On the way, Dai Ze messaged Lou Yuming, phrasing his message delicately. He figured if Director Lou disagreed, he'd immediately have Xiao Mo turn the car back to the company.
However, after a long while, the reply he received was a simple, indifferent word.
"En."
En?
EN???????
Was this how a normal man should respond!!
Dai Ze found it preposterous and couldn't understand what these two were up to.
He tossed his phone onto the seat and sulked in silence.
Upon arriving at the villa, Director Jia's butler only allowed Song Xi inside, leaving even Dai Ze waiting in the car.
It seemed his suspicions were correct.
Dai Ze's mood grew heavy as he watched Song Xi's relaxed expression.
"Song Xi, this sort of thing depends on your willingness. Don't force yourself. If you want to leave, I'll take you away right now."
What was there to force about playing with a child?
Song Xi waved her hand. "Wait for me."
Dai Ze reluctantly closed the car door. Unwilling to give up, he sent another text to Lou Yuming.
"Song Xi went in."
"Director Lou."
"Director Lou!"
"Director Lou!"
A few seconds later, Lou Yuming replied: "Is your phone stuck?"
Dai Ze: "..."
Director Jia didn't want the kidnapping incident to be known by others, which was why he only let Song Xi enter alone.
She played with Ling Ling for a long time, and the little one was very attached to her, constantly calling her "Sister, Sister."
Later, when Ling Ling got tired from playing, the nanny carried her back to her room to rest.
Song Xi sat on the sofa and chatted with Director Jia.
They discussed the kidnapping incident, and Director Jia, listening to her recount the details, felt lingering fear.
He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and said, "Miss Song, it's fortunate you were there. Otherwise, Ling Ling..."
Song Xi sipped her tea, her fingertips trembling almost imperceptibly.
She didn't want to recall the event, as it was a psychological scar for her too. However, since Director Jia wanted to hear, she would tell him everything.
"After Ling Ling returned, she had a fever for several days, but she kept calling for 'Sister.' I went to the police station to ask, but they were unwilling to disclose any information. Before I left, they gave me a bracelet. I assume that bracelet was given to the police by you?"
Song Xi nodded. "Ling Ling said it was something her mother left for her."
Director Jia didn't beat around the bush. Holding the bracelet, he said, "Her mother died of illness and didn't leave much behind, only this bracelet. Ling Ling isn't like other children. She was born prematurely, so even though she's now over ten years old, she can't attend school normally and doesn't have many friends. Miss Song, if you have time, could you visit her often? She really likes you."
Song Xi didn't refuse. "Alright, Director Jia. I'll visit her often when I have time."
Director Jia smiled with relief. "By the way, how did you find Ling Ling? I heard she ran into someone else's room?"
"Yes," Song Xi nodded, not revealing too much. If Director Jia knew Ling Ling was in a room with a girl contemplating suicide, he would likely be horrified.
Suddenly, her phone rang.
Director Jia picked up his phone and glanced at it. "Excuse me, I need to take this call."
"Please, go ahead."
No one knew what was said on the other end, but Director Jia's expression turned grim.
When he returned, his face was solemn. He sighed, "Children nowadays are too fragile, doing foolish things at the slightest provocation. I hope Ling Ling doesn't become like that in the future."
Song Xi felt a bit curious but wasn't sure if she should ask.
Director Jia, however, brought it up himself. "I have a good friend whose daughter attempted suicide a couple of days ago and was hospitalized. She's still in the hospital, on the verge of life and death. I really don't know what to do with her."
Song Xi was taken aback and had a rough idea of what was happening.
Before she left, Director Jia proactively added her on WeChat.
Song Xi was flattered.
Director Jia's laughter was hearty, devoid of his usual authority. He said, "Don't be so formal. You're my daughter's savior. By age, if you don't mind, you can call me Uncle. Xiao Song, message me if you need anything. I'll help you if I can!"
Song Xi smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Uncle. I'll come to see Ling Ling again next time."
"Yes, yes, yes. Go ahead. Be careful on the road."
Back in the car, Dai Ze looked like he had something to say but hesitated. In the end, he just asked dryly, "How... was it?"
Song Xi said earnestly, "Uncle Jia is a very nice person."
Uncle?
She was already calling him Uncle!
Dai Ze felt like he was about to collapse. It was over...