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

a few days later.

At the Shen family residence, the secretary took a document out of her bag: "President Shen, this is from Wencheng Group. They have decided to terminate all cooperation projects."

Mr. Shen, with a cigarette between his fingers, didn't say anything. He picked up the document, glanced at it, and then put it down again.

"And this too." The secretary handed over another document. "Chang Xing has informed us that the contract is being suspended."

"And some banks are saying they need to re-evaluate our qualifications."

"besides……"

"Alright, that's enough for now."

Boss Shen took a deep drag on his cigarette.

In just a few days, he had heard this kind of news countless times.

First, one of our partners said they needed to think about it some more.

Two more companies have successively suspended their cooperation.

Then came a series of bad news: termination of cooperation, cancellation of projects, and postponement of signings.

Not a single company claimed it was because of the Duan family; each reason they gave was more plausible than the last, and there was nothing wrong with them.

On the contrary, it makes people even more terrified.

Mr. Shen no longer wanted to go to the company and sent his secretary to his home to report.

After a moment's hesitation, the secretary finally spoke up: "Mr. Shen, tonight's chamber of commerce exchange meeting..."

Boss Shen said, "What? You've already invited me, and now you're kicking me out at the last minute?"

The secretary fell silent.

Boss Shen scoffed, "How realistic. I was the one who initially spearheaded this chamber of commerce, and now..."

And it's not just the Chamber of Commerce.

These days, he has contacted almost everyone he could.

Not to mention old friends and business partners, even acquaintances with whom I've only had a meal or two, I'm going to bite the bullet and ask for connections to get in touch.

But those who used to address him as "General Manager Shen" or "Brother Shen" now claim to be on business trips, sick, or have their wives, children, or secretaries answer the phone.

He finally understood that truly important people never need to lift a finger or even utter a single word.

As long as they show a subtle attitude, people will naturally rush to do things for them.

Clearly, overnight, the Shen family went from being someone everyone fawned over to a nuisance everyone wanted to avoid.

After the secretary left, Mrs. Shen sat on the sofa, her eyes red-rimmed: "What should we do? We can't just watch the company collapse, can we?"

After a long silence, Boss Shen stubbed out his cigarette: "...This is the only way."

Mrs. Shen quickly wiped away her tears: "What? Is there any other way?"

Boss Shen said slowly, "I'll go ask my mentor for help."

—Wu Qiming, also known as Elder Wu, is one of the core figures in Tan City. He has connections across various sectors and is highly respected.

The Shen family has been able to reach its current level of success thanks in part to the support and guidance of Elder Wu.

If Elder Wu were willing to say a word, things might still have a chance to turn around.

Mr. Shen slapped his thigh: "Ya Ya, go to Grandpa Wu's house with Daddy tomorrow."

The little girl paused, her face flushing slightly. "Then...is Brother Xiao Shuo here too?"

"It should be there."

That was the only son of the Wu family, and Old Master Wu always took this little grandson with him wherever he went.

Shen Yaya forgot all her sadness, ran back to her room, opened the wardrobe, and took out dresses one by one.

"Mommy, Mommy, is pink better, or white?"

"Do you like this hair clip?"

"Will Brother Xiao Shuo like this bow?"

Mrs. Shen looked at her daughter's expectant face and finally smiled a little: "Our Ya Ya is so pretty, Brother Xiao Shuo will definitely like her."

While saying this, he was actually calculating things in his mind.

Wu Shuo was the family's darling from a young age. He was good-looking, smart, and his manners and upbringing were impeccable.

Countless families are watching.

If Ya Ya can really get close to Wu Shuo...

The Shen family still has a way out.

-

In the courtyard of the Wu family, there is a towering ancient tree, which is said to have been planted by their ancestor. Over the years, it has withstood wind and rain, bringing blessings to its descendants.

Shen Yaya got out of the car and looked around. Her brother Xiao Shuo used to love assembling models under that tree.

