# 5
With Duan Baisui’s support, Ju Xiao was prepared to fight Rong Jin to the bitter end.
Previously, he had considered going to the police and making everything public, but his manager had warned him to know his place. The manager said that as long as Rong Jin wanted, public opinion would immediately shift direction. Going to the police would be useless, as the Rong family had many ways to silence him.
Besides, he had a young niece.
Ju Xiao became frightened. Unable to stand against such power, he had thought of taking his own life. He couldn’t bear to become that kind of person. He wrote a suicide note, made a will, and left all his property to his little niece—he simply couldn’t go on anymore.
He entrusted everything to Xiao Yuan, the only person he could trust. Fortunately, the perceptive young woman sensed something was wrong and rushed to his rental apartment that night, discovering his suicide attempt.
He hadn’t wanted to say anything initially. He knew that with Rong Jin’s background and commercial value, the company would definitely choose to sacrifice the pawn to save the king—and he was the one to be abandoned. The more he spoke, the worse his fate would be. He had no ability to terminate his contract, feared returning to the group, and was even more terrified of falling into Rong Jin’s hands.
But he hadn’t expected that Director Duan would personally look into his case. He helped transfer him to another hospital, assigned people to protect him, and even stepped in to manage public relations when public opinion was completely one-sided. He believed then that Director Duan would truly help him, rather than just convince him to let the matter drop.
“So, you actually have evidence?” Luo Yin sat at his bedside and asked seriously.
“Yes.” Ju Xiao leaned against the hospital bed, his face deathly pale.
“I have chat records and recordings… I secretly kept the packaging of the reagents and the syringes.”
He wasn’t a fool, but he clearly understood that with his power alone, even with substantial evidence, he might not be able to bring down Rong Jin. It was possible that halfway through the process, his little niece might be harmed. He couldn’t take that risk.
He had only wanted to use death to gain more attention and have the police investigate the matter.
Luo Yin nodded: “Later, the company will issue a statement using your account and display all the evidence one by one. You just focus on recovering; don’t worry about anything else.”
“Xiao Ying, she…” Ju Xiao hesitated.
“I’ve already communicated with the school. Recently, Xiao Yuan will pick her up, and the teachers will take extra care of her. There will be people following to protect her. Don’t worry.”
Ju Xiao got out of bed and bowed to Luo Yin: “Thank you, Assistant Luo.”
Luo Yin was about the same age as him. After learning of his experience, his fists had clenched in anger, but as a mere assistant, he couldn’t provide much help. Fortunately, Director Duan was tough-minded and willing to oppose the company’s senior management rather than suppress the matter.
Luo Yin quickly helped Ju Xiao up and said: “No need to thank me. These are all Director Duan’s instructions.”
Ju Xiao’s eyes immediately reddened, and he said: “Please convey my thanks to Director Duan on my behalf.”
_
At two in the afternoon, Ju Xiao’s account posted a long article.
He recounted the inhuman treatment he had endured over the years and released some recordings and chat records that were truly appalling. The internet exploded with reactions.
Rong Jin’s fans were combative and numerous. Some claimed the chat records were photoshopped, while others questioned why someone would record phone calls between friends, suggesting ulterior motives. They unconditionally believed their idol.
Soon after, behind-the-scenes footage from the TV drama “Sleepless” was released. It was an idol drama produced by the company for their group. There was a scene where Ju Xiao’s character had a conflict with teammate Meng Cheng’s character and fell into water. The footage clearly showed Meng Cheng repeatedly kicking Ju Xiao into the water, claiming either his posture was wrong or his emotions weren’t right. In the dead of winter, Ju Xiao was soaking wet, yet still had to smile and cooperate.
Shortly after, extras and supporting actors from the drama also posted, confirming the situation. One said they couldn’t understand how those three became famous. On set, they never spoke to Ju Xiao, claiming he had a contagious disease. The three would go out to eat together but never included Ju Xiao, and would even spit in his boxed meals when they returned. Yet once in front of the camera, they would pretend to be close brothers—disgusting.
