Mommy, don't be afraid, I'll bring you blind boxes and scam you out of a wealthy family to

[Trending Search] [Breaking News] #Duan's Group Suspected of Child Trafficking##High-Family Child Custody Battle#

@EntertainmentTrends:

[Breaking News] At a top art exhibition, an elderly couple appeared and accused the Duan family of "brainwashing" and illegally detaining their granddaughter.

Video footage shows the little girl saying "little dark room," "hungry," and "washing dishes" in public, sparking heated discussions among netizens.

Duan Hetong, president of the Duan Group, declined to comment. What's your opinion?

@GossipGirl:

This is huge news... Did you see that? When Xiao Bao said "lock him in a dark room," the elderly couple clearly panicked. I bet 50 that they must have abused their child before.

@LawOnline:

From a legal perspective, if the child's direct blood relatives are alive and have full civil capacity, the Duan family's "legal adoption" is indeed untenable.

@Rational and Objective:

Past experience has taught me not to rush to take sides, to let things play out for a while, and to stop worrying about the rich.

@Mom of two:

A child's closeness to someone is genuine. My daughter is usually very attached to me, just like this little girl subconsciously seeks out Uncle Tong.

@IWantToGetRich:

But then again, who wouldn't want to be President Duan's daughter, Mia's niece, or Duan Lu's niece?

……

The Duan family's old residence.

Duan Yuanzhou had already changed into his most formal Tang suit, and even had his cane cleaned and polished until it gleamed. He kept glancing towards the door.

Today is a big day for the Duan family. The old house has been thoroughly cleaned, and cakes and gifts have been prepared. They are all looking forward to the moment when little Wenli will officially settle in.

The appointment time at the Municipal Affairs Hall had already passed, and the old man had made several phone calls, but neither Duan Hetong nor Duan Shimi answered.

The butler handed over the tablet: "Master, something's happened..."

What came into view was the most intense scene: little Wenli was surrounded by reporters' cameras and microphones, curled up in her parents' arms, looking completely bewildered.

Grandpa Duan couldn't bear to look at it a second time. He turned off the video and said, "Where's Xianchen? Tell Xianchen to come over!"

After a while.

The teacup was slammed down, and Duan Yuanzhou's eyes widened: "Explain yourself clearly, what do you mean by 'the adoption process being frozen'?"

Duan Xianchen didn't even dare to sit down, and forced himself to explain, "The elderly couple submitted an objection, so procedurally the review can only be temporarily suspended..."

"Absurd!" The old man's voice suddenly rose. "Two scoundrels who usually ignore everything dare to interfere in the Duan family's affairs with just a few twisted words? Now they know to come and claim kinship, where were they before!"

"You're right, given their identities, doing this is indeed legal and compliant." Duan Xianchen was equally at a loss.

The old man pointed at him with his cane: "Just tell me, is this even possible?"

Duan Xianchen said, "We'll have to see what the court says first. Li Bao is so eager to sign the papers, are we going today—"

The old man glared at him: "Keep your voice down, don't let the little girl hear you!"

Duan Xianchen: "..."

No, which of us has the louder voice, you or I?

They stopped in time.

But it was too late.

Wen Li was being led by Duan Shimi in one hand, while holding a bouquet of newly bought flowers in the other, the vibrant colors almost drowning her milk ball.

The aunt and niece chatted and laughed as they pushed open the door.

Just then, I overheard Duan Xianchen say, "I can't go to sign the document."

The milk dumpling's smile froze on her face.

From surprise to worry, her eyes quickly welled up with tears.

She turned her head and looked for Duan Hetong. Duan Hetong had followed her patiently the whole time they were browsing the flower shop.

Wen Li tilted her little face up, her sweet, childlike voice floating in the air: "Baa, Li Bao... didn't you get the 'signature'?"

It's as if if you raise your voice even slightly, the happiness before you will vanish like a bubble with a pop.

The old man was heartbroken by her timid little face. Thinking about who had caused it, he was furious and raised his hand to slap Duan Xianchen: "What nonsense are you spouting to that girl!"

Duan Shimi also glared at him coldly, scolding him with her eyes: "Serves you right for being so talkative."

