The Prodigy’s Stolen Life: A Tale of Sacrifice, Deceit, and Redemption

The smell of smoke hit me before the heat did. It was an acrid, choking cloud that billowed through the narrow hallways of our old house. I bolted upright in bed, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird.

“Fire! Fire!” voices screamed outside.

I scrambled out of bed, the floorboards warm beneath my bare feet. Panic seized me. Where was Ziqiang? Where was my brother?

I burst out of the house into the chaotic night. Flames were licking the roof, hungrily consuming the dry wood. Neighbors were running around, throwing useless buckets of water at the inferno.

“Has anyone seen Ziqiang?” I screamed, grabbing a neighbor’s arm. “I think he’s still inside!”

“Ziqiang! The fire is too strong, you’re risking your life!” my uncle yelled, pulling me back as I lunged toward the blazing doorway.

“Let me go! I have to find my brother! Ziqiang!” I thrashed against his grip, tears streaming down my soot-stained face.

My uncle hesitated, looking between the burning house and me. “Jian’er!” he yelled, realizing his own son was missing. “Save Jian’er first!”

My aunt clutched his arm, her eyes wide with terror. “No! But Ziqiang is also inside! If you don’t save Jian’er, we’re getting a divorce!”

“Okay, okay! I’ll save everyone!” My uncle plunged into the smoke, coughing violently. “Jian’er! Jian’er, where are you?”

A few agonizing moments later, he emerged, dragging a coughing, soot-covered Jian’er.

“Dad!” Jian’er gasped, clinging to his father.

“Ziqiang! Is that you? Where is Jian’er?” my uncle coughed, momentarily disoriented by the smoke.

“Dad, I’m here! Jian’er!”

My uncle hugged his son tightly. “I’ll save Jian’er first, then I’ll come back to save you, Ziqiang. Wait for me.”

“Dad! Dad! Jian’er!”

“Are you okay, Jian’er? Dad is taking you out,” my uncle said, lifting his son.

“Dad,” Jian’er coughed. “Come on, save Ziqiang. Jian’er.”

“What are you doing, Dad? The fire is too strong, let’s leave first,” Jian’er urged, pulling his father away.

“Dad! Let’s go!”

I watched in horror as my uncle and cousin retreated, leaving my brother inside. “Jian’er! Ziqiang! Jian’er! Ziqiang? Ziqiang!” I screamed, my voice raw.

“Me? I couldn’t find him,” my uncle said, avoiding my eyes.

“I don’t believe it! I have to go find my brother!” I broke free and sprinted toward the house.

“Xiaomeng, calm down!” someone yelled, grabbing me again. “Ziqiang might be… already gone.”

“Don’t hold me back! I’m going to look for my brother, even if it costs me my life… I will die with him!”

I fought like a wild animal, adrenaline surging through my veins. Just as I broke free, a figure stumbled out of the smoke. It was Ziqiang. He was coughing violently, his clothes singed, but he was alive.

“Little dreamer,” he rasped, collapsing into my arms. “Brother… Brother… Sister… Sister…”

“I’m here, brother! I’m here!” I sobbed, holding him tight.

“Be careful, brother,” I whispered, relief washing over me like a cold wave.

The aftermath of the fire was a bleak reality check. We had lost everything. Our house, our belongings, our sense of security. We were left with nothing but the clothes on our backs and the soot on our faces.

“Jian’er,” my aunt cooed, fussing over her son. “Hurry up and thank your father. He was the first to rush into the flames to save you.”

“Thank you, Dad, you are really nice,” Jian’er said, smirking at Ziqiang and me.

“You didn’t die,” my aunt muttered, glaring at us. “So late and not going home, big sister, are you playing the ghost to scare people on the road?”

“The old house was destroyed by the rain,” I explained, ignoring her insult. “We have nowhere to live.”

“No housing? Then die outside,” she sneered.

“With such a small child, if we don’t let them in, how will we be seen?” my uncle reasoned, always mindful of appearances. “Come on, come in and settle down. But the house can’t be free, you have to pay rent.”

“Come on, come in and settle down inside,” my aunt grumbled. “Let’s go.”

We were given a small, cramped room that smelled of mildew and old dust. It was barely big enough for a single bed, but we were grateful to have a roof over our heads.

That night, as we lay in the dark, Ziqiang pointed to the window. “Look, the moon.”

“Does it hurt?” I asked, gently touching a burn on his arm.

“It’s fine. There’s no room at home, let’s go camp outside. Let me do it.”

“No need. I’ll do it.”

“I said no. I just want…”

“I know,” I interrupted, my voice firm. “Don’t worry about this. Focus on your studies, so that one day those who look down on us will regret it.”

“But I don’t want you to suffer too much,” Ziqiang whispered, his eyes filling with tears. “You threw yourself into the fire for me, you got hurt for me. And for me.”

“It’s nothing at all, you are the one who keeps me alive,” I said, pulling him close. “I know, I promise you to succeed, I won’t disappoint you.”

The years blurred into a relentless cycle of work and study. I took on odd jobs, anything to earn a few extra yuan to pay the rent and buy school supplies for Ziqiang. He was brilliant, always at the top of his class, soaking up knowledge like a sponge. Jian’er, on the other hand, was lazy and entitled, constantly relying on Ziqiang for help.

“Mom! Mom!” Jian’er shouted one afternoon, bursting into the house. “Mom, I got first place in the exam!”

“That’s wonderful, Jian, you really are my son! My son is much better than those others,” my aunt beamed, kissing his cheek. “Come inside, I’ll make you braised pork. La, la, la.”

She turned to Ziqiang, who had followed Jian’er inside. “What place did you get? Thirty-something?”

Ziqiang hung his head, looking miserable.

“Give me your hand,” I demanded, pulling him aside. “Listen to me, please. I told you to listen to me.”

“Listen to me! Go ahead, speak. I’m the one who got first place,” Ziqiang admitted, his voice trembling.

“But Xu Jian said he would trade beef jerky with me, so I helped him with the test.”

I sighed, exasperated. “How could you do that? Sister, I see you’ve lost weight again. It breaks my heart.”

“Sister, where did you lose weight? You’re growing. Keep this piece of beef jerky for yourself.”

“Sister, let’s share it half and half,” Ziqiang insisted, offering me the jerky.

“First in the class, full marks in all subjects, truly incredible!” my uncle marveled, looking at the report card. “What’s her name? I can’t see clearly.”

“Her name is Xu,” someone replied.

“Her name is Xu. Well, Xiaomeng, the suitor the other day wasn’t so bad, right?” my aunt chimed in, eyeing me appraisingly. “They’re offering a dowry of 100,000. We can talk about it when Ziqiang finishes university.”

“That good-for-nothing who always finishes last, what university is he going to get into?” my uncle scoffed.

“Ziqiang can get into university,” I retorted, defending my brother.

“Nonsense! If he goes to university, my Jian could fly,” my aunt laughed. “Like a thunderbolt, the best in the country was born in our village. Zhenhua.”

“Pan Jie, I congratulate you,” the village chief announced, arriving with a flourish. “Zhenhua, Mrs. Pan, you have an exceptional son. Your son got perfect scores, the best in the country, an unprecedented achievement for our village.”

“The lines to Jinghua Yanda are saturated with enrollment calls. They’re fighting for him to go to university,” someone added.

“First in the class! My Jian’er is the best in the country, 100% in all subjects,” my aunt bragged, puffing out her chest.

“Yes. Ziqiang, Ziqiang is the best in the country!” I corrected her, unable to contain my pride.

“Village chief, are you joking?” my uncle asked, bewildered.

“I wouldn’t dare joke about this,” the village chief replied. “The village committee unanimously decided to give a bonus of 10,000 yuan to your genius. Zhenhua, I brought you an old hen. My wife prepared a beautiful piece of silk.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. Dear villagers, you are really too kind. Thank you, don’t worry,” my aunt gushed, accepting the gifts. “When Jian’er becomes famous, he won’t forget everyone.”

“Of course. Take this. Wait,” the village chief said, handing me the money. “This bonus is for Ziqiang.”

“What a daydream! Always last in the class, a good-for-nothing. He could be the best in the country?” my aunt sneered.

“Xiaomeng. We come from the same village. Everyone knows how Xu Ziqiang is doing. Don’t make a fuss,” my uncle added, trying to diffuse the tension.

“No, the best is Ziqiang,” I insisted.

“Nonsense. That thing of his… He’s made to toil on construction sites. Xiaomeng, go back to work,” my aunt commanded.

“Move aside. The champion has returned,” someone yelled.

“Jian’er! My little Jian has returned! Jian is strong!”

Jian’er strutted in, soaking up the applause.

“Where is Jian, Ziqiang?” I asked, looking for my brother.

“Big sister! I passed the exam! I passed! Big sister! I did it! Where is Jian?” Ziqiang cried, bursting into the room.

“Jian is the best in the country! You there, you dare pretend to be the best in the country! Take that off right now! The first is Ziqiang!” my aunt yelled, trying to snatch the red sash from Ziqiang.

“Xu Jian couldn’t have had such good results! You’re talking nonsense!” I yelled, defending my brother.

“Zhenhua, help me correct these two ingrates!” my aunt demanded.

“Calm down, no matter who is the best, they are all our children,” the village chief tried to reason.

“Not the same, clearly, it’s my son the first, who gave you the courage to pretend to be the best in the country! Your son is there! Ask him if he really is the best in the country, mom!”

“The first is Ziqiang! Me! I failed the exam!” Jian’er blurted out, unable to keep up the lie.

“What are you saying?” my aunt gasped.

“I… I failed the exam.”

