fine. There''s no need to meet, and I won''t attend the banquet either."

 Chapter 180: All for the Little Duck

    <h4>Chapter 180</h4>


    "Grandpa, are you angry?"


    "I''m not angry."


    "When will youe back?"


    "I have some things to take care of. I''ll be back when I''m done."


    "Oh."


    After hanging up the phone, Li Xiaoya ryed Wei Xuanming''s message to Old Mr. Zhang.


    On the other end, Wu Xunyuan had been listening in on the call.


    After hearing everything, Wu Xunyuan couldn''t help but ask in a low voice, "Does this mean the inws don''t quite approve of us?"


    Wu Xunyuan sighed, saying with some sadness, "It''s understandable. Their daughter suffered so much, and now she''s gone. Then suddenly a boyfriend appears out of nowhere..."


    Old Mr. Zhang had already deduced their family situation from Wei Wenyu''s attitude earlier.


    His mind racing, he said, "No, he''s doing this for Xiaoya''s sake."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Their identities make it inappropriate for them to appear in public. It''s also not quite suitable for them to stand with me, which is also considerate of the Zhang family. By making this concession, they''re hoping we''ll treat Xiaoya even better."


    Wu Xunyuan listened,pletely bewildered. "Could you exin that in more detail?"


    "Never mind, let''s not discuss it further."


    "Then what about the funeral..."


    "We still need to hold it. It doesn''t matter whether both sets of parents are present or not. Xinian''s mother passed away early, and Xiaoya''s grandmother is also gone, so we wouldn''t have had everyone here anyway. Compared to us old folks insisting on gathering together..."


    Old Mr. Zhang smiled and said, "As long as Xiaoya can be there, I''m sure they''ll be happy in the afterlife."


    "Yes, yes!"


    When Li Xiaoya returned to the Zhang house from her grandfather''s, she found that it hadpletely transformed.


    "What''s this?" Li Xiaoya tilted her head to look.


    "Balloons! Do you like them?" Wu Xunyuan asked.


    Li Xiaoya turned her head again and saw that even the potted nts had colorful ribbons tied to them.


    The courtyard now had a wooden rocking horse, a newly welded slide, and a specially dug sandbox...


    In short, what was once clearly a yard for an old man''s retirement had been transformed into a fairytale yground.


    Those... seemed more like things a three-year-old would be interested in.


    But she still nodded, "I like it."


    "We also fried some shrimp chips today. We used to love them when we were kids. I''m not sure if your generation still likes them..." Wu Xunyuan said, then looked at what she was carrying in her arms. "What''s that...?"


    "Mom''s ashes."


    Wu Xunyuan was stunned.


    He looked closely and saw that the exquisite box was still covered with a bit of soil, as if it had just been dug up.


    "Oh my, is it heavy?" Wu Xunyuan quickly reached out to take it.


    Li Xiaoya avoided his hand and shook her head, saying, "It''s not heavy. Grandpa knew about the funeral, so he let me bring Mom."


    "Mom''s photo is in the backpack."


    Wu Xunyuan fell silent, only carefully guarding her side as they walked in together.


    He thought to himself that the old man was right. The inws weren''t rejecting them...


    If they were rejecting them, they wouldn''t have let the child bring the ashes.


    As they stepped inside, Wu Xunyuan realized that Old Mr. Zhang had changed into formal attire at some point.


    It seemed he had known all along that Li Xiaoya would bring the ashes back.


    "Xiaoya," Old Mr. Zhang stood up and said, "Your father''s ashes have always been kept in the Martyrs'' Park. I brought them back today. Let''s put them together."


    Li Xiaoya nodded and carefully ced the box she was carrying on the table.


    The news that Old Mr. Zhang was going to hold a long-overdue funeral for his son quickly spread throughout the Jin circle.


    Funerals are different from other events.


    No one invites you, but if you want to go, they can''t turn you away.


    So suddenly, countless people were spurred into action...


    Even at the An family''s dinner table, they were discussing this matter.


    "How many years has it been? Why did they suddenly decide to hold a funeral now?" Mrs. An wondered.


    "Maybe he''s finally able to ept the fact that his son is dead," President An said.


    "Only now? I caught a glimpse of that old man once from afar, and he seemed quite at peace. Shouldn''t he have epted it long ago?"


    "If he had epted it earlier, he wouldn''t have shown such favoritism to the Qin family just because their young master resembled his son a bit."


    "That''s true."


    "Don''t think too much about it. Just prepare your clothes; we need to go."


    An Ying''s brother suddenly chimed in, "Dad, can we go too?"


    President An said, "You? There won''t be room for you. All sorts of social elites will be there. Where would we find space for you?"


    "As for An Ying..." President An looked at his daughter, somewhat hesitant.


    At that moment, An Ying suddenly received a call from Li Xiaoya.


    She put down her chopsticks and hurried out.


    "I''m back," Li Xiaoya said.


    Before An Ying could get excited, she heard Li Xiaoya continue, "But I''ll be busy for the next few days, so you''ll have to wait a bit."


    An Ying had never had friends before, and she wasn''t as talkative as Zhou Xiaoshu. She felt a bit disappointed but could only manage a dry "Okay."


    On second thought, at least Li Xiaoya had exined that she was busy!


    It''s just that her brothers and sisters wouldugh at her in person, and her father kept asking about Li Xiaoya visiting...


    But she wasn''t doing this for their approval anyway!


    When An Ying returned to the dinner table, she heard President An ask, "Was that Miss Li calling you?"


    "Yes."


    "Hasn''t shee back yet?" An Ying''s brother asked.


    "She has..."


    "So did she ask you to go y? Dad, I don''t think An Ying can attend the funeral."


    "She said she''s busytely," An Ying said softly.


    President An nodded, "Alright, then you''lle to the funeral with us."


    Now An Ying''s brothers and sisters couldn''t hide their disappointment.


    "Sir, someone hase to deliver an invitation for Miss An Ying," a servant suddenly knocked on the door and said.


    "For An Ying?" Everyone looked at her.


    "I''ll take it," President An reached out and took it. "...Celebrating the birth of a granddaughter?"


    An Ying was a bit upset. How could he look at it before her?


    She craned her neck to see, but she too was puzzled.


    Because the signature at the bottom was apletely unfamiliar name.


    President An returned the invitation to her, and no one paid it any more attention.


    Soon, the day of the funeral arrived.


    As everyone arrived at the venue, they were each given two pieces of candy as soon as they entered.


    The candies even had the character for "double happiness" printed on them.


    "What... what kind of arrangement is this?" Mrs. An couldn''t help but look up at the sky.


    It was quite unsettling in broad daylight.


    Every guest was confused until they got closer and realized... it wasn''t a funeral for just one person.


    It was for two.


    The funeral was incredibly grand, almost like a wedding ceremony.


    But some people whispered, "Is the bride''s name Wenyu or Yuan Fu? Could she have had a courtesy name?"


    Li Xiaoya, resting her chin on her hand and sitting behind an umbre, said softly, "Writing both names ensures that Mom and Dad won''t mistake each other..."


    Old Mr. Zhang patted her head, "That''s right. You''re so clever."


    The funeralsted until veryte before it ended.


    As the guests dispersed, the cemetery quickly returned to a state of deste silence.


    The night gradually settled in.


    But someone, leaning on a cane and carrying flowers, slowly approached.


    "I agree to your marriage," he said in a hoarse voice,ying down the flowers.

 Chapter 181: Don’t Be Jealous

    <h4>Chapter 181</h4>


    The cemetery was located in the suburbs, where the nights were not as brightly lit as in the city center, but rather resembled a giant ck python coiled among the mountains and forests.


    However, this dark and deste road had suddenly be lively.


    Countless luxury cars drove by one after another, the stream of vehicles seemingly endless.


    A reporter crouching by the roadside to take photos couldn''t help but exim, "This is bloody spectacr!"


    After saying that, he immediately arranged for it to be the headline that evening.


    However, the public''s enthusiasm for this event was low, withizens casually discussing it before moving on.


    If it had been about someone fighting over an inheritance, or a celebrity''s affair with a model leading to divorce... now that would have been interesting!


    The funeral (wedding) was held first, with news of the banquet releasedter.


    When President An heard the news, his first reaction was that they wouldn''t be able to attend.


    His second thought was of An Ying.


    "Dad, why are you home so early today?"


    President An hurried home, meeting his children''s surprised gazes.


    "Where''s An Ying?" he asked.


    "What did An Ying do wrong?" they asked curiously, with a hint of schadenfreude in their eyes.


    An Ying came rushing at the sound of her name, just in time to hear her father ask, "Where''s that invitation?"


    "It''s... it''s tucked in a book."


    "Go get it."


    President An carefully examined the invitation again: "That''s right, this is the Zhang family''s invitation, and it was sent out earlier than to others."


    "Clearly, this is special treatment."


    "But why... were only you invited?" President An slowly raised his head, his expression frozen.


    An Ying''s brother and sister''s expressions also froze.


    On the day of the banquet, An Ying enjoyed rare royal treatment at home.


    Her father personally chose her clothes, her mother personally selected her jewelry.


    Her brother and sister enthusiastically saw her off to the car.


    Why? Even An Ying couldn''t quite understand.


    An Ying lowered her head, staring at the name on the invitation.


    This signature, "Zhang Ruoshui"... who was that?


    *


    "Miss Zhang."


    "Miss Zhang?"


    Li Xiaoya tilted her head, then realized they were calling her.


    She looked at the waiter.


    The waiter smiled and said, "Your grandfather asked us to bring you a ss of milk."


    Li Xiaoya nodded and epted it.


    She should be called Zhang Ruoshui now.


    Although she was still a bit unused to the new name.


    The previous name her mother had given her was based on the surname "Li", which didn''t sound as good when paired with the surname "Zhang",cking the proper tonal bnce.


    In the end, it was her grandfather who decided to give her a new name.


    Having multiple names didn''t matter... in the future, she could also be like Ke Muning, with fake names everywhere.


    After drinking the milk in one go, she leaned on the railing, watching as more and more guests gradually arrived downstairs...


    Finally, it was time for her to go down as well.


    "Now, let me solemnly introduce my granddaughter, my own granddaughter, Xi Nian''s daughter..." Old Mr. Zhang stood on the stage, extending his hand towards her.


    An Ying, squeezed in the crowd, instantly widened her eyes.


    The reporters in the crowd were also dumbfounded.


    "Isn''t that Li Xiaoya?"


    "Who? Who''s Li Xiaoya?" This came from other reporters who rarely covered variety shows, voicing their confusion.


    "Damn, the one from the ''Exchange Lives'' show, how is she the Zhang family''s child?"


    Some wealthydies in Jin City''s social circle were also puzzled: "She looks familiar."


    "Oh, isn''t this the one from that show you were on, Ning Heng..."


    "Did Young Master Sheng... end up picking up the Zhang family''s own child?"


    At this, everyone turned to stare at Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t speak, just staring at the little girl on stage who was the center of attention.


    He felt a bit happy, yet a bit sad.


    It was as if the treasure he had been secretly cherishing was now seen by everyone...


    Seeing that Sheng Yuxiao wasn''t responding, the others didn''t feel upset, but just quietly asked their own children, "Why don''t you go on a show too?"


    "The Zhang family doesn''t have a second child to be picked up, you might as well give up."


    "True, what a pity."


    Some people were discussing, others were taking selfies.


    A jewelry merchant''s daughter took a selfie and casually posted it on social media.


    [Huh? Why is Li Xiaoya in the photo?]


    Netizens'' attention to her was still immersed in the previous wave of legal news about catching Li Jiang...


    This jewelry merchant''s daughter preferred watching foreign variety shows and wasn''t very familiar with domestic ones, so she replied to her fans with a question mark.


    [This one, this is Li Xiaoya]


    Fans enthusiastically circled and pointed it out.


    [What Li Xiaoya? This is the Zhang family''s granddaughter. I heard they finally reunited, and today''s banquet is to celebrate the reunion, it''s a very grand affair.]


    The jewelry merchant''s daughter''s one sentence immediately stirred up a thousand waves.


    Soon,izens began to wonder what kind of family the Zhang family was.


    With a quick search, they found the funeral news from a few days ago, and the impressive scene from that day once again entered the public eye.


    [Am I watching a TV series? Damn! There''s actually a conclusion!]


    [My goodness, is the Zhang family that powerful? It''s good she was found and brought back]


    [All the celebrities of Jin City are here...]


    [Who still remembers how people used to criticize Li Xiaoya for sucking up to Young Master Sheng and Young Master Qin, calling her a leech! Bah! Come out and I''ll give you a p!]


    [Great news, I heard the vige chief of Li Family Vige and his son were both sentenced to death. The wicked are punished, and the good are rewarded...]


    Theizens'' enthusiastic discussions quickly pushed the news to the top of the trending topics.


    As a result, the viewership of the first season of "Exchange Lives" suddenly started to increase dramatically again.


    At this time, Wei Xuanming was also scrolling through the photos being shared online in real-time.


    "The wicked are punished, and the good are rewarded... that''s how it should be."


    He said softly, then suddenly started coughing uncontrobly.


    His old friend rushed to his bedside, disapprovingly saying, "You shouldn''t be using your phone anymore."


    "Just three more minutes."


    "No!"


    "One minute..."


    "No!"


    "Don''t you always want to see what my heir looks like?"


    "Ha, you mean your granddaughter? Aren''t you always reluctant to show me..."


    Wei Xuanming turned the phone screen to show him.


    His old friend was silent for a moment: "...The news clearly states she''s the Zhang family''s child. Don''t go imagining someone else''s child is yours just because she''s cute!"


    Wei Xuanming smiled, not arguing.


    Thinking this way... was good.


    Little Duck could stand proudly in the sunlight, as the Zhang family''s child, the Zhang family''s heir...


    "Alright, I won''t look anymore." Just as Wei Xuanming was about to hand over the phone, it suddenly rang.


    He looked down.


    Surprisingly, it was Little Duck calling.


    "...Hello." He hesitated before answering.


    "Grandpa, can youe home? I''m on my way home now."


    Wei Xuanming was stunned: "Shouldn''t you be..."


    Staying with the Zhang family?


    On the other end of the phone, Little Duck was carrying a bulging backpack filled with all sorts of gifts.


    She said, "Don''t be jealous, I''ll be home soon!"


    Wei Xuanming raised his hand to press against his eyes: "Little Duck, you..."


    Wouldn''t inheriting two families be too tiring for a little child?


    But Wei Xuanming couldn''t help but indulge in this fantasy at this moment.


    On the other end, the car came to a stop.


    Little Duck got out of the car with her phone, she walked in, and the servants who saw her were also very surprised, seemingly not expecting her toe back at all...


    "Grandpa? Why aren''t you here yet?" she asked.


    "I..." Wei Xuanming didn''t know how to answer.


    At this moment, unfamiliar voices sounded in the courtyard: "Miss Zhang?"


    Little Duck tilted her head and looked over.


    It was... Old Mrs. Feng and her granddaughter Xing Siyun.


    "Why is Miss Zhang here?" Old Mrs. Feng asked, her eyes flickering.


    Clearly, they had all seen the news!


    But Little Duck found this question strange.


    "This is my home, why can''t Ie?"


    "Miss Zhang, isn''t the Zhang family your home now?"

 Chapter 182: Could it be Second Brother

    <h4>Chapter 182</h4>


    Xiao Ya stared back directly and asked Old Mrs. Feng, "How strange of you. Can''t I have two families?"


    Old Mrs. Fengughed, "Miss Zhang, have you asked the Zhang family about this?"


    "Why should I ask?"


    "You''re the posthumous child of that Zhang family member, their only bloodline. Old Mr. Zhang must cherish you like a precious jewel. How could he bear to share you with others?"


    "Hmm, you''re right. Grandfather does love me very much. That''s why he says everyone at home listens to me."


    Old Mrs. Feng choked a bit.


    "But that''s no reason to treat your maternal family as your own," Old Mrs. Feng shook her head.


    After shaking her head, she immediately asked Xiao Ya, "Do you know why we say ''maternal grandfather'' and ''maternal grandmother''? It''s because of that extra word ''maternal''. It means you''re outsiders to each other..."


    Xiao Ya was silent for a moment, then said, "Why don''t we just call them ''nana'' and ''papa'' then?"


    Old Mrs. Feng choked again.


    But she quickly regained her voice, "You''re the direct descendant of the Zhang family. Now the Wei family also has their own direct descendant. Miss Zhang, you can''t just grab everything for yourself, can you?"


    Xiao Ya slowly digested these words...


    "Where is this direct descendant?"


    "Right here," Old Mrs. Feng pointed at Xing Siyun''s belly.


    Xiao Ya''s eyes widened, "Whose is it?"


    Old Mrs. Feng was a bit displeased, "What kind of question is that? Who else could it be? Of course, it''s Wei Wenqing''s."


    "Little Uncle''s? Where is Little Uncle then?"


    "We''re waiting for him toe back, aren''t we? And the old master shoulde back to take charge too. When to get engaged, when to get married, all these need to be discussed." Old Mrs. Feng''s face was glowing with excitement.


    To be honest, when she saw the news, Old Mrs. Feng was shocked. That little girl was too lucky!


    After the shock, her first reaction was to worry about her fighting for the family inheritance!


    So she hurriedly brought Xing Siyun here...


    "I''ll call Little Uncle," Xiao Ya said.


    After saying this, she didn''t immediately hang up the phone in her hand, but first said to the other end, "Grandfather, did you hear what was just said?"


    What?


    Old Mrs. Feng''s expression changed slightly.


    The old master had been listening on the other end of the phone all along?


    But... they had tried to contact him so many times and couldn''t get through. It was precisely because they couldn''t get in touch that they came here.


    Old Mrs. Feng actually hadn''t intended for the old master to show up. The old fox was too cunning, it wouldn''t be good if he showed up...


    Who would have thought! This little one had been on the phone with the old master since before she even entered the door?


    So he only answers her calls?


    No...


    Was this little girl fooling them?


    A thousand thoughts shed through Old Mrs. Feng''s mind in an instant.


    On the other end of the phone, Wei Xuanming said in a calm tone, "I heard."


    "Then why aren''t youing back, Grandfather?"


    "The matters here are more important... Xiao Ya, for family affairs, you can keep an eye on your uncle and let him make the decisions."


    "Mm-hmm."


    Xiao Ya hung up the phone.


    Grandfather was acting a bit strange...


    But now the more important thing was to call the other person involved.


    Because Wei Wenjuan had gone abroad, almost all the shareholders'' affairs of the gamepany were left to Wei Wenqing alone.


    However, being busy actually made Wei Wenqing seem more and more like a normal person.


    Not long after Xiao Ya finished her call, Wei Wenqing, dressed in a suit and tie, ran in with sweat on his brow.


    He was overjoyed, his eyes sparkling with light. He lifted Xiao Ya high in the air, then reached for his phone to type:


    "I thought you weren''ting back."


    Xiao Ya hugged his neck tightly, "I''m Xiao Ya, and ducks like to wander around."


    Wei Wenqing smiled even more broadly at her words.


    This scene, falling into Xing Siyun''s eyes, made her feel somewhat emotional.


    To be fair, all the Wei family sons were handsome.


    Wei Wenqing, in particr, looked no different from a normal person on the outside, and was especially dazzling in a suit.


    He also had a gentle temperament and should be a good partner...


    But unfortunately...


    At this moment, Xiao Ya patted Wei Wenqing''s shoulder, "Little Uncle, put me down. You should go hug her."


    Wei Wenqing showed a puzzled expression and used his phone to ask, "Why?"


    "She has a little baby in her tummy now."


    "Oh." Wei Wenqing turned his head, typed, and the phone voiced, "Congrattions."


    Xiao Ya: ?


    Old Mrs. Feng''s mouth twitched, "Is the young master congratting himself? The child in Siyun''s belly is yours."


    Wei Wenqing was so scared he dropped his briefcase.


    Wei Wenqing pointed at himself, then at Xing Siyun, then waved his hands.


    His phone quickly followed with the voice, "It''s not mine, it has nothing to do with me."


    Old Mrs. Feng''s face darkened, "Young master, a man can''t behave like this. How can you have no sense of responsibility?"


    If they were facing Wei Wenjuan, who looked like an evil spirit and had a bad temper, he would definitely refuse to acknowledge it without hesitation.


    Wei Wenqing had a good temper, he shouldn''t be like this!


    Wei Wenqing''s phone continued to voice, "You leave."


    "Our Siyun was properly dating you, and it was approved by your old master. You were going to get married in the future."


    "Now when it''s time to take responsibility, you start to shirk and are so impolite, telling us to leave? How can there be such a morally corrupt person?" Old Mrs. Feng was furious.


    Wei Wenqing was anxious and used his phone to exin to Xiao Ya, "Uncle didn''t, uncle is not a morally corrupt person."


    Xiao Ya frowned slightly and first put down her heavy little schoolbag.


    Old Mrs. Feng hadn''t expected that at this critical moment, Wei Wenqing only cared about exining his character to his niece...


    She said coldly, "Siyun, don''t keep quiet. You speak."


    Xing Siyun took a breath and started speaking shakily, "Wenqing, don''t you remember? That day you said something about being caught, you were very happy, you were drunk, and then you..."


    This time, Xiao Ya became firm, "That couldn''t have been Little Uncle. Little Uncle would never let himself get drunk."


    But Xing Siyun suddenly became firm too, "Since you don''t believe anything we say, we can do a DNA test!"


    Xiao Ya was stunned for a moment and turned to look at Wei Wenqing.


    Wei Wenqing waved his hands repeatedly, "It really wasn''t uncle."


    He used his phone to chat with Xiao Ya, trying to deduce other possibilities, "Could it be second brother?"


    But the phone volume was set too loud, and even Old Mrs. Feng heard it.


    Old Mrs. Feng was so angry she gritted her teeth, "This is too insulting! Are you saying my granddaughter can''t even tell people apart?"


    Far away on the sea.


    Wei Wenjuan couldn''t help but sneeze.


    Who the hell was talking bad about him?

 Chapter 183: Qin Sui Has Come of Age, So Choose Qin Sui

    <h4>Chapter 183</h4>


    Wei Wenqing turned down the volume on his phone a bit and said, "Let''s give Second Brother a call."


    "Do we need to? When Li Jiang was caught, Second Uncle wasn''t even home!"


    Wei Wenqing nodded, staring at Xiao Ya.


    Old Mrs. Feng: "..."


    Even with the volume lowered, she could still hear!


    "Such a big matter, and you''re leaving it to a child to handle?" Old Mrs. Feng still felt a belly full of grievances.


    If it weren''t for the family''s enormous debts, and the banks no longer caring about past rtionships, only knowing how to demand repayment, and not having anyone capable of shouldering the burden at this time...


    How could they have stooped so low as toe here?


    Hearing this, Xiao Ya asked, "Do you need an adult? Then wait a moment."


    The matter of the pregnancy was beyond her ability to handle.


    Grandpa wasn''t suitable to be dragged into this affair.


    As for Sheng Yuxiao... he was still a minor too, and might not know as much as she did.


    Oh! Qin Sui! Qin Sui had just turned eighteen!


    Xiao Ya immediately called him.


    Qin Sui was surprised to receive the call: "You want to treat me to a meal?"


    "Mm, business first, then food!"


    "The cafeteria again?"


    "It''s the holidays, the cafeteria is closed."


    Qin Sui thought to himself, thank goodness the cafeteria is closed, then grabbed his car keys and headed out: "Where''s the address?"


    Xiao Ya quickly fiddled with her phone and shared the location with him.


    After doing all this, she pulled Wei Wenqing to sit down.


    "Let''s wait patiently," Xiao Ya said.


    Her small figure exuded a sense of calmposure.


    It really seemed as if this big household was now entirely under hermand.


    Old Mrs. Feng suppressed her displeasure: "Sit down, Siyun."


    When Qin Sui arrived, he realized this was the Gui family''s house.


    "I thought only Sheng Yuxiao had been here before?" Qin Sui asked.


    Xiao Ya walked in with him: "Mm, now you''ve been here too."


    Qin Sui''s expression brightened a bit.


    The people inside, hearing themotion, stood up in surprise: "Young Master Qin?"


    "Howe..." Howe they''ve brought an outsider?


    Old Mrs. Feng didn''t dare to say these words in front of Qin Sui.


    But what kind of person was Qin Sui? How could he not see through her unfinished sentence?


    He asked Old Mrs. Feng in return: "You think I''m an outsider?"


    Then he deliberately asked Xiao Ya: "Am I an outsider?"


    Xiao Ya shook her head and said very seriously: "Grandpa is your godfather, so you''re my brother, and my uncle is your uncle."


    Qin Sui nodded, then looked at Old Mrs. Feng again: "Mm, we''re family."


    Old Mrs. Feng was a bit speechless, but she was more unwilling to offend the Qin family than the Wei family.


    She had no choice but to exin the situation again.


    After listening, Qin Sui was shocked for a moment, then pulled Xiao Ya aside to ask: "Why did you think of calling me over?"


    "Because you''re an adult."


    "Even if I''m an adult, I still..." Qin Sui suddenly stopped, realizing that the reason Sheng Yuxiao wasn''t chosen was probably because he was unfortunately a few months too young.


    "When the teacher taught us about hygiene, they said that once you be an adult, you know everything," Xiao Ya looked at him as if she was already seeing a reliable adult.


    Qin Sui rarely had such a stiff expression: "Ah, is that so."


    Xiao Ya asked in a low voice: "So do you think they''re lying?"


    "I..." don''t know.


    As Qin Sui hesitated, he changed the subject: "What did your young uncle say?"


    "He said it''s not true. I believe him, but Miss Xing is also very adamant, saying they can do a paternity test..."


    Qin Sui thought of a question: "Can they do a paternity test now?"


    "It''s just a small embryo now, they''d have to wait at least four months, right? Is the Wei family so heartless that they''d dig it out to check?" Old Mrs. Feng snorted coldly.


    "No wonder," Qin Sui muttered softly.


    No wonder they were so confident.


    Qin Sui indeed didn''t understand this.


    But he made a phone call and asked around some doctors.


    "It can be done at two months, and it''s not many days away," Qin Sui raised his chin slightly.


    Old Mrs. Feng looked at Wei Wenqing: "Do you think so too?"


    Wei Wenqing nodded.


    "Fine, we''ll be generous. Let''s do a test when the timees," Old Mrs. Feng relented.


    After saying this, she nced at the clock on the wall: "It''s gettingte..."


    It was just about time for dinner.


    Wei Wenqing made two gestures to a servant nearby, who immediately went to prepare food.


    Old Mrs. Feng smiled when she saw this.


    His personality might be too soft, but at least he knew to take on some responsibility now...


    Meanwhile, after making the gestures, Wei Wenqing tugged on Xiao Ya''s sleeve, his phone volume as loud as ever: "Let''s go out to eat."


    Old Mrs. Feng: "..."


    Soon, only the two of them were left.


    Old Mrs. Fengposed herself and said: "It''s alright, this ce will be your home in the future anyway, it''s good to get used to it early."


    Xing Siyun felt a bit awkward but didn''t say anything. Their family was used to letting the olddy make decisions.


    To show sincerity, Xiao Ya took Qin Sui to a high-end restaurant.


    While they were eating, Sheng Yuxiao suddenly received a call from Ning Heng.


    "Brother Sheng, you know my family has a mediapany, right? They usually handle negative publicity for celebrities... While investigating some inte trolls, they found someone using Xiao Ya''s name as clickbait, writing several gossip posts."


    This was actually a very small matter.


    But Sheng Yuxiao said after hearing this: "Forward them to me to look at."


    "Alright," Ning Heng responded, "We''ve already notified the tform to delete the posts, but inevitably some self-media and tforms won''tply..."


    "It''s fine, I''ll take a look."


    Sheng Yuxiao said as he hung up the phone.


    Soon, several posts appeared in his message inbox.


    The content was roughly the same.


    "Explosive! Did you know Li Xiaoya''s uncle is fooling around and refusing to take responsibility?"


    Sheng Yuxiao cursed: "What the hell is this?"


    When Xiao Ya''s phone rang, Wei Wenqing was just trying to pick up some tofu for her, breaking one piece after another, and was about to switch to a spoon...


    Xiao Ya answered the phone: "Hello, Sheng Yuxiao."


    Hearing the name, Qin Sui put down his chopsticks with a noticeably louder sound.


    "Did your uncle get a girlfriend?"


    "Huh?"


    "I saw a post, is it aimed at your maternal grandfather''s family? Or at you? Or even more maliciously, at the Zhang family?" Sheng Yuxiao''s tone was slightly cold.


    "What post?" Xiao Ya put the phone on the table and turned on the speaker.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s voice thus reached Wei Wenqing and Qin Sui''s ears.


    After listening, Wei Wenqing frowned a bit angrily, but then his expression smoothed out again.


    He didn''t care about his reputation.


    "Agreeing so readily, turns out there was another card to y," Qin Sui said coolly.


    "Why is Qin Sui there?" Sheng Yuxiao''s tone changed.


    Qin Sui didn''t say it was because he was embarrassed that he was a few months older and became an adult first, so he was luckily chosen by Xiao Ya.


    He only said: "After all, the rtionship is different now."


    "How is it different?" Sheng Yuxiao asked, then realized the answer to his question.


    Because... Qin Sui had to call Old Mr. Zhang "godfather", so the rtionship indeed... was really different now!


    Sheng Yuxiao hung up first, then cursed.


    After cursing, he called back again.


    "Why did the line cut off just now?" Xiao Ya tilted her head and asked.


    "Bad signal," Sheng Yuxiao said without even blushing.


    Then he continued: "So, the test actually can''t be done now... but with these posts, the more you delete them, the more interested the public bes, and they''re using Xiao Ya''s name to gain attention, taking advantage of the recent buzz about Xiao Ya recognizing her rtives. Such a low-level trick, it''s disgusting and hard to deal with."


    "Yeah, we''re in a society ruled byw now, and we can''t do anything to a pregnant woman," Qin Sui''s tone carried a hint of regret, the kind that would make his mother''s head explode if she heard it.


    Xiao Ya wasn''t very worried though. She licked her chopsticks and said: "I have more than one uncle."


    "There''s also Wei Lin," she said.

 Chapter 184: Cultivating Aggression

    <h4>Chapter 184</h4>


    Wei Lin''s photo appeared in the post just like that.


    Insiders imed it was definitely him!


    The hiredmenters who received the posting task were stunned when they saw the photo.


    [The boss who assigned the task didn''t say to post a photo]


    [Why do you care so much? Maybe they hired two groups ofmenters. Justplete the task and get paid, isn''t that good enough?]


    [You''re right]


    The hiredmenters continued posting as instructed.


    The so-called "insiders" also continued to flutter in thement section, urging everyone to remember this face and avoid him like the gue.


    Old Mrs. Feng saw the situation change when it was already toote.


    Her face darkened as she hurled the nearby bottled water: "They''vee up with a counter-move so quickly? What''s the use of posting someone''s photo in the thread?"


    Xing Siyun peeked over to look.


    She recognized the person in the photo at a nce... Her breath caught instantly, but she didn''t dare let Old Mrs. Feng notice.


    Only she knew that at that moment, her heart was pounding, and she felt extremely guilty.


    What''s going on?


    Had they been discovered?


    But, but how did they find out?


    Wei Lin had clearly said that the old man had cancer, and his control over thepany had greatly diminished years ago. Now he was in charge, and many of the household staff listened to him.


    Before he went abroad, he had confidently told her: "There''s nothing to be afraid of."


    "Siyun... Siyun! Siyun, I''m calling you!"


    Xing Siyun suddenly snapped back to reality upon hearing the voice and turned to look at Old Mrs. Feng.


    Old Mrs. Feng said displeased: "Where did your mind wander off to? All those years of teaching you were wasted. Is this how a noble youngdy behaves?"


    Xing Siyun didn''t dare to argue, only digging her nails into her palms.


    What noble youngdy.


    The Xing family hadn''t been doing well for the past couple of years... Even when her grandfather was still the chairman of the group, the business had gradually declined with changes in national policies.


    She was sent abroad to learn so-called British etiquette and mingle in high society circles. In reality, she was just carrying bags and running errands for those true nobles, enduring no small amount of hardship...


    Her grandmother didn''t truly have her interests at heart either, only caring about the family''s interests.


    How could she not look out for herself?


    Old Mrs. Feng was unaware of her granddaughter''s resentment. Seeing her not talk back, she was somewhat satisfied with her obedience.


    So she just directed her assistant to continue stirring up trouble in the post.


    [Come on, it''s not this person at all, it''s someone else]


    [How is it not? He''s Li Xiaoya''s uncle.]


    Theizens were rebellious, immediately posting a clip from the show where Wei Lin indeed referred to himself as "uncle" when picking up Xiaoya.


    Old Mrs. Feng nearly had a fit when she saw this.


    "Why are theseizens so argumentative? We''ve already said it''s not him, it''s not!"


    "This Wei Lin is just a pawn after all, how could he be matched with you?"


    Xing Siyun felt a bit indignant: "Haven''t you noticed? He''s the one with real power in the Wei family now."


    "What real power? He''s not even in the line of inheritance!" Old Mrs. Feng suddenly caught on, "Why are you speaking up for him?"


    Xing Siyun lowered her head and said: "It''s just a pity, a pity that the Wei family''s own son isn''t such a capable person..."


    Old Mrs. Feng sneered: "This is why I say you''re not as clever as this olddy. Of course it''s better to have someone like Wei Wenjuan or Wei Wenqing who are easier to control! Their family fortune will be more than enough to support the Xing Group''seback in the future."


    Yes, yes, yes! Everything is for the benefit of the Xing family, but no one ever thinks about her.


    The Qing Dynasty is long gone, when will you old feudal minds finally fall?


    Xing Siyun felt even more resentful in her heart.


    She envied the love and importance Li Xiaoya received... And wasn''t that envy also a form of yearning?


    She could never hope for her family to treat her that way in this lifetime.


    *


    No matter how Old Mrs. Feng tried to turn the tide, Wei Lin had already been targeted in the post.


    Time passed quickly, and by the time Chinese New Year came around, Xiaoya still hadn''t seen her grandfather return.


    "Is Grandpa sick?" she asked Wei Wenqing.


    Wei Wenqing shook his head firmly.


    "Then why doesn''t hee back even for New Year?"


    Wei Wenqing typed: "Hmm, it''s to test our ability to be independent."


    "Is that so?"


    Wei Wenqing nodded vigorously and patted Xiaoya''s head: "Trust your uncle."


    Now only he and Sheng Yuxiao knew...


    Wei Wenqing lowered his head. He wasn''t good at lying...


    "Miss Xing has arrived," the servant announced.


    Wei Wenqing thought, thankfully there''s something else to divert attention!


    He quickly waved his hand, gesturing for the servant to show them in.


    Neither Old Mrs. Feng nor Xing Siyun had expected him to wee them so eagerly.


    Had he finallye to his senses?


    Wei Wenqing''s phone emitted a cold voice: "Can we do the DNA test now?"


    Well, he was still stone-hearted. Old Mrs. Feng''s mouth twitched as she nodded and said: "Yes, we can. Let''s go to the nearest hospital together."


    After both parties provided biological samples, they were sent to the testing department together.


    With expedited processing, the results came out quickly.


    "...The child''s alleles can all be traced to the tested father''s genotype, confirming biological parentage."


    The doctor handed the report to Wei Wenqing and said: "This is the result."


    Xiaoya was dumbfounded.


    Wei Wenqing was also stunned.


    Old Mrs. Feng asked: "Are you satisfied now?"


    Wei Wenqing immediately used his phone to ask: "Could there be an error in the results?"


    The doctor frowned: "Are you questioning our authority and uracy? I''m sorry, but it''s impossible for there to be an error."


    Wei Wenqing might seem more naivepared to his brother, but he wasn''tpletely unfamiliar with underhanded tactics.


    His phone continued to emit a cold, pressing voice: "Are you sure you haven''t epted any bribes?"


    The doctor was getting a bit angry: "Fine, if you believe there''s a mistake, you''repletely free to go to another hospital for testing. Your usation is entirely baseless!"


    "I apologize," Wei Wenqing quickly said.


    By this time, Old Mrs. Feng''s expression had be very unpleasant: "Do you really intend to go to another hospital?"


    Wei Wenqing''s gentle demeanor changed. He stared steadily at Old Mrs. Feng and nodded seriously and decisively.


    Old Mrs. Fengughed coldly: "Very well! If you want to change, then change..." She looked at Xiaoya, "Isn''t the little girl close with the Sheng family''s eldest son? That young master Sheng is good friends with the young master of New Domain Medical Group... If you''re not reassured, you can use New Domain Medical''s own facilities."


    "But, even though our family isn''t as prominent as before, that doesn''t mean you can bully us as you please."


    "Please have Mr. Wei Wenqing sign an agreement."


    Xiaoya said: "Wait."


    She called her grandfather again: "Are you still noting back?"


    After listening to the whole story, Wei Xuanming wasn''t angry.


    Xiaoya was very clever, with excellent people skills and good luck.


    But shecked one thing...


    Shecked aggression, the drive of a fierce beast to bite its opponent to death.


    Wei Xuanming said hoarsely: "Now there are only two possibilities. One, your younger uncle is a scoundrel who did something and won''t admit it. The other is that your younger uncle has been wronged, but there are many things that don''t add up. Xiaoya, can you find evidence on your own this time?"


    "If you do find it, how should the Xing family be dealt with? Think about it, Xiaoya."

 Chapter 185: If Wrong, Hit Uncle

    <h4>Chapter 185</h4>


    "Is the phone call over?"


    "How did it go? Can the old man show up to handle the marriage matter now?"


    Old Mrs. Feng bent down and asked with a smile.


    It was a posture that subtly conveyed pressure.


    For most children, adults'' height and age are like insurmountable mountains.


    But Xiao Ya had seen too many adults adopt this posture from this angle...


    "It''s over," Xiao Ya calmly replied.


    "Oh, so what did the old man say?"


    "He said I''m responsible for everything."


    Old Mrs. Feng almost thought she had misheard: "You''re responsible? How can you be responsible?"


    Xiao Ya turned to ask Wei Wenqing: "Uncle, will you listen to me?"


    Wei Wenqing nodded.


    Xiao Ya spread her hands: "See, that''s how I''m responsible."


    Old Mrs. Feng: "..."


    "Alright, alright, so you''re responsible. First, let''s sign an agreement, is that okay? If it''s verified again without error, your side needs to provide 7% of Kewei Capital''s shares as emotionalpensation..."


    Xiao Ya turned back: "Kewei Capital?"


    Wei Wenqing typed: "Just a bit of family business."


    Whether it was the young master''s big talk or what... Old Mrs. Feng thought to herself that it wasn''t just "a bit" of business.


    ording to public information, it currently manages over 2 billion in assets and can attract up to 5 billion USD in overseas funds.


    And what the Xing family needed... was precisely this money!


    "Okay," said Xiao Ya.


    She agreed just like that? Old Mrs. Feng was stunned.


    She looked at Wei Wenqing, then at Xiao Ya. One dared to say it, and the other dared to believe it...


    "Then what are you going to offer in exchange?" The child-like voice piped up crisply again.


    "Exchange?" Old Mrs. Feng was taken aback, "Why do we need to offer anything in exchange..."


    "If it''s finally confirmed that you''ve deceived us, what consequences will you bear?"


    "Little one, you..."


    "Can we ban your businesses?"


    Old Mrs. Feng''s expression froze: "You..." You''re talking nonsense! How could you possibly do that? Old Mrs. Feng should have said this.


    But she suddenly realized that standing before her was Miss Zhang, not Miss Li anymore.


    So it really... couldn''t be said for sure now.


    "Then you should nevere here again, right? Wherever my uncle and I are, you shouldn''t appear anymore, okay?" Xiao Ya''s tone was a bit too polite for a child.


    However, the more calm and unhurried this "politeness" was, the more arrogant it seemed to adults like Old Mrs. Feng.


    Old Mrs. Feng''s mouth twitched: "Fine, fine, it seems you never intended to be inws with us anyway..."


    "We''re not the kind of people who will cling on desperately. After the child is born, it will be yours, if the marriage doesn''t happen, so be it! But the child and Siyun''s name will need to be allocated certain properties and shares."


    Did they think they would cling on desperately? They only needed the benefits they deserved. Old Mrs. Feng sneered inwardly.


    Xiao Ya nodded: "Alright. If the child isn''t my uncle''s, besides the previous conditions, we''ll give Miss Xing a gift."


    "A gift?" Could this little girl be so kind-hearted?


    "We will host a wedding for this child''s biological father and Miss Xing."


    Old Mrs. Feng scoffed upon hearing this: "I''m afraid there won''t be such an opportunity..."


    Xiao Ya still politely said: "We''ll be leaving now, goodbye."


    Even as Wei Wenqing walked out, he was still a bit dazed: "You agreed just like that?"


    "Mm." Xiao Ya looked at him seriously, "I trust you very much, uncle, so everything I do from now on is based on trusting you."


    Wei Wenqing was very touched and typed: "Even your grandfather might not trust me this much..."


    "Why?"


    "Father believes that even between parents and children, they might make conflicting choices due to different standpoints and interests."


    Xiao Ya pondered thoughtfully, without speaking further.


    Wei Wenqing immediately made a crying face: "Xiao Ya, do you also think father is right?"


    "It makes some sense, but if you''re always afraid of being let down, you''ll never be able to build rtionships with others." Xiao Ya paused, then asked: "Is this why grandmother divorced grandfather?"


    "Not just that, there were many reasons." Wei Wenqing patted her shoulder and continued typing, "Don''t mention this in front of father, he''ll get angry."


    "Oh."


    Wei Wenqing was a bit curious: "What would Xiao Ya do?"


    Xiao Ya blinked: "Trust uncle, and if I''m wrong, I''ll hit uncle."


    Wei Wenqing''s mouth gaped open: "..."


    This works too?


    "I can bear the consequences, so it''s okay, I can trust uncle without burden." Xiao Ya said seriously, "I have the courage to bear it, adults can have it too!"


    Wei Wenqing nodded vigorously, first taking on the task of feeding Xiao Ya fruit.


    Xiao Ya had a three-way conference call with Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui.


    Wei Wenqing was beside her, responsible for feeding strawberries.


    "There''s no problem with the testing point, the sampling was done right in front of us, they couldn''t fake it," said Sheng Yuxiao.


    "They even proactively suggested doing the identification at New Domain Medical, which shows they don''t intend to tamper with things at the beginning or end," Qin Sui chimed in.


    "So it must be in the middle... while transporting the sample!" Xiao Ya said while eating strawberries.


    "Let''s verify if our guess is correct then." Sheng Yuxiao paused, "I''ll call Wei Zesheng''s family right away to borrow manpower andb facilities."


    Old Mrs. Feng hadn''t expected things to be arranged so quickly.


    She muttered: "I don''t know what they''re being so stubborn about... Never mind... The shares will soon be in hand."


    "Ah." Xing Siyun responded with a stiff face.


    Fortunately, Wei Lin had arranged everything before he left.


    It was the same sampling process as before.


    Then the doctor carried it out.


    Sheng Yuxiao sat in a small room, staring at the monitor. On the screen, the doctor turned a corner...


    "Hmm, someone stopped the doctor."


    Sheng Yuxiao spoke into the walkie-talkie, sitting up straighter, "The one who stopped him..."


    Sheng Yuxiao was slightly startled: "It''s someone from your grandfather''s household, I''m certain I didn''t see wrong."


    Xiao Ya''s eyes widened.


    Sheng Yuxiao said: "Bodyguards have gone to intercept, they''ll question them..."


    "No wonder the Xing family was so confident, they weren''t afraid even if caught. No matter how much we investigate, it''s an inside job." Sheng Yuxiao frowned as he spoke.


    "Wei Lin..." Wei Wenqing suddenly typed, "It must be his doing!"


    "What?" Old Mrs. Feng looked over puzzled.


    The olddy didn''t know they were all wearing wireless earpieces, quietlymunicating.


    With the sample-switchers intercepted on one side, and no more obstacles on the other, the correct sample was delivered to theb.


    "Let''s go back and wait for the results," said Old Mrs. Feng, massaging her waist as she stood up with some difort.


    "Let''s wait here until the resultse out today," Xiao Ya interjected.


    The bodyguard beside them closed the door ordingly.


    Old Mrs. Feng smiled helplessly: "Alright, alright, though struggling in vain doesn''t really help... Don''t tell me you''re nning to tamper with something?"


    Xiao Ya realized they were very troublesome. Even with evidence in front of them, they might turn around and use the Wei family of tampering.


    Hmm... then let''s have Xing Siyun confess herself.


    She raised her chin slightly and closed her eyes to think.


    At this moment, Qin Sui''s voice came through the wireless earpiece:


    "We questioned them, but your grandfather''s people are tight-lipped, they won''t say anything, even if we threaten to send them to the police station."

 Chapter 186: I’m Only Seven Years Old

    <h4>Chapter 186</h4>


    The bodyguards from Wei Zesheng''s family were responsible for making the arrest.


    Qin Sui was in charge of the interrogation.


    Sheng Yuxiao was monitoring the surveince.


    Qin Sui, usually so skilled at reading people, was unable to get anything out of the person who had switched the samples.


    Sheng Yuxiao wasn''t surprised, saying quietly: "You know what the Gui Family does. Anyone with a loose tongue would be dead already. This person is determined not to talk, they definitely won''t confess."


    "But we''ve already guessed it''s Wei Lin," Xiao Ya paused, then asked, "Can we trick them into revealing the process?"


    "Hmm? You mean directly mention Wei Lin''s name to this person?" Qin Sui rejected the idea from the other end. "Their will is too strong. It''s like we''re in some TV drama where they''re ready to take poison and die at any moment, even though it''s modern times."


    "Yes, this person has been trained by Grandfather''s family, so they''re different. But Miss Xing hasn''t been, right?"


    The sound of running water could be heard.


    Xiao Ya had pretended to use the bathroom to talk to them, and now that the conversation was over, she naturally had to continue the act by washing her hands.


    After washing up, she obediently walked out.


    Xing Siyun was getting impatient, holding her waist as she said, "My stomach hurts, I''m going to head back..."


    Xiao Ya looked at her: "But we''re already in a hospital. If your stomach hurts, you should see a doctor. I''ll call one over."


    Xing Siyun''s mouth twitched twice: "...Never mind, it''s fine."


    The wait dragged on until everyone was starving.


    Xing Siyun felt like she was going crazy.


    A bodyguard knocked and entered, respectfully asking Xiao Ya: "Are you hungry? Shall we serve the meal now?"


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    Several people dressed as Michelin-star chefs entered, pushing food carts.


    Xing Siyun examined the logos on the carts and asked, "Are these from the private kitchen restaurant and the French restaurant?"


    "I suppose so," Xiao Ya responded.


    She wasn''t the one who had paid for it.


    Sheng Yuxiao had arranged it.


    Xing Siyun''s eyes lit up. As far back as she could remember, her family''s business hadn''t been doing well. Though she was called a wealthy heiress, she had never experienced such extravagance.


    She took out her phone and snapped a couple of photos, her mood improving a bit.


    The chefs began preparing the dishes on the spot.


    But before Xing Siyun could take a single bite, the door was knocked open from outside.


    "Here''s the DNA test report," a person in a white coat walked in briskly, cing it on the central tea table.


    Old Mrs. Feng remainedposed: "Take a look, all of you."


    Wei Wenqing picked it up, then put it down again. He let out a big sigh of relief and typed out: "The child isn''t mine."


    Old Mrs. Feng sighed: "Why are you so stubborn..."


    "That''s what the report says."


    "What?"


    Old Mrs. Feng''s expression changed abruptly. She quickly bent down to grab the report.


    It had indeed changed!


    It was different!


    Old Mrs. Feng let out a coldugh: "So this is how your family operates? There''s no justice left! It clearly showed one thing yesterday, and today it''s suddenly different?"


    Xiao Ya hopped down from her chair and walked up to Xing Siyun.


    Xing Siyun''s expression froze slightly, as if she was a bit scared and also in disbelief.


    While she was in a daze, Xiao Ya snatched away her phone.


    Xing Siyun snapped back to reality: "What are you doing?"


    Xiao Ya asked: "Is it Wei Lin?"


    "What... what Wei Lin?" Xing Siyun yed dumb.


    "That''s what everyone online is saying," Xiao Ya said in her crisp voice.


    Old Mrs. Feng angrily retorted: "You believe everything you read online?"


    Xing Siyun''s phone was still on the photo page.


    Xiao Ya easily switched out of it and said: "Then let''s ask him ourselves."


    "Ask who?"


    Xiao Ya had a good memory and skillfully entered Wei Lin''s phone number without even needing to check Xing Siyun''s contacts.


    She pressed dial, then put it on speaker.


    "Ring... ring..."


    The other end picked up.


    "Hello." Wei Lin''s voice came through clearly.


    Xing Siyun hadn''t even had the chance to start making a fuss.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything? What''s the matter?" The other end chuckled, "Do you want me tofort you?"


    Xing Siyun''s entire brain suddenly felt like it was exploding.


    What to do? What to do? There was no way to exin this away.


    Xing Siyun red hatefully at Xiao Ya and lunged forward to grab the phone: "Give it back, what are you doing with someone else''s phone?"


    But she was blocked by the bodyguards.


    "Uncle Wei Lin," Xiao Ya took a step back. So it really was him!


    "The child is yours, Miss Xing''s child," Xiao Ya said softly.


    Wei Lin was silent for a moment, then his voice came through again: "Is this Xiao Ya? Congrattions, I heard you found your father''s family..."


    Xiao Ya continued: "Grandfather already knows. ording to our family rules, what you did..."


    "Xiao Ya, what are you talking about? This has nothing to do with me."


    Xing Siyun thought, that''s right, it has nothing to do with him, just keep denying it.


    Xiao Ya said: "Why won''t you acknowledge it? You''re Grandfather''s godson. He can tolerate your child."


    "Xiao Ya, what''s wrong with you? Why do you keep saying things that have nothing to do with me?"


    "Alright, if Uncle Wei Lin won''t admit it, then it seems this child won''t be able to live. After we dig it up, I''ll send it to you, Uncle Wei Lin." Xiao Ya said, waving her hand.


    The bodyguards suddenly came forward and grabbed Xing Siyun.


    Xing Siyun had already been listening with her scalp tingling, and now she panicked and struggled violently: "What are you doing?"


    "Miss Xing looks like she''s about to cry from fear..." Xiao Ya said softly.


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about, it has absolutely nothing to do with me. Let''s talk againter, I''m quite busy right now." Wei Lin hung up the phone.


    Xing Siyun stood there trembling, frozen in ce.


    Yes... although she knew pretending not to know was the best option, but... but... if he had the guts to sleep with her, why didn''t he have the guts to acknowledge it? Wasn''t he supposed to be a powerful figure? Why did he give up when faced with questioning from a little girl?


    Old Mrs. Feng had also realized by now that the atmosphere was off.


    But at this point, whoever admitted it would be the fool.


    Old Mrs. Feng put on an angry expression: "Your family is going too far! Siyun, let''s go!"


    Xiao Ya said: "You can''t leave."


    She paused, then said: "Our family has always been good at bullying people, right, Little Uncle?"


    Wei Wenqing was taken aback, but still nodded.


    Xiao Ya looked at Old Mrs. Feng: "Don''t you know what Grandfather''s family does?"


    "What?" Old Mrs. Feng looked bewildered, instinctively responding, "Your family has strong overseas funding, doing venture capital..."


    Xing Siyun said tremblingly: "They... they run private militarypanies overseas."


    She knew more than Old Mrs. Feng, as Wei Lin had told her.


    Xiao Ya handed the phone back to Xing Siyun: "Do you want to call Wei Lin again? Look, he doesn''t care about you at all."


    Xing Siyun didn''t move.


    "If you call him again, he won''t just hang up on you, right?" Xiao Ya tilted her head.


    Xing Siyun knew this was a "trap" set by the little girl in front of her, but she still couldn''t resist the temptation.


    She wanted to know, to know if everything Wei Lin had said counted for anything.


    He had repeatedly said that he had arranged everything, so why was she the only one bearing all the pressure in the end?


    Xing Siyun moved her fingers and dialed again.


    "Ring ring..."


    The call was hung up.


    Xing Siyun couldn''t take it anymore.


    Xiao Ya said: "I was just scaring him earlier. Actually, if you admit it, I can send you to see him right away, and even have Grandfather arrange a wedding for you two."


    "Otherwise, once he leaves, who knows when he''ll be back, if ever."


    Old Mrs. Feng grew anxious: "Siyun! She''s talking nonsense! Don''t say anything to her..."


    But Xing Siyun shook off her grandmother''s hand and said hoarsely: "I admit it."


    There was no way Wei Lin could get rid of her now.


    Old Mrs. Feng was instantly furious: "That child is really Wei Lin''s?"


    "...Yes, so it couldn''t have been hidden anyway."


    Old Mrs. Feng lunged forward to p her.


    Xing Siyun stepped back twice, shouting angrily: "I''ve had enough! Why do I have to marry a cripple? If not a cripple, then a mute!"


    "Are you sick? Do you want to ruin our Xing Family? You just can''t control yourself! Sleeping with a servant!" Old Mrs. Feng clutched her chest in anger.


    Xing Siyun corrected her: "He''s not a servant."


    The little girl had already said it, he was a godson, Old Mr. Wei''s godson! How was that any different from being half a son?


    Xiao Ya interjected: "Stop arguing, do you remember the agreement we signed?"


    Old Mrs. Feng''s scalp tightened.


    cklist... cklist the Xing Family''s business?


    Xing Siyun''s tone was quite rxed: "I remember."


    Yes, at that time the little girl had said that if the child wasn''t Wei Wenqing''s, apart from cklisting the Xing Family, it was fine, she would still be willing to arrange a wedding for the child''s real father and Xing Siyun.


    This little girl had already separated the interests of the Xing Family and Siyun when making the agreement!


    So Siyun easily admitted to it.


    Old Mrs. Feng trembled as she looked at Xiao Ya again.


    Had this child nned this all along?


    "Sit down. Let''s go abroad tomorrow and give Uncle Wei Lin a surprise," Xiao Ya sat back down. "You''re pregnant and need to eat. Go ahead."


    Xing Siyun was stunned for a moment.


    Just like that... it was over?


    She was even easier to deal with than her grandmother.


    She sat back down awkwardly and lowered her head to start eating.


    Old Mrs. Feng gritted her teeth in anger: "Do you believe what she says?"


    She stared coldly at Xiao Ya: "If I''m not mistaken, this Wei Lin should bepeting for power with your uncle, right?"


    Old Mrs. Feng suddenly realized: "Siyun! She''s trying to use you against Wei Lin! This little girl is cunning! Don''t trust her!"


    Xiao Ya pointed at herself: "I''m only seven years old."


    Xing Siyunughed: "That''s right, she''s only seven, Grandma. Do you think she can manipte us at will? And use me to deal with a grown man?"


    If she were really that monstrous, why even bother ying?


    It would be better to admit defeat early on.

 Chapter 187: Comnenus: How to End:(

    <h4>Chapter 187</h4>


    Xing Siyun was determined. This was the best opportunity to break free from her grandmother''s control!


    Xing Siyun also said to Xiao Ya: "I really don''t want to offend your family at all. I''m not like my grandmother; I know what your family does. You''re still young, so you may not understand the pain of being forced into an arranged marriage... But I truly don''t want to harm your family. I just, I just want to be with the person I love."


    Old Mrs. Feng nearly coughed up blood when she heard this.


    On the other end, Qin Sui couldn''t help but pinch his wireless earpiece.


    He could clearly hear Xiao Ya on the other side, using such a soft, childlike tone to force the Xing family to retreat step by step.


    But who taught her that? Or did she figure it out on her own? Dividing and conquering the enemy like that...


    "Come with me," Old Mrs. Feng grabbed Xing Siyun''s hand.


    Xiao Ya wiped her mouth and said, "She can''t go with you. She''s Uncle Wei Lin''s fianc��e now."


    "You think your word counts?"


    "Mm-hmm, right now what I say goes in this family."


    "..."


    Xing Siyun looked at Xiao Ya, never having felt that a child could be so reliable before!


    She shook off her grandmother''s hand again: "Please just leave me alone."


    "Fine, fine! I can''t control you! I''ll let your grandfather deal with you himself!" Old Mrs. Feng snorted coldly and strode out quickly.


    Once outside, she realized her entire back was drenched in cold sweat.


    Damn it!


    What kind of situation was this?


    It should have been a sure thing... but it was all ruined by that little brat!


    Refusing to control herself and sleeping with some random man!


    On Xing Siyun''s side, she couldn''t help but shudder at the words "grandfather."


    She asked, "We''re going abroad tomorrow?"


    "Mm-hmm," Xiao Ya responded.


    Xing Siyun immediately let out a sigh of relief. Then... she wouldn''t have to endure her family''s discipline and usations anymore.


    "Just one more left," Xiao Ya said softly.


    "What one more?" Xing Siyun instinctively asked.


    Just one more person who hurt Mommy left. Xiao Ya smiled slightly at her.


    Although Xing Siyun was there, the meal still went very harmoniously.


    Xiao Ya brought Xing Siyun back to the Gui Family home.


    Once they arrived, Wei Wenqing couldn''t help but say, "They seemed so unreasonable, yet it was resolved just like that."


    As an uncle, he really felt inferior!


    Xiao Ya said, "It''s very simple. Didn''t you say, Uncle, that Grandpa believes even blood rtives like fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, will make opposing choices due to their different positions and interests..."


    "Right..."


    "Mm-hmm, that''s where I got the inspiration. Because of different positions and interests, Miss Xing made an opposing choice."


    Qin Sui and Sheng Yuxiao were also walking nearby. When they heard Xiao Ya''s answer, they both had a sudden realization.


    They simultaneously reached out to pinch Xiao Ya''s cheeks.


    Then the three hands met in mid-air.


    Xiao Ya: ?


    Xiao Ya: "What are you doing?"


    Sheng Yuxiao casually changed course to pat Xiao Ya''s head, saying, "You''re too clever. Just wanted to praise you."


    Qin Sui asked Wei Wenqing, "Does your family have a hobby of disemboweling people?"


    Before Wei Wenqing could answer, Xiao Ya spoke up: "That part, I made it up based on what I saw in a TV drama."


    After saying that, she seemed a bit uncertain and turned to ask Wei Wenqing: "Little Uncle, our family doesn''t have that kind of hobby, right?"


    Wei Wenqing shook his head repeatedly.


    "That''s good." Xiao Ya immediately let out a big sigh of relief.


    "Are you really going abroad?" Sheng Yuxiao asked in a deep voice.


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    "Actually... Wei Lin should be feeling overwhelmedtely. The projects he''s in charge of have started to run into trouble one after another," Sheng Yuxiao said.


    Xiao Ya was surprised: "How do you know?"


    "Your grandfather told me."


    "Oh."


    Xiao Ya slowly shook her head: "But it''s not enough."


    "Your grandfather has chosen a way for him to die..."


    "Die at Ke Muning''s hands?"


    "Bingo."


    "That''s not good."


    "Hmm? What''s not good about it?"


    Qin Sui interjected: "Who''s Ke Muning?"


    Xiao Ya lowered her head and kicked a small stone by her foot: "If Wei Lin dies at his hands, people will instead think Wei Lin died... heroically."


    "And, I don''t want to make an enemy of Ke Muning anymore,"


    Sheng Yuxiao was silent for a moment, then said: "That will be difficult. From the Gui Family''s internal perspective, this would be seen as you getting close to an enemy."


    Xiao Ya''s eyes sparkled: "It doesn''t matter. People cane up with solutions."


    "So who is Ke Muning?" Qin Sui interjected again.


    "I need help making a phone call," Sheng Yuxiao said.


    "I really need it now!" Xiao Ya looked up at him. "Can I borrow Secretary Wang?"


    "Sure," Sheng Yuxiao didn''t hesitate at all. After all, it was Little Uncle who wanted to put on this show himself.


    Qin Sui couldn''t resist turning Xiao Ya''s face towards him: "Who is Ke Muning?"


    Sheng Yuxiao finally cheered up a bit: "Don''t know who he is?"


    Qin Sui nced at him sideways.


    Sheng Yuxiao said: "Not telling you."


    Qin Sui: "..."


    Sheng Yuxiao happily grabbed Xiao Ya and hoisted her onto his shoulder: "Haha, let''s go!"


    Ke Muning had just finished testing a new selection of guns at the shooting range.


    "What do you think, sir?" someone beside him asked.


    "Ha, they''ve all forgotten about metely. Not even a phone call," Ke Muning said coldly with a twisted smile.


    "What did you say, sir?" The person beside him was stunned.


    "Nothing. ... The grip on this one isn''t good. Take it back and modify it."


    "Mr. Jefferson is hosting a grand banquet at Tali Pce and invites you to attend," his subordinate handed him an invitation. "Several of your old enemies will be there too."


    Ke Muning was puzzled: "Then aren''t they afraid I''ll shoot them?"


    The subordinate didn''t dare respond.


    This Mr. Jefferson was a politician. To prove his influence, he needed Ke Muning to be his mascot. To demonstrate that his power was great enough to make even a madman be docile.


    "Old enemies, will people from the Gui Family be there too?"


    "Yes."


    "Last time they called saying they had nightmares, now the nightmares are gone and they''ve forgotten about me?" Ke Muning suddenly said again.


    "What did you say, sir?"


    "Go order a set of formal wear."


    "Yes, sir."


    The next day, Xiao Ya brought Xing Siyun to the foreign country.


    When Wei Wenjuan heard she had arrived, he hurried back from the sea to meet them.


    Wei Lin arrived at almost the same time. After seeing that Xing Siyun hade too, his expression subtly cracked a bit.


    "Sorry, I probably won''t be able to entertain Xiao Ya these couple of days. I''m busy representing the family at a banquet," Wei Lin said politely without even looking at Xing Siyun.


    Xiao Ya said: "It''s okay, I''m going too."


    Then she looked at Xing Siyun: "You shoulde as well."


    Xing Siyun was overjoyed: "Really? I can go too?"


    The corner of Wei Lin''s mouth twitched involuntarily.


    What trick was this little ancestor nning to pull?


    Wei Wenjuan immediately expressed that he wanted to apany Xiao Ya to the banquet, but was refused.


    "It will be very safe at the banquet," Xiao Ya said with certainty.


    To have such courage in apletely unfamiliar country.


    Wei Wenjuan sighed: "Uncle is no match for you. Alright then, take Uncle''s bodyguards with you."


    Xiao Ya didn''t refuse this.


    Soon it was the day of the banquet.


    Ke Muning walked beside Mr. Jefferson, who said, "I don''t care what you do after you leave here, but while you''re here, give me some face."


    Ke Muning nodded coldly.


    "The Gui Family people are here," Mr. Jefferson said, pausing. "I know what you want from the Gui Family. Hey, I''ll help you."


    Ke Muning suddenly stopped in his tracks, staring at the small figure beside Wei Lin. It looked very familiar, but the hair color was wrong, and given his level of face blindness with Hua Country people, he wasn''t very confident in recognizing them.


    "Who is that?" Ke Muning asked.


    "The Gui Family''s child? I don''t know, I haven''t seen them before either."


    "The one next to them is Wei Lin, right?"


    "Yes, I''m telling you, how can you still not tell Hua Country people apart?"


    "The Gui Family only has one child..." Ke Muning pressed his lips together hard. How was she walking together with Wei Lin?


    Ke Muning suddenly turned his head: "I need to hide."


    "Ke Muning?" Jefferson''s face showed bewilderment. "What''s wrong with you?"


    Ke Muning was very displeased.


    He just...


    He just didn''t want to reveal their enemy status to each other so soon.


    A few days ago she still had such a soft voice on the phone.


    Was she going to help Wei Lin load bullets to shoot him dead today?


    Ha, just thinking about it really... pissed him off!


    Before he only wanted to tease the little madwoman, but now it seemed hard to end things neatly.

 Chapter 188: Good Kid

    <h4>Chapter 188</h4>


    The banquet was held in the castle atop the mountain.


    All guests arrived by cable car, with strict security checks at each checkpoint, ensuring absolute safety.


    Not just children, even Xing Siyun had never seen such an impressive setup.


    She nervously shifted her feet, feeling that her attire might not be quite up to par...


    This unease made her instinctively look towards Wei Lin.


    Wei Lin was talking to Xiao Ya.


    "Mr. Jefferson has close ties with the Pentagon, and popr politicians running for election are also promoted through him..."


    Wei Lin paused in his introduction, smiling as he bent down to ask, "Do you know what the Pentagon is?"


    "No," said Xiao Ya.


    Wei Lin''s smile immediately grew wider.


    "It''s your turn to speak," Xiao Ya looked at him.


    "Say what?"


    "I don''t know, so you should tell me what it is."


    Xing Siyun had never seen anyone say "I don''t know" so confidently!


    Most people are ashamed to admit their "ignorance," but not her.


    Wei Lin had to patiently exin, "It''s the Department of Defense."


    "So it''s powerful?"


    "Yes."


    "But he''s with Ke Muning."


    Wei Lin understood, "Oh, you''re worried that Ke Muning might try to harm us here?"


    Wei Lin shook his head with a smile, "No, he won''t. People like Mr. Jefferson love to demonstrate one thing above all - that even enemies can stay under the same roof under his supervision."


    "He won''t allow Ke Muning to make a move," Wei Lin said, adjusting his tie with a rxed tone.


    "Lin!" A foreigner called out to Wei Lin, then quickly approached, offering him a ss of champagne.


    He looked down at Xiao Ya and asked, "And who''s this?"


    Wei Lin looked at Xiao Ya and asked, "Can I tell him?"


    "Yes."


    Wei Lin thought to himself, you nodded, so don''t me me if anything happens.


    Wei Lin put his hand on Xiao Ya''s shoulder and introduced her, "This is our family''s little miss."


    "Oh! My! She looks... so young..." the man opposite was amazed.


    Xiao Ya nodded at him, and given her limited English skills, she didn''t say much more, instead walking directly towards Jefferson and Ke Muning.


    Wei Lin was startled and grabbed her hand, "Where are you going?"


    "To say hello."


    "You..." Are you crazy? Wei Lin swallowed thest two words.


    Besides being crazy, Wei Lin couldn''t think of any other possibility.


    Just because he said Ke Muning wouldn''t make a move, doesn''t mean she should go right up to him!


    Going to say hello now would be like provoking her, doesn''t she know that?


    Well, maybe she really doesn''t know, after all, she''s only seven!


    While these thoughts shed through Wei Lin''s mind, Xiao Ya had already pulled her hand away.


    The foreigner nearby looked bewildered, "What... what is she doing?"


    Since when did the Ghost family be so wild?


    "Ke Muning? Ke Muning!" On the other side, Mr. Jefferson also had an expression of iprehension.


    Ke Muning slowly withdrew his scrutinizing gaze. Jefferson turned his head and met the coldness in his eyes.


    "I''m leaving. I''ll have someone leave the gift at the entrance."


    "Ke Muning!" Jefferson could only say what he hadn''t finished to Ke Muning''s back, "The cable car should have stopped by now..."


    He turned back a bit helplessly, only to see a bodyguard blocking a little girl.


    The little girl wore a golden wig, her eyebrows and eyes painted, giving her a mixed-race appearance at first nce. Upon closer inspection, one could tell she was a child from Hua Country.


    "Hello," the little girl greeted him.


    "Hello..." Jefferson was about to ask her name.


    But the little girl spoke first, pointing in the direction Ke Muning had left, "Excuse me, where did he go?"


    "He intends to go down the mountain..."


    "Why?" the little girl''s face showed confusion.


    Probably because he doesn''t want to see anyone from your Ghost family. Jefferson put on a polite smile but didn''t say it out loud.


    At this moment, Xiao Ya took out her phone and started dialing Ke Muning''s number.


    Seeing that she had no intention of further conversation with him, Jefferson couldn''t help but ask, "What are you doing?"


    "Calling Ke Muning."


    "Oh, calling... You have his number?"


    "Yes, I do."


    Jefferson sensed something strange.


    Could it be that the Ghost family was already eager to arrange a duel to the death with Ke Muning?


    That wouldn''t be surprising.


    After all, everyone knew that Ke Muning had chased them to an ind before...


    It would be strange if the Ghost family didn''t retaliate.


    But... it shouldn''t be a little kid delivering the challenge, right?


    He had never heard of such a strange custom in Hua Country.


    Xiao Ya now put down her phone disappointedly, "He''s not answering."


    She walked past Jefferson, directly taking the path Ke Muning had left on.


    Jefferson was taken aback.


    Such boldness?


    He immediately signaled a bodyguard, "Follow her, control the situation."


    The bodyguard nodded and quickly pursued.


    He watched as the little girl went out the door and calmly walked onto the sky bridge.


    Below the bridge was a cliff.


    This bridge connected the ancient castle on the mountaintop to another mountaintop where the cable car station was located.


    The wind howled between the mountains.


    Ke Muning spoke in an icy tone, "Why aren''t there any staff here?"


    His subordinate immediately said, "I''ll go find Mr. Jefferson..."


    As he spoke, the subordinate turned and caught a glimpse of a small shadow approaching.


    "Who''s there?" the subordinate shouted vigntly.


    "Ke Muning," a soft voice responded.


    The subordinate saw clearly... it was a child.


    This subordinate hadn''t apanied Ke Muning abroad before, so he didn''t recognize who Xiao Ya was.


    He asked, "Who are you?"


    Xiao Ya tilted her head in confusion, raising her hand to remove the golden wig, "It''s me, don''t you recognize me now?"


    Ke Muning''s lips moved slightly.


    The subordinate turned his head to ask, "Is this someone you know, sir?"


    Xiao Ya turned on her phone''s shlight, making the surroundings a bit brighter.


    She asked, "How about now?"


    She was wearing avish medieval-style little dress, withyered skirts enveloping her like a doll.


    It made him want to pinch her cheeks hard again.


    ...But at this moment, Ke Muning didn''t know what expression to put on, so he could only face her with his usual cold demeanor.


    Xiao Ya lowered her head to open a trantion app.


    Her soft voice was reced by the AI''s cold tone: "Ke Muning, do you have night blindness?"


    The subordinate was stunned.


    How did this sound like an insult?


    But the little girl had a very serious expression: "That''s why you didn''t recognize me."


    At this point, Ke Muning finally spoke: "I know you''re the Ghost family''s child, I know you were deceiving me, I know you stayed by my side to protect your two uncles."


    Xiao Ya nodded, "Oh."


    Ke Muning was momentarily stunned.


    She didn''t feel panicked? Wasn''t afraid? Didn''t cry and beg for forgiveness?


    Ke Muning suddenly felt annoyed instead.


    "I''ve known for a long time that you knew."


    "...?"


    Ke Muning''s voice changed slightly: "You knew? Since when?"


    "The day you interrogated President Liu, when you came out after questioning, your expression suddenly became very fierce... I knew then that you knew."


    "..." So it turned out he was the only one who thought he was toying with her.


    "And you still dared to stay there?" Ke Muning''s tone was chilling.


    "Yes, because I knew you wouldn''t kill me."


    Ke Muning crouched down, his tone difficult to discern between cold and warm as he continued, "You''re really brave, you''re truly a little lunatic..."


    Xiao Ya softly responded, "Mm-hmm, the little lunatic is a bit cold now, can the big lunatic lend her his coat?"


    But Ke Muning asked, "Why did you follow me out?"


    "Because I wanted to see you."


    The little girl''s tone was always innocent and frank.


    "Don''t you want to see me, Ke Muning?" Xiao Ya tilted her head and asked.


    Ke Muning reached out his hand.


    His palm was sorge that it seemed he could break her neck with just a slight force. But he only curled his fingers to pinch her cheek, rubbing it hard.


    Just as Xiao Ya frowned, he took off his coat and draped it over her, then picked her up.


    "Since you followed me out, you''re mine now," Ke Muning said.


    Xiao Ya: ?


    Meanwhile, Jefferson''s bodyguard stopped in his tracks at a distance and promptly made a call back, "Sir, the situation doesn''t look good... Ke Muning has grabbed the child and seems to be nning to throw her off the sky bridge."

 Chapter 189: From Today On, We Are Not Enemies

    <h4>Chapter 189</h4>


    "Has he gone mad?"


    "He''s already being quite humane. He even covered the child''s head with clothing."


    "..."


    Mr. Jefferson fell silent briefly during the conversation with his bodyguard. After a moment, he found his voice again: "That sounds rather strange."


    The bodyguard didn''t have time to ponder what was strange, his tone bing serious: "I''ll go ahead and tell him to stop!"


    With that, he strode forward quickly, reaching the man in a few steps: "Mr. Ke Muning! Mr. Jefferson is looking for you. Please stop what you''re doing..."


    Ke Muning nced at him: "Perfect timing. Where are the people in charge of operating the cable car? Call them over."


    As he finished speaking, Xiao Ya raised her hand to adjust the oversized coat wrapped around her, and a small head poked out.


    A golden head.


    That had turned ck.


    While the bodyguard was stunned, he noticed the golden wig at Ke Muning''s feet... So the head hadn''t fallen off, just the wig. This made him breathe a sigh of relief.


    "Are you going down the mountain?" the bodyguard asked,ing to his senses.


    Before Ke Muning could nod, the bodyguard quickly added: "The cable car can only take you to the opposite peak. It''s too dark now, and the fog is heavy. Going down the mountain is too dangerous."


    Ke Muning asked: "Does your boss have a residence on the opposite peak?"


    "Yes..."


    "Then we''ll go there," Ke Muning said.


    And the bodyguard was surprised to find that this sentence seemed to be directed at the little girl he was holding.


    The bodyguard suppressed his surprise and continued: "But there''s no hot water or heating avable there at the moment."


    Ke Muning: "..."


    His cold, chiseled face seemed to be even more frigid.


    "Never mind then," he said.


    The bodyguard could clearly sense that his mood wasn''t good.


    "Could you put her down now? How about we return to the banquet hall?" The bodyguard extended his hand.


    Ke Muning lowered his gaze, staring at the man''s hand, and asked: "What are you trying to do?"


    The bodyguard felt it was absurd. Shouldn''t I be asking you that?


    "Do you want to hold her?" Ke Muning asked.


    The bodyguard nodded slightly: "Yes, I''ll take her down. You''re standing in a high position right now, with no extra railings nearby. She could easily fall..."


    "Move aside," Ke Muning said coldly, then held Xiao Ya even tighter as he walked past the bodyguard.


    The bodyguard''s heart was in his throat, his eyes closely following Ke Muning''s figure. But fortunately... no tragic incident of being thrown off the walkway urred.


    The little girl was held in Ke Muning''s arms, her chin resting on the man''s broad shoulder.


    She''s looking at me, the bodyguard thought. And surprisingly, there wasn''t a trace of fear on her face...


    Opening the door at the end of the ss walkway with one hand, a wave of warmth enveloped their bodies once again.


    Jefferson''s voice followed closely: "Ke Muning, you..."


    His voice cut off abruptly, then resumed normally: "Good, still alive. ... Now return her to the Gui Family."


    Jefferson lowered his eyes and said to Xiao Ya: "Little one, leaving adults isn''t a good choice."


    Xiao Ya responded softly: "Mm, I''ve chosen an adult for myself."


    "What?"


    Ke Muning pointed at himself: "Obviously, I''m the reliable adult she''s chosen."


    Jefferson was confused: "Hey, what''s going on here?"


    Ke Muning ignored him and only asked Xiao Ya: "Do you want to go back?"


    "No."


    The corner of Ke Muning''s lips curved upward, feeling as if he had merely wanted to open a random blind box but ended up with the ultimate grand prize.


    Ke Muning asked Jefferson: "Did you hear that?"


    "Why?" Jefferson murmured, "Why?"


    "But you need to hide me well," Xiao Ya said in a low voice.


    Ke Muning paused: "Hm?"


    "From now on, I''m a missing person. You need to hide me away, so no one else can see me."


    Jefferson waspletely baffled. What was this?


    A script she had written herself?


    "Why?" Ke Muning was also confused, "When a dragon obtains a treasure, of course it should boast to the whole world."


    "Because we need to kill Wei Lin," Xiao Ya said in a small voice.


    Jefferson thought he had misheard: "What is she saying? Is she really a child from the Gui Family?"


    Ke Muning was even more unable to describe his feelings at this moment.


    He had thought she would help Wei Lin load the bullets and then point the gun at him.


    But in the end, it was she who wanted to kill Wei Lin.


    It couldn''t be... for his sake, could it? Ke Muning knew this idea was too absurd, so he calmed down a bit and asked: "Did Wei Lin offend you? Oh, I see. The Gui Family hasn''t had a suitable heir for a long time, causing people to gradually regard Wei Lin as the leader. But now with you here, Wei Lin wants topete with you for power..."


    Jefferson raised an eyebrow.


    So that''s how it is.


    Then... is this little girl nning to use Ke Muning''s hostility towards the Gui Family?


    "You want to use me to eliminate Wei Lin? Hm? Pretend to be kidnapped by me?" Ke Muning voiced the question in Jefferson''s mind.


    But at this moment, the little girl shook her head.


    Xiao Ya asked: "Many people came to today''s banquet?"


    "Yes..."


    "What about Sally? Is he here?"


    "He''s not."


    "Then what about Kurokawa Shin?"


    "He''s here."


    Jefferson stroked his chin: "The names you mentioned all seem to be enemies of the Gui Family."


    Xiao Ya nodded: "Mm, just pick one of them randomly." After all, they''re enemies.


    Jefferson was a bit surprised: "Then why not choose Ke Muning?"


    "Because from today on, the Gui Family and he are no longer enemies, so he can''t take the me for this," Xiao Ya said firmly.


    "...You decide?"


    "Mm." Xiao Ya nodded slightly, and with the help of a trantor, slowly said: "From this moment on, I''ve been kidnapped by Kurokawa Shin. The person who came with me is Wei Lin, he must bear some responsibility, so he must undergo investigation. My uncle will discover evidence of Wei Lin''s betrayal of the family during the investigation."


    "That''s it," Xiao Ya concluded.


    Jefferson fell silent.


    After a while, his voice sounded again: "How old are you?"


    "Seven years old."


    Ke Muning was both ted and somewhat proud.


    He asked Jefferson: "Is she smart?"


    Jefferson nodded slightly.


    But what are you so happy about? What does this have to do with you? Jefferson couldn''t figure it out.


    "Saying this in front of me, aren''t you afraid I''ll tell others?" Jefferson looked at Xiao Ya.


    Xiao Ya asked: "Would that harm your interests?"


    "No," Jefferson paused, "But I don''t benefit either."


    "You do benefit."


    "How?"


    "Ke Muning will stand with the Gui Family and you."


    "Ha, haha, alright, even if you can represent your family''s stance. As for Ke Muning..."


    Xiao Ya turned to look at Ke Muning.


    Ke Muning didn''t speak.


    Instead, Jefferson continued: "I can''t think of a reason for him to indulge you."


    "Do you know why I don''t want to be enemies with Ke Muning?" Xiao Ya asked him.


    "Why?"


    "Because I like him very much, he''s like a father to me," Xiao Ya paused, then said: "This is also the reason Ke Muning indulges me."


    Jefferson looked at Ke Muning with a sense of wonder: "Is that so?"


    Ke Muning''s gaze flickered slightly, and he said in a deep voice: "Yes."


    She had firmly chosen him.


    What else could he do?


    "But little one, there''s a problem now... I don''t allow anyone to be kidnapped at my banquet," Jefferson spread his hands.

 Chapter 190: Why is he always looking at us

    <h4>Chapter 190</h4>


    Xiao Ya wasn''t too troubled. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Then let''s go somewhere else."


    On the contrary, Ke Muning was very unhappy: "So much trouble!"


    If Xiao Ya wasn''t "kidnapped," she would have to go back to Wei Lin''s side...


    At this time, Wei Lin actually didn''t have much time to chase after Xiao Ya.


    After exchanging greetings with others and a round of toasts, Wei Lin grabbed Xing Siyun''s hand and led her behind a security door.


    The door blocked out the noise from the banquet hall, and the surrounding space instantly became deathly quiet.


    Xing Siyun nervously asked, "Don''t we need to look after her?"


    "Who? You mean Xiao Ya? Wei Wenjuan gave her bodyguards. Besides, nothing will happen at Mr. Jefferson''s banquet." Wei Lin was quite certain about this point.


    After saying this, he looked at Xing Siyun and asked, "Why did youe here?"


    "Xiao Ya said the old man is willing to hold a wedding for you and me."


    Wei Lin''s expression froze instantly.


    He must be crazy to marry an idiot like Xing Siyun!


    "You don''t want to?" Xing Siyun immediately sensed his emotions.


    If they were back in China, it would be fine, but now they were in a foreign country. Xing Siyun''s heart was instantly filled with a bit of trepidation. She needed to forcefully confirm something.


    So she took Wei Lin''s hand and ced it on her belly: "Didn''t you hear on the phone? I''m carrying your child..."


    Wei Lin withdrew his hand: "Xiao Ya brought you here just to use you against me."


    Old Mrs. Feng had already said this, so Xing Siyun''s expression didn''t change at all when she heard these words.


    She wasn''t stupid.


    If Wei Lin didn''t want to take responsibility, then the little girl''s use of her would be her bargaining chip.


    Sometimes, to make a man treat you well, being nice and polite is useless. Since that''s the case, why not make him feel threatened?


    Knowing that he can''t easily get rid of you, he will reassess your value.


    Xing Siyun clutched her slightly aching belly, took a deep breath, and said, "I don''t understand. She calls you uncle, she''s close to you, why would she want to go against you?"


    Wei Lin looked at her: "Are you really stupid or just pretending?"


    Then tell me! Why? What did you do?


    Xing Siyun''s eyes flickered, silently waiting for Wei Lin to continue.


    But Wei Lin had no intention of borating, and just said coldly, "Since you''re pregnant, you shouldn''t stay in such a dangerous ce. I''ll arrange for someone to send you back to China tomorrow."


    "Don''t you want to marry me?" Xing Siyun grabbed his hand, refusing to let go.


    "Want to hear the truth?" Wei Lin said coldly, "Sleeping with you was only to humiliate the Wei Wenjuan brothers, just to strike at them, to make them fall into despair again. But I didn''t expect you to be so useless that you couldn''t even make either of them fall for you."


    "Aren''t you afraid I''ll tell all this to the old man?"


    "Go ahead, tell him you slept with me. The old man will deal with you first. You think the old man doesn''t know about my ambitions? He has no choice, he''s old, he can''t find a sessor."


    "There''s Xiao Ya now... Xiao Ya can be the sessor."


    "A child of a few years old? I know the old man has started active treatment recently, wanting to hang on until Xiao Ya grows up. But with him going away for treatment, there''s no one at home who can keep things under control. Xiao Ya bringing you here was a terrible decision. It''s too dangerous here, who knows when she might die mysteriously?"


    Wei Lin paused for a moment: "You don''t think that bying here with her to force a marriage, I''d be scared, do you?"


    He then shook his head: "To be honest, this is truly my territory. Don''t count on a little girl to make decisions for you, go back."


    "I won''t go, I won''t go!" Xing Siyun cried, shaking her head.


    Wei Lin pushed open the door to return to the banquet hall, saying without looking back: "Why bother? If you want to have this child, then have it, I''ll give it a share of the inheritance in the future. But don''t think about marrying me... your family wouldn''t agree either, clear your head."


    Xing Siyun tremblingly took out her phone and pressed "End Call."


    It took just a second or two.


    Just as she had broken out in a cold sweat, Wei Lin suddenly came back.


    "Although I think you shouldn''t be stupid enough to do this..." Wei Lin looked down at her phone, "but it''s best to let me check."


    "Check what?" Xing Siyun''s face was still tear-stained.


    Wei Lin snatched it from her, skillfully entered the lock screen password, checked it thoroughly, and then handed it back to her.


    "You suspect I was recording?" Xing Siyun red at him.


    "Afraid you''d do something stupid." Wei Lin patted her face.


    Xing Siyun stared at him painfully: "I really hate you..."


    "You''re the one who clung to me, why hate me?" Wei Lin shook his head and walked out again.


    Xing Siyun immediately copsed to the ground, drained of energy.


    She had brought two phones to the foreign country. One was hermonly used iPhone, the other an Android phone.


    The Android phone had a function that could automatically record calls.


    She didn''t know if it would be useful... but anyway, she had to try to increase her bargaining power.


    Xing Siyun wiped away her tears and walked out. It was okay, her heart hurt a little, but not too much. After all, she indeed loved money more and was eager to escape her family''s control.


    If Wei Lin couldn''t give her what she wanted, maybe the little one could...


    By this time, Xiao Ya had already returned the coat to Ke Muning, said goodbye to him, and walked back to Wei Lin''s side on her own.


    Wei Lin asked in surprise: "Done saying hello?"


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    At this moment, Ke Muning also reappeared in the banquet hall with Jefferson.


    Everyone fell silent for a moment.


    Even Wei Lin''s body tensed up a bit.


    "Did you talk to Ke Muning?" Wei Lin couldn''t help but ask.


    "Yes." This was the truth.


    Wei Lin thought to himself, keep bragging. He felt ufortable just seeing Ke Muning, let alone a little kid...


    "He''s been staring at us since he came out..." Wei Lin said, feeling more uneasy.


    Not just staring.


    Wei Lin even felt that Ke Muning seemed to want to kill him on the spot.


    After saying this, Wei Lin looked down again to check Xiao Ya''s expression.


    Damn it, this kid actually didn''t seem panicked at all...


    At this moment, a waiter approached with a tray containing some Chinese snacks and milk.


    Wei Lin raised his hand to loosen his tie and reached out to take a snack from the tray.


    But the waiter dodged, avoiding his movement.


    Wei Lin was stunned for a moment.


    He saw the waiter turn and present the tray to Xiao Ya, saying, "These are all for you."


    Xiao Ya took the entire tray, ced it on a small table nearby, and began to eat slowly while guarding the small table.


    Her phone rang abruptly.


    Xiao Ya looked down for a moment.


    �� Ke Muning''s number.


    Then she looked up towards Ke Muning and saw him smile at her.


    Xiao Ya blinked but didn''t answer the call.


    Wei Lin sat down next to her and asked, "Did Mr. Jefferson prepare this specially for you?"


    Xing Siyun remained silent on the side, thinking to herself that it sounded like Xiao Ya had a much brighter future than Wei Lin.


    Meanwhile, Ke Muning was puzzled: "Why won''t she answer my call now that she''s back with Wei Lin?"


    He irritably scrolled through the call list.


    Suddenly he noticed those few missed calls from Xiao Ya.


    Ke Muning paused, then called back.


    No answer.


    He called again.


    Still no answer.


    He called like this until the fifth time.


    Finally, the other end picked up.


    Ke Muning gritted his teeth: "Little crazy girl, quite the grudge-holder, aren''t you?"

 Chapter 191: Unique Social Ways

    <h4>Chapter 191</h4>


    "Yes, I hold grudges," Xiao Ya admitted frankly.


    "..."


    But Ke Muning loved her fierce side.


    A kitten without ws wouldn''t be as cute.


    "Is it tasty?" Ke Muning asked her.


    "It''s delicious," Xiao Ya brought the phone closer so he could hear her eating.


    "Do you know who sent it?"


    "You did."


    Ke Muning smiled with satisfaction: "From now on, I''ll send you things in Jefferson''s name. Remember..."


    "I''ll remember they''re all from you," Xiao Ya chimed in.


    Ke Muning was in high spirits and said in a deep voice, "Don''t hang up."


    "Oh, then I''ll put it aside. It''s tiring to hold it up."


    Ke Muning thought about it and allowed her to put the phone down.


    Wei Lin had been listening to Xiao Ya''s phone call the whole time, but couldn''t quite make out who was on the other end. Could it be Sheng Yuxiao? Only that Sheng family''s eldest son would casually send things to Xiao Ya.


    As he pondered this, he nced down at the call number.


    It wasn''t even saved in her contacts!


    There was no way to guess the identity of the caller...


    "Aren''t you going to hang up?" Wei Lin probed.


    "Mm," Xiao Ya responded, seeming a bit absent-minded.


    It was surprising to see a child so rxed in such a formal setting.


    Wei Lin''s throat tightened, but he smiled and said, "Is someone worried about your safety, needing to listen in constantly?"


    Xiao Ya gave an ambiguous answer: "Maybe."


    What did she mean by ''maybe''?


    The little girl was brushing him off.


    Wei Lin felt somewhat ufortable.


    It was a subtle feeling of losing control.


    To regain a sense of authority, he asked in a low voice, "It''s been a while since I''ve taken you to school, Xiao Ya. Are you adapting well?"


    "Very well."


    "Really?"


    "Yes, for some reason, I''ve be their leader."


    "...Huh?" Wei Lin''s expression changed slightly. Those rich kids could sometimes be more realistic and troublesome than adults. Adults at least maintain a facade, but kids? They don''t know anything about keeping up appearances. And you''re saying you''ve be their leader?


    "That''s... great news!" Wei Lin found his voice again.


    Xiao Ya nodded, picking up her milk to drink.


    Coming to this banquet was definitely worthwhile - she was eating and drinking to her heart''s content.


    Wei Lin''s mouth twitched. He couldn''t understand why Jefferson would send her food separately, just because she went to greet him? Was that so rare?


    Or was it special treatment for the Gui Family''s heir?


    Wei Lin continued, "Your grandfather probably never imagined you''d get along so well with your ssmates at school. As expected of our family''s child... Since you''re so at ease in school, just greeting Jefferson today isn''t enough, is it? As your uncle, I should introduce you to more people."


    "Let''s go," Wei Lin said. "I''ll take you to meet everyone."


    Xiao Ya looked up at him and seriously corrected him first: "We don''t get along, and I''m not at ease."


    "Why is Xiao Ya being so modest?"


    "It''s not modesty. They suddenly decided to make me their leader."


    "There must be a reason for that, right? Why? Why did they do that?" Wei Lin asked out of genuine curiosity, truly unable to understand.


    "Because I have the strongest fists?"


    "Xiao Ya, are you teasing your uncle?"


    "No. Last time I beat up Mu Bai, and now he listens to me too. Hmm, I guess it''s the same for the others."


    She had the nerve to mention the Mu young master! After that incident, all of Wei Lin''s domestic business deals had been obstructed, and at every social asion, Mr. Mu never gave him a pleasant look.


    Wei Lin''s emotions were stillplicated.


    Xiao Ya had already continued asking him: "Do you want me to use the same method to get to know others here?"


    Wei Lin: "..."


    Speechless as he was, Wei Lin still managed to find his voice: "I''ll teach you other ways of socializing."


    Xiao Ya didn''t refuse this time. She adjusted the wig she had put back on her head and said to the silent Xing Siyun, "Youe along too."


    Xing Siyun wanted to think quietly at that moment, but after meeting Xiao Ya''s gaze, she immediately changed her mind.


    "O-okay."


    Wei Lin, with a grim face, said nothing but led the way, introducing as they walked: "This is my godfather''s granddaughter, her English name is..."


    "Demon," Xiao Ya finished for him.


    Actually, this name suited the Gui Family quite well.


    One was ''ghost'', the other ''demon'' - both sounded like they had crawled out of hell.


    So the others didn''t find it strange.


    Only Wei Lin''s mouth twitched. Who gave her that name? Such a grand name, aren''t they afraid she can''t live up to it?


    "This is my uncle''s fianc��e," Xiao Ya continued introducing.


    Xing Siyun was a bit ttered, not expecting this little girl to be so straightforward about her marrying Wei Lin, without any hesitation.


    Wei Lin''s expression, however, nearly cracked.


    What was she saying?


    "The old gentleman has two sons. Which one''s fianc��e is she?" someone asked.


    Wei Lin thought, ''This is bad!''


    But he couldn''t cover Xiao Ya''s mouth in public, so he could only watch helplessly as she pointed at him and said crisply in English, "Uncle Wei Lin''s, of course."


    ...Her English was quite good! Wei Lin gritted his teeth in a cold smile.


    "Oh, Lin, you''re getting married? Congrattions!" The person opposite them showed a polite smile, while wondering which family this Chinese woman belonged to in their circle.


    "It''s not settled yet..." Wei Lin squeezed out the words.


    But Xiao Ya spoke up again: "Uncle Wei Lin is about to be a father."


    Wei Lin: "..."


    The person opposite was even more surprised, thinking, ''Is heing to show off in front of me?''


    But they still politely continued, "Oh my! May God bless your family!"


    From then on, whenever Wei Lin finished introducing Xiao Ya, she would immediately follow up by introducing Xing Siyun.


    Xing Siyun could barely contain herughter.


    Thinking back to Wei Lin''s sarcasm, threats, and mockery half an hour ago, it all seemed insignificant now!


    Wei Lin finally couldn''t bear it anymore and stopped: "Are you tired?"


    "Mm, a bit."


