Chapter 4: Country Mansion

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“I want to hug both Mom and Dad.” Fu Xiaoya first hugged Fu Huai tightly, then went to embrace Fu Yuanjiang, forming a tight family embrace.

“I want a hug too…” Fu Song opened his arms, hoping to join the family hug, but was mercilessly rejected. His mother sternly instructed him to prepare the food! Meanwhile, Fu Xiaoya was led into the yard, guided by Fu Hua and Fu Yuanjiang, to explore their new home.

Although the Fu family resided in the countryside, their house was remarkably beautiful. It had a double courtyard structure, designed to resemble a garden. The surroundings were adorned with water on three sides, featuring pavilions and flowing streams beneath picturesque bridges. There was an exquisite charm to the setting, reminiscent of idyllic scenes from traditional Chinese paintings. Inside the house, a three-section courtyard layout presented a harmonious blend of brown and beige colors, creating an elegant and comfortable ambiance. The design of the main hall showcased classical elements, with decorative antique screens dividing the space intelligently, providing an open and graceful atmosphere.

Fu Xiaoya never expected that their rural home would be such a “mansion.” If this house were situated in the city, it would easily fetch a seven-figure price tag. However, being in the countryside, in such a secluded location, the actual value was difficult to determine.

“Baby, let Mom take you to see your room. Let’s see if there’s anything you’d like to change.” Fu Hua held Fu Xiaoya’s hand tightly, reluctant to let go.

Fu Xiaoya obediently nodded, returning the grip of her mother’s hand. She cherished the warmth radiating from her mother’s touch.

Fu Xiaoya’s room was painted in shades of pink, giving the impression that it had been maintained over time, rather than freshly arranged. To the right of the room, there was a large glass cabinet filled with various gifts. According to Fu Hua’s explanation, these were the gifts she had missed during the past decade. Each year, there was a beautiful Lolita doll, customized to match Fu Xiaoya’s approximate height for that year. This was their way of making her feel as though she had never left home, and that she had always been there.

Fu Hua asked, “Baby, do you like your room?”

Fu Xiaoya felt a surge of emotion, her nose tingling. She embraced Fu Hua in return, secretly pinching herself to confirm that the pain reminded her that she wasn’t dreaming. All this warmth and love was real. She truly had a family now!

“What’s wrong, baby?” Fu Hua gently stroked Fu Xiaoya’s hair, feeling deeply concerned.

Fu Xiaoya looked up, a sweet smile gracing her face, revealing the dimples on her cheeks. “Nothing, I just feel so happy and I love the scent of Mom.”

“Good girl, Mom will never lose you again.” Tears welled up in Fu Hua’s eyes, although everyone avoided mentioning the past, the guilt of losing her daughter haunted her sleepless nights. Fortunately, the heavens showed mercy, and her precious daughter returned to her side.

“Ladies, you can come and have breakfast now.” Fu Yuanjiang knew that if his wife and daughter stayed together, memories of the past would resurface, causing tears to flow. So, he called Fu Song to invite them for a meal.

During breakfast, the family of four laughed and chatted. The morning sunlight streamed into the room, casting a dreamlike glow on everyone’s faces.

Fu Xiaoya looked at the blooming flowers outside, her smile radiant. She wanted to tell the flowers and the whole world that she had a family now!

…

At the same time, inside an abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city, a man’s agonizing screams pierced the air, startling the birds into a frenzy.

A middle-aged man sat on a wicker chair, his head hanging low as he toyed with the ring on his finger. Not far away, another man was being tortured mercilessly, reduced to an unrecognizable state, his screams echoing relentlessly. Perhaps growing tired of it, the middle-aged man raised his hand.

The screams ceased, and the man in the distance crawled toward the middle-aged man, struggling. “Mr. Shen, spare me, spare me… I swear, I didn’t intentionally let Fu Xiaoya escape. She knocked me unconscious and fled on her own…”

Fu Nanhai looked at the man kneeling on the ground, gently lifting his foot and pressing it forcefully on the man’s hand. With the sound of bones cracking and screams, he softly spoke, “I’ll ask you again, where is Fu Xiaoya?”

The man shook his head repeatedly, fear filling his eyes. “I don’t know, I really don’t know…” He had answered this question countless times, and Fu Nanhai had asked it countless times as well.

Realizing that he would never get any more information, Fu Nanhai waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to take care of the man.

Covered in blood, the man pleaded for mercy as he saw Fu Nanhai preparing to dispose of him. “Mr. Shen, please spare me! I swear, I’ll do better next time…”

Unfortunately, Fu Nanhai remained unmoved by the man’s pleas. He coldly stood up, surveyed the surroundings, and ordered, “Find Fu Xiaoya as soon as possible and bring her to me.”