“All these years, I fed and cherished you, hoping you would get into university to bring us honor. And here you are failing!” my aunt wailed, slapping Jian’er.

“Mom, I was wrong!”

“Didn’t you always have good grades? Weren’t you always first? How could you fail? Tell me, did someone wrong you? Tell me, Mom will take care of it.”

“He was always first… It’s because I took the exams for him,” Ziqiang admitted, his voice quiet. “Him, going to university… With his IQ, he wouldn’t even get a technical diploma. He’s good for staying home and cultivating the fields.”

“You! I’ll kill you, you little monster!” my aunt screamed, lunging at Ziqiang.

“Calm down, relax. Come on, let’s disperse!” the village chief ordered, trying to restore order.

“Sister! I didn’t disappoint you! I passed! These past few years, sister! It was worth it!” Ziqiang cried, hugging me.

“Little brat! I’ll kill you! You little monster! I’ll kill you! Dad, help me! Mom is crazy, that’s enough! The exams are over, killing him is useless!” Jian’er whined, hiding behind his father.

“You good-for-nothing who does nothing right! You dared to pass someone else off as you! You! I know now! I found a solution!” my aunt shrieked, her eyes gleaming with a manic light.

“What do you have now?” my uncle asked wearily.

“Xu Ziqiang wasn’t ready to take the test for him? Then let him continue to the end.”

The atmosphere in the house shifted from tense to celebratory, but it was a celebration built on a sinister foundation.

“Big sister, I’ve decided, I will go to Qingbei,” Ziqiang announced proudly.

“Okay. I will find a solution for the tuition fees. Sister. You’ve sacrificed enough for this family. I will manage for the tuition fees,” I replied, determined to support him.

“Your job is to study well. For the rest, don’t worry.”

“Your sister is right, you know. I’m here too, right? We’ll all chip in for your tuition fees. Xin! Sister, I… What is this?” my uncle interjected, offering a rare moment of support.

“It’s not…”

“Ziqiang has been admitted to university, we must celebrate. And also, your aunt has something to tell you,” my uncle announced.

“No need for gifts, talk to us frankly. Why can’t we know what it is?” I asked, suspicious of their sudden generosity.

“Never mind, go out first. I’ll be there in a moment. Let Xu Jian go to university instead of Ziqiang,” my aunt declared, dropping the bombshell.

“How could you think of that? Take this money, I don’t want it. What do you mean 10,000 is not enough? I’ll give you 100,000. It’s Ziqiang’s future, even 1 million wouldn’t be enough. The future.”

“Going to university costs at least 70 to 80,000. Do you have that money? It’s none of your business. Xu Meng, don’t cross the line. But what are you doing?”

“Enough! Is that enough? Are you still human? My brother was admitted to Peking University and Tsinghua University thanks to his own talents. Who is Xu Jian? Is he worthy to replace my brother?” I yelled, furious at their audacity.

“Ok, ok, we are all family. You agree with him, right? Xiao Meng, don’t be angry first. Aunt Pan is joking. She said she would pay for Ziqiang to get one tomorrow.”

“Scholars’ banquet No. 1! Celebrate! Yes, yes, yes! Go home!”

“Mom, are you really going to organize a banquet for Ziqiang? And me for university? Laureate’s banquet?” Jian’er asked, confused.

“He dreams too much, it’s more of a farewell dinner! To say goodbye to Xu Ziqiang! His university dream! Or yours!” my aunt sneered, her true intentions shining through.

The banquet was a lavish affair, filled with false congratulations and hollow toasts.

“Ziqiang! Your big sister earned enough to pay for your studies! Thanks everyone! Congratulations Zi Qiang! You can go study in Qingbei! It’s incredible! Before, I wasn’t mature, I always tried to annoy you. Don’t worry about that! The little brother toasts you! Let it go! All that is in the past! Zi Qiang! Where is your sister?”

“Little sister! Come! I earned the money for your tuition fees. Take it and don’t lose it,” I said, handing him an envelope stuffed with cash.

“Little sister! Where did you get all this money?” Ziqiang asked, his eyes wide with astonishment.

“Little sister! How could you sell your blood?” he gasped, noticing the bandage on my arm.

“It’s nothing! As long as you can go to university, that’s the main thing, right?”

“Big sister! I swear! I will study well! And thank you later!”

“Okay! Ok, ok, don’t cry anymore, it’s a day of celebration, be happy!”

“Xiao Meng! Come here! Come! I have something to tell you! What are you doing there?” my aunt called, pulling me aside.

“Xiao Meng! Since now he has enough for the course fees! Here take this to buy some vitamins! Take good care of yourself!”

“No, I cannot accept this money! Is the car ready?”

“She is on her way! We sold Ziqiang to an illegal mine for 50,000 yuan! And Jian can go to university in his place! It’s really two in one! Do we really have to do this?”

“What do you think? Who is it?”

“Nobody.”

“Keep hiding! Xiaomeng, quick, run!”

“Hurry! Ziqiang, leave quickly, they are crazy! Ziqiang! Little sister, help me, little sister! Little sister!”

“Let go of my brother! Get out! Little sister, help me!”

“You bastards, I’ll kill you! Little sister! Little sister!”

“Don’t let him go! Little sister! Little sister!”

“No! Little sister! Little sister!”

“Little sister!”

“Brother!”

“I must escape! If I survive! The humiliations we suffered… I will avenge them.”

The memories of that day haunted me for years. The desperate struggle, the sight of my brother being dragged away, the feeling of absolute powerlessness. I spent every waking moment trying to find him, taking on any job I could find to fund my search.

“Mission accomplished,” I whispered to myself, years later, standing in front of a mirror, adjusting my corporate attire. I had built a successful business from nothing, driven by a single purpose: to find Ziqiang and destroy those who had wronged us.

“Sister! Sister! Sister! What happened back then? Who is my sister really?”

“President Lin! The Haicheng branch of the Lin Group has arrived! Welcome to Haicheng, President Lin!”

“President Lin! How is the rural poverty alleviation plan going here?”

“Already underway according to your instructions! Here is the basic info. Also look to see if there are any missing children.”

“But over the past two years, we have already traveled the entire country, thousands of villages. Could your sister… My sister will be fine. Keep going for me. Wait.”

“Which village is this?”

“It’s Xu village. Two more mountains north and we’re there.”

“Take me there right now.”

“Little brother, eat some meat.”

“Aunt, I’m really going to take out 250,000 yuan! Give me Xiaomeng in marriage!”

“You really have that much money? I’ll find them! Okay! I give you one day! Otherwise, I’ll marry Xiaomeng to the village idiot!”

“Okay, I’m going right now!”

“Aunt Pan! His aunt! Quick! Bring Zhenhua, let’s go to the village square! A great personality is coming!”

“What great personality?”

“The president of Lin Group, Mr. Lin is coming! The tycoon of Da Xia, Lin Yao! Exactly!”

“Brother! Why did you bring her?”

“What an embarrassment! You don’t understand, but Xiao Meng isn’t bad. If a president notices her… Our family could become rich, right?”

“Hey, President Lin! President Lin’s car has arrived! Please line up to welcome President Lin! Welcome!”

“Welcome President Lin! Please get out of the car! Welcome!”

“Why is it you? Why is it you? Jian, weren’t you a chef at Lin Group? Why did you come back so suddenly?”

“Mom! This is Mr. Feng, the director of our branch! I brought him to see! Hello, Mr. Feng! And the owner Lin, where is he?”

“Mr. Lin is coming to our village! Yes, he called yesterday to say he would come!”

“Mr. Lin is the CEO of our group, I have never had the chance to meet him. I think coming to Xu village was a good idea! Haha, yes, absolutely! Double joy!”

“We’ll talk about Mr. Lin later. Let me show you my sister! If it works! Tomorrow, I invite you to your wedding!”

“Sister! Magnificent! It’s truly magnificent, mother-in-law. I am ready to offer a dowry of 500,000.”

“To marry Xiaomeng. 500,000, that’s a lot. No problem, no problem. That’s great.”

“Can we get married soon? Maybe Xiaomeng can give me a beautiful boy or girl. Okay, I’ll organize it for you tomorrow.”

“Honey! Quick, chase her! Run! Honey, don’t leave! There is construction ahead, cars can’t pass.”

“Too bad, I’ll go on foot. Stop!”

“I told you to run, run!”

“Sister! Ziqiang!”

“Stop! Are you okay?”

“It’s my brother! You are my brother, Ziqiang! Who are you? Why did you hit her?”

“She’s my sister, I hit her, it’s none of your business! Your sister? Then why does she call me brother?”

“I had a brother before, he died in an accident. My sister went crazy after that. She calls everyone brother, you understand?”

“Come on, come on, come on, come on! Okay, okay! We have things to do at home! Yes, yes, take your sister home! Brother! I’m not leaving!”

“Sorry, you got the wrong person! No! You crazy person, didn’t you hear?”

“He’s not your brother, crazy! Brother, you don’t recognize your sister anymore?”

“Come home with me! No, little brother, don’t do that! Let’s go!”

“Let’s go home, be reasonable! Didn’t you find that guy looked a lot like Ziqiang?”

“What are you talking about? Ziqiang has been gone for a long time.”

“Why? Why do I feel like my chest is pierced with pain? Mr. Lin, are you okay?”

“I’m fine! I’ll take you back first! Mr. Lin is fine.”

“Thank you! Mr. Lin, Feng Chun from the marketing department sent an invitation. He hopes you can attend.”

“Take me to the previous village! For the wedding, prepare a gift and hand it over yourself! Okay!”

“You don’t recognize your sister anymore? Sister! Mr. Lin! Are you okay? Watch out!”

