The somber atmosphere fell apart when Lian En burst into tears and uttered ’wild child’, which left Lianshan utterly defeated by the magical thinking of his unruly child. Wild child, what’s going through his mind? Gently patting the daughter in his arms who was stirred up by his shout and joined in the duet. Lianshan smiled bitterly in helplessness: "Lian En, don’t talk nonsense. Even if, even if you weren’t your father’s biological son, you’re not some wild child. It’s just..." "It’s because I was married once before, to a husband whose family name is Dai. Your biological father’s name is Dai Weiguo, he’s a cadre. Back then, the Dai family appreciated my good looks and education, and my family had a certain standing to propose marriage. But ah, the Dai family was poor, with the old lady raising three sons and a daughter all by herself. Tsk tsk, their living situation only showed some semblance of decency because of the house and those few people left by the ancestors. Your eldest uncle and second uncle disapproved, saying that being the eldest daughter-in-law would be difficult, and the Dai family was poor. They predicted I would suffer grievances if married there. Cadre’s family and such, it sounds impressive, but in reality, it’s a struggle for one person to support a whole family. Yet, I was young and eager, fascinated by Dai’s genteel and capable demeanor. I thought a bit of hardship was nothing, as long as the man cherished me, sweetness could be found amidst bitterness. Your grandfather also said wealth comes in cycles, and as long as the young man is talented and ambitious, someday he could soar high and change the family’s fortune. Seeing Dai undeterred by the challenges posed by your two uncles, and even displaying bravery, he believed Dai was sincere towards me and permitted the marriage." Shuzhen took over the conversation, starting from how she, once renowned far and wide, fell into the poor Dai household. "Married at eighteen, over four years until I was twenty-two. Provided numerous dowries, finally managed to settle the two younger brothers-in-law and a younger sister-in-law. Thought the tough times were over, and the awaited elevation did arrive. Just then, I discovered I was pregnant, it was truly a double blessing. At that time, I was overjoyed, filled with aspiration. However..." Shuzhen’s voice suddenly became forlorn, as if recalling the ups and downs from heaven to hell across a lifetime. Warm, tender hands suddenly held hers, accompanied by a man’s low, strong voice saying don’t be sad, I’m here for the future. Without looking back, she could feel his attentive, heated gaze, evaporating all the past resentment and darkness hidden in her heart like dewdrops under the noon sun. Indeed, with a bright present and future, who would dwell on the scars of the painful past? Shuzhen suddenly felt relieved, her tone became much more serene. She tried to recount the duo of cold truth and emotionless narrative, describing Dai Weiguo’s ascent when he latched onto the prestigious Bai family in Beijing, taking his mother and siblings to enjoy life. He labeled her as a relic of feudal arranged marriages, effectively discarding her. Frustrated and angry, she was persuaded by her sister-in-law Wu Xia to travel to Beijing for a confrontation, but was dismissed with 200 yuan for an abortion. Disheartened by societal whispers, she impulsively jumped into the river, but was saved by Lianshan, who was preparing to catch fish early in the river, leading to a blossoming affection and eventual marriage... Everything was explained, from beginning to end. Including her deep hatred towards Dai’s betrayal and ingratitude, fears that the child would be born into controversy, and should it follow Dai’s cold-hearted bloodline, it would become a thankless wretch. Even when the admission slip for the surgery at the provincial hospital was ready, Lianshan’s persistent persuasion extinguished the thought. Now, with Dai Weiguo being successful but unable to have children due to recent accidents, Shuzhen relayed this news faithfully. Lian En was wide-eyed, never expecting his life story to be so twisted and bizarre. A normally good child, Lian En was angry enough to curse: This damn, this damn situation is outrageous! The father he idolized and loved dearly was not his biological father. His real father was a heartless betrayer unworthy of gratitude, with 200 yuan for an abortion signalling an effort to remove any future troubles! Had the direct abortion not endangered his mother’s health and life, had his actual dad not stopped it, there would be no Lian En in this world. No wonder, no wonder his mother never warmed up to him since childhood. No matter his excellence, her genuine smiles were hard to earn. With such a heart-wounding hateful biological father, the fact that he wasn’t aborted, strangled or abandoned might already seem like fortune! Since the age of four, surrounded by top talents like Old Wu, Wei Lai, Dong Shu and Old Yang teaching him, seven-year-old Lian En possessed calm decisiveness uncommon even at seventeen. Learning that his biological father was wretched, who once sought elimination, doused any hopeful spark in his heart, extinguished beyond measure. Pale-faced, body trembling, solemnly bowing to Shuzhen and Lianshan: "Sorry, Mom, Dad, your son might have embarrassed you by digging for answers. Mom, since, since that person abandoned us for so-called prospects, then we should abandon him in turn. Anyway, anyway, we have the best husband and father in the world, right? If Dad still wants me as his son, I will strive to be a devoted son, surpassing Chenchen and Mom’s unborn brother in affection, diligence, and devotion, making Dad proud forever, okay?" While saying this, Lian En’s voice trembled, his gaze was fixed downward, fearing he’d see disdain in Lianshan’s eyes. The child seemed pathetically fragile, fearful and helpless in his shrinking posture. Lianshan’s heart ached intensely, hurriedly placing little Xinyue on the bed. Turning, he lifted Lian En into an embrace: "Silly child, what foolish words are those? How could Dad not want you? Such a devoted, sensible, and clever son are a dream for others. Every time at parent meetings, Dad relishes the envious gazes from others! However, you are already very affectionate, devoted, and diligent, no need to increase these efforts. Your happiness, well-being, joy are our greatest achievement as parents. Don’t push yourselves too hard, enjoy a carefree childhood, that’s what’s proper!"