Chapter 12

This was an ordinary afternoon, and an unremarkable post on a forum suddenly exploded into a shocking revelation.

Before this, countless netizens had their hearts moved by Zhuzhu. They wanted to help this child but knew their abilities were limited. Donating supplies could provide some immediate comfort, but the road ahead was long, and material conditions were never the most important thing for the child.

Among the footage circulating online was a behind-the-scenes clip from the first time the crew of the show "Swap Lives" came to Yongrui Village to broadcast live. It was the first time netizens saw Zhuzhu — a tiny figure who looked timid, with only her bright, lively eyes standing out. She stood in line and missed out on gifts meant for her little brother, lowering her head as adults scolded her. Later, when the crew packed up to leave, Qin Meilan turned and walked away, while the little girl followed from a short distance, as if afraid of being abandoned. That small figure stirred endless sympathy.

The child seemed like this: unaware of what she had done wrong, even after being pushed away countless times, she would still cautiously approach her family.

At the time, netizens didn’t know that Zhuzhu was not the biological child of the Zhao family; they just assumed the family favored sons over daughters. Now, with the truth revealed, everyone was stunned — it turned out she was a kidnapped child!

“How despicable! Human traffickers deserve to die!”

“No wonder they called the baby such hateful names.”

“This family must never be let off.”

“Did Zhuzhu really arrive on a private jet?”

Back in Yongrui Village, everyone present was dumbfounded at the scene unfolding.

A private jet circled in the clear blue sky. When it landed, the exclamations came not only from the village children.

The cabin door opened, and Fu Mingya and Ji Guoting descended slowly. Behind them followed well-dressed individuals—secretaries, assistants, and bodyguards.

“Ms. Fu, please this way.”

[Original poster: Oh my god… Is this arrogance and nobility engraved in their bones?]

[Original poster: The police leadership is talking with the lady who came to take Zhuzhu home.]

Netizens were overwhelmed by the spectacle, and the main post was shared across various websites, drawing more and more visitors searching for this thread.

The sheer number of replies in a short time even caused the page to lag slightly.

Besides wanting to know the true identity of Zhuzhu’s family, everyone was eager to see Qin Meilan’s reaction.

“Not to say I’m a Monday morning quarterback, but I always thought that Zai Zai and Yaozu’s mom didn’t look alike. Probably a foundling.”

“Did Zhuzhu’s family call the police because they feared villagers would block them from taking the child away?”

“Several police cars in a convoy—what a show… I want to see who dares to bully our baby now!”

The little girl had no idea what was happening.

Qin Meilan, however, had already gathered her scattered thoughts swiftly.

She used to be particularly sensitive about Zhao Wu’s women outside, both jealous and ashamed. In a fit of rage, she vented her anger on Zhuzhu. At one point, she even suspected Zhuzhu was Zhao Wu’s child with some wealthy lady, until the police approached with questions and she sensed something was off.

Damn it, her husband had committed a crime!

Qin Meilan’s heart pounded like a drum. Thinking about how she had treated this girl over the years terrified her deeply.

She hastily snapped back to reality and reached out to help the child up—only for Zhuzhu to dodge away instantly.

The helplessness in the little girl’s eyes was impossible to ignore.

The villagers nearby, watching the scene unfold, whispered among themselves, recounting the hardships the child had endured.

Fu Mingya’s personal secretary, Lin Li, quietly observed Zhuzhu from beginning to end.

The resemblance was uncanny.

...

When the infant was first brought to Yongrui Village, her head couldn’t even stay upright for long. Zhao Wu couldn’t specify her exact birth date but told everyone she was already half a year old. Yet, compared to newborns in the village, this little baby looked no more than two months old.

They said the child’s name was Zhuzhu, which was engraved on the little gold lock around her neck.

Unlike other babies, Zhuzhu rarely cried. Her round face always smiled; her eyes curved like little crescent moons. She couldn’t speak yet; when she babbled, the “ee-ya-ya” sounds melted hearts. Her clothes were fine, made of delicate, soft fabric that highlighted her fair, tender skin. Many wondered how such a dainty girl could be Zhao Wu’s daughter—surely a mistake of fate, born to the wrong parents.

No one in this family liked Zhuzhu. Qin Meilan suspected she was a child from one of Zhao Wu’s affairs and would turn red with anger whenever she saw her, itching to pinch her. Zhao Wu’s mother refused to believe the child was found by her son but thought even if she was his, she was just a girl—nothing special.

Those days, the Zhao household was always in chaos. No one knew how Qin Meilan was eventually convinced, but she did accept the child.

Still, the baby Zhuzhu never experienced love or care as other children did. She was never carried around the village. Most times, the Zhao family left her on the bed, feeding her some rice cereal when hungry. Little Zhuzhu played alone, kicking her tiny feet in the middle of the bed.

Months later, the pretty crawling suits no longer fit and were discarded, replaced by hand-me-down clothes from neighbors.