“I never realized all these years… That my sister lived so difficultly. It’s all my fault. It’s my fault, I’m an idiot. President, don’t get upset. I’m the one who pushed my sister.”

“Take me to the previous village. I want to see my sister right now.”

“Mom, great news! Jian’er! What’s going on? You’re so happy! Mr. Lin agreed to attend my sister’s wedding. If we can establish a relationship with him, our family could live in comfort. That’s good news, hahaha!”

“Then hurry up, go to the wedding venue, are the guests there? Soon, soon. Aunt Pan, I gathered the money.”

“What are you doing? You, gather 250,000? Too bad, you’re late. Late? What do you mean, late? You said yesterday… Are you blind? Don’t you see my sister already has someone? It’s Director Feng of the Lin Group. An annual salary in the seven figures. Impossible. Xiao Meng. I told you to get out!”

“Ziqiang! Has Ziqiang returned? Catch her quickly, take her to the cellar, so she doesn’t go crazy.”

“Xiaomeng! Let me go! She went crazy! Xiaomeng! I order you to get out!”

“It’s because of you! Xu Meng lost her mind again! Get lost! Xiao Meng! I will save you, that’s for sure.”

“Quick! Sister! I’m here!”

“Is it you Ziqiang! You came back! Little Meng, it’s me! Come out, I’ll take you.”

“I’ll take you. I’ll take you. Where are we going?”

“Anywhere, come on. Run! Run!”

“Brother! Brother. Brother.”

“Your brother is dead! No! Yes! Your brother, on the way to the mine got crushed!”

“Little Meng! Run! Run, run! Let go, let go!”

“I remember everything! Wang Xin!”

“Wang Xin! Wake up! Jian’er!”

“You killed someone! No, I didn’t! It’s him! He’s the one who killed, he’s a murderer!”

“I’m going to call the police! No, you can’t call! Why are you screaming? The rich guy is coming soon. This noise, it’s not acceptable.”

“Mr. Mayor! Xu Jian killed someone. What happened in there? Nothing serious, just a fight.”

“Yes, nothing at all. Before Mr. Lin arrives, we’ll sort everything out. Mr. Mayor, Xu Jian’s family sold my brother to an illegal mine. They also killed Wang Xin. Mr. Mayor, you have to help us. Shut up!”

“Village chief! Everything she said is true! Village chief, a crazy person talking, how can that be true?”

“Exactly, why worry about the rumors of a crazy person? Behave! Thank you, village chief! The time of the wedding is approaching! Be all ready! But king Wang Xin is dead! Where is he? I don’t see him.”

“Have you seen him? No, I haven’t seen him. He’s right there. He is there.”

“You’re hallucinating, sister. Don’t touch me. You are a murderer. You are all murderers. All murderers. It’s about time. Let’s go quickly to the wedding. Come on, come on, come on, what about Wang Xin?”

“We’ll bury him on the way back, let’s go quickly to the wedding. Yes, yes, yes.”

“You are… All murderers. Congratulations!”

“Congratulations! Thank you.”

“Mr. Feng! Where is Mr. Lin? There’s a little traffic, he’ll be here soon. That’s good, the bride hasn’t arrived yet, hurry up and press her. Ah yes, that’s right. She, the bride… When she arrives, let her in! Haha, my wife has arrived! Yes yes, Mr. Feng’s wife is here. Let’s welcome her.”

“You! What!”

“Are you scared! Xiaomeng! It’s your big day, don’t do anything stupid, put the knife down! Stupid things! You know what, on the way here! Wang Xin spoke to me! You’re talking nonsense, Wang Xin is already! Dead, hurry up and marry Feng, the boss is coming. Be good!”

“Huh! Jian’er! He said if the world is unfair, then let’s break it.”

“Crazy! Crazy, completely crazy! Crazy! Don’t come near! Get out!”

“Zhenhua, save me quickly! Mr. Feng, save me quickly! Ah, don’t involve me in this. It has nothing to do with me.”

“Hurry up! Yes! Speed up! Xiaoxiao, don’t do this, I am your mother!”

“You are not the one who gave birth to me! Nor the one who raised me. What right do you have to say you are my mother? You trapped Ziqiang in the fire, he almost burned to death, and then we had no roof, nothing to eat. You destroyed Ziqiang’s life! You caused his death! He was my only support!”

“Pan Jie, you deserve to die! Brother! Have a good trip!”

“Bastard! You want to kill my mother! You really want to kill my mother! I’ll kill you! Bitch!”

“You still dare to kill me!”

“Sister! Brother!”

“Great! Xin, are you okay? Xin. Director Lin, he is still alive.”

“Quick. Take him to the hospital. Save Xiaomeng. Save Xiaomeng.”

“Don’t worry, I’m going right now. Wanyu, go with them, we have to save him. Director Lin.”

“And you? Don’t worry about me, I’m going to the wedding alone. Stop this! Mrs. Zhang.”

“Mom, are you okay? My dear son. You are the only one I can count on. Dear madam, what are you doing?”

“You killed my son, you all deserve to die. Madam.”

“Don’t call me madam, you don’t deserve it. Xu Meng, you dirty bitch, my son Xin didn’t do anything to you! Why did you kill him?”

“It’s not me, Aunt! It’s them! They are the ones plotting together! It was Xu Jian who beat Wang Xin to death, Aunt!”

“It’s not me, Aunt! Xu Meng, stop lying, you’re the one who drove him to suicide. Why did you agree to marry Feng, giving him hope? and stringing him along?”

“His aunt! We are the ones who owe you an apology! We raised a shameless daughter! It’s not like that!”

“You seductress! If you hadn’t pursued my son! This would never have happened!”

“Aunt, what do you want me to do! To make you believe me! I believe you, but my son is dead, go join him too!”

“Okay! Okay!”

“Little one, I spent 500,000 for the dowry, you asked me if you could die? Yeah, you dream of dying so easily. Before you die, make sure Boss Feng is satisfied. How much for the dowry?”

“500,000! Yes, his aunt! I want 300,000! Three hundred thousand!”

“Okay, give me the money! Then! I won’t mention it again! His aunt! You’re asking for a fortune!”

“It’s a human life! Is it too expensive? Aunt, he beat Wang Xin to death! How can you do this?”

“I don’t care who it is! As long as they pay me three hundred thousand! I leave immediately! Otherwise! No one will be able to continue this wedding today! Impossible! It’s too much! It’s too much! Director Lin is arriving soon! Mom! Give it to him!”

“Xiaomeng, let’s drink our cup of wine and we’ll be married! You’re dreaming! If Mr. Feng wants you to accompany him, do it. Drink your glass and go back to your room. If you bother Mr. Lin, you’ll be in trouble.”

“Drink! Take this! Little sister!”

“I tell you to drink! No, I don’t want to! If you don’t listen, you’ll drink until you’re not thirsty anymore!”

“Oh no, please!”

“I dare you to touch her. Whose son is this? I don’t know.”

“Who dares to challenge me with such audacity? Mr. Feng, don’t get upset. We don’t know where this guy comes from.”

“Aren’t you the one from the other day? Sister! You don’t recognize me? It’s me, Ziqiang, your brother!”

“Look. Ziqiang.”

“Is it you Ziqiang! Sister! Ziqiang, you came back!”

“Sister! He’s not dead! No more talk! Catch him for me! I’ll correct him myself!”

“Quick, go, it’s dangerous, I’ll protect you, go go! Sister, this time it’s my turn to protect you! Go on, attack!”

“I tell you! Today, you are all going to pay for what you did to my sister.”

“You’re just putting on false airs. Did you learn a few magic tricks? And you think you can walk around like a master? Our Jian works for the Lin Group, the largest in the country. Destroying you is as easy as crushing an ant. Not to mention that behind me is the vice president of the Hai Cheng branch of the Lin Group. If you upset him, you’ll have nowhere to go in Haicheng. You’ll have nowhere to go in Haicheng. The Lin Group strictly forbids abuse and misconduct. It seems you have no regard for company rules. Who are you to judge what I do? Besides, I’m Mr. Lin’s favorite. Today, even if he finds out, he will simply give me a light reprimand, it won’t affect my position in the company. The favorite?”

“Exactly, today I am getting married. Mr. Lin is present and he even sent gifts. You think that’s not being the favorite?”

“Ziqiang, these rich people are all in cahoots. They have no conscience. Go ahead, don’t worry. I’ll take care of it, trust your sister.”

“Give me five minutes! I’ll sort this out! But you! Big sister! I’ve grown up now! I can protect you! It’s Feng Chun, right?”

“Today, I’ll show you what it’s like when Mr. Lin finds out! You’ll see the consequences! Hello, Mr. Lin!”

“From now on! Wan Yu, revoke all of Feng Chun and Xu Jian’s positions. Don’t send any more gifts either. And, in three minutes, present yourself immediately before me.”

“Okay. Wan Yu, are you talking about Mr. Lin’s personal secretary, Wan Yu? I will make you pay one by one for what you put my sister through. And you, who are you? I am the president of the Lin Group. Lin Yao. You… You are Mr. Lin.”

“Who are you kidding? Kid, I think you’re overacting. Don’t forget, I’m the one who went to Qingbei. Even I am just a manager. You, who didn’t even study, you became president.”

“Someone’s achievements are never measured by a degree, but by skills. Even if you went to Qingbei, you are just a useless graduate.”

“Tell me, Ziqiang, is all this true?”

“Big sister! How could I lie to you? These past years were worth it! Mr. Feng, congratulations! I came to bring President Lin’s gift.”

“Kid, open your eyes wide and look closely.”

“A precious gift! First precious gift! President Lin offers a pair of gold swans, worth 666,000, to wish the newlyweds an eternal and happy union.”

