Chapter 18

Zuo Nian stared at him, a little stunned.
“I’m thinking of taking him to S City,” Duan Baisui said. “Let him escape the cold for a bit.”
Zuo Nian’s eyes widened.
He hadn’t expected Duan Baisui to have genuinely been planning a trip with him.
Did that mean… in Duan Baisui’s heart, he’d become at least a little important?
At the very least, maybe—just maybe—more important than work?
“Good. As long as you’ve got a plan,” Duan Yan said, exchanging a look with Xu Yi. Both of them finally felt at ease.
Seeing the plush toy sitting out of place by Duan Baisui’s plate, Duan Yan asked curiously, “What’s that? A pig holding a sugarcane? When did you buy it?”
Zuo Nian, who was eating pasta with ham and tomato, instantly found his food less tasty. He said dully, “Duan‑dad, that’s not sugarcane. It’s a scepter…”
“A scepter?” Duan Yan tilted his head to inspect it across the table.
Suppressing a smile, Duan Baisui explained, “Zuo Nian made it. It is a scepter. It’s been sitting in the display case with my collectibles. I’m taking it back today to keep his A‑Beibei company.”
“Ah, a scepter. It was too far, I didn’t see clearly,” Duan Yan said quickly.
“Does it really look like sugarcane?” Zuo Nian asked Duan Baisui, seeking confirmation.
Xu Yi smiled warmly and said to Zuo Nian, “Your Duan‑dad never played with dolls as a kid, so it’s normal he can’t recognize it. Don’t listen to him. Nian‑nian did a great job.”
Duan Yan had been a troublemaker since childhood—digging up earthworms, catching crickets, chasing kids down the street with toy guns. Soft, cute dolls were not his world.
“Then I’ll make one for Duan‑dad,” Zuo Nian said, brightening with enthusiasm. “What kind do you like?”
Duan Yan pointed at Xu Yi. “Can you make one that looks like your Xu‑dad?”
Xu Yi’s face reddened. “Enough. In front of the kids—what are you saying?”
Looking at him seriously, Zuo Nian said, “Xu‑dad is so pretty. Nian‑nian might not be able to fully recreate you, but I’m willing to try.”
“Go ahead,” Duan Yan said without shame. “I’ll like it no matter what he looks like.”
Xu Yi: “……”
After breakfast, Duan Baisui took Zuo Nian with him to leave.
Xu Yi followed them out, still worried. “Alex, drive slowly. Be safe.”
“I know, Xiao‑ba. Don’t walk me out. It’s cold,” Duan Baisui said, stopping him.
“Mm. Your dad and I will be home lately. If anything comes up, call us. Don’t wear yourself out,” Xu Yi reminded him.
“Okay. I know.”
“And Nian‑nian,” Xu Yi added, straightening Zuo Nian’s scarf. “Wear more layers. Don’t catch a cold.”
Zuo Nian nodded. “Nian‑nian knows. Xu‑dad should take care of your health too. I’ll close the shop early this afternoon and come over to keep you company. I’ll bring you sweet, fragrant sticky corn.”
Xu Yi smiled. “All right.”
After dropping Zuo Nian off at the shop, Duan Baisui went to the company as well.
His assistant came over and said quietly, “Young President Duan, Rong Jin has been released on bail.”
Duan Baisui’s steps paused. “When?”
“Last night,” Luo Yin replied. “They hired Lawyer Zhou. Apparently they submitted documentation saying Rong Jin’s old gland injury has flared up and he needs immediate treatment. And the other side is arguing that because the injections didn’t successfully change Mr. Ju’s secondary gender, it doesn’t count as actual harm. They still want to settle privately and get Mr. Ju to withdraw the lawsuit.”
Rong Jin was an S‑rank Alpha—his glands were incredibly valuable.
He had indeed been kidnapped as a child, and his glands had suffered external trauma back then.
It seemed the Rong family had prepared for every angle.
“What does Lawyer Chen say?” Duan Baisui asked.
Lawyer Chen was Ju Xiao’s attorney on this case.
“Lawyer Chen says the case is very winnable,” Luo Yin said. “But as things stand, Rong Jin will at most be convicted of attempted forced alteration of someone else’s secondary gender, and illegal use of controlled drugs causing bodily harm. It probably won’t be a heavy sentence. If the Rong family does a little ‘work,’ there’s a chance he gets probation.”
Duan Baisui thought for a moment. “Whether to settle or keep suing should be Ju Xiao’s decision. The company will support him either way.”
“And remind him to hire a couple more bodyguards. Now that Rong Jin’s out, he might go looking for him.”
“Understood.”
That afternoon, Duan Baisui was reading financial reports when the office line rang.
He pressed the button to answer.
The receptionist’s sweet voice came through. “Young President Duan, President Rong of Chengfeng Group is here. He says he doesn’t have an appointment. Should we…?”
Duan Baisui closed the folder. “Send President Rong up.”
The office door opened. Rong Lin strode in with his assistant.
He wore a smile, and his assistant carried a large stack of nutritional supplements.
“Uncle Rong,” Duan Baisui greeted, standing.
