Chapter 25: Dad, who’s my mother?

Judging by the way he was addressed, Jun Yan was clearly the young master of a prominent family. However, his earlier reaction suggested he was reluctant to reveal his background.

Since someone had come to pick him up, and after ensuring the child’s safety, Yan Yueqing didn’t inquire further. She simply exchanged brief pleasantries before taking her leave.

The bodyguard, still grasping the situation, watched the woman depart decisively. Wiping sweat from his brow, he looked at Jun Yan with confusion: “Young Master, she—”

Jun Yan gazed at her retreating figure, feeling an inexplicable reluctance to part.

Realizing this unexpected emotion, he momentarily froze! Then, suppressing all feelings, he coldly commanded, “Let’s go home.”

The bodyguard nodded repeatedly, “Yes, sir!”

—

**Nightfall.**

**Beijing’s First Ring Road, banshan Mountain, Yu Province.**

In the capital, where land was precious as gold, for the wealthy to own a villa within the Second Ring signified great power. The Jun family, however, had purchased the scenic Banshan Mountain outright and built an estate there, showcasing their immense influence.

A security checkpoint guarded the mountain’s base. After a ten-minute drive past the entrance, they finally reached the estate’s grand gates.

The imposing architecture loomed like a majestic lion, awe-inspiring. The main building was striking, its surroundings revealing an ancient elegance upon closer inspection. From grand structures to small details, everything was meticulously designed, seamlessly blending elements from various regions.

The third-floor study housed floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with thousands of volumes. A central sunken area artfully integrated the staircase and resting space.

Jun Yan sat stone-faced on a plush sofa, his long lashes concealing distracted eyes.

Beside him, Jun Jiu held thick documents, concisely reporting to the man at the dark wood desk.

There sat an adult version of Jun Yan!

His features were sharp, with cold, piercing eyes that resembled a night hawk, exuding an intimidating aura. His face, often described as dangerously attractive, was enveloped in a chilling demeanor, making it hard for anyone to harbor ill thoughts towards him; they could only bow in submission.

Though seated casually, his slender fingers tapped the desk rhythmically, each sound resonating like a ticking clock.

As he listened, his lips curved slightly, but the smile never reached his eyes, instead radiating an inexplicable chill.

“The branch’s quarterly report—”

The seated man raised his hand, a simple gesture laden with authority.

Jun Jiu halted immediately: “Family Head?”

Jun Li leaned back, his tone emotionless: “Jun Yan, something’s troubling you?”

Jun Yan snapped to attention, shaking his head blankly: “No…”

Jun Li glanced at him: “You’ve been holding that book for two minutes without turning a page.”

Jun Yan paused, placing the book on his lap.

Noticing this, Jun Jiu bowed: “I’ll take my leave.”

Once he left, Jun Li continued calmly: “You’ve been off since returning from C City.”

Jun Yan nodded slightly: “The security there is problematic, I—”

“That’s not enough to preoccupy you this long,” Jun Li interrupted. “Don’t want to discuss it?”

Jun Yan remained silent, as if debating whether to speak.

Jun Li waited patiently.

Finally, Jun Yan asked, “Dad, who is my mother?”

Jun Li’s brow furrowed, anger rising unexpectedly at the question.

After a moment, he tempered his response: “I don’t know.”

Jun Yan’s cold gaze lingered, unconvinced: “With our resources, can’t we investigate?”

“We could, but it’s unnecessary,” Jun Li’s eyes narrowed. “Like you, I’m a test-tube baby. The mother’s identity is irrelevant.”

“I see.” Jun Yan’s response was even colder than his father’s, showing no emotion.

Jun Li continued: “You know our family’s tradition. Heirs are born when needed.”

Jun Yan pondered for a moment: “So, my biological mother will never appear?” His young face bore a frosty expression, reminiscent of the morning dew that had yet to evaporate.

“Even if she did, it wouldn’t matter,” Jun Li stated.

“The Jun and Min families are deeply intertwined. Our family ‘s matriarch will naturally be from the Min family.”

Jun Yan looked disgusted: “But I dislike the Min family.”

Jun Li seemed puzzled: “This isn’t new. Yet you didn’t object to the recent marriage alliance discussion.”

“That was before,” Jun Yan stood. “I met someone today.”

He spoke sparingly: “She helped me. I like her.”

“Like?”

Jun Yan considered: “Not dislike. Looking forward to meeting again. That’s liking, I suppose.”

A flicker of emotion crossed Jun Li’s eyes, his voice cold: “In our family, personal preference comes last.”

“I know. Grandfather said in families like ours, many decisions can’t follow our hearts.”

Jun Yan lifted his chin stubbornly. “But he also said after two generations’ efforts, we’re powerful enough. You rejected the Min family’s proposal without consequence. So why can’t I choose a mother I like?”

Jun Li remained silent, studying his son closely.

This exceptionally intelligent child had always seen through others easily, fostering a solitary nature.

Jun Yan’s face was always expressionless, regardless of circumstance.

His emotional control and excellence made him the ideal future family head.

Jun Li was truly satisfied!

Yet today, his son mentioned “liking” twice and even showed a moment of struggle?

Could one meeting affect Jun Yan so deeply?

Jun Li had to remind him: “Jun Yan, I can remain unmarried if you dislike someone. But you know the matriarch position will either remain empty or be filled by a Min family member.”

Jun Yan’s face tightened, his words striking like thunder: “That’s because Dad is incompetent and can’t protect those around him.”

Jun Li: ???

Jun Yan took a deep breath, his tone resolute: “If you can’t protect her, then… I’ll marry her myself!”

Jun Li: ????