    Wei Lin breathed a sigh of relief. Good thing she was still young, anding abroad for the first time was quite tiring. She hadn''t rested much beforeing to the banquet.


    Wei Lin immediately put on a smile: "Then I''ll have the servants here take you to your room. We''ll be staying here for a night before leaving."


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    She wasn''t insisting on staying... Did that mean that as a child, she really didn''t have any ulterior motives?


    To be honest, Wei Lin couldn''t quite figure her out now.


    But the most important thing now was to send her away first.


    Wei Lin waved over a servant.


    Xing Siyun chimed in: "I''ll go rest too."


    Wei Lin responded coldly: "Go ahead."


    After Xing Siyun left with Xiao Ya, Wei Lin specifically waited for the servant to return, handed him a thousand-dor tip, and said, "I''m a bit worried about the child''s safety. Could you keep an eye on her for me? If anyonees to see her, or if she leaves the room, please let me know immediately."


    The servant shrugged, took the money, and said, "Sure."


    Then he walked back towards the guest rooms.


    Wei Lin straightened his clothes and looked up to see Ke Muning on his phone.


    It seemed like he had been on that call for a long time.


    Just then, Ke Muning moved and walked out of the banquet hall.


    But given his poor interpersonal skills andck of friends, with only Jefferson-level acquaintances daring to associate with him for mutual benefit... it was normal that he couldn''t stay at the banquet.


    Wei Lin wondered if Xiao Ya''s call had ended...


    A ridiculous thought shed through his mind - surely they weren''t talking to each other?


    In an instant, he dismissed the idea. He must be going crazy. How could Ke Muning possibly have the patience to talk on the phone for so long with an enemy''s child?

 Chapter 192: I Protect the Comnenus

    <h4>Chapter 192</h4>


    In the room.


    Xing Siyun took the initiative to ask, "Why did Miss Zhang introduce me to them like that?"


    Xiao Ya sat on the sofa by the door, swinging her legs as she replied with a question, "Isn''t this what you wanted?"


    "Can I really get it?" Xing Siyun looked at her, trying to probe Xiao Ya''s bottom line and abilities.


    "What did Uncle Wei Lin tell you?"


    Xing Siyun startled.


    How does she know Wei Lin spoke to me?


    "I thought he didn''t really like you. If he did, he wouldn''t have left you in the country, letting you fall into such a situation. But I didn''t expect him to dislike you so much..." Xiao Ya said softly.


    Hearing this, Xing Siyun felt a bit embarrassed.


    But at this point, she couldn''t care about face anymore. She took a breath and said, "Yes, Wei Lin told me directly that he wanted me to get pregnant just to strike at your second uncle and little uncle, to make them realize they can never have a normal life, and fall into the abyss again."


    Xiao Ya''s face showed no expression, but she quietly clenched her little fist.


    "I asked him if he wasn''t afraid I''d tell the old man. He said he wasn''t," Xing Siyun watched Xiao Ya''s reaction carefully.


    If she was going to ce a bet, she had to make sure she was betting on the right horse.


    "Did you record it?" Xiao Ya asked instead.


    Xing Siyun was taken aback. How could she... be so sharp?


    "Don''t give it to Grandpa to listen to."


    "Why... Is it really useless? Can''t your grandfather control Wei Lin?"


    "Give it to whoever you want to achieve the result you desire," Xiao Ya said sternly.


    "What... what do you mean?" Although it was a bit embarrassing not to understand a child''s words, Xing Siyun still asked.


    At this moment, someone knocked on the door.


    "Open the door," a man''s voice resonated deeply.


    Xing Siyun immediately put aside her questions and asked, "Who is it?"


    "Wrong room?" The man''s voice sounded again.


    Xiao Ya jumped off the sofa and went to open the door, "No, not the wrong room."


    Xing Siyun shuddered.


    Outside the door stood a foreign man, tall and imposing, his head almost touching the doorframe. He wasn''t just tall, but also muscr, looking as if he could strangle someone to death with just one hand.


    It''s no wonder Xing Siyun''s mind was full of such imaginings.


    The man looked too much like a movie viin.


    "Xiao Ya, he... he..." Xing Siyun remembered, "Isn''t he that Ke Muning?"


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    Xing Siyun watched as the foreign man bent down and picked up Xiao Ya.


    Xing Siyun was so frightened she fell onto her backside.


    "Isn''t he... isn''t he an enemy of the Gui family?" Xing Siyun''s voice trembled, "What is he going to do? Didn''t Wei Lin say this ce was safe?"


    Xiao Ya said, "It is very safe."


    She pinched Ke Muning''s muscles.


    Very hard.


    It must hurt a lot to be hit by him.


    So it couldn''t be safer!


    Outside the door, a servant also noticed Ke Muning''s arrival. Without thinking, he was about to turn and report to Wei Lin, but was intercepted by Ke Muning''s subordinate.


    "Mr. Jefferson''s servant shouldn''t do such stupid things," the subordinate said coldly, picking up the man with one hand as if he were a chicken, and throwing him to the doorway.


    Seeing this, Xing Siyun was even more terrified.


    Ke Muning stepped on the servant''s back, "What were you nning to do?"


    The servant was also scared out of his wits, trembling as he quickly gave up Wei Lin.


    Ke Muning lowered his head and asked, "What should we do, little lunatic? He saw us meeting, and he was nning to tell Wei Lin."


    Xing Siyun, having studied abroad for a few years, certainly had good English skills. Hearing Ke Muning''s voice, she shuddered at first, but then detected something different in it...


    Ke Muning... was consulting with Xiao Ya?


    They were... on the same side?


    Weren''t they enemies?


    Xing Siyun''s expression changed several times before she finally confirmed - it seemed Wei Lin had been fooled!


    Wei Lin didn''t know about this at all!


    Ke Muning continued, "Let''s rip out his tongue. No, he can still write with his hands, so let''s cut off his hands too..."


    The servant cried in fear, "You can''t do this, I''m Mr. Jefferson''s man."


    Xing Siyun instantly realized... she had to choose a side too!


    Otherwise, she might be the next one to have her tongue ripped out and hands chopped off!


    Maybe Wei Lin would even be happy to get rid of her...


    Xing Siyun quickly called out, "Xiao Ya, um, I... I did record it! I can give you the recording, and you can decide who to let listen to it..."


    Xiao Ya nodded slightly.


    But she didn''t say anything extra.


    This made Xing Siyun feel very insecure.


    "Xiao Ya... Xiao Ya, he... he won''t do anything to me, right?" Xing Siyun couldn''t bear it anymore and asked nervously, ncing at Ke Muning.


    "He won''t."


    "That''s... that''s good. I, I stand with you, Xiao Ya. I''ll do anything," Xing Siyun hurried to pledge her loyalty, afraid of being too slow.


    Meanwhile, Ke Muning''s subordinate had already crouched down and grabbed the servant''s tongue.


    The servant''s face was covered in tears.


    The sight was chilling.


    No matter how much Wei Lin had described what the family did before, it was only now, when truly encountering this world, that one could feel its terror...


    Xing Siyun couldn''t help but look at Xiao Ya again.


    Xiao Ya wasn''t frightened, and calmly discussed with the foreign man, "Let''s hand him over to Mr. Jefferson."


    "Why? You think ripping out his tongue is too cruel?" Ke Muning frowned.


    "Mr. Jefferson doesn''t even allow kidnappings at parties, so how could he allow someone to draw blood with a knife?"


    "I don''t care."


    "So you..."


    "Alright, alright, I get it, that''s why I have no friends! I''ll do as you say!" Ke Muning pinched Xiao Ya''s cheek expressionlessly.


    "Wei Lin said Jefferson is a very capable person," Xiao Ya whispered in his ear.


    Ke Muning couldn''t help but smile again, "The little one is even considering things for me?"


    Xiao Ya paused, then said in an even softer voice near his ear, "I will protect uncle in front of Ke Muning..."


    "I see, and then?" Ke Muning seemed a bit displeased.


    "And I will protect Ke Muning in front of Mr. Jefferson," Xiao Ya looked at him seriously.

 Chapter 193: Sniper

    <h4>Chapter 193</h4>


    Ke Muning''s grip on her arm suddenly tightened.


    Then he couldn''t help but curse.


    While everyone was wondering whether his cursing was out of happiness or displeasure... Ke Muning pinched Xiao Ya''s cheek and gave her a fierce kiss.


    Well, that cleared up any doubts.


    "Listen to her," Ke Muning said to his subordinates.


    The subordinate looked up at Xiao Ya dazedly, released the servant''s tongue and pulled him up from the ground: "So I''ll go see Mr. Jefferson now?"


    "Go ahead."


    The subordinate couldn''t help but nce at Xiao Ya again. The little one spoke... quite sweetly.


    The key was, no one had ever spoken to Mr. Ke Muning like that before.


    After looking several more times, the subordinate finally walked away with the servant in tow.


    "She..." Ke Muning then turned to Xing Siyun, "Who is she?"


    Xing Siyun quickly pointed to herself, then to Xiao Ya: "Me, I''m her person! We''re on the same side!"


    Ke Muning nced at Xiao Ya''s expression, and seeing that she didn''t object, he tacitly agreed.


    "She won''t be staying with you," Ke Muning said coldly.


    Xing Siyun nodded repeatedly: "Understood, understood. I''ll just tell him that Mr. Jefferson has arranged a separate room for Xiao Ya."


    "Mm."


    Seeing that they were about to leave, Xing Siyun hurriedly asked: "That recording..."


    "I''ll let you know when and to whom it should be yed," Xiao Ya said, resting her chin on Ke Muning''s shoulder.


    "Alright, alright."


    The man''s figure carrying Xiao Ya soon disappeared into the distance. Xing Siyun touched her neck and realized she had broken out in a cold sweat.


    That man was terrifying!


    And yet, such a man had told his subordinates to listen to Xiao Ya.


    Meanwhile, Wei Lin waited for a long time but the servant never came to report.


    Had he overthought things? Did the little girl not have any schemes after all? It made sense - at her age, being able to adapt to the environment was already quite impressive. How could she have time to concoct any plots?


    Just as he was thinking this...


    Mr. Jefferson suddenly walked over.


    Wei Lin immediately put on a polite smile: "Sir..."


    Wei Lin couldn''t even finish his sentence.


    Jefferson spoke first: "I heard your godfather hasn''t been managing affairs for a long time."


    "Yes, he''s ill."


    "So no one''s been teaching you. You''re even trying to buy people from my side."


    Wei Lin''s expression immediately changed.


    The servant hadn''te to find him, not because nothing had happened... but because Jefferson had caught him red-handed!


    "Mr. Jefferson, I wasn''t trying to buy him to spy on you. I was just concerned about the little one at home..."


    Jefferson interrupted him: "Since you''re so worried, why don''t I take care of her for you?"


    Wei Lin couldn''t keep face, but could only squeeze out a "Thank you for your trouble."


    This banquet had been extremely vexing for Wei Lin, and he no longer had the mood to schmooze. When they returned, Xing Siyun told him: "Mr. Jefferson has arranged a separate room for Xiao Ya."


    Hearing this, Wei Lin didn''t doubt it at all.


    He just looked even more displeased, muttering under his breath: "Is this a warning to me?"


    The next day.


    The guests were all preparing to leave the mountain. Wei Lin, preupied with trying to salvage things with Jefferson, let Xiao Ya and Xing Siyun leave first.


    The car hadn''t gone far from the mountain when Xiao Ya said: "Stop for a moment."


    The driver asked: "What''s wrong?" But he didn''t stop as requested.


    They were all Wei Lin''s subordinates, so of course they followed Wei Lin''s orders more closely.


    Xiao Ya asked: "Why isn''t Uncle Wei Lin with us?"


    "The boss said earlier that he had something to do."


    "Oh, I''m worried about him. I heard he offended Mr. Jefferson."


    The driver was taken aback, but still said: "That''s not something you need to concern yourself with."


    Xiao Ya didn''t get angry upon hearing this, she just wrinkled her nose: "I''m very worried about him."


    Then, she called the bodyguards her uncle had assigned to her.


    Those bodyguards were in the car behind them.


    She roughly described her concerns to them, then expressed her hope that they would go back to protect Wei Lin for her.


    The bodyguards on the other end were also surprised.


    Protect Wei Lin?


    Wei Lin and their young master didn''t get along at all! Wait... this wasn''t about protection at all. Clearly, the young miss wanted them to keep an eye on whether Wei Lin was up to anything else...


    This was a very reasonable excuse!


    "Alright, young miss. Don''t worry, we''ll protect him," they said resolutely.


    Xiao Ya responded with an "Mm."


    The driver saw them turning back in the rearview mirror and couldn''t help saying: "The boss doesn''t need their protection."


    Xiao Ya asked: "Why not?"


    The driver was puzzled, thinking that this behavior made it seem like their boss had some kind of scheme!


    There was no reason why!


    He just had something to take care of!


    This young miss was really troublesome...


    Just as the driver''s thoughts reached this point.


    "Bang!"


    A tire was shot out.


    The driver sharply turned the steering wheel, but the car sank into a muddy ditch by the roadside and stopped moving.


    The driver shouted: "Quick, call those people back!"


    Xiao Ya took out her phone and said: "There''s no signal."


    The driver''s heart tightened: "We''re under attack... The other side was prepared, they even brought signal jammers!"


    Xing Siyun was also scared pale: "What do we do, Xiao Ya? What do we do?"


    She didn''t know why, but at this moment she could only instinctively seek help from a child.


    "Bang!"


    "Bang bang bang!"


    Several white spots quickly appeared on the windows.


    The ss was bulletproof, made in Hua Country, but the driver didn''t look relieved at all.


    ".50 BMG bullets," the driver''s voice trembled, "This stuff can prate armored vehicles. Get down... Get down! Quick!"


    The bodyguard in the passenger seat also shouted: "They have snipers!"


    As soon as he finished speaking.


    The ss shattered.


    It was like a knife slicing through a watermelon with a "st."


    Everything happened too fast, and it came very cleanly and swiftly.


    The driver and bodyguard both fell.


    Shot in the head, it was like adle of blood spraying up into the air. Xing Siyun screamed and closed her eyes.


    We''re going to die... We''re going to die!


    This was the life of the Wei family!


    Beyond the perfume and mour of the top social circles, there were more dark guns and fresh blood.


    She regretted it... She really regretted it so much!


    Xing Siyun hugged her head, shaking violently.


    But what followed wasn''t more gunshots.


    It was a phone ringing...


    Xiao Ya''s phone rang.


    Xing Siyun painfully opened her eyelids, carefully looking towards Xiao Ya.


    She saw her answer the phone, her long eyshes trembling lightly, with a drop of blood hanging from them.


    "Hello," Xiao Ya said in English to the person on the other end.


    The person on the other end asked: "Eyes closed tight?"


    "Closed tight," Xiao Ya responded.


    "Then keep them closed."


    "Mm."


    "X-Xiao Ya? There''s... signal now? We should, we should call the police!" Xing Siyun forced out the words.


    "We need to wait a moment," Xiao Ya said softly.


    Xing Siyun asked shakily: "W-wait for what?"


    In the forest, someone strode down, tossing the sniper rifle to a subordinate at his side.


    He came to the car, opened the door, and lifted Xiao Ya out.


    Xing Siyun didn''t dare to look closely, quickly copying Xiao Ya by squeezing her eyes shut, and shouted: "I didn''t see anything! Please spare me!"


    "Bye-bye, someone wille pick you up to take you back. Wait for my call." That was Xiao Ya''s soft voice.


    W-what?


    Xing Siyun had thought Xiao Ya would be strangled to death the moment she was picked up...


    She really wanted to see what was going on, but didn''t dare open her eyes.


    She only heard the foreign man''s voice: "You trust me this much? You really are crazy."


    The man''s words sounded like a rebuke, but his tone seemed pleased.


    It''s, it''s him!

 Chapter 194: Grabbed by Skill

    <h4>Chapter 194</h4>


    "You said your marksmanship is excellent," Xiao Ya responded softly.


    "You believe everything I say?"


    "Why shouldn''t I?"


    "Ha!"


    Ke Muning reached out and pinched Xiao Ya''s mouth. "How many sweets has this little one eaten?"


    Xiao Ya looked puzzled. "I rarely eat sweets."


    Ke Muning bit down hard on his teeth, feeling overwhelmed by her cuteness. He felt that no matter how much he pinched her face, it wasn''t enough. He wished he could shrink her down and squeeze her tightly in his hands to feel satisfied.


    "Sir, we need to leave quickly," his subordinate reminded from the side.


    Ke Muning roughly wiped the blood off Xiao Ya''s face without dy and said, "Let''s go."


    As Ke Muning helped her into the car, Xiao Ya couldn''t help but say, "It smells a bit."


    Ke Muningughed heartily. "It''s the smell of gunpowder left by the reaction. I quite like this scent."


    After saying that, he still wiped his hands with a tissue.


    Xiao Ya asked, "Can I open my eyes now?"


    "Yes."


    Xiao Ya''s eyshes fluttered twice before her eyes opened.


    She was now sitting in another car. The windows had privacy film, and in the dim light, Ke Muning''s features looked extremely cold.


    However, the next moment, Ke Muning curled his lips into a smile and teased her, "Afraid to look at dead bodies? How will you manage in the future?"


    "What do you mean, how will I manage?" Xiao Ya asked him back, not at all upset by his mockery.


    "If you''re going to follow me, you''ll often see..."


    "Only for ten days," Xiao Ya counted on her fingers.


    Ke Muning frowned unhappily and said, "Didn''t I tell you? Once I''ve chased you down, you belong to me. Little one, how can you use me and then run away?"


    Xiao Ya still didn''t get angry. She reached up and hugged Ke Muning''s neck, stretching to nt a kiss on his cheek.


    Ke Muning was stunned for a moment, instinctively raising his hand to touch his face.


    Xiao Ya said seriously, "Now Ke Muning belongs to me, so Ke Muning has to listen to me."


    "How did I end up belonging to you?"


    "I stamped you, and once stamped, you belong to me."


    "How can a little one be so domineering?"


    "I learned it from you."


    Ke Muning was left speechless.


    But at least Ke Muning didn''t dwell on this issue anymore. He muttered to himself that they''d stay for ten days first and then see. By that time, whether she went back or not wouldn''t be up to the Gui family to decide.


    Meanwhile, on the other side.


    Just as Wei Lin was about to see Jefferson, a bodyguard stopped him: "Sorry, the sir is currently meeting with a guest."


    Was it an excuse? Deliberately avoiding him?


    Wei Lin took a couple of steps forward, turned his head, and through the ss, saw the person sitting inside.


    That person... was the enemy of the Gui family �� Kurokawa Shin.


    Kurokawa Shin sat inside, politely saying, "The tea is excellent."


    Jefferson waved his hand, calling a servant: "Take some back with you."


    Kurokawa Shin nodded and stood up to bid farewell.


    Upon seeing Wei Lin as he came out, his gaze turned cold. It was truly a case of enemies meeting face to face, neither able to put on a pleasant expression.


    But after all, this was Jefferson''s territory...


    They both suppressed their hostility and walked out one after the other.


    This scene was coincidentally witnessed by Wei Wenjuan''s bodyguard who had just arrived.


    "Wei Lin indeed seems suspicious, we should inform the young master."


    After making the call, they approached Wei Lin.


    Wei Lin was also surprised to see them: "Shouldn''t you be protecting the young miss?"


    "We were worried you might have a conflict with Mr. Jefferson..."


    Wei Lin curved his lips: "How is that possible?" Wei Lin thought to himself that it would be more likely with their master. Wei Wenjuan''s temper was really...


    No, wait. Wei Lin''s thoughts came to an abrupt halt.


    Something wasn''t right!


    Wei Lin had a feeling that Xiao Ya might have deliberately sent them away. But why?


    Wei Lin couldn''t help but loosen his tie and said, "Let''s go, quickly catch up. How can we ensure the young miss''s safety with fewer bodyguards?"


    The group hurried down the mountain.


    On the necessary route back home, they saw a car motionless by the roadside.


    Wei Lin''s expression changed dramatically: "Something''s happened!"


    They rushed over.


    After seeing the state of the dead driver and bodyguard, Wei Lin felt the world spinning, his heart seemingly gripped by a pair of hands.


    "Call... quickly call and tell the old master!" Wei Lin said with a trembling voice.


    The bodyguards didn''t move.


    He turned his face and looked at the remaining bodyguards.


    These bodyguards of Wei Wenjuan red at him angrily, their eyes bloodshot.


    "It''s you! You nned to harm the young miss!" the bodyguards roared.


    Wei Lin felt utterly bewildered: "What does this have to do with me?"


    "Then why did you deliberately fall behind?" the bodyguard pressed.


    "I... I just went to see Mr. Jefferson, I had something to discuss with him..."


    "Bullshit!"


    "Wei Lin... you finally, finally came..." At this moment, Xing Siyun cried out, poking her head out.


    She was truly frightened and immediately threw herself into Wei Lin''s arms.


    Wei Lin immediately said, "If you have any questions, why don''t you ask her? There''s still a survivor here."


    "Ask her? Everyone knows she''s your fianc��e! She''s even carrying your child... How convenient that she''s the only one who survived." The bodyguards angrily finished speaking, no longer wanting to hear Wei Lin''s excuses.


    Severalrge men rushed forward and pinned Wei Lin to the ground.


    Wei Lin didn''t close his mouth in time and got a mouthful of dirt.


    Damn it! Damn it! Who would dare to kill people here?


    All the dead were his trusted men!


    With this turn of events, he was now in a passive position!


    Could it be... a plot by Wei Wenjuan and his brother? No, impossible!


    Those two brothers treated Xiao Ya like the apple of their eye, they wouldn''t use her to set up such a trap. Then was it that little girl who did it herself? That doesn''t make sense either... Who could she mobilize? Such a bigmotion would alert the police...


    And they even used a sniper rifle...


    At that time, the little girl should have been in the car too... One wrong move, and a stray bullet could have hit her...


    Wei Lin was truly confused now.


    Could it be that it really was... just a coincidence... that they encountered an enemy?


    Was that little girl now... dead? Or taken away?


    Whichever it was... it should actually be very advantageous for him.


    Because the only intact heir, a clever one who had connections with various powerful families and an extensivework of rtionships, was gone just like that.


    As Wei Lin thought about this, there was a loud "boom" in his mind.


    Yes!


    No matter who looked at it, they would think this was beneficial to him!


    His suspicion... became even harder to clear up!


    Wei Lin struggled a couple of times but couldn''t break free.


    At this moment, he heard the bodyguards start to call Wei Wenjuan: "Young master, something terrible has happened! The young miss is missing... The driver and bodyguard in the same car were killed on the spot..."


    On the other end, Wei Wenjuan''s expression instantly became extremely gloomy.


    "I want to kill Wei Lin."


    *


    Ke Muning directly took Xiao Ya to the most prosperous district in New York.


    This area was surrounded by vis, a gathering ce for the wealthy.


    He hadn''t been back to live here for a while, and the servants hurriedly came out to greet them when they heard footsteps.


    "Sir, who is this?" The servants curiously looked at Xiao Ya.


    "My daughter."


    "Ah?"


    "Then the madam..."


    "There is no madam."


    The servants thought to themselves, could she have passed away? At least it couldn''t be that the sir had reproduced by himself.


    "Why do we have to hide her?" Ke Muning put Xiao Ya down, his face full of regret. "I acquired her by my own abilities, I should announce it to the world."


    The servants were dumbfounded. They thought it would be better if he had reproduced by himself. Acquired, acquired... Working for this sir was truly a daily test of moral questioning.

 Chapter 195: Can’t Wash It Clean Even If You Jump into the Yellow River

    <h4>Chapter 195</h4>


    Wei Wenjuan had his own people, but not many.


    These people who came from the Gui Family, whether they followed Wei Wenjuan or sided with Wei Lin, all carried with them a ruthlessness born from emerging from chaos and darkness.


    When Wei Wenjuan rushed off to kill like a crazed demon...


    Their first reaction was��Excellent!


    Excellent! The young master''s bloodthirst was only hidden, not extinguished.


    It was as if they saw a glimmer of hope again.


    "Everyone, bring your guns," Wei Wenjuan said coldly.


    "Shouldn''t we inform the old master first?"


    "No need."


    "What about the shareholders..."


    "Don''t worry about any of them."


    The bodyguards understood immediately.


    This was reckless...


    But they had been suppressed for so long that even the phrase "reckless" sounded wonderfully sweet at this moment!


    When Wei Wenjuan arrived, Wei Lin had just finished being questioned by the local police.


    At this time, Mr. Jefferson hurriedly arrived.


    "How could this happen? Attacked right aftering down the mountain?" Jefferson sighed, his face full of regret as he raised his hand to make the sign of the cross, "May God bless that child."


    As soon as Jefferson finished speaking.


    Someone shouted: "The young master is here!"


    Footsteps mixed with the sound of wheels rolling, then "bang", a gunshot rang out before anyone could react.


    Wei Lin cried out in agony and fell backward.


    Jefferson''s eyelid twitched, and the bodyguards beside him also drew their guns.


    "Nobody move!" Jefferson shouted, "Stay calm!"


    Wei Lin''s men nced at his face, hesitating to stop. If a stray bullet killed Mr. Jefferson, that would beughable.


    They still had some restraint.


    But Wei Wenjuan had truly gone mad. With a "click", he reloaded, pushing his wheelchair with one hand, moving so fast he was in front of Wei Lin in the blink of an eye.


    "Young master!" The people around eximed, watching as Wei Wenjuan pressed the gun barrel against Wei Lin''s forehead.


    "Young master, what are you doing?"


    "Don''t be impulsive! We''ve already reported to the board! The old master hasn''t spoken yet!"


    "That''s right, the most important thing now is to catch the people who kidnapped the young miss, how can you point your gun at your own people?"


    The people around spoke in a jumble, cold sweat streaming down their faces.


    The cripple from the Gui Family had gone mad too? Jefferson steadied himself and stood to the side to watch the show.


    "The old master? He''s sick." Wei Wenjuan twisted his mouth, "The board? What business is this of theirs?"


    "Not satisfied? I''ll kill him, and you can avenge him if you want." As Wei Wenjuan''s eyeballs rolled, there was an indescribable sense of horror.


    Wei Wenjuan''s personality had be acerbic since he became crippled.


    But in the past, he directed that acerbity at himself, wasting away internally.


    But today... he was venting it all on Wei Lin.


    For a moment, everyone was a bit afraid to meet his eyes.


    As the saying goes, the reckless fear those who don''t value their lives.


    Wei Wenjuan had already made it crystal clear, if you have the guts, I''ll kill him and then you can kill me... He''s gone mad! He''s truly lost his rationality and gone berserk!


    Wei Lin''s men could only continue to persuade: "Young master, thepany still needs Mr. Wei to handle things, you can''t be impulsive. Mr. Wei has been diligent all these years for the family''s sake, you can''t do something so disheartening..."


    "You say it like that, as if thepany couldn''t function without him?" Wei Wenjuan turned his head and sneered.


    "Mr. Wei is very important to thepany, everyone knows that..."


    "Then the board members, including the other executives... are they all useless rice buckets? Only Wei Lin is capable?" Wei Wenjuan''s hand tightened on the gun grip, "Then let''s just go bankrupt, none of us will live on!"


    The people around felt their breath catch in their throats when they heard this.


    It''s over...


    No one''s stopping him... Today it''s really going to end!


    "Wenjuan..." Wei Lin finally recovered from the intense pain. He raised his hand to hold the gun barrel. The barrel still retained some heat, but he dared not let go, nor did he have the chance to see where exactly he had been shot...


    "At least, at least ask what happened first?" Wei Lin said with difficulty, the sweat on his forehead visibly umting.


    "Xiao Ya is missing, her life in danger, that''s the fact!" Wei Wenjuan applied force, the gun barrel leaving a red mark on Wei Lin''s forehead.


    Wei Lin''s heart was pounding, and he was in excruciating pain.


    He hadn''t suffered such a great loss in a long time...


    But at this moment, he had to argue his case: "Who died? My driver died! My bodyguard died!"


    "This is your ploy, sacrificing a few of your trusted men to avoid suspicion from others. Otherwise, you should have died in that car too. But where were you? Someone saw you going in and out with Kurokawa Shin! Who is Kurokawa Shin? An enemy of our family. Wei Lin, how do you exin this?" Wei Wenjuan leaned forward to interrogate.


    Though he was sitting in a wheelchair, his aura strongly overpowered Wei Lin.


    "What? Mr. Wei was seen with Kurokawa Shin? Impossible! Could they have seen wrong?" Wei Lin''s men changed their expressions.


    Because this involved the overall interests of the entire Gui Family.


    Wei Wenjuan''s bodyguard stepped forward: "We were afraid Wei Lin wouldn''t admit it, so we took photos."


    Hearing this, that feeling of falling into a trap became so strong that Wei Lin could no longer ignore it.


    Who exactly...


    Who had orchestrated this y.


    "Xing Siyun!" Wei Lin shouted harshly, "Only you survived, what exactly did you see? The young master is here! Exin clearly!"


    As long as Xing Siyun was smart enough, she would know this was a good opportunity to win back his favor.


    Xing Siyun stepped out trembling: "Young master..."


    Wei Wenjuan looked at her: "I heard you''re pregnant with Wei Lin''s child."


    "Yes... I''m sorry, I..."


    "I don''t care about that." Wei Wenjuan stared at her, "What did you see?"


    Xing Siyun was on the verge of tears: "I, I didn''t see anything. I was afraid of being silenced, so I kept my eyes tightly shut. I just heard the car door open, then it seemed like Xiao Ya was carried away, and then... nothing..."


    "Not killing on the spot means they only intended to kidnap Xiao Ya to exchange for benefits. It must be Ke Muning! He failed on the indst time, and now after meeting again, he must have taken action." Wei Lin quickly said.


    Although he hated Xing Siyun for saying she didn''t see anything, the utter fool!


    But at least it gave him some room for argument.


    Wei Wenjuan didn''t speak, just lowered his eyes to look at him.


    The surroundings were extremely quiet.


    Because there was a most important question... a question that even Wei Lin''s men were very clear about...


    "If it was Ke Muning who took action, we should have already received a call from him gloating, or a video to demonstrate... Otherwise, why kidnap the young miss? To secretly raise her?" Wei Wenjuan''s bodyguard said coldly.


    Wei Lin closed his eyes forcefully, and those bizarre, suspicion-inducing but difficult to connect trivial clues in his mind... finally formed a line!


    Ke Muning!


    There was no mistake, it was he who took Xiao Ya away!


    But indeed it wasn''t a "kidnapping"... but a joint plot.


    That phone call at the banquet was made to Xiao Ya!


    Only this could exin everything... including why the Wei brothers could return safely from the ind...


    But who would believe it?


    Who would dare to believe?


    She had just arrived in a foreign country, and before that, she grew up in a mountain vige, not even having had the chance to formally meet the Gui Family''s subordinates. Under such circumstances, to say she conspired with Ke Muning to plot his death... who would believe it!


    Xing Siyun weakly spoke up at this moment: "Young master, are you going to kill Wei Lin?"


    Wei Wenjuan looked at her: "You should die too."


    Xing Siyun was terrified, but still cried out: "No, he must be innocent, he must be innocent! Young master, if you don''t believe it, then investigate him! Check his phone! Check his letters andputer! Check if he really had any contact with that Kurokawa Shin, how can you kill him? No, no... Wouldn''t it be fine to just investigate clearly?"


    Wei Lin''s vision went ck.


    It would have been better if she hadn''t said anything at all!

 Chapter 196: The Little Duck’s Solution

    <h4>Chapter 196</h4>


    Long Ind.


    "Do you see the swimming pool outside? It''s heated. Want to go y?" Ke Muning asked.


    Xiao Ya shook her head.


    "It''s close to the sea. Want to go look at the ocean?"


    Xiao Ya firmly shook her head again.


    "There are kids having a party nearby..."


    Xiao Ya said, "I''m not going anywhere."


    Ke Muning curled his fingers: "For a little kid, ying is natural. How can you suppress your own nature?"


    "Stop talking about it. I''m not going out."


    Ke Muning was very disappointed: "You could wear a wig like that day, then no one would recognize you."


    Xiao Ya raised her index finger and wagged it: "Only someone as face-blind as Ke Muning wouldn''t recognize me."


    "..."


    Ke Muning sat down next to her: "I heard there was a shooting at the Gui Family... Your uncle shot Wei Lin in the leg, and the entire board of directors rushed over. Aren''t you worried about your uncle''s situation?"


    "I don''t really understand the family business, but I know that in this line of work, honores first. The Gui Family also has a system of loyal retainers, so loyalty is important too. Wei Lin has now lost both honor and loyalty, so others can''t protect him anymore. Otherwise, it would undermine the foundation of the family business, right?"


    "...Right."


    "So, uncle is now standing on, um, what''s it called... the moral high ground! So there''s no need to worry."


    "Aren''t you afraid he might go crazy and die together with Wei Lin?"


    "He won''t. Uncle still needs to find out where I am."


    "It seems you don''t n to tell him the truth..." Ke Muning''s tone lifted as he said this. Only he was her aplice! Ha!


    "Mm, if I told him, the emotions wouldn''t be as genuine. We wouldn''t be able to fool the others. It''s better to let uncle be sad for a few days. But he won''t be sad for too long... Uncle will soon know that I''m safe," Xiao Ya said calmly.


    Ke Muning was a bit curious: "Not telling him the truth, but still letting him know you''re safe... How can you do that?"


    "Can I borrow your phone?" Xiao Ya held out her hand.


    She had already removed the SIM card and turned off her own phone to prevent tracking.


    Ke Muning eagerly handed over his phone, not worried about her seeing anything she shouldn''t.


    Xiao Ya entered a string of numbers and dialed.


    The other end picked up: "Ke Muning? What''s the matter?"


    "This is Xiao Ya."


    There was a pause on the other end, followed by a surprisedugh: "You''re with Ke Muning? Hmm, Sheng Yuxiao said you wanted to borrow me for something. I''ve been waiting for you to call. You''ve kept me waiting..."


    Xiao Ya pretended not to hear the teasing and asked softly but directly: "So, Secretary Wang, do you have time now?"


    "Go ahead, what do you want to borrow me for? Toe abroad and help you detain Ke Muning?" Secretary Wang asked with a smile on the other end.


    "I want to invest in the Golden Osmanthus Hotel in Jiang City. They''re asking for 100 million, but I think it''s too high. Can you help me negotiate the price?"


    Secretary Wang was silent for a moment.


    Xiao Ya continued: "Secretary Wang was very impressivest time."


    Last time... was buying shares from that gamepany surnamed Liu. Secretary Wang remembered it vividly.


    "Is that not okay? I can give you amission of 1 million," Xiao Ya added.


    "...Of course it''s okay. How could it not be? Do you have the money ready?"


    "It''s ready."


    "I suppose you''ll have to treat me to a meal too..."


    "What do you like to eat, Secretary Wang?"


    "No rush, we''ll talk about that after this matter is settled." Secretary Wang said as he hung up the phone, then immediately called his nephew. "Xiao Ya called me."


    "Mm, asking you to go abroad?" Sheng Yuxiao''s tone was slightly sour.


    Secretary Wang rubbed his temples, his tone both amused and exasperated: "No, the little one wants me to help her haggle. Isn''t this using a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Such a small matter..."


    "Did you agree?"


    "I did."


    "Oh." Sheng Yuxiao coldly hung up the phone.


    A momentter, Secretary Wang called back: "Why did you hang up on me?"


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled slightly: "Isn''t this the role you chose to y? Maybe Xiao Ya will ask you to help her haggle every day from now on."


    With that, he hung up again.


    Secretary Wang: "..."


    Secretary Wang pushed back his chair and slowly stood up.


    His assistant, who had overheard the conversation, quickly asked: "Are you going to Jiang City?"


    "Mm."


    "Why bother yourself with this? If you don''t want to refuse because of the young master, you could send someone else."


    Secretary Wang turned and smiled: "Who said it''s because of Sheng Yuxiao?"


    "Huh?"


    Secretary Wang continued: "Send someone else... hmm, who among you can haggle better than me?"


    The assistant was stumped.


    So... you''re really going yourself?


    Secretary Wang stretched: "We''re always dealing with big business. It''s not bad to have some small stuff asionally. When that kides back, I''ll have to make her cook me some baked potatoes in front of Sheng Yuxiao."


    The assistant was puzzled: "Just baked potatoes? You''re going to all this trouble for such a small matter, shouldn''t it at least be a full-course banquet?"


    "A full-course banquet? She doesn''t know how to make that."


    "..." The assistant opened and closed his mouth, finally squeezing out, "You''re so generous."


    On this end of the phone.


    Ke Muning got his phone back.


    That string of numbers was saved in his phone under the contact name: WANG


    Ke Muning immediately asked: "You called Secretary Wang? Did you ask him to notify your uncle?"


    Xiao Ya shook her head: "I asked Secretary Wang to help me negotiate a price."


    "You want to buy something?"


    "Mm."


    Ke Muning didn''t think about using a sledgehammer to crack a nut... He just suddenly realized that he didn''t know how to haggle.


    Good thing he knew how to rob!


    Otherwise, he would have been outdone.


    "Then your uncle..."


    "After he negotiates this price, uncle will know I''m safe."


    Huh? So magical? Ke Muning stared at her, feeling more and more that this little one was full of surprises.


    Jiang City.


    Ever since Xiao Ya and her group left, the owner of the Golden Osmanthus Hotel hadn''t been able to sleep well. What happened to the promised investment? He had prepared all the information about the hotel, but no one came to take over!


    He wanted to see the Chief Inspector, but couldn''t get an appointment...


    It was painful! Too painful!


    Just as he was about to face another sleepless night, the hotel manager called him: "Boss, the investor''s representative is here!"


    The owner immediately sprang up, not daring to be negligent this time.


    When he arrived at the hotel, the person was already waiting.


    As the person slowly turned around, the owner''s hair stood on end in a very subtle way, as if encountering some dangerous creature by instinct.


    But this feeling quickly disappeared.


    The person opposite pushed up his ck-framed sses, extending his hand in a seemingly harmless manner: "Hello, you can call me Secretary Wang."


    Across the ocean.


    Wei Wenjuan listened to his subordinate''s report with bloodshot eyes.


    The search they talked about had really begun. Wei Lin''s subordinates were all in fear for themselves, while Wei Wenjuan''s people were much more confident.


    "This time we can severely damage Wei Lin, and the young master can regain his power..." The subordinate couldn''t hide a trace of joy.


    After all, they didn''t have much emotional attachment to the little miss yet. Her safety was important, butpared to that, they cared more about Wei Wenjuan.


    Wei Wenjuan spoke, his voice hoarse: "I want to kill him, not let him die so easily by gunshot. I want him to lose everything, I want to break every bone in his body, I want him to cry and crawl on the ground, begging for Xiao Ya toe back..."


    His heart was in too much torment.


    The situation in the Gui Family had changed like this... but it was exchanged for Xiao Ya. He didn''t want that! He constantly thought about torturing Wei Lin in the most cruel ways...


    "Young Master!" Suddenly, a secretary-like person walked in, "There''s been arge transaction in your private bank ount."


    "What? Let me see." Wei Wenjuan frowned as he opened hisptop and logged into the ount. It clearly showed: Time: 10 minutes ago, Transaction Party: Golden Osmanthus International Hotel Management Co., Ltd., Transaction Method: Key Transfer.


    This ount... was specially prepared when Xiao Ya asked him for 100 million in cash to buy something. Only he and Xiao Ya knew the key.


    Xiao Ya... was still alive!


    Not only alive! She even had the leisure to spend money buying things!

 Chapter 197: Borrow Me for Three Days

    <h4>Chapter 197</h4>


    "Young Master Wei?"


    "Young Master Wei, the bank is still waiting for your return call," the bodyguard reminded, seeing Wei Wenjuan standing there in a daze.


    Wei Wenjuan snapped back to reality and chose not to tell anyone about his discovery. "Mm, I''ll call the bank back. The ount changes are normal."


    "Understood, Young Master," the bodyguard acknowledged and withdrew.


    The other subordinates nced at his expression and continued reporting their findings from the search.


    Wei Wenjuan leaned heavily against the chair back, inwardly smiling ruefully yet feeling proud. Xiao Ya, even Uncle couldn''t see through you...


    "Young Master." There was another knock at the door. "Miss Xing wishes to see you."


    If he hadn''t discovered the bank ount changes, Wei Wenjuan wouldn''t have been in the mood to see her at all. It was already decent of him not to shoot her on sight.


    But now Wei Wenjuan''s mindset had shifted. He nodded slightly, "Let her in."


    A subordinate beside him couldn''t help saying, "She''s Wei Lin''s fianc��e..."


    Wei Wenjuan lowered his head, "Thinking about it now, her words during the search were too deliberate."


    The subordinate was stunned, "She''s digging a pit for Wei Lin? Why? Does she want to defect to you? If so, she didn''t need to get involved with Wei Lin in the first ce, even getting pregnant..."


    "Because she''s not defecting to me at all."


    "Then is she afraid of the old master holding her ountable now?"


    Wei Wenjuan raised his hand high and patted the subordinate''s shoulder, saying, "Stop guessing. You won''t figure it out."


    So... the Young Master had already figured it out? In any case, Wei Wenjuan''s current reaction reassured the subordinates even more. They bowed respectfully and then withdrew.


    The door opened, and Xing Siyun walked in.


    Xing Siyun was truly afraid of being killed by a crazed Wei Wenjuan. She timidly raised her head, meeting Wei Wenjuan''s appraising gaze.


    Wei Wenjuan didn''t say a word.


    He looked at her, wondering how it was possible. How could someone like Xing Siyun - greedy, ambitious, yet narrow-minded - be such a sharp de?


    How did she manage it?


    While Wei Wenjuan was still pondering, Xing Siyun was already starting to crack under the pressure.


    "Young Master... listen to me. Actually, Xiao Ya and I are on the same team. Do you understand what I mean?" Xing Siyun said as she took out her phone.


    "Do you believe me?"


    She was prepared to let him listen to the recording if necessary.


    At least he couldn''t kill her.


    Wei Wenjuan retracted his gaze, "I believe you."


    "Really, Wei Lin is just a wolf. I''m very grateful to Xiao Ya for bringing me abroad, so I... Huh?" Xing Siyun''s defense stopped halfway.


    Wei Wenjuan actually believed her?


    He believed her just like that!


    Xing Siyun was almost moved to tears of joy. Even Wei Wenjuan''s gloomy and harsh face seemed to be endearing.


    For a moment, she narcissistically wondered if Wei Wenjuan might have some feelings for her. But this thought was quickly suppressed. After all, before she got together with Wei Lin, Wei Wenjuan had always been indifferent towards her...


    Could it be that Xiao Ya had arranged everything in advance?


    Xing Siyun couldn''t help but marvel at the thought.


    No, how old is she? If that''s really the case, then... it''s a bit terrifying.


    "What? You just came to tell me this?" Wei Wenjuan asked coldly.


    Xing Siyun snapped back to reality, "I, I mean... I can actively cooperate with you."


    "What can you do?" Wei Wenjuan shook his head, "My sister Wenyu was taken back to the country by Wei Lin, then handed over to that bastard Li Jiang... To this day, we haven''t found solid evidence for this matter."


    "That Li Jiang... Didn''t he confess in the country before disappearing? Isn''t his confession enough?"


    "Confession? Even if confronted face-to-face, Wei Lin wouldn''t admit to it."


    "So there''s no way to deal with him?"


    Wei Wenjuan denied this, "The existing evidence is enough to send him to his death. To be honest, it''s not difficult to fabricate evidence."


    As he spoke, his expression grew increasingly cold.


    "I just... can''t ept it," Wei Wenjuan gritted his teeth, "I can''t ept that Wenyu''s matter would be glossed over like this. We need to give her an exnation, to let everyone know how Wei Lin plotted against my sister! On this matter, we can''t falsify anything. I want the truth of the incident,pletely and fully restored before everyone!"


    "Then, why don''t we call Xiao Ya and ask?"


    "..."


    They looked at each other.


    It was absurd that two adults, when faced with a problem, would first think of seeking help from a child.


    But Wei Wenjuan felt no shame in this. He simply said, "Xiao Ya''s phone is unreachable."


    Xing Siyun looked a bit disappointed, "She said she would call me."


    Wei Wenjuan shot her an annoyed nce upon hearing this.


    Xing Siyun shrank her shoulders. Was that... jealousy?


    At this moment, Xiao Ya was still staying with Ke Muning in the vi on Long Ind.


    The fork in her hand was mutting the food on her te. Ke Muning asked, "Not tasty?" He had offered to find her a chef from Hua Country, but she refused, saying it would attract attention and expose them. The little one was quite cautious!


    "Mm, it''s not that," Xiao Ya said, forking a piece of beef into her mouth.


    "Then what''s wrong? Are you starting to worry about your uncle?"


    "No. It''s just..." Xiao Ya said softly, "Killing Wei Lin wouldn''t be difficult, but he''d never admit to what he''s truly done. How can we make him confess?"


    "Chop off one of his hands, and in front of him, put it in a meat grinder, grind it up, then he''d talk, wouldn''t he?" Ke Muning spoke as if he had experience in such matters.


    Xiao Ya didn''t notice the bloodthirstiness in Ke Muning''s words. She rejected his proposal, "In others'' eyes, that would be a forced confession. He can''t die in a way that makes people sympathize with him."


    Ke Muning''s phone suddenly rang.


    "It''s Wang calling," Ke Muning said, looking down at his phone.


    Xiao Ya''s eyes lit up, eagerly looking at Ke Muning, waiting for him to hand over the phone.


    Ke Muning held onto the phone, suddenly not very willing to give it to her.


    "Hello."


    "I''m looking for Xiao Ya," Secretary Wang on the other end said directly.


    "There''s no Xiao Ya here."


    "Ke Muning, don''t y dumb."


    Ke Muning scoffed coldly, saying, "I''ll trante for you two."


    Secretary Wang smoothly switched to the Hua Countrynguage: "Go ahead and trante then."


    "..."


    Ke Muning put the phone on the table and turned on the speaker: "Go ahead, you two."


    "The matter is done," Secretary Wang continued in Hua Countrynguage.


    "Thank you, you''ve worked hard," Xiao Ya''s voice was soft. "Secretary Wang, there''s one more thing..."


    "Who are we cutting this time?"


    "No price cutting this time." Xiao Ya exined her dilemma about how to make Wei Lin confess on his own.


    "Want to know how to do it? It''s simple..." Secretary Wang said with a smile on his face, though Xiao Ya couldn''t see it from her end.


    Xiao Ya immediately perked up her ears, ready to listen attentively to his guidance.


    "Let me keep you for three days, and I''ll tell you. Just three days, that''s short, right?" Secretary Wang''s smile deepened.


    Ke Muning wouldn''t agree even for ten days.


    Inparison, Secretary Wang''s three days seemed like a very low demand. He was being reasonable.


    Xiao Ya agreed immediately: "Okay!"


    Secretary Wang was very happy, as if he had finally obtained a cherished item that money alone couldn''t buy.


    Three days wasn''t long. The Rafflesia he keptst month lived for five days.


    Three days would be enough time to ensure he could return her before she died in his care.

 Chapter 198: The Wheel of Fortune Turns

    <h4>Chapter 198</h4>


    After hanging up the phone, Ke Muning hadn''t understood a word, as the trantor hadn''t even been brought up yet.


    "Finished talking?" he asked.


    "Yes," Xiao Ya looked up. "But I need to make one more call. Is that okay, Ke Muning?"


    Ke Muning met her eyes. What could he say?


    "Go ahead."


    Xiao Ya picked up the phone and dialed another number.


    Across from her, Ke Muning nced down at her te. The food had gone cold. Was it really not that she disliked the taste?


    Ke Muning watched her make the call, then waved over one of his men.


    Shortly after, the man returned with two boxes of pizza.


    As Xiao Ya sat there talking on the phone, Ke Muning washed his hands and started stuffing a slice of pizza into her mouth.


    "Mmph..." Xiao Ya hadn''t even seen what he was feeding her before instinctively opening her mouth. With it full, her speech became muffled.


    "Who? Who is it?" The person on the other end of the line asked in panic.


    "...It''s, it''s me, Xiao Ya," Xiao Ya managed to say while chewing with difficulty.


    On the other end, Xing Siyun rolled out of bed in rm: "X-Xiao Ya? Are you okay? What''s wrong? Why do you sound like that?"


    She sounded like she was having trouble breathing and speaking, which conjured up a terrifying image in Xing Siyun''s mind.


    "Because I''m eating something."


    "..."


    After a brief moment of speechlessness, Xing Siyun quickly regained her urgent tone: "I, I''ll go find Second Young Master right away..."


    "No need to find Second Uncle. Sit down and listen to me." The little one had finally swallowed her mouthful and could speak more clearly.


    Hearing this, Xing Siyun instinctively obeyed and sat back down properly.


    Meanwhile, Ke Muning tried to stuff more pizza into Xiao Ya''s mouth. She couldn''t push it away, so she reluctantly grabbed his wrist to hold him off, ring at him.


    Ke Muning thought to himself, she''s quite cute.


    He shook his head: "Who told you to be so small? Can''t even swallow a bite of pizza?"


    After saying that, he still tore the pizza into smaller pieces.


    By the time Xiao Ya finished her call with Xing Siyun, her stomach was full.


    She even couldn''t help but let out a small burp on the phone.


    Xing Siyun, who hadn''t been able to sleep or eat well for days: "..."


    With aplex expression, she cautiously said, "So, that''s it then?"


    "Mm-hmm, bye-bye."


    Xing Siyun let out a sigh on the other end, thinking to herself that it was rare to see a child so incredible!


    Ke Muning asked, "Have you thought of a n?"


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    Ke Muning picked her up and ced her on his shoulders, carrying her upstairs: "Come on, teach me Hua Countrynguage."


    He hadn''t taken it seriously before, but now that he was... Ke Muning realized just how damn difficult it was!


    Ke Muning''s secretary woke up groggily in the middle of the night and opened an email from his boss, which starkly requested that he find three Hua Countrynguage teachers.


    The secretary: ?


    Were they nning to do business in Hua Country? That wouldn''t work. Their business would easily be the number one terrorist organization there!


    *


    This was the umpteenth time Wei Lin had opened his bedroom door, only to be faced with a stern-faced bodyguard before he could even step out.


    "I just want to see Second Young Master," Wei Lin forced a smile.


    "Second Young Master won''t see you, to avoid anyone saying it''s unfair and that he''s deliberately suppressing you..."


    "Then give me my phone."


    "This is also for your own good. What if someone contacts you through the phone and recklesslyes to rescue you? Wouldn''t that confirm your guilt?"


    "Then at least let me out of this door... What? I can''t even leave this room?"


    "It''s all for the sake of your innocence. Anyone youe into contact with could potentially frame you," the bodyguard remained unmoved.


    It''s all for your sake.


    It''s all for you.


    Wei Lin recalled the tactics he had once used on the Wei Wenjun brothers... The servants repeatedly telling them, "It''s for the sake of your health," "So you don''t embarrass yourself at the banquet."


    Well...


    The tables have turned!


    He looked down at the wheelchair he was sitting in... Wei Wenjun''s bullet had pierced his calf, causing him to run a high fever for several days. He still couldn''t walk and was forced to use a wheelchair.


    Wei Lin gritted his teeth hard, suppressing the anger in his heart.


    He knew this was deadly!


    When dealing with the Wei Wenjun brothers back then, it wasn''t just about using soft tactics to repeatedly reopen their wounds and push them into hell... Actually, a more important point was to keep them from appearing in public.


    People are very pragmatic animals.


    Just like now, if he couldn''t show his face for a long time, his subordinates would naturally start to specte endlessly...


    They would wonder if he had already lost his power...


    Such spection would make those people be hesitant. After all, Wei Wenjun was the legitimate heir of the Gui Family. Turning to Wei Wenjun''s side would be less of a psychological burden for them.


    The most terrifying thing was...


    The projects he was responsible for had been having a lot of problems recently.


    If they suddenly lost him and found that not much had changed, that would be even more fatal!


    Any evidence or usations were secondary; these could all be mediated. But losing power was truly deadly!


    This was the power of "house arrest"!


    Where did it all go wrong?


    He shouldn''t have brought Xiao Ya back in the first ce! But if he hadn''t brought Xiao Ya back... he wouldn''t have been able to get the money and shares from the fund...


    Who could have imagined that this child not only had extensive connections... but was also too ruthless! Too ruthless towards herself!


    Wei Lin mmed his fist against the wall.


    The wind blew the curtains, and as he looked over, instead of seeing clean ss windows, he saw raised wire mesh... Just like being imprisoned! Wei Lin cursed a few times.


    Each following day was unbearable.


    Being confined here, Wei Lin''s perception of time became blurred...


    Just as his mental state was deteriorating bit by bit, wishing Wei Wenjun would quickly find some evidence to let him out for questioning...


    "Second Young Master wants us to bring you over." This time, the door opened from the outside.


    Wei Lin''s scattered mind instantly focused.


    "Let''s go," he said, adjusting his tie.


    Wei Lin was brought to the main hall.


    In the hall, the main members of the group''s board of directors were seated on both sides, with Wei Wenjun in the main seat. He no longer cared if people looked at hisme leg.


    Whoever looked at him, he''d hit them.


    Wei Lin took a deep breath. Seeing this setup, he knew the final "judgment" wasing.


    A servant pushed him forward, making him feel both awkward and ashamed.


    It was as if he and Wei Wenjun had switched roles.


    And now, under everyone''s gaze, he was forced into such a weak position!


    As he got closer, he could smell the faint scent of gunpowder on Wei Wenjun. He felt the wound in his calf starting to ache again. But he still managed to put on a rare disy of harsh words: "Second Young Master, have you found anything?"


    Wei Wenjun sneered: "You don''t seem to care at all about Xiao Ya''s safety. Is it because you clearly know whose hands she''s in and what situation she''s in?"


    Wei Lin was at a loss for words.


    He had truly been confused from being confined, forgetting about this crucial matter.


    Wei Lin gathered his spirits: "Does Second Young Master really care about Xiao Ya? I see that Second Young Master''s mind is all on how to convict me. Was Xiao Ya really kidnapped? Or is it just an excuse for Second Young Master to seize power?"


    "Seize power?" Wei Wenjun sneered, "Who do the Gui Family''s assets belong to? Do they belong to you? I am a legitimate member of the Gui Family. Seizing power from you? What power do you have that belongs to you? Don''t you feel ashamed saying such things?"


    Wei Lin frowned.


    He cursed inwardly again.


    He had truly been confined for too long and said something inappropriate. But what he said wasn''t really wrong; Wei Wenjun was clearly seizing power! The board of directors weren''t fools, they could all see it!


    Wei Lin lowered his head: "You are seizing my rights as the executive CEO. The Gui Family''s assets are not for you to decide either. The old man is still alive; it''s up to him to decide."


    "These days, I wonder if the cruise ship case problem has been resolved?" Wei Lin looked around, deliberately bringing up a major issue within the group.

 Chapter 199: Trial

    <h4>Chapter 199</h4>


    The surroundings were eerily quiet.


    No one answered Wei Lin''s question.


    Could it be... "It''s been resolved so quickly?" Wei Lin''s smile had already begun to stiffen by this point.


    "You don''t need to worry about that matter anymore. Focus on dealing with the issue at hand first," someone from the board of directors spoke up.


    Wei Lin''s heart sank.


    From the tone of that response, it seemed the matter hadn''t been resolved, just temporarily set aside.


    This attitude wasn''t a good sign at all.


    Not a single person had followed up on hisment...


    Recently, quite a few incidents had urred within the group. It was understandable that Wei Wenjuan, a young master who previously didn''t involve himself in business affairs, wouldn''t grasp the intricacies and importance of these matters. But these people should certainly understand.


    "The police have provided forensic data from the crime scene. The attack was carried out by assants hiding in the woods. They found 9mm Parabellum pistol rounds, .40 S&W pistol rounds, and .50 BMG sniper rounds at the scene..."


    "The 9mm Parabellum rounds were fired by our bodyguards. The .40 S&W rounds are typically used by Kurokawa Shin''s side.


    "Ke Muning''spany and the manufacturer of .40 S&W arepetitors. It doesn''t make sense for him to use ammunition produced by a rivalpany. That doesn''t fit his character. So our preliminary conclusion is that Kurokawa Shin kidnapped Miss. Any objections?"


    As a board member spoke, he set down the documents in his hand.


    "Couldn''t they have deliberately used different bullets to frame someone?" Wei Lin asked.


    "You need to leave no traces when killing someone, but in a kidnapping, you actually need to leave your name. That''s normal logic," Wei Wenjuan said coldly.


    Wei Lin cursed inwardly, "Now your brain is working well!"


    The board member then picked up a developed photograph and held it up to Wei Lin: "This is a photo of you and Kurokawa Shin together. Any objections?"


    "I was just going to see Mr. Jefferson and happened to run into him on his way out."


    "You were supposed to leave with Miss. Why did you return halfway?"


    "I''ve already exined, it was to see Mr. Jefferson," Wei Lin said, struggling to control his tone. If he showed anger, he would appear weak.


    "Mr. Wei, your reason doesn''t hold up," the board member continued impassively. "If you wanted to see him, the partysted a day and a night. Why couldn''t you see him during the party? Why did you have to go back after everyone had left?"


    "Because I identally offended him, so of course I needed to apologize in private."


    "How did you offend him?"


    "I said something disrespectful to Mr. Jefferson."


    "Is that so? We heard that Mr. Jefferson fired a servant on the day of the party, and that servant disappeared after leaving."


    Wei Lin''s heart jolted. The servant''s disappearance surely wasn''t because Jefferson was angry, but most likely because he had indeed seen something!


    "Mr. Wei, aren''t you going to offer any exnation? Or should we make a special call to Mr. Jefferson to ask what really happened?"


    There was no way to gloss over this. Wei Lin gritted his teeth hard and could only tell the truth: "After Miss left the party, I was worried, so I asked the servant to keep an eye on her for me."


    "It seems you were monitoring Miss. What were your intentions?"


    "It wasn''t monitoring, I was just worried something might happen to her..."


    "At the time, Miss left with your fianc��e. What was there to worry about? Were you concerned your fianc��e might do something bad to her?"


    "..."


    Wei Lin''s throat went dry. He swallowed ufortably, feeling as if arge had fallen over him, wrapping around his body and tightening.


    It seemed no matter how hard he struggled... he couldn''t break free.


    "Then let''s look at something else..." the board member continued, pulling out more documents.


    "In 2004, for the Mosulmission project, you conceded benefits to the rival Zade Group. Any objections?"


    As he spoke, he pushed the documents towards Wei Lin.


    2004... Wei Lin could barely remember that affair!


    But they had dug it up anyway.


    That time was a test of his abilities by the old man. Wei Lin was inexperienced then,cking in capability. Toplete the project and make things look good, he did concede some of the group''s interests. But who hadn''t done something like that before? Wasn''t it fine as long as the project was ultimately sessful?


    He couldn''t help but look around the room again. Among these people, who was truly clean?


    Wasn''t every business deal conducted in a tug-of-war of interests? When was there ever a 100% ideal oue?


    "In 2005, a serious conflict urred at a subsidiarypany. You were responsible for quelling this incident. There''s evidence suggesting you epted bribes during this event. Any objections?"


    "In the same year and the following year, you engaged in improper private transactions with Horizon Company for two years. Any objections?"


    "In 2006, your assistant leaked the whereabouts of Second Miss and Second Young Master. Although it didn''t result in an ident..."


    "..."


    "Also, in the protective action during the conflict with Ke Muning, were there any unreasonable aspects to your operations at the time?"


    "..."


    One incident after another, some of which Wei Lin himself could barely remember. For a moment, he even suspected Wei Wenjuan might be deliberately framing him...


    But whether that was true or not didn''t matter at this point.


    The barrage of questions was designed to leave him no room for rebuttal.


    The room was dead silent.


    The silence made Wei Lin feel like he was sitting on pins and needles. His mind was crammed with all sorts of thoughts, yet he struggled to organize them into an effective counterattack in that moment.


    "Since there are no objections, let''s make the call then," the board member said with a frown, putting down the folder in his hand.


    "Make a call?"


    "Call Kurokawa Shin and tell him to release Miss," the board member said coldly.


    "In the days I''ve been detained, hasn''t the kidnapper called you? Didn''t they make any demands? Don''t you find that strange?" Wei Lin couldn''t hold back anymore. He scanned over them as if looking at fools who had been given a magic potion.


    Yes, a magic potion!


    Wei Wenjuan remained silent, as if he had nothing to do with it.


    Unless he had given these old fools some kind of magic potion, how else could he have managed to get them to unanimously turn their guns on him?


    That little girl could be called a prodigy.


    Wei Wenjuan had wasted so many years, how could he have such ability!


    "Strange?" The board member looked at him. "Because they couldn''t contact you, the other side didn''t know what to do next, so they dyed calling. Isn''t that the case?"


    Wei Lin tilted his head back, feeling his wound hurt even more.


    He... he was at a loss for words!


    "Make the call. Hopefully, Miss can return safely. That way, we won''t have to resort to the family''s severest punishment," the board member continued.


    If Wei Lin had listened carefully, he would have heard the sincere advice in their words.


    But Wei Lin was filled only with resentment.


    He let out a coldugh: "Fine, I''ll make the call... Kurokawa Shin will probably be baffled when he receives it!"


    "Because this is nothing but a forced confession from you!"


    Wei Wenjuan turned the band of his watch, his eyes coldly fixed on Wei Lin: "Forced? No one has beaten you."


    Wei Lin''s gaze flickered.


    Indeed.


    Wei Wenjuan had actually controlled his emotions. Apart from losing control and firing that shot when they first met, which had established in everyone''s minds the threat that he might go crazy and die with everyone at any moment...


    He had instead be "civilized."


    He had hidden himself behind the scenes.


    No one could use him of "framing" anyone.


    So... who taught him this move?


    Who had reined in his emotions?


    Knowing that Little Duck was gone, he should have gone mad.


    It couldn''t have been that little girl...


    "Mr. Wei, do you intend to stubbornly resist to the end? Do you want us to hand you over to the police?" the board member frowned.


    Damn it, just make the call, admit to a couple of things you should, deny everything else! Be proactive about getting the child back. Is it that hard to end this quickly?


    The board members were getting impatient too.

 Chapter 200: Self-Destruct

    <h4>Chapter 200</h4>


    "Li Jiang and Wei Lin have one thing inmon. They believe their talents deserve greater rewards. Li Jiang absconded with money and thrived elsewhere, while Wei Lin used the ws of Wei Wenjuan and Wei Wenqing to trap them... Both of these men derived pleasure from manipting others. They looked down on people and sought to control them to achieve their goals."


    "When they reach a dead end with no possibility of turning back... their personalities won''t allow them to admit defeat. That''s why Li Jiang, even facing death, refused to tell you who your biological father is. Because this was thest weapon he held. Even in death, this de could still wound you."


    "So he first had to tell you about the existence of your biological father, to arouse your longing. Otherwise, how could he hurt you?"


    "Then, when Wei Lin had no more arguments left, what was his final weapon?"


    "Of course, it was to describe in great detail to your two uncles, who you care so much about, exactly how your mother was tricked and taken to Hua Country, and how they were blinded in the process... ultimately leading to your mother''s tragic end."


    "Now that your uncles have recovered mentally and you''re doing well, nothing except your mother''s story could serve as the sharpest de."


    "It''s as simple as that."


    At the time, Secretary Wang exined this to Xiao Ya calmly over the phone.


    "Ah, remember, you must drive him into a corner. As long as he has even a sliver of hope, he won''t think about stabbing you in the heart before he dies."


    "Do you know what a dead end means? It''s not putting a knife to his throat, nor is itying out all the things he''s done... People in this circle have plenty of dark history, presenting these things won''t make him fear."


    "You need to make him realize that he''s no longer important, that he''s dispensable, that his allies are no longer standing with him, that his subordinates are beginning to waver..."


    "Because hiswork of rtionships is what he relies on to survive. Without thiswork, he''ll feel there''s no hope left."


    "But how to make him realize this... that''s an extra charge." Secretary Wang finished his remaining words.


    Xiao Ya ultimately didn''t pay this extra price.


    Those who understand the Ghost family best are their opponents.


    She learned about theposition of the Ghost family''s core management group from Ke Muning... and learned about the board of directors.


    Later, she had several phone calls with Xing Siyun, who then ryed the information to Wei Wenjuan.


    Finally, it led to today''s scene.


    And to make the board of directors take such a stance... was actually very, very simple.


    Xiao Ya just had Wei Wenjuan meet with the board members in advance, bringing all the evidence they had uncovered, whether true or false.


    "Father''s health isn''t good, and we didn''t expect Wei Lin to do so many things behind our backs, damaging the interests of the family and the entire group. Your names are also in these records..."


    Just as the board members'' faces were tightening one by one, Wei Wenjuan mmed a gun on the table.


    Instantly, everyone''s eyes were drawn to the gun, fearing he might go crazy again.


    "I don''t want to suspect so many people. I just want my niece toe back alive, toe back safe and sound, and to deal with those who harmed her!"


    "Although I''m the son of the Ghost family, you are all old-timers of the family too. I don''t want people to think I''m using my niece''s situation to eliminate opposition and deliberately suppress you, thepany''s meritorious servants."


    First a p, then a sweet date.


    Amidst theplex emotions of the board members, Wei Wenjuan pushed those materials in front of them.


    He said coldly, "I''m giving you the right to interrogate. I trust you won''t hide anything. This way, you can also be assured that I haven''t mixed in any personal agenda."


    The board members'' emotions were like a roller coaster, and at this point, how could they not agree?


    They were relieved. Even if Wei Lin was dealt with, even if Wei Wenjuan went crazy, it wouldn''t involve them.


    They also privately wanted to save Wei Lin, so it was best if they could take over this interrogation right, making it easier to go easy on him.


    Originally, they had good intentions.


    But from the moment Wei Lin was brought into the hall and heard the interrogation questionsing from their mouths...


    The trust between them copsed.


    Wei Lin couldn''t understand why they had sided with Wei Wenjuan... that''s because they weren''t on the same side at all!


    At this moment in the hall.


    Wei Lin met the eyes of the board members.


    Their eyes revealed urgency, persuasion...


    Wei Lin felt extreme psychological pressure.


    He couldn''t help but think of the "cruise ship case" again. The nature of the cruise ship case was very bad, but relying on thework of legitimate contacts he had umted through his smooth talking... he could actuallypletely clean up this mess.


    But why did the board members seem to not expect him to resolve it?


    They were more fixated on convicting him right now?


    It couldn''t be that... they had decided to simply use this opportunity to make him take the fall, could it?


    The more Wei Lin thought, the moreplex it became.


    After a while.


    "Is there any need to make this call?" Wei Lin sneered, "You all already believe the second young master''s usations against me, don''t you?"


    Could he hope for the Ghost family''s enemies to clear his name?


    Dreaming would be faster!


    "Second young master, only you and I know the truth... Our little miss, on the ind, became allies with her enemy, Mr. Ke Muning. It was Ke Muning who took her away. She even called you, didn''t she? Today''s scene was also remotely orchestrated by her. Although I really don''t want to believe it, a child can indeed do these things..."


    Wei Lin felt the pain of not being understood. He looked at the other board members: "I know you won''t believe it either... but that''s the fact."


    Wei Wenjuan''s expression didn''t change at all: "If you suspect I''m setting up a trap, you can check my call records."


    The expressions of the board members were already very ugly, and they hurriedly said, "We wouldn''t dare."


    "What are you saying? Why would the second young master set up a trap? We''re all family here. In the end, it''s still Mr. Wei who did wrong."


    Wei Wenjuan looked at them: "So have you finished your interrogation now?"


    "Ah, it''s done. Mr. Wei has no objections."


    "Then it''s my turn next, any problem?"


    "What else does the second young master want to ask?"


    "About my sister Wenyu''s matter..." Wei Wenjuan pped his hands, "Bring the person up."


    Someone brought up a man who was a mass of blood and flesh.


    There wasn''t a single undamaged piece of flesh on the man''s body, but surprisingly he didn''t cry out in pain. Who knows how many painkillers he had been given to keep him alive until today.


    Wei Wenjuan pointed at the man and asked, "Do you know him?"


    "I don''t," Wei Lin said coldly.


    Wei Wenjuan bent down and asked the man, "Li Jiang, do you know him?"


    Li Jiang slowly raised his head, forcing an ugly smile: "Finally seeing you again, Mr. Wei Lin. I never thought that you weren''t actually Wenyu''s real brother."


    Li Jiang stared intently at Wei Lin, already eager to make Wei Lin suffer with him.


    Wei Lin''s fingertips trembled, struggling to recognize that this human form was actually the hotel waiter from years ago...


    But so what?


    He couldn''t produce any evidence.


    At this point, Wei Wenjuan spoke again: "I have a recording in my hand."


    He nced at Wei Lin, then looked at Li Jiang: "Xiao Ya gave it to me. You should know what it is, right?"


    A recording, given by Xiao Ya.


    Li Jiang mumbled tremblingly, "She found it? She actually really found it? Impossible!"


    Wei Wenjuan continued, "Come on, tell Wei Lin what it is."


    Li Jiang was bothughing and crying. He looked at Wei Lin and said, "Mr. Wei Lin, you originally handed Wenyu over to me, and you even transferred several sums of money to my ount. Of course, you were very clever. You deleted the email ount you used tomunicate with me, and after that, I couldn''t contact you anymore. I guess the bank ount you used for the transfers probably wasn''t in your name either."


    Li Jiang rolled his eyes, looking like a living dead, which was a bit terrifying.


    He nced at the board members: "It was to avoid this day, being interrogated by these people, right?"


    "But, didn''t you look down on us country folks too much? I''ve been to school, I could work in Jiang City, I have brains, Mr. Rich Wei Lin... I recorded everything you said to me back then."


    "Wenyu gave birth to a clever daughter, and she obtained the recording. Now, it''s in this person''s hands."


    "Do you still remember what you told me back then?"


    "Do you want me to help you recall?"


    Li Jiang smiled distortedly.


    "Then you can exin to these people properly why you wanted to harm Wenyu?"


    The board members looked at each other upon hearing this.


    "Is this true?" they asked sternly.


    No matter what, they had to put on a show of concern now!


    Wei Lin stared intently at Wei Wenjun''s phone. Where was the recording? In the phone?


    He wished he could strangle Li Jiang.


    Wasn''t this person supposed to be hiding like a dark rat while being pursued? It turns out he was with Wei Wenjun all along...


    "Who was the assistant by Wei Lin''s side at that time? Bring that person here," a board member spoke up. "A personal assistant couldn''t possibly know nothing."


    They had to be proactive, not daring to be associated with such a plot against the family.


    At least it couldn''t get out!


    Wei Wenjun said, "The person has already been brought here."


    Wei Lin lowered his head and suddenlyughed, "Fine, I never thought it woulde to this..."


    He red at the board members: "Are you any cleaner than me? Now you''re all rushing to be Wei Wenjun''s dogs? How did you discuss things behind closed doors in the past? Saying how would the old man''s business be managed? That there wasn''t a useful person in the family. When you said those things, weren''t your eyes red with greed?"


    "Didn''t you think about getting them out of the picture?"


    Wei Lin exhaled: "What happened back then... it wasn''t entirely my fault. It was the old man''s own heavy-handed style that forced Miss Wenyu to return to the country to carry her pregnancy. During that time, the old man had already noticed something unusual about her, which is why he had the young master constantly by her side."


    "The drugging of the young master was Miss Wenyu''s own decision. She didn''t want the young master to be implicated and punished by the old man for letting her escape. Who knew... this incident would be the young master''s lifelong nightmare. Haha! It almost drove him insane, he really believed he had lost Miss Wenyu himself..."


    At this point, Wei Lin shifted his gaze: "You see, the old man''s son is this naive, this pure. Did you really never think that they weren''t fit to inherit the family business?"

 Chapter 201: Shocking

    <h4>Chapter 201</h4>


    Wei Lin wanted Li Jiang to apany him in death.


    How could Wei Lin not want to drag more people down with him?


    Since the board members had turned on him so quickly and were now wagging their tails at Wei Wenjuan, they shouldn''t expect to get away so cleanly!


    "Why don''t we talk about how the second young miss went mad?" Wei Lin looked towards them.


    Wei Wenjuan''s eyelid twitched as he gripped the gun in his hand tightly.


    Another revtion?


    He was very curious to know.


    He also understood that if Wei Lin spoke out and revealed who among those present was involved... then the board members would once again form amunity of shared interests with Wei Lin.


    Once a cornered dog jumps over the wall, he''d have to be careful not to be shot in the back by them.


    "Wei Lin, oh Wei Lin! You''re truly grasping at straws and sowing discord even at death''s door!" the board members angrily eximed.


    They hadpletely abandoned any thought of saving Wei Lin.


    Not only could they not save him, but this man needed to die quickly!


    Some of them quietly ced their hands on their guns while harshly interrupting: "You were the old man''s adopted son, he relied heavily on you and entrusted many of the group''s businesses to you. You were practically the second-inmand of the group! But how did you repay that? Who can you face with a clear conscience?"


    "Did the old man truly care for me? He knew his sons and daughters couldn''t handle such arge operation! He just used me like a workhorse!" Wei Lin shouted in rage.


    After speaking, Wei Lin turned to look at Wei Wenjuan: "You''re all the same... We grew up together. That day when I went out with Wenyu and Wei Wenqing, and Wenyu disappeared in the end. You immediately suspected me, you''ve always been wary of me. Did you have even a shred of our childhood friendship in your hearts? You call me an adopted son, but where was I ever treated as part of your family? I wasn''t even treated as half a person."


    "I did suspect you and was wary of you," Wei Wenjuan admitted directly. "But not everyone distrusted you. Wenyu trusted you. Yet the one person who trusted you the most, you thought was the best target to harm."


    Wei Lin fell silent at that.


    Wei Wenjuan still wanted to ask about how Wei Wenyi went mad.


    He barely managed to hold back, only lowering his head to speak into the phone: "Father, did you hear everything clearly?"


    Wei Xuanming''s cold voice came from the other end of the phone: "I heard it."


    Wei Lin opened his mouth, then closed it again.


    Everything... was over.


    "Let''s all listen to that recording together now," Wei Wenjuan held out his hand.


    It was Xing Siyun who handed over the phone from the side.


    Wei Wenjuan took it and pressed y.


    "Sleeping with you was only to humiliate Wei Wenjuan and his brother, only to strike at them and make them copse again..."


    ...


    "There''s little Xiao Ya now... Xiao Ya can be the sessor."


    "A child of just a few years old?... Who knows what day she might die mysteriously?"


    ...


    When Wei Lin heard this, his face turned ashen, choking on the blood in his throat: "You tricked me! Wei Wenjuan! This recording isn''t..."


    It wasn''t recorded by Li Jiang!


    But... it was recorded by Xing Siyun!


    Wei Lin turned his head to stare at Xing Siyun, his gaze ice-cold.


    He had clearly checked at the time! He had clearly checked!


    Xing Siyun stroked her belly and said with lowered head: "Although I''m carrying your child, I really couldn''t stand by and watch your despicable actions anymore."


    Wei Lin felt his blood surging as he heard this, and asked Wei Wenjuan harshly: "Do you actually have that recording or not?"


    Wei Wenjuan didn''t look at him, but instead looked down at Li Jiang: "We lied to you, Xiao Ya didn''t find the recording. But the goal was achieved. Everyone involved in Wenyu''s death will die miserably."


    Using one recording to impersonate another.


    It was Xiao Ya''s idea.


    Wei Wenjuan hadn''t expected it to go so smoothly... As soon as he mentioned the recording Xiao Ya provided, Li Jiang took the bait. Li Jiang''s frenzy forced Wei Lin into a panic, thinking he truly had no way out.


    Wei Wenjuan really wanted to tell everyone that this was Xiao Ya personally avenging her mother.


    But he couldn''t say it.


    The kidnapping act still had to continue...


    They didn''t know how clever Xiao Ya was... Wei Wenjuan took a deep breath, his eyes brimming with hot tears.


    At this moment, Li Jiang opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of blood.


    "Good, good! Haha, so clever, so clever..."


    Wei Lin had already confessed, so the recording no longer mattered.


    The board members eagerly spoke up: "No matter who recorded it or what recording it is... listen to what was said, what does it mean by ''who knows what day she might die mysteriously''?"


    "Wei Lin, oh Wei Lin! How dare you say it wasn''t you? The young miss''s kidnapping was orchestrated by you!"


    "Let''s carry out familyw!"


    "That''s right!"


    The board members had now be the most eager to take action.


    "ording to family rules, those who act against the family''s interests should have their fingers chopped off."


    "For sowing discord and glib talking, the tongue should be cut out and teeth pulled."


    "For being disloyal and unfaithful, the liver and galldder should be dug out."


    They stood there, each person speaking a sentence, their tones icy and cruel.


    "I''ll do it personally," Wei Wenjuan held out his hand again, this time epting a knife.


    In the Long Ind vi.


    Xiao Ya clearly heard the sound of Wei Lin being knocked down from his wheelchair.


    Then came a "squelch", perhaps something being cut...


    A shrill scream squeezed out of Wei Lin''s throat.


    Followed by frantic cursing.


    He cursed the board members, cursed the Gui family...


    Ke Muning sat beside her listening with relish, saying softly: "What a beautiful y..."


    Xiao Ya didn''t speak.


    She had told her second uncle to remember to call her grandfather during the interrogation so he could listen in too.


    And she had Xing Siyun call her, as she wanted to listen in as well.


    "It''s just a pity..." Ke Muning said, turning to look at her, "None of them know this was nned by you."


    "It''s not a pity," Xiao Ya said softly. "From now on, they''ll all be afraid of second uncle, and he''ll have authority."


    "Wouldn''t it be better if they feared you directly?"


    "No, I''m too young, they would still instinctively look down on me. But it''s good that they underestimate me..."


    "Oh? How is that good?"


    Xiao Ya nodded slightly: "Mm, this way I can do more things in the future. And also..."


    "And also what?"


    "And also, what would adults do if they knew a child was very smart?"


    Ke Muning''s gaze shifted: "Kill her before she grows up and bes more formidable."


    "Mm, so let''s just let them not know," Xiao Ya said.


    Ke Muning was speechless.


    This level of awareness was something even adults might not have. Who could willingly hide their brilliance?


    Xiao Ya sat there listening to the screams and curses for a long time.


    Until the sounds disappeared.


    It wasn''t clear if he had died or passed out from the pain.


    Xiao Ya suddenly turned her head to look at Ke Muning: "I want to go back now."


    Ke Muning pursed his lips: "What if I..." don''t agree?


    Aliali: 67358284d72ede93494505f5Before Ke Muning could finish the second half of his sentence,


    Xiao Ya said: "Let''s go, let''s go see the ocean. You can also take me to other people''s parties."


    The surprise came too suddenly. Ke Muning didn''t move, but asked: "Aren''t you afraid of being exposed?"


    Xiao Ya nodded and said in a soft voice: "It doesn''t matter now, Wei Lin has already been dealt with by them. Even if they realize they made a mistake, they can''t regret it. Not only can they not regret it, but after realizing their mistake, they''ll only be more afraid of second uncle..."


    "They''ll think second uncle has very powerful methods."


    Ke Muning had seen her madness and daring before, and now he fully witnessed her intelligence and restraint.


    "And it''s time to let everyone know that Ke Muning is someone who is good to me, not my enemy," Xiao Ya said her final words.


    ...And her sweetness.


    Ke Muning marveled inwardly.


    Then he bent down to pick her up, his eyes shining brightly: "Let''s go, proim it to the world!"

 Chapter 202: I Am Her Godfather

    <h4>Chapter 202</h4>


    In the hall.


    Wei Wenjuan slowly raised his head, with obvious traces of blood still on his face.


    "Bring the doctor over," Wei Wenjuan said with a sigh.


    "Second Young Master, this is..."


    "We can''t just let him die, there''s still a long way to go," Wei Wenjuan said, ncing at the motionless Li Jiang and pointing with a sneer: "Otherwise, why do you think he ended up like this?"


    No one on the board of directors spoke again.


    The hall fell into a deathly silence.


    Until the doctor arrived, wiping sweat and beginning to frantically try to save Wei Lin''s life.


    "My niece still hasn''t been found..." Wei Wenjuan frowned.


    The board of directors cursed inwardly, thinking that it was all because of the young miss''s disappearance... After a moment of silence, they simply said: "Why don''t we also kidnap ck Chuan Jin''s family?"


    Wei Wenjuan nodded but didn''t speak.


    Someone on the board hesitated and said, "Then... I''ll take care of it."


    Wei Wenjuan closed his eyes tiredly: "Mm, you can all disperse now."


    This sounded less polite, but at this point, no one cared about politeness anymore, and they quickly left.


    "I didn''t expect the second brother to be so ruthless," someone sighed in a low voice after leaving, "He''s much more ruthless than before his leg was crippled."


    "Anyone who ends up in this state would inevitably go to extremes, right?"


    With these words, the board members fell silent again.


    None of them were particrly clean, but as long as these things weren''t brought to light, it was fine. If one day, like Wei Lin, they were stripped naked andid out on the chopping block like a pig, they''d all be finished!


    They exchanged nces, not daring to guess if any of them had a hand in the Gui family''s direct rtives ending up in this state today.


    They all hurriedly left.


    Now that Wei Lin had been dealt with, there would be changes in the group, and they needed to be prepared...


    When most people had left, the bodyguards also carried Li Jiang away.


    As they were leaving, a bodyguard asked, "If his wounds get infected again and he develops a high fever..."


    "Don''t give him any injections, see if he can survive on his own. If he can, let him suffer for a few more days," Wei Wenjuan said, tugging at the corner of his mouth.


    "Ah!"


    A servant timidly approached with a tissue: "Second Young Master, she..."


    This "she" referred to Xing Siyun, who was standing to one side, her face pale with fear.


    Although she had firmly stood on Xiao Ya''s side, Xing Siyun was still frightened by today''s scene.


    Wei Wenjuan nced at her: "Help her up."


    Xing Siyun swallowed and was helped to sit on the sofa. Only then did she look down at her phone. The call interface on her phone had already ended at some point...


    Wei Wenjuan asked coldly: "What are you looking at?"


    "The... the phone call, Xiao Ya wanted to listen too... but it just ended."


    Wei Wenjuan''s tone softened a bit, but his brows were still furrowed: "When is sheing back? Did she tell you?"


    "No... no."


    Wei Wenjuan missed her very much.


    He wanted to hug the little girl who had dared to take such risks to avenge her mother, to hold her tightly in his arms.


    "Never mind, she has her own ideas," Wei Wenjuan muttered, no longer looking at Xing Siyun. He turned away and first made a call to Wei Wenqing.


    "Why did it take you so long to answer the phone?"


    An AI voice responded from the other end: "There were some unclean people at home, I was dealing with them."


    "Unclean?"


    "Did Xiao Ya tell you about Xing Siyun''s pregnancy?" Wei Wenqing slowly typed and yed through the phone, roughly exining how the Xing family had almost gotten away with it, and that some people from the Wei family had helped.


    "Those people were left by Wei Lin, they need to be dealt with."


    Wei Wenjuan sighed: "So there was such a process, Xiao Ya didn''t mention it to me. Good, the domestic ones have been dealt with, now the overseas ones too."


    Wei Wenqing on the other end was stunned, typing: "What do you mean?"


    "Wei Lin confessed."


    "..." There was a long silence on the other end.


    Wei Wenjuan continued, exining Wei Lin''s confession in detail: "...In other words, back then, Wenyu only gave you the sleeping pills because she was afraid you''d be med by father. She wanted to keep you out of it. But she didn''t expect that once she left, she''d never return."


    "So, it wasn''t your fault. You didn''t lose Wenyu. It was Wei Lin''s vicious ambition that handed Wenyu over to that bastard Li Jiang."


    "..."


    "Do you understand, Wenqing?"


    "..." The other end was still silent, but there were now extremely faint sounds of gasping and sobbing.


    After who knows how long, the cold AI voice finally spoke again: "How is Wei Lin now?"


    "I chopped off his fingers one by one, and pulled out his teeth and tongue. The board wanted to gouge out his liver and galldder, but he''d die if we did that. How could that be allowed? He can''t die so quickly. I heard the liver regenerates, so we''ll see how many times he can endure having it cut out..."


    "Good!" The AI voice was still emotionless, but Wei Wenjuan could hear the excitement in it.


    "But how did Wei Lin confess so quickly?" Wei Wenqing asked, puzzled.


    "Because of... Xiao Ya."


    "Xiao Ya? What happened to her?"


    Wei Wenjuan had to exin everything to his brother from the beginning.


    Wei Wenqing hung up without a word.


    Wei Wenjuan didn''t even have time to discuss Wenyi''s matter with him: "This kid isn''t going to buy a ne ticket and rush over now, is he?"


    *


    Ke Muning took Xiao Ya to the seaside.


    "Remember that thing?" Ke Muning pointed to the flyboarding equipment on the shore.


    Xiao Ya nodded: "You were holding me then, and I swallowed a lot of seawater."


    Ke Muning: "..." "You really hold grudges."


    Xiao Ya tilted her head: "But I also remember love."


    Ke Muning couldn''t help but smile again, he hugged Xiao Ya and walked towards the shore: "Want to try it again?"


    "Okay."


    After putting on the equipment, Ke Muning still held her tightly in front of him.


    This time when the water sshed up high and sprayed down again, Ke Muning''srge hand opened to cover Xiao Ya''s face.


    After several rounds, Ke Muning asked: "Was it fun?"


    "Mm!"


    "Did you swallow any water this time?"


    "No," Xiao Ya turned to look at him, "But Ke Muning, you look like a drowned rat."


    Ke Muningughed heartily: "It doesn''t matter, I don''t care."


    He put her back on the beach and took off the equipment.


    Xiao Ya grabbed his finger and tugged.


    Ke Muning immediately bent down and lowered his head.


    Xiao Ya took the towel from the beach chair and wiped his face: "I care."


    Ke Muning was deeply moved.


    Yes, she cared.


    From now on, there was one more person in this world who cared about his joys and sorrows. She sincerely held grudges, and she sincerely liked him.


    "Dry off, I''ll take you to eat," Ke Muning firmly grasped her hand and walked towards a nearby ce.


    He took Xiao Ya to eat Hua Country cuisine with great swagger, bought ice cream from a street vendor, and then went to a high-end ready-to-wear store to buy a little dress and hat...


    After Xiao Ya changed into her new dress, he eagerly took the little girl to attend a party in the wealthy district.


    The doorman was a bit stunned when he saw him.


    Yes, an invitation had been sent.


    But that was just a symbolic gesture... After all, Ke Muning wasn''t friends with the host of the party, and he usually didn''t bother toe to such asions.


    And if he came... everyone at the party today would feel ufortable!


    While the doorman was still in a daze, Ke Muning had already raised his hand to push him aside and strode in.


    "Ke Muning... Ke Muning is here." Someone said, and the ballroom instantly fell silent, everyone silently watching him walk in with big strides.


    Ke Muning was a bit annoyed.


    Why didn''t anyone ask who he was holding hands with?


    At this moment, the host of the party finally couldn''t hold back anymore. Still maintaining his host''s demeanor, he walked forward with twitching eyes: "Mr. Ke Muning, this is..."


    "My daughter."


    "Ah?"


    "What? Doesn''t she look like me?" Ke Muning grabbed the end of Xiao Ya''s wig, the ends gleaming golden.


    The host wanted to speak but held back. Tell the truth? Easy to get shot.


    Fortunately, Ke Muning seemed to be in a good mood today. He wasn''t angry, and even smiled a little. Although not smiling would have been better, smiling was more terrifying.


    "I''m her godfather," Ke Muning added by way of exnation.


    "Oh!"


    Ke Muning stared at him.


    Aliali: 67358286d72ede9349450622The host suddenly felt his mouth go dry.


    What... what now? He had to say something, right?


    "Congrattions..." was all the host could squeeze out.


    Ke Muning led Xiao Ya to one side: "Tasteless thing, doesn''t even know how to give apliment."


    Xiao Ya: "..."


    The upper-ss social circles can be quite small at times, and when confined to a particr city, they be even smaller.


    No sooner had Ke Muning appeared at the banquet with Xiao Ya than someone from the Gui Family''s board of directors got wind of it.


    "Have ck River''s people been captured?" Someone immediately called to check on the other members of the board of directors.


    "They have been..."


    "Wrong! It''s all wrong!" The caller''s face turned ashen.

 Chapter 203: A Miraculous Scene

    <h4>Chapter 203</h4>


    "What?"


    "Wei Lin... was telling the truth. This setup was specifically designed to hunt him down." The person on the other end of the line shuddered involuntarily as they spoke.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Our little miss is safe and sound. She even attended a dinner party, walking right beside Ke Muning, who imed... to be her godfather."


    "..."


    "Ke Muning, that madman... is her godfather?"


    There was a collective silence on the phone.


    After a while, a voice spoke up again: "If what Wei Lin said wasn''t wrong, then surely... it couldn''t have been nned by a seven-year-old child, right?"


    "That''s Wei Lin underestimating the Wei brothers. A child couldn''t possibly... just think about it." The person sighed, "Wei Wenjun has truly risen up. He yed this act so well, from losing control and going mad after losing his niece, constantly talking about going down together, thepany going bankrupt... but in reality, he hadid out a trap in secret."


    "Indeed, the old man always kept Wei Lin around, waiting for his children to grow up. Now the old man''s wish has been fulfilled, and he can finally cut off the unnecessary business segments without any concerns. But Wei Lin is pretty much a dead man now. Who''s going to take the fall for those business segments?" The person paused.


    "It won''t be us, will it?"


    The call was disconnected at this point.


    The people in the board of directors couldn''t help but feel uneasy.


    Wei Wenjun soon received the news as well.


    "Godfather?" His lips twitched, "Ke Muning, that emotionally unstable madman... became Xiao Ya''s godfather?"


    Although Wei Lin had repeatedly said that Xiao Ya and Ke Muning had formed an alliance, no one expected this "alliance" to be so solid!


    "Are we still enemies with Ke Muning then?" The subordinate was confused.


    "I guess not anymore." Wei Wenjun massaged his temples.


    "The little miss is truly surprising." The subordinate marveled.


    Speaking of this, Wei Wenjun had a lot to say: "Xiao Ya is so adorable, it''s normal that even a madman like Ke Muning would like her..."


    Subordinate: ?


    As they were talking, Wei Wenjun''s phone suddenly rang. He looked down... it was Xiao Ya calling from her own phone! Finally! Finally, she wasn''t just calling Xing Siyun to ry messages anymore!


    Wei Wenjun answered the call with tears in his eyes.


    "Second Uncle, I''m back."


    There were no words in the world more pleasant to hear than these!


    After finishing the call with Xiao Ya, Wei Wenqing surprisingly called as well.


    When he answered, an AI voice came through: "Brother, I''m at the airport. Come pick me up."


    ...He really came!


    "No time to pick you up, I have to go get Xiao Ya."


    "Oh."


    "But I can send someone to pick you up."


    Wei Wenjun sent someone to the airport and even had time to change into a new suit.


    The previous one had a bloody smell, which wasn''t pleasant.


    After changing, he went to the door and craned his neck to look outside... looking and looking.


    Wei Wenjun''s expression froze.


    The car stopped outside the vi''s gate, and Ke Muning got out, holding Xiao Ya''s hand. At that moment, driven by instinct, everyone in the Gui family raised their guns simultaneously.


    No one said Ke Muning would personally bring her back!


    "Second Uncle!" Xiao Ya opened her arms wide.


    Wei Wenjun temporarily ignored everything else and rushed to Xiao Ya''s side with a quick slide.


    Xiao Ya immediately hugged his neck.


    Ke Muning frowned behind them.


    After the hug, Xiao Ya quickly let go and grabbed Ke Muning''s finger, saying, "Second Uncle, this is Ke Muning."


    Wei Wenjun''s face stiffened: "How could I not know him?"


    "He''s my godfather."


    Wei Wenjun''s vision went ck for a moment. Okay, it was true! It couldn''t be more true...


    Xiao Ya grabbed Wei Wenjun''s hand: "Come on, shake hands."


    The Gui family members all tensed up to the extreme.


    They couldn''t be med for being so on guard; mainly because Ke Muning had been mad for too long, infamous for his insanity.


    Wei Wenjun really wanted to pull his hand back.


    Ke Muning wasn''t too willing either.


    How disgusting, shaking hands...


    But the two grown men, with their fingers held by a little girl, didn''t dare to pull away.


    In the end... Xiao Ya managed to make them sp hands.


    "Now that you''ve shaken hands, consider it a truce," Xiao Ya looked up, finally showing a slight smile.


    Looking at that hard-earned smile on her face, what could the two men say?


    They both maintained stiff expressions but still shook hands.


