After rolling up her sleeves, the child revealed thin, scrawny arms. Her skin was sallow and dotted with wounds of all sizes. Wen Yiting then rolled up the sleeve on Shan Shan’s other arm, only to find the same marks scattered across her fair skin. Gritting her teeth, she demanded, “Who did this to you?”
The man looked over at Wen Yiting with a confused expression. Meanwhile, the young female officer who had been in charge of taking notes hurried over as well. Seeing the injuries covering Shan Shan’s body, she gasped sharply. “Quickly she needs to be sent to the hospital for a full examination right away.”
She then quickly explained the situation to the man. “Captain Zhou, this lady brought the child Zhou Shan Shan here to file a report. She suspects the little girl may have been abducted.”
Captain Zhou’s sharp gaze softened as he looked Shan Shan over. He realized he had likely misjudged the situation, for the child showed no sign of fear toward Wen Yiting at all.
Shan Shan tilted her head and spoke up, “My uncle and aunt did this.”
In truth, Shan Shan could not have simply appeared out of nowhere when she entered this world she had taken possession of the body of Zhou Shan Shan, who had just passed away. The original child’s parents were both dead, and her only remaining relatives, her uncle and aunt, had abused her until she lost her life. At the moment of the girl’s death, all family ties to that cruel household were severed, meaning they could no longer cause her trouble through blood relations. Her main goal now was to avenge the child whose body she inhabited but first, she needed to win back the affection of her “Narcissus Brother,” so that she would have someone to listen to her grievances.
“Scum!” the young officer blurted out, unable to contain her anger.
“Watch your professional conduct,” Captain Zhou reminded her.
The officer cleared her throat quickly and said to Wen Yiting, “You could have reported this to the authorities earlier.”
Wen Yiting rubbed her temples, looking worn out. “Did her parents have any other siblings or relatives?”
“None,” the officer replied, switching into a clear, professional tone. “It is true that since she ran away from home five days ago, it will be difficult to gather evidence regarding some of these injuries. However, the older wounds on her body are clear proof of abuse. We can petition to terminate her guardians’ rights and arrange for a suitable new guardian for her.”
“What’s a guardian?” Shan Shan asked, her eyes wide with confusion.
“It’s someone who will take care of you and look after you,” the officer said gently.
Shan Shan’s eyes lit up instantly. “I want Narcissus Brother! I want him to be my guardian!”
“Who is this Narcissus Brother?” Captain Zhou asked, curious.
“He’s just my Narcissus Brother!” Shan Shan said firmly, leaving no room for further questions.
Captain Zhou couldn’t help but smile at her earnestness. Wen Yiting thought for a moment, then handed Shan Shan over to the young officer and turned to him. “May I speak with you in private for a moment?”
“Of course,” Captain Zhou agreed, wondering what she had to say.
Once they had moved far enough away that Shan Shan could neither see nor hear them, Wen Yiting lowered her voice. “It seems the little girl has mistaken someone else for her brother. The person she is referring to is actually my artist. As he is a public figure, it would be very difficult for him to take her in or care for her openly. I was wondering could we arrange for her to stay here at the police station temporarily? My artist is willing to cover all expenses, including her food, accommodation, and even the cost of hiring a nanny. We will take full responsibility for her needs.”
“Why would you go to such lengths for her?” Captain Zhou asked, his expression growing wary again.
Wen Yiting let out a helpless sigh. “It may have been an unexpected turn of events, but Shan Shan saved my artist’s life. She is his benefactor, and naturally, we want to make sure she is properly cared for.”
Captain Zhou considered this for a moment before nodding. “That can be arranged.”
Relieved, Wen Yiting said, “Thank you. I also promised to buy her some new clothes. I’ll bring them over as soon as I get them. And… I don’t need to go with you to the hospital, do I?”
“There’s no need. I’ll take her myself,” Captain Zhou replied readily.
After taking Shan Shan through a full medical examination at the hospital, Captain Zhou carried her in his arms as they waited for the results. Shan Shan rested her head on his shoulder, her energy completely drained. “Uncle… do Auntie and Brother not want me anymore?”
“That’s not it at all,” Captain Zhou reassured her. “We are just following proper procedures, so you will need to stay with us for the time being.” He too found it striking how attached the child had become to Wen Yiting and her group. Seeing her look so sad and wronged, he gently stroked her hair. “We will do everything we can to help you find your real family.”
“Then… can you tell me where my Tengshe Brother is?” Shan Shan asked, unwilling to let any chance slip by.
“…I don’t know anyone by that name,” Captain Zhou said, glancing down at her.
“You’re lying,” Shan Shan mumbled quietly under her breath.
Just then, Captain Zhou received the child’s test reports. The results were far from good. Aside from severe malnutrition, many of her wounds had already become infected. Injuries were not limited to her arms marks covered her chest, back, and legs as well, and some of the older wounds appeared to be more than a month old. With how delicate a young child’s skin is, it was unclear whether she would be left with permanent scars.
Captain Zhou paid special attention to the report regarding her stomach, as Wen Yiting had mentioned earlier that Shan Shan had eaten a very large amount of food, and they had been worried she might suffer from indigestion. Fortunately, the results showed no abnormalities or signs of harm.
