Today could be described as a carnival of the internet.

After Zhang Xiangyang finished his story and given the intense online attention, crowds started to gather outside their residence. The unexpected crowd made An Ran uneasy. Today, as it was a private outing, he was using his personal phone, and he habitually kept it on silent.

Little did he expect, this habit would backfire on him one day.

Upon checking, he saw dozens of missed calls. His WeChat notifications had exploded. The first message that caught his eye was from his agent:

"Shut up and stop talking!"

"Someone's secretly filming you from above!"

"Have you lost your mind?"

Realizing he was being filmed, An Ran's heart skipped a beat, vision darkening momentarily, nearly causing him to stumble. Besides messages from his agent, the Jian family had also contacted him. The most messages were from Jian Zhi, "What's going on? What did you mean by what you said?"

Next was from Jian Kuo.

Jian Kuo's message had a questioning tone, "Ran Ran, didn't you say you've cut ties with the Zhangs? Why are you still calling them mom and dad?"

That message left An Ran feeling dizzy.

Indeed, in order to maintain a virtuous image and win favor from the Jian family, he had always pretended to sever ties with the Zhangs. But now, his words had been broadcasted live. He had already had a fallout with the Zhang family, but now, he found himself in a crisis even in his own birth family.

An Ran hurriedly responded, "It's not like that, Dad. I'll explain everything to you later."

He truly felt at this moment what it was like to be speechless and unable to defend oneself. He could now empathize with how Jian Xingsui felt when she faced the wrath of the entire internet.

...

The crowd outside consisted of neighbors and others who had come to watch the spectacle.

The neighbors commented with a hint of lament:

"How come neither of the children are biologically theirs?"

"They initially disapproved of Sui Sui's return. So, this is the real story."

"Jian Xingsui truly seems to be unfortunate."

An Ran felt quite anxious inside. He just wanted to leave quickly to discuss the matter with his manager and explain everything to Jian's family. However, when he opened the door to leave, someone grabbed him.

Xiao Zhang held An Ran’s hand, saying, “Ran Ran!”

An Ran looked puzzled, “Who are you?”

“It’s me! We went to the same school.” Xiao Zhang panted slightly, “Don't you remember me, Ran Ran? I’ve always thought of you. Earlier in the courtyard, was everything you said true?”

Remembering that someone was secretly recording upstairs and wanting to leave hastily, An Ran replied irritably, “Sorry, I don’t remember. Can you let go?”

But Xiao Zhang persisted, “Ran Ran, I believe you’re not like that. Can you explain it to me?”

An Ran frowned, slightly annoyed, “Why should I explain to you?”

Xiao Zhang was taken aback.

In his memory, An Ran was always a gentle and kind boy, often bullied. Xiao Zhang had always believed that he needed to protect An Ran, but today's An Ran seemed like a completely different person.

Xiao Zhang had rushed out without his streaming phone. He was eager to prove An Ran's innocence to his viewers, but his mic was still on. The impatient tone of An Ran was broadcasted live, causing a stir among the viewers:

"Those who previously called An Ran an angel, come out now!"

"He’s so fierce!"

"Haha, blogger, you're such a clown. Clearly, he sees you as a backup!"

"I feel like I don't know An Ran anymore..."

"I'm starting to lose faith in him at this moment."

As the netizens chattered, the sound of a police siren echoed in the distance. This live stream had gotten way too popular, and during Zhang Xiangyang’s narration about the child mix-up, many had tagged the internet police.

Officers alighted from their vehicles, telling the surrounding crowd, “Step back, everyone, make some room.”

The onlookers didn't expect the situation to escalate to police involvement, and neither did the police expect to receive multiple reports about the same incident, making the scene quite spectacular.

The door was opened, and Mrs. Zhang looked terrified at the approaching officers.

The leading officer, an experienced one, showed his badge, saying, “Hello, police here. We received reports from concerned citizens suspecting child trafficking related to this residence. Kindly cooperate with us.”

Tears streamed down Mrs. Zhang's face as she hid behind Zhang Xiangyang, crying, “I wasn’t involved, it’s not my fault!”

Zhang Xiangyang, standing outside, was hit by a gust of wind, causing him to cough uncontrollably. His frail frame shivered like a withered leaf, looking rather pitiable.

Jian Xingsui, standing nearby, rushed over to support him, "Are you alright?"

Before leaving the hospital, doctors had advised that Zhang Xiangyang's condition wasn't great and he shouldn't get overly emotional or face any shocks. However, today's events seemed to challenge all those warnings.