    "Since Xiao Ya chose her own godfather..." Wei Wenjun felt absurd even as he said it. Ah, choosing one''s own godfather. It could only be said that their Xiao Ya was too extraordinary.


    "I guess..." Wei Wenjun, feeling like he had swallowed a fly, barely squeezed out the words, "you''re one of us now."


    Ke Muning didn''t particrly want to be one of them, but hearing these words gave him an idea.


    "Then invite me in," he said bluntly.


    Wei Wenjun: ?


    Ke Muning: "Keep me for dinner. Isn''t that the custom in your Hua Country?"


    Wei Wenjun: "...Pleasee in."


    When Wei Wenqing was brought home, he saw the scene of Ke Muning, his brother, and their Xiao Ya sitting around a table in a triumvirate.


    Wait, Ke Muning?... Ke Muning???


    Wei Wenqing took half a step back, almost thinking he was hallucinating.


    It wasn''t until his brother turned around and waved, saying in a slightly tired and powerless tone: "Come, Wenqing, sit down and get acquainted."


    This was an unprecedented absurd scene in the Gui family.


    But the meal was eaten in rtive harmony.


    After all, although Ke Muning''s actions were rough and he couldn''t help teasing the child, when it came to experience in taking care of children, he had more than Wei Wenjun and his brotherbined.


    He was gentle with Xiao Ya.


    He genuinely liked her.


    Since their principles aligned, there was nothing that couldn''t be worked out.


    "Xiao Ya, are you full?" Wei Wenjun put down his chopsticks.


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    "Second Uncle has some things to talk to you about..." Wei Wenjun pushed his wheelchair, and Xiao Ya immediately followed.


    Ke Muning stood up too, and Wei Wenqing gestured to a servant nearby, indicating to see Ke Muning out.


    However, Ke Muning turned to the servant and said: "Prepare a room for me."


    The servant''s mouth opened so wide it seemed like it could fit a duck egg.


    "We''re all family now, I''m staying the night," Ke Muning made a reasonable request.


    The servant closed their mouth.


    No wonder they say he''s mad? Can he really sleep here? They were enemies until just today!


    Wei Wenqing was in a hurry to catch up with his brother, so he made a few haphazard gestures, indicating to the servant to arrange it as requested.


    When Wei Wenqing caught up to the study, he heard Wei Wenjun saying to Xiao Ya: "At that time, Wei Lin said something like this, he said ''Why don''t we talk about how the second youngdy went mad?'' Those people didn''t let him continue. It was precisely this sentence that made them panic."


    "Was Auntie harmed by the board members?" Xiao Ya frowned.


    "That''s what Wei Lin implied... but I didn''t ask for details at the time because it wasn''t appropriate."


    "Why wasn''t it appropriate?"


    "We were just one final blow away from taking down Wei Lin. If we had implicated others at that point, it might have forced them to steel their hearts ande after me together."


    Xiao Ya cupped her face seriously and said: "Second Uncle is so smart!"


    Wei Wenjun blushed: "Second Uncle isn''t smart, Second Uncle isn''t as good as you."


    Xiao Ya shook her head: "Who says so? I didn''t tell Second Uncle on the phone that you should hold back at such times, but Second Uncle did it. When Second Uncle is clear-headed, you can analyze problems very clearly, so Second Uncle is smart!"


    The child''s praise was so sincere, without any exaggeration. Wei Wenjun tried to hold back, but couldn''t help smiling. The gloom in his eyes dissipated because of this.


    "So Second Uncle shouldn''t lose control because of worrying about me anymore." Xiao Ya raised her arms and twirled, her skirt ring out in a wave-like arc.


    "Look, Second Uncle, I''ll be fine."


    Wei Wenjun''s nose stung: "Mm. I know, you''re great, you take good care of yourself. It''s uncle who wants to make up for those missing years too much, always feeling scared when you''re out of my sight, afraid that something might happen to you, afraid you might get hurt..."


    "Then uncle needs to be more and more clear-headed, smarter and more capable."


    "Alright! Uncle promises you!"


    Wei Wenqing couldn''t help but squeeze in, looking at Xiao Ya with full expectation, seemingly hoping for her praise as well. If not for being smart, she could praise something else, right?


    Xiao Ya turned and hugged him. "Little uncle, don''t me yourself anymore. Mom would be sad if she knew."


    Wei Wenqing nodded vigorously.


    But what about praise?


    In the end, Xiao Ya hadn''t praised him at all.


    Wei Wenqing felt a bit disappointed, but it made him even more determined. He needed to show his good qualities too! He had to work hard to be strong!


    That night, they all slept incredibly soundly.


    The next morning after waking up.


    Ke Muning sat directly on the living room sofa, looking every bit like the master of the house.


    When Wei Wenjuan came out in his wheelchair, he couldn''t help but twitch the corner of his mouth.


    Of course, Ke Muning knew nothing of shame.


    Just as he was thinking about how to stay at the Gui Family''s house for a few more days, Xiao Ya came down the stairs, followed by a servant carrying arge suitcase.


    Seeing this, Ke Muning''s eyelid twitched: "Where are you going?"


    Xiao Ya looked at him: "Back to the country."


    Ke Muning''s expression darkened, looking somewhat terrifying. He said, "I won''t allow it."


    Wei Wenjuan frowned at his words, and even the servants looked at him trembling with fear.


    Xiao Ya, unfazed as usual, wasn''t afraid of him at all and simply said, "Ke Muning, I have to go back to school."


    "You can go to school here. I''ll pick you up and drop you off every day, just like before," Ke Muning said forcefully.


    "That won''t work. I need to be with Grandpa and Great-grandpa. They''ve only just found me, and they need me," Xiao Ya said firmly.


    The servants were afraid they might start arguing. What if Ke Muning turned around and killed their young master first?


    But although Ke Muning''s expression was terrifying, he still sat there properly: "I need you too."


    "But you''re a grown-up," Xiao Ya said.


    The servants: ?


    What kind of tone was this to use when coaxing a child?


    Xiao Ya continued, "You shoulde to Hua Country to see me."


    Ke Muning snorted coldly without saying a word.


    Aliali: 67358284d72ede93494505f5Xiao Ya added, "So you can''t vite Hua Country''sws. You can''t do anything harmful to Hua Country, otherwise you won''t be able to enter the country in the future, and you''ll never see me again."


    Ke Muning cursed in Dutch.


    Xiao Ya walked over and climbed onto hisp: "Ke Muning, aren''t you going to take me to the airport?"


    "Fine, fine, fine!" Ke Muning squeezed out the words between his teeth.


    This was the first time Wei Wenjuan and the others had seen such a scene so directly... Was he really tamed just like that?


    Despite Ke Muning''s forceful words, it didn''t stop him frompromising.


    *


    Meanwhile, Secretary Wang had waited for two days without receiving another call from Xiao Ya.


    The feeling was like ordering something you''ve been longing for, but the seller is taking forever to ship it... it was unbearable.


    "When will the Gui Family''s matters be resolved?" He counted on his fingers and said to his assistant, "Go to Australia and raise two amethyst pythons for a couple of days."

 Chapter 204: Turn It Around

    <h4>Chapter 204</h4>


    Ke Muning reluctantly bid farewell to Xiao Ya, feeling disgruntled.


    Wei Wenqing was rather unlucky, as he had barely settled in before having to leave again.


    Xing Siyun, however, stayed behind.


    "I can''t go back now anyway, or my grandmother will poke my head and scold me for being useless," Xing Siyun sighed, not expecting to have gained nothing from this trip while enduring quite a scare.


    "You''ve put in the effort, and Second Uncle will reward you."


    "Really...?" Xing Siyun couldn''t quite believe it.


    "Mm-hmm."


    "I thought... after that pregnancy incident, I had offended you all badly," Xing Siyun said with an awkward smile.


    "You did offend us," Xiao Ya replied honestly.


    A flicker of unease crossed Xing Siyun''s face. "Then, then..."


    "Rewards and punishments are separate. We must view them differently."


    Xing Siyun looked at her, her slightly trembling body instantly calming. She murmured, "You seem to have grasped the essence of the mafia."


    Xiao Ya didn''t hear clearly and asked puzzled, "What did you say?"


    Xing Siyun waved her hands dismissively, "Nothing, you should go. Have a safe trip."


    She watched Xiao Ya and her group leave, her greedy nature unable to suppress a hint of longing and envy.


    Why, at her age, could she never live like Xiao Ya? Was it due to gic differences? Or... perhaps because she never had a caring rtive to guide her properly while growing up?


    Unaware of the mncholy and sadness she had stirred in Xing Siyun, Xiao Ya made a series of phone calls on her way to the airport.


    She first called Wei Xuanming but couldn''t get through, so she called Old Mr. Zhang, followed by Sheng Yuxiao, Qin Sui, Zhou Xiaoshu, An Ying... essentially informing them all of her return.


    By the time the nended, people were already waiting to pick her up.


    She loved this feeling of having someone waiting for her.


    "Grandpa!" She ran forward and hugged Old Mr. Zhang.


    "Oh, Xiao Ya, these past few days without you, even my meals lost their vor," Old Mr. Zhangined intively.


    Xiao Ya quickly rummaged in her small backpack, pulling out gifts. "For Grandpa."


    Old Mr. Zhang''sints instantly vanished. "How thoughtful of you to bring souvenirs! Isn''t your backpack heavy? Let Uncle Xunyuan carry it for you."


    Xiao Ya shook her head and pulled out another gift, handing it to Secretary Wu standing beside Old Mr. Zhang.


    Wu Xunyuan was pleasantly surprised and beamed with joy. "You even got something for me?"


    Xiao Ya nodded, "Yes, yes, there''s one for Uncle Xunyuan too."


    She then turned to Old Mr. Zhang, "But I told you on the phone not toe pick me up, Grandpa. Sheng Yuxiao was going to pick me up. Why did you stille?"


    Old Mr. Zhang coughed guiltily and said softly, "How could I note to pick you up?"


    "But the journey might tire you out."


    Old Mr. Zhang opened his eyes wider, "Look, I''m full of energy now, vibrant! Not tired at all!"


    Wei Wenqing walked silently behind them, maintaining a distance as he watched the scene unfold.


    His older brother had long advised him that they shouldn''t get too close to Old Mr. Zhang, to avoid their background holding Xiao Ya back.


    At this moment, Old Mr. Zhang finally noticed him, "Xiao Ya, is that...?"


    Old Mr. Zhang''s eyesight was a bit farsighted, but he could clearly see Wei Wenqing''s distinctive aura.


    "Little Uncle," Xiao Ya said straightforwardly.


    Old Mr. Zhang felt his face flush, feeling somewhat guilty. After all, Xiao Ya''s mother had fought with all her might to protect her and Xinian''s child, only to die in misery...


    "Well then, why don''t we all go together?"


    "Okay!" Xiao Ya responded, turning to wave, "Little Uncle! Hurry up, don''t get lost."


    Wei Wenqing hesitated repeatedly but ultimately couldn''t resist the temptation and followed.


    Even so, he tried his best to minimize his presence, keeping his head down and not even greeting Old Mr. Zhang.


    Old Mr. Zhang sighed. Although they had never formally met, now that they had encountered each other... He tugged at Xiao Ya''s sleeve and whispered, "Why doesn''t your Little Uncle say anything? Is he unhappy?"


    Old Mr. Zhang thought he should prepare some gifts.


    What would be appropriate?


    Just then, Xiao Ya''s voice rang out: "It''s not that. Little Uncle can''t speak."


    "Can''t speak?"


    "Mm-hmm, Little Uncle is mute."


    Old Mr. Zhang paused, feeling even more embarrassed. "Your maternal grandfather... must have had it tough all these years."


    Before Xiao Ya could offer any words offort, her phone rang.


    It was Sheng Yuxiao calling.


    "Where are you?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "I''ve reached the exit."


    "Perfect..." Sheng Yuxiao paused, then said, "Look up, towards Exit Chapter 3."


    Xiao Ya looked up and saw Sheng Yuxiao standing there in a trench coat. It was already spring, and the spring breeze swept across his face, softening his sharp, fierce features.


    Old Mr. Zhang was still immersed in his guilty reflections, not noticing that his granddaughter had already flown into Sheng Yuxiao''s arms.


    Sheng Yuxiao raised his hand to stroke Xiao Ya''s hair, saying, "Good, you''ve returned just as you left."


    Xiao Ya smiled, pressing her lips together. "I''ll tell Grandpa in a bit that I''m going to your ce."


    This was quite a pleasant surprise.


    Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth curling up. "Will Old Mr. Zhang agree?"


    "Mm-hmm! Grandpa will agree." Xiao Ya said as she pulled out her phone.


    "You''re not calling Qin Sui, are you?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "No, I''m calling Secretary Wang."


    "Him? He''s gone to Europe," Sheng Yuxiao''s lips twitched. "He even asked me to go with him before he left. Good thing I didn''t agree."


    Xiao Ya froze for a moment. "He left? Then... do I still need to fulfill my promise?"


    "What promise?" Sheng Yuxiao''s ears perked up alertly.


    "I made a deal with Secretary Wang."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s bad feeling intensified. "What kind of deal?"


    "He helps me, and in return, I stay at his ce for three days."


    "No! Absolutely not!" Sheng Yuxiao''s reaction was vehement.


    "Why not?" Xiao Ya''s eyes widened.


    "He can''t even take care of himself properly, how could he look after you for three days?"


    "It''s okay, I don''t need anyone to look after me. I can take care of myself."


    "That''s not the point... Do you know everything he tries to nurture dies?"


    Xiao Ya pondered for a moment. "Then can we do it the other way around?"


    Aliali: 67358287d72ede934945062f"The other way around?"


    "Yes, I''ll take care of him!"


    Sheng Yuxiao: ?


    An unprecedented path!


    *


    When Secretary Wang received the call, he was already in Australia breeding pythons.


    "What? That little duckling is back?" Secretary Wang felt a twinge of regret.


    It was as if a long-awaited package had finally arrived at the office, but he had gone home for the New Year.


    "I''ming back right away," Secretary Wang said, getting up.


    After he left, the half-dead amethyst python poked out itsrge head, having narrowly escaped death.

 Chapter 205: Going Home with Secretary Wang

    <h4>Chapter 205</h4>


    Secretary Wang arrived at the Sheng Family''s house.


    His nephew was sitting on the sofa.


    "Why just you?" Secretary Wang asked.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked up and replied, "Xiao Ya and Xu Ruying are ying upstairs."


    Secretary Wang tilted his head, instantly understanding.


    "Do you have something to tell me?" Secretary Wang asked, then paused briefly before continuing, "Oh, I see Xiao Ya told you she''s going to stay with me for three days? It''s not the New Year anymore, so you''re toote to shave your head."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    "Don''t treat her like a toy," Sheng Yuxiao said sternly.


    Secretary Wang raised his hand and swore to the heavens: "I promise!"


    Sheng Yuxiao shook his head: "I don''t believe you."


    Secretary Wang smiled and chided, "How can a nephew not trust his uncle?"


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t respond to that, instead handing over his phone: "So let my mom remind you."


    The smile on Secretary Wang''s face faltered slightly as he took the phone.


    Xu Qii''s calm voice came through the phone: "I heard from Yuxiao that the little friend Xiao Ya is going to stay at your ce?"


    "Yes, sister."


    "Why?"


    "Because we made a deal, and now the little one is fulfilling her promise, that''s all."


    "I don''t want to break the deal between you two, that''s your business. But please carefully recall when Yuxiao was three months old and followed you into a mud pit, almost drowning; when he was a year and a half, you climbed onto the kitchen counter with a stool insisting on cooking for him, nearly blowing up the kitchen; when he was two years old, you took him cycling, speeding down a hill, both of you ending up bruised and battered..."


    Xu Qii paused here, then changed her tone: "Yuxiao still doesn''t know about these incidents. I never told him to preserve your uncle-nephew rtionship."


    Secretary Wang rubbed his ear: "Sister, I''ve grown up now."


    "Yes, but your desire to raise something has also grown stronger."


    "..."


    "Leave her with the household staff, don''t let your sudden urge to cook a meal end up with her in the hospital for food poisoning."


    "...Alright." She only said no cooking, didn''t forbid anything else.


    Xu Qii continued: "It''s been a while since I''ve seen you too. Let''s have a meal together in a few days."


    Secretary Wang sighed softly: "What''s the point of hiring chefs to cook? A family dinner should be homemade..."


    "You''d better not, let your brother-inw cook." Xu Qii didn''t know what was wrong with him. Her brother had always had his own ideas since childhood��


    He valued family traditions so much that, apart from his record of sending everyone to the hospital with his cooking, in his youthful ignorance, he had even tried to nurse his niece and nephew himself.


    It wasn''t until he was older that he realized he didn''t actually produce milk.


    "Alright, goodbye sister." Secretary Wang behaved much more properly in front of Xu Qii. He hung up the phone and turned to look at Sheng Yuxiao, his gaze soft enough to squeeze water from.


    "Little uncle, what do you want to say?" Sheng Yuxiao asked, taking back his phone.


    Secretary Wang sighed lightly: "I just suddenly feel that uncle hasn''t been good enough to you."


    Sheng Yuxiao got goosebumps from the mushiness.


    "Good nephew, can you give me Xiao Ya now?" Secretary Wang showed a happy expression.


    "What do you mean ''give''?" Sheng Yuxiao shook his head in displeasure, then made an internal call upstairs, "Secretary Wang is here."


    Xu Ruying was confused for a moment when she received the call, then remembered the identity her uncle was ying.


    Really? Still not tired of it? Still acting?


    She hung up the phone and shrugged, hooking her arm around Xiao Ya''s shoulders to lift her from the ground: "We''re done ying, let''s go downstairs."


    As Xiao Ya came down, Secretary Wang immediately forgot about eating and took her from Xu Ruying''s hands.


    "We''ll be going then, Young Master Sheng, Miss Xu, goodbye." Secretary Wang stuck to his role.


    Xu Ruying covered half her eye, unable to bear watching.


    Sheng Yuxiao still couldn''t bear to let go, grabbing Xiao Ya''s hand.


    "Call me anytime if anything happens," Sheng Yuxiao instructed carefully.


    Xiao Ya nodded slightly, looking a bit bewildered.


    How terrifying could Secretary Wang be?


    After leaving the Sheng family''s house, Xiao Ya got into the car with Secretary Wang. The journey waspletely safe, without any peculiarities.


    The car stopped in front of a skyscraper. Xiao Ya tilted her head back but seemed unable to see the top.


    Secretary Wang noticed her movement and said softly, "This building is 472 meters tall, with 131 floors."


    After saying this, he led her in with a swipe of his card and pressed "131" in the elevator.


    Secretary Wang lived on the top floor.


    Xiao Ya wasn''t familiar with this ce. If Zhou Xiaoshu or An Ying were here, they would immediately know that Secretary Wang lived on the most expensive floor of this apartment building.


    Priced at 1.6 billion.


    This was the tallest residential building in the world. Standing in the top floor apartment, one could overlook almost the entire city.


    This was precisely why it was the most expensive.


    Anyone standing here would have the illusion that the whole world was beneath their feet.


    "Give me your hand," Secretary Wang said without turning his head.


    Xiao Ya bewilderedly held out her hand. Secretary Wang grabbed it and pressed it against the fingerprint reader, thinking to himself how soft a child''s hand was.


    He squeezed it a couple of times.


    Xiao Ya immediately widened her eyes: "Ouch!"


    Secretary Wang looked thin, but his strength was surprisingly great.


    "Oh, sorry," Secretary Wang released his grip and then said, "Come a bit closer."


    Xiao Ya moved nearer.


    He pressed her against the device, registering her iris.


    Only then did he open the steel-like door that gleamed with a cold silver light.


    As soon as the door opened, someone bowed to remove Secretary Wang''s shoes, recing them with softer house slippers.


    Secretary Wang then remembered: "I forgot to prepare shoes for you."


    Xiao Ya politely asked, "Can I go in barefoot then?"


    "That''s not good. Open a pair of mine for her."


    Someone responded and opened a drawer to take out a new pair.


    They were adult male shoe size. When Xiao Ya stepped into them, it was quiteical, like she was in a boat.


    Secretary Wang walked in front, and Xiao Ya followed behind in the oversized slippers.


    It was very clean here, so clean it seemed cold. The floor tiles below were polished to a mirror shine.


    Aliali: 67358287d72ede934945062fSo shiny it was slippery.


    For others, just this first step into Secretary Wang''s home could result in a nasty fall.


    But when Xiao Ya was younger, what shoes she wore depended on what she could find. Ill-fitting shoes weremon. She could even wear sandals with broken straps.


    So walking like this wasn''t difficult for her.


    She walked steadily... but suddenly Secretary Wang stopped in front of her, turning around, and Xiao Ya bumped right into him.


    Xiao Ya fell on her bottom, a bit dazed.


    "Are you alright?" Secretary Wang quickly picked her up from the ground.


    Xiao Ya shook her head. She looked at Secretary Wang: "Sheng Yuxiao said everything you raise dies."


    Secretary Wang''s shoring was exposed, but he didn''t blush. He just said, "They usually survive at least three days." Meaning to reassure Xiao Ya.


    "That doesn''t sound very scientific," Xiao Ya wasn''t nervous. She just looked at him and sincerely suggested, "My grandfather has hired monks, Taoist priests, and nuns before. Would you like an introduction?"

 Chapter 206: No Hope

    <h4>Chapter 206</h4>


    Secretary Wang''s smile froze on his face, and the air briefly stagnated.


    Xiao Ya looked at him.


    He looked at Xiao Ya.


    The servant involuntarily shrank his neck in this spacious and cold room.


    At that moment, the servant heard Secretary Wang''s voice. He softly replied, "Alright, let''s try."


    The servant was stunned.


    Xiao Ya took out her phone and said, "Then wait a moment, I''ll make a call."


    Half an hourter.


    Xiao Ya and Secretary Wang sat on the sofa, waiting for the arrival of monks, Taoist priests, and nuns.


    They entered one after another, looked at each other''s attire, and exchanged nces, thinking to themselves that they hadn''t expected Hua Country bosses to be so fond of blending Eastern and Western styles these days!


    "Is it them?"


    "Mm-hmm." Xiao Ya nodded.


    "Then let''s begin." Secretary Wang nodded slightly.


    But the Taoist priests, monks, and nuns opposite them looked a bit dazed.


    The Taoist priest asked first, "Begin what? You haven''t told us what you need yet."


    Secretary Wang turned his head to stare at Xiao Ya with a smile, "You wanted to exorcise me, right?"


    "Umm." Xiao Ya responded without the slightest blush.


    Secretary Wang turned his head back, "Then let''s exorcise. Come on."


    The Taoist priest sighed, "You should have said so earlier. We can''t do that."


    Secretary Wang was stunned, "Can''t do it?"


    "Yes, that''s called gathering people to engage in feudal superstitious activities, which is illegal," the Taoist priest said decisively.


    Secretary Wang: ?


    Xiao Ya: ?


    A hint of confusion shed across Xiao Ya''s eyes, "If you can''t exorcise, why are you still staying at my grandfather''s house?"


    The monk put his palms together, "To chant sutras."


    The nun also made the sign of the cross in response.


    "Can''t chanting sutras exorcise?" Xiao Ya was puzzled, thinking that wasn''t this how it was written in books?


    "Of course not! If we said it could, that would be false advertising and promoting superstition, which is also illegal," the Taoist priest said with a twitching face.


    The monk continued, "Yes, chanting sutras is to bring peace to Mr. Wei''s mind, to help him forget worldly troubles early, and ascend to paradise in the next life. Not to exorcise evil spirits in this life."


    Xiao Ya felt something was off, "How can people ascend to paradise in the next life? Isn''t that also false advertising?"


    The monk waved his hand, "Ah, who knows if there''s a paradise or not? It''s just like no one knows if there are aliens in this world. So this doesn''t count as false advertising."


    "Sounds very much like a scam," Xiao Ya frowned.


    "How can you say that, youngdy? How is this a scam?"


    "How much money did my grandfather give you?"


    "That''s not giving money, it''s a merit donation. He donates about 800,000 to us every month."


    Xiao Ya''s expression dropped, "Grandfather is so wasteful."


    The Taoist priest didn''t quite agree with this and said, "Maybe those foreigners are even more expensive."


    Xiao Ya turned her head to look at the nun and the Archbishop beside her, asking about their "monthly sry" in English.


    The Archbishop didn''t hide anything, after all, in his view, this money was just a drop in the bucket for the Gui Family.


    "One hundred thousand," the Archbishop answered.


    Xiao Ya thought for a moment and turned to ask Secretary Wang, "But he''s probably getting paid in US dors, right?"


    Secretary Wang nodded.


    "I need to call my uncle to fire them," Xiao Ya frowned.


    She hadn''t expected it to be so expensive!


    Secretary Wang smiled and said, "Now, I have a way..."


    "Hmm?" Xiao Ya looked at him.


    "You call your uncle first and ask what kind of visa your grandfather arranged for them when they entered the country."


    Xiao Ya nodded and did as told.


    Wei Wenqing was surprised when he received the call. He didn''t know why, but he still had someone check.


    A few minutester, Xiao Ya turned her head back to Secretary Wang, "It''s a business visa."


    Secretary Wang''s smile remained unchanged, "Then before you fire them, you can get back all the money paid to them."


    "Why?" This was a blind spot for Xiao Ya.


    "Visas for entering other countries are divided into tourist visas, business visas, and work visas. Business visas have a longer validity period, but there are certain restrictions. If they are to be employed and receive wages from an employer, they must apply for a work visa. Otherwise, it''s illegal... After they came to Hua Country and then received money from your grandfather, it became an illegal act."


    Xiao Ya''s eyes lit up, "So there are such intricacies!"


    Secretary Wang nodded lightly and chuckled, "Their god didn''t bless them, not even sending them awyer."


    The Archbishop couldn''t understand Hua Country''snguage. His gaze moved from Xiao Ya to Secretary Wang, then back to Xiao Ya,pletely unaware of what was happening.


    Only the Taoist priests and monks listened with their eyes wide open, thinking, "Damn, good thing we''re Hua Country people!"


    They carefully observed Secretary Wang, thinking, "He''s too ruthless! This person is too ruthless! No wonder he needs to be ''exorcised''!"


    At this moment, Xiao Ya turned her head back but didn''t rush to negotiate with the Archbishop.


    Secretary Wang said it was illegal, but to what extent exactly?


    She picked up her phone and started searching for keywords.


    "...In serious cases, detention for 5 to 15 days may be imposed, and a fine of 5,000 to 20,000 yuan may be imposed, with illegal gains confiscated..."


    Xiao Ya raised her face and naturally tranted this passage for the Archbishop to hear.


    The Archbishop''s face quickly turned green.


    But that wasn''t all...


    "You''re also conducting illegal missionary activities without registering with the religious affairs department, which is strictly forbidden in Hua Country. This is also against thew..."


    When Secretary Wang heard this, the smile on his face immediately deepened.


    This wasn''t what he said, hmm, did the little girl just search this on her phone herself?


    She''s quite good at drawing inferences.


    The Archbishop''s face was nowpletely green. He said excitedly, "Your heart is not sincere! Your grandfather''s heart is not sincere either! You Hua Country people have no faith!"


    Xiao Ya was puzzled, "If you can''t fulfill people''s wishes, why me people for not being sincere? Isn''t it because youck ability?"


    The Archbishop became even angrier, only saying stiffly, "The money will be returned to you!"


    Xiao Ya was satisfied, "Then goodbye."


    The Archbishop was so angry he nearly fell backwards, leading the nuns out.


    At this point, Xiao Ya slowly turned her head to look at the monks and Taoist priests.


    They thought, "It can''t be, can it? Is this little girl going to ask for their money back too?"


    They carefully pondered whether they hadmitted any illegal acts in this process...


    "What do you use the merit money you received for?" Xiao Ya asked.


    "Huh?" The Taoist priest was stunned.


    The monk answered, "To repair temples."


    "Grandfather giving money is his merit, so where''s your merit?"


    "This..." What did this little girl mean?


    "You should leave. Remember to share your merit with others. You don''t even have the ability to exorcise, so umte some virtue for yourselves first," Xiao Ya said seriously.


    The monks and Taoist priests opened their mouths, then choked.


    If someone else had said this, it would have sounded like mockery.


    But the little girl''s eyes were clear, and her tone was serious, which made it impossible for them to refute.


    Aliali: 673582c5d72ede9349450a01Secretary Wang behind them was immediately delighted, "How interesting!"


    The monks and Taoist priests nced at Secretary Wang, truly afraid that this strange man might give the little girl some more ideas to dig the money out of their pockets too.


    So they quickly left as well.


    The room returned to silence once again.


    Xiao Ya looked back at Secretary Wang and sighed.


    Secretary Wang smiled and pointed at himself, "So I''m beyond saving now, right?"


    "There''s still a little hope for salvation."


    "Hmm?"


    "From now on, listen to what I say."


    Secretary Wang was stunned for a moment, then smiled, "Alright."

 Chapter 207: The First Day of Raising Secretary Wang

    <h4>Chapter 207</h4>


    Xiao Ya made another call to Wei Wenqing, briefly informing him that these people had been dismissed and reminding him to verify if the refund had been received.


    After hanging up, Wei Wenqing was still a bit dazed. He then called his brother Wei Wenjuan to share the news.


    Wei Wenjuan remarked with emotion, "Those chatans can finally get lost! Haha! I''ve hated them for who knows how long. Never thought Xiao Ya would kick them out and even manage to get the money back..."


    Wei Wenqing typed out a voice message: "Xiao Ya is very brave. If only we had been that brave back then..."


    Wei Wenjuan replied, "Oh, that wouldn''t have happened! Father wouldn''t dare to hit Xiao Ya, but he had no problem hitting us."


    "...Brother has a point."


    "On a serious note, now that these people are leaving, remember the family rules."


    "Understood."


    The brothers ended their call.


    Wei Wenqing went out and summoned a servant, typing: "Keep an eye on them. When they leave, they can''t take any luggage with them."


    ording to the Gui Family''s rules, when outsiders came to stay, the family provided everything they needed, so they couldn''t take anything when they left.


    This rule was established by the Old Master after the family had suffered losses in the past.


    After all, smuggling out gold and silver would be considered minorpared to if someone took away confidential information... that would have severe consequences!


    The servant followed Wei Wenqing''s instructions and waited at the door.


    First, they saw off the monks and Taoist priests.


    Then it was the group led by the Archbishop.


    "Wait! You can''t leave!" The servant stopped them.


    The Archbishop angrily said, "The money has been refunded. What more do you want? You''re insulting our faith!"


    The servant pointed behind them: "The suitcases. You can''t take them."


    "Those contain our personal belongings..."


    "You still can''t take them. Didn''t you read the contract terms carefully when you signed?"


    "Hey, listen, this isn''t legal. There''s never been such a requirement!"


    The servant paused for a moment, then hesitantly said, "When our family is abroad, we asionally do some illegal things too. It''s quite normal."


    "..." The Archbishop fell silent.


    "We have souvenirs in our suitcases to take back. How can we leave them here?" A nun whispered softly.


    "Yes, and the key issue is that the people here have no faith at all. How can we leave our Bibles in such a ce? They''ll surely destroy them as soon as we''re gone," someone else added.


    The Archbishop''s frown deepened: "That''s right! We should fight for our rights! Get out of the way!"


    Wei Wenqing hadn''t expected this to turn into an argument. He hurriedly came over with bodyguards, surrounding the group.


    He silently surveyed these people.


    Something seemed odd.


    *


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ya looked at the servant and asked, "They are...?"


    Secretary Wang, remembering his role, lied without batting an eye: "Oh, they''re just hourly workers. They''ll be leaving soon."


    The servant: ?


    Well, if the boss says they''re leaving... then they''re leaving.


    In the blink of an eye, the room became even more silent.


    Xiao Ya took a breath. The air felt cold, without a hint of warmth.


    She got off the sofa and asked, "Where''s the kitchen?"


    Secretary Wang pointed: "What are you going to do?"


    "Boil some water. I''m thirsty."


    Secretary Wang got up and handed her a bottle of mineral water: "Drink this."


    Xiao Ya grabbed it: "It''s cold."


    Still, she went into the kitchen and came out a momentter with two bowls of hot water.


    She generously offered one to Secretary Wang: "Drinking cold water can give you a stomachache. This won''t."


    Secretary Wang let out a soft "Ah": "No wonder I always feel ufortable."


    "What''s for dinner?" Xiao Ya asked proactively.


    "Baked potatoes. I watched that show of yours, and they looked delicious," Secretary Wang walked into the kitchen and turned on the gas stove. "Come on, let''s bake them."


    Xiao Ya frowned slightly, staring at the blue me of the gas stove: "Are we baking them directly on this?"


    "Is that not okay?"


    "I don''t think so."


    Secretary Wang was still eager to try, but remembering he had just agreed to listen to the child, he gave up on the attempt.


    "What''s this?" Xiao Ya pointed and asked.


    Many things in this kitchen were unfamiliar to Xiao Ya. In the past, she had only used y stoves, and after returning to her grandfather''s house, she never had the chance to go into the kitchen.


    "That''s a microwave."


    "And this?"


    "A dishwasher."


    "This one..."


    "An oven."


    Xiao Ya leaned in front of the oven: "This looks like it can bake things."


    Secretary Wang brightened up: "Then let''s use it to bake now."


    Xiao Ya asked: "How do you use this?"


    Secretary Wang seemed quite experienced: "Here, let me show you how to set it."


    Xiao Ya thought for a moment: "Never mind, I''d rather read the manual."


    Secretary Wang narrowed his eyes: "You don''t trust me that much?"


    Xiao Ya nodded firmly, without a trace of pretense: "Mm-hmm."


    Secretary Wang withdrew his hand: "Then I''ll go find some potatoes for you."


    This house was really too big, but fortunately, it had been organized by professionals. Xiao Ya spent some effort and found a neatly arranged stack of manuals for all the appliances in the house in a drawer.


    It was a thick pile.


    Xiao Ya loved reading, so this stack was just like a book to her.


    She sat down and slowly began to flip through them,mitting everything to memory bit by bit.


    After a while, Secretary Wang straightened up and handed her two potatoes: "Seems to be some kind of specially cultivated variety, very soft and creamy..."


    Xiao Ya stared at the potatoes: "But they''ve sprouted."


    "Yes, so?"


    "Eating them could cause poisoning."


    Secretary Wang had another moment of realization: "No wonder it put Big Brother in the hospitalst time."


    Xiao Ya: ?


    Xiao Ya quickly grabbed the two potatoes and tossed them into the garbage bin with a thud.


    Secretary Wang sighed with disappointment: "Then we can''t eat any of them. I''ll call someone right away..."


    To deliver new ones.


    The words were on the tip of his tongue, but Secretary Wang swallowed them back.


    After all, his current role probably shouldn''t act like that.


    "Let''s go buy some new ones," Xiao Ya suggested.


    Secretary Wang could only agree: "Alright."


    Half an hourter, Secretary Wang stood silently at the entrance of the noisy market.


    Strong fish odors wafted over from nearby, prating deep into his senses.


    Big fish sshed water onto the ground, forming puddles here and there.


    Damp, dirty, earthy smells...


    Secretary Wang felt a bit ufortable.


    ...Shouldn''t they have gone to a supermarket instead?


    "We..." Secretary Wang had just started to speak.


    Xiao Ya grabbed his hand and led him inside.


    The two of them were too good-looking, attracting many curious nces as soon as they entered.


    "One silver carp, please!" Xiao Ya stood on tiptoe, her head barely peeking over the tall fish tank.


    "Coming right up!" The shopkeeper responded, watching as the little girl handled the entire process of selecting the fish and paying for it.


    He couldn''t help but nce curiously at Secretary Wang, thinking this must be some kind of social practice to train children''s self-reliance skills...


    After buying the fish, Xiao Ya went on to buy new potatoes, tomatoes, bamboo shoots...


    Then she went to the small shop next to the market to pick out bowls and chopsticks, shoes and socks, pillows, pillowcases, and duvet covers for herself...


    Aliali: 67358284d72ede93494505f5When they returned to the apartment building.


    A pair of fluffy slippers with a crooked plush pig sewn on top appeared at the entrance.


    Along with a shopping basket.


    The table now had several practical stainless steel cups.


    The bed was covered with a duvet featuring the character for "double happiness", which Xiao Ya remembered as the most expensive and highest quality style.


    The kitchen gained rooster bowls and a red checkered apron...


    The cold decorating style was instantly broken, taking on a distinctly urban-rural fusion vibe.


    Secretary Wang scanned the room and asked, "I remember your school had appreciation sses like flower arranging and such..."


    Xiao Ya nodded: "Yes, we did. But the teacher said I had no aesthetic sense. Then Sheng Yuxiao made them cancel all those sses!"


    You really are a troublemaker, dear nephew! Secretary Wang clicked his tongue.

 Chapter 208: The Second Day with Secretary Wang

    <h4>Chapter 208</h4>


    "The egg custard is done, you can take it out now," Xiao Ya said, turning her head while standing on a small stool.


    Secretary Wang, who had been waiting by the kitchen door, promptly responded and reached out to pull open the oven door.


    "Wait!" Xiao Ya quickly jumped off the stool, "You need to wear gloves!"


    "Ah," Secretary Wang softly acknowledged, taking therge gloves from her tiny hands.


    Holding the gloves in his palm, Secretary Wang didn''t rush to take out the egg custard. His hand hovered in mid-air, forming a stark contrast with Xiao Ya''s hand��


    The man''s hand glowed with the delicate luster of someone who had lived a life of privilege.


    Secretary Wang suddenly grasped Xiao Ya''s fingers and asked in a low voice, "Sheng Yuxiao didn''t take you to Wei Zesheng''s hospital to remove these scars, did he?"


    "He mentioned it, but I don''t think it''s necessary," Xiao Ya pinched her fingertips, "The soup is almost ready."


    She pulled her hand back, turned around, and turned off the gas stove on her left.


    "Why not?" Secretary Wang asked as he carried the egg custard, cing it on the table.


    Xiao Ya responded without looking back, "Because, um, this way I''m less likely to be recognized."


    "Oh? How so?" Secretary Wang set the egg custard on the table and walked back to Xiao Ya''s side.


    Xiao Ya wiped her hands on her apron and gently touched Secretary Wang''s fingers, "When you first meet someone, don''t you form an impression based on their appearance and attire?"


    "Yes."


    "The hands of the wealthy look a certain way. The hands of those who work thend look different. I don''t know if I''ll ever encounter danger again, but if I do, maybe the other person will think I''m worthless because of my hands..."


    "Confusing the other person''s judgment?" Secretary Wang tilted his head and smiled, "Very clever."


    So, did the little one guess his identity was more than just a secretary after seeing his hands? Hmm?


    The rice cooker suddenly beeped.


    Xiao Ya said, "The rice is also done, you can serve it."


    Secretary Wang suppressed his thoughts and responded, "Okay."


    "Wait, use this spoon, I washed it."


    Secretary Wang, feelingpletely untrusted, raised an eyebrow but wasn''t upset.


    Working together, they managed to prepare a dinner.


    Braised fish, egg custard, roasted potatoes, wood ear and yam stir-fry, eggnt casserole... quite a feast.


    Secretary Wang didn''t seem to be picky at all, quickly finishing most of the food on the table, even letting out a slightly ungraceful burp.


    "Just back from eating ants, and then having this food, it''s truly delicious," Secretary Wang softly sighed.


    "Ants?" Xiao Ya looked up at him.


    "Yes, I have a small pet that lives in the rainforest. After entering the rainforest, the local guide prepared an ant meal for us."


    "Ants aren''t very tasty," Xiao Yamented.


    "Oh? Have you eaten them too?"


    "Yes, I''ve also eaten centipedes, beervae, grasshoppers, spiders... Some people eat snakes, but they''re hard to catch, I could never catch one."


    Hearing this, others might feel pity for Xiao Ya''s past.


    Being so hungry that she had to catch insects to eat, what kind of life was that?


    Secretary Wang''s first reaction was, "Were the centipedes, beervae, and such... tasty?"


    Xiao Ya replied, "They were okay. I would eat them when I sold them to others, using their pots to fry them. It''s too wasteful to fry them with oil."


    "Then let''s have that tomorrow."


    "Ah? Where would we catch them?"


    "That''s easy," Secretary Wang didn''t borate on how.


    Having made a new agreement for the next day, Secretary Wang felt good. He said, "I need to work on a few PPTs, you can rest."


    Xiao Ya responded and first put the dishes in the dishwasher before finding the bedroom.


    She searched around... found the home theater, gym, indoor pool, storage room, library... and finally found only one bedroom.


    "Where will I sleep?" Xiao Ya knocked on the study door.


    Secretary Wang thought for a moment.


    None of the various things he had raised needed a bed...


    He stood up, leading Xiao Ya into the bedroom, "This room, half for you, half for me."


    "Okay, you can continue with your PPTs," Xiao Ya carried her change of clothes and towels into the bathroom, waving "bye" to him before entering.


    Secretary Wang stood there for a moment, then chuckled to himself, "Yes, it feels like a home."


    He then returned to the study and reopened hisptop.


    "Oh, did something happen? The camera seemed to go dark for a moment," a voice from theputer inquired.


    "Nothing," Secretary Wang casually replied.


    "I think I heard a child''s voice?"


    "You must be mistaken."


    "Oh," the person on the other endughed, "I thought it was a trend among the upper ss to adopt other people''s children."


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "Ke Muning... suddenly has a goddaughter, haven''t you heard?"


    "I''ve heard," Secretary Wang''s gaze flickered, his tone gentle but firm, "Let''s get to business."


    "Alright."


    After the video conference, Secretary Wang handled some documents. When he returned to the bedroom, Xiao Ya was already sleeping soundly.


    The bed wasrge, but she was curled up in one corner.


    Secretary Wang tugged at her ear, pinched her nose, and poked her cheek... oh, she was so fun to y with.


    And she was still so rosy and healthy!


    Secretary Wang felt refreshed.


    The next day arrived.


    Xu Qii took her son''s request seriously and, after scanning her fingerprint to enter, knocked on the bedroom door, "Where are the people who were supposed to take care of you? Why did they leave? How did you spend the night? Where''s Xiao Ya?"


    Secretary Wang reluctantly sat up and pointed to one side.


    The nkets were bunched up, vaguely forming a small outline.


    Xu Qii walked over and carefully lifted a corner of the nket.


    Xiao Ya, as if sensing something, fluttered her eyshes and opened her eyes, then emerged from the nkets.


    She was alive, not missing any limbs.


    Her eyes sparkled with vitality.


    "Aunt Xu?" Xiao Ya widened her eyes in surprise, "Why are you here?"


    Xu Qii slowly let out a breath, then turned to look at her brother.


    "Achoo��" Secretary Wang suddenly couldn''t help but sneeze loudly.


    After sneezing, he was stunned.


    Xu Qii was also stunned.


    Xiao Ya fully emerged from the nkets, looked down at the nkets that were all wrapped around her, then looked up at Secretary Wang and asked softly, "Are you sick?"


    Secretary Wang''s voice was a bit hoarse as he replied, "It seems so."


    Xiao Ya quickly crawled over and touched his forehead, "You have a fever."


    Xiao Ya was a bit shocked.


    Secretary Wang hadn''t raised her to death.


    But she seemed to have almost raised Secretary Wang to death!


    Xu Qii was also shocked.


    However, after a brief shock, she firstforted Xiao Ya, "It''s okay, he''s always been fragile."


    Secretary Wang wanted to say something but held back.


    Xu Qii continued, "It''s also a form of revenge for the souls he''s wronged."

 Chapter 209: Secretary Wang is Also Crazy

    <h4>Chapter 209</h4>


    Xu Qii said this to reduce Xiao Ya''s worry. But Xiao Ya couldn''t really take the fever lightly.


    "I''ll go get medicine!" Xiao Ya got out of bed.


    Xu Qii picked up a coat from the sofa and handed it to her: "Put this on first, don''t catch another fever."


    "It''s fine, I''m very healthy, I rarely get fevers." In the past two years, the only time she had a fever was when she visited Sheng Yuxiao at the hospital, eating too many unfamiliar foods at once, and then being kidnapped for a night.


    Though she said this, Xiao Ya still epted Xu Qii''s kindness and properly put on the coat.


    After she left, Secretary Wang finally started feeling weak, leaning listlessly against the headboard, sighing: "The secret''s out."


    "What secret?"


    "I told Xiao Ya my surname is Wang and that I''m the secretary of the Xu family. You just mentioned I''ve been delicate since childhood, revealing our unusual rtionship. Isn''t thatpletely giving it away?"


    Xu Qii was used to her brother''s peculiar sense of humor.


    She replied tly: "So what''s next?"


    "Let''s tease her a bit more."


    "..."


    Their conversation ended quickly. Xiao Ya returned with the medicine box, climbed next to Secretary Wang, and handed him the thermometer: "Take your temperature first."


    "Can''t lift my arm," Secretary Wang saidzily.


    Xiao Ya quickly moved closer and helped lift his arm.


    Xu Qii couldn''t stand watching this and bent down to pull his cor, helping him put the thermometer in ce.


    Five minutes passed.


    "39.3��C, not too bad," Secretary Wang concluded.


    Xu Qii looked at Xiao Ya: "You should go to school, I''ll watch him."


    "School? Oh right, the new semester has started," Secretary Wang agreed, "Yes, go ahead."


    Xu Qii took the medicine box and picked out two types of medicine: "Take these first."


    Xiao Ya brought over a ss of warm water but didn''t rush to leave. She asked: "Is it bitter?"


    Secretary Wang paused.


    He had watched the show and knew the little girl had given Sheng Yuxiao lots of candy. Ah, when a child cares for someone, they worry about things being bitter.


    How adorable.


    Three days didn''t feel long enough.


    At this moment, Xu Qii said tly: "It''s fine, he''s not picky about food and isn''t afraid of bitter things."


    "Okay then, I''m leaving." Xiao Ya put on her backpack and walked out, though still somewhat worried.


    As soon as she left, Xu Qii called for the servants and family doctor.


    The servants were a bit shocked - how had the house be so different after just one day away?


    Secretary Wang, being attended to while changing into a sweater,zily leaned back and said: "Just bought it."


    Xu Qii turned around at his voice and asked: "Did Xiao Ya buy it?"


    Secretary Wang nodded and added aint: "The aesthetic isn''t great, right? Your son spoiled her."


    Xu Qii barely lifted her eyelids, her tone still t: "It''s fine."


    Secretary Wang''s expression froze slightly: "You''re an artist..."


    "Yes, and from an artistic perspective, it''s an interesting collision between cold showroom style and homey atmosphere. It''s quite good."


    "..."


    Xu Qii stayed with her brother for most of the day, watching as his temperature dropped and his spirit returned after some sleep, before leaving.


    As soon as she left, the perceptive servant came forward with the red checkered apron and stainless steel water bottle, asking: "Sir, shall I throw these away?"


    "Throw away? Who said anything about throwing them away?" Secretary Wang frowned slightly, "Don''t get them dirty, put them back."


    The servant was stunned. Hadn''t his tone earlier suggested he disliked them? If he disliked them, why keep them???


    "What time is it?" Secretary Wang asked.


    "It''s four o''clock."


    "Elementary school should be letting out now, right?" Secretary Wang threw off the nket and got out of bed, spreading his arms as someone immediately helped him put on his coat and tie his tie.


    "Let''s go pick up the child."


    On his way, Secretary Wang received a call from Sheng Yuxiao.


    "You had a fever? How are you now?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "The fever''s gone. Did your mother tell you?"


    "Xiao Ya called me, saying she was worried she might identally kill you with her care." Sheng Yuxiao paused, "Xu Ruying was next to me at the time and immediately shared this joyful news with Uncle."


    Secretary Wang: "...Little rascal."


    But after cursing under his breath, Secretary Wang stared at the approaching school gates through the car window and muttered: "I feel like Xiao Ya has already guessed my identity."


    Sheng Yuxiao paused for a moment before saying: "She probably has, otherwise she wouldn''t have made that call."


    Secretary Wang repliedzily: "That''s what I''m thinking."


    *


    Xiao Ya hadn''t been to school for a while, even missing the opening ceremony.


    Zhou Xiaoshu and An Ying had missed her, so after school, they walked with her towards the gate.


    As they walked, Zhou Xiaoshu said: "You don''t know, when you were gone, they were worried you had transferred schools. How would they handle getting beaten up by the fourth graders without you?"


    An Ying remained silent, keeping her head down.


    "Xiao Ya." Secretary Wang opened the car door and walked up to the children, asking: "Are these your friends?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu immediately fell silent, staring at Secretary Wang.


    To be fair, Ke Muning was also very handsome, and both Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui were quite striking.


    But one had a fierce and cold demeanor, one had sharp intimidating eyes, and one was distant and gloomy... none of them would appeal to children''s aesthetics.


    Secretary Wang was different.


    His features were handsome, he wore a smile, and had an air of gentle refinement that naturally made people feel at ease.


    "Who... who is he, Xiao Ya?" Zhou Xiaoshu asked quietly.


    Before Xiao Ya could answer, Secretary Wang smiled and said: "I''m here to pick her up and take her home."


    "Are you the secretary?"


    "What do you think?"


    The quiet An Ying finally looked at Secretary Wang and asked in a tiny voice: "Did you get another stepfather?"


    Xiao Ya: "..."


    "No, that''s not it." Xiao Ya firmly denied.


    "Then he..."


    Xiao Ya grabbed Secretary Wang''s arm and pushed him forward: "He''s still sick, we need to go now, bye-bye."


    "Oh, bye-bye." Zhou Xiaoshu watched them leave and couldn''t help but exim, "Xiao Ya really does know some strange people..."


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ya got into the car with Secretary Wang, but they drove down an unfamiliar road.


    Xiao Ya first felt Secretary Wang''s forehead - no more fever. Then she asked: "Where are we going?"


    "You''ll see when we get there."


    The car drove straight to the airport.


    Secretary Wang dropped the pretense and took her directly onto a private jet.


    Two hourster, the nended in South Province.


    Li Family Vige.


    Xiao Ya and Secretary Wang stood at the edge of the forest.


    "Come on, let''s go catch centipedes, grasshoppers, spiders..." Secretary Wang''s tone lifted slightly, showing his excitement.


    They had been in Jin City for school during the day, and by evening they were here.


    Xiao Ya was both shocked and dazed.


    As she stepped in, the dead branches cracked under her feet.


    Returning to this ce again, all the tears and pain seemed to be deeply buried underground.


    Secretary Wang followed: "How do you catch centipedes? Do we need to dig in the soil?"


    His gentle voice clearly and profoundly reminded Xiao Ya that she now had an incredibly wonderful life.


    In the distance.


    Aunt Man looked up nkly: "Is... is that Xiao Ya? Who''s that with her?"


    "What?" Her husband put down his hoe and stretched his neck to look.


    After a moment, the man said: "That... can''t be Xiao Ya, right?" She was too dazzling to recognize.

 Chapter 210: Can It Be Renewed for Ten Years

    <h4>Chapter 210</h4>


    "Xiao Ya? Why aren''t you saying anything?" Secretary Wang turned to look at her.


    Xiao Ya finally spoke in a soft voice: "Usually, to catch centipedes, you can use some chicken bones, cover them with grass or broken tiles, and wait for the centipedes toe out, but..."


    "But what?"


    "But it''s early spring now, centipedes haven''t started being active yet."


    Secretary Wang let out a soft "ah": "So we have to wait for the right season."


    "Yes, they''re easier to catch after the Awakening of Insects. Grasshoppers are best caught between summer and autumn, spiders be more numerous and easier to catch during the May rainy season, and cicada pupae usually emerge from the ground to climb trees in June and July..."


    Secretary Wang wasn''t discouraged and said: "What if we brought an excavator here and dug up the whole ce?"


    Xiao Ya remained silent, just looking at him quietly.


    Secretary Wang held her gaze for five seconds.


    "Alright, I guess that won''t work. I was hoping we could dig them up, fly back, and fry them while they''re fresh," Secretary Wang leaned against arge tree. "What should we eat now?"


    Xiao Ya turned to the assistant who was following far behind: "Did you bring a thermometer?"


    "Uh, no. Why?" The assistant didn''t know about Secretary Wang''s fever that morning.


    "We need to buy one," Xiao Ya decided.


    The assistant silently looked at Secretary Wang.


    Secretary Wang shrugged: "Then let''s buy one."


    They retreated from the woods, walking toward the car parked by the road.


    The vige didn''t sell such things; they would need to go to town.


    But just as they reached the car, Xiao Ya stopped in her tracks: "Aunt Man?"


    Aunt Man, who had been standing there in a daze, suddenly came to her senses and eximed: "Xiao Ya? Is it really you?"


    Secretary Wang leaned against the car, smiling: "She''s not called Xiao Ya anymore, this is Miss Zhang Ruoshui."


    Fear flickered in Aunt Man''s eyes as she nervously wrung her hands, thinking to herself how this was just like something out of television...


    With the luxury car, someone who looked like a secretary, and this obviously wealthy young man, everyone had to be addressed as "Miss" and "Young Master" now.


    Aunt Man didn''t dare speak, but her husband asked: "You changed your name?"


    Secretary Wang spoke first: "Yes, haven''t you seen the news? Her grandfather took her back into the family, they''re the Zhang family. You can find it all online."


    Aunt Man froze: "Isn''t her father Li Jiang?"


    "Li Jiang? That fugitive''s name? No, he''s not."


    Aunt Man sighed: "That''s true... how could he have produced someone like Xiao Ya, I mean, Miss Zhang?"


    She thought to herself, is this the right way to address her?


    However, Aunt Man''s husband''s expression slightly changed, and he couldn''t help but carefully observe Xiao Ya''s expression: "Then, this time you''vee back..."


    Was it to take revenge on Li Family Vige?


    After all, if she wasn''t Li Jiang''s daughter anymore, there was no need to save face anymore.


    "We were digging for centipedes, but couldn''t find any," Xiao Ya answered crisply.


    "Dig-digging for centipedes?" The couple was dumbfounded.


    "Yes."


    "Haven''t eaten yet? Why don''t... youe to my ce for a meal?" Aunt Man asked cautiously.


    "No need."


    Hearing these words, Aunt Man was a bit disappointed but understood that the young girl was no longer the little duckling from their mountain vige.


    "We need to go to town to buy something," Xiao Ya continued.


    Aunt Man quickly asked: "What do you need to buy? We have a small shop in the vige."


    "That shop only sells knockoff products..."


    "No, no, there''s a new one now," Aunt Man smiled sheepishly. "I run it. Brother Dou gave me the idea, and we even sell medicine."


    Aunt Man emphasized: "He told me that he helped me because of you, saying that I had been kind to you before... though really, I didn''t do much."


    Aunt Man smiled again embarrassedly, wrinkles spreading from the corners of her eyes, but the bitterness in her expression had been reced with hopeful joy.


    Xiao Ya''s eyes brightened.


    When she returned to the county, she would also need to see Dou Dawei.


    Secretary Wang interjected: "What are you making for dinner?"


    Though Secretary Wang appeared very approachable, Sheng Yuxiao and other city people had left quite a sharp and deep impression on Li Family Vige, making Aunt Man somewhat afraid to speak with city folk.


    She answered meekly: "Sweet potato rice, some steamed meat, we''ll kill a chicken, stir-fry some mushrooms and bamboo shoots..."


    Secretary Wang turned to Xiao Ya: "How''s her cooking?"


    Aunt Man was stunned, feeling that the young man before her was very... different!


    He only cared about whether her cooking was good or not.


    Xiao Ya nodded slightly: "When you have limited ingredients, you can''t afford to cook badly. Wasting food isn''t an option. So Aunt Man''s cooking is good."


    Secretary Wang pped his hands: "Then let''s go eat! Do you sell thermometers at your shop?"


    Aunt Man replied, overwhelmed by the honor: "Yes, yes we do."


    Aunt Man couldn''t believe she had actually managed to invite these guests over.


    Her husband ran ahead quickly, rushing back to tidy up their home so the guests wouldn''t find fault with it.


    The path they walked was familiar, but Xiao Ya''s state of mind hadpletely changed.


    Secretary Wang asionally made conversation with her.


    "What''s that?"


    "A rapeseed flower field."


    "And that?"


    "That''s where water chestnuts grow. They''re sweetest in January."


    Secretary Wang suddenly fell silent, just staring at Xiao Ya.


    Xiao Ya felt strange under his gaze and couldn''t help asking: "What is it, Secretary Wang?"


    Secretary Wang smiled: "Ah, people with life experience are really charming."


    Xiao Ya said quietly: "That''s because you have so little life experience!"


    Secretary Wang heard her mumbling but didn''t mind, smiling as he said: "Take me to eat them next January."


    Xiao Ya asked puzzled: "You''re an adult, and a wealthy one at that. Couldn''t you have eaten these things before?"


    "Do you know what an information cocoon is?"


    Xiao Ya shook her head.


    "People are confined to whatever circle they live in. Whether rich or poor, it''s the same. People in the mountains can''t see the world of the city. People in the city can''t see the world of the mountains."


    Secretary Wang paused here, "Or in simpler terms, the people around me would consider your water chestnuts too cheap to be served to me, and I wouldn''t know when they taste best."


    Secretary Wang shrugged and said: "We''re all frogs in a well, but it''s good..."


    His gaze shifted to Xiao Ya: "You''ve be a bridge between two worlds, showing me new things, interesting things that I like."


    Xiao Ya looked at him and said seriously: "Secretary Wang, you''re also a very interesting person."


    Secretary Wang smiled happily: "I love hearing that. This world is too boring, how can people get through their long lives without finding some joy..."


    "Isn''t your life interesting enough?" Xiao Ya asked curiously.


    Secretary Wang said something rather provocative: "If one day you discover that people in this world are so easy to manipte, that everything can be aplished ording to your wishes, you''d find it boring too."


    Xiao Ya quietly used him: "That''s why everything you try to raise dies."


    Secretary Wang pretended not to hear and raised his voice to ask Aunt Man: "Do you have chestnuts? I want to eat chestnuts."


    He turned to Xiao Ya and said: "I saw you roasting chestnuts for them on the show, it looked so delicious, I want to try some too."


    Xiao Ya mercilessly informed him: "The chestnut trees haven''t even bloomed yet."


    "Then what can I eat?"


    "Oranges."


    Secretary Wang suddenly fell silent again.


    Xiao Ya couldn''t help but look at him.


    She heard Secretary Wang sigh softly: "Could you stay with me for ten years?"


    Xiao Ya: ?


    Secretary Wang counted on his fingers: "That way you could take me to eat water chestnuts in January, oranges in February... spiders in May..."


    That''s what it feels like to truly live in this world.


    Secretary Wang couldn''t finish his words.


    "We''re here," Aunt Man turned to look at them.

 Chapter 211: Use It or Lose It

    <h4>Chapter 211</h4>


    Aunt Man''s family had added two new rooms to their house.


    Her daughter had gone to work in town, leaving only her son and two young granddaughters at home.


    The three of them were now carefully peering out from behind the door, quietly observing.


    Secretary Wang seemedpletely oblivious to others'' curious and fearful nces as he walked in with Xiao Ya and sat down.


    "Make some tea," he instructed his assistant.


    Surprisingly, the assistant actually pulled out aplete tea set and began brewing tea right there.


    As the steam rose, it wasn''t long before others came after hearing the news.


    They stood even more anxiously and carefully outside the courtyard, craning their necks to look inside.


    "Is that Xiao Ya?"


    "No, she''s called Zhang Ruoshui now."


    "Is that a new name given by city folks? That''s different alright. We can''t even write it. Which three characters are they? Sounds fancy."


    "She''s changed so much, and those clothes she''s wearing must be expensive, right? Hardly recognizable now."


    "Yeah, I barely dare to look closely. She''s still just a kid, but that air about her... anyway, she''s different now, feels like she''s out of our league."


    "And... who''s that person with her?"


    "That man looks wealthy..."


    "Like those nobles in TV dramas."


    They whispered and marveled cautiously.


    Their reverence exceeded even that shown to sessful returnees from the city.


    At this moment, Xiao Ya went to get a new thermometer.


    "Take your temperature," she handed it to Secretary Wang.


    Secretary Wang obediently epted it.


    A few minutester, Secretary Wang handed it back saying, "37.5, that''s normal now, right?"


    "That''s a low fever," Xiao Ya sighed. "Let''s not fly back, we''ll stay in town for the night."


    "Oh, alright," Secretary Wang was verypliant.


    The vigers watched this scene and couldn''t help but discuss quietly again.


    "Such a wealthy man, and he listens to what she says?"


    "This is really something! Absolutely remarkable!"


    While some marveled, others hovering on the outskirts muttered, "So many people from our vige went to jail because of her, and she''s still something? What''s so remarkable about that?"


    The person whoined quickly ran away, afraid of being caught.


    Soon, Aunt Man came out with dishes, then called her son''s name and said loudly, "Close the door!"


    Her son hurried to do so, immediately blocking out all those prying eyes.


    Aunt Man set down the bowls and tes, saying, "The vige has a lot fewer people now, and they''ve learned to feel shame, knowing that people outside point fingers at them. Only after leaving the vige did they realize what they did was actually criminal..."


    "Oh, and the vige chief''s house was confiscated by the state, and the new vige chief turned it into amunity center."


    "By the way, why hasn''t Li Qingqing from the vige chief''s family returned yet? Wasn''t the show finished filming? Her motheres to the vige every few days crying and cursing, saying the vige chief''s family are all no good, that they ruined her Qingqing..."


    Aunt Man chatted endlessly with Xiao Ya about recent vige affairs, but suddenly lowered her voice.


    "Am I talking too much?" Aunt Man nced at Secretary Wang.


    Secretary Wang smiled faintly, "I love hearing stories about bad people getting what they deserve."


    When Aunt Man met his gaze, for some inexplicable reason, she felt that beneath that beautiful and gentle exteriory fangs.


    She shuddered and nodded, continuing, "Some people from the neighboring vige were also investigated, they were arrested for selling their daughters."


    "And those people from Shitou School who used to curse at you with nasty words, their families have all moved away, saying they''re afraid of being arrested..."


    "Afraid of being arrested?" Secretary Wang interjected.


    "Ah, we don''t understand either, we don''t know if cursing people leads to jail time, but with so many people from Li Family Vige in prison, they''re just scared."


    Secretary Wangughed, "Such cowards."


    Xiao Ya blinked unsurprisingly: "It''s precisely because they''re afraid that they need to curse others to gain courage."


    Secretary Wang tilted his head back, smiling more broadly: "The little one is quite philosophical."


    Xiao Ya: ?


    "The vige was counting on some development project, but that''s impossible now. However, the county is developing tourism. They say tourists now take photos at the ce where Xiao Ya and Young Master Qin used to sell mushrooms," Aunt Man continued.


    Aunt Man''s husband, squatting on the steps with his bowl, nodded and said, "The county is doing well, and that pharmaceutical factory is good too, solving many employment problems. The county even received recognition..."


    "It''s just, it''s just..."


    "Just what?" Secretary Wang asked him.


    Aunt Man''s husband scratched his head in awkward confusion: "Why is it that the better the county does, the more they despise people from Li Family Vige?"


    Secretary Wang chuckled, rubbing his fingertips: "Must be Young Master Sheng''s handiwork."


    He turned to Xiao Ya: "Come, let me test if you''ve gotten stupid from being with Ke Muning."


    Xiao Ya: ?


    Xiao Ya frowned slightly: "Why bring up Ke Muning?"


    "Ah, how did you know I was secretly calling Ke Muning stupid?" Secretary Wang showed no guilt.


    "He''s not stupid," Xiao Ya retorted.


    "Of course not, you''ll be his intellectual support in the future," Secretary Wang clicked his tongue.


    Xiao Ya red at him but hesitantly spoke: "Is Sheng Yuxiao being good to the county people to make them voluntarily iste Li Family Vige?"


    "Yes, this is the final punishment left for them. Major offenders go to prison, but minor offenders shouldn''t get off easy either. What thew cannot judge, morality will. Isn''t Sheng Yuxiao''s move brilliant?"


    Xiao Ya nodded in strong agreement, her eyes showing traces of a smile.


    Secretary Wang could barely contain himself, saying, "I taught him that."


    "Oh." Xiao Ya''s response was much more subdued.


    Secretary Wang couldn''t hold back anymore: "Why aren''t you asking me?"


    "Ask what?" Xiao Ya raised innocent, guileless eyes.


    Secretary Wang lowered his voice: "You''re so clever, surely you''ve noticed something different about me?"


    "Yes, I have."


    "Then ask me about it."


    "No."


    Secretary Wang was taken aback, feeling somewhat frustrated.


    "Then I''ll tell you anyway." Secretary Wang leaned close to her ear and dered, "I''m not Secretary Wang, I''m..."


    "Sheng Yuxiao''s uncle," Xiao Ya finished.


    Secretary Wang sighed: "You''d already figured it out, taking away the joy of revealing the mystery."


    He put down his chopsticks: "When did you guess?"


    "Hmm..." Xiao Ya looked up, counting on her fingers, "When we met Ke Muning."


    "..." That early!


    "Was my acting that bad?" Secretary Wang was unhappy.


    "Yes, it was. You acted very differently with Sister Xu Ruying..." Xiao Ya delivered an honest blow.


    "Well, if you knew I wasn''t really Secretary Wang back then, why did you still dare to ask me to help bargain prices, using me like a secretary?" Secretary Wang was still smiling, but his gaze carried a dangerous edge.


    Xiao Ya moved her lips, whispering: "Because... might as well use what''s avable."


    "..."


    "Then why didn''t you expose me earlier?" Secretary Wang continued asking.


    Xiao Ya moved her lips again.


    Secretary Wang quickly covered her mouth, saying, "Alright, I know, because might as well use what''s avable."


    The assistant watched in astonishment.


    Holy cow!


    What incredible guts this kid had!


    "Mmph mmph." Xiao Ya tried to speak but failed.


    She blinked and picked up a chicken leg for Secretary Wang.


    Secretary Wang withdrew his hand, snorting withughter: "No wonder Ke Muning likes you."


    He looked at Xiao Ya: "Did Sheng Yuxiao mention me to you?"


    Xiao Ya nodded and picked up a chicken wing for him.


    Secretary Wang''s eyes curved in a smile: "Did he tell you my name?"


    "No."


    "Then remember it from now on, I''m Xu Ji."


    "Ji as in ''clear sky after rain''?" Xiao Ya asked proactively.


    "The little one even knows idioms?"


    "Mm, saw it in books."


    "That''s the character, can you write it?"


    "Yes."


    Xiao Ya didn''t demonstrate her writing skills on the spot, she just looked up at him: "So can I still ask you to help bargain next time?"


    Xu Ji smiled: "May I extend my term of service?"

 Chapter 212: Outrageous Demands I’ve Never Heard Of

    <h4>Chapter 212</h4>


    The two of them stared at each other silently for several seconds.


    Xu Ji slowly shook his head and sighed softly, "Wei Lin has done so many evil deeds."


    Xiao Ya: ?


    Xu Ji picked up his chopsticks again, thinking that if Wei Lin hadn''t found Li Family Vige, then it was most likely his nephew who had taken the person back to stay at the Sheng Family.


    Isn''t that doing evil indeed?


    Aunt Man and her husband sitting across from them werepletely bewildered.


    They wondered why Xiao Ya would haggle with a man? Why bargain when she''s so wealthy now? And what was this renewal thing about?


    Hadn''t they not answered each other''s questions yet?


    How did it end already?


    They couldn''t help but whisper to themselves, wondering if this was how rich peoplemunicated.


    Xu Ji waspletely different from Ke Muning - he ate elegantly and methodically.


    At this point, there was no need to put on airs anymore. He gestured for his assistant toe forward and help separate the chicken meat from the bones, making sure to remove all the small bone fragments.


    "Would you like it cut up?" Xu Ji thoughtfully asked Xiao Ya, showing no signs of holding a grudge.


    "No need, gnawing on the bones makes it tastier," Xiao Ya refused.


    "Really?" Xu Ji immediately tried it enthusiastically. With a "crunch," he frowned: "The bone fragments hurt my teeth."


    Xu Ji had to give up on the attempt.


    After eating for about half an hour, Xu Ji put down his chopsticks and smiled at Aunt Man: "The food was delicious, thank you for having us."


    Aunt Man thought that her earlier impression must have been wrong - this man was so polite and good-tempered.


    "So tonight..." Aunt Man wanted to invite them to stay, but she knew her home wasn''t in the best condition. Letting them stay would be like throwing pearls in the mud.


    Secretary Wang politely responded, "We''ll drive to the city to find lodging."


    "Good! Good! It''s gettingte, and there aren''t many streetlights in the countryside - the roads will be harder to navigateter," Aunt Man got up to see them off.


    When they went outside, the crowd of onlookers had mostly dispersed. Under the moonlight, they could faintly see scattered homes with glowing lights.


    Aunt Man watched as they got into the car. She wanted to say something more, but after thinking about it, she realized that Xiao Ya was doing well enough now - what more advice could she possibly need to give?


    Though small in stature, she had already traveled through a broader world, with more experiences and probably more wisdom than herself.


    The car started with a roaring sound.


    "Goodbye, Xiao Ya," Aunt Man''s voice was drowned out by the engine noise. "Go live your good life."


    In the car, the assistant was already searching for hotels in town.


    After a few minutes of searching, he looked up in despair: "There are no hotels, only guesthouses - the kind that''s 30 yuan per night..."


    Xu Ji remained calm and asked, "How does itpare to sleeping in the rainforest?"


    The assistant wanted to say that the rainforest might actually be better, but before he could speak, the car suddenly stopped.


    "t tire," the driver said gravely.


    The assistant''s brows furrowed so tightly they could have killed a mosquito: "No wonder they said it''s not good to travelte - did we hit a sharp rock on the road?"


    Xu Ji spoke calmly: "Not a sharp rock, it was a specialized tire puncture device. The feeling when the tire rolls over it is different."


    The assistant''s expression changed slightly: "Could it be aimed at you... but that shouldn''t be possible, no one would know..."


    Xiao Ya pointed at herself: "Is it aimed at me?"


    "Those people couldn''t possibly have such keen intelligence," Xu Ji chuckled. "It must be locals. Only locals would receive news this quickly. Come on, let''s get out and take a look."


    The assistant was quite nervous: "Let''s not - country folk can be quite fierce. When each person carries a hoe, they fear nothing!"


    Xu Ji wagged his finger: "That''s in the past. This ce has already been forcefully subdued once, there aren''t many troublemakers left."


    The assistant paused: "Yes, although that''s true..."


    Xu Ji turned to Xiao Ya and said: "Let''s go."


    Xiao Ya opened the car door and jumped out.


    Xu Ji turned back with a smile: "See? Not even a child is as brave as you."


    The assistant couldn''t voice hisints.


    He thought to himself, if the child encounters danger, you''d probably rush to save her.


    But if I encounter danger, would you care about me?


    And with your physically inactive lifestyle... carrying this child while running might be fine, but carrying me... I think it''d be more realistic for me to carry both of you!


    The assistant suppressed his inner grumbling. After standing still, he looked around - the mountain forest was dim and shadowy, with each peak seeming to transform into a man-eating monster.


    While the assistant was still lost in these thoughts, he heard the young girl ask: "Did you bring extra coats?"


    The question was clearly directed at Xu Ji.


    The assistant quickly snapped back to attention and answered: "Yes, we did."


    Then he opened the trunk and took out a trench coat.


    Xu Ji smiled with narrowed eyes: "Are you cold? This will drag on the ground if you wear it."


    However, Xu Ji imagined that scene and found it quite amusing.


    He immediately said: "Try it on and let''s see."


    "I''m not cold, you are. People who are sick are more likely to develop a fever at night. You wear it."


    Xu Ji paused: "Oh."


    Then he obediently spread his arms, letting the assistant and driver help him put on the trench coat.


    "You''re not cold?" Xu Ji didn''t believe it and reached out to touch Xiao Ya''s face.


    Not only was she not cold, but she was quite warm.


    "Let me warm up against you," Xu Ji didn''t let go.


    Xiao Ya: ?


    The assistant was also speechless - you really aren''t afraid at all, are you?


    The people crouching in the forest couldn''t help but twitch their mouths.


    "These city folks aren''t scared?"


    "Let''s go!" The leader''s expression turned ugly, particrly irritated by how rxed andposed their targets appeared.


    shlight beams moved about, quickly illuminating this small area.


    The leader was a young woman, though she looked haggard.


    "Li Xiaoya!" the woman called out, her voice both anxious and pained.


    Xiao Ya wanted to move, but Xu Ji held her back by the neck.


    Xiao Ya immediately stayed still and didn''t respond.


    The woman approached with more than ten men carrying farming tools.


    "I''ve been trying to catch you! Tell me, where is Qingqing? Why did she disappear after leaving? I''ve asked everywhere, but no one will tell me! Did you kill my daughter?" the woman demanded angrily.


    Xiao Ya stared at her face for a long while before finally remembering... this was Li Qingqing''s mother.


    "Why won''t you speak?" The woman clenched her fists. "I know you''re a citydy now, but that doesn''t mean you can harm my Qingqing!"


    Xiao Ya let out a soft sigh.


    Li Qingqing had been so happy, and her mother loved her so much... why did she still get involved with Li Jiang in doing bad things?


    Xu Ji let out a lightugh: "Madam, there''s no Li Xiaoya here."


    "What? She is Li Xiaoya! She..."


    "This is Miss Zhang."


    "Yes, yes, she changed her name, I know! But so what? That doesn''t change the fact that she is Li Xiaoya!"


    Xu Ji shook his head and said leisurely: "I''m afraid not. Only we can call her Xiao Ya now."


    Li Qingqing''s mother found this amusing: "Oh really? You think you''re so special? If you''re so capable, why don''t you have us all arrested!"


    The assistant: "..."


    I''ve never heard such a ridiculous request.


    He took out his phone: "Well, let me call the police chief then, just wait a moment."

 Chapter 213: She’s Starting Her Life Over

    <h4>Chapter 213</h4>


    ��No, he really hit him?��


    ��How does he know the police chief?��


    ��Is he bluffing us?��


    ��First, smash his phone! Smash it to pieces!��


    The dozen or so people on the opposite side were chattering away, suddenly rushing forward.


    Xu Ji pulled out a window breaker and handed it to his assistant: ��Protect yourself well.��


    The assistant''s face changed: ��These people just start attacking without warning?��


    ��Do they need to shout out the name of their ultimate move before using it?�� Xu Ji waspletely unruffled.


    ��Zzzzzt������


    The driver suddenly rushed forward, holding arge object in his hand, and the piercing sound instantly startled everyone.


    ��A chainsaw?�� The people on the opposite side were dumbfounded.


    Xu Ji nodded lightly: ��It��s reasonable to bring a chainsaw for self-defense, right?��


    Xiao Ya: ???


    Xu Ji smiled and asked her: ��Feeling safe with me around?��


    ��Yeah, when it��s safe, you��re the danger.��


    ��������


    The assistant swallowed hard and looked around. The fierce vigers just a moment ago were now all frozen like statues.


    Utter silence.


    Assistant: ��Then I��ll continue making the call.��


    Li Qingqing��s mother wasn��t stupid, of course, she wouldn��t ask why you��re not moving.


    She sat down on the ground in despair, crying out loud: ��I just want my Qingqing, want her toe back safely. Give me a straight answer, what happened to her?��


    ��I know you��re now a child of a wealthy family, you can arrest so many people, if it weren��t for this trip back, I wouldn��t even have seen you�� Why don��t you just arrest me too?��


    ��I just want to see Qingqing! I want to see Qingqing!��


    The dozen or so people who followed her all showed expressions of pity.


    ��The vige chief and the others made mistakes, that��s an adult��s business, what does it have to do with the kids?��


    ��Exactly.��


    Li Qingqing��s mother wiped her tears: ��I know Qingqing offended you, you��ve already scolded her on the show����


    Xiao Ya frowned slightly: ��Scolded her?��


    Did she scold her?


    ��At that time, wasn��t Young Master Sheng there too, and Young Master Qin�� You said in front of them that Qingqing used to kick pebbles and scratch your face. Didn��t you say that? Those two young masters must have taken your side. But how old is Qingqing? Who hasn��t made mistakes����


    Xu Ji interjected: ��Was there such a thing? I haven��t heard about it.��


    Li Qingqing��s mother��s voice was interrupted and she couldn��t help but look at him.


    Xu Ji said with a smile: ��Then let me take your side too, since I just happened to hear it, it would be impolite to ignore it.��


    Li Qingqing��s mother choked, never expecting him to say that.


    ��You�� you rich people don��t treat people as people! How can you be like this? She didn��t kill or set fires, even if she goes to the police station, it��s just for mediation!��


    Xu Ji��s expression remained unchanged: ��I��m quite fond of the Legalists.��


    Li Qingqing��s mother wanted to ask what that meant?


    But asking that would make her seem weak and uneducated.


    She could only bang her head towards the car: ��Fine! You all avenge Li Xiaoya, even my little daughter isn��t spared, then just kill me too! Kill me!��


    ��The car is stopped, you won��t die from that.�� Xu Ji pointed at the chainsaw, ��Come, bang your head here, from the top of your skull down, split in half, that��s a quicker death.��


    Li Qingqing��s mother froze, her mouth trembling with anger.


    The men behind her looked at Xu Ji with a bit of fear.


    The man seemed gentle in demeanor, but his words and actions werepletely different!


    Xiao Ya suddenly spoke: ��You love Li Qingqing, but you love her wrongly.��


    ��What?�� Li Qingqing��s mother turned back, confused.


    ��You said she��s so young, who hasn��t made mistakes. You��re making excuses for her. It��s your love that makes her insatiable.��


    Before, she envied the vige kids who had parents�� love. But now she envied them no more.


    Love also has its good and bad sides, and most of what they give is bad.


    Li Qingqing��s mother bit her lip, thinking she finally didn��t have to bang her head against the chainsaw.


    But she still argued: ��Am I wrong? I��m her mother, if I don��t defend her, who will! If someone stabs her with a knife, should I say it��s a good stab?��


    Xiao Ya asked her: ��Will you truly support and defend Li Qingqing no matter what she does?��


    ��Yes!��


    Xiao Ya took out her phone.


    The assistant quickly said: ��She��s being sarcastic, but I��ve already called the police! They��ll be here soon.��


    ��Not calling the police, you want to see Li Qingqing, right? I��ll help you call her.�� Xiao Ya said calmly.


    Did she have such a good heart? Li Qingqing��s mother looked at her suspiciously.


    Xu Ji watched Xiao Ya with interest as she dialed Sheng Yuxiao��s number.


    ��Hey, Sheng Yuxiao.��


    Xu Ji thought his nephew��s phone picked up pretty fast.


    ��Do you know where Li Qingqing is now? Let her answer the phone.�� Xiao Ya continued to speak into the phone.


    ��Why suddenly think of her? Wait a moment.�� Sheng Yuxiao��s side made rustling sounds.


    He seemed to be moving.


    He didn��t forget to ask while walking: ��How��s it going with Secretary Wang?��


    ��Not bad.��


    ��Is he still burning up?��


    ��Just a bit of low fever.��


    ��Stay away from him, don��t get infected, did you bring a mask? Wear a mask.��


    ��Didn��t bring one.��


    ��Then don��t let him use you as a hand warmer, if he reaches out, bite him.��


    Xiao Ya couldn��t help butugh: ��Can I bite?��


    ��It��s fine, won��t break him.��


    Xu Ji, although he didn��t hear what Sheng Yuxiao said, still became alert: ��Talking bad about me?��


    Xiao Ya shook her head innocently.


    Their pleasant atmosphere was quite painful to Li Qingqing��s mother.


    ��You��re bluffing me! This call isn��t to Qingqing at all!��


    Xiao Ya nced at her sideways: ��Why are you in such a hurry?��


    The child��s tone wasn��t harsh, just in, but that nce made Li Qingqing��s mother feel a sense of dignity.


    She paused, then realized she was being suppressed by a child.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn��t hang up the phone, as if he had gotten into a car again.


    It took about ten minutes.


    Xu Ji raised his eyebrows as he watched Xiao Ya not speaking or hanging up the phone.


    Finally��


    Sheng Yuxiao said softly: ��Li Qingqing is in a juvenile detention center, we need to go through some procedures, I��ll hang up for now.��


    ��Okay.��


    Seeing Xiao Ya put away her phone, Xu Ji asked: ��Going through procedures?��


    Xiao Ya turned around: ��How do you know everything?��


    ��Because I��m smart, how about considering the renewal proposal again?��


    Xiao Ya pretended not to hear.


    Li Qingqing��s mother felt like she was being fried on a pan, unbearable!


    Procedures? What procedures? Why do you need procedures to find Qingqing?


    On the other side, after making a few calls, someone took Sheng Yuxiao to meet Li Qingqing.


    ��This little girl��s mental state isn��t good, she��s always trying to self-harm, suicide�� the doctors havee several times.�� The warden said.


    Aliali: 673eba99c4f3f33ac4ee9836��A ploy of suffering?��


    ��I don��t think so, if her family coulde, apply for an outpatient treatment.�� The warden still felt sorry.


    Sheng Yuxiao turned the corner, seeing Li Qingqing.


    Li Qingqing looked haggard, hearing footsteps she suddenly looked up, seeing Sheng Yuxiao, her eyes lit up but quickly dimmed.


    She now clearly understood, without any luck. Sheng Yuxiao wouldn��t feel any softness towards her��


    So there��s only the path of suicide left!


    She��s read novels where death leads to rebirth, starting a new round with new experiences and information, knowing about the Zhang Family and the Ke Mu Ning family!


    Next round, she won��t want the Exchange Lives spot, anyway, Li Xiaoya can always get close to Sheng Yuxiao! She��ll directly find Li Jiang, see if there��s any Zhang Family heirloom, wait until the only old man in the Zhang Family dies, then she��ll rece Li Xiaoya as the Zhang Family��s youngdy��


    That must be much easier to y!


    ��Hey.�� Sheng Yuxiao put the phone on the table, turning on the speaker, ��Someone wants to talk to you.��

 Chapter 214: Go to the Asylum

    <h4>Chapter 214</h4>


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ya also turned on her phone''s speaker.


    She certainly wouldn''t hand her phone over to Li Qingqing''s mother.


    "Go ahead and speak," Xiao Ya said to Li''s mother.


    Li Qingqing first heard Xiao Ya''s voice and became excited: "Li! Xiao! Ya!"


    Xu Ji sighed lightly: "You people are truly impolite. I''ve already said, this is Miss Zhang."


    Li Qingqing''s breath caught: "Xu... Xu Ji?"


    A sh of darkness quickly crossed Xu Ji''s eyes: "How do you know me?"


    It was during the filming of City Special 2.0 when Li Qingqing was brought back by Xu Ruying''s parents, and happened to run into Xu Ji who was there, though at that time Xu Ji was using the alias "Secretary Wang."


    They had only met that one time.


    And it was just a fleeting encounter.


    Something''s not quite right with this person... Xu Ji pinched his fingertips, the darkness in his eyes growing deeper.


    Li Qingqing also realized she had misspoken.


    But more than fear, what she felt now was anger.


    Wasn''t Xu Ji defending Xiao Ya just now?


    Had they be so close already?


    In her previous life, they barely had any interaction! Xu Ji only cared about being good to his niece!


    The emotions surging in Li Qingqing''s heart tormented her repeatedly, and she thought, I can''t go on living!


    I must die! I must restart! I must!


    At this moment, Li Qingqing''s mother suddenly lunged forward, tears streaming down: "Qingqing! Qingqing, are you alright? I''m your mother, mother is very worried about you, when are youing back? Are those people giving you trouble?"


    When Li Qingqing heard these words, her first reaction was intense shame.


    Xiao Ya did this on purpose, didn''t she?


    Deliberately arranging this call with her mother!


    In front of Xu Ji! In front of Sheng Yuxiao! Letting them witness her misery, witness her mother''s emotional breakdown and madness...


    "Qingqing! Say something! How can mother save you?" Li''s mother continued crying out.


    "Leave me alone." Li Qingqing said in a hard tone. Her mother might have some influence in this small town, but in Jin City, she was nothing!


    She certainly wouldn''t count on her mother to save her!


    Better to have her mother shut up and not make things more embarrassing.


    "How can I not care about you?"


    "Can''t you understand what I''m saying? Why did you marry my father in the first ce? Their family was involved in such dirty business. It ended up hurting you, and hurting me too. Now my reputation ispletely ruined!"


    "I... I..."


    "Hang up."


    "Qingqing... Qingqing..." Her mother broke down sobbing,pletely unable to ept how things had turned out this way.


    Is this how a child would speak? Xu Ji tilted his head.


    It was different from Xiao Ya''s manner.


    Xiao Ya was clearly precocious.


    But this Li Qingqing had an adult''s tone with a child''s intelligence. Very mismatched.


    "She won''te back, because your love isn''t right, I''ve already told you that," Xiao Ya finally spoke up again.


    "After we finished filming the show, Uncle Sheng wanted to send her back, but she ran away herself. She doesn''t want toe back." So Xiao Ya wasn''t surprised by this oue at all.


    Li Qingqing''s mother copsed, clutching at her hair: "I don''t believe it, I don''t believe it..."


    Suddenly police sirens drew near.


    The assistant let out a breath: "They''re here."


    The others immediately became panicked, and couldn''t help cursing: "How could your child be like this? So it turns out she didn''t want toe back herself."


    "We really shouldn''t have helped you!"


    Li''s mother came to her senses a bit and quickly said: "I''ll plead with the police, it was all because I missed my daughter and asked for your help, it has nothing to do with you."


    The dozen or so people exchanged nces, and her words actually made them feel somewhat ashamed: "Ah, you really are a pitiful woman..."


    Xu Ji smiled: "Still quite clever, aren''t you? At this point, you''re still trying to curry favor, making them feel grateful that you''re taking all the me?"


    "But this isn''t up to you to decide, what use is your pleading? Does thew bend to your wishes?"


    Xu Ji shook his head, pointing first at Xiao Ya, then at himself, saying slowly: "She and I are the victims, the injured parties."


    He turned his gaze toward those vigers with their weak legal awareness: "Only if we''re willing to write letters of forgiveness do you have any chance of receiving lighter punishment."


    "So you need to beg this little friend here, since I''m following her lead now. If she''s willing to forgive you, then things can be worked out."


    After hearing this, Li''s mother''s face went through several shades of purple and blue.


    The vigers exchanged nces before stammering: "Little... little friend, please... you can see, she just wanted to see her daughter..."


    By now the police cars had surrounded them.


    As the car doors opened and police officers stepped out.


    The vigers became even more panicked: "Little miss, please say something!"


    Xiao Ya said: "No forgiveness."


    The vigers were dumbstruck.


    Xiao Ya was very firm: "Adults and children are the same. You need to taste the bitterness of punishment to avoid making the same mistakes. This is for your own good. If you don''tmit bigger mistakes in the future, you won''t harm your families..."


    The people opposite became agitated: "But we know we were wrong!"


    Xiao Ya grabbed Xu Ji''s hand, no longer looking at them: "Let''s go."


    Xu Ji very much liked her decision, though he still said with a smile: "See, they don''t appreciate your kindness."


    "Then let them not appreciate it. If theymit bigger crimester, they''ll serve longer sentences," Xiao Ya said indifferently.


    Xu Ji was thoroughly amused: "Right, right."


    The two returned to the car, and Xu Ji even rolled down the window, pointing at Li Qingqing''s mother saying: "Next time you encounter someone like this, who tries to step on you to curry favor with others at thest moment, remember to expose them on the spot. Can''t let people take advantage at all."


    Xiao Ya obediently nodded: "Mm, I learned that."


    Xu Ji pped happily: "Such a good student."


    The woman''s expression was like she had lost everything, she copsed sitting down, her whole body trembling, but she didn''t even have the courage to look at Xu Ji again.


    At the juvenile detention center.


    Sheng Yuxiao hadn''t rushed to leave.


    He looked at Li Qingqing, staring until she felt her whole body crawl.


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly said: "I''ll arrange medical parole for her."


    The guard said: "Oh good!"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze was cold: "Send her to Qingsen Mental Hospital for treatment."


    ...Mental hospital?


    Li Qingqing''s whole body instantly bristled with goosebumps.


    In novels, that was never a good ce to end up!


    If she went there she might be put in restraints, making suicide even more difficult!


    "No, no, I won''t go, I''m perfectly normal!" Li Qingqing quickly argued for herself.


    The guard sighed: "She really does need treatment, she''s still so young, and hasn''tmitted any major crimes."


    When Li Qingqing heard this, her heart instantly went cold.


    Even the guard didn''t believe her.


    Well, it made sense, since she had been constantly attempting self-harm and suicidetely... it seemed her actions had backfired.


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded: "Mm, thank you for your hard work, someone wille to pick her upter."


    He strode out after saying this.


    "Don''t go! Sheng Yuxiao! Sheng Yuxiao! I won''t go! I want to see your father! I still have some predictions I haven''t told him!"


    The guard shook his head hearing this.


    Ah, she really did sound crazy.


    *


    In the end, Xiao Ya and Xu Ji didn''t stay at the town''s hotel, but rested for the night in a temporary room prepared by the local police station.


    Xiao Ya wasn''t picky.


    Xu Ji wasn''t really picky either, he had stayed in rainforests and deserts before. He brought his own bedding anyway.


    "We''ve sanitized everything once, you can go in now," the assistant said.


    Xu Ji nodded and led Xiao Ya inside.


    At this moment, Xiao Ya''s phone rang.


    "Is it Sheng Yuxiao again?" Xu Ji asked.


    "No." Xiao Ya answered the call, "Hello, Uncle."


    Aliali: 673eba99c4f3f33ac4ee9836The AI voice came through from the other end: "Those nuns still haven''t left, they''re acting very suspiciously, insisting on taking their luggage with them."


    "But I checked the luggage and didn''t find anything strange."


    "I''ve detained them all for now. Xiao Ya, when are youing back?"


    As an adult asking a child for help, Wei Wenqing didn''t feel embarrassed at all. Better than pretending to understand and missing something crucial!


    After all, he knew clearly that their family''s little one was very capable, and when the little one couldn''t handle something, she could always activate several cheat codes simultaneously.


    "Coming back tomorrow."


    Xu Ji heard these four words and became unhappy: "The three days are up so soon?"


    Xiao Ya turned her head: "Come stay at my house for three days."


    "Well that would be wonderful." Xu Ji was happy again.


    Xiao Ya muttered quietly. Might as well make use of what''s freely offered.

 Chapter 215: The Third Day of Raising Xu Ji

    <h4>Chapter 215</h4>


    Day three of taking care of Xu Ji.


    The first thing Xiao Ya did after waking up was to take his temperature.


    "How is it? What''s the reading?" Xu Ji asked.


    He had been "stripped" of his right to read the thermometer himself.


    Before getting an answer, he added, "I feel like I''m better already."


    "You are better!" Xiao Ya put down the thermometer with relief.


    Thankfully, she hadn''t let Sheng Yuxiao''s young uncle die under her care.


    Still maintaining her conscientious attitude, Xiao Ya leaned in and asked, "Are you still dizzy?"


    Not dizzy at all. But when the words reached Xu Ji''s lips, they transformed into: "Maybe a little bit."


    "How about your throat? Does it hurt?"


    "A little."


    "Oh."


    Xu Ji looked at her. Hm? That''s it? Wasn''t the little one going to show more concern?


    "Let''s go. We need to see Dou Dawei before leaving," Xiao Ya shouldered her backpack and walked ahead through the door.


    Xu Ji disappointedly fidgeted with his fingers and followed, asking, "Who''s Dou Dawei?"


    Xiao Ya turned back: "You don''t know?"


    "Should I?"


    "Well, you said you''re very smart and know everything."


    Xu Ji paused mid-step and ced his hand on Xiao Ya''s shoulder, turning the little one around.


    He was met with Xiao Ya''s innocent expression.


    He suspected the little one was teasing him, but he had no proof.


    *


    Dou Dawei had received Xiao Ya''s call early and rushed to buy fish, shrimp, beef, andmb.


    After shopping, he ran into Xiao Ya downstairs.


    "Xiao Ya! No, no, should I call you Ruoshui now? Hehe, I saw the news," Dou Dawei approached cheerfully with his hands full of groceries.


    However, before Xiao Ya could speak, Dou Dawei noticed Xu Ji standing to the side.


    His expression immediately became reserved as he carefully asked, "And this is?"


    Just as Xu Ji was about to speak.


    Xiao Ya spoke first: "Secretary Wang, just call him that."


    Xu Ji''s lips curved slightly: quite clever. She knew he didn''t like revealing his identity to others.


    "Oh, oh, nice to meet you, Secretary Wang. I assume you were assigned by Young Master Sheng?"


    Xu Ji nodded from behind: "That''s right."


    Relieved that he wasn''t some rich second-generation heir, Dou Dawei huddled with Xiao Ya, the tall and short pair whispering and muttering together.


