Jian Xingsui had never experienced such a roller coaster of emotions as he did today.

The group moved through a narrow hallway towards the hospital to get a DNA test. While waiting for the elevator, Xu Enzhen stood by Jian Xingsui's side. Jian Xingsui had just left the blood sampling room when an officer, still working on a case, looked surprised upon seeing him return, "You..."

Jian Xingsui bowed slightly, uncertain how to explain.

However, Shen Yong stepped forward. This man was usually quiet, but when needed, he always took charge. He spoke softly, "Hello, we'd like to have a paternity test done with the child."

The officer was taken aback.

Just recently, they had been preparing to investigate records to help Jian Xingsui find his family faster. But now, Jian Xingsui had brought a family for DNA testing on his own accord!

Xu Enzhen also added, somewhat sentimentally, "Yes, we'd like to conduct a paternity test."

"..."

The officer hesitated, "Are you sure about this?"

Shen Yong nodded, "Yes."

He turned, his tall figure standing in front of the officer, offering a protective and reliable presence, and asserted, "He is our son."

The officer, influenced by Shen Yong's conviction, agreed, "Alright then, let's proceed."

This time, the emotions were entirely different from before.

After Jian Xingsui finished, a full day's exertion coupled with another blood draw left him feeling faint upon standing up.

The doctor casually reminded him, “Young man, you must take care of yourself. Look at the color of your blood; it's evident you're overexerted and a bit anemic. At such a young age, you shouldn’t wear out your body like this.”

Jian Xingsui gently nodded, “I understand.”

Xu Enzhen, who had been listening from behind, was deeply worried for the child she had recently found, “Doctor, is our boy not well? Should we schedule an appointment?”

Concern often leads to chaos.

The doctor smiled and shook his head, “Don’t be too anxious. He's young and resilient. There's no need for an appointment, but ensure he gets ample rest at home. Even the most robust body can’t withstand continuous strain.”

Xu Enzhen quickly replied, “Alright, I understand.”

Behind them, Shen Xingchen burst out with frustration, “Did that Zhang Xia starve you? Didn't she feed you?”

Jian Xingsui chuckled, “It wasn’t that bad. It was just a bit challenging.”

Shen Xingchen pressed on, “Then what were you eating? Hospital cafeteria food?”

Shen Xingchen intended to criticize the nutrition-less food from outside vendors. However, he was taken aback when Jian Xingsui answered, “No, I just boiled some noodles or steamed rice at home.”

“...”

Looking at the slightly frail figure, Shen Xingchen exclaimed, “Are you out of your mind? Couldn’t you buy food for yourself?”

Jian Xingsui gave a wry smile.

Behind them, Shen Minglang, who was always more perceptive than Shen Xingchen, had deduced the situation at Zhang’s residence. He understood why Jian Xingsui had to endure such basic meals.

Listening to this, Xu Enzhen's heart ached even more, her eyes welling up. She held Jian Xingsui's hand and said, “Let’s go home. Mom will cook for you.”

Seeing her upset, Jian Xingsui quickly tried to console her.

As they exited the hospital, to their surprise, the number of onlookers had multiplied, some following the police cars, while others were attracted by the online buzz about the Zhang family. The matter had become a trending topic, drawing not just curious spectators but also paparazzi.

Jian Xingsui was utterly taken aback upon seeing the massive crowd outside the hospital.

Someone from afar caught a glimpse of him and shouted, “It’s Jian Xingsui!”

The bustling crowd became agitated, eager to get exclusive comments and first-hand information. From a distance, questions began:

“Are you really not the Zhang family's child?”

“Then who are your real parents?”

“Do you and An Ran have a feud?”

“Is this entire situation real, or is it all staged?”

Jian Xingsui was bewildered by the sudden surge of people.

Someone tried to approach and get close, but Shen Xingchen promptly blocked them. Da Ge looked straight into the camera, fearlessly saying, "What's with the interrogation? Why so many questions?"

Another journalist with a microphone was also rebuffed.

Shen Xingchen glared, "Real or fake, we're at the hospital! Why question it now?"

Another person tried to approach with questions, but Shen Xingchen shot back, "Ask, ask, ask – what the hell do you want to know? It's none of your business!"

Among the crowd, some genuinely cared for Jian Xingsui and were curious about the situation. One girl finally managed to push through, and, a bit upset after hearing Shen Xingchen, said, "I'm a fan. Can't I just show some concern for Xingsui? Why are you so rude?"

Upon being challenged, the hot-tempered Shen Xingchen was about to retort but was held back by someone.