When Zhuzhu learned to walk but still could not speak, kind villagers suggested Qin Meilan and the old lady take her to a large hospital. But Qin Meilan was pregnant then and too preoccupied with her own condition to care for Zhuzhu.

The village doctor couldn’t bear it and offered a free checkup. He said Zhuzhu had no physical issue with her tongue’s frenulum. Her speech delay was due to a stifling family atmosphere.

Parents are mirrors for their children. When the adults refuse to talk to her, how could the child learn?

Fortunately, Zhuzhu was resilient, with a natural vitality like a wildflower, slowly growing.

What followed, everyone, including netizens, soon knew.

By chance, a clip showing little Zhuzhu caught attention—not just from caring people but from her real family.

“Her family must be furious knowing she suffered so much.”

“No one should treat a child like this; she’s only three but endured three years of hardship!”

Fu Mingya and Ji Guoting heard these words clearly.

Three years had passed. Without the baby photo of Zhuzhu, they might hardly remember her face. Overwhelmed with emotion, they stepped toward her.

Zhuzhu didn’t recognize them.

Around her were many familiar faces—adults from the village who had watched her grow. Some had tears in their eyes; others glared angrily at Qin Meilan. Each person was happy for Zhuzhu.

Qin Meilan panicked completely and stepped forward, wiping Zhuzhu’s dirty face with the back of her hand. The last kick she gave had been hard; the child grimaced in pain, crying with a filthy face, looking like a little beggar. Qin Meilan smoothed back the fine stray hairs on Zhuzhu’s forehead and feigned concern.

“Did you get hurt from the fall?”

“Look at you, why didn’t you stand steady?”

“It’s okay, it’ll stop hurting after a little rubbing.”

Zhuzhu’s pants were hand-me-downs from a neighbor’s taller sister. The shorts looked like cropped pants on little Zhuzhu. Now sitting on the ground, the pants rode even higher, revealing her stubby legs with bruises from the fall.

Qin Meilan blew on the wound—an unusually gentle gesture.

Zhao Xiaojie, having never seen his mother act like this, puffed his cheeks in anger and pulled her away. He even tried to kick once more, asserting his position as the family’s little tyrant.

But before his leg could swing, a tall bodyguard grabbed him roughly and dragged him aside.

Grandma Zhao felt sorry for her grandson but dared not protest and beckoned him from afar.

By the time Qin Meilan registered what was happening, Fu Mingya had approached her.

She didn’t even know who this woman was but smiled ingratiatingly.

Fu Mingya’s face was cold as she brusquely pulled away Qin Meilan’s hand from Zhuzhu.

The police stepped forward to inform Qin Meilan and her mother-in-law, Ge Shucui, that they were suspects in a child trafficking case.

The two women screamed and protested ignorance but couldn’t shift blame to Zhao Wu. When they resisted fiercely, both hands were cuffed with metal handcuffs.

The snap of the cuffs drew Zhao Xiaojie's loud cries.

Some villagers who had suffered under Qin Meilan’s cruelty sneered, saying the “little young master” of the Zhao family was about to taste hardship.

His mother and grandmother were arrested, and police emphasized that Zhao Wu’s case would be handled by the Northern City police.

In the future, Zhao Xiaojie wouldn’t be doted on like a treasured gem—every cruel word Qin Meilan uttered toward Zhuzhu would boomerang back to her own child.

The Zhao family had spoiled their little tyrant, while the scolded servant girl became the true little lady—a satisfying irony.

“Don’t be afraid,” Ji Guoting told Zhuzhu. “The bad people have been taken away by the police.”

Fu Mingya remained silent.

When she lowered her eyes, they met Zhuzhu’s innocent gaze.

The child’s clear eyes were like mirrors. Through these eyes, so much like Ji Ning’s in childhood, Fu Mingya seemed to see a younger version of herself.

“Let’s go home,” Fu Mingya said. “Come home with us.”

Kind-hearted netizens who witnessed the scene couldn’t calm down for a long time, even after the drama ended, feeling this moment was worth every second.

Forum users stayed glued to the thread, watching this thrilling reunion unfold, calling it more exciting than prime-time dramas. Some doubted if it was a staged act by the enthusiastic original poster, Xiao Zhou.

But Yongrui Village was large and not closed off; lies would be exposed easily, especially since they had seen Xiao Zhou’s secret photos.

What kind of rural drama rents police cars and private jets?

“It should be true. My uncle works at the Public Security Bureau in Southern City. I heard there was a temporary mission this afternoon.”

“Impressive connections, take the mic!”

“So, is it really a Northern City wealthy family who took Zhuzhu? If so, I hope there will be updates.”

“The scene must have been so moving. I envy the sisters who were there.”

Xiao Zhou was a responsible poster. After everything settled, she returned to give a full update.

It was the final chapter of this reunion.

