“Trace them. Do it quickly.”

The world is full of surprises, and sometimes, we come across people who make us question our assumptions and beliefs. Such was the case for Wu Mengyao when he first met that young woman. His first impression of her was that she was from a higher-class family, and he couldn't believe it when his assistant, Qi Yong, told him that she was actually working as a clerk. Her poise, elegance, and grace were not something that one would expect from a clerk at a supermarket.

However, when Qi Yong informed him that she was indeed working as a clerk, Wu Mengyao couldn't help but question it. He asked Qi Yong if he was sure about it, and his assistant replied with confidence, "Yes, My lord. While on it, I also checked her background. Do you want to hear it?"

Although Wu Mengyao hadn't asked Qi Yong to check her background, he was impressed by his dedication and thoroughness in his work. He knew that Qi Yong always went the extra mile to ensure that every task given to him was completed with utmost precision and accuracy.

Curiosity got the better of Wu Mengyao, and he nodded, "Yes, tell me." He couldn't deny that he was interested to know more about her.

As Wu Mengyao listened intently, Qi Yong proceeded to share his findings, "Honestly, I found it rather confusing, My lord. That person is working as a clerk in a supermarket, but I learned that she was from one of the wealthy families in the New Pavilion City, the Liu family."

Wu Mengyao was taken aback by this revelation. He couldn't believe that someone from a wealthy family would choose to work as a clerk in a supermarket. It was not something that was commonly seen in their society, where social status and wealth played a significant role in determining one's occupation and lifestyle.

Wait… so it means his initial thought was right, no? She was indeed from a well-off family.

Wu Mengyao asked, "Really?" And Qi Yong nodded, "Yes, My lord."

"What's the reason why she's working as a clerk?" Right after asking that, an idea flashed in his mind. It could be because of that one night, Wu Mengyao thought.

"I don't know. That's why I dig deeper," said Qi Yong.

"Oh~ did you learn something?"

Qi Yong nodded. His expression was serious. "About three years ago, she was sought out from their house by her family. It seemed she was involved in something that triggered her family's anger, especially her father."

Wu Mengyao gawked. 'About three years ago? Then that might be the cause.'

In that case, the big part of her demise was because of what he did. Wu Mengyao sighed internally. That's why his guilt won't disappear no matter how long it has been.

Damn!

As Wu Mengyao fell silent, Qi Yong continued saying, "I have a feeling she was involved in something sexual…"

"Eh? How can you say that?"

"Because I also learned that she has a child of about 2 years old and above, which she left in a nursery every time she went to work."

Hearing that, Wu Mengyao's eyes widened.

"Wait, Qi Yong! You said she has a child?!"

Eh!?

Qi Yong was taken aback by Wu Mengyao's sudden exclamation.

"Y-Yes, My lord. That's what I found out," Qi Yong said stutteringly.

"Two years old and above?"

"Yes."

It had been years since that night, but if his calculations were correct, the child would be around the same age. It all seemed to fit perfectly. He couldn't deny the possibility. He had to find out the truth.

But how? The only way to know for sure was to ask the mother of the child. He knew it wouldn't be an easy conversation, but he had to do it. He couldn't go on living with this guilt in him.

Wu Mengyao thought about it, weighing his options. He could confront the mother and ask her directly, but that would be a risky move. What if she denied it? What if she got angry? What if it wasn't his child after all?

No, he needed more than just a conversation. He needed proof, something concrete that would confirm his suspicions. And then it hit him. He needed to see the child first. If there was any resemblance between him and the child, then there was no doubt that it was his. But if there was no resemblance, then it could be someone else's child with her.

"Is there a problem, My lord?"

"Uh, no. Tell me where the nursery you've mentioned is."

He had no idea why his boss suddenly looked so eager, but Qi Yong told him the address of the nursery.

The two of them then rode a luxurious car towards the nursery.

When they entered the nursery, they noticed there seemed to be something out of the ordinary. As he made his way through the corridors, he noticed the nannies and staff members scurrying around and avoiding his gaze. Their nervousness only added to his growing concern. He finally reached the common room where the children usually played and studied.

The children were huddled in a corner, looking scared and confused. Wu Mengyao's heart sank as he saw the fear in their innocent eyes.

"What's the matter here?" His voice was calm but commanding, and everyone turned to look at him. He could sense the tension in the air and it only made him more determined to find out what was going on.

"Why do you look so nervous?" Wu Mengyao asked again, hoping to get an answer this time.

One of the nannies, who had managed to gather her courage, stepped forward and spoke to him. However, instead of answering his question, she asked him one. "Who are you? Don't tell me you've come back to abduct more children? How heartless! This time, I won't let you take another child! Kill me first before you can another child!"

Wu Mengyao and his assistant, Qi Yong, were stunned. Abducting babies? Where did that come from? How could someone accuse them of something so heinous?

Wu Mengyao took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. He introduced himself and explained his purpose for being there. The staff and nannies seemed to relax a little, but the fear in the children's eyes remained. Wu Mengyao knew he had to get to the bottom of this, not just for his reputation, but for the safety and well-being of these innocent children.

After speaking to the staff and nannies, Wu Mengyao learned that one of the children was abducted just a moment ago.

And aside from that, the child who was abducted was the very child he wished to see.

Wu Mengyao looked at Qi Yong. "Trace them. Do it quickly."

With just that, Qi Yong immediately understood what his boss meant. His voice this time was so serious. It means no room for mistakes.

"Yes, My lord."

Meanwhile, in a bustling supermarket, there was one particular clerk who always caught the eye of the customers, not just because of her diligent work ethic, but also because of her striking beauty. It's Liu Lijuan. With her stunning appearance, one would easily mistake her for someone from a higher social class, but she chose to work there as a clerk.

Suddenly, Liu Lijuan noticed her smartphone inside her pocket vibrating but she ignored it as it was prohibited to use smartphones while on duty.

However, there was an indescribable feeling that was troubling her at the moment. She could not tell it, but her chest was pounding as though something bad had happened.

No matter how she tried to put her focus on the work, the unease just won't go away. It even began to feel more intense as time went by.

Could it be the Zhao Family is planning something hideous against her once again? She thought.

Liu Lijuan has been at the receiving end of the Zhao family's manipulative tactics for quite some time now. Their main agenda? To make her accept their second son's marriage proposal, by any means necessary.

Their actions did not stop there. It seemed like the Zhao family was willing to go to extreme lengths to get what they wanted. Liu Lijuan had been struggling to find a better job with a better salary, all thanks to the Zhao family's interference. They had been using their influence and power to scare away big companies from even considering her for a job.

The Zhao family's ulterior motive behind this is crystal clear - they want to make her suffer until she has no other option but to accept their marriage proposal. It is a despicable act, to say the least, and one that has caused her immense stress and anxiety.

The constant harassment and pressure from the Zhao family have taken a toll on her mental health. That's why she always felt nervous. Even at this moment, the Zhao family's shadow looms over her and she could not find a single comrade because all were afraid of the Zhao family.

When she could no longer bear the uneasy feeling, she went and searched for a secluded area. After finding a secluded area, she checked her smartphone. Her eyes widened in shock and fear at the message she received. It reads, (Miss Liu, someone abducted your son!)

Liu Lijuan's heart sank, and her mind raced as she tried to make sense of this situation. The thought of her child being in danger at the hands of the abductors makes her blood boil.

She left the supermarket without informing her supervisor.