Duan Baisui scrolled through the comments, watching more and more onlookers condemn the other three members of the TR boy band. The term “bullying” shot to the top of the trending searches.
Just then, Duan Baisui’s phone rang. Looking at the caller ID, he saw it was Duan Yan calling.
He quickly answered: “Dad.”
Duan Yan’s tired voice showed impatience: “What’s going on with Rong Jin? That old fool Rong Lin keeps calling me, asking me to do him a favor and let Rong Jin off the hook.”
Duan Baisui briefly explained Ju Xiao’s situation, highlighting the key points, and also relayed the opinions of other company executives.
Duan Yan laughed coldly: “I was wondering why he was blowing up my phone. Let his son sit in jail for a while. I can’t believe this.”
“Just do what you think is right. Those people in the company, what are they good for? I have absolute controlling interest. You’re in charge now. Meetings are just to inform them, not for them to point fingers.”
“If Rong Lin dares to give you trouble, I’ll make him bankrupt when I get back!”
“What are you saying?” Xu Yi’s gentle rebuke sounded, and then he took the phone, his voice soft: “Alex.”
Others said Director Xu had thunderous methods, even more ruthless than Chairman Duan.
But in Duan Baisui’s eyes, Xu Yi was a gentle father.
From childhood to adulthood, Xu Yi had never raised his voice to him. He was very patient in teaching him principles. Perhaps Omegas were inherently gentle.
“Dad, are you feeling better?” Duan Baisui asked with concern.
“Much better, don’t worry,” Xu Yi said gently. “You’ve been working hard lately.”
Duan Baisui: “It’s not hard. It’s what I should be doing.”
“Your father and I haven’t been keeping up with the news here, so we didn’t know such a big issue had happened at the company. Your father may be a bit exaggerated, but he’s not wrong. Do as you see fit and don’t worry about the rest.”
“I understand, Dad.”
“By the way, how are things between you and Nian Nian lately?” Xu Yi asked.
Duan Baisui answered formally: “Quite good.”
“I saw his social media post the other day. You were celebrating his birthday with him.” Xu Yi laughed softly. “That’s good. Make more time to be with him. Work is important, but marriage also needs time to maintain. Don’t let your Omega feel neglected.”
“Is he talking about me? Is he talking about me?” Duan Yan shouted in the background.
Xu Yi: “I’m talking to our son.”
Duan Yan: “Isn’t that meant for me to hear?”
When Xu Yi was sick, Duan Yan had been traveling for business.
So he learned the news rather late.
He felt very guilty, believing his long absence had contributed to Xu Yi’s illness.
But in all honesty, he was only gone for a week.
Hearing his two fathers start to bicker again, Duan Baisui said resignedly: “Dad, please rest well. I have to go now.”
After ending the call, Duan Baisui inexplicably checked Zuo Nian’s social media.
Ten minutes ago, Zuo Nian had posted a new update.
A photo of a small cat crouching in a cardboard box. The cat was dirty, its fur wet and curly, thin and small, with poor spirit.
Caption: Is anyone interested in adopting a cat? It’s very well-behaved and friendly. I’ll bathe it and get it vaccinated. If interested, please contact me.
Duan Baisui had a feeling this cat probably wouldn’t be given away.
_
Coming home early that afternoon, when Duan Baisui opened the door, he saw Zuo Nian’s bag and coat placed on the sofa.
No one was in the living room or kitchen.
He searched upstairs and found only the door to the first room on the second floor slightly ajar. That room was originally reserved as a nursery.
However, since they had no such plans in the near future, the room remained empty.
Through the gap, Duan Baisui saw Zuo Nian’s figure crouching down.
Before he could push the door open, he heard Zuo Nian talking to himself: “You can hide here for now, okay? Be very quiet. This is brother’s home, and you can only stay if he agrees.”
