The towering skyscrapers of the Jing Corporation headquarters scraped the sky, solemn and imposing in the sunlight. A cold mask settled over Jing Ting’s handsome features as he strode out of the lobby. Well over six feet tall, he radiated an intimidating aura. Trailing him were his executive assistant, Mo Fan, and a retinue of stone-faced bodyguards. He was abandoning the international finance conference—an event six months in the making—all to hunt down a single person in some destitute village. Employees watched in stunned silence as the group climbed into their vehicles. The limited-edition Rolls-Royce sped toward Sunlight Village, the most impoverished hamlet in the southwestern region of Jiangcheng. Just ten minutes earlier, a hacker had breached Jing Ting’s personal computer and stolen the Blue Sky Project, his most critical initiative. The culprit had not only revealed their location but had also issued an ultimatum: Jing Ting had to retrieve the project in person, or it would be sold to his rivals. It was a threat he couldn’t afford to ignore, and for the first time in his life, Jing Ting was being led by the nose. Seated in the back of the car, his piercing gaze flickered to the watch on his wrist. His expression, as always, was cold and proud, utterly devoid of warmth. “Sir, Sunlight Village is situated on a plain, encircled by a range of mountains that form a small basin. The villagers make a living by cultivating medicinal herbs and sunflowers. According to our files, it’s a designated poverty-stricken village, and has only seen slight economic improvement in the last couple of years…” His executive assistant, Mo Fan, reported on the village’s situation, the back of his shirt already damp with sweat. The Blue Sky Project was crucial to the future of the Jing Corporation. Jing Ting remained silent, leaning back against the seat, his gaze chilling. About five hundred yards into the village stood a small courtyard surrounding a bamboo house. The warm sun bathed the yard, where Li Mi was spreading freshly washed herbs out to dry. The faint, clean scent of medicinal plants filled the air. Her aura was entirely different from the other women in the village. Her delicate, palm-sized face was set with gem-like eyes, possessing a pure, ethereal beauty that seemed untouched by the mortal world. In the fields beyond, vibrant sunflowers bloomed under a blue sky dotted with white clouds. A gentle breeze whispered through, painting a picture of perfect tranquility. “Mommy!” A crisp, childish voice broke the silence. Li Mi turned at the sound, a blissful smile gracing her features. A pair of fraternal twins, about five or six years old, walked hand-in-hand toward her. Their large, dark eyes shone like black jewels, sparkling as if they held the vastness of a starlit sea. “Mommy! Duo Duo and I are going to play at Bei Bei's for a bit!” Zhan Zhan’s voice was bright and clear, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “Alright, go on.” The woman lovingly stroked her children’s heads. “Just be back for dinner. You know the number one Li family rule: don't overstay your welcome!” “We remember!” Duo Duo, dressed in a pink dress, offered a sweet, obedient smile. “We’ll be back soon!” “Good kids. Off you go.” Hand in hand, the children turned and skipped away. Watching their small figures recede into the distance, Li Mi’s lips curved into a fond, contented smile. Her two children were the greatest source of pride in her life. Once they were out of earshot, Duo Duo slowed her pace and asked her brother in a conspiratorial whisper, “Zhan Zhan, do you think Daddy will really come?” “I hacked his system.” Zhan Zhan puffed out his little chest, looking immensely proud. “I stole his most important files and left our address on purpose. I guarantee he'll come!” Duo Duo nodded, choosing to trust her brother. “Then let’s wait for him!” Instead of heading to Bei Bei’s house, the siblings ducked behind a large ceramic vat where water lilies grew. Peeking out from behind the rim, they watched the village entrance, waiting with bated breath for their father to appear. “Brother,” Duo Duo began, blinking her large, innocent eyes, “are we really not telling Mommy about something this big? She’s going to be mad when she finds out.”