“Alex. Long time no see,” Rong Lin said warmly, shaking his hand.
“It has been a while,” Duan Baisui said. “What brings you here today, Uncle Rong?”
“I heard Chairman Duan and President Xu are back,” Rong Lin said. “I originally wanted to visit them, but given President Xu’s condition, it’s not convenient to disturb him. So I came to you instead.”
“It’s a small token. Don’t laugh at it.”
Glancing at the pile, Duan Baisui smiled politely. “Uncle Rong, you’re too kind.”
“It’s only proper.”
They sat down in the lounge area, and Luo Yin brought in tea.
Rong Lin exchanged a few pleasantries first. “When Xiao Jin was with your company, it was thanks to Chairman Duan’s and your care that he gained so much love from the public.”
Then he sighed. “I spoiled him. He does whatever he wants without considering other people’s feelings. That Mr. Ju suffered because of him. I’m truly ashamed of what he did, and I’m sorry for all the trouble he caused you.”
Duan Baisui didn’t respond, only lowered his eyes to take a sip of tea.
“But he’s still young, and his gland injury keeps recurring,” Rong Lin continued. “Back then, it was my negligence that led to his kidnapping. I’ve carried that guilt ever since, so I indulged him too much.”
“That experience is also why his temperament became twisted and violent. I’m not trying to excuse him. We’ll compensate Mr. Ju properly—whatever it takes. I’ll even force Xiao Jin to kneel and apologize to him in person.”
“I’ll make sure he never appears in front of him again. Young President Duan, I’m asking you to show mercy and give Xiao Jin a way out.”
Hearing this, Duan Baisui kept his polite smile. “Uncle Rong, no one is targeting Rong Jin. How can I ‘give him a way out’?”
“The artists are signed to my company, and I’m responsible for them. As for whether Rong Jin is forgiven, that’s up to the victim. All I can do is fully support the victim in defending his rights.”
“Yes, you’re right,” Rong Lin said, staring at him. “I just feel terrible. After all, I have some friendship with Chairman Duan. This scandal has also affected Xingyu’s image. I’m sorry, and I hope you and your father won’t take it to heart.”
“The impact on Xingyu is controllable,” Duan Baisui said. “But the harm done to Ju Xiao can’t be erased by ‘don’t take it to heart,’ can it, Uncle Rong?”
The conversation ended on an unpleasant note.
Duan Baisui instructed Luo Yin to return everything Rong Lin had brought.
That night, Duan Baisui got home late.
Aunt Liu was back from her leave and was cleaning the house.
Loosening his tie, Duan Baisui didn’t see Zuo Nian anywhere.
Only then did he remember that Zuo Nian had said he’d go accompany Xu Yi this afternoon. He probably hadn’t returned yet.
“Young master, you’re back,” Aunt Liu said, taking his coat. “I made a midnight snack—beef rolls. Would you like some?”
“No, thank you,” Duan Baisui declined politely.
He went upstairs with the little pink pig plush and placed it neatly on his pillow.
He wondered where Zuo Nian was now—whether he needed him to pick him up.
Thinking that, he called him.
Zuo Nian answered quickly. “Gege.”
“Mm.” Duan Baisui’s voice softened. “Want me to come pick you up?”
“No need,” Zuo Nian said. “Xu‑dad asked the driver to take me. We’re already on the way.”
“All right.”
“Gege, how’s my kitty?” Zuo Nian asked worriedly.
Duan Baisui left the bedroom and opened the nursery door.
The kitten lay sprawled comfortably on the cat tree.
Hearing the door open, it hopped down with quick, nimble grace and stared up at Duan Baisui.
“It’s fine,” Duan Baisui said.
“Does it still have water? Did it eat its kibble?”
“Yes. And yes,” Duan Baisui answered patiently.
“Okay~ Then I’ll feed it canned food when I get back~”
“Mm.”
After he hung up, the kitten padded over cautiously and rubbed its head against Duan Baisui’s pant leg, giving a soft, testing meow.
Duan Baisui crouched down.
The kitten immediately bolted away.
Duan Baisui laughed. “Flirt and run? Who taught you that?”
When Zuo Nian got home, Duan Baisui wasn’t in the living room.
Just then, Aunt Liu came out of the kitchen. “Young master is upstairs.”
Zuo Nian lit up. “Aunt Liu, you’re back!”
She liked the young man a lot—cute, polite, and always kind to her.
“Mm. I made you a midnight snack—beef rolls. Want some later?”
“But Nian‑nian’s trying to lose weight,” Zuo Nian said, troubled.
“You’re already so thin. Why lose weight? Besides, beef doesn’t make you gain weight,” Aunt Liu said with complete confidence.
“Really?” Zuo Nian asked.
“Of course.”
“Okay~ I’ll go find Gege first, then come down to eat,” Zuo Nian said, and happily flew upstairs.
As soon as he reached the stairs, he heard the crisp jingle of bells coming from the kitten’s room.
Zuo Nian twisted the doorknob and pushed it open a crack.
Duan Baisui sat cross‑legged on the floor with his back to the door, propping his chin with one hand while the other held a cat teaser wand, swinging his wrist lazily.