[Original poster: After thinking it over, I guess many friends still care about Zhuzhu, so I’m updating you all. First, the people who took Zhuzhu are probably really from a wealthy family. It’s clear the two elders have exceptional presence. But because of their strong aura, an ordinary person like me was afraid of legal trouble and didn’t dare take secret photos.]

[Original poster: Second, the reunion was dramatic, but if anyone thought it was more touching than prime-time soap operas, you might be disappointed... The two elders seemed experienced and calm, showing little emotion. As outsiders, it’s not appropriate to speculate further.]

[Original poster: Anyway, Zhuzhu has been taken home by her family. I believe they will care for her well. We are just fortunate, kind-hearted onlookers who don’t know what happens next, so no need to keep following us.]

With Xiao Zhou’s post and netizens’ blessings flooding the thread, the post came to an end.

Yet, everyone felt inexplicably unsatisfied and regretful.

Netizens continued to investigate whose child Zhuzhu really was, but no further news appeared online.

No one knew how the little sufferer now fared.

No, from now on, she shouldn’t be called a little sufferer anymore!

...

Issuing orders from on high and shutting down all news was Fu Mingya’s usual tactic.

Years ago, when she made a decree, no one knew why the engagement between the Ji and Ao families was broken off, nor that Ji Ning had a child out of wedlock who was kidnapped... even the parties involved were left clueless, mysteriously sent away from the center of the drama.

But this time was different.

Zhuzhu’s being taken home was reported across all online platforms—how could they cover that up?

Secretary Lin Li gently reminded Fu Mingya that no one could control the internet single-handedly.

“But the public only guesses the child is from a wealthy family.”

“You can rest assured; netizens’ attention lasts just minutes. Once the excitement cools, if there’s no response, they won’t dig deeper.”

“Besides, the online revelations haven’t exposed the Ji family’s identity, so it probably won’t reach—”

Lin Li, clever, swallowed the rest of her words.

Her gaze fell on Zhuzhu.

Never had she seen such an obedient child, following strangers away without shedding a single tear.

Was it inherited courage from her mother?

Zhuzhu kept staring at Fu Mingya.

Fu Mingya felt as if there were words written on her face and awkwardly touched her cheek, clearing her throat.

The little girl softly asked who they were.

In reality, the couple was still pondering whether to fabricate the child’s identity.

They remained silent, giving no answer until much later, when Fu Mingya finally spoke.

“You don’t know who we are, yet you still dare to come with us.”

...

That afternoon, Zhuzhu was taken by adults to the Public Security Bureau.

The police from Southern and Northern Cities cooperated on the case. After formalities, Fu Mingya and Ji Guoting brought the child home.

Lin Li accompanied them throughout, maintaining professionalism.

She was not used to children and didn’t know how to care for the little one, but the child was obedient and slept through the flight, making things easier.

Indeed, she was an adorable child; no wonder a single frame captured had so many netizens concerned.

When Zhuzhu awoke, night had fallen.

Her hair stuck up in a dazed tuft.

Even though money could smooth out the bumpy journey, it still took time and effort.

Zhuzhu seemed to be on a long journey.

She didn’t know where she was going. “Going home” was a word too unfamiliar.

The beautiful, luxurious car carrying her wound through yet another mountain road.

But this mountain road was very smooth, like a park from a TV show.

The car slowed to a stop.

Zhuzhu saw a huge, magnificent house—something she had never even seen on television.

Her eyes opened wide.

This looked like a castle.

In the silence, Lin Li pursed her lips.

Ms. Fu said Zhuzhu didn’t even know who they were but still dared to follow them. It wasn’t fair. The child was too young to make such choices.

Her heart ached.

The little lady was taken home, but she might be raised under control, like her mother—a hell disguised as paradise.

Fu Mingya said, “Lin Li, release a statement soon under the banner of charity. Yating Group will raise and care for this child.”

“I’ll handle it right away,” Lin Li replied.

Zhuzhu understood what adoption meant.

Qin Meilan had once said she wanted to abandon her at an orphanage, letting anyone take her.

Zhuzhu stumbled on her journey, abandoned and passed around...

Yet she never saw the mother she longed for most.

Ji Guoting said, “Let’s go inside.”

He opened the door of the “castle” before them.

It was already past midnight; everyone should be resting.

The living room was pitch dark; Lin Li reached out and switched on the light.

What a splendid castle.

The bright light illuminated everything, as if no secrets could hide.

When they saw Ji Ning, everyone was stunned, frozen in place.

Ji Ning’s return was meant to deliver a big surprise to her parents.

But at this moment, she was equally dumbfounded.

She looked at Zhuzhu as if seeing countless stories...

Stories that could not yet be connected.

Confusion and bewilderment filled her chest, yet she still wanted to approach.

A natural, bittersweet feeling.

Zhuzhu rubbed her eyes with her little hands.

Once, then again.

The little girl’s dim, sorrowful eyes shone brightly for the first time tonight.

Her eyes were so bright, glistening with tearful grievance.

She had walked such a long, long road.

Finally, Zhuzhu reached her mother’s side.