“Gold swans at 666,000, President Lin is truly generous, Xiaomeng. With a man like Mr. Feng, you should be satisfied. Come quickly, stop acting silly with your brother.”

“No rush, I want to see the end of the gift. Xiao Meng will make the right decision. This double gift.”

“Mr. Lin offers a gold card worth 999,999. May the newlyweds live an eternity of happiness.”

“999,999! Mr. Lin truly holds Mr. Feng in high esteem.”

“Xu Meng! What are you hesitating for? Come quickly. Do you really want to see Ziqiang beaten to death before giving in?”

“Ziqiang! I will support you, my brother. Sister!”

“Don’t go! You are from the secretary’s office! Who is it? Who am I?”

“I’m asking you! I have already revoked his position and returned the gift. And you, you still bring it. How do you do your job?”

“Hey! Who are you to lecture me?”

“The Haicheng branch is really rotten to the core. I said that this gift! You won’t touch it! You dare!”

“Hey! Brave!”

“You dare hit me! You ruined Mr. Lin’s gift. Hitting you is nothing. Today, I’ll make sure you don’t leave this Xu village.”

“Who is your superior? Let him come see me right now. I want to see how you intend to stop me from leaving Xu village. I say you are impersonating Mr. Lin. You are addicted to impersonation, right?”

“Exactly! Who here doesn’t know that Mr. Lin is exceptional? In just three years, he propelled the Lin group to the top. Became number one in great Xia. And you, a good-for-nothing who didn’t even go to university. You dare impersonate Mr. Lin. Help! Catch him for me! We’ll see who dares.”

“In this world, there is nothing I don’t dare to do. No! Mr. Feng, be lenient. My brother is immature, he didn’t break the gift on purpose.”

“Stop looking for excuses for your brother. Once I have mastered him, I will take good care of you.”

“You bastard, you dare mess with my sister!”

“Go up! Brother!”

“Sister! Sister! Ziqiang!”

“Sister! Oh no! And she!”

“No, don’t do this, let him go! Let him go, I can marry you! People! Really! xxx”

“On the verge of death! They are scared now! You want me to leave you alone? OK, I want you to crawl to me on your knees and we’ll have a drink together.”

“Don’t do that! I’m getting on my knees! Sister! You are obedient, come on!”

“Sister! No!”

“Don’t do this, my sister won’t kneel for you! I’ll kill you, old dog! Ziqiang! Stop! Ziqiang!”

“How can you hit someone! You risk jail for this, Ziqiang! I am the president of the Lin Group! Hitting him is already a favor! What happened to the president?”

“You hit so hard, so you still have to take responsibility. Mr. Feng, my brother is ignorant. He is still young! After beating someone, I apologized.”

“I tell you it’s late! You are waiting for jail.”

“Sister! Do you believe me! Xu Ziqiang! Do my words have no effect anymore or do you no longer want me as a sister?”

“I was wrong.”

“Mr. Feng! My brother is young and naive. If you can forgive him, I am ready to do whatever you want. Really?”

“Then I want you to get on your knees, come lick the wine on my shoes. Feng Chun, you…”

“Ziqiang! I promise you! Little sister! Xu Ziqiang! Boss Feng honors you, don’t be ungrateful!”

“Huh! Jian’er! Ziqiang! I tell you, as long as I am here! No one can mess with my sister, even if it’s the king! Ziqiang!”

“Be strong! Hahaha! That will teach you to be smart! I got you good!”

“Mr. Feng, hit, hit hard, come on! Stop! What are you doing?”

“What are you doing?”

“Secretary Wanyu, finally you are here! And Mr. Lin? He’s not with you? Isn’t Mr. Lin already here? Arrived?”

“I haven’t seen anything. Don’t panic. We can look for Lin later. Secretary Wan Yu, first we have to deal with this impostor Mr. Lin.”

“Oh. Secretary Wan Yu, he’s the one who broke the gold card Mr. Lin gave to Mr. Feng, and a precious pair of gold swans.”

“I called you, why didn’t you answer? I was busy bringing a gift to Mr. Feng, I didn’t have time. Bringing a gift? You should read the company’s emergency notice.”

“Secretary Wan Yu! Why are you hitting him? The priority is first to deal with this trash who dares impersonate Mr. Lin. Yes, Secretary Wan Yu.”

“This bastard dares to disrupt Mr. Feng’s wedding and impersonate Mr. Lin? It’s a crime. A crime of what?”

“A crime deserving a thousand deaths. Shut up! Mr. Lin, I’m late. Sister, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Secretary Wanyu, you are mistaken, he is just a good-for-nothing. How could he be Mr. Lin? Exactly.”

“He’s just a bastard, raised by his sister who rummages through trash. He didn’t even go to university, how could he be Mr. Lin? How dare you disrespect Mr. Lin?”

“I checked: Mr. Lin announced the revocation of all of Feng Chun and Xu Jian’s positions and the recovery of the gifts. What?”

“It’s over for us. It’s over for us.”

“Sit down! Look how I defend you, Wanyu! Mr. Lin! He’s just a little director of a branch, an old man almost at the end of his rope, and he dares force my sister to marry him? And them…”

“They abuse the name of the Lin group to mistreat my sister! How should we treat them?”

“From today! Revoke all positions of Xu Jian and Feng Chun, ban them for life from the industry! As for Liu Feng, give him a level one sanction!”

“I was demoted to ordinary employee! I am criticized throughout the company! We know we are wrong! Mr. Lin, I know I am wrong!”

“It’s not enough! Feng Chun! Didn’t you force my sister to drink wine with you?”

“Then, I will make you drink to your heart’s content! Bring some wine! Ah!”

“Drink! Mr. Lin, this barrel is well over fifty kilos! It can kill someone! If you want to live, drink all this. Otherwise, I will…”

“I drink! I drink!”

“Your turn now! Your turn now! Ah! Ziqiang, come on.”

“We’re family, do it for me. Let’s team up. You don’t deserve it. Xu Ziqiang, stop your game.”

“How could you be President Lin?”

“My Jian’er is the graduate of Qingbei. He will always surpass you. He should be President Lin. Your actors are just impostors.”

“That’s enough.”

“Yes! My mom is right, sweetie! Why do you allow yourself to hybridize me, huh? Quick, someone!”

“Catch him for me! Hold him! Hey! Let me go! Xu Ziqiang, you and your sister, you are good people!”

“It’s the mistress’s child who is someone good! Mom, help me, help me! You adorable motherless, let go of my son!”

“What a lack of respect! That deserves a correction! That’s enough, that’s enough, Xiaomeng! Ziqiang, we are a family, stop fighting! Who is your family?”

“Well, let it go! Ziqiang, let it go! Sister! When they locked you in the cellar! I never considered you family!”

“But we have a blood tie with him! Let’s go! Let the police handle the rest! The business with Xin! I haven’t dealt with it yet! Listen to your sister! Take them away! Yes!”

“Hey, what are you doing? Let me go! Let me go! Let me go! Hey, actually, Xin…”

“He’s still alive! Wang Xin!”

“Wang Xin! Him…”

“Xin is fine! He is just unconscious for the moment! But the doctor says if he improves, he could wake up in two days. Maybe even before the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

“Are you okay? Ziqiang! Me! Everything has passed. In the future, our life will be better.”

“We don’t know how long Jian’er will be locked up. Zhenhua, who will take care of us when we are old? We have to go see Ziqiang.”

“Why look? Ziqiang is president of the Lin group, Lin Yao. If you want to get killed, go alone. I’m not going.”

“But come on, you are his father. Why be afraid? We’ll go see Xu Meng first. We ask Xu Meng to talk to Ziqiang.”

“Okay, let’s go. Let’s go right now.”

“Let’s go! Go alone! Why! You are the biological father, it’s logical they take care of you. Me, as a stepmother, if I get too involved, it could be counterproductive.”

“That’s true. Wait for me here. You go out every day so late from the hospital, don’t tire yourself too much.”

“I know, go take care of your business. Be careful on the road.”

“Yes! Xu Zhenhua! What are you doing here?”

“You talk to your father like that? Our bond was broken a long time ago. I don’t have a father like you. Leave, I don’t want to see you.”

“Xiaomeng’s father just got out, he has no money and no job, I’m hungry, I haven’t eaten for days. Dad really knows he was wrong. I tell you again, leave. Otherwise I call security.”

“Bravo! Me, Xu Zhenhua, I worked myself to death to raise an ungrateful daughter like you. Security! What are you doing here, get out!”

“Well, you are heartless, you treat me like this? You’ll see! Let’s go talk to Mr. Lin’s father.”

“So, did you get the money? No, I got fired. Even a simple thing like that, you can’t handle. Are we going to live on love and fresh water?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to… Well…”

“Who are you? It’s Vice President Hu of the Lin Group. Hu, Hu, Vice President? What are you here for?”

“Me? I came to bring you money.”

“Offer money! If you can help me bring down President Lin Yao, I will give you a lot of money.”

“But we’re not that strong. Of course you are. Since he refuses to support you, make some noise.”

“If everyone knows, he will fall on his own. He’s my own son. It’s not very nice to do that, right?”

“What do you say? We do it, we do it. Ziqiang, what brings you here?”

“I came to see how you are doing, you and Xin. How is Xin doing? He’s doing well, the doctor says he will wake up soon. That’s great! By the way, big sister.”

“The day after tomorrow is our company’s tenth anniversary, why not come with me? I have a surprise for you. What surprise?”

“Big sister, if I tell you, it won’t be a surprise anymore! Okay, I will notify your friends and the people who helped us.”

