This wasn’t the first time Gao Zhou had taken the kids out.

But it was the first time he was taking Yu Yuanyuan out alone.

Yu Mingxi and Yu Yingze were a little older, well-behaved, and didn’t run around too much.

But the memory of Yu Yuanyuan going missing the previous night was still fresh in his mind…

Gao Zhou couldn’t help but worry if there would be any trouble today.

“Second Brother, look! It’s a bird! Is that the bird we’re going to see later?” Yu Yuanyuan sat in her car seat, pointing excitedly at everything outside the half-open window, bubbling with joy.

For her, even though it was a pity her dad couldn’t come along, just being able to go to the aquarium was enough!

“Woohoo~”

“Dad lied again,” Yu Yingze muttered from the back seat. “He’s always lying. Such a liar, a big liar.”

Gao Zhou, seated in the front, overheard his complaints. He wanted to say something comforting, but every explanation that came to mind seemed weak and pointless.

Today was different from other times. It wasn’t just a business deal; it was a sudden, urgent matter.

Last night, someone leaked information online, accusing Yu Jinxiao of using extreme methods to deal with an executive named Sun Cheng.

Sun Cheng was the very man Yu Jinxiao almost drowned the previous night.

No one knew how the leaker had gotten wind of it, but within a few hours, the internet was buzzing with rumors. Although there was no concrete evidence, the air of mystery made the story spread like wildfire.

Despite Yu Jinxiao’s public relations team scrambling to control the damage, the situation spiraled out of control, spreading across various platforms.

There were words, images, and even fake “drowning” videos from opportunists jumping on the trend.

Even the police were now searching for Sun Cheng’s whereabouts.

Strangely enough, after last night, Sun Cheng had seemingly vanished. No one could contact him, and he hadn’t even visited the hospital where his daughter was staying.

The only call he made was to his daughter at around 7 p.m., which was before the incident at the beach.

This situation impacted more than just the company and Yu Jinxiao’s reputation. If it wasn’t resolved properly, it could even jeopardize future business deals.

Several potential partners who had verbally agreed to contracts called multiple times that morning, demanding answers. Some were even considering pulling out.

With the situation growing more serious, Yu Jinxiao had no choice but to handle it personally.

The much-anticipated family day at the aquarium for the three children was entirely ruined.

“Dad seems really pitiful,” a small voice chimed in from the back seat. Yu Yuanyuan sighed. “It’s the weekend, and while everyone else gets to relax, Dad has to go to work.”

“What’s so pitiful about that?” Yu Yingze grumbled, still scowling.

Yu Mingxi laughed at this. “It’s just like how you don’t like going to school. Dad’s work is harder than school. Even though it’s the weekend and everyone else is resting, he doesn’t get a break.”

“Wow, Dad really is pitiful,” Yu Yuanyuan chimed in again. “Next time Dad is free, I’ll bring him back to the aquarium!”

Gao Zhou couldn’t help but chuckle from the front seat.

Who’s bringing who?

While the kids were headed to the aquarium, Yu Jinxiao was back at the office.

The family trip had been completely derailed.

Yu Jinxiao’s mind was in chaos, torn between worrying about how disappointed Yu Yingze must be and whether Yu Yuanyuan would feel sad without him there.

As he sat at his desk, face grim, waiting for updates on the crisis, his phone buzzed with a new message.

It was a photo from Gao Zhou.

Since Gao Zhou had also been investigating the source of the rumors last night, perhaps he had some new information.

When Yu Jinxiao clicked to open the image, instead of information, a group photo popped up.

At the entrance of the aquarium, the three children were huddled together, smiling brightly for the camera. Gao Zhou was in the shot too, standing next to Yu Yuanyuan, whose tiny hand was clutching his finger happily.

There wasn’t a hint of sadness on any of their faces. They were clearly having the time of their lives!