Jiang Shunnian felt an instinctive disgust the moment he laid eyes on the four-year-old boy, finding his face utterly detestable.
When the Village Chief introduced him as Qin Huan, that disgust instantly exploded into rage!
Qin Huan—the scumbag antagonist from the book. How could he show up this early?
It was because he joined the variety show, exposing Nono to the public ahead of time.
He had thought the plot wouldn’t kick off until Nono turned sixteen, forgetting that his rebirth had altered the course of fate. The plot had adjusted accordingly, shifting earlier!
He believed he’d escaped destiny’s shackles, only to realize he’d harmed Nono even sooner!
Jiang Shunnian loathed himself with a burning hatred, drowning in regret. Why had he ever taken this variety show gig?
The intense hatred and remorse made his body tremble, and Nono noticed.
Nono looked up to see what was wrong with Daddy, but Jiang Shunnian scooped him up and pressed his little face into his chest, hiding him from view.
He glared death at Qin Huan, his eyes brimming with such venom that even the sullen boy flinched back a step in fear.
Chen Hesheng noticed from the side and nudged Jiang Shunnian’s arm, whispering, “What’s wrong, Shunnian? Cameras are filming you.”
But Jiang Shunnian could no longer control his expression.
This sudden disruption halted filming temporarily. The director came over to talk to him. “Teacher Jiang, what’s going on?”
Nono picked up on Jiang Shunnian’s mood, his eyes turning red-rimmed as he clung to his neck for comfort. “Daddy, are you feeling unwell?”
Jiang Shunnian’s rigid body shifted slightly, his voice hoarse beyond measure. “Sorry, can we talk privately?”
If he stayed any longer, he feared he’d lose control and actually kill Qin Huan.
The director had a good impression of Jiang Shunnian—especially Nono, who was smart and well-behaved, drawing tons of attention to the show. So even though it delayed shooting, he patiently asked, hoping for a reasonable explanation.
In the break room, before Xie Hualiang could speak, Jiang Shunnian cut in. “Director Xie, can I ask why there’s a last-minute guest?”
Xie Hualiang looked exasperated as he explained. “From what I heard, the young master of the Qin Family saw our show and threw a tantrum to join. The Qin Family poured in a huge investment overnight, so the higher-ups notified us to tweak the format a bit.”
It wasn’t too jarring for a variety show, and the Qin Family young master’s looks were stunningly high-level.
But Jiang Shunnian’s reaction was bizarre.
“Do you know the young master?” Xie Hualiang asked.
Jiang Shunnian’s jaw clenched so tight his face paled from the strain, yet he couldn’t spit out a logical reason.
Logically, he had no reason to know Qin Huan. But in his extra memories from rebirth, his hatred for the boy was carved into his bones.
Just then, the break room door swung open, and in walked a man who shocked Jiang Shunnian even more.
Four years later, the man looked much older, with dark circles under his eyes from excess indulgence. The moment he spotted Jiang Shunnian, he grinned. “Teacher Jiang, long time no see—you’re as stunning as ever. I’ve never forgotten you.”
Jiang Shunnian’s eyes blazed with fury. He pulled Nono tighter into his arms as despair threatened to drown him.
This was the bastard who’d coerced him back then and ordered his blacklisting afterward!
Xie Hualiang’s casual “President Qin” nearly made Jiang Shunnian laugh in bitter rage. Perfect—another Qin! Kin to that little beast Qin Huan!
At such a young age, the boy already showed glimpses of his future brutality, using money and power to force his way onto the show.
What right did scum like this have to be the protagonist?
Jiang Shunnian despaired utterly. Though he hadn’t suffered actual harm from the man back then, the terror had nearly broken him.
Nono, bewildered, looked up at Jiang Shunnian with concern but stayed sensible, neither speaking nor squirming.
He’s too little. He can’t protect Daddy.
For some reason, Nono felt like crying.
Xie Hualiang, a veteran of the entertainment world, was no fool. Since Qin Guanyue entered, his eyes hadn’t left Jiang Shunnian.
He sighed inwardly. This Qin Guanyue, backed by his family, had bedded countless people—some willing, some forced.
Given the timeline, Jiang Shunnian’s retreat from the industry four years ago must’ve been due to him.
“President Qin, Teacher Jiang isn’t feeling well. How about we pause filming and let him rest alone?” Xie Hualiang stepped in to smooth things over.
The show had Pei Family investment, after all, and Jiang Shunnian was Pei Qingyi’s pick. So Xie Hualiang didn’t sell him out completely.
Qin Guanyue chuckled. “If he’s unwell, we can shoot tomorrow. But Teacher Jiang, let’s exchange contacts—maybe future collaborations.”