“Brother is a reasonable person. He let Nian Nian stay, so he should let you stay too.”
Duan Baisui’s hand on the doorknob relaxed.
Coming out of the bedroom after changing clothes, he ran into Zuo Nian.
The latter was clearly startled, letting out a short cry before calming down.
“Brother, when did you come home?” Zuo Nian asked, still shaken.
Duan Baisui: “Just now.”
“Then, then I’ll go make dinner right away.” Zuo Nian, feeling guilty, couldn’t look at him.
“No need,” Duan Baisui stopped him. “I ordered food. It will arrive soon.”
“Oh.”
Duan Baisui glanced at the nursery door and went downstairs.
Zuo Nian followed closely behind him like a little tail.
The living room was quiet. Duan Baisui sat on the sofa and casually said: “I saw your post looking for someone to adopt a cat. Did you find someone?”
Zuo Nian stood beside him, fidgeting with his fingers: “No…”
“They said it’s just a common cat, not pretty, but Nian Nian thinks it’s very cute…”
Saying this, Zuo Nian paused, raising his eyes to secretly observe Duan Baisui’s expression.
When their gazes met, Zuo Nian lowered his head in panic, his exposed ears turning red.
“So no one wants it?” Duan Baisui asked.
“Yes…” Zuo Nian responded softly, then summoned his courage: “It’s very cold outside. It might die, so brother, can we keep it? It’s very docile and eats very little. Nian Nian can give up drinking milk and switch to goat milk powder for it. It won’t eat much.”
Duan Baisui: …
Zuo Nian wasn’t deliberately trying to gain Duan Baisui’s sympathy.
Rather, his experiences at the orphanage made him feel this was how things should be.
Back then, the food distributed to them was scarce, and they wouldn’t get more even if it wasn’t enough.
He had encountered stray cats and dogs at the orphanage too.
To feed them, he could only save from his own rations.
This was the education Zuo Nian had received.
When leaving the orphanage, the director had told him to be grateful, moderate, and not greedy or take advantage of others.
He always remembered this.
Now he wanted to keep the cat, and he was using Duan Baisui’s home, so logically and ethically, the cat’s food should come from his share.
Duan Baisui looked at him and asked: “Has it been bathed?”
“Yes,” Zuo Nian nodded. “And vaccinated.”
Duan Baisui: “Then it can stay.”
“Really?” Zuo Nian couldn’t believe it.
He hadn’t expected Duan Baisui to be so agreeable.
“Mm.”
“Brother is the best!” Zuo Nian cheered, forgetting himself and rushing to hug Duan Baisui tightly. “Nian Nian loves brother the most.”
Duan Baisui hadn’t anticipated such a strong reaction and stiffened his back, not knowing how to respond.
After his joy subsided, Zuo Nian finally realized he had crossed a boundary.
Since becoming adults, this was the first time they had been so intimate.
He slowly released his arms and backed away step by step.
Duan Baisui’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes looking at him as calm as water.
He didn’t seem to want to fault him for this impropriety, nor did he want to respond to his enthusiasm.
Zuo Nian felt a sinking sensation in his heart. He couldn’t describe what was wrong, but it was painful.
It made it hard for him to breathe.
“I, I’ll go upstairs to check on the cat,” Zuo Nian broke the awkwardness.
Duan Baisui lowered his eyelashes and, as usual, didn’t say much: “Mm.”
When Zuo Nian reached the stairs, he couldn’t help but look back.
Duan Baisui was looking down at his phone, appearing very busy.
He finally realized that his married life with Duan Baisui was different from others.
At least, Fat Dad and Pretty Dad weren’t like this, and neither were Xu Dad and Duan Dad.
They would naturally embrace and kiss each other before going out.
But he and Duan Baisui didn’t.
Zuo Nian’s fingers clutched the stair railing.
He thought he still had much to learn.