Zhang Xiangyang's face turned a deep shade of red. He gently patted Jian Xingsui's hand, then looked up at the officer, "Thank you, officer, for making the trip here. We're willing to cooperate with the investigation and accept any legal consequences."

Mrs. Zhang's eyes widened in disbelief. She slapped Zhang Xiangyang several times, "What are you saying? Do you even comprehend the words coming out of your mouth? How could you...?"

Zhang Xiangyang wanted to calm her down in front of the officer. However, overwhelmed with emotion, he couldn't catch his breath, and his vision darkened before he collapsed.

Seeing her husband faint, Mrs. Zhang was struck dumb, standing there in stunned silence.

Fortunately, Jian Xingsui was quick to catch Zhang Xiangyang. He glared furiously at Mrs. Zhang, his voice icy, "What have you done?"

Mrs. Zhang tried to defend herself, "I... I didn't mean to..."

"His condition is critical! Do you think he can endure this?" This was the first time Jian Xingsui had raised his voice at an elder. His deep, dark eyes were filled with reproach, his voice filled with pain and frustration, "Can you please think of someone other than yourself for once?"

...

That statement seemed to uncover all that Mrs. Zhang had been trying to hide.

Her selfishness was deeply ingrained, evident in times of crisis. Jian Xingsui's words seemed to sap all her strength. Taking a deep breath, she slumped to the ground as if she couldn't get up.

The police officer quickly stepped forward, "Get him in the car. We need to head to the hospital."

Jian Xingsui responded, "I'll carry him."

Seeing his initiative, the officer nodded, "Thank you for your help."

Jian Xingsui shook his head modestly, "It's the least I can do."

Before arriving, the officer had somewhat familiarized himself with the background of the situation. He understood the trials and tribulations this young man had faced. Had it been the officer himself, he might have despised the Zhang family a long time ago. But at this critical moment, Jian Xingsui's inherent kindness was truly admirable.

As they left the courtyard, there were still many onlookers outside.

The officer cleared a path while Jian Xingsui carried Zhang Xiangyang towards the car. Passersby kept taking photos with their phones. Some even called out Jian Xingsui's name, but he didn't stop. He carried Zhang Xiangyang straight to the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the online community was buzzing with speculation:

"Did An Ran just... run away?"

"It's not about moral judgment, but the man who raised him for over two decades... he just left him behind?"

"Is this the 'pitiable lad' you all spoke of?"

"Xingsui isn't his biological son either, and he wasn't raised for over two decades. Yet he stayed."

"Just yesterday, everyone was criticizing him. Look at today..."

"I genuinely can't discern what is truly just anymore."

As the facade of the internet stripped away layer by layer, revealing the truth of the matter, those who had once slandered and disparaged, all those self-proclaimed champions of justice, found themselves silenced. The reality slapped them hard in the face, echoing loudly.

Hospital

Jian Xingsui and the Zhang couple underwent a DNA test to determine their parent-child relationship.

The police officer said to him, "We should have the results in about a week. During this time, we will do our best to uncover the events of the past and help you locate your biological parents."

Jian Xingsui stepped out of the blood test room, the words bringing a grounded feeling to his restless heart as if he had finally found his footing.

"Really?" Jian Xingsui dared not get too excited, fearing this was yet another illusion. "After all this time, is there still a chance of finding my real parents?"

The officer responded, "Yes, it's a challenge. We can't access surveillance footage from twenty years ago. We'll rely on archived records. They swapped in a child who died suddenly of a heart condition, narrowing our search significantly. We'll investigate as quickly as possible."

For some reason, when Jian Xingsui thought about this, a peculiar sensation passed through his heart, as if he had once heard a similar story elsewhere. Nevertheless, he simply nodded, "Alright, thank you. I understand."

Madam Zhang had fainted from shock on the road. With both husband and wife unconscious, and both being suspects, the police decided to keep an eye on them. "You're welcome," the officer said, "but you're no longer obligated to look after them. Once the paternity test is done, you can leave and await our call."

Jian Xingsui gave a subtle nod, "Alright."

Everything that had transpired this morning felt surreal, leaving him somewhat out of sorts.

However, once outside the hospital, Jian Xingsui felt lost again. If he was not a Zhang, where should he go? What was his next step?

Despite the warm sunlight, he felt chilled to the bone. The sensation reminded him of six months ago when he was first evicted from the Jian family home. Back then, he had sought refuge with the Zhangs, hoping for a loving family. But all that had been a false hope...