    They would asionally nce back at Xu Ji.


    Xu Ji rarely saw such behavior performed in front of him, and he narrowed his eyes, feeling somewhat irritated.


    What were they talking about?


    Once upstairs, Dou Dawei handed the meat and vegetables to his wife, then led Xiao Ya to one side.


    Xu Ji''s expression remained gentle, but his gaze had grown cold.


    Dou Dawei''s wife came out with dishes and asked in surprise, "Where did they go?"


    "Don''t know."


    The woman noticed his expression and instinctively remained silent.


    There was a creaking sound as another door opened.


    Xiao Ya walked out first, holding a bowl.


    "What''s that smell?" Xu Ji''s nose twitched.


    "Here, drink it," Xiao Ya handed it over, "After drinking this, your throat won''t hurt, and you won''t be dizzy anymore."


    Xu Ji hesitated: "This is...?"


    "Medicine! Just brewed it," Dou Dawei rubbed his hands together.


    This thing... was pitch ck. Xu Ji looked at Xiao Ya, who gazed back at him withplete sincerity: "Drink up."


    So they had gone to brew medicine for him?


    All that whispering was about this?


    Xu Ji raised the bowl and drank it all in one go.


    ...Ugh.


    His face instantly turned green.


    If it weren''t so impolite and out of character for him, he would have spat it right in Dou Dawei''s face.


    Xiao Ya counted on her fingers and told him: "Just three more days, twice a day."


    Xu Ji: "..."


    His assistant nearly burst outughing.


    How rare to see him mess up.


    Xu Ji wiped his mouth: "I suddenly remembered I have something to do."


    Xiao Ya moved closer to his face: "What is it?"


    Xu Ji looked at his assistant.


    The assistant immediately said seriously: "The overseas schedule has already been dyed for several days."


    Xiao Ya blinked: "If it''s been dyed for several days, that means it wasn''t very important to begin with."


    The assistant broke into a cold sweat.


    Since when had lying to children be so difficult?


    Xu Ji stepped in to smooth things over: "It''s not that it''s unimportant: the dy was intentional to show our strength to our business partners. Now that we''ve made our point, it''s time to go."


    The assistant let out a sigh of relief.


    When it came to lying, their boss was a professional.


    Xiao Ya lowered her head and said softly: "So you''re noting home with me?"


    Xu Ji couldn''t see her expression.


    This inability to see actually led to endless imagination.


    If she cried, would his nephew give him the cold shoulder for half a month?


    Xiao Ya sighed: "Alright then, you can go."


    She turned and took arge bag of prepared medicine from Dou Dawei, handing it to Xu Ji: "Take these while you''re traveling."


    Xu Ji: "..."


    So she was going to make him take the medicine no matter what?


    "I''ll go home with you after all," Xu Ji said, then added with a smile, "But you have to tell me why you invited me to your home. It''s the Wei family''s house, right? Is there some thorny issue there?"


    Xiao Ya wasn''t surprised that Xu Ji had guessed.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s young uncle was indeed very clever.


    "Mm." Xiao Ya honestly exined about the nun''s situation.


    "This can''t be free, little one. Let''s make it three more days, and I''ll decide when to collect, how about that?" Xu Ji took back control of the situation.


    Xiao Ya looked at him without speaking.


    "Why the hesitation?" Xu Ji leaned in closer.


    "Because taking care of you is really difficult."


    "..."


    The more Xiao Ya said this, the broader Xu Ji''s smile became: "Then what should we do? Your uncle can''t handle it. Ask Sheng Yuxiao? Qin Sui? They''re too busy with their studies."


    Xiao Ya still didn''t speak.


    Xu Ji pressed: "What are you still hesitating about?"


    "Can you definitely solve it?"


    "Even if I have to stay at your house for four or five days, I''ll definitely resolve it," Xu Ji smiled. If he couldn''t resolve it, the solution was simple: just resolve the person causing the problem.


    Xiao Ya held out her hand: "Deal, pinky promise."


    "Pinky promise." Xu Ji hooked his finger with hers.


    After making the promise, Xu Ji felt like he''d been tricked.


    The little one''s hesitation and silence had all been to strengthen his resolve!


    "I shouldn''t have taught you so much," Xu Ji clicked his tongue softly.


    Xiao Ya responded with another innocent look.


    *


    After eating at Dou Dawei''s house, they returned to Jin City.


    As soon as Xiao Ya stepped through the door, Wei Wenqing happily picked her up, while Xu Jigged behind to make a phone call to Sheng Yuxiao.


    "About that Li Qingqing..." Xu Ji began.


    Sheng Yuxiao wasn''t surprised by his sudden mention of this person and continued: "She''s been sent to a mental hospital."


    "Hmm, there''s something strange about her."


    "My father said the same thing. Li Qingqing once told my father she could predict the future, including foretelling my uncle and aunt''s fatal ident... that''s why my father kept her around. But she could never specify the exact time and ce, not even the type of ident."


    Xu Ji''s interest was immediately piqued: "Delusional disorder?"


    "It''s not delusion: before that, she couldn''t possibly have known about my uncle and aunt''s existence." Sheng Yuxiao paused, "My father even wondered if she might be a time traveler from the future."


    "That''s possible, but being sent to a mental hospital and still unable to provide urate information suggests she knows very little," Xu Ji''s eyes flickered with cold calction.


    Heughed and said: "No value, just kill her."


    "She can''t die yet," Sheng Yuxiao''s tone was calm.


    "Why not?"


    "She''s been actively seeking ways tomit suicidetely... There are two possibilities. One, she''s convinced something will happen after her suicide, like rebirth? Or returning to her original timeline? Though that''s not very scientific. Two, more realistically, she''d rather die and use her death to tarnish Xiao Ya''s reputation onest time."


    "Ah, yes. ''Respect the dead'': a tradition in Hua Country. Especially when the deceased is a child..."


    "In a few years, when the public has mostly forgotten about these entanglements and forgotten about her, that will be the time," Sheng Yuxiao''s voice was ice-cold.


    At this moment, Xiao Ya called from inside: "Secretary Wang, are you having trouble walking?"


    Xu Ji smiled in response to Xiao Ya''s gaze and said to the phone: "Yuxiao, you''ve really grown up. You''re thinking far ahead now and have learned patience."


    "Patience?" Sheng Yuxiao''s tone was indifferent, "Perhaps for Li Qingqing, being in a mental hospital is worse than death."


    Xu Ji let out a light chuckle and hung up the phone.


    He stepped through the doorway, maintaining his rxed demeanor and gentle bearing.


    Aliali: 673eba99c4f3f33ac4ee9836"Where are the suitcases?" he asked straightforwardly.


    Wei Wenqing, still uncertain about Xu Ji''s identity, looked at him quizzically while pointing toward the garden.


    As they walked over, they found every suitcase in the garden had beenpletely opened up.


    Inside, besidesmon clothing items, there were mostly Bibles, crucifixes, and religious statues.


    "So many," Xiao Ya remarked unconsciously.


    "What''s so many?" Xu Ji turned to ask.


    "These crucifixes and statues, there are so many."


    The assistant said, "For clergy members, it''s normal to have this many religious items..."


    Xu Ji said, "That''s not right."


    Wei Wenqing froze for a moment. Huh? Had he already spotted the problem?

 Chapter 216: Xu Ji’s Discovery

    <h4>Chapter 216</h4>


    "What''s wrong?" the assistant asked.


    Xu Ji crouched down and took out religious statues from two different suitcases.


    "Come here," Xu Ji said.


    The assistant quickly gathered around.


    Xu Ji turned to look at Xiao Ya: "I meant her."


    The assistant hastily made way, thinking to himself that he''d lost his front-row view.


    Xiao Ya crouched down right next to Xu Ji, while Wei Wenqing joined the assistant where he stood.


    "This is called a Madonna statue," Xu Ji exined to Xiao Ya.


    Xiao Ya nodded slightly, but still seemed confused.


    Religion waspletely foreign territory to her. It wasn''t even mentioned in the misceneous books found in the reading corner of Shitou School.


    "Look at these two statues and see if you can spot any differences," Xu Ji said, his slender wrists steadily holding up both Madonna statues.


    The assistant carefully spoke up: "Aren''t theypletely different from each other?"


    It was obvious even without careful inspection.


    But that was normal - not every statue had to look identical.


    Xu Ji didn''t respond, just waited quietly with a smile for Xiao Ya''s reaction.


    "They... give off different feelings," Xiao Ya said slowly.


    The assistant thought: What kind of answer is that?


    But Xu Ji said: "Correct."


    How was that correct? The assistant was dumbfounded.


    "To put it more professionally, their styles are different, which naturally gives them different impressions," Xu Ji said, raising the statue in his left hand higher.


    He asked: "What feeling does this one give you?"


    "Sacred, solemn."


    "And this one?" Xu Ji raised the right-hand statue.


    "Warm and gentle, and... um, a bit plumper," Xiao Ya paused, then said instinctively: "They shouldn''t be together?"


    "They absolutely shouldn''t be together, because this one..." Xu Ji looked at his left hand, "is an Orthodox Madonna."


    "And this one..." he looked at his right hand, "is a Catholic Madonna."


    "Orthodox icons emphasize divinity, while Catholic ones focus more on humanity. That''s why they give such distinctly different impressions."


    "Additionally, Orthodox icons always carry highly symbolic elements, like halos, cloaks, bracelets, stars..."


    "If they can''t even tell Madonna statues apart, it seems these clergy members aren''t very devout believers," Xu Ji''s smile remained gentle but took on a hint of mockery.


    The assistant opened and closed his mouth. As expected of the boss!


    The servants were also stunned.


    Who would notice such differences without thorough knowledge of these denominations?


    Wei Wenqing then used his phone to ask: "Are you Christian?"


    "No," Xu Ji put the Madonna statues back, holding onto both Xiao Ya and his assistant as he slowly stood up, "Ah, my legs are numb."


    Xiao Ya immediately hugged his leg: "Don''t move then, just wait for it to pass."


    Xu Ji smiled more deeply, using Xiao Ya as a crutch.


    He continued: "I once attended two art appreciation sses with Sheng Yuxiao''s mother, and one of them analyzed the differences between religious icons from different denominations from an aesthetic perspective."


    "See, it was useful after all. We should tell Sheng Yuxiao to restore the appreciation courses at your school," Xu Ji enthusiastically suggested.


    Xiao Ya''s eyes widened as she nodded vigorously.


    Xu Ji looked down, clearly seeing a hint of amazed admiration in the little one''s eyes.


    They sparkled brightly.


    Like jewels dipped in water.


    Xu Ji patted her head, in a good mood, and turned to say: "Now, let''s invite the nuns and the Archbishop out."


    Wei Wenqing nodded and gave a look to the bodyguards nearby.


    The bodyguards immediately went to "invite" the people.


    "This is illegal detention!"


    "Father, please forgive these unfaithful people, when judgment dayes, please don''t send them to hell..."


    The Archbishop angrily used, while the nuns made the sign of the cross, muttering continuously.


    "Is this your idea of devotion?" Xu Ji spoke up.


    The assistant responded immediately, cing the twopletely different Madonna statues in front of the Archbishop.


    The Archbishop''s voice cut off abruptly, his expression frozen.


    Xu Ji observed his reaction and said: "It seems you do know something about this, but these nuns aren''t professional enough, making such a major oversight in preparing their props..."


    The Archbishop''s lips trembled, unable to squeeze out a word.


    The nuns also fell silent, casting surprised and fearful nces at Xu Ji.


    With so many people staring at him, Xu Ji became even more rxed and casual: "Orthodox and Catholic are both branches of Christianity, and ordinary people can''t tell the difference between them."


    The Archbishop wasn''t wrong - Old Master Wei wasn''t sincere enough, he didn''t truly believe in the power of religion from his heart, so he didn''t know the difference.


    The Archbishop himself wasn''t sincere either, which is why he and the nuns left this oversight.


    "Why pretend to be clergy?" the bodyguard barked.


    The Archbishop closed his eyes briefly: "Since you''re making things difficult, go ahead and call the police, have us arrested."


    Xiao Ya''s still childish voice rang out: "To avoid detention, you were willing to return the money we paid you."


    Xu Ji smiled and added: "Yet now you''d rather go to the police station. What caused such a dramatic change?"


    Xiao Ya''s little face scrunched up, her tone certain: "Is it to cover up something worse?"


    Xu Ji turned and ordered: "Take apart the suitcases."


    Wei''s bodyguards shifted their feet but didn''t move immediately.


    Then Xiao Ya urged: "Go ahead!"


    Only then did the bodyguards spring into action.


    Xu Ji tilted his head and sighed softly.


    Once trained well, this family''s people really were quite loyal dogs.


    "Do you know how to take them apart?" Xu Ji interjected, "Check the false bottoms, remove the wheels, cut open the outeryer... don''t miss a single gap."


    Xu Ji told his assistant: "Go show them how."


    The assistant nodded, appearing like someone who had seen it all before.


    The Archbishop watched their actions without offering a single word of defense or struggle.


    But...


    "His mouth is moving," Xiao Ya called out loudly.


    Not speaking, but moving his mouth.


    Aliali: 673eba99c4f3f33ac4ee9836"Suicide?" Xu Ji suddenly turned back,nding a fierce punch on the Archbishop''s cheek.


    There was a "crack" sound.


    The Archbishop''s entire jaw was disced, a tooth flying out, his cheek slightly caving in.


    He let out a muffled cry of pain, his whole body falling from the force.


    Wei Wenqing suddenly blew his whistle, and the servants who had been standing motionless suddenly sprang into action at the whistle''s sound, diving toward the nuns and pinning them down one by one.


    It all seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.


    "Such a strong reaction - it seems what needs to be covered up is something extremely serious," Xu Ji said in a calm tone.


    Xiao Ya let out a breath and stepped forward to ask: "Doesn''t your hand hurt?"


    Such great force!


    Only then did Xu Ji''s face slowly turn pale, and he let out a soft hiss: "...I think I broke it."

 Chapter 217: Unexpected Surprises

    <h4>Chapter 217</h4>


    The Wei Family had their own family doctor who arrived quickly. He set down his medical kit and crouched beside the Archbishop, saying, "With all this blood, if it''s a concussion, we need to get him to the hospital..."


    "It''s not him," Xiao Ya stopped the doctor.


    "Huh?" The doctor looked up, confused.


    "It''s him," Xiao Ya pointed to Xu Ji.


    The doctor fell silent for a moment, his face clearly saying "you must be joking."


    He looked at Xu Ji.


    A well-dressed, elegant young gentleman.


    He didn''t look injured... though his face was a bit pale.


    The doctor finally showed some concern and hurriedly came over to ask: "Internal injuries?"


    Internal injuries could be even more serious!


    "He... punched him," Xiao Ya gestured, "and then I think his hand broke. Doctor Uncle, please take a look..."


    Xiao Ya licked her lips, her tone bing cautious: "I''m afraid to touch his hand."


    The doctor frowned as he felt Xu Ji''s forearm, then moved upward, pressing and examining.


    "The bone is protruding, he needs to go to the hospital," the doctor said gravely.


    Xiao Ya tugged at her clothes'' hem and quickly asked: "Is it serious?"


    "He''ll need calcium supplements, and plenty of sunlight after that," the doctor said matter-of-factly.


    So it wasn''t too serious? Xiao Ya breathed a sigh of relief. Sheng Yuxiao''s little uncle was really hard to take care of!


    On the ground, the obviously more severely injured Archbishop''s entire body convulsed in pain, and blood sprayed from his mouth.


    For a moment, he wasn''t sure if these people cared about him at all...


    If they didn''t care, why wouldn''t they let himmit suicide?


    If they did care, why leave him lying on the ground?


    "You need to go to the hospital right away," Xiao Ya stared intently at Xu Ji''s arm. "Bone injuries are very painful and take a long time to heal."


    Xu Ji looked at her: "You''re noting?"


    Xiao Ya hesitated for a moment, turning to look at Wei Wenqing, who was directing the servants.


    She made her decision instantly.


    She had to trust the little uncle.


    After all, he was an adult too!


    "Let''s go," Xiao Ya supported his uninjured arm, continuing to use her head as his crutch.


    Xu Ji nodded with satisfaction and said: "I''ll leave my assistant here, he''s experienced in handling these matters."


    When Xiao Ya heard this, she felt even more reassured, and looked up to say: "Thank you."


    Xu Ji smiled down at her.


    A clever child who could take teasing, could match wits with him, and was always polite, remembering others'' kindness... truly adorable.


    *


    Xiao Ya and Xu Ji got into the car.


    While the Archbishop was taken by ambnce.


    In the end, they were all sent to Wei Zesheng''s hospital.


    At the hospital, Xu Ji went to get a cast, while Xiao Ya waited outside to call Sheng Yuxiao.


    "I''m sorry," Xiao Ya said into the phone. "I didn''t take good care of your little uncle."


    Sheng Yuxiao was also a bit worried about Xu Ji''s arm, but he couldn''t help wanting tough: "Adults should take care of themselves, how could you be expected to look after him? The fact that you''ve managed to live so well with him is already quite impressive."


    After saying this, Sheng Yuxiao changed his tone: "I''ming over to see you both."


    Xiao Ya refused: "No."


    "Hmm?"


    "This is thest semester, and you''re very busy with your studies..."


    Sheng Yuxiaoughed lightly, unconcerned: "I''m going abroad for university, so this isn''t important."


    Xiao Ya asked innocently: "Does university take four years?"


    "Depends on what degree you''re getting, four years or longer."


    "So you''ll be abroad for a very, very long time?"


    Sheng Yuxiao was taken aback by these words. In the circle of rich kids, flying between domestic and international locations was asmon as eating breakfast.


    So he hadn''t considered this question before.


    Now that Xiao Ya brought it up, he suddenly felt the distance. It was a distance that took over ten long hours to cross.


    Not a distance that could be bridged right after a phone call.


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his face, his expression unclear. He said softly: "I''ming over now."


    He avoided Xiao Ya''s question.


    When Sheng Yuxiao arrived, Xu Ji''s assistant hade with several Wei Family bodyguards.


    "We found holes under the statues with strange test tubes inside," the assistantid out the items on the table.


    A nearby doctor nced at them and said: "Those are for blood samples?"


    The assistant was puzzled: "Why hide these things?"


    Sheng Yuxiao had just rushed in, still catching his breath, when he turned to ask: "How many are there in total?"


    "Don''t know, we''re still counting. There are too many statues," the assistant answered.


    Sheng Yuxiao picked up one tube: "There are serial numbers, which means there must be quite a few."


    Xu Ji, loungingzily, suddenly spoke up: "Yuxiao, do you remember that year I took you to visit a museum abroad..."


    "The cloning museum, yes, I remember."


    "Human blood contains gic expressions, and isted cells can be used for cloning, and also for..."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned: "Gic attacks? That''s been a popr theorytely."


    "Where there''s smoke, there''s fire..." Xu Ji''s eyes brightened slightly, he tilted his head to look at Xiao Ya, his tone carrying a hint of amazement: "Xiao Ya, it seems we''ve stumbled onto something big."


    This waspletely outside Xiao Ya''s knowledge zone.


    "What does... gic attack mean?" she looked around and asked.


    Sheng Yuxiao exined: "Gic attack means using the gic differences and characteristics of different races to create gic weapons with aggressive or infectious properties by altering biological gic sequences."


    "These gic weapons can be effective against specific races."


    "They have enormous destructive power, yet the whole process is exceptionally secretive and hard to detect."


    "It''s very dangerous," Sheng Yuxiao paused, "though in the past it only existed in various literary works, never appearing so close to reality..."


    Xiao Ya murmured: "It sounds terrifying."


    "It is terrifying, but you''ve already disrupted it," Xu Ji smiled at her.


    The assistant swallowed: "Are we sure about this? Isn''t it too hasty?"


    "Large-scale collection, numbering, concealment. What else could it be?" Xu Ji slowly shook his head.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately said: "Xiao Ya, call your grandfather."


    Xiao Ya nodded and turned to make the call.


    The assistant watched her go, unable to helpmenting: "This all started because... Miss Zhang thought having these people here was too wasteful and wanted to drive them away."


    No one expected it would lead to this discovery.


    Aliali: 673ebb12c4f3f33ac4eea08c"Such incredible luck," the assistant murmured, watching Xiao Ya.


    Xu Ji interjected: "It started because Xiao Ya wanted to hire someone to exorcise me." He said this without the slightest embarrassment.


    Xu Ji then concluded: "So Xiao Ya should be raised by me."


    The assistant: "..."


    Xiao Ya called Old Mr. Zhang. Upon receiving his granddaughter''s call, he didn''t dismiss her words like other adults might with children.


    He responded seriously on the phone, then made several calls himself.


    In less than half an hour, Wei Zesheng''s hospital weed several high-ranking officials.


    The first thing these decorated officials did upon entering was to pick up Xiao Ya.


    "Saw you at thest banquet but didn''t get a chance to hold you."


    "Good! Good child! You''re just like your father!"

 Chapter 218: Auntie’s Nightmare

    <h4>Chapter 218</h4>


    The uncles'' eyes flickered with excitement.


    Old Mr. Zhang stood behind them, unconsciously disying a proud smile.


    "Let''s go! Let''s see the scene for ourselves!" one of the younger ones spoke in amanding voice that carried authority.


    The Wei household suddenly became lively.


    When the armed special police entered, for a moment, the entire Wei household thought they wereing to arrest them, but then they remembered they had never broken anyws in the country and had even done plenty of charity work!


    Looking around again, they saw Xiao Ya being carried in.


    They finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    "We''ll be taking temporary custody of them," the young man said to Wei Wenqing.


    Wei Wenqing nodded repeatedly, having no objections.


    The nuns clearly knew they were in serious trouble.


    Being detained by the Hua Country authorities, and in such a major case... if they didn''t die, they''d still be severely punished! They''d never see the sun again in this lifetime!


    "I-I don''t know what they did, I''m not with them, I was employed by Mr. Rong! I just followed them to sneak in and deal with Wei Wenyi!" one of the nuns frantically shouted, surprisingly in thenguage of Hua Country.


    Presumably afraid others wouldn''t understand.


    Xiao Ya quickly recalled what Wei Lin had said to the board of directors when he was arrested: "Why don''t we talk about how the second youngdy went mad?"


    "Mr. Rong... is he from the board of directors?" Xiao Ya asked the nun.


    The nun nodded desperately, "Yes, yes! I really have nothing to do with these things, I was only employed by Mr. Rong..."


    Faced with such a life-threatening situation, she preferred to confess everything.


    Wei Wenqing suddenly rushed forward and grabbed the nun.


    The nun wasn''t particrly frightened.


    Looking at these armed officers, then at Wei Wenqing''s refined face, she actually felt more at ease.


    The young man with epaulettes pondered for a moment, then said, "We''ll take them all in first. We have professional interrogators, and those involved in other incidents will be separatedter."


    The nun didn''t want to go with them and hurriedly shouted, "I-I can tell you everything, no need for interrogation, I''ll tell you everything, everything!"


    Wei Wenqing''s eyes were filled with hatred and sorrow.


    Everyone had thought it was because of losing Wenyu that his second sister couldn''t cope and went mad.


    He and his brother thought they would have to wait who knows how long to investigate and catch the culprits within the board of directors...


    Yet unexpectedly, in such an unexpected and almost ridiculous way... the other party surrendered themselves!


    Wei Wenqing bit his lip hard, then looked pleadingly at Xiao Ya.


    Xiao Ya was the driving force and discoverer in this incident, with Old Mr. Zhang backing her.


    To keep this nun here, to quickly get answers from her... Wei Wenqing couldn''t wait another moment!


    He needed Xiao Ya to speak up now.


    Xiao Ya, her small face tightened with anger and her fingers clenched, immediately looked up at the young man and asked, "Uncle, can we question her now?"


    "Yes, would three hours be enough? We''ll keep watch here." The young man seemed quite amodating.


    Wei Wenqing''s phone made a sound: "That''s enough, thank you."


    The nun said tremblingly, "You''ll need toe with me to where we were staying..."


    Sheng Yuxiao spoke up: "Lead the way."


    The nun broke free from her restraints, breathed a sigh of relief, and slowly stood up to walk in front, though her legs were still shaking uncontrobly.


    Previously, these clergy members had all been arranged to stay on the second floor.


    "When we moved around unusually, the people downstairs could quickly notice. We knew the old master was wary of us. I was ordered by Mr. Rong, he wanted the second youngdy to diepletely... but that was very difficult to achieve. Drugs, incense... we tried everything."


    "But all these would leave traces, and it would be hard to escape the old master''s eyes."


    "They used sacred statues to hide things... that''s when I thought of using the statues to achieve our goal."


    The nun spoke tremblingly.


    The assistant looked repeatedly: "How to achieve it?"


    He couldn''t see how.


    He instinctively wanted to look at his boss, but then remembered his boss was still at the hospital waiting for Ms. Xu to visit.


    The nun spoke again: "Wait... wait until it gets darker."


    Fortunately, after all themotion today, it was already nearly dusk.


    Everyone waited patiently in the room.


    As the night grew deeper.


    The nun asked shakily, "Could you bring some of those sacred statues up here?"


    Wei Wenqing looked at the bodyguard, who immediatelyplied.


    The nun arranged the statues one by one.


    They had different poses and sizes.


    After arranging the statues, she ced candlesticks in front of them, inserted candles, and finally, the mes shot up as the candles were lit.


    The nun opened the window and ced... a piece of cardboard?


    "You can... go downstairs to look now," the nun''s voice trembled even more.


    Xiao Ya was carried downstairs.


    Except for the police who remained on the second floor, everyone else followed downstairs.


    In an instant, everyone was struck speechless.


    They saw countless giant projections of "gods" cast on one wall.


    The shadows took various poses, appearing fierce and menacing.


    Because they couldn''t reproduce the expressions of the statues and only projected their poses, they appeared utterly terrifying.


    "...Pinhole imaging," Sheng Yuxiao spoke, "By controlling the distance between the pinhole and the light source, you can control the size of the projection."


    Therger the projection, the closer it would appear to people''s eyes.


    When these shadows gradually "approached," the psychological pressure they created was undoubtedly enormous.


    "The projections are inverted," the assistant mumbled, feeling his sanity rapidly depleting.


    The more inverted they were, the more they deviated from normal human perception.


    So at the moment of seeing them, one would involuntarily feel an intense sense of fear.


    "Is aunt''s room behind that wall?" Xiao Ya immediately asked the servant.


    The servant said, "No." The servant raised their arm, pointing tremblingly to the side: "It''s over there... From there, you can see the projections more clearly."


    Just through such simple means.


    Readily avable cardboard, sacred statues fitting for clergy members, yet they created such a massive nightmare.


    A nightmare that repeated day after day.


    Wei Wenqing rushed back upstairs and violently knocked over the statues.


    Compared to Wei Wenjuan, his temperament was actually much better.


    But even such a gentle person now forcefully pushed the nun toward the window sill.


    Aliali: 673ebb12c4f3f33ac4eea08cThe woman''s neck was pressed against the window frame, one more push and it would snap...


    The nun screamed in terror.


    The servant mumbled, "Everyone knew the second youngdy hated having people or things in her line of sight at night. Her room was specially renovated, and all curtains were removed because those curtains moving in the wind would make her imagine even more terrifying things."


    But without curtains, without people.


    When the projections appeared in her world, must she have felt immense loneliness and helplessness?


    Xiao Ya suddenly broke free from the military uncle''s embrace.


    She ran down.


    They had been wrong!


    The more people worried about disturbing auntie, the further they stayed away from her, abandoning her alone in the depths of terror.


    "Young miss!" the servant hurried to chase after her, "Where are you going? Are you going to see the second youngdy? No, no, we must wait for the psychologist toe first, we need to analyze before taking any next steps!"

 Chapter 219

    The servants chased all the way to Wei Wenyi''s door, where they stopped, not daring to move further.


    During daytime, they might have dared to enter, but at night, none of them would.


    The Old Master had lost one daughter, and the remaining one had be the apple of his eye. Who would dare to act rashly around her?


    "Miss! Miss, pleasee back!" They called out in hushed voices.


    Xiao Ya had already stopped at the door, not looking back.


    But thankfully... she hadn''t moved further. This made the servants sigh in relief: "Miss, please calm down, the Little Young Master must have already contacted the psychiatrist toe right away..."


    Xiao Ya lowered her head, ignoring the servants'' voices.


    She wanted to go in and hug her aunt, but she shouldn''t just burst in - too much noise, too sudden, it would surely frighten her aunt.


    How could she avoid scaring her and let her know that someone would stay by her side?


    Xiao Ya took a gentle breath and ced her hand on the doorknob.


    The servants held their breath, not daring to even exhale...


    No... don''t!


    With a "click," Xiao Ya opened the door anyway.


    She walked in.


    The servants felt faint, leaning against the wall,pletely speechless.


    As she crossed the threshold, Xiao Ya hunched her shoulders, slowly curling inward. Tears began rolling down her face, and the little girl seemed to dete entirely.


    "Auntie," she called softly.


    The room was unlit, and it took a moment for her eyes to adjust. However, since the curtains had been removed, some residual light filtered in, falling on the carpet at the foot of the bed.


    Xiao Ya stepped closer, onto the carpet.


    From her angle, she could see��the bed was empty.


    Xiao Ya froze, tears rolling down to her cheeks.


    Auntie wasn''t in bed?


    She quickly looked around and finally saw the woman standing in the corner between two walls. She was staring out the window with wide eyes, and due to her extreme thinness, her eye sockets seemed as if they might tear apart from the intensity of her gaze.


    Xiao Ya''s heart skipped a beat.


    "Auntie, auntie," she called softly, her voice tinged with tears.


    She finally reached Wei Wenyi''s side.


    Wei Wenyi stood ramrod straight,pletely different from how she had appeared when the servants had brought her out earlier.


    She was as straight as a tree, only this tree had begun to wither.


    Xiao Ya reached up and touched her, grabbing her fingers.


    Wei Wenyi''s fingers were ice-cold, but when Xiao Ya touched them, she finally slowly lowered her head, sparing Xiao Ya a nce.


    The words "don''t be afraid" rolled off Xiao Ya''s tongue but were swallowed back.


    Instead, she said three words: "I''m scared."


    Wei Wenyi mechanically rotated her eyeballs and raised her hand to touch Xiao Ya''s face. She felt the tears on Xiao Ya''s cheeks.


    This face.


    This crying face.


    When sad, when scared, would alwayse to her.


    Wei Wenyi suddenly spoke, her voice hoarse: "Sister, sister."


    Xiao Ya was stunned.


    Had her aunt mistaken her for her mother when she was young?


    Before Xiao Ya could react, Wei Wenyi had already emotionally crouched down and pulled her into an embrace: "Don''t be afraid, sister, don''t be afraid."


    As she spoke, she turned around.


    She positioned Xiao Ya to face the corner while she faced outward.


    "Don''t be afraid, don''t be afraid..." Now it was Wei Wenyi who was patting her back andforting her softly.


    The servants waited outside for a long time.


    There were no shrill screams from the Second Miss, no sounds of things being thrown.


    Actually, it had been more troublesome when they were abroad.


    Once, the Second Miss had even pulled out a gun during an episode.


    Back then, they could hear the sound of bullets shattering porcin all over the floor.


    But the Old Master had insisted on not sending his daughter to a mental hospital, determined to keep her by his side...


    Sometimes the servants wondered if the Old Master was too forceful, too stubborn - would she have recovered earlier if they had sent her to a mental hospital?


    "Where is everyone?" Sheng Yuxiao walked over at this moment.


    The servants knew the Little Young Master was probably still dealing with that nun on the second floor, so they could only look at Sheng Yuxiao and say: "The Miss went inside."


    "No sound?"


    "Yes, we don''t know what''s happening inside."


    "Then we wait."


    "Wait?"


    "Yes." Sheng Yuxiao looked down at his watch, "Let''s wait ten minutes first."


    The servants could only anxiously wonder to themselves why all these young masters and misses were so calm and collected.


    Inside the room.


    Wei Wenyi was still holding Xiao Ya tightly, refusing to let go.


    Xiao Ya took a breath, feeling they couldn''t continue like this...


    She tugged at Wei Wenyi''s sleeve, no longer calling her "auntie," and simply said: "I want to go to the window."


    Wei Wenyi furrowed her brows, her eye corners drawing into sharp lines.


    "No, it''s dangerous there," Wei Wenyi uttered.


    Not knowing how else to persuade her, Xiao Ya could only say: "Need to go, need to go."


    Mother''s position in aunt''s heart seemed higher than imagined.


    Wei Wenyi still picked her up and walked toward the window.


    Her overly thin wrists seemed to harbor endless strength.


    After a few steps, Wei Wenyi suddenly stopped, looking confused: "Sister, I''ve grown so tall."


    Xiao Ya sniffled her sour nose and said quietly: "Because you''re the big sister, of course you''re taller than me."


    Wei Wenyi slowly processed this, saying: "...Right."


    Then she fell silent again.


    When they reached the windowsill, her entire body arched, like a cat ready to pounce.


    She didn''t know what "sister" wanted to see.


    But she brought "sister" there anyway.


    Xiao Ya then raised her hand, pointing outside saying: "They ran away..."


    Wei Wenyi''s eyes widened: "You can see them too?"


    Xiao Ya nodded: "I can see them, I''m very scared."


    "Don''t be afraid." Wei Wenyi held her tighter, her protruding bones pressing into Xiao Ya almost painfully.


    But Xiao Ya didn''t cry out in pain. She sniffled again and asked in a light tone: "They all ran away, did you chase them away?"


    I...


    Wei Wenyi''s gaze became distant for a moment.


    Did I chase them away?


    Xiao Ya rested her head on her shoulder, whispering in her ear: "You''re amazing, you chased them away, so I won''t have to be scared anymore, right?"


    How could Wei Wenyi bear to tell "sister" otherwise?


    She felt as if she had fallen into a cloud of cotton, her entire being floating, both dazed and confused, as if memories were being scrambled and cut up, yet made clear again by the sensation of this embrace in this moment.


    She moved her lips, struggling to squeeze out one word: "Right."


    "I will protect you." Her voice grew from barely audible to increasingly firm, "Protect, protect sister. I will protect you."


    There would be no fear even if they came back.


    She would stand in front of "sister."


    "Mm! I''m not scared anymore, you can put me down now, I''m hungry, I want to eat," Xiao Ya continued softly.


    Auntie was too thin.Aliali: 67413bd3c4f3f33ac4135f05


    Holding her must be tiring, and perhaps like Xu Ji, auntie might also becking calcium - would she break a bone if she held her too long?


    Xiao Ya was worried.


    But Wei Wenyi wouldn''t let go.


    She held the little one firmly, her empty embrace filled morepletely than ever before, as if she had been given a new anchor point.


    "Eat, yes, eat, we need to eat to grow tall, let''s eat, let''s eat," Wei Wenyi mumbled, carrying Xiao Ya toward the lit doorway.


    One meter outside the door.


    The servants heard movement and turned around, instantly struck with amazement.


    "Se-Second Miss?"


    The Second Miss had walked out on her own?! And carrying the Miss!


    Sheng Yuxiao was also stunned for a moment, then the corner of his eyebrow lifted in a wild, proud smile. He knew it - of course Xiao Ya could do it!

 Chapter 220: Her World is Getting Better

    <h4>Chapter 220</h4>


    "Eat," Wei Wenyi stared at the servant as she spoke.


    Her eyes appeared lifeless again, cold as if devoid of human warmth.


    The servant was still in shock,pletely unable to process: "W-what?"


    Xiao Ya wanted to speak but held back.


    Then Wei Wenyi spoke again: "Need to eat, sister needs to eat."


    Sister...? Though the servants were confused, the joy of Wei Wenyi speaking voluntarily was enough to overshadow everything else!


    "Check the kitchen!"


    "Has Second Young Miss regained some consciousness? We should make what she used to eat abroad."


    Wei Wenyi frowned and interrupted: "Sister eats."


    The servants quickly nodded inpliance: "Yes, yes, we''ll prepare what Young Miss likes."


    "Prepare what Ms. Wei Wenyu likes," Sheng Yuxiao added in a low voice.


    The servants finally understood!


    "Second Young Miss is treating Young Miss as..."


    Sheng Yuxiao cut off the servant''s words: "Go prepare it."


    The servant immediately swallowed the rest of their words.


    "Need hot soup," Xiao Ya finally added.


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his gaze, scanning Wei Wenyi''s bare feet.


    "Bring shoes and a coat."


    The servant smacked their forehead: "How careless of us! Get them quickly!"


    When Wei Wenqing finished dealing with the police and returned, all that awaited him was an open bedroom door and an empty room.


    ...Where is everyone?


    Wei Wenqing was stunned.


    "Young Master, the dining room, they''re in the dining room," a servant quickly ran over seeing him standing there alone.


    Wei Wenqing was still confused as he turned to let the servant lead the way.


    When the old master was still at home, they rarely ate in the dining room. He preferred the courtyard, where he could look up at the vast sky, as if escaping the confines and oppression.


    Wei Wenqing and Wei Wenjuan, the two brothers, also rarely ate in the dining room, staying in their own rooms, seldom stepping out...


    Now, Wei Wenqing pushed open the dining room door.


    Warm yellow light streamed down.


    He saw his sister sitting at the dining table, with Xiao Ya beside her.


    The entire space was quiet except for the clear sound of bowls and spoons clinking.


    But this silence somehow helped calm his angry and depressed mood.


    He walked over very slowly and sat down, pulling out the chair without making a sound.


    But Wei Wenyi still noticed him.


    "Who is he?" Wei Wenyi asked in a hoarse voice.


    Wei Wenqing froze, then excitedly gestured. His sister still didn''t recognize him?


    Xiao Ya fed Wei Wenyi a spoonful of soup before saying: "He''s Wenqing."


    Wei Wenyi was caught off guard by the feeding, instinctively opening her mouth to swallow.


    "Wenqing... looks strange," Wei Wenyi tilted her head, her cold eyes showing a hint of softness and confusion.


    Xiao Ya choked and coughed twice.


    How was young uncle strange-looking?


    "His head is so big," Wei Wenyimented, pursing her lips.


    Wei Wenqing looked at his sister with tears in his eyes, typing on his phone: "Because I''ve grown up."


    Wei Wenyi grabbed his gesturing hand and asked Xiao Ya: "Why doesn''t he speak?"


    After asking, Wei Wenyi took Wei Wenqing''s phone, turned it over a couple times, then threw it away.


    Wei Wenqing panicked and gestured frantically.


    That was his tool formunication!


    Wei Wenqing quickly bent down to pick it up.


    Wei Wenyi stared at the back of his head as he crouched.


    Hmm, this height looked more familiar.


    So Wei Wenyi bent down to pat Wei Wenqing''s head and asked: "Where did you go? I haven''t seen you for so long."


    I''ve been here the whole time! It''s just that Second Young Miss doesn''t recognize people anymore.


    The servants couldn''t help but tear up, feeling like crying andughing at the same time.


    "Where''s brother?" Wei Wenyi asked again.


    Wei Wenqing picked up his phone, thankfully it wasn''t broken, and typed: "Brother is abroad, handling group affairs."


    Wei Wenyi looked confused, she rubbed her temple: "Handling affairs..."


    She looked at her hands, then at Wei Wenqing who had stood up: "We''ve all grown up."


    Then she looked at Xiao Ya: "Why is sister still so small?"


    Wei Wenqing didn''t know how to answer.


    He was afraid of saying something wrong that might trigger his sister who had just recovered a bit, so he just stood there helplessly.


    Xiao Ya vaguely brushed it off: "Because I''m the sister."


    The logic was barely passable.


    But Wei Wenyi blinked slowly and said: "Oh."


    "Wenqing, sister is very scared," Wei Wenyi looked back at Wei Wenqing, "Brother is gone, you need to help me protect sister."


    Wei Wenqing''s eyes welled up as he nodded vigorously.


    Wei Wenyi finally rxed a little.


    She was surrounded by countless unfamiliar faces, and those "monsters"...


    Now, sister hade to find her, and Wenqing was here too.


    Good, her world was getting better.


    Old Mr. Zhang, who had been sitting far away at the other end, couldn''t help but sigh. This family had really been through a lot...


    "Grandpa, can you help me handle the rest?" Xiao Ya looked up at him.


    Old Mr. Zhang agreed repeatedly: "Of course, of course, grandpa will help you handle everything well, don''t worry."


    Then, afraid the child would feel too burdened, he quickly added: "You don''t need to rush back, the matter with the sacred statue still needs investigation and handling anyway. I''lle with your uncles to see you every day."


    Xiao Ya happily nodded.


    By now they had finished eating, and Wei Wenyi, who couldn''t see anyone else, asked: "What time is it?"


    The servant said: "Almost nine o''clock."


    Wei Wenyi hugged Xiao Ya and patted her while walking out: "Bedtime, sister needs to sleep to grow taller."


    Wei Wenqing hadn''t had enough time yet, his eyes full of reluctance to part.


    Then Wei Wenyi suddenly turned back, saying calmly: "Wenqing, follow us, we need to protect sister."


    Wei Wenqing was so happy he almost cried, quickly following them.


    The lively Gui Family home soon returned to silence.


    Until the sun rose the next day.


    The servants had spent another anxious night, and more than the mess left by the nuns, they now cared about��


    After a night, would Second Young Miss return to her previous state?


    The servants approached the bedroom.


    But the door creaked open from the inside first.


    Wei Wenyi came out carrying Xiao Ya: "Sunbathing, sister needs sunbathing."


    The servants let out a huge sigh of relief.


    Good! This time it''s really good!


    "I want to walk by myself," Xiao Ya rested her head against Wei Wenyi''s neck, saying softly.


    "No," Wei Wenyi refused.


    In the courtyard, after setting up the table, chairs and parasol, Wei Wenyi sat down and started feeding Xiao Ya steamed buns.


    After the buns, she peeled nuts.


    "Eat."


    Xiao Ya opened her mouth.


    After the nuts, she wanted to peel fruit.


    The servants didn''t dare give her a knife, standing aside saying: "Let me peel it, let me do it."


    Wei Wenyi snatched it from them, startling the servant who could only let go.


    Fortunately, Wei Wenyi was very "clear-headed" at the moment.


    She peeled arge pear for Xiao Ya.


    "Sister eat."


    Xiao Ya frowned.


    Auntie seemed better, but she really couldn''t eat anymore.


    Xiao Ya had to move her face closer, next to the big pear, and said: "Can''t eat anymore."


    Wei Wenyi looked carefully.


    The child''s face was only slightly bigger than therge pear.


    "Oh, Wenqing eat," Wei Wenyi tossed it to Wei Wenqing, almost dropping it in the flower bed.


    After sunbathing in the courtyard all morning, a servant came to invite them for lunch.


    Hearing this, Wei Wenyi suddenly remembered something: "Where''s father?"


    Wei Wenqing''s nose stung, almost crying again.


    Father should see sister''s current condition... let him know sister is better... so much better!


    "Come, let''s call father," Wei Wenqing typed.


    "He''s not home again?" Wei Wenyi frowned, "That''s why sister is scared. Why did you all disappear for so long?"


    Wei Wenqing didn''t know how to answer.


    Fortunately, Wei Wenyi didn''t care about the answer to the question, and she finally let go of Xiao Ya, walking aside with Wei Wenqing alone.


    Wei Wenqing was stunned, typing to ask her: "Not bringing Xiao Ya?"


    "Phone call, sister easily argues with father."


    Wei Wenqing wiped his eyes and nodded to show he understood.


    Wei Wenyi couldn''t help but ask again: "You used to talk so much, it was annoying, now, why so little?"


    Wei Wenqing smiled and just held her hand.


    Xiao Ya obediently waited in the courtyard, and soon Xu Ji arrived first.


    When she saw Xu Ji, she let out a sigh of relief. "Does your hand still hurt?"


    "It''s fine." Xu Ji paused, then asked, "I heard from Yuxiao that your second aunt''s condition has improved?"


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    Xu Ji sighed softly, "What a coincidence, isn''t it? To think we uncovered such a string of events from these nuns."


    "But regarding your aunt''s condition, your grandfather must have consulted many doctors before. How did it get resolved so suddenly?" Xu Ji asked curiously.


    "It''s precisely because grandfather and the others tried for so long without sess that I thought maybe taking the opposite approach might work better," Xiao Ya answered obediently.


    "The opposite approach?"


    Aliali: 673ebb7bc4f3f33ac4eea64c"Yes. Grandfather and uncle, they all care for aunt deeply, but why hasn''t she gotten better? Because people can only truly rely on themselves, right? That''s what mother taught me. People need to find their own infinite courage to stand up again."


    "That''s easy to say, but how can you make her realize this?" Xu Ji tilted his head. She was, after all, someone who wasn''t even fully conscious.


    "By making aunt feel that she was strong to begin with."


    Xu Ji chuckled softly, "How interesting. You''re so young, yet you understand human nature so well."


    Before Xiao Ya could speak again, something suddenly shattered in the direction of the living room.


    The sound was jarring.


    Without a second thought, Xiao Ya ran towards it.


    Wei Wenyi was having a video call with the elderly gentleman.


    Wei Xuanming''s eyes were slightly red, his lips pressed tight,pletely silent.


    Wei Wenyi pointed at the elderly man in the video with confusion: "He''s not father, how did father be so old?"

 Chapter 221: Black Sesame Stuffed Ducklings

    <h4>Chapter 221</h4>


    Wei Wenqing quickly gestured to the elderly man on the video call, indicating��


    Wei Wenyi now remembered, but notpletely.


    At this moment, Wei Xuanming also saw Xiao Yae in.


    Just as Xiao Ya was about to speak, Wei Xuanming finally said, "Xiao Ya, no need to correct her, let it be."


    "Let it be," he repeated.


    Wei Wenyi suddenly interjected, "He''s indeed not father. Father wouldn''t be this easy to talk to."


    Wei Wenqing didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    "Sister, let''s go," Wei Wenyi took Xiao Ya''s hand and walked out.


    When Xiao Ya looked back, Grandfather had already ended the video call.


    Grandfather, whom she hadn''t seen for a long time, looked very tired, extremely tired.


    Xiao Ya was a bit worried.


    Why didn''t they correct Auntie?


    Was this enough to satisfy Grandfather? Or perhaps... Grandfather felt that Auntie didn''t need to recognize him, as recognition might bring even greater pain?


    Xiao Ya broke free from Wei Wenyi''s hand and ran back to Wei Wenqing''s side.


    "Sister? What''s wrong?" Wei Wenyi turned back puzzled.


    Xiao Ya had already grabbed Wei Wenqing''s sleeve: "Uncle, is Grandfather very seriously ill? What illness is it exactly?"


    Wei Wenqing was caught off guard by such a direct question, he didn''t even have time to make up a lie.


    Fortunately, he was mute, so staying silent now seemed reasonable, right?


    Wei Wenqing secretly breathed a sigh of relief.


    But Xiao Ya gripped his sleeve tighter and said softly, "Adults always have their reasons for their decisions, but thinking too much often leads to decisions they''ll regret."


    Wei Wenqing was touched but continued to y mute.


    Little Uncle is too obedient, Xiao Ya bit her lip.


    Then she decided to make the decision for him: "Let''s take Auntie to see Grandfather tomorrow!"


    Wei Wenqing''s eyes widened, and he hurriedly started typing.


    But by then, Xiao Ya had already run off quickly, catching up with Wei Wenyi and leaving with her aunt''s hand in hers.


    However, it''s fine... as long as he doesn''t tell them where Father is, Xiao Ya won''t be able to find him!


    Wei Wenqing thought with relief and quickly followed them.


    But just as he caught up, he heard Xiao Ya asking Wei Wenyi: "Sister, who are the people who have been by Father''s side the longest?"


    When it came to this, Wei Wenyi''s mind was very clear, she slowly named: "Shen Bo."


    "Who else?"


    "Guan Yuanliang, Liao Chengwen..."


    Xiao Ya nodded: "I understand now."


    Wei Wenyi tapped her head and asked: "Why are you suddenly asking about this... did they make you angry?"


    Xiao Ya shook her head, but her words were meant for Wei Wenqing: "If Father is sick and won''t see anyone, we can find him by following them."


    Wei Wenyi frowned: "So Father is sick, that''s why he looks different."


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    Behind them, Wei Wenqing felt his vision go dark.


    The little one was too clever; nothing could be hidden from her.


    Now only "Guan Yuanliang" remained regrly by Father''s side. He was Father''s confidant who reported matters to him periodically.


    If Xiao Ya followed him, she would indeed find Father!


    Wei Wenqing sighed and quickly went forward to tug at Xiao Ya''s hand, making a few gestures before typing for her to see.


    "Don''t follow them, I''ll take you"


    Xiao Ya immediately broke into a smile and nodded: "Mm, no going back on your word."


    Wei Wenqing shook his head indicating he wouldn''t.


    Only then did Xiao Ya continue: "Actually, following them might not necessarily lead us to Grandfather."


    Wei Wenqing froze for a moment.


    Xiao Ya pulled at him and whispered in his ear: "Someone like Uncle Guan who''s always by Grandfather''s side must be very capable. If I tried to follow him, he''d definitely notice."


    Wei Wenqing moved his lips, so...


    "Uncle, it''s okay to be tricked by me, but don''t let others trick you!" the little one said with a slight hint of guilt.


    Wei Wenqing widened his eyes in shock.


    "Are you two whispering?" Wei Wenyi peered over.


    Wei Wenqing waved his hand, gesturing "let''s go."


    It wasn''t until they walked back to the courtyard that Wei Wenqing''s shock finally dissipated.


    Xiao Ya looked back at him, suddenly tugged at his sleeve again, pulled him down a bit, and said: "Actually, I was able to trick Uncle only because Uncle loves me very much and doesn''t guard against me."


    Wei Wenqing felt warmth in his heart hearing these words and couldn''t help but smile slightly.


    But what Xiao Ya said was very true: it''s okay to be tricked by her, but he can''t let others trick him!


    He would remember this well!


    Meanwhile, Xu Ji was still waiting in the courtyard.


    Wei Wenqing became a bit nervous upon seeing him. He''s a stranger, wouldn''t Wenyi be afraid?


    Xiao Ya was also a bit worried.


    But before she could ask Xu Ji to step aside, Wei Wenyi nced at Xu Ji and... had no reaction at all!


    The servants were overjoyed: "Second Young Miss has really improved a lot, she''s not afraid of strangers anymore."


    Xu Ji chimed in: "That''s because I obviously look like a good person."


    Xiao Ya looked at his cast and added an exnation: "It''s because you look like someone who''s been beaten up, not someone who would beat others. You look weak."


    Xu Ji: ?


    Xu Ji snorted with augh and asked back: "Who did I get injured for?"


    Xiao Ya answered honestly: "For me."


    Xu Ji sighed: "The medical expenses..." He hadn''t finished asking about them.


    Xiao Ya had already spoken first: "But don''t fight anymore in the future."


    Xu Ji chuckled: "Then what should we do if we encounter simr situations in the future?"


    Xiao Ya said seriously: "Grab me and hit them with me, my bones are very hard."


    Xu Ji bent down to squeeze her wrist, and like a child himself, earnestly agreed: "Yes, they are very hard indeed."


    Xiao Ya asked him again: "Are you still in pain?"


    Xu Ji wanted to say "it hurts," but when the words reached his lips, he remembered her big bag of Chinese medicine.


    But that Doctor Du wasn''t in Jin City anyway...


    After his thoughts went full circle, Xu Ji still smiled and said: "It hurts a little."


    A little.


    Meaning it hurts, but not enough to need medicine.


    Xiao Ya raised her eyes to look at him: "Want me to blow on it?"


    That''s how youfort children!


    But Xu Ji still extended his cast-covered arm forward slightly.


    Xiao Ya tilted her head and blew gently into the gaps of the cast.


    "All better!" Xiao Ya patted the back of his hand, "I''ll buy medicine for you, you need to get better soon."


    Xu Ji: "..."


    Why still buy medicine?


    "You''re having a meal, right? I can see your family has a harmonious atmosphere, so I won''t disturb you." Xu Ji left as soon as he said this.


    Xiao Ya blinked and made a call to Sheng Yuxiao.


    Not long after she finished her call, Xu Ji also called Sheng Yuxiao: "You had time to visit Xiao Ya yesterday, do you have time to pick up your uncle today?"


    "Yes, wait there." Sheng Yuxiao was brief and to the point.


    Xu Ji waited for about ten minutes, and as soon as Sheng Yuxiao''s car arrived, he got in and asked: "What''s up? Were you caught by teachers skipping ss to be thiste?"


    "Went to buy some medicine, took some time."


    "Medicine? Do you have a cold?" Xu Ji realized it wasn''t that simple as soon as he asked.


    He suddenly turned stiffly: "Don''t tell me it''s medicine that Xiao Ya asked you to buy for me?"


    Sheng Yuxiao gave a slight nod.


    Xu Ji reached out his hand, epting it while asking: "If I throw it in the trash now..."


    Aliali: 673eba99c4f3f33ac4ee9836Sheng Yuxiao silently stared at him.


    "Alright, I get it, can''t throw it away." Xu Ji''s smile disappeared as he firmly gripped the bag.


    "Won''t you open it and look?" Sheng Yuxiao raised an eyebrow.


    "Is there any need?" Xu Ji asked back, but still opened the bag.


    "Calcium tablets?... Just calcium tablets?"


    Seeing his expression, Sheng Yuxiao finally couldn''t hold back hisughter.


    Xu Ji: "..."


    He discreetly gritted his teeth: "Your little duckling is now ck sesame vored."


    "I like ck sesame filling."


    "..."

 Chapter 222

    The cold white light shone down in the hospital.


    It made Wei Xuanming''s old friend look even more pale.


    The doctor said, "In theter stages, even morphine might be ineffective."


    After hesitating for a moment, the doctor continued, "Why don''t you go to Anderson for treatment? You''re notcking money or connections..."


    The old friend closed his eyes and said helplessly, "He''s just too stubborn! Stubbornly insisting that if the worst happens, he at least wants to die in his homnd."


    The doctor felt helpless and wanted to say more, but suddenly a nurse brought several people over.


    Wei Xuanming''s old friend, whose surname was Li, saw from afar a man leading the group who greeted him with a mechanical AI voice: "Uncle Li."


    "Wen Qing?" Old Li was startled, "Why are you here... this..."


    Old Li looked behind him and his expression changed: "Why did you bring Wenyi here? Your father will definitely..." be angry!


    Before Old Li could finish hisst three words, a child''s voice interrupted: "I brought them."


    "You..." Old Li lowered his eyes and saw a little girl who was carefully hidden behind Wei Wenyi.


    She looked... familiar.


    "Aren''t you the child who was just reimed by the Zhang Family? Old Mr. Zhang''s granddaughter?" Old Li still remembered the news reports that had flooded the media at the time.


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    "Then is old Wei your..."


    "Grandfather."


    Old Li got excited: "So he wasn''t lying back then!"


    "What wasn''t he lying about?" Xiao Ya asked curiously.


    "When you were recognized by the Zhang Family and it was in the news, your grandfather pointed at the news and said you were his granddaughter..."


    Xiao Ya paused. So grandfather had been following the news back then... Had he been crying secretly? Feeling left out?


    Grandfather was just too proud to admit it.


    "Grandfather!" Xiao Ya rushed towards the hospital room.


    Old Li couldn''t stop them in time and could only watch as they all hurried in.


    Wei Wenqing was very worried about his sister''s condition, asionally ncing at Wei Wenyi.


    Wei Wenyi''s eyes showed a hint of confusion, but she no longer disyed the earlier signs of mental instability.


    Inside, Xiao Ya entered the room, and the person lying on the bed immediately opened his eyes.


    Wei Xuanming, beyond what they had seen in videos, had clearly aged even more.


    He wore a sleeping cap, his sses removed, having lost his usual schrly yet domineering demeanor.


    It was as if he had truly transformed from the powerful patriarch of the Gui Family into an ordinary elderly man.


    However, in the next moment, his gaze turned sharp.


    "Did you bring them here?" he looked at Wei Wenqing.


    Wei Wenqing boldly nodded, not mentioning it was Xiao Ya''s idea.


    "So you won''t even listen to me anymore?" Wei Xuanming struggled to sit up.


    He had be so thin he looked different, which wasn''t apparent in video calls. Now,bined with his tone, his intimidating presence seemed even stronger.


    Wei Wenqing hesitated but still firmly shook his head.


    Wei Xuanming coughed several times in anger.


    At this point, Wei Wenyi came over, sat down beside him, and stared at him with eyes still showing some unfamiliarity but mostly confusion.


    She asked, "Father, are you sick?"


    Wei Xuanming stopped coughing and looked up to meet Wei Wenyi''s gaze but didn''t respond.


    What''s the point? Wei Xuanming thought to himself.


    What''s the point of having her wake up only to face her father''s death?


    Wei Wenyi pushed her father back down: "You should sleep, you''ll get better after sleeping."


    Wei Xuanming closed his eyes briefly, his eyes reddening even more.


    "Wen Qing, take your sister out, I need to talk to Xiao Ya."


    This time Wei Wenqing finally obeyed and led Wei Wenyi out.


    Wei Wenyi was verypliant.


    Once outside, she suddenly said, "Little sister didn''t argue with father."


    Wei Wenqing lowered his head, only making some vague sounds of acknowledgment.


    "Little sister calls father grandfather, and father calls her Xiao Ya."


    When Wei Wenqing heard this, he was startled, worried that Wei Wenyi might suddenly be triggered.


    But Wei Wenyi continued: "We''ve changed, we''ve all changed so much. We''ve grown up, Uncle Manager has aged, and father is sick."


    "Is this world real?" Wei Wenyi suddenly asked.


    This question made Wei Wenqing break out in a cold sweat, not knowing how to answer without triggering something.


    But Wei Wenyi didn''t seem to need his answer.


    After a while, Wei Wenyi mumbled, "I''m not dreaming, little sister is real, but little sister isn''t little sister anymore."


    Many people think mental patients have confused thinking, but that''s not true.


    Wei Wenyi''s logic andmon sense were still intact.


    It''s just that in her eyes, many things were different.


    Because the people around her didn''t match her memories, they became "strangers."


    But when she realized they had just "grown up," things became different.


    Wei Wenyi supported her head and thought for a while longer, then asked, "Is she little sister''s child?"


    Wei Wenqing nodded slightly, then froze, afraid she would ask, then where is little sister?


    But Wei Wenyi didn''t ask any more questions.


    Inside the room.


    Wei Xuanming spoke calmly: "You encouraged your young uncle, didn''t you? He wouldn''t have had the resolve and courage to bring you to see me directly."


    Xiao Ya only said: "Young uncle will have more resolve and courage in the future."


    "He will?"


    "Yes! Young uncle will soon discover that not listening to grandfather actually isn''t such a big deal. Then his courage will grow."


    "..."


    Wei Xuanming changed the subject and asked: "Why did you bring your aunt?"


    "So aunt won''t have regrets."


    "She''ll suffer if shees."


    "But aunt will recover someday, and when that timees, remembering today will make her suffer even more."


    "You seem very confident about your aunt." Wei Xuanming paused, then couldn''t help letting out a smallugh, "You''ve always been confident about your uncles too. Children are different, always looking on the bright side."


    "Then why does grandfather always think they can''t do well and won''t improve?"


    "Businesspeople can''t just think about profits, they have to consider risks."


    "Does everyone who bes a businessperson turn out this way?"


    Wei Xuanming lowered his eyes: "I... I''m not sure anymore."


    With Xiao Ya, things might be different. But he wouldn''t be around to see it.


    Xiao Ya said softly: "There''s another reason I brought aunt."


    "What is it?"


    "To make grandfather happy."


    Wei Xuanming''s lips moved, but he couldn''t speak.


    "Isn''t grandfather happy now?"


    "...I am."


    "Then let''se keep grandfatherpany every day."


    Wei Xuanming clenched his fist, his facial muscles trembling slightly. Finally, he managed to say: "Do you know what sick people gradually be like?"


    "No."


    "You''ll be scared when you see it. Coming once today is enough. I''m very happy. Happy that you helped your aunt return to normal, happy that she came to see me, happy to see that Wen Qing has finally be brave enough to defy my authority... Go home now."


    "I''ve seen what people look like as they decay after death. Could it be scarier than that?" Xiao Ya looked up and asked.


    Wei Xuanming was speechless.


    "There was an old woman in the vige who died, and her children argued about who would pay for her burial. They argued for a long time, and her body just stayed there. I would smell it every day on my way to school," Xiao Ya said slowly.


    She had encountered death early and witnessed various forms of suffering.


    Wei Xuanming sighed: "Grandfather underestimated you."


    "Then will you let use?" Wei Xuanming paused, then asked, "Will you cry?"


    Xiao Ya asked: "Will grandfather cry?"


    Wei Xuanming smiled slightly: "No. At first, I thought this ending was my retribution, retribution for taking this path. But that was just helpless eptance."


    "It''s different now. I''vepletely let go of my worries. I''m not sad at all about the path I''ll have to take. I know your uncles and your aunt will live better and better lives."


    Xiao Ya listened very carefully and said: "Then I won''t cry either."


    "Good!" Wei Xuanming was genuinely happy, and he rarely showed another smile.


    From that day on, Xiao Ya woulde to see grandfather every day after school with her aunt and young uncle.


    After seeing grandfather, she would go back to have dinner with her grandfather.


    She was very busy.


    Very, very busy.


    So busy that in the blink of an eye, Mr. Rong from the board of directors, who had bribed the nun, was extradited back to the country for suspected endangerment of national security.


    Who told him to get involved with a suspicious nun who was mixed up in a major case?


    Overseas.


    The board members quickly discovered... someone was missing!


    "Why haven''t we seen Director Rongtely?"


    "Did the Second Young Master take action privately? I heard he''s investigating the Second Miss''s case."


    "Haven''t you... seen the domestic news?"


    "What about the domestic news?"Aliali: 6743211ac4f3f33ac42e7315


    "Director Rong... has been arrested."


    The board members fell silent for a moment, then hurriedly opened domestic news tforms.


    "Damn, it''s true!"


    "How did those two brothers manage to do it?"


    "We... need to remain cautious. First Wei Lin, then Director Rong, and next..."


    "Let''s contact the Old Master."


    When the board members made the video call, Xiao Ya hadn''t finished school yet.


    When Wei Xuanming answered the video call, he said to his old friend: "The time hase."


    His old friend felt chills down his spine and muttered: "You''re truly insane!"


    To control even his own death, to control it at the most opportune moment, and to make use of it onest time!

 Chapter 223

    "I''m ready. Are you?" Wei Xuanming turned to ask his old friend.


    Old Li remained silent.


    "Since Xiao Ya came back, I''ve increasingly realized something - my dominance, my arbitrary decisions, even my achievements have be shackles for Wenjun and the others."


    "I always felt they weren''t doing things well enough, here and there. But if I''m gone, would they really be unable to stand on their own? They''ll find their way eventually, even through trial and error."


    Old Li clenched his teeth and interrupted, "Stop talking, it hasn''t gotten to..."


    "Hasn''t gotten to the worst point yet. But do we really need to wait until then?" Wei Xuanming''s speech was still coherent, though slightly slurred.


    "Wait until I can''t open my eyes, can''t move my hands, can''t speak, can''t recognize people, my brain confused, unable to tell day from night, lying here like a living corpse on life support?"


    "That would be dying without dignity." Wei Xuanming''s voice lowered, followed by two violent coughs.


    His breath created ayer of mist on the oxygen mask.


    Old Li nced down at his arm exposed above the nket.


    The upper arm was covered in blue and purple needle marks, traces left by pain medication.


    "I''m ready too," his old friend finally spoke slowly.


    Four fifty-seven in the afternoon.


    Xiao Ya stepped out of the elevator with her backpack.


    Her uncle had work to handle today and would bring her aunt overter.


    She thought she could do her homework beside grandfather for a while... Xiao Ya''s steps faltered mid-thought, and she looked up in confusion.


    She heard hurried footsteps.


    The beeping of machines prated through the thin walls into her ears.


    She peeked into the ward: "Where''s grandfather?"


    Old Li steadied himself against the wall, turned to look at her, and said hoarsely, "In emergency care."


    After a long moment, Xiao Ya softly uttered a single word: "Oh."


    She took off her backpack, hugged it to her chest, and sat down on the hallway bench saying, "Then I''ll wait here for uncle and aunt."


    Old Li gave her a surprised look.


    The child was strangely calm.


    Or perhaps she didn''t quite understand what emergency care meant.


    Xiao Ya didn''t have to wait long.


    When Wei Wenqing arrived with Wei Wenyi, the doctor came out at the same time, pulled down his mask and said, "Would you like to see him onest time?"


    Wei Wenyi froze for a moment, asking her brother, "Should we see father?"


    Wei Wenqing was dazed and couldn''t respond.


    It was Xiao Ya who grabbed their hands and looked up at the doctor saying, "Yes, we want to see grandfather."


    "Come then, put on shoe covers, masks, and goggles. Try not to cry, and don''t touch anything unnecessarily to avoid contamination..." the doctor led the way.


    Xiao Ya walked down the cold corridor to the ICU.


    "Is there really no hope?" she asked the doctor quietly.


    The doctor sighed and nodded, finding it difficult to meet the family''s eyes. Especially with such a young child... it made everything even more heartbreaking.


    Xiao Ya nodded: "Okay."


    She turned to look at the elderly man on the bed, moved closer, and said, "Mom and grandfather haven''t seen each other for many years, but Mom has Dad to care for her now."


    Wei Xuanming''s eyshes trembled slightly, as if trying to smile.


    But in the end, the ECG tlined.


    He didn''t say any final words to them, but over these days, everything that needed to be said seemed to have been said - between father and children, and between grandfather and granddaughter, they had shared rare moments of tenderness.


    "Goodbye, grandfather," said Xiao Ya.


    Wei Wenqing was still in a daze, and he and Wei Wenyi were led out by Xiao Ya.


    The sound of the door closing startled him, and he began to tremble and sob quietly.


    Seeing theme out, Old Li knew his old friend had finally reached the end, and with reddened eyes, he couldn''t help but cover his face and cry.


    In contrast, Xiao Ya was surprisingly the only one who didn''t cry.


    She even reached into her pocket and offered them tissues.


    Old Li took the tissue and couldn''t help ncing at her twice, then pulled Wei Wenqing aside and whispered, "Wenqing, does your child not understand what death means? Or is she so shocked she can''t even cry?"


    Upon hearing this, Wei Wenqing immediately stopped crying.


    He quickly turned back to look at Xiao Ya with concern.


    He knew Xiao Ya had always been strong - was she holding back? Yes, at a time like this, how could adults still let a child shoulder responsibilities?


    Wei Wenqing calmed down a bit and went back to hug Xiao Ya.


    After hugging Xiao Ya, he went to check on his sister, worried about how she might be taking it.


    Wei Wenyi tapped her head, mumbling, "He was fine before, he was fine, how did this happen?"


    Wei Wenqing reached out to take his sister''s hand but stopped halfway.


    Then he typed emotionally: "Father''s condition had been stable recently, why did it suddenly deteriorate?"


    Old Li wiped his tears, thinking ''finally you ask.''


    He sighed: "Cancer is like that, I suppose. In thete stages, multiple organ failure can happen suddenly, leading to a quick death."


    "Is that so?" Wei Wenyi suddenly turned her head.


    She hadn''t fully recovered to her normal self yet.


    Looking half-mad and half-lucid, her momentary nce was somewhat chilling.


    Old Li was stunned for a moment before continuing, "There''s something else, though I don''t know if it''s rted."


    "What?" Wei Wenyi stared at him.


    "Your father received an international video call before he was sent for emergency care. You can check the records for details."


    Upon hearing this, Wei Wenqing immediately went aside to call Wei Wenjun.


    "...I understand." Wei Wenjun listened to his brother''s exnation on the other end of the line.


    He didn''t cry or show anger.


    He hung up the phone, then pulled open a drawer and took out a gun, beginning to load it manually.


    He loaded one bullet.


    He frowned.


    He had to press down hard on the back of his hand to control its trembling.


    After pressing for half a minute, he continued loading.


    After an unknown amount of time, the bodyguards outside the office suddenly heard a loud crash.


    "Young Master! What happened?" They hurriedly pushed open the door to find Wei Wenjun had fallen to the ground.


    Wei Wenjun gripped the corner of the desk, straining until his veins stood out.


    His voice was hoarse and emotionless as he said, "I suddenly forgot I couldn''t walk and fell."


    The bodyguards rushed to help him up.


    Wei Wenjun no longer felt any resentment or unwillingness about needing others'' help.


    After sitting down, he calmly said, "Please ask the directors toe to the conference room."


    "Yes!"


    The directors received the message and finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Looks like that video call worked."


    "Of course, we''re all veterans here with deep experience. Especially Director Wu and the others - Wei Wenjun still has to call them uncle. Why resort to such severe measures that kept everyone up at night?"


    They discussed as they walked into the conference room, where Wei Wenjun was already seated.


    "Let''s begin." Wei Wenjun signaled to start recording the meeting.


    "Wait, Young Master, aren''t we still missing Director Lin?"


    "He won''t being."


    "What do you mean?"


    "He''s on his way to death."


    The board members exchanged nces, their expressions changing slightly: "What... what do you mean by that?"


    Wei Wenjun looked up: "I''m afraid the interrogationter might not go smoothly, so I''m giving you a demonstration of non-cooperation."


    Now all the board members'' faces changed, urgently saying: "Young Master, what are you nning to do?"


    "Is the group disposing of us after using us?"


    "Did you have assassins kill Director Lin?"


    "This is too much! If your father were here, he would never allow you to do something that would so deeply discourage the staff!"


    Wei Wenjun interrupted: "Indeed, father is gone. So let''s talk about that final video call you all had with my father before he died. What exactly was said?"


    "Which one of you killed my father?"


    Wei Wenjun''s cold gaze swept across them.


    The conference room fell silent instantly.


    They looked at him in disbelief.


    Dead?


    The old master was dead?


    "No, something''s not right here..." someone mumbled, but immediately realized they were in the same situation as Director Lin.Aliali: 6743d32ec4f3f33ac438d8b1


    No exnation would suffice now.


    If they had known what kind of meeting this would be, they wouldn''t havee - they would have fled with bodyguards, openly hired assassins to deal with Wei Wenjun!


    But it was toote for regrets.


    "I''ll allow you to inform on each other," Wei Wenjun''s voice rang out again.


    At these words...


    Everyone exchanged nces, and the atmosphere instantly became extremely tense.


    Outside the conference room, employees peeked through the ss and caught a glimpse of what was happening inside.


    "Why does it look like the Second Young Master is facing them all alone?"


    And he seemed to have the situation under control?


    That cripple had finally grown into someone truly intimidating after their father''s departure.

 Chapter 224

    Meanwhile.


    Just as Sheng Yuxiao''s nended in Princeton, he received a call from Xu Ji.


    "Although you helped Xiao Ya buy me a bag of calcium tablets and yed a trick on your uncle, I''ll still kindly tell you... her grandfather might not make it through these few days."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s grip on the ne''s body tightened: "What happened?"


    "I just saw the news that Rong Xing has been extradited back to China. Rong Xing was on the Gui Family''s board of directors and the one who bribed the nun. First Wei Lin, then him, and the others..."


    "Will be scared," Sheng Yuxiao finished.


    "Yes. His son has already managed to intimidate these people, they''ve crawled out of the abyss, and his daughter hasrgely regained her sanity... I think thest breath keeping him alive is about to fade."


    After Xu Ji finished speaking in a calm tone, he asked: "Where are you now?"


    "Princeton, about to attend an admission interview."


    "Oh, well, go ahead with that first. He probably won''t pass away within two days..."


    Sheng Yuxiao said: "It''s not urgent."


    Then he hung up and walked back.


    The bodyguard apanying him was startled: "Young Master Sheng?"


    When Sheng Yuxiaonded again, he received another call from Xu Ji.


    "Some bad news... two more board members from the Gui Family have died. There are rumors saying it''s internal housecleaning. Wei Wenjuan has gone on a killing spree."


    "In their circle, they handle things in the old way, and housecleaning always has its source... I suspect the old man really isn''t doing well."


    After Xu Ji finished speaking unhurriedly, he asked: "So are youing back?"


    "I just arrived at Jin City Airport."


    "...Ah." Xu Ji muttered, realizing that when he said "not urgent," he meant the admission interview wasn''t urgent.


    Sheng Yuxiao quickly hung up on Xu Ji and called Xiao Ya.


    This was how he became the second outsider, besides Wei Xuanming''s old friend, to appear at the scene.


    "Xiao Ya." He walked over, travel-worn.


    The young master Sheng was still as awkward as ever atforting people.


    He just crouched down and hugged her.


    "Don''t cry," he said.


    Xiao Ya was slightly confused and asked in a soft voice: "Sheng Yuxiao, why are you here?" Then she shook her head: "I''m not crying."


    Sheng Yuxiao opened his mouth, then changed what he was going to say: "Then don''t hold it in either."


    "I''m not holding anything in. Grandfather was happy, he told me so. Now he''s reunited with Mom, and Mom has Dad again."


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t know what to say, he just stroked her hair.


    Old Li listened from the side, stunned, and couldn''t help but force an ugly smile. So she wasn''t suppressing her emotions after all.


    This little girl... she truly understood her grandfather.


    He also felt that his old friend must be happy...


    *


    Because he died in China and due to identity reasons, they couldn''t hold a grand funeral.


    They took the old man''s ashes back to his hometown.


    The day they flew back to Jin City, a fine drizzle fell from the sky.


    As Xiao Ya walked out of the airport with her uncle and aunt, they ran into Qin Sui after just a few steps.


    "I went to the elementary school to find you, and they said you took a few days off. Then I called Grandpa Zhang, and he told me your flight details," Qin Sui said.


    Just like Sheng Yuxiao wasn''t good atforting people, Qin Sui wasn''t much better either.


    After all, they were both young masters, when would they have had such experience?


    After speaking, Qin Sui fell into silence.


    Just as the atmosphere grew stiff, another car pulled up.


    The person who got out of the car was Xu Ji.


    Xu Ji didn''t even nce at Qin Sui, only looking at Xiao Ya as he said: "I''m here to pick you up on behalf of Yuxiao."


    Xiao Ya asked: "Did he go back to ss?"


    Hearing this, Qin Sui realized it had been arranged beforehand.


    Xu Ji smiled then: "What ss? He''s sleeping."


    "Oh."


    Xu Ji immediately bent down and asked: "He''s sleeping instead ofing to pick you up, aren''t you angry at all?"


    "Why should I be angry?" Xiao Ya looked at him strangely, "Does him sleeping instead of picking me up mean that all his previous kindness was fake?"


    Xu Ji sighed: "Well, I can''t stir up any trouble at all."


    "Actually, it''s because these past few days, he came to apany you during the day, then flew abroad at night, going back and forth several times, so..."


    "He got sick?" Xiao Ya became a bit worried.


    Xu Ji said: "Oh, no. That nephew of mine is as strong as a bull, he''s just too sleepy to leave the house."


    Xiao Ya breathed a sigh of relief and said to Xu Ji: "You need to take your calcium tablets seriously."


    Xu Ji: "..."


    Was she looking down on his fragility now?


    "Come on, get in the car," Xu Ji said.


    Qin Sui remained silent, only his gaze was slightly cold.


    Xiao Ya looked left and right, asking Qin Sui: "Shall we go together?"


    The coldness in Qin Sui''s eyes immediately dispersed, and he softly replied: "Alright."


    They followed Xu Ji.


    Her uncle and aunt got into another car.


    Since Qin Sui and Xu Ji were strangers, even though they were in the same car, the atmosphere was quite cold.


    After a while.


    Qin Sui took the initiative to speak: "My grandfather passed away early, I didn''t spend much time with him. When he passed, I didn''t feel anything."


    "When my grandfather passed away, I was already in junior high, but I didn''t cry then either. At that time, my uncle, the one you metst time, specifically asked my father if I was sick, if I had some innate emotional coldness."


    He wanted tofort Xiao Ya, but after speaking for a while, he realized these words didn''t seem veryforting at all.


    Books say that usually by telling stories of one''s own more tragic experiences, you can make others feel better.


    But with Qin Sui''s life and personality, what more tragic experiences could he have?


    Qin Sui was suddenly at a loss.


    However, Xiao Ya slowly spoke up: "Was it because your grandfather was very old when he passed away, and had no worries left? If that''s the case, it''s okay not to cry. In the countryside, they call this a ''happy funeral.''"


    Xiao Ya said: "You''re not sick."


    Qin Sui was stunned, lowered his head, and for some reason, wanted to smile.


    It was a genuine, uncontroble smile.


    He didn''t know how tofort her.


    In the end, she ended upforting him instead.


    Xu Ji, sitting in the front, abruptly interjected: "Xiao Ya, you''re a natural antidote."


    Xiao Ya was puzzled.


    But Xu Ji had no intention of exining.


    He thought to himself, the more "poisonous" the person, the more effective your "medicine" is.


    *


    The news of Xiao Ya''s grandfather''s passing gradually became widely known.


    Zhou Xiaoshu and An Ying didn''t know exactly who her grandfather was, but they were still afraid she would be sad and upset, wanting to stay by Xiao Ya''s side all the time.


    Even when Mu Bai heard about it, he came personally with a stern face to deliver some things.


    "The fifth grader hase to pay tribute again!" The ssmates were quite happy.


    Mu Bai had just walked out and hadn''t gone far when he heard these words, almost tripping in anger.


    How long would he have to maintain this awful image? Mu Bai didn''t know. Perhaps when he grew bigger and could beat that little girl!


    ...


    Xiao Ya''s life thus entered a long period of tranquility... it seemed like nothing could trouble her anymore.


    In the blink of an eye, a semester passed.Aliali: 6744814f3f33ac44271f6


    Sheng Yuxiao was going abroad for school, Qin Sui was also going abroad, and so was Ning Heng... suddenly only Xu Ruying was left, as she had already finished her studies abroad.


    "Now doesn''t that mean I get Xiao Ya all to myself?" Xu Ruying was overjoyed.


    Xu Ji poured cold water on her excitement: "What do you mean all to yourself? Sheng Yuxiao mighte back once a week."


    Xu Ruying was shocked: "Is he sick? Coming back once a week?"


    Xu Ji lowered his head to continue reading financial reports: "It''s only because there are entry restrictions, otherwise even Ke Muning would want toe once a month."


    Xu Ruying''s mouth twitched, leaving her speechless.


    After the new semester started, Sheng Yuxiao did indeed fly back to China as Xu Ji had said, continuing for more than half a year.


    However, after that half year, Sheng Yuxiao stoppeding back, and they didn''t see each other for several months.


    Xu Ruying was worried that Xiao Ya would feel disappointed, so while helping her with homework, she chattered: "Foreign universities, they''re really not for normal people, the better the school, the busier you are. Sheng Yuxiao must be incredibly busy."


    As she spoke, she couldn''t help but mutter: "His birthday ising up soon, surely he won''t spend it abroad?"

 Chapter 225

    "Why don''t we just go abroad to celebrate Sheng Yuxiao''s birthday?" Xu Ruying suggested enthusiastically. "We could surprise him by showing up on his birthday!"


    Xiao Ya shook her head.


    Xu Ruying observed her expression and asked, "Don''t you want to see him?"


    Xiao Ya put away her homework notebook: "We should go two days early."


    Xu Ruying breathed a sigh of relief. She had thought that since Sheng Yuxiao hadn''t returned for so long, the little one might be angry.


    "Oh, right. If we wait until the actual day to go, it would be awkward if Sheng Yuxiao had already returned home."


    Xu Ruying checked her phone calendar while speaking: "If we need to go two days early, that means we''ll have to leave on the weekend?"


    Xiao Ya packed up her schoolbag and stood up: "No need to wait for the weekend, we''re leaving tomorrow. I''ve already bought the tickets."


    Xu Ruying: ?


    So I''m the only one who didn''t know!


    Xu Ruying grabbed her backpack strap: "What time is the flight? I''lle too."


    Xiao Ya smiled: "Sister Ruying, there''s no need to rush. I''m going early because I need to meet Ke Muning."


    She paused before asking, "Do you want toe with me to meet Ke Muning?"


    Xu Ruying recalled that foreign man''s face and shuddered: "Thanks, but no. I''lle two dayster."


    After saying goodbye to Xu Ruying, Xiao Ya went home to have dinner with her grandfather first.


    The next day, she had lunch with her Little Uncle and Auntie before heading to the airport.


    When the nended, the bodyguard sent by Second Uncle was there to pick her up.


    "Sir is still in Mexico and won''t be back until tomorrow. He asked us to take you to the estate first," the bodyguard said apologetically.


    How could Xiao Ya be angry?


    She smiled, her eyes crinkling: "That''s fine, let uncle focus on his work."


    Uncle''s work was increasing, which meant he would grow faster into aplete and reliable adult! He wouldn''t remember even a bit of past pain anymore.


    The bodyguard rxed seeing her smile and asked, "Would you like to buy anything, or should we go straight to the estate?"


    "Yes, I need to buy some things."


    "Alright, let''s go to the nearest mall then."


    Half an hourter, Xiao Ya sat back in the car wearing a newly bought wig: "Now, let''s go to Perry Hotel."


    The bodyguard was stunned: "Not going to the estate?"


    "No, not yet." After all, uncle wasn''t there, so it wouldn''t be interesting.


    "But we can''t let you stay at a hotel. If sir finds out, he''ll have our hides..." the bodyguard said with a troubled expression.


    "I''m not going there to stay."


    "Then why..."


    The driver suddenly remembered: "There''s a defense industry banquet being held at Perry Hotel, hosted by Mr. Jefferson."


    "We received an invitation? Is Miss going to attend in ce of sir?" the bodyguard eximed in surprise.


    Sir must really... trust her!


    By the time they arrived at Perry Hotel, the banquet had already begun.


    Xiao Ya chose a corner to sit down.


    The bodyguard asked curiously: "Aren''t you going to greet Mr. Jefferson?"


    "I haven''t had dinner yet, I''m hungry," Xiao Ya said as she tiptoed to take a small cake from the waiter''s tray.


    The bodyguard quickly asked the waiter to bring some water.


    Xiao Ya sat in her seat, slowly eating the cake.


    The bodyguard lowered his eyes, staring at the red wig on the young miss''s head, feeling increasingly ufortable about it.


    Coming to attend a banquet, why did she insist on wearing this thing?


    On the other side.


    Someone holding a wine ss remarked with a hint of envy: "Ke Muning and Mr. Jefferson are having quite an animated conversation."


    "Indeed, given Ke Muning''s personality, it''s a miracle he hasn''t fallen out with Mr. Jefferson yet!"


    "Is this another instance of giving Ke Muning''spany preferential treatment? Will they get another military project? They must be discussing official requirements in advance."


    "Shh, they''reing closer."


    Over there, Ke Muning was indeed walking closer while chatting with Jefferson.


    But their conversation had nothing to do with military projects.


    Ke Muning asked: "You say Demon has been asking about my whereaboutstely, is she nning to visit me?"


    Jefferson shrugged: "I don''t know."


    "Maybe she''ll suddenly appear before me..."


    "I don''t know."


    "Honestly, I''m curious when did she start contacting you so frequently?"


    Jefferson spread his hands: "Rx, you''re still her only godfather. I actually don''tmunicate with her that much, she just teaches my son Hua Countrynguage, and my son really likes her."


    "Your son? That ugly duckling who broke two front teeth when he was little and had a face full of freckles?"


    "Hey! Ke Muning! If you talk about my son like that, I''ll get angry."


    Unable to get any information from Jefferson, Ke Muning''s face darkened as he turned his attention elsewhere.


    Nearby, there was a woman with a little girl.


    The woman was blonde with blue eyes, and her daughter naturally had golden hair too.


    Ke Muning stared at the golden hair for a moment, causing the little girl to burst into tears with a "wah!"


    Jefferson caught up: "People are saying you want to find a woman to have children."


    Ke Muning: "Huh?"


    Jefferson smiled: "But I know you''re thinking about your goddaughter. At thest banquet, she wore a golden wig. Though you can''t identify people just by their wigs..."


    Ke Muning said nothing and walked away.


    Wherever he went, a circle of empty space formed around him.


    Almost no one else dared to approach easily.


    He made two rounds of the venue when he suddenly noticed a waiter carrying a bowl of chicken soup with two red dates and wolfberries floating on top.


    Very much in the style of Hua Country.


    The waiter walked right past him and delivered it directly to a child with red hair.


    Ke Muning stared for a moment.


    Little crazy one?


    No.


    The height wasn''t right.


    Though it would be normal for the little crazy one to have grown taller... it was about time.


    But why red hair?


    Ke Muning walked over in a few steps.


    The child was sitting there steadily, head lowered while drinking soup.


    He looked carefully two or three times, not entirely sure of his own eyes. But he still went over and picked the child up from their seat.


    Xiao Ya licked the oil from her lips, looked up and smiled: "Congrattions! Ke Muning! Your face blindness is 50% cured!"


    Countless emotions surged in Ke Muning''s eyes.


    He was happy but couldn''t help gritting his teeth.


    The little one deliberately changed her hair to red just to test if his face blindness had improved?


    His lips twitched, but before he could speak.


    Xiao Ya pped something onto his face: "So here''s your reward!"


    The action looked like she had given him a p.


    Those people who were constantly wary of Ke Muning while also keeping a close eye on him suddenly gaped in shock.


    The bodyguard beside Xiao Ya wasn''t faring much better!


    Was she here to attend the banquet? Or to meet our former enemy?


    "What''s this?" Ke Muning forced an ugly smile as he took the string from Xiao Ya''s hand.


    "An amulet, blessed at the temple."


    Ke Muning held it: "Oh, mysterious power from Hua Country."Aliali: 6744814f3f33ac44271f6


    He sat down next to Xiao Ya as he spoke.


    Xiao Ya nodded while continuing to dig through her schoolbag.


    Ke Muning''s lips were almost flying upward: "What else do you have for me?"


    Xiao Ya pulled out a notebookbeled ''Homework''.


    "This is for you too."


    Ke Muning: "What is it?"


    Xiao Ya said: "I''ll be busy for three days and won''t have time to do my homework, so Ke Muning, you help me do it. And you need to make a handmade globe!"


    Ke Muning: "..."


    He swallowed.


    He knew how to make guns and artillery, but this... how was he supposed to make this?

 Chapter 226

    "Homework... you don''t have to do it! You''re my goddaughter, you should have the courage to be a bad student!"


    Just as Ke Muning was about to start his "guidance" to Xiao Ya.


    "Ke Muning, you''re omnipotent, aren''t you?" Xiao Ya looked up at him and spoke first.


    "..."


    "Ke Muning, you''ll help me, right?"


    "..."


    "Because you''re daddy."


    "I''ll do it," Ke Muning squeezed the words through his teeth.


    Xiao Ya gave him a bowl of chicken soup and asked, "Ke Muning, how''s your Chineseing along?"


    "...It''s improved a bit."


    "Great, then all the requirements for the handicraft homework are written here in Chinese."


    "..."


    This conversation sounded rather absurd to the bodyguards'' ears.


    Something seemed off.


    Weren''t adults supposed to be the ones asking children about their studies?


    Howe the young miss was questioning Ke Muning instead???


    Ke Muning said nothing, politely lowering his head to take a sip of chicken soup.


    Then he instantly realized something was wrong: "There shouldn''t be chicken soup at a banquet! Jefferson knew you''de here!"


    Ke Muning immediately regained his adult authority, looking down at Xiao Ya with a forced smile: "You conspired with Jefferson."


    Xiao Ya stuffed a chicken leg in his mouth before saying, "How else would it be a surprise?"


    Ke Muning was instantly silenced, finishing the chicken leg in two bites.


    Looking down at Xiao Ya again, the little one was pitifully eating just a small chicken wing.


    "Why did you give me the bigger piece?" Though Ke Muning said this, he was still savoring the child''s love.


    Xiao Ya finished her soup first, then hesitated: "Um..."


    But she chose to tell the truth: "Because your mouth is bigger than mine."


    Ke Muning: "..." So a chicken leg wasn''t enough to keep you quiet?


    Ke Muning asked coldly: "Full?"


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    Ke Muning snorted and grabbed her from her seat.


    Then he ran with her.


    The bodyguards'' expressions changed slightly as they hurried after them, hearing Ke Muning tell their young miss: "Now that you''re full, let me introduce you to more people."


    Their young miss responded quite generously: "You can brag about how I got many first ces in this year''s exams."


    "Why brag about that?"


    "Isn''t that what all dads like to do?"


    Ke Muning''s stern face softened a bit.


    It was his first time being a father and he wasn''t very skilled at it, but from this moment on, he learned.


    "Oliver," Ke Muning randomly called out to someone, "this is my goddaughter."


    "Uh, okay, okay." The person awkwardly responded.


    "How are your son''s grades?" Ke Muning cleverly drew a parallel.


    The man called Oliver was stunned: "I don''t have a son."


    "Then your daughter..."


    "I don''t have a daughter either."


    Ke Muning immediately pulled Xiao Ya away: "Must have done too many terrible things! We don''t y with people who can''t have descendants. Let''s find someone else."


    The bodyguards behind them: "..."


    Well, it seemed there was no need to worry about their young miss''s safety. They only needed to worry about whether Ke Muning would be a bad influence on her.


    With Xiao Ya around, the banquet became more bearable.


    It seemed to end in the blink of an eye.


    Xiao Ya handed her little backpack to Ke Muning: "Remember to do my homework."


    When Ke Muning heard this, he realized something was wrong: "You''re noting back with me?"


    He looked down at his watch.


    They''d only been happy for a little over an hour.


    Xiao Ya nodded: "I''lle back again."


    Ke Muning''s face darkened.


    Xiao Ya continued: "Ke Muning, when Ie back next time, you''ll have finished making my handicraft Earth model, right?"


    Ke Muning responded stiffly: "Ah."


    Xiao Ya hugged him briefly before turning to get in the car.


    Ke Muning''s subordinates carefully observed their boss''s expression, expecting him to be very angry.


    "Find a trantor."


    "Huh?"


    "And... find a Chinese person. No, hire a Chinese person. Are there any Chinese tutors?" Ke Muning picked up the little backpack and looked down, "Need to figure out what this Chinese homework is first."


    His subordinate gaped. Are we really going to do this?


    "Hurry up!" Ke Muning was already irritated, "We''ll fly to Yementer tomorrow, tell them to wait, say I''m busy doing homework!"


    "Uh, uh, okay!"


    Meanwhile, the Gui family''s bodyguards noticed their young miss directing the driver onto a different road.


    Not following Ke Muning? Not staying at the Perry Hotel? But not returning to the estate either!


    "Where are you going now, Miss?"


    "To Princeton."


    "What are you going there for?"


    "To attend someone''s birthday."


    The bodyguards were surprised - their young miss had quite a few friends abroad?


    It was already veryte when they arrived at Princeton.


    Xiao Ya didn''t rush to see Sheng Yuxiao, instead waiting at the hotel to sleep for a while before heading to the apartment building address Xu Ruying had given her.


    This was where Sheng Yuxiao lived.


    "Wait here, and you all hide first," Xiao Ya said before putting on a plush animal head mask.


    The bodyguards obediently hid in the shrubbery.


    Soon after, an Aston Martin drove up and stopped in front of the apartment building.


    But the person inside didn''t get out, instead rolling down the window to reveal a cold profile.


    He spoke in English: "Get out."


    It was Sheng Yuxiao!


    But it was... a different Sheng Yuxiao, one Xiao Ya hadn''t seen before.


    Xiao Ya hesitated, about to jump out.


    But several people emerged first from behind a nearby wall.


    They approached whileughing and joking.


    "Sheng! Heard you ruined the ceremony."


    "Why are you so unwilling to join us?"


    "Were our courtesies not adequate?"


    They were speaking English.


    Xiao Ya could understand every word now.


    "Cathy, go give him some warmth, at least make him look less sour," they said, pushing a young girl toward Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao raised his hand, bent his fingers, and used a pair of sunsses to block the girl.


    "You Chinese people are really difficult to deal with." The boys around shrugged, then raised their middle fingers and cursed.Aliali: 6744814f3f33ac44271f6


    "So annoying, idiots, I''ve told you before, I won''t join your whatever club. If you want me to join you that badly, get down on your knees and lick my shoes, build me a new club, maybe then I''ll consider it."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned as he spoke, suddenly pushing open the car door, directly knocking down two people who were standing there.


    The others'' expressions changed, ready to fight.


    Sheng Yuxiao stepped right over the fallen people, putting on brass knuckles.


    One punch.


    The sound of breaking bones could be heard.


    So many of them against just Sheng Yuxiao? Xiao Ya''s eyes widened.


    In the midst of the chaos.


    A small figure wearing a plush animal head mask rushed out.


