Under the overpass.
A man in his fifties and a chubby little girl squatted on a rock, clutching two chipped bowls. Their stomachs were growling in chorus.
Three-year-old Lily Blair gnawed at her finger, looking pitifully at the white-haired old man beside her.
“Master Jojo, didn’t you say we’d go down the mountain for yummy food?”
“But it’s been three whole days now... and we haven’t even had one full meal... wuwuwu…”
Jonathan Drake blinked guiltily. “Kiddo, it’s not that I don’t want to feed you… it’s just, times are tough, you know?”
“Maoshan priests aren't exactly hot in the market these days. I can’t even make ends meet for myself, let alone raise a disciple.”
Lily nodded obediently, still nibbling her fingers as she looked down at her flat little belly. “Lily understands… I’ll go find some fruit later to feed Master Jojo.”
Looking at the soft, sweet little bun beside him, Jonathan was instantly hit with a huge wave of guilt.
What kind of person was he? Bringing such a cute little thing to suffer on the streets?
Three years ago, he found a baby wrapped in a blanket at his doorstep. Took her to the cops, no one claimed her.
He couldn’t bear to see her sent off to an orphanage, so he brought her home with him.
Turns out, the kid had some serious spiritual talent. Made his day—he officially took her in as his disciple.
She picked stuff up wicked fast. Not even four, and she'd already mastered half of his tricks.
The catch? The poor thing was born under an unlucky star—a walking money vacuum.
Ever since he adopted Lily, his life had gone downhill. Rich life—gone. Mansion? Gone. Fancy meals? Also gone.
Now? Crashing under a bridge, only transportation was his two legs, and even begging wasn't paying off.
Something had to change. Fast.
Jonathan took a deep breath like he was about to turn his life around. “Lily, do you want yummy meals every day and nice clothes to wear?”
The little girl nodded eagerly. “I do!”
“Okay then!” Jonathan cracked his knuckles and started calculating with his fingers.
He stood up, facing east. “I’ve decided! I’m gonna find you a rich dad! One that’ll spoil you with the best food and clothes!”
“That’s it! That street’s where all the money flows in this city!”
“We’re not settling for average—we want the richest! The handsomest! The kindest!”
He tucked away their broken bowls, clapped the dust off his hands, then turned to the little girl with determination. “Let’s go, Lily! Time to find your new dad!”
Lily stood up, mimicking him, brushing her tiny hands clean. “Let’s go get a daddy!”
—
Blair Corp.
The CEO’s office.
A man in a flashy floral shirt knelt on the carpet, eyes blackened and face swollen, shivering like a leaf.
“M-Mr. Blair! I confess! I’ll never dare do it again!”"I swear, I’ll never cross you again. Please, just give me a chance to live!"
On the black leather couch nearby, a man sat quietly.
He was dressed in a sleek, tailored black suit that hugged his broad shoulders and slim waist. His long legs, covered by sharp suit pants, stretched out slightly, the fabric faintly showing off the defined muscles underneath.
Moving upward, his neck was long, Adam’s apple prominent, adding a cold, lethal edge to the sex appeal. His jawline was clean and sharp.
Martin Walker trembled as he lifted his head and locked eyes with the man’s icy, bottomless gaze—it was more chilling than a snowstorm. That one glance sent shivers through his bones.
"Martin," Colton Blair said, voice low and frigid. "You know what happens to people who stab me in the back."
Right after he spoke, he raised his hand without a care.
Several men in black suits rushed in and started dragging Martin out.
Martin’s eyes widened in panic—he knew even if he didn’t die today, he’d be shredded to pieces. In despair and fury, he started hurling curses.
"Colton Blair! You heartless bastard! You'll get what’s coming to you! You're doomed—mmph!"
Before he could finish, a guard clamped a hand over his mouth and yanked him away.
Silence fell upon the massive office.
Colton effortlessly stood up, a cold smirk playing on his lips.
‘Doomed?’ he sneered inwardly. He’d love to see who could actually bring him down.
At that moment, Ethan Grant had just arrived at the Blair Corporation for business. He paused at the door when he heard the commotion inside.
He knocked and stepped in, brows slightly furrowed. In a calm voice, he said, "Mr. Blair, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to show a little mercy. Ever think about giving yourself a way out?"
Ethan was around the same age as Colton—with refined features and a gentle aura, he carried himself with calm grace.
The complete opposite of Colton’s brooding and merciless vibe.
Colton glanced over and chuckled coldly. "Well, if it isn’t Mr. Good Guy himself. What brings you here today?"
"What, now you’re monitoring how I discipline a traitor too?"
Ethan frowned slightly but said nothing more. He turned and left.
Every time these two crossed paths, they couldn’t get through half a sentence without rubbing each other the wrong way.
Still, somehow, fate kept tossing them together.
Moments after parting ways on the top floor, they somehow ended up in the same elevator again, heading out of the building together.
—
Outside the building.
Jonathan Drake’s eyes lit up when he spotted the two dashing men walking toward them.
"There! Lily! That’s the dad I picked for you!"
"Come on, say what I taught you one more time."
Lily nodded eagerly, took a deep breath, and chirped sweetly, “Lily’s daddy is the handsomest, kindest, richest, and the best-looking person ever!”
"Perfect! Your future dad’s right there! Run to him, cling to his leg, and call him Daddy! If he says no, burst into tears!"
"Okay!"
The little girl nodded solemnly, her eyes instantly locking onto the two men walking out of the doors. Her face lit up.
The most handsome and best-looking daddy~
Here comes Lily!
From behind a car, the tiny girl darted out, her little legs working hard as she ran straight toward Colton Blair.
She clung tightly to his leg and plopped down right on top of his shiny leather shoe.
"Daddy~ Daddy~" she babbled, her baby-voice soft and sweet.