“Good timing, thank you very much. Okay. Mr. Lin. Do you really want to transfer 50% of the shares to Xiaomeng?”

“What? That’s not a good idea, right?”

“I heard that they were not at all in agreement, especially Mr. Hu. Without my sister, I wouldn’t be here today. Since the beginning of Ling Group.”

“It’s destined! All this belongs to my sister.”

“Everyone! Thank you all for coming to the 10th anniversary celebration of our Lin group! And today?”

“I want to tell you! There is one person who, if she is not here! There would be no Lin Yao today! I would like to take this opportunity to…”

“Fifty percent of the shares! Transfer to her! Fifty percent of the shares of the Lin Group are worth billions, right? So jealous, who is it?”

“Who?”

“Next! I have the honor to introduce! Her! She is my sister Xu Meng!”

“Sister! Come up sister!”

“Just sign here! Xu Ziqiang!”

“Xu Meng! Lose all conscience for the sake of the children! How did they come?”

“Xu Ziqiang! You really are a fool.”

“With money! It doesn’t matter the parents, bastard! Xu Ziqiang! Old lady! We don’t have a Xu Ziqiang here!”

“Xu Ziqiang! This is Lin Yao on stage! Don’t think that changing your name exempts you from honoring your parents! No way!”

“I tell you that speaking in public! In public, you must own your words! Don’t slander us! Dear president! You two say you are the parents of Mr. Lin Yao. Do you have proof?”

“Yes! Look! Look at this! Look everyone! Is it him?”

“Is that it?”

“Oh! Ah yes! I also have the family record book! Can that prove he is still his father?”

“So, who is next to Mr. Lin Yao?”

“It’s my daughter Xu Meng! All of you! You may not know yet! This Xu Ziqiang, with money, took his sister to the city, offered her the good life in a big villa, and gave her shares in his company!”

“And us, the old folks! He left us at home! A single meal is not enough. Yes, that’s it.”

“Look at my clothes. I wear them over and over for years. It makes them… All torn and dirty.”

“For years, I wash them over and over, and it gets dirty then clean. You see, it’s all torn, dirty and worn.”

“They don’t even buy me new clothes. What do you think? Are they still human?”

“Incredible, the president of the Lin group. A billionaire, and yet he doesn’t even give a bite to his parents.”

“He wanted to give shares to his sister, but look at the state of his parents’ clothes, it’s inhuman. Xu Zhenhua, Pan Jie.”

“However, do you know why Ziqiang doesn’t take care of you? Listen everyone!”

“An ungrateful and disobedient daughter, she calls her parents by their names, who does that? What are we supposed to know?”

“Your father and I… We worked hard to raise Ziqiang. And this is how he thanks us… ungrateful.”

“We don’t even have the right to ask for justice? When did you raise me? At seven or eight years old,”

“I had neither clothes nor school. It was my sister who sewed my clothes. And she was the one who collected trash to pay for my studies. What a shame…”

“Your sister, is only two years older than you. She herself is a little girl. Does she have that capability?”

“I have! My brother’s old clothes! I sewed it stitch by stitch.”

“Bastard! I’m the one who lit the oil lamp.”

“The clothes I worked so hard for! Look, everyone.”

“This beast! Taking the mother’s hard work for itself! And this bamboo basket!”

“This bamboo frame! Raising tuition fees for Ziqiang! I weave bamboo baskets day and night! Your father collects trash every day.”

“I just raised the tuition fees for Ziqiang. How does that concern you?”

“Be careful! It’s not worth ruining your health over two unfilial children.”

“You are talking nonsense! I know by heart every piece of clothing of my brother, every seam. A bamboo basket. Even the bamboo basket cut my hands thousands of times.”

“And you, you keep telling stories here. Well, since… You say you did all this. Do you have proof?”

“No proof, huh? Very well. I have some. We can testify.”

“I am the village chief of Mr. and Mrs. Xu Zhenhua.”

“Zhenhua’s parents! For Lin Yao to go to school! Collect trash day and night! Make wicker baskets! All that! We can testify to it! Yes, we can testify to it!”

“We can testify to it! Treating your family like that! Aren’t you afraid of thunderstorms and lightning?”

“No gratitude, no respect for parents! They lost their conscience a long time ago! We are not like that!”

“According to the latest report from the financial channel, many shareholders have started selling their shares because Mr. Lin Yao refuses to provide for his parents! The stock price of the Lin group has plummeted, billions of value have evaporated!”

“The eyes of the people see clearly! This is what happens when you disrespect your parents, expect bankruptcy! I almost forgot, I still have shares in the Lin group, I will sell them right away!”

“Calm down everyone! Our Lin group will take care of it immediately! Lin Yao, you are revolted! Insubordinate and disrespectful. You have brought shame to our company.”

“How dare you still stay in the Lin Group? Ladies and gentlemen directors,”

“I propose to remove Lin Yao from his position as director. To save the company’s valuation. I agree, I agree.”

“Is she capable of it?”

“I have my brother’s old clothes that I sewed by hand! Bastard! It was indeed me who worked by the light of the oil lamp”

“to make these clothes! It’s Xiao Meng, I have to go quickly! Okay, okay!”

“So you were the mastermind behind all this! You are the one who is wrong, you are the one who insisted on giving him 50% of the shares! Giving shares to someone who brings nothing to the company!”

“Those who truly deserve this are those who give their all and do everything for the company like me! you! Mr. Lin!”

“The board of directors has already started the removal procedure! If the stock price continues to fall! it will be too late for everything! Brother, don’t worry! Do you have a solution? An illiterate villager like you, what solution do you have?”

“Go beg the shareholders?”

“Beg them not to sell the shares of our Lin group?”

“Hahaha! How dare you insult my sister?”

“Oh! You still think you are the CEO? Five more minutes. At least I still am now. Xu Zhenhua.”

“I give you one last chance. If you still have an ounce of conscience as a father, tell the truth. But who really takes care of your brother at home?”

“Who sews his clothes, prepares his meals, weaves baskets, collects trash to pay for his studies? What more do you want to know? Obviously, it’s me!”

“Xu Zhenhua, say something.”

“It’s your mother! It’s your mother who sacrificed herself to raise you! I thought you still had a little conscience! But I see I was wrong!”

“From now on! Between you and me! No more connection! Hey! You really want to cut ties with us!”

“You think! That we want a girl like you, a monster like that! You! And all of you! You want proof, right?”

“I have some! What proof could you have?”

“Didn’t you say! That you were the one who sewed your brother’s clothes? Why not have a contest here, right now? What?”

“You don’t dare? Let’s do it!”

“Ah?”

“Pan Jie! You wouldn’t have forgotten how to sew, right? How can you prick your hand? I’m just older now.”

“My hands just lack strength. How dare she mock her mother… Look, I’ve finished sewing.”

“And you? Me too, almost finished. Look everyone. Aren’t these two garments sewn exactly the same way?”

“Really identical. Is it really the big sister who sewed for her little brother? I doubt it. Look. Mom also finished sewing.”

“Mom sewed differently.”

“Not as pretty as her sister! I am old. There is a slight difference in the seams.”

“right! Her aunt is just old.”

“If I were younger, I would certainly sew it exactly the same way! That’s correct! You, rebellious girl! I don’t know how many clothes I sewed in secret.”

“I learned it pretty well. But, no matter her skill, it will remain fake. Do you agree? It’s true.”

“Every stitch of a mother is an act of love for her children. You brute! Not only did you learn to sew like your mother, but you appropriated her efforts.”

“I will teach you a good lesson. Really? Then you don’t know.”

“Every piece of clothing Ziqiang wears, I embroidered the number one hundred. It’s to hope that he always gets the maximum score in exams.”

“You embroidered on it? So many years have passed. Suddenly, I forgot myself, that’s not good.”

“Forgot. How could you forget such an important thing? You take advantage of my old age, if you have courage, we take a challenge. Basket weaving.”

“Since when do you know how to weave baskets? What is difficult about that? Look a little and you will know. Okay.”

“Bring me the bamboo strips, please.”

“You really know how to make a bamboo basket? So fast? Do you know that patience makes good work?”

“What if we dropped it? Drop what? Today, I will make a bamboo basket no matter what.”

“Are you okay? Ah, if you don’t know, you don’t know. Why are you acting smart? Idiot. She doesn’t even know how to weave a basket.”

“Pan Jie, do you want to try the pastries again? What, are you scared now?”

“Everyone can see now that I was the one who always took care of my brother, not her. That’s nonsense, I was the one taking care of Lin Yao.”

“Pan Jie! I didn’t know there was a ‘one hundred’ on my brother’s clothes. Is it because you have a bad memory? It doesn’t matter. But you don’t know how to weave a bamboo basket. What is your reason?”

“This bamboo basket is too hard! You altered the bamboo strips.”

“falsification otherwise! Do you think everyone is as mean as you?”

“Are we! We got the wrong person! Find a solution, quick! Who was wrongly accused!”

“Certainly not you two! You don’t know yet! I have a son named Xu Jian! First in the national competition!”

“Brilliant student at Qingbei! Promising future! I didn’t expect these two bastards to frame him! Personally sent to prison!”

“Did that really happen! I have a video to prove it! That’s enough, that’s enough, Xiaomeng, we are all a family, stop fighting! Who is your family?”

“Let it go! My Jian’er, he’s your little brother though!”

“You two, you destroyed everything for him! For both of us! You don’t care! You want your father and me to starve to death, is that it?”

“That would satisfy you, huh? You are beasts, worse than animals. I was the best in the country.”

“Xu Jian stole my place. You dare hit me? Oh my God, someone wants to kill their mother!”

“I’ll beat you to death, dirty beast! Sending your brother to prison… You even hit your own parents, Lin Yao.”