As a result, he now hesitated to hope again.

What if this new lead turned out to be another dead end? What if his real parents had started new families? Would they accept this sudden intruder? What if... they didn't like him?

Mixed feelings surged within Jian Xingsui. His phone rang, displaying a call from his manager. Answering, he was greeted by Wang's frantic voice, "Xingsui, what's going on with you?"

Jian Xingsui replied, "What do you mean?"

With a sigh, Wang said, "The live broadcast, it's exploded. The whole internet is buzzing about it!"

"Really?" Jian Xingsui hadn't been online due to his interactions with the police and subsequent tests. He replied, somewhat surprised, "Yes, some things happened. Honestly, I wasn't expecting this."

Wang sounded elated, "Do you know how popular you are right now? The company decided in an emergency meeting not to sideline you any longer. Many media outlets have contacted us. We can secure many endorsements with this momentum. Get back here now!"

"..."

Jian Xingsui frowned, "What endorsements? I don't want to accept any right now."

Wang became agitated, "What are you saying? There's money on the table, and you don't want it? We've got ad deals and several variety shows wanting you as a guest. Given your current popularity, maybe..."

Jian Xingsui couldn't help but chuckle. The company had been nowhere to be found when he was under public scrutiny, but now they wanted to capitalize on his fame.

"Wang, there's something I didn't tell you," Jian Xingsui began, "I've been considering terminating my contract with the company."

Wang was stunned, "Terminate?"

Jian Xingsui nodded, "Yes, I want to terminate the contract. When you all wanted to bench me, I was already contemplating leaving the entertainment industry. Now, with things as they are, I'd like to be clear about my intentions."

Hearing this, Wang became increasingly alarmed.

Wang urgently said, "Jian Xingsui, have you lost your mind? You owe the company a fortune. And now you dare talk about terminating the contract? Let me make this clear: you can terminate, but can you afford the penalty for breaking the contract?"

He quickly discovered Jian Xingsui's weakness: he was broke.

Wang could sense the suspicious silence from Jian Xingsui on the other end. Smugly, he declared, "As the old saying goes, 'He who understands the times is a true hero.' Xingsui, I don’t want to make things difficult for you, but understand this – things in this industry don’t always go your way. If you wish to terminate your contract and not cooperate with the company, you can forget about it!"

A bitter feeling welled up in Jian Xingsui's chest.

Wang added, “I think you need some time to adjust your mood today. Take a day off and gather yourself. I expect to see you in the company tomorrow. Don't even think of opposing the company. If this goes to court, things will get ugly.”

Jian Xingsui didn’t utter a word, and sensing the mood, Wang tactfully ended the call.

The hospital grounds were quiet in the afternoon. Jian, holding his phone, let his arm fall slowly. As he tried to stand from the bench, a combination of fatigue and emotional stress blurred his vision, and he almost collapsed back onto the seat.

With eyes closed, Jian leaned on the chair, desiring a moment of solitude, longing for a confined space where he could retreat and process everything.

Just then, suddenly—

A voice called out from a distance, "Jian Xingsui!"

The authoritative tone jolted Jian. Slowly opening his eyes, the brightness of the world returned. In the dappled sunlight, Shen Xingchen approached, and for a moment, the intensity of the light almost blinded him, moistening his eyes.

Shen Xingchen chided as he approached, "You don't answer calls or reply to texts. What's the big deal? Do you think you're more important than Fu Ge?"

Stunned, Jian replied, "Xingchen... Why are you here?"

Not just Shen Xingchen, but Xu Enzhen, Shen Minglang, and another man who, if Jian guessed correctly, resembled the two Shen brothers and was likely the head of the Shen Corporation, Shen Yong.

As Jian was trying to make sense of it all, Xu Enzhen approached hurriedly. For the first time, Jian saw this otherwise reserved lady in a hurry. As she came close, she gripped Jian's hand, whispering, "Child…"

The touch of Jian's cold hand, his face noticeably thinner than she remembered, brought tears to her eyes. She couldn't fathom what he had endured recently.

Seeing her cry, Jian softly asked, "What's wrong?"

Choking back tears, Xu Enzhen confessed, “Over two decades ago, I gave birth to our youngest here. Soon after birth, the doctors informed me that he passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest.”

Jian was frozen, disbelief evident in his wide eyes.

As his heart raced, Jian stuttered, "Then... then what about me?"

