Chapter Eight: The Small Figure

In the lens of the media, even the most elusive rumors can be made real.

There had been no formal vows, no occasions witnessed by family, friends, or clergy, yet the public’s recognition seemed to serve as a common consensus. On the dawn of this era, as the first rays of sunlight touched the earth, the internet was flooded with rumors: Young Master Ouyang Xiao and Yuan Xiangdie had tied the knot, pledging to grow old together, privately vowing their lifelong commitment.

Various versions of the tale spread online, though most were laced with ridicule.

“Hah, who would’ve thought these two losers would pair up.”

“They really are a match made in heaven—let’s hope they don’t bring forth another troublemaker.”

“It’s disgusting, but at least that woman is quite pretty. Young Master Ouyang is in for a treat.”

Such idle gossip, once witnessed by the internet, became indelible marks. Yuan Xiangdie could do nothing but curl up beneath her quilt like a frightened bird, unable to face the reality outside. Hadn’t she resolved that, as long as she could return, she would pay any price? This was but a trivial hardship—how could it defeat her, make her shrink back, especially before her grandfather?

The old man could not endure such a blow; only an hour ago he’d assured his granddaughter that this would never become reality, yet in an instant, the situation had become irreversible.

Yuan Yaor was less than pleased with it all. After all, it was her own scheme, designed to ruin that woman’s reputation. At this moment, she was like a proud phoenix: dressed in the latest summer design, a battle dress crafted by a fashion house’s designer who had spent countless nights and endured many sleepless hours just for her.

No amount of grand description could seem excessive for Yuan Yaor, who now appeared, gleaming, before the dejected loser like a goddess descended from the heavens.

The sound of her heels in the room was like a machine gun—each step invasive, striking deep, leaving Yuan Xiangdie feeling as if she’d been plunged into an ice cellar.

Yuan Yaor, the triumphant hen, held her head high, accompanied by a housekeeper, finally showing a rare hint of a pleasant expression. “Congratulations, my dear sister. All these years, what you’ve longed for is about to come true. Didn’t you want a family?”

How desperately she wanted a home—what a pitiful creature.

“Your dream is as laughable as that stupid man’s. Still hoping for a warm family, but have you ever considered whether you deserve it?”

As if some switch had been triggered, her words spilled out rapidly, with no regard for anything else. As long as she could stand above Yuan Xiangdie, everything was worthwhile—even if she never acknowledged her biological father, even if she had to call that revolting man “father” for over ten years.

“It’s truly ridiculous. You’re about to get married; you really should thank your little sister for finding you such a handsome husband. Your family will surely be the largest, and your children the most numerous. Whether they’ll be yours, I can’t say—after all, a sister’s fate is never the same as her elder’s.”

Her ridicule was sharp. Ouyang Xiao already had many children outside, but since the legitimate wife had yet to enter the door, the family had kept things under wraps. Yet among their circles, it was hardly a secret.

---

Meanwhile, someone else could not sit still. Little Wei, at his age, had already mastered the art of using the internet. He’d always followed the studio’s fashion designs, and upon learning that his favorite studio was run by Aunt Yang, he paid even closer attention. Using the trading network account registered for him by Situ, he began reposting all of Julie’s comments.

Suddenly, the obscure studio was promoted to the heavens. No cultural publicity department could hope for such momentum. Jin Yuan watched it all coldly, as if giving silent approval.

Of course, the woman’s engagement that morning had already caught the CEO’s attention.

“Boss, here’s today’s list of professionals for collaboration. There’ll be a systematic review in the afternoon. If there are no issues, I’ll send out the meeting notice now.”

As the most dedicated assistant, Ge Xiaomeng could find no words to describe her devotion to work. The boss had taken her in during her lowest point, all for a lollipop—thanks to Little Cutie.

Usually, the boss never replied to her, so after confirming, Ge Xiaomeng immediately issued a retreat order. The boss hadn't paid her much mind before, but never had the atmosphere been so gloomy.