    "What... what is that?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Ch??ng 191

    "?i tr?i, l?i th? n?a r?i... C?n th?n nh��, n?u kh?ng t?i nay em l?i ph?i t?m n??c l?nh ??y."


    Th?y C? Tu?n H?ng mu?n h?n m��nh l?n n?a, Ni��n T��y Ni��n nh? nh��ng ??y anh ra. T?m n??c l?nh gi?a m��a ??ng gi�� l?nh - ng??i ?��n ?ng n��y th?t s? kh?ng bao gi? h?c ???c t? sai l?m c?a m��nh.


    "T?i ??ng y t?m n??c l?nh," C? Tu?n H?ng kh��n gi?ng n��i, l?i c��i ??u.


    T? m?i ??n d��i tai, r?i ??n c?, v�� xa h?n n?a...


    "C? Tu?n H��nh... ??ng... ?m..."


    Ni��n T��y An gi?ng nh? m?t qu? c?u tuy?t, ho��n to��n tan ch?y th��nh v?ng n??c, kh?ng th? t? ch?i b?t c? ?i?u g��.


    "D?ng l?i... C? Tu?n H��nh..."


    Ni��n T��y An kh?ng ph?i l�� g?, c? c?ng c�� t��nh c?m, n?u C? Tu?n H?ng mu?n t?m n??c l?nh, anh c�� th? t? m��nh l��m, c? ch?c ch?n kh?ng mu?n ?i c��ng anh.


    C? kh?ng nh?n ra r?ng vi?c g?i t��n anh b?ng gi?ng n��i d?u d��ng, n?ng nhi?t nh? v?y ch? khi?n anh kh�� d?ng l?i h?n.


    Cu?i c��ng, C? Tu?n H?ng nh?n ra ?ay kh?ng ph?i l�� n?i th��ch h?p n��n ?��nh ph?i d?ng l?i, chu?n b? t?m n??c l?nh nh? ?��m qua.


    Tr??c khi xu?ng gi??ng, anh trao cho Ni��n T��y An m?t n? h?n n?ng ch��y, nh? th? truy?n h?t n?ng l??ng ch?a s? d?ng c?a m��nh v��o n? h?n ?��.


    N? h?n khi?n Ni��n T��y An cho��ng v��ng m?t h?i lau, m?i ??n khi nghe th?y ti?ng n??c ch?y trong ph��ng t?m, c? m?i t?nh l?i.


    C? ?? m?t, ch?ng ng??i d?y v�� c?m l?y chai n??c kho��ng c��n m?t n?a tr��n t? ??u gi??ng, u?ng h?t trong m?t h?i.


    D��ng n??c l?nh ch?y xu?ng c? h?ng r?i ??n d? d��y cu?i c��ng c?ng gi��p l��m m��t b?t c?n n��ng m�� c? ?ang c?m th?y.


    Sau khi n?m xu?ng, c? c?m th?y m?t m?i v�� nhanh ch��ng bu?n ng?.


    Tr??c khi ng?, Ni��n T��y An ??t nhi��n t? h?i t?i sao m��nh l?i m?t m?i ??n v?y khi h? th?c s? ch?ng l��m g�� c?... v�� li?u nh?ng g�� c? ??c trong s��ch c�� ?��ng hay kh?ng.


    H?m nay C? Tu?n H?ng ? trong ph��ng t?m r?t lau, n??c l?nh kh?ng nh?ng kh?ng gi?i quy?t ???c v?n ?? c?a anh m�� c��n khi?n anh c?m th?y t? h?n, bu?c anh ph?i d��ng ??n bi?n ph��p kh��c.


    Khi anh t?m xong, ?i ra ngo��i th�� Ni��n T��y Ni��n ?? ng? r?i.


    Sau khi C? Tu?n H��nh n?m xu?ng, kh?ng lau sau, Ni��n T��y An v?n quay m?t ?i ?? v? th?c l?n v��o trong l��ng anh.


    Tr?ng th��i ngay th?, kh?ng bi?t g�� c?a c? khi?n anh c?m th?y v?a ng?t ng��o v?a b?t l?c.


    "T?i ph?i l��m g�� v?i anh ?ay?"


    Ng��y h?m sau, Ni��n T��y An th?c d?y mu?n, C? Tu?n H?ng ?? r?i kh?i ph��ng.


    C? ki?m tra ?i?n tho?i v�� th?y tin nh?n c?a anh b?o c? ??ng qu��n b?a s��ng v�� anh s? quay l?i ?��n c? v��o bu?i tr?a.


    Ni��n T��y An tr? l?i r?ng c? ?? t?nh r?i v�� t? g?i ?? ?n s��ng cho m��nh.


    C�� l? C? Tu?n H?ng ?ang b?n n��n kh?ng tr? l?i th��m n?a.


    ?n s��ng xong ?? l�� m??i gi?, kh?ng bi?t C? Tu?n H?ng l��c n��o m?i ??n, c? kh?ng l?ng ph�� th?i gian, l?y ?? trang ?i?m ra chu?n b?.


    As luck would have it, she decided to do full makeup today to look more formal, which took quite a bit of time. Just as she finished getting dressed, Gu Junxing walked in.


    Nian Suian instinctively checked her phone - eleven-thirty.


    "I''m ready, we can go."


    "Hey! Don''t kiss me, I just finished my makeup." Nian Suian reflexively held him back when she saw him lean in, worried he''d mess up her makeup.


    Gu Junxing chuckled and reached out to pull a strand of hair that was tucked in her cor.


    Only then did Nian Suian realize she had misunderstood his intention.


    "Is it time? Can we go now?"


    "Let''s go."


    Nian Suian walked arm in arm with Gu Junxing downstairs. In front of the hotel, Assistant Li had already brought the car around and was waiting for them.


    "Thank you for your hard work, Assistant Li."


    "It''s no trouble at all, madam!"


    Nian Suian found herself wondering who had a higher sry between Assistant Li and Butler Su.


    After getting in the car, Nian Suian asked, "How many people will be joining us for lunch?"


    "I''m not sure. Since you''reing along, they might bring their partners... male or female. Perhaps around ten people."


    After getting out of the car, they saw a building resembling a Suzhou-style garden. As soon as Gu Junxing''s car arrived, someone came out to greet them.


    "Mr. Gu, Mrs. Gu, our Boss Xia has already arrived. Please follow me."


    They nodded slightly and followed him inside.


    The scenery inside matched Nian Suian''s expectations - flowing water, artificial mountains, and covered corridors, truly garden-style architecture.


    After several twists and turns, their guide finally stopped. Nian Suian thought that without someone leading the way, one would definitely get lost in this ce.


    "Mr. Gu, Mrs. Gu."


    A young woman came out to greet them, "Mrs. Gu is truly as beautiful as they say. No wonder Mr. Gu can''t stop thinking about home when he''s away."


    "Suian, this is Boss Xia."


    "We''re having a private meal, no need for formalities. Just call me Ningzhuo."


    She smiled at Nian Suian as she finished speaking.


    Xia Ningzhuo wore a dark suit, red lipstick, and ck hair casually tied up at the back of her head.


    Stylish, handsome, and capable.


    She thought to herself, being a spouse is a state of being, regardless of gender!


    After entering, Nian Suian noticed another person inside - a young man in a wheelchair.


    "Mr. and Mrs. Gu, please forgive me for not greeting you at the door."


    The man''splexion was somewhat pale, and he appeared rather frail.


    Xia Ningzhuo walked to his side and introduced him to the couple, "This is my husband, Tan Ting."


    "Hello, Mr. Tan."


    Xia Ningzhuo invited them to sit down, then pushed Tan Ting''s wheelchair to the table before taking her seat beside him.


    Ni��n T��y An nh?n th?y chi?c b��n th?p h?n b��nh th??ng, c�� l? ???c s?p x?p ri��ng ?? d��nh cho ?��m ?��nh.


    V?a ng?i xu?ng, l?i c�� th��m nhi?u ng??i ??n, l?n n��y H? Ninh Tr��c kh?ng ra ngo��i ch��o h?i m�� ??ng d?y kh?i ch? ng?i ?? ch��o ?��n.


    "?ng ch? V?n, ?ng ch? T?..."


    M?i ng??i trao ??i l?i x? giao.


    Ni��n T��y An kh?ng ng? l?i g?p ph?i g??ng m?t quen thu?c ? ?ay l?n n?a...


    Ng??i ?��n ?ng ?? "tr��u ch?c" C? Tu?n H?ng trong thang m��y - s?c m?t C? Tu?n H?ng v?a nh��n th?y ?? t?i s?m l?i.


    M?t ho?c hai l?n c�� th? l�� s? tr��ng h?p, nh?ng ?ay l�� l?n th? ba - th?c s? l�� m?t s? ph?n kh?ng may.


    "Th?t tr��ng h?p, ch��ng ta l?i g?p nhau." Ng??i ?��n ?ng ti?n v��o, m?m c??i v?i C? Tu?n H?ng v�� Ni��n T��y An.


    "Hai ng??i quen nhau ��?" H? Ng?ng Tr��c ng?c nhi��n h?i.


    "Vang, ch��ng ta ?? t?ng t��nh c? g?p nhau. ?? t?i t? gi?i thi?u, t?i l�� H? Ninh Nguy?t, anh trai c? ?y."


    Nh��n th?y v? m?t kh?ng vui c?a C? Tu?n H��nh, H? Ng?ng Tr��c l?p t?c hi?u ra, ?o��n r?ng anh trai m��nh nh?t ??nh l?i gay chuy?n r?i, n?u s?m bi?t l��c anh n��i mu?n gia nh?p, c? s? kh?ng ?? anh ??n.


    Tuy nhi��n, H? Ninh Nguy?t hi?u r? b?n ch?t c?a s? vi?c n��y n��n v?n c? x? b��nh th??ng trong su?t b?a ?n, kh?ng ??a ra th��m b?t k? nh?n x��t "gay s?c" n��o n?a.


    B�� danh: 67360a22d72ede93494d7282


    Nh?ng Ni��n T��y An ?? th? l?ng qu�� s?m...


    "?? t?i nang ly ch��c m?ng anh C?. Hy v?ng anh s? th??ng xuy��n ??n th?m..."


    "Anh H? t?t b?ng th?t, nh?ng t?i kh?ng u?ng r??u. Xin anh h?y t? r��t cho m��nh." C? Tu?n H?ng n��i xong v?n ng?i nguy��n t?i ch?.


    B?u kh?ng kh�� tr? n��n ng??ng ng��ng trong giay l��t, v�� nh?ng ng??i kh��c nhanh ch��ng c? g?ng xoa d?u t��nh h��nh.


    "C?u H? n��i ?��ng, c?u C? n��n ??n th??ng xuy��n h?n. Ch��ng ta n��n ti?p t?c h?p t��c!"


    "?��ng v?y, th?c s? l�� v?y..."


    H? Ninh Tr��c c?ng c??i n��i: "?��ng v?y, ng��i C?, l?n h?p t��c n��y c?a ch��ng ta r?t vui v?, t?i r?t mong ??i l?n h?p t��c ti?p theo."


    C? Tu?n H?ng m?m c??i, nang t��ch tr�� l��n.


    "T?i th?c s? kh?ng u?ng r??u, v?y n��n xin ph��p t?i ???c nang ly tr�� v?i m?i ng??i nh��."


    V? ph?n H? Ninh Nguy?t, anh ta u?ng r??u r?i ti?p t?c ?n, nh? th? kho?nh kh?c ng??ng ng��ng kia ch?a t?ng x?y ra.

 Chapter 227: Is This the Goblin He Summoned

    <h4>Chapter 227</h4>


    The group of men and women were startled, and they couldn''t help but take a second look.


    Sheng Yuxiao, however, kept his eyes straight ahead, grabbed two people by their cors, and yanked them backward, throwing them against the car.


    "Bang!" "Bang!" Two consecutive crashes rang out, followed by the people copsing dizzily to the ground.


    At this moment, the little one rushed forward.


    "Damn! This little dinosaur hits hard!"


    "What is this? Did he summon some kind of goblin?"


    The scene became increasingly chaotic.


    Someone shouted loudly: "Catch them! Get that little dinosaur first!"


    They took advantage of their height and managed to grab the back of Xiao Ya''s neck.


    Suddenly, several burly men in ck suits burst out from the shrubbery.


    "He was prepared!"


    "Damn, he hired bodyguards this time."


    "Run! Those guys have guns!"


    They swallowed hard, no longer daring to tangle with Sheng Yuxiao.


    But the little dinosaur shouted: "Don''t let them get away!"


    It was a female voice.


    They froze for a second��that little dinosaur was a little girl!


    Before they could think further, they were pinned to the ground by the burly men.


    The one who ran the fastest was pressed down harder, losing one of his shoes.


    "Sheng! What are you going to do to us?"


    "Your temper is too bad, we mean no harm, don''t you understand?"


    "This is near the school, it''s illegal to shoot us!"


    "Listen, if I don''t return, my bodyguard will contact my father, you don''t want that..."


    They frantically spoke over each other.


    These burly men seemedpletely indifferent to their status, handling them swiftly and ruthlessly.


    It seemed... dangerous.


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly lowered his head andughed.


    Hisugh made their scalps tingle even more, and they struggled to turn their gaze toward him.


    The pain from their faces being scraped against the asphalt was too intense to even cry out.


    They watched in shock as Sheng Yuxiao slowly shed his impatient and fierce expression.


    He crouched down in front of the little dinosaur: "Xiao Ya? Why is it you?"


    Xiao Ya immediately grabbed Sheng Yuxiao''s hand and asked: "Does your hand hurt?"


    The brass knuckles were cold and hard, somewhat ufortable. Sheng Yuxiao immediately let go, allowing them to slip from his fingers and fall to the ground.


    "It doesn''t hurt," he said as he removed the dinosaur head cover from the little one''s head.


    Underneath revealed a fluffy, messy, and slightly wet head.


    It really was Xiao Ya!


    It wasn''t an auditory hallucination, nor was it a dream.


    Sheng Yuxiao raised his hand and wiped the sweat from her head.


    Xiao Ya grabbed his fingers: "Blood..."


    "It''s not mine," Sheng Yuxiao said immediately.


    "It''s... it''s mine..." said the one lying closest, in broken Chinese.


    Then switching to fluent English: "He''s not hurt at all, so can you let us go now?"


    Xiao Ya ignored him and only asked Sheng Yuxiao: "Who are they?"


    The person on the ground answered: "ssmates, we''re all ssmates."


    Xiao Ya tilted her head and looked down at that person: "You understand Chinese?"


    "I can understand simple things, had a tutor at home," that person said.


    "Oh," Xiao Ya made no furtherment on this.


    How could she just say ''oh'' and be done with it?


    That person became anxious.


    But his anxiety was useless. Sheng Yuxiao held Xiao Ya, straightening her posture a bit, and asked with a smile: "Did you rush out just now to save me?"


    That person quickly said: "He doesn''t need your help, little one, look carefully. He got out of the car, he struck first, we''re all lying here, and he doesn''t have a scratch..."


    "That''s because you surrounded him first and wouldn''t let him leave. With so many people, looking so scary, aren''t you allowing him to fight back in self-defense?" Xiao Ya frowned.


    That person was shocked.


    Isn''t this taking sides? This must be taking sides!


    "Why were they surrounding you? And what were they saying about some ceremony?" Xiao Ya continued asking Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao brushed it off casually: "Just a university club, they want me to join, but I don''t want to."


    "That''s not it. Kid, have you heard of fraternities?"


    "No, tell me about it." Xiao Ya stepped away from Sheng Yuxiao''s embrace, moving closer.


    Behind her, Sheng Yuxiao''s expression immediately darkened, his brows full of murderous intent as he stared at that person.


    The person pretended not to notice and continued: "It''s a really good thing. Like the student council, only excellent people can join. We see the excellence in Sheng and strongly invite him to join. We don''t have any ill intentions; we''re all thinking about his future."


    "Do you know who''s in the fraternity? They''re all top students at the school, and their parents are doctors, scientists, bankers, financial experts, even congressmen..."


    By this time, Sheng Yuxiao had bent down to pick up the brass knuckles again.


    That person''s eyelids twitched at the sight, but he persisted in continuing: "Princeton has already produced two presidents, which is impressive, but in the fraternity, besides presidents, there are countless senators, representatives... This is an opportunity many people beg for. One foot in the fraternity, and you''re already infinitely close to national power."


    Sheng Yuxiao coldly sneered: "I''m not going to be the president of your country."


    "But you''ll enter high society..."


    "What nonsense are you talking about? I''m already in that circle."


    "...perhaps climb even higher."


    "Boring. I''ve made it very clear that I have zero interest in joining an organization that has existed for years, with rigid systems, and especially one where I have to follow someone else''s lead."


    Sheng Yuxiao approached, slightly bending from behind Xiao Ya, his presence extremely intimidating.


    He then switched to German: "Stop mentioning the fraternity to her, your initiation ceremony is disgusting just to hear about."


    "What''s wrong with it? A human feast?" the person also replied in German.


    He pursued the question: "You don''t like that? Then what do you like? Tell us. They would be willing to change the ceremony for you."


    Xiao Ya suddenly raised her hand: "Um, I can understand that."


    Sheng Yuxiao was stunned: "When did you learn German... did Ke Muning teach you?"


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s brow twitched, and he yanked the person up from the ground, punching him in the nose: "Told you to shut up and you wouldn''t."


    Only because he didn''t want Xiao Ya to see too much bloodshed did Sheng Yuxiao refrain from throwing more punches.


    The person covered his profusely bleeding nose, unable to speak clearly.


    Xiao Ya gave him a tissue and asked: "Are you in the fraternity?"


    The person looked at Sheng Yuxiao''s expression and didn''t dare to speak.


    Xiao Ya turned to Sheng Yuxiao: "He won''t answer me."


    "Speak," Sheng Yuxiao kicked the person.


    The person thought to himself that these demands were too flexible! But he quickly answered: "Yes, of course we all are."


    "Are there different ranks in the fraternity?"


    "Of course not. Fraternity means friendship and mutual help."


    "But I think there are, you... are just the lowest-ranking members. That''s why you run errands for those more powerful than you, trying to persuade Sheng Yuxiao, and in the end, you''re the ones getting beaten up," Xiao Ya said methodically.


    She suddenly asked: "Do you find this fun?"


    For college students who were already adults to be questioned like this by a little girl, how could they save face?


    That person''s expression instantly froze.


    "Why are you willing to be insignificant stepping stones in a huge organization? And you''re so enthusiastic about inviting more people to step on you. It''s strange."


    "..." That person''s face turned pale.


    "If you just want mutual help and friendship, if you want to build stairs to enter higher circles... why don''t you create your own fraternity? You could use a different name," Xiao Ya suggested in her soft voice.


    "...Huh?" That person was stunned, lowering his hand as blood dripped from his lip to the ground.


    "But just by ourselves, what could we establish? This needs extensive connections to support it..."


    Xiao Ya pointed at Sheng Yuxiao: "He is the connection."


    "If you establish it now, you''ll be founding members. Isn''t that better than being an unimportant stone?"


    "That... makes sense. So, can you let us go now?" That person''s gaze toward Xiao Ya suddenly changed.


    Xiao Ya ordered the bodyguards: "Release them."


    The bodyguards immediatelyplied.


    The others got up from the ground, still somewhat dazed, and couldn''t help asking one of the bodyguards: "Have you served in the military?"


    The bodyguard sneered, "They''ve all served in the military - some in the 1st Marine Division, others in the 75th Cavalry Regiment..."


    The group''s expressions grew serious as they looked at Xiao Ya, their gazes intensifying.


    To be able to afford bodyguards who were veterans from elite military units... what kind of background must her family have?


    "You may leave now," Xiao Ya gave them a slight bow.


    They couldn''t leave fast enough.


    "Wait," Xiao Ya called out to the one she had been talking to earlier, asking, "What''s your name?"


    Though facing just a child, the man felt inexplicably nervous. He wiped his bloody nose and replied tensely, "Green."


    "And you... how should I address you?" he asked politely.


    Those who moved in high society circles knew well that some children, despite their young age, came from extremely powerful families.


    Xiao Ya smiled slightly.


    She looked somewhat like Xu Ji.


    She replied unhurriedly, "My surname is Li."


    "Goodbye, Miss Li?"


    "Bye-bye."


    Everyone at the scene quickly cleared out.


    Sheng Yuxiao let out an amused snort and asked, "Did Xu Ji teach you that?"


    Aliali: 674546a7c4f3f33ac44c928aXiao Ya nodded and looked up at Sheng Yuxiao: "You must know how to do this too. Why don''t you just make them your followers?"


    "I used that trick back in middle school... It''s boring now." Sheng Yuxiao shook his head and bent down to pick her up.


    Xiao Ya quickly said, "I''ve grown a bit, I''m heavier now."


    "I can still carry you. Even when you''re eighteen, I''ll still be able to carry you, got it?" Sheng Yuxiao insisted, brooking no refusal.


    Xiao Ya had no choice but to let him carry her. Resting on his shoulder, she asked, "By the way, Sheng Yuxiao, what''s a body sushi feast?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s steps faltered momentarily as he asked, "Are you tired? Let''s go mountain climbing and camping."


    "So what is a body sushi feast?"


    "..."


    Sheng Yuxiao managed a strained smile: "It''s a kind of... banquet. Tell me if anyone ever dares to take you to see something like that."


    He would wring their necks.

 Chapter 228: Don’t Listen to Xu Ji, He’s Talking Nonsense

    <h4>Chapter 228</h4>


    Sheng Yuxiao carried Xiao Ya all the way through the door.


    Xiao Ya asked, "Are you still going to ss tomorrow?"


    "Yes."


    "Sister Ru Ying said universities abroad are very busy."


    "Yes, they are," Sheng Yuxiao replied, then turned to make himself a cup of coffee.


    It was precisely because he was so busy that he had zero interest in joining those people''s fraternity, which was essentially just a fancy title for ganging up to bully others.


    Xiao Ya''s guess wasn''t wrong.


    There was a hierarchy in the fraternity, and the rankings were extremely strict and clear, with discrimination flowing from top to bottom.


    People like Green and his group were just low-level thugs. They thought throwing parties and group gatherings, bullying others while ignoring moral boundaries, and even stepping on teachers was all the fun they could imagine from a fraternity.


    In reality, if one wanted to climb to higher ranks... it wasn''t about such superficial things.


    When they invited him to join, it wasn''t for him to indulge in debauchery.


    Instead, they wanted to use him to get to his father.


    And through his father, establish channels to control Hua Country''s economy, binding themselves together in mutual interests.


    Any top-tier rich kid from back home would be approached like this when studying abroad.


    He was worried Ning Heng might be naive and fall for it, so he had specifically called to warn him.


    The organization''s structure was far moreplex than what Xiao Ya imagined.


    That''s why from the beginning, he never intended to turn these low-level yers into his underlings. ying that game here was meaningless.


    It was okay that Xiao Ya didn''t understand these things yet.


    The bigger things could wait for when she grew up.


    "You still have ss... then I''ll wait for you at the apartment," Xiao Ya''s voice rang out.


    "Wait for me? Why wait? Come to ss with me." Sheng Yuxiao''s tone was still non-negotiable.


    "I can go?"


    "Why not?"


    Sheng Yuxiao opened the bathroom door: "Go wash up, your head is all sweaty."


    Xiao Ya nodded and walked to the bathroom, while Sheng Yuxiao went outside and said to the bodyguards who had followed: "I''ve booked you rooms at a nearby hotel apartment, stay there for now."


    The bodyguards nodded dumbly.


    They had been abroad long-term and didn''t know Sheng Yuxiao. They just felt this young master was both generous and thoughtful.


    "Leave your number too." Sheng Yuxiao bit off the pen cap, casually tore off a piece of paper against the doorframe, wrote down his own number first and handed it over.


    The bodyguards quickly gave him their numbers as well.


    This was for safety reasons, to facilitate protecting the young miss at any time.


    His thoroughness saved them trouble too.


    "You can go now," Sheng Yuxiao tilted his chin up.


    The bodyguards asked one final question: "Is there a nanny taking care of the young miss?"


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded: "Yes."


    The bodyguards were finallypletely at ease and left, even calling Wei Wenjun to report and confirm everything was indeed in order before heading to their assigned hotel apartment.


    Sheng Yuxiao pushed Xiao Ya''s luggage inside while calling for someone to deliver milk, then waited outside with a towel and hair dryer.


    ��Well, he was the nanny.


    *


    Sheng Yuxiao had no afternoon sses, so he apanied Xiao Ya to the mall.


    "What do you want to buy?" Sheng Yuxiao asked, then added: "Don''t you need a new schoolbag?"


    "No need to change it. I''m buying your birthday present." Xiao Ya stopped at the mall entrance, looking left and right.


    She asked: "What do you like?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s lips curved up slightly, but his brows furrowed.


    He slowly uttered three words: "The revolvingntern."


    And added: "Especially handmade surprises."


    Xiao Ya quickly exined: "That was actually my handicraft homework!"


    "Yes, award-winning handicraft homework." Sheng Yuxiao emphasized the words "award-winning."


    Sheng Yuxiao crouched down in front of her, trying his best not to sound too sour, and asked: "What handmade homework did you give Qin Sui for his birthday this year?"


    Xiao Ya''s voice grew quieter: "Origami homework, it didn''t win any awards."


    "So when can I receive such a surprise?" Sheng Yuxiao stared into her eyes and asked.


    "That was very cheap... the materials only cost thirteen yuan."


    "But it was handmade."


    "It''s okay if it''s that cheap?"


    "It''s okay no matter how cheap it is."


    "Then what do you like? I''ll make it for you."


    Sheng Yuxiao pressed his lips together: "Can''t you give me an unexpected surprise?"


    "My aesthetic sense isn''t very good..."


    Sheng Yuxiao quickly interrupted: "Did my young uncle say that?"


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    "So that''s why you decided toe to the mall and let me choose?"


    Xiao Ya nodded again.


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his head and chuckled softly, realizing it wasn''t that she didn''t care: she cared too much.


    He raised his head again and said seriously: "Don''t listen to him, he''s talking nonsense."


    "I understand, then let''s go back."


    Sheng Yuxiao swiftly picked up the child: "Let''s go."


    When Sheng Yuxiao said he''d take her to ss, he really did.


    The seats and desks in the lecture hall were very tall, and even though Xiao Ya had grown taller, her feet still couldn''t quite reach the ground when sitting.


    "Step on this," Sheng Yuxiao tossed his bag under her feet.


    This immediately drew frequent nces from other students.


    Sheng Yuxiao kept Xiao Ya by his side like this,ing and going all day.


    Until thest ss ended.


    "Sheng is difficult to deal with, but I think that little girl by his side should be easy to handle. Go on, Green, maybe you can try buying her some things that little girls like, then invite her to join our party."


    The foreign boy sitting in thest row of the lecture hall said, patting Green''s shoulder with a smile.


    Green wanted to say no, that little girl wasn''t easy to handle at all!


    Her punches really hurt!


    But the people around him had already lost interest in listening.


    Green could only hurriedly get up and follow.


    Sheng Yuxiao walked very slowly with Xiao Ya.


    The corridor walls were lined with portraits of the school''s famous alumni. After walking a few steps, Xiao Ya suddenly stopped, looked up and said: "Mr. Jefferson."


    Sheng Yuxiao nced up and said: "He was once a member of the fraternity."


    Green had just walked up and heard their conversation. Under the pressure of the stares behind him, he forced a smile and said: "Yes, he works for the Pentagon, quite an outstanding figure."


    "So..." Won''t you join us? Green couldn''t finish the second half of his sentence.


    Xiao Ya said softly: "So he was also in the fraternity."


    Hearing her different tone, Sheng Yuxiao asked: "You know him?"


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    Green interjected: "Most of us know Mr. Jefferson, but I didn''t expect a child from Hua Country would know him too?"


    Xiao Ya then added: "I just had a phone call with him yesterday."


    Green''s voice came to an abrupt halt.


    Huh?


    Huh?


    So that''s what you meant by knowing him?


    It wasn''t until Xiao Ya and Sheng Yuxiao had walked far away that Green barely came back to his senses.


    Behind him, the young foreign boy walked over and asked: "What did they say?"


    Green said dazedly: "That child, she knows Mr. Jefferson, and they''re quite close. She said they had a phone call just yesterday."


    The boy shrugged, looking disappointed: "Oh, that''s too bad. The politician Jefferson supports is our election opponent. Different ideologies make it hard to work together. Let''s forget about this matter."


    "Then what about Sheng..."


    "Of course, don''t offend him either, we need to maintain good rtions."


    "Aren''t they from the opposing faction? Then why..."


    "Only elementary school kids wear their hostility on their faces. Sometimes, the line between friend and foe doesn''t need to be so clear. In fact, our ideologies might actually be the same, we just need to raise different gs to attract different voters, understand? Oh, you don''t understand, your father is just a dentist. How could you understand these things?" The other person couldn''t hide his contempt.


    Green wasn''t angry at all.


    He listened carefully, and now truly felt that following Sheng Yuxiao could be both profitable and feasible!


    *


    Soon it was Sheng Yuxiao''s birthday.


    The entire Sheng family, along with the Xu family, all came...


    Xu Ji came in and said with a tilted head and smile: "Good nephew, you should thank me, you must have received a very beautiful gift."


    He asked: "Where''s the gift from Xiao Ya?"


    Sheng Yuxiao carefully held up a shapeless piece of y.


    Xu Ji was shocked: "What is this? This isn''t what I taught!"


    "I clearly suggested to Xiao Ya to let you choose your own gift," Xu Ji paused, looking suspiciously at his nephew.


    Aliali: 674546a7c4f3f33ac44c928a"Could it be that your aesthetic sense has gone wrong too?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s brows furrowed slightly, his sharp gaze unchanging, but the corners of his lips curved into a gentle smile: "I really like what Xiao Ya made by hand."


    Xu Ji responded emotionlessly and numbly: "It''s confirmed, your aesthetic taste has indeed gone astray."


    "Uncle Xu," Xiao Ya called out from a distance.


    Xu Ji nced at her.


    This one''s beyond help.


    Xiao Ya walked towards him voluntarily and asked: "Uncle Xu, do you really dislike it that much?"


    Xu Ji''s lips twitched slightly.


    Xiao Ya continued: "Then I won''t give you any birthday presents next time."


    Xu Ji maintained his smile, but the light in his eyes instantly froze.

 Chapter 229: Comnenus: Making You Look Good

    <h4>Chapter 229</h4>


    Sheng Yuxiao''s birthday party was far from the grand affair it would have been in Hua Country; it was more like a family gathering.


    However, Sheng Yuxiao himself was quite satisfied with it.


    He made a wish, blew out the candles, and his father, Sheng Jun, helped him cut the cake.


    Xu Qii, standing nearby, asked her younger brother, "What are you looking at?"


    Xu Ji didn''t even respond, his gaze still fixed on the lump of "mud."


    After a while, Xu Qii heard him say in a gloomy tone, "It''s really hard topliment it with a straight face."


    Xu Qii: "����"


    "Looks like I won''t be getting a gift from Xiao Ya this time."


    Xu Qii rolled her eyes.


    The birthday party didn''tst long. After it ended, everyone went their separate ways to attend to their own matters.


    As Xu Ji was leaving, he couldn''t help but lean against the doorframe and point at the "mud," asking, "Did you dig this up from the garden downstairs?"


    "It''s y bought from a store, mixed with cotton fibers, and then shaped," came the reply.


    "You mean this thing actually cost money?"


    "Not only did it cost money, but it also cost Xiao Ya a lot of effort."


    "Effort? Isn''t it just a lump of y?"


    "Uncle, Xiao Ya is watching you."


    "����" "So what exactly is this supposed to be?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s eyes sparkled as he answered, "Xiao Ya''s little duck."


    Xu Ji was silent for a moment before saying, "The idea is good, but if I look closely, I can only vaguely make out a duck''s rear end..."


    Before he could finish, his nephew had already closed the door, brushing past his nose.


    Xu Ji sighed again, "Looks like I won''t be getting a gift."


    Then he left with his assistant.


    Xiao Ya stayed with Sheng Yuxiao for an extra day.


    During that time, she received a call from Ke Muning.


    The man on the other end first asked if she had eaten, how she was sleeping... and finally, "When will youe back?"


    Xiao Ya asked him, "Ke Muning, do you miss me?"


    Ke Muning was silent for a moment before answering, "Not really, you don''t have to rush back."


    Xiao Ya was also silent for a moment before asking, "Ke Muning, is my homework still unfinished?"


    "����Almost done."


    "I''ll be back tomorrow."


    There was a sudden flurry of background noise on the other end, and then the call was disconnected.


    Xiao Ya stared at the disconnected phone for half a minute.


    It seemed Ke Muning wasn''t much help...


    *


    The next day, when Xiao Ya left, Green also brought a few people to see her off.


    With a barely recognizable ent, he spoke in Hua Countrynguage, "Miss Li, until we meet again."


    As if he had just learned it the night before.


    "Until we meet again," Xiao Ya smiled and tilted her head, then turned to look at Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked cold and silent.


    "I''m leaving," Xiao Ya said to him.


    Sheng Yuxiao still bought her a new backpack. He bent down to put it in the car, his eyes lowered as he said, "If you were to go to elementary school here..."


    Before Xiao Ya could respond, Sheng Yuxiao continued, "No, you need to stay with Old Mr. Zhang."


    After Old Master Wei passed away, Xiao Ya dared not leave Old Mr. Zhang''s side easily. Each day seemed particrly precious.


    "Go, bye," Sheng Yuxiao said softly.


    Xiao Ya leaned against the car window, trying tofort him, "A few years will pass in a sh, it''ll be quick."


    "Yeah, quick," he replied.


    He watched as Xiao Ya''s car drove away, then turned back to the apartment.


    Green and the others wanted to talk to him but hurried after him.


    Sheng Yuxiao opened the door, walked to the sofa, picked up the small dinosaur headgear, and ced it on the disy cab.


    "Sheng..." Green began.


    He thought the headgear was quite cute.


    Should he buy a few too? Maybe Sheng would be friendlier if he saw the dinosaur.


    Green''s n was shattered that very day.


    Sheng Yuxiao coldly told them, "I hate people wearing the same headgear in front of me."


    Green couldn''t figure out why...


    Back in the Upper East Side, Xiao Ya sneezed. Who was thinking about her?


    She shook her head and pushed open the door to the vi.


    The living room was cluttered with various craft materials.


    "Ke Muning?" she called softly.


    The man sitting on the carpet looked up, his eyes bloodshot.


    "It''s done," he said hoarsely.


    The bodyguards were stunned. Ke Muning actually did it?


    Ke Muning closed the homework notebook, waved his hand, and had it brought up.


    Five muscr, tall subordinates carried in a handcrafted Earth��


    If it could still be called that.


    Xiao Ya touched her head, "It''s bigger than my eight headsbined."


    Ke Muning loved her evaluation and quickly asked, "How is it? It won''t embarrass you when you hand it in."


    Xiao Ya stepped closer.


    Therge handcrafted Earth was covered in maps.


    She crouched down and touched the base. It was cold to the touch, made of marble.


    Xiao Ya had to ask seriously, "How much does it weigh?"


    "Call a truck to weigh it," Ke Muning instructed his subordinates.


    Half an hourter, Xiao Ya got a weight of 163kg.


    Ke Muning pointed and said, "A very heavy-duty piece."


    The kids would definitely be impressed.


    Xiao Ya sighed.


    It was indeed heavy-duty.


    So heavy that her backpack couldn''t carry it.


    Ke Muning didn''t notice the child''s distress. He approached the handcrafted Earth, ced his hand on top, and said, "There''s a little mechanism."


    Xiao Ya had to look up.


    The handcrafted Earth was taller than her.


    There was a soft click, and the mechanism activated.


    The Earth suddenly split open, revealing a machine gun inside.


    Xiao Ya: ?


    Ke Muning asked, "Isn''t it interesting?"


    Xiao Ya didn''t want to hurt Ke Muning, so she nodded seriously but reminded him, "But it won''t pass customs."


    The consultant Ke Muning had specially invited quickly said, "I told you this wouldn''t work..."


    Xiao Ya immediately tugged at Ke Muning''s sleeve andforted, "But at least I saw it, and I really like it."


    Ke Muning immediately turned to the consultant, "Did you hear that?"


    The consultant was stunned.


    Ke Muning said, "That''s the meaning."


    He then picked up Xiao Ya and asked, "Do you want to sit inside to see it more closely?"


    Xiao Ya replied, "Yes."


    Ke Muning then nced at the consultant again.


    Was that... a sign of pride? The consultant wondered.


    Xiao Ya was ced inside the "Earth," and Ke Muning taught her, "This is how you load the machine gun, and this is how you trigger it..."


    After teaching, Ke Muning finally ordered, "Alright, dismantle it."


    Xiao Ya eventually returned to Hua Country with just the "Homework" notebook.


    The content was written, or more urately, drawn, by Ke Muning.


    He couldn''t write Hua Country characters, only draw.


    *


    Another new day at school.


    It was time to hand in the handcrafted assignments. The teacher asked, "Zhang Ruoshui, where''s yours?"


    Xiao Ya looked at her phone''s time and said, "Just a moment."


    "Didn''t you do it?" the teacher asked again.


    "I did, it''s on its way," Xiao Ya replied.


    The teacher smiled, "So you made it but forgot to bring it. How long will it take?"


    "A few minutes."


    Aliali: 674546a8c4f3f33ac44c92ac"Okay."


    The other students handed in their assignments one by one, filling the front of the podium.


    The teacher asked, "Hasn''t it arrived yet?"


    That "handcrafted Earth" had taken a private jet, a truck, and was finally pushed into the school by several workers, drawing the attention of other sses. It finally reached the ssroom door.


    Xiao Ya calmly said, "It''s here, but it seems it can''t get through the door."


    Everyone turned around: ????


    They wondered why the ssroom suddenly darkened.


    The thing had blocked all the light!


    "What... is that?" the teacher gasped.


    Xiao Ya''s tone remained calm, "My dad helped me with my handcrafted assignment."

 Chapter 230

    The ssroom remained silent for a long time.


    After a while.


    "Your dad is so awesome!"


    "Did he make this himself?"


    "It must be very expensive."


    "I''m going to ask my dad to make one too."


    The ssmates excitedly chimed in one after another.


    The teacher, with a wooden expression, thought to herself that if all their dads did this, the corridor wouldn''t be able to hold them.


    The teacher sighed and asked, "Zhang Ruoshui, how are we going to put this... on the podium?"


    Not to mention the podium, even getting it through the door was a problem.


    The others couldn''t help but turn their heads to stare at Xiao Ya.


    Xiao Ya had also considered whether to dismantle half of the ssroom wall to let the item in, and then invite everyone to admire it together.


    But considering that after dismantling the wall, she would have to pay to repair it, the stingy Xiao Ya gave up.


    So, at three o''clock that afternoon.


    The entire ss eventually gathered on the spacious yground to admire the handmade item together.


    Xiao Ya even demonstrated a small mechanism of the sphere right there.


    "Click," the sound of the mechanism working rang out.


    This time, what popped out wasn''t a machine gun.


    But a small bear.


    "Wow!" The ssmates were amazed by the ingenious idea that the globe could open and pop something out.


    But when they saw the bear with a three-lobed mouth.


    And the three-lobed mouth split open.


    Just like the puppet in the horror movie "Dead Silence."


    The words that had reached their lips instantly turned into: "��What an ugly bear!"


    Xiao Ya, standing on the teacher''s shoulders, reached up and pressed the bear''s nose.


    The bear''s mouth suddenly opened even wider, spewing out petals and candies.


    They rained down on the teacher''s face.


    The ssmates, looking up with wide eyes, "wow"ed again.


    "The bear is vomiting! The bear is vomiting!" They eximed in shock and horror.


    The teacher, numb, rubbed her face. What is this, nightmares tonight...


    That day, Xiao Ya sent Ke Muning a long text message.


    She told him:


    ��Your handmade assignment was very impressive, they were all stunned��


    ��It''s the best among all the assignments��


    ��The teacher will put it in the school''s exhibition hall for others to visit��


    Ke Muning quickly replied, asking: ��In the exhibition hall? Does that mean it''s very good?��


    Xiao Ya told him: ��Yes��


    ��And everyone will see the globe Ke Muning made for me��


    Ke Muning was very happy to hear this and immediately told her enthusiastically: ��If there''s another assignment, I''ll help you with it again��


    ...no need.


    Xiao Ya quickly typed: ��No, your eyes are all red from staying up, don''t do it anymore.��


    ��Okay, I''ll listen to you.��


    Faced with the child''s considerate concern, the master craftsman Ke Muning could only reluctantly retire with a sweet heart.


    After sending the message, Xiao Ya called the principal and asked, "I want to put something in the school''s exhibition hall, how much should I pay?"


    In the end, after some bargaining, Xiao Ya paid a monthly fee of 3000 yuan and sessfully had it ced in the most prominent position in the hall.


    In the years that followed, it became a topic of conversation for every new batch of students...


    *


    Wei Wenyi was awakened by the sun and slowly sat up in bed, pressing the button next to the bed as she did so.


    Wei Wenjuan knocked on the door outside and then wheeled in, asking, "Did you still see those monstersst night?"


    Wei Wenyi shook her head, "Call and ask Xiao Ya. I''m leaving, will she be scared, will she see monsters?"


    Wei Wenjuan made the call as instructed.


    Despite the time difference, the phone was quickly answered.


    The child''s voice had gradually lost its childishness, bing more crisp.


    "Auntie, I didn''t have nightmares, and I didn''t see those monsters."


    "Auntie, are you adjusting well at Uncle Er''s ce?" The child even turned the tables to care for her.


    Wei Wenyi''s face showed a slight smile, "It''s very good here."


    "Okay, Auntie bye, I''m going to eat."


    Wei Wenyi put away her phone, standing there for a while, then couldn''t help but knock on her head.


    "Seems like I forgot something."


    Wei Wenyi had basically recovered, able to ept the fact that her father and sister were no longer there, knowing that Xiao Ya was her niece.


    But her memory would still be a bit worse.


    Whenever this happened, she couldn''t help but knock on her head.


    Wei Wenjuanforted her, "What can be forgotten is naturally not important."


    Wei Wenyi nodded and said, "Let''s go. If the negotiating party still refuses to change their attitude today, I''ll gouge out one of their eyes."


    Wei Wenyi spoke calmly, "After all, I''m mentally ill."


    This clever use made Wei Wenyi''s mentality incredibly stable and strong.


    She was not only like a normal person but also like a very powerful, terrifyingly powerful person.


    Even Wei Wenjuan couldn''t help but rub her forehead, "Yesterday, someone on the dark web opened a bet."


    "What did they bet on?"


    "On whether you or Ke Muning is crazier now."


    Wei Wenyi thought for a moment and said, "Aren''t both of us for Xiao Ya? What''s the point of betting?"


    "Yes, so they all agreed that life is unbearable."


    "..."


    In China.


    Xiao Ya had dinner with Grandpa Zhang.


    Old Mr. Zhang had silver hair, but in recent years, it seemed to be turning ck again.


    He was in high spirits, with fewer worries. Back then, Qin Sui''s father was worried that Old Mr. Zhang wouldn''tst a few more years.


    But no one expected that since Xiao Ya was recognized, Old Mr. Zhang''s health had actually improved, his eyes opening wider every day.


    "Come, Grandpa will take you to school," Old Mr. Zhang said, walking beside Xiao Ya with a cane.


    As they walked, he also said, "Your Uncle Xun Yuan knitted a scarf, take it to your Uncle Er another day. Your Uncle Er is working abroad, and now your Auntie is there too, leaving only him to manage things at home, it''s not easy."


    Xiao Ya nodded obediently at the words.


    They took the subway, not driving because the road was too congested.


    After getting out of the subway, Xiao Ya spoke up, "Grandpa, we went the wrong way."


    Old Mr. Zhangughed and patted his forehead, "Oh right, our good girl is going to middle school now."


    Just as Xiao Ya had told Sheng Yuxiao at the time.


    A few years pass quickly.


    In a sh, she was going to start seventh grade, today being the first day of the new semester. Zhou Xiaoshu, because of her poor grades, was separated from Xiao Ya, but An Ying continued to be in the same ss with her.


    As they entered the ssroom, most of the faces were unfamiliar.


    It was the first day of school, so the ssroom was inevitably noisy.


    However, after Xiao Ya walked in, it strangely quieted down.


    They all turned their heads, curiously examining Xiao Ya.


    The child had grown a lot taller, her features somewhat matured.


    Girls develop earlier, and the little girl standing there with her schoolbag already had a touch of gracefulness.


    "So pretty," someone whispered.


    And the girl''s temperament waspletely different from those around her.


    It had a magic that made people fix their eyes on her and couldn''t look away.


    "Looks like a good student," someone else whispered in summary.


    The girl looked too well-behaved.


    By the end of the first ss, Xiao Ya had received many small notes.


    An Ying sat beside Xiao Ya, helping her open a folded note.


    ��Can we be friends?��


    An Ying lowered her eyes, thinking why should you be able to be Xiao Ya''s friend just because you said so?


    She had just managed to be Xiao Ya''s friend, and now she didn''t allow others to do the same...


    An Ying was still reflecting on herself when Xiao Ya had already opened the next note.


    "Can you give me your QQ number?" Xiao Ya read out loud and asked An Ying, "What do they want this for?"


    The next note was asking for her phone number.


    Another asked where she lived, suggesting they go to school together.Aliali: 674876fac4f3f33ac4792c05


    Xiao Ya was puzzled, "Why don''t they just ask directly?"


    An Ying knew the answer, she whispered, "Because they''ve grown up."


    "People should grow up to be more courageous," Xiao Ya whispered.


    An Ying thought in her heart, but many people arepletely the opposite.


    Only Xiao Ya isn''t.


    By the end of the day, Xiao Ya had received not only notes but also some snacks.


    Things like melon seeds, bubble gum, imported biscuits, and chocte balls... filled her backpack to the brim.


    Xiao Ya asked An Ying, "Do they also want me to be their boss?"


    This looked like a tribute.


    An Ying felt something was off, but she couldn''t quite put her finger on it.

 Chapter 231

    This question was quickly forgotten by them.


    "Zhou Xiaoshu said she''s waiting for us at the school gate. She wants to treat us to spicy hot pot," Xiao Ya said, ncing around the vicinity of the school gate as she spoke.


    An Ying was silent for a moment before hesitantly asking, "Is that Zhou Xiaoshu? Why is she shivering?"


    Xiao Ya looked more closely and indeed, that was her.


    "Is she being bullied?" Xiao Ya tightened her grip on her schoolbag strap and ran over.


    Upon reaching Zhou Xiaoshu, there were no signs of any troublemakers.


    "Qin Sui?" Xiao Ya tilted her head in surprise.


    "Congrattions, entering a new stage of life," Qin Sui said, lowering his head.


    He was dressed in a suit and tie,monly worn by adults. He seemed to have grown even taller.


    He already had the demeanor of a mature man.


    "Why did youe back?" Xiao Ya still had to look up to talk to him.


    "I had some business to take care of and decided to drop by," Qin Sui paused, speaking naturally, "Let''s go, we should have a meal together, and I have a gift for you."


    With that, Qin Sui reached out to take her schoolbag.


    Xiao Ya instead pressed her hand on Qin Sui''s back, saying, "That''s not right."


    Qin Sui lowered his eyes: "What''s not right?"


    Xiao Ya looked at Zhou Xiaoshu: "If it were just Qin Sui here, you wouldn''t be scared. ... Sheng Yuxiao is also here, isn''t he?"


    Her tone rose slightly as she said thest sentence.


    Qin Sui asked Zhou Xiaoshu, "Is that the case?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu stammered, unable to speak.


    Xiao Ya immediately shielded Zhou Xiaoshu and faced Qin Sui herself: "Not only is Sheng Yuxiao here, but you also told Zhou Xiaoshu something, didn''t you? Something you didn''t want her to tell me?"


    Qin Sui remained silent.


    Xiao Ya''s gaze shifted, searching for familiar car logos among the traffic.


    "Found it," Xiao Ya said.


    Qin Sui sighed, "Lost the bet."


    But just as he finished speaking, he suddenly leaned down and whispered in Xiao Ya''s ear, "You''re not bluffing, are you? You really found Sheng Yuxiao''s car, didn''t you?"


    Xiao Ya didn''t respond, instead dialing Sheng Yuxiao''s number.


    It was quickly picked up.


    Xiao Ya said to the person on the other end, "I see you,e out quickly, or I''ll leave with Qin Sui."


    As soon as Xiao Ya finished speaking, a not-so-noticeable Panamera suddenly opened its door.


    Sheng Yuxiao stepped out.


    Xiao Ya blinked, turning to look at Qin Sui: "Alright, you both fell for my bluff."


    Isn''t that fair now?


    Qin Sui: "..."


    Zhou Xiaoshu finally found her footing and let out a long breath, saying, "I saw them as soon as I got to the school gate. Qin Yue''s brother arrived early, and when Sheng Yuxiao arrived, they made a bet."


    "Qin Yue''s brother said he arrived first and should see you first. If you went with him directly, Sheng Yuxiao would lose..."


    Xiao Ya: "..."


    How childish.


    She looked up at Qin Sui: "What was the bet?"


    Before Qin Sui could answer, Sheng Yuxiao had already approached.


    He extended his hand: "You lost, give me the item."


    "I''ll mail it to you when I get back," Qin Sui said generously.


    But after saying that, he looked down at Zhou Xiaoshu, making her shiver.


    "Why are you trembling?" Qin Sui asked indifferently.


    Zhou Xiaoshu mustered her courage: "It''s not because I''m trembling that you lost, but because Xiao Ya is smart, you lost."


    Xiao Ya couldn''t help but interject: "So what exactly was the bet?"


    Qin Sui looked at her: "You''re so smart, guess."


    Xiao Ya wrinkled her nose.


    Sheng Yuxiao chuckled, bending down and whispering, "Come on, let me tell you. Everything you ever gave him now belongs to me."


    Qin Suimented indifferently, "Gambling is harmful."


    "Let''s go, get in the car, I won, Xiao Yaes with me," Sheng Yuxiao tried to snatch the schoolbag back.


    Qin Sui looked at Xiao Ya: "Isn''t that up to her?"


    "I have a good idea," Xiao Ya said softly.


    Both Qin Sui and Sheng Yuxiao looked at her.


    Xiao Ya grabbed Qin Sui''s wrist: "Let''s all take Sheng Yuxiao''s car."


    "I think that''s a good idea," Qin Sui immediately agreed.


    Sheng Yuxiao moved his lips.


    Xiao Ya looked up at him: "Sheng Yuxiao, what do you think?"


    I think it''s not good. The words were on the tip of Sheng Yuxiao''s tongue.


    But Xiao Ya''s eyes were watery.


    "...Alright," Sheng Yuxiao finally managed to squeeze out a word.


    Xiao Ya said goodbye to Zhou Xiaoshu and An Ying, taking the two men to dinner.


    The private restaurant was still in business. The car drove up to the door, and Sheng Yuxiao got out first, turning to open his arms to help Xiao Ya out.


    Qin Sui reminded indifferently, "Xiao Ya has grown up, do you still treat her like a doll to carry around?"


    Sheng Yuxiao pursed his lips, his expression sharp: "Is she eighteen yet? No. If she''s not eighteen, she''s not grown up."


    "Xiao Ya,e here."


    Xiao Ya sat in the seat, looking a bit dazed.


    "Xiao Ya?"


    "What''s wrong?" Qin Sui also leaned over from the other side to look.


    Xiao Ya pursed her lips, shifting slightly, and said very softly, "It''s dirty."


    "What''s dirty? Did you step in something? It''s okay," Sheng Yuxiao said, half his body leaning back into the car.


    Qin Sui leaned in as well, his gaze fixed, and said, "Blood."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze froze, his mind struck, his vision blurred for a moment.


    Fortunately, he still had some basic physiological knowledge.


    After a moment of confusion, both of them realized what was going on.


    Sheng Yuxiao quickly took off his jacket and wrapped it around Xiao Ya''s waist, whispering, "It''s okay, it''s okay, you won''t die."


    But how exactly should he exin it clearly?


    Sheng Yuxiao had never felt so distressed.


    Qin Sui was silent for a moment before sitting back in the car, saying, "Let''s not eat."


    Sheng Yuxiao also said, "Yeah, let''s go to my ce."


    "No, to my ce," Qin Sui corrected.


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned.


    Qin Sui lowered his voice: "My mom is at home."


    Mrs. Qin usually had nothing to do and stayed at home a lot. Ms. Xu Qii was always flying around the world, extremely busy.


    Counting it all, the only reliable older woman left by Xiao Ya''s side was Mrs. Qin.


    Sheng Yuxiao immediately agreed: "Let''s go."


    When they arrived at the Qin residence, Xiao Ya not only had Sheng Yuxiao''s jacket wrapped around her waist but was also forced to wear Qin Sui''s coat on the outside.


    "Don''t catch a cold."


    They said almost in unison.


    Although neither of them had any relevant experience, they still had a lot of theories.


    Mrs. Qin heard her son was back and hurried downstairs, first seeing Sheng Yuxiao.


    She pressed her forehead: "Am I still dreaming?"Aliali: 67489351c4f3f33ac47ae5ed


    "Auntie," Xiao Ya called out.


    Mrs. Qin looked at her and was stunned.


    This outfit was quite unique.


    Qin Sui spoke up: "Mom, take her upstairs."


    Mrs. Qin was confused but did as she was told.


    As soon as Xiao Ya was taken away, Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t sit still. He paced around, frowning: "Is it her period?"


    He was afraid it was something else.


    Qin Sui also found it difficult to provide any experience. He also slightly frowned.


    The atmosphere in the living room suddenly became tense and anxious.


    The servants felt the pressure and couldn''t help but nce at them. Whether the youngdy had her period, he didn''t know. But these two gentlemen seemed to be having their own version of it.

 Chapter 232: Sheng Yu Xiao looked at his fist

    <h4>Chapter 232</h4>


    Mrs. Qin led Xiao Ya upstairs, pushing open the bedroom door as she asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Xiao Ya unfastened the jacket around her waist and turned around.


    Mrs. Qin instantly understood and asked with a look of pity, "Does it hurt?"


    There were too few female elders around the child.


    Xiao Ya was silent for a moment before quietly asking back, "Should it hurt?"


    Mrs. Qin was amused and said, "No, it doesn''t have to hurt. Not hurting is the best. Come with me..."


    They entered the bathroom.


    Downstairs, Sheng Yuxiao silently walked out without a word.


    The servants were puzzled; was he leaving already? Without waiting for Miss Zhang?


    Turning their heads, they saw their young master suddenly hurrying after him.


    What was going on?


    The servants were confused.


    However, with their departure, the atmosphere in the hall finally returned to normal.


    Sheng Yuxiao knew Qin Sui was following him. Although he was extremely displeased, he still stopped and said without turning back, "Let''s split the tasks."


    Qin Sui''s tone was indifferent, "Mr. Sheng can also choose not to cooperate with me."


    "That would make Xiao Ya wait too long," Sheng Yuxiao replied.


    Qin Sui agreed deeply.


    The two men, without any confrontation, reached a temporary agreement.


    They each got into their cars and headed towards the nearest mall. Although there was no longer any confrontation, sharing a car was out of the question. Without Xiao Ya in between, they would just find each other disgusting.


    Sheng Yuxiao walked straight into the women''s clothing section.


    Qin Sui went to the pharmacy.


    The salesclerk nced behind Sheng Yuxiao several times, repeatedly confirming that no one else was following.


    "Hello, sir, are you buying clothes for your girlfriend? Do you know her size and preferences? Do you need me to..." rmend something.


    Before the salesclerk could finish, Sheng Yuxiao interrupted, "For my sister."


    Size... he really didn''t know right now.


    After all, he had been abroad more often, and kids grow very fast, almost changing every day. A short time apart and they change a lot.


    "Eleven years old, about this tall..." Sheng Yuxiao gestured with his hands.


    "Do you have any styles in mind? I can show you."


    Sheng Yuxiao nced around and found that most girls'' clothes were quite pretty.


    "This one, this one, this one..." He pointed to over ten pieces, "Wrap them all up, quickly."


    The salesclerk smiled brightly and quickly called her colleagues to help with the packaging.


    "How much?"


    "Twenty-nine thousand, nine hundred and thirteen."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned, took a few steps back, and looked again at the store''s sign.


    The salesclerk hurriedly asked, "Would you like to return two sets?"


    Sheng Yuxiao: "Too cheap... Forget it, just leave it." He was in a hurry to go to the next store.


    The salesclerk: ?


    Never seen someone who thinks it''s too cheap.


    Can I have a dozen of such brothers?


    Sheng Yuxiao paid, turned around, and bought two cups of brown sugar ginger tea, then turned again and bought a warm hand warmer...


    Qin Sui bought painkillers at the pharmacy, both oral and patch types, and also some for blood and qi supplementation. Passing by a dried fruit shop, he paused, wondering if he should get two pounds of red dates?


    Mrs. Qin came downstairs and saw the tea table full. She eximed, "How did this...?"


    Sheng Yuxiao spoke up, "Just bought." Then he picked up one of the bags, "Please help Xiao Ya change her clothes."


    Mrs. Qin smiled, "Quite thoughtful for a big man." She reached out to take it, saying, "I was going to give her some of Xiao Yue''s clothes to change into temporarily."


    The ones she came in were dirty and definitely couldn''t be worn anymore.


    "No need for others'' things. She''s already worn too many hand-me-downs in her childhood. From now on, everything in front of her must be new," Sheng Yuxiao said.


    Mrs. Qin was stunned for a moment, sighed, and said, "That''s true."


    Qin Sui also spoke up, "We can''t use Xiao Yue''s things for others in the future; Xiao Yue will be upset."


    Mrs. Qin was again taken aback and then smiled, "Yes, I forgot. It''s good you remember for your sister."


    Mrs. Qin smiled and carried the bag upstairs, returning soon with Xiao Ya, who had changed into new tops and pants, looking morefortable.


    Sheng Yuxiao looked up at her and finally felt that the child had indeed grown a bit.


    The final meal was at the Qin Family''s house.


    When they were sent back to the Zhang Family, Old Mr. Zhang came out with a cane to greet them.


    He was startled to see Sheng Yuxiao carrying Xiao Ya.


    Old Mr. Zhang was shocked, "What happened? Did you fall during gym ss?"


    The secretary followed behind, looking at therge bags carried by Qin Sui, also surprised, "These..."


    "All bought for Xiao Ya," Qin Sui replied.


    The secretary randomly opened a bag. Goodness, red dates!


    The secretary was both amused and puzzled, thinking, what''s going on? Have these young masters started taking the down-to-earth route? Is it now fashionable to give red dates as gifts?


    "Why not buy a hen while you''re at it?" the secretary joked.


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly turned his head, "That makes sense."


    Qin Sui looked at his watch, "The supermarket probably hasn''t closed yet."


    Xiao Ya grabbed Sheng Yuxiao''s hair, "Calm down, you two."


    Old Mr. Zhang was anxious, "What exactly happened? Where are you hurt?"


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t know how to exin, and Qin Sui was also at a loss for words.


    It was Xiao Ya who exined the situation herself, "My bottom is bleeding."


    Old Mr. Zhang was almost choked by his own saliva, looking very distressed, "Oh, my dear,e on, let''s go inside quickly."


    Xiao Ya couldn''t help but say, "Mrs. Qin said this is normal, every girl goes through it."


    "Yes, yes..."


    "Then why are you all so careful?" Xiao Ya kicked her legs on Sheng Yuxiao''s back, thinking Sheng Yuxiao was still too tall.


    She said, "I want to get down and walk by myself."


    But on this point, Old Mr. Zhang and Sheng Yuxiao had the same opinion.


    "No, no, how can we let you get tired?"


    After all, there were only these big men around the child, which was already very hard for her.


    They had to make up for the pain of not having a mother by her side growing up.


    Thinking about it, Old Mr. Zhang almost wanted to cry.


    Xiao Ya was thus weed into the house with great fanfare.


    "Try not to touch cold water, drink warm milk, and supplement more protein. What else do you want to eat? We''ll buy it for you tomorrow."


    "You can hold this to sleep."


    "If it hurts, take this, and if it still hurts, call me..."


    "If you can''t sleep at night,e knock on Grandpa''s door, and I''ll tell you stories."


    They all spoke to Xiao Ya at once.


    Xiao Ya had to cover her ears in frustration, which finally made them stop.


    After leaving the Zhang Family, Sheng Yuxiao didn''t go straight home. He drove to a nearby bookstore and bought several books��


    "How to Get Along with Teenagers"


    "25 Things You Shouldn''t Ignore in Teenage Education"


    "Teenage Issues"


    And so on...


    At the checkout, he hesitated for a moment and went back to buy two more��"When Your Child Has a Crush" and "Self-Cultivation for Good Parents."


    The next morning, Sheng Yuxiao drove to pick up Xiao Ya for school.


    Aliali: 67497f4f3f33ac48799b4As he watched her enter the school, he saw a boy greeting her, "Are you Zhang Ruoshui from ss One?"


    The boy blushed as he spoke.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s face darkened, and he quickly took out the book "When Your Child Has a Crush."


    After flipping through a few pages��


    "As a parent, you should guide correctly... It''s normal for such feelings to arise..."


    Normal...


    Sheng Yuxiao felt this book was pure nonsense.


    He looked down at his hand.


    The fingers were distinct, strong, and powerful. Clenching them, they turned into a fist.


    He thought this was more useful.

 Chapter 233

    Sheng Yuxiao had already pushed the car door halfway open when he suddenly noticed people sneakily ncing in Xiao Ya''s direction from not far away.


    His brows furrowed, and his expression grew colder. Instead of getting out of the car immediately, he carefully observed to see who else was bold enough to secretly watch Xiao Ya.


    What he discovered surprised him...


    He noticed that almost everyone who walked past Xiao Ya would unconsciously turn their heads to look at her again.


    Sheng Yuxiao thought back to his own middle school days... back then, he was more interested in looking at climbing picks than his ssmates.


    What was wrong with middle school students these days? Why were they so interested in their ssmates?


    This generation of students was problematic.


    Sheng Yuxiao made this cold conclusion.


    Then he raised his phone and took a picture of the boy who dared to talk to Xiao Ya while blushing, clearly up to no good.


    ��Just to make sure he wouldn''t target the wrong personter.


    At that moment, Xiao Ya suddenly turned around.


    Why hadn''t Sheng Yuxiao left yet?


    "What... what are you looking at?" The boy who was talking to Xiao Ya craned his neck.


    Xiao Ya answered honestly: "Looking at my brother."


    "Your... your brother? Where is he?" The boy became a bit nervous.


    Xiao Ya pointed to the Panamera outside the school gate.


    The boy took half a step back, creating some distance, and said quietly, "Actually, I heard you have really good grades, and I wanted to ask if you''d like to go to the science exhibition together sometime?"


    The boy paused, then quickly added, "I also ranked first in our ss in the entrance exam."


    Xiao Ya asked, "How old are you?"


    The boy''s nervousness decreased a little as he answered, "Thirteen."


    "You''re thirteen, not three. Why do you need someone to apany you to the science exhibition?"


    "..." The boy was stumped, unable to say anything.


    Seeing that he had fallen silent, Xiao Ya still politely said "bye-bye" to him, then adjusted her backpack straps and left.


    The boy was left standing there alone, head hanging low, looking quite pitiful.


    Meanwhile, the person who had been lurking in the shadows finally darted out from the bushes and ran straight toward the ninth-grade ssrooms.


    "Brother Mu! Brother Mu! Something terrible has happened!"


    "I saw someone trying to hit on your secret crush..."


    Mu Bai, while ying a game on his phone without looking up, asked, "My secret crush? Who? I don''t even know..."


    He stopped mid-sentence.


    "You mean... Zhang Ruoshui?" Mu Bai''s facial muscles twitched.


    He never expected that after all these years, he still hadn''t found a chance to avenge his past humiliation.


    "Yeah, she''s in the middle school division now, right? I just went to ask around. They say her name is well-known among both eighth and ninth graders."


    "She''s that famous?" Mu Bai was puzzled.


    "Yeah, she''s pretty, gets good grades, has a good temperament, very well-behaved..."


    "...Well-behaved???" Mu Bai couldn''t help but interrupt, "Is there something wrong with your eyes?"


    The underssman corrected himself: "That''s not what I said, that''s how others describe her."


    Mu Bai: "..."


    That''s because they haven''t seen that crazy girl pinning people down and beating them up.


    The underssman suddenly looked at Mu Bai curiously: "Brother Mu, you don''t think she''s well-behaved? Then what do you like about her?"


    Mu Bai: "..."


    Mu Bai squeezed out the words: "I like her heroic appearance when she''s beating people up."


    The underssman immediately ttered him: "Brother Mu is truly Brother Mu, your interests are so different from ordinary people."


    Mu Bai stared at this underssman: "How did I end up in the same ss as you?"


    Originally, when they entered middle school, some of their former ssmates had gone abroad, some had changed schools, some had gone to different sses... gradually, fewer people knew about him being beaten up by Zhang Ruoshui.


    Yet this one fish had slipped through the!


    The underssman scratched his head innocently: "Brother Mu''s father is good to my dad, so of course I have to stick with Brother Mu. Don''t worry, Brother Mu, I''ll definitely keep an eye on everything around Zhang Ruoshui..."


    Mu Bai wanted to curse but held back.


    ...He really wanted everyone to know that Zhang Ruoshui was fierce! She wasn''t some well-behaved little girl at all!


    Soon it was time for school to end.


    This time Zhou Xiaoshu was smarter; instead of waiting at the school gate, she went directly to Xiao Ya''s ssroom.


    "Can we finally have spicy hot pot today?" Zhou Xiaoshu asked hopefully.


    Xiao Ya looked at herplexion: "Why is your face so pale?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu made a constipated expression, clutching her stomach painfully and said, "Blood loss. Aunt Flo is visiting, you know what that is, right?"


    Xiao Ya nodded, taking out a small bag of red dates from her bag to give her.


    She also poured some hot water from her thermos for her to drink.


    Zhou Xiaoshu ate the red dates and drank the hot water with tears in her eyes: "Xiao Ya, you''re so good to me."


    An Ying, walking behind them, looked down at her own stomach. Unfortunately, she wasn''t in any pain.


    Xiao Ya then asked Zhou Xiaoshu: "Are you in pain?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu nodded: "Ites in cramps, but I still have toe to school. I really don''t want to be at school."


    "Do you want some painkillers?" Xiao Ya started searching through her bag again.


    Zhou Xiaoshu''s face drooped: "My parents won''t let me take them, they say they''re bad for health..."


    "It''s okay to take them, Qin Sui researched a lot about it."


    Zhou Xiaoshu was startled: "Brother Qin Sui even looks into this kind of thing?"


    Xiao Ya nodded, passing her the medicine: "Yes, he bought these."


    Zhou Xiaoshu suddenly looked down at the red dates in horror: "These weren''t bought by Young Master Sheng, were they?"


    She had eaten them with such relish, consuming something meant for Xiao Ya.


    "Am I going to be kidnapped in a sack?" Zhou Xiaoshu gulped.


    Xiao Ya: ?


    "No, these were bought by Qin Sui too."


    Zhou Xiaoshu breathed a sigh of relief: "Good thing I paid protection money to Brother Qin Sui before, so we kind of have a connection. Brother Qin Sui definitely won''t beat me up."


    Xiao Ya pressed her lips together and corrected her: "Sheng Yuxiao wouldn''t either, he has a very good temper."


    Yesterday she had pulled out two of Sheng Yuxiao''s hairs, and he hadn''t even gotten angry.


    Zhou Xiaoshu hesitated: "...I suppose so."


    The three of them walked together toward the school gate.


    Unexpectedly, they spotted Sheng Yuxiao''s car at a nce, and when Zhou Xiaoshu turned her head, she also saw Qin Sui''s car.


    Zhou Xiaoshu deeply realized she wouldn''t be getting her spicy hot pot today.Aliali: 674aec4f3f33ac49acb42


    "I''ll... I''ll go ahead first..."


    At this moment, Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui got out of their cars one after another.


    "Here, a gift," Sheng Yuxiao held out his hand.


    "You already gave me one yesterday," Xiao Ya didn''t take it.


    Even Qin Sui turned back to look at Sheng Yuxiao in surprise.


    "This is new. ...Um, it''s to congratte you on getting your period, you''re growing up," Sheng Yuxiao said, trying to keep his tone steady. "It''s a custom in foreign countries."


    He had read that some children might be afraid of this moment, unable to ept such big changes in themselves.


    So he wanted to tell her this was good, not bad.


    Zhou Xiaoshu was stunned and turned to ask: "You got your period too?"


    She suddenly felt overwhelmed with grief: "Why does everyone else get gifts for getting their period?"

 Chapter 234

    Xiao Ya paused for a moment and said softly, "I didn''t know before that there were so many asions when one could receive gifts."


    It was because of meeting Sheng Yuxiao that this became possible.


    The first time she received a "Santa us" gift was also from Sheng Yuxiao.


    After that, there were gifts for every kind of holiday, gifts for school advancement, gifts for exams, gifts for growing up...


    "Fine," Zhou Xiaoshu said sadly, "It''s all my mom''s fault for not giving me a brother."


    An Ying couldn''t help but interject, "Having a brother doesn''t necessarily mean it would be good."


    Zhou Xiaoshupletely gave up: "Fine, then my mom would need to give birth to someone like Young Master Sheng. That''s too difficult, let''s go."


    Both sides quickly said goodbye.


    An Ying turned to walk toward her family''s car.


    Zhou Xiaoshu called out to her: "Let''s go,e on."


    "Xiao Ya left..."


    "Yes, Xiao Ya left, so we won''t have spicy hot pot today. Let''s eat something not as delicious. We''ll save the good food for when she''s with us." Zhou Xiaoshu counted on her fingers.


    She said: "Let''s get takoyaki! I''m a big girl now, I can secretly be brave and eat things my parents don''t allow!"


    An Ying couldn''t help but smile: "Mm-hmm."


    Meanwhile, with Xiao Ya''s coordination, the three of them ended up sharing one car.


    Qin Sui frowned slightly. He hadn''t expected to prepare another gift...


    "Are foreign universities also four years?" Xiao Ya''s voice suddenly rang out, pulling Qin Sui back from his thoughts.


    "Yes," Sheng Yuxiao answered first.


    "Then you should have graduated already, why are you going back?" Xiao Ya asked again.


    This time Qin Sui answered first: "We still need toplete master''s and doctoral degrees."


    "How many more years of study is that?"


    "At the quickest, three to five years; at the slowest, five to eight years. I''ll probably take longer than Sheng Yuxiao." Qin Sui paused, then added: "Of course, not because I''m dumber than him."


    After saying this, Qin Sui felt it wasn''t enough and added: "My grades were better than his."


    Sheng Yuxiao interrupted with a dark face: "That was in the past."


    He immediately lowered his head and asked Xiao Ya: "Do you remember the diamond hairpin I bought youst year? I bought that with my full schrship money."


    Xiao Ya nodded: "I remember."


    Butst time Sheng Yuxiao told her it only cost eighteen yuan, so she could wear it without worrying about losing it.


    He had lied to her.


    That thing was very expensive!


    Xiao Ya frowned and pulled the topic back on track: "Is it because you''re studying different subjects?"


    "Smart... Sheng Yuxiao will inherit the Sheng Corporation in the future, his path is very clear." Qin Sui paused, then continued: "The Qin Corporation will be handed over to Qin Yue in the future."


    Qin Sui was very clear about himself.


    He didn''t look like someone who wouldmit crimes now, but that was only because he appeared more normal in front of Xiao Ya.


    When far away, it was hard to say.


    Qin Sui asked her: "What do you think about me bing a doctor?"


    "Do you like it?" Xiao Ya asked in return.


    "It''s okay."


    "Then what do you like?"


    "Nothing. It''s strange for a person to have no interests, right? How about you help me choose?" Qin Sui said in a t tone.


    Sheng Yuxiao coldly interjected: "Not a good idea. Qin Sui, don''t tie your life to someone else."


    "Xiao Ya isn''t just someone else."


    Sheng Yuxiao remained unmoved: "Saying such things is useless. Say these things in front of your family and see what they''ll think about Xiao Ya."


    Qin Sui lowered his gaze slightly and said: "This is why I don''t like humans. Everyone looks like an individual, yet they''re not really individuals."


    Xiao Ya sensed the atmosphere bing unpleasant and quickly said: "I don''t know what you''ll be suitable for in the future, but you''re already an amazing person now. If you find this boring... well, then go be a great person!"


    The gloom in Qin Sui''s eyes instantly dispersed, and he responded: "Okay."


    Xiao Ya immediately asked him: "When are you going back to continue your studies?"


    "I''m leaving tomorrow. Sheng Yuxiao probably around the same time?"


    "I''m dying for two days," Sheng Yuxiao said.


    "You must be very busy too." Qin Sui couldn''t understand where he found the time.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t respond to Qin Sui''sment, only saying to Xiao Ya: "I''ll wait until you... um, are done before leaving."


    Xiao Ya wanted to say she had already received her gifts and wasn''t afraid.


    But when the words reached her lips, she couldn''t bring herself to say them. She missed Sheng Yuxiao too.


    A phone ring suddenly broke the silence in the car.


    "It should be the confirmation call from the restaurant I booked," Qin Sui said, ncing at Sheng Yuxiao.


    Sheng Yuxiao sneered: "Didn''t book a spot for me, right?"


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t care at all, maintaining his arrogant expression: "Would that restaurant owner dare to turn me away?"


    Qin Sui: "..."


    Qin Sui answered the phone, but his expression changed after hearing the voice on the other end.


    "Alright, I understand." He hung up. "I need to leave now."


    "I owe you a meal," Qin Sui said to Xiao Ya.


    He now felt that he wascking in many wayspared to Sheng Yuxiao''s thoroughness. He was somewhat bothered by it.


    Xiao Ya looked at him in surprise: "You don''t owe me anything."


    It wasn''t about owing.


    It was just that Sheng Yuxiao did everything so well that the little one''s heart would always lean towards him.


    Xiao Ya continued: "We''ll have many more meals together in the future."


    Qin Sui paused momentarily, then smiled faintly: "Yes."


    Well. For the first time, he felt that having such a long life ahead might be a good thing.


    Sheng Yuxiao coolly corrected: "That''s right, we will have many meals together in the future."


    The two men exchanged nces. Both felt annoyed instantly.


    Since Qin Sui said he had to leave, he immediately hailed a cab to the airport.


    In the end, it was again Sheng Yuxiao who carried Xiao Ya home on his back.


    At one-thirty in the morning, Sheng Yuxiao woke Ning Heng up with a phone call.


    "Brother Sheng?" Ning Heng jolted awake and quickly reported to the phone: "I haven''t been messing around, I swear. They invited me to a party yesterday, but I didn''t go..."


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned: "Who''s talking about that?"


    Ning Heng immediatelyy back down peacefully: "Then what did you want to say? Go ahead."


    Sheng Yuxiao remained silent for a while, until Ning Heng wondered if he had fallen asleep.


    "Xiao Ya has grown up," Sheng Yuxiao said softly.


    "Ah! Brother Sheng, you went back to see Xiao Ya? Why didn''t you tell me?"


    Sheng Yuxiao ignored his questions and continued: "She won''t let me carry her anymore."


    Ning Heng was experienced in this matter: "That''s how it is when they grow up. My cousin was the same way. She was so cute when she was little, but now..."


    Sheng Yuxiao coldly interrupted: "Xiao Ya is still just as cute now."


    "Sorry, I misspoke... Anyway, when they grow up, well, they''re not as close anymore. Part of it is increased gender awareness, and part of it is puberty, you know. Their thoughts change, and they find people our age boring, they don''t want to deal with us at all."Aliali: 6748ba2dc4f3f33ac47d3f5c


    Sheng Yuxiao narrowed his eyes: "Am I boring?"


    "Brother Sheng, if you''re boring, then there''s no interesting person left in this world. You know so many things - rock climbing, racing, deep-sea diving..."


    Sheng Yuxiao felt relieved: "Then it''s fine."


    Then he hung up.


    Ning Heng: ?


    When Sheng Yuxiao said it was fine, it wasn''t really fine.


    Ning Heng''s words made him more directly aware that in the future, Xiao Ya might follow the same path as Ning Heng''s cousin, growing more distant from him as she grew older...


    After all, they weren''t rted by blood.


    But he had worked so hard to wrap her in flowers and candy, carefully holding her, watching her grow up bit by bit... if that day really came... Sheng Yuxiao closed his eyes tightly. He could already feel his chest tightening.


    The young Master Sheng, in his bad mood, decided to have a talk with the boy who was photographed talking to Xiao Ya.

 Chapter 235

    "Br-brother Zhang Ruoshui, I-I don''t have any thoughts like that at all!" The boy cried until his sses fogged up. "I just invited her to see the science exhibition. I''m the top student in our ss, and she''s the top student in hers. I thought since we both love studying, we could progress together..."


    Ning Heng wasn''t wrong.


    Even just standing there, Sheng Yuxiao''s privileged and sharp demeanor,bined with his adult male physique, was enough to easily make the boy cry.


    Sheng Yuxiao frowned.


    But once the crying started, it took all the fight out of the situation.


    Not even one punch thrown, and he''s already crying this hard.


    What else could he do?


    "Stop crying," Sheng Yuxiao said through gritted teeth, forcing out the words, "Going to the science exhibition is fine."


    The kid already said there was nothing else to it. If he actually punched him, what if no one wanted to be friends with Little Duck anymore?


    This was really damn annoying.


    Sheng Yuxiao turned and left without looking at the boy again.


    Another school day arrived.


    When Zhou Xiaoshu got to ss, a ssmate poked their head in saying, "Someone left you a gift, it''s in your desk."


    Zhou Xiaoshu nervously fidgeted with her hands, wondering if someone had a secret crush on her.


    She quickly pulled the gift out from her desk.


    "You also get a growing-up gift �� Little Duck"


    Zhou Xiaoshu instantly teared up again. Sure enough, only Little Duck loves me the most!


    Meanwhile, Little Duck returned to her own ssroom and gave An Ying a bag as she passed by her seat.


    "What''s this?" An Ying was startled.


    "A growing-up gift."


    An Ying was touched and surprised: "I... I..." Yesterday only Zhou Xiaoshu had cried with envy, she hadn''t said anything, but Little Duck had prepared something for her too!


    "I talked to my dad on the phonest night, he''s sending me gifts too. My uncle and grandfather are also buying me presents," Little Duck had her own logic, "They buy things for me, so I buy things for you."


    Little Duck doesn''tck love anymore.


    She now has love to share with others.


    "Mm." An Ying nodded firmly.


    Thank you, Little Duck, she said quietly in her heart.


    She really liked her.


    She wanted to be friends with her forever!


    Across the ocean.


    Wei Wenyi was attending a party with Wei Wenjun.


    When the waiter poured her a ss of red wine, Wei Wenyi stared at it for half a minute.


    Wei Wenjun was startled by her intense gaze, almost thinking her condition had returned, and quickly grabbed her hand asking, "What''s wrong?"


    Wei Wenyi looked up, her cold expression changing, with tears gathering in her eyes: "I remembered what I forgot - when I left, I forgot to teach Little Duck about menstruation."


    Wei Wenjun was dumbfounded. He really hadn''t thought about that!


    Wei Wenyi knocked her own head: "We were too careless!"


    She immediately felt homesick and quickly called Little Duck: "Don''t be scared, Auntie wille back to be with you."


    "You''re all making too big a deal of this, I''m really not scared at all," Little Duck''s tone even seemed a bit troubled, "Grandfather is being very careful, and Sheng Yuxiao won''t even let me walk. Auntie, are you going toe hover around me too? You have your own things to do, that''s not good."


    That finally convinced Wei Wenyi to stay.


    Though this did result in two more gifts.


    On Friday, the school organized volunteer work.


    Coincidentally, Little Duck''s period had also ended.


    Zhou Xiaoshu walked beside her, chattering away: "It''s so strange, why did we start and end at the same time? I''m supposed to be a bit older than you."


    Little Duck didn''t know, she could only shake her head.


    They hadn''t walked far when someone''s steps faltered nearby.


    Zhou Xiaoshu looked up and said: "I think those are ninth graders, why are they here for volunteer work too? That one... looks kind of familiar."


    Little Duck tilted her head and said: "Mu Bai."


    Zhou Xiaoshu jumped in surprise: "Oh wow, the one who used to always give you stuff... how did he suddenly get so big? He grew so much taller. And he''s so handsome now."


    The young man hadpletely shed his childish features from elementary school, growing tall and lean, with the air of a school heartthrob.


    Meanwhile, a junior was saying: "Mu-ge, aren''t you going to say hello?"


    Mu Bai: "...Later."


    After speaking, he stared at his junior. He should let him take a couple punches from Zhang Ruoshui, then he wouldn''t be so eager, and everyone would know Zhang Ruoshui''s true nature.


    The junior shuddered: "Mu-ge, what''s wrong?"


    "Nothing."


    For this volunteer activity, it was mainly two sses from seventh and ninth grade. They had different assignments - the ninth graders went to the neighboring orphanage, while the seventh graders went to the nursing home.


    So Little Duck only briefly crossed paths with Mu Bai''s group before they went their separate ways.


    Everyone stayed busy from one in the afternoon until dusk.


    "I''m so tired, Little Duck how are you not tired at all?" Zhou Xiaoshu mumbled quietly.


    "I''m used to it from when I was little." Little Duck turned on the faucet and washed her hands thoroughly.


    "You''re really amazing, you were everyone''s favorite among all the grandpas and grandmas today. I saw Grandma Cheng even sneaking cookies into your pocket..." Zhou Xiaoshu continued to marvel.


    But then some very low voices of discussion drew near.


    "These schools must be sick in the head, always organizing these activities just to make their resumes look pretty."


    "Yeah, once they leave, those old folks will justin that we''re not as good as those young ones. Hmph, they onlye once, how can theypare to us? We''ve been working here for years, who wouldn''t get tired?"


    "No worries, if those old folks dare toin, we''ll just let Brother Jin teach them a lesson. When they soil their beds and no one changes them, they quickly learn to behave."


    "Aren''t you afraid they''ll tell these student volunteers?"


    "The elderly sent here are either senile, sick, or have lost all their children... These kids are just strangers after all, just here toplete a task. They all have their own grandparents, how could they treat these people like real family? They wouldn''t darein either, in the end don''t they still rely on us for care?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu''s eyebrows shot up and she was about to rush out.


    Little Duck grabbed her wrist.


    Zhou Xiaoshu lowered her voice: "What they said... was too cruel."


    Little Duck remained calm: "No rush."


    Zhou Xiaoshu had to hold back: "Okay, I''ll listen to you."


    An Ying finally spoke up: "First we need to find out who this Brother Jin is."


    Little Duck turned to look at her, smiled at An Ying, then nodded: "Right."


    Zhou Xiaoshu felt a bit jealous and mumbled quietly: "Fine, you two are in sync again, I''m stupid, I don''t understand."


    Dinner was arranged at the nursing home, having hot pot.


    The courtyard was hung with string lights, and children''s nursery rhymes could be heard from next door.


    The elderly showed various expressions - confused, delighted, or bittersweet smiles.


    "Brother Jin, where should I put this?" someone called out.


    "In the storage!" a man answered hoarsely.


    Little Duck nced over - it was a man in his forties, less than 170cm tall, who smiled at everyone.


    Little Duck looked down at her own hands.


    Hmm, she could take him in a fight.


    But that alone wouldn''t be enough.


    Little Duck suddenly stood up and walked outside.


    "Little Duck, where are you going?" Zhou Xiaoshu called after her.


    Zhou Xiaoshu''s voice was so sharp that even Brother Jin turned to look.


    After sizing them up, Brother Jin walked to a corner. Two nursing home staff immediately came over to chat with him.


    Brother Jin lit a cigarette and said thoughtfully: "This batch is different..."


    "How so?"


    "Most of them are rich kids."


    "Even if they''re rich, what can we do? We can''t exactly kidnap them, can we?"


    Brother Jinughed and punched the person: "What nonsense are you talking about? How could we kidnap anyone? A gentleman gets wealthy through proper means. We''ll find a way to get these kids to do some charity work, donate some money."


    While they were chatting in the corner,


    Little Duck walked towards the neighboring orphanage.Aliali: 674bfe3ec4f3f33ac4aa03a5


    "Mu Bai!" she called out loudly.


    Mu Bai turned around in a daze.


    The small young girl stood under the dim lights, seeming to steal even the moonlight''s radiance.


    At this moment, the junior pushed Mu Bai: "Mu-ge, Mu-ge! She actually came to find you herself!"


    Mu Bai slowly stood up, his expression a bit stiff.


    This had never happened before...


    Probably nothing good.


    He walked towards Little Duck under everyone''s watchful eyes: "What..."


    Little Duck said seriously: "I need you."


    Mu Bai stammered: "N-need me for what? Why ask me? Can''t others help?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 236

    "Because among all these people, I only know you. Come with me, it''s something important that we need to discuss..."


    "Oh, okay." Mu Bai stumbled along, as if his whole being had sunk into a fog, following Xiao Ya in a daze.


    Mu Bai''s followers were left behind, dumbfounded.


    How did he just go along like that?


    Meanwhile, Zhou Xiaoshu was craning her neck, still waiting for Xiao Ya to return.


    Waiting and waiting... "Why is there an extra person?"


    "Sit." Xiao Ya pushed a stool toward Mu Bai.


    Mu Bai, unusually awkward, sat down. He instantly towered a head above the other seventh graders, standing out like a crane among chickens.


    "Who''s that?"


    "Looks like a ninth grader."


    "No wonder Zhang Ruoshui is so cold to us, so she..." The rest of the words became inaudible.


    Even without hearing the rest, Mu Bai''s feelings wereplicated.


    What? Was being warmly invited by Zhang Ruoshui supposed to be some kind of honor?


    In the past, Mu Bai had been the talk of the school because of his wealthy father.


    This time it was because of Zhang Ruoshui... it felt strange. Strange enough to make his heart beat a little faster.


    Xiao Ya got a bowl for Mu Bai and naturally moved closer while eating, whispering to him: "What''s your phone number?"


    Mu Bai pursed his lips ufortably: "What do you... want it for?"


    "So I can message you."


    Mu Bai''s heart skipped a beat.


    Could it be that after years of rumors about his crush, she actually believed it? Did she... like him too?


    Mu Bai slowly took out his phone: "This is..."


    They quickly exchanged contact information, even adding each other on social media.


    After doing all this, Xiao Ya lowered her voice even more and said: "The staff at this nursing home are abusing the elderly."


    Mu Bai''s brain instantly stopped working: "What?"


    "Can you use your status? Go find the director and demand to see the staff records."


    Mu Bai regained some sense: "You want to handle this?"


    At this age, young people are always full of passion, and with Zhang Ruoshui inviting him to join in, that feeling made him zone out for a moment again.


    "Just tell the director..."


    Mu Bai came back to his senses and asked: "Do we need a reason? We could just scare them and get it."


    "What if the director is actually in on it? If we alert them, they might destroy the evidence."


    Mu Bai looked away slightly: "Mm, I understand. Should I say I want to donate money?"


    Xiao Ya nodded: "Say that you see how hard the staff and elderly work here, and you want to donate to improve their environment. Moreover, there''s someone called Brother Jin who all the staff praise. You think such people deserve recognition. So, you''ll fund a voting event where the elderly can vote for the top three most responsible staff members. First ce will get 80,000 yuan, second ce 30,000 yuan, and third ce 10,000 yuan..."


    "I got it." Mu Bai immediately stood up.


    For some reason, sitting so close to Zhang Ruoshui now made him feel strange all over.


    At this moment, Brother Jin walked over, his face full of smiles: "Are you Zhang Ruoshui? Everyone says the elderly really liked you today."


    Xiao Ya suddenly grabbed Mu Bai''s clothes, pulling him back onto the stool.


    "I''ve heard about you too," Xiao Ya said brightly.


    Brother Jin''s eyes flickered. He was clearly wondering whether what Xiao Ya "heard" was good or bad.


    "They all say you''re very good," Xiao Ya looked up at him.


    Brother Jin''s smile immediately became warmer: "They''re too kind."


    At this point, Brother Jin''s tone changed as he heaved a heavy sigh: "As you can see, the conditions here are poor, and everyone has it tough. I never went to school, barely know how to read. Every time I want to tell reporters about the difficulties here, to get people to pay attention... I just can''t manage it."


    Xiao Ya hadn''t expected such a coincidence.


    "You want to make a donation?"


    "Yes, I had elderly rtives too, but unfortunately they passed away early. Whenever I see the old folks here having such a hard time, it hurts my heart... it''s like watching my own parents suffer. I just hope you youngdies might be able to help write some stories to post online..."


    "Why make it soplicated? Getting money is easy," Mu Bai spoke up, "I''ll donate to you."


    Brother Jin hadn''t expected it to be this easy; he thought he''d need to beat around the bush much longer.


    He quickly put on a touched and humbled expression: "That wouldn''t be right, that wouldn''t be right. How could kids like you have that much money?"


    Mu Bai walked toward the director''s office, saying: "You think I don''t have money?"


    Brother Jin thought to himself that kids really can''t handle provocation - this was going too smoothly!


    Xiao Ya then said to Brother Jin: "Don''t talk like that, you''ll make him angry. He''s very wealthy."


    Brother Jin awkwardly scratched the back of his head: "Yes, I misspoke."


    Just as Mu Bai reached the office, his phone rang.


    Xiao Ya had sent him a message: [The staff and director are working together. Be careful not to say the wrong thing]


    Mu Bai was stunned.


    How had she figured it out so quickly?


    He couldn''t help but look back; Brother Jin was no longer in front of Zhang Ruoshui, having gone to talk with others.


    So in their previous conversation, had some information been revealed?


    Whether Mu Bai wanted to admit it or not... she was indeed still as clever as she had been when they were younger.


    "Can I help you?" came the voice of a middle-aged woman ahead.


    Mu Bai looked up and saw the "Director" badge on her chest.


    "It''s like this, I n to donate to you..." Fortunately, Mu Bai had a good memory and repeated everything Xiao Ya had taught him without missing a detail.


    The director, knowing his identity, was overjoyed and quickly said: "Why don''t we hold this event tomorrow? We can make it more formal and take some photos!"


    It would make great promotional material for the inte!


    Mu Bai frowned: "I don''t have that much time. I have school."


    "Yes, yes." The director thought to herself that rich people really were temperamental, but what could you do when they had wealthy parents?


    Soon after, the director came out to announce the event, and even brought out 110,000 yuan in cash right there, stacking it up very conspicuously!


    That was what Mu Bai had just called someone to bring.


    "Wow!"


    "How generous, truly generous!"


    Now they had the donation! They could skim plenty off the top!


    And there was even an event! Prize money they could get right away!


    The staff members'' smiles were so wide their mouths might split.


    Only Brother Jin''s expression darkened.


    Voting?Aliali: 674b8cafc4f3f33ac4a3ef54


    Wouldn''t that mean voting in public?


    One prize of 80,000, one of 30,000, and one of 10,000, adding up to 120,000.


    So much money!


    Never mind the other staff members, even Brother Jin was tempted.


    He absolutely had to win first ce!


    At this moment, the staff members exchanged very subtle nces.


    Brother Jin caught the stirring ambition in their eyes.


    Damn!


    With money right in front of them, everyone was forgetting about brotherhood, weren''t they?


    Brother Jin smiled coldly. They couldn''t let things get out of hand! Otherwise, when it came to splitting money in the future, these people would all get ideas.

 Chapter 237

    Brother Jin lowered his head to send a message to the Dean.


    The Dean nced at his phone and looked up, saying, "No rush, let''s continue eating first. After dinner, our elderly residents still need to freshen up. Then we''ll proceed with the voting."


    Meanwhile, Xiao Ya continued eating while giving An Ying a few instructions.


    Zhou Xiaoshu protested, "Why are you only instructing An Ying and not me?"


    "You don''t need any."


    "Do you think I''m stupid?"


    "You just sit here and be our mascot."


    "What''s the use of being a mascot?"


    "You''re in charge of bringing good luck - it''s a very important responsibility."


    Zhou Xiaoshu immediately started fidgeting with the gold beads on her wrist, forgetting her jealousy.


    After dinner, the staff members wheeled the elderly residents back to their rooms to freshen up, mainly to clean up any soup or water stains left on them.


    Xiao Ya quietly followed after putting down her chopsticks.


    She saw a staff member bending over an elderly person''s neck.


    The elderly person''s trembling silhouette immediately caught Xiao Ya''s attention.


    Just then, Brother Jin suddenly appeared from the other end and yanked the staff member upright, "What are you doing?"


    The staff member gave an awkward smile, "Well, we''re worried these old folks won''t vote for us. We need to make sure beforehand."


