A Mountain Climb; Huanhuan's Parentage

The next morning, Fu Yanzhi got up early. After washing up, he went downstairs and made some simple sandwiches, warmed some milk, and left two days' worth of food for Meteor. Once everything was ready, he went upstairs to wake his younger brothers.

Neither Xingxing nor Huanhuan lingered in bed today, because their eldest brother had said he would take them mountain climbing. The four little ones quickly washed up and went downstairs to eat.

Bo Qing and Wen Shiming had already finished eating and started carrying the things they needed for the climb to the car. Once they were done, Fu Yanzhi checked everything carefully again. Seeing that nothing was missing, the family set off for the mountain.

Xingxing had brought his singing equipment in the car and began performing for everyone. "The dark, dark sky hangs low, the bright, bright stars follow, fireflies fly, fireflies fly, who are you longing for, the stars in the sky are shedding tears."

When Xingxing finished, everyone burst into a round of enthusiastic applause. Xingxing blew his brothers a kiss, making them all laugh.

Seeing how well Xingxing had performed, Huanhuan and Xiaoxiao refused to be outdone. They picked up a little toy as a microphone and sang the cheerful Ultraman theme song. Their babyish voices and adorable movements made everyone rock with laughter.

Yueyue borrowed his third brother's phone, opened the piano simulator game on it, and began playing a piece he had recently learned for his older and younger brothers. Everyone applauded.

Seeing his younger brothers take turns performing, Wen Shiming thought that, as their older brother, how could he not perform too? "You're always full of hope, living each day strong and warm. How many endless nights, how much endless darkness failed to swallow you? How many hardships, how many times your face was covered in tears? How many times you waited, how many times the dawn never came."

Everyone was stunned when they heard their third brother's voice. How had he managed to sing without hitting a single note? Huanhuan and Xingxing silently covered their ears.

When Wen Shiming finished, he looked at everyone proudly, expecting applause. Instead, he was met with silence, and the sight of Huanhuan and Xingxing holding back their laughter stood out all the more.

Fu Yanzhi fought back a laugh and clapped his hands. "Third brother, your courage is commendable."

Yueyue put down the phone and said with a perfectly serious face, "Third brother, I think you're better suited to being in the audience."

The car erupted in laughter. Wen Shiming's face flushed bright red, and he pretended to be angry. "Don't underestimate me. When we climb the mountain later, I'll definitely be the first to reach the top."

Huanhuan chimed in with his babyish voice, "Third brother, you can't sing, and you might not be able to climb a mountain either." Everyone laughed even harder, filling the car with a cheerful atmosphere.

Bo Qing pressed his lips together to suppress a smile. "It's all right, third brother. You sang well. Your second brother recorded the song you just sang. It's right here in my little lamp."

Hearing that, Wen Shiming immediately took Bo Qing's hand. "Second brother, you're the best. Unlike them, you know how to appreciate my talent. If you like it, I'll sing for you every day from now on."

Bo Qing's smile vanished at once. "No need, third brother. Please, give it a rest. If I had to listen every day, you wouldn't have a second brother anymore."

Wen Shiming hurriedly asked, "Second brother, what do you mean by that?"

Feng Yunxiao cheekily added, "Third brother, he means your singing is deadly."

Everyone burst out laughing. The scenery outside the windows kept changing, and the family's laughter filled the car. Before long, they reached the foot of the mountain. As soon as they got out, fresh air rushed over them, and the four little ones jumped up and down with excitement.

Seeing that everyone was ready, Fu Yanzhi led them up the mountain. Along the way, they saw all kinds of flowers and trees and even came across some little squirrels. Huanhuan grabbed Xingxing and hurried up ahead, wanting to get a better look at them.

From behind, Bo Qing called for Huanhuan and Xingxing to slow down and not hurt themselves. Xingxing and Huanhuan laughed and called back from ahead, "We won't, second brother."

By the time they reached the halfway point, everyone was a little tired, so they found a flat spot to rest. Bo Qing and Wen Shiming took out the fruit and snacks they had brought and handed them around.

After resting for a while, they continued toward the summit. Fu Yanzhi could see that the four little ones were too tired to climb any farther, so he picked up Xingxing and Yueyue, one in each arm, and asked their third brother to carry Xiaoxiao and their second brother to carry Huanhuan. They walked on for a while.

At last, they reached the summit. Looking down at the beautiful scenery below, everyone in the family wore a smile of happiness.