She wore the most expensive dress in the house, curled her hair, and wore a necklace, dressing up very carefully.

Now, clutching the gift box, she can't wait to show her best side to the boy she likes.

At the end of the corridor, a small figure walked over.

Wearing a white shirt, black overalls, and holding a book, he looks like a little gentleman.

The six-year-old boy had handsome features and a calm demeanor that belied his age.

Shen Yaya's eyes lit up immediately: "Brother Xiao Shuo!"

She lifted her skirt and hurried over, ignoring her mother's admonition to "slow down."

When Wu Shuo saw her, he simply nodded and said, "Hello."

After saying that, he continued walking forward.

Shen Yaya quickly stopped him and handed him the gift box: "Brother Xiaoshuo, I bought this especially for you."

Wu Shuo didn't even glance at it: "Thank you, but I can't accept it."

Shen Yaya was taken aback.

In the kindergarten—to be precise, the kindergarten before Wen Li arrived—which child didn't fawn over and want the things she gave them?

Thinking Wu Shuo didn't know what was inside, she hurriedly opened it: "This is imported chocolate, it's delicious!"

"Thank you, but I don't eat sweets," Wu Shuo said politely but coldly.

Shen Yaya rarely received such a cold reception, but this was Xiao Shuo's brother.

She smiled again and said, "Let's play together!"

"I want to read a book."

"I can come with you!"

"Need not."

They distanced themselves completely, leaving no room for negotiation.

Shen Yaya was unwilling to give up and followed behind:

"Brother Xiao Shuo, do you still remember me?"

"Brother Xiaoshuo, do I look good in my dress?"

"Brother Xiaoshuo, we were together last time—"

Wu Shuo finally stopped.

He turned around and said to Shen Yaya, "Sorry, I want to be alone for a while."

After saying that, he left.

Shen Yaya stood frozen in place.

From childhood to adulthood, there was nothing she couldn't get, whatever she liked or wanted.

The world should revolve around her.

Ever since Wen Li appeared, stealing the attention of teachers and classmates, everything has changed.

Now, even her favorite boy doesn't pay any attention to her.

Shen Yaya bit her lip and comforted herself in her heart.

It's okay. At least, Wen Li doesn't even know which way the Wu family's door faces, let alone know Brother Xiao Shuo.

She hugged the gift box tightly.

—Brother Xiao Shuo belongs to her alone, and no one can take him away.

-

On the other side, inside the study.

Wu Qiming brewed a pot of tea and gestured with his hand: "Try it, it's a new gift from Councilor Song."

Mr. Shen had no time for such thoughts and pleaded in a humble voice, "Teacher, you must save me."

Wu Qiming sipped his tea for a while before saying, "I've heard about your matter."

Mr. Shen's face paled: "Teacher, I know I was wrong, I really didn't know that child..."

Wu Qiming interrupted him: "Whether you know or not is not an excuse. An adult going to a kindergarten and yelling at the children..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but simply shook his head.

Mr. Shen was extremely embarrassed, but he wasn't there to save face; he was there to beg for a way out: "Teacher, if the Shen family falls, what will happen to my wife? What will happen to Ya Ya—what will happen to Ya Ya? Please… help me this one more time."

Wu Qiming looked out the window. Wu Shuo was sitting under a tree reading a book, while Shen Yaya circled around him, trying to get closer again and again.

After a long pause, the old man sighed, "I'm old. I don't want to get involved in your young people's affairs."

The light in Boss Shen's eyes gradually dimmed.

But Elder Wu spoke up again: "—Just for Ya Ya's sake."

Mr. Shen suddenly raised his head: "You...you mean..."

"I'm going to see an old friend," Wu Qiming said authoritatively. "You don't need to worry about what happens after that."

Boss Shen almost knelt down before him: "Okay, okay, thank you, mentor! Thank you!"

Old Wu waved his hand dismissively, "I'm not sure if they'll even see me."

