After leaving the police station, Zhou Zhicheng took a taxi straight to the airport.
Wearing a baseball cap and a mask, he arrived at the airport. Just as he was about to check in, several rotten eggs suddenly smashed into his face.
Before Zhou Zhicheng could even react, a group of middle-aged women aggressively surrounded him.
"You damned evil bastard, where do you think you're escaping to?"
"Did your mother feed your conscience to the dogs when she gave birth to you? Aren't you afraid of getting struck by lightning after hurting and deceiving an innocent girl like that?!"
As the women scolded him, they threw a few more rotten eggs at Zhou Zhicheng.
Zhou Zhicheng's face darkened like the bottom of a pot. Suppressing his temper, he said, "You've got the wrong person!"
He lowered his head, trying to leave, but one of the women reached over, knocking off his baseball cap and tearing off his mask. "Even if your ugly mug turned to ashes, I'd still recognize you! What, you came to the airport to make a run for it?"
"Somebody come quick! The devil incarnate is trying to run away!"
Unable to bear it any longer, Zhou Zhicheng forcefully pushed the women away.
He quickly ran toward the check-in counter.
Just as he was about to check in, several police officers in uniform approached him.
"Zhou Zhicheng, six years ago you secretly placed soybeans by the edge of the cliff, causing Chu Man to fall. The scene where you jumped down and watched her drown helplessly was caught on camera by a vlogger."
"The evidence is now conclusive. Please come back to the police station with us immediately!"
Zhou Zhicheng's pupils shrank violently. "Impossible, there can't be any evidence!"
However, the only response Zhou Zhicheng received was a pair of cold handcuffs.
Six years ago, a foreign vlogger had indeed captured that exact scene.
It was just that the vlogger had urgent matters and returned to his home country at the time. He hadn't looked closely at the footage, and since he later changed careers, the video was never exported.
Recently, Zhou Zhicheng's cliffside proposal micro-movie went viral globally. The vlogger's wife made him watch it, and feeling it looked somewhat familiar, he dug out the drone that had been sitting in his storage room for years.
Upon exporting the video, he discovered the fishy details.
He hurriedly flew from abroad to Ye City and handed the evidence over to the police.
Zhou Zhicheng was brought back to the police station. When he saw the video, the lucky streak he had hoped for completely shattered.
He covered his face with his hands, his emotions turning agitated and furious.
"It's all Chu Man and her mother's fault! I'm a victim too! That mother and daughter owe me—"
A female officer, seeing that Zhou Zhicheng still had not a shred of remorse or guilt, trembled with anger. "Calling you an animal is a compliment, Zhou Zhicheng. Just wait to face the judgment of the law!"
That very day, the police released an official announcement on their website regarding Zhou Zhicheng's intentional murder of Chu Man.
In an instant, Zhou Zhicheng became a rat crossing the street, despised and beaten by everyone.
Consequently, Mother Zhou, who lived in the countryside, was also subjected to discrimination, pointing fingers, and verbal abuse.
Mother Zhou had spoiled Zhou Zhicheng since he was a child. Whenever he did something wrong, she would only look for faults in others. It perfectly echoed the saying: to spoil a child is to kill the child.
Mother Zhou would also pay the price for selling Chu Man's child all those years ago.
Old Master Si had the company's lawyers help get back the house that Zhou Zhicheng had swindled from Mother Chu.
Wen Yan and the Si family brought Mother Chu, who had been sleeping under a bridge, back with them.
Seeing the fragrant and delicious food on the dining table, Mother Chu abruptly picked up her chopsticks and took a few bites. "It tastes just like how Manman used to make it."
The dishes were prepared by the Si family's nanny. Following the steps Chu Man had told Wen Yan, she managed to recreate the exact taste of Chu Man's cooking from when she was alive.
As Mother Chu ate, tears began to stream down her face.
"Manman, my Manman..."
Wen Yan took out a talisman paper. After chanting a few incantations, Chu Man floated out from the umbrella. She slowly walked over to Mother Chu and fell to her knees with a thud.
"Mom!"
Mother Chu lifted her tear-stained eyelashes. Looking at the girl kneeling in front of her, her eyes were filled with disbelief.
