The beautiful and kind cousin, like an angel, escorted the little boy back to the banquet hall. She had a servant bring him some juice and even exchanged contact numbers with him. Finally, she gently stroked his head and asked, "Can you manage on your own, little Ke?"
Tang Ke puffed out his chest, "I can! Yanyan Jie, you can go back to your business." The little boy was quite sensible; after all, Han Yanyan was the star of the event, and many around were eager to come over and talk to her.
With this reassurance, Han Yanyan finally set off, dealing with a few necessary greetings before politely excusing herself. She approached a small guest elevator and headed straight upstairs.
After so long, regardless of what a man might want from a woman, there was sufficient time to do so. Yet, she underestimated her father; when she arrived at his location, the gathering hadn't ended.
"I didn't expect my brother-in-law to suffer from radiation. It must have been tough for him. You should have called me sooner," the head of the Han family said.
Those who had endured personal suffering often did not wish to share their pain and sorrow when others showed pity. Xin Ya lowered her head, revealing her fair neck. The elegant evening gown flowed beautifully off her shoulders, extending the snow-white hue all the way to her collar.
"So you wish to go to Dongchen?" the head of the Han family asked. "Dongchen is indeed the best; all of Han family’s children attend Dongchen."
Xin Ya raised her head, "Then..."
"You can. The training conditions the day after tomorrow will be vital. Currently, it’s at an A level, but whether it can reach A+ or S level after secondary explosion can determine one's life path," he explained. "If he can excel at Dongchen from grade three to twelve and reach S level, I can recommend him for Nebula University."
If that were the case, Tang Ke's life path would be entirely different from what it is now.
"Then, Xin Ya, little white rabbit..." the head of the Han family smiled, "What will you offer me in return?"
Hey, little white rabbit, why are you crying?
I can't find my mom.
Don't cry. Today my mom is holding a tea party by the fountain. Your mom must be there; I’ll take you there.
Brother...
Hmm?
I’m not called little white rabbit.
Oh, then what is your name?
Xin Ya, I’m Lin Xin Ya.
Over the years, they hadn't exchanged many words, only seen each other from afar a few times. She had seen his wife and also his mistress. Standing at the pinnacle of power and wealth, marriage seemed to have no hold over him, and his life was completely different from her orderly life.
But in Xin Ya’s heart, whenever she heard his name, she still thought of that young man on the terrace. He had held her wrist, and when she tried to pull free, he tightened his grip for just a moment—a strength she could not resist. Yet when she looked into his eyes, he let her go.
Xin Ya had actually considered what she was willing to sacrifice for her son's future. The past few years had taught her that sometimes, self-respect was of no use.
But when the man's hand slithered like a snake from his waist to her back, and his teeth grazed her neck, a shiver ran through her. Suddenly, she felt the dread of regret and wanted to escape.
She broke free from his grasp, stumbling backward, "S-sorry, I... I can't..."
But at this point, it was too late to turn back.
The head of the Han family tugged at the corner of his mouth, raising his chin slightly as he undid his collar button. In this world of martial pride, a man's formal attire was akin to military uniform. As he unbuttoned, he stepped closer to Xin Ya.
"What? Do you want your son to stay in a shabby public school, studying inferior mechas, growing up to become a miner on a mineral planet?" he asked.
Xin Ya did not wish for Tang Ke to have that sort of life, which is why she had come to him.
“I... no, I...” she stammered, unable to respond as he pressed closer, backing her against the desk.
The head of the Han family threw his coat aside, ripped his shirt open to reveal his sturdy chest, hands pinning her against the desk.
"If you hand him over to me, I’ll give him the best," he insisted, gripping her narrow waist. "The best school, the best training—I can turn him into a top-level mech soldier."
“I…” Xin Ya’s jaw trembled, “I don’t…”
The head of the Han family lost patience and grabbed her back, causing her silk gown to tear apart.
"Hand him over to me; I can secure his entire future," he said.
Crushed against the desk, as her body was invaded, she finally understood. He was no longer that young man who would let her go.
It felt like torture for Xin Ya.
“Open your eyes. Look at me,” he ordered.
The ceiling spun, time felt endless, and he caused her immense pain.
When it finally ended, she sat up shakily, clutching her legs tightly, her clothes and spirit shattered.
The head of the Han family was pleased. He adjusted his attire, turned her face towards him with a smile, "I thought you would cry."
Her lips were bitten and bleeding, but she didn’t weep.
"You promised me; don’t forget," she said.
The smile vanished from the head of the Han family, his gaze turning cold.
"To the left, the second room has some clothes." he instructed, "Go now... little white rabbit."
Xin Ya felt an overwhelming urge to escape. Clutching her torn dress, she hurried toward the door.
Please don’t let me meet anyone, please don’t let me meet anyone. She prayed as she pulled the door open, unfortunately finding someone outside.
A young girl in a layered white lace gown was so beautiful, she seemed out of this world. Xin Ya felt as if she had rolled in mud, utterly disheveled.
There were few moments in life as embarrassing as this. Facing Han Yanyan, Xin Ya panicked and tried to flee, but ended up pushing the wrong door.
"Not that room," Han Yanyan calmly told her, "the second one."
Xin Ya was mortified to the extreme and entered the second room. The door slammed shut behind her, as if it could isolate her from everything outside.
The guest room was softly lit, and a beautifully expensive gown was prepared, lying quietly on the bed.
Xin Ya stared at the gown, slowly sitting down on the plush carpet beside the bed. She buried her face in the silken quilt, hiding her shattered pride in the darkness, crying silently.