Jiang Shunnian’s face was ghastly pale. He dropped his gaze, rejecting silently.
He had no leverage against Qin Guanyue. Silence was his only option.
Qin Guanyue upped the ante. “Teacher Jiang might not know why I’m here. Ah Huan stumbled on the show and took a shine to your son—Nono, right? Ah Huan’s always been reclusive; it’s rare for him to take interest in anything. He could use a playmate. You know the Qin Family’s power. If you’re willing, resources are yours for the picking.”
A living child, reduced to an “object” in his mouth.
The Qin Family—birds of a feather, rotten to the core!
Jiang Shunnian hated fate, hated the plot. Was there truly no changing Nono’s destiny?
Nono’s only three!
Someone, help us!
Gritting through his fear, Jiang Shunnian’s once-clear eyes filled with bloodshot veins, looking terrifying as he glared at Qin Guanyue. “If you dare harm Nono, I’ll stake my life to take you down with me!”
Qin Guanyue frowned slightly. This Jiang Shunnian was stubborn as a mule.
Four years ago, even drugged, the kid had escaped—his first miss after years of conquests.
The boy had grit, and that feral glare now, protecting his child, gave him pause.
But if he could force him out four years ago, he could crush him now. No rush.
“Teacher Jiang, plenty of time ahead.” Qin Guanyue laughed and left.
Xie Hualiang watched the near-breaking Jiang Shunnian, mouth opening then closing. Nothing fit to say.
He sighed. “Rest up.”
Then he left too.
Tears Jiang Shunnian had held back slid silently down his cheeks, shattering on the floor. Nono cried too, hugging him, his little hands soothing the tremors. “Daddy, Daddy, Nono’s here.”
Jiang Shunnian held his son, heart slicing like knives.
But he couldn’t crumble. He pulled himself together and called Pei Qingyi.
Pei Qingyi answered, voice cool yet gentle. “Shunnian, what’s up?”
“President Pei, the man who coerced me four years ago is from the Qin Family.” Jiang Shunnian’s tone was flat. “There’s also a Qin Huan, same family. He suddenly joined the show, wants to play with Nono. I refused and halted filming. President Pei, I can’t continue.”
The penalties were steep—he couldn’t pay even if he sold everything. No need for Pei Qingyi to antagonize the behemoth Qin Family for him.
But he was out of options.
“The Qin Family?” Pei Qingyi’s voice chilled. “Qin Guanyue?”
Jiang Shunnian exhaled heavily. “Yes.”
Pei Qingyi fell silent, weighing if he could take them on.
“Shunnian, come back first. I’ll send someone. I’ll see if I can talk to the Qin Family, but it’s tough. You know.”
“I know.” Jiang Shunnian’s voice choked. “Thank you anyway, President Pei.”
Pei Qingyi sighed.
Too beautiful without defenses, man or woman—it drew predators.
He’d faced harassment himself; without the Pei Family, who knew? He despised this, but the world was unfair. Scum like Qin Guanyue thrived.
Maybe money erodes morals.
Pei Qingyi hung up, about to call cousin Pei Qingrong, when Secretary Tatiana knocked. A visitor.
The car to pick up Jiang Shunnian arrived swiftly. He hurried off with Nono.
Xie Hualiang considered shooting other parts, but Qin Huan spoke up. “No Nono, no filming.”
He went straight to Qin Guanyue, sullen. “Uncle, where’s Nono?”
Qin Guanyue grinned smugly at his nephew. “We scared him off.”
He’d changed his mind. Watching the beauty cornered, begging on his knees, offering himself—that sounded fun.
Unlike four years ago, Jiang Shunnian now had a weakness. Pinch the son, and the father was his puppet.
The old Jiang Shunnian had been green, pretty but lacking flavor. Motherhood had softened his aura, beauty undimmed, even more alluring.
Qin Guanyue’s mouth went dry.
Qin Huan scowled, displeased.
“Uncle, I want Nono.”
He didn’t know why, but seeing Nono on the show ignited an urge to snatch him, keep him, toy with him.
His first intense emotion ever, so Qin Huan indulged it, having Qin Guanyue bring him.
Qin Guanyue laughed. “Fine. I’ll snag that Nono for you. I take the dad, you the son. Haha.”
Qin Huan was his good nephew—same tastes.
Jiang Shunnian flew straight back to S City from the shoot site. Fresh off the plane, Pei Qingyi called. “Shunnian, come to the company.”
“Got it, President Pei. On my way.” Jiang Shunnian knew it was about the Qin Family, mood heavy as he returned to Huazhen.
On Pei Qingyi’s floor, Tatiana led him and Nono to the reception room.
Puzzled, Jiang Shunnian knocked, entered at the okay—and spotted an elderly gentleman seated across from Pei Qingyi.