Fu Yanzhi noticed someone selling ice cream nearby, so he went over and bought one for each of his brothers. As soon as Huanhuan and Xingxing saw the ice cream, they rushed over and began eating it in great mouthfuls.

Watching his brothers gobble it down, Fu Yanzhi smiled. "There's no rush. Eat slowly."

Xingxing and Huanhuan nodded, but their mouths never stopped moving.

Fu Yanzhi shook his head helplessly. "Second brother, rest here with the others for a while. I'll go book the rooms."

Bo Qing nodded, and Fu Yanzhi went to book the rooms. When he entered the inn, he saw a familiar face at the front desk: Li Ao.

Fu Yanzhi went over and greeted him. "Brother Li, what a coincidence. You're here too?"

Li Ao smiled when he saw Fu Yanzhi approach. "Yes, it is quite a coincidence. The boss suddenly said he wanted to climb the mountain this morning, so he sent me ahead to book the rooms."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Li Ao, Fu Yanzhi began checking in.

Once he had finished, Fu Yanzhi returned to the mountaintop and told Bo Qing and Wen Shiming that he had run into Li Ao. Everyone looked troubled. None of them liked Ji Jinming. If it weren't for him, their eldest brother would never have gone to Harbor City or been injured.

Wen Shiming said in bewilderment, "Eldest brother, why do we keep running into them? It's so annoying."

Bo Qing patted his shoulder. "All right, third brother, stop complaining. We came out to have fun, so let's be happy. Come on, let's head down. Once we're down, how about we have barbecue?"

At the mention of barbecue, everyone immediately perked up, and the four little ones cheered and jumped for joy. They packed up their things and started down the mountain. They had only reached the halfway point when they ran into Ji Jinming and his group coming up.

When Ji Jinming saw Fu Yanzhi and the others, he deliberately made his eyes look pleasantly surprised. "Oh, what a coincidence, Mr. Fu."

Fu Yanzhi nodded coldly, with no intention of exchanging pleasantries.

But Ji Jinming continued, "Mr. Fu, you've brought your brothers out for a trip today too? Why don't we go together?"

Wen Shiming already found him annoying, and the suggestion that they go together annoyed him even more. He flared up and was about to lose his temper when Bo Qing stopped him.

Then Fu Yanzhi smiled and said, "We won't be joining you, Boss Ji. My brothers are a little hungry, so I'll take them to eat first. Please excuse us."

Ji Jinming was about to reply when Huanhuan suddenly shouted, "Big meanie, don't follow us! We're all sick of you!"

Everyone froze, and then Ji Jinming's expression turned ugly. Fu Yanzhi hurriedly picked Huanhuan up. "Be good. Don't talk nonsense."

He then led his family around Ji Jinming's group and quickly down the mountain.

Ji Jinming watched them leave and could only shake his head helplessly. He had wanted to spend more time with his son, but instead, his son had scolded him again.

Meanwhile, Fu Yanzhi took his brothers to a barbecue restaurant, ready to enjoy their time together.

At the restaurant, the four little ones excitedly picked out their favorite ingredients. Before long, the table was covered with skewers, chicken wings, potato slices, and more. Fu Yanzhi took charge of grilling while his brothers feasted beside him. The atmosphere was very harmonious.

But just then, Ji Jinming actually arrived at the same restaurant with his people. He walked straight over to Fu Yanzhi's table. "Mr. Fu, it seems we really are fated to meet. You don't mind if I sit here and eat with you, do you?"

Before Fu Yanzhi could speak, Huanhuan puffed out his cheeks and shouted, "You're bothering us again! You're not welcome here!"

Ji Jinming stood there awkwardly, his face turning green and then white.

Wen Shiming snorted. "Boss Ji, you should find somewhere else. We're not in the mood to eat with you."

Ji Jinming gritted his teeth, but the words he wanted to say stuck in his throat. In the end, he could only walk away helplessly.

Fu Yanzhi raised an eyebrow in puzzlement but didn't think much of it. The family continued enjoying their barbecue, and laughter echoed through the restaurant once more.

After lunch, Fu Yanzhi told his brothers to go back to their rooms and get some rest with an afternoon nap. They would go soak in the hot springs together that evening.

His brothers cheerfully agreed and returned to their rooms for their naps.