"Manman?" Mother Chu reached out, caressing Chu Man's cold, pale face. "You're back, Manman?"
As she spoke, Mother Chu could no longer control her emotions, large teardrops falling. "You unfilial daughter. It's been six years, and you wouldn't even appear in my dreams once. Mom missed you like crazy! My Manman, it's Mom's fault. If Mom hadn't neglected you because of work, you wouldn't have fallen in love with that big liar Zhou Zhicheng..."
Chu Man threw herself into Mother Chu's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "Mom, I can't blame you. It was me being ignorant. When I was little, I despised your job and resented that you couldn't give me a normal family. But who knew the bitterness in your heart? You worked from dawn to dusk just to give me the best life, and I didn't cherish it properly!"
Now, she had awakened and grown sensible.
Unfortunately, separated by life and death, she could no longer be filial and repay her mother!
"Don't cry, Manman. Mom has never blamed you. In Mom's heart, you are the best daughter."
Wen Yan and the Si family silently backed out of the dining room, leaving the space for the mother and daughter.
Old Master Si's eyes grew red. "If we can find Chu Man's son, her mother will have someone to long for and rely on in the future. If Chu Man can see her son once, she won't have any more regrets."
Si Moyan said in a deep voice, "Chu Man's son is nine years old this year. I've already sent people to investigate all the nine-year-old boys in Ye City."
Wen Yan gave Si Moyan a thumbs up. "Hubby, your efficiency is really high."
Si Moyan reached out and enclosed Wen Yan's slender, soft little hand in his large palm. He looked at her with dark, profound eyes. "Mrs. Si, you shouldn't paint all men with the same brush just because of what happened with Zhou Zhicheng."
His voice was deep and magnetic, his gaze gentle and profound, carrying a bewitching flavor.
Wen Yan, "..."
[Oh my, is he the roundworm in my stomach? How did he know I was about to write off all men?]
[Actually, Iceberg Si is pretty good, but human nature can't stand the test, and love can disappear too.]
[Girls have to love themselves first before being loved. Anyway, my soul won't be swayed by anyone, much less bound by trivial romance.]
The Si family cast sympathetic glances at Si Moyan.
They thought Si Moyan would sulk, but unexpectedly, he still looked at Wen Yan with deep, doting eyes. He reached out his long, large hand and patted her head. "I still stand by what I said. As long as you're happy, that's what matters. Whenever you need me, I will always stand right behind you."
If he tried his best and still couldn't win her heart in the end.
He thought he probably wouldn't force her anymore!
Her soul was free and uninhibited. Binding her would only make her, like a wild rose, wither and fade.
...
There were only a few days left before the start of the school term.
Si Youyou was a freshman at the Academy of Fine Arts, while Wen Yan was a junior at the Film Academy.
After Wen Yan and Huo Yanzhi acted in that micro-movie, quite a few directors approached Wen Yan, wanting to invite her to film.
Si Jingyi was the first to object to others. "Sister-in-law, I really didn't realize you were so good at acting before. You're truly a treasure girl! If you're going to act, you definitely have to act in a show I direct."
Wen Yan smiled and said, "Alright, find me a fun character to cameo as in the 'Guilty' script."
"Sister-in-law, I want you to be the female lead."
"I don't have the energy for that right now."
[Sob sob, I've fallen, I've become so decadent. Right now, besides working hard to complete my strategy missions, my biggest hobby isn't acting, but enjoying gossip to earn points.]
Old Master Si nodded in agreement.
His biggest hobby now wasn't women, nor was it making money, but following his eldest grandson's wife to enjoy gossip.
He recently went for a physical examination, and the doctor said his body was as robust as when he was in his sixties.
It seemed that gossiping was also beneficial to physical and mental health, leading to a long life.
He had made up his mind. If his eldest grandson's wife completed her strategy mission and wanted to divorce his eldest grandson, he would acknowledge her as his god-granddaughter.
She might not need romantic love, but she should still need familial love, right!
"Sister-in-law, I'm going to attend the Ye City socialite gathering later, come with me!" Si Youyou held Wen Yan's arm, pouting her little mouth and acting spoiled.
Wen Yan looked at the soft and beautiful Little Youyou, whose birthmark had faded. She gently pinched her small face. "I won't go with you. I'll pick you up after you're done. Be good and be confident. You are very beautiful now."
