Now nearly fifty years old, Song Qingwan no longer planned to remarry, nor was it appropriate for her to have children. She was used to her solitary life, so she simply continued acting as both father and mother to Lu Junhan, constantly urging him to settle down and get married whenever the chance arose.
Lu Junhan remained impassive. He flicked the conversational ball right back at her:
"Then go to an orphanage and adopt one. What kind of grandson are you looking for? If you get tired of playing with him, just change to another one. Isn't that better?"
"..."
"Anything else?" He glanced at the time. "If not, I'm leaving."
Song Qingwan felt like she would one day be angered into an early grave by this stinking brat. Her voice was sharp with exasperation: "You don't believe me? I really will pick a child for you from an orphanage!"
She knew exactly how much Lu Junhan hated children, so she had only said that to provoke him and get a reaction.
Lu Junhan arched an eyebrow: "As long as you're happy. Just don't forget—that child wouldn't be part of the Lu family."
"..."
What Song Qingwan wanted was a descendant carrying Lu family blood. An orphan wouldn't have that. And even if she truly did adopt one, she'd have to guard against the child developing ulterior motives or eyeing the Lu family's assets. If Lu Junhan had a biological son in the future, how would the adopted child and his biological one get along?
The thought alone gave her a headache.
Finally, she hung up in frustration.
...
Though Lu Li had disappeared from sight, she hadn't gone far.
She was quietly hiding behind the stone lion statue at the villa entrance. It was large enough that no one could spot her tucked behind it.
Lu Li rested her small head in her hands, pouting slightly but remaining optimistic.
What if Dad changed his mind and wanted her back?
She shouldn't stray too far.
Of course, she never expected it, but she was spot on—Lu Junhan really would regret his actions.
But by then, Lu Li had already passed out from exhaustion. After a full day of chasing her father, swimming in the river, and now hiding quietly, she was just too tired.
Before long, Song Qingwan arrived in her car.
She stepped out wearing a long black floor-length dress. Her hair was elegantly coiled, and her face, although aging, was still refined and dignified. Not a single wrinkle could be seen.
Her powerful aura radiated from her presence. The crisp click of her black high heels echoed with every step.
The bodyguard beside her spotted something: "Ms. Song, there seems to be a child over there."
"A child?" Her brows furrowed. "Where?"
"Behind the stone lion."
Song Qingwan strode over with a stern look.
Sure enough, a little girl lay curled behind the stone lion.
She wore a light green princess dress, delicate and elegant.
The night breeze had clearly chilled her. Her tiny form was huddled in on itself, breathing softly. Her long dark lashes trembled gently over her closed eyelids.
Her exposed skin glowed with a milky whiteness.
Like a little angel who had accidentally fallen into the mortal world.
That face... looked oddly familiar.
Song Qingwan narrowed her eyes. Where had she seen her before?
"So cute..." the assistant couldn't help but exclaim. "Whose child is this? Why is she here?"
"Probably wandered out while playing," said the bodyguard.
Though Song Qingwan couldn't place where she'd seen that face, she frowned with growing displeasure. Such a delicate-looking girl was the exact type she disliked.
She'd always preferred tough, independent kids. When Lu Junhan was young, he never cried no matter how hard life got. Smart, strong, and stoic—just like her.
Unlike Lu Anran, who would cry if the wind blew too hard. The crying and whining were unbearable.
Song Qingwan's face turned cold. "Find out whose child this is and have them come get her."
The assistant nodded quickly. "Yes, right away."
Just then, the little girl's long lashes fluttered. She stirred awake.
Song Qingwan cursed internally. Great. She woke up.
The assistant and bodyguard paled.
This wasn't good. If she started crying, they'd be doomed. Mr. Song's fearsome reputation usually scared children senseless.
But unexpectedly, the little girl opened her eyes, blinked at them, and asked in a sweet, confused voice:
"Uncles and auntie, are you lost?"
She genuinely wondered. Her dad's house was really big, after all.
Song Qingwan was momentarily stunned. For the first time, a child hadn't shown fear toward her.
"Little thing, aren't you afraid of me?" she asked, trying to intimidate her.
The little girl looked at her calmly, then tilted her head and said, "Why should I be afraid? Auntie is so beautiful."
Song Qingwan snorted, amused. "You've got a sweet mouth."
But the ice in her demeanor melted instantly. The disgust was gone, replaced with a smile tugging at her lips.
Odd. She'd always been wary around strangers, even kids. She didn't like them near her.
But this child... the longer she looked, the more she liked her.
And despite always preferring boys, she found herself wanting to hug this little girl.
Without thinking, she reached down and pinched Lu Li's soft cheek. The skin was just as smooth and springy as it looked, like jelly.
The assistants and bodyguards were itching to squeeze the little girl's cheeks too, but before they could reach out, Song Qingwan shot them a glare.
She scooped Lu Li into her arms like she was guarding a prized possession, turning her back on the others as if to shield her.
Assistant and bodyguard: "..."
With the soft ball in her arms, Song Qingwan felt her heart warm unexpectedly. She gently asked:
"Little one, what are you doing here all alone? Where are your parents?"
She remembered her earlier call with Lu Junhan. Adopting a child like this one... didn't sound so bad.
Lu Li drooped her head, her voice sad.
"I only have a father. No mother."
A single-parent family. "Where is your father?"
Tears welled in Lu Li's eyes. "My father doesn't want me anymore. I had nowhere to go, so I just sat here."
"WHAT?!"
Song Qingwan's temper flared. "He dared to abandon you?!"
What kind of scum left behind such a cute daughter?
"Where is he?"
Lu Li pointed toward the villa. Her voice lowered. "Daddy is inside."
Song Qingwan's face darkened.
He entered the party and left his child outside. This was beyond heartless.
"Come, tell Auntie what your dad looks like. I'll go find him. If he doesn't want you, I'll take you in instead! Auntie will find you a better dad!"
Without waiting for an answer, she turned and stormed toward the villa, still holding Lu Li in her arms.
The assistant smirked behind her: "That little girl's dad is done. He made Mr. Song mad. He's not getting out of here today!"
The bodyguard nodded. "Serves him right. Abandoning such a lovely daughter? Heartless!"
...
Meanwhile, the so-called heartless Lu Junhan sat calmly in his study, listening to the report with a frown.
"Sir, we've searched the villa perimeter three times. There's no sign of the girl."
[Dad's crematorium arc begins. Aunt Song is about to flip the table in favor of the heroine...]