“You brute, you don’t deserve to be president of our group. Someone come! Stop!”

“And you two, who are you? We are middle and high school friends of Xu Ziqiang. Yes, we know everything that happened with Ziqiang. He’s the one who should have been the best.”

“But Xu Jian took his place at Qingbei.”

“Facial oppression! What nerve to pick on these dreaming siblings.”

“Plea for Xu Jian! Deserves to go to prison! He deserves to go to prison, deserves to go to prison! Bullshit! You two! Where do you come from! You actors!”

“Dare speak for these two beasts! We tell the truth! Bullshit truth! My son Jian is the best student in the country!”

“He even received admission to Qingbei University! In all of Xu village! Who doesn’t know it?”

“The first in the class, it’s Ziqiang! No one can take it from him! Wang Xin!”

“Open your eyes wide! This first place on the red list! Whose is it?”

“Xu Ziqiang! How is it possible? You have nothing to say?”

“What to do, what to do? Find a solution! Don’t believe any red list.”

“What if it was a scam?”

“Our channel has received numerous calls from viewers! Claiming to have seen Lin Yao parading as a laureate. Some even sent videos, look.”

“Ziqiang! Sister! Becoming valedictorian! Sister, I did it! I wrongly accused a brother and sister!”

“They are so unhappy! I am just a bastard!”

“Dirty beast! You want to flee again! Children are the flesh of their parents! Why are you so biased? You are not worthy of being a parent. I will beat you to death.”

“Lin Dong! Countless investors are touched by your brotherly love. Many people are buying in large quantities.”

“The stock has rebounded from the bottom and the market value of the group is rapidly skyrocketing! completion ah! I just sold all my shares of the Lin Group.”

“Stop hitting me. I’ll hit you both. I’ll hit you both. Why are you here?”

“I can’t let them harass you anymore! Stop it, stop it!”

“I was wrong, I know. I shouldn’t have lied, I shouldn’t have deceived you! It’s going to end badly, right?”

“Little sister! They deserve what happens to them! Stop, I beg you! I know I’m wrong!”

“Xiao Meng, sorry. Stop hitting! Xiao Meng! Stop hitting! Uncle knows he is wrong!”

“Don’t kill him! Send him back to the village! I never want to see them again! Okay! Hu Cheng!”

“You have other tricks! Show me what you have! Miss Xu! I know I’m wrong! I! I am not human! I am not human!”

“Leave me alone! Little sister! How do we handle him?”

“Do as you wish! Miss Xu! I know I was wrong, Miss Xu! I really know it! I ask for forgiveness! Too late, Wanyu!”

“Erase all his shares! Fire him from the Lin Group! I don’t want to see him anymore! Yes Miss Xu!”

“You! Say something, Miss Xu. Mr. Lin. I am sorry, Miss Xu. And all of you. If you dare again, it will be the same end.”

“Mr. Lin, we made a mistake. Miss Xu, sorry, we know we are wrong. Out.”

“Wang Xin. Sister. Yes. What is your plan with Xin?”

“We’ll see when Xin is out of the hospital.”

“Why not! Open a pastry shop? I remember you made delicious cakes. So fragrant, so crispy. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.”

“That’s a good idea, I’m for it. Okay. Great. I’ll take care of the store business. And you two, huh?”

“Just focus on being the bosses.”

“President Barn. One of the top ten companies in Daxia is still waiting for us at the airport. And we leave without a word. That’s not very polite, is it?”

“Since we are going to organize a pastry contest in Daxia to choose the future supplier, it is better to keep our distance and discreetly observe these candidate companies.”

“It’s too sweet and greasy, you can’t taste the freshness of the mung bean at all.”

“What? No news from Mr. Barn. Yes. He disappeared as soon as he landed.”

“Maybe another company secretly scooped him up. Unlikely. If I’m not mistaken,”

“Mr. Barn probably wants to avoid any suspicion. He won’t show up until the start of the pastry contest. Our only goal for the moment is…”

“It’s winning the title! Getting a supplier contract worth billions! You understand?”

“I’ll take care of it right away! Go ahead! This place has a great variety of flavors!”

“We also need to innovate more! Okay! Chinese cuisine!”

“It’s different from what we have in the United States! It really sucks! Sir! Chinese cuisine can’t be that bad!”

“It’s also delicious! But today! I tasted many Chinese pastries! None satisfied me!”

“So, you haven’t tried real Chinese pastries! For example, mooncakes, which have been passed down for centuries, are not only delicious but also a symbol of family reunion!”

“Mooncake! I’ve never eaten one! Is it really as good as you say? Of course!”

“If you don’t believe me! Come taste at my place!”

“It smells too good! Can I have some?”

“Yes, you can! I’m impatient! Mooncake!”

“It’s incredible that Da Xia has such a delicacy! Can you show me how to make it?”

“Sure, no problem! Xiao Meng! Are you planning to teach this foreigner how to make our mooncakes today? So what?”

“This mooncake is a traditional Chinese specialty! It would be good if it was known by more people, right?”

“You’re right! Come, I will first teach you how to knead the dough. Look. Like this, you see? Come on.”

“No, you must use the palm of your hand. To press the dough. That’s it.”

“Careful, it’s hot.”

“Thank you for teaching me how to make mooncakes, but compared to yours,”

“There is a world of difference. You are a real master pastry chef. My name is Barn, what is the master’s name?”

“Oh! I’m not really a master pastry chef! Don’t call me master! My name is Xu Meng, just call me Xu Meng!”

“You taught me how to make mooncakes, I must call you master. I am going to organize a grand pastry contest and I invite you to participate!”

“I do this as an amateur, participating in a contest is not really… You can receive big orders!”

“And make Chinese cuisine known! Okay! I will go!”

“Mr. Lin, these six people are the best pastry chefs from our restaurants. Please taste. See who you want to send to the contest.”

“It’s a bit rough. There’s an acidic taste. It’s sickeningly sweet. How much cream did you put?”

“There is no taste. Did you make a rock? A pile of garbage.”

“Keep looking, sending them to the contest is equivalent to giving up a contract worth billions. Okay, I’ll take care of it right away.”

“Ziqiang! Sister! Sister! You are working so late? It’s the Mid-Autumn Festival tomorrow.”

“I made mooncakes, taste a little. I’m really not in the mood for that right now. What’s going on? Ah…”

“It’s about an order.”

“Don’t worry! Things will work out, eat a little sweet, it will cheer you up! Yesterday, a foreigner tasted, he kept telling me it was delicious!”

“Ah yes? Then that foreigner must have good taste, what my sister makes is necessarily good! What is his name?”

“Ba! Ba Dou! That foreigner is good at finding names! Eat quickly! What is going on with Wanyu?”

“Mr. Lin, I just contacted Master Dai, he is a true expert in pastry, he won the international pastry championship and is now retired. We should ask him to come back.”

“Great! Where does Master Dai live? I’m going right away. I absolutely must ask them to help us. Okay. Sister.”

“I have an emergency to handle, I will eat the mooncake tomorrow. Okay, take care of that first.”

“Rest assured, Mr. Lin, I will be there tomorrow to help you. It’s perfect, with Master Dai, we are sure to win the title.”

“Hahaha. You flatter me, Mr. Lin, I will do my best.”

“So, we won’t disturb you, Wan Yu. Safe travels.”

“Lin Yao really came to see me. The show is about to start. Ziqiang, get up. I made you a bowl of porridge.”

“No need, big sister. I must hurry to join the venue. Eat with brother Xin. What venue? For a competition. I must go quickly. Eat. Okay.”

“Competition? Would he want to participate in the Daxia pastry contest? How is that possible? Ziqiang is now a big boss. Why would he watch a pastry contest? He should rather play golf.”

“But last night, I heard him say on the phone that he was going to invite a pastry chef.”

“Hi! The driver has already arrived for you. Oh, okay, I’m coming right away. Ok.”

“For this pastry contest! I was told that Lin Yao specially invited the legendary chef Dai. He won the international pastry championship three times in a row.”

“As for us… Are we going to be crushed by that dirty Lin for three years? Don’t panic. In my opinion, the glory of his Lin group will disappear after today.”

“What a grand speech! Making my Lin group disappear, do you really have the means?”

“You are young, it’s true, but I advise you not to think you are invincible. You’re not young if you don’t have passion, right? Your arrogance, your lack of respect, will sink the Lin group, sooner or later.”

“Why wait? The destruction of Lin is for today. Even all together, you cannot face me. To destroy my Lin group, do you really think your words are enough?”

“Hey you! Wait until I get this hundred billion contract! You will have to get on your knees and beg! Make Mr. Lin get on his knees? You are a bit too confident. In pastry, our Master Dai is internationally renowned, he is one of the best.”

“How are you going to win? Our Masters Zhou and Huang are also the best pastry chefs in the country. I think they will not lose to you?”

“It depends on who we compare ourselves with.”

“With Master Dai present! You will all have to withdraw. Very well, we will see. President Barn has arrived.”

“Sorry I’m late. No worries, you are just on time. Hello, hello, President Barn, please sit here. Hello, Mr. Lin.”

“President Barn, you are too polite. Welcome to our building. President Barn, I propose to start the pastry contest directly. Everyone is impatient.”

“Ah really? Why hasn’t Master Dai arrived yet? There were traffic jams on the road?”

“President Barn! Ah, then let’s start.”

“President Barn, it seems that Master Dai whom President Lin brought doesn’t really want to make cakes for you. He hangs out over there all the time. President Lin, I need an explanation.”

“President Barn, don’t worry, how about giving him half an hour? Look, Master Dai is starting to work. Oh oh oh.”