At the moment of encountering Han Yanyan, the feeling of breaking inside Xin Ya was overwhelming. Han Yanyan almost reached out to touch her face but stopped herself.
Just a piece of data, she thought.
But this simulated world created such vivid data. Her contribution was the greatest within it.
Upon stepping into the study room, she found her father with an open shirt, revealing his chest. He sat in a large leather chair, feet propped on the desk as he lit a cigarette.
She found the post-coital smoking of men quite enticing. This little preference had often been reflected in the novels she wrote, now echoing in every world she created.
The head of the Han family took a puff and, with satisfaction evident in his relaxed demeanor, exhaled the smoke, glancing at Han Yanyan. He had known she was outside the study and had blocked her entrance with his mental power. This girl showed remarkable patience, waiting quietly outside when she couldn’t come in.
"What is it?" he asked.
To his relief, the study room was clean, with no stains or tissues around. The cleaning robot completed its task in less than thirty seconds and returned to its position silently.
"I met a cute little brother; I initially wanted to talk to you about bringing him into Dongchen to keep me company," Han Yanyan said casually, "But now it seems unnecessary. His mother has already taken care of that."
"How is that child’s mental strength?" the head of the Han family inquired.
"His strength is A level. However, he had his first outburst not too long ago, and being eight years old is a bit late. We don’t know how he’ll fare in the future," Han Yanyan explained.
"I will get him into Dongchen." The head of the Han family stated. "I promised his mother I would take care of him. Just keep an eye on him at school."
Han Yanyan raised her eyebrow, "Please don’t force a child to bear responsibilities for your own happiness."
The head of the Han family chuckled, "Aren’t you fond of him?"
"Cute, yes. I’d like to play with him for a couple of days. But long-term care? Why should I? You’ve already received your reward; what do I get in return?"
The head of the Han family pulled at the corner of his mouth, "Well done; you know not to work for free."
He changed the subject, "Has that kid from the Xu family, brought by Uncle Liu, been hanging around you all day?"
"The good-looking one? He talks a bit too much," Han Yanyan replied.
The head of the Han family sized up his daughter; although her chest remained flat, she was no longer a child but had become a graceful young lady.
"Before your first period, no men are allowed to touch you." He said sternly.
What a family education!
Han Yanyan innocently replied, "But I’m only twelve."
In such a cutthroat family, a twelve-year-old child had long grown wise to most things. The head of the Han family couldn’t be bothered to argue with her.
He took a couple of puffs of his cigarette and said, "Once you’ve had your first period, you can do as you please."
Han Yanyan replied with a smile, "What a responsible parent you are."
The head of the Han family shot her a glance, lowering his feet and flicking the ash.
"These are minor matters. You are to be the head of the family; you cannot be shackled by men and desires, including your future husband." He explained, "When you reach the right age, I will find you a genetically superior husband who can provide quality genetic segments. Until then, try a bit of everything, it will help you not to soften your will in the face of 'marriage.'"
"I don’t need that," Han Yanyan said. "You and mother have already set a great example for me."
"That's good to hear. We need to find the best genes. A partner’s selection can only come from families that have competed but failed to become heads. Those qualified to compete for the head are not to be underestimated. As your legitimate spouse, he/she requires more caution than your rivals," the head of the Han family elaborated, then asked, "Speaking of your mother, she’s coming back in a couple of days. Do you want to see her?"
Han Yanyan sighed softly, "What have you done?"
The head of the Han family replied, "She breached the principle of the contract. I collected what I deserved."
Han Yanyan sighed again, "What did she do?"
The head of the Han family glanced at her. "This is between her and me, none of your concern. Remember your surname. Don’t damage Han family’s interests just because she gave birth to you. If you do, think about what I would do."
Han Yanyan pondered seriously and answered gravely, "If you already have other sufficiently excellent children, you would give up on me the moment I show signs of weakness. But you don’t; your other children are lacking in quality. I am irreplaceable. Therefore, you can only eliminate the reasons that make me weak. Most likely, you would make your wife, my mother, disappear from this world forever."
"Very good," the head of the Han family noted.
Han Yanyan replied, "You're overthinking. My mother never approaches me, clearly understanding this better than I do. After all, she once competed for the position of head in the Yin family."
The head of the Han family took a drag from his cigarette. "Once you’ve had your first period, enjoy playing with men, but don’t go around having children. Don’t have children with anyone but the chosen genetically superior heir."
"You've fathered a bunch," Han Yanyan retorted, calling out his double standards.
"I’m a man; I won't go crazy over children. If you died, I’d just bring your mother back to have another one," the head of the Han Family sneered, "But you women become too easily obsessed with children."
"Disappointing you, but having such a mother, I’m destined to lack fragments in my genes that become obsessed with children." Han Yanyan said and instinctively placed a hand on her abdomen.
"You just said that child is cute?" The head of the Han family studied Han Yanyan, suspecting her maternal instincts were surfacing.
"Yes, very cute, with chubby cheeks, pale skin, and good looks. The key is, there’s a hint of inferiority deep inside him, but he hides it well. It’s fascinating to watch." Han Yanyan smiled, "The nickname ‘little white rabbit’ isn’t just suitable for his mother; it suits him as well. From now on, I’ll call him that."
The head of the Han family felt relieved. He extinguished his cigarette, leaned back in his chair, and said faintly, "When you sit in my position, you will understand..."
"From this vantage point, looking out, apart from ourselves, everyone else... is just a little white rabbit."