Shen Xingchen had always been the one protecting Jian Xingsui. However, when Shen Xingchen was criticized, the usually protected Jian Xingsui stepped forward. He looked unwell, but facing the fans and the public, he remained gentle.

Jian Xingsui said, "Hello, you mentioned you're my fan?"

The girl nodded.

"Thank you for your concern. I'm fine now. But I want to tell you that waiting here at the hospital isn't right," Jian Xingsui said, his voice clear and calm. "Even though autumn is turning into winter, standing outside a crowded hospital can be tiring." He handed a wet wipe from his pocket to the girl to wipe her sweat and continued, "The hospital is a place for patients to receive treatment, and it requires peace and quiet. Your presence here may disturb others."

The girl hesitated, "But I..."

Jian Xingsui replied, "If my situation causes trouble for the hospital and others, I'd be troubled as well. Since you're my fan, you wouldn't want that, right?"

The girl gently nodded.

With a small smile, Jian Xingsui said, "Then please go home."

Despite the situation's complexity, it seemed to have been easily defused. But the girl, still persistent, glanced at Shen Xingchen and mumbled, "He's too aggressive. Why does he even speak for you?"

Before Shen Xingchen could react, Jian Xingsui naturally responded, "Of course he can speak for me."

The girl looked up in surprise, finding Jian Xingsui's gaze much softer, but his tone firm, "Because he's my brother."

This was the first time that, in public and in front of cameras, Jian Xingsui had called Shen Xingchen "brother." Even if Shen Xingchen had always affectionately addressed him as 'little brother' in different settings, Jian Xingsui had merely responded with wry smiles, not because he was unwilling, but because he felt he didn't deserve it.

But today, at this moment, in front of everyone, he voiced out this long-overdue acknowledgment.

Shen Xingchen was stunned. When he looked at Jian Xingsui, he noticed that while his younger brother seemed composed in front of the fans, his ears turned red with embarrassment after the acknowledgment.

With a smirk, Shen Xingchen draped his arm around Jian Xingsui's shoulders, boasting to the fan in a braggart manner as if flaunting his prized possession, "Did you hear that? That's my brother. If I can't speak up for him, who can?"

The fan was left speechless.

She had never been so dumbfounded in her life.

As they chatted, Shen Yong was on the phone with the police and security. Soon, officers arrived to manage the situation. The crowd, which had been lingering outside the hospital without causing a commotion, was now causing a scene, leading to their dispersal.

As Shen Xingchen headed to the parking area, he gloated, "He's the first to call me 'brother'!"

Shen Minglang and Shen Yong looked on: "..."

Both cast a frosty glance at Shen Xingchen, laden with palpable tension.

Neither of them, unlike Xu Enzhen and Shen Xingchen, overtly express their emotions. Despite their fondness for Jian Xingsui, they've never had the chance to grow close or show it. Shen Xingchen, on the other hand, has seized every opportunity.

Walking beside them, Xu Enzhen suppressed a smile, "He also called me 'Mom'."

Shen Minglang and Shen Yong: "..."

It felt like pouring salt on a fresh wound.

They finally arrived at the parking lot and naturally got into the Shen family's car – a stretched Rolls-Royce spacious enough for five.

Once inside, Shen Xingchen remarked, "We rarely use this car."

Jian Xingsui gave him a puzzled look.

Seated next to his wife, Shen Yong seized the opportunity, stating in a deep voice, "It's for you."

Shen Minglang, adjusting his glasses, quickly added, "So that the car doesn’t feel crowded."

These two, who were formidable figures in the business world and often regarded with deference, now seemed like little kids vying for attention – especially in the presence of their newly found son and brother.

Oblivious to this atmosphere, Jian Xingsui only felt warmth and gratitude. Without even confirming their familial ties, they were treating him so well, filling him with happiness and a tinge of apprehension.

They arrived at the Shen mansion – a month since Jian Xingsui's last visit.

Unlike his previous stay, this time he returned as a member of the family. Walking on the garden path leading to the main entrance, Xu Enzhen held his hand the entire time.

Shen Xingchen chimed in, "Dinner’s almost ready!"

But Xu Enzhen, still holding Jian Xingsui's hand, said, "Come, let me show you your room."

Jian Xingsui hesitated, "I... have a room?"

Xu Enzhen nodded, "Of course!"

As Shen Yong handed his jacket to the housekeeper, he said while changing his shoes, "It was prepared for you when you were born. We've kept it all these years."

Jian Xingsui's eyes widened in astonishment.

Xu Enzhen led him upstairs, and the moment the room's door opened, he froze.