    Brother Jin said coldly, "Are you crazy? If you leave marks, those people outside aren''t blind - they''ll notice."


    The staff member fell silent for a moment before speaking again with a slightly bitter tone, "It''s different for you, Brother Jin. They''re already most afraid of you, so they''ll definitely vote for you. They''re not as scared of us, though they hate us plenty. You''ll get the 80,000 bonus, while we get nothing. That doesn''t seem fair."


    Brother Jin pushed the elderly person into the room and closed the door.


    Then his expression darkened, "Weren''t you all personally trained by me when you came here?"


    "Yes," someone answered.


    "When Uncle Zhuang said he had antiques at home, didn''t I include all of you? I called you to join in selling the goods and share the money. Haven''t I treated you well enough?"


    No one spoke this time.


    "Just leave, don''t do anything stupid," Brother Jin said coldly. "If we''re discovered, we''re all finished."


    The staff members exchanged nces and left with their heads down.


    Xiao Ya finally spoke softly, "That''s because they can share the risks with you."


    Brother Jin''s expression changed dramatically, "Who''s there?"


    Xiao Ya jumped in through the window.


    Brother Jin quickly put on a smile, "Oh, it''s you, student. You..."


    "I heard everything and recorded it on video," Xiao Ya told him what he was most concerned about.


    Brother Jin didn''t even try to exin anymore.


    He charged straight at Xiao Ya.


    "Give me the phone." Though the man was short, his movements were agile. His expression darkened, a hint of viciousness appearing between his brows. "A young girl like you really shouldn''t be..."


    Thest word never left his mouth.


    Xiao Ya kicked off the wall, using the momentum to dodge the man''s hands. As shended, she grabbed Brother Jin''s hood strings and twisted them around his neck, then used her body weight to pull down.


    Brother Jin let out a muffled groan of pain and quickly turned sideways to escape the hood''s constraint.


    He pressed his throat, swaying slightly, then looked at Xiao Ya with shock.


    "Aren''t you from some fancy school? Since when do they teach kung fu?"


    "This isn''t kung fu," Xiao Ya shook her head.


    She didn''t even call for help!


    Brother Jin was even more surprised, then gritted his teeth, "I don''t care what it is..."


    He took a set of keys from his belt, pointing the sharpest one outward in his palm, and lunged at Xiao Ya.


    "I originally wanted to be honorable about getting money, but since you''re forcing my hand..." Brother Jin gave a coldugh, "Your family must be quite wealthy too, right? How about I use you as a hostage for a big ransom? What do you think?"


    As soon as Brother Jin finished speaking, Xiao Ya nimbly dodged him and raised her hand to p him.


    Brother Jinughed, "I thought you were quite capable earlier, but now you''re just resorting to pping... Ah!"


    Brother Jin''s mockery suddenly turned into a scream.


    The scream rmed people outside.


    "What happened?"


    "What''s going on?"


    Brother Jin tremblingly raised his hand to touch his face.


    A long bloody gash...


    Xiao Ya raised her hand again.


    This time, in the moonlight, Brother Jin finally saw what she was holding.


    A diamond hairpin.


    Brother Jin realized that capturing this girl was impossible... in fact, it seemed like... like she was using him for practice!


    No time to waste.


    Just grab someone else!


    Brother Jin turned and ran.


    Xiao Ya flew after him. Why was he running already?


    She hadn''t even used everything Ke Muning had taught her yet.


    When Brother Jin ran out, everyone was still confused.


    The Dean looked tense but managed to stay still.


    Just as Brother Jin was about to grab someone, Mu Bai suddenly moved to intercept. But he missed...


    Because Xiao Ya was faster.


    She chased from behind, jumped onto the table, and dove down, tackling Brother Jinpletely. He let out another scream...


    Everyone was stunned.


    Mu Bai''s breath caught.


    Zhang Ruoshui had be even more fierce at fighting!


    Xiao Ya frowned and turned back, "Didn''t I tell you..."


    To watch the Dean!


    Mu Bai suddenly remembered his oversight and whirled around.


    But by then Brother Jin had already shouted, "Run! Grab a student! Damn it, they''ve got it on video!"


    The Dean didn''t move, still hoping for the best.


    Brother Jin could only yell at the top of his lungs, "Hurry! Even if I get caught, I''ll rat you all out!"


    The Dean''s eye twitched, and she suddenly ran forward, targeting the most unassuming and frail-looking An Ying. But before she could act, someone rushed over and punched her in the face.


    The punch was so powerful that you could almost hear bones cracking.


    Surprisingly, the Dean managed to stay standing, though she howled in pain and stumbled back a few steps before reaching for another student.


    But the neer quickly grabbed her arm, pulled, and twisted it.


    "Crack."


    She was kicked to the ground.


    The attacker delivered a heavy kick to her head, leaving her unable to even crawl.


    "Young Master Sheng," An Ying stared at the tall, sharp figure in a daze. "When did you arrive?"


    With Xiao Ya and Sheng Yuxiao setting the example.


    The other students got excited, "An Ying, is this what you meant when you said something would happen in the group chat?"


    "Let''s go! Get them!"


    Though they didn''t know what was happening, they were sure they were catching bad guys!


    An Ying: "..."


    I clearly told you all to evacuate immediately if anything happened!


    By now, people from the neighboring orphanage had heard themotion and came over.


    Once they heard about catching people, they all rushed in en masse, too many for the teachers to hold back.


    When the police cars arrived, they were dumbfounded, taking quite a while to extract the intact criminals from the sea of people.


    The students were still excited, "Damn, did we just catch some criminals?"


    "This activity was so freaking interesting!"


    "Will we be on the news?"


    Brother Jin was held up by the police, closed his eyes, and gritted out through clenched teeth, his voice hoarse, "If I''d known you kids were watching us, damn it! You would''ve been in for it!"


    The police officer looked at him coldly, "Who exactly would be in for it? Who caught you? You nearly died at someone''s hands!"


    Brother Jin looked at Xiao Ya.


    A young man stood beside the girl, looking at him with ice-cold eyes, as if looking at a dead man.


    The police officer followed his gaze, assuming it was Sheng Yuxiao, "This young man''s got a brutal hand."


    Brother Jin raised his head then, catching his reflection in the ss window. Besides being covered in blood, there was a long gash extending from his left ear, down his jaw, and up to his right ear.


    If that girl had been holding a knife instead.


    His entire jaw would have been sliced through, his face would have been peeled off.


    Brother Jin''s lips trembled, "It wasn''t him, it was that little girl."


    "Huh?" The police officer was shocked.


    It took several seconds to process before he remarked, "That little girl''s got quite a wild style, every move aimed to kill."


    Was Ke Muning teaching killing techniques?


    Xiao Ya tilted her head.


    Then said innocently, "I was kidnapped before, so my family was worried it might happen again and taught me a little self-defense."


    The police officer smiled, "You should apply to the Police Academy when you grow up, young student. You''re quite brave."


    By then, the other staff members had also been caught.


    Other police officers had even searched the entire nursing home.


    After finishing the search, one police officer asked his colleague with a grim face, "Guess what we found?"


    His colleague asked, "What?"


    The police officer said with a grim expression, "Homemade firearms and explosives. They probably have other cases on their record."


    "Holy crap!" The other colleagues'' expressions changed dramatically.


    The previously excited students now showed looks of terror.


    Mu Bai muttered, "Good thing we didn''t call the police directly..."


    If police cars had shown up and alerted them, they could have gone back for their guns immediately.


    Mu Bai looked at Xiao Ya: "It''s fortunate you made the first move."


    The young girl, appearing harmless, had caught thempletely off guard.


    After hearing the whole story from Mu Bai, the police officer was also impressed: "Young student, you''re not only brave but also very wise!"


    Themotion quickly caught the attention of the parents.


    With Old Mr. Zhang''s arrival, the ce becamepletely crowded. Many reporters were called up in the middle of the night toe for interviews.


    Mu Rongfeng also arrived.Aliali: 674c2f66c4f3f33ac47d2


    He called his son into the car.


    "Why do you keep staring at Zhang Ruoshui?" Mu Rongfeng asked irritably, "What? Still ying the role of her protector?"


    Mu Bai moved his lips and recounted the entire incident, saying, "I didn''t need to y that role. I didn''t do well today... Zhang Ruoshui handled it excellently."


    Mu Rongfeng snorted, "A few years ago, I would have scolded you. But now, never mind. Facts prove that this youngdy is indeed extraordinary. She''s won the favor of several wealthy families, her grandfather is the Zhang family patriarch, and she even did a great service for her maternal grandfather''s family a few years ago. Now she''s established herself domestically and doesn''t need to worry about scrutiny over her overseas assets anymore."


    "Now she''s fully demonstrated the spirit of a martyr''s descendant by catching these criminals. She showed both courage and wisdom, remaining calm in the face of danger."


    "That''s not something ordinary people her age could aplish."


    At this point, Mu Rongfeng suddenly paused and looked at his son intently.


    Mu Bai felt uneasy under his father''s gaze: "W-what is it?"


    Mu Rongfeng smiled, saying with evident interest, "People often say a woman''s life is made by marrying a good husband. But sometimes, a man''s life can be made by marrying a good wife too."


    Mu Bai: ?

 Chapter 238

    Mu Rongfeng didn''t notice Mu Bai''s shocked, speechless expression.


    He got out of the car with his son, made his way through the crowd, first greeted Old Mr. Zhang, and then asked, "Where''s Miss Zhang?"


    "She went to see someone off," Old Mr. Zhang replied, then continued discussing the case with the police.


    "See someone off?" Mu Rongfeng was stunned, thinking to himself that at a time like this, how could that young girl still have time to see someone off?


    After getting in the car and fastening her seatbelt, Xiao Ya asked, "Sheng Yuxiao, weren''t you supposed to take the morning flight? Why did you change it to evening?"


    Sheng Yuxiao nced back in Mu Bai''s direction, then said quietly, "After thinking about it, the evening flight seemed more appropriate. I can sleep on the ne and arrive refreshed, so I changed the ticket."


    "Is that so?"


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t answer this question.


    He just said in a slightly cool tone, "Good thing I came." Then he immediately lowered his head and asked, "For such a dangerous task, why did you choose that fool Mu Bai?"


    "He''s not that foolish."


    "You''re still defending him?"


    "I borrowed his help, so it wouldn''t be right to speak ill of him behind his back."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s tone finally normalized: "Why didn''t you call us? Even your uncle would have been fine."


    "You''re all adults, your presence would have been too intimidating, and the event was almost over. If we dyed too long, they would have gotten suspicious."


    Sheng Yuxiao fell silent.


    They were still too far removed from her life.


    And as she said, they were adults now.


    In many moments toe, she wouldn''t need them anymore.


    There would be more people her age, like Zhou Xiaoshu and An Ying, who woulde into her life, be her friends, and upy parts of her world.


    And there would be slightly older ones, like Mu Bai.


    Sheng Yuxiao had no doubt that Xiao Ya would have plenty of friends.


    She was so likeable.


    Anyone who didn''t like Xiao Ya mustck taste!


    "Sheng Yuxiao, are you unhappy?" Xiao Ya looked up at him.


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his eyes, his gaze meeting hers directly, but still said nothing.


    Xiao Ya said softly, "I can protect myself now. I''ve grown up, you don''t need to worry."


    "Yes, you''ve grown up." Sheng Yuxiao patted her head and told the driver, "Let''s go."


    Xiao Ya felt confused.


    She could sense that Sheng Yuxiao still wasn''t happy.


    But why?


    Even after Sheng Yuxiao boarded his flight, Xiao Ya still couldn''t figure out the answer to this question.


    The next day, the nursing home incident made the news.


    Mu Rongfeng seized the opportunity to make a donation to the nursing home on behalf of hispany and specially invited New Domain Medical doctors to conductprehensive health examinations for the elderly.


    Mu Bai and Xiao Ya became trending topics, sparking nationwide discussions about nursing homes, and the Mu family''spany benefited from the positive publicity.


    [The elderly were really suffering, thank goodness someone rescued them from that hell]


    [My opinion of Universal Connection has improved, they''re quite proactive in charity work]


    [+1, I heard the chairman''s son also helped a lot at the scene. Such a brave act, well done!]


    [Young people are really fearless, did anyone see the police report? That guy surnamed Jin had four murder cases on his record. Yet none of these students showed any fear.]


    [What? Four murder cases?]


    [Yes, Jin used to be a middle school teacher. After umting huge gambling debts, instead of paying them back, he killed his family members and fled. Then he pretended to be an illiterate viger, imed he lost his ID, and got a job at the nursing home.]


    [How did he get hired?]


    [He was good at pretending, and the directorter became his aplice. They say the director had a sadistic streak. Her parents died early, and when her grandmother became bedridden, she took care of her for a few years before getting fed up and killing her. She developed a taste for it and found new targets. Those two were birds of a feather, of course they covered for each other.]


    [Oh my god, even the director was evil, that was really dangerous! I''m suddenly curious how these students managed to subdue them...]


    Mu Bai read through the online discussions repeatedly.


    He had to admit, being a hero felt pretty good.


    Looking back at his elementary school bully days now, Mu Bai wanted to go back in time and p himself.


    More and moreizens were asking questions.


    [How did they subdue them?]


    [+1, curious how they managed it]


    Mu Bai scanned through the numerous questions and started typing, while his mind wandered back to Zhang Ruoshui''s appearance at that time... making his feelings even moreplicated.


    But while he was lost in thought, someone else had already provided an answer.


    [There''s footage from the scene online, you can search for it. A seventh-grade girl subdued them. Apparently, she nned and mainly executed the whole thing. The police confirmed she was both brave and clever, and she''s a top student too]


    [? Girls are this fierce nowadays?]


    [After watching the footage, she looks familiar, isn''t she the little girl from that reality show a few years ago?]


    [Did some more research, the girl''s name is Zhang Ruoshui]


    [That name sounds familiar too!]


    [Oh wow! Isn''t she the long-lost granddaughter of the Zhang family who made headlines recently? From a martyr''s family!]


    [I looked it up too, before being recognized by her family, she was called Xiao Ya, and she was indeed that little girl from ''Exchange Lives'']


    [Ah, she was the first inte daughter I ever followed! She hasn''t changed! After all these years, she''s still just as outstanding!]


    As the discussion continued,izens went to watch the scene footage, and after being amazed by the young girl''s strength and skillful handling of the situation, they weren''t satisfied and went to dig up the first season of "Exchange Lives."


    Even the director was shocked: "Damn, Li Xiao Ya, I mean, Zhang Ruoshui, am I going to be living off this show forever? How many times has it been rewatched by everyone now? How is the viewership still increasing?"


    The second season of "Exchange Lives" wasn''t nearly as popr as the first, and after two more seasons, it waspletely cancelled.


    Now the director was sitting on the sidelines of another variety show.


    The director''s assistant couldn''t help saying, "We should really thank Miss Zhang."


    As long as the young girl was alive, they might trend again, right? Then they could use the viewing numbers to attract new investment! In any case... thank you, Miss Zhang!


    The news spread widely, even her second uncle, aunt, Dou Dawei, and others... all called to ask about the situation.


    And amid all this discussion and attention, Xiao Ya still went to school as usual with her backpack, unwavering as ever.


    Her ssmates couldn''t help but say, "Awesome!"


    The end-of-school bell rang.


    Xiao Ya walked out with An Ying.


    There were more furtive nces and whispers around them.


    But An Ying noticed: "Seems like fewer people are passing you notes."


    Xiao Ya responded with an "Oh," showing little interest.


    An Ying looked up at someone in the distance: "Mu Bai, is he here for you?"


    Xiao Ya still showed little interest, saying, "Don''t know."


    Just then, Xiao Ya''s phone rang.


    She took it out, answered smoothly, and said to the caller: "Yes, that was me in the news, I''mpletely fine, I''m safe, don''t worry."


    "News?" Qin Sui''s voice came through, he paused, his tone unusually deep and hoarse, "What happened back home?"


    Xiao Ya realized and said: "Nothing much." Then she quickly asked: "Qin Sui, did something happen there?" After thinking for a moment, she added: "Is it rted to that phone call the other day?"


    "Yes, Xiao Ya, I need your help with something."


    "Do I need to fly overseas?"


    "Yes." Qin Sui sounded somewhat helpless, "You need to leave immediately, I''ll arrange the flight... if it''s convenient for you."


    Xiao Ya didn''t hesitate: "It is."


    Qin Sui was speechless for a moment, finding himself at a loss for words.


    Xiao Ya said softly, "When my uncle and I were stopped outside the banquet, you didn''t hesitate either."


    Qin Sui thought to himself, but that was because you walked towards me first, which led to my concession.Aliali: 674844a1c4f3f33ac4766773


    But the little one seemed to remember others'' kindness more, while forgetting that when others extended their hands, there were usually conditions attached.


    Before Qin Sui could finish his call, another call came through to Xiao Ya''s phone.


    Since Qin Sui''s message wasn''t suitable for phone discussion anyway, he quickly ended the call.


    Xiao Ya answered the other call: "Ke Muning?"


    "ying hero, are you?" Ke Muning''s tone was cold, "While I''m here taking care of business, you''re over there doing good deeds?"


    Xiao Ya was already used to his way of speaking, and replied without any ripple in her heart, "Mm, let''s earn some good karma for Ke Muning."


    Ke Muning: "..."


    "Not even pretending to be the bad guy anymore?" the man asked on the other end.


    "Being a bad guy is easy. Next time we meet, I''ll just put on another wig, and Ke Muning, you can try guessing who I am again."


    "..." That was pretty wicked indeed.

 Chapter 239

    Xiao Ya took two days off, packed her homework, and arrived in Das on a private jet.


    Just as Ke Muning walked out of the shootingpetition venue, he received a call from Xiao Ya.


    "Ke Muning, I''m waiting for you outside."


    The young girl hung up right after speaking.


    For a moment, Ke Muning thought he was hearing things.


    "Did I just receive a call?"


    "Yes, you did receive a call," his subordinate answered, then asked, "Is there trouble in Yemen again?"


    Ke Muning remained silent and looked toward the entrance.


    At this nce��


    "Why are there so many people?" Ke Muning''s face darkened.


    The subordinate immediately turned to contact the agent at the za outside.


    The response was: "A coffee brand is doing a promotion."


    "Tell them to clear everyone out," Ke Muning said coldly.


    But just as he finished speaking, the phone rang again.


    "Ke Muning, haven''t you seen me yet?" Xiao Ya asked on the other end.


    Ke Muning gritted his teeth.


    The little one was bing increasingly difficult to deal with.


    "Ke Muning, I''m sitting while waiting for you," Xiao Ya added.


    Clearly, this was a deliberate hint given as a filtering condition!


    Xiao Ya hung up again.


    Ke Muning gripped his phone tightly and looked up to scan the za again, where about thirty people were sitting under sun umbres.


    He eliminated about twenty based on body type differences.


    About seven or eight remained.


    There were those with blonde hair, ck hair, red hair...


    And some wearing baseball caps and straw hats.


    Without hesitation, Ke Muning walked into the crowd.


    Being tall and apanied by several intimidating subordinates, people immediately made way for him as he entered the crowd.


    At this moment, Ke Muning''s phone rang again.


    "Ke Muning, if you''re nning to walk up to each person and check them one by one, that''s cheating," Xiao Ya reminded him on the other end.


    Ke Muning: "..."


    Very well, she was being quite mischievous.


    He had indeed thought that since there were only a few people left after filtering, why not just check each one?


    Ke Muning could only stop in his tracks and ask the person on the phone: "Is this a test?"


    While asking, he continued to observe those who were sitting, trying to spot who was using a phone... but three people were on calls.


    He looked back and forth among those three people, then his gaze suddenly shifted to someone''s feet.


    That person was sitting with their back turned, wearing a baseball cap, oversized T-shirt, and cargo pants. They looked more like a boy than a girl.


    But "he" had a backpack beside his feet.


    "Sir?" A subordinate noticed that his boss seemed frozen.


    Ke Muning slowly came to his senses and asked, "It should be ss time right now, shouldn''t it?"


    The subordinate was a bit confused: "I suppose so? It''s been many years since I was in school..."


    Ke Muning finally walked toward that figure: "Demon?"


    "Congrattions, you guessed right." Xiao Ya turned around.


    Even when they didn''t meet in person, they would video call. Ke Muning lowered his eyes; it was indeed the most familiar face.


    "The phone hasn''t been hung up, where''s your phone?" Ke Muning asked.


    Xiao Ya patted her pants pocket, then pointed to her ear.


    Ke Muning took off her baseball cap and tucked her hair behind her ear, finally revealing the bluetooth earpiece underneath.


    Ke Muning snorted: "No wig."


    Xiao Ya looked up with a smile: "I tricked you, I''m quite naughty, aren''t I?"


    Ke Muning: "..."


    Xiao Ya bent down to pick up her backpack and handed it over, saying, "But I also gave Ke Muning a little hint."


    Ke Muning instinctively took it, then heard Xiao Ya say: "I''m going now, I''ll have dinner with Ke Muning when I get back."


    Such a familiar routine.


    Ke Muning''s eye twitched as he unzipped the backpack: "Inside this..."


    "There are four sets of test papers."


    "..."


    Xiao Ya stood up from her chair and even offered Ke Muning a cup of coffee.


    Ke Muning didn''t take it, instead grabbing her cor: "Going to Princeton again this time?"


    Xiao Ya shook her head: "No, I''m going to Anta."


    "Take two people with you," Ke Muning said.


    Xiao Ya nodded: "Okay."


    She agreed so readily that Ke Muning couldn''t say anything more.


    He had made simr requests before, but they were all refused.


    Back then, most of the bodyguards apanying Xiao Ya were borrowed from Wei Wenjun. Perhaps the little one was worried about conflicts between the two sides.


    "Hmm, him, and him," Xiao Ya picked two from Ke Muning''s subordinates herself.


    She was quite at ease.


    But Ke Muning was happy about her being sofortable.


    Ke Muning left with Xiao Ya''s backpack, while Xiao Ya departed with her new bodyguards.


    Only after getting in the car did Ke Muning call his subordinate: "See what she''s up to."


    He still didn''t know who the little one had met in Princeton.


    The protection was too good, making Ke Muning a bit jealous.


    *


    Qin Sui didn''t study in Anta, but in Cambridge County.


    Why arrange to meet in Anta?


    As soon as Xiao Ya got out of the car, she saw Qin Sui waiting there.


    His expression was even more gloomy and dark than when Xiao Ya first met him as a child.


    Xiao Ya walked toward him as he approached her.


    Stopping in her tracks, Xiao Ya asked quietly: "Did something happen to Qin Yue?"


    She couldn''t think of any other possibility.


    Qin Sui finally smiled, though the gloom hadn''t left his eyes: "You''re very clever."


    "Qin Yue broke her leg, and I found many self-inflicted wounds on her body. But no matter how I ask, I can''t get any answers."


    Xiao Ya was stunned: "What can I do?"


    Qin Sui continued: "She won''t listen to anyone, including me and the psychologist. When she was in elementary school back home, she had many friends, but now she doesn''t have a single friend who canfort her."


    Xiao Ya thought for a moment and said objectively: "But I can''t be her friend."


    Friendship requires the right timing, people, and circumstances.


    It''s not something you can have just because you want it.


    "You''re at least a girl close to her age..."


    "I''ll try." Xiao Ya didn''t want to disappoint Qin Sui, but she couldn''t lie about things she couldn''t guarantee.Aliali: 674932e7c4f3f33ac4838e86


    Qin Sui then led Xiao Ya to a high-end private hospital.


    Almost the entire floor of the hospital was empty, with only one room lit.


    Qin Sui pushed open the door and went in first, immediately met by a girl''s hoarse voice: "I said I''m fine, I''m fine! I want to leave here, I want to go back to school! Qin Sui! What kind of brother are you!"


    Qin Sui''s expression remained unchanged as he stepped aside to reveal Xiao Ya.


    Qin Yue looked at Xiao Ya: "You''re that..."


    Qin Sui finished the sentence: "Grandpa Zhang''s granddaughter."


    Perhaps it was the words "Grandpa Zhang" that had an effect, as Qin Yue''s expression instantly softened a bit.


    Looking at her, Xiao Ya found it hard to connect her with the image of the girl holding flowers at the birthday party before.


    After graduating from elementary school, Qin Yue had gone abroad, and they hadn''t seen each other for a long time. She had grown much taller, but also be much thinner, with slightly sunken cheeks, dark circles under her eyes, a paleplexion, and a neck that looked as if it might break at any moment.


    She no longer carried that overwhelming arrogance.

 Chapter 240

    "Why did you bring her here?" Qin Yue frowned, barely restraining herself from saying "Did you bring someone else to see how miserable I am?"


    Qin Sui''s lips moved, but before he could speak.


    Xiao Ya spoke first: "I''m transferring to study here. I don''t know anyone, so Qin Sui brought me to meet you."


    Qin Yue''s expression softened: "Oh, I see. But I don''t have time to help you adjust to life here. You should hire a studypanion."


    Xiao Ya nodded: "Alright."


    Qin Sui felt helpless but didn''t want to upset Qin Yue further. He had no choice but to take Xiao Ya out.


    "It''s troublesome, isn''t it? Rest for a night, and I''ll send you back tomorrow," Qin Sui said.


    Xiao Ya looked up at him: "Can you arrange a temporary two-day enrollment for me?"


    Qin Sui paused, the light returning to his eyes.


    He said: "Of course I can. Then what? What''s your n?"


    This clever child with her delicate mind might be their only hope in this desperate situation.


    "Let Qin Yue return to school. I''ll experience her life there, and then I''ll understand the reason."


    Xiao Ya thought for a moment and said: "Let''s be optimistic, maybe it''ll be resolved in three or four days."


    She couldn''t take too much time off in Hua Country, although academic concerns weren''t a major issue anymore.


    Qin Sui nodded, increasingly convinced that bringing Xiao Ya here was the right decision.


    He then went back to inform Qin Yue that she could return to school.


    Qin Yue''s mood immediately improved dramatically; even with her cast and wheelchair, she wanted to leave right away.


    "She doesn''t live at school but in an apartment. Should I arrange an apartment for you too?" Qin Sui asked.


    But as soon as he said it, Qin Sui rejected his own idea: "No, she''ll be suspicious."


    Xiao Ya asked: "Is that apartment building close to school?"


    "It''s the closest one." After all, the Qin family wasn''t short on money, and they''d do whatever was convenient for Qin Yue.


    "Then wouldn''t it be normal for me to live in the apartment closest to school too?"


    "Well... yes." Qin Sui finally showed a hint of anxiety clouding his judgment.


    Xiao Ya''s English was now very good, so attending sses at this school wouldn''t be too difficult for her.


    But to experience Qin Yue''s life...


    Should she try to match Qin Yue''s personality?


    Should she act more arrogant?


    But that would be difficult for someone who had never been arrogant before.


    Remembering how others described Sheng Yuxiao, Xiao Ya decided to revisit "Life Exchange" to get a sense of Sheng Yuxiao''s character.


    She sat in the apartment building, apanied by two of Ke Muning''s subordinates, and watched it again.


    Hmm.


    Xiao Ya wrinkled her nose.


    Still no clue.


    She thought Sheng Yuxiao had a great temperament! Neither imperious nor overbearing.


    "This... sir watches often too," one of the subordinates spoke up.


    This subordinate was from Nacherjo, and his English wasn''t very good, stumbling with a rolled ent.


    Xiao Ya turned her head, surprised: "Ke Muning watches it too?"


    "Yes," the subordinate nodded, "Many times."


    And it wasn''t just Ke Muning.


    Actually, Old Mr. Zhang, Wei Wenjun, Wei Wenyi... they all watched it repeatedly.


    But Xiao Ya didn''t know this.


    She was just curious: "Why watch it repeatedly?"


    The subordinate couldn''t answer.


    The other subordinate thought for a moment and said: "Because, cannot, always meet, right?"


    Xiao Ya sighed quietly.


    If only she could split herself into several parts, then she could give a piece of herself to each of them.


    Xiao Ya turned off the TV projection and got up to wash her face and brush her teeth, ready for school the next day.


    She didn''t know how to be arrogant, so she decided to bring her new bodyguards �C at least that would make her look a bit more imposing.


    Qin Yue attended an elite school abroad.


    Asian faces were rtively rare here, and Xiao Ya attracted countless stares as soon as she arrived.


    "Is your father the richest man in Hua Country?" a ssmate asked curiously.


    It seemed not much different from the elite private schools back home.


    Everyone''s first question was always about who your father was.


    Then an Irish student came over and asked even more: "Are your grandparents nobility in Hua Country?"


    Xiao Ya: ?


    Hua Country''s nobility had long ceased to exist.


    But from his question, Xiao Ya deduced that his country probably still had "nobility," and they greatly valued such status.


    So she couldn''t tell the truth.


    But she wasn''t good at lying either.


    So...


    Xiao Ya said rather awkwardly: "None of your business."


    The student was taken aback.


    Other ssmates leaned in and said: "Hey new student, do you know who his parents are?"


    Xiao Ya paused for a moment, then replied: "The Prime Minister and the Queen?"


    "Uh, no."


    "Then it''s none of my business," Xiao Ya said, growing morefortable with the attitude.


    These remarks shocked the entire ssroom.


    After two sses, Qin Yue had already heard about her "notorious" reputation.


    During break, someone approached Qin Yue and asked: "Do you know that new student? She''s from Hua Country too."


    Qin Yue avoided their gaze: "Yes, I know her."


    The person warmly put an arm around her: "Then bring her to hang out with us. With you, her, and Gui Wenxin, we must have lots inmon. Our circle will be even stronger..."


    Qin Yue reluctantly nodded.


    The person bent down to touch her cast: "I heard a car hit you and you fell into a ditch, that''s how you broke your leg... Be more careful next time."


    Qin Yue''s lips tightened.


    The person smiled: "Why that expression? You don''t think I had someone do that, do you? I only do that to others, how could I do that to you? You''re different from them."


    Qin Yue squeezed out: "Yes, I know it wasn''t you."


    "Tell your brother to leave soon. We''ll take good care of you," the person added.


    Qin Yue nodded slightly.


    At noon, Qin Yue wheeled over to find Xiao Ya.


    "Hey, didn''t you need my help adjusting here? Let me introduce you to some friends first."


    Xiao Ya nodded and arranged a time and ce with Qin Yue.


    After Qin Yue left, she immediately called Qin Sui.


    The first call didn''t go through.


    It took five minutes before he answered.


    "I was just talking to Qin Yue. She''s urging me to leave. How are things? Anything unusual at school?" Qin Sui asked.


    "Qin Yue wants to introduce me to some friends."Aliali: 674b3534c4f3f33ac49f1778


    "She changed her attitude so quickly?" Qin Sui was surprised. Although he knew Xiao Ya was clever and perceptive, and might be able to break through the situation, he hadn''t expected it so soon...


    Xiao Ya thought to herself, maybe it''s because I''m acting too arrogant?


    Qin Sui continued: "No one visited her in the hospital either, so..."


    "The problem lies with these friends," Xiao Ya interjected. "You should leave Anta."


    "Hmm?" Qin Sui paused, "You think the urging for me to leave isn''t her own wish, but her ''friends'''' intention."


    "Yes."


    "But you alone..."


    "I''m not alone, I''m three people, and I can call in more people anytime."


    Qin Sui suddenly remembered, yes, that''s right, she was the Gui family''s treasure.


    Here, it would be all too easy for the Gui family to mobilize people.

 Chapter 241

    Nevertheless, Qin Sui still reminded Xiao Ya about some details: "As a parent, I investigated at the school, but neither teachers nor students provided any feedback. This indicates they''re forming cliques, and the situation is quite serious."


    "Whenever people form cliques, they create a certain organization, and once that happens, individual will gets suppressed and reced by group mentality. When this leads to collective dissatisfaction and rebellion... it bes dangerous."


    "Hmm..." Xiao Ya responded thoughtfully.


    After ending the call, Qin Sui left Anta as Xiao Ya had suggested.


    This move indeed made Qin Yue feel more rxed.


    At three in the afternoon, school let out, and despite having specified the location, Qin Yue still came to find Xiao Ya in her wheelchair.


    "I''ll take you there," Qin Yue said, as if worried Xiao Ya might not go at thest minute.


    Xiao Ya nodded and voluntarily started pushing Qin Yue''s wheelchair.


    Qin Yue''s lips quivered with embarrassment, but she managed to hold back her reaction.


    Xiao Ya pushed her all the way to the car.


    Two bodyguards followed them throughout.


    Qin Yue frowned and asked, "Are you bringing them along?"


    Xiao Ya nodded: "They''re assigned by my family, I have to bring them."


    Qin Yue wanted to say something but remembered how she had ditched her own bodyguards before... and finally swallowed her words.


    Even if she hadn''t ditched them then... well, it probably wouldn''t have made a difference. She still would have fallen for the trap.


    At this moment, one of the bodyguards opened the car door and said, "Miss, please."


    Qin Yue nced at it and interjected, "I''m not riding in your car."


    Xiao Ya enthusiastically promoted, "My car is veryfortable to ride in."


    The bodyguards didn''t care who Qin Yue was; her words meant nothing to them.


    They only listened to Ke Muning, and because of his orders, they now only followed the young miss''s instructions.


    "Get in?" the bodyguard asked.


    Xiao Ya nodded.


    The bodyguard was about to lift Qin Yue''s wheelchair.


    However, Xiao Ya remembered her second uncle''s aversion to broken legs.


    Although Qin Yue''s condition was temporary, the feeling of helplessness and being at others'' mercy when unable to walk must be simr.


    Xiao Ya pushed away the bodyguard''s hands, then bent down, exerted some strength, and picked up Qin Yue in a princess carry.


    Qin Yue''s extremely displeased expression instantly turned to shock.


    "What are you doing?" Qin Yue''s voice went up an octave.


    The bodyguards were actually startled too, thinking to themselves that the young miss was surprisingly strong.


    "Carrying you into the car," Xiao Ya said while cing her on the seat and fastening her seatbelt.


    Qin Yue never expected Xiao Ya would do this, or that she would be so strong...


    "I don''t need this," Qin Yue forced out stiffly.


    "You''re a girl, it''s better if I carry you," Xiao Ya ignored her attitude and continued, "You''re so nice to take me to meet new friends, I should be nice to you too."


    Qin Yue''s expression flickered through several changes before she suddenly said in a muffled voice, "Let''s not go today, I''m not feeling well. Another time."


    Xiao Ya turned to look at her: "Then what will I do without any friends?"


    Qin Yue seemed to struggle internally, her lips quivering twice, but still couldn''t bring herself to say "consider me your friend."


    "What''s the rush?" Qin Yue said.


    Xiao Ya nodded: "Yes, I am in a rush. Without anyone to talk to or y with, I''ll get homesick and cry."


    "..."


    Qin Yue didn''t have a strong impression of Xiao Ya, only remembering that when her brother Qin Sui went on that show, he was very nice to this person, even invited her to his birthday party, and there were jokes at school about Qin Sui bing someone else''s brother.


    That had made Qin Yue quite unhappy at the time.


    She didn''t understand theplexities of Xiao Ya''s family situation either, only hearing briefly from her parents that Grandfather Zhang had reimed his biological granddaughter.


    She had no idea that Xiao Ya also had family abroad, and quite a lot of them at that.


    Hearing Xiao Ya''s words now, she was just shocked.


    Who talks about being homesick and crying so openly? She wasn''t a little kid anymore, but a teenager!


    "Let''s go," Xiao Ya instructed the bodyguard and gave him the address.


    If only I hadn''t given the address... Qin Yue thought, but it was toote now, so she could only sit there with a sullen expression.


    But Xiao Ya still asked with concern: "Where are you feeling unwell? Should we buy some medicine on the way?"


    "No need," Qin Yue''s tone remained stiff.


    But she couldn''t help wondering if this was how Xiao Ya had won over her brother.


    She could never figure out her brother, but Zhang Ruoshui seemed to get along with him so well...


    Oh wait!


    Qin Yue suddenly remembered that TV show - her mother loved it, so she had watched the episodes with her brother in them.


    Back then, Zhang Ruoshui was still called Li Xiaoya.


    She had been very cold to Qin Sui on the show, wouldn''t even bring him food, andizens had joked about the different treatment.


    Come to think of it...


    The treatment Zhang Ruoshui was giving her now was something even her brother hadn''t received back then.


    All sorts of thoughts raced through Qin Yue''s mind, but her anxiety and tension had eased somewhat.


    "We''re here," the bodyguard announced.


    Xiao Ya opened the car door and got out first, looking up to see it was a bar.


    Xiao Ya froze for a moment, her eyes widening slightly.


    This was a ce she had never been to before!


    It seemed like this kind of ce wasn''t very appropriate...


    Qin Yue''s voice came from behind: "Scared to go in? Then let''s go back."


    Xiao Ya shook her head, signaled the bodyguard to get the wheelchair from the trunk, then carried Qin Yue out again.


    Qin Yue''s eye twitched, but she still couldn''t say anything.


    Fortunately, the bodyguards following Xiao Ya were Ke Muning''s men - they didn''t understand the concept that minors shouldn''t enter bars.


    Even if Xiao Ya wanted to watch male strippers, they wouldn''t say "no."


    So all four of them entered the bar.


    The thunderous music inside nearly blew Xiao Ya away. She rubbed her ears in shock and bent down to ask Qin Yue, "Youe here in a wheelchair just to go deaf?"


    Qin Yue: "..."


    Qin Yue pressed her lips together, looking at the crowd dancing in the center and then at the rock singer performing enthusiastically on stage: "Don''t you think it''s cool?"


    That''s what she had thought when she first saw it.


    It was a world she had never experienced in China.


    Xiao Ya shook her head, like an old-fashioned person: "It looks strange."


    Qin Yue had to admit that this person was truly unique.


    Her thoughts and way of doing things were all special.


    Because Qin Yue''s wheelchair was too eye-catching, someone soon came over to them.


    But it was so loud that Xiao Ya could only see their mouth moving, without hearing a word they said.


    They just followed behind the person, past the booths and bar counter, to an elevator and went upstairs.


    The second floor was like a different world.


    It suddenly became quiet.


    "Who are they?" someone turned to look at the two bodyguards.


    Xiao Ya said: "My bodyguards."


    Qin Yue added stiffly: "Her family is strict."


    The person who askedughed.Aliali: 674b8135c4f3f33ac4a362ec


    Strict is good - the stricter the family, the faster they fall into the abyss.


    They asked with a grin: "Strict families are usually from big corporations. Which Chinese conglomerate''s princess are you?"


    Xiao Ya thought for a moment, deciding to maintain her aloof attitude, and asked back: "Who are you?"


    The person wasn''t offended and introduced herself as Edith, the second daughter of some financial group.


    After she finished, the others also introduced themselves one by one.


    Finally, only one Asian-looking girl remained.


    Edith pointed at the girl and said: "This is Gui Wenxin. You two should get along well. She''s the only third-generation child of the Gui Family, and the goddaughter of the infamous madman Ke Muning."


    Xiao Ya: ?


    Then who am I?


    How did they already decide on my identity?

 Chapter 242

    The two subordinates behind Xiao Ya exchanged nces.<span>0


    Did she say Mr. Ke Muning?<span>0


    She did mention Mr. Ke Muning, right?<span>0


    Yes, she definitely did!<span>0


    How could this person be the master''s goddaughter?<span>0


    Xiao Ya suddenly turned around. Not wanting them to slip up, she took the initiative and asked in German, "Does Ke Muning have other goddaughters? That''s outrageous!"<span>0


    Xiao Ya spoke with an angry expression.<span>0


    The two subordinates felt their scalps tingle.<span>0


    What should they do? She''s angry?<span>0


    They had never had tofort a young girl before!<span>0


    How should they console her?<span>0


    Even if their master were here, he might not be able to handle this well!<span>0


    This uncertainty pushed back everything else they wanted to say, leaving them only able to stammer, their lips moving wordlessly before finally squeezing out: "We''ll... we''ll call the master to ask."<span>0


    Edith suddenly interjected, "Was that German?"<span>0


    Xiao Ya lifted her chin slightly, nodding proudly.<span>0


    Edith smiled and said, "I know a little bit too."<span>0


    Really? Or just pretending?<span>0


    Xiao Ya remained unfazed and said, "Oh? Then repeat what we just said."<span>0


    Edith''s eyes flickered.<span>0


    Weren''t Chinese people supposed to be modest and reserved? Especially Chinese girls, who should bepletely opposite to foreign girls.<span>0


    This one was truly arrogant.<span>0


    A thousand times more arrogant than Qin Yue had ever been!<span>0


    "Were you asking them to call home?" Edith asked.<span>0


    So she could only understand scattered words.<span>0


    Xiao Ya felt slightly relieved.<span>0


    If Qin Yue could understand the dialect, their future conversations would be even more secure.<span>0


    Xiao Ya continued in German to Edith: "Whose property is this? Your family''s? What''s fun to do here?"<span>0


    Edith''s expression stiffened slightly: "Are you asking what''s fun to do?"<span>0


    But quickly someone behind her said: "She also asked whose property this is?"<span>0


    Xiao Ya then said another phrase in German: "DiebstahlversicherungetwinRatenabzahlen."<span>0


    This time no one responded.<span>0


    This wasn''t aplete sentence, but rather a string of financial vocabry.<span>0


    It showed that when slightly more technical words were used, they couldn''t understand at all.<span>0


    Finally satisfied with her test, Xiao Ya feltpletely at ease.<span>0


    Edith watched her, eyes flickering, feeling very displeased while also bing alert.<span>0


    This Chinese girl was extremely guarded; she was testing to see if they could understand.<span>0


    Such a person... Edith felt hesitant.<span>0


    But then Xiao Ya lifted her chin again, looking down her nose at them, and snorted, "So you really can''t understand. What was that about knowing German?"<span>0


    Edith: "..."<span>0


    So it wasn''t about testing them? It was purely about mocking them?<span>0


    She''s so arrogant.<span>0


    Too arrogant!<span>0


    Only a Chinese family could raise such a proud yet peculiarly naive girl who hadn''t been exposed to much of the world.<span>0


    "Don''t be so proud, we know things you don''t," Edith said with a smirk.<span>0


    "Like what?" Xiao Ya asked.<span>0


    "Like driving, can you drive?"<span>0


    Xiao Ya: "...No." She was underage and couldn''t drive.<span>0


    "We also know how to shoot," Edith''s smile grew wider.<span>0


    "I know guns are banned in your country. Would you like to try something new? Not just guns. Have you ever had alcohol? Want to taste some?"<span>0


    "Parents, teachers, they all restrict your freedom, but here, you can have absolute freedom, experience everything you''ve never experienced before..."<span>0


    Edith said, taking the lead: "Come on, though I suggest you don''t bring your bodyguards when doing these things. They might tell your parents. I hear Chinese parents love to educate their children with fists and sticks. You wouldn''t want to get beaten, would you?"<span>0


    "What if they have to follow me?"<span>0


    Edith turned back: "Then it''s my turn to mock you. Don''t you even have the courage to fight for your own freedom?"<span>0


    Xiao Ya turned to her subordinates: "Wait for me here."<span>0


    The subordinates nodded.<span>0


    If Edith had been more observant, she would have noticed these "bodyguards" were suspiciouslypliant, not even attempting a single word of protest.<span>0


    Edith led Xiao Ya across the carpet to a set of double doors.<span>0


    Behind the doors was dim lighting, with gun racks on one side and a swimming pool on the other.<span>0


    "Aren''t you curious why there aren''t any targets?" Edith turned and asked.<span>0


    Xiao Ya obligingly nodded.<span>0


    Edith picked up a gun: "Are you scared?"<span>0


    "No."<span>0


    Edith loaded the gun and fired at a light globe on the ceiling.<span>0


    The globe instantly shattered, pieces scattering everywhere.<span>0


    The other girls couldn''t help covering their faces to avoid the falling shards.<span>0


    Qin Yue had seen such tricks before, and rather than this deliberate "performance," she was more interested in Xiao Ya''s expression.<span>0


    But... she didn''t even blink.<span>0


    Edith hadn''t noticed Xiao Ya''s expression. She slowly lowered the gun and asked, "Was that fun?"<span>0


    "Not really."<span>0


    Edith took a small breath, surprised that this one seemed to be "worldly."<span>0


    She pressed a button on the wall, and a door opened.<span>0


    Inside was a small dark room.<span>0


    Xiao Ya''s first reaction was to look for the emergency exit.<span>0


    Edith raised the gun and fired another shot.<span>0


    In the dim light, a shadow suddenly shuddered but couldn''t make a sound.<span>0


    Edith said, "This is why we don''t need targets. Do you find it fun now?"<span>0


    As Xiao Ya''s eyes adjusted to the darkness, she finally saw that huddled on the ground was a girl who was also only in her teens.<span>0


    The bullet had grazed past her feet, leaving a smoking hole in the ground.<span>0


    Xiao Ya stepped back half a step: "Using people as targets? That''s illegal."<span>0


    "Can''t handle it?" Edith finally felt like she had regained control of the situation.<span>0


    She shrugged: "But you''ve already broken localws. Thew states that minors can''t enter bars."<span>0


    She paused, then continued: "If my hand were to slip, and I identally killed this girl. You''re at the scene, you''d be implicated too.<span>0


    Then your family would have to rush over here because you''re being prosecuted... Your studies would be interrupted, and there are many other consequences. Do you need me to continue?"<span>0


    "Wondering what to do?" Edith moved closer, "Let me tell you what to do."<span>0


    "Here, some people always have special privileges."<span>0


    "If you join us, your studies and life here will be very smooth, even teachers will fear you..."<span>0


    Xiao Ya naturally thought of what she had seen before - "Brotherhood?"<span>0


    Edith paused: "You''ve heard of it? Well, yes, I heard there are many rumors about brotherhoods in your country. But we''re not a brotherhood, we''re a sisterhood."<span>0


    "Now, tell me, which Chinese family''s daughter are you?" Edith coaxed.<span>0


    "My brother is the Chief Inspector," Xiao Ya said briefly.<span>0


    Edith''s eyes lit up.<span>0


    Currently serving?<span>0


    Even better!<span>0


    Qin Yue looked confused. Was she making this up? Where did she get a brother who was Chief Inspector?<span>0


    "So we''re friends now?" Edith asked proactively.<span>0


    Xiao Ya thought briefly, then said: "That depends on what other interesting things you have."<span>0


    Edith was surprised: "Isn''t what we''ve shown enough?"<span>0


    Xiao Ya took the gun from her hand.<span>0


    Edith was caught off guard, her expression changing slightly: "You..."<span>0


    Xiao Ya expertly loaded the gun and pulled the trigger.<span>0


    "Bang��"<span>0


    The bullet hit the mural on the wall, right between the eyes of the woman in the painting.<span>0


    That painting was Edith''s self-portrait.<span>0


    Xiao Ya said: "This, I''ve yed with long ago."<span>0


    Everyone else instantly fell silent.<span>0


    Was she really a Chinese child?<span>0Aliali: 6748674f3f33ac4783886


    Qin Yue was also stunned.<span>0


    Outside the door.<span>0


    The subordinates were trying to call Ke Muning.<span>0


    "No signal?"<span>0


    "Looks like they''ve installed special signal jammers here."<span>0


    The subordinates spoke while maintaining perfectly neutral expressions. They were used to others blocking signals before going in to take care of people.<span>0


    They''d picked the wrong ancestors to y this trick on.<span>0


    They took out a device and pressed a switch... Ten minutester, the signal blocking was disabled.<span>0


    They eagerly redialed Ke Muning''s number: "Sir, do you have a second goddaughter?"<span>0


    "The young miss is very angry now," they reported honestly.<span>0

 Chapter 243

    A sheet of paper had just been scribbled with a crooked "Answer."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ke Muning picked up his phone, nced at the caller ID, and put it back to his ear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Are you crazy?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sir, I''m not crazy."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "����"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His subordinate quickly recounted the whole process.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Then let me see what my second goddaughter looks like." Ke Muning hung up the phone and nced down at the paper in front of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Isn''t this just perfect? No need to do it anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ke Muning stood up: "Reschedule the itinerary, prepare the ne."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Are you rushing to a meeting?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No, I''m going to Anta, now, immediately."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A group of people hurriedly followed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But as Ke Muning reached the door, he thought for a moment and turned back to grab his backpack, stuffing the paper inside and picking it up before leaving.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all, he was already angry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He didn''t want to make the little girl even angrier.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Ke Muning arrived in Anta, Xiao Ya had already boarded the cruise ship with Edith.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "There''s something more interesting here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edith blocked her at the door: "But before you enter, you need to prove to us that your brother is really the Chief Inspector, don''t you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Yue''s heart skipped a beat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How could she prove it?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She couldn''t prove it at all!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya tilted her head, her gaze passing over Edith tond on Gui Wenxin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya looked puzzled: "So, you verify backgrounds before inviting people to join?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edith pursed her lips and turned to look at Gui Wenxin, asking: "What do you mean?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The Gui family never introduces themselves by their surname Gui, but by Wei." Xiao Ya said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Gui Wenxin didn''t panic at all, saying: "Since I''ve joined the sisterhood, of course, I should use my real name."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edith nodded, looking back at Xiao Ya: "That''s right, she''s very honest. Are you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya showed an even more puzzled expression, staring at Gui Wenxin: "Are you really from Hua Country?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edithughed: "What do you mean? Isn''t her face convincing enough? A typical Hua Country face."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Then why doesn''t she understand Hua Country''s customs? ''Wen'' is used by elders. Wei Wenjun, Wei Wenyi, Wei Wenqing... they are all elders. How can juniors continue to use ''Wen'' as an intermediate character?" This exnation was slightlyplex in English.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Complex enough that Edith tilted her head slightly, um... struggling to understand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So Xiao Ya immediately gave her an example: "It''s like a German, not naming themselves Hitler."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "She made such a cultural mistake."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edith fell silent for a moment, then turned to ask Gui Wenxin: "Do you have anything to say?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Gui Wenxin looked innocent: "I don''t know why my family gave me this name. Maybe to fill the void left by my mother?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Alright, that''s enough." Edith was already a bit displeased.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She asked Xiao Ya: "Are you stalling for time?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Yue also felt that Xiao Ya was stalling, but this method wasn''t very effective.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What to do?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya''s phone rang at that moment, and she said calmly: "Wait, let me take a call."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edith: "����"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya took the call right in front of them: "Hello."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ke Muning''s voice came from the other end: "Where are you? I''m in Anta."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya turned on the speaker and held the phone close to the ship''s railing, asking: "Hear that? The sound of the waves."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m on a boat."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edith''s mouth twitched: "Your family?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He sure is strict.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But you not only picked up the phone but also turned on the speaker and told him where you are. Isn''t that a bit too much?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''ming over now, what''s the name of the ship? Which port?" the other end asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya said: "Don''t rush."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She took the phone away from her ear and looked back at Gui Wenxin: "I have one more question, I''m curious."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edith frowned: "Hey! Li!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Gui Wenxin waved her hand, lookingposed: "It''s fine, do you have any more questions for me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya asked: "How did you meet Ke Muning?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Gui Wenxin smiled helplessly: "Alright, it seems everyone is very interested in this."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ke Muning on the other end instantly fell silent, his face dark as he listened to her story.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It was an ident..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "At that time, he didn''t know who I was, just on an ind..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, even Xiao Ya was a bit surprised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    These details actually matched.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "At that time, most people knew the news, right? Ke Muning went to the ind to hunt down his enemies, but identally got injured. It was just that I happened to save him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya: "����"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It''s not right.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It''s not right from here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The ind part should be something Gui Wenxin deduced from the news at the time and Ke Muning''s subsequent actions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To deduce this far, she was indeed very clever.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I didn''t expect to pick up a madman. I even had a doctor treat him, treated him very well. Maybe it was because of his notorious reputation, no one had ever been so close to him, so gentle with him. Gradually, we became very close."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Later, he told me his real identity. Knowing I had no parents, he asked me to recognize him as my godfather." Gui Wenxin continued.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya said: "That''s not true."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Gui Wenxin was stunned: "What?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the story Gui Wenxin fabricated, shepletely ignored Ke Muning''s character.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No one had ever been close to Ke Muning for so many years, and there was a reason for that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How could you use ordinary people''s thinking to make up a story?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya continued: "If you were nice to Ke Muning from the start, he would only think you had ulterior motives."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ke Muning on the other end ground his teeth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yes, it had to be a lie without a trace of affection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Gui Wenxin was stunned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But then she retorted: "Do you know my godfather better than I do?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ke Muning couldn''t listen anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    You don''t understand, but I do?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His brows furrowed so tightly it looked like he could crush a fly, his already unapproachable face looking even more terrifying.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya put the phone back to her ear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was only then that Edith and the others realized she had never hung up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hello."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Address." Ke Muning''s voice was cold.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya obediently gave it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edith asked: "What are you doing?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Waiting for my family to pick me up after ying."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Are you sure you want your family to see you getting off this ship? Instead of walking out of school?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yeah, it''s fine. My family has seen the big world."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edith''s eyes flickered: "Oh? Your brother, the Chief Inspector?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya shook her head: "No, another one."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As she spoke, she hung up the phone and sent a text message to her second uncle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She remembered that the family had a shippingpany, building veryrge cruise ships.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hmm, if a couple more were sent over, they could probably just sandwich this one in the middle, right?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That would be much safer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "To be honest, I don''t know how powerful you are, if you''re qualified for my brother to talk to you." Xiao Ya said slowly, looking even more arrogant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She said: "Next, let the fraternity verify my identity for you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You know people from the fraternity?" Edith was stunned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xiao Ya nodded, dialed a number, and turned on the speaker again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Yue was just in middle school.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And Green and the others were in university, a top university fraternity, their status much higher than Edith''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Beep... beep..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The phone was picked up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Green''s pretentious voice came through, even more arrogant than Xiao Ya could imitate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hey, listen, I don''t care who you are. Now, let me tell you, my name is Green Jones, and I provide you with the key SDGS287G, you can use this key to find me in the member database."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I want to tell you that the status of the youngdy in front of you is absolutely beyond your imagination, be a smart person. Maybe next time we hold an event, I''ll consider proposing to upgrade your branch."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Edith''s lips pressed tighter, almost turning white, she smiled and said: "Okay."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0Aliali: 674846c1c4f3f33ac476874f


    Qin Yue was stunned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not stalling for time? She really had a way!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But where did she meet people from the fraternity?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the other end, Green slowly put down the phone, turning to look at the man behind him, his expression casual but his eyes sharp: "Now can you take your hand off my neck, Sheng?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Tonight, I''ll take a break and update three chapters tomorrow. There aren''t many updates left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Last night, I was busy writing four chapters, and now I have some time to summarize thements from the past two days. It''s perfectly normal if you don''t ept the pairing with Sheng. I''m writing about apples, but if you like pears, it''s your right and freedom to abandon the story. You can even kick a few times before leaving.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But spreading nonsense is not right, is it? Some say they came for a non-romantic story and felt betrayed. Oh? Go ahead, open the details page of this book, and you''ll see my tags����Modern Romance��. I''ve never changed them. If you like non-romantic stories, you can filter your preferred works by selecting the non-romantic tag, rather thaning here to use me of not writing ording to your wishes, or even attacking other readers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There are also those who curse, saying that the promised family love turned into romance, which is disgusting. I chose to focus on family love in the beginning because the female protagonist was young, and I thought she should only experience family love. Anything else would be pedophilia, wouldn''t it? Now that I''m approaching the end, I''m preparing the romantic plot for when the female protagonist grows up. If you feel that the promised family love has changed, who exactly promised you that? Of course, it''s still your right not to ept it, and you can give a bad review, and I won''t try to change your mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But those who extend this to personal attacks, I will fight back. Whoever curses dirty, I will curse back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By the way, there are those who use me of being misogynistic or writing about a submissive wife. Although I don''t know how that twisted logic works, you''re free to think what you want. No matter how many times you curse, it won''t change the fact that I regrly sponsor girls in mountainous areas in reality. Goodnight, dear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 244: Don’t Look, You’ll Regret It

    Chapter 244: Don��t Look, You��ll Regret It


    After the call ended, Edith''s tone subtly changed: "Come in."


    Xiao Ya instructed her subordinates to stay outside and pushed Qin Yue''s wheelchair through the door.


    Qin Yue''s fleeting sense of shame quickly subsided.


    She was numb. Already numb.


    At least Zhang Ruoshui hadn''t carried her around in front of so many people.


    Just then, Gui Wenxin nced back, observing Xiao Ya''s skillful wheelchair maneuver, and chuckled, "I didn''t expect you two to be so close. Were you friends back in China?"


    ...Of course not, Qin Yue thought.


    But she held her tongue, unsure of how Zhang Ruoshui would respond.


    "She''s my foster sister," Xiao Ya said.


    Qin Yue was taken aback but quickly realized that wasn''t entirely incorrect.


    Gui Wenxin was also surprised: "Is that so?"


    Edith, without looking back, chimed in: "That''s wonderful. It makes our rtionships even closer, doesn''t it?"


    Qin Yue lowered her head thoughtfully, not letting anyone see her expression.


    The cruise ship slowly set sail.


    The previously silent interior of the ship suddenly lit up, with the violin and piano ying simultaneously.


    Light fell, illuminating the dancing girls in the ballroom.


    Judging by their stature, they were not very old.


    But their attire was quite revealing, and they wore makeup, their dance moves exuding a "charm" that didn''t match their age.


    Qin Yue had frowned the first time she saw them, feeling an intense difort.


    Then she realized that the new world she had stepped into was somewhat strange.


    But it was toote to escape.


    Recalling this, Qin Yue couldn''t help but look back at Xiao Ya.


    Xiao Ya''s expression was calm, almost cold.


    Qin Yue thought,pared to thest birthday party, Zhang Ruoshui''s features had matured even more. When she didn''t speak, she exuded a certain presence...


    Edith suddenly asked, "Have you seen this before? It''s a very popr show abroad."


    Before Xiao Ya could respond, Edith continued, "You probably wouldn''t be interested in this. It''s for the guests upstairs."


    Upstairs?


    Xiao Ya looked up and saw balconies on the second floor, each with a private room behind a one-way ss.


    She could only see ayer of fog.


    "Have you seen adyboy show?" Edith tapped her temple, "Maybe you''d be more interested in that?"


    Xiao Ya had no idea what that was.


    She shook her head.


    Edith''s eyes lit up with excitement; she particrly enjoyed bringing neers in.


    Because each time, she could fully appreciate the expressions on their faces.


    Some were shocked to the point of losing color, some cried in fear, and a few were equally excited...


    What kind of reaction would you have?


    Edith turned to a servant-like person and gave some instructions.


    Soon, the performers in the ballroom changed, and the music became more intense.


    Qin Yue grabbed Xiao Ya''s sleeve: "I... don''t feel well. Can you take me to rest?"


    Xiao Ya looked down at her, then suddenly bent down, getting close to Qin Yue''s face.


    Qin Yue breathed a sigh of relief, thinking Zhang Ruoshui was indeed smart.


    She whispered in Xiao Ya''s ear, "Don''t watch this show, you''ll regret it..."


    Xiao Ya was silent for a moment: "I''ll take a look, it''s fine."


    Qin Yue was anxious, her brows furrowed, resembling Qin Sui''s: "Are you here because my brother asked you to? Did he want you to investigate what I''ve been through?"


    "What''s with the title of Chief Inspector? It won''t fool anyone. Edith''s connections are moreplex than you imagine. You don''t understand; it''s not something that can be resolved with a couple of phone calls."


    Xiao Ya ced her hand on Qin Yue''s shoulder, thinking for a moment, and said, "That''s exactly why I need to stay and see it clearly."


    Qin Yue: "..."


    Edith walked up behind Xiao Ya, grabbing her shoulder and turning her around with a smile: "How can you not watch our ballroom? The performance has already started. Come closer."


    She pushed Xiao Ya forward.


    Qin Yue watched this scene with a thundering heart, her teeth clenched.


    As Xiao Ya was pushed to the edge of the ballroom, the music reached its climax.


    Two "men" in the ballroom suddenly started fighting each other.


    It happened in the blink of an eye.


    "Pfft��"


    One with a blue feather crown, holding a syringe, stabbed it into the other''s eye.


    The one with the red feather crown, without a sound, only had bulging veins and trembling limbs.


    Clearly in pain.


    The blue feather crown gripped the syringe with great force, trying to pry out the other''s eyeball.


    ��Something flew out.


    Blood sttered onto Xiao Ya''s face.


    But the red feather crown still didn''t cry out. He desperately tugged at the pocket on his waist, eventually pulling out only a banana.


    The action was both ridiculous and pitiful.


    The next second, he waspletely pushed to the ground by the blue feather crown.


    The blue feather crown mounted him, pulling out the syringe and stabbing it into his neck again and again.


    It seemed harmless, but at this moment, it appeared exceptionally cruel.


    The red feather crown could only struggle like a fish unlucky enough to be caught.


    "Isn''t this interesting?" Edith leaned down and asked Xiao Ya by her ear.


    She continued slowly, "Before each performance, they draw lots. Those who draw red and blue lots have to perform like this."


    "What''s even more exciting is that they also randomly select weapons. Today, the red one wasn''t very lucky; he drew a banana."


    "This rule was set by her," Edith nced at Gui Wenxin.


    Then she continued, "Doesn''t this add a lot of drama? The performance bes very interesting, doesn''t it? Gui Wenxin is a genius, right?"


    Xiao Ya also looked at Gui Wenxin.


    The girl immediately smiled at her.


    Gui Wenxin''s confidencey here; Edith couldn''t do without her.


    If Gui Wenxin had woven her story with Ke Muning in this vein, perhaps it would have been more like the tale of Ke Muning''s goddaughter?


    Qin Yue couldn''t help but grip Xiao Ya''s hand at this moment.


    Aliali:


    Even after seeing it again, she still felt like vomiting.


    But... Zhang Ruoshui''s hand didn''t tremble.


    Edith said half-jokingly, half-surprisedly, "You''re not satisfied, are you?"


    Edith thought for a moment and asked, "How about trying whale hunting? That''s fun too."


    "If you don''t like this, then there''s only trying to hunt humans."


    "It can satisfy one''s desire for control. You can clearly feel that in this world, you can control someone else''s life and even their death. Isn''t it interesting?"


    Edith sighed: "Why are you so quiet?"


    She took a ss of wine from a servant''s tray and handed it to Xiao Ya: "Try this first; you''ll like the taste."


    Xiao Ya smelled it and said, "I don''t drink anything that''s been tampered with; it stinks."


    Edith''s smile faded: "You seem to have seen more of the world than I imagined... To be honest, are you here to help Qin Yue?"

 Chapter 245

    Xiao Ya was slightly surprised, but she quickly calmed down and said to Edith, "You''re very clever."


    Edith curtsied, holding her skirt, "Thank you."


    After this action, her gaze at Xiao Ya had changed slightly.


    Edith touched her face and said, "To be honest, I didn''t expect you to be so candid... Well, your heart is much stronger than hers."


    She pointed at Qin Yue.


    Qin Yue''s face was stern, and she felt a bit nervous inside.


    She could see through that Xiao Ya was here by her brother''s arrangement.


    Edith had also seen through it... What would happen next? Would the Brotherhood''s deterrence be enough for Edith to maintain herposure?


    As Qin Yue pondered this, she heard Edith say again, "I just had someone check the key of that Green Jones, and yes, he is in the member database. But I think his position in the Brotherhood is not high enough."


    "Otherwise, he would know that there are also countless connections between us and the people from the Brotherhood."


    Xiao Ya moved her lips but showed no fear.


    Edith continued to stare at her expression and said, "Do you remember the first show you watched?"


    "Those girls were selected by us as gifts for the audience on the second floor."


    "Do you know who sits on the second floor?"


    "I''ve been emphasizing to you that you can have special privileges. These privileges are given by them."


    "Qin Yue being here is not bad. At least she is on our side, not with those girls in the dance hall..."


    "You don''t need to save her."


    "I also admire you. There''s a Chinese idiom called ''left and right arms,'' if Gui Wenxin is my left arm, perhaps you can be my right arm."


    "If you don''t want to, then the best person toe and get you is your brother, the Chief Inspector, maybe there''s still a chance."


    Edith''s words were well-measured.


    No wonder she could trap Qin Yue into her scheme so firmly.


    Xiao Ya spoke openly, "Let me think about it."


    Edith smiled at her, "Alright."


    Qin Yue still held Xiao Ya''s hand, her palm soaked with sweat.


    She had mentioned that Edith''s background wasplicated... and this was also on someone else''s turf.


    The Brotherhood was useless now, it couldn''t scare Edith.


    What to do?


    Should she advise Zhang Ruoshui to temporarily ept Edith''s conditions, just like she did before?


    "Can you tell me who the guests upstairs are?" Xiao Ya asked.


    Edith smiled and said, "I don''t mind telling you, because once you hear it, you''ll only have one path left. Even if I like you and am willing to let you go, the guests upstairs won''t."


    Such words brought strong psychological pressure.


    Qin Yue gripped Xiao Ya''s hand even tighter, pulling it and shaking her head, signaling her not to listen.


    But Xiao Ya still seemed "rebellious."


    She looked at Edith, "Go ahead, tell me."


    Edith immediately listed a few names and told her, "You can search for them on the inte."


    Edith even kindly had the internal signal block turned off.


    Xiao Ya searched immediately.


    And indeed, she found them...


    "The Prime Minister''s stepson," "The Finance Minister''s brother-inw," "The Governor''s cousin," "The Admiral''s godson"...


    Xiao Ya, who had been considering whether to involve Ke Muning and her uncle in this mess, suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.


    She looked up and asked a question, "Who introduced them to you?"


    Edith''s surprise deepened, "How did you know it was someone else... Talking to you is really interesting."


    She spread her hands, "I don''t mind telling you."


    Xiao Ya pointed at Gui Wenxin, "Her?"


    Edith nodded, "Ke Muning has countless connections with the Pentagon, and the Gui family has dealings with politicians from various countries..."


    Xiao Ya''s expression became a bit strange for a moment.


    Hmm.


    She guessed right.


    Comparing the information presented by the search engine, she discovered this point��


    These so-called influential "guests" themselves did not hold important positions, but were "rtives" of those big shots.


    Because it''s too difficult to fake big shots, but it''s much easier to fake their rtives.


    This fake idea was simr to Gui Wenxin''s.


    Taking advantage of the signal recovery, Xiao Ya quickly sent a short message using keyboard shortcuts.


    She finished sending it in less than a minute.


    Suddenly, a crew member rushed in and told Edith, "Miss, a cruise ship is speeding towards us, as if to ram us."


    Edith looked puzzled at the crew member, "This should be reported to the captain, not to me. Can''t we just change course to avoid it?"


    The crew member was sweating, "We can''t avoid it. There are four cruise ships and a transport ship, all heading towards us."


    Edith''s face changed, "How could this happen?"


    "The captain tried tomunicate with them, but they refused," the crew member''s expression was very bad, because once a maritime disaster urs, it''s really, dead without a whole body.


    "Should we report to the maritime police and have them warn them of their irregr behavior?"


    "Or... notify the Gui family''s shippingpany?" The crew member looked at Gui Wenxin for help.


    Gui Wenxin lowered her eyes and took out her phone, "I''ll try."


    Edith looked at her expectantly.


    Half a minuteter.


    Gui Wenxin said apologetically, "I can''t get through, maybe my uncle and the others are in a meeting."


    "Can''t you contact the shippingpany directly?" Edith also became a bit nervous, losing her previousposure.


    Gui Wenxin was even more apologetic, "I don''t have the contact information of the people below, whenever I have something, I always contact my uncle, and he arranges it for me."


    Just as she finished, another crew member ran in, looking relieved, "It''s okay, it''s okay, the cruise ships and transport ship all have the Gui family shippingpany''s logo! And one of them has a K on it. It should be Mr. Ke Muning''s ship."


    Edith also rxed, blurting out, "So it''s your family''s ship, is there something they want from you?"


    Gui Wenxin''s expression froze for a moment, but she still smiled the next second, "Is it? Maybe they want to give me a surprise."


    After saying this, Gui Wenxin deeply realized something was wrong.


    She couldn''t help but look back at Xiao Ya.


    "The ship has stopped." The crew members kept going out to check and reported back.


    "They''ve set up a gangway."


    "They''re going to board our cruise ship."


    "Why are they bringing so many bodyguards?"


    "And... machine guns?"


    With each report, the crew members'' expressions became a bit stranger.


    Edith''s expression also slowly changed.


    Everyone sensed the strangeness.


    "Shouldn''t we go out to greet them?" Xiao Ya spoke up.


    She was eager to see her aunt.


    Edith was silent for a moment, then said, "Let''s go, out."


    Gui Wenxin moved, walking beside Edith, stillposed.


    They arrived on the deck.


    A tall woman with short hair, wearing a ck leather coat, and a gun at her waist, pushed a man in a wheelchair closer.


    The woman was not wearing makeup, her eyes like the moonlight in winter, cold and piercing.


    And the man''s eyes were gloomy, like he had crawled out from hell.Aliali: 674b2f25c4f3f33ac49eb9b3


    These features were too recognizable!


    Edith blurted out, "Gui Wenjun and Gui Wenyi!"


    Gui Wenxin''s breathing quickened a bit.


    The real deal was here... she nced at the railing beside her, judging the distance to jump into the sea.


    But the next moment, Wei Wenyi''s expression softened, and she gently called, "Baby."


    Wei Wenjuan also smiled, "It''s been a long time since I saw you,e to Uncle."


    Gui Wenxin was stunned. This... was this an actor her backers hired to help her out?


    Edith''s subtle expression also instantly calmed down, yes, it''s true, no mistake.


    Just as the two of them were about to rx.


    Wei Wenyi let go and walked straight to Xiao Ya, hugging her tightly, and said to Wei Wenjuan, "What do you meane to you? You shoulde to Baby yourself!"

 Chapter 246

    The siblings spoke in Hua Countrynguage.


    They didn''t even bother to acknowledge Edith and the others, only talking to Xiao Ya.


    So... Edith couldn''t understand.


    But she had eyes, and she could see the actions��


    Xiao Ya affectionately hugged Wei Wenyi''s neck, kissed her cheek, and called out softly, "Auntie."


    If Gui Wenxin had still harbored a shred of hope before, that hope waspletely shattered with Xiao Ya''s words.


    No wonder this girl came straight at her with the intention of exposing her!


    It''s just that everyone was distracted by her rtionship with Qin Yue, more concerned about whether she was here to save Qin Yue.


    Thus, they misced their focus...


    Gui Wenxin''s heart sank, and she took a half-step back, already subtly preparing to run.


    But then Edith suddenly walked over to her side and grabbed her wrist.


    Then Edith asked Xiao Ya, "Are they your..."


    Xiao Ya didn''t respond. She looked at Gui Wenxin and asked, "Don''t you know them?"


    Gui Wenxin clenched her nails, remaining silent.


    Xiao Ya turned to look at Edith: "Then you should know, right?"


    Edith then looked at the transport ship.


    Fake?


    This thing can''t be faked.


    A cruise ship can be rented.


    How do you rent something like this? It requires connections with the authorities.


    Edith''s voice was hoarse: "I... know."


    Xiao Ya asked, "Can you now invite your guests toe down?"


    Edith suddenly realized something... If Gui Wenxin was fake, then the people she introduced?


    "Didn''t you hear her?" Wei Wenyi let go of Xiao Ya and turned to re at Edith.


    Wei Wenyi''s eyes were starkly ck and white, almost lifeless, making one feel a chill just by looking into them.


    This was the pressure from a mature woman.


    "I..." Edith struggled to breathe.


    "What a lively scene," a male voice suddenly rang out, cold and loud, impossible to ignore.


    Another group approached, led by a tall man with a typical Germanic appearance, with broad, hard features that exuded a strong sense of intimidation.


    His steps were fast, thudding on the pier like drumbeats, making everyone even more nervous.


    "It seems I''mte," the man said.


    Wei Wenjuan nced at him. Since Xiao Ya had already forced him to shake hands earlier, he didn''t show any resistance or dislike now.


    He even moved his wheelchair a bit.


    Finally, one of Kemuning''s subordinates got the chance to speak, pointing at Gui Wenxin and saying, "This is your second goddaughter..."


    Now, the man''s identity was clear.


    Edith''s breathing became more pronounced: "Mr. Kemuning?"


    Kemuning first walked up to Xiao Ya and said, "I don''t have a second goddaughter, don''t be angry."


    Unlike Wei Wenjuan and the others, he spoke in English.


    Xiao Ya replied to him, "I''m not angry."


    At this point, Edith and everyone around her were stunned.


    Kemuning obviously didn''t believe Xiao Ya wasn''t angry.


    If the little madcap didn''t want him to be someone else''s father and got angry over it, he''d actually be quite pleased.


    Kemuning ruffled Xiao Ya''s hair with a big hand and then turned to look at Gui Wenxin: "I was injured and you saved me?"


    "You moved me with your gentleness? I pitied you for having no parents, so I took you as my goddaughter?"


    Kemuning spoke each word clearly.


    The scene was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.


    Gui Wenxin''s usually calm mind was now buzzing uncontrobly.


    Kemuning... he''s a madman.


    So when she imed to be Kemuning''s goddaughter, everyone thought it was impressive to be the goddaughter of such a person.


    But now, this madman stood before her, publicly exposing her lie.


    The madman''s methods... Gui Wenxin didn''t dare to imagine.


    "This is my goddaughter, my only goddaughter, her name is Demon," Kemuning pulled Xiao Ya to his side.


    Such a name, paired with Xiao Ya''s face, created a stark contrast...


    Even Edith couldn''t help but look at Xiao Ya a few more times in shock.


    Wei Wenjuan wanted to say not to give his niece a weird name, but he held back.


    Kemuning lowered his head: "Not talking? Let me tell you how she became my goddaughter."


    "I went to the ind to kill Wei Wenjuan and Wei Wenqing."


    Wei Wenjuan was speechless.


    Saying that to my face? If it weren''t for you being Xiao Ya''s godfather, I''d have run you over with my wheelchair.


    "She protected her uncle by infiltrating my side, apanying me to kill, and I taught her how to shoot."


    "Gentle?"


    "She''s not gentle; she''s a brave and fearless little madcap."


    As Wei Wenjuan listened, his expression became increasinglyplex, eventually turning into tenderness.


    He had never heard Xiao Ya talk about these details herself. Hearing them from Kemuning''s mouth now, he realized just how shocking it was.


    Their Xiao Ya.


    Their precious Xiao Ya... at such a young age, she had already sacrificed so much for the family.


    Wei Wenyi beside them also clenched her fingers, listening quietly.


    Xiao Ya spoke up at this moment, looking at Gui Wenxin: "Thank you for pretending to be me, for making Edith believe, so you spent a lot of money to secure the right to use this route for 24 hours a week, and specifically chose Gui''s shippingpany to purchase the service."


    "It facilitated today for Uncle and the others to travel smoothly on their own shipping route."


    Thest straw wasid down.


    Gui Wenxin had no chance to exin.


    "I didn''t expect... that Qin Yue would bring the real Gui family heiress with her," Gui Wenxin said with a difficult expression.


    Edith, trembling, suddenly turned her head and pped Gui Wenxin across the face: "You lied to me!"


    After pping her, she quickly pulled out a gun.


    But Gui Wenxin''s reaction was faster. This mysterious woman knocked the gun out of Edith''s hand and instead pressed a very small gun against Edith''s temple.


    "Didn''t you ever doubt me? You must have had doubts at some point. But our interests are intertwined, and you enjoyed everything I brought you, so you didn''t want to delve deeper."


    "Didn''t Miss Demon also warn you? You chose not to believe her."


    "She thanks me, and I thank you too, for standing by me at this moment to prevent me from escaping, making it convenient for me to take you as a hostage."


    Gui Wenxin said, holding Edith and taking a half-step back.


    "Mr. Kemuning, I mean no offense, nor do I intend to offend your goddaughter. My purpose in all this was only to force Qin Yue to die. Any additional ambitions belong to Edith. I just set the stage for her, and she yed whatever drama she wanted; it has nothing to do with me."


    This statement sounded a bit strange.


    Xiao Ya thought.


    Just to make Qin Yue die?


    Why?


    What kind of grudge does she have with the Qin family? But what kind of grudge would be worth setting up such a grand scheme just to make Qin Yue die?


    "Edith is the daughter of the Cox family, even if she is not favored, her family would never allow a family member to die in such a ce... it''s a matter of face..."


    "Let me go." Gui Wenxin''s muscles were tense, her words strong but her voice trembling.


    Kemuning pulled out a gun and pressed it directly against Edith''s forehead.


    Edith was stunned, unable to even scream.


    Gui Wenxin was also stunned.


    Kemuning turned to Xiao Ya and said, "Come, I''ll teach you. When someone takes a hostage to threaten you, you first kill the hostage, then you won''t be threatened."


    Edith was a bit panicked.


    Gui Wenxin was even more frightened by the madman.


    Only Wei Wenjuan and Wei Wenyi raised their eyebrows, thinking, yeah, we agree with that point.


    Even if someone were to take them hostage to threaten Xiao Ya, they would rather die than be Xiao Ya''s weakness.


    Not bad teaching.


    "You''re just scaring me," Gui Wenxin''s stiff lips managed to squeeze out the words.


    Kemuning suddenly lowered the gun.


    "Bang��"


    It hit Edith''s thigh.


    Edith screamed and slid down.


    The next shot, Kemuning aimed at Gui Wenxin''s forehead.


    Gui Wenxin let go of the gun: "I''m willing to exin everything, and I''m willing to put down the gun. Can you spare me?"


    Edith was in agony, rolling around.


    Now she''s surrendering? Then didn''t she just get shot for nothing? Edith, who had been so satisfied with Gui Wenxin before, now hated her even more.


    Ke Muning kicked Gui Wenxin''s gun away with a swift kick, grabbed her by the cor, and mmed her violently against the iron te behind him: "You pretended to be my goddaughter, so of course, you deserve a horrible death. There''s a Chinese idiom for this, it''s called... ''kill the chicken to warn the monkey.''"


    After saying that, Ke Muning nced back at Xiao Ya, indicating that he was still diligently learning thenguage of Hua Country and could now use idioms flexibly!


    Xiao Ya sighed and gave him a thumbs up.


    Then she turned to look at the other members of the sisterhood who were frozen in fear: "Why don''t you go and invite the guests down?"


    Wei Wenyi interjected: "Where are they?"


    Xiao Ya pointed to the ss booth behind the railing on the second floor inside the door.


    Wei Wenyi stretched out her hand and took the M82A1 from a nearby bodyguard.


    She dropped to the ground.


    The armor-piercing bullet shot out, shattering the ss instantly, and inside, curses in variousnguages rang out.


    Xiao Ya was stunned for a moment: "If those guests aren''t fake, they might have quite a bit of clout, huh?"


    What if she guessed wrong?


    Wei Wenyiforted her: "It''s okay, Auntie is mentally ill, it''s normal to identally kill a couple."


    Xiao Ya: ?


    The people on the second floor were terrified, all holding pistols and carefully making their way down.


    A crisp sound of a gun being cocked came from behind Xiao Ya.


    Following that, a series of bullets, with a wide spread, swept past those people from behind, a long burst.


    Those people fell down the stairs, not dead, but all injured.Aliali: 6749083ac4f3f33ac4814cd4


    Almost at first nce, they lost their ability to move.


    Xiao Ya turned her head to look.


    Uncle Wei Wenjuan held the gun against his chest, the barrel smoking.


    Wei Wenjuan met Xiao Ya''s gaze: "I''m just a cripple, even the judge would think, how could I possibly kill them?"


    Xiao Ya: ?


    The others werepletely terrified.


    Demons!


    They had invited a group of demons!


    Qin Yue, also sitting in a wheelchair, looked a bit bewildered and raised her head slightly.


    Ah? What just happened? Did I dream it? It''s... solved?

 Chapter 247

    Qin Sui hadn''t gone far; he stayed in the nearest city to Anta.


    He quickly skimmed through the local news, checked that Xiao Ya hadn''t sent any new messages, and then headed to the airport.


    Qin Haoming walked up to him, his face stern. "I didn''t tell your mother about this to avoid scaring her. How''s the situation now?"


    Qin Sui opened the car door and said, "Xiao Ya went to Qin Yue''s school to investigate..."


    Qin Haoming''s face darkened further and he interrupted, "Are you crazy? That''s your Grandpa Zhang''s only granddaughter. If something happens to her, things will get even moreplicated. How will you exin that to your Grandpa Zhang?"


    "She''s very smart."


    "It has nothing to do with being smart. These things should be handled by adults. Contact your sister right now. I''ll ask her what''s going on..."


    Qin Sui refused, "No."


    "Qin Sui!"


    "When will you understand that I''m not like you, and Qin Yue isn''t like our mother either? She has a strong sense of pride and is stubborn. Once she decides not to say anything, no one can get it out of her."


    The atmosphere in the car quickly froze as the father and son shed.


    However, the daughter''s situation was still the priority. Qin Haoming took the initiative to speak again, "So, what do you suggest?"


    "Xiao Ya said it might take three or four days to resolve, and it''s only the second day. Let''s wait..."


    "How can we wait?" Qin Haoming frowned. "Once your sister opens up, we''ll have a breakthrough, and the rest will be easy to handle..."


    "Why can''t we wait?" Qin Sui retorted calmly. "We''ve waited before without knowing, haven''t we?"


    "Alright, I won''t ask anything. I''ll go see your sister myself. Maybe I can find some clues."


    "Her phone is unreachable."


    "And you''re not worried?" Qin Haoming''s hair almost stood on end.


    Just as the father and son were about to argue again, Qin Sui''s phone suddenly rang.


    "It''s Xiao Ya''s call."


    "Answer it quickly!"


    "Hello," Qin Sui put the phone to his ear.


    "The situation should be resolved. No one can threaten Qin Yue anymore," Xiao Ya said on the other end.


    Qin Sui: "..."


    Although he had sought her help and had shown absolute trust in front of his father... but this fast?


    "What exactly happened?" Qin Sui was desperate to know. The usual indifference had vanished from him.


    The voice on the other end replied, "It''s a bitplicated. We''ll be back once the boat docks. We''ll exin in person."


    Boat?


    They were on a boat?


    Qin Sui suppressed his impulse and replied, "Okay."


    Then he hung up the phone.


    Qin Haoming couldn''t wait to ask, "What did she say?"


    "She said the situation is resolved."


    "Resolved?" Qin Haoming was taken aback. He had just arrived.


    "Really?" Qin Haoming asked uncertainly again.


    Qin Sui''s expression rxed considerably, "Xiao Ya never lies."


    Qin Haoming: "..."


    He felt like a joke, having almost argued with his son moments ago.


    *


    The forces brought by Gui Jia and Ke Muning were substantial, and with three intimidating adults leading the way, the rest didn''t dare to resist much.


    Soon, they hadplete control over the entire cruise ship.


    "There are indeed two real ones inside," Wei Wenyi reported after interrogating.


    Xiao Ya clicked her tongue, "Did she double-cross? She deceived Edith, set up such arge operation, and then used it to deceive two real wealthy and political figures'' rtives?"


    "Yes, those two don''t really care if Gui Wenxin''s identity is real or not. They found a secret ce to satisfy their desires, with someone to do their dirty work and take the me if anything goes wrong. Perfect for them," Wei Wenyi said, then nced at Xiao Ya''s expression.


    Worried that such sordid and dark matters might distress her.


    But Xiao Ya was more concerned about other things, "Can the girls ''offered'' by Edith return to normal life?"


    "Yes, the aftermath will be handled by Auntie and Uncle."


    Xiao Ya felt a bit relieved but continued to ask, "What about those two? Will they cause trouble?"


    Ke Muning, who had just finished a call with Jefferson, turned and said, "No. This will be concluded under the jointw enforcement of the FBI and state police. Those who need to go to prison will go to prison."


    Ke Muning shrugged, "It''s actually good that there are two real ones! At least it''s good news for Jefferson."


    Qin Yue, sitting at the table, still seemed a bit dazed.


    Her English was excellent.


    But these words seemed to be from another world.


    "Sir, we found some unopened bottles of mineral water," an underling brought severalrge boxes over.


    Wei Wenjuan signaled his bodyguard to help carry them, "Just in time, I''m thirsty."


    Ke Muning asked his underling, "Is there any milk?"


    The underling thought for a moment, "Didn''t pay attention, but there must be milk for cooking in the kitchen..."


    Before the underling could finish, Xiao Ya interrupted, "I''ve grown up, I don''t drink milk anymore."


    Wei Wenyi wanted to say that even grown-up babies can still drink milk, but Ke Muning spoke first, "Right, then let''s drink some wine. Go find two bottles..."


    Wei Wenjuan couldn''t hold back, "How can you give alcohol to a minor? Ke Muning, are you crazy?"


    "I drank vodka when I was eight..."


    "That''s you."


    Xiao Ya looked left and right, sighing inwardly.


    Alright, even though they''re not enemies anymore, they still argue.


    Xiao Ya suddenly remembered, "Ke Muning, where are my papers?"


    Ke Muning''s eyes gleamed with pride as he took them from his underling and ced them on the table.


    It was Xiao Ya''s schoolbag.


    "Inside," Ke Muning said.


    Xiao Ya nodded in satisfaction, taking out the exam papers, "There''s still some time before we dock... This is for Ke Muning, this is for Auntie, this is for Uncle..."


    She handed out a set to each.


    Ke Muning: "..."


    Wei Wenjuan and Wei Wenyi''s loving smiles also vanished in shock.Aliali: 67540bcaab2494648e000050


    Qin Yue raised her head again.


    Am I dreaming? Otherwise, how could someone be doing homework in the middle of all these bullet casings?


    And not just Zhang Ruoshui herself.


    She handed them out to the adults.


    "Sir! That woman is dead..." an underling suddenly ran over.


    Ke Muning immediately stood up, "I''ll go see what happened."


    Xiao Ya frowned but pulled Ke Muning back to his seat, "I''ll go check. You do the papers."


    Qin Yue: "..."


    Even more surreal.


    Xiao Ya turned to look at her, "Do you want toe with me?"

 Chapter 248

    Qin Yue was taken aback.<span>0


    Why did they want to take her along?<span>0


    She nced at the table, where the fierce adults were reluctantly searching for pens.<span>0


    The atmosphere was eerie.<span>0


    "Alright, I choose Zhang Ruoshui!" Qin Yue quickly made her decision.<span>0


    Qin Yue herself pushed her wheelchair to follow Xiao Ya and asked, "Can you see how she died?"<span>0


    Xiao Ya was a bit puzzled and replied, "Yes, you can."<span>0


    Qin Yue pursed her lips: "I mean, the state of her death... would it be very gruesome?"<span>0


    Qin Yue didn''t know much about Ke Muning, but from Edith and others'' reactions, Ke Muning''s methods were far from merciful, even cruel...<span>0


    If that woman was tortured to death...<span>0


    The difort of being forced to watch the "performance" surged back up in Qin Yue.<span>0


    Xiao Ya, on the side, showed a look of realization and sincerely suggested, "Then just look more, and you won''t be afraid."<span>0


    How is thatforting?<span>0


    Unless... unless Zhang Ruoshui was educated like this since childhood. Qin Yue suddenly realized this and couldn''t help but nce at Xiao Ya.<span>0


    "There are steps," a subordinate reminded from the side.<span>0


    Qin Yue looked down.<span>0


    The long staircase led to the basement, where Gui Wenxin should be held.<span>0


    Wait a minute...<span>0


    Qin Yue gripped the armrests of her wheelchair.<span>0


    But Xiao Ya had already bent down and, with practiced ease, lifted her up.<span>0


    "Actually, I can manage myself..." Qin Yue couldn''t help but say, ncing at the stair railings as she spoke.<span>0


    Xiao Ya straightforwardly told her, "If you fall again, you''ll have to get your left leg in a cast too."<span>0


    She thought for a moment and added, "Or maybe a full body cast."<span>0


    Qin Yue: "����"<span>0


    Not a single gentle word.<span>0


    But, okay, quite convincing. Qin Yue bit her lip and continued to numb herself, treating herself like a puppet.<span>0


    Upon reaching the basement, the guards at the door immediately stepped forward.<span>0


    "Miss."<span>0


    "Young Miss!"<span>0


    The bodyguards and subordinates called out in their own ways.<span>0


    Xiao Ya waved her hand, and they all made way for her.<span>0


    Inside the room, Gui Wenxin''s death was not gruesome but very clean. If not for the foam at the corner of her mouth and the slightly cyanoticplexion, she looked as if she were asleep.<span>0


    "It was suicide," Ke Muning''s subordinate exined.<span>0


    Wei Wenjuan''s bodyguard also chimed in, "Professional method."<span>0


    "Professional method?" Xiao Ya curiously looked at the bodyguard.<span>0


    Teaching their young miss, the bodyguard didn''t hold back and immediately pried open Gui Wenxin''s mouth: "She had dental veneers."<span>0


    Xiao Ya thought of a TV show she had seen: "Hid poison?"<span>0


    The bodyguard nodded: "Yes, using pufferfish toxin."<span>0


    Ke Muning''s subordinate seized the opportunity to say, "She wasn''t an ordinary fraud; she should be involved in some shady profession, and it seems..."<span>0


    Xiao Ya continued, "Very professional."<span>0


    Suicide upon exposure.<span>0


    No wonder, even when the truth was almost right in front of her, Gui Wenxin could still remain calm and unflustered.<span>0


    "She had no tattoos, no extra features. These are the items found on her." A subordinate presented a tray respectfully to Xiao Ya.<span>0


    Xiao Ya picked up the phone.<span>0


    The subordinate said, "It''s locked."<span>0


    Xiao Ya grabbed Gui Wenxin''s limp hand and pressed it on the screen.<span>0


    Unlock sessful.<span>0


    The subordinate: "����"<span>0


    Technology really changes life.<span>0


    Xiao Ya first checked the contacts.<span>0


    Not a single saved number, just like her own habit.<span>0


    Even the call history was empty, not even a single spam message left.<span>0


    The bodyguard peeked at her expression and said, "Usually, such people''s phones won''t contain any information. It''s better to hand it over to professional technicians to locate if there are any disguised apps."<span>0


    Xiao Ya didn''t feel discouraged and continued to flip through.<span>0


    There was a... failed message record��<span>0


    ��Save me, this is the coordinates��<span>0


    "Found it," Xiao Ya handed the phone out, "Note down this number."<span>0


    "Yes, Miss!" Ke Muning''s subordinate reached out to take it first.<span>0


    Gui''s bodyguard frowned at the sight.<span>0


    Xiao Ya sighed for the umpteenth time. Why do you all have topete over this?<span>0


    At this moment, the bodyguard spoke up: "Young Miss, give us a direction to investigate."<span>0


    Xiao Ya thought for a moment: "Um... do foreign countries also have area codes?"<span>0


    The bodyguard replied, "Yes, they do."<span>0


    "Then don''t call this number yet; first, locate it based on the area code."<span>0


    "Got it."<span>0


    With such orderly arrangements, Xiao Ya couldn''t help but nce back at Gui Wenxin''s body.<span>0


    This person''s ideas were vicious, but she was also very smart.<span>0


    Suicide upon hopeless rescue.<span>0


    "Let''s go," Xiao Ya said, squeezing her own arm.<span>0


    Qin Yue asked, "What''s wrong?"<span>0


    "Carrying you upstairs will be a bit tiring."<span>0


    Qin Yue''s mouth twitched: "Let your family''s bodyguards carry me up instead."<span>0


    Gui''s bodyguard quickly pointed out, "There''s an elevator here."<span>0


    Qin Yue: "����"<span>0


    Xiao Ya: "����"<span>0


    They finally returned to the first floor by elevator.<span>0


    "Are you still afraid now?" Xiao Ya suddenly asked casually.<span>0


    Qin Yue was taken aback and shook her head.<span>0


    Xiao Ya''s actions and speech already had the vor of an adult.<span>0


    She said slowly, "No matter how powerful someone is, they will die. Don''t be afraid of them."<span>0


    Qin Yue mumbled, "Mm-hmm."<span>0


    It dawned on her that Zhang Ruoshui had taken her to see how Gui Wenxin died to dispel the shadows in her heart.<span>0


    They returned to the hall.<span>0


    Qin Yue watched as Xiao Ya checked on the adults'' progress with their assignments... How to put it? She was already a bit numb from the shock.<span>0


    "We''ve arrived," a crew member cautiously came in to report.<span>0


    This made the three adults, who had been looking troubled, heave a sigh of relief.<span>0


    Xiao Ya followed Qin Yue off the boat.<span>0


    Qin Yue asked, "Aren''t theying too?"<span>0


    Xiao Ya shook her head: "They''re in different businesses; it''s better not to meet Qin Sui."<span>0


    Qin Yue stared at Xiao Ya. Zhang Ruoshui was clearly younger than her, yet she was so cautious in everything.<span>0


    "Is that Qin Sui''s car?" Xiao Ya asked.<span>0


    Qin Yue looked over: "Seems like it?"<span>0


    She pushed her wheelchair herself, feeling all burdens lifted, the wheels recing her legs and moving swiftly, all the way to Qin Sui.<span>0


    Qin Yue''s well-being was written all over her face.<span>0


    Qin Sui could tell at a nce that she was fine.<span>0


    At this moment, Qin Haoming also got out of the car behind.<span>0


    Qin Yue''s expression faltered: "Dad..."<span>0


    Qin Haoming took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Xiao Ya: "Thank you, you''ve worked hard."<span>0


    Xiao Ya took a half step back, not knowing what to say, only softly said, "Family, no need to be polite."<span>0


    Qin Haoming immediately thought of the rtionship with Zhang Lao, unable to help but chuckle, "Yes, yes..."<span>0


    But in his heart, he had a higher evaluation of this little girl.<span>0


    Smart, resourceful, and modest.<span>0


    Qin Haoming then lifted his daughter from the wheelchair, half angry, half relieved: "You almost scared us to death!"<span>0


    Xiao Ya couldn''t help but say, "Don''t me her like that."<span>0


    Qin Haoming was taken aback: "It''s not me, it''s... just..." The worry that had been pent up finally found an outlet.<span>0


    "But it sounds like it. Why didn''t she want to tell you? Could it be because of this?"<span>0


    Qin Haoming had nothing to say.<span>0


    Qin Yue felt a bit ashamed: "Zhang Ruoshui, stop it..."<span>0


    Xiao Ya looked at her earnestly: "Adults are adults, but sometimes they''re not, they can also make mistakes. You should speak out directly."<span>0


    Qin Yue suddenly thought of her action of distributing papers, which indeed didn''t treat adults as adults.<span>0


    This... can be learned?<span>0


    Qin Yue turned to look at her father.<span>0


    Qin Haoming: ?<span>0Aliali: 6754af46bd5e46c308a44aee


    Why did he feel a chill down his spine?<span>0


    "Bye, I''m leaving first," Xiao Ya looked at her phone.<span>0


    Uncle and the others are getting impatient.<span>0


    Qin Sui walked beside her and asked softly, "How should I thank you, Xiao Ya?"<span>0


    "If you really want to thank me..." Xiao Ya fished out the messed-up papers from her bag, "Help me correct the answers."<span>0


    "����" Just that?<span>0


    Qin Sui held the papers in his hand, watching Xiao Ya walk away. He thought, she had grown up very well.<span>0


    "Qin Sui, let''s go, take your sister for a check-up first. Xiao Ya is busy too, let''s have dinner together tomorrow." Qin Haoming called from the side.<span>0


    "Mm-hmm," Qin Sui responded, opening the papers and looking at them, almost wanting to throw them away.<span>0


    ����What kind of scribbles are these?<span>0

 Chapter 249

    After returning, Qin Yue finally exined the whole situation to her father and brother in detail.


