Chapter 16

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Amid the opulent grandeur of the mansion, Haoxuan's stern voice reverberated through the marble-floored hallway as he addressed his security team.

"Search every corner of this city. Leave no stone unturned. I want Jiyang found, now."

The guards, their expressions focused and determined, nodded in unison before dispersing to carry out their orders. As the mansion buzzed with activity, Haoxuan's steps led him to the elegant sitting room, where Wui Zetian sat, surrounded by intricate artworks.

"Mother," his voice laced with a mix of authority and concern, "we need to talk."

Wui Zetian looked up from her book, a hint of annoyance flickering in her eyes. "Haoxuan, must you interrupt me with your trivial matters?"

"This is far from trivial," Haoxuan retorted, his gaze unwavering. "Jiyang has disappeared, and I won't stand by idly while someone I care about is in danger."

Wui Zetian scoffed, her demeanor dismissive. "And what does this have to do with me?"

Haoxuan's expression darkened. "Don't pretend. I know your feelings towards Jiyang. Have you gone too far this time?"

She raised an eyebrow, a sardonic smile playing at her lips. "You give that boy far too much credit if you think I'd waste my energy on him."

Haoxuan's voice remained firm. "I won't allow you to harm him, intentionally or otherwise. If you've done anything to hurt Jiyang, you'll answer for it."

Wui Zetian leaned back, her gaze piercing. "You've grown bold, addressing me so. But mark my words, your infatuation with that commoner will lead you nowhere."

Haoxuan's jaw clenched. "I've tolerated your actions for too long. If anything happens to Jiyang, you'll face the consequences."

He turned and walked away, leaving Wui Zetian seething in her chair. As he strode through the mansion's corridors, his determination burned brighter than ever. No matter the power or influence, he was prepared to do whatever it took to find Jiyang and ensure his safety.

In the midst of the anxious atmosphere, Yu Liang's small figure dashed towards his father, his eyes wide with worry. He tugged at Haoxuan's shirt, his voice urgent and trembling.

"Daddy, where's Jiyang? Why isn't he here?"

Haoxuan knelt down to Yu Liang's eye level, his heart heavy with the weight of the truth he couldn't bring himself to reveal. He brushed a hand through Yu Liang's hair, offering a tender smile that masked his own concern.

"Jiyang had to go on a little trip, buddy," Haoxuan replied softly, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. "He'll be back soon, I promise."

Yu Liang's eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and sadness. "But he didn't say goodbye..."

Haoxuan's heart ached, but he maintained his facade. "Sometimes, grown-ups have to go away suddenly. But it doesn't mean they don't care about us."

Just then, the grand entrance to the hall swung open, and Wui Zetian strode in with a suitcase in tow. Her gaze fell upon the scene, a subtle smirk playing at the corners of her lips. She had come to a realization that her efforts to separate Jiyang and Haoxuan were in vain.

Wui Zetian's expression shifted to one of false concern. "A change of scenery would do Yu Liang good. How about he spends some time with his grandmother in the countryside? It might help take his mind off things."

As Yu Liang looked up at his father with a pout and teary eyes, Haoxuan crouched down to his level, offering a warm smile despite the turmoil within.

"I know it's tough, buddy," Haoxuan began softly, his hand resting on Yu Liang's shoulder. "But sometimes, we have to make choices that might not be what we want at the moment."

Yu Liang sniffled, his lower lip quivering. "But I want to be here for Jiyang when he comes back."

Haoxuan's smile softened, his heart aching for his son's innocent longing. "And you will be, Yu Liang. Jiyang would want you to be brave and patient, just like the strong little guy you are."

"But what if he comes back and I'm not here?" Yu Liang's voice wavered, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Haoxuan cupped Yu Liang's face in his hands, looking into his eyes with gentle reassurance. "Jiyang knows how much you care about him. He'll understand that you're taking care of things here, and he'll be so proud of you."

Yu Liang's shoulders slumped, his gaze fixed on the floor. "I don't want to leave you, Daddy."

Haoxuan's heart swelled with love as he pulled Yu Liang into a comforting hug. "I don't want you to go either, but sometimes we have to do things that are a bit difficult. You're going on an adventure with Grandma, and when you come back, we'll all be here waiting for you."

Yu Liang hesitated, his fingers clutching at the fabric of his father's shirt. "Promise?"

Haoxuan held his son close, his voice tender. "Promise, Yu Liang."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Yu Liang's lips, and he wiped away a tear. "Okay, Daddy."

Haoxuan stood up, lifting Yu Liang into his arms. "It's going to be an exciting trip, buddy. You'll have stories to tell Jiyang when he's back, and you'll make him so happy."

Yu Liang nodded, his grip on his father's neck tightening. As they walked towards Wui Zetian, who stood waiting with her suitcase, Haoxuan whispered to his son, "Remember, I love you, and I'll be thinking of you every day."

Yu Liang nestled closer to his father, finding comfort in his words. As they reached Wui Zetian, he cast one last glance at Haoxuan, his eyes filled with a mix of uncertainty and determination. With a small nod, he turned towards his grandmother, ready to embark on the journey that awaited him.

Haoxuan watched them go, his heart heavy with longing. But he knew that this temporary separation was a sacrifice for the well-being of his family. As they disappeared from view, he whispered to the wind, "We'll be together again soon, my little family."

…...........

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