Fu Yanzhi returned to his room and lay on the bed. He kept feeling that Ji Jinming was acting strangely. It's as if he's deliberately trying to get close to me. There's something very wrong with him. Looks like I'll have to watch out for him from now on.

While Fu Yanzhi was thinking, someone suddenly knocked on his door. He got out of bed and opened it. Once the door was open, he saw who it was: Ji Jinming.

Fu Yanzhi said coldly, "Boss Ji, what brings you here?"

Ji Jinming said awkwardly, "Mr. Fu, could we talk inside?"

Fu Yanzhi nodded. "Come in, then, Boss Ji."

After coming in, Ji Jinming sat down on a chair, took a document from his bag, and handed it to Fu Yanzhi. "Mr. Fu, please look at what's inside."

Fu Yanzhi said nothing and opened the document. Inside was a paternity test stating that Li Huanhuan and Ji Jinming had a ninety-nine percent blood relationship. Fu Yanzhi's eyes widened, and he looked at Ji Jinming in disbelief.

Ji Jinming gave a bitter laugh. "I only found Huanhuan and learned he was my son a while ago. Mr. Fu, I'm asking you to give Huanhuan back to me."

Fu Yanzhi was silent for a long time, his heart filled with a jumble of emotions. Huanhuan had always been the younger brother he cherished most, and he found it hard to accept that a biological father had suddenly appeared.

Fu Yanzhi said coldly, "Give him back to you? How do you have the nerve to say that? If you loved him, why was he in an orphanage? Why did he end up in the hands of human traffickers? Tell me why!"

"Now that I've taken good care of him, you want him back. I'm telling you, that's impossible." Fu Yanzhi threw the document straight into the trash.

Ji Jinming's face was pale. "I understand, Mr. Fu. I can keep our relationship private for now, but please let me spend more time with him as a friend. Is that all right? I don't expect him to acknowledge me. I only want him to be happy."

Fu Yanzhi sneered. "Don't you think what you're saying is ridiculous? You chose to abandon Huanhuan back then, so why are you looking for him now? You can get lost."

Ji Jinming hurriedly explained, "I didn't abandon Huanhuan. I never once thought of abandoning him. He was taken away by my enemies. I searched for him for many years, and it wasn't until last month that I heard news of him in Luo City."

"You have nothing but your word. How am I supposed to believe you?" Fu Yanzhi said.

Ji Jinming pulled several photos from his bag. They were all of children he had found over the years, but none of them had been Huanhuan. There was also a photo of Skinny after he had been killed.

Fu Yanzhi picked up the photo of Skinny and asked, "You found those human traffickers? Did you take care of all of them? Why is Skinny the only one here?"

Ji Jinming said sternly, "Skinny had already gone mad by the time the people I sent caught him. The others are hiding deep, and I've been sending people after them. They dared lay a hand on my son. I'll grind their bones to dust and scatter their ashes."

Looking at Ji Jinming, Fu Yanzhi finally nodded. "All right. You can come see Huanhuan, but don't let him notice anything unusual."

Ji Jinming thanked him repeatedly, then got up and left. After seeing him out, Fu Yanzhi lay on the bed, unsure whether his decision was right or wrong.

That evening, the family went to the hot spring area. Huanhuan skipped along the whole way, and Fu Yanzhi watched him with mixed feelings. When they arrived, the four little ones excitedly rushed into the hot spring pool. Ji Jinming watched from a distance, his eyes full of affection.

Huanhuan was having fun when he suddenly spotted Ji Jinming. His little brows drew together, and he shouted, "Big meanie, why are you following us again?"

Ji Jinming was a little embarrassed and was just about to explain when Fu Yanzhi walked over and said gently, "Huanhuan, this is Uncle Ji. He's a good friend of mine, so speak nicely to him."

Huanhuan pouted and nodded reluctantly, but continued to watch Ji Jinming warily.

Just then, Xingxing secretly ran up behind Huanhuan and gave his shorts a hard tug, pulling them straight down. Before Huanhuan could react, his shorts were gone, exposing his baby elephant. Huanhuan hurriedly covered himself.

Huanhuan's face turned red at once, and he called Xingxing bad. Xingxing, meanwhile, doubled over laughing and shouted, "Huanhuan's got a bare butt!"

The others joined in the laughter. The atmosphere in the hot spring pool suddenly became cheerful and chaotic.

Seeing this, Ji Jinming hurriedly turned his face away, trying not to make Huanhuan feel embarrassed.