He hadn't used this favor for many years.

He would never have asked for this if it weren't for the child's sake.

Mr. Shen's heart tightened, but he still clung to this last straw: "As long as you're willing to step in, there's definitely hope!"

"Go back and wait for news. Remember," the old man said solemnly. "This is the last time."

-

The Duan family's old residence.

Dinner time, which used to be a time of quiet eating and sleeping, has become the liveliest time of the day since the arrival of our little one.

The little bundle of milk held up his tiny spoon, looking incredibly enthusiastic:

"Wow, this is delicious!"

"Gulp gurgle gurgle, time to drink the soup!"

"Grandpa, the doctor told you to eat more vegetables."

Duan Yuanzhou feigned disdain: "You're so young, why do you need to tell me what to do?"

But he still ate all the spinach she had picked out for him.

Duan Xianchen raised an eyebrow: "Dad, don't you never eat this?"

Duan Yuanzhou glared at him: "Stop nagging! Who said I'm not eating? No one in the Duan family is allowed to be picky about food! Little girl, understand?"

The little bundle of joy nodded repeatedly: "I'll remember!"

A soft laugh rippled through the dining table.

Qin Zhiyuan sat beside her, quietly watching this scene.

How precious are the warm and peaceful times spent with family.

After the meal, the servants cleared away the plates and served tea.

Qin Zhiyuan took a sip and announced without warning, "My vacation is almost over. I'm leaving next weekend."

The teacup fell back onto the table.

In the living room, all the noise vanished without a trace.

Wen Li was having dessert after her meal when she heard this, and her little spoon fell into the plate with a thud.

She looked up blankly, her little head unable to process what was happening.

Grandma...is she leaving?

"Grandma, you don't live at home?" She looked at Qin Zhiyuan with wide eyes, her little voice full of confusion. "You live outside?"

Qin Zhiyuan's gaze softened: "That's not what I meant. Grandma works very, very far away, and she has to go back to work. Every weekend, your dad, aunt, and uncle also have to go to work, just like Lili has to go to kindergarten, right?"

Wen Li stared blankly at her.

Grandma was right.

But, but, does that mean I won't see Grandma for a very, very long time?

The little dumpling pouted, looking like it was about to cry.

But then she remembered something and hurriedly looked at Duan Yuanzhou.

Grandpa drank his tea without saying a word.

No, this won't do!

Grandpa and Grandma haven't made up yet—they haven't even spoken a word to each other!

She was so anxious that her little brows furrowed.

What will happen to Grandpa if Grandma passes away?

They're going to be angry and sad again!

She looked at Baba in a panic.

Baba is the best; he'll definitely find a way!

Duan Hetong was also somewhat surprised. His mother's return this time was unusually long, and he had thought she was planning to transfer back to China or retire directly.

He patted the little boy's hand to comfort him, then turned to Qin Zhiyuan: "Next Sunday, I remember it's Elder Wu's birthday banquet, right?"

"Yes, I'll leave tonight after the event."

Duan Shimi was also surprised: "So rushed?"

"I have other things to do back home, and I can't coordinate everything, so I have no choice but to leave it at that."

The little one was so sad he was about to cry: "Grandma..."

Qin Zhiyuan smiled and patted Wen Li's head: "It's not like we'll never see each other again. When you have a holiday, I'll have your dad bring you to see me—on a big airplane, okay?"

The little baby endured the crying without saying a word, holding his grandmother's hand and shaking his head repeatedly.

She looked at Duan Yuanzhou several times, hoping her grandfather would say something.

But the old man simply picked up his teacup slowly, as if he hadn't heard a thing.

The whole family was asking the old lady about her plans.

So no one noticed that when Duan Hetong mentioned "Old Wu," the old man's hand paused.

Afterwards, he continued drinking tea as if nothing had happened.

Only his twitching eyelids betrayed the unease in his heart.

—Wu Qiming.

I haven't heard this name in many years.