    In the circle of wealthy second-generation peers in China, Qin Yue was like a fish in water. This ease made hercent when she arrived abroad.


    After being lured into a trap by Edith, she realized that even if she did nothing, she might have already been forced intoplicity.


    She couldn''t extricate herself.


    On one hand, she was threatened by the "very influential guest" mentioned by Edith.


    On the other hand, she couldn''t stand the "performances" concocted by Edith and her ilk.


    For Qin Yue, who had been educated in China, these things that trampled on the bottom line of human nature made her feel self-loathing as an onlooker, unable to save those people.


    This eventually led to the consequences when Qin Sui saw her.


    Qin Haoming, after hearing the story, was filled with anger: "Was it that ghost, Wen Xin, who came up with the idea? Where is she now?"


    "Dead," Qin Yue replied.


    "..." Qin Haoming felt like his punch hadnded on cotton.


    "How was this resolved? Are there any loose ends?" Qin Haoming gathered his thoughts and continued to ask.


    Qin Yue thought for a moment and said, "No." But she didn''t borate further.


    That Ke Muning, and that ghost family, these connections, seemed to be Zhang Ruoshui''s secret... so, she decided not to mention them.


    Qin Haoming could tell at a nce that she was holding back, ready to ask more.


    Qin Yue spoke up: "By the way, that ghost, Wen Xin, said something very strange... She said she came for me, just to force me to die."


    Upon hearing this, Qin Haoming''s face grew even darker: "She should be dug up and flogged!"


    At this moment, he couldn''t help but regreting toote.


    "Is she an enemy of Dad''s?" Qin Yue asked.


    Qin Haoming''s attention was diverted. After all, this matter was more important than how it was resolved.


    "Your brother and I will contact Xiaoya again to discuss ande up with a result. You don''t need to worry about it..."


    Qin Yue thought of how Zhang Ruoshui was treated.


    She handed out the papers to the adults, then went to look at Wen Xin''s corpse, while her subordinates treated her like an adult, exining the situation to her...


    Qin Yue couldn''t help but say, "Dad, you always say that. The more you don''t let me handle anything, leaving it all to you and Brother, the more likely I am to be deceived in the future..."


    Qin Haoming''s face darkened: "What nonsense are you talking?"


    But after a pause, he changed his tone: "Let''s have dinner together tomorrow."


    The next day.


    Xiaoya received the corrected exam papers.


    At the dinner table, Xiaoya presented the number.


    Qin Haoming looked at it and said, "I''ve never seen it... The area code looks like it''s from Phdelphia. I also have some acquaintances in Phdelphia. We can start by narrowing down the scope through them..."


    Xiaoya took out her phone: "No need, here''s a photo of the person the number belongs to."


    Qin Haoming: ?


    Qin Haoming was slightly surprised: "Found it so quickly?"


    Xiaoya nodded and said, "Uncle Qin and I thought the same, to narrow down the scope from the number. But there''s a more convenient way."


    Ke Muning made a call to Jefferson, using a special channel.


    "We directly obtained all the information rted to the number binding," Xiaoya skipped the middle process and directly stated the result.


    A child abroad has such a channel?


    Is it a connection from her grandfather''s family?


    Qin Haoming was even more surprised, and couldn''t help but sigh. A child with such extensive connections, how powerful will she be when she grows up?


    While thinking, Qin Haoming lowered his head to identify the photo.


    "A mixed-race person? ... I don''t recognize him."


    Following that, Qin Sui and Qin Yue also took a look.


    They both said they had never seen this person.


    "Maybe there''s someone behind him?" Qin Haoming thought of a question, "Since we''ve got his information, did we catch the person?"


    "No, he seems very alert. From his number usage records, on the day Qin Sui arrived in Anta, he stopped using it," Xiaoya said, pausing before adding her spection, "This seems to indicate that there''s no one behind him. A small fry wouldn''t be that alert."


    Qin Sui said, "He knows me well?"


    So he stopped his activities on the day Qin Sui arrived.


    Everyone sat down and deduced for a while, but still couldn''t figure out who this person was or who he knew.


    Xiaoya even shared the photos with Sheng Yuxiao, who replied that he had never seen them.


    "There''s no need to worry too much," Qin Haoming pursed his lips, "Who among those who do big business doesn''t have a few hidden enemies? Instead of guarding against hidden arrows, it''s better to strengthen oneself. If he can''t hold back and still wants Qin Yue dead, he''ll eventually show himself."


    Xiaoya nodded, "Someone will keep an eye on him."


    Mr. Jefferson has charged this person with "endangering national security" and has distributed the photos widely.


    Qin Haoming''s eyes moved.


    This "someone"... who is it that Xiaoya specifically mentions?


    Qin Haoming was curious but didn''t ask further. Everyone has their own cards, which can''t be easily revealed.


    "I''m going back to school," Xiaoya stood up, shouldering her backpack.


    "Leaving already?" Qin Yue felt a bit reluctant.


    Qin Haoming noticed his daughter''s expression and couldn''t help but say, "Why not transfer back to China to continue your studies?"


    Qin Yue still refused: "Where you fall, you get up. Being too safe in China made me trip up as soon as I came out. Getting used to it will be better."


    "Alright," Qin Haoming had no choice but to agree, "But in the future..."


    Qin Yue took over, "I''ll speak up if something happens, I won''t keep it to myself."


    She told Zhang Ruoshui, didn''t she?


    Although Zhang Ruoshui isn''t gentle and doesn''tfort people, but... Qin Yue felt she might be a bit off��


    She actually felt that being close to Zhang Ruoshui seemed to give her an intangible strength.


    *


    When Xiaoya left, she went to see her uncles and aunts.


    She first touched her second uncle''s leg.


    "Does it still hurt?" she asked softly.


    "It aches a bit during rainy days, but not severely," Wei Wenjuan said softly.


    "Does Uncle still feel sad?" Xiaoya continued to show concern.


    Wei Wenjuan smiled, "No, never again."


    He, as well as Wei Wenyi and Wei Wenqing, had all learned a trait from Xiaoya, and would never again feel pain or inferiority because of their own shorings.


    A crippled leg can make enemies lower their guard.


    A mental illness naturally has its uses.


    When one no longer detests the world, one''s ws can also be turned into advantages.


    Xiaoya rxed and smiled, "Then I''m relieved."


    After seeing her uncles and aunts, she went to see Ke Muning, and then wanted to see Sheng Yuxiao, but he had flown to Singapore on business and left in a hurry without meeting.


    Back in ss, her ssmates couldn''t help but exim, "Wow! Did you do that just to avoid those reportersing to school for an interview?"


    Xiaoya was puzzled, "What reporters?"


    "The ones about the nursing home incident, there were so many of them, waiting outside our school for a long time, and you went abroad, just missing them."


    The more the ssmates talked, the more they felt it was amazing, "Now there are still people who don''t want to be famous, Zhang Ruoshui, you really... are too different."


    Xiaoya: ?Aliali: 6754d302bd5e46c308a67379


    "I just went abroad to handle some things," she said.


    Her ssmates didn''t believe it.


    "How old are you? What could you possibly handle abroad? Definitely to avoid the reporters! By the way, you also missed out on the bravery award money..."


    "Where can I get that?" Xiaoya asked seriously.


    Interviews can be missed.


    Money can''t!


    The ss was bustling with activity.


    A young man with messy hair sat by the coastline of d, scratching his head: "Qin Yue should have died by suicide, Qin Sui would have killed her ssmates, Ning Heng should have been deported back to China for organizing improper activities and turned into a scoundrel, Xu Ruying''s parents should have died in a ne crash, the head of the Gui family should have been Wei Lin, Wei Wenyi should have died in a mental hospital..."


    "And suddenly a Ke Muning appeared! They shouldn''t have any connections at all..."


    "Everything is messed up! Everything is messed up! This damn butterfly effect!"

 Chapter 250

    Qingsen Mental Hospital.


    A ck Rolls-Royce stopped at the gate.


    "Sir," the secretary opened the car door.


    A young man stepped out of the car, handed the documents in his hand to the secretary, and then strode up the steps. The ck trousers pulled out sharp folds with each movement.


    "You''re here," the Dean quickly descended a few steps, approached the man, and said, "She''s still alive, just asionally goes crazy when she sees the news."


    The man nodded slightly.


    The Dean nced at his expression and didn''t say much more, turning to lead the way.


    Arriving at the ward, the man raised his hand to push open the small ss window, revealing the iron bars inside.


    Inside the ward, Li Qingqing heard the noise but didn''t even lift her head.


    After being confined here for so long, due to the monotonous and regr hospital life and stable food supply, her figure wasn''t weak...


    If you ignored her neurotic expressions and the dark circles under her eyes, she still looked like a normal person.


    The Dean asked, "Do you want to go in and see her?"


    "No need," the man said, his tone indifferent.


    It sounded a bit familiar.


    Li Qingqing neurotically lifted her head, and when her gaze fell on him, her pupils suddenly dted, revealing a trace of fear and shock.


    ...Sheng Yuxiao!


    It was the image of Sheng Yuxiao she had seen in the news in her previous life, already grown up.


    Li Qingqing suddenly lunged forward, gripping the bars and asking frantically, "Did I get it right? The predictions I made, those... did theye true? I''m not crazy."


    "Sheng Yuxiao, I''m not crazy!"


    Sheng Yuxiao took half a step back, distancing himself from Li Qingqing.


    Li Qingqing''s pent-up restlessness and despair surfaced, with nowhere to vent, she could only bite hard on the bars.


    The Dean said, "Her mania seems to have worsened."


    Li Qingqing quickly let go of the bars in fear.


    Sheng Yuxiao watched her ridiculous actions but didn''t show any emotion.


    "I came to tell you that none of your predictions were urate."


    Li Qingqing frantically pounded on the bars: "Impossible, impossible! It should have been like this! It was like this in my previous life!"


    "Previous life?"


    Desperate to seize thest chance, Li Qingqing no longer pretended to have any prophetic abilities.


    "In my previous life, Li Xiaoya and Xu Ruying had a bad rtionship, she didn''t associate with Ning Heng, she didn''t know Qin Sui, there was no Zhang Family, no Wei Family..."


    Sheng Yuxiao interrupted, "So, in your previous life, it was just me?"


    "Y-yes..." Li Qingqing scratched her hair, why are you only focusing on this?


    Sheng Yuxiao was silent for a moment, his expression indiscernible.


    Li Qingqing banged her head against the wall: "Maybe this life is just a dream, and the previous life was real..."


    She muttered to herself: "How could someone have such a smooth life?"


    Sheng Yuxiao sneered coldly: "The hardships she endured are described as smooth sailing by you."


    Li Qingqing argued hoarsely: "But she got you all! Isn''t that enough?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s thin lips parted, spitting out two words: "Neurotic."


    Li Qingqing was stung by these words, her body trembling slightly, but she still insisted on continuing: "Let me die. If this is a dream, then it must be my dream. Only I have the memories of my previous life. Let everything return to its original state..."


    Li Qingqing stared intently at Sheng Yuxiao''s expression, her voice trembling: "Are you regretting it, Mr. Sheng? You also think the previous life was better, right?"


    Sheng Yuxiao lifted his eyelids: "She has everything and it''s not too much. If what you said is true, and there was no Wei Family, no Zhang Family, nothing in the previous life... then why would it be worth going back?"


    "She should have her family, her friends, countless people who cherish her and soothe her childhood wounds."


    "If all this is because of you, then you can forget about dying this life, even if you''re on your deathbed, I''ll have someone keep you alive, keep you hanging on..."


    "If you die, I''ll have your brain removed. Have you heard of the brain in a vat?"


    "Even if you can only be immersed in a pool of liquid in the future, I''ll still make sure you ''live'' in this world."


    Li Qingqing shivered.


    Even the Dean outside the door couldn''t help but shrink his shoulders.


    "Let''s go," Sheng Yuxiao turned around.


    The Dean exhaled and followed, asking, "Will youe againter?"


    Before Sheng Yuxiao could answer, the Dean suddenly remembered: "By the way, if her familyes looking for her, what should I say?"


    Sheng Yuxiao asked, "You''re saying this, so someone has alreadye looking?"


    "Yes, a man came to find her, but I said I needed to ask you first, and that person left, hasn''te back since. It happened a few days ago."


    "A man?"


    "Yes, with a scruffy beard and a small braid, a bit like a foreigner, but not quite..."


    "Mixed-race?"


    "Possibly."


    "Show me the surveince footage."


    "Alright!"


    After about ten minutes, Sheng Yuxiao saw the man''s figure on theputer screen.


    After erging the face, it looked a bit familiar.


    "Who is this person? He didn''t give his name," the Dean asked concernedly, "Is he a family member of Li Qingqing?"


    "No," Sheng Yuxiao denied.


    The temperament waspletely different.


    "Then why did hee looking for Li Qingqing?" the Dean wondered.


    A beard, braided hair, walking with his head down... this was an attempt to blur his own image.


    Mixed-race, a man, knowing Li Qingqing, but someone Li Qingqing would never have contact with.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze flickered and he opened a folder on his phone.


    Inside were all the pictures Li Xiaoya had sent him from childhood to now.


    He searched for a while before finding the photo sent from Anta a few years ago��


    In the photo was a mixed-race youth.


    The mastermind behind almost causing Qin Sui''s sister to die.


    "Meet Li Qingqing again."


    "Alright, I''ll lead the way for you," the Dean bent down to turn off theputer.


    Li Qingqing didn''t expect Sheng Yuxiao to return.


    She was excited and thrilled, her eyes flickering with dim light: "Are you regretting it, Mr. Sheng? You also think the previous life was better, right?"


    Sheng Yuxiao held up his phone towards her: "Do you know this person?"


    Li Qingqing was instantly drenched in cold water, she nced quickly: "No, Mr. Sheng, what do you mean?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "Open the door."


    The Dean nodded and took out the ess card.Aliali: 6754aa52bd5e46c308a3f8d0


    The door "beeped" and opened, Sheng Yuxiao strode in.


    Li Qingqing felt like she had grown taller, but in front of Sheng Yuxiao, she still seemed like a powerless ant. She slumped onto the bed, the restraints on her hands instantly tightening to the extreme.


    "Look carefully," Sheng Yuxiao''s tone was slightly stern.


    "N-no, I really don''t know... I looked carefully." Li Qingqing trembled.


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his head in silence.


    Half a minuteter, he said softly, "It seems to be someone like you, but also not quite."


    "W-what?" Li Qingqing asked in a daze.


    Sheng Yuxiao exited the photo album and walked out while making a phone call.


    The call was quickly answered.


    Li Qingqing heard him call softly to the person on the other end: "Xiaoya."

 Chapter 251

    "Did they ever find the man who escaped in Anta?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "No," came the simple and straightforward response from the other end, soundingpletely devoid of the childishness of a little kid, so much so that it initially seemed cold and clear.


    But then the voice continued, "It''s strange, isn''t it? So many people, so many eyes watching, yet no one has found any trace of him."


    "He must be very clever and cautious..."


    "But why would someone like that go to such great lengths to target Qin Yue? It doesn''t make logical sense."


    The voice on the other end analyzed seriously.


    Sheng Yuxiao thought to himself that he might not be that clever, as he likely had a script in hand.


    He knew more than Li Qingqing.


    Li Qingqing was more concerned with using her "foresight" to gain personal benefits, while this person seemed to just want everything to follow its original course.


    This discovery sounded downright rming.


    If he were to voice it out loud, it would probably be to the extent that Sheng Yuxiao would be suspected of having a mental illness.


    "This matter has been over for a long time," the voice on the phone continued.


    It had been several years since Xiao Ya left Anta.


    "Thest time I visited Uncle Qin''s house, he told me not to worry about it, saying that since there''s no Sky Net abroad, if someone is determined to hide for one or two decades, it''s normal not to find them."


    She paused there and asked, "Sheng Yuxiao, where are you now?"


    "In the country."


    The other end sounded a bit happier: "You''re back? When did youe back? I saw Ning Heng yesterday, and he didn''t mention it."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s lips curved into a smile: "How could he know if you don''t?"


    "Is this a secret?"


    "It was, I was nning to suddenly appear at your birthday party."


    The voice on the other end said seriously, "I don''t want such a surprise. I like it when you tell me in advance, so I can start being happy and looking forward to it many days in advance."


    Just like when she was a child, straightforward and honest.


    Sheng Yuxiao thought.


    "Alright, I''ll remember that." He replied to her.


    "So when will youe to see me?"


    "Tomorrow?"


    "I have a group project with ssmates tomorrow, how about the day after?"


    "I have a meeting the day after tomorrow and need to fly to Jiangcheng," Sheng Yuxiao said with a bit of helplessness.


    Fortunately, he was slowly getting used to the fact that as they grew older, everyone had more and more things to do, making it hard to find amon time.


    "Alright, then let''s talk on the phone the day after tomorrow." The voice on the other end didn''t show much disappointment.


    "Goodbye," Sheng Yuxiao said softly.


    "Goodbye," the voice on the other end repeated.


    *


    Xiao Ya put away her phone and stared at the magazine cover in her ssmate''s hand for a while.


    Her ssmate noticed her gaze and asked with a smile, "What are you looking at?"


    As she asked, she flipped the magazine over and saw the cover.


    "Oh, you''re looking at him," her ssmate said with a sigh, "Sheng always showed a strong hand in the anti-takeover case three months ago in the ''Yongneng Struggle.'' It''s said to have be a ssic case in the finance department next door."


    "Sheng always?" Xiao Ya tilted her head and smiled lightly.


    "What''s wrong?" her ssmate asked.


    "It''s just a bit hard to get used to."


    "What''s hard to get used to?"


    Xiao Ya shook her head and didn''t continue.


    It was just hard to get used to, the "Sheng the Young Master" everyone talked about had now be "Sheng always."


    Time seemed to pass really quickly.


    From middle school to high school, and then to university.


    Xiao Ya didn''t feel that going to school was very hard or tiring, she was just always busy, so busy that it felt like the world had changed just by blinking.


    "It''s gettingte," her ssmate nced at her wristwatch, "let''s go, the y is about to start, Zhou Xiaoshu and An Ying might be waiting for us at the door."


    Her ssmate, Hang Meng, was from the same department as Xiao Ya and they were quite close. Later, when Zhou Xiaoshu and An Ying often came to school to see Xiao Ya, Hang Meng got to know them too.


    They had booked tickets for the Shaoxing opera "New Dragon Gate Inn" early on.


    Otherwise, Xiao Ya would have asked in the phone call if Sheng Yuxiao wasing to see her today.


    Xiao Ya put away her phone and stood up.


    She was half a head taller than Hang Meng.


    She hadpletely grown up.


    From a skinny little duckling, she had grown into Zhang Ruoshui.


    Hang Meng looked at her 175 cm height and suddenlyughed out loud: "Last time I posted a photo of your back on my Moments, my junior high school ssmates thought you were my boyfriend, haha."


    "And there was this guy from the next department, he wanted to sit next to you during dinner, and Zhou Xiaoshu happened toe see you and caught him. Zhou Xiaoshu saw that he wasn''t even as tall as you and turned purple with anger."


    Hang Mengughed by herself for a while and asked, "Is it not funny the way I tell it?"


    Zhang Ruoshui, formerly Xiao Ya, shook her head and instead asked her, "Am I too old-fashioned?"


    Hang Meng let out a sigh of relief and quickly said, "No, no, you''re not old-fashioned. You have too many good qualities... You''re straightforward and cute, steady and strong, beautiful, and you study very hard. If you were also humorous, then no one else would have a chance."


    "So, you justck a little bit of humor."


    A littleck of humor made her even more adorable. Hang Meng thought to herself.


    "You''re also very cute," Zhang Ruoshui looked at her and counted seriously, "and very kind, you study well too, and you''re very humorous."


    Hang Meng was moved.


    See, she really is straightforward and cute!


    Being praised by her like this, my heart feels like it''s floating in the sky.


    How can there be someone who can say such sweet words so seriously?


    "Let''s go," Zhang Ruoshui said, reaching out to help her carry her bag, "Zhang Shaoyi said in ss today that your right hand has dislocated again out of habit."


    Zhang Shaoyi was another ssmate of theirs.


    After saying that, Zhang Ruoshui suddenly ced her hand on Hang Meng''s forehead: "Your face is so red, are you feverish?"


    Hang Meng was at a loss for words: "No, it''s not that... I... I..."


    She stammered for a moment, but thinking that the other person was straightforward, she had to be straightforward too: "Have you never noticed that I like Zhang Shaoyi? He specifically told you that, does he have feelings for me too?"


    This question...


    Tooplicated.


    Zhang Ruoshui frowned, a bit unable to answer.Aliali: 6756a3d2bd5e46c308ca07f6


    Hang Meng sighed: "Alright, never mind, you never read posts about rtionships, so you can''t be expected to have any insights."


    But Xiao Ya was a good friend.


    She immediately said, "Then you show me next time, will I understand after seeing it?"


    Hang Meng hesitated: "That''s... really hard to say. I suspect you just don''t have that nerve."


    "..."


    Hang Meng said that, but on the way to the theater, she was browsing social media and came across a ridiculous post, immediately sharing it with Zhang Ruoshui: "Wow, this is too absurd. The bloggerined that her boyfriend has a neighbor''s sister who has no boundaries, always sending messages to her boyfriend."


    "What she ate today, what she saw that was fun."


    "When she got off work and it rained without an umbre, she asked her boyfriend if he could pick her up. After watching a movie at midnight, she also told her boyfriend that she was scared after watching a horror film."


    "Basically, she has to involve her boyfriend in everything."


    "Look at the conversation, too much of a green tea, this guy doesn''t know how to avoid suspicion... This isn''t his real sister. During a date with his girlfriend, he was called away by a phone call from this girl crying and shouting..."

 Chapter 252

    In just half an hour, Zhang Ruoshui heard more gossip than she had in her entire life before.


    Hang Meng even gave a "pop quiz," randomly opening a post and asking, "Look at this, do you think her boyfriend is lying?"


    "He''s lying," Zhang Ruoshui replied.


    Hang Meng was surprised: "How can you tell?"


    Zhang Ruoshui looked a bit puzzled: "Isn''t it obvious at a nce?" It''s just a matter of reasoning.


    Hang Meng shrugged: "Clearly, the blogger herself didn''t see it. Ever heard of ''the person involved is thest to know''?"


    "Yes."


    "Right, that''s exactly..."


    "But I can''t understand it," Zhang Ruoshui finished her sentence.


    "...


    "Anyway, when you''re in the thick of it, you''re easily led by hormones and make some wrong judgments," Hang Meng sighed again. "Well, you don''t seem to have that kind of trouble."


    Hang Meng then brought up another topic:


    "There''s been a car parked near the school gatetely... one of those really popr ones, a Cullinan. They say it''s here to pick up girls, which is just absurd."


    "Why do they say it''s for picking up girls?" This was still a blind spot for Zhang Ruoshui, clearly not something that could be solved by listening to a few rtionship posts.


    "The guy came a couple of days ago with flowers, but he never gave them to anyone, just threw them in the trash," Hang Meng exined.


    "I didn''t notice," Zhang Ruoshui said.


    "Yeah, you walk past it every day and don''t even nce at it. You probably don''t pay attention to car logos."


    Zhang Ruoshui, who was frugal by nature, nodded.


    Although her family also had luxury cars, traffic in Jin City was always congested, so taking the subway was the most convenient way to get from her grandfather''s house. She really didn''t pay much attention to luxury cars.


    "Zhang Ruoshui!" someone called out at the theater entrance.


    Zhang Ruoshui pushed the door open and got out. Before she could reach them, Zhou Xiaoshu came running down the steps and hugged her tightly.


    Zhou Xiaoshu didn''t call her "Duckling" anymore.


    ording to Zhou Xiaoshu herself, she had to maintain her dignity in public, so she couldn''t use such a cute nickname anymore, saving it for private moments.


    Zhang Ruoshui gently pushed Zhou Xiaoshu away and hugged An Ying, who was standing beside her.


    They were all used to Zhang Ruoshui''s actions.


    No matter how unapproachable she seemed on the outside, she was still very protective and soft-hearted inside.


    For some reason, such a friend made people even more fond of her! Zhou Xiaoshu muttered to herself.


    *


    Zhang Ruoshui didn''t expect that the very next day, the person Hang Meng mentioned who drove the Cullinan would step out of the car right in front of her.


    He said with a tight-lipped expression, "I really want to know how many times you can ignore me, just walking past me like that..."


    "Now I know, as long as I don''t appear in front of you myself, you can keep ignoring me."


    Hang Meng was walking with Zhang Ruoshui at the time, heading out to grab a bite before returning to work on their group project.


    Upon hearing this, she was a bit stunned and turned to ask, "Ruoshui, do you know him?"


    "Mu Bai," Zhang Ruoshui called out the man''s name, looking slightly puzzled, "If you don''te out, how would I see you?"


    Mu Bai rubbed his forehead: "Okay, never mind that. My parents invited you to dinner at our house..."


    Ever since the nursing home incident, the Mu family had asionally invited Zhang Ruoshui over for dinner, even after Mu Bai went abroad for high school.


    Zhang Ruoshui, adhering to the principle of making more friends and fewer enemies, and considering that Mu Bai had also given her gifts in the past, usually agreed.


    "Dinner? What time?" Zhang Ruoshui asked naturally.


    Mu Bai''s gaze shifted slightly, half-jokingly asking, "Do I need to schedule it?"


    "Yes."


    Mu Bai''s smile faded a bit: "How about tonight..."


    "I have dinner at the Xu''s."


    "Was that a pre-arranged appointment, or ast-minute one?"


    This question was strange, and Zhang Ruoshui lifted her eyelids, revealing more confusion in her eyes.


    She spoke, her voice sounding cold: "Of course it was pre-arranged."


    "Oh, I thought you wanted to avoid me."


    "Why would I avoid you?"


    "..." Mu Bai leaned against the car, "You don''t know?"


    Zhang Ruoshui was silent for a moment, then said, "You can speak directly. Generally speaking, I only actively try to guess someone''s thoughts... when that person is my enemy."


    Hang Meng, who heard this, choked on her words.


    She quickly turned to look at the handsome guy... his expression seemed even darker.


    "Alright, how about we schedule it for the day after tomorrow?" Mu Bai forced out the words.


    "Okay, sure."


    Only then did Mu Bai get into the car and leave.


    Hang Meng couldn''t help but say, "So those flowers were meant for you."


    "No way."


    "It''s obvious, isn''t it? He likes you? His parents have met you? Are you childhood friends?"


    Zhang Ruoshui shook her head: "He''s my little brother, and he''s had seven or eight girlfriends abroad. Every time he gets a new girlfriend, he tells me over the phone and specifically reminds me not to tell his dad."


    "If he''s really afraid his dad will find out, why tell you? You''re in the country, isn''t that risky? I think he''s just trying to provoke you..."


    "..."


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Zhang Ruoshui pondered her words but still said softly, "This logic sounds a bit off."


    Hang Meng waved her hand: "You haven''t watched many TV dramas or read novels, have you? Childhood friends who are too familiar with each other often fail to recognize their own feelings. So the male lead deliberately gets close to a female counterpart to stimte the female lead to realize her own feelings. Then, when the female lead is hurt, the male lead goes through the ''wife-chasing'' process..."


    Zhang Ruoshui: ?


    Hang Meng: ?


    Hang Meng looked at her expression and hesitated: "It does seem a bit off... but maybe that''s what love is like?"


    This was another blind spot.


    *


    Zhang Ruoshui''s mention of going to the Xu''s for dinner was not a lie.


    When she arrived, Xu Ruying hadn''t returned home yet, but her parents weed her in and shared their nt specimens and small ecosystem with her.


    "Dad, Mom, I''m home," Xu Ruying entered, followed by a man.


    Before Zhang Ruoshui could speak, Xu Ruying spoke to her first: "Duckling, long time no see!"


    Xu Ruying hugged her tightly and pointed to the man behind her: "This is my boyfriend, you haven''t met him yet, just call him Brother Yu."


    Zhang Ruoshui obediently called him.


    Xu Ruyingughed: "Why are you still so obedient as when you were a kid?"


    Then she insisted on keeping Zhang Ruoshui overnight.


    "Do you remember when you, me, and Sheng Yuxiao used to sleep on the floor in the living room? It was so much fun to think back on."


    That night, Xu Ruying and Zhang Ruoshuiy in the same bed.


    Xu Ruying yawned and said, "Oh, speaking of which, I''ve had three boyfriends already. Why hasn''t Sheng Yuxiao brought a girlfriend home yet? Does he have some unmentionable problem?"


    Zhang Ruoshui was a bit sleepy and didn''t catch much, only instinctively refuting: "Sheng Yuxiao is fine."


    Xu Ruyingughed: "Ha, okay, maybe he''ll bring a girlfriend when hees back for your birthday party."


    Zhang Ruoshui suddenly woke up.


    Her mind immediately thought of the post Hang Meng had mentioned to her.


    "Anyway, everything has to involve the blogger''s boyfriend... this isn''t his real sister... too much of a green tea..."


    Zhang Ruoshui couldn''t sleep.


    She immediately downloaded the social tform app that Hang Meng had mentioned, searched for rted keywords, and read a bunch of simr posts overnight.


    Some were aboutining about a neighbor''s sister, some about a foster sister, and some about a cousin or sister-inw who overstepped boundaries...


    Boundaries.


    Boundaries.


    That night, she only slept for about two and a half hours, dreaming of these three words.


    The next morning, Xu Ruying thought it was her fault: "Did I steal your nketst night? You mustn''t catch a cold, or Sheng Yuxiao will be mad."


    Xu Ruying was very worried and even personally drove Zhang Ruoshui back to school.


    As soon as she got out of the car, Zhang Ruoshui''s phone rang. It was Sheng Yuxiao calling.


    "I''ve rescheduled my itinerary. Can we have dinner together tonight?" Sheng Yuxiao paused, "This time I''ve informed you in advance."


    "I have dinner at the Mu''s tonight."


    "The other day on the phone, weren''t you free today? ... Uh, did Mu Baie to your school yesterday?"


    "Yes."


    "Then go ahead, I''ll stick to my original schedule."


    They ended the call.


    In truth, nothing had changed. No matter how many years had passed or where he was, Sheng Yuxiao had always treated her well. His tone on the phone had never altered.


    Even if he managed to squeeze in time and she had already made other ns, he wouldn''t get angry.


    But she just felt a little bit unhappy.


    She thought of those posts again. Okay, after adulthood, Sheng Yuxiao shouldn''t treat her so excessively well anymore.


    Even if Sheng Yuxiao didn''t have a girlfriend now, he would in the future.


    She couldn''t be the viin in those posts.


    Zhang Ruoshui took a few steps forward, then suddenly stopped.


    But there was still a little bit of unhappiness.


    In the president''s office on the other end.


    The secretary cautiously knocked on the door: "Here is the recent project expenditure report."


    Sheng Yuxiao took it casually, where one could vaguely see the words "mountain areas" and "charity."


    The secretary asked, "The other directors have all arrived, should we start the meeting now?"


    "In half an hour."


    "Alright." The secretary nced up and noticed Sheng Yuxiao was caressing a y sculpture on his desk.


    Many y sculptures were lined up in a row.


    From small torge.


    From rough to exquisite.


    The secretary had heard before that these were said to be birthday gifts Sheng received every year.Aliali: 6754b6e1bd5e46c308a4c310


    They didn''t seem to have much artistic value, just someone who made them by hand every year without fail. And Sheng Yuxiao ced them on his desk without fail.


    Wherever he flew for work, he took them along.


    This Sheng Yuxiao, who had risen from the position of Sheng Corporation''s crown prince to today''s ownmercial empire, sometimes had quite peculiar habits.


    The secretary suppressed her thoughts and went out to inform the directors.


    Sheng Yuxiao caressed the y sculptures expressionlessly for a while, then suddenly picked up the phone and dialed: "Send those photos you took to Mu Rongfeng."


    Those were photos of Mu Bai''s dates with his various girlfriends during his time abroad.


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t care about Mu Bai.


    But he had long seen through Mu Rongfeng''s intentions.


    Too much greed.


    Such a man without any morals, was he worthy of approaching Hang Meng?

 Chapter 253

    Mu Rongfeng walked out of his office, and his secretary immediately handed him a file folder: "This was delivered from New South Technology."


    Mu Rongfeng''s lips curled into a slight smile: "So they''ve finally decided to bow their heads?"


    New South Technology was their business partner, and three rounds of negotiations had ended in discord.


    Mu Rongfeng was actually quite concerned about face, and he didn''t think there was anything wrong with that. After all, which entrepreneur at his level wasn''t concerned about face?


    He took the folder and opened it right in front of his secretary.


    What''s the point of someone bowing their head without an audience?


    Mu Rongfeng''s smile gradually deepened, but then suddenly froze into a rigid expression.


    That rigidity quickly transformed into embarrassed anger.


    "Where''s Mu Bai!"


    The secretary was startled and instinctively looked up at the documents... what documents? They were all photographs.


    One even fell to the floor.


    The protagonist in all of them was their young master Mu!


    "Young Master Mu should be in the Marketing Department... I... I''ll go find him." The secretary''s voice became unsteady.


    He didn''t dare look at the photos more closely and turned to leave.


    "A phone call will do," Mu Rongfeng said coldly, lifting his chin slightly. "Pick up that photo first."


    "Yes." The secretary''s back was covered in cold sweat.


    "Who delivered the file? Have security detain them." Mu Rongfeng said before turning back into his office to call New South Technology''s CEO.


    The secretary picked up the photo and went to the secretarial office to make the call. As he left, he faintly heard their President Mu seemingly getting into another argument with New South Technology...


    Now the other party would probably never bow their heads again.


    Mu Bai was interning in the Marketing Department, and it took less than five minutes for him to be called to his father''s office.


    He pushed open the door together with the secretary just as Mu Rongfeng put down the phone receiver and said coldly: "New South Technology says they have nothing to do with this."


    His first reaction had been to think that the other party was unwilling to bow their heads and had decided to use his son to threaten him.


    The secretary awkwardly added: "We questioned the person who delivered the file. They didn''t know anything about it either. The file might have been switched before it reached us."


    Mu Rongfeng turned to stare at his son and threw the photos at him: "Who did you offend?"


    Mu Bai bent down to pick them up, also looking shocked: "I..." He couldn''t even fully understand what was happening.


    After hesitating for a moment, he still asked: "Are you sure this isn''t one of your enemies deliberately targeting me?"


    "Bullshit! Don''t try to change the subject! Just exin these... these photos weren''t taken in one day, were they? There are shots from all seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter!"


    "You were followed for so long and you didn''t notice anything?"


    This was what angered Mu Rongfeng the most.


    "Call Zhang Ruoshui and tell her you need to fly abroad suddenly to handle something, and you''ll invite her to dinner at our house another day."


    Before his son could speak, Mu Rongfeng had already coldly finished speaking.


    Mu Bai finally found a chance to speak: "This matter..."


    "We''ll discuss it after Zhang Ruoshui''s birthday party."


    Mu Bai was stunned for a moment.


    Mu Rongfeng massaged his temples, thinking his son stillcked cunning. Was he expecting too much? No, it was just that the second-generation rich kids in Jin City''s circle were too shrewd!


    Mu Rongfeng finally exined: "Whoever is behind this will be clear after the birthday party."


    *


    When Zhang Ruoshui received Mu Bai''s call, although she was a bit surprised, she didn''t ask many questions.


    Everyone was busy.


    This was normal.


    Just before Mu Bai hung up, he couldn''t help but ask: "Are you disappointed or relieved?"


    Zhang Ruoshui had just submitted her group assignment, and remembering Hang Meng''s words, she asked directly: "My ssmate says you like me."


    Mu Bai almost dropped his phone, his heart leaping to his throat.


    "Is that true?" Zhang Ruoshui asked him.


    Mu Bai lowered his head: "What do you think?"


    "I don''t think so."


    "...Oh, you''re right."


    After the call ended, Mu Bai felt like nothing had gone right that day.


    He gripped his phone, about to throw it.


    But in the end, he didn''t. Instead, he opened his contacts and blocked all his girlfriends and ex-girlfriends abroad.


    "It''s rare for someone not to like Zhang Ruoshui, isn''t it?" Mu Bai muttered as he lit a cigarette.


    But almost no one dared to confess to her clearly.


    It hadn''t reached the point of fearing her family background yet.


    Someone like Zhang Ruoshui was clear about rtionships and thoroughly rational. These traits became more apparent as she grew older.


    If she were to reject someone face to face, or even use that all-knowing tone to softly say, "Actually, you don''t like me that much, you just want something..."


    Never mind ordinary men, even someone like Mu Bai who grew up among rich kids cared about face.


    His father shouldn''t have said those things back then, which made every step he took afterward seem wrapped in a shell of ulterior motives.


    "If you could just show even a little concern for me..." Mu Bai extinguished his cigarette and said softly: "Just a little..."


    Mu Bai irritably pressed his head, and this time really threw his phone.


    Who sent those photos!


    *


    Sheng Yuxiao flew to Jiang City and returned to Jin City,nding at 5:45 PM.


    The secretary could barely hide his fatigue, but when he looked at the man beside him, he still appeared energetic and even had time to go home and change clothes.


    The young man in formal attire had changed from a sharp ck suit to a softer gray one.


    The secretary suddenly thought of today''s negotiation meeting...


    Actually, since reaching adulthood, he had be very good at concealing his temper. Many people found it difficult to associate him with the "unruly" character of his youth.


    Was he in a hurry today?


    He had scared the other party so much they quickly signed the contract.


    "Are you tired?" Sheng Yuxiao suddenly turned to look at the secretary and driver.


    "No, not at all," the secretary and driver hastily replied one after another.


    But Sheng Yuxiao opened the driver''s door and said: "I''ll drive, you two sit in the back."


    The secretary and driver were stunned: "How... how could we do that? What would that look like?"


    Wouldn''t that be like making President Sheng their driver?


    But Sheng Yuxiao had already sat down, adjusted the seat back, and fastened his seatbelt: "What? You want to sit in my passenger seat? Someone else will be sitting there soon."


    The secretary and driver couldn''t say anything more and quickly got in the car.


    "Are you going to pick someone up?"


    "Mm, you can close your eyes and rest for a while. I''ll drop you off at Guangming Road, and you can head home yourselves. Come pick me upter. I might drink."


    Sheng Yuxiao exined in a calm and gentle tone.


    The secretary felt his mood seemed quite good.


    At this time, Zhang Ruoshui had just left the library with Hang Meng and Hang Meng''s secret crush.


    Hang Meng asked: "Isn''t it gettingte? Didn''t that handsome guy in the Cullinan invite you to dinner at his house the other day?"


    "It was canceled," Zhang Ruoshui let out a light yawn.


    Hang Meng smiled and said: "Then why don''t youe have Korean BBQ with us?"


    "I''ll pass." Although she was blind when it came to emotions, since she knew Hang Meng liked the person next to her, Zhang Ruoshui naturally wanted to give them space.


    "You two go ahead."


    Hang Meng was so moved she didn''t know what to say, when suddenly she looked up.Aliali: 67540e20ab2494648e002f54


    "Hey, isn''t that the Cullinaning again?"


    Zhang Ruoshui frowned slightly, thinking Mu Bai wasn''t like this when he was younger, why had he be so strange now?


    They walked toward the car.


    Zhang Ruoshui quickened her pace.


    Suddenly, the car door opened first.


    Sheng Yuxiao got out from the driver''s seat and smiled at Zhang Ruoshui: "Sorry, little duck, because my schedule was tight, I wasn''t sure if I''d make it in time, so I couldn''t tell you about this surprise in advance."


    Zhang Ruoshui pressed her lips together, wanting to run up and hug him like she used to when she was little, but held back: "It''s okay. Because I have a surprise for you too... um, dinner at the Mu family was canceled."


    "Oh, did something happen at the Mu family? This really is a surprise. I was nning to juste see you for a moment and leave..."


    Hang Meng slowly recovered from her shock: "Isn''t this... President Sheng? I thought it was..."


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly turned and asked with a smile: "Who did you think it was?"

 Chapter 254

    Hang Meng immediately realized she might have spoken out of turn.


    She startled and asked first, "I haven''t asked yet, but you are Zhang Ruoshui''s..."


    "Family member."


    Oh, that''s fine then. Hang Meng instantly rxed and said straightforwardly, "Just a few days ago, someone with the same car as yours came to have dinner with Ruoshui. I didn''t check the license te carefully and thought it was the same person. I''m sorry about that."


    "That was Mu Bai," Zhang Ruoshui exined from the side.


    Hearing this, Hang Meng felt even more relieved.


    "Oh, him." Sheng Yuxiao nodded slightly without saying much more.


    After a pause, he asked, "You''re Hang Meng, right?"


    Then looking at the young man beside her: "And you''re Zhang Shaoyi?"


    Hang Meng responded first: "Yes, yes, you..."


    Sheng Yuxiao continued: "Ruoshui has mentioned you both to me."


    Hang Meng''s face lit up with pleasant surprise. Being mentioned to family members by a friend - that''s the highest honor of friendship!


    "Excuse me, I''ll be taking her now," Sheng Yuxiao gave a slight nod.


    "Of course, goodbye."


    Shortly after Zhang Ruoshui got in the car, she received a message from Hang Meng.


    [Mr. Sheng is actually so nice, quite approachable. I couldn''t even process it - it was like he stepped right out of a magazine]


    Zhang Ruoshui blinked. She had always said Sheng Yuxiao was nice.


    Finally, someone believed her!


    "What are you looking at?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "Hang Meng is praising your good temperament," Zhang Ruoshui showed him her chat window directly.


    Then realizing this might be crossing boundaries, she pulled it back before he could see clearly.


    Sheng Yuxiao hadn''t noticed and simply said, "Because they''re your friends."


    Zhang Ruoshui nodded and reached for the seatbelt.


    Sheng Yuxiao had already grabbed it and leaned down to buckle it for her.


    Zhang Ruoshui looked at him and asked directly, "Sheng Yuxiao, during this year and a half you spent in Australia..."


    "Yes, I was away for a long time. I''m sorry."


    Zhang Ruoshui thenpleted her sentence: "Did you get a girlfriend?"


    Sheng Yuxiao paused: "No, I don''t like foreign women."


    Zhang Ruoshui showed a contemtive expression.


    Sheng Yuxiao couldn''t help but ask, "Little Duck, what are you thinking about?"


    Around people she was close to, Zhang Ruoshui hadn''t changed at all except for her appearance.


    She answered obediently, just like when she was little: "I''m wondering where the emphasis in that sentence is. Is it on ''foreign'' or on ''women''?"


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    He narrowed his eyes, a hint of danger shing in them: "Xu Ruying has been gossiping about me, hasn''t she? What did she say? Suspecting that I might like men?"


    Zhang Ruoshui didn''t speak, just stared at him.


    "Fine, I get it. I absolutely won''t confront Xu Ruying about this," Sheng Yuxiao said resignedly, "But don''t listen to her nonsense anymore."


    Though Sheng Yuxiao''s face remained neutral, he had be internally alert.


    Little Duck wouldn''t ask him this without reason - after all, she had never seemed to think about this before.


    Why was she thinking about it now?


    It must be Mu Bai. A sharp glint shed in Sheng Yuxiao''s eyes, but he quickly concealed it.


    He continued in a casual tone:


    "There are too many people in this world who just go through the motions. Some date just to release their pent-up hormones, while others simply evaluate their partner''s worth..."


    He emphasized thetter half slightly.


    "Just the other day, Ning Heng''s mother arranged for him to meet a toy tycoon''s daughter. I don''t know if he found it interesting. Little Duck, I certainly don''t."


    "The phrase ''going through the motions'' doesn''t exist in my life."


    He had simply grown into an adult man, not be a different person entirely.


    Young Master Sheng''s pride was ingrained in his bones.


    "What I want must be something I willingly pursue... At present, there doesn''t seem to be anything like that."


    No, he couldn''t exactly say there wasn''t.


    Sheng Yuxiao paused suddenly at this thought.


    After that, Zhang Ruoshui didn''t speak either.


    They both fell into their own thoughts, and the car cabin inexplicably grew quiet.


    Fortunately, things returned to normal during dinner.


    After eating, Sheng Yuxiao habitually offered to drive her home.


    "No need," Zhang Ruoshui waved her hand.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s brows furrowed slightly, though it was hard to notice in the restaurant''s dim lighting.


    He leaned back in his seat and asked, "You think I can''t carry you on my back like when you were little? Is that why you won''t let me drive you anymore?"


    Zhang Ruoshui looked at him seriously: "No, I''m mainly worried you''ll work yourself to death today."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    He stood up, walked to her side, and ruffled her hair with hisrge hand.


    "Let''s go."


    Sheng Yuxiao watched her get into the car first, then called his secretary to pick him up.


    The secretary got out of the car and handed over aptop: "This is what California sent over..."


    Sheng Yuxiao didn''t take it, saying, "Keep it, put it in the office tomorrow."


    The secretary was stunned.


    Sheng Yuxiao said lightly, "Lest I work myself to death, and some bastard tries to take advantage."


    Secretary: ?


    Sheng Yuxiao sat in the back seat and had closed his eyes to rest, but suddenly opened them again and said, "This car is yours now."


    The secretary looked up at the rearview mirror in shock and asked, "Have you been drinking?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s tone turned slightly cold: "No."


    *


    Zhang Ruoshui''s birthday celebration was approaching, and even Xu Ji had returned to Jin City.


    Ke Muning didn''te, as had been decided years ago. To maintain their cover, Zhang Ruoshui celebrated her lunar calendar birthday in China, then would go abroad for her sr calendar birthday celebration with Ke Muning, Wei Wenjuan, and others.


    Hang Meng and Zhang Shaoyi also received invitations to the birthday party.


    Although Hang Meng had realized Zhang Ruoshui''s family must be quite wealthy since the day Mu Bai arrived in his Cullinan, she hadn''t expected such a grand scale.


    "Wow, the most expensive hotel in the country..." Hang Meng eximed, looking up after getting out of the car.


    It wasn''t a Western-style luxury hotel, but rather Chinese in style.


    The reason it was the most expensive in the country was itslocation among red walls and green tiles, where every single tile was considered a cultural relic.


    "No wonder Ruoshui sent us formal wear," Hang Meng said, looking around at the elegant crowd.


    Just as they were starting to feel a bit ufortable,


    Zhou Xiaoshu came to greet them: "Ruoshui might be a bit busy, so I''ll help host you!"


    Hang Meng immediately felt relieved, and as she nced around, she spotted the "Mu Bai" from the other day.


    Then she noticed the middle-aged man beside him...


    She had seen him many times in the news, but only now noticed how simr Mu Bai looked to him.


    "His father is the CEO of Wanwu Inte?" Hang Meng asked curiously.


    "Yes," Zhou Xiaoshu nodded.


    Hang Meng couldn''t help but ask, "Can you tell me what Ruoshui''s family actually does? What''s her background? If it''s not convenient to say, never mind."


    "Well... that''s actually quiteplicated to exin," Zhou Xiaoshu thought to herself.


    At this moment, Zhang Ruoshui appeared, and the atmosphere immediately became more lively.


    Among all the mour and splendor, Zhang Ruoshui wore not a single piece of jewelry.


    "Why is she dressed so simply?" Hang Meng asked in surprise.


    Zhou Xiaoshu shook her head: "You want to know what a sweet trouble is? This is it."


    "Her grandfather gave her two imperial green jade bracelets, her second uncle gave her a yellow sapphire ne, her younger uncle gave her a diamond dress chain, her aunt gave her ruby earrings... and there are gifts from others too, impossible to wear them all."


    "What if she just wore one set?"


    "Whose gift should she wear today? It''s impossible to keep everyone happy," Zhou Xiaoshu said with deep understanding. She had witnessed it firsthand.


    What she didn''t know was that Zhang Ruoshui had actually tried wearing everything at once.


    Xu Ji hadmented that his troublemaking niece''s aesthetic sense still needed correction!


    Zhang Ruoshui thought about it and agreed that turning herself into a walking Christmas tree wasn''t a good idea.


    She touched the pocket sewn into the inside of her dress.


    Inside were a cross and a Taoist yellow talisman.


    These were given to her by her grandfather long, long ago, and these she had always kept with her.


    Afterpleting the birthday celebration procedures, Zhang Ruoshui went to drink water and eat some snacks by herself. This gave her grandfather a chance to catch up with his old friends properly, everyone was happy, and she didn''t need to y host.


    At this moment, the door creaked open from outside.


    Xu Ji walked in, wearing those ck-framed sses again. This person seemed ageless, still looking like a fresh graduate just starting their career.


    "Little Duck, want to see something interesting?" he asked.

 Chapter 255

    Zhang Ruoshui stood up and shared half of her snacks with him.


    Xu Jizily nibbled on the snack and said, "Ah, no, it''s turned into a big duck."


    After thinking for a moment, he asked, "When ducks grow up, do they be swans?"


    "That''s just a fairy tale," Zhang Ruoshui corrected him.


    "Oh." Xu Ji didn''t seem to care, walking half a step behind her to make himself look like a real secretary.


    "It''s here, shh, don''t make a sound," Xu Ji said.


    Zhang Ruoshui stopped in her tracks and looked down, barely able to glimpse a silhouette and the hem of another person''s clothes.


    At the corner of the garden.


    Sheng Yuxiao spoke in a t tone: "I thought young Master Mu wouldn''te today."


    Upon hearing this, Mu Rongfeng immediately understood and forced a smile: "So it was Young Master Sheng who sent the photos. I thought you would make me search harder."


    Sheng Yuxiao shifted to an even more casual stance.


    Xu Ji silently pointed to himself, indicating to Zhang Ruoshui that Sheng Yuxiao was copying his style.


    "I''m not interested in making people guess. I prefer to hang the sword directly over people''s heads," Sheng Yuxiao said slowly.


    Mu Rongfeng''s expression darkened: "Young Master Sheng, even your father wouldn''t speak to me this way."


    "My father is too much of a gentleman, not knowing that while you should show kindness to people, you need to bare your fangs at those who aren''t human," Sheng Yuxiao shook his head.


    "Young people these days have no manners. Let me ask you, Young Master Sheng, did you consult Zhang Ruoshui before doing this?" Mu Rongfeng sneered. "She''s not seven or eight years old anymore. She''s grown up. What right do you have to meddle in her affairs?"


    Sheng Yuxiao lifted his eyelids slightly: "So Mr. Mu knows where my angeres from. How many girlfriends has your son had? You still expect him to date Little Duck?"


    Mu Rongfeng''s tone returned to calm: "Mu Bai told me that Zhang Ruoshui knows about his rtionships outside, and she doesn''t mind. She''s very smart; she knows what''s worth holding onto."


    "Isn''t that how all wealthy family marriages work? It''s really none of Young Master Sheng''s business."


    "Young Master Sheng will be the same in the future. After marriage, everyone lives their own lives. Who cares if you keep a few mistresses in private? Just don''t make it public."


    "Zhang Ruoshui has always been open-minded. I think she might see things more clearly than Young Master Sheng."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s tone grew cold: "When there are better choices, why should she choose garbage?"


    "Sheng Yuxiao!" Mu Rongfeng''s anger finally showed on his face.


    Sheng Yuxiao spoke sarcastically: "I thought when you received those photos, you''d realize how hopelessly stupid your son is."


    Mu Rongfeng said coldly: "I also thought Young Master Sheng was now a proper businessman who should have outgrown his youthful temper. Unexpectedly, you haven''t changed at all. Your father must be quite disappointed in the results of his education."


    Hearing this, Xu Ji became unhappy.


    He pointed to himself again and mouthed to Zhang Ruoshui: "I raised him."


    Zhang Ruoshui gave him a thumbs up.


    Xu Ji immediately felt better.


    "If Mu Bai were his son, then he''d really be disappointed," Sheng Yuxiao checked his watch. "It''s time to cut the cake."


    He walked a few steps away, then suddenly turned back: "Mr. Mu spoke so smoothly about keeping mistresses earlier. Is that because you keep several yourself? Perhaps young Master Mu should worry about how many people will be fighting over his inheritance in the future?"


    Mu Rongfeng''s face turned green with anger, just as he was about to explode.


    Zhang Ruoshui walked down.


    "Uncle Mu, I won''t being to your house for dinner anymore," Zhang Ruoshui said softly.


    Mu Rongfeng''s expression became indescribably "interesting."


    He didn''t ask if she had heard everything.


    After all, her statement had made her position clear.


    Xu Ji was surprised, thinking to himself that his grand-nephew would probably wake upughing in his dreams if he heard this.


    "Won''t you reconsider?" Mu Rongfeng spoke, still maintaining the appearance of a kind elder.


    Zhang Ruoshui shook her head.


    "You''ve grown up..." Mu Rongfeng said meaningfully.


    He was essentially telling her that now that she''s grown up, she shouldn''t let outsiders like Sheng Yuxiao inexplicably interfere with who her future boyfriend might be.


    Zhang Ruoshui responded, her tone still carrying a hint of childhood softness, but her words were firm: "Yes, I have grown up. The things that didn''t change when I was young have only be more certain as I''ve grown."


    Mu Rongfeng didn''t pursue the topic further, only smiling to say: "Happy birthday, don''t be unhappy."


    Zhang Ruoshui replied politely: "I''m very happy. Everyone who cares for me is here."


    Mu Rongfeng''s eyelid twitched, and he only said three words: "That''s good then."


    As he walked away, his expression finally darkenedpletely.


    Did that Sheng Yuxiao deliberately let Zhang Ruoshui listen from behind the stairs?


    If he cares for her this much, does he have no sense of propriety?


    Or perhaps, should one word be removed from "caring for"?


    Mu Rongfeng''s angry expression gradually returned to calm.


    A dragon doesn''t let knights near its treasure because the dragon has its own desires...


    He would need to visit Old Mr. Zhang soon - no, tomorrow.


    *


    The birthday party was over.


    But Zhang Ruoshui still sat on the suite''s sofa, eyes closed, waiting.


    "Okay, you can open your eyes now," the AI voice announced.


    Though after technological iterations, the AI voice now carried much more warmth.


    Zhang Ruoshui opened her eyes to see her young uncle crouching in front of her, holding a box.


    Since her grandfather''s passing, this had been thest gift she would open at every birthday celebration.


    It was a gift from her grandfather.


    Back when her aunt was still in her unstable state, she would prepare gifts for her uncles, and still prepared one for her aunt... Perhaps her grandfather got the inspiration from that?


    Before passing away, her grandfather had prepared birthday gifts for her for all the years toe.


    Zhang Ruoshui carefully unwrapped it as her grandfather asked, "Are you going abroad again?"


    "Yes, in a couple of days."


    Her young uncle chimed in: "I''ll go with you."


    Zhang Ruoshui nodded, thinking about visiting Sheng Yuxiao''spany tomorrow.


    Though today it was Mu Rongfeng''s face that had turned green with anger,


    She felt that Sheng Yuxiao seemed quite angry too...


    The wrapping was nowpletely removed, and with a flick of her finger, she took out the brooch inside.


    The brooch style was somewhat outdated, but Zhang Ruoshui still pinned it to her chest.


    *


    He had to leave first.


    There was no rush though; it seemed that Sheng Yuxiao himself hadn''t even broken through that barrier yet.


    He woulde to "help" him break through.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Zhang Ruoshui had gone to Sheng Yuxiao''spany building in Jin City.


    Having called ahead, the secretary who had received orders was waiting downstairs early.


    "Mr. Sheng is a bit busy at the moment. He asked me to take you to his office to wait, saying you know the lock''s password," the secretary said politely.


    Zhang Ruoshui tilted her head: "He hasn''t changed it?"


    "I suppose not? Sorry, I''ve only been here for two years."


    Thepany had a secretarial department, and this secretary was just one of many.


    She led Zhang Ruoshui to the upper floor, and walking through the ss corridor, they saw the secretary''s office.


    People were talking inside: "I heard the other day Mr. Sheng casually gave Secretary Lin a Cullinan, worth several million!"


    "Holy shit!"


    "Shouldn''t Secretary Lin treat us to dinner then?"


    "If that''s what Secretary Lin got, what about Shu Li?"


    They turned to look at a young woman.


    The woman brushed her hair and smiled, saying, "I didn''t get anything."


    "Who believes that? Mr. Sheng clearly favors you," others shook their heads, smiling.


    The secretary beside Zhang Ruoshui cleared her throat.


    The others immediately fell silent and turned to greet them: "Secretary Yin, and this is?"


    "This is Miss Zhang," the secretary said.


    The woman called "Shu Li" was startled. She had heard of "Miss Zhang."


    It was quite a while ago, when she had just started her internship at thepany, she discovered a sanitary pad that had fallen from Mr. Sheng''s suit pocket.


    It was too strange, too outrageous!


    It seemedpletely at odds with the cold-faced, intimidating Mr. Sheng!


    Later, she once overheard Mr. Sheng on the phone, saying to the other end: "Where are you? Do you have pain relievers with you? I''m in Jin City right now, I''ll bring some to you."


    Couldn''t pain relievers be bought anywhere?


    Later she learned that Mr. Sheng kept not only sanitary pads in his pocket but also pain relievers. Just in case a certain "Miss Zhang" forgot to bring them.


    However, since she hadn''t been transferred to the secretarial department before, she only now got to see what this "Miss Zhang" actually looked like.


    Shu Li was still in a daze.


    Zhang Ruoshui had noticed her overly attentive gaze, which made her feel somewhat ufortable.


    It was different from the way Zhou Xiaoshu and others looked at her...


    "Let''s go," Zhang Ruoshui turned and walked toward the CEO''s office.


    She entered the password and opened the door.


    After walking in, she paused to ask Secretary Yin behind her, "Is Shu Li also a secretary here?"


    Secretary Yin nodded: "Yes, though she mainly handles menial tasks like serving tea and coffee. I apologize for what you witnessed; when President Sheng isn''t around, the staff tends to joke around. They mean no harm..."


    Worried that today''s jokes might reach Sheng Yuxiao''s ears, Secretary Yin hastily exined, "Shu Li came through thepany''s ''Mountain Region Aid'' program. Some people say President Sheng pays special attention to girls from the mountain regions... I actually came through the same program, but President Sheng has no such intentions."


    Just then, Shu Li knocked on the door with coffee in hand.


    She set down the coffee and asked Secretary Yin, "Weren''t we supposed to wait in the reception room?"


    Secretary Yin replied, "President Sheng specifically said to wait here."


    Then she asked, "Miss Zhang, are you bored? Should I set up the projector for you?"


    Zhang Ruoshui waved her hand and directly asked Shu Li, "Why do you keep staring at me?"


    Shu Li''s eyes flickered, "Miss Zhang is very beautiful, and tall too. You really stand out."


    Shu Li herself wasn''t very tall, giving off a somewhat delicate impression.


    "You can go now, I''ll handle things here," Secretary Yin pushed Shu Li out.


    Zhang Ruoshui said to Secretary Yin, "You can leave too."


    Secretary Yin nodded nervously, "Alright."


    Zhang Ruoshui sat in Sheng Yuxiao''s chair, spinning around a couple of times, feeling a heaviness in her chest.Aliali: 673288ddd72ede9349192522


    She took out her phone to make a call.


    The other end picked up quickly, with a deep voice that made one''s ears buzz: "You got there so fast? Did you wear a hat or a wig this time?"


    Zhang Ruoshui traced her finger along the leather pad on the desk and said softly, "Ke Muning, I think I''m bing a bad person."


    Sheng Yuxiao had walked into the mountains and picked her up from the mud.


    But she didn''t want him to repeat what he had done for her with others.


    On the other end of the line, Ke Muning wanted to say bing bad was a good thing, but remembering past lessons, he cautiously asked instead, "How are you nning to deceive me this time?"


    "I''m not deceiving you," Zhang Ruoshuiy on the desk, her voice muffled, reminiscent of when she was younger and had called Ke Muning after catching Li Song, saying "I had a nightmare."


    "I''ve be bad because I want someone all to myself."


    Ke Muning breathed a sigh of relief and dered grandly, "That''s simple. Who do you want? I''ll help you kidnap them. Changing their mindset might be difficult - would you ept them as a vegetative patient?"


    He was getting better and better at ying the father figure; even he was moved by his own words.

 Chapter 256: Mourong Feng’s Complaint

    "..."


    "I don''t think this is a good idea."


    "Alright." Ke Muning responded with disappointment.


    Then he quickly changed his tone.


    "But if you don''t do this, how else will you have this person all to yourself?" He was still trying to convince the little troublemaker to be a real viin.


    Instead of always directing her mischief at him.


    Before Zhang Ruoshui could answer, the door suddenly opened from outside.


    "Have you been waiting long?" Sheng Yuxiao''s voice came along with his footsteps.


    "Ke Muning, bye-bye, we''ll talk more when Ie abroad." Zhang Ruoshui hung up first, then turned to look in Sheng Yuxiao''s direction.


    Sheng Yuxiao bent down to take the coffee from the table, took a sip himself, and said, "Why did they bring you coffee? You should be drinking milk."


    He put the half-empty coffee cup back on the table and pressed the speed dial on the desk phone.


    "Does Miss Zhang have any requests?" came the voice from the other end.


    "Bring a ss of milk."


    "Mr. Sheng? Y-yes, right away."


    After ending the call, Sheng Yuxiao sat down in the single sofa chair nearby.


    Letting Zhang Ruoshui upy his office chair.


    He said, "I''m a bit busy today. Would you like toe to a meeting with meter?"


    Zhang Ruoshui spoke straightforwardly: "I heard everything you said to Mu Rongfeng yesterday."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression imperceptibly stiffened.


    "I... I didn''t mean to restrict you, little duck, it''s just that, well, Mu Bai isn''t very good." Sheng Yuxiao''s voice became unsteady.


    "Yes, you said he was a piece of shit."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s straight posture slumped slightly in embarrassment: "Ah, I don''t usually talk like that."


    He tried to let little duck know that he still had ss.


    Zhang Ruoshui nodded: "I understand." She asked in return: "So someone better than him would be okay?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s fingers, which had been rxed on his knee, suddenly clenched tight.


    Someone better than him would be okay?


    Would be okay?


    Really?


    Is that how it is?


    "Sheng Yuxiao?" Zhang Ruoshui leaned forward, looking at him puzzled.


    Sheng Yuxiao moved his lips, forcing a smile: "Yes, that''s fine. You''re grown up now, it''s your freedom. As long as it''s not... not someone like Mu Bai."


    "Then what kind of person should it be?" Zhang Ruoshui asked.


    "Mr. Sheng." Shu Li knocked and entered with the milk.


    Sheng Yuxiao turned to look at her.


    In that moment, his expressionless face seemed somewhat frightening.


    Shu Li''s lips trembled, almost spilling the milk.


    The atmosphere was off.


    Shu Li steeled herself to put the milk in front of Zhang Ruoshui and turned to leave. She heard Mr. Sheng say: "...whoever you like is fine."


    "That condition might as well not have been said at all." Zhang Ruoshui stood up, still looking confused and troubled.


    Why would she want to have Sheng Yuxiao all to herself?


    What kind of person should she be with?


    What should it feel like to like someone?


    What conditions should someone meet to receive the love they want?


    No one could answer her.


    They always praised her for being smart, but why couldn''t she figure this out?


    "Ever heard of ''can''t see the forest for the trees''? When you''re in the middle of it, it''s easy to be led astray by hormones and make wrong conclusions." Hang Meng''s voice echoed in her mind again.


    She understood now.


    If she stayed away from Sheng Yuxiao, wouldn''t her mind be clearer? Her emotions would be better resolved.


    Zhang Ruoshui picked up the ss, gulped down the milk in one go, then stood up saying: "Since you''re busy, I''ll go now."


    Sheng Yuxiao sat there stiffly, as if he''d turned to stone.


    He moved his lips: "Okay."


    Zhang Ruoshui took a few steps, then said: "Oh right, I''m going abroad tomorrow to celebrate my second uncle''s birthday."


    "Ah, and you should change the door lock password." To prevent her from bing the "bad sister" mentioned in the post.


    Sheng Yuxiao stood up, forcing out a sound: "Mm."


    She was distancing herself from him.


    Because of Mu Bai?


    Did she really like Mu Bai?


    Zhang Ruoshui had already walked out, but suddenly remembered something else. She poked her head back through the door and said: "Also, I won''t be going to the Mu family for meals anymore."


    Since Mu Bai''s father had such intentions.


    Every meal was precious; she wanted to eat with people who were worth it, Zhang Ruoshui thought to herself.


    Sheng Yuxiao stood frozen there.


    Now little duck was really walking away... but he didn''t immediately close the door.


    The restraint that had been weighing on his heart cracked open wider.


    Clearly.


    She didn''t like Mu Bai.


    Little duck had always been like this since childhood, very clear about her rtionships with others.


    When she favored someone, others could clearly feel it.


    Sheng Yuxiao knew very well from his youth that he was the one little duck favored.


    So although he didn''t like it, he wouldn''t stop little duck from ying with Qin Sui, nor would he stop her from running to Ke Muning...


    Why was it off bnce now?


    Was it because they both had more and more things to be busy with, and he started worrying about losing little duck''s favor?


    But who she gave her favor to should be her freedom...


    Sheng Yuxiao walked back to sit at his desk, still expressionless.


    Just like how he kept telling himself in the past that she would have more friends...


    This was a process of desensitization.


    He raised his hand to press the button on the desk, calling the secretary in to clear the cups.


    "Wait." He called out to Shu Li.


    Shu Li turned back in surprise, with a slight smile: "Does Mr. Sheng have any other instructions?"


    Sheng Yuxiao ran his hand over the leather pad on the desk; a corner of it had been picked at.


    He raised his eyes, his gaze cold, expression unpleasant: "What happened here today?"


    Shu Li hesitated: "Nothing, just Secretary Yin bringing Miss Zhang upstairs, into the office, then I came to bring coffee..."


    "Call Yin Lu in."


    "Y-yes, right away."


    By the time Secretary Yin entered, Sheng Yuxiao was already checking the security footage on hisputer.


    After watching, he still didn''t know why little duck was unhappy enough to pick at his desk today.


    But...


    "You enjoy chatting in the secretary''s office that much? Return to your original position."


    *


    When Zhang Ruoshui said she was leaving, she meant it. She went home to pack her luggage, including herptop.


    It contained her major coursework.


    Yes, now there was no need to bring homework notebooks or test papers anymore, everything was on theptop.


    Hmm... Ke Muning would definitely like her foreignnguage coursework.


    She went home to have dinner with her grandfather, then called Ke Muning that same day: "Where are you now?"


    "I''m in Peru, are youing now?"


    Zhang Ruoshui hesitated for a moment, then called her second uncle.


    "I''m in Colombia, and your aunt is in Montpellier... Little duck, are youing over?"


    None of them were in New York.


    "Hmm, let me think..."


    Just as she hung up with her second uncle, Ke Muning called her back.


    "Did you, did you hear that?" Ke Muning asked.


    "Mm... gunshots?"


    "Yes, there''s some unrest here, want toe see?" Ke Muning tried to tempt her.


    But what he said would instantly raise her second uncle''s blood pressure if he heard it.


    "Come, I''ll teach you how to defend your house when surrounded by civilian arms dealers," Ke Muning continued to tempt her.


    Zhang Ruoshui: ?


    Zhang Ruoshui thought for a moment and said: "I remember it''s very close to the Amazon River. If you take me there, I might consider it."


    "Fine." Ke Muning gave in, "Taking you to see piranhas, caimans, bull sharks and arapaima would be nice too... it''ll be a parent-child activity."


    On the day Zhang Ruoshui set out, Mu Rongfeng finally got to see Old Mr. Zhang.


    After all, with his granddaughter gone, he could spare time to see others.


    "There''s something I discovered that I find quite frightening. It concerns little duck, but she''s still too young, not only unable to make her own decisions, but she might also be deceived and led astray..."


    Mu Rongfeng''s build-up was really too long.


    Old Mr. Zhang couldn''t bear it anymore and interrupted: "What do you mean? You''re saying little duck could be deceived and led astray? My little duck is so smart, what nonsense are you talking?"


    Mu Rongfeng: "..." Is that the focus here?


    Well then.


    Mu Rongfeng said directly: "I suspect the Sheng family has ulterior motives regarding little duck."

 Chapter 257: I’m Looking for... Li Xiao Yan

    Mu Rongfeng stayed at the Zhang residence for a full half hour.


    "Alright, I understand. You may leave now," Old Mr. Zhang said indifferently.


    Mu Rongfeng nced at his expression.


    His face was cold.


    But no extra emotions could be detected.


    "Old Mr. Zhang..."


    "Mr. Mu, you''ve said enough. Please."


    Mu Rongfeng inwardly sighed. Aging makes one shrewd, and getting him to directly express his stance wasn''t easy.


    But involving his only granddaughter, and he could still remain so calm...


    Mu Rongfeng shook his head secretly and turned to leave.


    "Take your gifts with you," Old Mr. Zhang said, ncing at the gifts piled at his feet.


    Mu Rongfeng felt uncertain: "Old Mr. Zhang, these are gifts for you and Xiao Ya..."


    "We are not rted, so why give gifts? Take them back." Old Mr. Zhang''s attitude was firm.


    Mu Rongfeng had no choice.


    Even if they were sessful in business, they still had to be wary of someone like Old Mr. Zhang.


    He bent down to pick up the gifts and heard Old Mr. Zhang say, "I don''t want this matter spread from your mouth all over."


    Mu Rongfeng''s eyes flickered.


    From this, it seemed Old Mr. Zhang was still angry.


    And knew this was an "affection" that shouldn''t be tolerated.


    Mu Rongfeng nodded, then heard Old Mr. Zhang say, "After all, this is an insult to the Sheng family."


    An insult?


    That''s how Old Mr. Zhang defined it?


    Mu Rongfeng''s expression changed slightly, but he knew further discussion was pointless, so he quickly left.


    Only after Mu Rongfeng''s figure disappearedpletely outside the door did Old Mr. Zhang frown and ask his secretary, "Xiao Ya should be at the airport by now, right?"


    "Yes."


    "Call Young Master Sheng and invite him for lunch. By then, Xiao Ya should have boarded the ne..."


    "You want to..." The secretary showed a hint of anxiety.


    Old Mr. Zhang murmured, "We watched that show from start to finish overnight. I know very well if the Sheng family had ulterior motives. But... there''s another matter to ask about, to inquire carefully."


    When Sheng Yuxiao received the call, he sensed the tone on the other end was off.


    "Alright, please tell Grandpa Zhang I will be there on time."


    He put away his phone and turned to his secretary, Lin Secretary: "Cancel the lunch appointment with the CEO of Yapa."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Sheng Yuxiao''s phone rang again.


    "Hello, Uncle Xu," it was Xu Ji.


    Xu Ji on the other end: "I finally came back, why did Big Duck leave? Is she dissatisfied with you? Shouldn''t be. That day you left, she also managed to anger Mu Rongfeng..."


    "Everyone''s gone, even Xu Ruying left with her boyfriend for a trip to New Zend. Your uncle and aunt also left..."


    Xu Ji voiced the dissatisfaction of an old widower.


    But Sheng Yuxiao''s brows instantly furrowed: "Uncle and Aunt left? Where to?"


    "For research needs, the Amazon River, and they''re also going to collect an award." Xu Ji said.


    Sheng Yuxiao suddenly stood up: "I told them before, not to move recently. The one who met Li Qingqing hasn''t been caught yet..."


    He had been in hiding for seven years, suddenly reappearing.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s first reaction was that he might be up to something again.


    "They believe, you can''t give up normal life just because of a prophecy that may nevere. They believe in science, not superstition."


    Xu Ji paused, then somewhat discontentedly said: "So I suggested they take me to the Amazon River, I''m quite interested in raising some piranhas. But they refused, saying if they really got into trouble, they''d die faster with me around."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    "I''ll go to an appointment first, if Uncle calls to report safety..."


    "Yeah, I''ll let you know." Xu Ji hung up and discussed with his secretary: "Let''s go to Abu Dhabi to raise lions instead."


    Although the two calls were not too pleasant, Sheng Yuxiao still methodically finished his work.


    Then, as he said, he arrived on time at the Zhang residence.


    Sheng Yuxiao and Qin Sui had both been to the Zhang residence many times.


    In fact, they were quite familiar with each other.


    This was why Old Mr. Zhang chose to let Mu Rongfeng leave first.


    After all, they were all "insiders," and no matter what conflicts arose next, it wasn''t for an outsider to watch.


    Sheng Yuxiao took off his suit jacket, hung it on the handrail, and politely greeted, "How is Grandpa Zhang''s health recently?"


    Others might say, "Thanks to you, today is not so good."


    But Old Mr. Zhang didn''t bother with that.


    He opened with a question: "Do you like Xiao Ya? Mu Rongfeng said you want to marry Xiao Ya."


    Sheng Yuxiao abruptly turned his head, the surrounding sounds almost disappearing, a giant boulder pressing down, with Old Mr. Zhang''s straightforward question echoing in his ears.


    *


    Ten long hours passed.


    Xu Ji received a call from Xu Ruying''s parents: "The ne justnded in Los Angeles, reporting safety. Next, we''ll switch to South American Airlines."


    "Sounds troublesome, private jets are so convenient."


    "Can''t always take your private jet, there are so many colleagues."


    "Alright."


    Xu Ji hung up and called his nephew, but no one answered.


    "What''s he doing?" Xu Ji muttered, "Let''s go, we''ll fly to Abu Dhabi now, so when he calls back, he''ll know what it feels like when no one answers."


    Secretary: "��Alright, sir."


    Meanwhile.


    Zhang Ruoshui boarded the ne.


    Before takeoff, she called Kemuning: "Kemuning, I bought you a souvenir at the transfer point."


    "Still need to transfer? I''ll have the pilot fly the ne to pick you up?"


    Zhang Ruoshui calmly asked him: "Kemuning, what ne did you take when you came?"


    "A former military ne, now civilian, you''ve ridden it."


    Military nes prioritize transportation, and the internal environment is imaginable.


    And pilots who fly such nes are usually very wild.


    Zhang Ruoshui sighed: "I don''t want to, I don''t want to be as shaken asst time, my butt will be in eight pieces."


    "��" Kemuning was unyielding, still wanted to argue that it was the Hua Country''s soil that wasn''t nourishing enough, if she stayed with him, she could handle even fighter jets!


    But Zhang Ruoshui had already said goodbye.


    Kemuning thought about whether he could still receive the souvenir, and finally said: "Alright, goodbye."


    The ne soon took off.


    Ascending, reaching the predetermined altitude.


    The flight attendant came to first ss and asked: "Hello, I will be serving you throughout the journey, here is our beverage list, may I ask��"


    Before the flight attendant finished.


    The flight attendant behind first shouted: "Hey, sir, this is first ss, your seat isn''t here, please step out��"


    A tall, unkempt middle-aged man with a beard appeared in the cabin.


    He croaked: "I''m looking for someone."


    "Who are you looking for? I''ll help you make an announcement, please step out first��"


    The flight attendant''s voice abruptly stopped, turning into a scream.


    Everyone was startled and turned to see the man grab the flight attendant in front of him by the neck.


    The man spoke again, his voice hoarse, but this time he didn''t speak English.


    "I''m looking for�� Li Xiaoya."

 Chapter 258

    "Duckling" and the surname "Li" were once linked together, but that was a long time ago.


    Zhang Ruoshui was stunned for a moment before realizing.


    This person... was looking for her!


    "Ah! Sir, please don''t do anything rash! Let go, let go of him, who are you looking for? I didn''t catch what you just said!" The flight attendant shouted, trying her best to maintainposure in both expression and tone.


    "I''m looking for Li Xiaoya," he said this time in English, speaking much more fluently. "I''m not talking to you. She should hear me. She shoulde out to see me, otherwise, everyone on this ne will lose their lives because of her."


    The flight attendant was even more frantic: "Sir, I''m very clear that there is no Miss Li on our first-ss passenger list..."


    Zhang Ruoshui moved slightly, but Wei Wenqing stepped in front of her, subtly shaking his head. The spherical seats in first ss effectively concealed their movements.


    "What''s going on?"


    "What happened?"


    Themotion had spread to the economy ss.


    Wei Wenqing stood up abruptly, turning sharply and colliding head-on.


    The man grunted in pain as his arm was hit, finally releasing his grip.


    The flight attendant copsed to the ground, gasping for breath while clutching the armrest.


    Seeing this, other tall passengers were encouraged and shouted, "Go! Go! Let''s take him down together!"


    However, being strangers, their coordination wascking. Before they could act, the man had already knocked one down and twisted another''s wrist forcefully.


    The passenger screamed in pain.


    This deterred others from intervening.


    Only Wei Wenqing continued his assault, kicking the man''s knee.


    The man, unable to withstand the force, leaned forward, iling his arms to grab the overhead shade.


    "Crash��"


    A pile of things fell.


    Wei Wenqing pressed down on the man''s back with his knee.


    But the man was strong and resisted several times, almost throwing Wei Wenqing off.


    It all seemed to happen in a matter of seconds.


    The man, face pressed against the carpet, managed to pull his nose and mouth away slightly, whispering, "Young Master, you''ve changed. You''ve be more painful to fight. Since you''re out, Li Xiaoya must be beside the seat you just stood up from, right?"


    Wei Wenqing''s expression changed, and he turned the man around.


    The man''s jacket, tied around him, fell open.


    Several strange stic bottles were strapped to his waist.


    First-ss passengers stood up, trying to distance themselves: "What''s that?"


    "Poison?"


    "Toxic gas, isn''t it?"


    "How did he get that on the ne?"


    "Who are you?" Wei Wenqing asked only this.


    The man looked strangely at the voice device pinned to Wei Wenqing''s chest before saying, "So you don''t recognize me anymore?"


    Zhang Ruoshui listened to themotion and dialogue, then unbuckled her seatbelt and walked towards her uncle.


    Passing the flight attendant, she patted her hand and whispered, "Tell the captain to contact the ground."


    Then, as if nothing had happened, she stopped beside her uncle.


    "Sugar mixed with potassium nitrate produces high-pressure gas," she said, ncing at the stic bottles.


    Other passengers, including the flight attendants, were even more terrified upon hearing this.


    Zhang Ruoshui then looked closely at the man, noting the scar on his face.


    Many people have scars.


    Comrades of Kermin also have scars.


    But this man''s scar was horizontal, a mix of British, French, and Chinese heritage.


    "Long time no see, Wei Zhen. I thought you were dead," Zhang Ruoshui said softly.


    Her calm tone had a soothing effect amidst the panic.


    At least the passengers didn''t scream in terror, just looked at her uneasily.


    "You are..." The man, hearing his name called by Zhang Ruoshui, was momentarily stunned. "Li Xiaoya?"


    No wonder he had to resort to such methods.


    He barely recognized her anymore.


    Zhang Ruoshui didn''t respond.


    "He..." Her uncle finally showed some anxiety.


    "He was my bodyguard, in theory. But Grandpa got sick, and so did you, so he became Wei Lin''s dog..."


    The man''s mouth twitched with anger and defiance.


    But Zhang Ruoshui didn''t look at him, continuing, "When I returned to Jin City, Grandpa sent him abroad. Later, Wei Lin was arrested for involvement in my kidnapping... he should have been purged by the board of directors."


    Wei Zhen gritted his teeth, ring at Zhang Ruoshui, his eyes bloodshot: "What kidnapping? You ndered the master."


    Zhang Ruoshui looked down at him, admitting frankly, "Yes, I ndered him. Losing to a child of just a few years old, isn''t that humiliating?"


    "When he colluded with the board of directors, when he used my mother''s whereabouts to provoke my uncle, how could he have imagined dying so disgracefully?"


    Wei Zhen''s eyes were red as he stared at her, his voice hoarse: "Little Miss, you''ve grown up, be someone to be trusted. But I can never be your bodyguard..."


    Zhang Ruoshui nodded, "Right, because now I look down on you."


    Wei Zhen choked, still insisting, "You think of me as a dog, but no one wants to wait for an uncertain future... before you appeared, did I have to wait a lifetime? Mr. Wei Lin promoted me, he had the grace of knowing me, so..."


    With a sudden burst of strength, Wei Zhen flipped over, reaching for the stic bottles on his waist.


    Wei Wenqing''s face darkened, quickly kicking out.


    Zhang Ruoshui simultaneously grabbed a nket from a nearby seat, covering Wei Zhen''s head, twisting it tightly.


    Wei Zhen''s vision went ck, his neck feeling like it was about to be dislocated. He had to use his hands to pull, stumbling and colliding.


    People gasped, looking at Zhang Ruoshui with new eyes.


    She was a girl!


    A very young girl!


    Wei Zhen''s head hit the armrest, his hands falling limp, his entire head tightly wrapped in the nket.


    The scene was somewhat terrifying.


    But it also brought a sense of security.


    The passengers breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Is it over?" someone asked tremulously.


    Just as the words left their mouth, a muffled "boom" echoed through the cabin.


    They were still in shock, unable to think clearly, only asking, "What exploded? Where? Where did thate from?"


    "The luggagepartment?"


    "How did the ground staff let this happen? Goodness!"


    In the midst of a few panicked cries, Wei Zhen suddenly lunged again, even though he couldn''t see, he stillughed: "How could Ie alone? I''m just here to distract attention."


    Zhang Ruoshui kicked him in the chin, sending him sprawling.


    "Uncle! Watch him, don''t let him die! I still have questions for him!"


    With that, Zhang Ruoshui pushed past the flight attendant and sprinted towards the cockpit.


    The door opened from the inside.


    A gust of air rushed in.


    The co-pilot staggered out, holding his head: "It... it exploded..."


    He emerged covered in blood, revealing the cockpit''s situation��


    The captain was still in his seat, but half his head was blown off. It seemed something had exploded in his mouth.


    The passengers could no longer control themselves, screaming in terror.


    The panic spread to the economy ss.


    The cabin was filled with wailing.


    Zhang Ruoshui took a deep breath, relieved.


    Fortunately, it was homemade explosives, otherwise, they couldn''t have been brought on the ne. Otherwise, the entire cockpit would have been blown up.


    She grabbed a bottle of wine from the food cart and rushed into the cockpit, smashing it over a shadow that had just jumped up.


    Normally, the cockpit would have a security officer besides the captain and co-pilot.


    Where was the missing one? When Zhang Ruoshui saw the cockpit''s situation, she thought of this.


    So... surprise attacks were no longer effective.


    While the man was stunned, Zhang Ruoshui grabbed his shoulder, dragging him into the cockpit, and said sinctly, "He exploded it, control him! Or we all die!"


    There were always a few passengers who could quickly distinguish between what was important and what was not, and they rushed up to restrain the man.


    "It''s toote, the captain is dead," Wei Zhen said.


    Wei Wenqing punched him in the nose, silencing his voice, and blood seeped through the thin nket.


    "Yes, the captain is dead," a passenger murmured.


    They held down the security officer while looking up at Zhang Ruoshui.


    Zhang Ruoshui turned back towards the cockpit and said, "We''re still in the cruising phase, the ne practically doesn''t need to be controlled."


    "But what aboutnding?" someone swallowed hard, trying to suppress the panic in their voice.


    Zhang Ruoshui thought for a moment: "First, contact the ground."


    "Do we need to go to the cockpit to operate? Who knows how?"


    "I''ve been on a helicopter and a smallbat transport ne, there should be some simrities, right?"


    Meanwhile, in the economy ss.


    Qiu Lan held her husband''s hand, her expression grave: "It seems something has happened."


    Her husband, Xu Huishan, also frowned: "This... is this the prophecy that Sheng Yuxiao mentioned? Does this mean we''ve harmed the people on the ne?"


    Qiu Lan said sternly, "Don''t talk nonsense."


    She unbuckled her seatbelt and said to her colleague sitting behind, "Let''s go to the front and see if anyone is injured, if they need help."


    They were used to fieldwork and had solid basic first aid knowledge.


    Others were trembling and didn''t dare to go to first ss, making Qiu Lan and her colleagues seem a bit out of ce.


    The door to first ss had been broken by Wei Zhen, which now conveniently allowed them to pass through.


    As they pushed the door open, they heard Zhang Ruoshuie out of the cockpit saying, "The control panel was blown up, we can''tmunicate with the ground, and half of the dashboard is damaged..."


    "Xiaoya?" Qiu Lan was stunned.


    *


    The atmosphere on the ne was tense, and the situation at the Zhang household wasn''t much better.


    "Is this question so difficult to answer?" Old Mr. Zhang asked sternly.


    Sheng Yuxiao stood there, not sitting down again.


    He moved his lips: "I can''t say I don''t want to."


    Old Mr. Zhang was so angry he blew his beard: "When did you, Sheng Yuxiao, start saying such equivocal things? What do you mean by ''can''t say I don''t want to''? Do you want to or not? What''s on your mind?"0


    Sheng Yuxiao pursed his lips, trying to regain some rity: "Because it''s something I just thought of."


    Old Mr. Zhang: ?

 Chapter 259

    Old Mr. Zhang found his voice again: "That Mu Rongfeng talks nothing but nonsense. If he dares toe here again, I''ll break his legs."


    Then, turning his gaze to Sheng Yuxiao, he asked: "So I''ve managed to enlighten you?"


    Sheng Yuxiao, now much calmer, quickly poured a cup of tea for Old Mr. Zhang: "Please don''t be angry..."


    Old Mr. Zhang didn''t take the tea and said coldly: "What you were just thinking about, did you figure it out?"


    "There are some things I still don''t understand."


    "Oh?"


    "As you know, Little Duck and I met when we were very young. When she was in middle school, I felt lost when I thought she was bing distant from me. Now, my reluctance to see her with Mu Bai - is it really any different from that feeling of loss back then?"


    "Wait, what does Mu Bai have to do with this?" The old man frowned.


    Sheng Yuxiao recounted what Mu Rongfeng had said at the birthday banquet.


    This time, Old Mr. Zhang was truly furious. He snatched the teacup from Sheng Yuxiao''s hand and mmed it on the table, shattering it and spilling tea everywhere.


    "Mu Rongfeng! I really should break his legs! He''s talking nonsense! Does he have a death wish? She''s my precious granddaughter! Xi Nian''s only daughter! What makes his Mu family worthy?"


    "What noble family? To hell with that! Does Little Duck need their money? They should never dream of tainting Little Duck with their dirty business!"


    "Little Duck deserves someone who will always be loyal to her, someone whose love for her will never waver!"


    Sheng Yuxiao reached out to pick up the broken pieces of porcin in front of Old Mr. Zhang.


    Old Mr. Zhang noticed his action and took a breath, calming down somewhat.


    He looked at Sheng Yuxiao''s hands.


    These were the hands that had pulled Little Duck out of the mud ditch.


    ...Always loyal to her, love that would never waver.


    There was one such person.


    From the very beginning, without any ulterior motives.


    No connection through blood rtions.


    No adult attraction based on appearances.


    For a long time, Old Mr. Zhang had been certain that when he became too old to move and faced death.


    Sheng Yuxiao would still be by Little Duck''s side.


    Just like many years ago, when no one else had found Little Duck, he had firmly stood by her side...


    Sheng Yuxiao poured another cup of tea for Old Mr. Zhang.


    This time he epted it.


    "Have you ever been in love?" Old Mr. Zhang asked.


    Sheng Yuxiao replied: "No."


    Old Mr. Zhang: "Didn''t you like anyone during school?"


    Sheng Yuxiao: "Never found it interesting."


    "..."


    Old Mr. Zhang wiped his face. Still need my help, huh?


    "Little Duck''s grandmother and I, we knew each other since we were kids in the children''s brigade. That was a childhood friendship, deep and meaningful! Later, when we grew up, she thought I had died in the war, even built a memorial stone for me, burned incense every year. She always insisted on writing my name on that yellow paper, worried I wouldn''t receive it in the underworld and would be bullied for having no money."


    "Later, when I came back and saw that memorial stone, I cried. I didn''t even know why I was crying. She told me that usually only family members burn paper offerings, and she had always worried that even with my name written on it, I wouldn''t receive her offerings because she wasn''t really anyone to me."


    "At that time, her family was trying to arrange matches for her. I thought I should help check these suitors out, since she had shown such loyalty to me. But I kept finding fault with everyone until she got angry and stopped talking to me. When I couldn''t see her, I dreamed of her every night."


    "Then I had to go on another military mission. This time, I was afraid of dying out there myself. I was afraid that if I died, I''d have nightmares every night. I kept thinking that if I died, she might marry one of those unsuitable men."


    "We were young then, still immature. My head was full of thoughts like, ''If that happens, I''ll die with regret, my ghost wille back to haunt her window.''"


    "But then I worried that if I died, I wouldn''t even have a ghost, couldn''t even look at her one more time as a spirit. You understand? That''s what love is."


    Sheng Yuxiao listened in shock, his throat moving slightly: "Grandpa Zhang, I understand now."


    Old Mr. Zhang wiped the corner of his eye: "Oh my, trying to teach you ended up making this old man cry."


    Old Mr. Zhang''s tone suddenly became serious: "Then there''s another question I need to ask you."


    "Please ask."


    "Little Duck is close to you now, but what if it''s just because she''s grateful for everything you did back then in Li Family Vige?"


    Old Mr. Zhang paused, watching his expression closely, and slowly spoke the cruel words: "What if... you''re the only one who has developed these feelings, while Little Duck doesn''t feel the same way?"


    Sheng Yuxiao clenched his fingers.


    In his mind, he recalled Little Duck''s words, "So someone better than him would be fine, is that it?"


    He lowered his gaze, his voice tense: "Then everything stays as it is now. Little Duck will never know about my feelings."


    "So you''ll continue to protect her like before? Keep her in an important position in your life?"


    "Yes."


    "And every time you see her, you''ll have to suppress your unfulfilled desires. Can you handle that?"


    "What makes us human is having more self-control than animals."


    Old Mr. Zhang smiled: "Is it really that easy to endure? When you truly love someone, it tears at your heart, keeps you tossing and turning at night, makes everything seem wrong."


    "At least... I can still see her," Sheng Yuxiao said, his lips tight.