When they returned to the police station, the young officer held up a bag in her hand. “These are the clothes we prepared for Shan Shan. I’ll help her change into something fresh.”
“Thank you,” Captain Zhou said, handing the child over to her.
As the officer carried Shan Shan away, she suddenly paused and turned back. “Oh, by the way we’ve managed to track down some distant relatives of hers. Her great-uncle and great-aunt are currently traveling abroad and can’t be reached, but their son her older cousin is still in the country. In fact, he’s quite a famous celebrity.”
Captain Zhou looked surprised. “Who is it?”
“Yin Kairui.”
One hour earlier
After finishing her conversation with Captain Zhou, Wen Yiting had left the station but stopped at a nearby shop to buy clothes that fit Shan Shan’s size. She had just returned to deliver the items when her assistant Liu called her.
“Sister Wen! Quick look at the trending topics online!”
A sense of dread washed over Wen Yiting. She pulled out her phone, and her face immediately darkened.
Social media was flooded with photographs, all showing different young women knocking on a hotel room door. According to the posts, this was the exact room where Yin Kairui was staying, and the posters claimed to have “evidence” to prove it. Although the faces of the women were blurred, it was clear they were all different individuals some of them appearing to be very young girls indeed.
The photos immediately sparked widespread speculation and gossip. Even some of Yin Kairui’s most devoted fans began to waver in their support. The entertainment industry is known to be full of hidden pitfalls and corruption, and with so many rumors circulating, many found it hard to know whether they should continue to trust him unconditionally.
Worse still, more serious allegations were emerging claims that he had romantic relationships with his fans, and even accusations of illegal activities.
Wen Yiting felt her head throbbing with stress. She called Liu immediately and said firmly, “Make sure Yin Kairui doesn’t make any public statements or post anything online. I’m on my way back right now wait for me.”
Yin Kairui had sustained only minor injuries, so he had been discharged from the hospital without needing to stay overnight. After Wen Yiting left with Shan Shan, he had collected his medication and returned to his hotel room to rest.
But the moment Wen Yiting opened the door and stepped inside with Shan Shan, she heard him shouting in frustration.
“What is wrong with these people? Look at me do I seem like the type of person who would do such things? If I really wanted to act that way, wouldn’t I be the one losing out? Besides… what’s so great about other people? Am I not good-looking and charming enough on my own?”
“Brother Yin, please keep your voice down,” Liu pleaded, pacing back and forth anxiously. “If anyone hears you, it will only make things worse.”
Yin Kairui snapped back, “Who’s going to hear me? If this hotel’s soundproofing is really that bad, I’ll file a formal complaint immediately!”
“Brother Yin!” Liu was on the verge of tears.
“Alright, Liu, that’s enough,” Wen Yiting said, stepping forward with a weary expression. “Let me talk to him.”
Yin Kairui turned to her and held out his hand. “Give me access to my social media accounts. I need to respond to these lies myself.”
“You can forget about that I won’t let you,” Wen Yiting said as she sat down and looked him in the eye. “Handling public relations and clearing your name is my responsibility. Your job right now is to rest and focus on your upcoming filming commitments. As long as you continue to prove yourself as a talented and dedicated actor, I can take care of every other problem that comes your way.”
Yin Kairui was still seething. “So I’m just supposed to let them slander me and spread lies about me without saying a word?”
“I’ve already gathered evidence that will help us clear your name, and this will all be resolved very soon,” Wen Yiting explained calmly. “Besides, the most damaging claim right now is the rumor that you have a secret daughter. But I’ve already confirmed Shan Shan’s true identity. Once we clarify that matter, all the other false accusations will become much easier to refute.”
Her clear, logical explanation helped calm Yin Kairui’s temper somewhat.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Liu went to open it and stepped back in shock. “Police officers? What brings you here?” They hadn’t reported any incidents or committed any crimes he couldn’t understand why the police would be visiting.
Captain Zhou stood at the door, holding Shan Shan in one arm. “Is Yin Kairui here?”
Wen Yiting recognized the voice immediately. She walked over and found herself face-to-face with Captain Zhou, looking completely stunned. “Captain Zhou?”
“Brother!” Shan Shan cried out happily. No longer looking tired or downhearted as she had been at the station, the little girl was now dressed in a soft yellow dress, her hair tied up in two neat little buns on top of her head. Her eyes shone brightly as she peeked into the room and called out, “I’m back!”
“…May we come inside to talk?” Captain Zhou asked politely, noticing the curious glances from people passing by in the hallway.
“Of course please, come right in,” Wen Yiting said quickly.
Captain Zhou had not come alone; several of his colleagues accompanied him. One of them glanced at Yin Kairui and couldn’t help but look amazed. So this little girl’s “brother” really is the famous award-winning actor Yin Kairui!
“To put it simply,” Captain Zhou said in a formal tone, “after conducting our investigation, we have found that the Yin family is the only set of relatives currently connected to Zhou Shan Shan. Your parents are her great-uncle and great-aunt, and you are her older cousin. Under our country’s child protection laws, your family has both the legal qualification and the responsibility to act as her guardians and provide her with proper care.”
