Chapter 287: Adopting Fang Kaiyi
Qin Yumo heard this and fixed his gaze on Fang Kaiyi.
This child, so little, yet standing by his leg, already showed such bravery.
Yun Shifei was equally startled by Fang Kaiyi’s boldness. She immediately shielded him, blocking Qin Yumo’s predatory gaze from falling on him.
Fang Kaiyi’s courage touched her deeply, but she was genuinely worried about what Qin Yumo might do to him.
After all, Qin Yumo was not a sane person.
She turned to Fang Kaiyi and gently said, "Don’t worry, Xiao Yi. Sister won’t let him bully me. You don’t need to worry. I’ll come see you again next time."
"Okay." Fang Kaiyi nodded earnestly.
"Next time, I’ll come and see you too," Qin Yumo interjected from the side.
Yun Shifei stood up abruptly and shot Qin Yumo a glare.
Qin Yumo returned her stare with a mischievous smile.
The two walked out of the welfare home. Yun Shifei marched ahead silently, but Qin Yumo called after her, "You care so much about these kids—have you thought about being my girlfriend? I’ll sponsor these children and help some of them find excellent adoptive parents."
"Spare yourself the trouble."
"Are you sure you don’t need my help?" Qin Yumo didn’t believe her. "Without me, they might miss out on a great life, all because of your refusal."
Qin Yumo was quite adept at reading people’s hearts. She cared deeply for these children, didn’t she? He decided to use them as leverage to pressure her.
Especially that particular child.
Seeing that child reminded Qin Yumo of Cheng Lie, the resemblance was striking. Thinking about Cheng Lie brought to mind the way Cheng Lie fought him in the past. Though Qin Yumo was someone who never let grudges go unaddressed, Cheng Lie was protected by his fourth uncle, leaving him powerless to act.
"Qin Yumo, wipe that false compassion off your face. The kind of life they’ll have in the future isn’t something you can meddle in," Yun Shifei finally snapped. How dare he use the children’s futures as a bargaining chip against her?
"Who says I can’t?" Qin Yumo chuckled softly. "I think that little boy is quite endearing. Maybe someday I’ll introduce him to a friend of mine for adoption. Coincidentally, this friend has been married for years but hasn’t been able to have children... They seem to be considering adoption lately."
Adoption...
Yun Shifei had indeed thought about Fang Kaiyi being adopted. Compared to staying in the welfare institution, being adopted by a normal family would genuinely be the best outcome for him.
He wouldn’t need to be taken in by a wealthy or prestigious family—just being raised in a household capable of supporting him would already be more than enough.
But the fact that Qin Yumo brought up adoption was unexpected.
The scenario he described wasn’t impossible. He truly could arrange for his friend to adopt Fang Kaiyi.
And the kind of friends Qin Yumo would associate with would undoubtedly have substantial resources, able to provide Fang Kaiyi with an excellent educational and developmental environment.
However, she was afraid Qin Yumo might meddle in the process. What if... what if he negatively influenced the child’s growth...
Seeing the girl’s wide, watchful eyes filled with anger, fear, and helplessness, the smile on Qin Yumo’s lips grew even wider.
He enjoyed teasing her like this, like playing with a mischievous kitten at home. That kitten never listened to him, but taming an unruly feline could be immensely satisfying.
Much like how he treated Yun Shifei right now.
Patience was key.
Qin Yumo reached out and gently touched the top of Yun Shifei’s head. From his angle, he could see half of her face peeking out, flushed slightly red from the cold, resembling a delicate pink blossom.
He smiled again before climbing into the car. "Let’s go. I’ll drive you back to school."
Yun Shifei didn’t even glance at him. Just at that moment, a bus pulled up. She quickly darted onto it, bought a ticket, and settled into the back seat—as far from him as possible—terrified that he might follow her aboard.
Qin Yumo lifted his gaze and noticed her wrapping the scarf tightly around her face, leaving only a pair of eyes visible. He couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh. This afraid of him?
If he didn’t have a banquet to attend tonight, he would’ve gladly continued playing with Yun Shifei for longer.
Teasing her never failed to amuse him.
But for now, time was running short.
The Wen Family.
The Wen Family estate was lively and bustling at this moment.
Today was Mr. Wen’s birthday banquet, and the guests in attendance were all prominent, well-connected families of Beijing, each holding close ties to the Wen Family.
Mr. Wen had turned eighty-three this year. In his younger days, he single-handedly founded a port-trading company, weathering hardships while many other enterprises from that era faltered. Yet the Wen Family remained unshaken.
The company had since been transformed into Wen Group.
Its business now spans across diverse industries.
As the backbone of the Wen Family and at such an advanced age, this birthday celebration was naturally arranged with grandeur.
"Grandpa, here’s the gift I specifically bought abroad for you. Do you like it?" Wen Lin had a painting delivered in front of Mr. Wen.
It was an oil painting by a globally renowned artist—she had spent millions at an auction to acquire it.
Knowing Mr. Wen’s love for art, she had deliberately won it at auction and brought it back for him.
Mr. Wen gazed at the painting and couldn’t help but nod. "Excellent! Ah Lin, Grandpa has wanted this painting for a long time. To think you managed to bring it back for me."
Wen Lin smiled lightly.
The girl sported short, clean lines in her haircut. Though her look was crisp and efficient, her features were soft and delicate, her smile curving her eyes into a captivating expression.
Nearby, Wen Ziyang pursed his lips. "Grandpa, I’ve prepared a birthday gift for you too. Although it’s not as extravagant as Sis’s gift, it’s something I painted myself..."
Wen Ziyang unfurled his painting—a traditional ink wash—a birthday well-wish depicted in light strokes.
Mr. Wen frowned as soon as he saw the painting. "At first glance, the technique appears decent. But it strives too hard for realism, blurring the poetic essence of ink painting instead, lacking that spark of soul. Still, you painted it yourself, which is thoughtful of you."
Mr. Wen’s passion for art had reached an obsessive level. Paintings like this were far beneath his standards.
Wen Ziyang had no choice but to roll up his painting and put it away.
The other descendants of the Wen Family also presented their birthday gifts prepared for Mr. Wen.
Knowing Wen Lin had delivered such an extravagant painting, they were aware their own paintings wouldn’t compare, so instead, they opted to offer different types of gifts.
Year by year, as Mr. Wen aged, the presents gifted at his birthday banquets grew more and more valuable.
Mr. Wen had five children in total, and Old Mrs. Wen had long since passed away. They all understood clearly that once Mr. Wen was gone, the Wen Family would inevitably splinter.
Before that day comes, however, the fight over wealth and inheritance would undoubtedly be the main act.
Whoever earned Mr. Wen’s deepest favor would likely inherit the role of the Wen Family’s linchpin.
"Grandpa, the guests are all waiting outside. The banquet is about to begin. Let me escort you out to greet them," Wen Lin said sweetly, leaning close to Mr. Wen.
The others all looked at Wen Lin.
Among the younger generation of the Wen Family, Wen Lin appeared to have the most capability.