After Jian Dan left, Zhao Ziyu hurried off to show her new bracelet to her friends.
The spacious living room was now occupied by only three people, yet an inexplicable tension hung in the air. Zhao Mufeng turned to his son. "Rest for now. I'll handle the rest. Since she gave it to you, wear the pendant openly. It is a fine piece."
With a dismissive wave, he retreated to his study. Qian Yi, catching her son's meaningful glance, followed.
"Mufeng, how could it be such a coincidence? Does she know?"
"Hard to say. Maybe her mother told her about these items. But since she handed them over, we'll play along. Let's see her next move."
Qian Yi left, troubled. Alone, Zhao Mufeng pulled out an old photo of Jian Rou—her gentle smile, the faint dimples so like Jian Dan's, cradling their baby daughter.
Her final words echoed in his mind:
"The Jian family's treasures will return to my daughter. If she can't reclaim them, then your Zhao family will never enjoy them."
That day, she had walked out without looking back. For years, he'd only received annual photos of Jian Dan, nothing more—until her mother's death.
Now, with his son's life at stake and the shares in play, he'd brought Jian Dan back. Part of him wanted to make amends. But another part remembered Jian Rou's voice, soft yet unyielding.
Was he being too greedy?
Meanwhile, Jian Dan met her new "assistant" at the capital's central plaza—a man introduced by Uncle Li, whose aura screamed "seasoned mercenary."
At 1.8 meters tall, Zhou Bing had an unremarkable face but an unmistakable presence.
"Jian Dan? I'm Zhou Bing. Brother Li sent me."
"Just call me Jian Dan." She handed him a card. "This is from selling my old home. Rent a 100-square-meter apartment, furnish it, and lease a car. I'll need you to pick me up when I move out."
"Understood." He passed her his contact card.
After parting ways, Jian Dan returned to the Zhao villa and headed straight for Zhao Mufeng's study. Inside, Zhao Mufeng was fiddling with the jade thumb ring.
"I've stored Mother's belongings separately," she said casually. "Schedule the compatibility test for tomorrow."
Zhao Mufeng's eyes widened briefly before he masked his surprise. "Thank you, Jian Dan."
"Don't thank me yet. Who knows if I'll match? But as his sister, I'll do my part."
"Of course!"
Relieved to avoid outright confrontation, Zhao Mufeng immediately arranged the test. Jian Dan didn't return to her room. Instead, she visited Zhao Zihan, announcing the test with saccharine concern.
"Thank you for this chance, Sister." His gratitude was flawlessly rehearsed.
"We're family, aren't we?" She smiled, then tilted her head. "Though, honestly, the best match would be a full sibling. Did Ziyu get tested?"
Zhao Zihan hesitated. "She... didn't match."
"Really?" Jian Dan's gaze lingered on the faint glow from the real pendant beneath his shirt—slowing his organ's decay. "Well, I hope you get what you deserve."
Her parting smile made his skin crawl.
Alone, Zhao Zihan collapsed onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.