Not just because of the spacious, well-lit room, with its large windows draped in blue curtains, a neat bedspread, a little desk, and an organized wardrobe displaying baby clothes. But something else entirely took his breath away.

The floor and inside the cabinets were lined with meticulously arranged, unopened gift boxes.

Xu Enzhen whispered, "Every year, I'd prepare a gift for you, guessing what you might need at your age..."

She stepped forward and approached the gifts. Picking each one up, she described, “This is a gold bracelet, this is a toy car, this is a limited-edition Ultraman set, this is the scarf and clothing I knitted for you, this is a gaming controller, this is the complete set of storybooks, and this one…”

As Xu Enzhen continued, perhaps memories of the past that had once brought her sorrow flooded back. Holding the gifts, she lowered her head, covering her mouth, unable to stop tears from falling onto them.

Some of the gifts had been prepared years ago, showing signs of age, yet all were spotless. It was evident that they had been lovingly cared for and frequently cleaned.

Xu Enzhen's voice caught with emotion, tears cascading freely. “Mother always counted the days, wondering how old you would be, what you might like. I never knew your preferences, so I could only guess…”

She was interrupted mid-sentence when someone crouched in front of her, taking her hands.

Xu Enzhen looked up, meeting Jian Xingsui's gaze. In his clear, youthful eyes, she saw her own reflection. He whispered, “I love them. I really do.”

His hand rested on one of the older gift boxes. His voice was firm but barely audible, trembling with emotion, “Thank you, Mother.”

Joy and happiness flooded Xu Enzhen's heart, overwhelming her. She embraced Jian Xingsui, kneeling and crying uncontrollably.

Over the years, she had never forgiven herself, always living in the shadow of the past. No one could fathom the pain of a mother losing her child. It seemed as if everyone had moved on, leaving her behind, unable to let go of her child.

People claimed she was mentally unstable, urging her to move on, to understand that the dead cannot return. She knew this, yet sometimes, she preferred living in a dream, enduring every day and night.

“Xingsui…” Xu Enzhen's voice was hoarse, “I am so sorry. Can you forgive me?”

Jian Xingsui gently patted her back, murmuring, “It's okay. It's all in the past now.”

It felt as if Xu Enzhen had finally lifted a heavy burden from her heart.

Shen Xingchen approached, saying, “Mom, don't cry. It's bad for your health. We'll have dinner soon. Oh, why did you only introduce the gifts you bought? I got some too!”

The mood-breaker strikes again.

Jian Xingsui looked at him, puzzled, “What…”

Shen Xingchen opened a nearby cabinet, announcing, “Ta-da! We got these for you too, ever since I started receiving pocket money at age five!”

Only Shen Xingchen didn't know the birthday of their late younger brother. Yet, he always reserved a gift for him on his own birthdays.

“Look at this, a Transformers toy!”

“This one's impressive. I made this plane myself.”

“And this, a clay Doraemon.”

Aside from these, the cabinet held many valuable items, courtesy of Shen Yong and Shen Minglang. While some said Xu Enzhen was mentally ill, her family chose to support and commemorate the lost child with her.

Shen Minglang spoke softly, “From age one to twenty-one, all is here. The most valuable is this painting, a rare piece I acquired from M country. Priceless now, it's believed to bring safety and prosperity.”

Trust the eldest to always mention monetary value, even now.

Though Shen Minglang seemed to be emphasizing the value of the items, his real intention was to earn favor in front of his brother, hoping to be acknowledged as the elder sibling before their father.

Unfortunately, Jian Xingsui missed this subtext. Innocently moved, he whispered, “Thank you, thank you so much.”

Shen Minglang: "…There's no need for formalities anymore."

Jian Xingsui was slightly anxious, hesitating over how to address Shen Yong. Shen Yong, however, stepped forward, lifting his kneeling wife and child off the ground. This was his first encounter with Jian Xingsui. As the head of the entire family and business, he always seemed composed. Standing before Jian Xingsui, he lowered his head, saying, "There's no need to be so formal. This will be your home from now on."

Jian Xingsui's hand, which was resting by his side, involuntarily curled up.

As he lowered his head, Shen Yong's palm gently covered it. In a solemn voice, filled with the imperceptible warmth of a father to his child, he said, "I showed you all this not to upset you but to let you know that you've always had a place in this family. We've been eagerly waiting and are delighted to welcome you home."

A jolt ran through Jian Xingsui. He had always been worried about these matters and never expected them to be seen so transparently. Suddenly feeling understood and tenderly cared for, tears welled up in his eyes.

Shen Yong was about to speak further when a knock interrupted him.