Hearing her sister-in-law's praise, Si Youyou smiled like a flower.
The socialite gathering was held at the Mu family's residence.
When Si Youyou arrived, she ran into Wen Yue, Gu Yanyan, and Bai Youwei.
After Bai Youwei fell out with Si Youyou, she sucked up to Wen Yue and Gu Yanyan.
The group was standing and chatting by the pool in the Mu family's backyard garden. Suddenly seeing Si Youyou, who was wearing a fairy dress and looking unbelievably beautiful, they thought for a moment that their eyes were playing tricks on them.
"How did the birthmark on Si Youyou's face disappear?"
"Could it be that she hired a high-end makeup artist to cover up the birthmark?"
With Si Youyou's arrival, she became the center of attention.
"Didn't Miss Mu say that everyone should come bare-faced to this gathering? She actually wore makeup to cover her birthmark, she's too scheming!"
Bai Youwei stepped forward and blocked Si Youyou's way. "Miss Mu said that everyone must be bare-faced for this gathering—"
Before Bai Youwei could finish speaking, a scoop of cold water was suddenly splashed onto Si Youyou's face.
"I am the inspector this time. Whoever wears makeup, I'll use cleansing oil to make them show their true colors!"
A little boy around nine years old stood out, hands on his hips, pointing at Si Youyou and laughing heartily.
Bai Youwei and the others all covered their mouths.
Having cleansing oil splashed on her by the Little Tyrant of the Mu Family, Si Youyou's ugly birthmark would definitely be exposed!
Si Youyou closed her eyes for a moment, took out a tissue, and wiped the cleansing oil off her face.
Her face remained fair, soft, and beautifully pretty, just like an unblemished little fairy.
Seeing that Si Youyou was still so beautiful after the makeup remover, Wen Yue, Gu Yanyan, and Bai Youwei were dumbfounded.
"Si Youyou, what cosmetics are you using?" Gu Yanyan asked with a face full of jealousy.
Si Youyou pursed her lips. "I am bare-faced." Saying that, she looked displeasedly at the little boy. "Who told you to splash cleansing oil all over my face? Apologize!"
The little boy gave Si Youyou the middle finger. "Who do you think you are, daring to make me apologize? Get lost, the Mu family doesn't welcome you—"
With that, the little boy forcefully pushed Si Youyou.
Fortunately, a hand reached out from behind and supported Si Youyou in time.
The person who supported Si Youyou was Miss Mu, the host of this socialite gathering.
Miss Mu frowned deeply and looked at the little boy. "Mu Hao, it's one thing for you to be arrogant and domineering at home, but how dare you be so presumptuous to a guest now? Apologize immediately!"
Instead of apologizing, the little boy ran into the arms of a woman walking towards them.
"Mom, Mu Ran actually told me to apologize. She's just a distant older cousin, what right does she have to yell at me? Tell the family elders to remove her from the Mu family immediately!"
Mu Ran's expression turned extremely ugly. She knew Mu Hao wouldn't apologize, so she apologized to Si Youyou herself. "Miss Si, I'm sorry. I have new dresses in my room, I'll compensate you with one."
Si Youyou was currently in a sorry state and really needed to change into a new dress. After changing, she planned to return to the Si family.
After changing her dress, Si Youyou came out of Mu Ran's room. She had only taken a few steps when her dress was flipped up from behind.
"Hahaha, how old are you, and you're actually still wearing panties with a little pig pattern!"
Si Youyou's fair little face instantly flushed bright red.
Seeing Si Youyou angry, Mu Hao felt completely fearless. He provocatively made a face at her. "Blegh, I looked, so what? Come bite me!"
Unable to endure it any longer, Si Youyou raised her hand and slapped Mu Hao's face.
Growing up to nine years old, no one had ever dared to lay a hand on Mu Hao.
He was stunned by the slap. When he reacted, he pushed hard against Si Youyou.
Although Mu Hao was only nine years old, he was sturdier and taller than children his age, and Si Youyou was pushed to the ground by him.
Furious, Mu Hao punched and kicked Si Youyou.
