The Shen family’s estate was vast, nestled against mountains and near water, with beautiful scenery all around.

Shen Xue explained that this was the old residence of the Shen family. On the other side of the road stood a sanatorium, specifically built to foster connections with the upper echelons of Zhongjing society.

At this moment, the two had arrived at a small courtyard located at the edge of the estate.

The courtyard was modest, almost rough compared to the typical two or even three-section courtyards where other members of the Shen family resided.

This small courtyard resembled a humble rural home, with a small house and a waist-high fence outside the door.

Now, the courtyard appeared somewhat dilapidated. The ground inside had been dug up, seemingly for vegetable planting.

Opening the door, one could take in the entire interior at a glance—a bed, a traditional Eight Immortals table, and a horizontal rod for hanging clothes. There wasn't a refrigerator or a washing machine, not even a television.

The bed was near the window, covered by a thin blanket, and the pillow looked like it had been made from old clothes.

The scene was one of utter poverty.

“Xue’er, is this where you used to live?”

Yang Yi’s eyes reddened as he took in everything, clenching his fists tightly as anger welled up inside him.

How could anyone live in a place like this? Even rural homes were ten times better than this!

Shen Xue pursed her lips, smiled, and shook her head at Yang Yi, just as she was about to speak, when Tian Tian, in her arms, cheerfully spoke first, “Yes, Daddy, this is Mommy’s and my home!”

Hearing Tian Tian’s words, tears finally spilled from Yang Yi’s eyes. He looked at Shen Xue and Tian Tian in front of him with deep guilt, hating himself more than ever.

Why hadn’t he come back sooner? Or, why had he left in the first place?

If he had another chance, he swore he would never leave them, even if it meant being hunted down.

At that moment, two small, smooth hands reached out, wiping away Yang Yi’s tears. Tian Tian’s soft voice sounded, “Daddy, don’t cry.”

Yang Yi smiled, holding both Tian Tian’s and Shen Xue’s hands. He nodded at Tian Tian, “Okay, Daddy won’t cry. Thank you, sweet girl!”

Shen Xue’s eyes were also red, but she smiled as she shook her head at Yang Yi, “Don’t be sad, Yi-ge. You’re back now, and things will get better, won’t they?”

Yang Yi nodded, wiping his tears away, “Yes, things will get better. Let’s go; we’re not staying here anymore. Let’s go home!”

“Hooray, we’re going home! Tian Tian, Daddy, and Mommy, we’re all going home together!” Tian Tian cheered happily.

As the family walked out, Yang Yi suddenly realized, did they really have to keep staying in a hotel?

Glancing back at the low house, Yang Yi tightened his grip on Shen Xue’s hand and softly said, “Tell me about these past few years. Let me know how you’ve managed.”

He needed to know. It was his responsibility to know. The suffering Shen Xue endured, he had to understand.

Shen Xue looked at Yang Yi’s serious expression, smiled, and began, “Not long after you left, I found out I was pregnant with Tian Tian. I panicked and told my second sister, but she told the family...”

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As Shen Xue recounted the events, Yang Yi learned what had happened back then.

Shen Xue had been taken back to the family, where everyone wanted to force her to abort the child. But Shen Xue threatened them with her life. At that time, she was still helping manage the family’s businesses, and her death would have affected the Shen family’s interests.

So, while the family forced her to transfer her management responsibilities, they also planned to abort the child after everything was settled, all while keeping everything secret.

Shen Xue was clever, planning her escape as she handed over her duties.

Everything was perfect; after completing her work, she vanished.

The Shen family couldn’t find her. In reality, she had hidden in Zhongjing, enduring those difficult times with the help of friends.

A few months later, Tian Tian was born, but due to the need for hospitalization, she was found by the Shen family.

After some negotiations, Shen Xue was expelled from the family, but she and Tian Tian were also confined, spending over three years in that small courtyard.

As the family business declined, Shen Xue, wanting a better environment for Tian Tian, began working for the family again.

Through her efforts, she saved some money and mortgaged a small villa, moving out with Tian Tian.

Shen Xue’s recount was light, skipping over many details, but Yang Yi saw the underlying pain.

An unmarried woman, ostracized by her family, confined, raising a daughter alone for five years—only she could know the suffering she endured.

Yang Yi held Shen Xue’s hand and vowed to make them happy in the future!

Leaving the Shen estate, the three drove to a villa complex.

As they arrived, Shen Xue was stunned by the villa in front of them.

“This...” Shen Xue was dumbfounded, recognizing that this villa was in one of the best areas of Zhongjing—land here wasn’t just expensive; it was priceless!

“Xue’er, trust me!” Yang Yi said softly, holding Shen Xue’s slender waist.

Shen Xue smiled bitterly, “I want to trust you, but this place...”

Then, she frowned, “This isn’t another villa belonging to one of your comrades, is it?”

Yang Yi neither nodded nor shook his head. Instead, he carried the confused Tian Tian and entered the villa.

As the lights came on, the villa brightened up, and Tian Tian’s eyes immediately locked onto the array of toys arranged together!

“Tian Tian, do you trust Daddy?” Yang Yi asked with a smile.

Tian Tian instantly wrapped her arms around Yang Yi’s neck, replying in a childish voice, “Tian Tian trusts Daddy!”

“Haha, this is going to be our home! A home for Daddy, Mommy, and Tian Tian together!” Yang Yi announced loudly.

“Wow, a home with Daddy and Mommy, that’s amazing!” Tian Tian laughed joyfully.

As Yang Yi took her to unwrap the toys, Shen Xue stood behind them, her eyes dreamy as she watched the father and daughter, momentarily lost in thought.

This scene had appeared in her dreams countless times.

…

In Zhongjing City, on the seventh floor of the Inspection Bureau’s main conference room.

Everyone seated was a senior member of the Zhongjing City Inspection Bureau.

Ordinary team leaders didn’t have the qualifications to sit here.

At the head of the conference table sat Yan Yushan, the director known as the “Living King Yama” by people across Zhongjing.

Master Jin was also present, but in this setting, he sat at the very end of the table.

Yan Yushan, thin and not very tall, with a goatee, looked more like an old artist.

But as he sat there, the aura he exuded was terrifying, and no one dared to meet his gaze.

“Report.”

With just two words, everyone sat up straight, their eyes turning to Master Jin at the far end.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Master Jin dared not delay, immediately beginning his report: “At 10:17 this morning, in Yunding Villa, our city…”

Although everyone had already heard the news, as Master Jin detailed the dozens of deaths and injuries, shock appeared on everyone’s faces.

When Master Jin finished his report, the conference room fell silent. Everyone knew something had happened, something big!

A major case—this was madness!