Chapter 300: Chapter 301: He Once Wanted to Abandon Her

“It was a hot summer day. That day, our parents were at an orphanage, finalizing the adoption. I deliberately took her out to play. After bringing her to Pearl Square, I told her I was going to buy ice cream and would return shortly. She agreed to wait, but I secretly slipped away, hoping she would get lost. I even wished, maliciously, that child traffickers would take her. Only when our parents returned that evening and asked about her did I confess to abandoning her. My mother nearly went crazy, and my father punished me severely. I finally admitted leaving her at Pearl Square. Our parents immediately rushed to the square, and I went with them. To this day, I can’t forget her innocently asking passersby, ‘Ma’am, could you buy me an ice cream? My brother will come back once you do.’"

By then, Shen Shichuan’s eyes were reddening. “You can’t imagine a four-year-old making that plea. She was terrified, sunburnt, her face peeling. Yet she smiled, begging strangers. Many took pity on her and bought her ice cream, but she just waited. The ice cream melted, and she’d plead for another. It was sweltering, but she wouldn't eat it; she only waited patiently.”

When our parents found her, she’d just received another ice cream. Seeing us, she rushed over, presenting it like a treasure. “Brother, here’s your ice cream. Can we go home now?”

At that moment, I broke down and cried—because of my despicable act and her innocence. I’ll never forget her eyes: cautious, humble, eager to please. She was only four. She knew, didn't she? That I wanted to abandon her.

When we got home, I was severely beaten and locked in the basement without dinner. In the middle of the night, she stealthily climbed in through a small window and gave me an apple from her clothing. “Brother, I hid this for you. Eat it quickly.”

From that moment, I vowed never to abandon her again, to protect her for life.

Shen Shichuan spoke at length about their childhood, their struggles after their parents’ accidental death, and their reliance on each other. Xia Yangyang wept. She’d considered herself unfortunate, abandoned by her mother, but she couldn’t imagine Shen Shichuan and Shen Manbing’s suffering.

He spoke for two hours, until noon. He finished with a bitter smile. “I apologize for burdening you with this.”

But Xia Yangyang said, “If you can’t entrust her to anyone else, why not fulfill your promise and protect her for life? Does public opinion matter that much?”

“Not to me, but to her, it does. She’s a radiant superstar. The brighter she shines, the darker it gets behind her. These years, I’ve spoiled her, making her stubborn and reckless, creating enemies. Many are waiting for her to fall; I can’t give them a chance.”

Xia Yangyang sighed. Things weren’t straightforward, especially in the entertainment industry. She knew Shen Shichuan feared Shen Manbing discovering his feelings. If she only saw him as a brother, it would harm their relationship.

“Yangyang, I have a favor to ask.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t mention your feelings to Shen Manbing. You should tell her.”

Gratitude shone in Shen Shichuan’s eyes.