Mrs. Wu announced, "Sir, madam, young master, dinner is ready."

Shen Xingchen cheered, "Finally! I'm starving."

Shen Minglang, closest to the door, glanced disdainfully at his cheeky younger brother, "You just had a feast at lunch. With the way you eat, I'm surprised you're still a celebrity. You'll go bankrupt eventually."

Shen Xingchen wrapped an arm around Jian Xingsui, "Look at this, big brother's stinky capitalism!"

Jian Xingsui was flustered, unsure of how to respond.

Xu Enzhen smiled, stepping in to separate the two, "Alright, enough. Don't smother Xingsui. You're heavy; what if you hurt him?"

Shen Xingchen cried out in mock indignation, "Mom! How can you say that? You're calling me fat too!"

The family bantered as they headed downstairs. The atmosphere was lively, full of warmth and affection. Overwhelmed by the sudden immersion in this lively environment, Jian Xingsui was momentarily lost in thought, unaccustomed to the feeling of belonging.

Someone patted his back gently.

Turning around, Jian Xingsui found Xu Enzhen holding his hand, saying, "What's on your mind? Let's go downstairs for dinner. I made chicken soup earlier; there should be noodle eggs. Would you like a bowl?"

Holding her hand, the warmth seeping into his palm brought a sense of reality. He nodded vigorously, replying, "Yes!"

...

the next day

Shocking the nation and making waves online, the heinous child abduction case opened in court today.

As the two individuals involved in the case were both rising celebrities, the trial garnered widespread attention. The courthouse was packed with spectators, and countless people online eagerly awaited the verdict for Zhang.

As the judge read out the sentence, the room fell silent.

Zhang Xia, who had abducted a child 21 years ago, causing tragedies in two families, showed no remorse after her arrest. She was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, with all her assets confiscated. The judgment would take effect immediately.

The gavel struck, concluding the case.

As Zhang was being escorted away, she caught a glimpse of Jian Xingsui, who stood at a distance, watching her calmly.

Suddenly, with frenzied desperation, Zhang rushed towards Jian Xingsui, exclaiming emotionally, "Xingsui... Xingsui, you came."

Jian Xingsui looked at her quietly, replying, "Yes."

"Where is Ran?" Mrs. Zhang scanned the surroundings, asking, "Didn't Ran come?"

Jian Xingsui spoke, "He didn't come."

In reality, due to the intense controversy sparked online, An Ran's team reacted swiftly. Not only did they forcefully halt the live stream, but they also promptly issued a statement.

That same afternoon, An Ran personally released a statement. For the first time, he publicly acknowledged Mrs. Zhang and her family. His post was filled with anguish, and its essence can be summarized as:

"I never intended to share this, as these are scars I wish not to revisit."

"Learning the truth about my abduction devastated me. I viewed them as my biological parents for so many years, never expecting such a conclusion. I was blindsided."

"My poor behavior towards her that day was a result of overwhelming emotions. I'm sorry for disappointing those who care for me. I'm not asking for forgiveness, but merely offering an explanation."

His lengthy post, dripping with sorrow, narrated the heartache of a kidnapped child.

Immediately, sympathetic fans voiced their support:

"Ran, we understand you."

"I can't believe you've gone through this."

"The Zhang couple are despicable!"

However, some discerning voices arose. Many who were previously charmed by An Ran, after witnessing his duality in the live stream, now found him somewhat inauthentic:

"Didn't he once say on a show how grateful he was for his mother's sacrifices to let him pursue dance and music?"

"And now he can't accept the truth?"

"Wasn't he aware during the Starlight show that she wasn't his birth mother?"

"Hahaha, still playing two-faced?"

Especially Jian Xingsui's fans, who never missed a chance to lambast An Ran given the long-standing animosity:

"You claimed Xingsui assaulted you, but you confessed in the courtyard that you framed him!"

"An apology to everyone? Really?"

"You owe Xingsui the most. Have you apologized to him?!"

"Don't act like you're the only victim. Xingsui is the one truly wronged here."

Had this occurred earlier, An Ran's pitiable statements would've garnered much sympathy. However, post the live stream debacle, except for a few staunch fans, most netizens recognized his façade. His carefully crafted image was in tatters.

Unbeknownst to Mrs. Zhang in the courtroom, An Ran had already distanced himself from her on social media. She still desperately inquired, "Didn't he come? Truly? I raised him for over twenty years! Not even a final glimpse?"

Jian Xingsui nodded, his gaze cold and unyielding, "He didn't come."