Duan Xianchen felt wronged but had to comfort Wen Li first: "No, baby, we just encountered a small problem, and we'll solve it right away."

But the milk ball was still extremely uneasy.

Only Duan Hetong could make a move.

He handed the things he was carrying to the maid, knelt down in front of Wen Li, looked her straight in the eye, and said, "It will happen. I've said it before, you are my daughter, and no one will change that. Do you believe me?"

Wen Li blinked away a tear that was about to fall, and nodded.

Of course she believed Baba. Baba said he would take care of her, and he definitely would.

—But, could you hurry up?

The system just notified me that there are only 48 hours left in the task countdown.

If the "signature" isn't signed by the end of these 48 hours, Baba will be taken away, and that won't save Mommy—she'll have no home anymore.

What will we do then?

That was beyond anything a three-and-a-half-year-old could imagine.

Duan Hetong picked up Wen Li, gently patted her back, and whispered comforting words.

As he passed by Duan Xianchen, he gave him a sidelong glance.

Duan Xianchen's hair stood on end: It's not my fault! Bro! It's really not my fault QAQ

The tyrant was merciful and did not immediately impose punishment, but left only an imperial edict: After you have lulled the little princess to sleep, come to the imperial study to kowtow and apologize.

-

The nightlight in the children's room was dimmed to its lowest setting, and Duan Hetong was leaning against the headboard, a position he had maintained for a long time.

The little one is asleep, but not soundly.

Her little hand held tightly to his sleeve, refusing to let go.

Occasionally, he talks in his sleep, mumbling incoherently: "Ba ba... I won't go..."

The adult reached out and brushed away the stray hairs from her forehead.

"I'm not leaving," he whispered, even though she couldn't hear him.

Duan Hetong gently patted the small bundle inside the blanket.

After a long while, the little guy's breathing finally became long and even.

Duan Hetong's arm was a little numb, and he tried to pull out his sleeve.

The little dumpling frowned and clenched her little hands even tighter.

Duan Hetong had no choice but to put it back.

His phone vibrated, and when he took it out, he saw it was a message from Duan Xianchen.

He didn't reply and turned off the screen.

He sat by the bed for a long time until Wen Li turned over, and then he slowly got up.

He tucked the blanket in and leaned down to place a gentle kiss on the little one's forehead.

"Go to sleep."

The door closed, and the footsteps gradually faded away.

The bedside lamp still cast a warm glow.

-

Reception room.

The elderly couple were "invited" to the Duan family home.

Of course, Duan Xianchen personally drove to "pick him up".

The old lady kept turning her prayer beads and muttering incantations.

The old man would occasionally glance at the furnishings around him—the calligraphy, paintings, porcelain, and ornaments—any one of which would be enough for an ordinary person for decades.

Duan Hetong sat in the main seat, his sleeves half-rolled up, resting his head on his hand with a relaxed expression, not in a hurry to speak.

In the tense atmosphere, the old man couldn't hold back any longer: "Mr. Duan, we didn't come here to cause trouble."

The old lady sighed, "What elder in the world doesn't love their child? Li Bao is our own granddaughter, it's only natural that we, the old couple, miss her."

"Is that so?" Duan Hetong looked up. "Then where were you when she was being abused by her stepfather?"

The old lady looked rather unwell.

The old man immediately chimed in, "We weren't attentive enough before; that was definitely our fault."

"'Not caring enough'?" Duan Hetong repeated, as if he had heard a joke. "When she was hungry, cold, and sick, you didn't care at all. Now you suddenly have a change of heart?"

Sweat beaded on the foreheads of the elderly couple.

Without Gao Ye present, it was a real challenge for them to face Duan Hetong alone.

This man named Duan, who was actually the ruler of Tan City, didn't even need to get angry; he was enough to make everyone's knees go weak.

At the same time, in the small garden.

Wenli squatted on the ground and, together with her aunt, moved the newly bought flower seedlings into the pots.

"Hey, when will this flower bloom?"

"It will take about a week."

"What about this one?"

"This will take longer."

Milk Dumpling's little gloves were covered in mud. This was usually her favorite game, but today she was clearly distracted.

