Gao Zhou stood frozen, utterly dumbfounded.

He had heard all kinds of praises used to describe his boss, but “hero who rescues kidnapped children” was… well, quite unique.

The style was just too bizarre.

“The police said they’ve already arrested the human trafficker,” Teacher Li said, gritting her teeth. But then, her expression changed into a bright smile. “Thanks to Mr. Yu, Yuan Yuan was able to return safely.”

A group of people surrounded Yu Jinxiao, handing him a banner in gratitude. Their enthusiastic appreciation left him unsure of how to decline.

Suppressing his laughter, Gao Zhou stepped forward to help his boss accept the banner and thank everyone for their kind gesture.

A banner… how utterly old-fashioned.

Yu Jinxiao’s eyebrow twitched in irritation.

“Let’s go. We still have a meeting at the company.” Yu Jinxiao, not accustomed to small talk, didn’t want to waste any more time on this unnecessary distraction.

He had already broken his own rules multiple times today, doing things that had nothing to do with him. This change in his behavior, influenced by others, made him uncomfortable.

Ignoring the hopeful glances thrown his way, Yu Jinxiao turned and returned to his usual spot in the backseat of the car, where the slightly shoddy banner now lay beside him.

“Bye, Yuanyuan!” Gao Zhou waved enthusiastically, though he had expected the little girl to cry or throw a tantrum. He even bought candy, ready to comfort her.

But even after returning to the driver’s seat, Yuanyuan remained completely silent.

Her quietness made Gao Zhou even more uneasy.

She’s so young, but already knows how to gauge people’s moods? How heartbreaking…

The small figure standing by the adults’ feet looked lost, her eyes devoid of the vitality they should have at her age, dull like stagnant water.

Gao Zhou clenched his jaw and turned his gaze away. If he looked any longer, he wouldn’t be able to drive off.

The luxury car made a slow turn on the narrow space in front of the orphanage and gradually picked up speed as it drove away.

Yu Yuanyuan tugged on Teacher Li’s sleeve, her eyes reddening, and her nose tingling as she fought back tears.

Daddy didn’t even turn to look at me. Daddy is so heartless.

“Yuanyuan, shall we bring your things inside?” Teacher Zhang asked, taking the bags Yu Jinxiao had bought and leaving one hand free to hold Yuan Yuan’s tiny hand.

No one blamed her for sneaking out. Instead, everyone continued asking her as usual, “Are you hungry?” “Thirsty?”

The orphanage was cramped, with almost 30 beds squeezed into a single, shabby room. The beds were small, just big enough for a child to sleep on, and the metal frames were rusted. The overall environment didn’t look very good.

Teacher Zhang made sure to change Yuanyuan’s bedding to the new ones Yu Jinxiao had bought, arranging her clothes neatly at the foot of the bed. Some of the toys and snacks were stowed away in a box under her bed.

Even so, her little bed was still piled high with new things.

“Yuanyuan, would you mind playing here for a bit? I’m going to take the old blankets outside to air out.” Teacher Zhang, despite being tall and burly, always crouched down to speak directly to the children, creating a stark contrast between his appearance and gentle demeanor.

Yuan Yuan nodded, watching the teacher leave before staring blankly at the pile of things on her bed.

How should I escape next time?

Should I wait by the roadside again for Daddy?

I should’ve memorized the route home. Wuwuwu, Yuan Yuan knocked her tiny head in frustration, regretting her oversight.

But the car was so fast—zoom, left, zoom, right—her little head couldn’t keep track of all those directions.

“Hey, you’re back?” A mocking voice echoed from the doorway.

Four boys stood before her, the tallest one towering over Yuan Yuan by at least two heads.

Their eyes widened at the sight of her bed full of new toys and bedding.

“Where did you get all this stuff?” The boys didn’t bother with pleasantries, grabbing her toys and inspecting them.

“My daddy bought them,” Yuan Yuan said, her tone sad.

The boys froze for a second before bursting into laughter. “You’re such a liar! You don’t have a dad!”