From behind, Shen Yong stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on his wife's shoulder, stating, “You share the same birthdate as him.”

The revelation felt like a verdict; Jian's breath halted.

Fate can be mischievous, surprising us when least expected. A moment ago, Jian felt the weight of the world; now he felt as if hit by an unexpected turn of events.

Accustomed to hardships, Jian's initial joy was soon overshadowed by doubt. He cautiously began, "But there were many born in this hospital that day. It might not be me..."

Xu Enzhen took a step forward, asserting, "No, it's you."

There might be many intuitions that can go wrong in this world, but a mother's instinct about her child, the one she carried for nine months, never errs.

Shen Xingchen was taken aback at first but quickly composed himself, muttering under his breath, "I always wondered why we looked so alike. I almost thought my dad had another son out of wedlock!"

"..."

Silence enveloped the surroundings for a moment.

Shen Xingchen seemed to have a knack for ruining the mood. The usually stoic Shen Yong cast a subtle glance at his second son, the look filled with unmistakable warning.

With a touch of chagrin, Shen Xingchen touched his nose and promptly shut his mouth.

Xu Enzhen stepped forward, whispering softly, "The first time I saw you on the screen, I thought, 'This child is so endearing, one could never tire of watching him...'"

Jian Xingsui looked up pitifully, his eyes gradually tinting with a crimson hue.

Being the world's scorned scapegoat, unlike the protagonist, it was as if he carried an inherent unlikability. First impressions of him were never favorable. Over time, he grew accustomed to prejudice. But today, someone confessed that from the very first glance, their heart was taken with joy.

Xu Enzhen sighed gently, "You bear a resemblance to Xingchen and Minglang, but not entirely. Actually, your features, especially the eyes and brows, they remind me most of me. I often wondered, 'Why is this child so thin? Was the training too intense? Did he eat well?'"

A pang of emotion clutched at Jian Xingsui's heart.

Xu Enzhen approached him, her delicate, fair hands trembling as they cradled his face. Tears shimmered in her eyes as she said, with heartbreaking tenderness, "It's only been half a month. How have you become so thin?"

Struggling to breathe through his anxiety, Jian Xingsui quickly responded, "In this half month, Zhang Xiangyang fell ill and needed care. There were also some issues online. It's been busy, but you don't need to worry about me. I'm okay..."

Under Xu Enzhen's gentle gaze, Jian Xingsui tried to explain. Strangely, just like a fallen child, while the pain might be bearable when ignored, gentle words of comfort could make holding back tears impossible.

Jian Xingsui had always shouldered his burdens without shedding tears. The hardships over the years had taught him that tears solved nothing and no one would sympathize with him.

But now, for reasons he couldn't fathom, his lips quivered and tears started to fall. He tried to hold back, but the overwhelming emotions threatened to drown him.

Seeing the young man cry, Xu Enzhen's heart tore in pain. She pulled Jian Xingsui into an embrace, choking back her own tears, "Suisui, I'm sorry for letting you suffer, for allowing others to hurt you..."

Cold all over, Jian Xingsui slowly wrapped his arms around Xu Enzhen, feeling the genuine warmth that only a mother could provide.

There were moments when he had fantasized about having someone to lean on during his darkest times, to experience the affection given to the protagonist. He didn't long for grand achievements; he just yearned for an ordinary family and a safe haven.

A modest wish, really.

Like the inquiries from Fu Jinxiao and Wang Ge, money and benefits meant little to him. Years of loneliness and alienation had left a void in his heart. He yearned for understanding, for tenderness, for... love.

Xu Enzhen sniffled, gently patting Jian Xingsui's trembling frame, her voice firm yet soft, "From now on, with me by your side, no one will ever hurt you again..."

Her soothing words and motherly embrace seemed to magically ease Jian Xingsui's tense demeanor.

As Xu Enzhen continued to hold him close, she suddenly heard a soft, murmured word by her ear: "Mom..."

That whispered word rooted Xu Enzhen to the spot.

When she pulled back to look into Jian Xingsui's tear-streaked face, she saw a vulnerability and a desperate hope. Despite the potential outcome of any familial tests, at that moment, he mustered all his courage to ask, "May I call you that, just once?"

That single word, 'mother', didn't just land on her ears but also on her soul. She felt as though she'd been waiting for this for an eternity. She'd been waiting for over two decades.

"Yes," Xu Enzhen held his hand as if fearing he might vanish, her voice choked with emotion, "You always can..."