She looked towards the main house for the third time.

"Coo coo".

"Um?"

"Li Bao... saw her grandparents."

Duan Shimi paused for a moment, then quickly resumed her movements, her tone natural: "My lord wants to have a chat."

Wen Li blinked: "What are you talking about?"

"Which kindergarten does Liaolibao go to? Did you like the one your uncle took you to last time?"

"I like Teacher Zhang..."

The little one's attention was diverted.

But not long after, he couldn't help but look in that direction again.

Although she couldn't see what was happening in the reception room, she felt uneasy.

Please, please, she prayed to the heavens, to the earth, and to the flowers, begging them not to take Pear Baby away...

the other side.

The old man wiped his sweat, his smile somewhat forced: "What's past is past. We're here today to resolve this issue."

Duan Hetong raised his chin, signaling them to continue.

The old lady unconsciously sat up straight: "The child is, after all, surnamed Wen, and he's all of Wen family blood. If this gets out of hand, it won't be good for anyone. Those people spreading rumors online will definitely affect Li Bao."

Duan Xianchen, who was standing to the side, almost laughed out of anger.

Who is it that deliberately seeks out cameras and makes a scene to trend on social media?

It's been installed now.

The old man coughed and said, "Actually, we don't ask for much."

—They've arrived.

Duan Xianchen sneered inwardly.

After all that, isn't it all still about this "requirement"?

Duan Hetong remained calm and waited for them to continue.

The elderly couple exchanged a glance.

The old lady clutched her chest, feigning weakness: "We're getting old. These past two years, we've poured so much effort into our daughter's illness and searching for our granddaughter. In our later years... if the Duan family is willing to provide us with some security, then Li Bao's matter isn't out of the question..."

Duan Xianchen was about to say that this was pure extortion.

Duan Hetong stopped him.

"How many do you want?" he asked succinctly.

The elderly couple's breath hitched, and the long speech they had prepared was completely cut off.

No one expected Duan Hetong to be so direct.

"Mr. Duan is a wise man." The old man grinned instinctively, then realized it was inappropriate and feigned solemnity. "What does Mr. Duan think?"

Duan Hetong said calmly, "I'm asking you."

The old lady licked her lips and held up three fingers: "Then...this number?"

Duan Xianchen asked twice before confirming that what they wanted was two zeros more than he had expected—three hundred million?!

Those in the know think they're asking for an exorbitant price; those who don't might think Tan Sri Dato' Seri Begawan has switched to Zimbabwean dollars!

Even the elderly couple were somewhat uneasy, feeling that the number was too outrageous.

Duan Hetong nodded, his expression calm and composed: "Okay."

Duan Xianchen was shocked: "Big Brother?!"

The elderly couple were overjoyed: "Thank you, Mr. Duan!"

"If you want money, fine," Duan Hetong said. "Take the money, leave Tan City, and don't try to take advantage of Wen Li again."

His dark eyes were as cold as the polar night.

"Otherwise, I can 'help' you leave."

The elderly couple couldn't help but shiver at the coldness in his eyes.

The old lady was the first to come to her senses, nodding repeatedly: "We'll do whatever you say. As long as the child is doing well, we'll be at ease..."

They left the Duan residence with beaming smiles.

Duan Xianchen stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the car's taillights disappear into the vast night.

He couldn't help but ask, "Brother, are we really going to give it to you? Even though we don't need these things, it still feels like we're being ripped off..."

"Investigate," Duan Hetong ordered. "It's not normal that she's only now thinking about her grandson after so long since her daughter's accident."

Duan Xianchen frowned: "You mean, someone chose this time to push them out—that scumbag stepfather?"

Duan Hetong sneered: "He doesn't have the brains for that."

At this moment, Duan Shimi came over with Wen Li.

The little one had played in the garden for half a day, and now, all clean and smelling wonderful, he changed into his bear pajamas and came running over, babbling, "Ba ba!"

Duan Hetong opened his arms, ready to welcome her.

That concludes the previous discussion. The last sentence is:

"If you want the Duan family's money, you'd better see if you have the life to spend it."