Wen Yue, Gu Yanyan, and Bai Youwei stood at the top of the stairs, covering their mouths and watching the good show. None of them had any intention of stepping forward to help Si Youyou.
It wasn't until Mu Ran and Madam Mu heard the commotion and hurried over.
Seeing Madam Mu, Mu Hao sat on the ground and wailed loudly. "Mom, she hit me! Look, my face is swollen. She's a bad sister, throw her into the sea to feed the sharks!"
Mu Ran frowned tightly. "Mu Hao, Miss Si couldn't have hit you for no reason. You must have done something to make her angry."
Mu Hao cried even harder. "I did not! She hit me first! You're living under our roof, what right do you have to speak up for an outsider? Know your place!"
Mu Ran's face turned blue and purple in turns.
Madam Mu looked at her son's red and swollen face. Her heart ached as she pulled Mu Hao into her arms, looking unkindly at Si Youyou. "Why did you hit my son? Since he was young, his father and I couldn't bear to lay a single finger on him!"
Si Youyou's lips trembled. "He flipped my skirt!"
Mu Hao cried heart-wrenchingly. "I didn't, I didn't! The little bitch is framing me!"
Madam Mu looked at Wen Yue and the others. "Did you see my son flip her skirt?"
Wen Yue and the others shook their heads. "We didn't see it. We only saw Si Youyou hit your son, Madam. That slap was so heavy, it made our hearts ache to see it."
Si Youyou was so angry that her whole body was trembling.
Madam Mu glared at Si Youyou. "How old is my son, and how old are you? Wronging a little child like this and even hitting him, you simply don't put our Mu family in your eyes at all!"
Madam Mu was a Best Actress. A year ago, she took Mu Hao to participate in a mother-and-son variety show.
Mu Hao performed brilliantly on the show, speaking eloquently and wittily. Not only could he play the piano, but he also knew street dance and taekwondo—an all-around genius child.
Si Youyou completely didn't expect that in private, Mu Hao was actually so arrogant, unreasonable, and lawless.
"Let my son slap you right now, or else we'll post what you've done online!"
Madam Mu and Mu Hao had a massive fan base. If they really twisted the truth, even if Si Youyou wasn't attacked by the entire internet, she would still suffer greatly.
Mu Hao triumphantly raised the corners of his mouth at Si Youyou, secretly giving her the middle finger.
Si Youyou's hands hanging by her sides clenched tightly into fists. "Madam Mu, educating a child like this, something bad will happen sooner or later—"
Madam Mu coldly interrupted Si Youyou, It is not your place to lecture me on how to raise my child! I will give you three seconds to apologize immediately, or do not blame me for what happens next!
This was the first time Si Youyou had ever encountered such a situation. Angry and terrified, her lips trembled. Just as she was about to say something, a tender, childish voice rang out, I can testify that this sister is not lying. Mu Hao flipped her skirt first.
From the room diagonally across the hall, a thin and small figure walked out.
Mu Ze, do you have a death wish? Mu Hao glared at the frail figure with a dark, furious expression.
Si Youyou looked at the little boy who had spoken up for her. The boy had a sallow complexion and looked malnourished, forming a stark contrast with the fair and plump Mu Hao.
I saw it with my own eyes. Mu Hao disrespected this sister first, the little boy said with a firm gaze.
Madam Mu took a few quick strides forward, grabbed Mu Ze by the ear, and dragged him straight into the room.
Soon, Si Youyou heard the sharp sound of a bamboo stick whipping against flesh.
A gloating smile crept onto Mu Hao's lips, and his feet even broke into a happy little dance. Good beating, good beating! A mere adopted son actually dares to speak up for an outsider!
Madam Mu was beating the little boy so severely that Si Youyou simply could not bear to listen anymore. With red eyes, she took the initiative to apologize.
Because only if she apologized would the little boy who spoke up for her stop getting beaten.
...
Wen Yan picked up Si Youyou. After the car had driven a certain distance, Wen Yan noticed that something was wrong with her.
Little Youyou, what is wrong? Did you get bullied at the gathering?
Si Youyou sniffled and, her voice choking with sobs, told Wen Yan what had happened earlier.
Wen Yan immediately checked the system.
[Good heavens, the Mu Ze who spoke up for Little Youyou is actually...]
