Can't Think of a Chapter Title

"Good evening, my child." Shen Ziqing bent down. His smiling eyes rested on Shen Ranxin's, yet carried a chilling coldness. "Given the situation, you should be able to guess what happened, right? You've always been a clever child."

Shen Ranxin glanced at the child Shen Ziqing held effortlessly in his hand. His trembling hands clenched the clothes at his sides as he slowly knelt down. "Dad, I know I was wrong. Please don't hurt Little Seven or Mom. I'll behave and listen to you from now on."

Shen Ziqing tossed Shen Qi aside and crouched down to meet Shen Ranxin's gaze. "I caught your little companion in the villa's backyard. He told me about your plan. He wanted to use you to stall me while he escaped on his own. Even someone like that, you're willing to plead for?"

Shen Ranxin pressed his lips together. "He just didn't want to get hurt. He didn't do anything wrong."

Shen Ziqing was silent for a long time. Confusion showed in his eyes, as though Shen Ranxin's indecision and kindness were beyond comprehension. He had never taught Shen Ranxin such things.

"You're just like your mother, weak in a way that disgusts me." Shen Ziqing sighed. "You were supposed to be my perfect heir. What a pity. Your mother's genes tainted you."

Shen Ranxin lowered his head without speaking.

Shen Ziqing snorted coldly, but moments later, he suddenly laughed. "Fine. Since Little Seven chose betrayal, he should bear the consequences of failed betrayal, shouldn't he?"

Shen Qi grabbed Shen Ranxin's hand and hurriedly said, "Young Master, didn't you say you'd protect me? Didn't you say you wouldn't let me get hurt? I don't want them to remove my gland. Please save me!"

Shen Ranxin looked at the companion who had grown up with