    "Oh, such noble thinking," Old Mr. Zhangmented.


    He paused before continuing: "Later, before I left, I went to find Little Duck''s grandmother. I told her, ''Let''s get married. That way, I''ll definitely receive the paper offerings you burn for me.''"


    "She agreed."


    "But the next day, I was the one who regretted it. I felt like such a scoundrel. What if I really died? She would be a widow. Why should she have to be a widow for my sake when she was perfectly fine?"


    "Longing and possessiveness are love, but isn''t self-restraint also love?"


    Old Mr. Zhang exhaled and stood up: "I need to go burn some incense for her."


    Call him selfish if you will, but he was indeed satisfied with Sheng Yuxiao''s answer.


    Of course he favored his granddaughter.


    He hoped that even if Little Duck didn''t have those feelings for Sheng Yuxiao, he would remain unchanged in his devotion to her.


    After Old Mr. Zhang left, Sheng Yuxiao sat alone for a long time.


    If Little Duck didn''t share his feelings...


    How could he make himself endure it?


    Perhaps he could personally help select some excellent rich young men for her, and when her gaze passed over them... that would be desensitization training, one time after another.


    Until one day.


    Those unattainable emotions could be properly locked away.


    It''s not difficult, Sheng Yuxiao.


    He told himself.


    Yet his fingers on the table edge betrayed him, turning white with pressure.


    *


    Meanwhile.


    The Qiu Lan couple quickly understood the situation.


    Qiu Lan asked: "So now, you''re going to try tond the ne?"


    Zhang Ruoshui nodded, unbuckled her seatbelt and pushed aside the headless pilot.


    The Qiu Lan couple, who often traveled for research and had experienced many harsh environments, considered themselves quite seasoned, but when their eyes fell on the headless pilot, they couldn''t help but feel a chill.


    Little Duck was too impressive.


    She could actually sit in the pilot''s seat without changing expression.


    "How is it, youngdy?" someone peeked in, "Can you fly it?"


    "I''ll try," Zhang Ruoshui answered conservatively.


    The person frowned and said: "Try? That''s not a good answer. We can''t experiment with so many lives..."


    Qiu Lan interrupted: "Can you fly it?"


    The person was stunned: "I can''t, but..."


    "Then be quiet," Qiu Lan stopped him, "If you really want to help, perhaps you could try broadcasting to see if there are any retired fighter pilots on board, though the probability is very low."


    The man left with a dark face to find the broadcast control room.


    After his full thirty seconds of broadcasting for help, no retired pilots were found, but the emotions in the cabin became increasingly unstable.


    Because of this broadcast, the passengers in the back suddenly realized... something had happened to the pilot! The ne was out of control!


    Hearing the chaos from behind.


    Zhang Ruoshui turned her head briefly: "Where''s the flight attendant?"


    "I''m here, Miss, I''m right here." The flight attendant straightened her messy hair, raising her reddened eyes.


    "Reassure the passengers. Tell them we''ve found a recement pilot. We''ll circle in the air for one to two hours to reduce the fuel weight to a safending level, and then we''llnd."


    "O-okay," the flight attendant responded, turning to make the announcement.


    Qiu Lan grabbed her: "Wait, let someone else do it."


    The flight attendant froze.


    Qiu Lan said, "Your voice was trembling when you answered her. Through the microphone, your panic will only be amplified."


    The flight attendant mumbled, "But... but who wouldn''t be nervous?"


    She looked at Qiu Lan: "You? Why don''t you try? You could do it, right?"


    Qiu Lan shook her head and looked toward Zhang Ruoshui''s back: "Little Duck, can you step away from the control panel? You should make the announcement."


    Zhang Ruoshui was surprised: "Me?"


    "Your voice is young, calm, clear, and determined. Most importantly, it''s pleasant to hear."


    Qiu Lan paused: "It might sound strange, but human nature is such that when people hear a beautiful voice, they instinctively pause to listen carefully to what''s being said."


    "During wartime, female broadcasters were specially selected. Gentle voices can disperse people''s will, while determined voices can inspire endless hope... That''s the miraculous nature of humans."


    Zhang Ruoshui lowered her eyes to look at the instrument panel.


    At this moment, Xu Huishan noticed Wei Wenqing seemed anxious.


    But he couldn''t speak.


    Wei Wenqing''s hands were firmly holding down Wei Zhen, unable to let go or helpmunicate.


    Xu Huishan quickly went over to ask: "What''s wrong?"


    Wei Wenqing nodded his chin and lowered his gaze.


    Xu Huishan understood: "You can''t hold him down alone, right?" He hurried to help press down.


    Wei Wenqing immediately withdrew his force and quickly walked to Zhang Ruoshui''s side, using his voice device: "Little Duck, I can fly it."


    Zhang Ruoshui''s eyes widened slightly in surprise, just as she used to do when she was young.


    She quickly made way for Wei Wenqing and went to make the announcement in ce of the flight attendant.


    Meanwhile, Xu Huishan was struggling: "Oh no, oh no, I can''t hold him! Qiu Lan! Help!"


    His colleagues rushed over to help hold the man down, searching everywhere for rope.


    These intellectuals suddenly burst out cursing: "Damn, damn, damn, why is he harder to hold down than a pig?"


    The passengers who couldn''t help watched this scene in amazement, finally realizing what an incredible feat it had been when that young girl and the mute man had worked together to subdue this person so quickly!


    "Dear passengers, you must be wondering what''s happening. Please listen..." Zhang Ruoshui''s voice suddenly came through the broadcast.


    Just as Qiu Lan had said, the cabin indeed fell strangely quiet.


    Her voice was not only clear but also incredibly prating.


    Even with eyes closed, one could imagine the image of a tender sprout breaking through soil, overflowing with vitality.


    *


    In the early hours of the morning, Sheng Yuxiao pulled the curtains tight and sat under themp, its dim light illuminating his face.


    He rubbed the back of his phone, calcting the time, preparing to call Little Duck to ask if she hadnded.


    It should be daytime over there.


    But his phone rang first.


    "Hello? Uncle?"


    "I haven''t received any safety confirmation call from your elder uncle and the others..."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s chest tightened: "Which airline were they flying? I''ll have someone check."


    "I''ve already checked. The flight hasn''t arrived at its destination airport, and I can''t find any other information. I suspect something''s happened, and the airline is covering it up! There''s not a single news report about it..."Aliali: 67210a8c3a4784313d743e58


    After hanging up, Sheng Yuxiao immediately called Wei Wenjuan.


    Multiple channels of investigation would be faster!


    "Which flight?" Wei Wenjuan asked.


    "The one to Peru..." Sheng Yuxiao hadn''t finished speaking.


    Wei Wenjuan''s tone changed: "To Peru? Are you sure?" He recited a flight number, his voice urgent: "Is it this one? Little Duck is on the same flight!"


    Wasn''t she... flying to New York?


    Sheng Yuxiao''s vision darkened, his heart seemingly stopping for a moment.


    "I''m afraid of death"


    "I''m afraid I won''t be a ghost, I''m afraid I won''t see her"


    Old Mr. Zhang''s words still echoed in his ears.

 Chapter 260

    After failing to contact the flight, the control tower immediately realized something might be wrong and reported it up the chain.


    "Should we contact the police?"


    "Not yet..." the Boss showed hesitation.


    "Why not?"


    "Remember the false rmst month? Making such a big fuss without confirmation will affect thepany''s stock price. Let''s keep trying to contact them first."


    Only two to three hours passed after that phone call.


    Then this Boss started receiving inquiring calls: "Has yourpany''s flight gone missing?"


    The Boss was stunned: "How did you know?"


    The caller was equally surprised: "The news first spread in Asia, and now the whole world probably knows about it."


    "Asia? Where in Asia did this newse from?"


    "You don''t know yet? There seems to be family members of some Hua Country tycoon on that flight. And there''s someone even more important - I heard Hua Country officials are already involved."


    The Boss looked out at the night sky.


    In the middle of the night... He couldn''t even finish this call when his own superior suddenly called.


    "Wake up! Get to the ident site immediately. Either the people on the ne are alive, or you''re dead."


    The man was startled and scrambled out of bed.


    On the other end of the line, the Boss slowly put down his phone and said coldly: "My stance is very clear, with no concealment or cover-up."


    Wei Wenyi sat on the edge of the desk, moving the gun barrel slightly away.


    Wei Wenjuan sat in the leather chair opposite, his expression cold: "You better pray for good news... I know you have the Morgan family as your backing, but I can risk my life - I''ll still kill your entire family."


    The Boss''s face immediately turned as dark as if he had eaten dirt.


    As news spread like snowkes.


    Peru''s airport suddenly weed countless VIPs.


    "This is the approximate crash zone range based on the time of lost contact," the staff member opened the map and drew arge circle.


    Just as he finished speaking, he felt a chill. Looking up, he saw all the big shots staring at him coldly.


    The staff member instantly corrected himself: "This is the missing zone range."


    At this point, arguing whether the ne was missing or crashed didn''t matter much anymore.


    Historically, no missing flight had ever returned safely. The famous MH370 hasn''t even been found to this day...


    The staff member gathered his courage, but these VIPs still needed to be dealt with...


    After listening to the search and rescue arrangements and situation briefing with an expressionless face, Sheng Yuxiao got up and walked out, taking the helmet from his bodyguard.


    "The helicopter is parked on the east side," the bodyguard whispered in his ear.


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded.


    Xu Ruying had just arrived, stumbling into the temporarymand center: "Sheng Yuxiao, Sheng Yuxiao! My parents..."


    She supported herself on her knees, her body involuntarily hunching over.


    "How... how could this happen?" Xu Ruying gasped for air, struggling to breathe.


    Sheng Yuxiao grabbed her arm and handed her to a nearby bodyguard.


    "Sit and wait," Sheng Yuxiao''s tone seemed indifferent.


    Xu Ruying looked up and saw Sheng Yuxiao''s tense face. In the dim light, his expression seemed devoid of any humanity.


    Xu Ruying waited like this for three days.


    Her sleep got worse and worse as she watched countless peopleing and going, day and night, without cease.


    Social media users had even started posting memorials.


    Seeing this made her heart burn with countless entangled mes, making her restless day and night... Others seemed much calmer.


    "Sheng Yuxiao, aren''t you afraid?"


    "We still can''t find the ne..."


    "The search and rescue teams don''t dare go deeper into the jungle because it''s tooplex..."


    "They''re saying there''s no chance of survival for anyone on the ne."


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his eyes and spat out two words through his teeth: "Bullshit!"


    "I heard you''re nning to go into the jungle with guides tomorrow," Xu Ruying looked up, "Don''t get lost."


    "Our family can''t lose another person..." Xu Ruying could barely hold back her tears.


    "Mm." Sheng Yuxiao only gave a brief response, saying nothing more.


    Conserving energy.


    *


    Meanwhile.


    Because many instruments in the cockpit were damaged, they couldn''t continue along the original flight path to reach Peru airport.


    The ne couldn''t fly around aimlessly in the sky either - without guidance, they could easily collide with other aircraft in different flight paths.


    So after circling for a while, they made an emergencynding nearby.


    In the pitch-ck night... they won their gamble!


    Theynded in the jungle instead of the Amazon River.


    Trees were knocked down, the nose was damaged, but because the fuel had been properly consumed, there was no explosion afternding.


    They even managed to get their luggage.


    "Change into long sleeves and pants!"


    "Use tree branches as walking sticks! Test every step before taking it!"


    Fortunately, these travelers heading to Peru had packed plenty of clothing and medicine suitable for the local climate.


    "The airne meals won''t be enough, and the jungle temperature will make them spoil quickly. We might starve to death here before rescue arrives..."


    The co-pilot, who had earlier been frightened out of his wits when the captain pulled a gun, had now somewhat regained his senses.


    But his tone was still full of pessimism.


    Zhang Ruoshui looked at him puzzled: "Why would we starve? We can eat bananas, redke fruit, cassava, palm tree core... we can even catch piranhas to eat. It''s a very bnced andplete nutrition."


    These words left everyone silent.


    Is... is that so?


    In such dire circumstances, we''re still... talking about bnced nutrition?


    The co-pilot slowly recovered from his shock: "Then... how do we find all this food?"


    "Yes, we don''t see any bananas or cassava."


    Zhang Ruoshui''s voice rose slightly: "Let me formally introduce��"


    "Ms. Qiu Lan, zoologist from Hua Country."


    "Mr. Xu Huishan, botanist from Hua Country."


    Qiu Lan raised her hand and said: "Actually, my husband''s colleagues are also experts in rted fields."


    Everyone swallowed in amazement.


    But the co-pilot still had doubts: "But how do we catch piranhas? We''d need to go to the river. But there are sharks and crocodiles in the river, and if they attack, we have no weapons. We''d be sacrificing lives - who would want to go?"


    Qiu Lan frowned, hoping Zhang Ruoshui wouldn''t step forward this time.


    The young girl was too earnest, always charging ahead. But how could she handle everything?


    Should others just sit back and enjoy the benefits?


    Just as Qiu Lan thought this.


    Zhang Ruoshui looked at the co-pilot puzzled: "Who says we don''t have weapons?"


    "Where..."


    Zhang Ruoshui pulled open Wei Zhen''s clothes, pointing at the stic bottle at his waist: "This is it."


    Co-pilot: ?


    Qiu Lan: "..."


    Wei Zhen nearly died of anger.Aliali: 67210a8c3a4784313d743e58


    I was going to use that to kill you, and now you want to use it to catch fish? It''s be your tool?


    "If we really run out of food to share..." Zhang Ruoshui looked at the tied-up Wei Zhen and security guard.


    "Your lives have meaning," Zhang Ruoshui said.


    Wei Zhen shuddered in horror.


    She couldn''t be thinking about cannibalism, could she?


    She''d only been raised by the Ghost family for a few years, and she''d already be this ruthless?


    The passengers didn''t think too much about it. After hearing Zhang Ruoshui''s words, they all breathed heavy sighs of relief.


    Encountering armed criminals �� forced emergencynding ��nding in the Amazon jungle.


    Each scenario sounded like a hellish beginning.


    But now... this was clearly a hellish start with cheat codes enabled!

 Chapter 261

    <h1>Chapter 261</h1>


    After that incident, Wei Zhen and the security guard became the ones most afraid of having no food to eat.


    Of course, those who would do such things weren''t afraid of death.


    But they were terrified of having their flesh slowly carved off with sharpened stones, dying slowly from pain and infection while watching passengers eat their meat.


    After some thought, Qiu Lan still advised Zhang Ruoshui: "Don''t let them eat human flesh. Even if they''re rescuedter, they could develop mental illness from it."


    Zhang Ruoshui whispered: "I was just trying to scare those two bad guys."


    Qiu Lanughed: "You scared me too."


    Initially, they didn''t dare venture too far from the ne. The aircraft was stillrgely intact, so they could search for food during the day and rest inside at night.


    It was ufortable, but safe.


    As time slowly passed.


    Everyone began to worry if they would be Amazon jungle people forever.


    "Will anyone reallye to rescue us?"


    "Do they think we''ve vanished from the face of the earth?"


    "I want to go home."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Someone wille rescue us," Zhang Ruoshui said with certainty in her voice.


    Qiu Lan nodded: "Yes, Old Xu''s brother will definitelye save us."


    Some passengers couldn''t help butin loudly: "How will they rescue us?"


    "Is Mr. Xu''s brother someone special?"


    "Hey, don''t say that. My parents will definitely look for me too. With their persistence, the police will keep searching, right?" someone said optimistically.


    But they were quickly contradicted:


    "What good is persistence? After enough time passes, the case will be shelved. If we were lucky enough to have a rtive of someone important on our flight, maybe they''d keep caring about this. But even important people eventually ept that their rtives are dead..."


    "Important people''s rtives wouldn''t take a flight like this anyway."


    Xu Huishan heard this and became anxious, not knowing how to exin that his brother really was capable and persistent, and would definitely keep searching for them!


    His brother-inw was also very wealthy!


    At this point, Zhang Ruoshui spoke up coolly: "I''m the heir to the Rockefeller Financial Group."


    Everyone fell silent.


    It took a while before they found their voices again.


    "Huh?"


    "Really?"


    "Are you lying to us?"


    "Then why were you on a flight like this?"


    "My godfather does some arms transport business, but I don''t like riding transport nes," Zhang Ruoshui answered calmly.


    "?"


    Wei Zhen couldn''t take it anymore and cursed: "You''re aplete traitor to the Ghost family! Taking that madman Ke Muning as your godfather. After the old man passed, you''ve all gone crazy..."


    Zhang Ruoshui nced at him: "My uncle has already made peace with Ke Muning, what right do you have to interfere?"


    Hearing this, Wei Zhen was devastated, like someone who just discovered their boss had gotten together with their rival.


    He kept muttering: "You shouldn''t have killed the master, you shouldn''t have! He was the one who best carried out the old man''s principles! He should have been the rightful heir... You''re all messing everything up!"


    Zhang Ruoshui walked up to him and asked: "By the way, there''s one thing... How did you escape the board of directors'' assassination attempt?"


    This was what she really wanted to understand.


    She found it very strange.


    If Wei Lin''s remaining faction was so capable, why didn''t theye to protect Wei Lin back then? Why did they only save Wei Zhen?


    Wei Zhen''s expression became odd as he looked at Zhang Ruoshui and said: "Your enemy saved me."


    "My enemy?" Zhang Ruoshui thought for a moment but could only think of Wei Lin''s group and Li Qingqing.


    But Li Qingqing hadn''t been heard from in a long time. Sheng Yuxiao said she was sick and needed treatment.


    Li Qingqing didn''t have such capabilities either.


    "Even if I die, that person will keep watching you from the shadows, until you die too."


    "Watching me?" Zhang Ruoshui tilted her head.


    Wei Zhen couldn''t detect any fear in her expression.


    After questioning Wei Zhen, Zhang Ruoshui had one more thing to do - she began observing the other passengers.


    There were friends traveling together.


    There was a family of four.


    There were young couples and elderly married couples.


    Some who had been traveling alone had made friends here.


    In such an environment, everyone seemed to crave panionship" to suppress their inner fears and anxieties.


    She also missed her grandfather, uncle, aunt, Ke Muning... and Sheng Yuxiao.


    Were they worried sick?


    She hoped her uncle and aunt wouldn''t be too shocked, her grandfather wouldn''t cry, Ke Muning wouldn''t go crazy... and Sheng Yuxiao, how would Sheng Yuxiao be?


    Zhang Ruoshui was confident she could survive here for a long time.


    But suddenly she started wondering... if she really died here, what would Sheng Yuxiao do?


    She wished she had stayed a few more days before leaving.


    Then Sheng Yuxiao''s uncle and the others wouldn''t have been involved...


    Another day passed.


    Everyone''s pessimistic mood returned, and they began writing wills.


    Zhang Ruoshui thought about it and wrote several letters too.


    One for her grandfather, one for her grandfather''s secretary Uncle Xun Yuan, ones for her uncle and aunt, one for Ke Muning, one for Qin Sui, ones for Zhou Xiaoshu and An Ying...


    She didn''t miss anyone she was close to.


    When she ran out of paper, she borrowed several sheets from other passengers.


    The others couldn''t help but joke: "Miss Ghost, you sure have a lot of friends and rtives!"


    Zhang Ruoshui had told them her surname was "Ghost," so that''s what they called her.


    "Yes, many," Zhang Ruoshui''s eyes narrowed slightly as she said these words.


    Actually, even if she died here, she should have no regrets.


    When she was young, she never imagined that one day she would have so many people who loved and protected her.


    She had already experienced happiness.


    No...


    There was still one tiny regret.


    She hadn''t figured it out yet.


    She unfolded thest piece of paper, which was meant for Sheng Yuxiao.


    "Sheng Yuxiao, why do I want to have you all to myself?"


    If by chance she died.


    When Sheng Yuxiao saw this, could he burn the answer for her?


    No, just burning such an answer would still leave her with regrets in the afterlife.


    She crossed out that line and wrote again:


    "Sheng Yuxiao, can I have you all to myself?"


    If he burned that answer for her, she wouldn''t have any regrets.


    Once someone''s dead, why think about the "why" - no need to think, just having an answer would be enough.


    Zhang Ruoshui dusted off her hands, returned the pen to the other passengers, and folded the paper into her pocket.


    Her pockets were bulging now - they could sort through and distribute the letters themselvester!


    "Has anyone not written their will yet?" the flight attendant called out loudly.


    "Only Edward is left," a helpful passenger said.


    Zhang Ruoshui instinctively looked over when she heard the voice.


    Edward was the flight attendant whose neck had been squeezed by Wei Zhen. He said, "I don''t need to."


    Zhang Ruoshui walked over and asked: "Is your neck better?"


    The flight attendant unconsciously touched his neck and avoided Zhang Ruoshui''s gaze: "Yes."


    Zhang Ruoshui suddenly noticed that his neck and face seemed to be different colors, and he smelled like he hadn''t washed in a long time.


    Zhang Ruoshui asked him: "Why don''t you wash your face?"


    "Afraid the water isn''t clean."


    "But you can drink it."


    The flight attendant''s lips twitched.


    "Is it you?" Zhang Ruoshui suddenly asked.


    "What?" the flight attendant was startled.


    Zhang Ruoshui directly tried to trick him: "Are you the one who wanted to kill me? Did you save Wei Zhen and use him as a pawn?"


    Though she still couldn''t figure out one thing - if that was the case, wasn''t this person afraid of death?


    Fortunately, she didn''t need to figure it out anymore.


    Because the flight attendant''s expression changed uncontrobly.


    Zhang Ruoshui suddenly pinned him to the ground, and before anyone around understood what was happening, she poured a can of river water on the flight attendant''s face.


    The flight attendant was too weak to resist and could only shout: "What are you doing? You''re ndering me! Help!"


    Others exchanged nces but didn''t step forward.


    Over these days, Zhang Ruoshui had be their leader. Those botanists and zoologists were close to her, and although she was young, she was strong, calm,bat-capable, and heir to some financial group...


    Only a fool would try to intervene now.


    Zhang Ruoshui quickly wiped the flight attendant''s face clean.


    Underneath was a somewhat familiar face.


    "...It''s you? You tried to kill Qin Yue, and now you''vee after me?"


    The flight attendant''s face changed dramatically, fully realizing that denial was useless, and desperately tried to break free from Zhang Ruoshui''s grip.


    Zhang Ruoshui punched him in the nose.


    "Tie him up." Zhang Ruoshui tilted her head, threatening him the same way she had threatened Wei Zhen. "Another food reserve for us."


    The flight attendant was so frightened his soul nearly left his body. "I just came to do a mission! How did it turn out like this?"


    "Mission? What mission?"


    But the flight attendant pressed his lips tight and wouldn''t say another word.


    *


    "It''s been half a month," Xu Ruying murmured.


    Now, every breath she took felt like a knife being dragged from her throat down to her heart.


    It was too painful, far too painful.


    "Mr. Sheng is back!" someone shouted.


    Xu Ruying ran out frantically, looking behind Sheng Yuxiao. No one...


    The Amazon Basin was just too vast... When would they ever find them?


    She took a breath and looked at Sheng Yuxiao''s appearance again.


    His clothes were torn and filthy beyond recognition; he had never looked this disheveled even when filming that rural show years ago.


    The words on the tip of Xu Ruying''s tongue were swallowed back.


    She felt her cousin''s expression looked as if he was already teetering on the edge of madness, and she shouldn''t add any more fuel to the fire.


    "Rest up, we''ll search westward tomorrow," Sheng Yuxiao said tersely, without even the strength to spare Xu Ruying another nce.


    He returned to his resting ce.


    Old Mr. Zhang opened the tent and walked in, his voice hoarse: "Don''t kill yourself first. Tomorrow, Xun Yuan will lead a team to search westward."


    The old man handed him a cup of hot water.


    Sheng Yuxiao gripped the cup.


    The disposable paper cup was thin, and the scalding water turned his palm red through the cup wall, but he seemedpletely unaware of it.


    He just lowered his head and dry-swallowed an ibuprofen with one hand, as if that could suppress the piercing pain inside.


    Not knowing was such torment.


    He wondered if back then, when he was injured during the show filming at Li Family Vige and sent to the hospital, while his little duck was forcibly kept in the vige, if she had experienced such headaches during those days when she couldn''t see him.

 Chapter 262

    <h1>Chapter 262</h1>


    The day after writing the will, Li Xiaoya and Qiu Lan discussed and decided to actively try venturing outward.0


    Using the airne as a reference point, they would explore in four directions: east, south, west, and north.0


    "ces where humans have been are quite different. Let me teach everyone what features to look out for, and how tomunicate with local natives if we encounter them, so they won''t misunderstand our intentions..." Xu Huishan exined calmly.0


    "Now I''ll distribute weapons to everyone," Zhang Ruoshui added.0


    Most of the weapons were handmade, but they would suffice.0


    Wei Wenqing and Zhang Ruoshui went in one direction, taking along the flight attendant named Edward.0


    Zhang Ruoshui had tied a rope around him, leading him like a dog on a leash.0


    Edward was furious: "You really aren''t suited to be the female lead!"0


    Zhang Ruoshui turned back, puzzled.0


    Edward gritted his teeth: "You''re too ruthless! How can you be a female protagonist? You''re so close with Ke Muning and always helping your uncle''s family. I think you''re better suited as a viin!"0


    Zhang Ruoshui was confused: "Why should I be the female lead? I can be Zhang Ruoshui, Li Shengxi, Xiaoya, a demon, a madwoman... anything. They''re all me."0


    Edward became even angrier hearing this: "Even Li Qingqing wants to be the female lead..."0


    Zhang Ruoshui looked at him: "You really are strange. You seem to know everything about each of us, even about Li Qingqing..."0


    Edward''s expression changed, and he fell silent.0


    Zhang Ruoshui pulled the rope with some force, causing Edward to crash into a tree. He grimaced in pain: "Is this how you interrogate someone?"0


    Zhang Ruoshui shook her head: "I''m not interrogating you. I just dislike you. Whether or not you tell me what you know doesn''t matter."0


    Edward twisted his lips: "Then I''ll tell you anyway."0


    Wei Wenqing silently shook his head ahead of them.0


    How easily he fell for the trick.0


    "I''m a yer, and this is just arge RPG game. There are many story scenarios in the game, and your world is just one of them."0


    "Some yers can choose to y in ''world correction mode,'' some can y in ''rebirth rewrite mode''... all can enjoy the feeling of controlling others'' lives."0


    "I''m here to correct this story world, to restore it to its original form ording to the game mission."0


    "Why do I know so much about you all?"0


    "Because all your information is listed in the official game guide!"0


    "You''re just a character, understand? You''re not a real person! Devastating to hear, isn''t it?"0


    "Damn it, I don''t even want the game achievements anymore! Let me exit the game!"0


    Zhang Ruoshui stopped, turned around, and pped him, asking: "Did that hurt?"0


    Edward was stunned by the p.0


    "It seems to hurt, so how can you say we''re ''just characters''? Everyone''s pain, sadness, and happiness are real." Zhang Ruoshui pressed her lips together, suppressing her anger.0


    Wei Wenqing''s brows furrowed deeper and deeper.0


    How could their suffering be dismissed as mere game scenarios in someone''s mouth?0


    Wei Wenqing''s voice device had run out of battery, so he gestured:0


    "This person is insane."0


    "Let''s kill him."0


    Edward couldn''t understand signnguage, but he could read Wei Wenqing''s expression.0


    They want to kill him?0


    Fine, fine, fine. Go ahead and kill him.0


    Death would mean leaving the game.0


    Just then, a strange sound approached.0


    "Have we encountered natives?" Edward''s heart sank, hoping they hadn''t run into cannibals.0


    The sound gradually turned into a loud noise, getting louder and louder.0


    Zhang Ruoshui''s eyes lit up: "Propellers! Uncle! It''s the sound of propellers!"0


    Zhang Ruoshui quickly took out the rescue banner they had prepared from her backpack.0


    The brightly colored banner was stretched out in the forest, revealing a bright red "SOS."0


    The sound of propellers grew closer and closer.0


    Zhang Ruoshui looked up: "It''s no good, they probably can''t see us, the trees are too dense..."0


    She began thinking of other options.0


    Starting a fire for rescue was definitely not an option.0


    The forest was too dense; a fire would doom them all.0


    Wei Wenqing was even more anxious than her, hearing the propeller sound starting to fade away.0


    He sprinted madly in that direction.0


    "Uncle!" Zhang Ruoshui dragged Edward along as she ran.0


    They had to get home!0


    This time, they had to get Xiaoya home!0


    Wei Wenqing waved the red banner in his hand, and his ne fell out from his cor, whipping against his face in the wind.0


    He froze for a moment and grabbed the object.0


    It was... a whistle.0


    It was the whistle Xiaoya had given him when she first returned to Jin City.0


    Later, when he got his voice device, the whistle hadn''t been much use, but he always kept it with him because it was from Xiaoya.0


    He quickly put the whistle to his lips.0


    "Tweet��"0


    "Tweet tweet��"0


    The sharp whistle sound echoed through the jungle.0


    On the other side.0


    "What''s that sound?" Sheng Yuxiao stopped and listened.0


    "Could it be natives?" The bodyguard swallowed nervously.0


    Qin Sui, who was also in the group, disagreed: "Impossible."0


    Sheng Yuxiao listened carefully: "...It''s a whistle!"0


    Having participated in variouspetitions, he was more sensitive to whistle sounds.0


    "That''s not from leaves blowing, it''s the sound only a metal whistle can make... local natives wouldn''t have something like that..." Sheng Yuxiao said before breaking into a run.0


    They no longer bothered with careful exploration, all running frantically to follow the sound.0


    Bits of light filtered through the gaps in the trees.0


    Sheng Yuxiao finally saw Wei Wenqing.0


    Wei Wenqing was breathing heavily, pointing behind him and making a series of gestures.0


    "Xiaoya!" Sheng Yuxiao shouted.0


    "Xiaoya!" His voice tore through the air.0


    "XIAOYA!!!" It felt as if his internal organs would tear apart with his cry.0


    "Sheng Yuxiao?" Zhang Ruoshui stopped running, standing still.0


    She could see a tall, straight silhouette dappled with fragments of light, running toward her.0N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Sheng Yuxiao!" She called out his name loudly too.0


    Edward finally turned ashen: "It''s happening again, just like always..."0


    "The forum says no matter how many times we restart, he''s always the first to run to you. The more the plot changes and deviates, this is the one thing that never changes."0


    Zhang Ruoshui heard his words and nced back at him.0


    "You say this is a game, right?" Zhang Ruoshui asked.0


    "Yes..."0


    Things Zhang Ruoshui couldn''t understand suddenly became clear.0


    "Then I can do whatever I want." She murmured.0


    The moment that silhouette became clear in her sight, she tightly embraced Sheng Yuxiao.0


    Sheng Yuxiao firmly held her waist, pressing her head against his neck with one hand.0


    Only such intimate contact could confirm that what was lost had been regained.0


    "Xiaoya..."0


    All his mental preparation crumbled in this instant like dried leaves in a storm.0


    He couldn''t bring himself to choose someone more suitable for her.0


    He wanted Xiaoya''s favoritism forever.0


    He wanted to never regret any moment in the future.0


    Zhang Ruoshui suddenly realized: "Wait, I''m dirty, I haven''t bathed in a long time, Sheng Yuxiao."0


    "It doesn''t matter, it doesn''t matter," Sheng Yuxiao softlyforted her.0


    Back in Li Family Vige, he had never minded her tattered clothes or the mud and scars on her body.0


    It was the same now.0


    "Sheng Yuxiao," Zhang Ruoshui grabbed his clothes and said softly, "why are you trembling?"0


    "...Too happy," Sheng Yuxiao squeezed out in a hoarse voice.0


    Zhang Ruoshui hugged him: "I''m very happy too."0


    Even happier than getting the answer to that letter.0


    Sheng Yuxiao released her and bent down in front of her, his back turned: "Get on, let''s go."0


    Zhang Ruoshui touched his back and climbed on.0


    "What about him?" Zhang Ruoshui rested her head on his shoulder, pointing at Edward.0


    Qin Sui had finally caught up.0


    Sheng Yuxiao had run too damn fast!0


    He caught his breath and looked at Edward: "Then I''ll walk the dog?"0


    Edward: "..."0


    You should all be viins!0


    Sheng Yuxiao carried Zhang Ruoshui as they walked out.0


    She had always felt that she had grown up, gotten taller, be heavier, so she didn''t want Sheng Yuxiao to carry her anymore.0


    But Sheng Yuxiao had always been even taller and stronger.0


    Shey on his back.0


    It seemed like nothing had ever changed.0


    She really liked Sheng Yuxiao.0


    That had never changed either.0

 Chapter 263

    <h1>Chapter 263</h1>


    Countless helicopters circled overhead.0


    Rescue team members in uniform came running.0


    The scale of the operation was enormous...0


    "She wasn''t lying to us, she really is the Rockefeller Financial Group heiress!"0


    "Ah! We actually survived!"0


    After being missing for 19 days, the passengers were finally rescued.0


    When the rescue team found them following Wei Wenqing''s directions, the passengers were still learning how to identify local flora and fauna from Qiu Lan and Xu Huishan.0


    The atmosphere was just like a ssroom.0


    It was somewhat absurd, to say the least.0


    On the flight, everyone survived except for the pilot, security officer, one male flight attendant, and a passenger named Wei Zhen.0


    ["The ne was hijacked"]0


    ["But despite that, they managed to subdue the criminals! Seeded in making an emergencynding! And survived 19 days in the Amazon rainforest! Incredible!"]0


    The airne ordeal was written into detailed news reports, causing a huge sensation worldwide.0


    ording to the rescued passengers: "That young ghostdy, along with Ms. Qiu Lan, Mr. Xu Huishan, and Mr. Wei Wenqing... they all contributed tremendously."0


    "Especially that ghostdy, she kept everyone''s emotions stable, she was our pir of strength, and we thank her - the rescue team that saved us was brought by her..."0


    ["Who is this ghostdy?"]0


    ["We''ve checked the passenger list, but couldn''t find anyone with a name rted to that"]0


    While inte users worldwide were scratching their heads,0


    Zhang Ruoshui was trying to stop everyone from reading her farewell letter.0


    "What''s the point of writing it if no one reads it?" Qin Sui raised an eyebrow.0


    This immediately resonated with everyone.0


    Old Mr. Zhang insisted on reading it even as tears welled up in his eyes.0


    Sheng Yuxiao was stunned: "I couldn''t find one addressed to me?"0


    Was he the only one without one?0


    Zhang Ruoshui clutched the letter in her palm, hiding it away.0


    Night fell.0


    They were going to have a bonfire party before leaving.0


    Sheng Yuxiao took the opportunity to interrogate Edward.0


    "Little Duck told me you said this was a game."0


    Edward nodded, looking at Sheng Yuxiao''s expression, which remained remarkably calm.0


    Edward was puzzled - why were they all soposed?0


    "If you can never die and can''tplete the game, wouldn''t you be trapped in it forever?" Sheng Yuxiao crouched down, his eyes cold.0


    "What... what do you mean?"0


    Sheng Yuxiao looked at him and said casually, "I really hate how you try to correct the plot."0


    "Little Duck says you can feel pain."0


    "So I''m wondering, if we keep you from dying but in constant torment, wouldn''t that serve as a warning to other yers?"0


    Edward''s face turned pale instantly.0


    "No! You can''t! You can''t do this!"0


    Sheng Yuxiao stood up: "I don''t care whether what you''re saying is true or false, but this way, no fool will dare to interfere again."0


    "That''s that, enjoy the rest of your life."0


    Sheng Yuxiao said coldly before turning to leave, preparing to adjust his expression before seeing Little Duck.0


    Ke Muning suddenly approached him: "Hey, do you live in Princeton?"0


    "No... though I went to university there before," Sheng Yuxiao replied politely, "What can I help you with, Mr. Ke Muning?"0


    Ke Muning said: "I finally understand... so it was you."0


    "What?"0


    "Little Duck wouldn''t let me follow her, she''d always go to Princeton alone to see you. Was it you she wanted to keep all to herself?"0


    Ke Muning looked at Sheng Yuxiao''s tired face.0


    How quick it would be to turn him into a vegetable now! He surely wouldn''t expect it.0


    A perfect homing gift for that little lunatic.0


    But Sheng Yuxiao didn''t answer Ke Muning''s question.0


    His expression suddenly changed.0


    His heart was pounding in his chest, each beat more intense than thest.0


    He abruptly turned back to the temporarymand post, entered the tent where Zhang Ruoshui was making a phone call.0


    She had just showered, her body still emanating warm moisture.0


    Like in the past, Sheng Yuxiao grabbed the hair dryer to dry her long hair.0


    Zhang Ruoshui turned to look at him: "Did you go see Edward?"0


    "Yes."0


    "He said this is a game."0


    "Yes."0


    "Are you upset about that?"0


    "No."0


    "Edward said that no matter how many times we restart, you''ll alwayse to me. Is that part of the game''s script?"0


    "The script can change with the plot, but I won''t."0


    Zhang Ruoshui lowered her eyes and asked softly: "There''s no need for morality in games, right?"0


    Sheng Yuxiao moved his lips and said deeply: "That''s right."0


    Zhang Ruoshui thought this was great news!0


    She lifted her face, but before she could speak,0


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his head, his chest thundering, his throat dry and bitter, though his tongue tasted sweet.0


    He spoke first: "Last time in the office, you asked me... if being better than Mu Bai would be enough?"0


    "It''s not enough."0


    "Little Duck, it''s not enough."0


    He repeated.0


    "Why n-"0


    "I realized that the person whose name will rightfully appear next to yours in the future will be someone else. You''ll be partners, legally the closest people to each other besides parents and children."0


    "You''ll belong to each other. And I''ll go mad with jealousy because he gets to have you."0


    "I shouldn''t be jealous, but I desperately want you to always favor me, I want us to always be intimate no matter when, I want you to naturally be able to lie in my arms, I want to know all your joys and sorrows, I want to share time with you..."0


    Zhang Ruoshui slightly narrowed her eyes, feeling happy.0


    Perfect!0


    We have the same wishes!0n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But she still asked one more question: "Sheng Yuxiao, why do you wish for these things?"0


    Sheng Yuxiao''s eardrums were pounding, but he could clearly hear his own deep, certain voice: "Because I favor you too, love breeds possessiveness, and I want you to return the same feelings to me."0


    Because love breeds possessiveness.0


    Because of love.0


    Zhang Ruoshui''s eyes sparkled as she asked: "Then how will you achieve that?"0


    She wanted to learn.0


    "I want to be the one who reces Mu Bai."0


    So that''s all it takes?0


    It''s that simple!0


    Bing his girlfriend would solve all these troubles!0


    Zhang Ruoshui took out the hidden letter and handed it to Sheng Yuxiao.0


    Sheng Yuxiao paused before taking it and opening it.0


    Zhang Ruoshui finally said softly: "I don''t want you to embrace others, I don''t want you to marry someone else, I don''t want to be the viin between you and your girlfriend."0


    Each sentence was about what she didn''t want.0


    The only thing she wanted was written in her "farewell letter" -0


    "Sheng Yuxiao, can I have you all to myself?"0


    Sheng Yuxiao''s chest surged with countlessplex and wild emotions.0


    He suddenly bent down to wrap his arms around her waist and kissed the tip of her nose.0


    "Yes," he said, "Forever yes, only Little Duck can."0


    *End of Main Text*0

 Chapter 264

    <h1>Chapter 264</h1>


    In the temporary rescuemand post camp, a bonfire party had begun to celebrate everyone''s safe return.


    "A total of 3,840 search and rescue helicopter missions were conducted, with 65,233 rescue personnel deployments. Often, more than a hundred helicopters would be searching in different directions simultaneously in a single day..."


    The passengers murmured, reading the news reports.


    "This was truly a massive operation."


    "They arranged teamsbining helicopter crews and ground search parties."


    "Because the jungle was so dense, the helicopter crews often couldn''t directly spot people in the forest. But the sound of the rotors could alert those who were lost that help was nearby..."


    "So if the stranded people could make any noise, they could be detected by the ground teams nearby?"


    "The requirements for the helicopter pilots must have been incredibly high."


    "I heard they were all fighter pilots."


    "Good heavens!"


    "The ground rescue personnel must have needed extensive specialized knowledge too."


    "How much did all this cost?"


    Zhang Ruoshui was also curious about this question. She touched her hair, which Sheng Yuxiao hadpletely dried for her.


    She asked Sheng Yuxiao, "How much did this incident cost us?"


    While going through the luggage, Sheng Yuxiao replied, "The money isn''t really important."


    "We spent money up front, and while my uncle couldn''t appear publicly, he was squeezing money from the airlinepany behind the scenes. After all the ins and outs, we actually came out ahead."


    "The real trouble was selecting the rescue personnel. Their skill levels varied dramatically."


    "They were reluctant to follow the waterways deep into the jungle, and some couldn''t handle the intensity of the search."


    Zhang Ruoshui thought about where she had first encountered Sheng Yuxiao: "So you went deeper into the jungle by yourself?"


    Sheng Yuxiao brushed past his own involvement, saying only: "How could I alone be enough? Old Mr. Zhang personally selected the pilots, then I asked Mr. Wei Wenjuan to hire mercenaries with jungle warfare experience. When Mr. Ke Muning found out, he immediately sent people over."


    Zhang Ruoshui noticed something: "You didn''t speak directly with Ke Muning?"


    "Even in times like these, when we need to minimize public connections, we must maintain our covers. Otherwise, your multiple identities lose their effectiveness." Though Sheng Yuxiao had been desperate at the time, his mind remained clear.


    "Though Mr. Ke Muning did exchange a few words with me outside just now," Sheng Yuxiao added.


    Brief words, but meaningful ones.


    Zhang Ruoshui didn''t mind: "Hmm, just a few words shouldn''t matter."


    Sheng Yuxiao returned to her side, opened a jar of medicine, and began applying it to the rashes on her neck and wrists that had developed from the unfamiliar jungle environment.


    The rashes were itchy.


    But Zhang Ruoshui had always been good at enduring difort since childhood.


    The ointment felt cool at first, but after a moment, a sudden wave of heat came over her.


    Zhang Ruoshui suddenly grabbed Sheng Yuxiao''s fingers: "Are your hands very hot?"


    After she spoke, she squeezed them a couple of times.


    Indeed, they seemed to grow warmer with each squeeze, which was quite curious.


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    He lowered his eyes, his expression tightening.


    "Do you have any rashes on your legs? We should treat those too," Sheng Yuxiao asked seriously.


    "Probably? I haven''t really paid attention." Zhang Ruoshui had been too busy surviving in the jungle to notice.


    She rolled up her pants leg and stretched out her leg for him to see.


    Her skin was fair, with well-proportioned flesh and bone.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s vision blurred for a moment, then he gripped her ankle, his gaze falling more on the small wounds.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "How did you get so many injuries?" Sheng Yuxiao asked.


    "Things still managed to get in even though I tied my pants tight," Zhang Ruoshui said dismissively.


    But Sheng Yuxiao cared. He grabbed another tube of ointment and turned to leave.


    Zhang Ruoshui called after him in confusion: "Where are you going?"


    "To get you a jacket. You''ll be cold."


    Zhang Ruoshui countered: "Why don''t you just give me yours to wear?"


    Sheng Yuxiao paused, then took out a new suit jacket from the luggage and draped it over her head.


    Zhang Ruoshui pulled at the sleeves, wrapping the jacket tightly around herself, and looked up saying: "Just like when we were young..."


    Their first meeting.


    His jacket had be hers then too.


    She loved this feeling, how no matter when or where, it felt like Sheng Yuxiao belongedpletely to her.


    There was joy in possessing someone.


    There was joy in being a little selfish.


    Sheng Yuxiao remained silent as he finished applying the medicine.


    Then he stood up to wash his hands, removing the strong medicinal smell.


    "Little Duck? Little Duck, are you in there?" Xu Ruying''s voice called from outside the tent.


    Sheng Yuxiao had just walked back to Zhang Ruoshui''s side when he stopped in his tracks.


    Zhang Ruoshui called back loudly: "Just a moment."


    Then she looked up, meeting Sheng Yuxiao''s gaze.


    "But we''re grown up now, and we''re dating, so it can''t be just like when we were young, right?" Zhang Ruoshui asked softly.


    Her eyshes fluttered slightly, with an inexplicable excitement, as if she had finally opened the door to another world she had never seen before.


    Sheng Yuxiao bent down slightly and said: "Right."


    Then he suddenly lowered his head and kissed her lips.


    Zhang Ruoshui was stunned for a moment.


    Oh?


    So this is what it feels like.


    Warm, soft...


    Sheng Yuxiao''s muscles tensed as he moved his lips: "Is this okay?"


    What if Little Duck just didn''t want him to be with anyone else, but had never thought about being this intimate with him...


    Zhang Ruoshui smacked her lips and said: "Kiss me again, I haven''t quite figured out the taste yet."


    Sheng Yuxiao: "..."


    He suddenly raised his hand to support the back of her neck and kissed her more forcefully.


    It waspletely different from the previous kiss.


    There was a roaring in their ears from the celebratory noise of the bonfire party outside, while their breaths mingled together. It seemed that even in the most chaotic world, two people could create their own private sanctuary.


    She could clearly smell the shower gel on Sheng Yuxiao.


    It had a botanical scent.


    Sheng Yuxiao finally revealed the assertiveness and aggression of an adult man.


    Zhang Ruoshui found herself short of breath and instinctively ced her hand on the back of his neck.


    The temperature transmitted through his skin to her fingertips.


    It was scorching, zing hot.


    It was Sheng Yuxiao''s devotion.


    "Little Duck? Aren''t you done yet? Are you very tired? Do you need to sleep?" Xu Ruying''s voice called again from outside the tent.


    Sheng Yuxiao released his hold, patting Zhang Ruoshui''s head onest time before letting her gopletely.


    He asked: "Have you figured out the taste now?"


    "Now I have," Zhang Ruoshui said softly.


    Sheng Yuxiao smiled, his eyes twinkling with light.


    He bent down in front of Zhang Ruoshui and said: "I''ll carry you out on my back."


    "Carry me again?"


    "Yes, we don''t want to rub off the medicine we just applied."


    Zhang Ruoshui thought this made sense and happily climbed onto his back, wrapping her arms around his neck.


    She really loved Sheng Yuxiao!


    When they emerged, they startled Xu Ruying.


    "Sheng Yuxiao is here too?" Xu Ruying was surprised, "Little Duck, did an insect bite your lips?"


    Sheng Yuxiao nced up: "I bit them."


    Xu Ruying: "Haha, what a joke!"

 Chapter 265

    <h1>Chapter 265</h1>


    Passengers gradually met their rtives and friends, hugging and crying before leaving the ce.


    However, before leaving, they all muttered with reluctance, "Where is that ghostdy? We still want to thank her again."


    The staff member simply brushed them off with, "She has already left with her family."


    In fact, Zhang Ruoshui hadn''t left yet.


    They had stopped in Lima.


    Despite the ident, the birthday abroad still needed to be celebrated!


    "Let''s celebrate it here," Zhang Ruoshui decided.


    Ke Muning was the first to disagree: "Such a small ce, how can it host a grand banquet?"


    "It doesn''t have to be grand," Zhang Ruoshui replied.


    "Oh no, I can''t allow that. You are my goddaughter, Ke Muning... You deserve a ceremony befitting your status."


    "But now everyone is by my side, which is already a grand enough scale. And... it''s not necessary anymore."


    "Not necessary?"


    Zhang Ruoshui nodded, "Yes, Ke Muning''s friends have increased."


    Ke Muning was momentarily stunned.


    Zhang Ruoshui continued, "Before, I was willing to participate in many activities with Ke Muning during the banquets to let everyone know that I am Ke Muning''s weakness."


    Ke Muning''s features twisted in frustration: "Hey, maybe I shouldn''t have brought you..."


    "You should. They see that Ke Muning has a weakness, and they will be more willing to do business with Ke Muning. Sometimes, showing weakness can bring greater returns. This is the art of war from Hua Country!"


    "But it makes you a target..."


    Zhang Ruoshui shook her head and pointed at herself, "They don''t know that this weakness is very tough! They can''t bite through! So Ke Muning can fly bravely!"


    Ke Muning felt a mix of emotions but couldn''t help butugh: "Hah! What a little rascal!"


    She knew how to make people like her even more!


    "Alright, then there''s no need to hold a banquet this time! But..." Ke Muning secretly gestured to her with his finger, "Come here."


    Zhang Ruoshui looked at him with doubt, then followed Ke Muning to a secluded spot to whisper.


    Wei Wenjuan, seeing this, was grinding his teeth in frustration.


    Wei Wenyi asked, "Jealous?"


    Wei Wenjuan gritted his teeth, "Ke Muning got the better deal, getting our amazing little duck as a daughter."


    Ke Muning also felt he had struck gold, so while reflecting on how he wasn''t yet a good father, he eagerly asked, "Are you really not considering the kidnapping proposal again? I can do it right now."


    "Kidnapping? Who?"


    "The one you want to monopolize."


    Zhang Ruoshuiughed, her eyes curving into crescents, "I''ve already monopolized him!"


    "Are you sure?"


    "I''m sure!"


    Ke Muning felt a bit disappointed: "Alright, I''ll keep an eye on him. Maybe if he changes one day, turning him into a vegetable would still be timely."


    Zhang Ruoshui: ?


    During the small birthday banquet, Old Mr. Zhang did not make an appearance.


    After all, his identity was special.


    Even so, the old man was very happy.


    He stood behind the window, looking down, and happily said to his secretary, "Xun Yuan, many people love little duck."


    "Yes, so her future will certainly be smooth sailing."


    After the birthday banquet ended, Old Mr. Zhang left first.


    The issue remained the same: his identity was special, and he couldn''t stay long.


    Xu Ruying also had to leave with her parents.


    But during the farewell banquet, she couldn''t help but frequently nce at Wei Wenjuan and Wei Wenyi.


    Well, after her observation, it seemed little duck''s mouth was indeed bitten by Sheng Yuxiao!


    Then she observed further and noticed that little duck''s second uncle and aunt had really grim, cold, and fierce expressions... Fortunately, there was a gentle little uncle.


    Otherwise, how could Sheng Yuxiao endure the beatings?


    And what about Old Mr. Zhang? It was said he had been in the military before; he must be very good at beating people, right?


    And that Ke Muning, wouldn''t he shoot my brother with a sniper rifle?


    "Ruying, let''s go," her parents called out.


    Xu Ruying hurriedly responded, and before leaving, she hugged Zhang Ruoshui tightly: "Thank you, little duck, for saving my parents. I''ll do anything for you in the future... Now, I''ll keep your secret."


    "Secret?" Zhang Ruoshui was puzzled, "What secret?"


    Xu Ruying lowered her voice: "Yes, it''s about you and Sheng Yuxiao..."


    "That''s not a secret," Zhang Ruoshui said.


    Xu Ruying thought, yes, I know, you two really don''t treat me as an outsider, being so open in front of me.


    "But what about Mr. Ke Muning?"


    "Ke Muning knows."


    "What about Old Mr. Zhang?"


    "He knows too," Sheng Yuxiao chimed in.


    Xu Ruying: "..."


    Her expression twisted: "Am I thest to know?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "Qin Sui doesn''t know yet."


    Xu Ruying''s expression froze a bit: "Should I be happy?"


    Zhang Ruoshui thought for a moment and said, "Wait."


    She waved at Qin Sui.


    Qin Sui had been in the corner making a phone call, but seeing Zhang Ruoshui''s gesture, he immediately walked over: "What..."


    Before he could finish, Zhang Ruoshui told him, "Here''s the thing, I''m with Sheng Yuxiao."


    Qin ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Sui: ?


    Xu Ruying was stunned: "Little duck, you..." How could you just say that?


    Sheng Yuxiao was also a bit surprised.


    Qin Sui, however, remained calm. He asked, "Did I hear wrong?"


    "No," Zhang Ruoshui replied.


    "Did I misunderstand?"


    "No," she said again.


    Sheng Yuxiao wanted to speak but couldn''t get a word in.


    Qin Sui continued, "Why tell me?"


    "Those close to me should know first."


    Qin Sui exhaled, "Alright. I should feel honored that you told me..."


    After saying that, he walked away, dazed.


    Xu Ruying slowly turned back: "To be honest, it''s the first time I''ve seen Qin Sui walking with his hands and feet out of sync."


    She looked at Zhang Ruoshui: "You really don''t hide anything, do you..."


    "Why should I hide?" Zhang Ruoshui asked back, "I''m not going to make Sheng Yuxiao my secret lover, so shouldn''t it be public?"


    She had read online: If your boyfriend doesn''t intend to publicize your rtionship, don''t think twice��he''s definitely just ying with you.


    She didn''t want to y with Sheng Yuxiao.


    Xu Ruying instinctively turned to look at Sheng Yuxiao''s expression.


    He was tense, as if trying to suppress something.


    Xu Ruying blurted out, "My grandfather really umted a lot of good karma!"


    To have such a strong and sweet little duck fall for Sheng Yuxiao!


    Zhang Ruoshui seriously corrected her, "It''s not because of Uncle Sheng''s ancestors, but because of Sheng Yuxiao himself!"


    Too sweet!


    How could little duck say such moving words? Sobbing silently in her heart, Xu Ruying thought, if I were a man, I''d be jealous. No, even if I were a woman, I''d be jealous.


    Xu Ruying said, "I''m leaving."


    As soon as she turned to leave, Zhang Ruoshui almost immediately asked, "Did my grandfather know?"


    Sheng Yuxiao raised his hand, eventually changing from supporting her nape to her waist. He said, "Yes, as soon as you boarded the ne, Old Mr. Zhang found me."


    "Did my grandfather get angry at you?"


    "No. But not because I''m good enough, but because he loves you enough," Sheng Yuxiao saw this clearly.


    Zhang Ruoshui let out a sigh of relief, smiling as she hugged him back: "No, it''s because you''re good enough, and because Grandpa loves me. It''s a perfectbination."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Sheng Yuxiao heard her voice.


    His throat moved.


    He had always been someone who didn''t care about "love." In his youth, his hormones were spent on various extreme sports, and as an adult, they were spent on conquering one business rival after another.


    But hearing little duck''s words made his internal organs surge with an overwhelming, unstoppable emotion, rushing through every cell.


    That unstoppable restlessness...


    Only an intimate embrace and a kiss could suppress it.


    Sheng Yuxiao lowered his head.


    Qin Sui suddenly walked back: "I thought about it..."


    Noticing their posture, his voice stopped abruptly.


    Sheng Yuxiao''s action was also forced to pause.


    But Qin Sui still finished his sentence: "Now, by seniority, Sheng the Great has to call me brother, right?"

 Chapter 266

    <h1>Chapter 266</h1>


    On the day Zhang Ruoshui flew back to China, the school was still abuzz with discussions about the ne ident.


    "Why were you absent for so long?" Hang Meng joked, "I thought you''d gone home to inherit the family business and quit this lousy school!"


    "Where did you actually go?" Hang Meng asked.


    "Flew abroad."


    "Where to?"


    "Peru."


    "Oh, that news was..." Hang Meng''s voice suddenly halted as she pinched her palm, "Wait, you were absent for almost a month, and the ne was missing for 19 days. Don''t tell me you were on that ne?"


    Zhang Ruoshui nodded.


    It took Hang Meng a moment to process this: "Holy crap? You survived a disaster, my friend! We must treat you to dinner tonight!"


    Zhang Ruoshui thought for a moment: "Sure, but I''m bringing my boyfriend."


    Hang Meng was stunned again: "...When did this happen? What? How is this so sudden? And how did you get one before me!"


    Hang Meng''snguage system was nearly malfunctioning, and she finally managed to ask: "Is he... taller than you?"


    Zhang Ruoshui was puzzled by this question.


    "Of course," she answered.


    "Oh, good, otherwise Zhou Xiaoshu would be the first to object."


    "She''ll approve," Zhang Ruoshui said, then added after a thought, "If it''s convenient, why don''t we invite Zhou Xiaoshu and the others too? My treat."


    How could Hang Meng refuse? And so it was settled.


    That day, after finishing their group assignment, Zhang Ruoshui received a phone call and came back saying, "We need to add one more person, is that okay?"


    Hang Meng couldn''t help butugh: "Of course it''s okay, you''re the one treating, aren''t you?"


    "But you''re the initiator."


    Hang Meng was speechless for a moment, then sighed: "It''s really great being friends with you!"


    As they left the professor''s office, Hang Meng started telling her about the rtionship posts on the forum.


    "I don''t need to hear them anymore," Zhang Ruoshui said.


    "Why?... Oh, because you have a boyfriend now, so you don''t need to listen? You''re so practical!"


    Zhang Ruoshui thought for a moment: "Well, that''s not wrong. But the more important reason is..."


    "What is it?"


    "Learning from others'' sesses or failures doesn''t mean you can replicate their sess," she paused, then said: "Love should develop naturally. You can''t fall in love just by observing others'' rtionships."


    Hang Meng opened her mouth: "...That''s philosophical!"


    She wondered if Zhang Ruoshui''s rtionship had indeed developed naturally.


    Hang Meng was dying of curiosity.


    Surely it wasn''t that handsome Mr. Mu fromst time?


    Barely containing her curiosity, Hang Meng said: "By the way, there''s something I really, really want to know, actually something all the world''s journalists want to know..."


    "What?"


    "Who was that ghostdy on the ne?"


    "That was me."


    "Oh, you said... WHAT?!"


    In just one day, Hang Meng had lost count of how many shocks she''d experienced.


    *


    Stepping into the restaurant, Hang Meng''s first words were: "Wow, how luxurious!"


    Zhou Xiaoshu''s first words upon entering were: "Wow! They haven''t gone bankrupt yet!"


    Hang Meng asked puzzled: "Has this ce been open for long?"


    Zhou Xiaoshu nodded deeply: "Very long. Many years ago, my father closed a deal with Zhang Ruoshui here."


    Hang Meng fell silent for a moment: "Many years ago... how old was Zhang Ruoshui?"


    "Seven or eight?"


    "?"


    "Though Young Master Sheng was there to guide her," Zhou Xiaoshu added after some thought.


    Hang Meng thought to herself that this was truly starting business training from childhood.


    They ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????had barely taken two steps forward when a Bentley stopped at the entrance, and Qin Sui stepped out.


    Zhou Xiaoshu turned at the sound and widened her eyes: "Qin Yue''s brother! Why are you here too?"


    Before she could finish speaking, Sheng Yuxiao arrived as well.


    He arrived together with Zhang Ruoshui.


    Zhou Xiaoshu''s head started to ache, and she whispered to An Ying: "Another war ising!"


    Hang Meng looked back and forth between them.


    She had seen Sheng Yuxiao before, but this handsome Mr. Qin was new... could he be...


    "Let''s go in first," Zhang Ruoshui urged.


    Once inside.


    Sheng Yuxiao spoke up in a low voice: "Let me introduce myself..."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zhou Xiaoshu thought to herself, do you really need an introduction? Your name alone could scare children to sleep in Jin City when you were fourteen!


    "...I''m Sheng Yuxiao, Zhang Ruoshui''s boyfriend," he finished.


    "...Huh?" Zhou Xiaoshu froze.


    An Ying wasn''t surprised, but her first reaction was to look at Qin Sui''s expression.


    Qin Sui asked: "When does Young Master Sheng n to change his form of address?"


    Change what address?


    What did that mean?


    Zhou Xiaoshu and the others were all confused.


    Sheng Yuxiao raised his eyebrows, adjusting his cuffs.


    Zhou Xiaoshu tensed up, worried they mighte to blows.


    Then they heard Sheng Yuxiao press his lips together and force out a cold word: "Brother."


    Before Zhou Xiaoshu and the others could process this huge shock.


    They heard Sheng Yuxiao continue with a cold smile: "Where''s my wee gift as your brother?"


    Qin Sui: "..."


    Qin Sui said darkly: "When are you going to return my spoils of war?"


    An Ying couldn''t help but turn to see Zhang Ruoshui''s expression.


    She was... ordering food!


    "I''m done ordering," Zhang Ruoshui handed the menu to the waiter and asked Hang Meng: "What would you like?"


    Hang Meng was sweating profusely.


    Thank goodness she hadn''t assumed Mr. Qin was Zhang Ruoshui''s boyfriend.


    These two didn''t seem to get along... this rtionship... she couldn''t make sense of it! Would it really be okay to eat together?


    "I''ll, I''ll have anything," Hang Meng was saying.


    The waiter suddenly lowered his head and said: "Miss Zhang, this... bitter melon sd, we don''t have it."


    "You can make it," Zhang Ruoshui said.


    "Al-alright..."


    Only then did Zhang Ruoshui look in Qin Sui and Sheng Yuxiao''s direction and say: "It''s good for cooling down tempers, very suitable."


    Hang Meng: "..."


    Okay, confirmed, sitting together would be fine.


    Because there was someone even more formidable here.


    The meal passed rtively peacefully.


    When leaving, Hang Meng carefully looked in Sheng Yuxiao''s direction and said: "He really is tall..."


    No more worrying about Zhang Ruoshui''s suitors being shorter than her.


    The next day, Ning Heng, Wei Zesheng, and their group were called back to the country by Sheng Yuxiao''s phone call.


    "I want to introduce my girlfriend to you all."


    The same shock urred to Ning Heng: "Holy crap! The iron tree has bloomed!"


    When Zhang Ruoshui walked in and sat next to Sheng Yuxiao.


    "No one else?" Ning Heng asked in a daze.


    Zhang Ruoshui tilted her head: "Who else were you expecting?"


    Ning Heng shuddered, his eyes nearly popping out: "Although I always thought nothing could separate you two - either you''d both stay single forever or end up together - but now the question is..."


    "Boss Sheng! Doesn''t this mean Qin Sui isn''t your brother anymore?"


    "The world''s turned upside down, it''s like having a mouse be a cat''s bridesmaid."


    Sheng Yuxiao was peeling walnuts for Zhang Ruoshui, not looking up as he said: "Mm, not a bad suggestion."


    "What suggestion? What did I suggest? Wait��" Ning Heng swallowed, "You''re really going to have Qin Sui as a bridesmaid, no, groomsman?"


    He imagined the scene.


    Holy crap, the rich kids'' circle in Jin City would be like it had been hit by a nuclear bomb,pletely blown up.

 Chapter 267

    <h1>Chapter 267</h1>


    Weekend.


    Is the weekend meant for dating? Zhang Ruoshui thought uncertainly.


    She picked up her phone, ready to call Sheng Yuxiao, when his call came in first.


    "Are you busy this weekend?" he asked.


    "I need to catch up on some elective homework," Zhang Ruoshui replied, pausing for a moment, "but not much."


    She asked him in return, "Are you busy?"


    Sheng Yuxiao said, "There''s an unexpected meeting." He added, "But it won''t be long."


    The world doesn''t change just because two people are in a rtionship. Things that need to be done still have to be done, and busyness remains the same.


    They always made time for each other.


    But now, the time they set aside suddenly became more abundant.


    Should they watch a movie? Or go to an amusement park?


    What is a script murder game? Hang Meng said that''s also a good option.


    On her way to thepany, Zhang Ruoshui seriously thought about it.


    When she arrived at thepany, the reception was still handled by the same secretary asst time. However, this time when she passed by the secretary''s office, many faces had changed.


    The tea and water service had also been taken over by a young man.


    "What about Secretary Shu fromst time...?"


    "He''s been transferred."


    Zhang Ruoshui recalled, and she hadn''t shown any unhappiness.


    This time, Sheng Yuxiao arrived even faster.


    Before their conversation was even fully over, he pushed the door open: "Have you been waiting long?"


    Zhang Ruoshui shook her head, pointing to the notebook just ced on the desk: "I was just about to start on my elective homework when you arrived."


    "Secretary Shu was transferred?" Zhang Ruoshui asked.


    Sheng Yuxiao nodded: "You were unhappy that day."


    Zhang Ruoshui was puzzled: "How did you tell?"


    Sheng Yuxiao pointed to the corner of the desk.


    Zhang Ruoshui looked and saw the spot where the paint had been peeled off, still bare.


    Suddenly, she opened her arms and hugged Sheng Yuxiao''s waist.


    "What''s wrong?" Sheng Yuxiao asked softly.


    Zhang Ruoshui''s head rested against his abdomen, saying, "Hmm, I feel that Sheng Yuxiao really likes me, so he notices the little things. Hmm, I feel happy."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s throat moved, and he lowered his head to say, "I feel happy too."


    Because he realized why Little Duck had been unhappy that day.


    The two of them remained in the same position for a long time without changing.


    Zhang Ruoshui suddenly asked, "Can you date like this?"


    "Like what?"


    "Like this, doing nothing else, just hugging each other."


    "Yes," Sheng Yuxiao, despite having no prior dating experience, instinctively felt, "Isn''t dating supposed to be about doing whatever makes you happy together?"


    Zhang Ruoshui looked at him: "Then can I touch you?"


    Sheng Yuxiao''s expression froze: "Touch... where?"


    Zhang Ruoshui pointed at his abs.


    Sheng Yuxiao, with no temper, took off his suit jacket himself.


    Then he unbuttoned his shirt himself.


    Zhang Ruoshui rarely paid attention to whether others were good-looking or not; she had known from a young age that appearances were just superficial.


    But she had a concept of Sheng Yuxiao being good-looking.


    This concept had now be more concrete.


    She stared at Sheng Yuxiao''s hands.


    The man''s fingers were long, resting on the buttons, forming a striking contrast with the gray wooden buttons. His hands were like jade.


    Zhang Ruoshui thought and grabbed his hand to y with it.


    Sheng Yuxiao: "......Little Duck."


    "Can''t touch?"


    "......Can."


    Not only did she y with Sheng Yuxiao''s hand, but she also carefully touched his abs, then rested her head on them and took a nap.


    This was the wonderful thing about dating.


    You could do whatever you wanted.


    When she woke up, Sheng Yuxiao had already packed her notebook for her, carried it on his back, and took her to the pre-booked restaurant for dinner.


    After eating, the two of them went to Sheng Yuxiao''s new home in Jin City.


    Zhang Ruoshui worked on her elective homework.


    Sheng Yuxiao continued with his international meetings.


    However, Sheng Yuxiao seemed a bit busier, as he not only had to attend meetings but also had to cut fruit, shell nuts, and pour tea for Zhang Ruoshui.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    When both of them finished their tasks, they didn''t go to the cinema but instead picked a movie at home in the home theater.


    "The male lead''s gun grip is incorrect," Zhang Ruoshuimented.


    "The movie is set in 2001, and this car hadn''t been produced yet, which doesn''t match the era," Sheng Yuxiao alsomented.


    Two people who knew too much, wanting to correct everything, might seem "boring," but together, they became each other''s fun.


    When they were younger, Sheng Yuxiao would always teach her many things hands-on, and it was still the same now.


    He never stinted.


    After the movie, it was already veryte, and Zhang Ruoshui called her grandfather to say she wouldn''t being home tonight.


    Old Mr. Zhang habitually asked, "Are you at your little uncle''s ce?"


    "At Sheng Yuxiao''s."


    "Oh." Old Mr. Zhang also habitually hung up the phone. Because Little Duck had often been "roaming" between the Sheng, Xu, and Wei households in the past.


    What could he do? His granddaughter was just too popr.


    But after the call ended for a while, Old Mr. Zhang, who was listening to Kunqu Opera and preparing to fall asleep, suddenly woke up. No, this is different now!


    What should he do? Should he call back?


    Old Mr. Zhang was very conflicted.


    Compared to his conflict, Zhang Ruoshui was very familiar with the situation.


    "Thest time I slept in your bed was in fifth grade..." Zhang Ruoshui''s memory was very clear.


    Because after that, she gradually had the concept of growing up, and she didn''t sleep there anymore.


    Zhang Ruoshui still remembered there was a sign on his door that said, "You''ll get beaten if you enter my room." But she could enter.


    Not only could she enter, but she could also upy his bedroom and sleep in his bed.


    Sheng Yuxiao watched her expression change.


    It turned out that feeling lost due to separation and estrangement wasn''t just his own experience.


    "It''s all yours from now on," Sheng Yuxiao said softly. "You can sleep here whenever you want."


    Zhang Ruoshui nodded, "Hmm, I can sleep in Sheng Yuxiao''s bed, and I can also sleep on Sheng Yuxiao."


    Sheng Yuxiao''s hand gripping the pen tightened, almost breaking the pen.


    But he still lowered his eyes first, signed the document in his hand expressionlessly, then stood up and walked over, kissed her lightly, and tidied up her hair.


    Sheng the Young Master still hasn''t learned how to braid hair.


    But he could gently tuck her hair behind her ear and stroke her nape, saying, "Sleep."


    *


    Sunday.


    Mu Rongfeng didn''t know how long he had been waiting, nor did he wait for Old Mr. Zhang to "get angry."


    However, he was still a bit resourceful and had more timely information than his son. He roughly knew that when the flight went missing before, Old Mr. Zhang had also secretly taken people abroad.


    After pondering for a moment, he kicked his son: "Call Miss Zhang to greet her, ask if she was on that flight, and ask if she''s okay now."


    Mu Bai, with a sullen face, said, "Didn''t you say before that you don''t want me to get close to Zhang Ruoshui anymore? It seems that in your mouth, you say it''s okay, and it''s okay; you say it''s not okay, and it''s not okay. What''s the point of me dating? Why don''t you date?"


    Mu Rongfeng, furious, cursed, "Then why don''t you fucking fight for it! You used to have that aggressive spirit when you were a kid. What about now? Two months interning in the marketing department, and you still can''t control your subordinates!"


    "If being aggressive was enough to be the boss, I''d like that too," Mu Bai said.


    Mu Bai gradually realized during his growth that he was always a step short of the top.


    What could he do?


    Especially since his father was too capable.


    The more capable his father was, the more dissatisfied he was with him, the more he wanted him to stand up quickly.


    Hearing his words, Mu Rongfeng indeed became even angrier: "Then why can Sheng Yuxiao do it? He was known as the notorious demon king in the circle back then. Your fighting spirit isn''t even one-tenth of his!"


    Mu Bai didn''t argue with his father anymore, turning his head to pick up his phone and call Zhang Ruoshui.


    Seeing this, Mu Rongfeng also timely shut his mouth.


    The phone was picked up quickly.


    So quickly that for a moment, Mu Bai had the illusion that the other party was waiting for his call.


    But soon, the voice from the other end of the phone was like a bucket of cold water poured down.


    "Mu Bai?" It was a male voice.


    A somewhat familiar male voice.


    "Sheng Yuxiao?" Mu Bai blurted out.


    Sheng Yuxiao coldly chuckled: "Didn''t your dad teach you to have manners? What kind of thing are you? Calling me like that?"


    Mu Bai''s face turned green: "Sheng the Young Master, or Sheng the CEO? Why is your phone here?"


    "Speak directly, I''ll ry it. Don''t fart," Sheng Yuxiao said, with the sound of a ss window being pushed open, as if he had walked from indoors to the balcony.


    It seemed he didn''t want to wake the other person.


    What else could Mu Bai say?


    He "click" hung up the phone.


    Sheng ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Yuxiao lowered his eyes, his gaze cold: "A spineless thing, you really don''t deserve to like Little Duck."


    "Was it Sheng Yuxiao who answered the phone?" Mu Rongfeng asked on his end.


    Mu Bai forced out a sarcastic smile: "Yes, it''s Sheng Yuxiao, the one you always say I''m far from being. So it''s normal for him to win, right?"


    Mu Rongfeng''s face turned livid: "Now you''re still allowing Zhang Ruoshui and Sheng Yuxiao to keep in touch... No wonder that day he wouldn''t take anything and just kicked me out."


    At that moment, Mu Bai''s phone rang again.


    He licked his lips: "He''s calling back..."


    "Is it Zhang Ruoshui who found out he answered the phone on his own and called you back?" Mu Rongfeng raised his chin, "Answer it."


    Mu Bai picked up.


    "Oh, and one more thing, thank your dad for me." The voice on the other end was still Sheng Yuxiao''s.


    And after that brief and crisp sentence, he hung up again quickly.


    Mu Bai clutched the phone, stiffly turning his head: "It''s still Sheng Yuxiao. He said, thank you."


    "Thank me?" Mu Rongfeng instantly caught on, "Damn it! Old Mr. Zhang didn''t know before! I was the one who spilled the beans! And because I did, Old Mr. Zhang actually agreed, which made their rtionship happen!"


    Mu Bai had felt deeply humiliated, but seeing his father''s reaction, he felt a lot better inside.


    See? Some things, no matter how hard you try, you just can''t do it. It''s not because I''m useless. Aren''t you "useless" too?


    On the other end, after making the call, Sheng Yuxiao returned to the room.


    Zhang Ruoshui was lying on the sofa, not sleeping. She asked, "What did Mu Bai say?"


    "Once he heard it was me, he hung up," Sheng Yuxiao said, handing the phone back to Zhang Ruoshui.


    Zhang Ruoshui clicked her tongue: "He''s so strange. Why drag me into his game with his dad?"


    Sheng Yuxiao sat down beside the sofa, allowing Zhang Ruoshui to rest her head on hisp. He said, "What game? He doesn''t have the ability for that. In front of Mu Rongfeng, he always passively epts everything. The only way he vents his dissatisfaction and regains his dignity is by getting more girlfriends."


    It was because he saw through this man''s essence...


    That he was so furious back then.


    Thinking that any random cat or dog dared to talk about liking Little Duck in front of her!


    "Half-passively epting, huh? Do you think he''ll call me again?" Zhang Ruoshui sighed, "Actually, like Zhou Xiaoshu and the others, why not just be friends, or even just be underlings?"


    Sheng Yuxiao thought to himself that Mu Bai also had some intentions, so it wasn''t possible.


    "If he calls you again, I''ll scare him one more time, and he won''t dare anymore," Sheng Yuxiao said with a smile.


    "Okay," Zhang Ruoshui didn''t feel like there was anything she needed to hide from him.


    But those two light words were an irresistible temptation that pulled Sheng Yuxiao deeper into theke named "Little Duck."


    Zhang Ruoshui thought for a while and counted: "Sheng Yuxiao, you''ve really apanied me through many paths."


    "The matter with my grandfather, the lie I had to tell Ke Muning on the ind, helping Zhou Xiaoshu''s dad set up the scheme, andter Li Jiang, Li Qingqing... you knew about all of it."


    He never stopped her from moving forward.


    When she was taking risks with Ke Muning, he had already instructed Xu Ji to take care of her.


    Sheng Yuxiao bent down and picked her up, carrying her downstairs: "We''ll walk through even more paths in the future."


    He smiled: "I''ve said it before, no matter how old you grow or what you be, I can still carry you."

 Chapter 268

    <h1>Chapter 268</h1>


    Wei Wenyu''s parents divorced in the year her eldest sister passed away.


    Her father, Mr. Wei Xuanming, was a highly influential and powerful figure in the overseas Chinesemunity. However, he hadn''t always been so sessful.


    It ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????was incredibly challenging for Chinese people to establish themselves abroad. The struggle began with her great-grandfather''s generation, and it wasn''t until her father''s time that they truly achieved prominence.


    Being prominent came with both advantages and disadvantages.


    From childhood, they had to endure countless assassination attempts, kidnappings, and deceptions...


    That''s how her eldest brother and sister died.


    Unable to bear such a life, her mother left for Jiang City. As the youngest daughter, Wei Wenyu would take turns with Wei Wenqing visiting their mother there.


    Later, when their mother''s health deteriorated, Wei Wenyu visited more frequently, sometimes staying in Jiang City for extended periods.


    Her mother''s new husband also held a prestigious position in Jiang City.


    The local youth, vaguely aware of Wei Wenyu''s background, tried to curry favor with her. But having seen such pretense before, she was naturally immune to it.


    After a while, she found it unbearable.


    One day, wearing heavy makeup and without her bodyguards, she walked alone through the streets of Jiang City whileining to Wei Wenqing on the phone.


    Before she could finish the call, a motorcycle thief darted out from the side, snatched her phone, and even dared to touch her face.


    Wei Wenyu stood frozen for a full ten seconds, not because she hadn''t processed what happened, but because she was shocked. She had faced assassination attempts and kidnappings before, but this was the first time someone dared to steal her phone and touch her face!


    If this had happened overseas, her father would have cut off all the thief''s fingers and made him chew them.


    However, someone else acted faster than her.


    A young man from the nearby overpass vaulted over several flights of stairs, racing after the thief.


    Just as the punk was turning back to sh them his middle finger.


    The man kicked both him and his motorcycle to the ground.


    Wei Wenyu rushed forward and stomped on the thief''s face twice.


    She cursed at him: "Idiot! How dare you touch my face! Idiot!"


    The man restrained her from behind, saying calmly, "Your heel might go into his eye, and he could counter-sue you for assault."


    Wei Wenyu stopped, turning to look at the man.


    She wanted to say, how could this lowlife possibly sue her?


    But she never spoke those words.


    The man was dressed neatly, carried himself with dignity, and had handsome features. When silent, he exuded an inexplicable sense of calm reliability.


    When his brows and eyes tensed, he disyed a kind of righteous aura.


    He was the type of person Wei Wenyu could never encounter in her usual social circle.


    The man picked up the phone from the ground and handed it to her, asking if she was alone or if she had family with her.


    She said yes, she was alone.


    The man checked his watch, seeming like he had somewhere to be. But in the end, he apanied her to the police station.


    Before they went, he crouched down and calmly grabbed the thief''s hand, asking her, "Was it this hand?"


    She said yes.


    The man broke each of the thief''s fingers one by one.


    She asked in bewilderment, "Didn''t you say he could sue for assault?"


    "There are degrees of severity," he said. "I know what I''m doing."


    He maintained this principle consistently.


    He was a man who always minded the boundaries, even when falling in love he remained restrained.


    He never made promises he couldn''t keep.


    The more he was like this, the more Wei Wenyu couldn''t help but tease him, and the more she liked him.


    She wanted to see what he would look like when he broke those boundaries.


    Later, she lied to him, saying she hade to Jiang City to visit rtives but found they had moved away, leaving her with nowhere to stay, making her quite pitiful.


    He calmly exposed her lie, saying, "Your clothes are not inexpensive, and you''re always changing your essories..."


    She couldn''t continue her lie.


    So she went on the offensive, asking him, "Do you know why I always change my essories?"


    He asked, "Why?"


    She said, "It''s because I want to dress up carefully every time I see you. Can you guess why?"


    He was speechless, his face slightly reddening.


    Later, she learned that not only was his family background good, but his professional credentials were also impressive.


    He was like a jewel destined to shine in the darkness.


    Wei Wenyu began to worry about her family background.


    She worried to the point where she thought perhaps she could only be a passing wind in the man''s life.


    She would stir up his life into chaos, leave a mark, and then run away, never to meet again.


    She thought she should leave a deeper mark.


    So she slept with him.


    What she never expected was that he would propose to her the next day.


    This time she had to lie again.


    She said her mother was sick and her father was in prison. Well, the truth was actually more horrifying than prison.


    In short, she said she didn''t want to get married without their blessings.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The man saw through her panicked evasion.


    But this time, he didn''t expose her lie.


    He said, "Then we''ll wait."


    His usual restraintpletely broke down when it came to her.


    But that "wait" never ended.


    ***


    That year, Zhang Xinian nned to get married, though he was rejected.


    That year, Zhang Xinian also met a strange person.


    The person was a spotter assigned to work with snipers. When he came before Zhang Xinian, he was covered in cold sweat and excitedly said, "Great, great! Finally caught up!"


    He asked Zhang Xinian, "Can we withdraw from this mission?"


    Zhang Xinian found him bizarre and told him, "Of course not. If we all had thoughts of deserting, how could ordinary people feel safe?"


    The man anxiously pulled at his hair, "No good, no good again. Alright, alright, listen to me..."


    "Your girlfriend is pregnant, you have a daughter, she will be born, your girlfriend will name her Li Shengxi, and her nickname will be Little Duck..." The man paused before continuing, "She''s very smart, very lovely, perfectly inheriting both of your excellent genes. She''ll grow up to be very happy because many people love her."


    He rambled on about many things.


    Others thought he was crazy.


    As he was being dragged away, he could see the surprise in Zhang Xinian''s eyes.


    Was it sessful?


    Did it work?


    In his ears, he could still hear that young man''s voice.


    "What year is this now, don''t you want to leave the game?"


    "This game of yours isn''t very humane, actually preventing pain reduction for the sake of immersion."


    "Do you want to leave the game?"


    "I''ll give you a chance��"


    "Re-enter the game, reach the right moment, let Mr. Zhang Xinian know his love continues on, he has a daughter, her mother named her Li Shengxi..."


    "Are you thinking that once you leave the game, you won''t care who I am, you don''t have to do what I say? Then you''d better pray there isn''t a second challenger."


    "If that person gets caught and is tortured worse, I''ll tell them when I let them go that it was all because of you."


    "Don''t look at me like that, will you take this deal?"


    "If possible, create a perfect ending for Mr. Zhang Xinian and Ms. Wei Wenyu. You''re not so useless that you can''t manage that, right?"


    He heard himself asking tremblingly, "Sheng Yuxiao, aren''t you afraid that if the storyline changes, everything will start over?"


    "It doesn''t matter. Li Qingqing proved with herself that no matter how many times we start over, I''ll still meet Little Duck."


    "...Madman." He closed his eyes, thinking there wasn''t a single normal person in this world!


    There wasn''t a single normal person in this world!


    He thought this again as he was being dragged away.


    Why didn''t they believe my words, why did they still go on the mission? Why did they still rush towards death?


    But this time.


    Zhang Xinian did genuinely smile at that news, whether true or false.


    Yes.


    Little Duck is a cute name, he thought.


    He thought this even as he was dying.


    But he also thought: Better not, after all. If he died, raising the child would be too hard for her.


    *


    Edward really had no choice anymore, with Sheng Yuxiao looming over him like a shadow.


    Finally, he came up with a simple solution.


    He wrote down this story, which spread widely on the game forum, touching more and more people who learned about it.


    "Shall we try again? Surely we can create a perfect ending at least once?"


    Another yer clicked "Reload." And they simply wanted to change the ending for Wei Wenyu and Zhang Xinian.

 Chapter 269

    <h1>Chapter 269</h1>


    An Ying walked into the house.


    Mrs. An immediately looked up: "Have you seen your father yet?"


    An Ying replied calmly: "No."


    Mrs. An''s expression changed slightly: "How can you not go see him?"


    An Ying paused and said: "Work is busy."


    "Unfilial," her sister shook her head.


    An Ying looked at her mother and retorted: "Didn''t you and Dad always tell me that back then? What''s wrong with me saying it now?"


    When she was sick, she had to rely on a nanny to take care of her.


    Now that her father is sick, he has a caregiver as well.


    Is ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????there anything wrong with that?


    "How can that be the same? What kind of job do you have?" An Elder Brother sneered from the side, "Working for Zhang Ruoshui like a dog?"


    An Ying turned to re at her brother: "My secretary told me that you went to Ruoshui''spany to beg for a spot at the exhibition, all in the hopes of securing that government contract. You even imed to be my brother, asking Ruoshui to pull some strings for you."


    An Elder Brother''s face turned a mix of green and purple.


    "You wish you could be a dog, but Ruoshui doesn''t even want you," An Ying said.


    "You can''t say it like that. You''ve known Zhang Ruoshui since you were young. You have such a hugework at your disposal. What else does she take you for if not a dog? If she really considered you a friend, why didn''t she help when our family''spany was in trouble?" An Ying''s Sister chimed in.


    "Exactly. Back then, when Zhang Ruoshui visited our house, Dad treated her so well! And after Dad got sick, she never even came to visit," An Elder Brother continued, regaining his confidence.


    "In the end, it''s just that she looks down on you, so she treats your family with contempt. Do you get it?"


    An Ying turned to look at her sister: "I heard you even tried to solicit investments by using my name and went as far as to approach Sheng Yuxiao?"


    An Ying''s Sister didn''t even blush as she nodded: "Yes, so what? Sheng Yuxiao and Zhang Ruoshui are a couple, and you''re friends with Zhang Ruoshui. What''s wrong with me asking Sheng Yuxiao for help?"


    An Ying looked at her, saying nothing.


    Her sister felt uneasy under her gaze: "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    After saying that, she immediately turned to Mrs. An toin: "Mom, look at her. She''s always been like this since she was a kid, silently staring at people. Now she''s even worse. What kind of girl acts like her?"


    An Ying told herself, You can''t have such terrible thoughts...


    You can''t.


    An Ying had always envied the atmosphere among Xiao Ya''s friends and family.


    It seemed that as soon as you entered that circle, time itself became gentle.


    She was too clean, too soft.


    You can''t be a viin.


    You can''t be this stain.


    After a series of self-soothing, An Ying coldly dismissed them: "I won''t being back for a while."


    "Wait!" Mrs. An panicked, "Your father''s illness needs treatment at Xinyu... You... You still have to mention it to Miss Zhang."


    An Ying said: "No."


    "An Ying!"


    "Are you angry? Then keep being angry," she said and left.


    She didn''t need to guess what her mother and siblings would say behind her back.


    Probably something like��


    "If Dad were still fine, we wouldn''t have to grovel like this."


    "An Ying doesn''t treat us like family. What was the point of sucking up to Zhang Ruoshui back then?"


    And so on.


    They''ve been saying this for years.


    Even after they graduated from university.


    Even after Zhang Ruoshui had wlessly inherited countless businesses, after Sheng Yuxiao''s industrial heavy machinery became a domestic giant, and after Qin Sui became a renowned doctor without borders and almost ran for office abroad.


    Even after Zhou Xiaoshu''s father''spany became a leader in the gaming industry, after Ning Heng became a famous artist, after Xu Ruying started her ownpany.


    Even after this year when Zhang Ruoshui and Sheng Yuxiao jointly received the award for phnthropic entrepreneurs.


    An Ying blinked lightly.


    Time flies so fast, and year after year, hearing such words, she no longer felt any ripple in her heart.


    After leaving the An family, An Ying stayed at thepany for a few days.


    Her secretary gently reminded her: "Ms. An, you''ve been staying at thepany for too long. Please take care of your health. Everyone is very concerned about you, and it''s hard for them to leave work on time..."


    It was then that An Ying considered the idea of buying a house next to Zhang Ruoshui''s.


    But being friends to that extent seemed a bit too clingy?


    As she was hesitating, Mrs. An''s call came first.


    Her voice was frantic: "An Ying, what should we do? Your brother and sister went abroad to negotiate business and somehow offended the local mafia. They''ve been kidnapped! The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of seventy million dors, or else..."


    Mrs. An swallowed hard: "Or else they''ll livestream cutting open their heads on the dark web. This... this can''t be real, right? They wouldn''t dare do that, would they? There arews abroad too!"


    "Did you call the police?"


    "Yes." Mrs. An paused, "But soon after, they called back and said if we call the police, it''s over. How do they have eyes in the sky? How do they know we called the police here?"


    An Ying didn''t listen further and hung up to call Zhang Ruoshui.


    "Hmm, from your description, it doesn''t sound like a mafia. Mafias don''t operate like this. Groups that do live streams are more extreme. It''s a bit troublesome."


    An Ying had a tempting thought��


    Just let it go.


    Let it go, let them die.


    But then Zhang Ruoshui''s voice came through again: "But it should be solvable. Sheng Yuxiao and I need to go abroad for a few days anyway. Why don''t youe with us and we''ll take care of it along the way?"


    "Okay."


    *


    Through Xu Ji''s connections, they managed to locate an abandoned house through the local government of this small country.


    "Do you think the family will pay?"


    "They will. There''s only us two who care now. Mom would even kneel to An Ying to get the money to save us."


    "What if An Ying really doesn''t care about family ties?"


    "Impossible. If she doesn''t save us, Mom would tear her apart..."


    An Ying''s brother and sister were nervously chatting.


    The next moment, the window exploded.


    A smoke grenade was thrown in.


    Everyone was choked by the smoke, their eyes and nose stinging, their heads dizzy.


    "Cough... cough... what is this..."


    The door was forcefully broken open.


    Well-trained people wearing helmets and carrying guns stormed in.


    The An siblings only heard the foreigners shouting: "It''s mercenaries!"


    "No, there''s also government troops!"


    "Why are there so many people?"


    "Oh my God, I think I see a tank!"


    At that moment, they thought the foreigners were joking.


    But the foreigners surrendered so quickly that before long, an armored tank actually rammed through the door and drove in.


    The door opened, and Zhang Ruoshui, wearing a helmet, jumped down, examining the scene. She said, "The sniper can stand down. There''s no threat here."


    From the armored vehicle behind, someone pushed the door open: "Hey, I thought I wasing for something big. Is this it?"


    Zhang Ruoshui turned around: "Ke Muning, I told you, you didn''t have toe."


    Ke Muning shrugged: "As a father, how could I let my child face ruthless terrorists?"


    But the so-called "terrorists" were already kneeling with their hands on their heads, very practiced.


    Sheng Yuxiao also jumped down from the tank, his sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing his muscr lines.


    "A self-directed drama?" he asked.


    The An siblings were already scared out of their wits and only now remembered to struggle in their chairs and shout: "Help! Help!"


    An Ying was thest to appear.


    She walked down and just happened to receive a call from Mrs. An.


    Mrs. An was frantic: "Why aren''t you picking up the phone? Are you just going to watch your brother and sister die?"


    "We''re rescuing them. Can''t answer the phone."


    "Rescuing? You brought people to rescue them? Who did you bring? The other side is a bunch of ruthless people! Why didn''t you discuss it with me? What if they get stimted and kill your brother and sister?" Mrs. An was on the verge of copse.


    At that moment, Zhang Ruoshui looked at An Ying and said: "The kidnappers are also mercenaries, working for money. Hmm, looks like a setup."


    An Ying moved her lips, not surprised by her brother and sister''s antics.


    "Maybe you need to rethink your ns," Zhang Ruoshui said to her.


    "Rethink?"


    "Yeah, do you want the An family''s assets?"


    An Ying was stunned.


    "They have no gratitude or closeness towards you. What needs to be abandoned, can be abandoned."


    ��If you want to inherit the family estate, you need to start your research early and examine the financial reports. If the group''s operations are already in a dire state, you should cut your losses in time.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��If there��s still a chance to save it, then kick out yourpetitors. You need to be the backbone of the An family and establish a firm authority����


    Zhang Ruoshui analyzed the situation carefully for her.


    An Ying slowly regained herposure: ��But�� won��t people say I��m cold-hearted and ruthless?��


    Zhang Ruoshui thought for a moment and said, ��They might.��


    ��But other people��s opinions don��t really matter to you.��


    An Ying nodded.


    Yes, it doesn��t matter.


    All she cares about is Zhang Ruoshui��s opinion.


    And right now, Zhang Ruoshui is earnestly nning for her future.


    ��I need to be ruthless with them,�� An Ying said.


    Zhang Ruoshui replied, ��You can.��


    Feeling reassured, An Ying walked over to her elder brother and sister and crouched down in front of them.


    ��An Ying! You��re here to save us, right?��


    ��See, as long as you ask for help, Zhang Ruoshui wille to your aid. Why can��t you do that for the family����


    An Ying cut them off: ��I don��t want to save you anymore.��


    ��I��ve always hated how you mocked and bullied me when we were young, even sneaking worms into my pillow����


    ��An Ying���� They froze, their expressions gradually turning to panic. ��You�� what do you mean?��


    At this point, Ke Muning was already getting impatient: ��Hey, little lunatic, can we go now? I��ll take you out for some crispy tacos!��


    ��Ke Muning, you go ahead. Oh, and we��ll have them with salsa,�� Zhang Ruoshui responded.


    Ke Muning didn��t leave. Instead, he asked Sheng Yuxiao, ��Hey, you think this is all staged?��


    ��Yeah, it��s pretty obvious,�� Sheng Yuxiao said, ncing at An Elder Brother and An Ying��s Sister. ��I think they should at least pay for our travel expenses.��


    Ke Muning stroked his chin. ��Ha, that��s not a bad idea. I was thinking, since it��s all fake, maybe we should just kill them all�� How about eight million?��


    ��Worth a try,�� Sheng Yuxiao said casually, though his expression remained rxed.


    Ke Muning looked at him. ��Ha, have you learned the king��s true essence already?��


    As An Ying listened to their conversation, she suddenly realized that the people surrounding her friend were inherently a mix of good and evil.


    She finally feltpletely at ease.


    An Ying lifted her gaze and looked back at her elder brother and sister. ��I��ll tell Mom that the rescue failed.��


    She had always been quiet and reserved since she was a child. Unlike her brother and sister, who were eager to stand out and win people��s favor, she preferred silently observing everything around her.


    They had described her behavior as ��sneaky�� and ��disgusting.��


    But even someone deemed ��disgusting�� could be liked by someone.


    She no longer feared showing her true self.


    She had friends.


    She had the best friend in the world!


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!