Chapter 26: Information on Other Cubs

"I am merely a bird that has lost its freedom," Qiao Yiran said sorrowfully, sitting with her arms wrapped around her legs and her chin resting on her knees. Her eyes were filled with a longing for the world outside.

Jiang Liwu was stunned for a moment. In a trance, she saw the shadow of Mother Wei in Qiao Yiran. The last time she had seen Mother Wei, she had transformed into a free bird; yet, tragically, the wings of this bird had long since been bloodily broken. Thus, when she tried to fly, her fate was destined to be a fall into the abyss.

The image of Mother Wei falling to her death surfaced in her mind, and Jiang Liwu frowned. "I will make Xiaofeng let you go."

Qiao Yiran’s eyes widened, her reaction somewhat intense. "Wei Xifeng will not let me leave. On this matter, he will never listen to you." She emphasized this as if she were convincing herself.

"Although Xiaofeng’s personality is somewhat paranoid and irritable, he is not entirely unreasonable." With that, Jiang Liwu walked away.

Watching Jiang Liwu’s retreating figure, Qiao Yiran gritted her teeth. She felt flustered, anxious, and annoyed. She had already told her that Wei Xifeng would not let her go; why was Jiang Liwu wasting her effort on such futility?

Would Wei Xifeng really not listen to Jiang Liwu? In truth, having witnessed Wei Xifeng’s attitude toward Jiang Liwu time and time again, even Qiao Yiran could not be one hundred percent certain.

...

Beyond learning about the eldest, Fu Siyue, from Wei Xifeng, Jiang Liwu had also gathered information about the other children.

The second, Si Mocheng, had inherited the family business and was the true head of the Si Group, with the main office located in the bustling city center.

The third, Yan Wenyu, had become a world-renowned superstar and an international film emperor, constantly flying all over the globe.

The fifth, Yu Zaiyan, was the heir to a medical conglomerate. A genius since childhood, he had conquered numerous century-old problems in the medical field as an adult, becoming known as the man closest to god. Countless powerful figures begged for his services.

The sixth, Cui Yunye, had led the most bitter life. He had relied on his grandmother, who made a living collecting scraps, since childhood. Later, when his grandmother passed away, the small boy became a complete orphan. Fortunately, he was doing well now, having started a gaming company.

However, all the children shared one common trait: they were exceptionally busy—so busy they were rarely seen, and they seldom contacted one another, let alone gathered together.

Therefore, if Jiang Liwu wanted to see them, she would have to do it one by one.

When Wei Xifeng saw that Jiang Liwu had diverted her attention and focus after learning about the others, he became incredibly jealous.

He tried desperately to capture Jiang Liwu's heart and mind, insisting that she accompany him in everything he did.

Work required her presence, yet some business collaborations were inseparable from Si Mocheng.

Watching television or movies had to be done with her, but as soon as he turned it on, it would be a film starring Yan Wenyu. Changing the channel would only lead to a high-end luxury commercial featuring him. He even had to endure Jiang Liwu praising Yan Wenyu for being handsome and talented, marveling at how the little milk-baby had grown into an ascetic, peerless heartthrob, and expressing pride in seeing Yan Wenyu stand on the world stage as such a dazzling presence.

Finally, at mealtime, Wei Xifeng suggested going out without delay. Jiang Liwu promptly stood up, leaving the film starring Yan Wenyu behind; she had no resistance to the joy of fine dining.

Seeing this, Wei Xifeng was finally happy. He smoothly turned off the screen displaying Yan Wenyu’s face, only to realize that the car they took was developed by Fu Siyue, and the restaurant they arrived at was a chain under Si Mocheng’s enterprise.

Because Jiang Liwu had a strong palate—loving spicy, sweet, and meaty foods—and because she was eating somewhat defiantly, wanting to try everything, Wei Xifeng ended up suffering from internal heat. Jiang Liwu advised him not to push himself and not to cater to her too much, but he refused to listen. Consequently, he ended up taking anti-inflammatory and detoxifying medication, and a small red bump sprouted on his forehead. Fortunately, his hair covered it, sparing his good looks, but the medicine and acne cream he used were all patented by Yu Zaiyan.

Wei Xifeng: "..." Dammit, it felt like he was being haunted by something filthy. :)

He turned away and, while Jiang Liwu wasn’t looking, threw the medicine and cream away.

He was caught red-handed by Jiang Liwu.

Jiang Liwu looked at him with her arms crossed, as if watching a naughty, stubborn child. "Xiaofeng, do you not like the taste of the medicine or the cream?"

Wei Xifeng: "Yeah." Could he say he disliked Yu Zaiyan even more?

Jiang Liwu: "But this is the only way to get better, you know? You cannot be this willful next time."

Wei Xifeng lowered his head and behaved.

Jiang Liwu ruffled his hair and smiled at him.

Feeling frustrated, Wei Xifeng chose to play video games with Jiang Liwu to relax, only to find that every game they played was made by Cui Yunye’s company.

Most egregious of all, Jiang Liwu became obsessed with the most popular game currently under Cui Yunye’s company: *Dawn’s Promise*.

Wei Xifeng felt as if his home had been invaded while he was still inside. His expression was as gloomy as ink, dark as the bottom of a pot, and the veins on his forehead throbbed rhythmically.

However, Wei Xifeng turned his head to look at Jiang Liwu, who was wearing headphones and focusing on operating her game character. A smile of quiet, peaceful contentment unconsciously curled at the corners of his mouth. Having Jiang Liwu by his side felt wonderful; having family by his side felt truly, exceptionally good.

Every second and every minute was no longer so difficult to endure, no longer so lonely. Time had warmth.

In the past, it was always Qiao Yiran who accompanied him in various things, and only under his unquestionable coercion would she reluctantly force a smile to stay by his side.

For three years, Wei Xifeng had grown accustomed to having Qiao Yiran accompany him, accustomed to her staying within his territory and his line of sight.

But over these past few days, he had almost forgotten that Qiao Yiran existed.

It wasn't until night fell that Qiao Yiran appeared in his room wearing a thin, white spaghetti-strap dress. He had just stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist.

Because his hair was still wet, small droplets of water trickled down his untamed, ink-colored locks, falling onto his well-defined, wild-looking muscles.

Qiao Yiran felt a sudden rush of heat; her face flushed, her heart hammered, and her breath hitched again and again.

She had always known Wei Xifeng had a great physique—188 centimeters tall, broad shoulders, narrow waist, and an eight-pack. Yet, every time she saw him, she still felt shy, especially when paired with such a handsome, chiseled face. He was truly the object of every young girl’s dreams.

Qiao Yiran bit her lip, staring in a daze.

Wei Xifeng’s cold, stern gaze swept over Qiao Yiran, and he frowned impatiently. "Do you need something?"

Qiao Yiran snapped out of her trance. She had not forgotten her purpose. "About my father’s matter, could you please help me?"

"I beg you." These words seemed difficult to utter. Qiao Yiran bit her lip so hard that her fingers, clutching her dress, turned white.