Li Lingyi was initially quite dismissive, thinking the first director was trying to scare them. Xia Guopeng was the deputy mayor — what kind of situations hadn't Li Lingyi seen with him? But in the end, after visiting six hospitals, the treatment and display of power still left her dumbfounded.
Even with the deputy mayor's immense influence, he absolutely couldn't control all the hospitals. So the person behind this must have even more power than Xia Guopeng.
And on that very day, good news came from Xia Guopeng. He had been competing with someone for the position of mayor, with little hope, but suddenly the situation reversed, and the leaders directly promoted him.
Xia Xingkong was also accepted into the dance troupe she had dreamed of for many years. It was worth noting that this troupe only accepted international-level dancers, and Xia Xingkong was the first to be admitted exceptionally.
The precondition for all these things to happen was that Xia Xingchen's child must be kept.
Evening.
After returning from the hospital, Xia Xingchen soaked in the bathtub, her thoughts in complete chaos.
Who exactly was that man with the surname Bai, that he wielded such immense power — able to easily control hospitals throughout the entire S Nation? Even controlling the future of everyone, including her father and herself?
Getting pregnant wasn't her choice, and even getting rid of the child wasn't up to her.
Since he wanted this child so much, then… did that mean that as long as she kept the child, sooner or later, he would reappear?
Thinking this, Xia Xingchen emerged from the water, exhaled heavily, and already had another plan in mind.
She really wanted to see who this mysterious man behind the scenes was. She had to get that slap back.
…Five-year dividing line…
Xia Xingchen had thought that the man would surely appear on the day she gave birth.
But she was disappointed.
No.
Five years passed. She had successfully graduated with a degree in foreign languages, found a good job at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and moved out of the Xia family home.
Dabai was already four years old, but that man had never appeared.
Not once.
Xia Xingchen gradually forgot about him. Now, she and her son relied on each other, living a simple and peaceful life. She only prayed that no one would suddenly appear to shatter this happiness. She was also grateful that she had given birth to the child back then.
Although she had faced many cold stares over the years, and her grandparents' hearts had completely turned to Xia Xingkong because of it, Xia Xingchen had never regretted it.
After work, she took out her key, opened the door, and entered the apartment. The little guy was leaning on the sofa, watching TV — and it was the particularly boring financial news channel again.
"Dabai, you're still a child. Can we watch something appropriate for kids? How about I change it to 'Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf'?"
"No way, that's for childish kids," Xia Dabai refused immediately.
"…" Xia Xingchen was hurt. She actually quite liked watching Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf, and now she was being called childish by a four-year-old.
"You're a childish child right now, so you should watch childish things. I'm changing it."
"All right, all right, you can change the channel. I know stupid Dabao can't understand the financial channel," Dabai obediently handed the remote to Xingchen.
"…" Xia Xingchen's lips twitched. She playfully slapped the back of his head. "Can you not crush my IQ? You're so annoying!"
Xia Xingchen felt like she had found a treasure when she gave birth to Xia Dabai.
Not only was he well-behaved, sensible, and obedient, he also knew he didn't have a father like other children but never cried or made a fuss. Moreover, this little guy had an extremely high IQ.
In short, he liked to tinker with things that even she didn't understand.
For example, messy numbers in finance, models from various aviation exhibitions, and some educational games made by TV stations were all child's play for him.
At first, Xia Xingchen felt extremely embarrassed when her intelligence was outshone by him, but after it happened so many times, she got used to it.
And taking this incredibly handsome little guy out in public made her feel incredibly proud. She also secretly arranged many childhood engagements for him.
"All right, Dabai, Mommy is going to change clothes and take you out to eat." Xia Xingchen patted the little one's head.
He waved his small hand. "Go, go!"
…
Xia Xingchen took a shower, changed out of her business suit, and chose a goose-yellow dress.
Although she was already the mother of a four-year-old, she was only twenty-three, in the prime of her youth. The goose-yellow was bright and suited her well, making her skin appear even fairer, like snow.
She tidied herself up and walked out of the room. In the living room, however, there was no sign of the child.
"Dabai?"
She called out, but heard no response.
"Xia Dabai, come out quickly. We're going to be late," Xingchen urged, pushing open the children's room door. But there was no one inside either.
The emptiness made her freeze for a moment.
For some reason, her heart suddenly sank, and an ominous premonition seized her. She quickly ran to the bathroom.
Empty.
Still empty.
"Dabai! Xia Dabai!" Xia Xingchen forced herself to stay calm, searching every corner where he might be hiding. "Dabai, come out quickly. This isn't the time to play hide-and-seek! If you don't come out, I'm going to get angry!"
She feigned anger, raising her voice, but it was slightly strained.
Usually, by this time, he would have come out already. But today…
No.
Xia Xingchen knew he was no longer in the house.
She rushed out in a hurry, searched the hallway, but found no trace of him.
She quickly pulled out her phone, ready to ask her mayor father for help.
"Xingchen, I just saw your Dabai!"
Before she could dial, the next-door neighbor rushed over.
Xia Xingchen felt like she had seen a savior and grabbed her hand. "Did you really see him? Where is he?"
"He just went downstairs. You should hurry and check. Several men in black carried him down."
Xia Xingchen's heart sank. She didn't even have time to say thank you before rushing off.
Could it be a kidnapping? But she wasn't rich. As a single mother, what valuable things did she have? The most valuable thing was Dabai.
Xia Xingchen ran down the stairs two steps at a time.
When she reached the entrance of the residential area, she saw more than a dozen cars lined up, parked at the gate. Each was a luxury vehicle, exuding an imposing aura.
The surrounding residents had never seen such a display before. They kept peering over, eager to get closer, but were held back by men in black. No one was allowed within fifty meters.
"Xingchen, your Dabai is in that car! They just carried him in!"
Someone pointed to the third black Bentley.