A low-key yet luxurious car traveled on the narrow road, but the man in the back seat was impossible to ignore.
His face was sculpted, exuding a sharp and handsome coldness, exceptionally beautiful. His deep, dark eyes held a captivating chill. Thick brows, profound eyes, a high nose bridge, and perfectly formed lips, combined with a tall and slender figure, presented an air of steady nobility.
Ye Jinghuai leaned back against the seat, his long fingers tapping lightly on his knees, one hand supporting his temple as he gazed ahead, like a languidly dozing lion, lost in thought.
Jiang Nuan was unaware that her father was already on his way. At this moment, she was still fighting with someone over a steamed bun. Of course, due to her young age and lack of strength, she had been defeated.
This orphanage was truly poor. Although the院长 (yuan zhang – matron/director) did not abuse the children, she never intervened in their squabbles. Jiang Nuan, being the youngest, was often robbed of her food these past few days.
“Nuan Nuan! Come here quickly.” The院长 (yuan zhang) suddenly appeared from nowhere, beckoning to Jiang Nuan with a smile as warm as spring.
Jiang Nuan sensed trickery. She had been here for several days and had never seen the院长 (yuan zhang) wear such an expression, as if she were looking at a pile of gold ingots. Was she going to sell her? Why hadn't her father arrived yet? Was Zhong Yi really that unreliable?
“Nuan Nuan, come quickly, your father is here to pick you up,” the 院长 (yuan zhang) stated the reason directly to Jiang Nuan.
Father? My mission target has finally arrived, that’s great!
“Matron, do I have a father?” Jiang Nuan put on a delighted expression.
“Yes, your father has come to find you, come with me quickly.” With that, she picked up Jiang Nuan and headed for the office.
As they reached the door, Jiang Nuan saw the man sitting there. His aura was so powerful it couldn’t be ignored, making Han Rui next to him seem like mere background.
Seeing Ye Jinghuai, Jiang Nuan finally understood why Zhong Yi had said the identity he entered was very charming. If nothing else, his appearance and temperament alone could captivate many. Not to mention, this man was also wealthy and powerful.
Ye Jinghuai glanced at Han Rui, who understood the unspoken cue and nodded.
“Jiang Nuan, abandoned as an infant three years ago and left at the entrance of Hongshan Orphanage. As her parents were unknown, she was given the matron’s surname. Now, our President Ye has found that Jiang Nuan is his lost daughter of three years. Matron Jiang, we will be taking the child.” Han Rui, looking like a business elite, stated the facts expressionlessly, as if he were giving a report.
“Yes, yes. Poor Nuan Nuan. The orphanage conditions have been poor these years, and Nuan Nuan has never had enough to eat,” Matron Jiang said, crying poverty after putting Jiang Nuan down. She could tell at a glance that this man was either rich or noble.
“Han Rui, allocate a charitable donation to the orphanage and thank Matron Jiang,” Ye Jinghuai finally spoke his first words, then looked at Jiang Nuan.
Jiang Nuan found her cheap father’s voice to be very pleasant. Seeing his gaze, she instinctively wanted to retreat. Ye Jinghuai frowned upon seeing this.
“Thank you, President Ye. Nuan Nuan, this is your father, go over quickly.” Matron Jiang happily pushed Jiang Nuan forward.
“Daddy~” Jiang Nuan flashed a cute smile.
Ye Jinghuai looked at the frail girl before him, her clothes washed to an indiscernible original color, her hair messily perched on her head, and her body dirty. Her face, however, was fair and tender with baby fat, her eyes large and round, her rosy little mouth pursed tightly.
He frowned again. Han Rui, seeing Ye Jinghuai’s expression, stepped forward and squatted in front of Jiang Nuan.
“Hello, little miss. I am your father’s assistant, Han Rui.”
“Uncle, what is an ‘assistant’?” Jiang Nuan asked innocently, her eyes wide.
“Let’s go!” Ye Jinghuai felt no affection for this daughter and strode out with long legs.
Han Rui had no choice but to pick up Jiang Nuan and walk out. Nestled in Han Rui’s arms, Jiang Nuan felt a slight regret, thinking her father didn’t seem to like her very much.
“President Ye, Assistant Han, please go slowly.” Matron Jiang chased them to the door, bowing and waving goodbye.
Jiang Nuan was placed in the back seat, while Han Rui went around to the front to drive. As the door closed, the vehicle slowly started to move. Jiang Nuan felt a bit fidgety, wiggling her toes as she looked at the luxurious and comfortable interior of the car.
“Daddy,” Jiang Nuan turned to look at Ye Jinghuai beside her. Seeing he didn’t react, she shifted her small bottom closer to him.
Ye Jinghuai’s peripheral vision caught the little girl beside him. As she moved closer, he subtly shifted away.
“Daddy?” Seeing he seemed to move further away, Jiang Nuan looked up in confusion.
“Sit properly,” Ye Jinghuai said awkwardly, trying to stop her.
Jiang Nuan didn’t obey. She slowly moved closer to him and reached out a small hand to grasp his sleeve.
“Daddy,” she looked at him with sparkling eyes. Ye Jinghuai felt a slight tremor in his heart.
“Mm,” he responded helplessly. He couldn’t treat such a young child like his opponents, especially not his own daughter.
Hearing his response, Jiang Nuan smiled sweetly and then quieted down, thinking that she couldn’t be too hasty and needed to take things step by step.
Seeing the little dumpling beside him finally quiet down, Ye Jinghuai secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had never interacted with such a young child before.