Thinking back to that morning, she’d found a headline on the trading network—a massive news story spanning three pages.

“Why would that woman like such a type? Am I not flirtatious enough?”

Was this the legendary jealous CEO’s comment? Tian Xiaomeng could only flatter him furiously.

She instantly transformed into Jin Yuan’s most loyal sycophant. “Of course not, boss! You’re the most handsome. If you wanted to be flirtatious, women would queue from your doorstep all the way to France.”

A barely noticeable arch of the brow, Jin Yuan’s expression eased ever so slightly.

“Alright, boss, you keep thinking—I’ll go collect Little Wei’s computer.”

She moved quickly, eager to exploit the boss’s fleeting mood shift and avoid becoming cannon fodder. But upon turning, she realized Little Wei’s computer wasn’t at the office. Every morning, the child’s first act was to log on to the trading network...

“Oh god, help!”

Thunderous, Ge Xiaomeng’s outcry echoed through the office. Everyone deftly reached for earplugs and headphones—they were well used to this.

Meanwhile, a certain child wore a sullen look. He was a good boy; Aunt Yang had said, as long as he ate obediently, she would make him little clothes.

But now Aunt Yang was going to marry someone else, and that someone was the much-maligned Young Master Ouyang.

“Aunt Yang’s taste... poor.”

“Big... coward.”

A few short words revealed the little one’s deep dissatisfaction. The CEO, who had received a rare message from Little Wei, furrowed his brow once more. But as always, any reply he sent vanished without a trace.

Had his charm been underestimated again? Jin Yuan could not understand why this woman repeatedly rejected him. Did she really prefer that sort of man?

---

From the moment of birth to the present—even up to the previous second—every detail of Young Master Ouyang Xiao’s life was now neatly arranged on Jin Yuan’s desk. Ouyang Xiao never imagined that just an engagement with a woman would make him the target of a tycoon, who’d hired the fastest private investigator.

“Sir, hello. Here are all the complete records you ordered from our agency. Every event has been documented. We hope you’re satisfied with our service—please don’t forget a five-star review.”

Ignoring the rambling, Jin Yuan gazed at the mountain of documents piled high on his desk, a surge of unprecedented momentum rising within him. Meanwhile, Assistant Tian was sobbing outside the door.

Clinging tightly to the glass, she hoped the boss would reconsider his decision.

“Boss, you can’t be so ruthless! You can’t just cancel this afternoon’s meeting. This is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—we can’t hand it over! The assistant from ALS keeps bragging about their success rate!”

After a bout of wailing outside, she watched the private investigator emerge, returning to their former cool composure.

“The payment has been transferred to your designated account.”

Seeing Tian’s impeccable tie and professional suit, with a hint of asceticism, the investigator could not help but admire Jin Yuan’s self-control.

“Boss, you can’t do this! If you do, I’ll lose my chance at the top three of the Ten Best CEO Assistants!”

At that moment, a certain good child entered the house directly, his fame outside making him easily recognizable to Yuan Yaor. She thought to herself, Little Wei was Jin Yuan’s darling. Had the child lost his way and ended up at her door? If she built a good relationship with this child, would it bring her closer to the CEO?

She immediately put on what she believed was her most kind expression, though in Little Wei’s eyes, it was terrifying.

He had found the address thanks to Aunt Yang, who’d had a bodyguard set up a tracker before leaving. Jin Yuan, do you know how sensible your son is...

Yuan Xiangdie stayed hidden in her room, unwilling to face reality, but at that moment, a sudden impulse made her want to step outside. She couldn’t resist—just as she stepped onto the balcony, she saw a little figure she had missed so dearly, appearing before her, clearly scared.

Yuan Yaor was hardly fond of children. Yuan Xiangdie feared what this mother-daughter pair might do to the child and shouted from above,

“Don’t touch that child, either of you!”

“Little Wei, don’t be afraid. Aunt Yang is coming to get you now.”