Fu Yanzhi was both amused and exasperated. He quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped it around Huanhuan, then gently scolded Xingxing. "Xingxing, you can't be so naughty. You have to respect your younger brother."

Xingxing stuck out his tongue, his smile fading a little.

Wrapped in the towel, Huanhuan glared at Xingxing in a huff and chased after him. Seeing Huanhuan coming, Xingxing hurriedly ran away.

Watching their younger brothers play, Wen Shiming and Bo Qing couldn't help doubling over with laughter. Amid the happy voices, warm steam spread over the hot spring pool, as though driving away all their troubles.

Ji Jinming watched the heartwarming scene, his heart full of envy.

But the pleasant moment was interrupted by an angry roar. "All of you, stop!"

A burly man with a face full of coarse flesh rushed out from a corner of the hot spring area. He pointed at Fu Yanzhi and the others, his eyes wide with rage. "You little brats are making such a racket! Can't anyone have a peaceful soak?"

Fu Yanzhi hurried forward with an apologetic smile. "We're terribly sorry. We'll quiet down right away."

But the man refused to let it go. "You think an apology is enough? You'd better give me an explanation today! Bring those two little brats over here to apologize."

Huanhuan and Xingxing were frightened by the man's ferocious appearance. They wanted to go to their eldest brother, but the man blocked their way. He roared, "Apologize to me, now! Hurry up, you little brats!"

Trembling, Xingxing and Huanhuan said, "We're sorry, uncle. We shouldn't have been so loud."

After apologizing, Xingxing and Huanhuan thought they could leave, but the man grabbed Huanhuan's hand so hard that his tender skin turned red.

"Did I say you could leave? Say it to me again," the man said.

Wen Shiming frowned and was about to lose his temper when Fu Yanzhi kicked out. "Apologize, my ass. You're asking for death." With that kick, Fu Yanzhi sent the man into the hot spring.

When the man's friends saw him getting beaten, they rushed forward to help. Ji Jinming flexed his wrists and joined the fight, taking them down with one punch each.

Fu Yanzhi, meanwhile, was straddling the man and beating him. As he hit him, he said, "You really think you're somebody just because I didn't beat you up? You fucking idiot, you're asking for death."

The hot spring area descended into chaos, and the four little ones burst into tears at the sudden commotion. Bo Qing hurriedly shielded his younger brothers behind him, calling out for them not to be afraid. Although the man had plenty of friends, both Fu Yanzhi and Ji Jinming were skilled fighters, and the others couldn't gain the upper hand.

Hearing the commotion, the hot spring staff hurried over. When they saw the chaos, they shouted, "Stop fighting! If you keep this up, we'll call the police!" At the mention of the police, both sides stopped.

The man climbed out of the hot spring and said viciously, "Just you wait. This isn't over! I'm calling Brother Wang right now."

Fu Yanzhi snorted. "I'd like to see what you can do."

The man called the Brother Wang he had mentioned. It took a long time for the call to connect, and Brother Wang said impatiently from the other end, "Man, what happened again?"

The man told Brother Wang what had happened to him, and Brother Wang told him to hand the phone to the other party.

Ji Jinming took the phone and said calmly, "Hello, Brother Wang. I hope to see you at the Ji Family Mansion tomorrow."

At the mention of the Ji Family Mansion, Brother Wang panicked, but he still forced himself to sound calm. "What's your name, that you dare talk to me like that?"

"Ji Jinming. I hope to see you tomorrow," Ji Jinming said coldly.

When the person on the other end heard that it was Ji Jinming, he panicked completely and shouted, "President Ji, I don't know him! Really, this has nothing to do with me!"

"I don't care. I just want results tomorrow." Ji Jinming then hung up.

Without so much as glancing at the man, he took Fu Yanzhi and the others away, leaving the man and his friends standing there alone.

After the matter was settled, the family returned to their rooms to rest. Fu Yanzhi sat on the edge of the bed, thinking about how to tell Huanhuan about it.

Just then, there was a soft knock at the door. When he opened it, it was Ji Jinming again. He held a small toy and said carefully, "Mr. Fu, this is a gift I got for Huanhuan. I saw that idiot frightened him today, so I got him a present. Sorry for the trouble, but could you give it to him?"

Fu Yanzhi took the gift and, seeing how sincere Ji Jinming looked, smiled. "All right, Mr. Ji."