“Hahaha. President Barn, a good-for-nothing who can’t even hold a bowl, would you eat his cakes?”

“Yes, I think Mr. Lin deliberately annoyed you by letting this person participate. Master Dai, what are you doing?”

“Mr. Lin! Didn’t you tell me to do this? That we shouldn’t make concessions to foreigners. What are you talking about? When did I say to do that? That’s enough. Take him down.”

“Mr. Lin, you have lost my trust. President Barn, let me explain.”

“President Barn’s number! Excuse me a moment. I will taste your desserts when I return, dear masters.”

“Lin Yao, are you happy with my gift? I told you this hundred billion contract was for me. So it was your idea?”

“Mr. Lin, even Master Dai is on my side. Accept your defeat with dignity, it’s better, right?”

“And the cook, she is dressed too poorly. Oh, who is this peasant participating in the contest?”

“Hey, I know her! She is Director Lin’s sister. They say he opened a pastry shop for her. Is she the one coming to save the day?”

“Big sister, why are you here? Ziqiang, why are you here too? I was invited to participate in the pastry contest. Sister, I know you are here to help me, but this is a pastry contest of the big city. There are plenty of experts. Go home, I will find a solution.”

“What is going on? I was really invited to participate in this contest. Ridiculous, a farmer who collects trash, who would invite you here?”

“Don’t brag, otherwise I’ll call security. Don’t be too excessive in your words. When the boss speaks, dogs have no say.”

“You… Sister, I’ll walk you back. Don’t pay attention to them. Oh, you’re afraid of losing face and want to flee? Okay, as long as you admit defeat.”

“Announce that the Lin Group is withdrawing from the tender and is no longer handling the hundred billion contract. Announce it, Lin Yao. This Master Dai left with his tail between his legs. Do you still have a chance to win? Are you relying on your good-for-nothing sister?”

“The master you invited last night, it was Dai, right? And he lost. We do not accept defeat. I will help Ziqiang win the championship.”

“Sister, these are all master pastry chefs. You… Your sister can do it, don’t worry.”

“Hmph, you are seeking your own ruin. Lin Yao, don’t say we didn’t give you a chance. President Barnes, you are finally back.”

“The master is finally here. I wonder what type of pastry she will bring. President Barnes, do you know which chef is sent by President Lin this time to save us?”

“Wouldn’t it be the lady on stage? Yes, it’s her. I eagerly await her desserts.”

“Don’t expect anything. It’s Linyao’s sister, a country bumpkin. She lied saying she was invited here. It’s ridiculous, who would invite a villager here?”

“Mr. Barn, my sister is not that kind of person. Mr. Barn, look at this woman. Her chef’s outfit is in tatters and dirty, she doesn’t even have a cooking certificate. I think she is here to cause trouble.”

“That’s enough. Let’s wait until she’s finished to talk about it.”

“What is this yellowish thing? Is it a dessert? Mr. Barn, I think Linyao’s sister is here to disgust you. They must be expelled.”

“Ignorant! It’s a unique dessert from southern Daxia – the horse cake. Melting in the mouth, sweet taste, it has a thousand-year history and symbolizes constant progress and steadfast perseverance.”

“Horse pudding! President Barn! Never mind pudding, taste our Western desserts first, otherwise you won’t be able to appreciate anything else afterwards.”

“Hmm! Not bad at all! It looks like President Barn is satisfied. We are on the right track. Hmph, a peasant without resources, how can she equal us?”

“It looks like Barn is happy, everything is ruined now. Rest assured, your sister is up to the task.”

“Horse pudding! Mahtigaou!”

“President Barn, why did you eat everything? What if there was dirt in it? Your health… Yes, President Barn, this village woman, what good could she possibly prepare? Drink some water quickly, spit it out!”

“Shut up! Since I sat down here, you haven’t stopped being very impolite towards Master Xu. We are just worrying about your safety! Master Xu.”

“A few days ago, after getting off the plane, I met Master Xu. Her talent for pastries is exceptional. She is the one who taught me how to make mooncakes.”

“How is it possible? That means you are the one who invited her. Exactly, I am the one who invited the master to participate in the competition.”

“I don’t believe it! It’s really delicious! Impossible!”

“I can’t lose the billion-dollar contract, the company can’t go bankrupt! Old Li, old Li! You have to give me the contract, you have to give it to me!”

“I don’t like your behavior at all, you will no longer be partners of the International Association of Pastry Chefs! It’s over!”

“It’s over!”

“Everything is over! President Barn, we were wrong, we were wrong. Please do not expel us from the chamber of commerce. You do not need to apologize to me, it is to Master Xu that you owe an apology.”

“Miss Xu, I was wrong, we were wrong. I cannot leave the chamber of commerce. Yes, yes, be lenient, take us for nothing.”

“Let it go, it’s okay, don’t get into this state. As long as you can change. I can forgive you. We will certainly change.”

“Since Master has forgiven you, you keep your place in the international pastry chamber of commerce.”

“But for the hundred billion contract, I only choose my Master. Very well. Thank you, thank you for forgiving us.”

“Master, I don’t know how you wish to organize the hundred billion contract. Hmm. Give it to Ziqiang. I manage my little shop well myself.”

“Big sister, I am already big, and I still have to rely on you. In your eyes, I always remain a child. What’s going on, sister?”

“Nothing, I might have confused with someone else. Let’s go, then.”

“Hum! Xia, aren’t you going back after going out?”

“No, I’m not going back! The house is really poor! Eh! Let’s go to Xu Meng’s, these two siblings, they are so rich! We’ll arrange this for you!”

“Don’t talk to me about them! Let’s go back first! Pan, old witch, all the other cities have Lin group’s investment except us, it’s all your fault!”

“Hurry up and apologize to Xu Meng and her brother. If we don’t have the money, I’ll kill you. Go ahead, kill me if you can. Apologize to those two bastards?”

“Dream on! Old witch! You sent your son to prison, jinx. I’ll tear your mouth off. How dare you raise your hand? Hit me!”

“Stop fighting. Go away! My god, my hair! Stop immediately!”

“Jiàn’er, Jiàn’er, you’re back! Xu Jian, you’re back. Don’t you understand Chinese? Let go of my mother.”

“You dare give me orders? Xu Jian, you want to kill someone? You want to go back to prison, is that it? Call the police, go ahead.”

“When I get out, I will… Turn you into mush. Don’t do anything stupid, Jian. Not even able to protect my mother.”

“Very well, you are so strong, we’re leaving. Well done, Jian.”

“It’s not over! Why did you break my door? Why did you break my door?”

“Oh mom! Mom!”

“What does the doctor say?”

“Coma due to a stroke! He says she needs surgery. It costs 300,000. How much do we have of the 300,000?”

“We don’t have a penny left. Where do I find 300,000?”

“Yes! Find Xu Meng and Xu Ziqiang! They have to pay for this! What are you thinking?”

“You forgot how we treated them before. Your mother and I went to cause a scene in their club recently.”

“No profit in return! It’s because you are a coward! Without those two! I wouldn’t be in jail, I wouldn’t have gotten beaten up!”

“And my mother wouldn’t have had a stroke because of this! Go quickly, Aunt Pan, I will take care of you and the Xu siblings. After all, we are family, blood is thicker than water. Asking for a little money for treatment is nothing.”

“Come on, quick, quick, quick. Don’t forget to ask for a little more. In my family, the dowry is thirty thousand. No. Come on, come on, quick.”

“Where is Xin? I haven’t seen him all day. He went back to the village to organize the wedding. It’s a moment of great joy!”

“You could have told me. Xu Zhenhua, Xu Jian”

“Little guy! You’re looking for trouble blocking the road! Where is security? Hey, don’t chase us away.”

“Ziqiang, Jian and I have no choice, Aunt Pan had a stroke, she needs 600,000 for the surgery. Jian and I really can’t gather that sum.”

“Her stroke is none of our business. What do you mean, it’s none of our business? My mother fell ill because of you, you must pay today. Security, put him out.”

“Jian, don’t you want to save your mother? Is it serious?”

“There is always a danger of death! You are too kind, again.”

“Xiao Meng! It was Aunt Pan’s and my fault, we made mistakes towards you two. But we have changed, really.”

“Now, it’s a matter of life or death. Don’t trust words, believe what you see. I’ll go see for myself. We’ll talk about it later. Okay, that’s fine.”

“Finally awake! Come, get up, drink a little water.”

“Are you okay! I saw the results, it’s a stroke.”

“As for the money! The money! What money! It’s the money for the surgery! You don’t know you have… I don’t care. When Jian gets out”

“he will earn enough for the surgery. Go away! I tell you! This money was asked by Xu Jian to my sister! Get out!”

“Jian never asked you! I don’t need your charity, leave! What’s wrong with you! Calm down, if you kick Ziqiang and Xiaomeng out, how do you pay for the surgery?”

“I don’t want their dirty money! Get out! Ziqiang, let’s go”

“Mom! You’re awake! Jian’er! Weren’t they here to bring money? Why did they leave?”

“Your mother scared them away! Oh dear mom, you! Hurry up and catch up with them! Where are they?”

“It’s over, is your mother sick? Try saying something bad about my mother again. Xu Jian, if you dare hit me, I’m leaving! Hey! Fan Xia!”

“Where are you going? My mother is still waiting for you to help her. Xu Jian. Do you really take me for a free volunteer? If I didn’t believe you could succeed because of your connection with Xu Meng,”

“I wouldn’t follow you.”

“Fan Xia! You! Ah, by the way! Pay! What money? You’ve squatted with me all these days, you want to live for free?”