Mrs. Zhang was taken aback, standing still for a moment. She suddenly burst into a mirthless laughter, an apparent self-derision. As her laughter turned maniacal, tears streamed down her face, "I knew it. He wouldn't come."

"From the moment I learned the truth, he detested me," Mrs. Zhang murmured to herself.

She once couldn't accept the death of her child, her mind clouded, leading her to make grave mistakes. She'd taken another's child, believing she had found her own once again. But she was wrong, terribly wrong. No matter how lovingly she treated the child she'd taken, she couldn't escape the reality that she was a thief. She had to confront the consequences of her actions.

Court officials approached, intent on taking Mrs. Zhang away.

Yet, Mrs. Zhang, as if clinging to her last hope, desperately tried to grasp Jian Xingsui's hand. Using all her strength, she pleaded, "Xingsui, can you forgive me? Will you?"

Jian Xingsui just stared at her, saying nothing.

Mrs. Zhang's emotions escalated, tears streaming down her face. Time had aged her rapidly, with white strands appearing in her hair overnight. Her grip on Jian Xingsui tightened, fingers turning pale, as she asked again, "Xingsui, please, will you forgive me?"

Just as she seemed on the brink of madness, Jian Xingsui finally acted, slowly and deliberately prying her hand off of him, and quietly declaring with finality, "No."

Mrs. Zhang's face turned ghostly pale.

Even when the judge sentenced her to life imprisonment, she hadn't looked as devastated and pale as she did now.

The light of hope dimmed in Mrs. Zhang's eyes. Jian Xingsui's words shattered her defenses.

"Did you think serving time, accepting punishment, would earn forgiveness?" Jian Xingsui's dark gaze pinned her, his cold voice delivering words that felt like daggers, "You grieved your lost child, but did you spare a thought for my mother? How could you ever understand our pain? You believe prison can absolve you? It never will."

She would never grasp the tragedy her mistakes had caused.

Jian Xingsui had died. She would never know that in a past life, at age 23, her selfishness led to his death in a nondescript alley, unnoticed by the world.

"I despise you."

In Jian Xingsui's eyes, a vivid reflection of Mrs. Zhang appeared. For a moment, the scene blurred, and she was back in the courtyard with another figure declaring their hatred. Two figures overlapped, then separated, but what remained constant was that look of loathing and disgust.

Jian Xingsui spoke with a grave finality, "I will never forgive you."

The weight of those words seemed even more devastating than the judge's sentence. Mrs. Zhang, weak and drained, nearly fell backward, only to be caught by a quick-reacting individual. Chaos ensued, but order was restored, and she was escorted away.

Jian Xingsui had arrived with the Shen family and was preparing to leave.

Xu Enzhen approached, a concerned look in her eyes, "Xingsui, are you okay?"

Jian Xingsui shook his head, offering her a slight smile. Knowing she was worried, he gently reassured her, "I'm fine."

Shen Xingchen, having had enough, remarked with disdain, "Finally over. Just the sight of that woman irritates me!"

While the case was resolved quickly, some details remained confidential, such as the protection of the Shen family's reputation and the true identity of Jian Xingsui's parents.

Shen Yong was present too. With the case concluded, he had other matters to address, "Xingsui, your mother and I discussed it. Now that everything's settled, it's time to transfer your household registration. Should we handle it in the next few days?"

Jian Xingsui agreed without hesitation, nodding, "Yes, that's fine."

With this matter resolved, everyone felt a sense of relief.

As the group moved towards the exit, Jian Xingsui's phone rang. Checking the caller, it was his agent, Wang. Answering the call, he heard Wang's voice, "Hey, Xingsui, I saw your case concluded. Just curious, did you find out who your biological parents are?"

Wang's demeanor was rather nonchalant.

He reasoned, considering Zhang's capabilities, at most she might have mistakenly taken a child from a wealthy family. But what are the chances of making such a mistake with two different affluent families? Can there truly be such a coincidence?

At best, it must be an ordinary family.

And if it's just an ordinary family, what's there to be afraid of? Aren't they easy to deal with?

Jian Xingsui asked softly, "What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's nothing," Wang, having grown impatient from waiting and being pressured by the company's upper echelons, replied. "You've wrapped up your matters, right? Isn't it time to return to work? I've given you such a long leave. Have you made up your mind yet?"

Jian Xingsui's gaze was cold. "I've made my decision. I want to terminate the contract."

Wang, breathless with frustration, threatened, "Think it through, Xingsui. The termination fee isn't something you can easily pay – we're talking millions. Do you have that kind of money? Don't bite off more than you can chew. A wise man knows when to compromise. Moreover, without our company, where could you go? Which reputable agency would even consider you?"