In recent years, birth rates have declined, not only because many young people choose not to have children but also because many couples struggle with fertility issues. As a result, the child protection laws have been revised and improved several times, and the standards of care provided to children have been significantly raised. Living conditions in welfare institutions have been greatly improved, and in cases where children suffer abuse, the abusers’ guardianship rights are immediately terminated and they face legal prosecution. Furthermore, extended family members including all blood relatives within six generations are legally required to take responsibility for any orphaned or vulnerable children in the family. Children are only placed in welfare institutions if all relatives are deemed unfit to care for them, or if the child explicitly refuses to live with them.
Yin Kairui could hardly believe what he was hearing. He and Wen Yiting had only just brought Shan Shan to the police station in the hope that her family could be located and she could be properly cared for and now it turned out that he was the family member responsible?
He looked at Captain Zhou in disbelief. “Officer Zhou… do I really look like someone who is suited to take care of a young child?”
“To be honest… not particularly,” Captain Zhou replied honestly. “That said, we have already contacted your parents. They have expressed their intention to formally adopt Shan Shan, but since they are currently overseas, they have asked that you take care of her temporarily until they return.”
Yin Kairui clenched his teeth in frustration. “Say that again?”
He knew his parents well they were so focused on enjoying their life together that they had always done everything possible to avoid being contacted or interrupted. Now, not only had the police managed to reach them, but they had also decided to dump a child in his care?
Just then, Yin Kairui’s phone rang. He pulled it out, saw the familiar number on the screen, and answered with a cold laugh. “Well, well… you two finally remembered that you have a son, do you?”
His father’s voice came through the line, sounding slightly embarrassed. “Of course we remember you you are our only son, after all. How could we forget?”
“Is that so? Then who was it that blocked my number and refused to answer my calls?” Yin Kairui asked angrily.
“Ah… well… that was… just a small misunderstanding,” his father stammered, clearly feeling guilty.
“Yin Kairui! How dare you speak to your father like that?” A firm, commanding voice cut through the conversation it was his mother. She got straight to the point without wasting any time. “We have been fully informed about Shan Shan’s situation, and we have decided to adopt her. We will be returning home within a month, and until then, you will look after her. That is final.”
Yin Kairui was usually completely powerless against his mother’s authority, and his anger faded instantly but he still tried to reason with her. “You want to raise a child? Then why leave all the work to me? Think about it I’m an actor. How am I supposed to look after a little girl? Am I supposed to bring her along to film sets and live with me while I work?”
“You have two choices,” his mother said bluntly, leaving no room for negotiation. “Either you take care of Shan Shan for the next month, or when we return, you will go on all the blind dates we arrange and start planning to have your own child immediately. The decision is yours.”
Yin Kairui felt completely defeated by his mother’s ultimatum.
“Fine! I’ll take care of her!” he said slowly and clearly, each word spoken through gritted teeth. “But only for one month!”
“As if we would leave her with you any longer than that!” his mother retorted. “Now, make sure you look after her properly. I’m very busy right now, but I’ll arrange a video call to check in on you two later.”
Before Yin Kairui could say another word, she hung up the phone.
Yin Kairui stared at his phone as if he wanted to burn a hole through it with his gaze. After a long pause, he finally looked up at Captain Zhou and said resignedly, “Alright… leave her here.”
Shan Shan was overjoyed. She wriggled in Captain Zhou’s arms and said, “Uncle, let me down! I want to go to Brother!”
The moment Captain Zhou set her down, she ran straight toward Yin Kairui. The actor, who had been looking cold and intimidating just moments before, panicked immediately and stepped back rapidly. “Don’t come any closer! Stay away from me!”
Yin Kairui had changed his clothes as soon as he returned to the hotel, but the moment he saw Shan Shan, he was reminded of the stains on his shirt and the dark marks on his neck that she had left behind earlier and he wanted nothing more to do with it.
Shan Shan, however, paid no attention to his reaction. She quickly climbed onto the bed and sat down right beside him. Captain Zhou watched as Yin Kairui wrapped himself tightly in the bed covers, looking terrified and helpless, and began to wonder if the actor was really capable of caring for a child. But seeing how happy and excited Shan Shan was, he decided that perhaps this was just their own unique way of getting along.
“I will come back regularly to check on her,” Captain Zhou said. “If you really find it impossible to live together or take care of her properly, you can call me. Remember, it’s only for one month and the police station can also provide support and assistance if needed. Please do your best to get along.”
…Or you could just take her back with you right now, Yin Kairui thought bitterly to himself, though he knew there was no way that would happen.
Wen Yiting spoke up, “Officer Zhou, you are aware of Kairui’s public profile. As a celebrity, if he is seen caring for a young child, there will be many questions and rumors. Could your office provide official documents or confirmation of her identity when needed, to help us clarify the situation?”
“Of course we will provide all necessary support,” Captain Zhou agreed readily.
Wen Yiting let out a long breath of relief. With Shan Shan’s identity now clearly established, the false rumors surrounding Yin Kairui would be much easier to disprove and put to rest.
Yin Kairui, however, felt as though he had been completely forgotten. *