“Ouch, I have no cash now. Very well, you don’t pay. I’ll make a scene in your mother’s room. You wouldn’t dare! Go ahead, try and see.”

“You don’t think I’ll break your arm? Sorry. I’ll find money eventually. Hand me a smoke.”

“I remember that parents are the first heirs when children die, right? What do you want to do? Hum.”

“If Xu Meng and her brother disappear, wouldn’t Xu Zhenhua and my mother get a nice sum?”

“Dad, why are you going to the construction site again? I’m waiting to earn 300,000. Mom has been gone for a long time. How do you think I do it? If I don’t go to the site, your mother can’t even pay her hospital bills.”

“Hey, I have an idea. No, I…”

“I don’t agree. How can you think of poisoning Xiaomeng and Ziqiang? Dad, I already told you, there is an antidote. We just want the money, not their lives.”

“No, no, no. Out of the question, not at all.”

“Xu Zhenhua! You good-for-nothing. I’m not negotiating. My mother is still in the hospital, whether you want to or not, you will do it.”

“Okay. I’ll help you but promise me you’ll give me the antidote once we have the money. Don’t worry.”

“I manage. Be careful too, huh. Don’t get caught.”

“Your father is really stupid. We don’t have an antidote for him.”

“Little Meng! I really don’t know what to do anymore! Aunt Pan’s situation is very critical! She’s not dead yet, is she?”

“Ziqiang! We are not the type to let someone die without help! Here! If you work well in my shop”

“We’ll consider Aunt Pan’s surgery costs! Okay, don’t worry, I won’t slack off! I’ll take you there.”

“Wan Yu, keep an eye on Xu Zhenhua. Don’t let him get any bad ideas.”

“What are you doing? Haven’t put the medicine yet? Otherwise, let it go. I see Xiao Meng is starting to give in and wants to pay for your mother’s surgery.”

“The hospital is pressing. My mother can’t wait much longer. I ask you one last time, when do you plan to act?”

“I have no opportunity. Ziqiang put someone to watch me, they follow me all day. I can’t help it. That little bastard.”

“He even distrusts his own father. Don’t worry, I’ll get him away.”

“Today, you didn’t succeed.”

“You don’t look where you’re walking! You bumped into me first! Ah really? Oh look, my wrist is dislocated. Without a few hundred, I can’t leave without compensation.”

“Well, well. Good dog, don’t block the way.”

“Sister! Xu Zhenhua said we could have dinner together tonight. Shall we go? Let’s go.”

“He is working seriously recently, we also paid the 600,000 for Aunt Pan’s surgery. Ah! The honored guest has finally arrived, sit down!”

“You are?”

“Sister Xu Meng! This is my girlfriend, Fan Xia. Don’t be so formal, Mengjie, sit down quickly! Come on, everyone sit down.”

“Where is Xu Zhenhua? He’s the one who called us, right? Here he is, here he is. I made a box of new mooncakes, it took me a little time.”

“Here. Oh, it’s a new flavor! Xu Meng, Zi Qiang, taste it quickly. I’ve gained a little weight recently, I prefer to avoid sweets.”

“Let it go. If my sister doesn’t eat, neither do I. What’s going on? Were we discovered? Xú Jiàn, eat.”

“Hey, I can’t eat that. It’s our father who prepared it for you, you should taste it first. Yes, it’s rare that uncle cooks.”

“Okay. Then I will taste it. Zìqiáng, taste it too.”

“So, how is it? Is it good?”

“Not bad! The floral tea taste is very strong! Doesn’t taste homemade! Floral tea, my eye! You and your brother are doomed”

“What do you mean? Your father poisoned the cakes, understood?”

“The money from the Lin group will be mine! Xu Jian! Stop daydreaming! Oh, are you still pretending?”

“This mooncake is poisoned. The poison will take effect in 5 seconds.”

“3! 2! 1! Eh, why isn’t it working?”

“I didn’t put poison. What are you talking about? Ziqiang and Xiaomeng are my own children.”

“And my mother then?”

“My mother is in the hospital! That’s enough! Your little schemes! Did you really think I didn’t realize anything?”

“You! Ziqiang! You know everything! I saw every step of your mooncake making on the cameras!”

“Impossible! If you really poisoned the mooncakes! You would be in prison long ago by now.”

“Ziqiang! Don’t do it! It’s me who lost my mind, it’s me who was blinded, don’t call the police!”

“Yes, it’s his fault. I did this for my mother. That’s enough. You too, did it to save Mrs. Pan.”

“Go pay first. Never think about doing stupid things again.”

“Xiaomeng! Dad, thank you very much! You should quickly thank your sister! Oh! Thank you!”

“No need! Go pay quickly! Come on, take him to the operating room quickly!”

“The family hasn’t paid yet! Life is at stake! Inform the family to come sign immediately! Answer the phone, hurry up!”

“Faster, faster! The accelerator is already at max!”

“Doctor Wang, Doctor Wang! How is Doctor Wang? Doctor Wang, where did you go again? I called so many times with no answer.”

“We didn’t have time to look at the phone. Here are the surgery fees. Quick, quick, schedule the surgery for my mother. I’m sorry. Your mother, ten minutes ago…”

“She has already passed away. What are you saying? Doctor Wang, are you joking? When I left, she was fine. How is it possible in such a short time…”

“Calm down! Impossible! Didn’t you say if I gathered the money, I could save my mother? Why is she dead? You killed her!”

“Hey! Jian’er! Xu Jian, calm down! Let him go, don’t move!”

“Jian’er, I know you are unhappy right now, I’m not well either! It’s Xu Meng’s fault! If she had given me the money earlier, my mother wouldn’t be…”

“Hey, where are you going?”

“I want her to pay for my mother! Don’t do anything stupid! Xiaomeng and Ziqiang gave us the money. No matter what you do, listen to me and get out.”

“How can you, Xu Jian? I’m asking if you’re following me. Kill them and I’ll give you a large sum of money.”

“I want 80,000! Okay! Ah! Hello, the number you dialed is switched off.”

“Xiaomeng, hm! We set our wedding on the fifth, okay? That works for me, no worries. Perfect, then we invite family and friends.”

“Wait until I finish the deliveries, we’ll take care of this together. Okay. Clean the counter, it looks dirty. I’m leaving.”

“Okay, bye. North Nanshan Road.”

“Xing, what’s going on? Didn’t my sister leave to deliver something? Why can’t we find her? I don’t know either. I tried calling but the phone is switched off.”

“Is it my sister? It’s an unknown number. Hello, Wang Xin, are you with Lin Yao? Xu Jian. If you want to save Xu Meng, come to the abandoned factory north of the city.”

“Remember, only you two can come. What did you do to my sister?”

“If you dare bring a third person! You will never see Xu Meng again! Hey, quick, let’s go save Xiaomeng!”

“The number you dialed is switched off! Still no one answering?”

“Xin, look! Xu Meng, look who is coming to save you!”

“Ziqiang! Wang Xin! Let them go! I freed you! Without you!”

“How could my mother die! What! Aunt Pan is dead! It’s your fault!”

“You should have given me the money earlier! Otherwise! My mother would never have died! Impossible!”

“Sister! Xiao Meng! Don’t be impulsive! Don’t scare me, otherwise my hand shakes! And Xu Meng’s life!”

“Will be over! Xu Jian, free us! I can give you money! Money! Can money bring my mother back?”

“No money, I want you to bury yourselves with my mother! Don’t be an idiot! My 80,000! Yeah, stay calm! Killing leads to prison. We…”

“We will pay! Give us a number! I can give what you want! Any amount! Yes! One hundred million!”

“I give! Not enough! We want three hundred million! Don’t be too greedy! No money?”

“Then you will die! I give! Three hundred million! Would you really give three hundred million?”

“Courage! Little sister! Life is precious! It’s better this way! Let me go right now! I will send you the money right away!”

“Don’t make a fuss! Honey! Stop right there!”

“Don’t come closer! Young man, I knew you were plotting something. On your knees! On your knees!”

“Don’t get involved, call the police. Call the police. You think with the police, Xu Meng will survive?”

“Don’t touch my sister. I kneel. I’m on my knees. Let us go.”

“No matter how much you want, I give it to you! Get back on the ground! Stay right here! You think I can still trust you?”

“Get up! Move forward! What do you want to do? You care a lot about Xu Ziqiang, right?”

“In your heart! Is Xu Ziqiang really important?”

“Is it Wang Xin who matters! What do you mean?”

“I give you a chance to choose! You can choose one of them and I will kill him! The other can live!”

“I… I don’t choose! Then you will both die! Xu Jian! How you treat Xiaomeng! She too! Shut up! Xu Meng!”

“Choose quickly! What? You want both to die in front of you? No! Don’t do this to my sister!”

“I give you ten billion! I don’t want money! Xu Meng, choose quickly! I give you ten seconds to choose!”

“You choose your brother or your fiancé?”

“Let them go! I can die in their place! No, Xiaomeng! Choose me! Ziqiang is your brother!”

“Xinge! Sister, choose me to die! Live happily together after! You are truly a very united family.”

“Unfortunately, time is running out. You have three seconds left. Sister,”

“I choose no one. I will kill you now. No. I will kill you now. No.”

“Xu Zhenhua! Xiao Meng! Run quickly! Come back!”

“Jian’er! It’s our fault! We always spoiled you too much!”

“Don’t make mistakes anymore! Get out! Let me go, I must avenge my mother!”

“I must avenge my mother! Are you okay, Xiaomeng?”

“I’m fine! Luckily he arrived in time! He still has a little conscience! Don’t take me!”

“How can you always escape? By interfering in everything! Quick, let’s go!”

“Let’s go too! Looks like they, father and son! I still have a lot of things to say!”